Genting Highlands is like a small version of, say, Las Vegas in the USA, or Macau in China: a place where casinos abound. People from all over the world usually visit Genting Highlands with the purpose of gambling in various types of games prepared for them by the Genting Malaysia Berhad, a subsidiary of Genting Group.

Map of Genting Highlands

Also known as City of Entertainment, Genting Highlands is also the perfect gateway destination for Malaysian and Asian people who want to stay out of hot and humid weather.  As the name implies, Genting Highlands is located at the Titiwangsa Range at about 1760 meters (5710 feet) above sea level, making its temperature hover between a cool 15 to 25 degrees. Also, Genting Highlands has a range of affordable accommodation to suit all budgets.
Genting Highlands was founded by Lim Goh Tong, a citizen of Fujian, China, in 1965. He came to Malaysia at that time the country was known as Tanah Malay  (Federation of Malaya) in 1937 and started off as a lowly carpenter. During the following years, he dedicated to vegetable farming and petty trading before involving himself in the scrap metal and heavy machinery business. It was through this business that he finally became rich.

Upwards on the Genting Skyway cable car

The idea to open Genting Highlands came to him while having a meal in Cameron Highlands in 1964. He thought the place was marvelous but a bit too far from Kuala Lumpur, which made it inconvenient to some people. Next, he had a good look around the mountainous area near the capital city, and eventually found a suitable spot on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali, one of the highest mountains on the Pahang-Selangor border. After studying the topography and planning the development, Lim pooled out his recourses and energy into creating a Highlands resort complete with accessible roads, infrastructure, clean water and electricity supply.

Most people at the time thought he was a bit eccentric and the project a crazy one, but Lim Goh Tong did not give up easily. His hard work paid off: not only Genting Highlands opened for business in 1971, but the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman, granted him the only casinos license in the country. Genting Highlands quickly grew from a simple casino resort to a modern tourist destination, fully equipped with parks, hotels, large roads and a cable car. Today, Genting Highlands is one of the most popular destinations attracting tourists from all over the world.

Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, Genting Highland founder

A visit to Genting Highlands gives you the chance to read some of Lim Goh Tong famous and inspiring quotes:

– “Laugh at me as you please, but nothing will deter me from going up that mountain.”

• “I had fallen head over heels with this virgin wilderness and vowed to transform it into my dream resort.”
• “I am confident that Genting will continue to be a key contributor to the nation’s economy.”

Back to my visit, there are plenty of thing you can do when you are in Genting Highlands. Once you are in the area, you can easily walk around directed by convenient signboards along pedestrian walks. The most common question I get thrown at me is: What are the main attractions there?

The history of Genting Highlands begins here

Like I mentioned earlier, Genting highlights is the casinos, and do not worry if your budget is low: you can either choose to play in a VIP area or in a normal area. But casinos are not all: there are comprehensive rides and attractions in indoor and outdoor theme parks: First World, SnowWorld, Sky Venture, Genting Bowl, Vision City and Funtasy World Video Game. On top of that, you can treat yourself with some shopping, watch shows and performances, visit the Ripley’s Believe it or not as well as the Chin Swee Caves Temple.

Let’s fly Cato!

I was there and I enjoyed it. How about you?

GETTING THERE

Genting Highlands foothills can be reach from Kuala Lumpur by bus – your best starting point is Puduraya, Kuala Lumpur central bus – taxi or private car.  One popular option is the Genting Skyway cable car, recognized as the World Fastest Mono Cable Car System thanks to its maximum speed of 21.6 kilometres per hour! The fare costs RM 6.40 per way – RM 12.80 return. Express one way is RM 31.80 and Hotel Guest Leisure Return Ride, if you are staying at on the local establishments, is RM 10.80. Operational hours are 7.30 am to midnight.

For more info browse http://www.gentinghighlands.info or http://www.rwgenting.com

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Turtles are cute reptiles, and since I love these animals, during my last visit to Kuantan, Pahang province, Malaysia, I stopped at the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary to see how they care of this endangered species.

Cato inside the information area

An early research informed me that turtles scientific name is Testudines or Chelonii. Turtles are the oldest ever living reptile group, with the largest specimen of chelonian being the leatherback sea-turtle, or Dermochelys coriacea, a turtle living in either fresh water or sea that can reach 2mt in length and weight over 900kg!

Tortoise are turtles that dwell in rivers and fresh water streams, much smaller in size than the sea turtles. Their body is usually covered with shells that develop from their fibs, and that function as a shield. The only things you ever see on their living body are the head and the legs.

Even though turtles are cold-blooded, like other reptiles, they lay eggs on earth and breathe air. This unique creature is believed to have night vision and intelligence as they can navigate mazes better than white rats. Their diet is dependent on the environment they live in, and consists mostly of meat and plants.

Meeting Mr. Turtle

Turtle in Malaysian language is Penyu; there are 4 main species of turtles in my country: the Green-Chelion Mydas, the Hawksbill-Eretmochelys imbricata, the Leatherback-Dermochelys coriacea and the Olive Ridley-Lepidochelys olivacea. Pahang has 5 major landing and nesting areas for these sea turtles: Pantai Chendor, Cherating, Tioman, Sri Buat Island and Rompin Beach. The most common turtle found in these areas is the Green-Chelion Mydas, which usually land on the shore between April and September.

Cherating turtle sanctuary compound

But back to my visit now: the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary was established in 1972 on an land plot of 0.33 hectare as a turtle hatchery in an effort to protect this species; it was opened to public in 1998 and it is run by the Department of Fisheries. I immediately felt the center is the perfect place for turtles, being next to the sea and in an area where turtles usually come to lay eggs.

The main purpose of this center, apart from being a tourist attraction, is the collection of turtle eggs and the organizing of hatching programs. The hatcheries can be easily seen as they are located near the beach.

Turtles released at sea in the night

A turtle’s eggs incubation period is around 50 to 60 days, and the eggs usually hatch at night. In order to prevent baby turtles being killed by other predators, they are immediately released to sea by the center. The period for a turtle to become mature is around 20 to 50 years, and only one in 1000 turtles is believed to live that long.

While at the exhibition area, I collected some info from the several boards: I discovered that Cherating turtle sanctuary carries out a few research programs on turtles, as well as educating the public on awareness and on the importance of conserving these species. I was also happy to learn that those caught on capturing turtles are liable to a heavy fine and to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both, under the Fisheries Act. I hope this is effecting in stopping ‘human predators’.

Turtle pond

Walking around the centre, I saw plenty of turtles in pond, turtles that are part of the center’s hatching program. They look sooooo cute, especially their babies. There are plenty of information boards and other ocean species on display, for the pleasure of the general public, dugongs and species of fish endemic to these waters. Over all, a pleasure time spent at an amazing place!

Cherating turtle sanctuary has a souvenir shop and can provide camping facilities for those who want to experience turtle’s hatchlings program. Price range for pitching a tent is around RM30.

Souvenir shop

Cherating turtle sanctuary is open to public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5.30 pm, with lunch hours being observed, and 3 hours dedicated to prayer every Friday. Admission is FREE, and donation (in the box provided) is appreciated.

To get there, from Kuantan take a bus, a taxi or drive, following directions towards Kemamam/Kuala Terengganu. The sanctuary is located just next to Asia’s First Club Med in Cherating, Pahang, 50 Kilometres from Kuantan city. For more information on Cherating turtle sanctuary, you can email penyuhg@tm.net.my.

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Baruk at the Sarawak Cultural Village, SCV

Il baruk è la sezione principale di una longhouse tradizionale Bidayuh, nel Borneo malese. Nei vari distretti locali, il baruk veniva chiamato con termini differenti dai diversi gruppi Bidayuh, secondo il loro dialetto. Per esempio, nel Padawan il baruk era chiamato ‘Panggah’, mentre a Serian è conosciuto come ‘baluh’ o ‘balui’. Si può in ogni caso affermare che il baruk è importante simbolo delle persone di etnia Bidayuh nel Sarawak.

La storia narra che nel passato il baruk era un luogo di congregazione per i guerrieri Bidayuh. L’interno di un baruk è di solito pieno di armi, gong, maschere di legno e altri effetti personali. Sul soffitto di un Baruk vi si appendevano crani umani appartenenti agli antichi nemici della comunità in questione, uccisi dai guerrieri Bidayuh. Questo è il motivo per cui un baruk era a volte conosciuto come casa-incontro.

Skulls, pottery and more in the storage area of the baruk

Si ritiene che quando il popolo Bidayuh era ateo e pagano, il baruk serviva come luogo per cerimonie culturali, o per praticare Adat Oma, una religione spirituale del tutto simile a quella che gli indiani americani praticavano, omaggiando alla terra, le montagne, le foreste, i fiumi e tutto ciò che era legato alla natura ed agli spiriti. Era nel baruk dove il popolo Bidayuh ballava.

Trovo incredibile e sorprendente che piccole comunità di persone così primitive sono riuscite a costruire edifici tanto spettacolari senza nessun tipo di tecnologia. È questa loro creatività che tanto mi rende attratta al disegno architettonico del baruk.

Detail of walls

Ma lasciate che vi sveli qualcosa di sorprendente: le comunità Bidayuh  non hanno mai usato chiodi di ferro per costruire le loro case, e lo stesso vale per il baruk. Questi edifici robusti e duraturi sono tenuti insieme con corde fatte di corteccia di albero e di rattan.

Questo mi è stato ribadito dalla maggior parte degli anziani della mia comunità. Quando ho incontrato il capo villaggio di Kampung Opar, mi ha confermato che l’architettura di un baruk utilizza un sistema di giunti per tenere assieme i materiali usati per la sua costruzione. Ha pure aggiunto che i Bidayuh si preoccupano molto per la ventilazione, ed utilizzano un sistema di convezione termica per mantenere la struttura del baruk fresca all’interno.

Fireplace inside the baruk

Ovviamente, la costruzione di un baruk segue una procedura ben consolidata. Il baruk è rotondo e costruito sollevato da terra. Le colonne sono di legno massiccio, il pavimento di bambù o di legno, mentre il tetto è di paglia. Un baruk ha una sola porta, che si raggiunge salendo una scalinata. La finestra di un baruk è il suo tetto, parte del quale può essere aperto o chiuso a seconda delle necessità di ventilazione; un sistema rimarchevole direi. L’interno di un baruk di solito comprende una stufa tradizionale ed un camino, utilizzato principalmente come cucina durante determinati eventi come il festival Gawai Dayak, o durante i rituali. Il baruk è solitamente posizionato proprio nel bel mezzo di un villaggio Bidayuh per renderlo di facile accesso alla popolazione del villaggio.

baruk on stilts

Il Baruk è infatti un elemento molto importante per ogni tribù, un patrimonio che deve essere conservato perché le generazioni future lo possano ammirare, in quanto è un elemento significativo del popolo Bidayuh, già che simboleggia la loro identità. Mi trovo totalmente d’accordo con il ministro locale Dato Sri Micheal Manyin quando dice che oggigiorno il baruk è qualcosa del tutto appropriata per soddisfare le moderne esigenze della comunità Bidayuh e non deve essere considerato solo come una casa-incontro.

Le parole non bastano per descrivere la grande icona che è un baruk, quindi vi invito a visitarne uno di persona al fine di vivere il suo accattivante design. Sono pochi i posti dove potete trovare un autentico baruk: al Sarawak Cultural Village, a Kampung Opar nel municipio di Bau, ed a Kampung Benuk a Padawan. Buon baruk!

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Il Museo del Sarawak si erge orgoglioso su una collina non lontano da Merdeka Palace Hotel, ed è il più antico museo mai creat in Borneo, costruito nel 1891 e ampliato alla sua forma attuale nel 1911.

Alfred Russel Wallace

Fu un famoso naturalista britannico, Alfred Russel Wallace, a consigliare ed incoraggiarne l’apertura al secondo Rajah del Sarawak, Charles Vyner Brooke. In quel momento, Wallace si trovava in Sarawak per raccogliere dei campioni. Inizialmente, l’edificio fu costruito principalmente come una casa permanente per esporre arti locali autoctone e tecniche di mestieri artigianali, così come collezioni di animali locali.

Sarwawak Museum in the past

Il Museo del Sarawak è stato costruito in uno stile elegante e semplice che ricorda un epoca vittoriana dal tocco prettamente inglese: la sua architettura è stata infatti ispirata dalla regina Anna, che regnò tra il 1702 ed il 1714. Fin dalla sua istituzione, l’edificio ha subito diverse ristrutturazioni e modifiche, con un design che può essere collegato ad Europa, Australia e America.

Sarawak Museum main building

Il Museo del Sarawak è diviso in due piani. L’ala est del piano terra presenta una collezione di esemplari naturali della fauna del Sarawak: rettili, mammiferi, uccelli e altro ancora. L’ala ovest ospita invece una mostra sullo sviluppo dell’industria petrolifera in Sarawak. Il primo piano ha reperti etnografici del popolo del Sarawak, e pone enfasi sulle tribù indigene come gli Iban, i Bidayuh, i Melanau, gli Orang Ulu, i Malay e così via. In mostra ci sono diversi tipi di creazioni indigene; da notare una longhouse, alcuni strumenti musicali, artigianato e barche. Gli interni della galleria sono illuminati da abbaini piazzati sul soffitto del museo, che consentono una grande area espositiva sulle pareti.

Indication boards

Mentre fu in gran parte gestito dai colonialisti britannici, durante l’occupazione giapponese della Malesia, il Museo del Sarawak fu posto sotto la direzione di un comprensivo ufficiale giapponese, ed è per questo che il museo ha subito solo lievi danni durante quel periodo. Oggigiorno, il Museo del Sarawak ospita inoltre il Museo di Etologia ed è sotto la direzione del signor Ipoi Datan.

Trovarsi all’interno del Museo del Sarawak per me significa molto, perché mi dà un’ottimo background della storia del mio stato. La modernizzazione del Sarawak proviene dal suo passato e questo passato deve essere conservato perché lo possano vedere anche le generazioni future. Questo museo rappresenta l’inizio di Sarawak, per cui i suoi visitatori possono indirettamente conoscere questo straordinario stato.

Per avere maggiori informazioni sul Museo del Sarawak è possibile accedere al loro sito web www.museum.sarawak.gov.my oppure contattare + 60 82244232 / + 60 82244261 o via e-mail a lipoid@sarawak.gov.my

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Souvenirs are gifts from places you have been. I am one of those people who, when they travel, the first thing that come to mind is buying something for families and friends. Something for a remembrance of the trip you had the luck to take. During my short visit to Kuantan, I did find lots of souvenirs and bought some of them for my beloved family. The must-buy items in the Kuantan souvenir range are Keropok Lekor and Batiks, items that in Malaysia are mostly found in the east coast.

Packaged Keropok lekor ready to sell

You sure know what batiks are, but, do you know Keropok Lekor? Let me tell you: Keropok Lekor is the famous Malaysian fish crackers, a popular snack that usually can be found in Terengganu. Lekor in Terengganu language means roll, and people sometimes call it fish sausage.

Keropok Lekor is made out of fish pounded into a paste together with vegetables, sago flour and seasoned with salt and sugar. These ingredients are mixed and then fried.

The making process of keropok lekor

There are two types of Keropok Lekor: Lekor Goreng and Lekor Keping.  Lekor Goreng is shaped into sausage-size and is quite chewy, while Lekor Keping is shaped into slices and has a crispier texture, since it is dried under the hot sun. These snacks are often eaten together with a chilly sauce.

Pahang is the place where Keropok Lekor is made, so I took the opportunity and bought two big packets of these delicacies to bring back home. I chose the Lekor Keping since it is the one that can keep longer.

The dough needs to be boiled first

It is also the most expensive of the two: while Lekor Goreng, which I bought to be eaten during the journey (and it was sooooo nice and yummy), cost me RM 3 only, for the Lekor Keping I spent RM 13 – though the price depends on the ingredients used. Keropok Lekor stalls can be found along the way from Balok to Cherating.

As I continued my journey, I did not miss the opportunity to stop at the Natural Batik Village to buy a batik cloth for my family. Natural Batik Village is located at Balok, Pahang, 14.5 Kilometres away from Kuantan city.

Applying colours to the fabric

Let me share with you a little about the history of Batiks. Batik describes a technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to a whole cloth. A tradition of making batik is found in various Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, and Philippines, though the batik of Indonesia is the most well-known. Batiks are both art and craft and are well known due to their creative motion and designs. When we talk about Batiks in Malaysia, Terengganu and the Malaysian east coast including Pahang are the places to be.

Natural Batik Village sarongs

At the Natural Batik Village there are plenty of things to see and do, apart from buying Batiks and related products like htas, coasters, t-shirts, sarongs, scarfs, hats, handbags and more. There are skilled workers and a spokesperson who will explain the process of Batik-making.

For more information about Natural Batik Village, click on http://naturalbatik.com.my

Hope you have enjoyed this article about Keropok Lekor and Batiks. Needless to say, my family loved the presents!

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Kuantan is the state capital of Pahang, the third largest state in Malaysia after Sarawak and Sabah. Nestled in the mouth of Kuantan River, facing the South China Sea, Kuantan is populated mainly by Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnic people, and has a population of about 600,000 people.

Sent on a mission by Asian Itinerary to collect traveling information and discover more parts of Malaysia not yet exposed to you, our dear readers, I without any hindrance set off to visit Kuantan.

Since Kuantan is mostly famous for its beautiful beaches along its long coastline, in this article I wish to expose to you the three best-rated beaches in the area.

Teluk Cempedak

Teluk Cempedak beach

Located about 5 kilometres from Kuantan city, this is known as the resident area for the royal clan; in fact, most of the landscaped gardens, villas and buildings you find along the way there belong to royal family. Thanks to its white sandy beach, a coast dotted with rocks of different sizes and the several coconut plantations,Teluk Cempedak is a must visit area for tourists and locals.

This is the perfect area for a plethora of activities, the most popular being sunbathing, water-sports, swimming, snorkeling, sailing and surfing. Malaysia is near the equator line, which means lots of sun throughout the year: get your mat, towel and sun lotion and enjoy the bake! Picnic and camping are also recommended as the beach is amazingly clean.

Souvenirs shops at Teluk Cempedak

Besides this, Teluk Cempedak offers fresh air, good for those who want to go walking or jogging: I advise a walk on the sand or alternatively along the pedestrian walk arranged by the local government. This pedestrian walk connects you directly to the jungle trekking routes. I used this path and I can guarantee fun: amuse at the beautiful environment, watch the monkeys and admire their lifestyle, take pictures and observe the amazing diversity of the tree population.

Suitable for family and friends, Teluk Cempedak has a children playground, a volleyball court and some battery-operated cars to feed your needs. There are a few good restaurants and shops for dining, and for your social and business lifestyle.

Teluk Cempedak pedestrian walk

But visiting won’t be enough. For a tourist like me, who always want some memories from the places I visit, getting a fridge magnet is a must. There are plenty of stores and shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts for you to take back home.

If you are visiting Kuantan, Teluk Cempedak is a must must must do! To get to Teluk Cempedak, catch a bus, a taxi or drive; the journey should take less than 7 minutes from Kuantan city. The best accommodation option is the Hyatt Regency Kuantan Hotel.

Pantai Batu Hitam

Pantai Batu Hitam

This translates into English as the ‘Black Stone Beach’. The beach area is known by this name thanks to the presence of different black and dark stones, similar to those found in Teluk Cempedak, which are mainly brown. There is a group of big black stone along the beach that s believe to have originated from an ancient volcano eruption. The fantastic view of this beach, with black stones sparkling in the sun and the amazing beach, is a sight to behold.

Activities there include swimming, sightseeing, picnic, camping and finding a seashells. Not far from this beach there is a seafood stall where you can indulge yourself in local cooking. The most recommended dish there is the grilled fish, known as Ikan Bakar in the local language, Bahasa.

Pantai Batu Hitam can be reached either by self-drive, bus or taxi, and it is located about 10-kilometers away from the town. Duta Sands Beach Resort is the hotel we recommend.

Pantai Cherating

Cherating Beach sandy dunes

This beach, located about 47 kilometres from Kuantan town, is famed as Asia’s first Club Med. Pantai Cherating is well catered for visitors, with a wide range accommodation – resorts, chalets, hotel – as well as services like restaurants and souvenir stalls. Apart from that, the scenery offered by the beach, with lots of coconut trees swinging in the wind and an amazingly green sea, is overwhelming.

Pantai Cherating is popular amongst Europeans. This is probably because it has a truly exotic feel to it, and thanks to the beautiful surrounding nature. The area, needless to say, offers a wide range of activities like kayaking, surfing and watching fireflies and turtles.

Cherating beach stalls

Pantai Cherating is recommended for families, honeymoon and picnic groups. To get there you can either take a taxi, a bus or drive on your own. I drove, which made me feel free from sticky schedules and quick stopovers. I took my time and stopped anywhere I pleased.

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I hope the above information stirs your curiosity, and that these three beaches inspire lots of fun under the sun. Kuantan can be reached by plane, car or bus. If you plan to arrive by plane, both Airasia (www.airasia.com) and Malaysian Airlines (www.malaysiaairlines.com) cover the Kuala Lumpur-Kuantan route. If you are driving from Penang, you will amaze at the several beautiful places and yummy delicacies you will encounter along the way… Enjoy Pahang and Kuantan!

Asian Itinerary stayed at Le Village Beach Resort

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The hotel entrance area

I was a bit tired from the drive from Kuantan when I suddenly told my friend to stop and stay overnight somewhere before heading to Genting Highlands. It was past 6 pm and the sky was already dark, the night was coming to replace the day. There was no point in continuing the drive, so we stopped for a light dinner in Genting Sempah, where we googled for a reasonable hotel or small inn to stay. DHill Inn Genting, at the Genting Foothills, not far from the Genting Skyway Cable Car, seemed to be the best choice.

I called the hotel phone and booked a room for RM 85, which was within our budget. Plus. we urgently needed to rest our mind and body from a long journey.

It was dark when we arrived at the hotel parking lot. The small town near the inn looked amazing and so full of decorations, it looked like Christmas was being celebrated, reminding me of English movies filmed in winter.

I parked the car and headed to talk to the lady at the reception about the inn accommodations and prices. She told me the price is a little bit cheaper in weekdays, when the area is also not so crowded. Good for us, I thought.

View from my room

Our room was quite pleasant and designed in a very local way. The inn has 3 floors consisting of several rooms. The first thing I noticed was the window, with its wonderful view. I opened it, and felt a cold breeze enter the room. I loved it.

My room

The room had LCD Television, a fan, a king-size bed, shower with hot and cold water, a toilet bowl and a make-up table. No air-condition, but I guess you can imagine why: it’s Genting foothills and I can assure you it was icy cold. I was very happy with the room, though I wished the blanked had been thicker…

As the DHill Inn is located by a small town, you do not need to worry as there are plenty of restaurants where to eat and plenty of stores where to buy essentials.

DHill Inn is at 5, Genting Permai Boulevard, Genting Highland, Pahang 69000, Pahang. The inn is at 10 Kilometres from Genting Highlands. Find them at https://www.facebook.com/pages/DHill-In-Hotel-Genting-Permai-Genting-Highlands/538684362825623

Enjoy your stay.

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Are you in Kuantan area, Pahang province, Malaysia? Are you sweating, feeling hot and want to jump in cool water? Well, Sungai Pandan waterfall is the best options for you.

Waterfall at my back

Also known as Panching waterfall, this waterfall is situated deep in the forest, past the small town, the army camp and the quarry area. Considered to be the Malaysia’s most beautiful waterfall, Sungai Pandan waterfall is a popular picnic and recreational area for the Kuantan local community.

It consists of beautiful cascading rapids from the hill down to the giant rocks, culminating in large pool, which makes it attractive and ideal from swimming.  Sungai Pandan waterfall is really suitable for everyone, especially for those with families as they can enjoy the cool water splashing and it is safe for kids too thanks to the shallow depth of water – just at knee level – so kids can safely play around the area.

Sungai Pandan is part of a Forest Reservation Area called Hutan Lipur Sungai Pandan, encompassing an area of about 25 hectares. Its forest is gazetted as an untouched treasure to preserve and conserve, home to several species of tropical trees, animals and insects.

The waterfall park

For activities, Sungai Pandan waterfall is ideal for picnic, outing and camping, hanging out with families, friends and colleagues. I suggest taking advantage of the rest huts and barbecue grill areas for your deserved breaks.

For those who want to explore nature, head for a walk along the jungle trails: reach the top of the fall, and follow the course of the gentle stream to a suspension bridge, location suitable for picture-taking of the whole waterfalls area.

I must remind you not to climb the rocks to the waterfalls as the stones are steep, slippery, sharp and potentially dangerous. Besides, you are also reminded to read the safety information provided at the entrance for your own safety.

The suspension bridge

Like other places, Sungai Pandan waterfall is also equipped with a few amenities which include a parking lot, changing rooms, toilets and a gift and souvenir shops. Furthermore, you should not worry about food as there are catering stalls in the vicinity, though you are welcome to carry your own food along with you.

For me, Sungai Pandan waterfall is a great place to cool down, to release and to free the mind from the tensions of everyday life. Make sure you bring a towel and some changing clothes so you do not miss out on the opportunity to swim near this amazing waterfall. Pampered yourself in crystal clear Sungai Pandan waterfall.

Entrance ticket

Sungai Pandan waterfall is 25 kilometres from Kuantan town, which takes about 30 minutes by transport. Self-drive and taxi are available. Entrance fee is reasonable at RM 2 for adult and RM 1 for children. It is open to public from 7 am to 6 pm.

For more information about directions and ticketing, contact info@pandanwaterfall.com or browse http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g298296-d5074281-Reviews-Sungai_Pandan_Waterfall-Kuantan_Kuantan_District_Pahang.html

Asian Itinerary stayed at Le Village Beach Resort

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It was on the way back from Genting Skyway Cable Car that I came up with the idea to visit Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm in Malaysia. My friends insisted it was not worth paying the (Malaysian Ringgit) RM 8 entry ticket just to see strawberries, but I insisted: I believed a short visit to this attraction was going to be worth our money.

I make this point because in the end the place was more than worth a visit. The farm was so peaceful, clean and beautiful, with fresh strawberries and other attractions we all enjoyed. And this is my account:

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm
main Entrance

Strawberry farm

Strawberry taste is quite sour but all and all, I love it. I like strawberries colour when ripe: red like a lipstick. I love their smell and taste when they melt in my mouth. Overall, I do love strawberry and I prefer to eat them fresh together with ice cream.

Let me tell you about the farm. There are plenty of strawberries for the visitor to see and even pluck for a price: the minimum you are allowed to pluck is 100 grams, which cost you around RM 8.

The beauty of strawberry farming

Clippers and basket are provided for you.

Apart from plucking, you can witness the strawberry farm process on how they take care of the plant until it bears fruits, from the raw material to the final product.

If you intend to purchase strawberries and related products, they have a small shop near the main entrance, selling strawberry products like jam and juice.

Lavender rows

Lavender farm

I love strawberry as much as I love lavender, as I know their purple colour is good for the eyes. This farm can be found not far from the strawberry farm, a short walk up a hill. The garden is so lush and green, complete with lavender as well as different species in bloom, like sunflowers and roses. A great place for photo taking.

Honey farm

The bees farm

It was great to find out that the process of making honey was also represented, with a great wealth of information. The honey is priced according to its quality, but do not be surprised: the honey at Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm is genuine and natural.

Honey is such a good product, giving us a perfect eating pleasure and contributing to our health and beauty. Honey can in fact treat acne, sleep problems, gastritis, asthma and hemorrhoids.

Stalls

Burdock tea

As I walked across the farms, I found a lot of souvenir shops selling several products such as Genting Highland strawberry tea, coffee and chocolate drinks, t-shirts, key chains, fridge magnets and more memories to bring back home. And since I felt like a tourist, I did buy some: the coffee drink mixed with strawberry cost RM 32 and the burdock tea RM 40. Wow, you would think: expensive! But let me tell you about burdock tea: it is a traditional drink made out of tree bark and marketed for health purposes. Chinese people in China and Malaysia drink this tea everyday in order to treat and prevent health problem such as diabetes, cholesterol problem, detox and constipation!

Mushrooms farm

Mushrooms farm

It was at the last section of the farm that I encountered rows and rows of mushroom, some not yet sprout. They looked so unique and beautiful that I felt the need to learn about them. It turned out those were abalone mushroom, known as ‘king oysters’ thanks to their health qualities. This mushroom consists mainly of Vitamins B and proteins, which are helpful in strengthening our immune system. A small stall at the corner has abalone mushroom for sale to the public.

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When I read the notes I jotted down during my visit, I realized the RM 8 entrance fee is not so bad (kids only pay RM 5). The visit was extensive and the air was refreshing. I would suggest the farm to set up a stall on the outside so visitors to the area who are not willing to pay the entrance fee can still purchase the delicious strawberries produced by Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm.

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm is open to public everyday from 9.00 am to 6.30 pm. For more information, visit them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Genting-Strawberry-Leisure-Farms-157150721552/timeline/?ref=br_tf

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Penang is amongst my favourite vacation destinations in Malaysia, and this is probably because the lifestyle this city offers feels exactly like in my hometown: Kuching.

A street in Penang

Located in the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang, previously known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, has a population of about 1.6 million people, mainly Chinese, Malays and Indians.

Penang itself is divided into two parts: Georgetown on the island and Buttleworth on the mainland. According to local history, Penang got its name from the betel nut, known as Pinang in the local language. Malaysian people in fact call it Pulau (island) Pinang.

Usually, when we talk about Penang, two things come straight to mind: food and cultural heritage. Thus, I’m going to share with you notions about interesting places to visit in Penang, places that I have visited and recorded in my several visits to the island during the past 3 years.

Museum of glass

11. Museum of glass

Located at Jalan Mount Erskine, Museum of glass, officially called i-box, has been recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records. As the name says, this museum explains about the manufacturing process of glass. And before being a museum, it is a vibrant company established in 2002 with the aim to create fascinating glass designs, serving residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Among their products is fused glass, sandblasted glass, glass signage and glass souvenirs. For more information click on http://www.iboxglass.com

12. Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis walls

Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in the whole of Malaysia. Set close to Penang esplanade and just a few minutes walk from the clock tower in Georgetown, this fort was named after Marquis Charles Cornwallis. According to history, Fort Cornwallis was built in 1786 as a defensive structure against enemies: pirates, Kedah forces and French colonialists. Inside this fort, over the entrance, you will find standing majestically a bronze statue of Captain Francis Light. There is also a cell room that has been converted into gallery, old British canopy models and a cannon.

Fort Cornwallis is open to public from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm daily and can be reached by car or by trishaw. It is located not far from Padang Kota lama. Admission fee is RM3. For more information click http://www.penang-vacations.com/fort-cornwallis.html 

13. Penang Bridges

Penang longest bridge in the distance

As a Malaysian citizen, one of the first things that come to mind when talking about Penang is the Penang Bridge, perhaps one of its most famous landmarks. This suspended bridge, with its 13.5 kilometres length, used to be the longest bridge in Malaysia and its design is similar to the London Bridge. This record was beaten

when Penang second bridge – Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge – was built, with its 24 kilometres of length. Apart from being recognized as the longest bridge in the country, this second bridge is also recorded as the longest bridges in Southeast Asia. It connects Batu Maung, location near Penang International Airport, to Bandar Cassia in Seberang Perai on the mainland.

14. Penang National Park

Penang National Park

Known as Taman Negara Penang in Bahasa Malaysia, Penang National Park was gazetted in 1958 and is one of the few protected areas left in Penang Island. The park spans 1,213 hectares of land facing the sea, an area that consists of forests and wetlands inhabited by a diverse habitat. Penang National Park is used by scientists, researchers and nature lovers who want to explore nature.

The park is located along the way to Monkey Beach, and is suitable for camping, hiking, swimming and observing wildlife. For more information click on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang_National_Park

15. Penang Street Art

Lithuanian-artist-Ernest-Zarharevic-wall-painting

Thanks to Lithuanian artist Ernest Zarharevic, Georgetown house walls are decorated with some amazing drawings, a perfect mask to this vibrant town. The awesome art created by this young talented artist portraits kids on bicycles, boys on bikes, mischievous children playing and more. Take a walk along Penang streets and find them, there are more than 20!!

16. Penang Batik Factory

Penang Batik Factory

Established in 1973, Penang Batik Factory is run by a people who produce traditional batik, and is one of the largest traditional batik manufacturers in the Northern region of Malaysia. The factory show visitors the batik making process and has plenty of beautiful batik design for sale to suit any taste. Penang Batik Factory is located in Teluk Bahang. For more informationclick on http://www.penangbatik.com.my 

17. Penang Bird Park

Penang Bird Park

Penang Bird Park is the first ever and largest bird park in the country, opened since 1988. With its area of 5 acres, this park contains more than 300 bird species from all over the world. If you love birds and want to know a range of world species, this is the place to visit. Penang Bird Park is located in Seberang Jaya, on Penang’s mainland. It is open to public daily from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm. Bird shows has an entrance fee of Rm 38 for adults and Rm 20 for kids. For more information click on http://www.penangbirdpark.com.my

18. Jalan Raja Uda

Located at Butterworth on the mainland, Jalan Raja Uda is the best place to get food. This area offers plenty of delicious street food for all tastes. Reccommended dishes are bah ku tea, curry mee, fried kueh tiaw and wantan mee. Muslims should try nasi kandar.

19. Ferry

The Penang ferry

The Penang Ferry is one of the best experience when visit Penang. This ferry connects Penang Island to Butterworth, the alternative to the bridges. The ferry terminal on the mainland is nearby the bus terminal, facilitating the movement of visitors. It has two levels, the lower level for cars and motorbikes and the upper level for passengers. I personally prefer the ferry as I can relax and enjoy the views, and I do not need to negotiate traffic jams. Cars pay RM 7.70, whereas motorbikes pay RM 2.00.

20. Penang State Museum and Art Gallery

Penang State Museum and Art Gallery was established in 1964. Built with the donation given by the East India Company, it was a school accommodating 150 pupils, and was called Penang Free School, occupying the building from 1897 to 1927. It later as taken over by another school untli turned into a museum on reccommendation of Malaysia’s first prime minister. Penang State Museum building is recognized as a heritage building.

Penang State Museum

The museum consists of artifact, street stones, old transportation and historical paintings. Penang State Museum and Art Gallery is located at Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown. For more information check http://www.penangmuseum.gov.my 

READ PART 1 AT http://asianitinerary.com/20-best-spots-in-penang-part-1/ 

STREET FOOD PENANG: http://asianitinerary.com/penang-street-food-chulia-street/

PENANG ARTICLE: http://asianitinerary.com/surprising-and-inviting-penang/

The post 20 best spots in Penang – Part 2 appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Penang is amongst my favourite vacation destinations in Malaysia, and this is probably because the lifestyle this city offers feels exactly like in my hometown: Kuching.

Located in the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang, previously known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, has a population of about 1.6 million people, mainly Chinese, Malays and Indians.

Penang itself is divided into two parts: Georgetown on the island and Buttleworth on the mainland. According to local history, Penang got its name from the betel nut, known as Pinang in the local language. Malaysian people in fact call it Pulau (island) Pinang.

Usually, when we talk about Penang, two things come straight to mind: food and cultural heritage. Thus, I’m going to share with you notions about interesting places to visit in Penang, places that I have visited and recorded in my several visits to the island during the past 3 years.

1. Penang Hill

The way up to the hill

Penang Hill, in local language called ‘Bukit Bendera’, has been the first colonial hill-station built in Peninsular Malaysia. Standing at the top of a hill and facing the sea, Penang Hill is about 6 kilometer from Georgetown. Reaching a height of 812 meters above the sea, Penang Hill is one of the coldest areas of Penang, reaching as low as 5 degree-temperature. However, these temperatures cannot defeat those of Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Kundasang, Borneo Highland and Fraser Hill, known as the coldest in Malaysia.

Back to history, Penang Hill was ‘discovered’ by Francis Light, the founder of Penang as a British Colony as a British weapon storage for the Eastern trade. Indeed an iconic British figure who played a major role in making Penang what it is today; and since he missed so much his favourite fruit, strawberries, for they could not grow in the tropical heat, he brought with him some strawberry seedlings which he planted near his house on the hill. From that day hence, the ridge on top of Penang Hill has been known as Strawberry Hill.

As for today, Penang HIll functions both as a strawberry farm and as a tourist attraction, since the height gives tourists a better view over Georgetown. I must tell you that view over the town is indeed mesmerizing.

Chinese temple on top of Penang Hill

To get to the top of Penang Hill, you can either:

• hop on the Penang Hill Railway. Built in 1923, this is one of the oldest funicular systems, with a 2km long track and a climbing time of 30 minutes bottom to top.
• drive up with a private road with entry from Penang Botanical Gardens.

Penang Hill can be visited daily from 6,30 am to 11 pm. For more click on http://www.penanghill.gov.my

2. Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple is only a few minutes drive from Penang Hill. Located in the Air Itam area, this temple was originally built in 1891 and is the biggest Buddhist temple ever built in Malaysia. Thanks to its size, its location on a hilly area and an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, I can guarantee you won’t miss it since it can be easily spotted from the road.

I visited this place only once, back in 2013; my friend and I drove up the hill via the road provided. I found Kek Lok Si Temple to be really huge, commanding impressive views. The compound includes the entrance, shops, gardens, temples and a prayer hall. For more information click on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kek_Lok_Si

3. Penang Botanical Gardens

At the Botanical Garden Penang

The only gate to Penang Hill is the Penang Botanical Gardens, known as ‘Taman Botanical’. It is situated in a valley along Jalan Kebun Bunga. The whole gardens area has a very well-managed landscape that consists of plenty of exotic plant species. This garden was set up in 1884 by Englishman Charles Curtis, appointed Assistant Superintendent by the gardens Superintendent, Nathaniel Cantley. Penang Botanical Gardens has 12 sections; amongst the most interesting are the Formal Garden, the Lily Pond, the Perdana Plant and the Cactus House.

If you plan a visit here, do know that there are monkeys surrounding the area. You are reminded not to touch monkeys for safety reason. For more information click on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang_Botanic_Gardens

4. Gurney Drive

Gurney Drive is a seaside boulevard home to boats, shopping malls, hotels and restaurant. Hence, if you are keen to try the famous Penang Laksa and various other signature dishes, Gurney Drive is the place you are looking for.

5. Snake Temple

Kek Lok Si, the snake temple

I am definitely not a snake fan or any kind of snake lover. If you talk about snakes, I can feel my body ticklish, even by listening to the word. If there is a snake around, I am the first to run! It was my love for writing and documenting that made me turn the page, win the fear, make myself brave and visit the snake temple! I can now tell you it was not such a bad experience at all, the place is indeed worth seen.

Built by a Buddhist monk and healer, Chor Soo Kong, in 1850, the place is called, in the Hokkien language, Ban Ka Lan or Temple of the Azure Clouds, since it almost reaches the fluffy white clouds in the azure sky.

The snake temple is, you can guess, filled with various types of snake on display, some that was totally unknown to me, and with the smoke of burning incense. Devotees firmly believe the snakes have come to this temple on their own accord…

If you are daring enough, perhaps you too should visit it. Bear in mind that pit vipers are found everywhere, even on the altar. Though the vipers are believed to be rendered harmless by the sacred smoke, they have been de-venomed for safety reasons. Visitors are warned are warned against picking up the reptiles (most do so for picture takings) since they still have their fangs intact and could bite. There is of course a tourist service in place for taking pics with the snakes, and it costs RM30 for a set of 2 pictures…

The snake temple is located at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas. It is open to public daily from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm – entry tickets are RM5 for adults and RM3 for children.

6. Komtar Tower

Chinese temple with Komtar at the far end

Komtar is the acronym for Kompleks Tunku Abdul Rahman (Tunku Abdul Rahman Complex), an important landmark of Penang. With its 65 storey, this building can be seen from any part of Georgetown, as well as from Butterworth on the mainland. One unique feature of this building is its cylinder shape. Komtar is home to the state government. I recommend a visit to those who want to snap a great view of Penang. Komtar is open to public from 10.30 am to 9.30 pm.

7. Queensbay Mall

This place is a paradise for shoppers as it consists of a wide range of stores selling anything from clothing to food. The Mall is open daily from 10.30 am to 10.30 pm.

8. Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi – translated as Foreigner’s Rock – is a beach area, one popular spot for those who want to have picnic and spend time on a sandy beach. The iconic feature of Batu Ferringhi is The Ship, a restaurant on the seafront shaped like a large wooden vessel. This award-winning restaurant features a maritime theme complete with captains and crews in charming uniforms, and serves delicious cuisine.

The Batu Ferringhi area offers a wide range of activities, and especially sport activities such as banana boats,windsurfing and jet sky. The area has plenty of great hotels and restaurants, and a night market too. It is indeed a most recommended place for those who want to spend a weekend with families and friends.

9. Butterfly Farm – Entopia

Butterflies at Entopia

Butterfly Farm founder David Goh, who started this passion from a simple hobby in his backyard, opened it in 1986 with the main objective to protect and conserve the various types of butterflies on the island. Butterfly Farm is the first tropical butterfly exhibition in the world; it was set up in an area of 8 hectares that houses 4,000 butterflies from as many as 120 butterfly groups, and has played host to over 4 million visitors. Apart from butterflies, this farm also displays other insect and reptiles. I loved visiting Butterflies Farm, the area is great, the gardens lush and the explanation on the various butterflies is comprehensive.

At the butterfly farm

Penang Butterfly Farm is now being reinvented into Entopia (Entomological Utopia). This rebirth comes from David Goh’s desire to help people live in better harmony with nature. In the new discovery hub, butterflies and insects are free to come out to play.

Entopia is located at Jalan Teluk Pahang, past the Batu Feringgi area, and it is opened from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Check www.entopia.com

10. Monkey Beach

On the way to Monkey Beach

Known as Teluk Duyung, Monkey Beach is a popular tourist destination in Penang, a great place to visit during weekends and public holidays, with locals coming to enjoy picnics and camping. There is plenty of sport activities like jet sky on offer, and there are walks and jungle trekking available for the adventurous types. Monkey Beach is also ideal for those who want privacy and a quite time away from the busy city life.

At Monkey Beach, I enjoyed cooking Ayam Pansuh (a chicken meat dish prepared in a bamboo stuffed with water) for my friends, swimming and playing volleyball with Japanese tourists. I loved my time there,quite soothing.

To access this beach, there are two route available. You can take a boat for the 20-minutes trip which costs RM50 for the whole boat, or you can take a 3 kilometres vigorous hike, which should take about 2 hours. Both start at the entrance of the National Park at Teluk Bahang.

READ PART 2 AT http://asianitinerary.com/20-best-spots-in-penang-part-2/

STREET FOOD PENANG: http://asianitinerary.com/penang-street-food-chulia-street/

PENANG ARTICLE: http://asianitinerary.com/surprising-and-inviting-penang/

The post 20 best spots in Penang – Part 1 appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Pomelo tree

Pomelo, Pummelo or Pommelo, originally called ‘shaddock’ in English (after a captain of the East India Company), som-o in Thailand and ‘limau barli’ in Malaysia, is a common fruit that can be found in most Asian countries, and especially in China, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand. Pomelo is usually a pale yellow or green colour: green if not yet fully ripe and yellow when ripe. Its scientific name is ‘citrus maxima’.

Pomelo can usually grow up to 30 cm in diameter and 10 kilogram in weight. Its size makes it the largest member of the citrus family. This fruit can be found in Asian markets with a price range of between 1 and 5 euros each, depending on size and country.

Juicy on the inside

Pomelo is quite juicy, with a pink or orange-yellow flesh. Its taste is sour if unripe and sweet if ripe. It can be eaten fresh or squeezed into a juice. The pomelo’s peel can be used to make marmalade; it can also be candied and dipped in chocolate. In some Asian cuisines, like the Malaysian and the Thai, pomelo is enjoyed dipped in shrimp paste, as in the Malaysian special recipe of Sambal Belacan.

But facts apart, let me share with you a unique story behind this amazing fruit. Apparently, pomelo has a significant value for certain ethnicities, one of these being the Chinese. You should know that for Chinese people every flower and fruit has its own significant value. For them, fruits are much more than temple offerings. They love fruits, especially pomelo, mandarins, limes, bananas and winter melons. In Chinese culture, eating fresh fruit symbolises a new life beginning, and eating sweet fruit is a wish for a sweet year ahead. Fruit is also a common gift during the harvest festival, the Lunar New Year, the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year and wedding events.

Malaysian pomelos

But let’s focus on pomelo. Jacqueline M. Newman in her article on Chinese Food Symbolism states that “pomelo is a prayer and a hope to have a good fate”. The Chinese people in fact hold pomelos in high esteem as they believe this fruit is a symbol of prosperity and good luck, hence usually presented as a gift in temples during Chinese New Year. Pomelo and other citrus will be eaten during the second day of the Chinese New Year, a practice observed in accordance with a Chinese emperor tradition, where during this special day the king would present this type of fruit to his officers.

Nowadays, Chinese ethnic people often use pomelo in cooking when it is in season, right before new year, since pomelo is also believed to bring good luck to the household. Besides that, Chinese homes are commonly decorated with a pair of pomelos: it is believed pairs of pomelos are synonym of family unity and also mean “all good things come in twos”.

I am a very inquisitive person, and apart from all I have read about pomelo, I have had to ask some of my Chinese ethnic friends and acquaintances for confirmation.

Right off the plant

My ex boss Fiona Kho said: “We believe a good thing will happen if we eat this fruit and due to this, every year, during Chinese New Year we buy pomelos, which are important to mark a new start with a positive aura”.

Meanwhile, Aderine Lo told me that pomelo in Chinese is called ‘da ji’ which means ‘to have’. She said that the real meaning of ‘da ji’ is like a wish to achieve prosperity. This is why she gives out pomelos when visiting relatives and friends during Chinese New Year.

My university friend Enix Goh said that pomelo leaves are very important for the Chinese people in religious ritual baths, as they are believed to clean up individual bad lucks and push away bad omens.

A lovely-looking fruit

For Lee Jun Sing, my ex high-school classmate who is Buddhist, pomelo is usually placed in the house area where he prays and makes offerings.

My uncle Joseph Tomeng, who sells all kind of fruits in Taman Malihah, in Matang, confirmed that pomelo demand increases consideerably during Chinese New Year.

Pomelo is not only popular amongst the Chinese but also for communities in the whole world. In India, for instance, pomelo is very important for children, but not as food: they use it as a ball in football games! I am glad I was born in a multi-cultural and multi-racial country, to have had the chance to find out about the uniqueness of pomelo, and to have shared it with you.

The post Significance of pomelo for Chinese people appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Situated in the foot of the mountains, less than 2 hours drive from Kuching City, Bengoh Resettlement Scheme – or BRS – was the location chosen for the Padawan International 4X4 Off Roaders Extreme Challenge 2015.

A cloudy day

The Bengoh Resettlement Scheme was at first set up in order to relocate villages hailing from four village affected by the Bengoh Dam Project, namely Kampung Taba Sait, Pain Bojong, Rejoi and Semban.

For more information about some of these villagers, read my previous article on the Bidayuh Bangle’s user: http://asianitinerary.com/a-journey-in-search-of-the-bidayuh-bangles-users/

The Bengoh Resettlement Scheme has a lovely and perfectly preserved nature and a great challenging terrain, an ideal place for extreme sports such as four wheel-drive.

Padawan International 4X4 Off Roaders Extreme Challenge 2015 was organized by the Padawan Municipal Council, creating interest in the area on those who made it to the event.

44 years old Agnes Timot from Kampung Sirak said the scheme area was amazing: “The scenery here is suited to hold activities. The atmosphere is quite beautiful”.

Car toppling over while climbing the hill

According to event participant Dayang Majalifah Awang Mustafa, from Sarawak’s Ironlady team, the event achieves a good exposure both for people and for the state: “For me, this is the best place to promote tourism. They get see the wonderful area with such an original black earth like they have here; I am a local and I had never seen this in Borneo, this is apparently the only place in Borneo to have this”.

Meanwhile, participant Atiqah Abdullah from the Brunei Team said: “The place itself is quite okay; looking at the terrain, it is so different in terms, so soft”.

36 years old Mario Vicardo from the Team Asia Perkasa, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, asserted that Padawan should be developed more towards this sport as it is beautiful, and also because he was fully satisfied with the challenging terrain.

Stuck in the mud

State Assemblyman Datuk Dr. Jerip Susil intervened to say that the sport will be a platform to promote the scheme towards tourism from outside and within the country. He added that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem also supports the efforts made by the various parties in the international class sports organization. This is because the sport can indirectly entertain and enlighten people in the scheme; the state government will assist them in turn, organizing a variety of activities that will also benefit the local population.

“These resettlement schemes are part of the government program to promote the area, and it aims to make resettled people understand that there can be lots of things that can be installed for them”, stressed out Datuk Dr. Jerip Susil.

Organizer Wilfred Yap told us that due to the competition being at a national level, the recognition is important so that participants who follow the sport can be recognized as well. “I mean, in the past only four wheel drivers to a club level could join the competition. Now, all participants have the chance to get a recognition “.

Hot Indonesia driver trying to reverse his car

The game includes 3 main categories: Category A – very rugged or hardcore, totally modified vehicles. Category B – rugged and semi-modified vehicles. Category C – medium-rugged vehicle that has never been modified.

“We have 13 special stages and participants have to go through 13 challenges. One of the challenge is hill climbing the hill” said Wilfred Yap. He also added that this will be one of the annual events as it is part of Padawan Municipal Council goal. Therefore, he hopes, more participants will join next year.

Participants and the public also welcomed the idea to make this into an annual event. Mario Vicardo told us that “off-road events like this are excellent and professionally managed: marshals, medics, master track, they all work really well”.

Regulatory aspects need to be improved, according to participants, so let’s hope this can be achieved in next year event. The Sabah team has often been the winner of these events at various places like the Rainforest Challenge 2014 in Negeri Sembilan. They firmly believe that Padawan is an excellent place that can be expanded towards this sport.

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KLCC fountains

Like other wonderful buildings in the world, namely the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur also have a place in time: they reflect the oil history of Malaysia, which started in the 19th century. Oil was first discovered by the people of Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) with the first find at Canada Hill, Miri, Sarawak. Before its commercialization, oil was collected and used for lighting lamps and for medical purposes, mainly in the treatment of skin disorders like eczema.

Oil drilling began in Miri in August 1910 and oil finally started flowing in December that same year. Thanks to Miri success in oil discovery, the oil exploration then proceeded to other onshore areas of Sabah and Sarawak, though to date Miri is the only onshore area that contains oil. Miri oil industry has produced more than 80 million barrels of oil in its life span. It was only in the 1960s that Malaysia managed to track down other areas with significant oil quantities, first in offshore Sarawak and later in Sabah and Terengganu.

Petronas Towers Skybridge

These findings eventually led to the incorporation of the national company PETRONAS (Petroliam Nasional) in 1974. Petronas functions were to manage the reserves of crude oil and national gas, important contributors to the country’s development. The success of Malaysian oil industry can today be seen through the splendour of the Petronas Twin Towers. Petronas Twin Towers are of course the location of Petronas’ headquarters, a 100% state owned company and the largest company in South East Asia.

These twin towers are also known as Twin Skyscrapers and are the tallest building in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. With their height of 454 meters, these tower held the record as tallest building in the world from 1st January 1998 to 31st December 2004. Beside that, due to the soil, it is known as the building built on the deepest foundation in the world.

Cato at KLCC

The site where the Petronas Twin Towers were built was once a Hindu temple named Anandha Krishnan as well as an old horse race track. Located at Jalan Ampang, the towers were designed by Argentina-born architect Cesar Pelli; the project started off in 1992 and construction was completed in 5 years, with the official opening celebrated in 1999 by YAB Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s 4th Prime Minister. The design of the building won the bid as it is not only capture the public eyes but it also represents the past and future of Malaysia, embracing the country’s heritage towards modernization and symbolizing Malaysia’s culture and advancement on the world stage. Most of Petronas towers interior motifs are a reflection of local handicrafts and weaving patterns, and the combination of stainless steel and glass reflect Islamic patterns. Also to be noted that the buildings floor plates have shape of eight-pointed stars which architecturally describe important Islamic principles.

Islamic design at Petronas Towers

Thanks to this beautiful design and the towers’ height, the Petronas Twin Towers have become one of Malaysia’s landmark, and an important feature in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Each tower has sharp pinnacles standing 73.5 meters tall and feature a diamond-faceted facade consisting of 83,500 square meters of stainless steel. They can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

This impressive compound is part of the  KLCC complex (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) and consists of 88 storey with offices, a shopping mall ( http://www.suriaklcc.com.my – 5 floors of mostly expensive brand boutiques and many restaurants, with a recommended food court on the 2nd floor), a hotel, a TGV movie theater on the 3rd floor, Kinakurnya – the largest bookstore in Kuala Lumpur, Petrosains – the interactive technology exhibition/museum by Petronas on the 4th floor, a state-of-the-art aquarium on the ground floor (Aquaria KLCC http://aquariaklcc.com – where you can even dive with sharks) and a Sky Bridge located at the 41st floor, which is free and limited to 800 tickets a day spread over 20 time slots. Great views are to be had from this vantage point, so try to get there early since tickets are issued starting at 8.30am.

Petronas Towers lake at the KLCC park

The towers and KLCC are surrounded by a fantastically landscaped park complete with benches, manicured lawns and a lake with a water fountain that gives you an ever changing skyline view. The area is suitable for those who want to spend time at leisure and with family, tourists and locals alike, as well as being a popular romantic meeting place for couples. The new affluent city district created around them includes many new luxury Condonimums in the immediate vicinity, which creates a contrast great for picture taking.

A must for any visit to Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers are open to public daily from 9am to 7pm, closing on Fridays between 1pm to 2.30pm due to muslim prayers. Entrance fee for the observation deck on the 86th floor is steep at RM80 for adults and RM25 for locals (present a Malaysian Identity Card), and RM12 for children.

To get there, you can chose from the LRT – stop at KLCC Station, Monorail – Bukit Nanas station is at a 10 min walk along Jalan Ampang. Find out facts at http://www.petronastwintowers.com.my – and for more information you can contact Infoline at 0063-323318080 or email skybridge@petronas.com.my

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 appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Canada hill gardens

Canada Hill. It sounds like a country to me, surprisingly enough, Canada Hill is not a country or an area in Canada, it is an area of Miri, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. It is believed Canada Hill got its name from a Canadian who used to live in the area. The original local name of the area is Bukit Telaga Minyak, as Canada Hill is indeed Sarawak’s and Malaysia’s birthplace of the petroleum industry, the place where the first oil well was drilled.

The Grand Old Lady

One of Canada Hill’s famous attractions the Old Grand Lady, which is not a frail old woman: it is Miri Well N.1, the iconic derrick structure of Miri where the first well in the country first struck oil on December 1910, milking for several decades to turn a poor country to a developed nation. This 30-meters-high landmark was built by Shell Company and was indeed the beginning of Miri City modernization. Back in the 1800s, Miri was just a fishing village, known as the second city in Sarawak.

Petroleum Museum entrance

Next to the Old Grand Lady is the Petroleum Museum. Built and designed to share the history and technological development of oil and gas in the country, the Petroleum Museum hosts an exhibition with plenty of information about the process involved from the extraction of crude oil to the final product, showcasing petroleum’s uses, sources and its impact on our daily lives, and taking visitors to a journey through millions of years of history of the Permian Basin, where the museum is located. There is also a scale model of an oil platform complete with written description of its function to the industry.

The time capsule

On the outdoors there is a historical Time Capsule with commemorative photographs, books, local newspaper and printed documents as well as the events of the day. There is a display of oil drilling equipment and a garden hosting the model of the Nodding Donkey, used sometimes by the industry to pump crude oil as it is more economical then using the oil rig. Next to the model, there are various commemorating and informative murals and plates.

The Miri Petroleum Museum opens daily 9am to 4,30pm except Mondays and public holidays, and is currently undergoing a $18 million renovation with some galleries closed and discounted admission offered.

Way to Kampung Haji Wahed

Back to Canada Hill, you can take an interesting visit to Kampung Haji Wahed, a local village inhabited by Kedayan people. To reach it, turn left at the intersection at the top of the hill and follow the road. The kampung itself is quite unique, with old traditional wooden houses mixing with modern structures. There is a small shop and a green lawn there for you to take a rest for a while.

View from Canada hill

Canada Hill is one of the best elevated places from where to admire the entire area of Miri City as well as the South China Sea. The parking lot at the rear of the museum serves as a vantage point overlooking the town, the Miri-Brunei border, the offshore oil rigs and the refineries in nearby Lutong town. Last but not least, at Canada Hill you can even jog on the well-designed path, or, if you are adventurous, use the trekking trails that take you up the hill through a 2 kilometers, 30 minutes walk.

To reach Canada Hill, hail a taxi from Jalan Setia Raja. Enjoy your day out in Miri.

Photos credits: Mardhati Yahya 

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According to a tribal Bidayuh belief Kuih Dam traditional cookies (or Deram in the local language) were prepared in ancient Sarawak to be served for ancestral spirits of those who had passed away. During those times, the Bidayuh people were mainly animists, believing in subtle beings. Today, in line with the passing of time, with the several technological advances as well as with the fact that most Bidayuh people have been converted to Christianity, the tradition has changed. Kuih Dam cookies are now served outdoors right before Gawai Dayak Celebration, which falls yearly right after the harvesting season, between the months of May and June, as well as as an afternoon tea-time snack.

Miah Aheng

So let me share a little more about this savoury delicacy that can only be found in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, the land of beauty and wonders. It was during last year while serving in my reporter’s position that I managed to track and interview a cookies maker known as Miah Aheng. Miah is nearly 60 years old, and she has been making Kuih Dam since she was young.

Miah stated that for her, Kuih Dam cookies is synonym with the Bidayuh people as they are made of rice flour, Bidayuh’s staples food. In the old days there were no cakes, biscuits and cookies around, so Bidayuh’s ancestors used rice – the most ready ingredient they had from the paddies, and whatever other available ingredients they could find in nature to make the cookies.

“In the past, people’s lives were hard, there was poverty and there was no such a thing as a store in most villages. My ancestors kept trying to make cookies with what they had, until one day they mastered the practice” – said Miah Aheng.

Some of the ingredients

Apart from a good skills, making Kuih Dam cookies is not an easy process, which requires a keen interest, determination, patience and lots of practice. Miah still remembers her first attempts: “Oh my god! At first it did not work. After two or three attempts I was so fed, and the cookies could not cook let alone be eaten, that I got angry and threw all the flour on the floor. Once I had made 3 kg of dough that did not want to cook at all, and each time I put the cookies in the hot frying pan, they crushed in the oil. I tried again and again, same result. It took me several attempts and years to master the practice, only reaching perfection last year”!

Miah during the preparation process

When I asked Miah what drives her to making cookies, she told me she did it for the love of her beloved father, who really enjoyed eating the cookies. “Ever since my mother had passed away, father kept on mentioning about these cookies. Yet, nobody in my family knew how to make them”. So it was thanks to the love for her father that she learned how to make Kuih Dam. Miah has come up with a special recipe for the cookies, and she now wishes to cook them not only for her family, but also to sell them for those keen on trying.

I believe not many young Bidayuh people know about these traditional cookies. Miah’s efforts in making Kuih Dam should be followed by the young generation in order to keep the tradition away from extinction.

Kuih Dam after fried in the pan

RECIPE

For those interested in making Kuih Dam, this is the way:

INGREDIENTS

2 kilograms rice flour,

2 kilograms palm sugar – gula apong or gula merah

1 cup of flour,

Vegetable oil.

First of all, soak the rice in water for at least 8 hours. Then drain it and pound the rice in a wooden pestle and mortar – locally called as Aruh in Bidayuh language – until it is very fine.

Miah showing the ready cookies

The rice should then be sifted together with the flour. Add in palm sugar or gula apong in the bowl and blend all together. Let the dough to rest in the bowl for a few minutes. Once ready, take a bit of it and make a circle; then knead it, making three holes in the uncooked cookies. Get your pan to a sizzling hot temperature and fry the cookies until your Kuih Dam are ready. Remember your hands should be oily while mixing the ingredients, so that the dough does not come out sticky. Happy cooking!

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