Located on the way to the Subang Airport, a number of eateries have started sprouting up in Oasis Ara Damansara. Beer drinkers would be aware that the area houses a favourite pub, Tom Dick & Harry's (a spin-off from their TTDI branch), as well as other TDH affiliated restaurants.
Yesterday's public holiday gave me the chance to explore other dog friendly places as Keong was having his haircut there.
The first point of call was San Francisco Coffee, where Bella and I sat outside enjoying the breeze. Unfortunately, they weren't really dog friendly... The staff came out to let us know that but since they weren't busy, just let it be.
Not wanting to impose too much, I quickly finished the drink and wandered off with Bella to find another cafe to wait at.
Mini Me had no space for me, and the cafe across the road didn't take dogs since "we have Malay customers" despite NO customers whatsoever.
Luckily, Mr. & Ms. was!
Bella happily peeking out from under the table.
Ordered The Lady - an Earl Grey and rose infused sponge cake with coconut flesh and rose petals. Simple, light and fluffy, it wasn't dry like a lot of sponge cakes are. Perfect for those wanting to indulge without feeling too guilty.
Bella sitting guard at the table... Plenty of space along the walkway and for her to sit comfortably under the table. A few waiters actually came out to have a look at Bella under the table. The cashier also complimented us on Bella's good behaviour and happily invited us back (with Bella) to try out the rest of the menu. So definitely dog friendly and a place to return to! For the full list of dog friendly cafes & places we've been to, click here. Address : B-G-3A, Block B, Oasis Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya Opening hours : Tuesday - Friday : 10am - 6pm Saturday - Sunday : 9am - 5 pm Closed on Mondays Link : fb.com/mr8mscafe
Once upon a time when I was studying at the university with the most beautiful campus in England (have you seen England? most of it is meh-looking...), I used to indulge in the occasional Devonshire cream tea (except Devon! Devon is the most [only] beautiful part of England). Devonshire cream tea in Devon is the most indulgent cream tea ever.... freshly baked scones, clotted cream (unlimited, mind you...) and home made selection of jams (strawberry, gooseberry, blackberry, raspberry and a host of others..). So when I came back home, I was always on the lookout for a good afternoon cream tea. Luckily for me, a quartet of enterprising young guys chose Section 17, PJ to open their cafe serving (what else?), scones and cream tea.
Our first visit was without Bella, so we actually had the chance to sit indoors for dinner. Luckily for us, they didn't just serve scones... They had a few signature main dishes which we tried out. Keong had the Chicken Chop with salad and fries.
The first attempt was too salty for consumption so we had no choice but to send it back. The dish was probably a fluke though, as when they brought up a dish to replace it, the dish was alright.
I had the Salmon Steak (no picture, sorry!) which I thoroughly enjoyed. Do try the salmon if you're hungry and looking for a healthy white meat option. It was done just nice for me and a decent serving size, especially for the price you pay. Our only grouse with this visit was that we were seated next to the kitchen door. For some reason, the food had to come through the door (not the fully functional service window which they had) which brought out the fried, oily food smell. We ended up leaving with our clothes stinking of oil. Not only that, the staff kept slamming the door shut every time. First visit was not a restful experience for us at all.... The Cream Tea experience had to wait till our second visit before we could try it. This time, we brought Bella along and sat outside.
I tried the raisin and original scone.
The scones came with a dollop of cream and a dash of strawberry jam. Due to the extremely small serving (remember, I was used to unlimited amounts of clotted cream and jam), I requested for an additional serving which they were happy to oblige.
What was my verdict? Putting aside past experience, the scones were one of the better attempts by bakers in Malaysia. Since we can't possibly be flying all the way to England for cream tea...the scones, cream and jam should be enough to satisfy anyone's cream tea cravings.
Seated outside with Bella. The kitchen windows open directly here so you'll also be exposed to all the oil being fried...
Overall, the food is pretty good, as was service and price. The question is.... would we go back again? Well.... we've heard that they're aiming for halal certification so it's more a question of can we go back again with Bella? If not anymore, we may have to take them off our list... *sad face* But if you're in the area and up for some cream tea.... Then do give it a try! For the full list of dog friendly cafes & places we've been to, click here. Address: 627 Jalan 17/8, Section 17, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Open : Daily, 10am - 10pm (i think...) Link : https://www.facebook.com/2scones1cup?fref=ts
It took us almost 2 years to finally make the trip. We actually had to cancel twice before due to unavoidable circumstances. But that's not what you are here to read about, yes ?
Our trip took place at the end of July 2015, although it was supposed to be a birthday celebration holiday for Pei Ru, we were quite sure that Bella enjoyed it the most.
Bella is ready...
The drive to Cherating from Section 17, PJ took us about 4 hours... A relatively slow leisurely drive with a single stop for toilet break and for Bella to stretch out her legs. Yes, it was a slow drive, having Bella in the back seats meant that I could not layan the corners through Karak ! Just slow and easy on the pedal, taking the apex on the turns so a smooth drive through the corners.
Our destination was none other than Ruby's Resort, which probably is the only pet friendly beach resort on the whole coast line of Cherating, Pahang. This is definitely a popular holiday spot for many pet lovers, whether you come here with your dog(s) or just for a private quiet getaway. Just look at the big open space available...
Welcome to Ruby's Resort : Inside looking Out.
There are over 2 hectares open free running space !
Some may complain of the roads leading to Ruby's Resort. Everything is OK as you turn off the same junction into Club Med Cherating... But that's almost where the tar road stops. Still no big deal, you don't need a 4-wheel-drive to access the resort. And you can easily find the place by following navigation on Waze.
Everything about this resort screams out chilled out & laid back ! From the friendly owner, Ruby and her brother, together with her 2 other staff. The whole resort gives you a very homely rustic feeling. Gives you the impression that it was all hand built from the ground up by their bare hands, truly a labor of love...
So when we arrived, half excited and half tired from the drive... Ruby seemed to be busy with some prior arrangements, so she just handed us our room key and went on with her routines. No fuss, no filling up forms... no waiting in line to check in ! Nah ! Take the key, make yourself at home and go play far-far. Hahahaha !
Palm is side by side with Angsana.
We booked the Palm room, for our 2 nights stay. These 2 rooms are the nearest to the main entrance, which could be the least quiet rooms if it is fully occupied. If you want something more private, then get a room further down... of course expect to walk a bit la.
As advertised, the room comes with the bare necessities - Queen sized bed (I think), fridge, TV (but don't expect much), wall mounted fan, air con unit and water heater shower - with strong water pressure ! The room is chalet style, built from wood and with minimal bricks and cement. So temperature inside can be a bit warm during the day and it can get really cold during the night. Also with very little sound insulation, especially if the next room is occupied.
Tip No. 1 : BYO - Bring Your Own It is clearly stated in the Rules & Regulations that you will have to bring your own :
Towels - for yourself and dog(s)
Bed sheet + Pillow cases + blanket
Toiletries, including for your dog(s)
WiFi - don't expect free WiFi, this is not Club Med.
Beers and drinks
Junk food and/or light snacks
Clips or Pegs - useful to hold the curtains from been blown open.
FYI, Maxis reception is rather poor inside the room. It gets better outside at the common dining area. We never did turn on the TV, although the channels were already tuned. But doesn't matter as we spent most of our time outside. The good thing was we chose to go during off peak season. Not so much of being kiamsiap, paying surcharges for the rooms. But it meant less people and less dog(s)... Bella is after all a Rottweiler, though she is always kept on leash whenever she goes out, we can't predict the temperament of the other dogs. Especially those small dogs... Side track, reminded me of a story Ruby told us... There is a regular, who comes in a BIG SUV... but has got a small Chihuahua ! LOL ! How can you not get the irony ! Tip No. 2 : Off Peak Plan for your trip during off peak season, the additional you pay for the room surcharges, might just be equal to another additional nights' stay ! First order of event, after settling into our room... Off to the beach we went !
Clean sandy beach all to ourselves !
This was Bella's first experience being on the beach, heck ! It was her first experience with sea water and crashing waves. Yes, of course she was excited... Bella was so obsessed with the waves that she tried to catch them. And drinking in loads of sea water while at it...
Silly... isn't she ?
The beach shares the same shoreline further down is Club Med... It is a public beach (but very secluded!) so you may get the general public coming in to use the beach. So as a precaution, do be careful with your dogs at the beach... Also PLEASE, GOES WITHOUT SAYING, PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG !
Bella still wants to catch them waves.
Remember that Bella drank lots of sea water while trying to catch the waves... About 15 minutes later, Bella started to barf... and purge... at the same time too! Like that la, anjing bandar tak pernah ke pantai, terus macam jakun ! So if it is your dogs' first time to the beach experiencing sea water, don't be alarmed if this happens. According to Ruby, it is quite common for first timer dogs. Just remember to clean up after them. Tip No. 3 : Sea Water Normal for dogs to puke and purge after drinking too much sea water. Nothing serious will happen, it will stop in a few minutes. Look at it as a forceful detox for your dog. Another good thing about the resort is that each room unit has a washing area for your dog(s). It really makes bathing your dog after coming back from the beach much easier. On our first night we were treated to a scrumptious BBQ buffet dinner, about RM60 per person... I say buffet cause the food was really endless. So that's what Ruby was busy preparing for. Don't believe the rubbish review / comment about the BBQ dinner. Although we were skeptical at first, we totally enjoyed ourselves and the food kept on coming and coming - endless I tell you ! It isn't every night that there will be BBQ buffet dinner, so happen that night Ruby had her long time regulars there. Together with them, there were another 3 family / couples including us. Don't really wanna talk about the other couple together with their male Rottweiler. Quite good temperament, not aggressive and calm. But with only with a strapped harness and left to wonder off leash. That's all I am saying, don't want to mention that the couple send the male Rott for mating despite knowing it has got hip displacement. Luckily the mating didn't happen, IF NOT the poor puppies might be born the same problem and suffer ! Also don't want to mention how irritated we were at them for trying to impose their ideas of how to handle Bella. And on how we are being cruel for using a check collar, how we should just let Bella roam freely. Seriously let's not get into that...
The BBQ dinner lasted long into the night... Despite whatever reviews you might read online, we feel that the BBQ dinner was worth it. Food quality was good, of course don't expect Michelin star quality. It was also that togetherness among dog owners, sharing thoughts and ideas, do's and don'ts, that were priceless.
Bella asleep ? Or so it seems...
Time to sleep after a long day from the drive and the excitement of being on the beach. This was also the first time we had Bella sleeping in the room. Cause she is an outside dog and at night she needs to be on her guard dog duties...
That being said, none of us got any sleep that night ! We were kept awake by Bella the whole night... she was protecting us from the evil scary creepy crawlers. The slightest sound of a lizard or cockroach or even the fridge compressor. Bella was on HIGH alert the whole night. She was barking the whole night... We tried everything but still in her doggy dreams she was barking ! Not fun having a guard as a roomie...
Good morning Day 2 !
The clear blue skies did very little to cheer us up, we probably had a max of 3 hours sleep - cumulatively. No surprise that we were the last to wake up. Still... our English Breakfast was prepared and served fresh to us, coffee and tea also included - kept warm at the side. Oh... how we needed coffee to start the day. Nothing special for lunch though, we decided to just tapau KFC. Tip No. 4 : Closed for Prayers If you are planning to go to Chukai / Kemaman town... Generally shops will be closed during Friday prayers time. Like KFC, no dine in... only take away. Also most of the popular makan places are closed on Fridays. So... what else is there to do, time to chill on the beach... Oh, if you don't already know, there are beach mats you can use - courtesy of Ruby's Resort.
Beach Bum Bella !
180deg view, no one insight !
Have I mentioned that the beach is almost private ? We went to the beach late afternoon, around 3pm and it was a Friday. So no surprise that there isn't anyone else on the beach. You do get random humans wandering over from Club Med... But we were chilling on the beach, even dozed off into a short nap. So another great reason to come during off peak season...
Did you know that Ruby's Resort is also a sanctuary for cats ? Ruby not only rescues abandoned dog but also cats... And I am talking about really nice beautiful cats, i.e. Persians and Bengal cat breeds. I was told these cats (and dogs) were abandoned near the beach area. Just plain CRUEL !
There is even a Cat House specially built for them, to keep them safe during the nights.
I was told that the cats (and dogs) are available for adoption. But definitely subject to Ruby's interrogation and approval. When you visit her resort, you will see how she loves each of the pets there the same. Any new rescue will have to first be given a clean bill of health by the vet before being allowed to mix with the pack. Safe to say that the vet bill will cost a bomb ! Bless her kind heart for all that she is doing and her effort to upkeep the resort. For our last night, we decided to have our dinner at Restoran Duyong. Based on the reviews, this place seems to be famous with the locals and holiday goers as well ! Plus it is dog friendly. To be on the safe side, we arrived early - around 6pm.
The Lower Tier
We were ushered to sit at the lower tier area, away from the crowd. Which wasn't a problem as we didn't want Bella to scare away any Muslim customers. Place was about half filled despite us reaching around 6pm... At a glance, mostly were ang mohs. This restaurant serves Thai - Chinese dishes... and is pork free. A Malay waiter came to take our orders, initially was afraid of Bella but was more relax around her towards the end of the night. Most of the dishes we ordered was based on his recommendation. Very friendly guy, Aredi was his name.
Kam Heong fried Bamboo Lala : Recommended - 5 of 5 Rating
When the dishes came, we were quite disappointed with the really small servings. Especially the Salted Egg Prawns, only 4 prawns - being a seafood restaurant, that's a really pathetic portion. Both the Thai Fried Chicken rice and Papet Seafood came under recommendation from Aredi. Be warned that the Papet is like spicy fried Thai sytle - and I do mean spicy ! Seeing that there wasn't enough, we went ahead and ordered the Kam Heong Bamboo Lala, which was to our surprised the best dish ever ! The bamboo lala was fresh, thick and juicy sweet. A good Ying & Yang combo with the real spicy kam heong sauce. This dish actually saved our whole dinner experience. Tip No. 5 : Restoran Duyong Not sure if they are open for lunch but definitely for dinner ! Go early to avoid the crowd and to get yourself the best table with the sunset view... Oh... you can replenish your beer supply from here. We had a hard time looking for a 7-Eleven in Chukai / Kemaman town that sells beers.
We spent the rest of the evening back in Ruby's Resort, most of the guests have left earlier in the morning. There was just another couple there with their Westie, who happened to be our neighbour. But for whatever reason, they were just lansi !
Chilling...
But doesn't matter, we just sat along the corridor / pathway and chit chat with Ruby. Hearing her stories, both horror and happy stories of the type of guests that comes by. So many stories and you will understand why she imposes such strict rules. She is really a straight up, tell it as it is... sarcastic in your face person. So if you can't abide by the House Rules, then best find somewhere for your holidays. Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung. Means that you don't go into someone else's house and leave your shit around - literally.
This manja cat, joined us while we chatted with Ruby.
Luckily for us, Bella wasn't as alert as she was on the first night. Which meant we managed to get some quality shut eye. It must have been a cold night, come daylight we found Bella curved up on the comfort of my dirty clothes and snoring. Cute ! That's was also the first time we allowed Bella to curl up in bed with us. Took her awhile to understand what we told her, cause she is always only allowed on the floor.
Stout & Princess - 2 of the star dogs at Ruby's Resort
As we were checking out, couldn't help but to play with Stout and Princess for the last time. As you enter Ruby's home, Princess will come trotting over with her toy in her mouth inviting you to play with her. Before we said our goodbyes, it was nice for Ruby to invite us back again. And that we surely will ! What a place to run away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, just totally chill under the clear blue skies...and the almost private beach. Such is a haven created and maintained by Ruby, for dogs and pet owners.
