Nov 29, 2010

Why I Love Universiti Utara Malaysia

Universiti Utara Malaysia is an interesting university! Why? See the pictures and you will understand! 

When Ultraman standing behind Dewan MAS


Should play movies during semester break


Kamen Rider visiting Chancellory


Ip Man 3?


Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen (to UUM)


Who am I? I'm UUM Spiderman


The scene in Transformer 4: Transforming University


Hopefully this will not happen


Kitty at EDC Hotel


Sometimes can listen to Barack Obama's speech


Pikachu is on Chancellory

Now I think I will miss my university always after graduate... ^ ^
Do share it with your UUM friends!

Nov 26, 2010

Pulau Payar Marine Park (Go Green Tourism)

I was invited to Rainforest of the Sea Discovery review trip at Pulau Payar Marine Park by Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd. The trip was participated by a group of Penang bloggers who are Calvyn, Sherming, Kelvin, Luporti and Kellaw.

We departed at 8.30am from Penang Jetty to Pulau Payar. It tooks around two hours to reach there. We reached a Langkawi Coral platform, but not Pulau Payar beach. A briefing session about the time and activities was given to us and the tourists.


Pulau Payar Marine Park is rich with underwater splendours from gorgeous gardens with enchanting corals to colourful marine life with vast diversity of species and varieties.

What can you do there?
Swimming and Snorkeling – Viewing the coral and fish under the sea.
Scuba Diving (Additional Charge) - Dive in the deep sea level, using a scuba set to breathe underwater 
Underwater Observatory – Watching fishes under the platform.
Fishes Feeding – Throwing bread to sea to feed to fishes.
Sun Bathing or Beach Walk at the Pulau Payar beach.


Fishes like the bread so much, is their favorite foods. It should be brought to the marine park. Once we throw the bread to the sea, there were many fishes coming to get their foods. Compared to Pulau Redang, Pulau Payar marine park has more fishes. There are many small sharks too, and I never met even one in Pulau Redang last year.

Buffet Lunch are included in this trip package. The foods include fried rice, spaghetti, soup, salads and some snack. Besides that, there is no accomodation in Pulau Payar, the tourists can either go to Pulau Langkawi or Pulau Pinang after the day trip at Pulau Payar marine park.


Soap and shampoo are not allowed to protect the lives and the natural marine park. This trip package promote Go Green Tourism, environmentally responsible travel to natural areas to appreciate nature and promote conservation, and sustain the well being of local people.
*Langkawi Coral is the name of a Go Green Tourism Project at Pulau Payar Marine Park, managed by Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd.

This Rainforest of Sea Discovery review trip is sponsored by
Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
16, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Tel : 604-899 8822
Email: sales@langkawicoral.com
Website: http://www.langkawicoral.com

Nov 25, 2010

Canon vs Nikon (Buying DSLR)

Using DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera) is a recent trend and causing many people want to own one and taking good picture. When beginners want to buy DSLR, they ask: Which brand I should buy? Canon or Nikon?

Personally, I have faced this question for many times. This is not a good question when we want to buy DSLR, so my answer is “No Answer”. Both of them are good and have their own competitive advantage. Today Canon and Nikon battle for the top spot in the SLR market, while Olympus, Pentax and Sony duke it out for a position in third.


Of course we know that the purpose of buying DSLR is taking picture, but the question is what kind of picture you like?

Some people like to take picture outdoor (vacation or landscape), some people like to shoot models (portrait) and some people like to take photo indoor (events or wedding). The choice of DLSR should be suite to type of photo you like. And, the lens and flash (speed light) will affect your picture output too. There are many genre of photography such as Portraits, Candid, Street, Landscape, Sports, Nature, Travel, Wedding, Events, Stage, Food, Product, Macro and so on. Hence, understand the type of picture you like is essential before buying DSLR.

A good question when you want to buy DLSR should be: “I like to take XXX pictures, which model I should buy?instead ofI want to take good picture, which brand I should buy?
Oh ya... you need to deal with your budget too!

I understand that people want to know about the differences between Canon vs. Nikon. My tip is don’t ask the DSLR beginners and the camera promoters to differentiate the brands for you. You should listen to the professional photographers who have tried both brands and discover photography for many years (at least 5 years).  Only these photographers have the experience and eligible to talk about the review.

I’ve found some good reviews from experienced photographers for Canon and Nikon. They have tried both and their reviews are useful for people who want to know about the Nikon DLSR and Canon DSLR.
*Must compare same level of different brand DSLR, eg: Entry level, Amatuer DSLR, Semi-Pro DSLR, else, you won't get a accurate comparison result! 

These are the links:
1. http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/canon-vs-nikon.html
2. http://www.digitalphotographywriter.com/

According to Willy Foo (Technopreneur, Photographer, Marketer) from Singapore, Nikon DSLR have better flash control, vibrant colors and well designed body. Canon DSLR have better Pro lens like TS-E lenses and more natural colors.

So, if you are interested (now or in the future) of taking a lot of photos using flash instead of natural light, then go with Nikon. Nikon has done a great deal of work to ensure that their cameras communicate well with their flashes - something Nikon calls the "Creative Lighting System" or CLS for short. However, everyone has their own preference on both brands.

Every Photographer Must Believe
Finally, no matter what brand & camera you are using, remember that every camera can take good picture, it depends on how you utilize your the camera, your creativity, the environment and so on. Think creatively, you can take good picture even with a iPhone camera or digital camera.

I will write about the setting of DSLR in my next post. Stay tuned…

Nov 19, 2010

China's No.1 Billionaire Philanthropist

Name: Chen Guang Biao
Nett Worth: 5 Billion Yuan
Source: Recycling, Construction Waste
Company: Jiangsu Huangpu Renewable Resources Utilisation Ltd
Position: President
Donated: 1.3 Billion Yuan

Chen Guangbiao, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, and a very good role model for entrepreneurs. He likes to help the needy community and concern very much about the environmental problems. He said that he is willing to donate all of his wealth to charity funds in China when he dies. Besides that, he has also persuaded more than 100 entrepreneurs to donate all their personal wealth.

Watch the following interview session with Chen Guangbiao and you will know more about him.
Interview Session - Part 1 (English Sub.)


Interview Session - Part 2  (English Sub.)


Nov 16, 2010

Ferringhi Garden (Penang)

Thanks to my girl friend, Tiffany Lo. During my 23rd Birthday, she brought me to Ferringhi Garden, having dinner together. It was a little birthday celebration for me.

Ferringhi Garden – Malaysia Cuisine, Seafood and Steak, has been awarded the cleanest and most pleasant restaurant in Penang. The environment is super good, using the natural plant as decoration, using wooden design for the building, and playing soft music. It creates a nature environment for the customers, giving them a feeling of enjoying meal in the pretty jungle.

In this high standard of environment, the foods and beverage are not really expansive, I think that it is standard with their nature garden environment. Depends on what you order, for example, a pasta and a fish&chip, it cost around RM25.00 and RM35.00 respectively and it is big enough for one person.

How to go?
Ferringhi Restaurant is near to Batu Ferringhi Beach. If you know The Ship and Park Royal Hotel, you can find Ferringi Garden too.
If you come from Gurney Drive, find the way to Batu Ferringhi. When you pass Batu Ferringhi , look for The Ship (A big ship restaurant on your right). Ferringhi Garden is 500m ahead. They have a signboard, it would be helpful for you.
There is a car park behind Ferringhi Garden. It is only for their customers.
*Early reservation has to be made.
Tel: 604-881 1193
Fax: 604-881 1195

Many people has post the review on their blog. Hence, if you want to read more about it, I have prepared some links to the blog post about Ferringhi Garden!
Here are the links:

Nov 15, 2010

I Love Yoo!

I’m taking Franchising Management subject this semester. During the presentation period, there was a group interview I Love Yoo in Sunway Carnival Mall, and presenting about I Love Yoo in the class. I just realized this brand and restaurant, it is a franchise business too. After few weeks, I visited Sunway Carnival Mall, then looking for I Love Yoo to taste their foods.

The core product of I Love Yoo is You Tiao, Chinese food, some people call it Yau Zha Guai (Cantonese), and it is bread stick. Normally, You Tiao is breakfast food, eat together with porridge.

Beside You Tiao, they are selling Butterfly Bun, Fried Bun, Sesame Ball and Mix Bun. The price is RM1.40 per pack.

There are also Dry Scallop Porridge and Dry Oyster Peanut Porridge, the price is RM2.90 per pack.

You can try the You Tiao + Porridge package or You Tiao + Soya Drink package. The price is RM3.90.

The beverage include Tau Fu Fa, Soya Drinks, Liong Fun, Hainan Coffee and White Coffee.



The foods are delicious and prices are not too expansive, you can have a try there. I suggest that you can visit with a group of friends, so that you can order more different foods and taste all of it.

How to go?
For penangites, there are outlets at Sunway Carnival Mall lower ground floor and Queensbay Mall too.
If want to know about the other outlets in other places, you may check out at their website. Click here!

The following funny video is the Ah Beng You Tiao Production in I Love Yoo!.


Visit the official website of I Love Yoo if you want to know more.
This is the website address: http://iloveyoo.com.my/

Nov 13, 2010

Photography Glossary (Starting of New Topic)

Soon from now, I’ll increase the topic in my blog. I’m going to blog about photography. For people who would like to learn about photography and DSLR from the basic, you are welcomed to visit my blog.
For the beginning, I post about the photography glossary. It would be helpful if you understand the short form of the terms because you can understand what other photographers talk about easily.

These are some important Photography Glossary
DSLR - Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera

SLR - Single Lens Reflex Camera

PSAM / PASM Modes - Camera Modes: Program/Shutter/Aperture/Manual

AF / MF - Auto Focus / Manual Focus

Shutter Speed - Length of time a shutter is open

Aperture - Size of opening in lens to allow light into camera

ISO - Sensitivity of Sensor or  International Standards Organisation

F. Number - A number describing the inverse relation to the Aperture. Small F number E.g. F2.8 has a bigger aperture than F5.6

EV - Exposure Value or Exposure Compensation Value

Focal Length - Level of 'zoom' of the lens (ie. 35mm)

DOF - Depth of Field

Bokeh - Out of focus backgrounds (Background blur)

IS / VR - Image Stabilisation / Vibration Reduction

RGB - Red, Green, Blue

CMYK - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (Black)

WB - White Balance (Colour Model)

CCD - Charge Coupled Device (Image Sensor)

CMOS  - Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor, Image Sensor capable of High ISO

CF Card - Compact Flash (Memory Card)

SD Card - Secure Digital Memory Card

JPG / JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group (Image Type)

TIF / TIFF - Tagged Image File Format (Image Type)

Pixel - One of the many dots that form an image

MP - Megapixel (or one million Pixels)

DPI / PPI - Dots Per Inch / Pixels Per Inch


If you want to know more about it, you can go to Wikipedia or Google and search for the information.
Next post will be about the myth of Brand – Canon vs Nikon
Stay Tuned... ^ ^

Nov 12, 2010

Legendary Nasi Lemak in Changloon

I heard about there is a very nice Nasi Lemak stall at Changloon since semester two. Finally, I tried it in my final semester that means after two years.

So, what is the “Legend”?
What I heard about the Legendary Nasi Lemak is:
The Nasi Lemak is very very delicious and their business is very good. You have to go around 5am morning to eat. The Nasi Lemak will be sold out after 6am. If you go after 6am, then please come on the next day.
After hearing the legend, normally people will say “Is it really so delicious? I must try it one day, but can I wake up?!”

The Nasi Lemak smells good, taste good too. However, about the add-on foods for Nasi Lemak, some of them are delicious, some are not. It tastes too salty. For girls, they may don’t like it because it is fat (lemak) for them, can only try a little bit in order to take care of their body shape.

I asked the boss, what is the time your stall open? And, this is the fact. The boss told me that they open at 5am until 3pm, the best time you come to eat Nasi Lemak is 6am because they will prepare more foods for Nasi Lemak. Besides Nasi Lemak, they are selling Roti Canai too. That means it is not closed at 6am and Nasi Lemak will not sold out at 6am. I found that most of the customers are UUM students especially Malay students.

Where is the Nasi Lemak Stall?
First of all, please don’t go on Friday, they do not open on Friday.
The stall is located on the way from Universiti Utara Malaysia to Changloon Town. It is about the middle of these two places. If you depart from UUM, it is on your left.
Once you pass EDC hotel, drive around 2-3 minutes ahead. There is a 30 degree junction. It is the first stall after enter the junction. If you go at 6am, I think it is the only stall open, you should have seen them since they turn on the light. After enjoying the Nasi Lemak breakfast, it's time to see sunrise!
*Refer to the picture below, so you can have some idea on how it looks like. It is the Nasi Lemak stall. The picture was taken at 6.30pm. It will be safe if your survey the place before you go!


Nov 11, 2010

Thailand’s McDonald's

I’m Lovin It – a very familiar slogan for everyone! Yea! That’s McDonald’s!
I have visited McDonald’s at Hatyai, Thailand few months ago. I couldn’t see any McDonald’s in Danok, so I think it is nearest Thai McDonald’s from Malaysia. Due to the demographic and cultural difference, the Thai McDonald’s has been modified to suite to the local market, same goes to China McDonald’s, and McDonald’s in other countries.

What are the differences?
There are many differences between McDonald’s in Thailand and Malaysia. For example: the menu is different, using Thai and English language. The chili sauce is Thai Chili, color is more transparent. The McFlurry Cup is smaller compared to Malaysia. The shape and packaging design of drink container is different too.

McDonald’s has some same foods with McDonald’s in Malaysia and other countries. However, there are also some set meals which we can’t get it in Malaysia expect during festival or promotion period. And, these are Double Filet Set, Double Cheese Burger and Double Big Mac. Big Mac is big enough for one person, I can’t imagine how big the Double Big Mac is! Besides that, the McSpicy Chicken Burger is actually the Spicy Chicken McDeluxe in Malaysia.

Since it is Non-Halal, Thai McDonald’s sells Pork. There is a burger called Samurai Pork Burger. For chinese and indian who eat pork, you can taste it there because it can’t be found in Malaysia.
There is no refill service for your drink. In Malaysia McDonald’s, we can request for refill after we finished our coke. However, in Thailand, you cannot request for drink refill. I tried once and I have been rejected by the server!


McCafe
Have you heard about McCafe in Malaysia? I believe that most of Malaysian don’t know what is McCafe unless they visited it in oversea. I remember that McDonald’s shout that they want to fight Starbucks, now I understand how they try to penetrate the coffee café market.
McCafe is inside the McDonald’s outlet. The beverage menu in McCafe include Expresso Coffee, Hot Drinks, Iced Drinks and Blended Coffee. I have tried Blended Chocolate Frappe, and the quality is as good as what can be made by the Starbucks Coffee. Hence, you can choose coffee beverage instead coke in your McDonald’s set meal.
McCafe also sells bread and cakes. So if you don’t want to eat McDonald’s set meal, you can try the cakes in McCafe. 

How to go?
This Thai McDonald’s outlet is located in Hatyai. Hence, once you reach Hatyai, find a tut-tut car and ask them to send you to Lee Garden Shopping Mall. (I’m not sure with the spelling, but the sound is Lee or Li.) The McDonald’s outlet is in the ground floor. Once you reach Lee Garden Shopping Mall, I’m sure that you can see the McDolands signboard.
There is another option. You can try to ask the people around “Where is Lee Garden?” (I’m not sure with the spelling, but the sound is Lee or Li.) Then, walk to Lee Garden after you get the direction! Good luck…

Nov 9, 2010

COB Practicum Briefing (UPDATED)

These information are only applicable to following courses: B.Mktg, B.Ent, BBA, BBA (Logistic & Trans), BMA,  BIBM, B.Tech.Mgt, and B.Oper.Mgt!

Thanks to Brian for giving me update. These information are applicable for the following courses too: BHRM, BBank, BFin, BRMI, BIFB, BAcct.IS, and BAcct!

First of all, there is something you should know about the new name of UIL. The name of UIL (Centre of University-Industry Link) has been changed to CUIC (Centre for University Industry Collaboration).

Important Dates for Practicum Session A101: 
Report Duty Date:
1. 20/12/2010 – 19/4/2011 (4 months Practicum)
2. 20/12/2010 – 19/6/2011 (6 months Practicum)
Report Submission Date:
1. 3/5/2011 (4 months Practicum)
2. 3/7/2011 (6 months Practicum)

Once you start the practicum in the company, you have to submit the report form. It has to be mail or fax to Pn. Salina Ali one week from date of registration which is 20/12/2010 – 3/1/2011.
The address is Student Department & Alumni Office, FWB Building, COB. However, the fax number is 04-9286406. Please be aware to send it to the right person who is Pn. Salina Ali. If it is not submitted, mark will be deducted.

The Evaluation of Practicum
The evaluation of the undergraduates’ practicum consists of employer’s report (20%), UUM Supervisor (20%) and Final Report (60%).

The 20% of employer’s report will be judged based on work discipline, ability to critical analysis, leadership, skills, physical personality traits.

The evaluation by UUM lecturer will be based on Log Book, Attendance, Student’s Characteristics, Student’s General Knowledge. And, the 20% of UUM Supervisor evaluation will be divided to log book contents (10%) and attendance (10%).

Regarding to Employer's Report, please make sure that it reach to your Practicum supervisor! There are two options:
1. Fax to your Practicum supervisor (Attention to your practicum supervisor). Fax Number: 04-928 6406
2. Submit by yourself (Put it in envelope and seal it).

Please be aware with the Employer’s Confidential Form too. After downloading it, remember to fill in your personal details and your practicum lecturer details. Because it has to be send to your practicum lecturer but not the practicum coordinator, so the details of your lecturer is very important to make sure it is sent to the right person.

Important Reminders for Practicum Undergraduates
- Buy log book at CUIC and read the regulation inside the log book.
- Write on the log book everyday and neatly.
- Contact CUIC for any problems during practicum.
- Check email and portal from time to time.
- Download related forms from CUIC website. The session of Practicum starting from December 2010 is A101.
- You are not allowed to apply any leave & holiday except you have M.C from government hospital.
- Introduce yourself to your practicum lecturer in UUM before the practicum starts.

Attention to BAcct.IS and BAcct Students 
The Final Report is in different format compared with other courses. Remember to meet your practicum report supervisors for more clarification. And, the report cover must be Light blue plain paper and comb binding.
Important Dates:
Report Proposal - Send before or on 20 February 2011 by E-mail to your Practicum Supervisor.
Progress Report - Send before or on 24 April 2011.
Final Report - Send on 03 July 2011.
- Apply "Tidak Lengkap" Status on 03 July 2011 - 04 August 2011
- Apply "Tidak Lengkap 2" Status on 04 August 2011 - 04 September 2011
*Information above are contributed by Brian Fernandes, UUM BAcct.IS student.

To download the related forms and documents, please visit CUIC website. Go to downloads and then find forms (Students). 
The CUIC web address is http://www.cuic.uum.edu.my
Telephone No: 04-928 5193, 04-928 5194
Fax No: 04-928 5760

*Practicum Lecturer = Practicum Supervisor (Search it in your Portal)
Share it to your friends if they didn't attend the Practicum Briefing!
The review of Practicum Report Syllabus for B.Ent and BBA soon! Stay tuned...

Thai Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)

Personally I not really tried KFC at Thailand, just visited once and watching my friends enjoying the KFC meal!
According to my friends, Malaysia KFC is more delicious! Maybe it has been adjusted to suite Malaysian taste! KFC at Thailand taste different compared to Malaysia due to the same reason – demographic and cultural different.  The taste has been adjusted to suite Thailand people’s taste too.

The chicken is smaller, the packaging design are different, the language used, the rounded square plate and also the way of eating KFC meal! While we (Malaysian) are using hand when eating KFC chicken, Thailand KFC provides their customer fork and knife to eat the chicken.

According to my franchise lecturer, Malaysia KFC was using almost the same method in early year, it was like western foods restaurant. The way to eat KFC was like eating chicken chop, and there were waiter or waitress serving you in KFC outlet. Due to longer customer turnover time, KFC Malaysia decided to educate their customers to use hand. Hence, they can finish their meal faster.
So, if you go to Danok, you can visit KFC, and experience the foods and environment. It will be a good experience to see how the same brand and business operate in different country.

How to get there (KFC @ Danok)?
KFC is very near to Malaysia-Thailand Kastam. Once you pass the Kastam and enter to Danok (Thailand). Then, you can walk for around 1 minutes to north. You can see a big KFC signboard there (*refer to the photo on top)! It is very easy to go.

Nov 7, 2010

Bill Gate's Advices to Young People

Bill Gates, one of my idol, had given a high school speech:
11 things you will not learn in school.
He talks about how feel good P.C. teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept has set them up to fail in the real world.

Personally, I think they are useful advices and facts in life, it should be read by the people who wish to success in their life!  He has very powerful experience for us to learn since he has the ability to be the richest man in the world, built Microsoft Coporation and changing people's life with technology


Rule 1: 
Life is not fair -- get used to it!
Rule 2: 
The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: 
You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: 
If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5:
Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping -- they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: 
If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: 
Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: 
Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: 
Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10:
Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: 
Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.


About Bill Gates


William Henry "Bill" Gates III (born October 28, 1955) is an American business magnate, philanthropist, author and chairman of Microsoft, the software company he founded with Paul Allen. He is consistently ranked among the world's wealthiest people and was the wealthiest overall from 1995 to 2009, excluding 2008, when he was ranked third. During his career at Microsoft, Gates held the positions of CEO and chief software architect, and remains the largest individual shareholder with more than 8 percent of the common stock.He has also authored or co-authored several books.

Bill Gates stepped down as chief executive officer of Microsoft in January 2000. He remained as chairman and created the position of chief software architect. In June 2006, Gates announced that he would be transitioning from full-time work at Microsoft to part-time work and full-time work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He gradually transferred his duties to Ray Ozzie, chief software architect and Craig Mundie, chief research and strategy officer. Gates' last full-time day at Microsoft was June 27, 2008. He remains at Microsoft as non-executive chairman.
(source from wikipedia.org)

Nov 6, 2010

Thai 7-Eleven at Danok

7-Eleven at Thailand is different with 7-Eleven in Malaysia. Yea, they are 24 hours retail outlets, but some products and services are different due to the different culture and demographic in the both country.

When you enter the 7-Eleven outlets in Danok, you can feel the different. People are talking in Thai language. The products packaging and price tags are using Thai language and only some English words. The magazine, DVD and menu as well, using Thai language. You can even watch Ip Man talking in Thai language! However, for foods menu, they have English words. So you can understand. If you still don’t understand, then you gonna use your finger to point the things you want.
Besides that, 7-Eleven outlets in Danok sell Non-Halal products such as pork burger, beer and liquor. We cannot get these things in Malaysia 7-Eleven.
What you cannot get in Malaysia 7-Eleven outlets?
It is the fast food. Danok 7-Eleven outlets sell fast foods such as sausage, burger, rice, hotdog and so on. After you order, the cashier will prepare the food for you. Then you have to serve yourself (Self-service) to add the vegetable, tomato, mayonnaise, and chili sauce to your food. And yes, it is cheap and delicious!


You can use Malaysia Ringgit in Danok 7-Eleven outlets. The cashiers will help you to convert the currency. For example, you buy a $180(Thai) drink, it is around RM1.80, then you can pay the cashier RM2.00. Remember, you do not need to wait for the RM0.20 change. It is a part of service charge even you buy something cost RM1.50.
Some outlets will charge extra RM1.00 if you buy something cost 100.00 Thai Bath and paying 10.00 Malaysia Ringgit!
If you don’t want to use Malaysia Ringgit, then you have to visit Money changer to convert your currency.


How to go?
Very simple! After you pass the Malaysia-Thailand Kastam and reach Danok, then you can see many 7-Eleven outlets around that area. If I’m not mistaken, there are over five 7-Eleven outlets in the Danok town area. Don’t ask me why, I also don’t know… ^ ^
So, if the foods you want have run out of stock, then you can leave and go to another outlet to get it.

Nov 3, 2010

Steamboat Buffet (Danok, Thailand)

There are two Steamboat Buffet in Danok, their shop is just side-by-side, and I have visited one of them!

Krua Kung Pao Steamboat Buffet
This is another recommended place for Danok (Thailand) visitors.

What means Cheap and Big? This restaurant can show it to you!
This Steamboat Buffet cost you only RM9.90 per person ($99.00 in Thailand Currency), drinks are not included. It is much more cheaper compared to around RM17-RM25 per person in Malaysia.
Self-service – You take your foods and you cook yourself.

They almost have all the basic foods for steamboat meal such as fish, prawn, beef, chicken, lamb, different kind of vegetable, and so on. Ais-Kacang is a part of the steamboat buffet too.



Since it is steamboat buffet, it means that the foods are unlimited for you. You can just eat until you are full, and eat more until you cannot eat anymore. Of course, you cannot waste the foods, if you take extra and cannot finish it, they will charge according to the weight. So, make sure you take only what you want to eat.

It is quite interesting when you are not using gas but using carbo for the fire. The waiter will help you to set up the fire for cooking purpose.



There are two types of cooking method.
One is traditional steamboat cooking style, means you put all your foods into the hot soup. Then, you enjoy it after the foods are cook and hot.
Another one is fried, or some people call it BBQ. I believe that people have already familiar with this method too. Put the butter (Malaysian call it Planta) on the top. Then, fried your foods with the butter.

* Just a reminder to first time visitor, the drinks are quite expansive. Do ask the price before you order it. If not mistaken, they charge for an expansive price for the ice too.

So, how to get there?
Going to Krua Kung Pao Steamboat Restaurant is easier compared to Water View Restaurant. You do not need to get any transport, you just need to walk for around 10 minutes after you enter Thailand zone.
So, this is the guide. Using North-South Highway, and heading to North until the end of Malaysia zone. After you pass the Malaysia-Thailand Kastam, your are now at Danok area (Thailand Zone). Stick to the left of the street and walk for around 2 minutes.
7-Eleven outlets is your Marking. There are few 7-Eleven outlets (I also don’t know why there are so many). Walk along the left side of the street, and look for the second 7-Eleven outlets. It is beside PP Hotel.
Beside the second 7-Eleven outlets, there is a T-Junction. Turn left to enter the junction and heading straight until the end. You can see Krua Kung Pao Steamboat Restaurant there.



*Search in Google Maps if you don’t know where is Danok.

Next post will be about 7-Eleven at Thailand. Stay tuned…

Nov 2, 2010

Water View Restaurant (Danok, Thailand)

If you go Danok (Thailand), these are the places you can visit for dinner!
1. Water View Restaurant
2. Krua Kung Pao Steambaot Buffet
3. Good View Restaurant
4. Thailand 7-Eleven Outlets
5. KFC

Water View Restaurant
It is not located at Danok town area, it is near to jungle. To visit Water View restaurant, you need transportation like Tut-Tut Car! Of course you(Malaysian) need passport or boarder pass to enter Thailand.

So what is so special with Water View Restaurant? 
The answer is ---- The Environment

Enjoying Thai seafood dinner beside a beautiful lake, this is what they can give you, their foods (Non-Halal) are delicious too. (Non-Halal)

Water View Restaurant provides you Thai cooking style seafood. It is a good place for you to enjoy the original taste of Thailand seafood. And, I recommend you to order Tomyam Seafood. The Tomyam soup taste good.

Besides that, the way they deliver the foods is quite interesting. They are using BOAT! Normally your dining table is beside the lake. After you order the foods, they will drive the boat and cross over the laketo your dining table. Then, a waiter or waitress will take the foods from the boat to you!
If you don’t want to eat, you can have a drink there.
There is a little café near to their entrance. The café environment is using Thai village design. It is a part of Water View Restaurant too. You can enjoy coffee or ice-cream desserts in their café. It is not located beside the lake, but the view still nice, viewing the Thailand Village (photo below). 

So, how to get there?
There are three options for Malaysians:

First: 
Once you reach Danok, find a Tut-Tut Car. Then ask them to send you to Water View Restaurant. Deal with the driver, the fee for two ways should be around RM50-RM80 per Tut-tut Car! Each Tut-tut Car can fetch maximum 10 people.

Second: 
If you have 10 people in a group, you can call the Water View Restaurant. They can send a van to fetch you. It is FREE. Then, how about 8 or 9 people? Don’t worry! You still can call their van. They will give you cheaper price compared to Tut-Tut Car.
The contact no. are 081-7487410 or 087-1295708 or 084-8563292. All are Thailand phone lines.

Third: 
Drive your own transport to Water View Restaurant if you know the way.

Oh ya… Remember to bring along your camera! You can shoot photograph for your interesting moment there!

There is an interesting question! People always ask : Where is Danok?
Danok is located at South Thailand. Using North-South Highway, move to north until the end! Right after you pass Malaysia-Thailand Kastam, the place is Danok. Malaysians need passport or boader pass in order to go to Thailand. 

If you still don't know, I think Google Maps can help you!

I’ll talk about other places in Danok on my next post! Stay tuned… ^ ^


Adobe Illustrator Keyboard Shortcuts For Beginner

If you are interesting with Adobe Illustrator and have the intension to learn it, then you should remember some important keyboard shortcuts.
I have highlighted some of the important Adobe Illustrator keyboard shortcuts for beginner!


1. Zoom In - Ctrl + Spacebar + Mouse Click


2. Zoom Out - Ctrl + Alt + Spacebar + Mouse Click


3. Moving Artboard (Move Zoom marquee while dragging with theZoom tool) - Spacebar + Dragging Mouse


4. Undo - Ctrl + Z


5. Redo - Ctrl + Shift + Z


6. Viewing 100% Size - Double Click Zoom Tool


7. Multiple Selection - Shift + Click to Select


8. Copy - Ctrl + C


9. Paste in Front (must copy before paste) - Ctrl + F


10. Paste in Back (must copy before paste) - Ctrl + B


11. Selection Tool - V


12. Pen Tools - P


13. Type Tool - T


14. Eyedropper Tool - I


15. Select All - Crtl + A


16. Group - Ctrl + G


17. Ungroup - Ctrl + Shift + G


18. Lock - Ctrl + 2


19. Unlock - Ctrl + Alt + 2


20. Bring Object Forward - Ctrl + ]


21. Bring Object Backward - Ctrl + [


Practice it and you will become efficient graphic designer in the future!
To get full Adobe Illustrator Keyboard Shortcuts, click here!