A trip to Padang and Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra

I am impressed by some of the SHC members who volunteer to lead members to visit certain places where they know well.  I woud likewise volunteer to introduce a trip to Padang and Bukit Tinggi in West Sumatra where I personally go to frequently in the past.

Padang is the capital city of West Sumatra Province of Sumatra island. The people here is of Minangkabau descent and dialect which is simliar to Melayu in Malaysia. Bukit Tinggi is a mountain resort and a great place to relax. Around Bukit Tinggi we can go to Haran Nature Reserve, Singkarak Lake, Jam Gagung, Japanese Tunnel ( people still believe Japanese hide tons of gold in the secret compartment in the tunnel during World War ll). Many tourists are attracted to come due to the cool climate and peaceful ambient.

Tiger Airways fly from Singapore direct to Padang on Tue, Thur and Sat and take only one hour. The air fare is cheap and cost of travel is relatively low. My good friend is a big lobster and sea cucumber distributor in Padang. Those who like lobster or crab can eat until you vomit. Unknowingly to most people, West Sumatra produce the most cave bird’s nest in the world. Each harvest total 3,000 kg of bird’s nest.   

So far, the following had booked air ticket and confirmed going

  1. Chin WH
  2. Pearl Goh
  3. Shirley Wee
  4. Ann Lim
  5. Gingko
  6. Terence Seah
  7. Cath Yeo
  8. Tim Liu
  9. Freddy and
  10. Lisa Ong
  11. Helen Wong
  12. Lawrence Lee
  13. Sock Cheng
  14. Karen Thio
  15. Lorraine Chia
  16. SK Chua
  17. Helen Kuek
  18. Eileen Lee
  19. Paul
  20. Peggy Kong
  21. Jane Loh
  22. Victor Wee
  23. Rose White
  24. Lawrence Khan
  25. Marg Tian
  26. Lucia Tan
  27. Derrick Tan

  Click here for photos   

Author: chin hee weng

I met Terence at Scorebot while trying to get to know Scorebot's A.T.M. on forex trading. He suggested to me to join SHC. I am in trading of mineral ores and mining in bauxite and sea sand. Before the mining boom three years ago, I was in bird's nest business, both cave and house bird's nest. For business and leisure, I play golf, badminton, scuba diving, fishing, snorkelling, harsh run, jogging etc I worked for Sinar Mas Group and had been stationed in Indonesia and China for 9 years. Indonesia is my second home (not second family) as the business is related to there. Hello to all SilverHairsClub members.

224 thoughts on “A trip to Padang and Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra”

  1. Hi!

    The lobster grabs me as I love lobster sashimi…….to die for!!

    Wish I can be there. Anyway, it’s good to see another SHcian taking the initiative.

  2. It sounds good, so Weng Chin, when and tentatively, over how many days? I am moving on so have some leave to clear by 31 July 2009 so it’s either Padang or Lum Kwai Fong where Gerald-the-thing is waiting for me………..

  3. Hi Weng Chin,

    This is indeed excellent, and of course, very courageous of you to lead a group to West Sumatra. May I suggest you quickly look at your diary, and fix the dates. I am tempted to join you.

    Terence Seah

  4. Dear Weng Chin,

    Sounds yummy (lobsters and crabs I mean!) Count me in if its school holidays or public holidays. So would eating birds nest there be relatively cheaper?

  5. Hi Weng Chin
    Thanks for your kind offer. Padang and Bt Tinggi sounds like fascinating places to visit. I am keen to join this proposed tour (if the dates are ok) and look forward to hearing further details.
    HC

  6. “So would eating birds nest there be relatively cheaper?”

    While trekking in the forested park at Bt Batok recently, I found some mynah nests occupied by crows. Lucky you. You dont have to travel very far to eat these nests and they come free. All you need is a long bamboo to chase away these nest raiders and then do all you want with the nests…..eat, sleep in, make straw hats whatever. But you might have to put up a very fierce fight with the crows. They fly and peck like fighter jets…….., you can gyrate and repel them with yr rock & roll………….

  7. Hi Weng Chin!

    I hope it’s during the June holidays. I’m interested provided we know the dates earlier, then we can decide.
    Keeping my fingers cross.

    Thank you

  8. Thanks Weng Chin for wanting to lead us to this special place called Padang and Bukit Tinggi in West Sumatra. Very interesting leh, I am interest to join if the trip is scheduled in July 09 please. Thank you. :)

    Ah Nee

  9. Hi Weng Chin

    Thanks for the post. I am game for it; nature reserve walk, lake and seafood. Terence is right, please advise date first.

    Regards
    Helen

  10. Hello Weng Chin,

    Did you say “tons of gold hidden in the secret compartment in the tunnel” and “cool climate and peaceful ambient”? I am all ears.

  12. Hi Weng Chin

    Thks for the post. We are all excited about this trip.
    ” Those who like lobster or crab can eat until you vomit”
    Can’t wait to know when is the date.

    Thks n regards,
    Lilian

  13. Guys/Gals,
    A quick check via internet say a JUNE Return Airticket SIN-PDG-SIN on Tiger is about SGD138-00……but have to be quick to block bookings…..if not they will be gone sooner than you think. Just food for thots on informed decision……I am really tempted by the Lobsters, Crabs and Birdnest…

  14. As for the tons of gold in the secret compartment in the Japanese Tunnels………they are no longer there. I am very sure……bcos if still there, would you think that FREEPORT will allow it? Hey, they can see all these “mineral deposits” from the “Military” Satellite Scanners since 20 years ago……

  15. Hi Terence, Tim Liu, Geraldine, Catherine, Hou Chong, Ah Nee, Helen,

    I propose a short trip of leaving on Thur and return on Sat and make the first trip, say 28 to 30 May. We can venture out further to nearby places(marvellous places) which take many days.

    Tiger Airways is offering free airfare return tickets now until tomorrow. only S$69×2 for airport tax and admin fees.

    Geraldine, how many lobsters sashimi can you eat? If you want to break Guinness record, I will get the reporters to stand by, ok?

    Catherine, Tim Liu
    Although West Sumatra produces the most the cave bird’s nest, there is nobody selling cave bird’s nest tonic. All the bird’s nest is transported to different places for processing. However you can find farm (house) bird’s nest but it is also very little on the market.

    Helen,
    The Harau Nature Reserve looks like Grand Canyon but instead of red color it is white limestone color. The Lakes are beautiful and water is cold like Lake Toba. For the seafood, the crab, prawn are from the sea and they really taste crab and prawn. Unlike in Spore, they are from the farm and tasteless.

    Annto,
    Yes, some people are trying to find until they give up. Similiarly in Philippines, some people stil believe there are gold left behind by the Japanese Army.

    Pl call me chin. (somebody in admin can amend hee weng chin to chin hw, thanks)
    Cheers
    Cheers

  16. Haha, Senor Chin, looks like you’re destined to be our Weng Chin here and we shall all help explain it to Senor Chin senior why this is the case.

    Tentatively, I am ok with end May altho spending 3 days there does appear a bit short to me. Let’s see what the response will be.

    As far as Cat-Y is concerned, so long as she gets to taste bird nest, she will be happy…….the fibre helps clear chronic constipation.

    “As for the tons of gold in the secret compartment in the Japanese Tunnels………they are no longer there. I am very sure……..”

    Other than tax and death, nothing is sure in life. Didnt Bang Din who had a $S1 mio ransom on his head, walked about unnoticed in a place only 30 minutes’ drive from Spore? Didnt some posters of his fall into the Johore Straits and floated over to JB, picked up by bounty hunters living in Skudai?

    So dont forget to pack a gunny sack in yr luggage….it might just turn out to be yr lucky day. Or as a consolation prize, you can fill the sack with nests and supply them to Cat-Y on a regular basis. Believe many in her family also love bird nests……………..hee.

  17. I will be at the Han Cafe from 5 to 6.15pm. I will show a video of the bird’s nest cave where thousands of swiftlets fly out in the morning and the local people gather to go down the cave to pick bird’s nest.
    You can see me struggling to climb up the mountain with my buyers. The climbing up takes endless 7 hours.

    I bring along a book where you can see the swiftlets and the bird’s nest at close range. Beautiful photo.

    Cheers

  18. Tim #6 and #16

    I believe that only swiftlets’ nests are edible and not just birds’ nests per se? So no thanks for the free nests from Bukit Batok Reserve. The nest tastes good boiled with red dates and rock sugar which makes for a pleasant and soothing dessert and whats more it is supposed to be beneficial for the complexion which makes it even more attractive to consume. Dont know about it being good for constipation though, care to share where you got the info from? Fabrication? Haha

    Chin #15

    The date sounds good but is it sufficient to check out all the ‘must-see’ places you mentioned? If trip confirmed, can we make a block booking instead of booking individually?
    Thanks and awaiting your reply.

  19. Chin hw,

    I would like to join the trip if I can get leave from work.
    Can I make tentative booking for now and when lastest must I confirm?

    Trip sounds very interesting and hope to be there with all of you.

    Geok Suan.

  20. Hi Chin

    I did not know u are there to show us the video.

    SO is the date confirm and we go ahead to book the ticket??

    Lilian – so u confirm going , I share room with u.

    Write to my email ..

    karen

  21. Chin HW,

    Forgot to ask if we have to climb the Bukit Tinggi. I can’t climb hills but walking on flat ground is not a problem. Stabilized heart case.

    Any chance of following all of you on this trip?

    Geok Suan.

  22. I’m attracted by the “tons of gold”! Terence, don’t you think we should at least try to find them? You’ll never know. Imagine, we could buy hectares of land in Padang for SHC retirement villages. Good idea right?

    Chin
    I’m encouraged by your “… make the first trip, say 28 to 30 May.” Does this mean if we miss this trip there will be another opportunity? M very interested but do have to check on my leave first. Shall confirm soonest.

    dAISY

  23. The trip to Padang and BukitTinggi is confirmed on 28 to 30 May 2009 by Tiger Airways TR224 SIN-PADANG 12.05-12.10 hrs (Indo time is one hour behind Sin). Return trip is TR225 PADANG-SIN 12.50-14.55 hrs.

    Catherine, Geok Suan, Karen,
    Please buy your tickets asap if you are certain of going. You may confirm later by buying the air tickets later but the air fare will go up as budget airlines make money by offering $0 (or very ridiculous low price) first and once the limited seats are bought, the fare will go up.
    I will book the hotel rooms as and when I receive the confirmations that you had bought the air tickets.

    There is no climbing involved.

    Whether there will be another trip I will not dare to say now.

    So far Pearl Goh and me had bought the air tickets.

    I will put up the itinerary for the trip soon so that the short three days two nights will cover as much as we can but not too rush to miss the beauty of the scenery and culture and ways of live in Padang and Bukit Tinggi.

    Cheers

  24. Hi Chin,

    I was at the monthly gathering and I missed your “presentation”. What a shame!

    This sounds a very interesting trip. I would like to join. Please include me.

  25. Hi Chin

    Thanks for the brief and it sounds good.

    I have just booked Tigerairways tixs for myself and my room mate Ann Lim.

    Lisa Ong and her husband, Freddy will be joining us too. That makes 4 confirmed. Lawrence Lee will confirm tmw if he can make it.

    All land tours and hotel accommodation will be arranged by you, thanks for all your help.

    You have my hp, please contact me for any updates.

    shirley

  26. Hi Chin,

    I have confirmed return reservations on Tiger Airways. Now I am looking for a room mate.

    Hey CatYeo, are you confirmed coming? We bunked in Batam, wanna bunk in Padang? Give me a call, okay?

  27. Hi Chin,

    I have also just booked my tickets, as per your recommendations on #23. Didnt book the seat, and also didnt any check-in lugguage. Save some money for the birds nest and lobster. Can sleep with anyone or anywhere.

    Terence Seah

  28. So far the following people have confirmed and bought their air tickets to Padang on 28 May 09 and return on 30 May 09.

    (please print your return tickets and show to immigration officer when arrived at Padang, otherwise they will invite you to chit chat in the office for money).

    1.Terence Seah
    2.Chin Hee Weng (tour leader)
    3.Pearl Goh
    4.Shirley Wee
    5.Ann Lim
    6.Lisa Ong
    7.Freddy
    8.Gingko Tay

  29. Hi Gingko,

    Will be booking my seats today. Ok we will be room-mates again in Padang. Once my tickets are confirmed, I will log in again.

    Ciao

  32. Hi Ah Nee #8, You got his name wrong already. He is Mr. Chin Hee Weng. We call him Chin, remember? (he comes cycling wearing office attire and I say, ‘Hey why are you all dressed up?). So it is either Chin or Hee Weng. Not Weng Chin lah! No wonder he won’t change the date to suit you. You will have to go another time, ie if he decides to bring you.

  33. Hi Terence,
    My apologies for not turning up at last evening’s meeting. Lost my way and couldn’t get Jie on the phone to direct me, so decided to return home after an hour’s search. Great Eastern bldg was so near, yet so far as it’s a one-way street. Will know next time. Btw, Fred’s full name is Tan Boon Keng and mine is Ong Seok Tin. Am going on line to book our flights now. Lisa

  34. I am very suaku, had been lucky enough to have all my flights arranged & confirmed so dont know how to book. Nonetheless, barged into the tiger’s lair moments ago and walau eh, at each punch of the keyboard, a different tiger show came on.

    Think, after much tears & sweat, I had finally booked my flight for a total of 14,800 cents.

    Phew, what an adventure it was and makes me love our so easily accessible padang btwn SCC and SRC even more.

  35. Wahlau Tim,
    At least you’re better than me. Not only do I get different Tigers coming out, I had to go back & forth to punch & re-punch because they require so many info. Finally managed to book 2 seats, 9B & 9C and total costs 16,800 cents each – must be the addnl insurance charge of 2000 cents each. Look forward to seeing everyone at the Tiger airport! Lisa

  36. Wow! so jealous you all lah….I am left behind. Due to my work schedule, I can’t go this round, will there be another similar trip or not?

    Lina, not only me got his name wrong leh. So he is Hee Weng and not Weng Chin. Sorry hor, Chin. I can’t recalled meeting you at the cycling……..

    Ah Nee

  37. Lisa #35 – My tkt costs 158 with inhouse insurance. Which insurance did you buy that costs $20? Maybe the AIG Assist?

    Ah Nee/Lina/Suzhang – ai lai mai? Ah Nee- try and reschedule your work and work doubly hard when you come back lor! Hehe

  38. Congrats, Lisa, so you finally managed to sign in to perform the next tiger show with Freddy, and now you make me envious…..Gerald the Thing, where’re you?

    Sure, they did ask me a lot of questions, like marital status, whom I last slept with, whether I hv any feel other than plutonic, for my gender, that if I had to choose a butty, would he be Obama, Osama, Ozawa or the Otak amah………………….very exasperating.

    Like Sengh, I chose it suave & spartan, didnt book for a seat, will just sit anywhere where it can be seated, carry no luggage & will share whatever the guys bring to wear. It’s so easy to go Free & Easy.

    Btw, all those mumbo jumbo terms & conditions which only surfaced after the booking was made & confirmed, are technically non binding as the agreement was made prior. But let’s all hope nothing untoward will happen and that we’ll get to make some nests with birds and see Cat-Y’s constipation riddle solved.

  39. Chin

    I just bought my ticket to Padang on the dates mentioned.

    Cat #37 – from my past experience to Chiangmai. It is better to buy the AIG Assist Superior which covers more than the Classic. S$31.00 for 3 days.

    Regards
    Helen

  40. Hi Chin,

    I have just booked my tickets, as per your recommendations on #23. Will join with anyone as room mate.

    Rgds
    Lawrence Lee

  41. Aiyah Tim,
    No more tiger shows for us lah, more like tiger snores…hahaha…..

    Hi Catherine #37, I think I click on Tiger insurance since we’re flying by Tiger leh. So much hoohah about AIG, so thought better to go with the liner that’s taking us. Btw, my fares don’t include luggage as I’m only bringing a haversack, so no luggage check-in for me. May have to buy additional for coming back in case I do buy something back e.g. lobsters or sea cucumber but will try not to as we can get these items here in S’pore. Rgds, Lisa

  42. Hi Weng Chin,

    Could you let me know what is the date and the cost pls.

    Very keen but have to do some planning.

    Also if I go, I need to find a room-mate.

    susan tan

  44. HelenW #39

    Guess its too late now as I have already confirmed everything including inhouse insurance so whats left for me is keeping my fingers crossed that it will be a smooth and glitch-free trip. But your advice will come in handy for future trips with Tiger Airways.

    Lisa #41

    If the prices of the sea cucumber and lobsters are very much cheaper, then, I think it will be worth the extra baggage charge if it arises, right? You might only end up with the local products and souvenirs, which, hopefully will not weigh too much. See you on the trip!

    Regds

  46. Hi Lisa

    ‘….more like tiger snores…..’ kekeke….so this is what happens after all the lust and drive are gone?

    Hi Sockie

    ‘…bags are packed..’ so cute!

    Hi Timothy-the-ling

    Gerald-the-thing almost fainted whilst checking for a direct flight from HK to Padang (the airfare and the duration sounds like I am going to Mars).

    Next, to Sg first but the fare is pretty expensive around that time. Looks like your friend Lum Kwai Fong will have to wait.

  47. Catherine #44, you’re right, unless they’re really cheap, then may be worth buying back, otherwise, these are things that we can buy back home.

    Wow! Sock Cheng #44, you beat us all to it, better get packing soon too. See you all soon! Rgds, Lisa

  48. Can see that Gerald-the-Thing is running rings round tim sounding her 2 ting ting bells,,,,pleased that you’re back in your elements again.

    Well, since finding her new love in LumohLo, Ms Lum hasnt any time for me anymore………..otherwise you think I am such a bird brain to go look for bird nests meh?

  49. Hi All

    How come nobody mention anything about accommodation ??

    Look like we sleeping on the roadside or the bus-stop??

    Sockie – u packed already huh??? (haha)

    We still waiting for DOlly reply , don know if she is going.

    karen

  50. Hi SHcians, I am new to this club. I have yet to attend any gathering. This trip seems interesting so I’ve decided to join in the fun. I have bought my ticket and will join anyone as roommate.

    A little about myself, definitely above 45, still working and married with 4 children. I’m quite a passive person, enjoy the occasional travels and enjoy makan makan.

    Hi Terence, it was nice talking to you. I look forward to meeting all of you soon.

  53. Oh, wow! everyone’s so excited about this trip.

    Hi CatYeo @ #30, wonderful you are coming. We are rooming again. No need to sleep alone.

    Chin, there is so much to see and do on this trip, eat lobsters & crabs, roam swiftlets caves, watch farmers harvest swiftlet nests, craft villages, mountains, lake, creepy Japanese tunnel, volcanoes, visit the equator, yes the equator. Read that here you can stand in both hemispheres simultaneously… Cool. But,can we do all these in two days??

  54. Hello Chin,
    I have just booked my ticket, as per your recommendation on #23. Do we need to apply for visa?

    Hello Lorraine #50
    Are you agreeable to be my room mate?

    Regards,

  55. Lina #52 – What a pity! Would be fun if LN/SZ/AN (Charlie’s Angels) can come too, well theres always another time.

    Gingko #53 – Now you have me all excited haha but actually I plan to go there for a brief respite from the stressful month that I had. Looks like there isn’t going to be much rest with so much crammed into 2 days….and a half? But hey I am ready!

    See you all next week.

  58. Wahlau the response to the trip is so good. Within three days we already have 17 people confirmed going. As long as Tiger Airways Airbus can take how many passengers, we can accommodate the number of people and form a convoy to Padang.

    Let me update the name’s list:

    1.Tereance Seah
    2.Chin Hee Weng (tour leader)
    3.Pearl Goh
    4.Shirley Wee
    5.Ann Lim
    6.Lisa Ong
    7.Freddy Tan
    8.Gingko Tay
    9.Catherine Yeo
    10.Tim Lau
    11.Helen Wong
    12.Lawrence Lee
    13.Neo Sock Cheng
    14.Karen Thio
    15.Lorraine Chia
    16.SK Chua
    17.Helen Kuek

    We will stay at Hotel Bumiminang (4 star)in Padang and Novetel Coralia Hotel (4 star) in BukitTinggi. Those who wish to stay at bus stops (open roof many stars)in Padang and Bukit Tinggi are encouraged to do so.

    Gingko,
    It seems like you know the area very well. Yes, the equator passes through there but it is three hours drive from Bukit Tinggi. There is a big Globe showing the equator beside the winding road leading to Bangkinang in Riau Province.

    The swiflet cave Sijunjung is 5 hours drive from Padang and 7 hours climbing up. I think we reserve our energy for lobsters better lah. After all we can watch the cave and the farmers/pickers on the video.

    SK Chua,
    Asean countries residents do not require visa.

    Karen,
    I am not in the Movie Making class.

  59. Hello Chin Hw,

    I have just booked my Tiger Airways round trip ticket to Padang on TR224 28/5/09. Return to Singapore TR225 30/5/09.Bought AIG Ins.

    Got aisle seat No 9D to Padang.But missed out seat for return trip. Tomorrow will call them to see what can be done. Can’t be standing from Padang to Sing.

    Also have a small check-in luggage to Padang.Oh,didn’t see anything for check-in luggage on return trip. Anytime, easier to buy normal non-budget flight ticket with all the essentials thrown in.Hahaha. So tricky! esp when trying to beat the 12midnight cut-off time for the cheap ticket before Tiger raises the fare according to Chin HW’s advice.

    Total fare S$153.00 + S$38.00 for Ins + s%10.00 for check-in luggage + S$5.00 for seat. Is this what you all (Padang Tripsters) paid?

    Geok Suan.

  60. Geraldine #46 & Lisa #47

    Ai yo yo it’s only a figure of speech lah, where got pack so early wan….still got Batu Pahat trip to do next week before Padang neh. Actually when it come to packing I am always leaving it to the 11th hour type.

    Sockie

  61. Dear Chin HW,

    Am joining you and the group for this trip. I have just managed to secure my ticket and confirmed seat.

    Thanks n regards,
    Eileen

  62. My dad was Liu, I too but all my 3 siblings are Lau so Tim Lau is fine with me but not fine with the immigration & custom authority if the family name is used oficially…

    Geraldine, other than the love for bullshitting, I hv no trait of a bull, so hardly any herd instinct. On the contrary, I am a wolf, no color in this wolf but a wolf which loves to move about independently..where to go, what to do, the decision is his and only he to make.

    Geok Suan, I paid a princely 14,800 cents (13,800 for taxes etc + 1,000 for convenience, whatever that means) so your 20,100 cents would have bought you a the cockpit and the privilege to sit and bounce on the pilot’s laps.

    A count of the trippers @#58 shows 5 males and 12 females. Minus the happily married couple (I am somewhat diappointed with their decline to show us the tiger), There will be 11 lasses (and the counting hasnt stopped, I think).

    So, if there’s a chance, I’ll take a single room and, meanwhile, have started practising like a tiger.

  63. Aiyah, really cannot go…. just because of a half day leave taken by a colleague. How…?

    Chin…, hope you can organize another trip okay?

    dAISY

  65. Cat Yeo, its a pity, the Charlie’s Angels cannot go for this trip lor and like Daisy Yeo said…just because leave already taken by other colleagues. So envy you all….anytime can just pack and go! This morning, Nor also said we so “kesian” lah, cannot join in the FUN! I hope Chin can organise another similar trip for “kesian” people like us…..Daisy Yeo, Ah Nee, Norlinda &……..

    Chin, if you organise this trip again, the responses will be even better…already three of us are waiting!

    Ah Nee

  67. Ah Nee, I taught you to use that technique, then you can go too, what. You also can anytime pack and go! How can you be kesian lah! Go for so many holidays and still call yourself ‘kesian’. Don’t worry. When Chin go for business you can follow him.

  68. Hi Sockie #60, you’re really on leh, Batu Pahat, then Padang, where do you get all the energy? Share leh!

    Eileen #61, glad to hear that you can join us and managed to beat the Tiger deadline, Well Done! Did you buy extra kg back this time? I didn’t as I want to see if there’s really anything worth buying first, afterall can tag the extra kg on Fred. Rgds,Lisa

  69. Hi Weng Chin,
    Do include us namly Paul Kong, Peggy Kong and Jane Loh.Tks.
    Tiger tickets secured already.
    So Lisa and Shirley this is for real. Hi Eileen, seeing you again.-Paul

  70. Dear Lisa #68, after you’ve called me in my office to join this trip, once back home I logged in to get the ticket/seat. It ended at 2.30am. Not enough sleep, I took half day off today.
    Unlike Perth trip, this time, I did not up-size my luggage. I got the normal check-in 15kg (return) for $20. Total Paid: $188 incl insurance.

    Hi Paul & Peggy #69, nice to see you on this trip. Will see you at the airport. Cheers, Eileen

  71. Dear Chin and all,

    I have just read some of the reviews written by fellow tourists to Padang and they are good. Please read reviews on the net before we leave Singapore.

    Chin, do you know if the hotel which you have reccommended has a disco that goes on till the wee hours in the morning and the review states that it can disturb our sleep if our rooms are just above it.Is this info true?

    Also check the health precautions necessary too. Hepatitis, Malaria and Gastroenteritis?

    I am looking forward to this great trip with new friends like you.

    Geok Suan.

  73. Chin #58,

    Five hours driving and seven hours climbing to/up the swiftlet cave, huh? Good grief, it’s desserts eaten from right to left.

    Better wait for next time and plan a longer stay.

  74. New update of the name’s list:

    18.Lim Geok Suan
    19.Eileen Lee
    20.Paul Kong
    21.Peggy Kong
    22.Jane Loh

    Tim Liu #62. Sorry for the error.

    Geok Suan #71. Precautions and personal alertness towards any possibility of sickness is utmost important. Eat hot well cooked food only if you have weak stomach. We will be tempted to try many different types of local food which you don’t find in Spore.
    Ask about anything if you are in doubt, nothing is too shy or embarrass to ask. If we go to Indonesian massage and spa and if you like ‘luruh’, the lady will scrub every parts of your body and bath you like Queen Cleopatra.
    The possible noise from disco and lounge in Bumiminang Hotel at the ground floor is minimum. I requested our rooms to be at the high floor.

  75. Lisa #68

    Ya man May is a really busy month for me. First it was the 2 days kelong (then burning mid night oil to edit the photos) then got potluck this Sunday then Batu Pahat, Padang and on 31st still got photo outing at Pulau Ubin….don’t know if I can last:0)…..not a young chicken anymore but going to look like Mdm Panda very soon kekekekek.

    I live to eat, soooo where got makan I will go……after that cannot find waisteline then panic lor hahahahahaha. Also just got into photography last Jul so got opportunity to shoot photo also wanna go…think I may need to drink more herbal soup soon

    Gingko #73

    Think gingko muts go very well with bird nest ya kekekekekek

  78. Heehee Hee Weng, no worry lah, Lau or Liu, it’s still my family name pronounced in my family tongue & mother tongue respectively so long as you dont call me lau liu and cause me to become incontinent.

    Yeasrs back, when I was in Myanmar on a biz trip, a snake was slit open in the middle, its gall removed and offered to me. I gulped it down. No burp. Here I am, still alive, kicking and making a lot of noise. So, my point is, it’s all written up there. If one is fated to go, eating tauhu can choke and kill. But swallowing durian husk will only cause acute constipation.

    On a relatively short outing like this, I dont expect myself to sleep much and will bounce and pounce on whatever form of music or sound that my ears admit, including tiger snores from Freddy & Lisa and heavy groaning from Sengh’s room. We will all try to make the best fun out of everything including Chin’s call to scrub the masseuse everywhere as you would to Queen Cleopatra.

    Victor, just log on to tigerairways and get your return-ticket. That’s all you need to do to join this trip.

    The adventure begins the moment you disembark from the plane and how much truer can an adventure be if you already know what to expect? Just make sure your Last Will is done and witnessed by a person of sound mind, of legal age and who is not a beneficiary in the Will. I can provide you my particulars if you want to add my name in yr testament.

  79. Weiwei Padang travellers, wa beh sai kee but hor, ai kaypoh abit..

    FYI, once you booked Tigers on rtn and u hv checked in luggage, pls include this in d booking so there is no way that you can change this request later on after u confirmed booking online, the only way that you can change is to call Tigers Hotline 65384437. If u decide 2 hv 1 way check-in only, den u will hv to book single way but it would be more likely 2b more expensive depending on the exch rate. As for Tiger AIG insurance, unless u go 4 comprehensive type, is meant for flight only. So it would be beta since there are many of you going, go to group insurance, which will be much cheaper.

    Hope the abv info would be some help to some lor.. Cheers and enjoy ur holis… Dolly

  80. Sockie #75
    I’m glad to learn that I’ve a partner in the “Live to Eat” clan. At least you can still find waistline, mine was long gone and only many thick lines (fats) hahahaha……. See you at this Sunday.

    Chin #74
    Pls advise on weather in Padang. Would bringing a thin wind breaker be sufficient? How about currencies, is it Rupiahs and how much to budget per day for food and can we pay by credit cards for hotel stay and purchases from your friend in case we buy birds nest etc? Tks, Lisa

  82. Hi Geok Suan,

    We have a date at Maggie Ho’s D&D. How may i arrange to pass the ticket to you?

    Sorry have to borrow this post. No mobile nos. and no email address, how to communicate with fellow members?

    Dan

  85. Hello Chin,
    Wow lao hei, reading all the posts oredi making me want to also jump onto the bangwagon and go …. but boey sai leh; nobody to jarga the works still pending on the table …. wait wait… any cut off date?
    Anyway, if cannot make it this trip, hope to join the 2nd one…..with all the charlies angels angle gals???
    Everybody, have a good trip lah!!!
    Ivan

  86. Chin,

    Thanks for arranging our tour and accommodation in Padang and Bkt Tinggi.

    1.Someone has asked what currency is used in Padang? Rupiah? Batam and Tanjong Pinang accept Sing$. Perhaps these places are closer to Singapore.

    2How much money do we need to change for this trip? Not A/C for shopping of course. Don’t want to carry a stash of notes unnecessarily. Do you have any suggestion? Appreciate your opinion.

    Geok Suan.

  87. New update of the name’s list

    23. Victor Wee
    24. Rosna Rauaee

    So far we have 2 couples (4 persons), 15 ladies and 5 men. I have booked 12 rooms so far in each of the hotels.

    Lisa #80, Weather in Padang is just like Spore. Bkttg is cool at night but comfortable. Windbreaker may be handy.

    Hotel Bumiminang is S$88 per room per night with b/f. Novetel is S$110. That makes S$99 per person for those who share a room. I have booked and paid for 12 rooms so far.

    For big merchants like my friend, they can take S$ at exchange rate similiar to Spore but for local outlets we need to use rupiah. I suggest to exchange S$200 for approx rp 1,400,000 is sufficient. For the seafood dinner and group makan, we will share and split the bills.

    Ivan #85, no deadline for the tour but need confirmed air ticket.

  88. Hi HW Chin, include both Margaret Tian and me in this tour. Air tickets have been booked and confirmed.

    Lawrence Lee, would you mind sharing room with me,.. ..remember me at the recent Kelong trip? So coincidence, both Lawrences’ shall share the same room this time.. ..hahaha

    Thanks Chin, for organizing this exciting trip.

    Lawrence Khan

  90. Thank you Dolly @ #79 for sharing with us your experience with budget airlines and Chin @ #87 for filling us in on hotel costs.

    Granted, this is a free-n-easy trip with a lot of adventure in store. Nevertheless, it will be nice and save everyone time (which is precious in a 3-day holiday) that land transportation is given thoughts to.

    Thus, will there be a coach arranged to take us to the hotel or do we need to fan out in groups of 4-5 to board cabs for the destination? (The latter can be a bit messy & daunting as most of us will be Padang first-timers and will not be able to tell the cab driver where we want to go, or if lost, what to do other than to cry.

    A rough indication of this cost will also help folks to prepare ourselves with a good estimation of the total amount of rupaih to carry.

    Last, not least, I look forward to this trip as, with so many “single” gals and not so many single guys (at least 2 guys are coupled and unlikely to break the shackles & gridlocks), there’s every chance I wont have to share a room with a guy…………and I promise to be good and obedient as if you were my mom……..hehe.

  91. Weiwei Tim, if there is a seat-in coach hor, then, Chin, u beta hv a restriction on headcount registration la so that all of them r in 1 coach lor.. e.g. 28, 30 or 44 seaters type lor.. Tio bo? Dolly

  92. Hi Terence,

    Left a msg in your phone and would like to know if my bro-in-law and wife can join us. I believe his wife is a SHC member, Lucia Wong/Tan but not active. Pls confirm if it’s ok for them to join so that they can proceed with their flight booking. Thanks, Lisa

  93. Thanks again Dolly, that’s another good point raised.

    While we have Sengh – the protagonist of the “let it be a bit disorganised” culture – with us for the trip, it will certinly do well if some essential arrangements like land transportation are looked into. However if land transportation will be on an ad hoc basis, then it’s nice to know now so that mentally we will all be prepared for a bit of fun lugging luggages around.

    Come what may, I am all systems go.

  94. Hi Chin,

    Can you pls revert if it’s too late to register two more pax for this trip? Reason being I’ve my in-law and wife who would like to join in and I think the wife is an inactive SHC member and I’ve also just spoken to Terence. He said to check with you first n if ok, will ask him to register immediately as SHC member to join in the trip. Pls confirm if ok before I request them to proceed with flight booking. Thanks much. Lisa

  95. Geok Suan #86, I suggest some S$200 change into rupiah is sufficient to personal use but if you like to buy souvenir and shopholic, then change for more rupiah.
    Unlike Batam and Tanjung Pinang, Padang is less or not frequent by Singaporean.

    Tim Liu #90,93, Land transport will be passenger van Mitsubishi L2000 which is popular and the mode of passenger transportation in Padang. We need three vans if we stop the number of people going to Padang max at 30. I think this is a comfortable and manageable size.

    Lisa #94, It is ok to join the trip.

    If you want to contact me , my email address is heewengchin@yahoo.com

    The new updateof the name’s list:

    25. Lawrence Khan
    26. Margaret Tian

  98. Geraldine, cho san, read yr #97 only now. Heee, you want me to be “still up”?. No medication can keep me in a mari kita position for so long so hunni you’ll have to wait……

    Had a long day yesterday. # hours of solid meeting followed by 2 hours with kid then asked her permission to go karaoke and she said ok before going back late at nite to accompany doggy till his “mother” returned for him to go sleep with his mother and I wilth my bolster.

    Usually, “sai” is not something we’d like to talk about but somehow, in many hokien songs, the songstresses are so proud of mentioning it again and again, such as in “wel ah long lou sai”. Is it some desperate move to hold, or otherwise rend, the heart of yr lover by telling him that his leaving has caused you to lou sai, and so evoke some sympathy from him?

    Well, we Cantonese prefer not to go into something so dramatic or use the scare tactic. So, if we tear for our beloved, we say so in “lou lui” as the Mandarin would in “liu lei”. We dont say, “wai lei lai si” knowing for sure that that would frighten him to the edge of earth……..

  99. Gosh Tim

    Now you have me ‘lou lui’ – tears of laughter!

    First, getting permission from your princess, then bolster, later, proud rendering of ‘sai’ and finally ‘wai lei lai si’………gawd!!

    Really wish I could join this trip; what with the food, meeting fellow members and of course, pouncing about with you with our sharp claws and tiger snarls…….

  100. Yes, Geraldine, it’ll be fun to have you around.

    Most of us would not hesitate to make sacrifices, such as (mandarin) wei jia, wei guo si sheng; wei ren min kung sian, wei ta chung fu wu but can we be so mad and so revolutionary as to “wei ai lou sai”? Unthinkable !

    Talking abt sacrificng for one’s cause, I have this tinge of sadness to read of the annihilation of the tigers. What if the will of the establishment had remained weak as it was in the past 25 years or once again, it bowed to demands of world human rightists……….?

    Chern zhe wei huang, bai zhe wei gou but for militants like them, bai most inevitably lead to a violent death. There wont be another liang shan to hide………..

  101. Hello Chin and all,

    After having booked my Tiger return tickets and made other preparations for this trip, I now find that I am UNABLE to
    join all of you to Padang and Bkt Tinggi.

    I shall look forward to anyone in the group to keep me updated of all the wonderful happenings from breakfasts, shoppings,sighting-seeings, dinners and night entertainments. So that I can imagine myself touring with you all and have not been left behind.

    Thank you.

    May you all have a most enjoyable time holidaying in Padang and Bkt Tinggi.

    Geok Suan.

  102. Weiwei Geok Suan, u can actually postdate ur ticket 2 another 6 or 12mths’ dates (not sure which 1)and then later to request to change to another destination. Of cos, there is a slight penalty fees imposed on these changes but it is beta den to discard this airticket.. amendment cost is usually around $40.. FYI… Dolly

  103. Hi Dolly

    You are so helpful………..been reading all your helpful input in different threads.

    Really want to meet you one of these days!

  104. Hi Tim

    You know, when I read ‘…wei jia, wei guo si sheng….’, was reading in the usual accent (whatever that means) but when I got to ‘….wei ren min kung sian, wei ta chung fu wu…..’ I automatically read with a Beijing accent because whenever Zu Guo talks to the public, they tend to use these phrases! So familiar……..wonder if Ivy finds it familiar, too? And if they talk to Hongkongers, it’s ‘xiang kang tung bao’. So endearing……

    Definitely won’t ‘wei ai lou sai’…..kekeke. Stop it!

  105. Update of new name’s list:

    26.Lucia Tan
    27.Derrick Tan

    Geok Suan couldn’t make the trip due to unforeseen circumstances. So we shall have vacacny for the last 3 persons.

    I will be uncontactable by internet due to working on board the ship in open sea for 4 days. If urgent matter you need to contact me. Sorry to bend the rule of SHC for the sake of SHC members who are going for the trip in a week’s time.

    Please change some rupiah for the trip. Last minute don’t end up changing in Changi airport which does not have so good rate.

  106. Geok Suan #101, sorry to hear that you had to pull out at the last minute. As what Dolly advised, change the tickets to another date and join those who wanted to go but couldn’t. You’ll be in our thoughts anyway. Take care. Lisa

  107. Hi Geraldine,

    @104 – don’t know how you and Tim ended up “Da Chin Ma Qiao” here which is supposedly for the Padang trip. Anyway, I can only say both of you are very patriotic. I was equally puzzled with my first encounter with Hokkien songs…why ‘luo bak sai’…so untidy wan…Oops, sorry, no offence to all the hokkiens. Ok, let’s move on to Padang…have a good time there, folks. Tata

  108. Hi Ivy

    Somehow Timothy and Gerald pick up where they left off in different threads and hopefully Chin of this thread does not mind.

    Now I am going to another thread to talk to my beloved…..

    Take care, dear

  109. Geok Suan, am sorry to read of your involuntary withdrawal. Ok, I shall try to do a write-up of the highpoints of this trip.

    I continue to be bemused by this rule against revealing one’s contact number here which to me is being over protective. I find no Joy if anyone of our age still needs Parental Guidance when he/she has no qualms watching R(A)s one after another and missing meals. While it’s good to remind of the danger of such revelation, ultimately it’s a decision for the person above 45 to make.

    Geraldine, lucky that your Zu Zung from Zu Guo calls them ‘xiang kang tung bao’ and not “tung zi” or worse, “tung tung cao (grass) bao, char siew bao, hum (cry) bao”

    Ivy, isn’t it nice to “Da Chin Ma Qiao” in cyberspace? Frankly, I have developed an inexplicable fondness for this Thing in my make-believe world where she’s eligible, of a shape, looks and size I’ll drool on but reality can be cruel so I will, like writers of wuxia novels say, dien dou wei zi.

    Early this morning, a fellow SHCian sent me a Hokien song “Wa Moon Tea” (I ask Heaven). A very nice song and that it has all but sai deserves special mention. Haha, she must have a message for me?

    Frankly, I do enjoy Hokien songs like “Cheeky Sio Hor Sua” (1 Small Umbrella), “Ai Pia Ka Eh Ya” (Must Strive to Win) but alas, good songs come few and far between. To meet the urge of singing new songs, writers (if we can call them so) dish out all kinds of bland bordering the silly lyrics, much like musical blathers.

  110. Hi Chin,

    I believe Lucia has informed you of their confirm flights via your personal email as SHC admin has yet to assign them a password to login, so they were unable to post any comments just yet. Pls include them for the hotel reservations and if possible assign our rooms to be next to each other so that we can ‘tumpang’ excess baggage to their luggage (vice versa if/when nec) since Derrick & Fred are both brothers. Thanks. Lisa

  111. Hi Geraldine,

    Yes you are spot on with the ‘calefes’ and it looks like you are a woman with a huge sense of humour. Laughter makes the world go round. I, too enjoy a good laugh whenever possible and I hope to meet you real soon. Sure you don’t want to fly down and join us to Padang? You still have more than a week to consider?

    Geok Suan #101 Pity you are not joining us this time but hope to meet you at other events soon.

  112. Hello Catherine

    So happy to hear from you!! How’s your son? Hope he has thrown away his crutches and gone dancing…….

    Yes, humour and laughter are really important. Good for you to have a good laugh whenever possible. We all need it.

    I became teary when I read ‘….I hope to meet you real soon. Sure you don’t want to fly down and join us to Padang? You still have more than a week to consider?….’

    For this, I will plan and research some more. As you know, it’s not like I can shout ‘TAXI!’ or flag a bus down which always stops 50 metres before or after the bus-stop…..go figure!!

    Will let you know. Do have a great time; I know you need the break – wish and hope we can break together.

    Take care,

  113. Hello Dolly,
    Thanks for your advice on postdating my ticket and change of destination. I shall try.

    Tim,
    Thank you for volunteering to write highlights of the groups’ Padang and Bkt Tinggi trip.You can be sure that I shall be following very closely on all your write-ups.

    Lisa and Catherine, appreciate your kind thoughts. Tim has volunteered to do write-ups of your enjoyment in Padang and Bkt Tinggi – eating lobsters, crabs, prawns and drinking switlets’ nest soup/desserts. Yum… yum.

    Enjoy your trip everyone.

    Geok Suan.

  114. Hi Geri,

    Thanks for your concern. My son is still in wheelchair for school and crutches while in the house. Next appointment will be 2nd June and hopefully his cast will be removed for good. Can’t wait for that to happen as bathing him is quite a hassle.

    Para 4- Yup I do understand that its easier said than done but at least you do not have young kids to look after. Having said that, I reiterate that it will be nice if you can join us but nvm theres always the next time.

    Yes hopefully we will have a break and have a kit-kat together?

  115. Hello Lorraine #66

    Apologies this delayed reply – was working late shifts. Could room together ‘cos same gender.

    Thanks,
    SK (Mdm)

  116. Hi Catherine

    I can imagine the hassle of bathing your son. All the more to enjoy Padang and deal with 2nd June later. Fingers crossed that the cast will be off.

    Yah, kit-kat together wherever we meet.

  117. We have 4 more days before we start our journey to Padang and Bukit Tinggi. I hope you go there with relaxed body and mind and come back with joy and good memory of the trip.

    I have managed to get a bus instead of 4 passenger vans with drivers to make sure we don’t split out half way on the journey. We can share the fun and jokes in the bus together. Bus hire is rp 2 juta per day, ie 6 juta for three days. The bus will pick us up from the airport and will ferry us to all the places we are going and send us back to airport on Saturday.

    We have so far 27 people going to Padang. 6 guys, 3 couples and 15 ladies.

    We will meet on 28 May 2009, 10.30 am at Changi budget terminal to board Tiger Airways TR224 1205 hrs for Padang. Since we do not have the contact tel numbers of each other, I suggest you email me at heewengchin@yahoo.com so that I can compile the contact numbers to everyone and we can contact the forgetful one just in case. Afterall it is natural for silver hairs to be forgetful.

  118. Thank you Chin for arranging land transportation for us which, to my mind, is essential in a place most of us have no abang and dont know Bambang. It will also save us time amd hassle to look for ad hoc transportation for 27 persons esp if we need to move around much.

    However, what is a juta…………something one pays to a junta……….haha, is there something in the offing that you know, we dont?

    For myself, I was so eager that I queued over the weekend to get a brand new virgin passport for Padang nvm that the holder is not……..

  119. Hi Chin,

    Three days to go! Any chance to have a peek at the program, apart from “eating lobster or crab till you vomit”?

    Noted you have booked and paid for the hotel rooms in Sin Dollars @ #87. How shall we settle this payment with you?

    Chin, thank for very much for organizing and making the necessary arrangements for us. Look forward to an enjoyable, funshine time…

  120. Tim @ #118

    Haha, for you it will have to be millions and millions and millions to a junta. I do not know how to count lah. All the zeros are making me see circles…

  121. I have been talking to the driver which route to go and where to go in order to spend our time meaningfully. I also asked my friend to try out the restaurants and the chef so that hopefully they don’t disappoint our demanding Singaporean gourmet.

    I was told they have lobsters weighing about 1 kg which are bigger than similar lobsters (0.4-0.5 kg) sold in Singapore. Unlike dark brown Boston (US) lobsters, Indonesian lobsters don’t have big pincers. I don’t know how many lobsters can we eat until vomit but let us decide there when we see the lobsters ourselves, ok?

    I remember I ate the 2 kg lobster roe (8cm long, 2cm wide)during my uni day in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, I had bad breadth for 3 long days. No kidding.

    I will list out the itinerary tomorrow after finalise with the driver.

    I suggest after we arrive Padang and check in hotel, we will go for lunch with crabs and prawns and other dishes. Dinner wil be lobster feast and fish and other dishes. Any suggestion?

    For payment I suggest I collect S$200 for hotel, transport and food from each of you at the Changi airport. I request a treasurer to keep track of the expenses, someone please?

    For those who want to share the same room please do so. I will list down the names and distribute the contact list to everyone. I still don’t have the contact no. of Lawrence Lee,SK Chua,Lorraine Chia,Ana Lim,Neo Sock Cheng,Karen Thio,Jane Loh,Rosna Rauaee,Paul n Peggy Kong.

  122. Hi Chin,

    Just a suggestion to relieve yourself the headache of collecting S$200 from each one of us. Simply give us your personal bank saving a/c nbr and we will transfer to you immediately.

    Cheers.

  123. Hi Chin,
    I understand that Jane is looking for a room-mate, if you’ve not paired her up with anyone, can you pls put her and my friend Eileen to share the room? Thanks.
    Regards
    Lisa

  125. While many are looking for a room-mate, I am looking for a maid for my room. Serious………… Interested? Pls apply, with resume, here.

  126. The itinerary of Padang n Bukittinggi Trip :

    28 May TR 224

    12.10 Arrive Padang Minangkabau International Airport
    13.00 Pick up by bus to Nelayan Restaurant in Padang city
    for sea food lunch
    14.30 Check in Hotel Bumiminang
    15.00 Bus tour of Padang city, old harbour, China Town,
    Telok Bayur. We can stop anytime to see and

  127. feel the Chinese community live in Indonesia.
    18.00 Back to Padang Beach to see sunset facing the
    Indian Ocean. Listen to the pounding waves.
    19.30 Lobster feast at Mega Restaurant
    21.00 Return to hotel. Shops normally close
    21.30. Padang Beach is not far from
    hotel, so those who like to take a
    stroll can enjoy the night. Padang is
    one of the safest place in Indonesia.
    Those who want massage can be arranged.

    29 May
    08.30 After buffet breakfast, we set off to
    Bukittinggi. On the way we pass by
    Padang Panjang and Anai Valley and Anai
    Waterfall. We can see the water flowing
    down beside the main road all the way from
    the highland.
    10.30 We stop at famous Satay Padang which
    is different from Spore or Msia. At
    Pandai Sikek, we see the famous
    village of weaving and wood carving.
    12.00 City tour of Bukittinggi, Gedung Jam
    is landmark of Bkt tinggi. We stop for shopping
    at Pasar Atas or Komala Sari
    13.00 Check in Novetel Hotel and then we go for
    nasi Padang. Those who want to use
    right hand to eat can practise
    here. Don’t use the left hand, it
    is used for something else.
    14.00 Time to look for gold in Japanese
    Tunnel and Sianok Canyon.
    16.00 To Maningjau Lake via 44 hairpin curved
    road and enjoy the beautiful
    view. You can see the lake (another Lake Singkarak as
    well) from the plane if you sit at window
    seats.
    19.30 Back to hotel and dinner at
    local nasi padang. After dinner free to roam
    the city. You will see a lot of Angmoh backpackers in
    Bkt Tinggi, mostly Dutch

    30 May TR225

    08.30 Buffet breadfast at the hotel. Wake up early to see
    the morning market and the cool air. See and touch
    the horse carriage and smell and immense in the
    aroma of the droppings.
    09.30 Leave hotel and catch the Tiger in the airport by
    12.50
    Home sweet home

    All local Indonesian time, wib (meaning waktu Idonesia barat)

  128. Chin

    Thanks for the detailed itinerary. I am sure to enjoy it with mountain and waterfall leh. See you tomorrow at Changi Airport.

    Regards
    Helen

  129. helo helo!…I am envious that all of you will be enjoying yourselves tomorrow…apa macam!…saya tak boleh ikut leh..hhhmm..

    I have been reading this thread since yterday between my office hour…alamak so long until must have breaks,now then can cakap2!…very interesting & tak boleh tahan!..the crabs & lobster,the Grand Canyon,the lake,the beach…but dont eat until vomit lah…don waste food!…haha

    Chin..
    Since u always go visit your bizness fren there..pls do another trip for us kesian ppl…Daisy,AhNee,Lina,SuzChang,Dolly,Lily,Molly,IvanLim sure will go…rite gang?..but this time must ‘limited edition’…if not banyak susah lah so many ‘fighting’ for crabs,lobster & birdnest…the birds want to tido also no time!…haha

    Anyway..want to be ‘sourgrapes’ lah…with so much to see & jalan2 & makan2 & shopping2..where got enough only 3days??..
    nx time our ‘tour’..we fly on Thursday & come back Tuesday!…lagi shiok!…July boleh tak Ah Chin?…kekeke…

    Ok lah…u all have fun & enjoy every minit of your trip!..& tell us the story of Padang & Bukit Tinggi..

  130. Hi Norlinda

    ‘…..but dont eat until vomit lah…don waste food!…..’HAHAHAHA…………

    Hi all Padang travelers

    Have a good trip and enjoy……..

  131. Dear Tim #125,

    Regarding yr personal request pls contact this agency call ‘SLY’.They will delightedly render assistance to you.

    Rose White

  133. Thank you Norlinda, Geralding and Dolly for you good wishes. Going by what I Chin has so kindly prepared for us in the itinerary, we shall all hv nothing less than a great & exciting trip and a fabulous time together.

    You all, be good while we are away…………must hv enough sleep, take yr medicine, observe good bowel habits, brush yr teeth in the morning and after food, flush the toilet after use…………..promise, ok?

    Rose White, if you promise me to be the good girl you are, I shall share a room with you………guarantee the rose will be fresher the next morning and for many more mornings…………

  135. We are now at the Budget terminal. Catherine Yeo looks at her passport and it looks like her son’s passport. She has just rushed home to pick it up. Fingers crossed.

    Terence Seah

  136. Hi CatY!

    Why so “kachong” till you are so careless?

    Hope you are in time?
    Or is it Terence’s pulling our legs!

    Tim!

    R U acting like a grandpa or practising first?
    Enjoy yrself & take more photographs to show us. OK?

  137. Got into our Tigerair, just arrived in Padang. Cat Yeo arrived 12 minutes after counter closed. But the tigers let her in.

    Now, inside our bus, very hungry and heading towards Padang, capital of W Sumatra for lunch. We have an Indonesia guide on bus. He is making us hungry with all the talk about nasi pedas. Crouk crocuk …

    Terence

  139. Terence & gang!..
    So how your nasi padang?..very sedap or not?
    I cud hear your burp now after your ‘crouk crocuk’..haha

    Ooi!..don make us jealous hor…im imagining myself with all of you in the bus now…
    think u all should have check-in..so noisy & rowdy ..i know! especially with cameragirl Sockie!..hehe..don hantam me hor!

    Quick everybody…freshen up,must look your best ..wash your hands,brush your teeth as Tim ordered us to do here!…get ready at hotel lobby for sightseeing to PadangCity,old harbour,ChinaTown,Teluk Bayur..
    while travelling..click!click!..better smile sweetly..u on candid camera!…hehe :)

  140. Hi Terence!

    They have rubber time there U know. Better buy some food on the way even after meals, lest your stomach goes grumbling again!

    Ha..ha..enjoy!

  141. Hi Guys at Padang

    Whether u believe or not, please take your own temperature in between. We dont want 2 see u back in SG going 2 “Padang” of another kind. Hv fun but dont 4get once again “take your own temperature”.

  142. YewKwong..
    Now is 5.30pm spore time..they shud be 4.30pm local lah rite?…they enjoying themselves!..mana ada time to take temperature?..tidak apa,sudah lah, …haha

    I can visualise..18 girls among 9 boys..sure banyak bising!
    Karen..this time, u cant have Terence by yourselves…must share with the rest..hehe
    so you guys must take good care of the girls..each jaga 2..make Chin’s job easier so that he wont lose any!..so matching 1 boy hold 2 girls with his rite & left hand…how romantic!..hhhmmm

  143. Now, we are all very full. Cannot walk. Big fish, big prawns, and big crabs. Pearl ate the claws and Paul took the best part of the fish.

    Now, we going to lobster factory, where they fix the pincers, the armour and the eyes. Our announcer Lisa Ong gave us some tips on tipping and massage rates. Tonight, we have one lobster each, big one lah.

    Now, doing Chinatown tour. Pass the love bridge, and Padang habour. Rest at a scenic spot, having cold beer. Shiok.

    Terence

  145. Hi all in Padang,

    I am following your trip and happy to know that you all have enjoyed your lobsters, prawns and crabs very much. More eating sprees tomorrow so keep some stomach space for Yen wor soup/dessert too in Bkt Tinggi and shop till you drop! Have fun!

    Do remember that tiger is not compassionate when it comes to excess luggage.

    Happy holiday!

    Geok Suan.

  146. Last night, we had a good sleep. Some of us had a massage, I think only the ladies had a massage. The men went straight to bed. Zzhhzzzz.

    Just had buffet breakfast, and about to move to our next destination, before checking into the Novotel hotel. SK Chua helped with taking orders for lobsters at SGD 30 per kg and avocados at SGD 2 per kg. For lunch we will have nasi padang and one stick of satay. So full.

    Terence Seah

  147. Here’s what we are laughing at now. We have this tour guide, handsome 29 year old Indonesian who used to work with Dutch people. There is a blind man and a naked girl. How does the man know she is a beautiful girl. Lisa goes like this. The old blind man is carried on the back of a young man. When the old man has an erection and the young man feels the banana, he knows she is a beautiful woman. Do you know?
    Cat loves the old man with teeth. Some of us like the old woman without teeth.

    Someone went to room 308 last night. Rosna is fun, didn’t know she can talk about milk, durian and bananas. Adrenalin all fun. Aiyah, factory closed.

    Terence Seah

  148. We are leaving The Hills Resort for the airport from Bukit Tinggi now. Our local Mr Tham will handle the lobsters, avocados and keropoks.

    Now, we know that Padang has some of the largest caves in the world for bird nests. The moment the nests are harvested, they are transported out of Padang to countries like Thailand, for subsequent processing.

    And suddenly, right in front of us we saw a lady motocyclist squeezed between two lorries. She felt but we see she is alright. Gosh, and glad we move along.

    So, dirty jokes time.

    Arrived airport. Will get in at abt 3pm, collect lobsters, avocados, keropoks.

    Terence

  149. Dear all,

    Flight TR 225 touched down safely at abt 2.50 p.m. and the most ancxiou to get out of the plabe had to be the lobsters….even tho they got to fly for free, they werent comfortable travelling in a frozen condition.

    As promised to Seok Hwa, I will give my account of the highpoints later when I get hold of a proper keyboard as I aint good typing on a laptop.

    For now, I must say a very big thank you to Chin for going out of the way to make sure we were more than well taken care of. smiling even in the face of challenges many wd have fainted.

    And if there wasnt Lisa, we cd all have gone picak. In Mrs Fred Ong, we saw a woman with true & peerless leadership. She stepped in volunarily when the tour guide was obviously at seas, steered the ship back on course, looked into the details to make sure everything was properly coordinated. And she was actually another of us…….there to enjoy herself and to lay back. Need I say more of Lisa?

    Chin and Lisa, our most profound appreciation to you both.

  151. Dear fellowships of Padang trip,

    what a rendezvous trip that we had in such that instead of bringing back tons of gold, we brought back dozens of sarong batik for our Bollywood nite event.Needless to say all those hilarious moment that we share with all these wonderful people.

    Thank you.

    Rose White

    Rose White

  152. Hi Chin

    A BIG THANKS for this interesting trip and believed every each of us enjoyed the trip very much.

    Lisa – I think Chin is very glad that he got u as his Co-EO , very hardworking , helpful and cheerful lady.

    Chin – U keep telling us tips on how to cook the lobster , but u no tell us how to “Kill” the lobster?

    I do not have your HP# no , so I asked sockie & Terence , both also don know how to do it.

    It take me 2 hours to “kill” that 3 lobster but sockie’s lobster did not survie , it die b4 it reached sockie’s house (haha)

    karen

    Thanks again

    karen

  153. Hi Chin & all,

    Today, I made myself an avocado drink for breakfast and then a creamy avocado prawn salad for lunch. Four large lip-smacking avocados in all! Slurp, slurp, yum, yum…

    Chin, thank you again for all your efforts in organizing this very unusual, enjoyable and memorable trip. I believe all my co-travellers will agree with me. Thanks also for being soooo cool, always helpful, patient and smiling,

    Lisa Ong, you are ichiban! While the rest of us were drinking, karaoking, dancing at the lounge or engaged in other leisure activities, you were tucked in one corner of the hotel lobby working fervently, tallying up the expenses and sorting out our orders of lobsters/avocados/keropok to be shipped on the next day’s fight. You coordinated and attended to all the details, be it hotel rooms, meals, massage appointments or “marshalling” some “stray lambs” back on track . Chin and all of us were so fortunate to have you onboard. Thanks a zillion. HUG, HUG…

    Also thanks to our camera crew Karen, Sockie, Paul for capturing all the wonderful and memorable moments. Not forgetting Chin and Derrick for minding my baggage. Sorry guys for causing the inconvenience.

    The weather in Padang was scorching hot, but in Bukittinggi it was a delightful change – sunny with cool crisp air. My room-mate, Catherine, and I had our hotel room windows opened. We slept like a log. Although it was barely a five-hour slumber, we woke up fresh as the Bukittinggi breeze the next morning.

    Rooms at both hotels were excellent. We had a suite in Padang with a poolside view. In Bukitinggi we had a normal twin with a poolside view in front and a mountain view behind our room. Beautiful!

    We have a bus, large enough to accommodate all the 27 of us, including a tour guide, driver and a helper. Reasonably comfortable and clean. As our bus journeyed along the narrow roads, we saw stretches of country-sides, unique houses with horn-shape roofs against the backdrop of misty blue mountains. Occasionally, we passed some padi fields and small farms. A goat, buffalo or two grazing leisurely, natives (or Minangkabaus) idling outside their homes chatting or watching the world went by. It was a pretty sight.

    The people we met were a friendly and easy-going lot. No hurry, no rush, fairly laid-back.

    Our trip was filled with much laughter, ample dirty jokes, fresh lobsters, huge prawns, delicious local nasi padang, sightseeings, relaxing facial/body massages, shopping sprees and great traveling companions.

    In short, it was a pleasant break from the routine, spending a couple of days in a different place, seeing new things and experiencing something you won’t find at home. Refreshing!

  154. Hi Karen, Sockie,

    Here’s how I took care of the lobsters. Boil a pot of water until I hear the blurp blup and see the steam coming out of the pot. Then, I start to clean the lobster with my toothbrush, no toothpaste needed as they are very clean. Pour some brandy from my favourite bottle into another pot and put in all the lobsters. After 10 minutes, they look pretty drunk. Then gently put them into the steam bath. 8 minutes later, they are ready to be enjoyed. Yum Yum Yum….

    Terence Seah

  155. Hi Chin,
    Really missed this trip………..chucks!! lobsters, prawns, birdnests……sigh..sigh..sigh..
    Suggestion: Can we make this event a bi-annual event of SHC…just make sure that each trip is a different crowd…except the EO and his assistant…..repeaters will have to be on wait lists till last hour of cut-off date/time…..

  156. Okie, from 1 (Batu Pahat trip) to another……..

    3 cheers to Chin and Lisa for putting together this wonderful trip for us and taking care of all the details for us so that we all could sit back and relax and enjoy the trip. Without you 2 we would have been a bunch of lost sheep on Padang and maybe ended up in the nasi padang with avocado juice kekekekek.

    Karen (#152) my lobster did survive the flight and it was still alive when I got home but it died a natural death after I left it in a basin of water, so I need not have to struggle with it…..hope you had a great time with your act of ‘murder’ hehehehehehe

    Terence (#154), I did mine the easy way. Sprinkled some garlic salt and pepper and let it have a steam bath. The lobster I had was quite a sizable one and I just had that for dinner and as it was going to shed it’s old shell, I actually had a soft shell lobster after removing the other shell so it was packed 100% with meat…oolala shiok shiok

    With all the fun behind, now time to get down and work on the 700+ photos from the trip (on top of the 400+ from Batu Pahat)……mati liao, no need to koon liao)

    My only regret…..missed the sunset just right in front of our hotel window with a clear view of the volcano…should have given the massage a miss and go for a later one…sigh…..soooo looks like I will have to get myself on the list again if there is a repeat trip, to capture the sunset scene…..and of course more lobsters kekekekekek, soooo Ivan (#155), I put myself first on waiting list now hor. Think Karen would want to be on the same list too cuz she had caught the shutter ‘ bug’ too…right Karen?

  157. Thank you Gingko @ #153, for giving a very good write-up of our pleasant holiday. May I supplement it.

    Day 1 (Thursday, 28 May 2009)

    Flight TR224 to Padang, (I understand it‘s the provincial capital of West Sumatera), was ¾ full and so we had the luxury of choosing our seats. The journey there ws uneventful except that the runway at Padang airport was rather short and the pilot had to brake the craft abruptly before making a swift right turn.

    After almost like 40 years, it was fun walking under the blistering sun again without an airbridge. The sun was unusually bright but it was less humid than in Spore and so my armpits stayed dry (and Sengh, ever so curious, can confirm it).

    None of us encountered any problem clearing the custom. Outside, we were met immediately by the local contact and all the 28 of us were ushered into a 35-seater coach which was quite new & clean altho’ a bit tight for leg-room. We chatted and chattered along the way interspersed btwn laughters as we headed for lunch.

    The lunch was great and so it was worth the long wait. After so many helpings to the chilly crab, we still had much left behind.

    After lunch, we were driven to a waterfall and I could see some of the gals were tempted to strip and dip in the inviting pool only if they knew all (other than me whi has bad eyesight) better.

    We stopped next at what appeared to have been a cliff cut out to make a drink kiosk, to view the Indian Ocean. We were too early for the sunset tho’. Rose had whale of a time there. A waiter held up his hands at his cheat to make a cup shape and then pulled down only because he wanted to know whether Rose would like milk in her drink. Well, that was a compliment for being sexy, I think.

    We met with a room over-booked predicament at the Bumiminang. 2 rooms booked from Spore were cancelled. Both Chin and Seng were selfless, crossed the road to put up the nite in what appeared to be a 1-star but 6-starfish hotel.

    Dinner too was scrumptious, abundant and would have made the most jaded palate sit up and drool. We each had a lobster weighing abt 300-400g. I was lucky to sit next to Fred and not on his laps as he effortlessly cracked all the heads before him with 2 fingers and sucked their brains, roe and all. The restaurant’s signature dish of fried beehoon was gobbled up without coaxing, but we left many other dishes unfinished as food was filled to the gullet.

    After dinner, we were treated to a video clip on the source of birdnest, which helped to debunk myth like sueh yien (blooded birdnest) is from the blood-cough of swiftlets; in truth, the color of the birdnest really depends on the type of cave where the birds built their nests. Chin fielded questions from us.

    Day 2 (Friday, 29 May 2009)

    I woke up early at 5 a.m. to stroll and sit by the beach fronting the Indian Ocean. There were already joggers who apparently enjoyed the hang-loose pace of life. The sound of waves crashing the shore was great.

    After breakfast, we left for Bt Tinggi. In the coach, the vivacious Rose traded barbs with the local guide, exchanging the best in the dictionary of adult-talk. The Guide’s banana was repulsed by Rose’s elephant trunk. I think it was Victor who also stepped up to tell us a joke, essentially about one of 2 Chinese brothers who both had a crush for a gal, with the younger one writing a short note to the gal, trying to sabo his older brother. The note reads like this “Ta niu be jiao nang”, meaning the older brother is relatively lazier but actually got the gal all excited with the older brother. (Well, Chinese is usually read from right to left, and that was how the gal read it).

    We visited an apparel outlet and the Panorama (which looked down at ravines) and did some shopping at what was the equivalent of Pasar Hari.

    Both lunch and dinner were local Minangkerbau favourites. I ate little but that was enough to cause my tummy to grind for the nite.

    Day 3 (Saturday, 30 May 2009)

    Breakfast started at 6.30 a.m. as we had to head for the airport at 8 a.m. Along the way, we stopped at the Minangkerbau House for some last minute foto-shoots.

    Flight TR 225 departed Padang at about 12.50 p.m. and we touched down at Changi at about 2.45 p.m. with fond memories and some with lobsters to sleep with for the nite.

    tim

  159. After reading the rideups I go ..Sigh…sigh…sigh…:-))

    Now got to wait till i get home tonite to view Karen’s clips, then go sigh sigh again….:-))

  160. “Now got to wait till i get home tonite to view Karen’s clips, then go sigh sigh again….”

    June-L, you will be utterly disappointed bcos what Karen has in her clips will make you hiss from yr 2 nostrils (and you wished you hv more orifices to let it out) and arrgh from yr mouth. Hubby watching will wonder what has transformed you back to that raunchy and highly proactive you he met 50 years ago……….and who knows another June-junior 10 months down the road?

  161. Dear All,

    After clearing my office workload, I can finally go into SHC website to read all the updates from one & all. I’m so glad to see so many positive reports written on the Padang trip and that everyone enjoyed themselves.

    Glad that I could be of some help and most importantly, everyone had a great time. Many thanks for all your encouragement and kind words – appreciate it.

    Just to share with everyone how I had my lobsters. Unfortunately our lobsters died when I got home but Fred steamed it immediately and was enjoying it while I took a long nap – really exhausted. Woke up and made myself an avocado lobster salad which was heavenly! Just cut the avocado into cubes, do the same for the lobsters, mix some mayonaise with lemon juice, sugar, salt & pepper to taste and mixed them all in. Chill it for a while and ‘Wallah’……..you have a sumptuous and most delicious salad to die for!!!!

    Am looking forward to the next durian trip if Chin is willing to organize it again. Are you game for it Chin?

    Chin, for the next round, I assure you that it’ll definitely be easier & more organized and we should know how to handle the logistics even better. Apart from hotel arrangement and food, rest would be ‘Free & Easy’ for everyone, so makes life easy for EO and everyone, so do give it some thought ok?

    And thank you very much for being the EO for this event, and my thanks too to Tim, Terence, Sockie, Karen, Paul and everyone for being your understanding & helpfulness in one way or another in making this event a happy & memorable one for everyone. Let’s all look forward to another trip. Best rgds, Lisa

  162. “……our lobsters died when I got home but Fred steamed it immediately and was enjoying it while I…….cut the avocado into cubes, do the same for the lobsters, mix some mayonaise with lemon juice, sugar, salt & pepper to taste and mixed them all in. Chill it for a while and ‘Wallah’……..to die for!!!!”

    Lisa, you wallah but I walau eh on what you (and Fred) did to a lobster who was already dead (it’s said, with death even the most diabolical of sins are repaid). Whoever is preparing for reincarnation, pray hard that you wont return as a lobster, and if you cant avoid that, hide yrself from Lisa, Fred and avacado.

    Jokes aside, I was very fortunate to come to know Lisa as she truly is. Didnt they say behind every great woman is a man? Yes, Fred, kudos to you too for standing with yr mate, helping out and balancing lobsters & avaocados on yr 2 broad shoulders.

  163. June

    What shown on my video is only 10% of the fun ..the 90% is still fun fun fun (hahaha)

    Lisa – I just told Dolly u are make to be a “EO” , so she will be looking for u soon (haha – DOlly want to be the first one to get u for another big event)

    Karen

  164. Hi Karen

    Just watched the clip…….such beautiful scenery!! Saw the shot of the man with the heavy, heavy load and became teary. I actually went back to that particular shot after the whole video, paused it and wondered how does he do it?! Yes, such a tough job and he is making an honest living……….hats off to him!

    Also watched the special edition. Rose is certainly sexy with the various poses.

    Thanks for clips. Waiting anxiously for more.

  165. Aiyoh Tim,
    Even if reincarnated as a Lobster, it’s all well worth it lah. Hey, thanks for putting me so high on the pedastal but, unfortunately Fred doesn’t see it that way, and as the saying goes, when they have it, they don’t treasure it until it’s gone, so how? Can I depend on you to make Fred see what treasure he’s got? Hahahahaha………..it’s great knowing the other side of you too i.e. your big heart in helping out when there’s a need, not to mention Terence’s too. Thanks guys for your support in times of need – I now know who to turn to for help, kekekeke……. Rgds, Lisa

  166. Hey Karen #163,
    Poo yeow hai woh leh! I also need to enjoy myself and this time let someone else be the EO so I can sit back & relax hor?
    Btw, liked your video – it’s like a real pro at work, who wd believe that you only had 1 lesson huh?

    As for Sockie’s video, I’ve yet to find some time to go thru her pics as the no. of pics she posted really scares me as I’m afraid that once I view it, I can’t stop to view it to the last.

    Can’t wait to see the vcd from Paul as I’m sure he’ll come up with a fantastic show too. Hey, Paul, when can I collect the other VCD from you? Do give me a call or feel to drop by my office if you’re in the vicinity and I’ll make you a nice coffee. Lisa

  167. Lisa

    I was busy shooting the scenery and I don have much photos of the group, so now have to wait for sockie & Paul photo then I can start the 3th video.

    Paul & Sockie , anyway to copy all the photo of this trip in Disc and give me a copy or not??

    SOckie still busy with the Batu ‘s photo , once she finish she will start with the Padang photo.

    Karen

  168. Rosie’s special edition is great and the music was so befitting! Love it Love it Love it!!!!
    The music for the first clip was very good too!!

    U r good man Karen!!!

  169. June Lim

    Rosie want her song to be “Changing Partner” cos she keep changing her partner from Terence , Tim , Lawrence….

    But I personally feel that this song suit her very well and that Indonesia song was given to me by Edwin Ong b4 I leave for Padang.

    Karen

  170. Hi Karen,

    Looks like you have really found a new hobby – Production Director. Welldone. And I encourage you to keep enjoying this hobby. Hopefully, more SHCians will learn this skill too.

    Terence Seah

  171. Terence

    We are all drunk with the seafood and fun that nobody remembered about watching sunset and natures walk. No wonder I felt something was missing from this trip but just can’t … pinned at it. Aiyaya really such a waste; no catching of “egg york” dropping and no natures walk.

    Regards
    Helen

  172. From the positive feedback so far, I am glad that all had an enjoyable trip to Padang and Bukit Tinggi.

    I would like to thank
    1) the six ladies who bought the check in luggage but gave them up for the sake of check in avocado and lobsters. The total weight of avocado and lobsters is 80kg, each kg will cost rp 20,000. Lucky we have the 6 ladies pre-paid check in luggage
    2) Lisa for the assistance for the hard work of coordinating personal and financial matters
    3) Sockie, Karen and Paul for taking photo and video for the sweet memory of the trip
    and 4) you bunch of jokers, fun worshippers and good food seekers of SHC. Without you people this enjoyable trip was not possible.

    Sockie,
    Ms Ho gave you a big 0.75kg lobster like the one I was served in the restaurant. I had tasted and enjoyed so much, packed with juicy meat and roe, yum yum. Hey, did you bribe her or not?

  173. #172 Hi Chin,
    Hi Chin,
    You forgot to thank another wonderful lady, SK Chua, she’s been a great help to me in collecting the difference for our trip etc. SK, my apologies for leaving you out in my thank you note, and if there’s anyone else that I’ve left out, pls forgive me as it was not intended. To everyone else, I thank you all for being such a fabulous bunch to be with and hope we can do it again real soon. Kind regards, Lisa

  174. Hi Chin and all,

    Reading quietly, you can sense the energy in this trip and the fun that goes with it.

    It would be nice if someone could collate the contact points, “lobang lobang” and some cost idea for reference.

    I would like to go for a longer trip (10 days) and such information will cut down all the hazzle of chasing up for them. On Wednesday night, I almost wanted to do the implusive of buying the ticket as suggested by one of you and meet you folks on Thursday morning as a surprise if not for my prudent outlook in life.

    Anyone care to send such informaton to anhedwin@gmail.com

    Thanks ~:>)

  175. Dear EO Chin, our most affable assistant Lisa and my fellow Padang mates,

    It all started off tense (speaking for myself), heart-palpitating, anxious and nailbiting moments for me on the day of the trip. It will be a trip to remember for a long time to come as I scored two firsts haha! It was the first time I brought a wrong passport on a trip and the very first budget airline for me. After the rough beginning with Gingko waiting at the entrance, Terence doing the 4 x 100mtrs. grabbing of passport and Chin at the counter stalling for time, the trip proceeded without any further hitches – thank goodness!

    I had a good time and enjoyed the 2 days of massages, the fresh avocado drinks and the fresh sumptuous seafood to round up the trip.

    As for my lobsters, when I opened up the wrappings all the 4 started to move and I had thought only 1 was alive becos it was moving constantly. I decided that I did not have the heart to kill them so I brought them all to be killed by my brother’s maid. We then bbq’ed all four and finish them that very night.
    As for the avocadoes, I put them in the blender, mix up some Hersheys chocolate sauce and will try to replicate the drinks we had.

    The cool mountain air in Bkt Tinggi felt good and I will not mind going back again some day.

  176. Lisa @ #165, of cos Fred sees a big value in you….in fact, let me honestly tell you the one and only honest truth. I actually offered him a price which would have emptied all my CPF savings but he valued you so much higher that even with all the money lost in the ABC children’s zoo and BoA investments, I still would not have paid him enough for you. So tonite, make sure you kiss him hard all over.

    Cat-Y, you very the aslamak lah. See……………

    “……..with Gingko waiting at the entrance, Terence doing the 4 x 100mtrs…and Chin at the counter stalling for time……..thank goodness”.

    They were the people who helped you but who did you thank? “Goodness” ?

    “As for my lobsters……..I did not have the heart to kill them so I brought them all to be killed by my brother’s maid………”

    Getting another to do your killing is “chieh tau sark ren”….tsk tsk tsk, like that huh, I go heaven but you stay in the mountains of Bt Tinggi to catch lobsters till you become one.

  177. Tim and all Padang mates,

    Oops sorry for the tense mistake in paragraph 3 fourth line -‘finish’ should have been finished.

    Aiyo you have always been the master of words, twisting them and making the sentences appear different lah….mo lay sow….

    Whats wrong with someone else killing the lobsters? At least I get to stay in Bkt Tinggi and enjoy the scenic mountains and the fresh air so thats not too bad an alternative from you …..hehehe

    Lastly I want to thank all who went on this trip for the fellowship and the co-operation by everyone which makes for a smooth and relaxing holiday.

  178. Tim #176,
    Aiyah Tim, you guys sure know how to say the sweetest nothings to make us (ladies) happy but I guess I know my Fred better after having been married to him for almost 30 yrs. Anyway, it’s always good to hear nice things even if we know it’s a lie, hahahaha………

    Catherine #177, glad that you did make it after all the ‘sotong’ episodes. You’re lucky your lobsters were still alive but I guess ours died on us as we moved it inside the car instead of leaving it at the booth which we thought was cooler but I guess the lobsters got suffocated. Hiyah….have to make up the karma liao. Lisa

  179. Chin #172

    Glad that everyone was co-operative enough to give up our baggage allowances so that the lobsters and avocados can fly free else we would have to cough out another $230 for the shipment charges…….guess it was worth the little ‘inconveniences’ which some have to bear with to cart the luggage as carry-on, right?

    For the next ‘battalion’ who is planning on invading the town and grab all the lobsters, please remember to buy baggage allowances hor, esle you lobsters will have to swim over and in the process might end up in the wrong pot kekekekekek.

    Chin, if I had bribed Mrs Ho, I think I would have gotten a bigger one ….. think she must have sayang me alot ;0)….. it was a real solid one too and it took me quite a while to clean it all out..SLURP.

    Terence, was thinking of keeping the head for you but too bad I gave way to temptation and there ain’t any for you. Told myself I need to kaui kaui and watch my diet but alas ended up in Pulau Ubin the next day and more seafood…now don’t dare to check my blood sugar and colestrol….bopian lei I live to eat and am such a glutton toooo.

    Helen #171

    I must say I did regret missing the ‘egg yolk’ right outside our hotel window with the volcano as the background…..I am sure all photographer will die for to shoot this scene. Guess I mis-calculated the time and also the ‘greed’ for a better package deal got the better of me. Had an ‘egg yolk’ the day before but there was no nice background to go with it…..sigh… now gotta be on wait list for next trip.

    Lisa #173, #166

    Yes 3 cheers to to SK for taking care of all our orders

    Cath Yeo, the Sotong, next trip pls check your passport before you step out of your house hor …. lucky you made it this time esle you will be drooling reading about the lobsters kekekekek

    Lisa you another sotong huh, where you see my video neh? Am still editing the photos from Batu Pahat trip neh, so Padang one have to wait a while…….hope I don;t become Miss Panda Eyes after that :0)

    Sockie

  180. Dear Helen T wong #171. I did a nature walk where I get lost in the padi field and being chased by a strayed lamb.

    Dear Catherine Yeo #177 paragraph 3,in order to muster his words u got to read from right to left.

    Rose White

  182. Sockie #179, Glad to see that you’re still alert after consuming everything and nothing left of the big lobster. Just trying to cover everything in my email lah, so just mentioned that I’ve yet to view yours but only realized later that it’s still under production.

    Anyway, thanks to Karen for the beautiful scenes which most of us did not get to see and thanks too to Ros for her sexy photos to remind us all that there are still sexy members in SHC!!!!

    Will try and catch up with everyone at the coming monthly meeting if I can make it. Have a great day!! Rgds, Lisa

  183. thank you terence,tim,gingko 4 well written memories…may i add.. much as we are fun loving tourists..dont think we can 4get the simple smiles from the indonesians especially the surprise delights on the 2 indonesian singers face when some of us decided to go 4 a drink but to let loose our inhibitions as young again silverhairetts..and again when helen wong n i decided to take a dip(both dont swim) in the children`s pool but to our horrific delights ended up in the hotel fountain pool but guess the hotels securities are too pai sey to tell us off..n how can we ever we 4get the enomours generosities of the little boy (at bukit tinggi back lanes) who beg n beg rose to take him home with her but rose has to decline with emotions-choked voice (or else how is poor rose going to explain to hubby of this extramarital gift)..n i think terrence dream of an orgy did partly materialize as i overheard some of those sharing beds r advised to sleep in 69 positions???..plus changing partners thrown in..those ikan billies r the best i have ever eaten after toasting them 1 minute..who need 10days trip when 3 short days can oladi pen san lah..mc 2days w bad cough n colds..pray pray i dont get fever hor (maybe we can request HQOs in padand lah)..thank everyone 4 yr patience,understanding,humour esp bapak chin n ibu lisa

  184. #183 Helen Quek,
    Wah..not bad, already speaking like an Indonesian after only 3 days huh? Hope yr coughs & colds have blown off by now, so do take care ok? Pls ensure no fever lah, otherwise, all of us have to HQO liao!!! Choi, choi, that won’t happen as we’ve more trips on the way, so do have a speedy recovery. Remember? take birds nest and honey and you shd get well real soon…. Didn’t know that both the Helens ended up in a fountain pool – that must be hilarious! See you both at the mthly meeting if you’re attending. Rgds, Ibu Lisa

  185. Lisa #178, Sockie #179.

    Thanks but there will be no 2nd time lah! Haha sotong once is more than enough or else how to be in the queue for the future food-trail trips?

    Hey Rose, now you are like an Indonesian movie star with your own video…..

    Thanks for all the pictures Sockie, please take your time to edit becos we do not want to see you the next time with or bak kak….hehehe

  186. That “…….both the Helens ended up in a fountain pool…” is happy news.

    Imagine, attired in their bikinis, they landed on a pool table, and tilt yr imagination to the erotica, they were crawling to escape from the marauding minangkerbau warriors charging with cues in hand……….

    hehe, like that, even the biggest of lobsters with their pincers & Chin’s swiftlets throwing their nests at the advancing maniacs wont have saved them.

    Lucky Helens, indeed !

  187. TQ for the compliment that has been thrown in on my movie clip and my journey undertakings. Look like i can place on wait list for the forthcoming trips provided i fly with Tiger.

    Take my hat off to Karen for her innovative photo shoot. It really refresh my memories of that Padang trip when i view the pic. I guess my heart still left behind and forget to fly it back home.

    Dear Helen kuek, that boisterious little child just want to change partners with me , have fun with fun lovers like us lor..

    Rgds.

    Rose White

  188. Lisa #173
    Yes, i must thank SK Chua also for her assistance in taking lobster, avocado and keropok orders, collecting money, keeping the lists in order and making sure no mistakes in the orders. Thank you SK Chua.

    Sockie#179
    You want to offer the lobster head to Terence? Are you sure or not? I actually offered our Boss the best part of lobster pincer, walking across to the far end from my table to him but he rejected my offer leh. I think he expected to have my whole lobster lah. But that big juicy lobster is a special one from Ms Ho for me leh.

    Ibu Helen Kuek #183,
    Hanya tiga hari di Sumatra Barat sudah pandai omong Bahasa ya? Kapan kita pergi ke sana lagi? Mudah mudahan tidak lama ya sayang. Kita bisa jalan santai2 di pantai pasir, omong kosong di bawah pohon kelapa, makan jagong bakar di tepi jalan ya? Abang tunggu ok?

  189. Chin #188

    Aiyo, Terence had so many lobster heads that night that’s why he rejected yours lah. Think he had more than 4 that night or maybe more. In fact that night he only ate the heads and give his lobster tail to Karen and she could not eat all so me the glutton took over the whole tail….sluuuurp…..if you had offered the pincer to me I would gladly accept this on Terence’s behalf too hahahahaha

    Sockie

  190. Dear Pak Chin,

    Ibu Helen cannot understand Bahasa and speak Bahasa but it’s ok i can translate for her.

    Dear Helen Kuek the phrase says: just 3 days in Sumatra already able to speak Bahasa..when shall we go there again;hopefully not long ok honeybee…go beach strolling…have casually chit chat under coconut tree, eat roasted corn at roadside..I’ll shall wait 4 U ok!!!

    Rendezvousing trip programme on air…..

    Rgds

    Rose White

  191. Chin #188, Awak pandai bercakap Indonesian Melayu and yet you let me struggle to communicate with our Indonesian guide and those at the hotel huh? Lain kali pls come to my rescue as my Bahasa Melayu sudah rusty liao and vocab only 20% left – rest given back to my teachers in M’sia.

    Yes, let’s plan another trip to all the smaller islands and have a seafood gourmet and this time, we eat only seafood & veg (nothing else) until we vomit! Kudos to our Mr “Eat Until You Vomit” EO – so do let us know when you’re ready to arrange another trip ok? Rgds, Lisa

  192. Hi All

    If Chin will to put up another post – I wont be surprise , the same group of members will sign in (haha)

    Chin – u have to bring the whole “SHC” this time …

    Lisa – Sooooo , Dolly “pick” u already for the next big event of SHC ..

    karen

  193. Dear folks

    On the 29th May (2nd nite of our trip), Helen Kuek and I went for massage at Tamara Spa in our Hotel after a brief get together & singing at the bar with some SHC people. We got a body scrub and aromatherapy massage.

    Three-quarter way through the session, I heard a voice calling “ibu .. ibu .. ibu”. When my masseuse joined in to call “ibi .. ibu .. ibu”, I talked to myself …. this is not for real. I woke up and called Helen, she did not respond. Then I told my masseuse to stop and I got up .. and saw Helen Kuek lying so motionlessly with both hands straight (I saw her jade bangle on the left hand). I shook and called her. At last, she opened her eyes with the sleeply sigh.

    My heart was pumping … so fast. So worried that I need to shout … 200 clear, 300 clear … luckily no need to shout 400.

    This is shared with Helen’s consent.

    Regards
    Helen

  194. Dear Karen

    You bet! If Pak Chin post this trip again. I will join again.

    Dear Rose Puteh

    I remembered very clearly you asking loudly where to see from the camera you were holding “Is this a digital camera”? My first response was “who is still using a camera with film”. When I turned my head and look at Rose, she was holding a digital camera.

    Regards
    Helen

  195. #193 Helen Wong,
    What you’ve just shared with us – is this for real? It’s kind of creepy that both your masseurs taking turns to call out and I assume Helen Quek must have dozed off when you said she was motionless or either her masseur was so good that she’s so relaxed or was she under a spell? Omigosh!!! – If that’s the case, we better be careful next time and ensure that we ensure all the ladies check in on each other after their massage just to be on the safe side. Don’t want to be under their voodoo spell or something………..Lisa

  196. KarenT@192/HelenW@194..

    Wei wei!…give us chance lah..hehe

    I asked b4 @129, whether AhChin(now become PakChin) can organise another trip for us who cant make it earlier…he no response leh?…buat bodoh saja…hhhmmm

    Btw Helen@193..your story is real im sure, i believe cos it happened to my fren sometime ago at Batam..while doing spa & they cover her eyes with cucumber..when finish,her handphone gone!…they din take her wallet,if not no money to pay lah….they very ‘clever’!

  197. Nor #196,
    Luckily you enlighten us on this, so next time we shd just bring enough to pay and tip, nothing more. Good thing I did not bring my wallet, but just wear a pair of bermudas n put my money in my pockets, that’s why they thot no money inside – otherwise, susah lah, no money to pay for lobsters and come home liao! Lisa

  198. abang chin..
    saya akan tunggu pergi ke padang dengan kita lagi tapi jagan buat saya tunggu lama lama yah! seronok yah!
    tim..its one of d most idiosyncratic things i`ve done in my adult life but with d cool breeze n senic mountains…who k!
    ibu lisa..i was dreaming away actually but guess those scrubs n oils contain hypnotical properties as well..dont think those indonesians mean any harm but ms wong sure got the fright of her life!
    thank you
    helen k

  199. Dear Lisa and Norlinda

    This is not story but exactly what I went through during my first time with Ms Kuek in the same spa partition. She must be so tired and shiok (must have gone on a round-the-world trip) with the scrub and aroma oil massage until two masseuses cannot wake her up. It really took so long to wake her up.

    Of course I panic leh because she faced up with hands all straight. I so scared I lost my friend, you know.

    Regards
    Helen

  200. Nor #196,

    Have you 4gotten or maybe you were too busy to read SHC website. Pak Chin said that when he goes sailing, he got no laptop, so how to reply your mail?

  201. Helen #198,
    Don’t give our Helen #199 such a scare next time leh! I admit that some of the aroma oils they use can send a person to cloud nine esp. Lavender oil, which can make you doze off – that’s why I dare not put too much lavender oil in my bathtub as I might drown myself should I fall off to sleep. One thing’s for sure, Helen #198, you sure got a good masseur that day! Anyway, just enjoy, that’s what life is all about. Have a great weekend everyone! Rgds, Lisa

  202. I didn’t feel too well after dinner on the last nite so went for a massage in the hotel spa. I was attended to by a young lady whose nimble fingers had wanted to do a lot more but wasted on just rubbing out the fatigue in my buttock. About to doze off, I was awakened by some girls’ giggling behind the screen in the next compartment.

    A : Must take out everything huh?

    B : Heheee……….

    I knew who they were and with my curiosity aroused, I pricked my ears for more.

    A : Like that, they see everything, how?

    B : What you have they also have lah……..

    A : No, ok. My very big, their very small so what if they become jealous?

    B : If jealous, they will only pinch you harder, that’s all. They wont bite one lah……..

    A : Hehee……….

    (Pause)

    A : Hahahaha, so ticklish.

    B : Where huh, where did they tickle you?

    A : Here lor…….so sensitive one but shiok leh, kekekekeke………..

    B : You lucky, yr masseuse good. Mine, she runs her hands on me like a lawn mower, dunno how to find my “here lor” , very cha tow kong kong type.

    (Shortly, I heard some heavy ecstatic huffing from one………..and some acrylic scolding from the other, obviously she paying the same but getting no pleasure only pressure out of it. By then, my time was up and I had to leave).

  203. Hey Tim #202,
    Are you sure that ‘didn’t feel too well after dinner’ was not just an excuse to get some TLC huh? If Fred knew you were going for some of these massages in the hotel, he would have followed you too as he complained that the ones he and Terence had at the spa across the road was not good and didn’t feel ‘shiok’ but he still tipped her – so what does that tell you? Who would believe it as we (the ladies) could hear the girls giggling and laughing out loud in that room that day. Only Terence and Fred could explain what went on that day, so Terence, care to share with us as Fred is keeping mum about it, hahahaha….. Rgds, Lisa

  204. Dear Tim,

    i read yr post#202 laughing all e way till stomachache and tears dripping. it’s a kind like m listening to a hilarious story telling session and will like to add.

    If one with pleasure and the other only water pressure why don’t u render assistant rather than just walk away.Lucky no fatalities like drowning or else u got to list a report.

    Rose White

  205. Lisa @ #203, well I did try very hard to get Fred to join me as he was alighting the coach to lead for the nite mart tour. I clenched my left fist and hit it hard with my right palm. When he still looked nonchalant, I increade my tempo. With my left fist still forming a ball, i pushed my right index finger into it but he remained unmoved. I had to conclude that you have a very good hubby and obviously he thinks of no other woman than his beloved Lisa with whom he is still learning patterns and styles, hehe………….

    Btw, agent @%$#@%08 was too busy reporting to me what he discovered at the HK lunch.

    Rose White, one of the excited gals sounded like you leh……….

  206. Tim #205,
    So nice of you to keep praising Fred but at our age, I don’t mind letting him have his fun as long as he doesn’t bring back any extras, hahahahaha………….., so feel free to bring or invite him to some of your fun parties, but again, no dirty linen to be brought back ok? Have a nice day! Lisa

  207. Thank you all the writers of the Padang, Bkt Tinggi trip.I enjoyed all that you had described in this thread.
    Tim, you volunteered to write and you did a good job of it.Thanks too.
    Seems like every trip by the SHC groups have been v enjoyable.I hope that I shall be able to join the next tour group to Padang etc.

    Just a little update to Dolly’s advice on postdating my Tiger’s ticket.

    I tried it at 6.15am of 28th May 09, Day of your trip thinking that I have enuf time (one can make changes 4hrs before departure time). At 5.3/4hrs ahead of departure time, I was locked out.Also, Tiger now charges about $60.00 for the postdating service.

    Geok Suan

  209. Gerladine, that agent &&%$*0084 flopped miserably. He brought home the foto of a pretty lass no older than 5 when Chuan Dou Fung Zi, who was active during the 2nd WW, wd be in her 80s today……scrawny, grouchy and toothless.

    He is now assigned a retiurement chore..manning the Changi Beach Club swimming pool where he will get to play with babies in diapers and children like the one whose foto he brought home………

  210. Kekekekeke………Tim. Gosh! Poor Agent 001 – manning the CBC swimming pool. I think he will do a better job going to the Home where those ladies were aimlessly moving about as this has already freaked him out about who’s going to take care of him in his old age. Thus, he will focus on the mission of our retirement place both short and long terms. Yes, he will also discreetly take fotos there as we know it’s his favourite thing from all angles. Kakakaa.

    By the way, your friend Miss Lum K F wanted to ta pau for you but, alas, Agent had another mission and refused to go to the airport that afternoon………wonder if he flopped that mysterious mission too? Hmmmmmmmm…….

  211. Geraldine, you were quite right there, abt Agent and his obsession with pau.

    I called him while he was perching precariously over the drain outside of the restaurant where you had lunch with him, releasing the ingredients which make his famous hougang teochew pau.

    So it was some relief that Ms Lum didnt get him to ta pau for me as he wd certainly have mixed the good pau with the bad pau………..anyone eating his pau will pau dong dong chiang, pau mati one.

    Just came back from k’ok. Very impressed by a bunch of HKers, all seniors like us, sang very well and were full of life, exuberance & vigour. The baby booners are so carefree and really know how to enjoy lives.

  212. Tim, sounds like you had a really good time at K. Bet you also missed the HK cantonese and got to practice again. Unless your…is a HKer…..well then……

  213. Yes Geraldine, my parents are HKger, siblings as well so that shd make me almost a HKer…..and wd my next gf come from HK. While the jury is still out on that, who knows, you might hv the answer?

  214. Hey Fellow Padang travellers,

    Finally I have finished sorting out the photos for the trip and also did a short 10min still movie with some of the photos and these can be viewed at

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38-nZgiQrnY

    http://s414.photobucket.com/albums/pp230/sockiesg/SHC-Padang09/?start=20

    I have put these in my shared folders in my msn too and you can also download the photos you want from there.

    If you want you can e-mail me at sockie_sg@hotmail.com for a hard copy in dvd (foc) but because of the time constraint I am not able to accede to selected photos hor…so if you want it’s lot, stock and barrel

    Sockie

  215. Wow, wow, wow!!!! Sockie, thanks for putting up such beautiful pics of our last Padang trip. You, Karen and Paul should seriously start thinking of business venture together liao. How about starting our very own SHC mediacorp huh? Enjoyed the UTube very much. Thanks again one and all for this memorable trip and those who’ll be going for the next trip to Padang to share with us an even more unforgettable event with us when you’re all back. Take care! Lisa

  216. Hey Lisa,

    You want to be our Manager or not huh? But hor this very siong neh…took me so many late nights to do and burned up so many barrel of midnight oil….hope I did not caused the price of oil to shoot up kekekekekek. Some more PC always hang and got to re-boot, then try to upload kenna rejected cuz it was more than 10 mins, so gotta adjust, adjust until the songs end swee swee….then alamak songs get rejected cuz of copyright issue then no choice just take whatever song Youtube can provide….very very shiong but am glad you enjoy it.

    Thinking of going to the 2nd trip and take some more photos I missed and also having a couple other trips in the pipeline but don’t dare to tell my boss yet lei…sekali she tell me no need to come to work again then no more moeny to go holiday liao……but I had asked Chin to put me on stand-by and see how things go.

    Am sure the 2nd trip will be as fun as the 1st one and I can see that they are all preparing to sink their teeth into the succulent lobsters with all sorts of sauces ..just hope they can pass custom hahahahaha

    Oh yes and a big thanks to you for managing us so well and making sure that things went smoothly. And also to Chin who still dare to take the challenge to do the 2nd trip…think hor he will be soooo glad if you can go again to manage the 2nd trip ;0)

    Sockie

  217. Hi Sockie #216, I think you shd go again on this 2nd trip as I’ve just met up with Chin and he said that on this trip, you would all be enjoying the beautiful lakes that we missed. Am sure you’ll find these sceneries a photographer’s delight and I can already visualize the calmness, beauty and all…….
    May go again but not on this trip since I’ve already applied leave to go to Genting this coming July 10, so too soon to be taking leave so soon. Look forward to seeing more of your photos. Don’t worry lah, will buy you a meal for all your hard work ok? Take care and have a great day! Rgds, Lisa

  218. Lisa #217

    Yes I very much to go again and take some more photos and eat more lobsters but will have to see if there are any more vacancy nearer to the date. Think it’s fair to let those who missed out the first one have the prority lah. I do believe the 2nd trip would be more interesting as there are more days and places to visit.

    Thanks you for your offer and I will buy you coffee in return, how about that ;0)

    You’ve been a great travel mate and I look forward to travelling again with you in the near future.

    Sockie

  219. Likewise Sockie #218. My next trip will be to Bali if anyone is organizing but guess better to wait till the H1N1 is over.
    Chin supposed to check it out for us too regarding the chalet that can house quite a few number of people. I believe there this new member Priscilla I think who seems quite familiar with Bali, so maybe can rope her in to be the EO or co-EO together with Chin, hahahaha….poor Chin, he’ll probably have to take another holiday after all these trips but don’t worry, you get better and better at it, keep us all posted ok? Have a great weekend everyone! Rgds, Lisa

  221. Sure Helen KK #220, I’m sure it’ll be on the web as usual, so look out for it and let’s keep each other posted k?

    Sockie #218, guess your photography job and Karen’s will be lightened soon with our new member, Sylvia. You can both rope her in now that she’s come on board, so hope to see more collections of beautiful and memorable photos in the SHC website. Have a great week ahead everyone! Rgds, Lisa

  222. Hi Dolly / Chin,

    Many thanks for organising 2nd. time and putting the 4D,3N Padang and Bkt.Tinggi itinerary in the photobucket link.

  223. Hi Steven,
    I wrote u an email requesting for your mobile# and some other info with regards to lobster cooking preference but yet to receive your replies. Pls take a look at ur email and reply these accordingly for easy planning…Dolly

  224. Hi Friends

    Sockie’s photos uploaded.

    Please do a category search under travel, then view. Photo link is at bottom of Chin’s 1st padang trip post.

    Happy viewing!

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