Care pack for friends who go for Hajj (Haji)

🕋 Hajj Care Pack: A Simple Gift from the Heart (30 April 2025)

On 30 April 2025, I prepared two sets of Hajj care packs for a dear friend who will be embarking on their sacred pilgrimage to Makkah this 9 May 2025.

Each pack is lovingly arranged in a handy hook bag, which is practical for hanging inside tents or hotel rooms. Inside each bag, I included:

• 🧴 4 containers of 4g cocoa butter — perfect for dry skin in the desert heat

• 🌶️ 2 packs of 4g hot balm — to soothe sore muscles after long walk

• 🪝1 portable door hook — lightweight and useful for organizing garments or bags

This care pack is similar to the one I prepared for my aunt during her Hajj in 2024 [1]. That version was also well-received, so I decided to recreate the same thoughtful bundle this year.

It’s always a joy to give something both meaningful and practical, especially for a once-in-a-lifetime journey like Hajj. May their pilgrimage be blessed, safe, and spiritually fulfilling. 🌙✨

📌 Reference:

[1] Hajj Care Pack for My Aunt & Her Family (2024) https://serinurulbeauty.blogspot.com/2024/05/making-cocoa-butter-nourishing-cream.html

USB and USB-C port for charging in Super Nice Bus Express

This is taken on the morning of 17 August 2024. Where I take Super Nice Bus Express to go KL for work travel.

I was impressed with the USB and USB-C ports available at the back of the bus seat. Very convenient for me to charged my devices. Just need to remember to bring charging cable.

I wait at bus stop in Shell Sri Putri. As the Super Nice office is locked. Fortunately by 9.35 am the Super Nice Sri Putri personnel call me. Asking if I know where to wait for the bus. As the bus just leave Bus Terminal Tun Aminah. 

Thankfully I am able to board the bus smoothly from the bus stop. And arrived safely in TBS.
Learn new way to go to KL other than Larkin Sentral.
Until then, have fun exploring new way to travel to KL.

My review in traveling with Mayang Sari bus express

This is taken on the noon of 10 September 2023. Where I book bus ticket Mayang Sari bus express from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) to Larkin Sentral. 1 pm of one way trip. What nice about this Mayang Sari bus express is the availability of 2 unit of usb port for charging in the middle of the joined seat.

The look of 2 usb ports in the middle of the joined seat.

This is a bonus for me. As I am able to save the usage of my power bank and use this usb port instead to charged up my phone on the bus. Just need to remember to bring usb cable. 

Until then, have a safe time charging while traveling. 

My usb rechargeable handheld fan

This is taken in the noon of 3 December 2020. Where I manage to get a working unit of usb rechargeable handheld fan.

It only have 1 speed and 1 button switch. Still it works well to be used when in gardening plot and travel.

Travel route from Asia Jaya to TBS

This is taken last 10 September 2023. Where I am able to take LRT from Asia Jaya to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). I stop at KL Sentral. Then I go into KLIA Transit entrance next to LRT exit. Get to gate 2 and 3 [1]. Only 1 station stop.

There is other available public transportation also such as LRT [1]. However, due to convenience, I choose KLIA Transit. Less people.

Until then, have a safe trip using public transport. 

References:

[1] https://www.klsentral.info/kl-sentral-tbs-travel/

[2] https://www.train36.com/tbs-to-kl-sentral.html

Cleaning my Deuter Futura Pro 38 backpack

This is taken on the morning of 9 October 2023. Where I managed to use my spot cleaner to clean up my Deuter Futura Pro 38 backpack. Bought it using my first bonus in 2008 in Pertama Complex, KL. Basically it is almost 15 years old with me. Stop using it before covid19 outbreak. 

My review on Deuter Radian 25 L

This entry is made last 23 August 2023. It is 25 liter capacity. I use it last 21 August 2023 for my confeerence presentation trip. Just nice size for me to put in my laptop Lenovo ThinkBook, its adapter, 

Other things I packed along is 3 meter cubic extension, 4 set of power banks, perfume 90 ml, my phone charger and its cables.

The bagpack design really helps to distribute the weight evenly. So the shoulder straps did not push hard on my aging shoulder and body.

This pictures of the bag was taken last 15 September 2022.

My review on 40 liter Camel backpack

This is taken on the evening of 23 October 2023. Where I managed to unpack the received 40 liter Camel backpack. After received it in the morning before out for work.

The packaging. Simple yet neat and helps to deliver in good condition. 

Upon further inspection on morning 25 October 2023, it does have rain cover on the bottom part. 

The look of label on the backpack. 

The look of empty 40 liter backpack beside my Deuter Radian 25 liter.

The look of fully filled 40 liter backpack. I seriously needs to unload more. Else, arrange in more compact container inside the backpack. 

After using it for a whole day on 25 October 2023, it is really worth money spend buying it. As it is able to fit in all my stuff needed for my daily commute to the lab for work.  The price also only 28.8% from my precious Deuter Futura Pro 38 backpack. Also the best for my back and shoulder. Basically good investment for my aging body. If not, I still need to bring 1 more tote bag to fill in my other stuff if using 25 liter backpack.

Update on 31 October 2023: 

Morning->Feel my body in good condition. No body aches. Makes me feel more in focus.

Evening->The inside of the backpack is dry. Despite the heavy pouring rains when I arrived home.

Until then, have fun in using a good backpack for your daily usage.

My review in using busticketonline to buy ticket from TBS to JB Larkin Sentral

This is taken last 10 September 2023. Where I managed to buy bus ticket online using website busticketonline in Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). This is because the available ticket on apps redbus earliest is 1.30 pm.

I managed to buy 1 pm ticket through website busticketonline. Grateful as the line for the ticket counters was massive long. Almost 30 peoples queuing per line. For the ticket kiosk, also quite long. Around 10 to 15 peoples. Plus it requires cash. 

I am able to use the downloaded ticket from website busticketonline to scan and go to the respective gate 17.

Experience in taking bus from Larkin Sentral

This is taken on the morning of 21 August 2023. Where I am taking bus express from Larkin Sentral in Larkin, Johor Bahru to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), Kuala Lumpur. As I am one of the presenter for InECCE conference on 22 August 2023 [1]. My session 5 (2 pm to 4 pm), room Royale 2.

I have bought the KKKL bus ticket last 10 August 2023 using redbus apps. For departure time 11 am.

Then on the departure day, I arrived in Larkin Sentral by 9.40 am. Where I received email in the morning to be in Larkin Sentral before 10.30 am. I went to counter 1 to 8 to print ticket. But then was instructed to go to counter 9 to 14 instead. When printing the ticket, the officer told me that next time would be better for me to purchase ticket using Larkin Sentral apps [2]. As then I would just show the receipt to self check it at counter. Than need to go counter 9 to 14 and pay RM 2 to print check in ticket. Well, I have not use bus express even before covid19 outbreak. So, know very little on the current procedure. 

The look of the printed ticket. 

View river near Permas Bridge, Johor Bahru

This is taken last 29 November 2021. Where one of my friend went to river near Permas Bridge. To buy fish from the orang Asli.

Pictures taken using phone Huawei Pro 3. Very nice pictures.

Till then, have fun in taking good picture with your phone.

Safety pin to the rescue during travel trip.

I happen unable to bring my stash of brooch and pins for my travel trip. I choose safety pin instead of pin [1,2]. As for it is more secured and safe for usage. Easy also for me to use as my brooch replacement.
From my engineering point of view, I prefer a closed loop one (safety pin) compare to open loop (pin) for my application.

About safety pin from wikipedia [1]:

The safety pin is a variation of the regular pin which includes a simple spring mechanism and a clasp. The clasp serves two purposes: to form a closed loop thereby properly fastening the pin to whatever it is applied to, and to cover the end of the pin to protect the user from the sharp point.

Till then, have fun in being creative during your travel with minimum items to use.

References:

[1] Safety pin from wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_pin

[2] Pin from wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pin

Yesterday activity of food hunting

I am accompanying my friend on food hunting quest yesterday. My friend wanted to go to Kari Kambing 40 hari in Jalan Besar Ayer Hitam-Yong Peng, asam pedas in Melaka and play ATV in Afamosa. While I wanted to stop by to Nasuha Herbal Farm in Jalan Muar. Before we go straight to Melaka.

Basically, below is the snippet of yesterday activity.

Early lunch in Kari Kambing 40 hari:

For me, the lamb curry is nice. But the rice quite dry. Since I prefer softer moist rice as I am used to eat steamed cooked rice in daily basis 😌.

Nasuha Herbal Farm in Jalan Muar:

I choose Centella (or Pegaga in Malay) herbal tea. The taste is nicer than my organic freshly plucked and brewed Centella drink at home [1].

We are unable to play at the water park in Afamosa as it is closed every Tuesday. Plus it is raining heavily. So we are unable to even enter the Safari park😖. So, we decided to proceed to go for asam pedas in Melaka.

Asam pedas in Melaka:

Worth the 1 hour wait. As we arrive there 3.45 pm and in only start by 4.30 pm.

This is asam pedas ikan tenggiri.

My friend choose asam pedas telur ikan mixed with tetel [2].

Tetel are a mixture of meat that usually consists of fat, veins, and bones. Recipes that use these fatty meatbread pieces produce spicy sour taste that is quite remarkable.
Since my phone died here. I am unable to share location for this place.

The finished and clean dishes.

Till then, have fun in food hunting quest and be safe 😉.

Reference:

[1] My home grown 2 types of Centella or Pegaga http://serinurulbeauty.blogspot.my/2018/03/2-types-of-organic-centella-or-pegaga.html

[2] Asam pedas tetel http://says.com/my/seismik/koleksi-resipi-asam-pedas-power-sotong-tetel-ikan-keli-semua-ada
[3] Manage to send Nasuha Herbal Farm picture before my samsung phone died http://serinurulbeauty.blogspot.my/2018/03/blue-screen-on-my-samsung-j7-prime.html

My journey climbing Mount Kinabalu in 2011

Last January 2011, my sister give me an unforgettable present. That is a hiking trip to climb Mount Kinabalu [1]. Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak or mountain in Malaysia and located in Sabah [1].

I have done few research before my trip climbing Gunung Kinabalu.

Among of them:

1. To use hiking shoes for better grip
2. Use glove for winter and robust for climbing
3. Ask few friends on their experience. One of my colleague in Siemens last time did advise me to force myself to eat after wake up before climbing to the top. As she just eat energy bar and end up shivering with hunger and cold. As the journey consume much energy which require solid food intake before the journey
4. To use head lamps as I will need my hands during the climbing part to the peak

The sad part is I am unable to do any exercise to prepare myself before the climbing expedition😣 As that time I am still working in Siemens and their new fiscal year start from October. Therefore, there is plenty of work to be done. And I even have to stay back late to finish the works.

The best part of this trip is I am surrounded with 7 medical doctors. So, basically all basic medicine stock covered by them already. Very lucky of me😌

Entering the foot of Mount Kinabalu

The girl for the trip. The one who wear skirts do her houseman in Russia. for her, the coldness in Mount Kinabalu is like air conditioning cold only. Envy of her

Use with the hiking stick that come with the package

Me at Timpohon Gate [2]

"Timpohon Gate at Kinabalu Park is the primary entry point to climb Gunung Kinabalu - 9km on the summit trail to Low's Peak with Laban Rata located along the way. This is the first checkpoint taken by climbers in the morning located about 4 km away from the park's office but accessible by road" [2].

Till didn't wear sweater here since it still not that cold

Squirrel here very docile. They come immediately when they hear plastic unwrapped sound. They seem to be used of people giving them food

Able to see the misty fog here

I am using rain coat since it is a bit drizzling that time. Can see how tough the trail on the right side of this picture

These pictures below taken around 6 am in the morning. After we start climbing to the peak around 2.30 am in the morning. We need to wake up around 2 am to eat breakfast to fuel up before the journey to the peak.

I have many pictures during this time as my guider help to take it for me. He advise me to stop hiking to the peak since my pace very slow. Basically, we were just around 2 km from Sayat Sayat point [3). But it is a very steep place.
There is one part climbing down from this area where my feet suddenly give away and my guider who climbing down at the back immediately put his hand on my buttock to stop me from falling 😅. Thinking back now, I don't blame him since that is the biggest part of my body for him to use that time 😅.
I think after my trip, there is people who died after falling from this area [3, 4].

Me at Sayat Sayat point [5], last check point before climbing to the peak of Mount Kinabalu

If you get mount sickness here and want to be carried by guider to go Labah Rata [6], the rate at time is RM 1,000.00. As the trail is very steep here.

Can see how steep the trail is at my back

Able to see village at the right of this picture

At the stairs towards our lodging/cabin

The lodging/cabin that we sleep in is on the right of the picture

Us in Laban Rata

Me with Tan Sri Abdul Kadir bin Sheikh Fadzir [7]. Meet him on my way back to the foot of Mount Kinabalu

I stumble on him on my hiking way down Mount Kinabalu in 2011. He is Tan Sri Abdul Kadir bin Sheikh Fadzir [7]. He is a former Minister of Information (2004 - 2006) in the Cabinet [7]. What is impressive to me is he could still climb up Mount Kinabalu at his age. He told me that climbing Mount Kinabalu is annual activity for him.

My black and white climbing certificate. Solid proof that I have climb Mount Kinabalu. Coloured ones only for those who manage to climb the peak

What makes me feel proud is one of my colleague at work were inspired by me after heard my experience. And she did manage to climb the mountain almost half a year after me. At that time, she already have 4 kids. It is good for her to manage to climb it before 40 also 😉 Plus most of my tips being used by her entirely.

I think nowadays it is getting longer to wait for turn to climb Mount Kinabalu. Since climbing it requires permit [8]. Plus last 3 months when I check it, only hiking trip for middle 2019 is available.

Till then, have fun in planning to climb Mount Kinabalu😉

References:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kinabalu
[2] http://mountkinabalu.info/timpohon-gate.htm
[3] http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/sporean-dies-after-falling-into-ravine-on-mt-kinabalu
[4] http://says.com/my/news/german-tourist-victoria-poulsen-dead-after-falling-off-the-summit-of-mount-kinabalu
[5] http://www.climbingmtkinabalu.com/2011/10/sayat-sayat-check-point-at-mt-kinabalu.html
[6] http://www.mountkinabalu.com/stay/laban-rata/laban-rata-resthouse
[7] https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Kadir_Sheikh_Fadzir
[8] http://metro.co.uk/2015/06/11/what-are-the-rules-on-climbing-mount-kinabalu-and-why-is-it-so-sacred-5240535/