It's the time to celebrate!!
The Malaysia Year End Sales is Back! Y.E.S! A month long sales in all major retail outlet in Malaysia.
The Malaysia school holiday is also back. Where all Malaysia government school is having aschool break from 21 Nov 4 Jan 2010. Yes! it means students can finally relax after all the major exam. And to those travelling to work, it means good news too as the traffic will ease tremendously after the school holiday starts. Yipee!!
And those who has work smart & hard throughout the year. You may get your bonus around this time of the year. Congrats!! Select a good deal during the SALES time and pamper yourself, you deserve it. Re-charge and prepare for a brand new year!
And for those who didn't get the bonus. Don't beat yourself up or start the endless complaints and whines. Think what's lacking in you that you didn't get it. Plan your plan and work it out. If you are all stress up and needing a "shoping teraphy". Choose wisely with the abundant deals around this Y.E.S time. Soak yourself in the good deal, but remember not to over spent. If not you might have even bigger stress when you received your bill by the end of the day. Reboast yourself and plan to work toward your best and achieve your target in the coming year.
Enjoy!!
Sunday 22 November 2009
Sunday 8 November 2009
delay in posting
I've been very busy these few weeks. Always didn't find the time for posting new blogs. Sorry to all my followers, I've add in new blog once I'm free from the busy schedule.
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Eye Sore – Bogus Monk
Lately, I been driving in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur and I frequently spotted men in monk robe begging for money. I knew these men are bogus monk (even if they are real monks, they have broke the Buddhist code of ethics).
Let me tell you the modus operandi of these fake monks. They shaved they head bald, wearing monk robe, with or without an alms bowl walking on the street. Usually, they will ignore the normal Malaysian as many knew that they are fake. They target foreigners, especially tourists. The bogus monk will walk towards their target(s) and beg for money. Sometimes, the target(s) generously and willingly “donates” money to them. Sometimes, the target(s) simply not willing to donate and the fake monk will persuade or even follow the target(s) until the target give the donation.
I read some articles reporting on the issues of bogus monks in Malaysia. A report also stated that that a true monk is to reject any offering in terms of monetary. Even if a monk offer blessing string in return of a monetary offer is inappropriate. When a monk collects alms it should be in terms of food. Those who offer food should give pure vegetarian food.
Maybe Malaysians and those who are visiting Malaysia are too generous in giving blindly. Some greedy people abuse the ignorant & generosity of these people to satisfy their own greed.
I want to urge all generous people to be careful and not to give out money blindly. Make sure the donations are fall into the use of people in need. Of course, stop giving to these bogus monks!
Let me tell you the modus operandi of these fake monks. They shaved they head bald, wearing monk robe, with or without an alms bowl walking on the street. Usually, they will ignore the normal Malaysian as many knew that they are fake. They target foreigners, especially tourists. The bogus monk will walk towards their target(s) and beg for money. Sometimes, the target(s) generously and willingly “donates” money to them. Sometimes, the target(s) simply not willing to donate and the fake monk will persuade or even follow the target(s) until the target give the donation.
I read some articles reporting on the issues of bogus monks in Malaysia. A report also stated that that a true monk is to reject any offering in terms of monetary. Even if a monk offer blessing string in return of a monetary offer is inappropriate. When a monk collects alms it should be in terms of food. Those who offer food should give pure vegetarian food.
Maybe Malaysians and those who are visiting Malaysia are too generous in giving blindly. Some greedy people abuse the ignorant & generosity of these people to satisfy their own greed.
I want to urge all generous people to be careful and not to give out money blindly. Make sure the donations are fall into the use of people in need. Of course, stop giving to these bogus monks!
Thursday 24 September 2009
No X in Forest, Please
In one of my previous blog, I’ve share some tips (without any evidence or its existence and effectiveness of methods shared... hehe) now I gonna “luan bai” even more about survival tips in forest (by avoiding the X).
The foremost important thing when inside forest/ jungle is never ever calls the real name of another person. The rationale behind is, if the X heard the name of the person and the X will learn and call the name of the person. What happened when someone answer to his or her name? The person soul would be called out from it physical body. Dangerous ler… That’s why don’t use real name, if the X call the fake name and you answer to the X’s call, nothing will happened. Safe la. Remember, never call people real name, use substitute name like Big Stone, Wolf, etc, up to your imagination. And never answer to anyone who is calling your real name when you are inside the jungle / forest. Never!
So you think you are pretty safe by just ignoring name calling. No really, those X are quite resourceful. They don’t rely to only one method in getting the mortals. I heard that they also make people lost in the jungle / forest. I don’t know they use illusion techniques or what other techniques, somehow, the people being targeted by them would not be able to come out from the jungle. They will find themselves walking in the same location, no matter how hard they try. So, if you so “shui” (bad luck) and encounter such situation, no fear. An old rubber taper lady told me her “petua” (secret know how) to escape from this kind of danger. No matter you are a guy or lady, as soon as you realized you are lost and walking in the same spot, undress you pant and PEE! Yes, pee and then, gather all your angers & frustrations in your daily life and start scolding in 4 letter words. Whatever foul language that come to your mind, scold it out as fierce as you can lo. She said with this you will able to see the path clearer and eventually find your way out. Miracle!
Ok, I did mentioned pee for survival, but do not think that you can pee as you like lo when you are inside jungle / forest. And pee will make you safe. No way! If not under critical circumstances like what I describe just now, never simply pee here and there. I’ve heard that sometimes, you can get yourself into trouble because you pee at the host’s land without permission. Have to have manners la. Ask permission before you answer your call of nature. Say something like, “Excuse me please. I need to pxx / sxxt at your place because I have no choice.” Then only you do your business there.
Well, that’s all I know about X and forest. I want to state that I really no idea how true is all these story and practice flowing around the folks here. So never never takes it too serious. Read for fun only, k?
The foremost important thing when inside forest/ jungle is never ever calls the real name of another person. The rationale behind is, if the X heard the name of the person and the X will learn and call the name of the person. What happened when someone answer to his or her name? The person soul would be called out from it physical body. Dangerous ler… That’s why don’t use real name, if the X call the fake name and you answer to the X’s call, nothing will happened. Safe la. Remember, never call people real name, use substitute name like Big Stone, Wolf, etc, up to your imagination. And never answer to anyone who is calling your real name when you are inside the jungle / forest. Never!
So you think you are pretty safe by just ignoring name calling. No really, those X are quite resourceful. They don’t rely to only one method in getting the mortals. I heard that they also make people lost in the jungle / forest. I don’t know they use illusion techniques or what other techniques, somehow, the people being targeted by them would not be able to come out from the jungle. They will find themselves walking in the same location, no matter how hard they try. So, if you so “shui” (bad luck) and encounter such situation, no fear. An old rubber taper lady told me her “petua” (secret know how) to escape from this kind of danger. No matter you are a guy or lady, as soon as you realized you are lost and walking in the same spot, undress you pant and PEE! Yes, pee and then, gather all your angers & frustrations in your daily life and start scolding in 4 letter words. Whatever foul language that come to your mind, scold it out as fierce as you can lo. She said with this you will able to see the path clearer and eventually find your way out. Miracle!
Ok, I did mentioned pee for survival, but do not think that you can pee as you like lo when you are inside jungle / forest. And pee will make you safe. No way! If not under critical circumstances like what I describe just now, never simply pee here and there. I’ve heard that sometimes, you can get yourself into trouble because you pee at the host’s land without permission. Have to have manners la. Ask permission before you answer your call of nature. Say something like, “Excuse me please. I need to pxx / sxxt at your place because I have no choice.” Then only you do your business there.
Well, that’s all I know about X and forest. I want to state that I really no idea how true is all these story and practice flowing around the folks here. So never never takes it too serious. Read for fun only, k?
Tuesday 22 September 2009
No money No Pee...
While I was doing window shopping at The Gardens, MidValley, I urgently felt the call of nature. Immediately I look for the sign of the washroom. I rush to the washroom and found that it is a premium washroom.
Guess the charges for per entry... RM5 per entry. My God! It takes RM5 for a shopper to pee? Of course I am not willing to pay that much for toilet entry. I thought the shopping management must be doing some gimmicky thing about this particular washroom, like what the Lot 10 did many years back, where it imposed premium charge for the toilet entry.
So, I quicky rush to another washroom inside the mall. To my horror and dismay - It's the premium toilet again! With a staff smartly dress in blazer and pant at the entry of the toilet. Yes, the ticket seller of the toilet entry. Well, I guess it look like a musuem inside. But I'm too stingy to pay for a visit to the toilet!! Ark!!
I dare not to look at the other floor of the toilet in The Gardens. I quicky rushed to the main entrance, ran across the road to MidValley Mega Mall. Finally... the toilet (that doesn't need to pay), I'm glad.
Well, lesson of the story -No money, No Pee!
Guess the charges for per entry... RM5 per entry. My God! It takes RM5 for a shopper to pee? Of course I am not willing to pay that much for toilet entry. I thought the shopping management must be doing some gimmicky thing about this particular washroom, like what the Lot 10 did many years back, where it imposed premium charge for the toilet entry.
So, I quicky rush to another washroom inside the mall. To my horror and dismay - It's the premium toilet again! With a staff smartly dress in blazer and pant at the entry of the toilet. Yes, the ticket seller of the toilet entry. Well, I guess it look like a musuem inside. But I'm too stingy to pay for a visit to the toilet!! Ark!!
I dare not to look at the other floor of the toilet in The Gardens. I quicky rushed to the main entrance, ran across the road to MidValley Mega Mall. Finally... the toilet (that doesn't need to pay), I'm glad.
Well, lesson of the story -No money, No Pee!
Saturday 19 September 2009
The Hunt is On
Calling all Treasure Hunt Fans.
On the 3rd Oct 2009, there are 2 hunts on in Kuala Lumpur.
1. Klang Valley Food Hunt 2009
Summary of the hunt: It is a hunt about foods. Hunters are to use the sms based location finder directory by Maxis.
Fee: RM 90 (non Maxis user); RM 70 (Maxis user)
Registration: Before 28 Sep, first come first serve, max 120 teams.
Flag off location: National Sciene Centre, Bukit Kiara, KL
Team Register In: 6.30am
Flag off time: 8.30 am
Prize: Total 20K worth of prize, including cash prize. Goodie bags for each team
More Info/ Contact: 03-5621 4818
2. Walk KL Treasure Hunt by The Podium @Menara Hap Seng
Summary of the hunt: Promote people to support green activites by walking to places in short distance instead of driving.
Fee: RM 150/ team (min 2 person, max 4 person)
Closing date: 25 Sep 09
Flag off location: The podium, Menara Hap Seng
Flag off time: 3pm
Finished Time: 6.30pm
Prize: Teams will receive a RM75/team cash voucher to be use for dinner at participating F&B outlets at The Podium. Valid on hunt day dinner only.
More Info/ Contact: http://www.thepodium.com.my; Michael Pang. 012-2899782
Happy Hunting & Selamat Hari Raya!
Maaf Zahir & Batin.
On the 3rd Oct 2009, there are 2 hunts on in Kuala Lumpur.
1. Klang Valley Food Hunt 2009
Summary of the hunt: It is a hunt about foods. Hunters are to use the sms based location finder directory by Maxis.
Fee: RM 90 (non Maxis user); RM 70 (Maxis user)
Registration: Before 28 Sep, first come first serve, max 120 teams.
Flag off location: National Sciene Centre, Bukit Kiara, KL
Team Register In: 6.30am
Flag off time: 8.30 am
Prize: Total 20K worth of prize, including cash prize. Goodie bags for each team
More Info/ Contact: 03-5621 4818
2. Walk KL Treasure Hunt by The Podium @Menara Hap Seng
Summary of the hunt: Promote people to support green activites by walking to places in short distance instead of driving.
Fee: RM 150/ team (min 2 person, max 4 person)
Closing date: 25 Sep 09
Flag off location: The podium, Menara Hap Seng
Flag off time: 3pm
Finished Time: 6.30pm
Prize: Teams will receive a RM75/team cash voucher to be use for dinner at participating F&B outlets at The Podium. Valid on hunt day dinner only.
More Info/ Contact: http://www.thepodium.com.my; Michael Pang. 012-2899782
Happy Hunting & Selamat Hari Raya!
Maaf Zahir & Batin.
Thursday 17 September 2009
No X, Please.
When traveling to a new place, some will worried that they have additional unwanted company – ghost. Personally, I heard many these so call tips that we can do to avoid bumping into these “sui” (bad omen in Cantonese) thingy.
Before I go into the core subject of this blog, let me clarify a term - “X”. Here it means the ghost/ spirit/ soul or any other unknown similar subject to ghost.
HOTEL
One of the most talked about subject about traveling and ghost encounter is in the hotel / any accommodation type where we spend the night. What are the common believes? And what are the “do” and “don’t”?
I have encountered situation where single female traveling and the make sure the room they book is a single bedroom with only 1 bed. Why? They said if there is any additional bed vacant, you might seem inviting companionship. Double bed is always worse than the twin bed situation, as the X might just sleep beside you.
There is also another common believes among the Malaysian Chinese that the last room in the roll is always not clean (meaning contain X(s)). So beware next time you check in the both extreme corner rooms. ^-^
Do’s
1. Knock or ring the doll bell trice before you enter the room for the first time. When you check in an unoccupied room and before you stepping in for the first time, you may want to consider knocking on the door or ringing on the door bell trice. Then, you may put your key in and open the door. The reason is to inform those X who might be having vacation in the same room that you are coming to the room and spending your night(s) here.
2. Well, some people just feel ain’t secure and courteous enough just informing them that you are coming in and staying here. They will open the door and stand at the side for awhile, and they will say “jie meh” (meaning excuse me in Cantonese) before entering the premise. And I must tell you I hate traveling with such superstitious person. It always gives me a goose bump when they do so. It seems like you are really waiting for the X to come out from the room. And telling them excuse me please, because I have paid for the room, so I’m spending my night here.
3. There are also people who tell me that I shouldn’t left my shoe at the bedside nicely when I go to sleep at a hotel. Here’s the answer why you should not. If you left your shoe nicely placed bedside your bed, when the X wandering around after you slept and sees your nice shoes lying there. They are tempted to wear you shoes and wander around in your shoes. What happened if the X really wore your shoes? Aiyo, easy la… you’ll get bad luck! I don’t want bad luck, so I do practice this one- making one of my shoe flip facing down, so that none can wear my shoes. You can do anything that you think they can’t wear your shoe without rearranging your shoe will just do the trick. I know it sounds silly and doesn’t make any sense, yet, I did it every time I go travel. Oh… Please stop laughing at me la.
Before I go into the core subject of this blog, let me clarify a term - “X”. Here it means the ghost/ spirit/ soul or any other unknown similar subject to ghost.
HOTEL
One of the most talked about subject about traveling and ghost encounter is in the hotel / any accommodation type where we spend the night. What are the common believes? And what are the “do” and “don’t”?
I have encountered situation where single female traveling and the make sure the room they book is a single bedroom with only 1 bed. Why? They said if there is any additional bed vacant, you might seem inviting companionship. Double bed is always worse than the twin bed situation, as the X might just sleep beside you.
There is also another common believes among the Malaysian Chinese that the last room in the roll is always not clean (meaning contain X(s)). So beware next time you check in the both extreme corner rooms. ^-^
Do’s
1. Knock or ring the doll bell trice before you enter the room for the first time. When you check in an unoccupied room and before you stepping in for the first time, you may want to consider knocking on the door or ringing on the door bell trice. Then, you may put your key in and open the door. The reason is to inform those X who might be having vacation in the same room that you are coming to the room and spending your night(s) here.
2. Well, some people just feel ain’t secure and courteous enough just informing them that you are coming in and staying here. They will open the door and stand at the side for awhile, and they will say “jie meh” (meaning excuse me in Cantonese) before entering the premise. And I must tell you I hate traveling with such superstitious person. It always gives me a goose bump when they do so. It seems like you are really waiting for the X to come out from the room. And telling them excuse me please, because I have paid for the room, so I’m spending my night here.
3. There are also people who tell me that I shouldn’t left my shoe at the bedside nicely when I go to sleep at a hotel. Here’s the answer why you should not. If you left your shoe nicely placed bedside your bed, when the X wandering around after you slept and sees your nice shoes lying there. They are tempted to wear you shoes and wander around in your shoes. What happened if the X really wore your shoes? Aiyo, easy la… you’ll get bad luck! I don’t want bad luck, so I do practice this one- making one of my shoe flip facing down, so that none can wear my shoes. You can do anything that you think they can’t wear your shoe without rearranging your shoe will just do the trick. I know it sounds silly and doesn’t make any sense, yet, I did it every time I go travel. Oh… Please stop laughing at me la.
4. If you go into a room and found that there is mirror facing the bed(s). Take a cloth / bath towel/ anything to cover the mirror before you go to bed. The rationale behind? Hehe... I’m not too sure. Anyone knows the reason, please let me know. The only thing I know is that in Feng Shui perspective, no mirror should face to bed. It is consider bad and will make a person less energetic and less confident.
Don’t
1. If you found that the room you check in has a Bible or Quran open at a certain page. Please do not close or move the Bible/ Quran. I’m being told that there’s a reason why the Bible / Quran is open at a certain page. It serves the function of guarding the traveler from the unwanted company.
2. Don’t sing or play “Wo deng zhe ni hui la” 我等着你回來 (I’m waiting for you to come back) a Mandarin oldies. I don’t think this has to do with any superstitious believes. Instead, it is because quite some years ago, there was a famous Chinese horror movie that relate playing this song and the appearance of the ghost. Haha…
Having fun reading the silly practice and believes about the X while traveling? I have another part which I gonna share in my coming blog. No X in forest please. Enjoy!
Monday 14 September 2009
Mini Exhibition of Animal
Two weekend ago, I went to Jaya 1 for lunch with friends. And we found that at the centre of Jaya One-Palm Square, there was a mini exhibition of rabbits and genuine pigs.
There is no fee for viewing and petting the little cuddly creature outside the area they fenced up. The organiser sell feed for those who would like to have up close encounter with the nibbling creatures. Watch out for your little kids. My friend's kids are being given the feed three times, so the dad had to pay for it.
I've taken down the schedule of the animal exhibition @ palm square.
18 Oct 09 - Fun with snake
31 Oct & 1 Nov 09 - Rabbits!
6Dec 09 - Pets day out
12& 13 Dec 09 - More RABBITS
There is no fee for viewing and petting the little cuddly creature outside the area they fenced up. The organiser sell feed for those who would like to have up close encounter with the nibbling creatures. Watch out for your little kids. My friend's kids are being given the feed three times, so the dad had to pay for it.
I've taken down the schedule of the animal exhibition @ palm square.
18 Oct 09 - Fun with snake
31 Oct & 1 Nov 09 - Rabbits!
6Dec 09 - Pets day out
12& 13 Dec 09 - More RABBITS
Thursday 10 September 2009
Is Getting Married in the Hungry Ghost Month a Taboo?
I can still vividly recall the way my mum told me to stay home at night time during the hungry ghost festival each year when I was still schooling. I also used to hear how mysterious things happened during the hungry ghost festival.
What is Hungry Ghost Festival? It is known as Zhong Yuan Jie 中元节 or more commonly known as Gui Jie 鬼节. I’m sure the Chinese community and the Malaysian are familiar with this special month of seven in the lunar Calendar. Ghost Festival is on the 14th night of the seventh lunar month. It is believed that during this month, the souls of the unborn for all deceased are released from hell to wander the earth for 30 days. As ghosts are dominating events in this month, it is consider a month of inauspicious for most of the Chinese community.
If you asks around , I’m sure you’ll hear different stories and views about Hungry Ghost Festival. Some consider it as the Feast for the wandering souls, some think that it is some sort of Chinese Halloween, etc. Well, generally, the Chinese believes that it is “bad” or inauspicious. And that’s the reason why, in the past the Chinese avoid holding any happy or significant events during this month. Older people will not be happy if someone wants to get marry, open new business, renovate house, move in to new premises, or even to travel during the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
As we exposed more to the science and our tradition is diluted slowly to a more Western style, people in Malaysia are getting less “pantang” (taboo) about all these believes. Press and media highlight the overwhelming high figures of Chinese couples booked the date of 09/09/09 to tie their knots with their loves one. And this has break the traditions of the low numbers of Chinese getting marry during the ghost month in the past.
Instead of the beliefs that getting married in the ghost month is inauspicious, the Chinese community in Malaysia believes that this particular date 090909 which read as jiu, jiu, jiu a rare auspicious event. The number nine is read as jiu 九sound the same as 久“jiu” which means eternity. So many loving couples choose this special date which happens only once every 10 years to tie their knots.
Well, I really don’t know whether to say that the Malaysian Chinese community is getting modernized and less “pantang” about the old superstitious beliefs or it is that the 090909 which symbolized eternity simply sounds too good for those who hope for an everlasting love between them…
P/S: Since I am writing on the hungry ghost month, in my next blog I’ll share some fun facts and believes of the Malaysian about traveling & ghost. Stay tune!!
What is Hungry Ghost Festival? It is known as Zhong Yuan Jie 中元节 or more commonly known as Gui Jie 鬼节. I’m sure the Chinese community and the Malaysian are familiar with this special month of seven in the lunar Calendar. Ghost Festival is on the 14th night of the seventh lunar month. It is believed that during this month, the souls of the unborn for all deceased are released from hell to wander the earth for 30 days. As ghosts are dominating events in this month, it is consider a month of inauspicious for most of the Chinese community.
If you asks around , I’m sure you’ll hear different stories and views about Hungry Ghost Festival. Some consider it as the Feast for the wandering souls, some think that it is some sort of Chinese Halloween, etc. Well, generally, the Chinese believes that it is “bad” or inauspicious. And that’s the reason why, in the past the Chinese avoid holding any happy or significant events during this month. Older people will not be happy if someone wants to get marry, open new business, renovate house, move in to new premises, or even to travel during the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
As we exposed more to the science and our tradition is diluted slowly to a more Western style, people in Malaysia are getting less “pantang” (taboo) about all these believes. Press and media highlight the overwhelming high figures of Chinese couples booked the date of 09/09/09 to tie their knots with their loves one. And this has break the traditions of the low numbers of Chinese getting marry during the ghost month in the past.
Instead of the beliefs that getting married in the ghost month is inauspicious, the Chinese community in Malaysia believes that this particular date 090909 which read as jiu, jiu, jiu a rare auspicious event. The number nine is read as jiu 九sound the same as 久“jiu” which means eternity. So many loving couples choose this special date which happens only once every 10 years to tie their knots.
Well, I really don’t know whether to say that the Malaysian Chinese community is getting modernized and less “pantang” about the old superstitious beliefs or it is that the 090909 which symbolized eternity simply sounds too good for those who hope for an everlasting love between them…
P/S: Since I am writing on the hungry ghost month, in my next blog I’ll share some fun facts and believes of the Malaysian about traveling & ghost. Stay tune!!
Monday 7 September 2009
Restoran Loke Yun Ampang 安邦樂園海南雞飯
Once again we were tempted by the food introduced by Taste with Jason, hosted by Axian 阿賢 on Astro channel. We decided to try out the Hainanese chicken rice shop at Pekan Ampang. Loke Yun here we come!
The shop is located nearby the balai polis Ampang. Finding a car park is not easy at the area. When we finally got to the shop, we found that the queue were long. The staff had to take down the name and the number of people for the queue. After waited about half and hour, finally we got a small table to squeeze in the six of us.
The shop is located nearby the balai polis Ampang. Finding a car park is not easy at the area. When we finally got to the shop, we found that the queue were long. The staff had to take down the name and the number of people for the queue. After waited about half and hour, finally we got a small table to squeeze in the six of us.
The staff took our order and busied off with thousand other things. I took a good look at the shop. The renovation is quite simple, with big menu board displaying the price clearly. Of course, the banner of Axian is displayed. Another big printout displays the endorsement of another food TV show by Hong Kong Artist, Sik Kar Yin, naming it the best Hainanse Chicken Rice. And a big photo frame caught my attention. I walked nearer to the photos and take a good look at it. It has photos of many famous and celebrity who came to this shop, like Chui Ling (host), Kar Yin (HK artist), Datuk Ong Tee Keat (minister), etc.
About 5 - 10 minutes later, finally the tea we ordered is served. When I take a sip of the tea I find that the pu-er we order has a unique bitter-sweet (甘甜) which usually pu-er don’t have. I took a look into the teapot and found that they put some extra leaves inside the teapot. I don’t know what leaves was it. I guess it is probably is a type of spice called “tim kuk” 甜菊I forgot the English name of it.
While waiting, I started to try out their ginger sauce (姜茸) and the chili sauce. The aunty sat beside our table is the regular customer here recommends us to try the special blend of chili sauce here. Even Axian also recommend the chili sauce, I’m looking forward to taste it, because sometimes, for Malaysian like me, the sauce is equally important as the main dish, and I knew how a good sauce can differentiate a chicken rice from good to moderate or bad. First, I try it ginger sauce, but it is disappointing, as it is sourly, taste like vinegar ginger (酸姜). Then I try the chili sauce, it is not exceptionally tasty to me, but it is still consider as not bad. What I would say is that it is unlike the usual chili sauce (for chicken rice) we get outside.
Ok, ok. I know the 1st photo uploaded is a bit small. here's a better photo of the mouth watering "bak zam"chicken.
And we waited about 10 minutes or so, finally, they served the rice followed by the chicken, chicken parts (雞什) , soup, and the vegi. Hhhmm… all look nice and yummy. I take a spoon of the rice. Yummy, the rice is nicely cooked, smooth and not too soft, a bit salty and very fragrant. 
Now the chicken. We ordered the “pak zham chai yuan” chicken. The skin of the chicken look yellowish and shinning with the oil, it looks tempting. Take a bite of it, and found that the chicken is tender, juicy and sweet. The soy sauce and sesame seed oil blend that pour on the chicken give the chicken a taste of sesame aroma and the saltiness of the soy sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the chicken. Great! It is worth all the hassle of beating the traffic to Ampang, hunting for car park and the long queue and waiting. I then try to dip the chicken with the chili sauce. Unfortunately, I personally think that I like it without the chili sauce. Just the soy sauce blend pour on the chicken works the magic best.
Now, another highlight of the must try dishes of the shop, the chicken parts. I know many people would turn their head on animal spare parts. Well, actually, I ‘m also very skeptical to those food. But since it is very famous here, I might five it a try. For the first time in my life, I eat the chicken intestine. The white and transparent little thingy, I took a bite and surprisingly it is quite good. Munchy and springy feel. The “kai chan” 雞胗 and the “kai gone” 雞肝 also taste quite ok and it do not have any weird taste around. Well, that’s a good try though.
Overall, I would rate this chicken rice shop a “GOOD”. The setbacks are that it is too crowded and it is a bit too salty. When I take the dishes separately, the seasoning of the food appear to be ok, but when all the food tend to has salty taste, gradually, when taking the rice and the chicken and other dishes in, I feel that it is a bit too salty. The price is ok. It is priced higher than those normal chicken rice shops, but it is still consider ok la… Six person, 1 whole chai yuan chicken, 6 big rice, one small chicken parts mix, one small vegetable, plus a pot of tea amounting to RM 83++
Below I add in a summary of my tasting experience in Chinese version for those prefer to read in Chinese.
白嶄菜園雞- 雞皮看起來鮮黃﹐脆口。肉滑而有嚼勁。麻油與醬油調配的醬汁剛好帶出肉的鮮甜味。難得的是雞肉是熟透的﹐許多雞飯商為了要保持雞肉滑的口感﹐常常都有點還是生的。
雞飯 - 香﹐軟而不綿。帶着淡淡的咸味。
雞什- 雞肝﹐雞胗和雞腸。雞腸和雞胗非常爽脆。沒有任何的異味。總結: 值得一嘗。難得的海南雞飯享受。
Additional Info:
Restaurant name: Restoran Loke Yun Ampang / 樂園海南雞飯
Address: 158, Jalan Besar, Ampang, Selangor.
Tel: 03-4291 9884
Business hour: Business hour: 10.30am - 3pm & 5.30pm-8.30pm
Thursday 3 September 2009
Evolution: From 555 to The Plastic Card
I remembered those days when I was a young kid, my mum used to buy things from a sundry store nearby my house. They also made deliveries for big items like cooking oil, gas for stove, etc. The tauke (boss) would take his 555 book out and record the total purchases. Mum would only pay the total bill at the end of the month. During those days, using 555 as credit purchases are common. People use the 555 at the mamak, sundry shop, Chinese medicine hall et cetera.
As time passes, I don’t know whether is the trust between people has deteriorated or is the modern economy doesn’t allow this type of trading. The month end bill clearing from the 555 book is no longer in practice.
Now a new type of credit purchases take place – swipe the credit card. Yes, the easy application for credit card. Most urban folks have at least a piece of this credit card in hand. Unlike the 555, the little plastic card has wider usage.
Undeniable, the credit card gives many flexibility for the card holder in credit purchaser. Unlike the traditional 555 “hutang” (credit) method, the person much gain trust from the tauke to the credit facility. Bill must be clear each month or else the boss wouldn’t give more credit out.
In today competitive business world, getting a credit card is relatively easy. Once your card is approved, a person just need to pay the minimum amount per month and the credit continues to roll. Many youngest today falls into the pit of credit card, where the loan amount is too big, beyond their capacity to repay the loan. Rate of bankruptcy due to unpayable credit card loan is on the rise. Many people become the slave of the card, with income that barely enough to cover the minimum payment of the card(s) each month. And that’s the negative side of the new hutang method.
As time passes, I don’t know whether is the trust between people has deteriorated or is the modern economy doesn’t allow this type of trading. The month end bill clearing from the 555 book is no longer in practice.
Now a new type of credit purchases take place – swipe the credit card. Yes, the easy application for credit card. Most urban folks have at least a piece of this credit card in hand. Unlike the 555, the little plastic card has wider usage.
Undeniable, the credit card gives many flexibility for the card holder in credit purchaser. Unlike the traditional 555 “hutang” (credit) method, the person much gain trust from the tauke to the credit facility. Bill must be clear each month or else the boss wouldn’t give more credit out.
In today competitive business world, getting a credit card is relatively easy. Once your card is approved, a person just need to pay the minimum amount per month and the credit continues to roll. Many youngest today falls into the pit of credit card, where the loan amount is too big, beyond their capacity to repay the loan. Rate of bankruptcy due to unpayable credit card loan is on the rise. Many people become the slave of the card, with income that barely enough to cover the minimum payment of the card(s) each month. And that’s the negative side of the new hutang method.
Monday 31 August 2009
What is that, son?
Recently, I watched a short movie clip sent by a friend, it is like a wake up call to me. It teaches me to bring the kindness forward and be kind to our parents who have been so loving in nurturing us.
For all they have given to me, there’s nothing I can ever repay them. And now I’m in my adulthood, I have less patient towards my aging parent. Thankful for this video, it reminds me to be gentle and kind to them.
The film title is “what is that, son?” At the beginning of the show, it shows an old age father sitting beside his adult son in the garden bench. His son is busy reading the paper. Both of them sit in silent until a sparrow landed in the bush near the bench they seated. The father gently asked, “What is that, son?” His son took a look at the direction his father looking at. Feeling a bit annoyed, he answered, “A sparrow.” The little sparrow happily jumping at the bush and his father asked again, ““What is that, son?” His son didn’t even bother to look at the sparrow. Without hesitation, he raised his voiced, “Father, I’ve told you. It is a sparrow!”
The sparrow flew to the tree behind their bench. His father took a look at the little creature, curiously again he asked, “What is that, son?” Furious, his son put down the paper and staring at his father, he shouted back at his dad, “Damn it. It is a sparrow!” After finished shouting at his dad, he re-picked up the paper and read it. His father calmly sat at the bench and again gently he asked, “What is that, son?” This time, his son was totally mad at his annoying actions in repeatingly asking him the same question. He slammed the paper in his hand. Stood up, staring at his father, in an extremely angry tone, “How many times you want me to tell you?! It is a sparrow! A DAMN sparrow. Sparrow! S.P.A.R.R.O.W!”
His father eyes showed great disappointment. He stood up, before his son could speak any further, he give him a sign there’s no need to talk further. He walked towards his house. His son felt some discomfort at the situation. Feeling mad and guilty at the same time. His father came back to the garden where his son was with a diary in his hand. He passed the diary to his son and requested him to read out the page where he had opened for him out loud. His son was puzzled, yet he fulfilled his father request. And the diary wrote, “Today, my 4 years old son was a sparrow in the garden. He had asked me 21 times what it was. And I answered him, son it is a sparrow. And each time I answered him, I hugged him in my arms, because I love him.” His son was embarrassed at what he did to his father. His father had only asked him 4 times, and he already lost his cool, he was shouting and blaming his father for the stupid question. So he hugged his father tightly. And the father smiled.
How true, when our parents guiding us during our growing years. They endure many things, accepting us by embracing it with tones of love. And when they have grow old. We are into our adulthood. We cannot even accept a little of slow actions, a little of repeating questions and many more. Blaming and complaining about them. Shame of me being a child that been grow in the blessing of loves. I’m sorry and I love you, mum and dad.
For all they have given to me, there’s nothing I can ever repay them. And now I’m in my adulthood, I have less patient towards my aging parent. Thankful for this video, it reminds me to be gentle and kind to them.
The film title is “what is that, son?” At the beginning of the show, it shows an old age father sitting beside his adult son in the garden bench. His son is busy reading the paper. Both of them sit in silent until a sparrow landed in the bush near the bench they seated. The father gently asked, “What is that, son?” His son took a look at the direction his father looking at. Feeling a bit annoyed, he answered, “A sparrow.” The little sparrow happily jumping at the bush and his father asked again, ““What is that, son?” His son didn’t even bother to look at the sparrow. Without hesitation, he raised his voiced, “Father, I’ve told you. It is a sparrow!”
The sparrow flew to the tree behind their bench. His father took a look at the little creature, curiously again he asked, “What is that, son?” Furious, his son put down the paper and staring at his father, he shouted back at his dad, “Damn it. It is a sparrow!” After finished shouting at his dad, he re-picked up the paper and read it. His father calmly sat at the bench and again gently he asked, “What is that, son?” This time, his son was totally mad at his annoying actions in repeatingly asking him the same question. He slammed the paper in his hand. Stood up, staring at his father, in an extremely angry tone, “How many times you want me to tell you?! It is a sparrow! A DAMN sparrow. Sparrow! S.P.A.R.R.O.W!”
His father eyes showed great disappointment. He stood up, before his son could speak any further, he give him a sign there’s no need to talk further. He walked towards his house. His son felt some discomfort at the situation. Feeling mad and guilty at the same time. His father came back to the garden where his son was with a diary in his hand. He passed the diary to his son and requested him to read out the page where he had opened for him out loud. His son was puzzled, yet he fulfilled his father request. And the diary wrote, “Today, my 4 years old son was a sparrow in the garden. He had asked me 21 times what it was. And I answered him, son it is a sparrow. And each time I answered him, I hugged him in my arms, because I love him.” His son was embarrassed at what he did to his father. His father had only asked him 4 times, and he already lost his cool, he was shouting and blaming his father for the stupid question. So he hugged his father tightly. And the father smiled.
How true, when our parents guiding us during our growing years. They endure many things, accepting us by embracing it with tones of love. And when they have grow old. We are into our adulthood. We cannot even accept a little of slow actions, a little of repeating questions and many more. Blaming and complaining about them. Shame of me being a child that been grow in the blessing of loves. I’m sorry and I love you, mum and dad.
Thursday 27 August 2009
Ramadhan
It’s the Ramadhan month again. For travelers to Malaysia, there are few things that I think it is good to know about Ramadhan.
What is Ramadhan? Ramadhan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. In the Western calendar, there is no fixed date, it moves forward about 10 days each year. This year Awal Ramadhan (beginning of Ramadhan) falls on the 22 Aug 09. All Muslim will fast from dawn to sun set during the whole month of Ramadhan. At the end of the Ramadhan is Syawal where Muslim in Malaysia celebrates Hari Raya. During the fasting, Muslim are refrain from drink, eat, sexual and other evil deeds. They will get up before dawn to Sahur (eat) and then perform the prayer. They will break fast after the Maghrib prayer. Ramadhan is a holy month, where Muslim are to practice patience, modesty, spirituality, self disclipine and empathy to those less fortunate. Children, pregnant women, nursing mother, women on menstrual, elderly, critical ill and mentally ill are exempted from fasting.
What do a travel needs to know when traveling in Malaysia during Ramadhan? Well, I think the first thing is to Respect their religious practice. Avoid drinking and eating in front of a Muslim during their fasting period.
For many resort and hotel, generally it is the low season for room booking. This is because most Muslim would not travel or go for holiday during the Ramadhan. So, for many budget travelers, it is one of the best times to grab a good deal. However, if you wish to book for banquet function, it could be hard to reserve place. This is because many corporate firms and government bodies would hold buka puasa (break fast) session during the Ramadhan to have better bond among employees or customers.
Getting food before break fast can be hassle, if you travel to remote places. Of course, normal fast food chain, malls, hotel dining, restaurant manned by non-Muslims would function as usual. Many Muslim restaurants would not be selling food during the fasting period. They would only operate before and / or after the break fast. However, if you are a food lover, I strongly encourage you to visit one of the Ramadhan market / Bazaar Ramadhan, which only available during the fasting month. Muslim would shop for food to prepare for the break fast session after sun set. Many non-Muslim Malaysian would also shop at the market for the specialty that solely available during the Ramadhan. It is the best place to get a feel of the local culture. Try the kuih-muih (local dessert), kurma (dates), ayam percik (chicken), kuih raya and more…
If you are less adventure about hunting food on the street, no worries, you can still taste many unique local cuisines in restaurant and hotels that offer buka puasa buffet or special dining menu during the month of Ramadhan.
Except for the food, I personally feel that it is a good time to do shopping during Ramadhan. Many retailers would offer promotion or sales for the upcoming Raya celebration. Also you’ll get the chance to see more of the beautiful traditional custom of the Malay community in Malaysia. Baju kurung, kebaya, batik, songket, songkot are some of the apparel fashion you should look out for.
Well, that what I know about Ramadhan and traveling during Ramadhan. If you ask me, I would still say Ramadhan is a good time to visit Malaysia. The room rates are generally lower, you’ll get to taste the special food of Ramadhan, shopping are aplenty (and lots of deals and offer around), and it offer a chance to learn about the culture of Malaysia. So why wait, it is just another good chance to come and experience the Malaysia hospitality!
Additional info:
This year Hari Raya Puasa falls on the 20 and 21 Sep 09. Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday throughout Malaysia.
What is Ramadhan? Ramadhan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. In the Western calendar, there is no fixed date, it moves forward about 10 days each year. This year Awal Ramadhan (beginning of Ramadhan) falls on the 22 Aug 09. All Muslim will fast from dawn to sun set during the whole month of Ramadhan. At the end of the Ramadhan is Syawal where Muslim in Malaysia celebrates Hari Raya. During the fasting, Muslim are refrain from drink, eat, sexual and other evil deeds. They will get up before dawn to Sahur (eat) and then perform the prayer. They will break fast after the Maghrib prayer. Ramadhan is a holy month, where Muslim are to practice patience, modesty, spirituality, self disclipine and empathy to those less fortunate. Children, pregnant women, nursing mother, women on menstrual, elderly, critical ill and mentally ill are exempted from fasting.
What do a travel needs to know when traveling in Malaysia during Ramadhan? Well, I think the first thing is to Respect their religious practice. Avoid drinking and eating in front of a Muslim during their fasting period.
For many resort and hotel, generally it is the low season for room booking. This is because most Muslim would not travel or go for holiday during the Ramadhan. So, for many budget travelers, it is one of the best times to grab a good deal. However, if you wish to book for banquet function, it could be hard to reserve place. This is because many corporate firms and government bodies would hold buka puasa (break fast) session during the Ramadhan to have better bond among employees or customers.
Getting food before break fast can be hassle, if you travel to remote places. Of course, normal fast food chain, malls, hotel dining, restaurant manned by non-Muslims would function as usual. Many Muslim restaurants would not be selling food during the fasting period. They would only operate before and / or after the break fast. However, if you are a food lover, I strongly encourage you to visit one of the Ramadhan market / Bazaar Ramadhan, which only available during the fasting month. Muslim would shop for food to prepare for the break fast session after sun set. Many non-Muslim Malaysian would also shop at the market for the specialty that solely available during the Ramadhan. It is the best place to get a feel of the local culture. Try the kuih-muih (local dessert), kurma (dates), ayam percik (chicken), kuih raya and more…
If you are less adventure about hunting food on the street, no worries, you can still taste many unique local cuisines in restaurant and hotels that offer buka puasa buffet or special dining menu during the month of Ramadhan.
Except for the food, I personally feel that it is a good time to do shopping during Ramadhan. Many retailers would offer promotion or sales for the upcoming Raya celebration. Also you’ll get the chance to see more of the beautiful traditional custom of the Malay community in Malaysia. Baju kurung, kebaya, batik, songket, songkot are some of the apparel fashion you should look out for.
Well, that what I know about Ramadhan and traveling during Ramadhan. If you ask me, I would still say Ramadhan is a good time to visit Malaysia. The room rates are generally lower, you’ll get to taste the special food of Ramadhan, shopping are aplenty (and lots of deals and offer around), and it offer a chance to learn about the culture of Malaysia. So why wait, it is just another good chance to come and experience the Malaysia hospitality!
Additional info:
This year Hari Raya Puasa falls on the 20 and 21 Sep 09. Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday throughout Malaysia.
Tuesday 25 August 2009
Snapshots from New Zealand
SCENARIES
I am taking a stroll on the peaceful Kaikuora’s street. Waiting for the time to go for dolphin watching.
A photo taken at Peninsula Seal Colony.
Our car stopped by the farmer for sheep crossing.
The quiet fishing village – Shag Point.
MILFORD SOUND
Spotted during the journey to Milford Sound. “avalanche area – no stopping” signage.
Which is really, which is reflection?
Fiord 
Route to Milford Sound - winding, sharp turns, sloppy and avalanche areas.QUEENSTOWN
Dare to challenge yourself for a jump? The first bungy jump site in New Zealand @ Queenstown.
Riding the chairlift up to the luge track @ Skyline, Queenstown. Oh, I love the fun of the high speed luge downhill!!
A goat standing at the hill top looking at us.
Friday 21 August 2009
Dim Sum
I remember once a mentor told me that we must give the special dim sum in serving people. He explained that dim sum, if you read the Chinese character, it means touches the heart. When serving people we must be willing to go the extra mile, sometimes it can be very small matter, but it will touches the heart of the receiving party and leave a lasting impression.
I truly agree in his statement. In many businesses and facets of life, we only do the minimum or what is the normal standard. So, if we only do the normal (average) things, how can we complain about receiving the normal treatments, or leading a normal (average) life?
No matter in business or in personal life, only if we are willing to spend a little affection on it. Add that little magical special touch, and automatically we can stand out from the crowd. That is because the heart that being touches will leave lasting positive impression on it. And it just likes the dim sum that we eat. We always need to improve on it and pushes out new dim sum dishes to match the needs of the others. With this, I believe your dim sum will lift you to another peak of your life.
I truly agree in his statement. In many businesses and facets of life, we only do the minimum or what is the normal standard. So, if we only do the normal (average) things, how can we complain about receiving the normal treatments, or leading a normal (average) life?
No matter in business or in personal life, only if we are willing to spend a little affection on it. Add that little magical special touch, and automatically we can stand out from the crowd. That is because the heart that being touches will leave lasting positive impression on it. And it just likes the dim sum that we eat. We always need to improve on it and pushes out new dim sum dishes to match the needs of the others. With this, I believe your dim sum will lift you to another peak of your life.
Tuesday 18 August 2009
Deerland @ Pahang
In my earlier blog I wrote about Kuala Gandah where you can see and get up close with the elephants. And about 5mins drive from the elephant sanctuary, you can also visit the Deerland. It is another great place to spend time with your family.
Deerland is run by a local Malay family. One can sees deers, kancil (mouse deer), sun bear, snake, ostriches, monkey, quill, and much more.
Most of the animals inside are allow to be fed by the visitors. You don’t need to buy feed for the animals, the caretakers will give you the right type of food for different animals. Visitors are allowed to pet and play with some of the animals inside the park. Yes, you can pet with deer, snake and even the sun bear.
If you going in a group, you can actually call up them and ask them to cater for a lunch inside the park. You may choose to have the lunch inside the park or to the river bank nearby the park (if weather permits). The owner told me that they can also arrange activities like flying fox for larger group. The fees are reasonable.
I’m very lucky to able to meet up with the owner. He asked her daughter to guide us in the park. She is very warm and friendly, guiding us to visit all the animals inside the park. Later, the owner joins us back at the entrance. He offered to guide us for a short walk to the forest nearby where he showed us the floral and fauna inside the forest. Among the plant we saw are the famous herb- Kacip Fatimah and Tongkat Ali.
If you are to self drive to this place, my recommendation is that depart from town early. First, go register at Kuala Gandah for the elephant watching (so that you can get the full access pass). Then you can drive to Deerland, spend few hours there. Maybe you can have lunch there (lunch must be pre-book). Or you’ll prefer to pack your lunch before departing. It is hard to find food around the area. Then, at about 2pm, proceed to Kuala Gandah for elephant watching.
Additional Information
Address: No. 67, Jalan Zabidin, 28400 Mentakab, Pahang.
Tel: 609 - 2797 249.
Opens daily except Fridays
Business hour: 10.30 am – 5.30pm
Admission fee: RM 10 (adult) RM 5 (children)
Deerland is run by a local Malay family. One can sees deers, kancil (mouse deer), sun bear, snake, ostriches, monkey, quill, and much more.Most of the animals inside are allow to be fed by the visitors. You don’t need to buy feed for the animals, the caretakers will give you the right type of food for different animals. Visitors are allowed to pet and play with some of the animals inside the park. Yes, you can pet with deer, snake and even the sun bear.
If you going in a group, you can actually call up them and ask them to cater for a lunch inside the park. You may choose to have the lunch inside the park or to the river bank nearby the park (if weather permits). The owner told me that they can also arrange activities like flying fox for larger group. The fees are reasonable.
I’m very lucky to able to meet up with the owner. He asked her daughter to guide us in the park. She is very warm and friendly, guiding us to visit all the animals inside the park. Later, the owner joins us back at the entrance. He offered to guide us for a short walk to the forest nearby where he showed us the floral and fauna inside the forest. Among the plant we saw are the famous herb- Kacip Fatimah and Tongkat Ali.
If you are to self drive to this place, my recommendation is that depart from town early. First, go register at Kuala Gandah for the elephant watching (so that you can get the full access pass). Then you can drive to Deerland, spend few hours there. Maybe you can have lunch there (lunch must be pre-book). Or you’ll prefer to pack your lunch before departing. It is hard to find food around the area. Then, at about 2pm, proceed to Kuala Gandah for elephant watching.
Additional Information
Address: No. 67, Jalan Zabidin, 28400 Mentakab, Pahang.
Tel: 609 - 2797 249.
Opens daily except Fridays
Business hour: 10.30 am – 5.30pm
Admission fee: RM 10 (adult) RM 5 (children)
Friday 14 August 2009
Galeri Sri Perdana
Galeri Sri Perdana is open as a tribute to the contribution of the longest serving Prime Minister of Malaysia – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammed. This gallery is the former residence of Tun. It officially opens to the public on the 21 December 2003.
Amber of free parking bay is available at the side of the main entrance. Walking uphill towards the main entrance of the former residence of Tun you will be greeted by the fleet of vehicles given to Tun.
Photo: The main entrance to Tun’s former residence.
Camera, food and drinks are not allowed inside the building. Entering the building you’ll see the main lounge for official visitors. Also located in the ground floor is the banquet hall, family gathering hall. The hall is decorated with unique woodcarving. Also kept inside the gallery were parts of the souvenir presented to Tun.
Kitchen, laundry room and wood craft workshop are located at the lower floor. On the second floor, you have a chance to imagine the personal life of Tun where his family dining area, kitchen, his main bedroom as well as his children room are. There’s an exhibition hall featuring part of the Tun’s collections.
Coming out from the main building, you can also visit the green house located behind the main building. Adjacent to the main building, there’s a theatre room.
Take a stroll in the garden of Sri Perdana Galeri before you exit the gallery. A souvenir shop is available at the parking bay located outside the main gallery entrance.
Address: Jalan Terengganu, Off Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 603- 2072 2663
Adminission: Free
Opens: Tues – Sunday (10am -4.30 pm)
Closed on Mondays except public holidays and school holidays.
Amber of free parking bay is available at the side of the main entrance. Walking uphill towards the main entrance of the former residence of Tun you will be greeted by the fleet of vehicles given to Tun.
Photo: The main entrance to Tun’s former residence.
Camera, food and drinks are not allowed inside the building. Entering the building you’ll see the main lounge for official visitors. Also located in the ground floor is the banquet hall, family gathering hall. The hall is decorated with unique woodcarving. Also kept inside the gallery were parts of the souvenir presented to Tun.
Kitchen, laundry room and wood craft workshop are located at the lower floor. On the second floor, you have a chance to imagine the personal life of Tun where his family dining area, kitchen, his main bedroom as well as his children room are. There’s an exhibition hall featuring part of the Tun’s collections.
Coming out from the main building, you can also visit the green house located behind the main building. Adjacent to the main building, there’s a theatre room.
Take a stroll in the garden of Sri Perdana Galeri before you exit the gallery. A souvenir shop is available at the parking bay located outside the main gallery entrance.
Address: Jalan Terengganu, Off Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 603- 2072 2663
Adminission: Free
Opens: Tues – Sunday (10am -4.30 pm)
Closed on Mondays except public holidays and school holidays.
Tuesday 11 August 2009
Gross!!
Few days ago, I spotted this fat, gross worm outside my house. It is climbing up the flower pot where the curry leaf tree is planted. Hey, wait a minute, this fat worm gotta finish up my curry leaves. I take a closer lot at this yellow slimmy creature, it has a pair of fake eyes giving impression of a even bigger worm.
I move it to somewhere else and don't you come back and eat up my curry leaf tree!!
This creature make my little niece so excited, she keep bugging on me saying want to see the fatty worm on my cam. Every time she sees it on the cam, she would exclaimed, "Eee!! Chung chung so fierce... Wanna bite people..." I reminds me of my childhood days. Almost every day we can see caterpillar like this crawling around the garden planted with orchids and other flowers. Sometimes, I even helped out to search out the chung chung (caterpillar/ ulat/ worm) hidden inside my garden. So that my dad flowers are not finished munching my the caterpillar.
Butterflies, caterpillar, eggs of butterflies, insect cocoon, ladybug, grasshopers and mantis were commonly found around my house's garden. As i grow up the grasshoper and mantis started to dissappeared. Later, ladybug are no longer seen around my house area. Hai.. so sad, last time I used to see red or yellow ladybug with black dotts. And now even butterflies and caterpillar are hardly seen. That's why my young niece got such excitment when she see the caterpillar for real, first time.
Hhhmm... development bring many materials enjoyment, at the same time, we lost many natural treasure each day as the side effect of the development...
Friday 7 August 2009
Kuala Gandah Elaphant Santuary @ Pahang
Wanting to get close with the giant mammoth? You need not go to Thailand. And there’s no need to pay a single cent to get close with these gentle elephants. Kuala Gandah, Pahang is the place to be. You’ll get the chance to get close to the elephants at its natural habitat.
History of Kuala Gandah – Orphanage Elephants’ Santuary
This centre is established in 1989 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Malaysia. It serves as a base for the only elephant relocation team in Malaysia. Over the years the team had help more than 300 wild elephants relocate.
The aim of the centre is to promote and educate the public on elephant’s conservation, and its habitat and environment preservations. It opens its door to tourist on year 2000.
The Kuala Gandah Sanctuary is open daily from 8am to 4.30pm. However, activities start from 2pm to 3.45pm. If you keen to know more about elephants you are welcome to watch the short film about elephants shows on 1pm at the information centre. There’s no admission fee to enter the centre and watching the video. Donations are welcome for funding the protection and conservations of the wild elephants.
Since this centre is getting more popular in the recent years, the management team decided to limit the numbers visitors that get to bath and ride the elephants. Visitors are requested to registered themselves at the information centre before proceed to the ground where the elephants are. Upon register, the helpers will issue a pass for you. You will either get the full access pass (yellow colour sticker) or the limited access pass (red colour sticker).
A yellow, full access pass will be issued to the first 100 visitors of the day. With the pass you’ll get the chance to feed, ride and bath the elephant. And for limited access pass, you only granted the permission to visit the centre. Yet, don’t be too sad over that, you’ll still have the chance to pet the grey giant and feed them. The friendly staffs at the centre will demonstrate and guide you the correct way to feed the elephant. They will also happy to explain the type of elephants at the centre.
The first activity which starts at 2pm is feeding session. The staff will starts with cleaning the area and the elephants. The staffs will then explain and demonstrate the way to feed the giants. Visitors can take the food from the staff and feed them. Usually, they’ll feed them with bananas, sugar cane, fruits and vegetables.
After the feeding session, those with the yellow pass can queue up for the elephant riding. I recommend you wear long pants for the ride. The elephants are hairy and have rough skin.
After the ride, the elephants are guided to the river for the elephant bathing! Yes, you get to bath the elephants and get yourself bath. You’ll understand why once you’ll there. Don’t worry, the park have public bathroom for visitors who wants to take bath before leaving the park.
And if you are lucky like me, you get the chance to pet and feed the baby elephants. I got to see 2 of these cute elephant babies. I feed them with peanuts which some other tourists offered to me. And the experience is totally different from feeding the adult elephant. The babies would sniff at you for food. They sniffed my pocket, bag and my hand. Once they found the food, they’ll use they trunk to suck the food which tickles me. Unlike the adults elephants the babies are free to walk around guided by the staff. Just be gentle with the babies, you can pet, feed and take photos with them.
At about 4.15pm all the activities ended. Visitors started to leave the place and or purchase souvenir from the souvenir shop located inside the park.
How to get there?
Use the Karak Highway. Exit at Lanchang. Turn left at the junction after the Lanchang toll. Head towards Bolok and you’ll able to see signage to the Elephant Santuary. You’ll also pass by an orang asli settlement before reaching the park. About 200km from Kuala Lumpur.
History of Kuala Gandah – Orphanage Elephants’ Santuary
This centre is established in 1989 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Malaysia. It serves as a base for the only elephant relocation team in Malaysia. Over the years the team had help more than 300 wild elephants relocate.
The aim of the centre is to promote and educate the public on elephant’s conservation, and its habitat and environment preservations. It opens its door to tourist on year 2000.
The Kuala Gandah Sanctuary is open daily from 8am to 4.30pm. However, activities start from 2pm to 3.45pm. If you keen to know more about elephants you are welcome to watch the short film about elephants shows on 1pm at the information centre. There’s no admission fee to enter the centre and watching the video. Donations are welcome for funding the protection and conservations of the wild elephants.
Since this centre is getting more popular in the recent years, the management team decided to limit the numbers visitors that get to bath and ride the elephants. Visitors are requested to registered themselves at the information centre before proceed to the ground where the elephants are. Upon register, the helpers will issue a pass for you. You will either get the full access pass (yellow colour sticker) or the limited access pass (red colour sticker).
A yellow, full access pass will be issued to the first 100 visitors of the day. With the pass you’ll get the chance to feed, ride and bath the elephant. And for limited access pass, you only granted the permission to visit the centre. Yet, don’t be too sad over that, you’ll still have the chance to pet the grey giant and feed them. The friendly staffs at the centre will demonstrate and guide you the correct way to feed the elephant. They will also happy to explain the type of elephants at the centre.The first activity which starts at 2pm is feeding session. The staff will starts with cleaning the area and the elephants. The staffs will then explain and demonstrate the way to feed the giants. Visitors can take the food from the staff and feed them. Usually, they’ll feed them with bananas, sugar cane, fruits and vegetables.
After the feeding session, those with the yellow pass can queue up for the elephant riding. I recommend you wear long pants for the ride. The elephants are hairy and have rough skin.
After the ride, the elephants are guided to the river for the elephant bathing! Yes, you get to bath the elephants and get yourself bath. You’ll understand why once you’ll there. Don’t worry, the park have public bathroom for visitors who wants to take bath before leaving the park.
And if you are lucky like me, you get the chance to pet and feed the baby elephants. I got to see 2 of these cute elephant babies. I feed them with peanuts which some other tourists offered to me. And the experience is totally different from feeding the adult elephant. The babies would sniff at you for food. They sniffed my pocket, bag and my hand. Once they found the food, they’ll use they trunk to suck the food which tickles me. Unlike the adults elephants the babies are free to walk around guided by the staff. Just be gentle with the babies, you can pet, feed and take photos with them.
At about 4.15pm all the activities ended. Visitors started to leave the place and or purchase souvenir from the souvenir shop located inside the park.
How to get there?
Use the Karak Highway. Exit at Lanchang. Turn left at the junction after the Lanchang toll. Head towards Bolok and you’ll able to see signage to the Elephant Santuary. You’ll also pass by an orang asli settlement before reaching the park. About 200km from Kuala Lumpur.
Tuesday 4 August 2009
Being Self Responsible
I wrote a Chinese poem portraying my view of being responsible.
The translation of the poem is as follow:
We always are trouble by what others say, how others view (of us), what others do.
Why are we troubled by these?
Do we live in the eyes of others or do we live for ourselves?
Actually, we only need to be responsible for ourselves.
We always say that we did it for others.
It is true?
Maybe we are doing it for ourselves.
Because we only need to be responsible for ourselves.
Therefore,
Don’t live in the eyes of others,
And don’t say that we did it for others.
The truth is,
We only need to be responsible for ourselves.
Of course self responsible doesn’t means being self centre as we only look at ourselves. In fact, being responsible for our feelings, our actions, and our lives. No blaming and take full charge and responsible on the path chosen and the consequences (regardless good or bad). And I know being self responsible need lots of disciplines, courage, self-consciousness and wisdom.
The translation of the poem is as follow:
We always are trouble by what others say, how others view (of us), what others do.
Why are we troubled by these?
Do we live in the eyes of others or do we live for ourselves?
Actually, we only need to be responsible for ourselves.
We always say that we did it for others.
It is true?
Maybe we are doing it for ourselves.
Because we only need to be responsible for ourselves.
Therefore,
Don’t live in the eyes of others,
And don’t say that we did it for others.
The truth is,
We only need to be responsible for ourselves.
Of course self responsible doesn’t means being self centre as we only look at ourselves. In fact, being responsible for our feelings, our actions, and our lives. No blaming and take full charge and responsible on the path chosen and the consequences (regardless good or bad). And I know being self responsible need lots of disciplines, courage, self-consciousness and wisdom.
Friday 31 July 2009
Renting a Vehicle for Holiday? To Rent or Not to Rent?
I’ve been asked what are the things to consider when want to rent a car for holiday. Well, actually there are numerous of things to look out for and I didn’t have a short answer for this question. Finally, I figure that there are few most fundamental elements to consider on before going into a car rental deal.
1. Can you drive in that country?
Yes. The most fundamental question is whether you can drive in that country (where you tend to rent the car). Check whether your driving license is valid for driving in that country. Different countries have different rules. Some countries need a valid international license before you can actually drive there. Some doesn’t, they will need the driver to have a translation done on their driving license to local language or English. So check this out with the car rental operator or authorities.
Once you pass through the driving license part, next you’ll need to look at your capabilities of driving in that country. First check on the driving direction of the country. Next are the road conditions. It is very important we know about the road conditions before we even decide to rent or not to rent. For example driving on snow, driving on deserted roads, driving long distant, etc. Whether it is safe for foreigner to drive? Can you drive safely? These are the question you should ask.
Driving age. Different country and car rental operator has different rules on the valid driving age. Check with the local authorities on the driving age limit (if any). And check with the car rental operator what’s their rules on driving age. Sometimes, their barred rental to young or senior driver, or sometimes, they required additional insurance or surcharges.
After you pass through all these and still stick to the decision to rent a car and drive on your own. Next you should look at your budget.
2. Budget. Budget. Budget.
Hiring a car can be very expensive you are not careful with it. I wouldn’t discuss very lengthy on the items to watch out when considering a car rental deal. I’ll cover more basic elements when come to car rental.
Ask yourself what is your budget in renting a car. This will help you in determine the model of car to rent. To choose the model of the car, look at your need (e.g group size, luggage space, what’s the purpose of the car- carrying goods/ going to off beaten track/ normal traveling) and then look at the models available and compare the rate of rental.
Don’t forget to calculate your fuel cost into your budget planning. The price of gasoline varies in different country. Some country have fixed rate, some fluctuates. It is better to find out these information before you decide to drive on your own.
The model of the car and the cc of the car would mean different fuel consumptions. Another thing to consider is the year made of the car and how well the car is maintain. Sometimes, a beat up car has very high fuel (gasoline and gear oil) consumption.
And when you drive a car, you’ll need to calculate the parking fees and toll fees into your budget.
3. Itinerary
Why I put itinerary as one of the fundamental elements in deciding whether to rent a vehicle? Firstly, many car rental operators have minimum rental days. For example, you only want to stay in the city for 2 days and flying to another destination, most probably you’ll be paying high rental charges (usually the longer you rent, the cheaper the rate) or unable to get any rental. Another case is that you need to travel from destination A to destination B, so you would like to pickup the rental vehicle in destination A and return it in destination B. This usually come with a surcharge called relocation fee or inter-state drop off fee. Normally, you’ll get waiver on the fee if your rental is long (at least more than 3 to 4 days).
One should also find out the travel time from one location to another. Plan you driving time well, this will ensure you’ll have a safe and comfortable travel. Take note on the weather, road conditions, break time, map / navigator (or to consider get a GPS system). If you are planning to travel long distant, best to time your travel, avoid over long driving hours or rushing. It is also good to have additional driver(s), so that you can switch among drivers.
For me, these 1-2-3 steps are the most fundamental elements to consider about when deciding to rent or not to rent. I hope that these information is helpful. And if you need any advice about car rental, I welcome you to write to me. Hope my few years experience in the car rental industry will able to assist you.
P/S: In my coming blog, I’ll write about the general terms that one should watch out when choosing a car rental deal. Stay tune.
1. Can you drive in that country?
Yes. The most fundamental question is whether you can drive in that country (where you tend to rent the car). Check whether your driving license is valid for driving in that country. Different countries have different rules. Some countries need a valid international license before you can actually drive there. Some doesn’t, they will need the driver to have a translation done on their driving license to local language or English. So check this out with the car rental operator or authorities.
Once you pass through the driving license part, next you’ll need to look at your capabilities of driving in that country. First check on the driving direction of the country. Next are the road conditions. It is very important we know about the road conditions before we even decide to rent or not to rent. For example driving on snow, driving on deserted roads, driving long distant, etc. Whether it is safe for foreigner to drive? Can you drive safely? These are the question you should ask.
Driving age. Different country and car rental operator has different rules on the valid driving age. Check with the local authorities on the driving age limit (if any). And check with the car rental operator what’s their rules on driving age. Sometimes, their barred rental to young or senior driver, or sometimes, they required additional insurance or surcharges.
After you pass through all these and still stick to the decision to rent a car and drive on your own. Next you should look at your budget.
2. Budget. Budget. Budget.
Hiring a car can be very expensive you are not careful with it. I wouldn’t discuss very lengthy on the items to watch out when considering a car rental deal. I’ll cover more basic elements when come to car rental.
Ask yourself what is your budget in renting a car. This will help you in determine the model of car to rent. To choose the model of the car, look at your need (e.g group size, luggage space, what’s the purpose of the car- carrying goods/ going to off beaten track/ normal traveling) and then look at the models available and compare the rate of rental.
Don’t forget to calculate your fuel cost into your budget planning. The price of gasoline varies in different country. Some country have fixed rate, some fluctuates. It is better to find out these information before you decide to drive on your own.
The model of the car and the cc of the car would mean different fuel consumptions. Another thing to consider is the year made of the car and how well the car is maintain. Sometimes, a beat up car has very high fuel (gasoline and gear oil) consumption.
And when you drive a car, you’ll need to calculate the parking fees and toll fees into your budget.
3. Itinerary
Why I put itinerary as one of the fundamental elements in deciding whether to rent a vehicle? Firstly, many car rental operators have minimum rental days. For example, you only want to stay in the city for 2 days and flying to another destination, most probably you’ll be paying high rental charges (usually the longer you rent, the cheaper the rate) or unable to get any rental. Another case is that you need to travel from destination A to destination B, so you would like to pickup the rental vehicle in destination A and return it in destination B. This usually come with a surcharge called relocation fee or inter-state drop off fee. Normally, you’ll get waiver on the fee if your rental is long (at least more than 3 to 4 days).
One should also find out the travel time from one location to another. Plan you driving time well, this will ensure you’ll have a safe and comfortable travel. Take note on the weather, road conditions, break time, map / navigator (or to consider get a GPS system). If you are planning to travel long distant, best to time your travel, avoid over long driving hours or rushing. It is also good to have additional driver(s), so that you can switch among drivers.
For me, these 1-2-3 steps are the most fundamental elements to consider about when deciding to rent or not to rent. I hope that these information is helpful. And if you need any advice about car rental, I welcome you to write to me. Hope my few years experience in the car rental industry will able to assist you.
P/S: In my coming blog, I’ll write about the general terms that one should watch out when choosing a car rental deal. Stay tune.
Tuesday 28 July 2009
Susan Boyle Rocks
I want to admit that I’m outdated. Yet I want to say that Susan Boyle really rocks! Surfing on the net aimlessly, I came into this you tube clip on Britains Got Talent the first round Susan Boyle sang on the stage. A normal lady with an “aunty” look, what she wanna perform?
I hope that she’s not the lady version of William Hung. When she sang, I jaws dropped. She’s incredible! If I haven’t watched the clip, I would never believe that it is sang by a 47 woman like her. Angelic voice and the way she perform it is simply stunning. Wow!! I feel in love with her voice, her talent and courage to stand on the stage and show her talent. I salute you, Susan Boyle. Susan Boleh!
I dunno who to incorporate video into this blog (pai she la). Anyone interested to watch her performance, please click to this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
I hope that she’s not the lady version of William Hung. When she sang, I jaws dropped. She’s incredible! If I haven’t watched the clip, I would never believe that it is sang by a 47 woman like her. Angelic voice and the way she perform it is simply stunning. Wow!! I feel in love with her voice, her talent and courage to stand on the stage and show her talent. I salute you, Susan Boyle. Susan Boleh!
I dunno who to incorporate video into this blog (pai she la). Anyone interested to watch her performance, please click to this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
Friday 24 July 2009
The Urban Tarzan
Day in and out, we are busily rushing with our routines. All we face with are works, traffics, computers and the gloomy news. Want to get away from the busy urban life, for a little escape? Longing to get closer to the nature and add some spice into your life with a little adrenaline rush?
Be an urban Tarzan. Test your agility and face your fears with series of aerial obstacle challenges in the air. And you can get this experience by participate the Skytrex Adventure in a forest reserve located only about 30 mins from town. Yup, the Skytrex Adventure Park inside the Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya, Shah Alam offers such thrills.
What’s unique about this park is that the agricultural park and farms are inside a tropical rainforest. You only need to pay RM 3 (adult) or RM 1 (children) to enter this park which covers 817 hectares of land. The Skytrex Adventure Park is 3km away from the entrance of the park. A shutter bus to the adventure park departs from the bicycle rental shop every 10 minutes before each booking slot.
The adventure park operates on weekend and public holiday. For weekdays, they cater to pre-booking made for group with a minimum of 25 pax. This adventure park open to anyone young and old, so long that you meet the health and fitness requirements. They have 3 different adventures challenges for one to try on. The challenges are – Little Adventure, Big Thrill and Extreme Challenges.
Little adventure is the easiest among the three challenges. It is specially designed for children, however, adults who want to join in the fun are welcome too. Big thrill have 23 challenges, ranging from easy to difficult. The challenge ends with a 100m long high speed flying fox. And for those who like bigger excitement the extreme challenge is the choice. A total of 21 extreme challenges with some platforms build at the height of 22m from ground. S person must reach at least 16 years old and reach the height of 1.5m to qualify for the challenge. They recommend the person to have upper body strength and experienced their Big Thrill. Rates range from RM 25 to RM 40 per person depending on the challenge you choose and the age group you fall into.
Below is my personal experience of Big Thrill Challenge.
I rode the Skytrex shuttle bus to the adventure park. The park is in the middle of a rain forest. I could see the trees are high into the air (unable to the summit of the trees). Also saw some platforms, cables for the challenges, some young kids enjoying the challenges excitedly gliding over the pond to the platform located at another side.
I started to feel some excitement within me after I got off the bus. Me and my group walk towards the reception area to checked in ourselves for the challenge. All of us were to hand in the health declaration and indemnity form. They provide lockers for us to keep anything we don’t want to bring for the challenge. So long the items you bring with are not dangling dangerously and the person is comfortable with, they will allow you to bring along. Oh… how can I missed out the chance to take some good shoots, so I bring my camera long, I hanged it on my neck safely. I also bought a pair of glove (optional item) at RM3 to prevent my hand from any injuries. If you don’t mind to use recycle ones, you can also try your luck at the glove recycling bin.
Once cleared from the registration, we headed towards the gear up platform to equip ourselves with the harness. They hand in the harness to us but sadly they didn’t have the official briefing on how to wear the harness. Most of us try to figure it out ourselves, but got it wrong and waited for the instructors there to help us re-wearing the harness or adjust it to perfection.
Afterwards, all are to head towards the training ground. A lady instructor introduced us to the harness we are wearing. She guided us to check on the equipment, explained on it’s functions and the correct way to use the gear. She then demonstrated to us the way to handle the challenge on the training ground. And it is compulsory for each of us to complete the circuit of the training to familiarize with the activity and ability to handle the equipment in compliance with the safety standard.
Though the training ground trial is short and the height is low, I have few moments of hesitations on doing the challenges. I climbed on the platform, done the walking on the plank up in the air, performed a fly to catch the net and did a crawl up the net like a spiderwoman and finally did another flying landing on the ground. Phew! That was fun and it certainly needs some good strength to go through the challenges.
Since I am the first few who completed and passed through the training, the instructor called us to start the big thrill track while the rest waited to pass through the training. A friend and I headed to the starting point of the challenge. However, there weren’t any staff or instructor at the starting point, we inform the instructor at the training ground and she called someone to assist us. Maybe, it is because lunch time that instructor came running with a lunchbox in his hand and kept telling us it’s ok to start and ran off to else where. We waited few minutes still there weren’t anyone. The first challenge is a climb up to the tree. I don’t know the exact height, it roughly as tall as 3 to 4 storey building. I thought maybe someone would have waited us in the second challenge point up there where we could see. So I decided to start the track.
Yikes! The 90 degrees stair up the wood platform up at the tree weren’t as easy as it seems to be. Half way up the stairs, I already feel my stamina running low, I shouted out to my friend, “I’m tired.” Friends who were waiting at the ground encouraged me to move on. How can I stop at the beginning? I took a deep breathe and push myself up. I used my hand to pull myself up and leg to push upwards. Finally, I arrived at the platform. I’m relieved to accomplish the first challenge. I waited for my friend to climbed up the platform. Next, I proceed with the next challenge. Walk on a net bridge to another platform. I couldn’t see where’s the next platform is as there are trees that block the view. After finished crossing the net, still nobody was sighted. A bit annoyed at the bad service yet I’m excited to challenge the next adventure. To cross a zig zag plank.
Whoa! It is not easy to balance myself on the narrow zig zag plank. I pulled harder at the carbina to balance myself. Though the track wasn’t long, but I feel it is endless. My friend was asking me something behind, but I couldn’t concentrate what she said and kept silent. Focusing on my steps.
After a hard struggle on the zig zag, I finally arrived at the platform! I put up a smile and asked my friend what she was saying. I rest at the platform for a few minutes while wait for my friend to join me.
I couldn’t remember the sequence of the nest few challenges. But all are equally exciting and fun at the same time. The only setback was nobody at our track until I completed about ½ of the challenge.
Be an urban Tarzan. Test your agility and face your fears with series of aerial obstacle challenges in the air. And you can get this experience by participate the Skytrex Adventure in a forest reserve located only about 30 mins from town. Yup, the Skytrex Adventure Park inside the Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya, Shah Alam offers such thrills.
What’s unique about this park is that the agricultural park and farms are inside a tropical rainforest. You only need to pay RM 3 (adult) or RM 1 (children) to enter this park which covers 817 hectares of land. The Skytrex Adventure Park is 3km away from the entrance of the park. A shutter bus to the adventure park departs from the bicycle rental shop every 10 minutes before each booking slot.
The adventure park operates on weekend and public holiday. For weekdays, they cater to pre-booking made for group with a minimum of 25 pax. This adventure park open to anyone young and old, so long that you meet the health and fitness requirements. They have 3 different adventures challenges for one to try on. The challenges are – Little Adventure, Big Thrill and Extreme Challenges.
Little adventure is the easiest among the three challenges. It is specially designed for children, however, adults who want to join in the fun are welcome too. Big thrill have 23 challenges, ranging from easy to difficult. The challenge ends with a 100m long high speed flying fox. And for those who like bigger excitement the extreme challenge is the choice. A total of 21 extreme challenges with some platforms build at the height of 22m from ground. S person must reach at least 16 years old and reach the height of 1.5m to qualify for the challenge. They recommend the person to have upper body strength and experienced their Big Thrill. Rates range from RM 25 to RM 40 per person depending on the challenge you choose and the age group you fall into.
Below is my personal experience of Big Thrill Challenge.
I rode the Skytrex shuttle bus to the adventure park. The park is in the middle of a rain forest. I could see the trees are high into the air (unable to the summit of the trees). Also saw some platforms, cables for the challenges, some young kids enjoying the challenges excitedly gliding over the pond to the platform located at another side.I started to feel some excitement within me after I got off the bus. Me and my group walk towards the reception area to checked in ourselves for the challenge. All of us were to hand in the health declaration and indemnity form. They provide lockers for us to keep anything we don’t want to bring for the challenge. So long the items you bring with are not dangling dangerously and the person is comfortable with, they will allow you to bring along. Oh… how can I missed out the chance to take some good shoots, so I bring my camera long, I hanged it on my neck safely. I also bought a pair of glove (optional item) at RM3 to prevent my hand from any injuries. If you don’t mind to use recycle ones, you can also try your luck at the glove recycling bin.
Once cleared from the registration, we headed towards the gear up platform to equip ourselves with the harness. They hand in the harness to us but sadly they didn’t have the official briefing on how to wear the harness. Most of us try to figure it out ourselves, but got it wrong and waited for the instructors there to help us re-wearing the harness or adjust it to perfection.
Afterwards, all are to head towards the training ground. A lady instructor introduced us to the harness we are wearing. She guided us to check on the equipment, explained on it’s functions and the correct way to use the gear. She then demonstrated to us the way to handle the challenge on the training ground. And it is compulsory for each of us to complete the circuit of the training to familiarize with the activity and ability to handle the equipment in compliance with the safety standard.
Though the training ground trial is short and the height is low, I have few moments of hesitations on doing the challenges. I climbed on the platform, done the walking on the plank up in the air, performed a fly to catch the net and did a crawl up the net like a spiderwoman and finally did another flying landing on the ground. Phew! That was fun and it certainly needs some good strength to go through the challenges.
Since I am the first few who completed and passed through the training, the instructor called us to start the big thrill track while the rest waited to pass through the training. A friend and I headed to the starting point of the challenge. However, there weren’t any staff or instructor at the starting point, we inform the instructor at the training ground and she called someone to assist us. Maybe, it is because lunch time that instructor came running with a lunchbox in his hand and kept telling us it’s ok to start and ran off to else where. We waited few minutes still there weren’t anyone. The first challenge is a climb up to the tree. I don’t know the exact height, it roughly as tall as 3 to 4 storey building. I thought maybe someone would have waited us in the second challenge point up there where we could see. So I decided to start the track.
Yikes! The 90 degrees stair up the wood platform up at the tree weren’t as easy as it seems to be. Half way up the stairs, I already feel my stamina running low, I shouted out to my friend, “I’m tired.” Friends who were waiting at the ground encouraged me to move on. How can I stop at the beginning? I took a deep breathe and push myself up. I used my hand to pull myself up and leg to push upwards. Finally, I arrived at the platform. I’m relieved to accomplish the first challenge. I waited for my friend to climbed up the platform. Next, I proceed with the next challenge. Walk on a net bridge to another platform. I couldn’t see where’s the next platform is as there are trees that block the view. After finished crossing the net, still nobody was sighted. A bit annoyed at the bad service yet I’m excited to challenge the next adventure. To cross a zig zag plank.
Whoa! It is not easy to balance myself on the narrow zig zag plank. I pulled harder at the carbina to balance myself. Though the track wasn’t long, but I feel it is endless. My friend was asking me something behind, but I couldn’t concentrate what she said and kept silent. Focusing on my steps.
After a hard struggle on the zig zag, I finally arrived at the platform! I put up a smile and asked my friend what she was saying. I rest at the platform for a few minutes while wait for my friend to join me.
I couldn’t remember the sequence of the nest few challenges. But all are equally exciting and fun at the same time. The only setback was nobody at our track until I completed about ½ of the challenge.
Air hopping with the help of the ropes.
I'm getting ready to swing over to the big net at the opposite platform.
Finally I swung to the other side. Catch on to the net and perform a spider climb to the platform.
On our track to the end of the challenge, we saw few chicken exit for those who unable to take on the challenge. There also some short-cut paths to skip through a challenge with a simple flying fox.
About 2 hours later, I finally complete the track with a high speed 100m “wild revenge” down to the finishing platform. I’m tired, thirsty, sweaty, ecstatic and satisfy to be able to arrived at the finish point. Both of us rush to the reception counter and brought ourselves a can of cold 100 plus (isotonic drink). Ah… so cooling and refreshing. This trip is worth while.
It would be better if there were more staff stationed at the platform giving us advice and encouragement. I chatted with one of the staff stationed near to the end of the track, he mentioned that it not suppose to be this way. But some staff actually went for lunch break without informing their superior. So my advice is don’t take session near to lunch hour to avoid encountering the same scenario like us. Another piece of advice is that don’t go on too large a group. Like our group was 26 pax. Some participant had actually waited a long time before it is their turn. And due to safety reason, each platform can only hold 3 people and one must wait until the participant in front of you completed a challenge before you start. So those at the back wasted quite some time waiting. Especially if the person in front is having hard time to initiate for complete the challenge. Well, my recommendation is organize small group of about 10 to 15 and not more than that. But please don’t tell the organizer because you read my blog so you organize small group. They won’t like the idea. Ideally, their group size is 15-20 pax.
We retried our items, can got back to the finish point and cheered for those at the back of the line. Finally after 6 hours at the adventure park, all participants at our group completed their track. All were smiling and laughing, sharing their own experience. All of us eagerly want to get out from the Bukit Cahaya park and have our lunch/dinner. Very very hungry after all it’s already 4.30pm. And we had our breakfast at 8 something in the morning. Yahoo! Finally we can have our meal. We climbed into our cars and started the hunt for good food!!
Tuesday 21 July 2009
Gold Leaf Village Restaurant @ Klang
After watching Astro’s TV programme, Taste of Jason by Ah Xian, we decided to try out the seafood restaurant in Klang. We clicked into his website http://www.axian788.com/, confirmed on the operating hours and location. We drove all the way to The Gold Leaf Village Restaurant, Klang.
We arrived at about 6pm and the ground floor was already full. So we seated at the first floor instead.
We’ve order the “Jiu Pai” Steam Fish.
Well... so sorry this photo is taken after we started to eat part of it. Also this dish is highly recommended by Axian, but I think it is rather normal. Yes, can’t deny that the fish is fresh, but other than that there wasn’t anything special. We also ordered another spicy fish head, but I’ll classify it as normal as well.
This is red wine chicken. I like this very much. You can smell the aroma of red wine when you taste the chicken or the sauce. Although the chicken seems to be fried before the gravy is pour on it, the meat inside is still juicy and tender.
And what I like best is the deep fried kangkung with sotong. The kangkung tastes like tempura, all crispy. It is very hard to believe that one can fry waterly kangkung into such crispy state. They also put special made gravy for the tempura kangkung and sotong. The gravy carries fragrance of peanut, which makes a nice blend with the kangkung and sotong.
Address: 45, Jalan 1, Kaw 16, Jalan Batu 3 Lama, Berkely Town Centre, 41300 Klang.
Business Hour: 10am -3pm & 5.30pm-10pm
Tel: 03-3342 2239
Additional Info: Be there early. If not you’ll be given a number like the bank does and you gotta wait for your turn.
Saturday 18 July 2009
Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya, Shah Alam
At least a decade had past since my last visit to the Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya (Malaysia Agricultural Park) at Shah Alam. I could recall the glory time of this park during my childhood time. There were hanging bridge, four seasons house (a building that replicate Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The house showcases and allows visitors to see and experience the different season. As a young kid then, I always wanted to see the Winter at the Bukit Cahaya. That’s the only place that snow in Malaysia. So cool!) and it is a fun place to cycle as well.
Those days has gone. Taman Petanian gets less and less promotion as a place of attraction and recreation. I almost forgetten about this place until a friend of mine organized a skytrex adventure. And this Skytrex Adventure Park is inside Taman Pertanian. I’m excited to experience my first skytrex activities and to re-visit this long forgotten place.
About 30 mins drive from town we arrived at the park. To my amazement, the park’s car park bay was quite full. We paid RM 1 parking fee (per entry basis). We walk a short distant from the car park bay to the main entrance of the park where the ticket counter are. My jaw dropped as I saw the crowd at the entrance area. Many young locals and family are queuing up for the tickets. Not bad! I thought many people have forgotten this place as it has minima effort on promoting this place to the public.
A friend of mine got a map of the park from the staff at the entrance and found out that this park has certainly evolved into a better and larger state than a decade ago. It has more farms area introducing the variety agricultures of Malaysia, 2 dam areas, a place for kayak, flying fox facilities, rabbit farm, birds park, outlook tower, cultural village and orchids garden, etc. The park covers an 817 hectares land. Although, there are many semi open air type of buses ferrying visitors to different place of this park, I didn’t explore the park due to the time constrain. I just took a short walk nearby the entrance and return to hut to catch the bus to the Skytex Adventure Park.
Well, what’s this Skytrex thingy? Actually it is adventure activities that take the participants from tree to tree via series of aerial obstacles in the air. I’ll save the Skytrex experience of mine in the next blog.
Guys and gals, getting excited to visit this park? Well, I think it is worth the entrance ticket. You can get close to the nature, learn about the agricultures of Malaysia, picnic, experience the adventure (or see someone doing it), fishing, cycling, jungle trekking and so much more. It is place that suits for family outings. Bring along the insect repellent if you are very sensitive to mosquitoes. The only set back that I found out is that most of the signage I saw was only written in Bahasa Malaysia. Do ask for an English version of the map from the counter / entrance area is you need to.
Ok, here’s the information for those interest to go to the park.
Address: Taman Pertanian Malaysia, Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Tel: 603- 5510 7048
Those days has gone. Taman Petanian gets less and less promotion as a place of attraction and recreation. I almost forgetten about this place until a friend of mine organized a skytrex adventure. And this Skytrex Adventure Park is inside Taman Pertanian. I’m excited to experience my first skytrex activities and to re-visit this long forgotten place.
About 30 mins drive from town we arrived at the park. To my amazement, the park’s car park bay was quite full. We paid RM 1 parking fee (per entry basis). We walk a short distant from the car park bay to the main entrance of the park where the ticket counter are. My jaw dropped as I saw the crowd at the entrance area. Many young locals and family are queuing up for the tickets. Not bad! I thought many people have forgotten this place as it has minima effort on promoting this place to the public.
Photo: At the entrance of the park
I took my time to survey around looking for information about this park while queuing for the entrance ticket. I found out that the entrance fee is RM 3 for adult, RM 1 for children age between 6 and 11 (and FOC for children below 6) and senior citizen above 55 years. The park is open everyday except Monday. However, if a public holiday falls on Monday, the park is open. And I couldn’t believe that the 4 season temperature house is still around. And one could go in by paying RM 3 for an adult and RM 1 for a child (age between 4 and 11). If you would like to spend a night at the park, they have chalet and camp site as accommodation options. The rates of the accommodation ranging from RM 5 to RM 100. They also have few dedicated sites for outdoor functions.
Oh boy, I couldn’t wait to see what’s inside. Finally, we got our tickets and we got inside the park. Once we entered, I saw a food outlet and bicycle rental facilities. The hut for bicycle rental for packed with people who are keen to ride and explore the park. I wish I got the time to take a ride as well. But, we gotta proceed to the Skytrex Adventure Park located somewhere in this Agricultural Park in less than 30 minutes time. I need to catch the bus dedicated to ferry all the Skytrex participants to the adventure park in font of this small hut. So, I put the idea of riding the bicycle off.
Oh boy, I couldn’t wait to see what’s inside. Finally, we got our tickets and we got inside the park. Once we entered, I saw a food outlet and bicycle rental facilities. The hut for bicycle rental for packed with people who are keen to ride and explore the park. I wish I got the time to take a ride as well. But, we gotta proceed to the Skytrex Adventure Park located somewhere in this Agricultural Park in less than 30 minutes time. I need to catch the bus dedicated to ferry all the Skytrex participants to the adventure park in font of this small hut. So, I put the idea of riding the bicycle off.
Photo: People waiting to get their bicycle at the bicycle rental shop.
Photo: A random shot at the park
A friend of mine got a map of the park from the staff at the entrance and found out that this park has certainly evolved into a better and larger state than a decade ago. It has more farms area introducing the variety agricultures of Malaysia, 2 dam areas, a place for kayak, flying fox facilities, rabbit farm, birds park, outlook tower, cultural village and orchids garden, etc. The park covers an 817 hectares land. Although, there are many semi open air type of buses ferrying visitors to different place of this park, I didn’t explore the park due to the time constrain. I just took a short walk nearby the entrance and return to hut to catch the bus to the Skytex Adventure Park.
Well, what’s this Skytrex thingy? Actually it is adventure activities that take the participants from tree to tree via series of aerial obstacles in the air. I’ll save the Skytrex experience of mine in the next blog.Guys and gals, getting excited to visit this park? Well, I think it is worth the entrance ticket. You can get close to the nature, learn about the agricultures of Malaysia, picnic, experience the adventure (or see someone doing it), fishing, cycling, jungle trekking and so much more. It is place that suits for family outings. Bring along the insect repellent if you are very sensitive to mosquitoes. The only set back that I found out is that most of the signage I saw was only written in Bahasa Malaysia. Do ask for an English version of the map from the counter / entrance area is you need to.
Ok, here’s the information for those interest to go to the park.
Address: Taman Pertanian Malaysia, Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Tel: 603- 5510 7048
Map:
Monday 13 July 2009
Addicted!!
I remembered about 3 years back I entered a training and it requires the participants to switch off (yes, I do mean switch off) their mobile during the 5 days training. (Of course, re-switching on the phone during breaks and after the training hours are allowed). Yet, I found myself very reluctant to switch it off. I do not often get calls via my mobile. And I have taken my days off from work for the training (it doesn’t matter much if my colleagues unable to get me during the training.) I’ve plan my work well before taking the leaves. And there weren’t anything special happening during that period of time. Still I am reluctant to switch the mobile off. And I felt terribly uncomfortable to switch it off! And this exercise told me that I am addicted to mobile phones. I am a slave of the technology!
During that training, I found that many more people faced the same addiction as I am. Some are even addicted to the extend that they simply couldn’t switch it off at all. They quietly turn to silent and vibrate mode.
It is true that we cannot survive turning the phone off for few hours a day? Imagine the time we are without our mobile. Life goes on. Yeah, maybe once awhile when we need to make calls and the public phones were not working (due to vandalism. What a shame!)
I got my mobile during my college time. A pre-paid phone sponsored by my brother. I tagged my brother’s car to go home most of the days. Usually he made calls to me when he arrived outside my college gate or informed me about late pickups. And majority of the time, I didn’t pickup his call or I picked it up after few times of calls and worse, I forgot to turn it on or it is in silent mode. He used to scold me because I didn’t pickup the calls. And complains about wasting money to sponsor me the phone :P
I recalled one evening I sitting at the canteen area, reading on the book. Suddenly I heard my brother voice, angrily asking, “Where is your phone?” I looked at him, I knew must have missed his call again. Feeling guilty, I quickly dig into my bag and found the phone. I took a look on the phone. Yikes! 8 missed calls!! No wonder he is angry. He told me he started to make his first call ½ earlier. And I just didn’t realize it at all.
And I continue to miss out calls to my mobile even after I graduated from college and into working world. Now that I rarely left my mobile 3 metres away from me. Switching on my phone the first time I wake up. Plus, overly sensitive to mobile ringing tones. I categorized myself as the paranoid mobile user. Sometimes, when I go shopping (or where in places that is noisy) and I heard tones my mobile ringing. I would quickly press my hand to my bag where my mobile place, sensing whether any vibrate on my mobile. Checking and make sure I didn’t miss any calls. Oh no! I’m a slave of the technology which supposed to bring convenient to me. How can this happen?
Many people say that mobile phones are intruding into their privacy. People can find them anywhere, anytime as long as you hold you mobile, especially with the roaming and locater (like friend finder function) technology available cheaply. Yet, in what position we are to blame? We as the users are not responsible over the usage. We become overly addicted and relying on the technology. Yes, no more slaving to my mobile phone! Be a master of the technology. Be responsible and a smart user of the technology.
During that training, I found that many more people faced the same addiction as I am. Some are even addicted to the extend that they simply couldn’t switch it off at all. They quietly turn to silent and vibrate mode.
It is true that we cannot survive turning the phone off for few hours a day? Imagine the time we are without our mobile. Life goes on. Yeah, maybe once awhile when we need to make calls and the public phones were not working (due to vandalism. What a shame!)
I got my mobile during my college time. A pre-paid phone sponsored by my brother. I tagged my brother’s car to go home most of the days. Usually he made calls to me when he arrived outside my college gate or informed me about late pickups. And majority of the time, I didn’t pickup his call or I picked it up after few times of calls and worse, I forgot to turn it on or it is in silent mode. He used to scold me because I didn’t pickup the calls. And complains about wasting money to sponsor me the phone :P
I recalled one evening I sitting at the canteen area, reading on the book. Suddenly I heard my brother voice, angrily asking, “Where is your phone?” I looked at him, I knew must have missed his call again. Feeling guilty, I quickly dig into my bag and found the phone. I took a look on the phone. Yikes! 8 missed calls!! No wonder he is angry. He told me he started to make his first call ½ earlier. And I just didn’t realize it at all.
And I continue to miss out calls to my mobile even after I graduated from college and into working world. Now that I rarely left my mobile 3 metres away from me. Switching on my phone the first time I wake up. Plus, overly sensitive to mobile ringing tones. I categorized myself as the paranoid mobile user. Sometimes, when I go shopping (or where in places that is noisy) and I heard tones my mobile ringing. I would quickly press my hand to my bag where my mobile place, sensing whether any vibrate on my mobile. Checking and make sure I didn’t miss any calls. Oh no! I’m a slave of the technology which supposed to bring convenient to me. How can this happen?
Many people say that mobile phones are intruding into their privacy. People can find them anywhere, anytime as long as you hold you mobile, especially with the roaming and locater (like friend finder function) technology available cheaply. Yet, in what position we are to blame? We as the users are not responsible over the usage. We become overly addicted and relying on the technology. Yes, no more slaving to my mobile phone! Be a master of the technology. Be responsible and a smart user of the technology.
Friday 10 July 2009
Kopitiam, Coffee, Toast & Kaya
Looking for a place to yum cha (have tea)? Or simply want to have some local snacks to munch on? Personally, I like to go this particular café as the foods and the ambiance are both satisfactory.
This café is call K3K (桂三記) located at Damansara Perdana. It is originated from Kuala Lipis (but they never mentioned of having outlet in Kuala Lipis).
This is a photo taken from the inside of the café. Nostalgic and homely decorations.
What’s good? My recommendations are their K3K coffee drinks (I don’t drink coffee, but many friends who like coffee give thumb up for their coffee.), toast, nasi lemak and kaya.
I like their toast. Yummy! Especially those with serve with their specially made kaya. Shown in photo is the K3K super 3 in 1 toast, where inside they put the kaya, jam and peanut butter. Toast til golden brown, crunchy, sweet. Each toast is cut into bite size.
Their yau char kuai (油條) also very nice. It is unlike the normal yau char kuai we can get outside. It is less oily, smaller in size and they serve it with kaya. You can either dip with kaya or their coffee.
This one is the curry puff, but it is not a normal curry puff. It is a Giant curry puff that is 8 inches long. You can share it with 2 to 4 person. RM 3.30 per piece.
They also have many type of kuih that goes with coffee and tea. Like the “ang ku”, roti kok, “man tou bao”, cream crackers, home made ketupat, etc.
This is one of their special drinks. The milk cincau – Cincau in evaporated milk and some gula Melaka (I suppose). If you don’t like less sweet, don’t stir too much as the sugarly content is at the bottom of the glass. The cincau is finely cut, so it is each to suck with your straw.
If you want to have something more filling, they also have the nasi lemak, penghulu fried chicken + rice (quite nice, I tried this before), tom yam, spahagetti and so on.
Branches: Subang Jaya, Klang
Type: Café, halal
My rating: 3 stars (out of 5 stars)
This café is call K3K (桂三記) located at Damansara Perdana. It is originated from Kuala Lipis (but they never mentioned of having outlet in Kuala Lipis).
This is a photo taken from the inside of the café. Nostalgic and homely decorations.
What’s good? My recommendations are their K3K coffee drinks (I don’t drink coffee, but many friends who like coffee give thumb up for their coffee.), toast, nasi lemak and kaya.
I like their toast. Yummy! Especially those with serve with their specially made kaya. Shown in photo is the K3K super 3 in 1 toast, where inside they put the kaya, jam and peanut butter. Toast til golden brown, crunchy, sweet. Each toast is cut into bite size.
Their yau char kuai (油條) also very nice. It is unlike the normal yau char kuai we can get outside. It is less oily, smaller in size and they serve it with kaya. You can either dip with kaya or their coffee.
This one is the curry puff, but it is not a normal curry puff. It is a Giant curry puff that is 8 inches long. You can share it with 2 to 4 person. RM 3.30 per piece.
They also have many type of kuih that goes with coffee and tea. Like the “ang ku”, roti kok, “man tou bao”, cream crackers, home made ketupat, etc.
This is one of their special drinks. The milk cincau – Cincau in evaporated milk and some gula Melaka (I suppose). If you don’t like less sweet, don’t stir too much as the sugarly content is at the bottom of the glass. The cincau is finely cut, so it is each to suck with your straw.If you want to have something more filling, they also have the nasi lemak, penghulu fried chicken + rice (quite nice, I tried this before), tom yam, spahagetti and so on.
Branches: Subang Jaya, Klang
Type: Café, halal
My rating: 3 stars (out of 5 stars)
Tuesday 7 July 2009
Introductory to Malaysia Foods
One of the great attractions while traveling in Malaysia is food. Local cuisines are divided into many types. Food preparations are creative as a result of the multi racial and cultural legacy.
Local cuisine can be mainly divided into Malay, Chinese, Indian, Nyonya and Portuguese food. And each type of the local cuisine has many sub-categories depending on the cooking variations. For example, in Malay cuisine, it has Kelantanese, Johorean style, etc. For Chinese food it can be sub-categorised as cooking with Teow Chew influence, Penang style, Hakka cuisine, Hokkien cuisine and many more.
Recent years, the fusion food trend is getting more popular. These fusion food restaurants / cafés offer local and international food. It offers better variations to the increasingly demanding food taste of the Malaysian.
For food lover, I strongly recommend that you to visit Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Johor for your food adventure. Each state has different reasons why it worth your gastronomy urges to visit.
Penang food is ever popular. No matter which part of Malaysia you are visiting, it is common that you’ll find Penangese foods around. Of course, nothing is better than having the Penang food in Penang itself. No matter whether you like spicy foods, local snacks or dessert, you’ll find that Penang just has the right type of foods to satisfy your needs. Those categorized as the top most delicious and celebrated foods include the Penang laksa, Har Mee (Prawn noodle), Rojak Penang (a type of local fruit salad) and Chendol (cold dessert drinks). There are simply too many great foods available in Penang, you gotta try it out yourself and tell me your dining experience.
If you do not have enough time to visit all the places in Malaysia to taste the foods, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is the place to be. Being the capital of Malaysia, KL is resided by people from all other states of Malaysia. Thus, best foods from their hometown are brought to KL. That’s why KL is a where all the good foods gathers. And no matter what time of the day, good food is always just around the corner. Johor is another state where famous delicacies around Malaysia meet.
Unique Nyonya and Portuguese foods are famous in the historical and cultural rich Malacca. Baba and Nyonya, the Peranakan (Strait Born Chinese) cooking is famous for the various usage and blend of spices. Their foods are mostly spicy hot and full of aromatic scent. Nyonya kuih (pastries) are also famous delicacies in Malacca. Similar to the Peranakan cookings, Portuguese cuisine is another must try dishes in Malacca. Their famous dishes include the Devil Curry (cook with beef or chicken), Garing-garing (a type of fried snack) and cucumber & pineapple salad.
If you are less adventure about foods and would like to have something you are more familiar with? No worries, in the gastronomy heaven like Malaysia, you can find almost any type of eating outlets. Thai, Korean, Japanese, Western, Middle Eastern and Vietnamese food and dining outlets are common in Malaysia, especially in the city areas. Not quite satisfied yet? You can also opt for fast food. Here, we have local fast food chain, western fast food chain, Korean fast food, etc. From burgers, wafers, pizzas, sandwiches, sushi, fish and chips to fried chicken. Fast food outlets are widely available. Some of these fast food outlets even operate on a 24/7 basis.
Regarding the place to dine, one can choose to dine at five star hotels, restaurants, fast food chains, cafés, food courts, hawker centres, food kiosks / stands to road side stalls. The price is relatively affordable. Enjoying the local authentic food and dining experience is a must during visit to Malaysia. I’ll write more about foods that you shouldn’t missed out during your visit to Malaysia in other write-ups.
Another unique dining experience you shouldn’t miss is to dine at a mamak outlet. Mamak actually means Indian Muslim. Here, people refer the stalls man by the Indian Muslim selling halal Indian and Malay fusion foods as Mamak. Going to Mamak is part of the Malaysian culture. The food is delicious, affordable and acceptable by all races of Malaysia. Thus, Malaysian chooses Mamak as the hang out place. We can just order a drink (teh tarik, teh limau, limau ice, milo shake, kopi) and chit chat with friends. The friendly Mamak will always welcome you. You can sit and chat as long as you wish to. If you are hungry, they have the roti canai (grill fried pancake), nasi kandar (rice with various dishes to choose from), nasi goreng (fried rice, Mamak style of course) and much more to choose from. Although nowadays there are generally 2 types of Mamak store. One is the most common road side Mamak food stalls, another is the modern Mamak restaurant. Most Malaysian refer going for a tea (usually to hang out and chit chat) as “yum cha”. So don’t forget to “yum cha” at Mamak.
Trend of “yum cha” is getting more popular in recent years. Kopitiam (meaning coffee shop) type of café is mushrooming in Malaysia. Usually, these café offer a fusion of local cuisines, good ambiance and wi-fi (wireless internet) facilities. The operation hours of these outlets mostly are extended to 10pm or 11pm. And that’s a just glimpse about food in Malaysia. Malaysia is a country that full of great foods. A must go place for food lover / adventure. I am sure the interesting potpourri of foods in Malaysia will give many surprises and satisfaction to your taste bud!
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