Travel Malaysia by Road

KL oldest Lake Garden- Jalan Parlimen

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Jalan Parlimen not only important to the nation as here is The Parliament House located . It is also where a lake garden and a few parks located.

This is the answer to The Hyde Park of London. Yes... Kuala Lumpur have a few lake gardens , but this is the oldest! The different from Hyde Park is that this place is where a meseum, burd park, deer park, hibiskus garden and butterflies park located in one place.

Lake Garden is located just about 1 km from city centre. You can either walk or drive to this place.

You should walk or drive toward Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) and pass by the Bank Negara (Central Bank) and go straight toward The Parliament House.

The Lake Garden is on your left side if you are driving from Kuala Lumpur centre.

I would recommend you to come as early as 0700 hrs (weekend) if you are intending to jog here. As the parking space is quite limited as the facts that are lots of visitor to the park.

Lake Garden… the Hyde Park of Kuala Lumpur and the history…

This place known to the local as Lake Garden for many years and it was the first public park developed in this city.

It has become one of the Kuala Lumpur landmarks and you should include in your itinerary for sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur

The area covers 70 hectares and was developed since 1888 by A.R.Venning.

Situated in the valley of the Bras-Bras River, it is a beautiful area of greenery and undulating land that was demarcated until 1947 as a residential area for senior British officers of the colonial era.

Part of the river was dammed to create Sydney Lake.

The park was officially opened by the late Tun Abd Razak, the second Prime Minister on 1st May 1975. The park is located 1 km from the city centre.

A green lung strategically located near the city centre. It is surrounded by interesting buildings such as Parliament House, The National Monument all within walking distance.

Over the year, the park has expanded to an area of 92 hectares.

Is Lake Garden suitable for recreation activity?

Yes! The city folks use this park as jogging, Tai Chi practice and boating activity. This park provide washroom and shower facilities. This is very convenience to the jogger.

My daughter enjoys the shuttle service ride the most. It is a coach which pulled by vehicle similar the type which used to pull the aircraft.

As for us, we love to stroll in the park and enjoy the view of twin building, The Le Meridien and Hilton Hotel. I found the place is so relaxing despite the fact that this park is located in the middle of the metropolitan Kuala Lumpur.

You may need 2- 3 days to really visit this place. This is because apart from the Lake Garden, there are Butterfly Park, Bird Park, Mouse deer Park, and Orchid & Hibiscus Garden.

Besides these theme parks, you may want to visit Tun Razak Memorial Centre, Police Museum, Islamic Museum and National Mosque which are all located in this area.

View Larger Map

KL oldest Lake Garden- Jalan Parlimen

2009-06-01T14:00:00.002+08:00

Jalan Parlimen not only important to the nation as here is The Parliament House located . It is also where a lake garden and a few parks located.

View Larger Map

Titiwangsa Lake - Jalan Tun Razak

2009-06-01T13:58:00.003+08:00

Named after the second Prime Minister The Late Tun Abd Razak, this road are the place for a few important city leisure and facilities.There’s lake garden, theatre, library, private hospital and heart institute to name a few building along this road.

Sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur should include Titiwangsa Lake Garden. Actually, there are a few popular lake gardens in the city.

This lake garden is in the city centre itself. As you can see through the captured photos of KLCC and KL Tower.

This park is complete with jogging track, gymnasium, Muslim prayer chapel, hawker stalls and horse riding facilities too.

Not to mention a serene view of the mountains surrounded the Klang Valley. I will recommend you to visit early in the morning

It’s a place where city folks of surrounding housing area doing their morning jogs and recreational activities in the evening.

A floating restaurant served Chinese and Seafood cuisine is located near to the lake.

If you look through the Kuala Lumpur city map, you could find the monorail track here in Jalan Tun Razak.

That’s right! That is Titiwangsa Station! The first Kuala Lumpur Monorail station from the north side of Kuala Lumpur. I will write about this great Kuala Lumpur transport in the next article.

Istana Budaya

Located at near by Lake Titiwangsa, Istana Budaya is the first theatre in Asia to be equipped with state-of-the-art stage
equipment.

Built at a cost of RM210 million, the theatre has a floor area of 21,000 sq.m., and is part of a cultural complex covering 5.44 hectares

The inspiration for the design (by Malaysian architect Muhammad Kamar Yaﾒakub) is a traditional moon kite in flight.

The main building takes the form of the Sirih Junjung (a traditional arrangement of betel leaves used during Malay weddings and welcoming ceremonies). The building is divided by function as in a traditional Malay house with its three sections: the ﾑserambiﾒ (lobby and foyer), ﾑrumah ibuﾒ (mother house) as the auditorium, and the ﾑrumah dapurﾒ (kitchen) as the stage and rehearsal hall.

The interior makes extensive use of Langkawi marble, while high-quality tropical wood is used for the doors, which feature hand-carved flower and leaf motifs.The lush carpets in the foyer and lobby feature motifs based on the cempaka flower and the beringin tree (reminiscent of a traditional Mak Yong performance).

Titiwangsa Lake - Jalan Tun Razak

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The inspiration for the design (by Malaysian architect Muhammad Kamar Yaﾒakub) is a traditional moon kite in flight.

Low Yat Plaza- Jalan Bukit Bintang

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Low Yat Plaza is geographically located at latitude (3.1441 degrees) 3° 8' 38" North of the Equator and longitude (101.7101 degrees) 101° 42' 36" East of the Prime Meridian on the Map of Kuala Lumpur.

Getting there.

The Low Yat Plaza is accessible through KL Monorail, Bus and taxi. If you are staying at Park Royal Hotel or Capitol Hotel, the plaza is approximately 100 meter.
Access to Kuala Lumpur public transport is abundant in the city centre.
Take any bus that is heading toward Jalan Imbi or Bukit Bintang. The Metro and SJ bus conductor will shouts “Bukit Bintang! Lot 10! “, “Bukit Bintang! Lot 10 !“ Just hop on to these buses and you will not go wrong.

Riding a RapidKL bus, you only pay Myr 2 for a whole day bus ride with this company.

Amazing huh? Look for bus number U27, U32 or U44 to
Bukit Bintang area.

If you are riding the KL Monorail, please alight at IMBI Station. Hope you enjoy the shopping and sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur shopping guide … Low Yat Plaza

Your vacation in Kuala Lumpur is not complete without visiting the Bukit Bintang shopping area.
As you know that Bukit Bintang district is the capital of shopping centre.

Strategically located at the heart of the Bukit Bintang area in Kuala Lumpur's bustling business and shopping district this mall offered you, the techno-lifestyle centre

If you are looking cell phones download, accessories (genuine or counterfeit), pc games, desktop/laptop hardware and software.

At Low Yat Plaza a comprehensive mix and selection from a wide range of reputed brands and latest IT items - laptops and PCs, PDAs, computer games, digital cameras, scanners, projectors, home theatre systems and IT peripherals

Previous years, there were lots of pirated software and games being sold here.

However, with Malaysia government tough enforcement of piracy law, the businesses slowly vanish and some start selling legitimate goods.

I visit this place frequently, just to check latest tech gizmo and laptop.

You can even bargain with the reseller on cell phone or its accessories

In addition, there is a very nice eating outlet around this mall. I will recommend you to try out The Outback restaurant. The steak is nice and service is excellent. Other than this, you could try out Chinese food around the mall.

Kuala Lumpur Public Transport

2009-06-01T13:54:00.001+08:00

The other day I was asked to write about city. Since I have been here for more than 10 years . So, I was thinking on a topic to write...

Or what should I write...

Ahh...yes ! About the public trabsport in the city! You may wants some tips on this right?

Let see... Are you ready?

City Cab

Never negotiate with cab driver. If they try to ask for a price . Close the cab door and flag down the other one.

I always saw this happened to tourist or expatriate. And ohh... the local too. I felt ashamed of this bad conduct of the cabbies.Although they knew this will cause their taxi license being revoked by the authority.

I knew this , as I carry this type of license too.

Yes, I'm a qualified cab driver too.

I will provide some of the Kuala Lumpur taxi service numbers in other links..

But I can't say they are a good company. Because a good taxi driver make a good company image. I can't comment on that...

Bus

Should you need to ride a bus. Please choose SJ Bus or Selangor Bus. The conductors and drivers are more polite.

Other than these two... ? NO Comment ! Especially Metro bus.

If I can't write anything good, I might as well stop writing for this Metro bus...

Kuala Lumpur Monorail...

This is probably the most efficient and good public transport service provider . In fact the other rail service such Ampang Line ( Formerly known as STAR LRT) and Kelana Line ( Formerly known as Putra LRT) provide good service too.Only a word ( or rather a sentence) of caution : never ride this service during office peak hour.

Avoid morning 0700- 1000 hrs and evening 1630 - 2000 hrs ride.Other suggestion

Walking !

Yes, walking around the city. Kuala Lumpur is not a big city . The sightseeing in kuala lumpur city is best done by walking.

I will recommend doing the walking from 0700 - 1200 hours. And continue the journey from 1600- 2000 hours. This is due to the hot and humid weather of KL is not suitable for a lunch time walk...!

Well, that's all folk... I guess I should sign off now... Please leave your comment on this writing . I really appreciate it.... Bye for now!

Thean Hou and the Hainanese

2009-06-01T13:52:00.002+08:00

Why Thean Hou is significance to the Hainanese ?

The Hainanese (people originating from the island of Hainan in China) were traditionally fishermen and sailors.

They prayed to and worshipped Tian Hou for safety and protection while they were at sea. This practise has continued even though their community in Kuala Lumpur no longer goes out to sea.

The people coming to this temple for worship are from a cross section of the local Chinese population (of all walks of life and various dialects). I think this is because there is Guan Yin which worshipped by other non Hainanese Chinese.

Thean Hou Temple - The Map

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View Larger Map

Getting to Thean Hou Temple

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Getting to Thean Hou Temple …

An easy and nearest journey for sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur
Thean Hou Temple located on top of Robson Hill, off Jalan Syed Putra; you may ride a bus or take taxi to this temple.

It is located on 1.67 acres (6,760 m²) of land atop Robson Heights along Lorong Bellamy, overlooking Jalan Syed Putra

Driving to this temple is very easy; you need to drive towards Petaling Jaya via Jalan Syed Putra. Turn left into Jalan Robson or Robson Road.

After approximately 300 meter drive, watch out for the small signboard “THEAN HOU TEMPLE” on your left side.

The distance of this temple is approximately 4 km from the city centre. So sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur never been tough drive for this temple

Thean Hou Temple… a perfect place to relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur landmarks and skyline.

Driving up to this temple, I found that this is a perfect place to just sit down and relax and watch the majestic Kuala Lumpur skyline behind the spectacular pagoda roofs of the temple.

The temple belongs to and is run by the Selangor & Federal Territory Hainan Association (Persatuan Hainan Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan). This temple, built by the Hainanese community living in Kuala Lumpur is dedicated to Goddess Tian Hou (The Heavenly Mother).

The temple is very popular among newly married couples to take their wedding photos. There is also a marriage registration office here for couple to exchange their vow.

This temple said to be built more than 100 years ago in Jalan Sultan.
After years of planning and fund-raising, the ground-breaking ceremony for the new building was held on Aug 30, 1981. In 1987, the RM7mil project was completed but it was only opened for public on Sept 3, 1989

Apart from being a place of worship, the temple is also a place for cultural activities like the grand birthday celebrations for Thean Hou Goddess, Kuan Yin and the Goddess of the Waterfront, Dharma Prayers, Wesak Day, Moon cake Festival and the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration. The Thean Hou Goddess' birthday celebration at the temple is touted as the biggest ever held outside China.

The prayer hall and external feature ...

The prayer hall has 3 altars, each with a sculpture of one deity or goddess. As one enters the prayer hall, the altar on the right is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

Tian Hou is in the centre while Shui Wei Sheng Niang (the Goddess of the Waterfront) is at the left. In the middle of the hall and between the altars are two pairs of Kau Cim oracles that can be used by visitors.

The Kau Cim also known as” The Oracle of Guan Yin" in Buddhist traditions. Kau Cim is a fortune telling practice that originated in China in which the querent requests answers from a sacred oracle lot.

Despite the dedication to Tian Hou, worship of Guan Yin (or "Guan Shi-Yin") is a recurrent theme at the Thean Hou Temple.

In addition to her altar in the prayer hall, there is also a smaller statue of Guan Yin to the right of the hall, set amongst rocks and falling water. Here one can kneel and receive a blessing of water from the statue. Outside the temple at the entrance to the grounds, there is a larger statue, similarly set amongst rocks and falling water.

Other features include a Chinese Medicinal Herbs Garden, a Wishing Well as well as a Tortoise Pond.

Finally there is a large statue of the goddess opposite the temple, along with a collection of other large statues that include representations of the twelve animals of
Chinese astrology.

The decoration of the temple with elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism is a
grandiose structure and represents a successful combination of modern architectural techniques and authentic traditional design featuring imposing pillars, spectacular roofs, ornate carvings and intricate embellishments. Its grand architecture has made it a popular tourist destination.

The front entrance of the temple features a multi-arched gateway with red pillars, the color symbolic of prosperity and good fortune. Souvenir stalls and a canteen are found on the 1st level. The 2nd level houses the multi-purpose hall while offices are located on the 3rd level. The 4th level has 3 tiers and the prayer hall is located here

Thean Hou Temple - Jalan Robson

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Kuala Lumpur Monorail # 4: The Journey Part 2

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Bukit Bintang Station…The shopping start here!

You will be spoilt for choice here! From cheap imitation goods to world famous brand such as Gucci, Prada, Oris watch…
If you (or your kids) fancy some Gothic fashion, head for Bukit Bintang Plaza. There were shops sells this kind of Japanese inspired Gothic clothing. Your teenage kids will love this place.

Oh…yes! The Sungei Wang and BB Plaza is the place if you want to check out or buying latest mobile/cell phone and gadget. Don't be shy to bargain the price. You will be spoilt for choice n the range of the cells here.

No other malls come close to this place, if you are talking about the mobile/cell phone buying in Kuala Lumpur.

There are a lot of international restaurant. From Middle East to Continental. And there is friendly Finnegan Irish pub here right below the monorail track. Opposite EON Bank and a few meters from HSBC bank.

I would recommend you to try out Restaurant Sari Ratu , the Indonesian Padang cuisine is something you should try without having to step your in Indonesia. Almost authentic!

But the current restaurant trend now is more toward middle eastern. As come July to October. There will be lots of Middle Eastern tourist having their vacation here.
Food? Not a problem! Here is the capital of Kuala Lumpur fast food restaurants and lots of international outlet. The latest is Middle Eastern cuisine.

I used to love dining in this kind of restaurant too, and another of my recommendation is to have a nice meal at Naab. This is a Lebanese restaurant located opposite Lot 10 shopping centre. However a recent visit does not show the restauranr in operation anymore.

It seems not right for your family vacations in Malaysia if you did not visit this place.

Imbi Station... the capital of IT and tech gadget...

Here you could satisfy again your shopping hunger. And behind Imbi Plaza is Low Yat Plaza .
At Berjaya Times Square, there a theme park with roller coaster (yes! You read it right, a roller coaster theme park in this huge building) and IMAX Theatre

Hang Tuah Station

There is this 101 years old abandon prison which had been converted into the city police lock up. Lots of famous murderer and criminal were hanging here.

Welcome to the Pudu Prison !

The interesting about this prison is the resplendent mural on both of the outer walls which face Pudu and Hang Tuah Roads.

Ironically it was painted by the people inside this wall. It is quite an emotional feeling to learn that such a nice mural of the life and freedom .Was painted by someone who was condemned. Whoever they are. Bad or good.

It took the inmates over a year to paint using 2000 liters of paint.
From Hang Tuah Station to the last stop at KL Sentral. Take notice on some nice Buddhist and Hindu temples.

KL Sentral Station

Your last stop is here. This is Brickfield or known as little India . If you fancy curry and hot stuff. Remember this place.

My favorite restaurant would be Sri Paandi . Well from the monorail station. You have to walk on your left side form 200 meter until you see a traffic light junction.

Turn left and walk another 50 meter until you reach Sri Paandi Restaurant.

Enjoy the meal! And the ride of Kuala Lumpur Monorail

Kuala Lumpur Monorail # 3: The Journey

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Hey, not bad considering the view and place you could visit just by boarding the monorail. It is economical, fast and unique.

Do you know, it is the most cost efficient to board the monorail for a short sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur city centre. Than, paying local excursion tour.

Ok… let’s start the journey, shall we?

The first station from the north side of the line is TITIWANGSA .

The ticket price from end to end is MYR3.20. And you can buy a Touch N’ Go reload ticket. Which enables you to board any city transportation owned by RapidKL .

Chow Kit Station… the little Jakarta

You will be taken to Chow Kit Station , which famous among Indonesian immigrant.

This place sells all things Indonesian.From traditional Indonesia jamu to flight ticket and ferry ticket to Indonesia!
I used to buy my groceries here every weekend at the wet market. And they sell the cheapest fruit in the city too.

From Chow Kit Station to Medan Tuanku, get you camera prepared for which you are going to pass some of the Kuala Lumpur landmarks.

Pay attention on your right hand side, the twin tower of Maju Junction. During the crossing of a bridge before reaching Medan Tuanku station, you will be presenting of two unique city skyscrapers. The Maybank and Olympia Tower.

Bukit Nanas Station… rocks yourself hard here!

After Medan Tuanku Station, the train stopped at Bukit Nanas Station. The Hard Rock Café and Concorde are here.

You could go to PETRONAS Towers, or also known as KLCC from this station by bus or taxi. As the distance is approximately 2km.

I choose to walk; you could enjoy the sight of old building here.
On your right toward KLCC. There is this Saloma Restaurant and a theatre build by Tourism Malaysia. You could check their cultural event here.

Raja Chulan Station… This is the business, financial and hotel district of Kuala Lumpur

Most of the world renowned financial business set up their office here. Such as Bank of America, ABN-AMRO and J.P Morgan Stanley.

Every Friday afternoon from 1200 hrs onward, there are street vendor set up their stall selling food and clothing behind Affin Bank. You should check out this place for a bargain item.

Kuala Lumpur Monorail # 2: The KL Public Transport

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One of the most important Kuala Lumpur public transport is the monorail.

This monorail has two roles, to serve the public with a very convenience way of moving in the heart of this city. And do you know that the monorail is connected to KL Sentral. That is connected to Kuala Lumpur International Airport via ERL service.

And also as tourist attractions in the city as well as travel around Kuala Lumpur.

Recently I’ve got an idea of this journey to view some of the tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur through an elevated monorail track.

What is Monorail, actually?

A definition I found out in The Monorail Society define it as :

MO*NO*RAIL

n. 1. A single rail serving as a track for passenger or freight vehicles.
In most cases rail is elevated , but monorails can also run at grade, below grade or in subway tunnels.
Vehicles are either suspended from or straddle a narrow guideway . Monorail vehicles are WIDER than the guideway that supports them.
Hey, if you have interest to know more about monorail , just check out The Monorail Society website. You can be their member too.

This site clearly define what is monorail and what is not. Well, yes... The KL Monorail is the real Monorail based on this society definition... Glad to hear that huh?

Kuala Lumpur Monorail # 1 : The Photos

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Merdeka Square/ Dataran Merdeka # 1

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Merdeka Square … getting there and
the Kuala Lumpur Landmarks

Getting to Merdeka Square is very easy and accessible from all direction. This is because the square in right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur landmarks.

The field is just opposite Sultan Abdul Samad building and right beside the white building of Selangor Club. The old St. Mary church is on the north side of the field.
The 100 meter flag poles claimed to be the tallest in the world is located on the south part of this field

Merdeka Square / Dataran Merdeka # 2

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Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) and the Nation History

Dataran Merdeka or Independence Square is aptly named as this was the place where the Malayan flag was first hoisted on 31st August, 1957 marking its independence from the British Rule

The area of about 8.5 hectares of immaculately turfed field. That originally a cricket pitch in front of the Royal Selangor Club

The field is a popular meeting point for city residents; try to come in the evening and night. You will blend in with hundreds of youngsters and family get together just to watch the giant TV screen or merely socializing with friend.

The city council will block the road parallel to the field on every Saturday night. That I can see for 2 reasons. To curb illegal racing and as an attraction for city folk to enjoy the night at the field.

The flag pole of Merdeka Square and The Club

A 100-meter flagpole, the tallest in the world, marks that spot with a flat, round black marble plaque.

It is located at the southern end of the square majestically flying the national flag.
Beneath the newly re-turfed and attractively laid out Dataran Merdeka is the Plaza Putra, an underground food, leisure and entertainment complex. Over the year and after being hit by flash flood, this place is no longer in operation.

The Royal Selangor Club overlooks Merdeka Square.

This quasi-Tudor style timber structure was built in 1890 and remains a place to watch a round of cricket on a Sunday afternoon.
Also at Merdeka Square is the Royal Selangor Club, an old colonial bastion where the British elite used to wine and dine.

The club, which is still a private hangout for the upper echelons of Kuala Lumpur society.
Rumor has it say that until today the membership of the club is strictly “Gentleman” only.

However I could not verify the story as the people around this club claimed they have no knowledge of this rule.

Its Tudor-style exterior is quite a contrast to the Middle Eastern-looking Sultan Abdul Samad government building across the square, but it is nonetheless representative of Malaysia's colonial past.

Dataran Merdeka:The Sultan Abdul Samad Building

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If you turn across the road, right there sitting almost a century the clock tower of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

The witness of many country past glory and sorrow event are by far the most impressive architecture feature of the Dataran Merdeka, flanking it from one end to the other.

Like the town itself, it incorporates a wide mix of cultural styles in its architecture and in particular, Moorish styles and a blend of Moghul, Arab and British neoclassical architecture.
Designed by architects A.C. A. Norman and Bidwell, the building took more than two years to build.

In fact Norman was a senior government architect of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Malaya between 1883 and 1903, may not be well known to most Malaysians.

However his notable buildings in Kuala Lumpur, particularly near Merdeka Square such as the majestic Sultan Abdul Samad Building (1894-97), St. Mary's Church (1894), Selangor Club Building (1890) are significant to many including tourists.

St Mary Church- Dataran Merdeka

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I have to remind you all this place is a walking distance from each other. Parking space for vehicle is limited. So, I suggest you just put on your sandal or a pair of shoes and just walk to this field without worrying about car parking.

The Anglican St. Mary's Church was built in 1894 at the north side of Merdeka Square, on land originally occupied by the stables of the nearby Selangor Club.

The church was designed in the early Gothic style that features flying buttresses on the outside of the octagonal nave, stained glass tracery windows, pinnacles, pointed arches and crenellated parapet. It builds by A.C.A Norman.

In the old days, the church was the second social centre for the Anglican community in Kuala Lumpur after the Club.

Some interesting history of the church…

The original St. Mary's Church was consecrated by the Right Revd George Frederick Hose, the Bishop of Singapore, Labuan & Sarawak, on February 13, 1887.

The original structure of the church was built from wood along Bluff Road on top of a hill that is now known as Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur where the headquarters of the Royal Malaysian Police is now located.

It served as the centre for worship and spiritual life for the small group of Anglicans around Kuala Lumpur at that period.

Notable parishioners of the church in that period include the British Residents of Selangor, W.H. Treacher and F.A. Swettenham (later Resident-General of the Federated Malay States and Governor of the Straits Settlements).

According to historical fact…

A competition was held by the church management committee to obtain the design for the rebuilt sanctuary. Unfortunately none of the designs submitted were considered good enough.
I wonder how the unsuccessful design was looks like and why it was not acceptable.
It is finally fell upon the shoulders of the Government architect, A.C. Norman, yes! Our brilliant architect comes to the rescue!

Mr. Norman was to propose a design based on Early English Gothic architecture that won general approval. I always love this simple yet elegant and serve its purpose building this church has.

The church building consist of a nave 87 feet long by 28 feet wide, a chancel of 29 feet long by 22 feet wide with octagonal end, vestry and organ chamber. The nave of the church can accommodate a congregation of 180 people and the chancel, a choir of 20.

Dataran Merdeka- The Surrounding

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Cameron Highlands-Tips for toddler

2009-03-28T00:52:00.002+08:00

Tips for traveling long distance with toddler.

~ Stop often for your toddler to run around. This will keep your toddler boredom at bay.
~ Dress your toddler in comfortable clothes, such as pajamas. Please no party dress , there no one is going to admire your toddler “cuteness” in a moving car.
~ Here is the list to go twice: food, diapers, medicines, wipes, baby formula and even an extra change of clothes. Yes! Your toddler did not get the title Little Princess or Prince “ for nothing

Cameron Highlands-Driving Tips

2009-03-28T00:49:00.004+08:00

Here is a little bit driving that I would like to share with you.
~ if you are traveling with toddler, do stop every 2 hours journeys. This is to avoid your baby getting motion sickness. Just like what happened to our baby.
Be very slow, I mean at the speed of 20-30 km/hour if you travel with baby who prone to motion sickness. It is better for you to let others passed you than having to attend to your sick toddler on vacation.

A very non practical thing to handle this situation is to heading back to Simpang Pulai Toll Plaza, even if it is a detour for you to drive back to Kuala Lumpur.

The road is less narrow and winding or steep to drive.
~ Always use lower gear and if you are alone or traveling with 2 persons and more. It is better to drive a car with the engine capacities of 1500 cc and above.

The steep slope will make your driving more easily with a bigger engine capacities car.

However, this does not mean lower engine capacities car will not be good to climb the hill. As my car is only 1300cc. basically any car could climb this hill. It’s just a little bit slower to negotiate the winding and steep slope with a smaller car.

~ be very alert for oncoming vehicle while over taking a car in front of you. I will suggest you to be very patient with the slower driver. As different people do have a different driving experience and skill.

Anyway, what’s the rush? You here to enjoy the picturesque Cameron Highlands so wind down your screen and enjoy the breeze of this highland.

You would not want any tragedy on your memorable vacation, right? So drive carefully and enjoy the place!

~ it is a good practice to honk your horn whenever approaching the corner of the hill. This is to alert the oncoming driver.

Cameron Highlands-Getting there…

2009-03-28T00:45:00.006+08:00

Cameron Highlands never failed us with her beauty. One of the best Pahang attractions that you would never want to left out of your travel itinerary.

We decided to try out two different routes, as suggested in cameron-highland-destination.com website. Many thank to Jan Leow, for providing such an extensive info about routing to Cameron Highlands.

Kuala Lumpur –Simpang Pulai- Cameron Highlands.

The Simpang Pulai Toll Plaza in located near Ipoh, the capital city of Perak. If you are driving from the north part of Malaysia, Simpang Pulai will be your gateway to Cameron Highlands.

However, driving from the south especially from Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur, you will bypass Tapah Toll Plaza and enter through this exit.
Total distance: approximately 192.90 km from Kuala Lumpur city (enter at Jalan Duta Toll Plaza) to Simpang Pulai Toll Plaza.

If you are driving at the speed of approximately 100-110 km/hour through out the 90 % of the journey. You shall reach Simpang Pulai Toll Plaza in about 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Once you had exited from the toll plaza, takes the turn to the right after the traffic light. You will drive straight about 50 meters and turn right at the traffic light.

The journey towards Cameron Highlands will takes about 1 hour of beautiful valley and mountains scenery.

The drive here is easier and you will have the opportunity to over take other vehicles at certain stretch of double lane.
This route is the best to follow through, if you have a toddler who is prone to motion sickness. And I find the driving is shorter than the Tapah route.

Turn right at the junction with the signboard showing Kuala Terla/Kampung Raja and you are on your way to Cameron Highlands!

Cameron Highlands – Tapah- Kuala Lumpur
Total distance: approximately 153 km from Tapah Toll Plaza to Kuala Lumpur city ( exit at Jalan Duta Toll Plaza)
This route is for south bound traveler, to travel back to Kuala Lumpur. It is challenging and requires patience to navigate the road. You will encounter lots of trucks, bus and reckless drivers here!
The route prone to land slide and required a very attentive eyes.
Nevertheless, I always enjoy shopping at the aborigines huts who sell wild orchid and petai or I guess its call stinking edible green pod in English.

Pahang: Lata Iskandar

2009-03-28T00:34:00.005+08:00

~Getting to Lata Iskandar.
Lata Iskandar Waterfall is accessible from Tapah Toll Plaza and it is half way to reach Ringlet, Cameron Highlands.
Total distance: approximately 153 km from Kuala Lumpur city (exit at Jalan Duta Toll Plaza) to Tapah Toll Plaza.

The drive from toll plaza is about an hour to reach this waterfall.

There is no proper parking space here. All you need to is find a safe parking “space” because the waterfall is located at the road.

I will suggest visiting this waterfall during weekday or non school holiday.
It is challenging and requires patience to navigate the road. You will encounter lots of trucks, bus and reckless drivers here!

The route prone to land slide and required a very attentive eyes.

Nevertheless, I always enjoy shopping at the aborigines huts who sell wild orchid and petai or I guess its call stinking edible green pod in English.

~The waterfall , Lata Iskandar
I suspect this is not the only waterfall in Cameron Highlands. While driving up to the highlands, you will notice that there are quite a number of small stream gushing through the slope.
The waterfall is over 30 meters high, a near vertical cascade, preceded by another two more cascades on top. This waterfall is one of many river branches which form the mighty Pahang River
On top of the large cascade, the waterfall starts as a spillover from a man made barricade. This basin at the top of the waterfall was originally designed for the collection of drinking water. You could see its traces.
Lata Iskandar has a multi-tiered fall and bathing pools at the base of each tier. Its surrounding jungle is home to one of the largest variety of exotic insect and plant life in the world.
The wading pool is suitable for family to bath the kids.
The more energetic could do the 3 minutes hike up the cemented steps to the top of the falls. The path is cemented to the second cascade, but it is not recommended to bring your kids or toddler up there.
This is because the step was slippery after rain and lot of mosquitoes too.
There is a bridge across the stream for visitor to enjoy the cascade. However there is no sufficient area for your BBQ! So, forget about bringing your own stove.

Near the base of the falls, a handicraft bazaar sells exotic handicrafts of the aborigines and beautifully crafted traditional earthenware pottery.
Other amenities include food stalls and restrooms.

A row of stalls serving drinks and snacks have been set up nearby for the convenience of the people who stop to enjoy the sight of Iskandar waterfalls.
If you are planning to visit Pahang and Cameron Highlands, don’t forget to stop by this Lata Iskandar.
This waterfall is one of the finer and more impressive examples of nature that is easily accessible to most people

Pahang: Cameron Highlands :The History...

2009-03-26T02:26:00.007+08:00

Getting there…

History
Cameron Highlands was named after William Cameron, a British surveyor who stumbled across the plateau in 1885 during a mapping expedition. Failing to mark his discovery on the map, the location of the plateau was a finally confirmed by subsequents expeditions.

In 1925, Sir George Maxwell visited the highlands and decided to develop it as a hill station. A development committee was then formed which functioned until 1931. During this time, the winding road up to the highlands was constructed and this enormous task was done entirely by manual labour.

Once the road was constructed, wealthy residents and British government officials started building retreats on the slopes of the highlands. Later some settled here permanently and a business community developed. Farming was the main activity at that time. A permanent British army base was also established soon after that.

In 1929, John Archibald Russell, who was the son of a British administrative officer started a tea plantation which is now the famous Boh Tea Plantation. The highlands had developed successfully until the outbreak of World War II. After the war, the British returned to administer the highlands. Development continued even after the independance from the British in 1957.

Sources: http://www.cameronhighlands.com/Destination_Guide/History/History/

Behrang Rest & Service Area, PLUS Expressway

2009-03-08T15:50:00.001+08:00

PLUS Expressway over the years had improved their facilities based on road user feedback. And it always never failed to surprise me with their effort to make this expressway something we should proud of ...err... minus the the toll rates!

If you're travelling southbound to Kuala Lumpur. Don't forget to stop the Behrang Rest and Service Area.

Try out this outlet, TUU...DIA PAK TAM. This place sell Northern Malay Delicacy. I tried out the nasi kandar and my wife with her Kueh Tiaw Soup... And it's yummy... With black coffee and sirap bandung. The price is MYR15.50. Not bad...

With the ever smilling staff and the cleanliness of this place I don't mind to pay this price.It's very easy to spot them. Just after entering the rest area, you will find this AGRO BAZAAR. The outlet is just inside these fruit stalls.

Selangor Satay at Kajang

2009-03-07T05:08:00.003+08:00

Location: Beside Jalan Timur traffic light on the left.

Landmark: Big Blue Courts Mammoth Building near Kajang Plaza

What is Satay?: Satay or sate is a dish consisting of diced or sliced chicken, goat, mutton, beef, pork or fish; the more authentic version uses skewers from the midrib of the coconut leaf, although bamboo skewers are often used. These are grilled or barbecuedd over a wood or charcoal fire, then served with various spicy seasonings.

Satay may have originated in Java, Indonesia, but it is also popular in many other Southeast Asian countries, such as: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnamm as well as in The Netherlands which was influenced through its former colonies.
Satay is a very popular delicacy in Indonesia and Malaysia; Indonesia’s diverse ethnic groups’ culinary art (see Cuisine of Indonesia) have produced a wide variety of satays. In Indonesia, satay can be obtained from a travelling satay vendor, from a street-side tent-restaurant in an upper-class restaurant, or during traditional celebration feasts.

In Malaysia, satay is a popular dish - especially during celebrations - and can be found throughout the country. A close analogue in Japan is yakitori. shish kebab from Turkey, chuanr from China and sosatie from South Africa are also similar to satay

After not so good experience with Satay Samuri in Kajang . We decided to try out another outlet in Kajang. After all Kajang does not get the name " City of Satay" for nothing.

The smell of satay is everywhere in this small town of Selangor state.

Well, the service is fast and the satay taste better ! Minus the drink which I guess very normal in Malaysia eating outlet. You can a good meal but the drink is not always nice.

Anyway, I'm happy with this satay , as it is really taste like satay!

Food # 1: Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa, Ampang

2009-01-28T11:36:00.003+08:00

What is Nasi Lemak?

This is Malaysia favorite morning breakfast cooked in coconut milk, with pandan leaves and even ginger or a stalk of lemon grass. Nasi Lemak is available on almost every street corner and in almost every local-themed restaurant, served with everything from chicken to beef to cuttlefish

In Indonesia, this similar method of cooking called Nasi Uduk. However my wife told me in Palembang , Sumatra, this dish also called Nasi Lemak! Hmm....

Traditionally, this comes as a platter with cucumber slices, small dried anchovies (ikan bilis), roasted peanuts, stir fried water convolvulus (locally called kangkong), hard boiled egg, pickled vegetables (acar) and hot spicy sauce (sambal).

Traditionally most of these accompaniments are spicy in nature.

A few years back, I have my best in life Nasi Lemak in Kampung Baru , Kuala Lumpur. The Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa. Nothing come close! You have to literally que up to buy it! And it create a traffic jam surrounding the are.

Recently they have opened a branch in a cafe styled outlet in Ampang. So , I decided to bring my wife along. With a good story about this nasi lemak that I had in their original roadside stall in Kampung Baru.

Upon, setting down ourselves in the cafe. Here comes the menu! The list is full of mouth watering topping!

But our hunger was immediately shot down with non existent topping. Their excuse is "Ohh the dishes is not readied yet!" The cafe opened for business at 0830 hrs... And we reached at 1000hrs....The waitress have a cheek to tell us " the dishes is not readied yet..."

At last , we have to settled with "sambal kerang" which we could get it from roadside stall. All everything is sweet and sour. From the spicy souce (sambal) to the sambal kerang!

The rice? It does not have the taste of coconut milk and pandan leaf but the smell of wooden on our plate of rice.

We left the place with a dissapointed feeling , plus a slow service. And we noticed others patron left the table with rice on their plate too!

On the same night, we drive passed the originally roadside stall in Kampung Baru....And it was jam packed as usual. But we did not stop as there was no place to park our car...

Guide to Kuala Lumpur International Airport ( KLIA)

2008-12-29T19:23:00.001+08:00

Street Wise : Part 2

2008-12-18T02:30:00.002+08:00

Street Wise

~split up your valuables.

Your cash and credit card should not be in the same place. I always have a few of my credit cards in a few places. So do my cash. It’s safer and surely prevents me from overspending….

~Keep a separate record of your entire traveler’s cheques, travel documents, credit cards, licenses, etc.

If you do lose your bag or wallet, this will greatly simplify reporting, cancellation and replacement. If you have access to a photocopier, make a few copies.

~Never have both hands full of parcels when walking the streets

~travel in a well lit area. Main road, please. Do not walk in to the back lane. No matter how well lit it is. Ask local, which areas are they normally avoided.

~as for Kuala Lumpur avoid hanging around the back lane of Puduraya, Bukit Bintang and Chow Kit area, especially at night.

Unless you are looking for something out of ordinary “item” there.

~be careful pick pocketing and purse snatching. "Snatch-thefts" are usually carried out by assailants on motorbikes who snatch bags, cellular phones and other items from pedestrians and then speed off.

~ Always walk facing the direction of incoming traffic.

~Women should carry their purse across the shoulder, don't leave your pocketbook, briefcase or camera unattended while you visit the buffet at a busy restaurant

~don't count your money in the open. If you need to withdraw cash from ATM, go to the most well lit and lot of passerby.

Or this is what I usually do. … Withdraw the cash only in the daylight. If it is large amount (say more than USD 500), I will go to the cashier.

~ Always keep your valuables in the in-room safe or hotel safety box and so on.

~It’s advisable to limit credit cards only to major establishments such as large hotels. Upon check out, make sure the staff showed the receipt or tear off your earlier deposit (if any) booking slip and ask when will the hotel process your refund.

~Beware of "sob story”. Scam artists will tell you of their stories with to con you some money or all of your money! They can be another traveler, a monk, a bogus refugee under UNHCR protection.

Amazing!

I always pretend that I too in the need of some cash and lost my way back to the ostel/country/hometown…etc…etc. If approached by this conman. I seeing their irritating face and walk out of me.

Hilarious!

~Lost? Need help? Look for our friendly tourist police officer. They can be easily recognized by their checkered hat bands, dark blue shirts and trousers, and the letter "I" (for information). Or just approach any of them. The policemen wear dark blue uniform. And their vehicle mark as “POLIS”.

~Except traffic police who wear white shirt and black pant.

~I have seen most of the tourist have a hard time reading their travel book. Ask us! Most people also speak English in case you find yourself in trouble.

Street Wise : Part 1

2008-12-18T02:27:00.002+08:00

Business Hour and Currency

~Shopping complex

Usually operate from 1000 to 2200 hours seven days a week. A hyper market Tesco in Selayang which near Batu Caves open from 0800- 0000 hours

~Banking hours are from 0930 – 1600 hrs on weekday only. The banks business closed on Saturday and Sunday.

I think this is due to the advancement on IT technology in Malaysia.

Most banks have internet facilities for the convenience of their customer to do business online.

~Government offices are open from 8.00 am to 4.15pm weekdays.

Most government offices are closed 12.00 noon to 2.00pm for lunch Monday-Thursday.

Government offices are closed between 12.15pm to 2.45pm on Fridays for prayers at the mosque.

So, if you need to visit Malaysia Immigration, please adhere to this working hour.

Currency

~local currency is called Malaysia Ringgit. Well sometimes the local called it dollars. Not sure why. But do not pay in whatever country’s dollar. They mean ringgit.

~1 ringgit is divided into 100 cents or sen (yes, pronounce as “cent” in English) as the local called it.

~Bank notes, the ringgit are denominated units of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20 seldom use), $50 and $100.

~the coins are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 1 ringgit . However, as of 1st April 2008. 1 cent coin is not in circulation anymore. Do not accept any change in the denomination
~Money exchange is easily available as there are plenty of money changers and banks in the city centre.

~Be advised that banks do charge a commission but not money changers, however their rates will definitely vary from one to another.

~Do your research on the current rates before using the money changers. And always ask for a receipt while doing transaction with them. Some tend to shorthand you.~All major brands of travelers’ cheques and cash in major currencies are readily accepted in Kuala Lumpur.

~Credit cards are also widely accepted by all hotels, banks, most big departmental stores and restaurants. Do note that some retailers add an extra 2-3% surcharge for the privilege of using plastic.

Kuala Lumpur Taxi

2008-12-18T02:22:00.002+08:00

Malaysia Travel Tip… Let’s start with Taxi...

Malaysia travel tip is guideline for your safety. It’s a general rules with a little bit of local twist (flavor?) that I will share with you.

Taxi

Travel by public transport is generally considered as safe in Kuala Lumpur and other cities but common sense and normal precautions should be observed.

~When boarding taxis, always request the meter be turned on or agree a fare at the commencement of a trip.

~If a taxi driver refuses to comply with this arrangement, take down particulars of the cab displayed on the dashboard before you leave the vehicle.

~Unprofessional behavior by taxi drivers should be reported to the Road Transport Department (RIMB), telephone: (603) 423 6599 or to Federal Organization of the Malaysian Consumer's Association (FOMCA), telephone: (603) 728 2555.

Gombak :Aborigine Museum/Photos

2008-12-13T11:49:00.003+08:00

Gombak # 3:Aborigine Museum/Senoi Praaq

2008-12-13T11:43:00.002+08:00

The Senoi Praaq ( The Fighting People)

Once inside the main building or gallery, I was stunned by the red beret figurine from the display

Its brought me my childhood memory of this strong battalion of army.
Well, they carried automatic rifle ,hand grenade, a big back pack. Wooow! Awesome! “ are you fighting in the jungle , sir? Hey , thanks for the chocolate”

I remembered , they always board the train halfway in the jungle. And alight halfway through the jungle railway track too. The soldier were very friendly always gave me chocolate. My salute to them !
Back to the reality of today…

Actually this terms refer to 2 battalions of Police Jungle Troop or was also known as Police Field Force. The Malay term is PASUKAN POLIS HUTAN.
This is the most important contribution by the aborigines which formed the majority of the force to the security of Malaysia during its infancy of nation building.

There were 2 version of what I heard about the formation of this unit.

The Senoi Praaq is a Malaysian special forces unit originally created in 1956 by the British colonial authorities to fight communism during the Malayan Emergency.

Senoi Praaq inception as a private army and its subsequent development into an affiliate of the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) in this fast paced and often graphic account of irregular warfare as it applies to counterinsurgency.

The unit began as a creature of British Military Intelligence and fought in the deep jungle as Special Air Service (SAS) proteges, eventually replacing the latter upon Malaysian independence from Great Britain.

The "official" version that I gathered at the museum was this...

The force was form in 1957 to help fighting the insurgent , the Communist Party of Malaya who was terrorizing in the jungle of Malaysia.

They were trained and given the modern weapon and communication technology of that time to help the main army force to fight the communist.
There were a lot of undocumented story about their bravery which I heard as child . And I believed the nation owed this unsung heroes a lot.

Today the unit remains under arms and heads up a large paramilitary apparatus maintained in conjunction with conventional military forces.
The Senoi Praaq is a unique fighting force upon which Malaysia may rely to preserve her sovereignty

The Gallery

You could find a very interesting part of Malaysia culture here . The gallery was sufficient in providing the basic knowledge of the aborigines.

There is this clothes made of tree barks and leaves. Before the process begin the tree bark was soak in the water to soften it .The aborigines use a basic special tool to beat the tree bark which was eventually expanded and become a cloth.

A the design of this costumes nothing short of a resemblance of our modern pajamas. Hmm… I wonder who was the inventor of the pajamas…?

Besides this , you will be shown the music equipment ,hunting equipment and the sculpture of worship from various tribe of the aborigine of Malaysia.

Not much can be seen on the weapon section. As the aborigine are the peace loving people .

They will only fight to defend their tribe ( which was very rare) . Thus they only invented a basic spear and axe for self defend. But they were not short of hunting equipment and animal trap!

Gombak # 2 : Getting to Aborigine Museum

2008-12-13T11:38:00.002+08:00

The museum is approximately 30 km from Kuala Lumpur city centre. There were 2 routes to reach there .

Either you drive toward Islamic International University ( UIAM) and drive straight toward Jalan Bentong.

Or you could follow this much easier routes.

~From city centre, drive north toward Batu Caves via Jalan Ipoh. ~ after the flyover of Batu Caves you could see the big standing gold statue of Lord Muruga on your left)
~look for the sighboard Muzium Orang Asli in brown color.
~follow the signage and keep left , as not to drive into the expressway lane toward Genting Highland.
~ keep an eye on the brown signboard “ Muzium Orang Asli” until you come into a traffic light junction.
~ turn right toward Bentong direction. Follow the sign read “ BENTONG”.
~You can see the shop houses and small restaurant along the road. The road name is Jalan Bentong.
~ you bypass a signboard of “ Kampung Sungai Salak” on your left and there is a river ( a stream, you can call it ) on your left side. Besides a few big nice bungalow.
~ slow down your vehicle once you see a big pink hospital building set up by the Aboriginal Affair Dept. And you won’t miss the place as it is near a bus stop.
~ the museum is on you right side of the hill. Once you turned right , you will pass through a few houses.There is a blue Minangkabau pointed roof of a kinder garden.
~ on the right , there you are …

WELCOME TO MUSEUM!

Open everyday ,except Friday.
Visting hour : 0900 – 1700 hour
The official website is :www.jheoa.gov.my

By the way, you can ride the RapidKL bus number U12 from Kl Monorail Titiwangsa station.

Gombak # 1: Aborigine Musuem

2008-12-13T11:36:00.002+08:00

Aborigines Museum is located in Gombak, Selangor .

The place in quiet and very nice. You will need to passed the villages before reaching this place. Which I think it should add as part of Selangor tourism promotion.

Though it is a small museum with a very basic info on the Aborigines of Malaysia I believed this is very important part of Malaysia culture on how these people survive the test of the time in the jungle.

The museum is also a proof that people of Malaysia owed the peace and security of this nation to the aborigines.
You should read on about 2 battalions of aborigines fighting the insurgent during 1950’s and 1980’s

Ok , let’s go to the museum

Once reach the museum entrance you will see the craft centre and will be greeted by the friendly staff there .

Here you will be shown the handicraft of the aborigines . It was nice and neat . But sadly there were no sufficient promotion to the arts of aborigines in Malaysia.

Putrajaya # 3: Map

2008-12-12T01:31:00.001+08:00

View Larger Map

Putra Mosque # 4 : Dress Code

2008-12-12T01:10:00.003+08:00

Dress code to enter a mosque.

For a man:

~ any shirt is not a problem.

~please pay attention on your pants. Ankle level long trouser is a must to enter the place.
For the lady:
~ any head scarf to cover your hair is a must.
~ please wear clothes that cover your wrist (long sleeve shirt) and skirt or pants should be ankle length.
However, the good news is, robes to cover your head and body is provided at this mosque.

Best time to visit this mosque is in the evening as it is more cooling . Besides more people will visit the Putrajaya Square around this time.

Most of them bring drinks and foods here, which created the picnic atmosphere at this place.

Putra Mosque # 3 : The Courtyard

2008-12-12T01:05:00.002+08:00

The courtyard can provide another 2000 worshippers.

The "Sahn" or courtyard is landscaped with decorative water features and bordered by colonnades. The minaret is 116m tall - the tallest in the region.

The building was constructed mainly with rose-tinted granite, offset by brown-stained cengal woodwork to enhance the decorative features on the doors, windows and panels.

Besides the function as a place of worshipping. Putra mosque has a library with 10193 book, dining hall and lecture hall.

Putra Mosque # 2: Praying Hall

2008-12-12T01:01:00.003+08:00

The Prayer Hall is simple and elegant and supported by 12 columns that prop up the 36-meter diameter main dome.
I like the simplicity of this hall. As it’s not too distracting with luxurious crystal chandelier which some mosque has to try to outdo each other.

The mimbar (pulpit) and mehrab (niche that denotes the direction of Mecca) are adorned with khat or Islamic calligraphy
The main prayer hall can accommodate up to 10,000 peoples which divided into 2 levels. The first level is reserved for female worshippers.

Putra Mosque # 1 : Putrajaya Central Mosque

2008-12-12T00:54:00.003+08:00

Putra Mosque / Masjid Putra

Putra Mosque the pink building is opposite Perdana Putra.

The Putra Mosque is the biggest mosque in Putrajaya, and one of its most prominent landmarks. Sitting as if afloat on Putrajaya Lake. From the Cruise Terminal this place reminds you to somewhere in Turkey or an old Indian Muslim Palace.

Putra Mosque is named in honor of our former and first Prime Minister of Malaysia Almarhum (The Late) Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al–Haj.
It is one of the top symbols in Putrajaya which is located beside ‘Dataran Perdana’ and in front of ‘Putrajaya Lake’.

The construction of this mosque began in June 1997 at the cost of MYR 250 million. It took 2 years to complete the building of the mosque.

This mosque was build based on two concepts which are ‘Middle East’ and ‘Malay Tradition’.
Putra Mosque's Islamic-architecture artistically blends traditional designs, local craftsmanship and the use of indigenous materials.

Incorporating Malaysian, Persian and Arab-Islamic architectural designs, the main entrance to the mosque is fashioned in the likeness of public building gates in Muslim Persia.

Putrajaya # 5 : Perdana Putra

2008-12-12T00:38:00.002+08:00

Perdana Putra ... the Prime Minister Office

This is it! The landmark of Putrajaya to the world!

Hmm... This building located on the 50m hill overlooking the square. Perdana Putra is a six storey building comprising the Main Block and flanked by the East and West Wings.

The Prime Minister's Office is located at the Central Main Block and is distinguished by the distinctively topped main dome design that resembles the Zahir Mosque in Alor Setar, Kedah. I think our former Premier Tun Dr. Mahathir missed his hometown !

It is the main Federal Administrative Building. With the natural stone clad building and its green pitched roof and onion-shaped main dome, surrounded by four smaller domes forms the distinctive land mark of Putrajaya.

Now the fact of this building . According to the info here , it says… yes I’m not the guess of this place yet. Hence I have to rely on the info given.

The West Wing
Consists of offices of the Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers and Deputy Ministers as well as Parliamentary Secretaries in the Prime Minister's Department. The Malaysian Industries-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and Advisory Board are also located here.

The East Wing
This is where the offices of the Chief Secretary to the Government, Cabinet Divisions and the Implementation and Coordination Unit (ICU).

Dataran Perdana

The Prime Minister welcomes the Head of States and Head of Governments from other countries, here . During the welcoming ceremony, the National Anthem will be played followed by the inspection of the Guard of Honours

Laman Perdana
This is where the guests are introduced to the cabinet ministers, foreign dignitaries, and government and public officials.

Note: The prime minister have yet to invite me there, so I don't have the photos for these places... ha...ha...ha...

Putrajaya # 4:Cruise Tasik Putrajaya

2008-12-12T00:35:00.002+08:00

Cruise Tasik Putrajaya.... Venice and Paris of Malaysia with local taste.

Ok....the address:
Cruise Tasik Putrajaya,
Jetty Putra, Jambatan Putra,
Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya, Malaysia.

According to info I have here .This is a 400 hectare man made lake which act as climate moderator.

Amazing!

Located at opposite the Prime Minister ( Perdana Putra) office or beside the Putrajaya Mosque. Just take the staircase down to the lake area.

You will find this cruise centre with restaurant. The restaurants serve international and local food. I noticed some franchise outlet open here too.

If you like spicy chicken, try Nando's Peri-Peri while enjoying the lake view.
The photographer favorite spot. Facing the lake , you could enjoy the view of one of the magnificent suspension bridge here. And on your right is the majestic Putra Mosque.

Getting to the Cruise Tasik Putrajaya is very easy.

After a few minutes drive from Putrajaya entrance. You will notice 2 directions.
~One is "Alamanda" signboard on the right.
~drive straight toward "Precinct 1 /Perdana Putra"
~follow the sign show "Perdana Putra" with a few turns and you shall see to massive square of Putrajaya! And the pink mosque.

There were 3 type of water transportation you could choose from.

~The Dondang Sayang Perahu:
this is the open air gondola seat approximately 6 people and operates by 1 boatman. You will hear the traditional "Dondang Sayang" tune while in the gondola.
Not suitable for your naughty little one who under 3 year old.
The charge: MYR20 for adult and Myr12 for kid (2-12 years old)

~Daun Dining Cruise Boat:
offers a unique dining experience on board a luxury boat. Seating capacity 36 paxs in a dinner set up.

I think this package perfectly suited for exclusive corporate or social functions.
The cruise boat is available by private charter for lunch, tea, cocktail and dinner gatherings as well as on-board karaoke sessions. Hmm...Singing in the middle of the lake ...huh? Hope the fish like it!

~Belimbing Passenger Cruise:
the boat built specifically to carry passengers on a sightseeing cruise around Putrajaya Lake.
It is designed with wraparound windows arching from armrest level to ceiling.
So that you will have a clear and unobstructured view of the lake. This leisure cruise takes a scenic route through most Putrajaya’s stunning landmarks.
And there is a tourist who will run a comment.

Putrajaya

2008-12-12T00:32:00.001+08:00

Getting To Putrajaya

Well... there are a few routes to Putrajaya. If you have never been to this city, I will suggest to follow the normal route which used by most of the driver.

~Drive towards south into North-South Expressway (aka PLUS Highway) heading and entering the Sg Besi Toll Plaza.
~approximately 20 minutes, you will find a green signboard read "SERDANG/ UPM”.
~drive toward and exit at Serdang /UPM toll plaza.
~follow the Putrajaya signboard on the left hand side.
You will found a very beautiful research farm of UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia) on your left side on the way to Putrajaya.

Putrajaya # 2 :How Putrajaya become a city ?

2008-12-12T00:24:00.001+08:00

How Putrajaya become a city ?

Putrajaya has been in the government planning for almost 20 years. So, I guess it is unfair to think that it was recently a “ pop up” idea by the leader.

Interestingly the government of that time was searching for a new administrative centre in the 1980s to disperse some development away from Kuala Lumpur. A site called Prang Besar in the district Sepang was chosen for this purpose.

The project is named after the country’s first Prime Minister, YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj. Construction of the new city began in August 1995, and is now targeted for completion by 2015

It is expected that most of the Federal Government agencies will have moved to Putrajaya by 2010.

Putrajaya Corporation was set up and has been given this mammoth task to develop this city from merely a palm oil plantation and forest . When the city is fully developed, it will have a

population of around 320,000 and 64,000 housing units ( trust me, I love the real estate there).

While Kuala Lumpur will remain as the country’s capital city as well as premiere financial and commercial centre, Putrajaya will play the role of the new Federal Government Administrative Center.

Where is Putrajaya ?

Putrajaya sits on a magnificent 4,931 hectares of land within the Multimedia Super Corridor. It is located 35km south of Kuala Lumpur and 20km north of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Being served by a network of highways, it is highly accessible from all parts of the country.
As you can see from this Putrajaya location map * add Google map here
You can reach this city from here in about half an hour by car.

If drive from south of Malaysia or the city of Johor Bharu. It might take you 3 hour which means about 300km.

This city is in the district of by Sepang; remember f1 and Kuala Lumpur International Airport?
Cyberjaya the city of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), the Bukit Jalil Commonwealth Sport Complex are a few prominent names to visit if you are planning to go to Putrajaya.

The Putrajaya itself have a few interesting place to visit.

About 40% of Putrajaya is natural. Lush greenery, botanical gardens are spread across the landscape enhanced by large bodies of water and wetlands.
You would need 1 to 3 days to really enjoy the place and its surrounding.
I recommend to put up a stay for a day or two at Putrajaya Marriot or Shangri la Hotel Putrajaya. You could rent some other hotel in Sepang area too.

Putrajaya # 1: Have you been to Putrajaya?

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About Putrajaya

My wife and I were initially not really interested to travel to Putrajaya. At the first visit , this city does not impress us much. The city look deserted and chilly . The city looks city something out of “ DAY AFTER TOMMOROW” scene. Quiet and spooky.

Perhaps it was our unplanned stopover at this city and we found no activities here.

However, one day we had planned to visit this city again after watching a TV program about Putrajaya. What a surprise ! We did not notice a lot of things on the first visit.

Now , this is something I’m working out to tell the world about this futuristic city. We found out that it is always changing and you would need 3 days 2 nights to explore the place.

Ampangan Batu :The Clips

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Bagan Lalang # 3 : The Map

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Bagan Lalang # 2 :The Journey

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On our way back from Port Dickson. We decided not to drive through expressway ( protest!).

Actually, my wife wanted to see the traditional village along the coast of Selangor. Hmm... why not. As we drive and enjoying the scenery... I decided to drive to Bagan Lalang .A place that we heard nice for the seafood.

The place is very ordinary and nothing so special about it. Besides,the recently new resort project site had really make this place lost its natural attraction. We drive further and found that this place is near the river mouth of Sungai Sepang Besar ( as I still could recall).

The small fishing village in Bagan Lalang is also located along Sungai Sepang Besar so a ride upstream takes visitors past the pier where the fishermen leave their boats during the day and small platforms on stilts can be seen filled by anglers especially during the weekend.

The boatmen are often quite obliging if the visitors request that they slow down or stop to allow them to take photos of the fishermen.

Shutterbugs would also find mangrove trees that seem to stand on their roots, the sampan lined up along the pier at Sungai Sepang Besar and the sunset over the sea are equally pleasing to capture on film.

The beach area is a big attraction and large crowds gather during the weekend for family picnics while city folks often take the chance to stay a night or two at the nearby hotel or chalets.

Hey...there is this Hotel Seri Malaysia. I have a good experience with hotel in Kuala Trengganu. I do hope they have the same standard here.

In the case of those on a shoestring budget holiday and those simply looking for a more adventurous outing, the night can be spent quite comfortably in tents that they pitch-up at the edge of the beach.

Being located close to a fishing village has also given Bagan Lalang a reputation for fresh seafood and there is no shortage of ikan bakar stalls which offer a wide range of other seafood prepared in various styles at reasonable prices.

There is even a restaurant that has one section built on stilts that provides guests with a nice view of the sun setting over the horizon. We decided to try out the meal here. And the taste was flat. The crab which cooked with soup was very oily. Since there is a small hut selling fresh seafood. You can't avoid but to share your dinner with the flies!

I do hope our next trip to this place will be a nice one. As this place does not offer the visotor anything except just another ordinary beach. Nothing closed to Telok Chempedak or any beaches in the East Coast of Malaysia.

Bagan Lalang: The Photos

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Batu Caves # 1 :The Youtube Clip

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Selayang - Ulu Yam Rd # 1 : Ampangan Batu Map

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What probably sets the character of the Batu Caves-Hulu Yam road is Ampangan Batu (Batu Dam). The expanse of deep green water and the striking Titiwangsa range brings on a cool, balmy feeling when you’re driving along a hilly part of the road.

Since the dam is the first thing that motorists coming from Batu Caves see, it gives an inkling of what lies ahead. Few first timers can drive past without giving in to the urge to get down and enjoy the breeze and picturesque scenery.

Selayang- Ulu Yam Rd #2 :Ampangan Batu

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Actually,we did not planned for this trip. One day during fasting month , our toddler itching for a ride after our weekly visit to Tesco Hypermarket. Buying groceries ... if you may ask...

My wife suggested we take a drive toward "any village" as she love to see the forest and the traditional house. "Ok, why not I drive you to Sg Tua Road, I've never been there before too..."

Here we are driving to the "unknown" again. After left turn towrd Batu Caves, we turn right at the traffic toward a signboard read "Hutan Lipur Sg Tua" To my surprised this road takes us toward Ulu Yam town...Hmm I see..." This road could lead us to Genting Highlands" ... And yes! As expected this road will leads you to Genting Highlands! The other driver could have known this before but not me.

We kept driving for about 8 km and ... whaoaa! What a magnificent looking dam!

We can't believed our own eye! It is only 25km long but the Selayang-Hulu Yam road is probably the most scenic drive just outside the city once you’ve braved the unpredictable 20km traffic from the heart of the city to Batu Caves.

The main purpose of this road is to connect the two townships of Selangor ( the Selayang and Ulu Yam), the road offers ample opportunities for leisure and recreation.

Batu Caves # 5 : The Dark Caves

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The Dark Caves

Dark Cave is the largest cave in the Batu Caves hill, the southernmost significant limestone outcrop on the mainland of Asia. I would not recommend bringing toddler into this cave.

Dark Cave is located just below Temple Cave. The entrance is located at step number 204 of the 272 steps leading up to Temple Cave. The cave consists of about 2 km of surveyed passages, making it the largest in the hill and it comprises 7 chambers, each with its own special features - stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, cave pearls, curtain, column, cave straws and other features

This tour is by appointment with Malaysian Nature Society officer only, whose will conducted the exploration with you.

There are “educational “(duration: 30 minutes) and “adventure” trip.

You may want to contact MNS for more info on the booking trip to Dark Cave.

Malaysian Nature Society ( MNS)
c/o Speleotrend Enterprise (001546779-H)
9M Jalan SBC
268100
Taman Sri Batu Caves
Selangor Darul EhsanMalaysiawww.mns.org.my
Tel / Fax : +6 03 - 6189 6682

Tips: How to safely explore cave

~ Never allowed unsupervised children to explore the cave.

~ Find minimum 4 person to go for cave exploration. In the event of emergency 2 will find help. 1 will stay to take care of the injured.

~ Bad weather can be dangerous as cave could be flood very fast leaving no time to escape. It can be your death chamber out there.

Batu Caves , Selangor, Malaysia

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Getting to Batu Caves

Batu Caves is one of the tourist attraction in Malaysia located approximately 13 km from the Kuala Lumpur city centre.

Getting to Batu Caves is easy, you find this cave information in every Tourism Malaysia guide book.

You just need to drive towards Jalan Ipoh, after Sungai Mas building, turn 3 o’clock at the roundabout.

The caves is about 6 km from this roundabout, you will see Tesco Hypermarket on the 3rd km from here. You need to drive toward a big roundabout with the traffic light. Turn to 3 o’clock direction and continue driving toward the caves which is about 1 to 2 km.

Please maintain the left lane and turn left before the statue of Lord Muruga.

The entrance fee is MYR 2/ entry for vehicle.

Batu Caves …the history of limestone Hindu temple.

In the year 1878, the caves was claimed to be “discovered” by American naturalist William Hornaday.

Hornaday was awestruck by the size of the cavern and the creatures living within. For the next few days, the group spent much time exploring other caves in the area.

Hornaday and his crew returned to town with wonderful stories about the 'find' and soon picnic parties to the caves were the 'rage of the month' for the colonial socialites. Guests were transported to the caves on elephants. While the servants laid out a sumptuous spread of food and drinks, the guests lazed in the shade of the forest canopy and marvelled at the glorious backdrop of the limestone cliffs.

Then the Hindu devotees began making pilgrimages to the caves, clambering up the jagged rocks to the Temple Cave in 1890s. They turned the cave into a shrine for Lord Murugan

However I believed the credit should be given to local tribe. The Jakun who used the cave as a shelter from wild, marauding elephants and other dangerous creatures and also to trap bats for food.

The caves, the vault and the temple …

Stepping into a dark cavern, well it is not very dark anyway. Just a gloomy interior. The short, murky passageway opened into a massive cave with a high vaulted ceiling.

There is a small temple in this cavern, and to think how this temple was built had I put enough respect to the dedication of its devotees.

At the far end of the huge cave sits another set of stairs. This wide stairway leads to a higher cave, appearing like a stage at the front of an enormous amphitheater. Above the stairway a large opening in the vaulted ceiling allows shafts of sunlight to cascade onto the dark recesses of the caves below.

This vault resembles something found from The Airwolf TV series or Indiana Jones movie.

The morning sunlight was so beautiful; you may forget this place is actually 13-15 km from the city! It is like stepping back into the time capsule to discover what it was a few hundred years ago…

Batu Caves # 2 : The Photos of Batu Caves

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Batu Caves # 3 : The Road Map

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There is one of our favorite restaurant here . The CHITTY NADU RESTAURANT. If you coming out of the temple gate of Batu Caves. Turn right , about 200 meter from the Caves , you could see row of shophouses.

This restaurant is on your right side. They serve very nice Tose and Roti Canai. Don't ask ! You should try it yourself!