Sunday, 22 November 2009

Y.E.S is back!!

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, 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!

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?

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!

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.

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.

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

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!!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.



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.

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.