......as I travel

Es Dawet di Palembang

2012-01-31T08:44:00.002+08:00

In Malaysia we call it cendol but here in Indonesia or maybe Palembang (not sure) this drink is called Es Dawet. In Malaysia it is cendol a concoction of cendol, coconut milk and brown sugar juice and top up with shaved ice.
Its the same basic mixture as in Malaysia but something extra here is a bulb of durian is added giving it a different taste compared to our popular cendol pulut in Malaysia.

Had the experience trying this drink during the SEA Games 2011 in Palembang. Its cooling and refrehsing to drink on a hot day. However the drink is a bit sweet and might not be suitable for those who are concerned with his/her high sugar content in the blood. Its worth trying. Price? hmmmmm……sorry I forgot.

Selamat Tahun Baru 2012

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000+08:00

MENIKMATI MAKANAN TRADISI TERENGGANU

2011-12-27T11:23:00.003+08:00

Semasa ke Kuala Terengganu untuk satu urusan resmi baru-baru ini, aku berpeluang menikmati satu makanan tradisi Terengganu iaitu Asam Gumpal. Ini kli pertama menikmati makanan ini yang makanan berasaskan sagu dan di makan bersama kuah santan. Sememangnya nikmat sekali makanan ini. Tidak pasti sama ada makanan tradisi ini dijual di gerai-gerai, tetapi apabila melawan Terengganu bolehlah cuba-cuba intai dan jangan lepaskan peluang mencubanya. Manis.

Resepi membuat ASAM GUMPAL (Resepi ini di ambil dari My Resepi)

Bahan-bahan ( 20 biji )

UNTUK MEMBUAT SAGU DAN INTI

200 gm sagu biji (basuh dan toskan)
100 gm kacang hijau
garam, gula secukup rasa

UNTUK MEMBUAT KUAH

2 cawan santan
satu inci halia (dimayang halus)
sesudu halba
garam, gula secukup rasa

Cara-cara

---buat inti kacang dulu----
kacang hijau tu seeloknya rendam dulu, kemudian baru rebus sampai empuk. masukkan garam dan gula secukup rasa. kalau inti asam gupal ni manis sikit baru sedap. masak sampai kering, kemudian bulatkan kecik - kecik.
sagu biji yang ditoskan tadi tu siramkan dengan air panas, jangan banyak sangat siramnya, nanti lembik jadi sagunya.
gunakan plastik, ambik sagu tu, kemudian kepal- kepalkan, dah tu leperkan sikit dan isi ngan inti kacang tadi, kepalkan bulat balik. kalau tak guna plastik nanti sagu tu akan melekat kat tangan.
susun dalam loyang dan kukus dalam masa 15 hingga 20 minit atau sehingga sagu tu masak.
---untuk buat kuah---
campurkan semua bahan, kacau jangan biar santan berketul, kemudian bila dah mendidih masukkan sagu yang dah dikukus tadi.
boleh dimakan panas - panas, atau kalau nak makan sejuk pun best gak...saya suka makan panas - panas, sambil hirup kuahnya...mmmmm

JEJAK PERTAMA DI INDONESIA

2011-11-25T09:47:00.001+08:00

Ia merupakan perjalanan aku yang pertama ke Indonesia. Sememangnya rezeki yang diberikan Allah selepas aku bersara dari perkhidmatan dengan kerajaan. Aku diberikan tugas untuk menjadi salah seorang koordinator untuk sistem keputusan di SEA Games edisi ke 26 di Palembang.

Inilah SEA Games pertama aku terlibat secara langsung.

Ini kali pertama aku menjejaki kaki di bumi Indonesia.

Ini kali pertama aku melintasi Garisan Khatulistiwa.

Ini kali pertama aku menaiki pesawat Garuda.

Ini kali pertama aku menaiki pesawat Lion air.

Perjalanan aku ke Indonesia ialah pada 11 – 11 – 2011. Penerbangan Garuda Airlines dari KLIA ke Sukarno Hatta International Airport, Jakarta (SHIA). Untuk keselamatan anda, sila pasangkan sabuk pengaman.

Destinasi Jakarta 2011

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Dari SHIA menaiki taksi Bluebird ke tempat penginapan di Take’s Mansion, Jalan Tmn. Kebun Sirih I, Jakarta. Adalah dinasihatkan kepada pelancung untuk mengambil Teksi Bluebird kerana perkhidmatan yang lebih reliable dan cemerlang mereka dengan pemandu yang jujur. Salah seorang ahli rombongan kami yang datang lebih awal, telah tertinggal telefon bimbit di dalam teksi dan pemandu teksi itu telah mengembalikan semula telefon bimbit itu. Itu satu kejujuran pekerja perkhidmatan teksi tersebut.

Take’s Mansion (Atas), terletak tidak jauh dari Tugu Monas (Bawah)

Selepas pergi menunjau di HQ Indosat tempat terletak pusat kawalan ICT SEA Games. Indosat adalah merupakan penaga telekomunkasi resmi SEA Games 2011. Di Indosat, aku telah setup Blackberry dan juga membeli kad Sim Broadband IM3 Mentari untuk Samsung Tab aku.

Selepas itu pergi ke Sakinah Mall di Jalan Muhammad Husni Thamrin untuk membeli adaptor kerana punca eletrik adalah seperti ini.

Sudah sampai Sakinah Mall terpaksa beli stokin kerana bawa sepasang saja. Nasib baik dapat stokin yang ada diskon 50%. Jadi bolehlah beli stokin yang berharga Rp36,000. Selepas itu makan di

Soto Betawi

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Dinner malam itu ialah Nasi Uduk ayam. Macam Nasi Lemaklah di Malaysia tetapi presentationnnya agak menarik dan kemas.

Memandangkan masa tidak mengizinkan, aku tidak sempat melawat Jakarta. Hari keesokannya akan berlepas pula ke Palembang untuk memulakan tugas di SEA Games selepas menikmati fajar buat kali pertama di Jakarta pada jam 4.15 pagi.

Fajar pagi pada jam 6.00

SABAH VISIT–STOP OVER KUNDASANG MEMORIAL PARK

2011-11-03T09:34:00.001+08:00

This trip was done in February 2011 when was on my family’s trip to Sabah.

Our journey to Ranau gives me the opportunity to stop at the Kundasang War Memorial Park that is dedicated to

This is not my first visit though but I can see the changes since my first visit to this memorial in the 70s while I was serving in Kota Marudu and travel to Ranau or Sandakan.

Kundasang is popular with her vegetable product and almost everybody who travel on this route will make a stop at Kundasang to buy fresh vegtable to take home.

As in most public places visitors has to be reminded on ethics and here are some placed within the Garden to remind visitors.

Signages within the Garden

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The garden has been segmented and dedicated to the various parties involved in the memorial.

Australian Garden

The administration area. Here video clips and memorable photos is being displayed for visitors.

View from the Garden

Destinasi Palembang

2011-10-13T09:15:00.001+08:00

Sudah agak lama tidak membuat posting baru di sini. Maklumlah sekarang sudah kurang mengembara. Kalau dulu sekali dua setiap bulan ada sahaja travelling. Anyway, blog ini tetap juga akan aku kendalikan kerana sekali sekala pasti akan ada pengalaman baru yang berkait dengan As I Travel…. yang boleh aku muatkan dan berkongsi pengalaman dengan rakan-rakan pembaca.

Sepanjang tahun 2011 hanya sekali sahaja travel iaitu balik ke sabah pada bulan Januari dan selepas itu sekadar berlegar-legar di sekitar Kuala Lumpur sahaja. Maklumlah dah bersara, jadi tak banyak assignment.

Rezeki, kadang-kadang Allah berikan tanpa kita duga. Baru-baru ini aku mendapat panggilan yang berupa satu tawaran untuk berkhidmat di Sukan SEA ke 26 di Palembang. Sepanjang perkhidmatan aku dengan Majlis Sukan Negara, tidak pernah sekali pun berpeluang untuk hadir di Sukan SEA sebagai petugas.

Insyaallah jika tidak ada aral aku dapat juga menjejaki kaki buat kali pertama di bumi Indonesia. Pastinya azam aku untuk membuat posting tentang perjalanan ini.

End Of A Feasting Month

2011-08-26T19:41:00.013+08:00

At the time I post this blog, the holy month of Ramadhan this year is coming to an end. Muslims all over the world will be celebrating the Eid ul Fitr. It mark the end of the compulsory fasting month when every Muslim have to abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk.

Ramadhan in Malaysia has become some sort of food fest with Pasar Ramadhan being set up in many places especially nearby communities to sell variety of food. kuih and drinks. During this month sonetimes we can find cakes (kuih) that were rarely found at other times. Varities of food is choiceless and people will find it difficult to make out their mind at all those delicuous food and the temptation increases after abstaining from eating the whole day.

Customers are not only Muslims who observing the fasting, but also other races who took the opportunity to saviour Malaysian dishes at their peak. That the specialty of having a multiracial soceity. I overheard a couple ladies whe were at a Pasar Ramadhan in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur. "This is the beauty of Malaysia".

For tourist, Ramadhan can be identified as some of the better months to visit Malaysia because it is a feasting season.

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MENARA ALOR SETAR

2011-08-16T08:28:00.001+08:00

Salah satu mercu tanda yang terdapat di Bandaraya Alor Setar ialah Menara Alor Setar yang terletak di persimpangan Lebuhraya Darulaman dan Jalan Telok Wan Jah. Ia merupakan sebuah menara pemancar telekomunikasi milik Telekom Malaysia. Menara Alor Setar setinggi 165.6 meter (541 kaki) merupakan menara kedua tertinggi di Malaysia dan kesembilanbelas di dunia.

Menara Alor Setar

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Menara Alor setar telah disempurnakan perasmannya oleh YAB Dato’ seri Dr Mahathir Mohammad, Perdana Menteri Malaysia pada 10 Rabiul Akhir 1418 bersamaan 14 Ogos 1997.

Beberapa fakta mengenai Menara Alor Setar:

Pembinaannya adalah sama kaedah dengan pembinaan Menara Kuala Lumpur dimana 5 tiangnya dibina menggunakan ‘Self Climbing Jumpform’

Para pelawat boleh naik ke ‘viewing gallery’ yang terletak pada aras 88 meter dan boleh memuatkan seramai 100 orang pada satu-satu masa. Terdapat dua buah lif bercermin lutsinar yang membawa pelawat naik dan turun sambil menikmati pemandangan sekitar. Pada aras setinggi 94 meter pula terdapat sebuah restoran berputar di mana pelanggan boleh menjamu selera sambil menikmati pemandangan sekitar Bandaraya. Restoran ini boleh memuatkan seramai 200 hingga 250 orang dan kadar putarannya ialah selama satu jam bagi satu putaran. Lain-lain kemudahan yang terdapat:

Semasa berada di aras tinjauan beberapa pemandangan menarik sekitar Bandaraya Alor Setar boleh dilihat, misalnya Pusat Bandaraya Alor Setar

atau dataran sawah padi dengan Gunung Keriang sebagai latar belakang.

Mesjid Zahir, Balai Nobat dan Dataran Setar.

Jika anda ingin menikmati pemandangan dengan lebih jelas, bolehlah bawa teropong atau anda boleh menggunakan kemudahan teropong yang disediakan.

Jika anda melawat Bandaraya Alor setar jangan melepaskan peluang untuk menaiki menara ini untuk melihat dataran sekitar Bandaraya yang rata yang mendapat gelaran Periuk Nasi Malaysia, kerana keluasan kawasan sawahnya dan pengeluar beras terbesar negara. Tiket untuk menaiki menara ini ialah seperti berikut:

Sekiranya anda ingin menikmati makanan secara ekslusif bersama keluarga, sahabat handai, klien atau kekasih, bolehlah membuat tempahan untuk ke Restoran Seri Angkasa yang terletak pada aras 94 meter. Terdapat kaunter khidmat pelanggannya di kawasan podium.

Selepas berada di atas menara, pelawat juga boleh bersantai di kawasan Taman yang disediakan dengan kemudahan permainan kanak-kanak. Memandangkan ini kawasan awam, pelawat kenalah menjaga tata susila dan adab sopan kerana

Sungai Pusu Ke Akademi Fantasia

2011-04-19T21:48:00.000+08:00

Hari ini sekali lagi pergi ke Pusat Perubatan Syifa' Al Hidayah di Sungai Pusu, Gombak. Appointment jam 11.00 tetapi tiba lewat sebab jam dalam perjalanan dari Cheras sehinggalah Tesco Ampang. Tunggu untuk jumpa Ustaz untuk berubat hingga lebih kurang jam 2.00 petang baru masuk.

Balik singgah kat EAON AU2 Setia Wangsa. Tujuan tu nak tengok rumah kaca di mana peserta Akademi Fantasia menjalani latihan setiap hari. Singgah makan kat Kenny Rogers.

Rumah kaca AF terletak di Concourse area kompleks perniagaan tersebut. Dapatlah tengok Aznil dan juga Amy Search yang hadir pada masa itu. Semasa sampai di sana, pelajar sedang belajar Bahasa Inggeris di bawah bimbingan Cikgu Fati.

Sabah Trip - Langkon Stops

2011-03-21T18:41:00.001+08:00

Langkon is not actually a town but just a small RnR stop along the way from Kota Kinabalu to Kudat or Kota marudu or vice versa. It is located at a junction to Kudat and Kota Marudu if you are from Kota Kinabalu or Kota Belud.

The facilities is not what is expected on normal RnR on highways but just enough for travelers to stop and buy some essentials especially snacks and drinks. Do not miss out the groundnuts or the crackers. I bet it taste better than the popular brand groundnuts sold in supermarkets. The nuts are not hard but quite soft and fluffy. I think its the produce from farmers around the area.

Penerbangan Pertama Dengan Firefly

2011-03-20T23:33:00.000+08:00

Sememangnya amat murah jika tambang pergi balik antara Kuala Lumpur dan Kota Kinabalu untuk tiga orang hanya RM294.00. Lebih kurang RM98.00 seorang atau RM 49 sehala. Nak kira, tambang bas Ekspress dari Kuala Lumpur ke Alor Setar pun RM39.00 sehala.

Aku dah berpengalaman naik kapalterbang sejak tahun 1974 lagi semasa hendak ke Maktab Perguruan Gaya. Kota Kinabalu untuk kurus perguruan di sana. Kali ini pengalaman pertama dengan Firefly dan berlepas dari KLIA. Nasib baik dari KLIA, jika dari Subang tentu bermasalah sikit bagiku kerana lokasi rumahku yang mudah ke KLIA.

Check In ialah di kaunter A4 dan A5. Nampaknya tidak ramai yang sedang check in sewaktu aku tiba dan tidaklah perlu aku beratur lama. Cuma aku harap di masa akan datang penumpang boleh check in secara online seperti Airasia.

Mungkin kerana baru, semasa check in, staf di kaunter telah tersilap issue baggage tag. Nasib baik dia sedar sebelum beg-beg kami kena tag dan dihantar masuk. Jika tidak semua bagasi kami sampai ke Kuching. Tak pasti mengapa proses itu masih dilakukan secara manual, sedangkan Firefly adalah anak syarikat MAS yang sudah berpengalaman dalam urusan check-in penumpang.

Sewaktu di holding lounge: Nampak tempat duduk ini dan ini satu inisiatif yang aku tidak nampak di LCCT. Walaupun ada priority seat tetapi semasa boarding nampaknya tidak ada keutamaan diberikan kepada mereka yang sewajarnya diberikan keutamaan. Selalunya penumpang yang membawa anak kecil dibenarkan masuk ke pesawat terlebih dahulu, tetapi pada hari itu petugas menggunakan seat blok. Memang baik dan lancar dan ini sesuatu yang tidak dilakukan oleh MAS sendiri. Penumpang yang duduk di kerusi belakang dibenarkan naik dahulu dan kemudian diikuti dengan kerusi tengah dan kemudian selebihnya.

Inilah pesawat Boeing 737-800 yang kami naik digunakan oleh Firefly untuk destinasi Kota Kinabalu dan Kuching.

Di dalam kabin. Tak payahlah nak cerita panjang. Macam kapalterbang lain juga.

Perjalanan lancar dan tidak banyak beza dari Airasia. Namun semasa perjalanan ke Kota Kinabalu, aku telah tidak menuntut makanan walaupun anakku telah menempahnya semasa membeli tiket dahulu. Ini satu kesilapan dan semasa penerbangan balik dapatlah merasa makanan Firefly. Macam biasalah, apa yang diperolehi tidak sama seperti yang diiklankan di dalam folder. Biasalah tu. Iklanlah katakan. Sama juga dengan iklan hotel. What You See Is Not What You Get.

Bonding Family Ties

2011-03-20T23:05:00.000+08:00

I went back to Sabah end of February. Its the second time I travel to Sabah within three months. I was in Kota Kinabalu last December and lectured at the Naval base in Sapangar. It was my first lecture on asset management since all the past fourteen years I concentrated on Sports Science especially Sports Philosophy. I might write in detail on this matter on my sports blog.

In December I just had a brief visit to Kota Marudu, a rural town on the Northern part of Sabah where I start my career in the second half of the 70s.

This second visit was more memorable where I had the opportunity to bring back all my five kids and son in law and four grandchildren. It was a very momentuous moment to foster a closer tie between my family and the rest who stay in Kota Marudu. It was an objective achieved where my family member and those in Sabah get along well, especially the kids who will be the next generation of our big family. At least I had done ny part to close up the ranks and let then get to know each other, something that is eroding among family members. At least the family ties bonded and they know who their relatives are.

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Sabah - Sungai Morali, Luanti Natural Fish Spa

2011-03-07T01:03:00.001+08:00

Fish Spa had made its appearance in shopping complexes where one can go and let the fish nibble on the skin, peeling away dead skin cells while experiencing the massage sensation. Dip your feet into the fish tank and the little fish come and treat them.

Having fish spa in its natural environment and habitat is quite rare. The community of Kg Luanti located about 18 kilometres from Ranau town seems to be blessed with this natural spa, where the river, Sg Morali was turned into a tourist attraction. I had an opportunity to visit one while I took my family back to Sabah for a family gathering.

To go to Kg Luanti, the best way is to drive up the winding road from Kota Kinabalu towards National Park or Sandakan and on the way after Ranau town is this Tagal Sungai Morali, Kg. Luanti Baru. This remote village has been selected as the Malaysia River Care winner Award in 2006 for their effort in maintaining the natural gift.

The landmark is the Sabah Tea signboard and immediately after it is the Tagal Sungai Morali at Kampung Luanti Baru. You go past the junction to Poring hot Springs. This signboard below is very visible as you go past the Sabah Tea signboard.

The fish found in the area are the Garap, Pelian, Kelah and Tor Tambroides. They will “attack” you once you step into the slow flowing water and start nibbling on your skin. Adult visitors only pay RM 5.00 while children between 6 – 12 years RM 2.00. Infant is FOC. That is for dipping the feet into the water for 15 minutes but if you want to “swim with the fish”, there is a flat rate of RM 10.00 per 15 minutes, irrespective of age.

Top: Step into the water and the fish will swarm around your feet

Top photo: This is what happen to my feet after being “massaged” by the fish. Less dead skin, uh?

The place starts operating in 2002 but only open to the public in 2008. Besides the fish spa, the place provide chalet at between RM 50.00- RM 80.00 per night with access to the kitchen and guest can cook on their own. However guest can request catering for food if they have no time to cook. There are homestay too if the chalet are full. For the more adventuruous, there are campsites to fix up your tent.

At any one time the Tagal Sg Morali can accommodate up to 200 guest, and team building or motivational activities can be organised here.

Top : Some of the chalet within the area

While enjoying watching visitors giggle and getting excited having their feet being “massaged” by the fishes, guest can sing out your voice at the karaoke for RM 1.00 per song.

So, if you visit Sabah and have enough time to travel around, try not to miss this fish spa.

Visit www.asehtours.com for details.

Wajarkah Notis Ekor Dibayar?

2011-03-04T22:20:00.001+08:00

Baru baca dalam salah satu posting di Facebook. Isu saman ekor ni sebenarnya adalah satu penganiayaan BN terhadap rakyat yang didahulukan. Dalam hal ini Rakyat didahulukan dalam apa-apa tindakan yang menuntungkan mereka. Apakah kerajaan terdesak sangat hendak cari duit untuk ditaburkan dalam PRU 13 nanti?

Jika dibaca artikal di bawah ini, memang ada kebenarannya. Tetapi antara rakyat dengan kerajaan, rakyat adalah mentimun sepanjang masa dan kerajaan adalah durian. Apa lagi dakam pwngguns tidak dapat bersatu, kerajaan mengambil peluang untuk menindas mereka.

Bacalah artikal berikut.

Shahraqib Badlishah's notes

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Alor Setar - Tat Nasi Ayam

2011-03-04T22:05:00.001+08:00

Hari ini singgah makan nasi kat Tat Nasi Ayam di Taman Pandan, Alor Setar. Orang cakap sedap dan terasa nak mencuba.

Semasa tiba memang nampak ramai juga pelanggan dan ada ruang tambahan di bahagian luar kedai yang menandakan ramai pelanggan.

Selepas makan memang dapat di berikan 4 bintang dari segi rasa.

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Sidek Esplanade, Kudat

2011-02-24T21:02:00.001+08:00

Now I am at Sidek Esplanade, Kudat Sabah. Just finish having dinner under the sky. Before visited Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, the Northern most tip of Borneo. It was my second time visiting the tip.

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Traveling To Kota kinabalu

2011-02-24T13:33:00.002+08:00

This is my first trip to Kota Kinabalu on Firefly. I was one of the fortunate flyer to be able to land a cheap fare at just RM 294 for a return flight.

It is a new experience since I have never fly this airline before. The flight was not full and it's too bad that part of my family have to fly on Ariasia due to fare differences. So I have to buy them Airasia tix and we fly to Kota Kinabalu within 1/2 an hour difference departure.

Management at the holding lounge before embarkation seems to be well managed even though passenger still practice the Malaysian attitude of rushing to go first even with the seats allocated. However the personnel managing the gate carried out his task well and follow the SOP in allowing passengers to go on board according to seat location. However the normal passenger with kids to board earlier were not given the priority. Its a small matter though.

Inside the cockpit, there is no difference as on board Airasia with jus one Class and the black leather seat (mmmmm, is it leather?). So, I am not going write anything more.

Actually I later found out that I did not claim our meals because of ignorant. The tix was bought for us by my daughters friend and I was not inform about the meals acccompanied. The stewardess were checking some passengers boarding pass and I thought if our tix come with meals, the stewardess might come and ask for our boarding pass. I thought Firefly might be one step ahead in identifying passengers who buy meals when purchasing the tix. I am sure the chief steward were provided with the full list of passengers and there is details of meals ordered so the flight has enough meals to cater according to orders. So we miss out our pre ordered meals for three person.

This post will be updated later when I go home later.
Posted from Kota Marudu on Samsung Tab

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Architectural Replica At Central Market

2011-02-19T21:33:00.000+08:00

It has been quite sometimes I did not visit Central Market KL. Today when I decided to drop by, I see something new. At one side of the building inside, there are replicas of local architectural buildings. I am not sure maybe I overlooked, but I do not know which building was the replica of. Maybe there should be some signage to let visitors know where the building can be found. I remember there is one such kind of replica at The Mall, at Jalan Putra KL where the road was named to reflect the actual location of the building. Hats off to the Central Market authority for such setup.

Kasturi Walk, KL

2011-02-19T21:18:00.001+08:00

Central Market add a new attraction to its vicinity- Kasturi Walk. The once Jalan Hang Kasturi that was an open pedestrian walk has been turned into a shopping bazaar. Stalls selling variety of products from handicraft to food and drinks line up the walk. It is officially open today 19th February 2011. This walk will be another must visit spot for tourist and locals besides what is inside the popular Central Market since its just outside.

Alor Setar Waktu Malam

2011-02-13T23:48:00.001+08:00

Aku bersama keluarga balik ke Alor Setar semasa cuti panjang sempena Tahun Baru Cina. Walaupun dah banyak kali balik ke Alor Setar kerana itu kampung halamanku, tetapi kali ini nampak sedikit perubahan, khususnya di malam hari di kawasan yang dahulunya lengang.

Kawasan sekitar Balai Nobat dan Balai Besar biasanya tidak ada apa-apa aktiviti pada waktu malam setelah kawasan air pancutan Mahkota di hadapan mesjid Zahir hilang seri dan kemeriahan sejak tahun 90an.

Apa yang menghidupkan kawasan Balai Nobat ialah dengan adanya pokok hiasan berlampu seperti yang terdapat di IT City Shah Alam. Di sekitar perkarangan Balai Nobat itu telah dipasang beberapa pohon pokok dengan daun berwarna warni dan orang ramai mula tertumpu ke situ untuk berehat bersama keluarga ,kawan-kawan dan bergambar. Majlis Bandaraya berjaya menghidupkan malam di Alor Setar yang memalui akhbar arus perdana, Kedah dilaporkan secara negatif sekali sejak berada di bawah pentadbiran Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat.

Tidak jauh dari Balai Nobat itu pula telah dibina replika pintu Kota Istana Tengah yang telah dirobohkan apabila Bangunan Wisma Negeri dibina pata tahun 70an dulu. Sejak akhir-akhir ini nampaknya kawasan sekitar Mesjid Zahir itu akan menjadi hidup semula. Peluang ini boleh diambil oleh pihak mesjid untuk menyampaikan mesej agama melalui ceramah-ceramah di dalam mesjid yang boleh didengar sehingga ke kawasan pancutan Mahkota, Balai Nobat dan Balai Besar. Walaupun orang ramai tidak memberi tumpuan, sekurang-kurangnya ada usaha untuk menyampaikan mesej.

Replika Pintu Gerbang Kota Istana Tengah berlatarbelakangkan Balai Nobat dan Menara Alor Setar

Siapa kata Kedah tidak membangun di bawah Pakatan Rakyat?

Re Branding This Blog?

2011-02-13T22:53:00.002+08:00

It has been quite sometimes that I did not post in this blog. The reason being I did not travel. So not i am thinking of re-branding this blog with a new name to keep its objective of being a travel blog. I am thinking of changing the name to something that still contribute as a traveling blog but not only about my travel experience. Another option is to bled it into my main blog xperienceoflife or the Malay blog catitan alam maya. I am still not decided on this.

Pak Lang & Family Corner

2011-01-19T00:08:00.002+08:00

Ada sebuah tempat makan baru di Food Court Kompleks Sukan Negara.
Menu istemewa di sini ialah Char Kuey Teow. Dulu Pak Lang ni berniaga di Jalan Radin Anum, Seri Petaling, iaitu di hadapan Mesjid Jamek Seri Petaling. Kemudian menyewa tapak di D’Santai di Bukit Komanwel, dekat dengan IMU.

Sekarang sudah memilikki tempat yang lebih luas dan selesa di Kompleks Sukan Negara, Bukit Jalil.

Disamping Char Kuey Teow ala Utara yang menjadi specialty, pengunjung juga boleh menikmati Sup, Nasi Goreng, Western Food, Steamboat dan beraneka minuman.

Tak lengkap jika tidak ada item-item selingan. Kepada yang hendak menguji suara, boleh berkaraoke di samping menikmati Shisha.

Tempat letak kereta pun senang dan bagi yang tidak ada kenderaan boleh datang dengan LRT dan turun di Stesen Bukit Jalil. Cuma yang menjadi masalahnya jika ada aktiviti di Stadium Putra khususnya di hujung minggu, kerana pengawal KSN tidak membenarkan kenderaan yang tidak berpelakat masuk.
Gerai Pak Lang di buka mulai tengahari hingga lebih kurang jam 12.30 pagi.

Seafood In Kota Kinabalu

2011-01-17T11:51:00.001+08:00

I went to Kota Kinabalu last December and a friend took me for a seafood dinner at the Seafood Restaurant in Kampung Air on Jalan Laiman Diki. It is one of the most popular seafood restaurant within the Kota Kinabalu City.

These are some of the dishes ordered.

Its called elephant snail. Mmmmmm….not because it is big. Who can give a clue? Why is it called elephant snail?

This is scallop. Its the first time I tasted this seafood.

This vegetable dish is named Sabah Vege. Its fern shoots and a specialty for Sabah just like the Midin in Sarawak. If you go for dinner or lunch in Sabah don’t miss this vegetable since its a specialty for Sabah.

Except for the first and last dish, the rest are a first time experience for me.

Ihsaniah Iskandar Mosque

2010-11-18T22:45:00.004+08:00

It has been a few times that I had wanted to stop and take photo of the mosque located along the road from Kuala Kangsar towards Taiping. The reason is I always reach the place at midnight or wee hours of the morning.

This time however my travel was during the day and I reached the location at noon and during the Zohor prayer time. Actually I had missed the mosque but then my little heart tells me to turn back. Maybe its angels call to me to turn and besides the opportunity to take photos of the mosque, it is in time to perform the Zohor prayer with other jemaah of the community.

Took some picture and after performing the Zohor prayer I decided to ask when was the mosque built. The Imam who leadthe zohor prayer then told me that it was built in 1936 during the rule of Sultan Iskandar of Perak.

The Imam told me that unique building was restored by Jabatan Warisan Negara (National Heritage Department) in 2009. It is one-of-a-kind rural mosque that has been saved and one of the most unique buildings in not just Malaysia, but most likely in the world.

Ihsaniah Iskandariah Mosque was named after the 30th Sultan of Perak, Paduka Seri Sultan Iskandar Shah, who financed its construction at the then princely sum of RM80,000 (USD $23,262.58) in 1936. The raising of the mosque was a nazar (fulfilling of a vow) by the Sultan to give thanks for the recovery of his ailing child. The land that it sits on is a waqaf (endowment) land bestowed to the community by Juragan Abdul Shukur Bin Mohamad Ali. Read more HERE………..

The mosque is located at Kampong Kuala Dal and if you use the North South Expressway, exit at the Kuala Kangsar toll and turn towards Taiping. It is less than a kilometer away on the left of the trunk road 1.

At first I thought it was the Mesjid Al Wahidiah because if this

After asking the Imam only I know the name of the unique mosque is Ihsaniah Iskandar and not Al-Wahidiah. The Al-Wahidiah is the new building located next to the Ihsaniah and built because it can no longer accomodate the increasing number of congregators especially during the Friday prayers.

The decoration on the windows and the walls made of woven bamboo or the kelarai is one of the local craftwork synonym to Malay houses.

I Wuz In Penang @ BlogFest.Asia 2010

2010-10-05T12:32:00.001+08:00

Note: This entry was posted HERE for the Blog Penang Contest in ocnjunction with the BlogFest.Asia 2010. Since it is more of a travel experience, I decided to move it here.

This is a story of three friends who made their first visit to Penang. They sat on the bench and their eyes fixed to the ferries plying the channel seperating the island and mainland connecting Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim on the mainland and Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda on the island. One ferry after another berthed but the the three friends did not embark on any of them when others left on every ferry that came. The terminal staff was wondering why the three of them did not follow the crowd when the ferry arrives. The three friends then were becoming restless because they have been waiting for hours since early morning and now its about lunch time and still there is no sign of the ferry for them to take. Losing patience, one of them decided to ask the terminal worker, when will the ferry to Pulau Pinang be arriving. The staff and his friends tried hard to contain their laughter and not to offend the man. Politely the worker explain that they can take any of the ferries because all of them go to Pulau Pinang.

Do you think its a joke? Yes, it is one of the joke related to the island. In relation to the fleet of ferries are named after islands Pulau Undan, Pulau Angsa, Pulau Rimau, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Payar, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Talang-talang.

Some History

The name of the island Penang or Pulau Pinang derived from the pinang tree (betelnut) and hence transliterally translated as Betelnut Island. It is also dubbed the Pearl of The Orient was formally part of the Sultanate of Kedah until it became the British possession in 1786 after being ceded by the Sultan of Kedah to East India Company in exchange for military protection from Siamese and Burmese army.The island gained independence as part of Federation of Malaya in 1957.

On 17th July, 1786, Captain Francis Light landed on what now is called the Esplanade with a small group of civilians and naval staff and hoisted the Union Jack on 11 August to officially took possession of the island. The present Georgetown is named after King of England George III. Today Penang has grown into one of the busy port on Malaysiacatering mostly trade in the Northern region of peninsular Malaysia. Penang has two parts. Seberang Perai on the mainland and Penang Island. Most of the tourist activities is concentrated on the island that has stretches of beautiful sandy beaches for sunbathing or lazing around in the Tropical sun or the sea to take a dip and savour its cool refreshing water of the Straits of Malacca.

This island has many attractions and besides its white sandy beaches with hives of sea activities, Penang is also a food haven. There are abundance of restaurants serving varieties of food from local cuisine as well as foreign food. When in Penang you are not far away from home as one can find something as near as home. And what more if you visit the island, there will be activities to be witnessed since it is Visit Penang 2010-2012 and one of the attraction is her cultures.

I am here in Penang again for the Blog Fest Asia organised byDot.Asia Organisation, a Hong Kong based company and co host by Wawasan Open University. This event is also co-sponsored byTourism Malaysia, exabytes network, visit Penang 2010-2012,instantIT Asia and internews.

There are many choice to travel to Penang from other parts of Malaysia.Flights, train, taxis or Express buses. On this trip I travel over land since its the cheapest means of transport.The fare was RM32.00 I left the temporary Express bus terminal at Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur at 1.45 pm.and the journey was, well a bit tiring since it took 5 hours to reach Butterworth before connecting my journey on one of Penang’s icon the ferry. Sailing duration between the two ferry terminal is about 15 minutes and one just pay RM 1.20 to enjoy the sea breeze and the traffic on the channel. If you have the choice to travel to Penang, don’t miss both means of connection between the island and mainland, the ferry and the bridge. Both channel just charge you a one way fare and it means going out of the island is FREE. Don’t you think it is worth to travel to Penang?

The city of Georgetown

Georgetown is the earliest of Malaysian town to obtain its city status and it was granted on 1st January 1957. Since the city was developed during the colonial days roads are a bit narrow, buildings are old fashioned that helps the city achieve her UNESCO’s Heritage City status.

The Food

Whats the best food in Penang. Well, when people talk about Penang then there is this popular dish that originate from this state, Nasi Kandar. "It is a meal of steamed ricewhich can be plain or mildly flavored, and served with a variety of curries and side dishes.

The word Nasi Kandar, came about from a time when nasi [rice] hawkers or vendors would kandar[balance] a pole on the shoulder with two huge containers of rice meals. The name has remained and today the word Nasi Kandar is seen on most Tamil Muslimor "Malaysian Mamak" restaurants and Indian-Muslim stall meals.- Wikipedia.

So when in Penang, do not miss to test your taste bud on the dish. Among the popular stall is Line clear. This is a small stall located at one of the small alley near the junction of Chulia Street and Penang Road. What is Nasi Kandar by the way. For Malaysians is is becoming popular. Nasi kandar restaurants have been growing by day and not only in Penang island but throughout Malaysia. Hmm, I am not sure if the are Nasi Kandar restaurants in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan now. Besides this Line Clear, there are some other well known Nasi Kandar restaurants such as Pelita Nasi Kandar, Subaidah Restaurant. Whenever in Penang I will not miss this famous Hemeed’s ox tail soup at upper Penang Road opposite Hotel Malaysia. Hey guys the word goes, its good for men. Hmmm…. maybe because the ox’s tail never stops wagging its tail.

The soup is served with oven baked bread like this.

Please also not to miss the Penang Laksa or the rojak at the Esplanade. That was just a few. Ask around and the list of Penang specialty on the dinner table never ends.

The People

The island community is made up of three main race that is Malays, Chinese and Indians. However there is also some unique local community, the Anak Mami. These are a mixed breed of Malays and Indians and to understand it, one has to open the history book. Due to her multiracial soceity and imigrants from different parts of the world, Penang’s culture is also unique. The Chinese has their Chingay that originated from China and the Malays with their Boria. believe to originate from Persia but both have been accepted as local culture and presented during various functions in Penang or other parts of Malaysia.

Transportation

The uniqueness of Penang public transport is she still has the trishaw. It is a three wheeled transport pedaled driven by the peddler. This mode of transportation is slowly diminishing and maybe one day be history. So, if you visit this island, never miss your opportunity to ride on one.

Well, what else can be found in Penang? Too bad I do not have the time to walk the island but from visitors and tourist brochure, you must never miss the Penang hill, Butterfly Farm, Fort Cornwallis, Snake Temple to state a few.

Before I forget, and before you leave the island don’t forget to take home another souvenir considered native to Penang that is nutmeg oil, nutmeg balm, pickled nutmeg or the fruit itself. And lastly “Mai lagi no?” (Please come again).

Hot Air Ballon

2010-09-02T00:18:00.001+08:00

Hilangkan Identiti Bukit Bendera Hilang Heritage

2010-08-25T16:21:00.000+08:00

Baca dalam The Star bahawa gerabak baru keretapi Bukit Bendera sudah tiba di Pulau Pinang dan akan memulakan ujian tidak lama lagi.

Gerabak baru Apakah gerabak ini akan menghapuskan peluang menikmati udara bukit yang dingin dan segar semasa dalam perjalanan naik atau turun.

Perjalanan terakhir sistem keretapi itu memberikan perkhidmatan terakhirnya pada 21 Januari 2010 dan kemudian ianya ditutup untuk penaikan taraf serta mengantikannya dengan gerabak yang lebih moden. Maka tarikh 21 Februari 2010 telah mematikan sebahagian besar nostalgia dan keunikan perkhidmatan keretapi funicular Pulau Pinang itu. Ianya walaupun masih lagi meneruskan perkhidmatan telah menutup terus satu lembaran sejarah negara. Satu lagi komoditi heritage negara terhapus.

Gambar dari Sun2surf : antara gerabak lama yang menamatkan perkhidmatan pada tahun 2010 menggantikan gerabak begini

Gambar dari wikipedia

Sayang sekali kita terpaksa menelan bahawa satu tarikan pelancong ke Bukit Bendera bukan sahaja udaranya yang dingin serta memberikan pemandangan yang indah terhadap kawasan Georgetown dan Seberang Perai, tetapi pada perkhidmatan keretapinya itu. Ianya samalah dengan keunikan feri yang berulang alik antara tanah besar semenanjung dengan Pulau Mutiara walaupun sudah ada Jambatan Pulau Pinang, naik feri merupakan satu pengalaman yang patut dialami.

Tertanya-tanya juga apakah kita tidak gemar menyimpan bahan sejarah? Bahan sejarah ini adalah satu daya tarikan kepada pelancung. Sekiranya mereka boleh merasai apa yang ada di tempat lain di dunia, ia akan menghilangkan nafsu untuk datang. Sebab itu salah satu projek homestay mendapat sambutan kerana pelancung ingin merasai sesuatu yang unik yang terdapat di negara kita.

Hong Kong adalah sebuah kepulauan yang membangun dengan pesat juga mengekalkan identiti. Dia daripadanya ialah tram dan Star ferry.

San Francisco Streetcar di San Farncisco juga mengekalkan bentuk tram sebagai satu tarikan pelancong.

Saya bernasib baik kerana berpeluang merasai bahan heritage di Bukit Bendera tersebut.

Kuala Perlis Kuah, Langkawi On Marine Star 2

2010-06-23T07:22:00.001+08:00

This blog is drafted on board Marine Star 2 from Kuala Perlis to Kuah, Langkawi.I am running on Celcom Broadband now. Its 7.21 when I write this blog and to test the coverage signal while at sea.

Last night we left Kuala Lumpur at 11.00 pm and arrived Kuala Perlis Jetty at 4.50 am. Think it was quite a fast journey.I don't know how fast the driver drove since I slept on most part of the journey.

Last month on about the same day I was in Langkawi for 4 days and this time around (same date as last month) I will be on Langkawi Island for 4 days too. Staying at Langkawi outside the peak season will be a bit peaceful and things will be cheaper compared peak season such as school holidays or weekends

Kisah Pengembaraan

2010-06-16T15:31:00.000+08:00

Posting ini tidak ada kenea mengena dengan perjalananku tetapi ingin berkongsi maklumat dengan pembaca. Saya memperolehi blog ini setelah melawat blog kennysia. Blog tentang pengembaraan merentasi Australia dengan teksi adalah merupakan sesuatu yang unik dan jarang dilakukan oleh mereka yang mengembara. Jika anda berminat bolehlah membaca The Extraordinary Taxi Ride jika ada rancangan untuk mengembara ke Australia.

2010-04-09T21:46:00.000+08:00

myMetro | Wanita maut hijab lilit gandar go-kart

Bernam River Airfield

2010-04-08T12:22:00.000+08:00

I was reading this article on NST Flying under the radar and decided to blog about it. It might not fulfill the tittle of this blog but I feel that I can still share places that might interest some of my visiting readers.

Photo taken from the particular article

Some facts I copied from the article

Bernam River Airfield, is the first airport in the country owned by a private limited company
Right now, Bernam River Airfield, codenamed WMBR, is just a small five-chalet resort in the middle of nowhere.
700m airstrip and a helipad - “luxury” items located on the bank of Sungai Bernam that marks the Selangor-Perak border.
the airfield is just a 20-minute drive from the Slim River toll plaza,
a clubhouse, five wooden chalets and a swimming pool.
The chalets at Bernam River Airfield are basic, equipped only with mattresses, air-conditioners and tiled bathrooms with hot and cold shower.
There are four standard chalets for two to three guests priced at RM180 per room per night, and one suite that can fit up to six people at RM350 per room per night. All five chalets can fit 20 guests comfortably at a time.
Guests can dine-in or bring their own food. Since the resort has no kitchen, food is brought in from nearby Kampung SKC.
For details, call Suren at 012-389 7007 or 05-421 0228, or email: surendrasingam@hotmail.com, or visit www.bernamriverairfield.com
Pick-ups — light aeroplane or helicopter — can be arranged from Subang Skypark in Subang, Selangor.
It costs RM2,500 per flying hour by helicopter and RM700 by plane.
For those who drive, take the North-South Highway, exit at Slim River and head for the town. Turn right at the old Slim River town heading towards Kuala Slim. From there, go to United Plantations’ Lima Blas Estate and follow the route to Kampung SKC. Bernam River Airfield is right after the village.

At BlogforFT Prize Presentation

2010-04-01T00:20:00.000+08:00

28 March 2010 is quite a memorable night for me. I attended the prize presentation ceremony for the BlogforFT contest and I had won a Blackberry and two Celcom Broadband stick with one month free access. Eventhough it was just a consolation prize (Special Jury Award Prize), but to be able to win something is quite an honour. What more out of more than 4,000 submission, my blog falls in the top 25. I even emerge as the Top 5 highest contributor.

The presentation ceremony packaged with dinner was held at the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Bukit Kiara. It was a much awaited moment for the winners after more than two month waiting since the contest ended. The event was attended by the Minister of Federal Territory and Urban Wellness, Datuk Raja Nong Chik, who gave away the prizes.

The grand prize winner for the open category was won by Emila Yusof who walk away with a Peugeot 308 VTi while nikicheong (Cheong Peck Beng) with a Kia Optima Novus in the media category.

Me....? What did I win? I won these.......

Thanks to the judges for selecting my posting as among the 25 blogger to win the special jury prize and also the Top 5 contributors.

Saya Nak Cuti - Hope Dashed

2010-02-17T23:24:00.007+08:00

I was contacted twice and the second was an appointment for a video shoot for Saya Nak Cuti. I was made to know that I am in the top 20 finalist for the program about a week before the closing date and two guys from a production company came to my office for the video shoot.

Oh, how nice it is to appear in front of the camera and if lady luck is on my side, I might be in the top 12 in the finals and have the opportunity of a life time to host my own travel show expense paid beside going to my dream vacation - Bali. I was always admiring those show host traveling and promoting places aired over the electronic media.

These are the guys from the production company that came to my office and the first video shoot took place. Well, maybe for a first time, I could feel that I was nervous and my presentation was not lively.

Two days after the closing date, I receive another call and it was bad news. I was told that I was not selected. Oh Noo.... It really affected my mood the whole day and my hope of going to Bali with all expense paid dashed. However Bali will still be my dream vacation destination.

Saya Nak Cuti

2010-01-31T21:48:00.006+08:00

I saw this advertisement from the internet and decided to send in my entry. Just to try my luck. This contest is organised by Malaysian Airlines Systems. The contest can be found at Mas Traveller. The contest had been closed on 31 January 2010 and need participant to nominate someone or himself for an all paid holiday to any Asean destinations. Mas Traveller will select 20 finalist and voting will begin on 8th February until 7th March 2010. Voting will be done online and two finalist with the least vote will leave the pool. Voting will continue until 12 participants are left.

The organiser will then pick 7 winners from the 12 final list. The winner will be picked based on creativity, strong and interesting reasons, genuity and ability to attract attention. Winners will be announced on 11th March 2010.

My dream vacation that I sent in was Bali. I did not remember what I had written but to me Bali is an exotic holiday location within the Asean region because for one reason it has a blend of Indian and Malay culture and is very prominent. This made the culture of Bali unique and worth witnessing.

Bali has beautiful beaches such as Kuta to see the sunset, Legian and Sanur to name a few. For those who has the intention of shopping, Bali too is a paradise for them. From traditional antiques to high end fashion, Bali can be an endless shopping spree.

I read from a blog that Bali has the largest wave suitable for surfers beside land of adventure and extreme activities.

Being having an interest in photography, I can foresee that Bali has endless subjects to capture and put into the photo album. They are just a photographic paradise for photographer, professionals, amateur or noobs.

With the contest entry closed, I am looking forward to win this Saya Nak Cuti and MAS will fly me to my dream vacation.

Hari Wilayah Persekutuan 2010

2010-01-31T21:32:00.006+08:00

1 Februari 2010

Selamat Menyambut Hari Wilayah Persekutuan

Tahun ini Kuala Lumpur menyambut Hari Wilayahnya yang ke 36, Labuan ke 26 dan Putrajaya ke 9.

Sambutan bermula dengan Konsert Ambang 1Wilayah Persekutuan di Dataran Merdeka pada 31 Januari 2010 dan diisi dengan Persembahan Kebudayaan 1Malaysia dan perarakan bendera Wilayah Persekutuan.

Berbagai Acara sambutan akan berlangsung sepanjang bulan Februari. Lihat Programnya DI SINI.

Bukit Komnwel

2010-01-05T16:34:00.002+08:00

Bukit Komanwel adalah merupakan sebuah kawasan rekreasi yang terdapat di kawasan Kompleks Sukan Negara. Ia dibina sebagai sebahagian daripada kompleks tersebut sempena Kuala Lumpur menjadi tuan rumah Sukan Komanwel pada tahun 1998 yang lalu.

Gambar Atas: Bukit Komanwel dilihat dari Kompleks Sukan Negara

Gambar Atas: Salah satu pemandangan dari atas puncak Bukit Komanwel

Kawasan rekreasi ini mengandungi dua ciri utama iaitu kawasan bukit yang dibina laluan untuk pejalan kaki menuju ke puncaknya dan laluan pejalan kaki mengelilingi tasik. Laluan ini digunakan sebagai trek jogging.

Gambar Atas: Salah satu Trek Joging/Laluan menuju ke puncak bukit

Gambar atas: "Gim mini" yang terdapat di kawasan ini

Gambar atas: Laluan untuk ke atas atau menuruni bukit

Disamping bersenam ramai juga yang datang hanya untuk menikmati ketenangan sekitar kawasan tasik ini disamping melihat kura-kura dan ikan yang banyak terdapat dalam tasik ikan-ikan. Pelawat ada yang menjamu haiwan ini makan untuk melihat mereka muncul di permukaan air.

Setelah keletihan atau dahaga berjoging atau bersiar-siar di sekitar taman, pelawat boleh juga menjamu selera di D Santai Station yang dibuka mulai tengahari hinggalah larut malam.

KL Hop-on Hop-off - Visit Kuala Lumpur In A Day

2010-01-05T14:57:00.001+08:00

Is it true that you can visit Kuala Lumpur in just one day? Yes that's what special about Kuala Lumpur and let yourself being taken on a guided tour through the city. The main problem faced by visitors to any place is transportation but when in Kuala Lumpur that problem can be considered nil. Kuala Lumpur provide busy visitors who do not have much time the access to nearly all attractions in the city. Kuala Lumpur Hop On Hop Off (HoHo)double decker bus service offer those who are on a brief stop or overnight travellers to see the city without engaging a tourist guide and at a minimal fare. Depending on your choice of itenary, within a day you can tour and explore the diverse, contrasting and colourful scene of Kuala Lumpur on a semi-roofed double-decker bus. Hop On Hop Off will take passengers to over 40 attractions and is also disable friendly.

While on board you will not be left alone because you will be presented with multi-lingual commentary so that you will not be lost while being taken for a ride. Besides there is also the availability of WiFi on-board. Passengers can opt to sit in the air conditioned cabin or the open deck for a skyview of Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is very lucky to have her places of interest and attraction located in a circle and within reach. So if a tourist start visiting one place after another he/she will land at the starting point again. See the attached route map below to see what I mean (click to enlarge).

Below is the bus stop signboard for HoHo where passengers can board and buy the tour ticket on board. Tickets can also be bought at travle agents, major hotels of any official agents displaying the HoHo logo. Tickets can also be purchased in advance by calling Toll Free info line at 1-800-88-5546 that show location of the bus stop. Visitors can embark and disembark at any of these stops within the 24 hours or 48 hours of the ticket validity period.

Below: Hop On Hop Off Customer Service Centre and Ticketing Counter at Bukit Bintang. Open from 9.00 am - 9.00 pm.

Address: KL Hop On Hop Off,

No. Lot 1 (iii)@ Island - Revised, Piccolo Galleria,

Jalan Bukit Bintang

Kuala Lumpur

The booth is located in front of Wisma Peladang between Lot 10 and KL Plaza.

Along the city tour route there are 22 dedicated stops and all stops has its own attraction. In this posting I am going to give a brief information of the various stops. To get a clearer picture log on to the official website HERE.

Below is a brief explanation of what to expect at the respective bus stops based on my experience.

Bus Stop No 1 - Malaysian Tourist Centre

Photo Credit: marriot

Bus Stop No 2- KL Tower

Bus Stop No 3 - Jalan P. Ramlee - Night Life

Bus Stop No 4 - KL Convention Centre (KLCC) serving also for guest staying at Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Bus Stop No 5 - Karyaneka - Local Handicraft and Royale Chulan Hotel

Bus Stop No 6 - Bintang Walk - Lot 10, Pavillion, BB Plaza, Sungai Wang and other major shopping centres within walking distance.

Bus Stop No 7 - Tengkat Tong Shin

Bus Stop No 8 - Petaling Street (China Town)

The best time to visit China Town is from evening to midnight where visitors can shop for variety of items from watches, apparels, bags,

Bus Stop No 9 - Central Market

Bus Stop No 10 - National Palace. This is the residence of the King of Malaysia. Visitors can visit the main gate and pose with the guards. If you come at the right time there will be guards on horse.

Photo credit: iiwas

Bus Stop No 11 - KL Central

This is the hub for land transportation with Kelana Jaya Line serving the complex. It also the new station KTM rail and commuter. Besides the KL City Air Terminal is also housed in this complex.

Bus Stop No 12 - National Museum

Photo Credit : iiwas

Bus Stop No 13 - Kuala Lumpur Lake Garden

Photo Credit : Malaxi

At this stop you can visit the National Monument and then walk back to The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden, Butterfly Park and Tun Razak Memorial. If you wish to visit all these places, you will have to take a longer time especially the bird park. The orchid garden and hibiscus garden is located next to another and can be visited on one go.

Bus Stop No 14 - Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Bus Stop No 15 - National Mosque
Bus Stop No 16 - Dataran Merdeka

Places of interest within this stop is the Dataran Merdeka, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Selangor Club

Bus Stop No 17 - Medan MARA, Sogo Shopping Complex, Pertama Shopping Complex

Bus Stop No 18 - Chow Kit

Bus Stop No 19 - Bulatan Pahang
If you stay at Grand Seasons Hotel, KL International Hotel, De First Inn Kuala Lumpur, Brisdale Hotel, Dynasty Hotel or Vistana Hotel you can take the bus from this stop.

Bus Stop No 20 - Kampung Baru - Malay Community within Kuala Lumpur. As soon as the bus hits Jalan Tun Razak prepare to look on the right side of the bus to experience the beautiful view of Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur Tower and the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur. Well, of course get your camera ready.
Bus Stop No 21 - Ampang Park Shopping Complex

This is one of the first shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur. Tourist or visitor staying at Nikko Hotel can take the bus from here.

Bus Stop No 22 - Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Petronas Twin Tower

What does KL Hop On Hop Off has to offer.....At KL HOP ON HOP OFF, our service is difference. We care about our customers and commit ourselves to providing our guests with the highest standard of service. -from myhoponhopoff brochure.
For More Information

Toll FREE Infoline : 1-800-88-5546
Website: www.myhoponhopoff.com
Email: inquiry@myhoponhopoff.com
Phone : +603 2691 1382
Facsimile : +603 2691 1382
Customer Service Centre
Posted below are photo captions I took from the brochure of KL Hop On Hop Off in different languages for the benefit of tourists.

Ticket pricing are RM 38.00 Adult and RM 17.00 Children
Malaysians with Mykad will get a discounted rate of RM 19.00 for Adult and RM 12.00 for Children

Taman Bukit Jalil Bah. 2

2010-01-05T09:14:00.001+08:00

Ini merupakan bahagian kedua dari kunjungan saya ke Taman Bukit Jalil. Lihat posting pertama yang saya tulis sebelum ini. Saya terpaksa membahagikan catatan kunjungan saya ke Taman Bukit Jalil kepada dua bahagian atas sebab dua persekitaran yang berbeza dan juga terlalu panjang untuk saya rangkumkan sebagai satu posting. Bahagian kedua ini merupakan kunjungan ke zon lapang yang sudah dilanskapkan dengan monumen-monumen dan tapak aktiviti juga merupakan zon yang menjadi tumpuan pengunjung untuk menjalankan aktiviti seperti beriadah atau bersiar-siar. Zon ini boleh dimasuki melalui pintu utama yang terletak bertentangan dengan persimpangan ke Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Club.

Sebaik sahaja melangkah masuk tiang tanda isyarat menarik perhatian saya. Amat jarang sekali kita akan dapati penunjuk arah kiblat dipaparkan secara umum pada penanda arah. Inilah saya rasa satu keistemewaan Taman Bukit Jalil ini dan ucapan tahniah patut diberikan kepada pihak yang bertanggungjawab yang terlintas untuk meletakkan arah kiblat ini. Semoga niatnya diberkati Allah.

Apakah maksud di sebalik meletakkan tanda arah kiblat? Bagi saya meletakkan tanda arah kiblat di pintu masuk adalah merupakan satu peringatan kepada pengunjung agar jangan membuat maksiat di dalam taman ini. Ini kerana bila kita teringat kepada kiblat, kita pasti akan nampak gambaran Kaabah dan Mekah. Jika Kaabah dan Mekah mengingati kita tentang Agama Islam yang suci ini maka kita akan takut kepada Allah. Manusia yang takut kepada Allah tidak akan mengingkari laranganNya. Disamping itu juga ia memberikan satu sindiran kepada pengunjung apakah kiblat kita sewaktu berada di dalam taman.

Pengunjung ke zon ini juga disambut dengan taman Heliconia di sebelah kiri. Taman ini dipenuhi dengan pokok-pokok heliconia yang segar-segar. Tentunya keindahan taman ini akan lebih terserlah sekiranya pokok-pokok Heliconia ini mekar dengan bunganya yang berwarna terang dan kontras dengan daun-daunnya.

Bawah: Satu pemandangan yang memberikan ketenangan sebaik sahaja berada di dalam kawasan taman.

Bawah: Pokok-pokok Eucalyptus yang tumbuh di taman ini. Pokok seperti ini biasanya terdapat di kawasan beriklim hawa sederhana.

Satu lagi keistemewaan ialah perancangan taman ini mengambil kira orang kurang upaya (OKU) dengan menyediakan juga tempat khas untuk mereka. Ini jarang kita lihat di taman-taman awam yang lain.

Tarikan utama dalam zon ini ialah laman antarabangsa. Binaan-binaan arca dan monumen yang sinonim dengan negara-negara berkenaan menghiasi sekitar kawasan ini. Negara-negara yang dipaparkan dalam zon ini termasuklah England, Belanda, Canada, Peru, Jepun, China, Indonesia, Thailand dan juga Malaysia.

Bawah: Laman Indonesia

Bawah: Ikon negara Belanda iaitu kincir air di Laman Belanda.

Bawah : Moon Gate yang mengambarkan negara China yang terdapat di Laman China

Bawah: Totem Pole satu contoh hasil seni yang terdapat dalam taman Canada

Bawah: Laman Jepun

Bawah: Seperti juga zon berhutan, zon ini juga disediakan dengan litar untuk refleksologi.

Sewaktu berjalan-jalan saya terdengar bunyi musik yang lembut berkumandang. Pada awalnya saya menyangka ianyamungkin musik yang datang dari blok apartment yang terletak bersebelahan taman. Namun demikian apabila mendekati saya ternampak sekumpulan pengunjung yang berbangsa China sedang berehat nampak juga kain rentang ini.

Sekumpulan pengunjung kaum China sedang melakukan satu senaman yang dinamakan Praise Dance. Majoriti mereka adalah di kalangan pertengahan usia dan dari pengamatan saya, ia sesuai untuk dilakukan oleh golongan seperti ini memandangkan intensitinya tidak begitu tinggi jika berbanding dengan senamrobik. Satu keistemewaan yang terdapat pada masyarakat China ialah dengan adanya senaman-senaman yang melibatkan latihan pada sistem pernafasan seperti Tai Chi dan ia adalah baik untuk membantu sistem peredaran darah. Jika darah dalam tubuh kita berjalan lancar, maka seluruh tubuh kita akan mendapat bekalan oksigen yang mencukupi dan hasilnya tubuh yang sihat.

Selain aktiviti senaman dan riadah secara bebas setiap hari, taman ini juga menyediakan tapak untuk penganjuran Hari Keluarga dan lain-lain aktiviti sosial. Pengunjung juga boleh menjamu dan melihat ikan-ikan air tawar khususnya keli yang dipelihara di dalam tasik berebut-rebut untuk mendapatkan makanan yang ditaburkan.

Taman Bukit Jalil Bah. 1

2010-01-04T22:39:00.001+08:00

Taman Bukit Jalil adalah sebuah taman rekreasi yang terdapat di Bukit Jalil. Ia terletak berhampiran dengan Bukit Jalil Golf Club di tepi Lebuhraya Sungai Besi Puchong. Taman ini lebih luas berbanding Bukit Komanwel. Ia meliputi kawasan berhutan dan kawasan lapang dan sesuai sekali untuk dijadikan tempat beriadah pada bila-bila masa sebelah siang. Ini kerana terdapat kawasan yang dilindungi pokok-pokok yang menghijau dan mengujudkan suasana yang dingin. Anda boleh berjoging di trek-trek yang dibina di dalam kawasan berhutan tanpa merasakan panas bahang mata hari.

Kawasan ini boleh dibahagikan kepada dua kawasan iaitu kawasan yang ditumbuhi pokok-pokok hitan tropia dan juga satu lagi kawasan yang telah diubahsuai dan lapang. Setiap kawasan itu mempunyai tasiknya sendiri dan dihuni oleh kura-kura dan ikan air tawar sermasuklah ikan keli dan kan Jepun. Aktiviti memancing adalah dilarang di dalam kedua-dua tasik berkenaan.

Untuk posting ini saya tumpukan kepada kawasan yang berhutan terlebih dahulu. Peta Google di bawah menunjukkan zon berhutan yang boleh dimasuki melalui pintu 1.

Gambarajah di bawah pula menunjukkan pelan tataletak Taman Bukit Jalil

Bawah: Taman permainan kanak-kanak disediakan

Bawah:Litar refleksologi

Bawah: Mini gimnasium terbuka

Bawah: Salah satu stesen Par Course yang terdapat di sini

Bawah: Laluan bertangga ini melintasi kawasan berhutan menuju ke tasik

Di sekitar taman terdapat laluan untuk joging di kawasan terbuka dan juga melalui kawasan berhutan yang dingin dan juga mengelilingi tasik.

Bawah: Sebuah kawasan bertapak lembut (sintetik) yang boleh digunakan untuk aktiviti bersenam seperti senamrobik dan sebagainya.

Bawah: Usaha mengekalkan kehijauan bumi dilaksanakan oleh Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur dengan menanam semula pokok-pokok dilakukan di taman ini. Ini salah satu tapak yang disemaikan dengan tumbuh-tumbuhan yang baru.

Kuala Lumpur Has Choice For Golfers

2010-01-04T12:39:00.003+08:00

The municipality of the city of Kuala Lumpur administered by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur covers an area of 243.65 km² (94.07 sq mi), with an average elevation of 21.95 m (72.0 ft). Kuala Lumpur is not only bricks and stones but a blend of nature and modernisation. If one were to walk around the city, it is very visible that there are still trees to maintain the ecosystem. Green lungs still covers parts of Kuala Lumpur. Besides the Taman Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur has a few golf courses to cater for the needs of golfers staying within and around Kuala Lumpur.

One of the golf course in the centre of the city is the Royal Selangor Golf Club located at Jalan Tun Razak (see Google Map for location). The golf club was formed in 1893 and has three courses namely the old course (Par 72 6220 metres) , new course (Par 72 5964 metres) and Sulaiman course (Par 30 1957 metres). Click for course structure HERE.

There are seven categories of membership that is Honorary (by invitation), Distinguished Persons (by invitation), Ordinary, Lady, Corporate, Foreign Diplomatic Term and Junior membership (children of qualifying Ordinary Members).

Diplomats from the Diplomatic Mission or Trade Commission established in Malaysia are most welcome to apply to become Foreign Diplomatic Terms Members of The Club.

Address: Jalan Kelab Golf, Off Jalan Tun Razak,
55000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tele: (603) 9206 3333
Fax: (603) 9285 3939
Email: rsgc@rsgc.com.my

Postal Address
P.O.Box 11051, 50990 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Resort is located at Bukit Jalil next to the National Sports Complex. It is owned by Berjaya Clubs and reachable through KESAS Highway and KL Seremban Highway. The Golf course sprawled over a 165 acre site amidst lush tropical greenery and scenic view. This course was designed by Australian Max Wexler and has international class 18 holes.

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP

Type of Membership

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP AND THEIR ENTITLEMENT

Types of Membership

INDIVIDUAL (B) Membership

Membership Fee/Entrance Fee

Golf RM23,000.00

Privilege RM9,000.00

Privileges/Supplementary Cards:

Extended to one lawful spouse and children below 18 years of age.

Refundable Performance Retainer : (Security Deposit)

Golf RM1,000.00

Privilege RM500.00

Processing Fee : RM95.00

Monthly Subscription :

Golf RM110.57 (subject to revision)

Privilege RM73.70 ( Subject to revision)

Term of Membership : 99 years (expiring 29th May 2092)

Nomination Fee : (upon full payment of membership)

Golf RM500.00 per year

Privilege Rm300.00 per year

Facilities:Golf – all club facilities

Privilege – all club facilities except golfing

Membership enquiries and submission kindly contact Club Ambassador Department at 03-8994 2606/7/8 or 016-2206070

FACILITIES OF THE CLUB

18-HOLE GOLF COURSE
60 BAY 2-TIER DRIVING RANGE
OLYMPIC-SIZE SWIMMING POOL
CHILDREN’S WADING POOL
12 LANE FULL COMPUTERISED BOWLING ALEY
6 INDOOR BADMINTON COURTS
3 SQUASH COURTS
1 RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL COURT
1 RECREATONAL NETBALL COURT
AEROBIC ROOM
SNOOKER ROOM
GAMES ROOM
GYMNASIUM
STEAM & SAUNA ROOMS
RETAURANTS
KARAOKE LOUNGE
LOBBY LOUNGE

The Third Golf course within reach from Kuala Lumpur city centre is the Mines Resort and Golf Club. The club is located about 15 km south of Kuala Lumpur city centre with the scenic Mines lakeside. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II. It is reachable by the Sungei Besi Expressway.

It is an 18 hole with mixed Parkland and several slopes to climb. The front nine holes is surrounded by jungle while the back nine on the lakeside.

This club is open to private members only but guests of The Palace of the Golden Horses and The Palace Beach and Spa dan arrange for a special stay and play package.

Address : Jalan Kelikir, The Mines Resort City,

43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor

603 - 89432288 (Phone)

603 - 89439212 (Fax)

Kinrara Golf Club has an address in Selangor since the club house is located outside the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. However part of the course crosses the Selangor / Kuala Lumpur border and is about 15 to 20 minutes drive from the city centre, I list it here. The club can be reached via Sungei Besi/ KESAS Highway.

Address	Jalan Kinrara 6, Bandar Kinrara, 47100 Puchong, Selangor.
Telephone	(603)807 62100
Fax.	(603) 807 07822

Jalan-Jalan Kuala Lumpur II - Menjadi Pelancung Di Tempat Sendiri

2010-01-04T11:08:00.001+08:00

1 Januari 2010.

Tiba-tiba aku berubah menjadi seorang pelancung di tempat sendiri. Walaupun sudah hampir 15 tahun menjadi warga Kuala Lumpur, aku jarang sekali mengambil masa yang khusus untuk melawat sekitar Kuala Lumpur. Kesuntukan masa dan tumpuan terhadap tugas sedikit sebanyak menghalang aku dari menjelajah Kuala Lumpur. Walaupun tahu serba sedikit tentang tempat-tempat di bandaraya, ianya terjadi secara tidak langsung apabila keluar untuk berurusan.

Memandangkan hari ini cuti umum sempena tahun baru 2010, dengan "bersenjatakan" kamera digital aku keluar ke Kuala Lumpur untuk melancung secara resmi.

Rasanya cukup mudah bagi melancung di Kuala Lumpur yang selalunya sesak dengan kenderaan. Apabila berada dalam kesesakan sudah pastu stress akan wujud dalam diri dan dengan memandu sendiri kereta, saya tidak dapat melihat dengan bebas kerana pemandangan terpaksa ditumpukan pada jalan raya. Kuala Lumpur menyediakan satu kemudahan yang cukup baik untuk membolehkan seseorang itu melancung dan melihat sekitarnya dengan mudah dan murah.

Perkhidmatan Hop On Hop Off City Tour adalah sepatutnya penjadi pilihan bagi mereka yang ingin melancung di Kuala Lumpur. Inilah perkhidmatan yang saya gunakan untuk melancung kali ini.

Saya turun dari stesen monorail Bukit Bintang dan terus ke kaunter informasi KL Hop On Hop Off yang terletak di hadapan Wisma Peladang, Bukit Bintang. Kaunter tersebut mengikut petanya merupakan perhentian yang no 4. Memandangkan pada masa ini cuti sekolah, pihak Hop On Hop Off mengadakan proosi untuk pengunjung tempatan. Tiketnya hanyalah RM 10.00 untuk perjalanan tanpa had sehingga 7.30 malam.

Bas pertama datang. Saya tidak naik bas ini kerana matlamat saya ialah hendak menaiki bus yang ada open deck. Jika hendak mengambil gambar maka bas open deck patut menjadi pilihan. Walaupun berada di dek luar agak panas tetapi berbaloi kerana dapat melihat persekitaran dengan lebih selesa tanpa sebarang halangan pemandangan. Dalam perjalanan itu bas boleh dikatakan penuh dan sebahagian besar sudah semestinya pelancung dari luar negara.

Bas bertolak dari Bukit Bintang itu dan melalui Tengkat Tong Shin dan Jalan Ceylon sebelum masuk ke Jalan Raja Chulan. Dari situ bas terus ke Petaling Street melalui Jalan Sultan dan kemudian ke hentian Central Market.

Dari situ bas terus ke Istana Negara. Di hentian ini bas menunggu sebentar. Mungkin kerana pelancung tidak mengambil masa yang lama untuk berada di sini menyebabkan bas menunggu. Kemudian bertolak pula ke KL Central dan Muzium Negara.

Selepas Muzium Negara bas meneruskan perjalanan ke Taman Tasik Perdana. Saya turun di hentian 13. Hentian ini bagi mereka yang ingin melawat Tugu Negara dan Taman Tasik Perdana. Memandangkan hari ini hari Jumaat dan sudah masuk waktu untuk sembahyang Jumaat, saya berpeluang sembahyang Jumaat di Mesjid Bukit Aman. Pada mulanya saya jangka dapat sembahyang di Mesjid Negara.

Selesai sembahyang saya berjalan ke Taman Burung Kuala Lumpur. Taman Burung Kuala Lumpur adalah merupakan World's Largest free flight walk-in aviary.

Saya tidak masuk ke dalam taman memandangkan kawasannya yang luas dan saya tidak mempunyai masa yang banyak. Satu lagi faktor ialah harga tiket untuk masuk agak mahal dan saya dapat mengagak tidak banyak yang saya dapat lihat di dalam. Jadi tentu tidak berbaloi dengan harga tiket yang dibeli. Jika hendak menikmati burung perlulah merancang untuk menghabiskan sepenuh masa di dalamnya untuk mendapat balik pulangan pada harga tiket. Jika sekadar hendak berjalan dan melihat burung seimbas lalu adalah tidak memadai.

Selepas keluar dari kawasan pintu utama KL Bird Park itu saya ke Taman Orkid. Memandangkan hari ini cuti, maka pengunjung dikenakan tiket RM 1.00 untuk masuk. Bacalah apa yang saya nampak dalam Taman ini di SINI.

Taman Orkid ini sebenarnya adalah berkembar dengan Taman Bunga Raya iaitu bunga kebangsaan negara kita. Lihat di SINI apa yang saya lihat.

Tunggu bas Hop On Hop Off di stop no 14. Lama juga. Lebih kurang 40 minit baru bas datang. Apa yang menariknya ialah bas itu juga bas yang sama aku naik sebelum itu. Malah terjumpa juga beberapa orang yang sama yang dalam perjalanan tadi. Perhentian seterusnya ialah Mesjid Negara sebelum ke Dataran Merdeka. Ada aktiviti di Dataran Merdeka.

Seronoknya dapat main bola di atas jalanraya.

Di atas dek terbuka memang ramai penumpang dan tengoklah kreativiti kanak-kanak ini untuk mencari tempat duduk setelah penat berdiri.

Perjalanan diteruskan melalui Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Ipoh dan kemudian masuk ke Jalan Tun Razak. Bagi mereka yang ingin merakan keindahan Menara Berkembar Petronas dan Menara Kuala Lumpur, bersiap sedialah dengan kamera masing-masing kerana dari sini dapat merakam keindahan kedua-dua ikon Kuala Lumpur itu. Lihatlah foto-foto yang diambil dari dek terbuka bas.

Salah sebuah bangunan yang baru siap dengan rekabentuk yang menarik. Ianya ialah The Oval yang terletak di persekitaran KLCC dan merupakan condominium mewah terletak di Lorong Kuda.

Destinasi seterusnya ialah MATIC Jalan Ampang, iaitu pusat penerangan pelancungan Malaysia. Dulunya Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman sebelum neneruskan perjalanan ke perhentian seterusnya Menara Kuala Lumpur. Sewaktu melintasi menara,kelihatan ada aktiviti Flying Fox sedang berlangsung. Bagi mereka yang ingin mencuba aktiviti ekstrim ini bolehlah mencuba.

Destinasi terakhir sebelum menamatkan satu pusingan Hop On Hop Off ialah Karyaneka selepas menurunkan penumpang di Mandarin Oriental di Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yang juga merupakan salah satu perhentian bas itu. Perjalanan ke Karyaneka adalah melalui Jalan P. Ramlee yang merupakan pusat hiburan waktu malam bagi pengemar clubbing. Kesan sambutan Tahun Baru masih ada. Foto di bawah salah satu tempat berhibur di Jalan P. Ramlee.

Karyaneka adalah merupakan tempat untuk melihat sendiri aktiviti seni kraf tempatan.

Namun apa yang menarik dengan perjalanan ini baru aku tahu di mana terletaknya The Royale Chulan Hotel, tempat berlangsungnya majlis pernikahan anak Chef Wan, Serena dengan pasangannya Salehudin.

Jalan Bukit Bintang adalah normal. Maksud aku normal kerana adanya kesesakan jalan. Inilah Kuala Lumpur, dalam pahitnya hidup di kota metropilitan, ada manisnya.

Perjalanan aku berakhir di stesen no 6 di mana aku memulakan perjalanan. Jam sudah menunjukkan pukul 5.45 petang.

Hang Tuah - Textile & Fashion District Kuala Lumpur

2010-01-03T00:05:00.001+08:00

Saya hanya nampak melalui tingkap LRT deretan kedai menjual pakaian borong setiap kali LRT itu menuju stesen Hang Tuah. Hari ini saya telah menjejakkan kaki ke kawasan tersebut yang terletak di belakang Rumah Pangsa Awam Jalan Hang Tuah. Rupanya terdapat banyak lagi kedai-kedai jualan pakaian secara borong di sepanjang Lorong Merbau, Lorong Meranti, Lorong Meranti 1,2 dan 3.

Di kawasan ini pengusaha butik ataupun peniaga-peniaga pakaian boleh membeli pakaian dari berbagai fesyen dengan harga borong. Selain pakaian juga terdapat beg tangan, kasut, pakaian dalam dan kain ela yang juga dijual secara borong.

Apabila saya meninjau tempat ini, maka saya teringat tentang situasi yang sama di textile district di Los Angeles Downtown.

Kuala Lumpur Masih Hijau

2010-01-02T11:41:00.001+08:00

Kuala Lumpur bukan sekadar sebuah hutan batu bata. Jika kita bersiar-siar sekitar bandaraya pemandangan kita masih lagi disegarkan dengan tumbuh-tumbuhan yang menghijau. Masih banyak kawasan di dalam kawasan pentadbiran Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur yang kekal hijau seperti Tasik Perdana, Bukit Bandaraya dan Bukit Nenas disamping projek penghijauan yang dibangunkan seperti Taman di KLCC. Dalam hal ini Malaysia boleh berbangga kerana kita masih lagi berusaha untuk mengekalkan kehijauan bandaraya di tengah-tengah kepesatan pembangunan.

Atas: Jalan Damansara menuju Jalan Duta

Atas: Lanskap di hadapan Muzium Negara

Atas: Jalan Istana di hadapan Istana Negara

Atas: Kawasan sekitar Kompleks Sukan Negara dan Taman Teknologi di Bukit Jalil

Atas: Taman di pesieir Sungai Gombak di Mesjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur

Atas: Lanskap di dalam kawasan Mesjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur

Atas: Jalan Raja Chulan bersebelahan dengan Pavillion

Atas: Jalan Sultan Ismail

Atas: Pavillion Kuala Lumpur

Jalan-Jalan Kuala Lumpur II - Taman Orkid Kuala Lumpur

2010-01-02T09:17:00.001+08:00

Selepas meninjau di luar pagar Kuala Lumpur Bird Park saya melawat pula Taman Orkid Kuala Lumpur yang terletak bertentangan dengan Taman Burung Kuala Lumpur. Bagi pelawat adalah lebih baik untuk mengabungkan lawatan ke kawasan Tasik Perdana ini dengan mengunjungi kesemua taman yang ada. Bagi mereka yang menaiki perkhidmatan Hop On Hop Off boleh turun di hentian 14.

Disamping menikmati keindahan bunga orkid dari berbagai spesies, pengunjung juga boleh membeli pokok-pokok orkid atau benih yang dijual kedai semaian yang terdapad di dalam kawasan taman. Foto di bawah adalah contoh antara pokok-pokok orkid yang boleh dibeli oleh pengunjung.

Taman Wawasan 2020

2010-01-02T09:12:00.002+08:00

Tidak ramai orang menyedari bahawa terdapat sebuah taman di Kuala Lumpur yang merakamkan visi negara untuk melalui Wawasan 2020 untuk menjadikan Malaysia sebagai sebuah negara maju pada tahun 2020

Taman Wawasan ini telah diresmikan oleh Perdana Menteri Malaysia YAB Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohammed pada tahun 1993.

Wawasan 2020 ialah sebuah wawasan kerajaan Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Perdana Menteri Malaysia ketika itu, yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan Malaysia menjadi sebuah negara perindustrian dan negara maju sepenuhnya menjelang tahun 2020. Yang dimaksudkan sepenuhnya terangkum bukan sahaja bidang ekonomi, tetapi juga bidang-bidang politik, sosial, kerohanian, psikologi, serta juga perpaduan nasional dan sosial, antara lain. Kesemua ini juga melibatkan persoalan keadilan sosial, kestabilan politik, sistem kerajaan, mutu hidup, nilai sosial dan kerohanian, maruah bangsa, serta juga keyakinan. - dipetik dari Wikipedia.

Pancutan air ini yang menjadi sebahagian penghias taman mempamerkan lapan cabaran Wawasan 2020.

Lapan cabaran tersebut ialah:

Cabaran utama

Dalam penyampaian kertas kerjanya, Laluan ke Depan (The Way Forward), kepada Majlis Perniagaan Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohamad menghuraikan sembilan matlamat utama Wawasan 2020:

Mewujudkan negara Malaysia bersatu yang mempunyai matlamat yang dikongsi bersama: Malaysia mesti menjadi sebuah negara yang aman, berintegrasi di peringkat wilayah dan kaum, hidup dalam keharmonian, bekerjasama sepenuhnya secara adil, dan terdiri daripada satu bangsa Malaysia yang mempunyai kesetiaan politik dan dedikasi kepada negara.
Mewujudkan sebuah masyarakat yang berjiwa bebas, tenteram dan maju, dengan keyakinan akan keupayaan sendiri, berbangga dengan apa yang ada, dengan apa yang telah dicapai, cukup gagah menghadapi pelbagai masalah. Masyarakat Malaysia ini mesti dapat dikenali melalui usaha mencapai kecemerlangan, amat sedar akan semua potensinya, tidak mengalah kepada sesiapa, dan dihormati oleh rakyat negara lain.
Mewujudkan dan membangunkan masyarakat demokratik yang matang, yang mengamalkan satu bentuk demokrasi Malaysia yang mempunyai persefahaman matang, berasaskan masyarakat yang boleh menjadi contoh kepada beberapa banyak negara membangun.
Mewujudkan masyarakat yang sepenuhnya bermoral dan beretika, dengan warganegaranya teguh dalam nilai agama dan kerohaniandan didukung oleh nilai etika paling tinggi.
Mewujudkan masyarakat liberal dan bertolak ansur, dengan rakyat Malaysia pelbagai kaum bebas mengamalkan adat, kebudayaan, dan kepercayaan agama mereka dan pada masa yang sama meletakkan kesetiaan mereka kepada satu negara.
Mewujudkan masyarakat saintifik dan progresif, masyarakat yang mempunyai daya perubahan tinggi dan berpandangan ke depan, yang bukan sahaja menjadi pengguna teknologi tetapi juga penyumbang kepada tamadun sains dan teknologi masa depan.
Mewujudkan masyarakat penyayang dan budaya menyayangi, iaitu sistem sosial yang mementingkan masyarakat lebih daripada diri sendiri, dengan kebajikan insan tidak berkisar pada negara atau orang perseorangan tetapi di sekeliling sistem keluarga yang kukuh.
Memastikan masyarakat yang adil dalam bidang ekonomi. Ini merupakan masyarakat yang melaksanakan pengagihan kekayaan negara secara adil dan saksama, dengan wujudnya perkongsian sepenuhnya bagi setiap rakyat dalam perkembangan ekonomi.
Mewujudkan masyarakat makmur yang mempunyai ekonomi bersaing, dinamik, giat dan kental.

Menurut Dr Mahathir, kesembilan-sembilan matlamat utama ini tidak semestinya menjadi urutan keutamaan masyarakat Malaysia untuk tiga dekad yang akan datang. Tentunya keutamaan dalam satu-satu masa mesti memenuhi keadaan khusus pada masa berkenaan.- dipetik dari Wikipedia.

Seni ukir daripada logam telah diabadikan di taman ini sebagai satu representasi hasrat negara merealisasikan Wawasan 2020.

SENI UKIR 1

SENI UKIR 2

SENI UKIR 3

Jalan- Jalan Kuala Lumpur II - Taman Bunga Raya Kuala Lumpur

2010-01-01T23:19:00.001+08:00

Taman Bunga Raya ini terletak bersebelahan dengan Taman Orkid. Sekiranya masuk ke Taman Orkid tidak lengkap jika tidak meneruskan perjalanan ke Taman Bunga Raya pula. Kita semua tahu Bunga Raya atau nama saintifiknya Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis, adalah merupakan bunga kebangsaan negara kita. Taman ini seluas 0.9 hektar terpetak di kawasan Taman Tasik Perdana dan diresmikan oleh Datin Seri Dr. Siti Hasmah bt. Hj. Mohd Ali, isteri Perdana Menteri, pada 16hb Oktober 1989.

Peta Googlemap menunjukkan lokasi Taman Bunga Raya Kuala Lumpur

Jalan masuk ke Taman Bunga Raya Kuala Lumpur

Sebuah pancutan berimejkan Bunga Raya menghiasa laman di taman ini.

Mungkin ramai tidak menyedari bahawa species Bunga Raya bukan sahaja berwarna merah.

Di dalam taman ini juga terdapat sebuah galeri pameran. Tetapi malangnya pada ketika saya melawatnya, galeri ditutup. Tidak dipastikan mengapa ianya ditutup sebelah petang hari cuti hujung minggu. Sepatutnya ia dibuka seperti biasa kerana waktu inilah ramai orang ingin dan berpeluang untuk melawat.

Kuala Lumpur Is Not Just Bukit Bintang And KLCC

2009-12-31T22:28:00.002+08:00

Yes Kuala Lumpur is more than that. I am sure many of us will agree that when we think of going to Kuala Lumpur, the most talked about stories is of Bukit Bintang and KLCC. The most published picture in modern Kuala Lumpur is also, I think, of Petronas Twin Tower. On one aspect, both places do represent Kuala Lumpur but to know Kuala Lumpur is to see other areas too.

Bukit Bintang
No doubt Bukit Bintang has become the most attractive place to visit in Kuala Lumpur. It is a concentration of shopping complexes, entertainment and food and is lively 24/7. There are shopping complexes such as Pavillion KL, KL Plaza, Lot 10 and the Siamese twins of BB Plaza and Sungai Wang Plaza. Bukit Bintang too has the Berjaya Time Square with shopping lots, the attraction of Cosmo's World Indoor Theme Park and hotel to add up to shoppers looking for choice.

If one savour local food, do not forget Jalan Alor where the whole street is dedicated to hawker stalls serving Chinese, Indian, Thai, Malay and fusion foods. Middle East Tourist can get a taste of home food from restaurants serving them along Jalan Bukit Bintang opposite Lot 0.

One building that never missed the lips of IT and computer savvy people is Low Yatt Plaza. It has turn out to be the largest one stop computer shopping venue after taking over from Imbi Plaza. Go HERE for a 3D location map for Bukit Bintang.

Historical Kuala Lumpur

This is the section made up of Jalan Mesjid India or Little India, Dataran Merdeka, Central Market, Petaling Street, Railway Station and Brickfields. Within this places there are heritage buildings, colonial buildings and cultures. In fact to learn about the history Kuala Lumpur is to visit these places. Look for reference HERE and HERE.

Shopping "District"

Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman is a shopping paradise for the masses. All along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman from the junction of Jalan Dang Wangi up to the junction of Jalan Tun Perak are shophouses and textile house. This stretch of road will be busy everyday and its activity increases during festivities seasons.

Image Credit : dromoz

"Textile District"

Maybe it is not official but there is one are in Kuala Lumpur that concentrate on textile based business. At Hang Tuah shops sells shirts and apparels in bulk and for business entity can come to this area to look for their stocks.

Kuala Lumpur Central

This is a new area developed as the hub for transportation for the city of Kuala Lumpur. This complex house the Keretapi Tanah Melayu station and also KL City Air Terminal. Air passengers flying on MAS can check-in at the KL Central and take the Express Rail Link (ERL) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The Kelana Jaya Rail Transit line between Kelana Jaya and Terminal Putra (Gombak) also service this complex

Mencari Tenang Dan Damai Di Manikar Beach Resort

2009-12-29T20:24:00.001+08:00

Apabila orang berkata hendak pergi melawat Labuan sudah semestinya di dalam itenari perjalanan seseorang itu ialah membeli-belah kerana Labuan merupakan bandar bebas cukai. Tidak sah jika seseorang itu meninggalkan Pulau Labuan tanpa membeli coklat khususnya yang diimport. Bagi perokok pula tidak lupa membeli rokok sementara bagi yang bukan beragama Islam tentunya minuman beralkohol mungkin menjadi buah tangan.

Namun demikian ada juga yang melawat Labuan untuk berehat dan sebagainya. Saya beberapa kali berpeluang mengunjungi Pulau Labuan menjalankan tugas resmi dan sering hotel di sekitar bandar Labuan menjadi pilihan. Walau bagaimanapun, saya juga berpeluang menginap di hotel yang jauh di luar pekan iaitu di Pantai Batu Manikar. Di sana terdapat sebuah hotel Pantai Manikar Beach Resort. Peta Google di bawah menunjukkan lokasi resort tersebut yang terletak di bahagian Utara pulau.

Pantai Manikar Beach Resort ialah tempat untuk mencari ketenangan khususnya bagi mereka yang ingin mencari ilham untuk menghasilkan karya kreatif mahupun berehat bersama keluarga dalam keadaan yang tenang dan damai. Gambar bawah pelan tapak yang menunjukkan susunatur resort dan juga kolam renangnya.

Resort ini yang terletak di .Batu Manikar memberikan suasana aman dan damai dengan deruan ombak dari Laut China Selatan yang membawa bayu nyaman jika bersantai di tepi yang berpasir itu.

Atas: Pemandangan dari bilik aku menginap dengan laman yang bersih dan dijaga kemas.

Atas: Pemandangan dari bilik aku menginap

Atas: Salah sebuah blok bilik penginaan

Aku hanya menginap satu malam sahaja di Resort ini kerana selepas itu terpaksa berpindah ke hotel lain di pekan Labuan. Bilik penginapan adalah cukup luas dan amat selesa.

Atas: Kamar mandinya luas dan selesa

Royal Selangor Club Turn 125

2009-12-29T19:25:00.001+08:00

Nobody will ever miss this building located across the Dataran Merdeka and opposite of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. As all of us Malaysians knew, this area is a historical landmak and a must on everyones itenary of travelling.

Photo credit: Both banner and photo taken from the RSC official website

Above: Map showing the location of the Royal Selangor Club, Kuala Lumpur

Its the exclusive Royal Selangor Club and celebrated its125th anniversary on 20th December 2009 and also heralds the Royal Patronage of Sultan of Selangor 25th Anniversary for the club.

Activities to mark the celebration includes Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) displaying their unique brassband , motorcycle stunts and equestrian skills beside parade of vintage cars driven by club members and honouring the Sunbeams Home children as passengers.

HISTORY OF THE CLUB (Taken from its website)

Royal Selangor Club, founded in 1884, started out as a tiny wooden building with an “attap” roof. It was later redesigned in the Tudor style. The Main Club house, fondly known as “The Spotted Dog”, was located at the “Padang”, now known as Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, where cricket matches and other sports events were once held.
The Club was granted a royal charter by DYMM Sultan Selangor in 1984 and thereafter known as Kelab DiRaja Selangor (Royal Selangor Club). The Club has since expanded to the prime residential district of Bukit Kiara with the opening of the Royal Selangor Club’s Kiara Sports Annexe by DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong in 1998. RSC has been very objective in providing members with sporting and social facilities that encourage interaction and socialising in a friendly, harmonious and relaxing atmosphere.

Pameran Autoshow 09 Di Bukit Jalil

2009-12-27T16:44:00.001+08:00

Aktiviti pameran di Kuala Lumpur adalah pelbagai dan penghuninya dapat menikmati exhibit mengikut selera masing-masing. Tepuk dada tanya selera.

Baru-baru ini saya berkesempatan untuk mengunjungi satu pameran kereta yang diubahsuai bertempat di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, diadakan satu Autoshow yang mempamerkan berbagai jenis kenderaan yang dihias dengan berbagai bentuk. Antara yang menarik perhatian pengunjung ialah kereta-kereta yang dipasang sistem bunyi yang boleh dikatakan 'ekstrim' dan juga hiasan melalui penggunaan seni airbrush pada kereta. Ia disusuli juga dengan pertandingan dekorasi airbrush pada kenderaan masing-masing.

Pameran pada tahun ini agak kurang menarik berbanding pameran yang sama diadakan pada tahun 2008 kerana ada penyertaan dari peserta-peserta luar negara dengan pengubahsuaian kenderaan yang lebih canggih. Walau bagaimanapun pameran kali ini tetap mendapat sambutan daripada peminat kereta walaupun dikenakan bayaran masuk RM 10.00. Penganjur pameran ini ialah Kelab Autoshow dengan kerjasama KISMAS 09, IKBN, Rakan Muda dan Munchy's

Sempena Autoshow ini juga diadakan workshop airbrush di bawah bimbingan Jaz airbrush dan Daniel Powers dan Tom's Stickers.

Atas: Satu hasil airbrush yang dibuat semasa demonstrasi dalam pameran tersebut.

Atas: Salah seorang pengunjung mendaftar untuk menjadi ahli Kelab Autoshow.

Tidak lengkap jika pameran kenderaan tidak diserikan dengan peragaan gadis-gadis di sisi kenderaan.

Munchy's juga telah menganjurkan satu pertandingan fotografi, It's OK to Krunch di mana jurufoto tanpa mengira status berpeluang mengambil gambar empat orang Hot Babes (gambar bawah) dan menyertai pertandingan.

Lain-lain acara yang diadakan pada malam tersebut termasuklah

Best Sticker Challenge

Best Kitty of the night

ExtremeModified Challenge

Street I.C.E Party

RC Drift Competition

Kuala Lumpur - Concentration of International Cuisine

2009-12-12T15:56:00.001+08:00

After the 911 incident in US, there has been a surge in Middle East tourist to Malaysia and especially Kuala Lumpur. It might be a tragedy for United States but its a blessing in disguise to Malaysia. The influx of Middle east tourist to Kuala Lumpur has help to thrive Middle East cuisines and it indirectly put varities to Kuala Lumpur's food scene.

I went out to Low Yatt Plaza one day to claim my 1000D Canon that I sent in for repair. I was having problem using the Auto Focus and Err 99. After I took my camera, I walk around Bukit Bintang to test it and decided to take pictures of Middle East Restaurant found across the road opposite Lot 10 and two at Jalan Berangan. The mushrooming of these restaurant offering Middle East cuisine to cater for the rise in tourist from the region. I first took the pictures some times ago but after checking out that is is all out of focus, I decided to snap it all again.

Posted here are pictures the mentioned restaurants.

Above: Tarbush Restaurant serving Lebanese cuisine.

Below is signage to another restaurant at Jalan Berangan

Zeytoun is on Jalan Sultan Ismail and near the junction of Jalan Berangan

I made a Google search relating to Middle East restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and THIS IS THE RESULT.

Besides restaurant serving Middle East delicacies, Japanese restaurants has long made their presence in Malaysia.

There are also many international restaurants in Kuala Lumpur that serves food foreign to Malaysia.

Tiger Futbol Starz @ Bukit Jalil

2009-12-12T13:58:00.001+08:00

Pasukan bolasepak negara baharu sahaja membuka lembaran baru sejarah bolasepak negara apabila berjaya mengalahkan gergasi bolasepak Asia Tenggara, Thailand dalam pusingan peringkat Kumpulan di Sukan SEA ke 25 di Laos. Kemenangan ini sememangnya cukup manis bagi sukan bolasepak negara pada waktu ranking negara pada tangga 152 mengikut ranking FIFA pada 20 november 2009. Dengan kemenangan di Laos itu kelak diharap keudukan negara akan berubah.

Bak kata cogankata Adidas Impossible Is Nothing ada kebenarannya. Sekiranya kita bersungguh-sungguh untuk mencapai kemenangan, Impossible Is Nothing.

Sama ada ini petanda yang pasukan bolasepak negara sudah terkeluar dari lembah kegagalan, adalah terlalu awal untuk dipastikan. Perjalanan pasukan bolasepak negara masih jauh untuk kembali berada di persada kejuaraan sekurang-kurangnya di peringkat Asia. Walau apa pun pemain dibawah bimbingan K. Rajagopal itu perlu diberikan tahniah dan semoga semangat juang mereka itu akan berterusan serta tidak terhenti sekadar memungut pingat emas Sukan Sea sahaja.

Sama ada pasukan bolasepak negara berada di kancah kekalahan atau tidak, namum usaha untuk terus membangunkan mutu bolasepak terus diadakan tanpa penat dan jemu. Berbagai program pembangunan dilakukan untuk mengembalikan bolasepak negara ke tempat yang sewajarnya memandangkan negara ini pernah berada di tempat yang baik di kalangan negara-negara Asia.

Program pembangunan bolasepak bukan sekadar diusahakan oleh pihak kerajaan semata-mata seperti Majlis Sukan Negara dan Kementerian Pendidikan tetapi juga pihak swasta. Dari semasa ke semasa kita dapat lihat ada program yang dianjurkan untuk kalangan remaja dan kanak-kanak kerana mereka inilah yang bakal mewarisi barisan pemain bolasepak negara di masa hadapan.

Paling akhir ialah program Tiger Futbol Starz oleh Tiger Biscuits. Program ini yang menghimpun kanak-kanak di bawah 12 tahun dari seluruh negara melalui sesi pemilihan bakat yang diadakan di bandar-bandar utama sebelum berakhir di Majlis Sukan Negara, Bukit Jalil.

Saya petik maklumat ini dari laman web tiger biscuits:

Tiger Futbol Starz merupakan program kami untuk mencari serta memperkenalkan bakat-bakat muda bola sepak negara yang berumur dalam lingkungan 7-12 tahun.

Sesi pencarian 21 orang rekrut akan dilaksanakan di seluruh negara. Mereka yang layak akan diambil masuk ke program realiti Akademi Tiger Futbal Starz yang bakal disiarkan di Astro.

3 pemain terbaik bakal berpeluang mengasah potensi mereka serta dimasukkan ke sekolah sukan terunggul Malaysia! Setiap pemenang juga akan memenangi wang tunai sebanyak RM10,000!

Sewaktu blog ini ditulis pemain yang terpilih di bawah program tersebut sedang berada di Majlis Sukan Negara, di Bukit Jalil, untuk menjalani latihan akhir sebelum pemenang dipilih. Pemain-pemain yang terpilih tinggal dan berlatih sepenuh masa di MSN di bawah bimbingan tiga orang jurulatih yang juga bekas pemain bolasepak kebangsaan Leong Hong Seng, K. Sambagamaran dan Azlan Johar.

Kredit Gambar: Nurul Natasya Nadia

Karnival Cuti Sekolah di Bukit Jalil

2009-12-12T12:35:00.001+08:00

Perkarangan Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil tidak sunyi masa cuti sekolah ini. Baharu sahaja diadakan karnival Jomheboh yang mendapat sambutan yang mengalakkan dan seusulan dari itu pula diadakan Karnival Cuti Sekolah, di tapak yang sama. Walaupun intensitinya tidak sehebat Karnival Jomheboh, tetapi ia memberi peluang kepada kanak-kanak untuk mengisi masa dengan sesuatu yang berunsur riadah dan keriangan.

Sewaktu mengunjungi karnival tersebut apa yang dapat saya lihat ialah beberapa booth dari Karnival Jomheboh masih lagi kekal yang termasuklah booth Upin dan Ipin, Adik9, Kids@fgw. Disamping itu juga terdapat juga pameran buku-buku DBP oleh Dawama. Rumah hantu juga masih lagi kekal.

Kuala Lumpur And Sporting Events

2009-12-09T00:34:00.001+08:00

Kuala Lumpur as the national capital of Malaysia has been hosting International sporting events from time to time either on competitive level or just charity based. I can still remember in 1975, the world concentrated on Kuala Lumpur when boxing legend Muhammad Ali fought Joe Bugner at Stadium Merdeka. It was telecast live all over the world.

Besides individual events, Kuala Lumpur has never been left out in the regional Games that is SEA Games. To date, Kuala Lumpur had hosted two SEAP Games in 1965 and 1971 before it changes to SEA Games (1977, 1989, 2001) with the inclusion of Indonesia, Philippines and Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Kuala Lumpur has been selected as host in 5 previous games and the most successful was in 2001 when Malaysia emerge as overall champion ever.

1998 - XVI Commonwealth Games.

It was one of the most successful games ever and Malaysia not only was given credit as best organisers but the Malaysian contingent to hauled the most ever Gold medals in its history of taking part in the Commonwealth Games.

KL FESPIC 2006 hosted in Kuala Lumpur is testimony that the disabled are not neglected. The success of the game was an eye opener to Malaysians that physical inability is not a stumbling block to show prowess on the sporting arena. In fact the para athletes had proven that they are among the best athletes in Asia and Pacific and among themselves they are better as compared to the normal athletes.

Malaysia is still one of the world power in the sports of Badminton ever since Malaya beat Denmark 8-1 in 1949. As Malaysians we can be proud too that we are one of the three nations in the world that has won the Thomas Cup since its inception. The other two are Indonesia and China. Kuala Lumpur had hosted the final of the Thomas and Uber Cup in 1970, 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000 and had only won once on home ground that is in 1992 after beating Indonesia 3-2.

The players who won the cup were the Sidek brothers Rashid, Jalani and Razif, Foo Kok Keong, Cheah Son Kit, Soo Beng Kiang and Kwan Yoke Meng.

FEI World Cup Show Jumping was also held at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil in 2006.

These are just a few sporting events that Kuala Lumpur had hosted. Other sporting events includes individual sports meet at Regional, Asian or World level meets that has helped bring fame to Kuala Lumpur. Extreme sports too find their activities in Kuala Lumpur such as Paintball World Cup Asia, Base Jumping.

Motor sports too has not left Kuala Lumpur as one of their competition venue and with world class F1 Circuit at Sepang, Kuala Lumpur has hosted many motor sport races throughout the year. The Tour de Langkawi cycling race too make stops in Kuala Lumpur.

Irama Warisan Kita @ Dewan Filharmonik Petronas

2009-12-07T08:44:00.001+08:00

Orchestra Fans and music lovers will be treated to another world class performance in Kuala Lumpur and the venue is non other than the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS at KLCC. The performance presented by Merdeka Award and Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra tittled Irama Warisan Kita will be presented from 11 - 13 December 2009. Tickets are priced at RM110 , RM 90, RM60, RM40 for Friday and Saturday while on Sunday at RM95, RM55 and RM25.

I picked this up from the promo postcard:

The first ever on-stage collaboration between the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra delves into the rich treasure-trove of popular Malaysian songs. Under the baton of Dato' Johari Salleh, and vocals by Aishah and Lah Ahmad, hear well-known songs like Bahtera Merdeka, Getaran Jiwa, Hijau and Cindai in a glittering showcase of the country's musical heritage. Hosted by Awal Ashaari and Deborah Henry , don't miss this extraordinary performance,onlyat Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS.

Malay Wedding Fair @ Bukit Jalil

2009-12-07T00:19:00.001+08:00

December

Its the school holidays for schools in Malaysia.

Its a time for some Christmas shopping.

Its time for parents to take leave and go for holidays with their kids.

Its time for public service staffs to finish off their yearly holiday.

Its time for growing Muslims kids to go for their compulsory bersunat or circumcision before they step into manhood a few years later.

In a month time, we are going to step into another new year. Its going to be the tenth year in millenium 2K.

And December is also feasting time for new couples. This is the best time to organize the 'kenduri' because of the school holidays and families fron far and near can get together and rekindle their family ties after sometimes being away from each others.

Wedding ceremonies is still part of the activities for those entering into family lives. From the traditional kampong style of kenduri where the whole village will come together and cooperate to organise the feast to the modern city lifestyle way of organising it, a wedding ceremony has become something an important date for parents and bride and bridegroom alike.

In those days the main director for any kenduri will be the Mak Andam but today the function of the Mak Andam is slowly being taken over by wedding ceremony planners. Planning and running a wedding ceremony is not only a Western culture or Chinese Culture in Malaysia. The Malay now too is following the footsteps by hiring wedding ceremony planners to organise their kenduri. More and more companies has been set up to organise these wedding ceremonies professionally.

At Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur there was a launching ceremony of a large scale wedding planning company to showcase what they have in store. The company Eqien Wedding Market was launched in tandem with the Jomheboh Carnival.

Kuala Lumpur A Carnival - Jomheboh At Bukit Jalil

2009-12-06T23:12:00.001+08:00

It was a fun filled weekend at National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on 5th and 6th December when Media Prima or popularly known as TV3 organised the final leg in their Jomheboh road tour. It has become an annual activity for the largest television company in Malaysia to get close to their customer. The concept of entertainment, information and economy has been incorporated. TV3 use this carnival to bring down their departments that has been entertaining their viewers to reach the streets so that fans can get to meet their TV celebrities in real person.

On the information front, Government Departments and Agencies set up booths and exhibition to relay information to the public and this one of the avenue where government agencies have their actual open day. This is a more fruitful way to reduce the gap with the public as more people will be able to visit them and get the necessary information.

MAMPU is one of the government agencies that took part.

Never missing in every Jomheboh are food products companies who sell their goods at low rates. A goodies bag full if different foodstuff and snacks were usually sold at RM10.00 per bag. It is quite a bargain when you can't get the all those for a mere RM10.00.

One of the local companies promoting their food products.

Free food sample is of course always a hot among visitors. If one were to walk around and get to taste the samples, maybe you can skip lunch. Its just like the proverb, Sedikit-sedikit, Lama-lama jadi bukit...a little bit at a time it will end up as a hill.

The final performance of the carnival is the concert on the last night. Local artists and performers gather to entertain the crowd. and all for FREE. Even though it rains earlier in the evening, it does not dampen visitors to come in droves and get themselves entertained.

One of the main sponsors for this annual carnival is Hotlink one of the major player in the mobile communication sector in Malaysia.

KL Skyscappers Shrouded In Clouds

2009-12-05T01:04:00.001+08:00

Photo on this entry can be considered rare because its not always we can see our skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur are shrouded on clouds. I had the opportunity to capture coincidentally on a few trips to the city. It's always nice to see the clouds surrounding the peak of the towers that show an effect of height.

Below: The Empire Building on Jalan Tun Razak

KLCC Park

2009-12-05T00:33:00.002+08:00

Fancy changing into your swimming costume and take a cool dip at a waterfall in the bustling city centre of Kuala Lumpur? Or change into your running attire and take a jog any time of the day within the notorious KL city traffic jam and air clogged with carbon emission from thousands of cars all the time from dawn till midnight? Maybe you want to sit down and relax with your spouse and family without being disturbed by noisy sound of car engines and honking? Well, if you have a yes for those question, come to Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Yes!........Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and I mean it. You can have all those there. Sounds wierd? No, the Malaysia Boleh concept did make it happen. There's a park within the Kuala Lumpur City Centre which was once Malaysia's popular race course.

Its considered a green lung in the heart of the city. A well planned out development not to neglect the health benefit of having green lungs in the congested Kuala Lumpur City because as most of us know trees release oxygen while absorbing Carbon Dioxide.

The park provide children's playground, man made waterfall and dipping pool, jogging track and musical fointain. Come and sit on the terrace next to Suria KLCC and feast your eyes not only on the fountain but also those cheeky mens eyes can oogle girls. Hahaha...........Notty me......

Below are some snapshots of what the park has to offer which also includes views of Petronas Twin Tower and Kuala Lumpur Tower.

Below: Part of the jogging track within the park

DBKL - Jabatan Keselamatan Dan Penguatkuasaan

2009-12-04T16:55:00.001+08:00

What do you feel when you enforcement officers from your local authority? Sense of guilt? Fear or safe? Well, surely everyone has some feelings upon having them in sight depending on your perception and/or past experiences with them. I caught up these two pictures of the enforcement officer from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall during the opening ceremony of the Blog4FT contest recently. These are people from the Jabatan Keselamatan Dan Penguatkuasaan DBKL. From my observation they look more like traffic wardens than other enforcement officers with the nature of their job that day. When I checked with DBKL's website I found out that there no more such thing as traffic warden since the unit formed on 15th July 1975 to enforce the Traffic ordinance 1958 had been dissolved and merged into one single Enforcement Directorat in July 1982. On 15th May 2006 the name was officially changed to Jabatan Keseamatan dan Penguatkuasaan.