Around Town

There had not been much change with the town center since our last visit. If anything, it had gone quieter. And we were talking December here, at the peak of the school holiday season.

At lunch, I spoke to the store owner. Apparently, business only picked up during weekends and even then it was pretty modest. During weekdays, she only served a la carte. Compared to last year, business had really suffered.

Visitors tended to stay only for the day, not spending the night. After all, you could reach KL in under 3 hours from here. Those who came, tended to bring their own food and had a picnic, skipping lunch. Business at night depended on those who stayed and on one of the evening when we went out for dinner, the food court was practically empty.

Visitors also spent less, only coming for photographs and then head off home.

We drove around the smaller roads up the hill where the corporate holiday bungalows were. They were either empty or not maintained. Some of them were in really sad state. Even the roads were not paved well and clearly lacked maintenance. The golf course also looked empty.

One would expect that with the economic downturn, those who usually spent their holidays abroad would try something closer to home. Clearly that has not caught on. For a place which depended solely on tourism, this was worrying. It would be a shame should the situation deteriorate further as it would start a downward spiral .....

Time for some Morning Snaps

There were not that many flowers this time around. Maybe it had something to do with this being December. But still there were a few blossoms to enjoy.

I spent the morning walking around the hotel compound and the road downhill from it. Just around the corner, there was a small playground and barbecue area which was opened to the public. The weather was very changeable. It was sunny one minute and cloudy the next. And with the breeze, you could feel the chill. Best to wear a jumper or a coat.

With the hotel having a renovation, there was not much attention being put on the garden. Hopefully the renovation would bring something good for the years to come.

Breakfast at the Terraces

With the nice weather, we were treated with breakfast out in the open during our stay. Although it was a bit on the chilly side, the warm meal soon thaw us up. It was nice actually, with the birds chirping and all.

The only problem was the boys refused to come down for breakfast, electing instead to stay in bed. So, Anita and I had to take turns to come down for our meals.

The room included full English breakfast, with choices of eggs, plus bacon and sausages. Great way to start the day. Sorry, no nasi lemak ....

Dinner

Irfan swore that the fusili he had on the first night we were at Smokehouse was the best he had ever had. He finished his plate in double quick time and Idlan also enjoyed his roast beef.

Back in 2009, the food here was excellent. I still remembered the chicken pie I had then. I ordered the same item but although it was better than 2012, it still way below the offering back in our first visit. My Dad enjoyed his sole while Anita was on a diet - she only ordered some salad.

It's foggy outside. And cold!Loving the draft!Great ambiance though ..... and still very expensive!

The Honeymoon Suite

As mentioned, we book a couple of rooms. A family suite and the honeymoon suite. Those were the only ones suitable for the family since most of the other rooms were closed for renovations.

The honeymoon suite is called Guinevere. I was sure there was a fascinating tale behind the name. And the room was excellent. It came with a four-poster bed - plus the extra bed which we ordered on the side - with a sitting area with sofa in the main room. On the side, there was a small room with a table and a couple of chairs - which I was using to blog and write. You can actually have meals there but we didn't check if they do room service here.

And then there was a separate powdering room with cupboards and mirrors, leading into a big bathroom, complete with shower and jacuzzi. Yes! You heard me right. A jacuzzi for two! And yes, the boys christened them on the first afternoon.

The bathroom was very cold in the morning - but the hot shower was a blessing! And the jacuzzi, heavenly! Definitely would be asking for this room again in the future ....