Burps & Giggles, Buku Tiga lima

I chanced upon an online article on these 2 cafes in Ipoh, and looking at the pictures of the cafes I knew I had to visit them no matter the distance. I am glad I visited them both (they are just side by side anyway. haha)

I was really impressed with how they decorated and designed the whole place, how they used recycled materials to build their chairs, tables, doors etc etc. I really wondered how much effort and thoughts they have put into designing this place.

Standing on the opposite street, I wouldn't believe it is actually a cafe if not for the signboard outside. Burps and Giggles is like a hidden gem along the streets of Ipoh.

Entering through the main door, I was captivated by the drawing on the wall. The first impression was that this place was so cool and stylish! Then the right door led to Burps and Giggles while the door on the left led to Buku Tiga Lima. I really love Buku Tiga Lima's interior because I always like "old" and "vintage" style. =)

Greeted by this when I entered into Buku Tiga Lima. 

The hole near the name of the cafe came with the building, at least that was I was told.

I love all the mural paintings they have on their walls. They used real objects to complement the painting and created the 3D effects. 

The little details they added to the chair.

The 555 notebook.

Like a makeshift bench.

The "gates" to their cashier area.

Crepe with banana and caramelized nuts

I spent a pretty long time, had lunch, drank coffee and read a book. The kind of relaxation and holiday I am looking for. =)

Purposeful Traveller - Is this your kind of holiday too?

Ipoh, after 12 years.

The transportation from KL to Ipoh was bought at Puduraya Bus Terminal when we arrived at KL. The bus ticket costs RM17.40. After 3 hours journey or so, we arrived at Sri Maju Bus station located along Jalan Bendahara and we needed to go to where our hotel is located (see below)

We decided to walk and we got lost, well... nothing new. hahaha. The walking was tiring because of the sun and our backpacks! I felt like we were the only 2 tourists around. lol. Thankfully we met a friendly uncle who redirected us to the right path and a cafe with wifi saved our day. By then we already walked for almost an hour and my face and shoulders are tanned. -_-

Thank God this hotel was good.

French hotel 

Prior to travel, I did quick research but I cannot seem to find suitable guesthouse or hostel. Hence, I decided to book this hotel instead. We paid RM138 for one night and I love this hotel! A super duper big bed, big room and clean! I will definitely stay there again if I visit Ipoh!

Oh, and the hotel itself has a nice cafe - Jose&deli, it is where we had our breakfast too.

I love the cushion cover but I think it is very expensive.

The hotel staff was very friendly and she even printed for us a food trail map. Though our main intention was to visit the 2 cafes, we managed to drop by a few places on the food trail map.

We had our dinner at Lou Wong Tauge Ayam.

It's my first time trying, and I fell in love with the Tauge! I really like it, its so fat and juicy and crunchy. lol. 

Since we only stayed there for one night, there are only that much we can eat. The next morning after our pre-breakfast at the hotel, we went out for breakfast at a dim sum shop. Then we walked over to buy some egg tarts for our journey to Penang.

The bus ticket to Penang costs RM17.40 as well. We got it from Sri Maju the day we arrived at Ipoh. This time round we are smarter, we asked the hotel to arrange a cab to get to the Sri Maju Bus station, enough of the walking and it only costs us RM8. Should have done this earlier, I know right. =P

The last time I visited Ipoh was 12 years ago. I still remember it was a school trip. Well, I cannot remember if it has changed alot but I guess maybe not. Perhaps it was a weekday that I visited Ipoh, I love the streets. I love the buildings. I enjoy the morning stroll. =)

Purposeful Traveller - I guess it hasn't change much.

Stopover @ Kuala Lumpur

The last time I visited KL was in.... 2008? I never really like KL because of the crowd and shopping is not what I like. Anyway, I decided to stay in KL for 2 nights as a stopover because my main aim is to go Ipoh and Penang.

As usual, I chose to stay guest house. After research I chose Sahabat guesthouse because of its location and review.

Cost: RM140/night for a double bed room with ensuite bathroom. It is located in Bukit Bintang area where all the major shopping malls are.

First impression was good, its clean and gave a homely feel. =)

Map from http://www.sahabatguesthouse.com/location.php 

Our room.

Anyway, we had our lunch located near the guesthouse and it is nothing fantastic but we were too hungry. >.< We walked for 10 minutes or so to shopping malls like Fahrenheit 88 and Pavilion. 

Dinner was near the guesthouse.

The real walking starts on our second day, we spent sometime at Fahrenheit 88 and we had a vintage high tea there! Alright, nothing that WOW-ed us as we just wanted to rest somewhere and have tea. hahaha. But we were happy with the service they provided, maybe because we were the only customers around. LOL!

Love their plates

The vintage high tea costs RM49.90~

We decided to walk to Chinatown, it took us about 20 minutes from our guesthouse. Finally I get to eat a better Wanton Mee. RM5. 

We went on eating Lok lok by the roadside, and I love the abalone mushroom. =))

We also had BBQ wings. Finally some yummy food before we leave.

My conclusion for re-visiting KL after 5 years? KL is too fast pace for me, just like another Singapore. I don't think I will visit anytime soon unless I am going to visit different places. However, I am glad that I actually manage to get some clothes which I like and of course tasted the yummy wanton mee again. =)

By the 2nd night, I already can't wait to go Ipoh. I can't wait to visit that 2 cafes!

Purposeful Traveller - Impression hasn't change.