The Paddy Field in SEKINCHAN

Came for second time this round, just a simple visit a.k.a drop-by. The best season perhaps, just before the harvest season normally by Dec. Now the paddy has grown at our thigh level.

It’s hot and we came after 3pm which the direct sun doesn’t too hot. This area was open for anyone, to enter for fun & get around for a view. Photo enthusiastic like this place and spent many hours just to get the best shot.

With same DSLR which already 3 years old, I tempted again on Sekinchan photography.

Parked the car by road side, entered the field in whatever direction or entrance available. All entrance looks same. Hard to determine which one is good.

My tripod … basic equipment for scene shooting

Amazing field … only 2 of us

Paddy Run … chase her

Drying up … but the paddy grows healthy

Yahoo! … representing our feeling

Small water canal … infinity long 

In the middle of the field … over 1km long

Broken bridge … too risky to cross over with DSLR on hand

Sekinchan is not only famous with paddy field, but also seafood. After we completed our hee-haa at the field, we went for early dinner due to hungriness.

It was a simple yet pleasure trip for photo shooter like me.

Bye Sekinchan.

Pangkor Island | 2D1N Round The Island Trip

Purposely planned prior to my celebrate anniversary and also a place where I went during my childhood. Due to this, I really wish to visit again to explore past memories. Pangkor Island is a simple island where you can explore on your own, alternative for engaging any tour travel company. To come to this, I’ve just rented a scooter (bike) to explore on our own.

Located not far from KL & Selangor, anyone can have a holiday of island which do not need long hour drive. By stopping at Lumut Jetty, you can just buy a return ticket, board 30 mins ride via speedboat and you can call your holiday straight away.

Starting our journey as early as 8.00am towards Gopeng interchange exit way.

8.55am … Cruise on the highway

Our visit didn’t fall into peak holiday season. We’ve a good & smooth ride during the weekend. I always prefer early morning travel because I could explore nearby places before heading to my main destination. One of the place I dropped by was Teluk Batik.

PLUS highway … exit at Gopeng toll booth

Teluk Batik is a famous beach which looks cleaner and many picnickers and beach goers spent time with their family and partner. Alternative to island visit, you can have all it takes with white sand and ideal place for swimming and relaxation. Chalet accommodation is available at nearby.

Teluk Batik … a hidden beach & holiday destination

 Welcome to Teluk Batik … a sign found near the public beach

Under the tower (inner) … nothing other than empty space

A real watch tower … watching & guarding the beach

People flocking the beach … holiday maker destination

Banana boat … one of the activities available

11.30am … Drive towards Lumut Jetty

By driving to Lumut jetty, we were wandering around looking for car park where I spotted few parking places available. There is multi-storey covered car park but I didn’t go in, instead park at designated open car park which cost me RM10 per day.

Outdoor carpark … standard charge of RM10 per day (24 hours)

Finally … excited as I’m here for a trip to Pangkor Island

From Lumut jetty, there are ferries taking passengers across to Pulau Pangkor and leaves every half an hour. They’re using high speedboat which only took 20-25 minutes to the island.

Ticket purchasing counter … cost us RM10 each (return way)

Terminal Jetty entrance … entry point

Overview of the island … Welcome to Pulau Pangkor

Long queue for speedboat … many youngsters opted for holiday there

The jetty & boats … colorful and attractive

Upper deck platform … many passengers prefer platform ride

Getting down from the boat … taking with care

Towards EXIT sign … we’re HERE!

Jeti Pangkor … an important sign to mark the destination

1.00pm … Arrival at Pangkor Jetty

Upon arrived, we were greeted by a lot of people at the jetty, mainly offering us some transportation option. Taxi, private car, motorbike or even tour package are available upon your arrival. That’s awesome for holiday-maker which comes here for free & easy.

I was fully gear-up! We looked upon a transportation which is BIKE! Others transportation was out of our sight. We rented a scooter cost RM40 only. We checked our brakes and gear if it’s functioning properly.

Upon taking the bike & helmet, we immediately moved away from the crowd towards our hotel. Before that, we pumped RM5 of petrol for our consumption. But I believe it’s more than enough, we shall put RM3 instead.

Puteri Bayu Beach Resort … our holiday accommodation

Puteri Bayu Beach Resort was chosen because we only need a decent place with nice beach. It cost us RM120++ per night with breakfast.

Pool area … funny message with ‘No night swim allowed’

Many of the resorts in Pangkor offer ’round the island’ boat tour with snorkeling activities on few popular sites such as Pulau Gian, Pelandok and Mentangor. It’s also possible to charter a boat and head to Pulau Simbilan if you’re keen in fishing activity.

Being offered a boat trip … however my target was a town trip 

Since we’ve more freedom with our bike here, we were getting ready with our first outing in the island. First thing we did was looking for lunch place.

Typical Chinese food stall … our lunch settled here

Getting around Pangkor Island was easy because the journey circling the island only about 20km. There is light traffic, making the journey smooth and easy. So far road condition is quite food but still some part are narrow and steep. Be careful.

Our very first stop @ Fu Ling Kung offered its visitor a cute mini China Great Wall replica.

Fu Ling Kung temple … a big & grand temple

My last visit on this temple was 20 years back (that’s long enough huh!), which my memories on this replica was still intact and would like to come again. I made it now.

The Mini Great Wall of China as it’s called, is simply a very scaled-down replica. A lot of tourists came to visit this place even after so many donkey years, which I noticed it was properly maintained.

3.00pm … Round the island tour

We saw many pink vans going on narrow roads of the island bringing tourists to all various attractions that we went. Notice they were came in group, but we felt we’ve more freedom to determine the time and places where we go. Good point to round our trip with our own.

No shopping malls or fashion boutiques in Pangkor Island, if yes, not much. Normally island like Pangkor is famous with the beaches, not shopping heaven. There’re number of clothing shops selling shirts, sarong, batik and souvenir near the jetty.

Other than that, dried seafood stores and souvenir shops are the most hit. One shouldn’t miss the major product of Pangkor Island comes from sea. One of the popular destinations we visited was Kedai Ikan Satay Hai Seng Hin.

Factory for Fish Satay … store selling dried seafood at this direction

Pink van … tourist van waiting outside

Freshness assured due to modern technology today using vacuum-sealed packaging to lengthen the freshly. This factory sells in bulk and separate items at cheaper price due to originality and packaging done here.

The entrance of the factory selling store … most auntie & uncle bought in bulk

Journey continues after bought few delicacy of dried seafood. I’m not fancy that time and couldn’t understand why people buy in bulk. No doubt it’s cheap & fresh.

Scooter ride … as passenger & its fun

Another stop at a very old and legacy Chinese temple called Lin Je Kong. Nearby place where local people pray to the Guan Yin.

Temple near the beach … offering some sea activities

Collagen … very tempting to try

Disney character to attract people to go in … mix with modern style

Observing the view of the sea … in a romantic way

5.30pm … Sunset beach walk

Sunset time. We rode back to our resort and enjoy our time at the beach. It’s clean and smooth sand. People do swim and for us, we enjoy the view more.

Long stretch of beach … romantic place

Sunset … water & sand

Our slippers … with our foot print

Rope tree swing … nice & enjoy it

Relaxing on the swing … few of them there

The proposal ring … “I Love You”

Night beach … build our romantic light

We called off the night with a simple light dinner nearby our resort.

On next day, we woke up and had a fulfilling breakfast.

8.00am … Local cuisine breakfast

Local delicacies which I liked to have it in the morning. We didn’t had chance to watch sunrise since we’d it for sunset. No chill-out to beach on Day 2, as we took our scooter round the island again for the remaining part that we didn’t explore.

Nasi lemak breakfast … my favorite

Chalet type accommodation of this resort … the entrance

Location for each chalet … better stay near the beach

One of the historical places … The Dutch Fort

Welcome to Kota Belanda … Dutch Fort (not big place) & free entry

Information board … surrounding quite quiet & less visitor

Historical fort … not as big as A Famosa Fortress

Interior of the fortress … one or two photograph will do

Not far away … found Historical Rock (Batu Bersurat)

Picture carving … unknown meaning, at least for me

Stop by Teluk Ketapang … good for picnicking

With the scooter … looks cool right?

Passed by Pasir Bogak … one of the beach

TEMP CLOSED … unable to walk on hanging bridge

Pinky van … many of them are waiting at the jetty for tourists

The jetty surrounding … a huge 1Malaysia architecture 

The arrival/departure of jetty … boarding here after check-out

Bye-bye Pangkor Island … we shall meet again

Pangkor Island is a very peaceful and relax island. A highly recommended for a short gateway to relax your mind. It’s not crowded yet have beautiful beach.

Cost of this trip is not expensive but rather cheap I can say. Go for free N easy and you’ll get a true budget trip.

Finally this trip ended with good memories, Happy 4th Anniversary & moving forward will be our engagement soon.

Langkawi Lagoon Resort | Amazing Race 2012

At first thought, Amazing Race was all about the jungle or highway race. It was wrong. It’s a challenges/tasks to be completed prior each destination stated in CLUE paper. Destination this year is Langkawi and we travel all the way from KL to Langkawi in 4 hours at least.

A team formed by 3 members with me as driver. Started from KL in the early morning and ended at Langkawi Lagoon Resort where all task clues were given. Skipping any tasks will cause stuck and disqualified.

Tasks only revealed when we reach designated place. We required traveling one place to another, hence car transportation is required.

This event run 2D1N over the weekend, hence we’d our short holiday cum challenges. It was too fun to miss it!

As the event started …

6.00am … Morning briefing

All participants (3 of us) gathered on the lobby @ Technology Park Malaysia (TPM). It’s a must ATTEND briefing because CLUE 1 was given here. Without CLUE 1, we’ll not able to get our ferry ticket.

Departure point … from TPM (KL) to Langkawi

Briefing from organizer … on safety and rules

Clue 1 … gets ferry ticket

11.00am … Reach Kuala Kedah jetty

All team were given about 5 hours to reach the jetty from KL to Kuala Kedah jetty for ferry departure. However, I found many participants were quite punctual and reach even earlier than us. It’s amazing race on the road for first challenge.

In fact, we’re advised not to speeding because last ferry departure would be around 2.00pm.

Parking was not sufficient at the terminal hence I was asked to drop all passenger and luggage and follow parking tout to park at people house garage nearby with daily fees.

Then, he fetched me back to terminal using his motorbike.

Terminal Kuala Kedah … alternative jetty to Kuala Perlis to Langkawi

Waiting area … all-blue participant dominated the place

Ferry group booking … we moved into queuing line

Good weather … sunny and hot

Getting ready to depart via ferry … with our entire luggage for 2D1N stay

Surrounding area … clean and organize

Comfortable seat with air-con … estimation of less than 2 hours to reach

View from the ferry … going to be 2 hours ride

1.30pm … Langkawi, The Jewel of Kedah

After a long ride via ferry, we finally touch down the island. From here, we’ve to move directly to the place where our CLUE 2 mentioned, “Find a man with Langkawi T-shirt with a hat”.

Kuah Jetty … a sight of Eagle Square

Clue 2 … pay & obtain our car key (it’s not FREE)

Outside KFC outlet … pay & get our car key (randomly take)

Some get better car, some are not. We’d taken a Proton Wira as our car rental for a day till next day (24 hours). Air-con doesn’t really cold and hence, we suffer under a hot and stuffy car. Petrol level was in low, hence we took our time to pump half tank.

Only driver need to claim the car (Clue 3) … drive back to fetch us and READY!!

Our rented car … use to complete all our challenges ahead

First challenge task (Clue 4) … finds and purchase items required

Bought from mini-market … a hunt of chocolates that sell everywhere

Submitted our items (Clue 5) … proceed for next destination (wet market)

Without help of GPS, it’s quite hard to locate those places. It would, however, great disadvantage compare those with GPS aid.

Long queue waiting their turn … to have our next Clue challenge

What are they doing at the market at this hour? … you wouldn’t believe

Gross and difficult for us guy (Clue 6) … clean the fish included its internal organ

Smelly hand (Clue 7) … how to bear with the smell?

With GPS aid … we reached this Agro Park

Lucky to have this transport transfer … save some energy under hot sun

Small lorry used to transport us … modified for park use

Camping site … large area for camper who to try family camp

Clue 8 … Easy task to prepare our own lunch

Packed on our own … nasi lemak set

Boil our own egg … waiting for 10 mins patiently

Blend our own juice using hand … 3 cups for us please

Grill our own fish … as what we’ve prepared earlier

Our lunch meal … all on our own effort

3.30pm … Late lunch at Agro Technology Park

At this hour, we’ve no choice but to eat our lunch first before proceeding. This task was a point earner. Nothing is much more delicious than what we’ve prepared on our own.

Next destination … Buffalo Park

Committee was around … quickly go in for next task immediately

Five tasks to be complete … with each task earn a ribbon

Cost for each rides for outsider … currently we do all for FREE

Participant with tasks briefing … not many know how to do

Telling us to use this rope and cutter to bring back grass … chop & tight it in

Feed the buffalo … we did it for free

Free job as well … pick up the shit

Proudly having one pile … the stinky job

Moving buffalo from Point A back to Point A … wish they follow you else stuck in middle

Buffalo riding … I’m the buffalo riding my team member as my turn

Last task is easiest one … drink the buffalo milk, FREE of course

Clue 10 … proceeding to Oriental Village, a tourist place

Oriental Village entrance … where Langkawi Geopark located

Clue 11 … splitting task for every of us

Boat paddling at the lake … it’s closed from public, only open for us

Cost for paddling … for each boat, depending on pax

Challenges … looking for ball with number assigned to us

One of the challenges is … rabbit feeding & identifies its gender

FREE entrance … only pay for food cost

Feeding the group … which one is female?

My turn for Snake Challenge … take out the ball with snake on shoulder

Get the ball from this container contain snake … must overcome the fear!

Elephant Challenge … much easier task

Feed the elephant with bread … easy to complete

Breath-taking scenery … I wish I’m a visitors, not participant

Crowded cable-car line-up … hope to get this ride in my next visit

Clue 12 … proceeding to paddy field

Called Laman Padi … this is paddy field entrance

Clue 13 … three tasks to be complete

Paddy Challenge … chunk in the crop on the designated area

Get the source of crop here … moved to designated area for planting

Our work … is this planted nicely?

Fish Challenge … catch the fish using the net, but very hard

Traditional Skill Challenge … time-consuming but has to do it

We tried our skill … put piece by piece

Passed or not? … I don’t think so

Clue 14 … last clue where we heading to the Resort and check-in

Car park full … lead us to park at road side near our stay

Checking-in … Langkawi Lagoon is a wonderful resort

7.00pm … Check-in Langkawi Lagoon

We were hit by the rain during the check-in. In fact, our challenge in Paddy Field already started raining and we stuck for half an hour. Delaying our move for final Clue.

Fortunately, we reached before dinner started. Checking in quite late and we moved to our room immediately with buggy service. Our unit was water chalet which deems to be luxurious and wonderful.

Stay in third floor … walk up one floor, open the door and walk up again

Corner bed … for one person

Double bed for 2 pax … studio type

Kitchen corner … look useless for us

Oversee the sea … from kitchen’s window

What a nice sunset view … without sun but amazing feel

Dinner in open air … good ambiance and romantic

Free flow of beer … one of the favorite of this free duty island

Scrumptious dinner … most awaiting meal of the day

11.30pm … Good night Langkawi

After having a scrumptious dinner, we’d our own sweet time looking around the resort. Since it was a raining day, the place was wet and cold. Nothing beat our feel to enjoy the holiday after a series of challenges went up our head, hitting beyond our expectation and capabilities.

We’d all the way and now we’re survived. Enjoy the night and it’s a meaningful day for me, at least.

Night view of our chalet … nothing but cooling air

7.00am … Good morning Langkawi

I’m expecting a morning walk before going for breakfast. I woke up early and enjoy the cooling and fresh air from my chalet. Staying at highest floor give advantage of seeing all over the place.

What a good holiday here … thank you Amazing Race for giving me this chance. I hope to stay longer.

Stand at balcony … our unit is facing the mountain

Going up and down from this stair case … stayed at third floor

Our neighbor unit … quiet and holiday feel

Catching sunrise soon

Opposite neighbor

Beautiful clouds

Pathway to chalets

Our group picture … Andrew, ME & Wesley

Low tide sea … in the early morning

Entrance to chalet unit … buggy ride is available

Swimming pool … for adult

Breakfast outdoor … near the pool

My breakfast … common Malaysian food

10.30am … Check-out for Langkawi round-the-island trip

We did an early check-out because we wanted to fully utilize our time in Langkawi. Since we’ve paid for car rental, why not use for travel around before departing back to mainland?

After all, we decided to stop at Kota Mahsuri (Makam Mahsuri).

An entrance fees is RM5.

Entrance of Kota Mahsuri … famous for group tourist

Crematorium of Mahsuri … a story behind her death

3D story telling … to understand the story in visual way

2.00pm … Departure to mainland from jetty

Due to time constraint for us, we’re not able to visit most places in Langkawi, left aside our main priority, which is shopping all the way in FREE DUTY shop in town.

We purchased liquor, beer, chocolate and some souvenirs back. These items were much cheaper and it’s worth to buy here. Imagine a cost of tin of beer same with cost of Coke drink? I bought one for RM1.80 only.

Waving goodbye … ended our trip for Langkawi

Overall, the Amazing Race event was giving me a very good experience. Most of the task given was beyond my imagination to test my ability to overcome it. Nothing I can say I can’t do it when it was in front of me.

Although it’s a short and rush for most tasks, I’m looking forward to join again. An advantage if it’s held over a holiday destination (ie. island). Town is fun but island enhanced further my experience.

I shall be back for a holiday trip soon.

Beach & Rainforest Trekking – Tanjung Tuan

I organized this as part of Perhentian Island Challenge 2012 physical training preparation. I’d a group of 13 who joined me for this training. I hope everyone enjoy it although few of them never expect it to be too tough.

Tanjung Tuan, a stretch of Port Dickson beach, provides a jungle trail through the coastal will lead to white sandy beaches and a small island called Pulau Intan. Is the best kept secret of Port Dickson at the tip of Tanjung Tuan?

A series of walking through the jungle up to the trek of Batu Putih (similar to Tabur Hill) overview of Port Dickson coastal.

It was organized in a rush, I try to extend my invite to people around me (inclusive of friend’s friend to experience a situation where combination of jungle, beach and hill is possible to train.

Not many people can cope with afternoon hiking, but for this, I’ve to make it because of the location. Started early in the morning after the sun rise, we met at toll booth of Port Dickson exit and drive through Lukut town for an early lunch.

There was a popular curry bun chicken at this place called Lucky King Bun. As the restaurant itself only open from 11.30am, we’ve no choice to have 2 chickens as our early lunch.

We continue our journey after lunch to Tanjung Tuan Recreational Park entrance. Weather was a truly hot and sunny.

By 12pm, we reached at the entrance and get ourselves registered. Car park is free.

Group photo …  all were first timers here

Attraction spot to visit … but we’re coming for an adventure + visit

Things were in getting in control, easy to meet expectation for some beginner in the beginning of the trek. We took about 30 minutes to reach beach side. We hang around and photo-shoot each other for fun.

Shading under the tree … under a very hot & good weather

From here, I turn to LEFT side of the beach (an actual path I should walk is right direction) because I want to check out some places good for photography.

LEFT and RIGHT direction of the beach … now is vandalized and went missing

On my opposite site, I saw a small island (formed due to high tides) called Pulau Masjid.

Taken from my previous hike … this small place called Pulau Masjid

I continue to walk alongside the mangrove until I reached DEAD END.

Yes, to continue with crossing, I’ve to get wet through the water. I stopped here and return back to the correct direction where I supposed to go (right direction of the beach).

Mangrove trek … good for photography

Once we’ve move to right direction, we continued to hike until reached a top where we’ve to descend to the beach again.

Descending was tough as it was unknown on which path should be taken, but this time, I’ve chosen a nightmare trail to descend. Good luck!

We took about half an hour for this short trail. It was tough and slippery for most of us. The land were covered with all dry leaves, leave no clue for us where to step. Every step seems to be sliding, slowing down all of us.

Are we ready for this condition?

Not a trail for us … covered by dry leaves

We took quite a lot of time descending, but we all reached down safely and I can say, it’s a good experience for all, hope it’s not a nightmare for you in this hiking activity.

Once we touch-base the beach, we saw awesome scenery of Pulau Intan. On the other side of Pulau Intan, there’s a beautiful white sandy beach to enjoy.

Pulau Intan … a simple yet deserted island can be seen here

Continue with hike up again towards Light Tower … at this point, we’ve reaching the end

Information board for Light Tower … one of the interesting places to visit

Light Tower view … one can reach without long hiking via vehicle road

Down to the stair case from Light Tower, is marked the END of our trip. We’ve walked back via tar road to the entrance of Tanjung Tuan Recreational Park.

In the middle of the walk, I asked about another challenge for continuing trek called Batu Putih. It was seen as a hike up to the peak (believe the higher point) to oversee the PD coastal as whole.

Not everyone keen to go up here. Few of them interested to see what’s up here. I lead them to the peak of Batu Putih trail.

Group photo again … hiking will never be completed without reaching the PEAK

At the end, I’ve managed to cover a round tour of this place from end-to-end covered the following:

• Pulau Masjid
• Pulau Intan
• Light House
• Batu Putih Trek

Nevertheless, it’s an interesting outdoor event which my group have never been before. The group disperse back to KL once they’ all reached the car park.

Thank you for joining and hope to see you all again in next trip.

Gunung Rajah – A Physically Challenging Mountain

I’m up to the challenge. That’s the BIG reason I respond to the invitation send by a hiker group to Gunung Rajah in ONE day. The key point of reconsideration is always the distance (32km return way). I’ve never done such distance before. I’ve doubt but open for challenge.

The event started at 6.00am with participation of over 100 hikers. All gathered at car park (Chamang Waterfall site) for a briefing. Experienced hikers are present with well-prepared, judging from outlook itself.

I’m just a beginner with some basic equipment. Even though I’m prepared both physically and mentally, my ability to reach the PEAK was in doubt. I failed to reach the peak due to time commitment for each check-point has delayed.

Organizer has put all the distance (in KM) marker along the way and yet, I miscalculated the time required and fall behind the schedule.

ONE has to travel to Chamang Waterfall carpark area for briefing. Parking is FREE.

The organizer (KL Hiking) has done his best to explain us the rules and expectation on the trail and advises us to adhere to the time check-point for reaching the peak. For those who can’t make it, shall move back or just stop at rest point to be descended.

Getting ready … short briefing on rules and check-point

Large group expected … walk in the dark

Journey started … estimation of 90 mins to reach jungle border

By just walking in the dark, I know nothing about the trail condition. Walked under the head light made me dizzy. As time passed by 7am, the sky has shown its brightness.

FYI, the trails are flat enough for a long distance walk. We spent about 10km walk on a flat trails. Consider easy as thought, but the real test yet to come.

Day has just begun … continue with the flat road walk

Flat trail … easy walk but need to speed up

Completed 4 km trail in 1 hour … 12km to go (3 hours to go?)

Jungle border check-point … in fact, a just beginning

Next check-point at Sungai ‘Y’ … another 2 hours walk

Keep walking … follow the trails in front of you

Mentally strong … 2 hours of such trail is not short

Small crossing … muddy trek with clear water

Distance of 7 KM (after 2 hours) … another half journey to go

Took half an hour, KM 8 is here … sounds motivated

As soon as I reached Sungai Y, I felt good. I’ve done half journey. Another 8km to go, target to complete in 4 hours else, would not able to reach the peak by 1pm.

River crossing … part of waterfall stream

Crossing one rock after another … time-consuming

Taking a rest at this point maybe a good way to re-energize our energy, but without knowing the obstacles ahead us, we actually were putting ourselves further behind the schedule.

I thought I would gradually make a way to the top after this, but instead I’m wrong.

Realizing this, I quickly moved back to the trail again. Now I saw another milestone, KM 9.

Distance of KM 9 … another milestone reached!

A clear water pool … famous spot for campers

A beautiful camp site at Lata Naning … a stopover for most hikers for G.Rajah

Moving to check-point called RESCUE POINT … estimation in ONE hour

Took another hour to KM 10 … I’m truly behind the schedule

Another hour for another KM … it’s getting tougher

Flat ground at 12 noon … shall I continue?

Gunung Rajah’s peak can be seen over here … how long need to be taken?

A zoom to the peak … saw few hikers standing high for photos

That’s the peak … we shall reach there by 1pm, slightly impossible right?

Spent a lunch and return … giving up a hope to try

Even we decided to move on, we’ve limited time to reach the rope part where we need to wait our turn to climb up. It may cause another delay from reaching the peak by 1pm.

Seeing this possibility, we rather give up to save our energy during return.

We were later being told that this point is actually KM 14. Another 2km to go? A big waste, but think about our physically drained, I stood on decision.

Descending was another challenge, we took 2 hours back to Lata Naning. We met our friends who have decided to stop at this point and have lunch since an hour back.

However, we’ve another 3-4 hours before the day turn dark.

Rest point at Lata Naning … hope to camp here next time

Check-point at jungle border … another 4km to end this trip

At the car park … finally ended

A serious long hike at Gunung Rajah … 6.30am – 6.30pm

Chamang Waterfall in sight … famous for picnickers

Looks tired and exhausted … need a very good dinner

Upon returning to our car, we quickly clean-up at the washroom and drive out from this area. Having a dinner at nearby town, we decided to overnight at our friend’s hometown, instead of driving long distance back to KL with sore leg.

This HIKING have put me into a situation where physically and mentally need to be strong for any unexpected requirements, truly justify my ability to reach the PEAK. I failed because of time management. Also failed for each check-point due to delayed.

If others can make it to the top, why I’m not? Shall I walk faster? Less rest time?

Deeply rest into the fate of incomplete mission of Gunung Rajah, I shall be back with better train of both aspect. I need few grueling training sessions going forward.

01.01.13 | Happy New Year 2013

A year of 2013 seems to be a digital year for me. Everything in my life shall goes digital. A big change over the human interaction via digital platform. Owning a tablet and a smartphone is not a big WOW nowadays. My resolution shall goes to digital way. I see things in ’0′ and ’1′ now. Haha.

Time for resolution, a brand new presentation for year 2013 while looking back what I’ve done in previous year resolution. General resolution does work, but precisely must be achievable.

A big leap for myself. I’m a married man now. However, it’s still can be concisely put in such old manner, career, family, health, financial and entertainment. A different degree of way to look into it, far beyond of what I’ve set last year.

Many thought of, I shall look upon greater of both of our sides, advantages and mutual respect for each of steps we plan to carry on. It’s no longer one person affair.

But things can be personal and residing at myself, let’s start with my Y2k13 resolutions below. I shall carry on with my Y2K12 achievements afterward.

Upon 01.01.13 ahead …

A brand new life awaiting me. Foreseeing a turning point to put myself in much comfortable way. My past achievements count, hence can see my value now. I shall count my move …

Never too late … better late than never

No hidden meaning how I shall I achieve this year, in a very simple way it is. Wherever there’s a WILL, there’s a WAY.

• Career Advancement
• Health Balance
• Responsible Family Man
• Widen World Exposure

Career Advancement

Value is upon where we are. Put our value at the right place and earn the reputation. As on right track, just immensely place myself where I’m comfortable with.

Health Balance

No one would willing to put down upon this point. No way turn back if regret happened. I’m treasuring it always and wanted to put it as balance. Never ever lose a grip on it. It’s yours anyway, not belong to others.

Responsible Family Man

One can’t be right, two may work out something great. Another stage of my life which I shall be responsible and move along the way I wanted. A happy family is nothing without a developed relationship.

Widen World Exposure

Experience it is always better than know it. My life would be dull and simply wasted without this. It’s not a compulsory of most life, however, it’s good and wise to make it happen even though times are not allow it, be a natural or commitment forcing it.

I’ll adjust anyway, else DeXXy.NET will become irrelevant.

Y2k12 … recalling past

In year 2012 …

• Things piled up and getting out of hands. I’m not able to prioritized and stress accumulated. Stress lead into losing credibility in managing and lead a group. Hoping times can get faster and prioritized things can be completed soon. A stagnant working environment and hence value is stagnant as well. Not much progressing in term of human interaction and socialistic of myself.
• Completed few oversea trip in high profile, conquered an awaiting highest mountain in Malaysia and yet few free and easy tour I completed without much hassle.
• Continue and plan to put another 6 months of MBA studies on hold due to uncertainty undertaking in future.
• Planning to stabilize my e-business on hand, moving on with greater challenge and height, bringing more exposure ahead.
• Settled down with a new stage of life, more responsibility foresee ahead.
• Continue to strengthen my financial status despite the great spending versus earning.

Major Achievements … year 2012

– [January] –

• Hike Gunung Nuang for fun (half-way as training)
• Attempted Gunung Rajah (half-way, insufficient time)
• Proposal for a marriage @ Sunway Pyramid RedBox
• Eat buffet during CNY @ Tenji 2

– [February] –

• Visit FGS Dong Zen during CNY
• Hike & Holiday @ Fraser Hill (completed all trails)

– [March] –

• Hike Gunung Suku (99% up and 1st flat hike)
• Photo-shoot for first time @ Studio Baddogz (lousy experience!)

– [April] –

• Participate Amazing Race for first time to Langkawi
• Hike Gunung Senyum (toughest I ever done)
• Visit PC Fair and bought an ultrabook laptop
• Complete Route C of Saga Hill hiking
• Co-partner’s business opening day (Reliance Travel)
• Celebrate my birthday dinner @ Shogun

– [May] –

• Hike Tabur Hill EAST (revisit)
• Free N Easy anniversary celebration @ Pangkor Island
• Visit & try challenges @ Asian Water Sports Village, Puchong

– [June] –

• Visit Melaka Wonderland (latest park in Melaka!)
• Photoshoot Pre-Wedding @ Putrajaya
• Hike Gunung Kinabalu via Mesilau Trail (colorful result!)

– [July] –

• Eat buffet durian at SS2 (first time)
• Explore Lata Medang (first time)
• Participate Feel Good Run 2012
• Participate Shape Men’s Health Run 2012 Night Run
• Hiking buddies marriage (Alvin & Esther) – Photographer role

– [August] –

• Company day trip Team Building
• Free N Easy 6D5N – An Ultimate Trip to Bangkok
• Visit UK Farm in Johor

– [September] –

• Leading group for hiking @ Tanjung Tuan, Port Dickson
• R.O.M (Register of Marriage) @ Thean Hou Temple

– [October] –

• Participate Perhentian Island Challenge 2012 (first timer!)
• Oversea photoshoot (2nd time) @ Taiwan, 8D7N trip

– [November] –

• Oversea Annual Gathering @ Phuket with MyKhaki

– [December] –

• [No PLAN] – Preparation for the whole month towards wedding day (7th January 2013)

The end of previous always the beginning of the next. Stay strong and focus on my next journey of life. Things always greener on other side.

How about yours?

Training @ Gunung Nuang Trails

It was none of my preparation or little workout for my upcoming Gunung Rajah hike. It’s deeming to be tougher and a lot tougher than many would think. With one way of 16km distance, two way of 32km (day trip), what a great point to test my ability.

Hence, let’s the training get started in Gunung Nuang.

We started late because we know we came here for training. No way could we touch the peak from our 8am starting time. It must at least 2 hours earlier.

Limited parking near the toilet facilities … free to use

Not many hikers around and we hike all the way “Never Ending Road” ourselves. By a merely walk without looking into time versus distance, I took a look at every hut along this road, make a count as well.

Getting ready for training … her first timer

Walking distance kill a lot … mentally tough is required

Hut 1 … start counting hut by hut (newly renovated hut)

Hut 2 … a mere successful in pursue further

Hut 3 … just halfway only to Lolo Camp (KM 2.9)

A remarkable sign indicated we’ve to trek about 5.8km for this bumpy journey to reach Lolo Camp. This is called W3 (Buluh Akar).

Who wanted to find out what the rest of the name? Perhaps my next visit. LOLz.

W3 Check Point … 3rd hut out of 7 hut found along the way

Hut 4 … a short distance only to reach here

Hut 5 … complained how long to go, must be nearby

Terrible fallen bamboos … someone chopped it off to make a way

Else without chopping … ducking may be required

Hut 6 & 7 … the end of never ending trek, big relief

By the time we hit Lolo Camp, it was 10am. Our journey wasn’t tough but relaxes.

A peek into the water stream flowing down … the controller

River crossing … bamboo as a bridge (newly added)

Sun ray beautifies our training mode … as a reward

Camping area … nearby river as water source

Landscaping of the river … river crossing is required

Check-point of end of Lolo Camp trek … getting ready for tough ascend

Here it is … trek and gear up to Pacat Camp

Personal achievement … up to Pacat Camp

By the time we hit Pacat Camp, it was 12pm (lunch hour time).

We’d our lunch and YES, we called our hiking completed at this point.

We hiked down back to the base.

Sounds happy to end the training at Pacat Camp … enough for today’s training

By 4.15pm, our training at Nuang trail has been completed.

Tibetan Temple

Located by using my GPS, I hardly know about this place. The signboard is small and the road leading to the temple is narrow. Never thought about finding this place without proper direction.

Without needing to travel to Tibet, one can have a visit to Malaysia of Tibetan temple. The temple was built in 1975. The first thing I saw was a giant Buddha statue on the hill at the back. That’s correct my assumption the road leading is correct.

The statue is 24m tall and is said to be the tallest Buddha statue in Perak. I wasn’t sure if photo-taking is allowed inside the temple, so I didn’t take any photos and just stay in front of the temple and leave without going in. No one is around at that time.

There is no entrance fee.

Before getting near to entrance … have a feel being in China

To reach this place, here is the direction from online sources.

TAMBUN TIBETIAN TEMPLE 

Off Jalan Ampang (Jalan Ampang Baru 6 in Google Maps)
Tambun, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
GPS: E101 8 41.4 N4 35 45.4

Till now and hope to find more interesting places in my next Ipoh trip.

Stay tune for my next trip in Malaysia, Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia.

Teluk Intan, The Leaning Tower

Located and stand still in the middle of the city, this old architecture sit in the heart of Teluk Intan town. Built in 1892 and since then tilted due to underground stream on the site.

During the daytime, one can walk into the building, however, my visits doesn’t allow due to some maintenance carry on.

This pagoda-shaped tower was originally used to house a water tank supplied to the town during emergency. Now the functionality that can be observed is just a clock tower and perhaps some stories and museum-alike artifacts inside this tower.

Most of the time, Teluk Intan Lean Tower is surrounded by visitors comes from far. It has become one of the attractive icons in Perak and also Malaysia.

I’ve drove about an hour plus to reach this town via trunk road. Accessibility is high due to the township based. One may consider a hotel around the town and Ipoh town (Recommended hotel nearby).

Famous food stalls are around as I simply went to the most visited by peoples. A small town where peoples are busy with trade and grocery purchase.

Stand-stil leaning tower of Teluk Intan … middle of the city

View from bottom-up … do you observed some leaning angle?

Not to miss my picture with this historical building … Teluk Intan Leaning Tower

Entrance of the tower … very anticipating when saw this

Not open due to some maintenance work … hopefully my next visit can go in

Zoom in … the tower beautiful crafting

The clock … made by J.W. Benson of Ludgatehill London

I particularly like to visit or drop by for this kind of historical building, although not much into the whole story of the originated of this place.

Having step into a historical town means to me because of photography and also surrounding peoples and businesses nowadays. How it evolved and change upon the time and still the historical icon remain unaffected.

Hope this will preserved for next generation (like me and going on) to visit and feel proud of their own leaning tower in Malaysia compare to already popular Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

Lost World of Tambun @ Ipoh

I’d bought tickets for Lost World of Tambun from MATTA Fair which cost me under RM30 per pax. As this is non-comparable to Sunway Lagoon, I would give a try because it sounds a mystery world to me. Hence, this trip is made off.

There are 8 part of Lost World of Tambun that comes ranging from river of adventure, raging waterfalls, rushing rapids, majestic cliffs, magnificent tigers, ancient caves and hot springs with ancient therapeutic properties.

• Petting Zoo
• Tin Valley
• Amusement Park
• Team Building
• Hotspring Spa
• Swan Lake
• Water Park
• Tiger Valley

An Ipoh trip is incomplete without going for famous food.

7.00am – Famous Foh San Dim Sum in Ipoh town

Our day started with full of expectation. A day trip filled up with various adventures and fun from Lost World of Tambun. We planned a breakfast as usual hangout whenever I stay in Ipoh, that’s Foh San Dim Sum.

It’d shifted to new outlet quite some time. For those few years didn’t come to Ipoh for this famous place, you’ll not be lost because it’s moved nearby from original outlet.

Foh San … famous for dim sum

Breezy morning … dim sun served with chinese tea

Varieties of Dim Sum … places packed with crowd in early morning

A considered non-heavy breakfast for us here, which cost us around RM40+.

Getting to the park was not easy without proper direction. We reached slightly a bit earlier before the opening hour.

We purposely drop by the hotel next to this park since it has yet to open.

Entrance of Lost World of Tambun … am I going to be lost here?

The Lost World Hotel … a place to overnight next to the Park

The Lost World Hotel is well suited for travelers seeking accommodation around The Lost World of Tambun area. Each room has television and air conditioning. This 3-star hotel offers 134 rooms.

Swimming pool and children’s play area are provided for recreation. Business center and Wi-Fi Internet access are available on site.

Booking via HotelTravel.com available below:

http://www.hoteltravel.com/malaysia/perak/the_lost_world_hotel_ipoh.htm

Wonders of Tambun … a map showing some interesting places

Greenish surrounding the Park and Hotel … good for health

For visitors convenient from far and for leisure gathering, a newly built hotel called Lost World Hotel is sitting next to this park.

One can think about staying nearby if you plan to spend time for whole in the park. Park closes at 6pm.

Next to the Park is Hot Spring & Spa open at night from 6pm – 10pm can be considered as well to relinquish your stress and stay comfort over the night.

Direction to Lost World Hot Springs & Spa … open from 6pm

Follow direction … to the left

Operation hour from 6pm … however is part of Lost World during the day

For those who interested to the Hot Spring only need to pay separate fees from 6pm onwards at different entrance.

Hot Spring & Spa is part of Lost World park during the day time, you can visit this part as well upon entering this park. Think about it, who wanted to dip into hot spring under the hot sun and weather?

Okay.

Back to the Lost World of Tambun entrance, we quickly lined up and exchange our ticket for RFID tag and pay for deposit RM10 each (refundable).

The Logo … very anticipating feeling the park adventures

Mystery place … ancient-based infrastructure

Cats in ancient Egypt … guarding the Lost of World

The entrance of the Park … ticket purchased and entry

RFID tag is given instead of ticket … can used to store value for any purchase in Park

Our RFID tag … refundable deposit paid for RM10

Getting ready for adventures … all kind of water adventures!

Family water park … start getting wet by just cross under

Walking around with huge limestone mountain as background … is awesome 

Waves Restaurant … packed with people, many just hogged the table

One of the many adventures … crowded queues

Other than wet adventures … some games booth to win soft toy

Can dry up your clothes with this ride … typical ride found

Train ride … for those who lazy to walk but want to see the surrounding

Okay, now get ready … locker area to keep your belonging secure

Digital locker … consider safe but need to understand how to use first

Get used of PIN number and your RFID tag … cost you RM10 for a token

This park is BIG.

Be prepared with a map on hand when going around preventing ‘Lost of the World’ situation.

You might be missed out some interesting area.

Map of the entire park … need to walk a lot to cover the whole place

Jungle Wave Pool … where peoples gather and wave together

Cooling under the hot sun … blue swimming pool

In the rain … have fun dripping

People & mountain … people & sea

By the time I was in the park for some adventures, a bunch of peoples queue up. OMG, weekend crowd.

Don’t know how I’m going to have fun with these crowds. Pressure started to pile up. Oh gosh.

I moved to slightly lesser people area which was Tambun Hot Spring.

Crowd yet to move in … slightly better place to start warming up

Moved to Tube Raiders … rules & regulation

Sliding down the drain … open air

Getting ready … closed one

lnside the tube … it’s started with mystery

End of fun … carry-on with the tube

The end of tube … splash into the water if not careful

Calm water … nothing than just floating along the river stream

Adventure River … the most adventurous river in the park

Strong push and face pace … doesn’t matter go for few rounds

The Lost World Swan Lake … offer rides and spotted few swans

Cost you RM5 for a ride … if you never ride a boat before, give a try

Lost World Tin Valley … the new attraction of the park

Astounding view … with sport adventures behind this park

Baby elephant sculpture … just for kids

Bigger elephant for adult … climb up for a picture

A place for demonstration held … build for experiment

What are looking for? … Tin or just playing with round basket

Team building stuff … closed from public

Welcome to Lost World Team Building Park … for corporate booking or public

Fantastic view of the lake … dedicated place for photography

What the old building covered with plant? … abandoned?

Oh I see … It’s a TOILET (male toilet)

Lost World Petting Zoo … housing many pets and reptilian

Rainforest Trail … walk along the trail leading to pet in open cage

Open space … freedom is there

Freedom to move around … unlike the Zoo

Longkang Fish (Drain Fish) … free to catch it, just for fun

Time for HOT SPRING visit … entering the hot spa section

Tambun Hot Springs … comes with healing effect

Foot Spa area … walk on the stone under the hot water

Mysterious cave with boiling hot spring … up to 45C

Minerals contain in hot spring water … good for health and overall healing effect

World Pool (Jacuzzi) … curiosity lead me up to there

Super boil, super hot … not able to withstand hot sun with hot spring

Infinity Pool … where the endless pool view connected to boiling cave

Boiling cave … steamy hot spring

Temperature degree hit 45C … should be more than that during hot day

Fresh hot water stream down the cave … damn hot

The biggest hot spring pool … enjoy a lot here, but not under hot sun

Crystal Pool … better place for dip and rest

Not fully under the hot sun … a good place for rest (40′C)

Crystal Spa … a place where beauty care and massage available with price

Kepura Cave … a historical cave

Tiger Feeding Show at 4pm … getting ready for it

A piece of meat flung out … the tiger crawl up and catch it

Feeding hour … the trainer will throw a piece of meat opposite there

Get aware and ready to catch it … looks hungry for feeding time

Whoops … manage to catch it

Another simple show … walk along the rope

A big bucket which will flip over when fully refill … creating a big splash

Big HIPPO … as display to attract kids

We managed to spend time for the whole day to make it worth our money. The Lost World of Tambun is not a boring place where a lot more activities and games can be play if you want. I skipped most of the games because I prefer to mix around with water activities.

Again, after we walked out towards EXIT, we hadn’t had much to go for night activities, therefore we bid a good early rest at night.

A day after shall conclude our 3D2N Ipoh Trip.