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If you think Malaysia Genting Highlands is boring, time to visit and re-evaluate!
Many Singaporeans will plan to visit neighboring countries instead of GentingHighlands for a getaway. However, I begged to differ, especially when Genting is really accessible, lower in expenses because of the difference in our currencies, cooler than Singapore’s weather and the many brilliantattractions added to this leadingentertainmenthub.
To reach GentingHighlands, you can self drive, take a direct coach from Singapore, or fly to Kuala Lumpur and take a coach from there. In my opinion, the easiestroute will definitely be taking the directcoachride that is around 7 hours.
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Day One
TranstarTravel is a reputable transport provider and has several types of buses. The one I took is a 20seatersSuperstarZ with plushyseats and goodlegroom. A one way trip normally starts from SGD$60, depending on the demand.
There are several pick up points for the ride where you will choose prior booking. Typically, the journey will starts from their headquarter at GoldenMileTower and ends at FirstWorldorGentingResortHotel. This transfer usually includes Travel Personal Accident Insurance coverage of up to SGD25,000 that expires at the end of coach trip.
Each comfortable seat comes with a seatbelt and IndividualPersonalEntertainmentSystem. TherewillbeonboardCabinCrew to take care of you throughout the trip. I was given a fleeceblanket to keep warm & bottledwater to keep hydrate. The powerpoint by the side of each seat is so useful to charge my gadgets for longer uses.
On yes! Delicious lightmeals and beverageswillbeserved! The one I had was Nasi Lemak from Killney, super yummy! I love Nasi Lemak so so much. ❤️
There will be at least 2 pitstop throughout the journey for commuters to take toiletbreaks or getting some drinks and bites. So relax and enjoy this lovely coach ride!
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The journey started around 6:45am and reached First World Hotel at 1:30pm via TuasCheckpoint. All the hotels in Genting were fully booked, with some available ones at ThemeParkHotel and AwanaGenting, super good business!
ThemeParkHotel is locatedat the doorsteps of ArenaofStars (where shows and concerts are held), with a some walking distance from the major attractions and eats at Genting Sky Avenue. The official check intime for the hotel is 3pm.
There are 4roomtypes with ‘King’ being good for 2 adults. This newlyrevamped hotel has rooms that resemble a boutique hotel’s, especially with its quirky and playful decors, kind of cute!
The roomnumber is ‘written’ ontheground, outside each room. Totally quirky again!
The room stay at here does not come with breakfast option but not an issue since there are plenty of food choices in Genting Highlands (around 70 outlets). Eatopia, a self–servicedgrab–and–gooutlet located at the lobby of Theme Park Hotel offers bakery items, nasi lemak, pasta, wraps, oats, hot and cold beverages.
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With the success of London’s Burger & Lobster in Genting, here came another promising one. Opened on 31 Jan 19, TheLaughingFish by Harry Ramsden is a new restaurant concept from the world famous icon for fish & chips. I’m going to try the food at here for lunch.
Located at SkyAvenue level 4, The Laughing Fish is alongside an alfrescoWorldFamousFish&Chipstakeawaycounter. The facade of the restaurant mimicked an old English Pub, very casual and lovely to dine in.
The Laughing Fish serves dishes mainlyonseafood, withfocuson Cod &Haddock, and somechicken or beef options. Desserts and alcohols such as beers, wines and cocktails are available too.
Their signature WorldFamousFish&Chips comes with a huge and thick slab of fish, (codorhaddock) coated with fresh batter made from Harry’s secret recipe, deep fried, served with a side (gravy, mushypeasorcurrysauce) and double–cookedchips.
Available in 3 sizes withthelargestLegendaryinmypicturesandvideo. Haddock ishaving highernumberofvotesfor its flavorful and firmer texture, incomparison tothelighter&delicate Cod.
Get yourself a CodBurger, plenty of friedcalamari and a BakedEnglish Brie to pimp your meal! The citrusy thirst quencher LaughingFishSignatureLemonade candouble up as a palate cleanser as it aids in reducing the oiliness we had from the food.
For a sharing dessert, try the indulgently huge SuperSundae that comes with plenty of vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, brownies chunks, strawberries sauce and whipped cream. Else go for the lighter EtonMess, filled with strawberries, crushed meringue, whipped cream, shredded basil and lime. This is surprisingly light on the palate and I like it.
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After the sumptuous lunch, it is all about having fun! I’m very excited to try gaming in virtual reality, which is a relatively new experience to me.
TheVOID is located at FirstWorldPlaza level 1, where the new Skytropolis Funland is. This new attraction offers a virtualgamingexperience that is fully immersive, location-based and hyper-real! The VOID uses latest technology that will use all our 5 senses while gaming. Our imagination and reality got blended seamlessly into one, so surreal!
The VOID is similarto a lasertaggame where we geared up and fought as a team, but with additional satisfaction since you will feel being in the game. There are 4 differentgames and the ones I had are the STARWARSTM: SecretsoftheEmpire and Ghostbusters.
Imagining traveling to the molten planet of Mustafar as a Stormtrooper to blast giant lava monsters, or ghost busting at the New York apartment that was haunted by many creepy apparitions? These are the funnest games I have ever played! The other 2 games are Nicodemus: DemonofEvanishment and RalphBreaksVR.
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Right outside The VOID, is SkytropolisFunland (First World Plaza level 1), a newly built indoorthemepark that housed fun rides for both adults and children.
The skyline is paved with LEDceiling that is ever changing. It can be a milky galaxy for a moment, and a blue skied forest next. So charming! This funland has morethan20rides where you can pay as you ride or getting a pass for unlimited plays.
There are several food and beverage stalls across the funland with ThinkPink (sweet delights that are pink and dainty) and DurianDelights (durian-flavored desserts for diehard fans) catching my attention.
SpinCrazy疯转轮 and Disco-i 飞旋陀螺 aretwo popular rides at the theme park. I watched and concluded that most people seek thrills for adrenaline rush when it comes to having fun in an amusement park.
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Dinner was at the award winning HighLineRoofTopMarket, located at the same stretch where The Laughing Fish is (SkyAvenue level 4 T2C-18-23). The space is trendy with designs using plenty of wood and art installations and having live band performances on weekends.
Enjoy the chillaxingvibe with the indoor seatings or the lovely alfresco dining where you breathe in plenty of chilled fresh air of the highlands.
This outlet has 7 options consisting of HighLineFishMarket (catch of the day, done your way), Burgers&Shots (artisan brioche burgers), CarnivoreCorner (grilled meat, sandwiches and toasties), JonBing (savory crepes), AsianHeroes (asian inspired creations), BrooklynBrewery (ale and lager), and BackinTime (cocktail bar). Mix and match your selections to enjoy with your family & friends, the communal way!
My favorite for the night is the NasiLemakwithRendangLobster from Asian Heroes. 😋 The fluffy rice is coconutty fragrant, totally awesome with the sweet and spicy sambal. The grilled rendang lobster is very fresh and succulent too. I love Nasi Lemak done this way. Yum Yum! ❤️
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On my way back to Theme Park Hotel, I chanced upon this amazing store called HilltopGrocer, (Sky Avenue level 1 T2-56) which is a paradise for snacks lovers! There are 3sections in the store that includes a grocer shopping mart, a Food-To-Go counter and a dine-in Food Hall, catering to different needs.
Get freshly brewed beverages, gourmet sandwiches, pastas, sushi and flavourful local favorites at the Food–To–Gocounter. Select, pay and go, pretty simple and fuss free.
The FoodHall serves substantial hot meals in comfortable dine in setting. I even saw someone buying Mao Shan Wang Durians and ate them there. So cool!
The grocershoppingmart sells fresh produces, meats and wines, but my eyes are all on the many snacks! Malaysia’s traditional pastries, biscuits, chewy mochi, sweet chocolate and tasty salted egg fish skin! The list goes on and on. 🤣 The prices are considerably cheap and seriously my great place to shop!
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Day Two
Waking up to a new day, with many excitingactivities ahead. I wasn’t feeling at my best because of the fever, bad coughing, sore throat and flu. It is a complete package that I got rewarded from CNY feasting, maybe? But the fun I had yesterday keeps me going and looking forward to more explorations in GentingHighlands.
A really big, fluffy, white cloud. ☁️ Don’t you think it looks amazingly delicious? Like something good to chew at.
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First challenge of the day: EagleLandingZipline by Ripley’s Adventureland at SkyAvenue level4. When I know about this, I got shaken with hesitation to proceed.
Looking downfrom the 4thlevel, this activity looks shitty & dangerous. With my sickness, I perspired profusely despite of the cool weather in Genting. And with THIS, my sweat turned COLD! The guys in my group were also in hesitation! 🤣
This girl gave me courage. Her name is Elaine and she is also really afraid of this. But because we are here for a work purpose, we decided to give this a try while supporting one another.
Gearing up in progress and do note that wearing of skirt is NOTALLOWED but because I’m on a mission….. so whahahaha. Anyway also nothing much to watch because I think I ‘kiaped’ tucked my skirt tightly with the harness and fat thighs. 🤣
Hooked on and walking to the ‘execution platform’.
I stood at the point before zipping, blaming myself for acting brave. I seriously feel like peeing in my skirt when I looked down from the edge of the platform. Helpppppppp!
There is no turning back. I can only say “god please help me” deep in my heart, with eyes shut tight. Amen. 🙏🏻
Andherewego, wheeeeeee!
To be frank, this ziplineworthplaying and notasscary as what I presumed. The thrill element is there but reduced a little since you must ‘sit’ to set the legs free, for the gaming assistant to give you a push simultaneously. I might be unable to complete this challenge if I need jump off this platform myself!
Okay lah, SMILE!
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If going to those scary Halloween Nights is your favorite thing to do, prep yourself for a simulation of zombie apocalypse at ZombieOutbreak (SkyAvenue level 4, T2C-B16, Big Box) alongside Ripley’sBelieveItOrNotOdditorium (T2C–B13), TheJurassicResearchCentre (T2C-B15), and4DTrickArtMuseum (T2C-B08).
Funny not funny! The zombies are lurking in the deserted house. With the objective to freeze your blood, prepare to see all the scariest you could think of. I think the safest place will be outside the house because once you enter, “god please help me” 🙏🏻
We cannot run or hide but to struggle from room to room, in a seemed to be longer-than-usual kind of maze. The entire walk is in a dimlylit setting but don’t you worry, because you will definitely be pounced by the hungry zombies at many points, guaranteed.
The exteriors of the Zombie Outbreak wanted to scream danger but to many of us, it screams InstagramWorthySpots. Have fun in photo taking before entering to an unforgettable and terrifying experience!
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Ripley’sBelieveItOrNotOdditorium, as the name suggests, is all about wacky, weird and interesting facts around the world.
Whether you are feeling casual or seeking for fun explorations, Ripley’s might do the job well. Most of us would spend an hour or two on the range of exhibits, that are made from common objects but uncommon concepts! This interactive work of arts is informative, and exhibited invitingly in a spacious gallery setting.
Lawyer Maria Jose Christerna from Mexico is well known as TheVampireWoman. Inked from head to toes, she also has fangs, a forked tongue, tons of piercings and titanium implants to give her an appearance that is out-of-the-world. Believe it or not?!
Visit with an open heart and have fun discovering those facts!
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Take a step to 65 million years ago, where the land is ruled by the dinosaurs. This is an ultimate showcase at JurassicResearchCenter.
A good educationalplace with funinteractions, getup close with the dinosaurs to feel their skin and hear them roar!
Don’t be alarmed when you spot some movingones and the gigantic Tyrannosaurus-rex around the corner!
Examine the dinosaurs’ fossils&skeletons, the precious remains packed with informative DNA. This is how we learn about them before destructions.
Want to feel the Velociraptors thrashing you in a virtuallaboratory? Visit one at here with experience that is quite sureal. Jurassic Research Center has really awesome information and artworks on everything dinosaurs, so check them out to feel the amazement!
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4DTrickArtMuseum is an optical illusion gallery where we acted accordingly to the murals and getting photographs taken from designated perspectives for optical illusion effects.
The museum has muralsartworkpaintedbyartists whereevery pieces are Instagram worthy. Strike your best pose and create the fun memories to keep for lives.
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All of the mentioned attractions are located in Ripley’sAdventureland at Sky AvenueBigBox level 4.
There are many otherentertainments & smallgames to keep you occupied all day long. Plentyofseatswithtables are available for resting or refueling yourself before the next fun.
If you are keen to play at more attractions, please get their comboticket as it saves you some money.
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Wellness spa HealingTouch is located at this area too and has services such as body massage, foot reflexology, fish spa, etc.
Part of their service menu where I find that the prices are really affordable.
I took up their special promotion package at RM258 for 90mins of bodymassage with complimentary of 30minsfootmassage and 15 mins footscrub. Eyepillow and heatpacktreatment will also be added alongside body massage.
The overall experience is pretty good. From the pre soaking and cleaning of feet, to the therapeutic foot and body massage, and the hot red dates longan tea I had after the session. My tired self got rejuvenated and this is great for self pampering. The spa opens daily from 10am to 12am and you are encouraged to call them at +60122337525 in advance for appointment.
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Genting Highlands is not only about posh and famous restaurants. They have plenty of varieties including foodcourt.
My lunch was at MedanSelera (SkyAvenue level G), a halal dining place. You can get a variety of the favorites, all at affordable prices. The food court is spacious and well equipped with plenty of seats.
There are fivestalls and a selfservicestation for salad, fruits and drinks. Everything will be ordered at the stall but pay at the cashier counter, before entering to the dining area.
The diverse selection of rice dishes, noodles and snacks are inspired by the Western, Asian and Middle–Eastern cooking.
Crispy curry puffs and assortment of delicious kuih (traditional cakes) are great to pick up as on-the-go eats.
Medan Selera has value–for–moneyBreakfastSets and starts operating from9amdaily. Popular options include Nasi Lemak, Fried Noodles, Roti John, Tandoori Chicken Curry and more.
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There are many local and international brands at Genting Highlands to shop but you should really check out the latestGentingHighlandsPremiumOutlets too. This huge complex is 10mins away fromSkyAvenueResortWorldGenting via AwanaSkyway, whichislocatedat Sky Avenue level 4.
Taking a gondola give us opportunity to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the surroundings. For a unique and spectacular experience, go for the glass–flooring ones (only 10 of it, exclusively).
It costs double in price than the standard gondola, but definitely worthy as you get to enjoy a morebreathtakingview of the beautiful rain forest and breathe crisps mountain air along the way.
There are 3stations in total, namely SkyAvenue, ChinSweeandAwana. Disembark at Chin Swee station to explore the scenic surroundings around Chin Swee Caves Temple. Ride on and you will reach AwanaStation, where the PremiumOutlets are.
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Every gondola has USBports for charging of our electronic devices. The specially designed windows and louvers cleverly allow more air into the gondolas for better ventilation. You can have a cabin–sizedluggage along so that taking the gondola after the shopping spree will not be a problem.
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GentingHighlandsPremiumOutlets is the second Premium Outlet in Malaysia, after the one in Johor, which opened in 2017. This shoppers’ heaven features 150 designer and local brands, including Adidas, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sembonia, Coach and more.
There is also a foodstreet with outlets such as Chicken Rice Shop, Starbucks, Wendy’s, Baskin Robbins and more. GentingHighlandsPremiumOutlets (10am to 10pmdaily) isa great place to venture especially when you are into quality high fashion with good shopping deals and promotions.
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Authentic Neapolitan pizzas at Motorino (SkyAvenue level 1) can gives satisfaction and is quite a popular family restaurant. This pizza place is hailed as the best authentic Neapolitan Italian pizza in New York by New York Times food writers.
Owned and operated by Belgian-Italian born ChefMathieuPalombino, Motorino has multiple outlets in New York, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, and in Genting Malaysia. The decor of Motorino Genting oozes charm of old American grocer, very pretty.
Take a whiff at the freshly baked pizza by the skillful chefs! Using wood-fired oven imported from Italy does make a difference. The style of Neapolitan pizza is to have fresh basic dough, simple toppings, more sauce than cheese, and no ingredients should overwhelm one another.
The chickenmeatballs in tomato sauce is an appetizing antipasti starter. Pastas aregreat but paler in comparison to the pizzas. The pizza crust is tender, chewy, with good smokiness, and goes tastily with savory beef pepperoni, cheeses, tomato sauce and fresh chilies. I also like to drizzle chili oil & flakes over the slices to give them spicier punch.
Check out Motorino if you need pizza when you are in GentingHighlands!
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Let’s go for a movie! BonaCinemas is a retro-cum-urban theatre located at SkyAvenue level 1 Lot T2-03A with sixhalls in total. All the halls screen latest movies and are equipped with Dolby Atmos sound system for maximum cinematic immersion.
Enjoy the enhanced movie experience with IMAX (gold standard in image resolution and motion picture immersion) or GoldClass with D–Box seats, that is the first in Malaysia!
I went for the GoldClass with D–BOX seats, watching Alita in the hall that sits up to 48audiences.
The luxurious Gold Class VIPseats got ultra dynamic with the DBOXtechnology! Each seat is equipped with D-BOX patented motion system (four levels of intensity control) that could swivels and tilts to bring us into the thick of actions, truly immersive!
I highly recommending you to give DBOX a try if you love watching movies and have time to catch an afternoon matinee or midnight show.
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What is a leading entertainment hub without thriving nightlife scenes? Everything got so vibrant at SkyAvenue level G withtheadditionof Zouk Genting!
At level G, you will find 5 fun loving concepts:
Redtail Karaoke (T1–09) – Sing & unleash your inner diva at this private and beautiful Karaoke lounge. The rooms are uniquely themed and could fit groups of up to 20 people. Opens daily from 5pm to 3am.
Redtail by Zouk (T1-10) – Play at Social gaming lounge with engaging beer pong, retro arcade games, Xbox games, Jenga, air hockey and more. Opens daily from 5pm to 3am.
Zouk Club (T1-08A) – Dance & party the night away at this trendy club featuring top music performances from around the world. Opens only on Fri & Sat, from 11pm to 3am.
Empire (T1-08B) – Sway to Hip Hop beats at this urban lifestyle boutique nightclub. Opens on Wed to Sat, from 11pm to 3am.
FUHU (T1-07) – Eat at “Zouk vibe” concept restaurant. FuHu is newly opened and I have not try on this. Will be checking this out if I’m back to Genting Highlands.
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Day Three
Coach ride to Singapore is scheduled at 2:30pm, and so the best way to spend time before heading home is to have more shopping and eating! 😋
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Chanced upon the firstPikachuParadeinMalaysia when I was at Sky Avenue. This is a special arrangement made in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration. Although the parade ended on 28 Feb 19, Genting Highlands will have more exciting lineups all year round. Make sure you can check out their Facebook, Instagram and website for updates prior to your stay.
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SkySymphony is a hourly, free-to-public performance taking stage at the mainatrium of SkyAvenue.
This vibrant, extraordinary orchestra showcases audio, visual and motiongraphicsprogramming beingusedamazinglyandhaveliven up the atmosphere instantaneously. Kids and adults are loving this!
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Breakfast was at 云海WanhoiYamcha with friends. It is located at (SkyAvenue level 1, T2-7&8&9) along the stretch that leads to Burger and Lobster.
Instagram worthy food will get businesses most of the time. 🤣
Their food tasted alright, with deepfriedmeesuavermicellikueh and spicywantondumplings as my favorites. Their dim sum pastries are definitely adorable with flavors such as 奶油包 (milk custard filling bun, shaped as a caterpillar), 凤凰酥 (lotus paste butter pastry with salted egg yolk, shaped as a bird) and 老鼠爱大米 (glutinous rice balls with pandan filling, shaped as a mouse). The have many other selections including rice, noodles and a la carte dishes such as sweet sour pork. Service standard at here is of average and definitely can be improved.
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My mandatory eat in Genting Highlands is Gindaco (diagonally opposite to Wanhoi Yamcha, SkyAvenue level 1 T2-18) which sells Japanese ball-shaped snack Takoyaki.
Takoyaki is made from wheat flour batter encasing octopuschunks, preservedginger, and accompanied with topping such as bonitoflakes (original), japaneseleek (negi), prawns (ebimayo), egg (teritama), and cheese and fishroes (cheese mentaiko).
You can have the balls hot at the standing dine-in area or have them as takeaway.
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Aside from the shoppings, my last stop for the trip is for sweets and coffee at TokyoSecret.
TokyoSecret has a café (SkyAvenue level 2 T2A-39) that sells cheese tarts, waffles, pancakes, cakes, hot menu items along with beverages. With this, they have closed the kiosk at level 1 which focused on selling their cheese tarts.
Yummy treats! 😋
The crepe cake slices are light and tasty, but my favorite goes to the ‘TiffanyDream’ mousse cake. This is a cake slice with pretty pastel layers and in tantalizing asian flavors such as sweet potato, yam, pandan and coconut. Highly recommended!
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My buys from MusebyWatsons (SkyAvenuelevel3, T2B–27). 🤣 I’m pretty sick prior to the trip and needed all these dearly when my medications ran out. GentingHighlands is a wonderful place and I have no regrets to make my way here and have fun!
Shin Chan has got a better half & Miso excited talking about it!
I went to restock on Shin Chan’s Soy Sauce Ramen and saw something that makes me go excited. It is ShinChan’sMisoRamen!
Started in 1950 by Mr. Kiyoshi Imaizumi from Ashikaga in Tochigi Prefecture, TokyoNoodle has been around for long and produces a variety of instant noodles.
ShinChan’sMisoRamen ($11) is from Tokyo Noodle, with 5packets of noodles in each pack. The noodles are of medium thickness and are fried. Conveniently cookedin just 3mins, you can add ingredients to make it a sumptuous bowl. This has a different dimension of savoriness as compared to the soy sauce variety, tasting a clearer, lighter broth with sweet aftertaste.
I recommend to add lots of vegetables, in particularly sweetcorn and a little butter to this miso ramen for a good tasting bowl of sweet – savory umaminess. Nothing overwhelming should be added to cover the taste of the broth.
Shin Chan’s Soy Sauce Ramen can be found at MetroCentrepointLevel4.