Naas, Ireland

I had the chance to visit Ireland early January this year for work. Beside it being the first country that I have ever visited in Europe, it was also my first time to experience below 5 C RT. It was freezing cold during my 2 week stay in Ireland. My mom told me that I will survive with 3 layers of clothing but no I can still feel the coldness penetrating my skin. You need 5 layers of clothing! (Well I am used to 25 to 30 C RT in Asia). 

During my 2 week stay in Ireland, I stayed in Naas where my work is based. My colleague, Arianna is the one who has been there to accompany me wherever I wanted to go after work. I truly enjoy her company as she is the one who I can consider one of my mentors when it comes to work. :-) 

Since the reason why I went to Ireland is because of work, I did not manage to see it as much as I can. But my colleagues made a point that I can at least taste good decent food. 

So what is their speciality? And the answer is.... BEEF! According to my colleagues they have the best Beef in the world and they produce nutritious and delicious milk because their cows are one of the happiest cows in the world. They have abundant resource of greenery which cows consumes. I know it does not sound realistic but even though it is a bit funny it has some truth in their  explanation. 

I stayed in two hotels since I my stay was extended for a week more: Osprey Hotel and Kilashee Hotel. 

1. Killashee House Hotel and Spa 

Build during the 1861, Killashee was one of the oldest hotels still standing in Ireland. It has a total of 280 acres of land where one can enjoy just walking around their gardens or spending time in their spa area.  I did not manage to take photo or roam around Killashee as we have a very tight schedule. 

Killashee’s facade. This is just part of their hotel. Rooms are not situated here but in another building

Love that 1800s style windows and wallpaper

2. Osprey Hotel + Spa 

Unlike Killashee, Osprey is a newly built hotel near our workplace. It is close to all major routes and shopping areas. What I personally liked about Osprey is their to die for bath and shower. The bathroom is as big as the room which is unlike the other hotels I stayed in. They also made me experience what is the real “Irish Breakfast”. That big hearty meal with potatoes, bacon, baked beans and their famous sausages. I guess eating the Irish Breakfast is the main reason why I gained weight. 

The perfect example of an Irish Breakfast plate

Braised Lamb Shank: Braising juice, root vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes from the Osprey’s Statler Bar (€14.50)

Food Food nothing but Food 

During my first night my colleagues brought me to Lawlor’s where you can find the best Steak on the stone. Basically the uncooked beef stake is placed on top of a hot stone where you wait for it to be cooked. Serving you while it is literally just cooked or hot. 

8 oz Irish Fillet Steal on the Stone- You can choose exactly how to cook your steak. With homemade fresh fries (chips as they call it) Pepper Sauce, Garlic Butter, and Wholegrain mustard mayo (€23.95)

With my lovely colleagues who has been there to show me around and eat in Naas from the first to the last day of my stay :-) 

After working on a Saturday, they took me to Thatch, a restaurant recommended by them where Pulled Pork is best served. 

Thatch’s restaurant 

10 Hour Slow Roast Pulled Pork Burger (€ 13.50)

A nice plating for the dessert

Before going to work on a Sunday, Arianna took me to see the sheep and greenery of Ireland. The heard of sheep can roam freely around the vast greenery of Naas. 

Last stop to end our day after a long day at work on a Sunday. Visiting the shopping place/church in Naas. Among all the restaurants we ate in the humble Harvest Kitchen is my favourite. The simplicity of the food and the ambiance of the place captures my preference. A laid back, country kitchen restaurant where you can just read a book alone or have a nice chat with a dear friend. 

Guests can seat outside and a sheet is provided to keep them warm. I did not dare stay outside because I know even with a blanket and 5 layers of clothing, I would still feel cold 

Appreciating the beauty and simplicity of this place. They serve fresh and healthy foods

I could eat this every single day 

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

You might ask: How did you travel by land from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia to Brunei? 

Well first off we did not travel by plane or by bus. We travelled via road and mostly sea. As most people would say it is easier to take the 1 hour plane ride but of course it is more expensive since there are no budget airlines from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei. We were to take the 8 hour bus ride to Brunei but to our dismay and lack of time since we just finished our island hopping trip we missed our bus. 

We do not want to stay further in Kota Kinabalu for we still have a flight to catch the next day. So we follow what the locals suggested us to do: Take 3 rides until you reach Brunei. 

1. Kota Kinabalu to Menumbok, Malaysia 

    Our last resort was to rent a car going to Menumbok to catch the 8:30 pm ferry ride going to Labuan. Travel time is 2 hours maximum. 

2. Menumbok to Labuan, Malaysia (ferry)

     30 minutes travel time. Since there were no more ferry rides to Brunei during the night. We opted to stay in Labuan for the night and catch the 8 am ferry ride the next day. 

3. Labuan, Malaysia to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei (Ferry) 

      3 hour travel time

Our original plan was to ride a bus going to the city and from there we will be just going around the place since Elsie has a 4:00 pm flight. But everything changed when Elsie talk to Ross, a lady from Brunei who is seated beside us in the ferry. She by any way do not know who we really are but offered us a ride to the city since she is living there. Elsie and I said yes abruptly as she looks very nice and would not do us any harm. 

Since we only have 5 hours left in Brunei, Ross extended her hospitality by touring us around for FREE. She took us to some touristy places where we can take pictures and enjoy the beauty of Brunei.

Breakfast in Labuan. Oh how I miss Nasi Lemak and Teh Tarik 

The Empire Hotel and Country Club 

Our first stop in Brunei. The infamous Empire Hotel, where you can find the largest pool in Brunei. The place is truly grandeur and spectacular! But of course it comes with the price as well.

Tunku Beach, Brunei 

No you are not allowed to swim here but this place is usually visited by locals for some picnic and family time. They have some stores in the area where you could buy food, clothes and souvenirs. One can simply sit on the rocks and enjoy the scenic view. 

With Ross, our angel who has toured us and help us catch our flight. We will never ever forget you you our dear Ross. I truly believe that there are still good people in the world like Ross. Thank you again for your hospitality. :-)