Shanghai
Long long before my time, Shanghai Bund is kind of famous and once housed numerous banks, trading houses and consulates from various countries.
Besides being a well known place for both cultural and popular Bund centres, Shanghai Bund also famous with 52 buildings of various architectural styles. As many might know, TikkoSS is not a person who admire the past but this time, TikkoSS about to stay in 70 years old hotel.
The hotel is still well maintained and looks a lot older than TikkoSS at the age of 70. Don’t ask me how I know how I look like at the age of 70 because “I just know”. The entrance is as grand as before and I was greeted with old yellowish chandelier lights.
As creepy as it may look from the outside, the hotel is like isolated from civilization and even the greeting hall is slightly like a haunted mansion 
. Well, as least that is how I felt at that time.
It is actually not that bad. The walkway to my room is actually quite decent. Please don’t expect a 5 star doorway as this hotel is just rated 3-stars. Ohh.. I get to know that this hotel is actually a 9 stories mansion.
Yes!! Finally I get to stay in a mansion but this is nothing like the mansion in my dream. If I am not mistaken, this hotel did not have swimming pool but has health club like many other decent hotel. With a distance from bund about 0.9 km, you can actually jog there in the evening.
This is a 70 years old building, so I didn’t expect much from the room but surprisingly, the room comes with flat TV. Hmm.. this is a lot better than most that I visited recently. Security? No problem, you have safe box to keep your important documents.
You might notice the photos are terrible. All because I did not use my baby cam to take it but used some compact camera instead. The room also comes with complimentary broadband which makes it close to perfect for the 880 yuan per night.
For that amount of money, I get to sleep on a comfy not so springy bed. I don’t know how many people sleep or “play” on top of it for the last 70 years.. Ok.. I should not go far from there.. let’s just say it is really old.
Toilet on the other hand is tip top. If you ask me where I spend most of my time in this room, I would say the bath tub as you have a transparent glass that you can watch TV while you are enjoying warm bubble bath. OK la.. I still survive from the stay.. no creepy things or uninvited friend .. so good laa..!
New Asia Hotel, Shanghai
422 Tiantong Lu,
Hongkou District, Shanghai, China.
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WEB: http://www.newasiahotel-shanghai.com
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Yuyuan Garden is a famous classical garden in Shanghai. Although the existence of this garden is about 400 years now and undergoes multiple reconstructions, this place still remains as a famous tourist spot in Shanghai.
Sometime I felt amaze on the architecture of ancient times. It seems like they really spend a lot of time building, reconstructing, refurbishing and try to preserve the crisp of the culture. Technically, we should embrace our history but the remains turn out to be so good for photography.
Maybe I sound a bit melodramatic but as a newbie in the world of camera, ancient buildings turn me on. This is just one of the many buildings in this garden. If you have good stamina, you can walk the 20 000 square meters park, within a day. I am fit (or I wanted to believe that), so, no problem for me.
There are 6 main scenic areas that you must visit: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall and Inner Garden. I went there twice and I don’t think I ever visited those places or maybe I did but forget the names.
To me, the main attraction is not those scenic spots. I have discovered Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, the most famous and authentic siu long pau. Now, I also discovered the best dumplings in Shanghai called Ning Bo Dumplings (don’t know where they get the name from).
This restaurant is usually congested and probably you need to spend some time queuing to get seated and queuing to order and pay the bills. Maybe this place is the most affordable as compare to others? To me, crowded means good.. hehe..
As you might notice, they do serve big pau and some other dim sum too but the highlight is definitely the rice ball dumplings. Instead of ordering one, the long queue makes me order additional bowl. The sesame and crab roe dumplings.
In Singapore Chinatown, you can get this with almond or just plain sugar water soup. Over here, they only serve with plain water as the soup. In that case, the soup is like drinking hot water. On the other hand, the dumplings taste very nice and the texture is just perfect.
Two bowls are definitely not enough for me especially on good food. As soon as you walk out from the restaurant, you will notice that they also sell take away dumplings. I did not get it but I think it is a good deal. According to the lady, it can last about 3 weeks without fridge.
I am not leaving that place empty handed. I bought myself herbal bean curds with pigeon eggs. No, it is not stinky bean curd. This also taste good except a little spicy. Gosh, you should try to drink the soup too. Now, my floor is wet coz I can’t stop drooling when I write about this.
Ning Bo Dumplings
Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai
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In conjunction with Dragon Year, I feel a bit uncomfortable if did not blog anything about this celestial or maybe mystical creature but I am not an animal lover as well. The only two creatures that I keep as pets are house rodentS and cockroachES in my store room.
If you know me well, I will travel thousand miles to relate myself with this creature. Well, not a suicidal mission but to see if I can get hold of the Dragon Ball. I attempted to locate dragon ball on top of the roof in imperial hall (Forbidden City) but I only found ball instead with no dragon?
This time I am quite lucky in Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai. Ohh I didn’t say I found the dragon ball but I reunite with favorite small dragon pau (小龙包). No balls, pau also ok laa..Eh this task is not so easy to achieve, k? You have to literally queue up almost an hour to get seated.
Then you have to make the toughest decision to choose between the cheaper or the expensive sections under the roof. The difference is, the expensive one has more variety to choose from and obviously queue is longer on the other side.
Their history go all the way back to 1900 when Nanxiang is called Changxinglou (Giraffe? ) but the restaurant is no antique. The ambience is well lighted with electric light and not candles, with aircond and not paper fan.
Ohh and the menu did not make from bamboo. It is printed on colorful menu with pictorial dishes photos. IF you are Chinese and don’t read Chinese, you can still order as the menu is in English BUT you will be labeled as banana in TikkoSS’s terms. Hehe..
Most of the food will be served in within few minutes. Some fried dim sum will take slightly longer. The service is quite efficient except sometimes, they speak no so fluent English but hey, you are in China. IT is good enough if they serve you what you want..
I ordered big siu long pau … er.. I think as I just pointed at the menu. Oh yea, I don’t read Chinese too! Hehe. Nothing to be embarrass about right? I still get some delicious dim sum which I don’t know what its name and also another deep fried balls which I also don’t know the name 
Even with limited ability to communicate, I still manage to order the highlight of this restaurant, the siu long pau. As much as I always thought there is only one type of siu long pau but they actually serve variety of it and some with crab roe too.
Although I pay RMB 143 (~RM74), I get to try the most original and authentic siu long pau from Shanghai. No regrets tho. I get food and I get to write post about something related to dragon in Dragon Year. Hahahaa…
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
Inside Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai.
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Did you know that the production of Finding Nemo lead to the reduction of real life aquariums? As much as we consider ourselves as creatures with higher intelligence, we are meant to protect the weaker one, right? At least that is what the textbook of Animal Right says.
I am not much of a diver, so in a way, I am physically challenge to intrude wild marine habitats which already supplementing my part as the “intelligent” one to protect the stupider species. Also, be thankful that I am not one of the seafood-eater type oh yea..that helps too !
Instead of invading their home, I decided to pay RMB 160 (~RM80) to say hi to them. Yes, you can do that in Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, situated not far from Oriental Pearl Tower. The opening time is from 9 to 5 but try to schedule your visit during the feeding time.
Some say a hungry man is an angry man. Same applies to animals and fishes, I guess. So, buckle up and get to see them in real actions. Don’t expect too much as you don’t get to feed them literally. All you get is to watch some professional divers do that. Kids, don’t try this at home!
Once you have entered the entrance, you are greeted with ancient fossils which have nothing to resemble an aquarium. Not only that, you get to see real Beijing Duck, as in the “breathing” version as well. I felt as if the quacking sounds signify the word welcome in duck language.
I find it a little odd as there is a crocodile in salt water aquarium? If you have limited knowledge in animal kingdom, crocodile is a fresh water creature. My adrenalin rush gives me a great gut to ask a stranger if it is real but it turns out to be just a sculpture.
Guess what, there are also some other weird marine species there too!
That includes jelly fish. Personally, I am not fancy with brainless fish and I bet Dory will agree with me as well but modernize lightings make the transparent creatures more attractive. This is the time I bring out my big bulky camera to snap few photos in low light condition.
Marvelous isn’t it? Have you hear about Lion fish? It is a cute deepwater fish with venomous spikes. Amazing isn’t it? Sometimes, I really enjoy seeing the miracle in this world that makes me wonder, I really don’t know anything, do I?
I hope before I see the tunnel of light I get to see more. Eh..wait a minute, there is also another tunnel of light over here and it is underwater! Please don’t ask me what are those fishes name because I seriously have no clue.
What I do know is I did enjoy to the max when I paid a visit to this aquarium. Although I paid high ticket fee, this is really cheaper as compare to go for real diving to see marine life, right? AND I do not need to spend more on water proof camera casing to take great photos Don’t you agree?
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
No. 1388, Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area,
200120 Shanghai, China.
Web: http://www.sh-aquarium.com/en/
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What is it all about, looks? Looks will determine everything. You want people to judge you by your character, what you feel inside, people don’t care. What they care about is your look. If you have good look, you are going to have a good life but if you look bad, you better work on it.
The uglier you are, the smarter you better be. For every 10 pounds that you are overweight you better pick up a book or you better get two books and get a computer wire at it. I was at the nick game. When I look at the seat, the higher the seat got the ugly the people got. I don’t need ticket. I just look at faces. Ohh you gotta go up top!
Ohh..That is just a lame joke that came across my mind when I placed a booking on “ERA Intersection of Time” stage performance. I did not go all the way up, I choose the middle seat instead because I am neither ugly nor pretty.
What exactly is this? This is the Shanghai version of Cookin’ Nanta – Korean Best No. 1 Performance and MISO – Original Korean Musical. I would like to call it a circus because it was held in Shanghai Circus World, but really, this is a combination of modern + traditional musical show with some extreme and impressive live actions.
I spent about 30 minutes to get there (included some “lost” time) and when I reached, the place was already congested with people. It is quite easy to locate as the venue is approximately 5 min walk from the subway station and you will not miss the big giant porcupine building.
Ohh, it is not as simple as you go there and get the ticket. You need to pre-book your ticket and collect it a day before the showing time. I can tell you it is a hassle considering the ticket collection counter is not at the same place. I made it, which shows that how determine I am to watch this show.
I have experienced real time circus, musical show, stage comedy, extreme games etc. Believe it or not if I tell you, this is the combination of all that. All the stage performers are multi talented that for sure will keep you occupied for about 1.5 hours.
At first I thought this is just another stage performance but when I was there, I know I made a right choice. IT started slowly with soft music and some acrobatic acts, then gradually shift to musical, comedy, some impressive hanging stunts and last but not least the SPACE SCOOTERS (8 motorcycles in the big giant steel globe)
Many might ask me what exactly happen in there.. but hey, sorry, I cannot tell you more details than that. You have to go and try it yourself. The performance shows nothing is impossible and I am quite amaze with all the stunts that they put up.
Imagine 5 girls fit in small vase.. that is just a slice of fascinating things happen in there. Ohh if you want to know more, maybe you can ask Mr. Tom Cruise because he watched this show before too!
All I can say is.. WOW … I can still recalled the thrilling moment even after the shows end. The seat cost me about RMB 380 (~RM 190) and honestly, it is worth watching because for a second, I felt my heart was stop pumping.
ERA Intersection of Time
Shanghai Circus World
HOTLINE: +86 21 6652 5468
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An apple a day, keeps the doctor away . I believe that phrase is still valid until today except if the doctor is in super hot uniform. Did you know a cup of coffee a day will also keeps the doctor away?
Recent studies show that coffee drinking can protect your liver especially liver disease caused by alcohol damage. Oh yea, alcohol is evil this case. I don’t consume alcohol, not because I am liver friendly but because it is against my religion. Er..Don’t ask me what is my religion..:P
The downside of it is, the studies also bring some detrimental effects on me. What the study did not conclude is that coffee drinking will make you slightly poorer, potentially lead to diabetes and Starbucks will automatically turn out to be your must visit friend.
Starbucks in Shanghai is no difference than Starbucks elsewhere in the world. The Caramel Frappuccino and black coffee still taste the same despite I am few hundred miles away from home. Knowing that coffee can protect livers, Starbucks is never cheap.
Many health conscious customers will not just go there for coffee, typically me. Most of the time, I will either put on few calories extra by ordering some dessert such as deliciously tempting cakes, muffins or cookies. Don’t ask me if my pancreases can take it but it makes me feel good.
This time I did not order muffins or cakes but I go for strawberry pastries and strawberry lollipop instead. I can tell you it is not cheap and it is addictive. Believe it or not, the tastes blend in nicely with the coffees I ordered.
Like I said, sometime I do take care of my liver but at the same time, I do sacrifice my pancreases too. (FYI, pancreases produces insulin to control sugar level in your body). Well, it is hard to resist on sweet stuffs right?
To certain extend, I consider Starbucks as my best friend and the time that I spent here is considered as quality dessert time. So, it is not purely for coffee but for pastries, candies, and oh ya for Low Fat Blueberry Yogurt Cup too! I am sure we share the same friend too right?
Starbucks, Shanghai
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WEB: http://www.starbucks.com/
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Cell phone is so common that almost everyone in the world has one. The convenience of it can almost make you physically and emotionally attached to it at all times, even while you are on vacation, hanging out with friends bla bla bla.
One tip of advice, try to avoid using it while you are in the toilet. It is rude if you talk to someone on the phone while he/she can hears the sound effect of it while you are doing your big business. It becomes really nasty if you accidently dropped the phone in un-flush toilet bowl.
The mess is one thing but try to imagine you are on the other side of the phone?
Maybe this is not a good start especially when I am about to write about Yo.Ba Yogurt Ice-Cream. Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to relate toilet to ice-cream although both have H2O elements in it.
What I am trying to say is cell phone makes my photo taking possible. You know, sometimes, on this one day that you feel like you do not want to carry your baby with you, u need em? This time, my cell phone saves my day.
When everyone is busy with window shopping, this is the time when I snoop around the mall with my dinky phone to keep me company. Spying around what good on the shelf, snapping photos in a no-photos zone and of course, Angry Bird as my stress relievers once in awhile.
Speaking of stress relievers, Yo.Ba rightfully disengage my cell phone bond with me that never been separated since the day I own it. With multi topping choices, finally, I can forget about my cell phone for a record of 10 mins.
Someone told me, if you take the courage to make the first step, the second, third, fourth and so on will be a lot easier. I am back to defer because as soon as colorful M&Ms, raisins and cold creamy ice-creams are gone, my phone got magnetize back to me again. That shows how strong our bond is.
BUT I discovered a new hypothesis. RMB 24 (RM 12) can help phone addicts to stay away from their addictions for 10mins. M&Ms and raisins are major contributors here.
So, to summarize, with RM 17280 (RM 12 x 10min x 6 x 24hr), you will be free from phone addiction for a day in return. Well, everything come with a price, right?
Yo.Ba Yogurt Ice Cream
Super Brand Mall
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If you read my post on Shangri-la Pudong, Shanghai, you will probably realize that I have a lot of nostalgic moments in this hotel.
Nothing can embrace my memories except carving the good one on stones and not so good one on sands so that the waves can help to flush them away.
Another way to do it, is to feed my stomach well first and start reflecting later. One way to do it is by ordering decent dinner just for myself in my own quiet room.
The trick is, you have to either order food that you crave for or food that you love. This time I go for potatoes wedges and salad as starter. Now, I can sense that my memory puzzles start to align on its own.
To speed up my thought process, I have to go for wanton noodles soup with mushroom and char siew. As a pork lover, I have to say char siew really helps in merging my brain cells together.
At this stage, I felt like as if I already travelled back through time to meet with my loves one, my family, probably about 20 years back.
To avoid myself from waking up from this hypnotic moment, I have to continue feeding my stomach with Sirloin Steak and strawberry milkshake. Or stomach growling will definitely creates distractions.
I recalled, my dad gave me my first present, my mom and sis too. How mesmerizing. I remembered we used to have a lot of fun time together and thanks to decent food, it helps to blend a good chemistry between my present and past.
The sweet moment was really short and I woke up straight away after I got slapped with the dinner bill. It costs me RMB 495?? That is approximately RM 250???
After this meal, I have to probably eat instant noodles for another week. Worth it or not, why not you tell me.?
In Room Dining, Shangri-la Hotel
33 Fu Cheng Lu, Pudong,
Shanghai, China.
TEL: +8621 – 6882 8888
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If you all know me well, my birthday just passed like few days ago. Thanks to all for your wishes. I did not celebrate at all. Why? Well, I get older every day, so, what so special about getting older?
Same day like 20 years ago, I remember my parents used to bring me to a place called Shangri-la to celebrate my birthday. I came from poor family, so my dad will only ordered banana split with extra waffles. That was good enough to make my birthday a special one.
20 years later, I spotted this hotel by coincident in Shanghai. My initial plan was to stay in Ritz Calton but I took the liberty to refresh my sub conscious memory by staying in Shangri-la Pudong.
Whenever I see Shangri-la, I have an unexplained urges to at least try it out. I don’t know how many stars is this hotel but it appears decent to me.
With nice chandeliers on the walkway to greet my arrival, I quickly looked for my bedroom. As soon as my key card unlocked the room door, I was so amaze with the room.
With semi-modern Chinese decorated interior, I know this will be the right hotel for my stay in Shanghai. If you are there with your partner, I tell you, this room can be romantic..
Toilet cum bathroom with long bath tub and glass door shower room turned out to be my favorite spot in the room.
Why? Please don’t ask me why.. This is kind of personal.. er.. er.. to do big and small business, to refresh myself and oh yea.. you can do a lot of things here.
If you are bored facing your partner or tired of Chinese tv program, you can drop by at the indoor pool. This is probably one of the decent swimming pool with no green algae 
OR maybe you want to be slightly healthy by visiting the hotel gym. I am sure you will not disappoint as the equipments are in tip top conditions.
Yea.. I feel slightly healthier after staying here and honestly, I have a great time here..
Shangri-la Pudong, Shanghai
Beside Oriental Pearl Tower
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Funny thing about travelling is that sometime, you tend to crave for something really bad like a pregnant lady. Of course I never experience pregnancy before as I am biologically challenged.
When your brain goes haywire, it tends to make you believe that if you don’t consume it, you will die instantly. Yea.. that is how bad it is.. something like fish cannot survives without water.
Before I even enter Hong Ji Tea House and Restaurant, my big belly (physically, almost the same like pregnant lady) already helps me to register what I want to eat.
So, it doesn’t matter if the place is cozy, nicely decorated or filled with pretty girls during peak hour, all I want is my drugs to get me over with my addiction.
Dressed like a hippy, untidy hair like beggar, I desperately asked the waitress, “Do you have what I need?” She replied, “What do you need?”
Ops, I’m in a paranoia state that I totally forget to place my order and assumed she knows. She might thought this is a lame pick up line but disappointedly I asked for not her number but beef curry, black pepper and seafood noodles.
At points the cravings feel like having sex, once you have it, you are wanting for more. I did not resist that temptation as it helps in stress reduction, right? Ohh.. ok.. I guess I have that is too much detail for a young person like me.
Besides sex, the combination of siu yok and teh that is not tarik also gives the same effects. What are you thinking? I am talking about satisfaction over here. What turn me off is that I have to pay RMB 158 (~RM 80) for all these.
Quite a price to pay to ease my cravings isn’t it?
Hong Jiu Tea House and Restaurant
(Beside Oriental Pearl Tower)
TEL: +86 21 3868 8877
Opening Time: 10.00 – 22.00 hours
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