Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya Sri Alam

Last month, B and I went to the Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam (TPBCSA) aka Taman Botani Negara? It is literally in our backyard but I had only visited it once before with M and A. This time though, I noted that the signage along Persiaran Kayangan says that it is the National Botanic Garden! We have a National Botanic Garden after all?

Signage to the National Botanic Garden (BB 2011)

Taman Botani Negara (from the Internet 2011)

Just outside to the entrance of the TPBCSA, an enterprising little girl was selling these ingeniously made grasshoppers. Quite, quite lifelike! For entry into the garden/park, B had to pay RM3, and moi RM1 (aah, the perks of being a golden girl!)

Faux grasshoppers for sale (CNB 2011)

Our tickets into the TPBCSA (CNB 2011)

We were there in the late morning/early afternoon, so it was too hot already to bike or hike. So we did the next best thing - take the complimentary bus ride around the park. We spotted live monkeys, and other creatures in stone. Of course the place was lush with greenery. (Previously with M and A, we were there early and so could bike around).

Biking around on a previous visit with M and A (MB 2009)

Mum and offspring monkeys waiting for the bus! (CNB 2011)

Secondary forest at the TPBCSA (CNB 2011)

Lush bamboo groves (CNB 2011)

Stone creatures welcome you to the Taman Haiwan (CNB 2011)

B and I goofing around in the bus (BB 2011)

After our bus ride around the park, we were ready for lunch at the canteen there. My platter consisted of rice, fried chicken, some curry and for vegetables - turi & ubi manis masak lemak. Yummy!


My lunch, turi on the right (CNB 2011)

October 2011

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Putrajaya

The 3rd Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (CNB 2011)

M and I went to the 3rd Putrajaya International Hot Air Baloon Fiesta on 20th March this year. There was a huge crowd there and we had to park quite a distance from the venue where they launched the balloons. I always fancied riding/flying (?) in a hot air balloon, but unfortunately I did not get the opportunity then. Maybe, another time, another place. Anyway I enjoyed taking these pictures, because the balloons are colourful and fun.

The first balloon is ready to go up (CNB 2011)

Other balloons are following suit (CNB 2011)

This balloon is now up, up and away (CNB 2011)

Two more go up and away (CNB 2011) 

M & I at the Balloon launch (2011)

The balloons float past the Millenium Monument
(CNB 2011)

A surreal scene - floating objects over Putrajaya (CNB 2011)

March 2011

My Sabah: Semporna

After the first time in 2003, I visited Sabah again in 2005 for an official meeting. But it was my third visit in April 2011, especially to witness the 18th annual Regatta Lepa in Semporna, that was truly memorable. (The lepa-lepa are traditional wooden boats of the Bajaus). I had always wanted to see this very interesting event, and was elated when invited to join a group of friends going there.

A and I flew to Tawau with this group of friends, then went on to Semporna by bus. I noticed that all along the way are oil palm plantations. But Semporna (meaning 'perfect' in Bajau/Malay) is a seafront resort township, grown from a sleepy fishing village. Muslim Bajau and Suluk peoples have for generations roamed the seas around East Sabah, but have now mostly settled around Semporna. Bajau stilt houses are clustered in the front and sides of the town, with part of the town on a causeway jutting out into the sea. We stayed at the Seafest Hotel, a very ideal location that overlooks the Regatta site.

The Bajau welcome that we received was most beautiful. We were greeted with the traditional 'Mengalai'  (Dance/dancing) called the Igal (the movements imitate an eagle), followed by the most sumptuous seafood spread of Bajau delicacies: tehe-tehe (sea urchin), 'sea grapes'/grape seaweeds, shellfish, oysters, prawns, etc.

"Mengalai"- doing the 'Igal' (CNB 2011)

 A Tehe-tehe or sea urchin dish with rice (CNB 2011)

Latok or grape seaweeds - my favourite! (CNB 2011)

Various seafood dishes (CNB 2011)

Kueh penyaram - dessert that is also 'dowry'! (CNB 2011)

During our stay in Semporna we also had some meals at the Pearl City Floating Restaurant - more delicious fresh seafood dishes including lobster. Delish! And usually after dinner, there was 'mengalai' (and karaoke).

A huge grin to accompany the yummy fresh lobster (AB 2011)

One afternoon after visiting the Semporna Hospital to cheer up the patients there, we went out on speed boats to the Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort to spend a night there. It was truly surreal, and also quite fearsome for me because in the night I imagined pirates coming into our floating chalets! Anyway the Sulawesi/Celebes Sea is full of many types of fish, stingrays, and the ballerinas of the ocean - turtles, and the clear blue waters enable spotting them (even without having to snorkel or dive).


Skimming the waters of the Sulawesi Sea at dusk (CNB 2011)

Appreciating the sunrise at Kapalai (AB 2011)

The natural photo studio on Kapalai. Everybody poses here! (AB 2011)

Anchovies in the aquamarine waters around Kapalai (CNB 2011)

Leaving Kapalai, we went on to Mabul, also of the Sipadan group of islands. Many divers come to Mabul (and other islands off Semporna, including world famous Sipadan of course) and the resort here (Sipadan Mabul Resort) floats on very white sandy terrain. We noticed many star fishes all round. While some of us (i.e. the younger ones) went snorkelling, I chose to go into the village on the island for a peep into the island life there. The houses were neat and had well kept gardens of potted plants. The beach was pristine white sand.

The Sipadan Mabul  Resort on Mabul Island (CNB 2011)

In the far centre, an oil rig turned resort - Seaventures Dive Resort
(CNB 2011)

Kg Bangau-Bangau - village on stilts, Semporna (CNB 2011)

The 18th Regatta Lepa was a very colourful affair. (I will do a posting especially for this later because I think it deserves an expose of all the photos taken. Below is a teaser)

Two colourful lepas at the Regatta (CNB 2011)

I love markets, so took the opportunity to visit the fish markets of Semporna, both wet and dry. In fact the markets are part on land and part 'floating'. The water seems such an integral part of the Bajau people here, reflecting their long love affair with the sea.

A woman exhibits dry oysters for sale (CNB 2011)

The freshest tuna fish at the wet market, Semporna (2011)

It has been a truly memorable stay in Semporna for me. The people (Bajau, Malay, etc.) were most friendly and seemed to have a happy outlook of life. I managed to take some portraits of the many faces of Semporna, and their eyes do mirror their contentment with the simple life (or is it just my imagination?)

Bajau mother and baby at Semporna Hospital (CNB 2011)

These two Bajau ladies willingly posed for me, terima kasih
(CNB 2011)

This little Igal dancer was the star at an engagement  ceremony.
 But she was rather shy (CNB 2011)

A sweet smile on a weather-beaten Bajau face that has surely
experienced a full life (CNB 2011)

Igal dancers (though two here are not quite local) (CNB 2011)

Note: Apart from Kapalai, Mabul and Sipadan, other islands off Semporna include Bohaiyan, Mataking, Mantabuan, Sibuan, Bohaidulang and Sebangkat.                                   April 2011

The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan

The leaning tower of Teluk Intan (CNB 2011)

I felt like a real tourist when in January this year, we stopped by the centre of Teluk Intan (Telok Anson in the old days!) and took pictures at the clock tower there. It is really quite a picturesque building, complete with its slight tilt leftward, similar to the Tower of Pisa. So we have our very own leaning tower ... how fantastic!

The clock tower was built in 1885 at a height of 25.5 metres and started tilting four years after construction (due to soft ground on the base and the weight of the water tank - the building was originally used as a water tower). This pagoda style structure is three storeys high but looks like an eight storey building.

The tower is pagoda styled (CNB 2011)

Looking up (CNB 2011)

Dataran Teluk Intan (AB 2011)

A and I and the clock tower of TI (SB 2011)

After the posing-mosing, we adjourned to a restaurant nearby (within walking distance), recommended by SB. Mastan Ghani is famous for the mee & rojak that they serve. Yes, after a plateful (or two), I do agree that it is worth stopping by to eat here, whenever you find yourself in Teluk Intan.

Welcome to Mastan Ghani (mamak) restaurant (AB 2011)

The old world ambience of the Mastan Ghani Restaurant (CNB 2011)

My plateful - yummy! (CNB 2011)

Terima kasih & selamat tinggal.
I hope to drop by another time! (AB 2011)

January 2011

My Indonesia: Beautiful Bali

In early 2011, our family was lucky to be able to holiday together in Bali, Indonesia. We were more than a week in Bali, and stayed at the Intercontinental Resort at Jimbaran. It was a great holiday altogether.

Winging into Denpasar, Bali (CNB 2011)

 

The vibrancy of Bali reflected in these colourful
umbrellas at the airport (CNB 2011)

A posy of frangipani greet us on arrival at the resort (CNB 2011)

The Jimbaran Bay has one of Bali's most beautiful sunsets. It is also the site of many seafront seafood warungs and restaurants, drawing tourists from all over the island to partake of the delicious, mostly barbequed fishes, crabs, prawns, lobsters, all types of shells, etc. There are buskers to entertain you with melodious Indonesian songs while you eat, and for pre/post dinner snack, you can patronise the corn 'warung-on-wheels' near the water's edge.

Our first sunset at Muaya Beach, Jimbaran Bay (CNB 2011)

Another sunset at Muaya Beach, Jimbaran Bay (CNB 2011)

Care for some delicious bbq-d crabs? (CNB 2011)

Corn warung at the Muaya Beach (CNB 2011)

We went into Kuta town (and the very crowded beach) by taxi from the resort. It was rather nearby, but on the way we pass by the Jimbaran market place (very busy in the mornings) and a few puras (temples).  While in Kuta, the schools were out at noon, and we noticed that the children wore school uniforms of batik (very nice and patriotic, I think).

School's out! (CNB 2011)

M & I, & Kuta schoolgirls (BB 2011)

Kuta also has many markets in the town, the one near the beach, quite big and busy. We did go into the supermarkets to check out the stuff there, but it is still the open markets that fascinate. The goods you get at the market may not be the best quality, but there are good bargains if you look hard enough. M wanted a piece of luggage, so we went to the shops at Gang Poppies where he got one for a song. By the way, there were Jimmy Choo handbags there, as well, if you get what I mean. (Wink, wink!)

Little baskets made from coconut leaves for offerings (CNB 2011)

The first time we were in Bali, I celebrated my birthday here. So also this second time we were here, it was my birthday again. Thank you folks, for the pretty cake and the sumptous seafood dinner that followed!

Happy birthday .... to me! (CNB 2011)

One morning I was up early to catch the taichi session run by the resort. It was a rather relaxing time on the lawn, until it started drizzling. So we moved to their gym pavillion. After the taichi (and the drizzle),  a walk on the beach made me realise that there was so much debris washed up on the beach in the night. But the resort staff were busy clearing the rubbish off the beach. Unfortunately they were not using bullocks to rake the sand that morning, so I missed something interesting, I guess. The resort had rather large grounds and there was art and sculpture at every corner you take.

Beauty on a beast in the morning mist (CNB 2011)

Beauty on beauties with spouting water urns (CNB 2011)

Beauty and the beast at Bali Intercontinental (CNB 2011)

Once we went to Nusa Dua. The beach at the Hyatt resort area was really quite pristine, but it was the shopping outlets there that was quite the attraction! But we did realise that the crowds were not really there, wonder why? It was supposed to be a showcase for all of Indonesia's art and handicrafts from its numerous regional cultures. (Plus some designer outlets from Australia, etc.)

Awaiting lunch at Nusa Dua (2011)

Marionettes from Java at Nusa Dua (CNB 2011)

Spot the live antique among the 'antique' carvings (AB 2011)

Another day we went to Tegallalang, first stopping by at the pura in Batuan. Tegallalang is touted to have 'the best rice terrace view in Bali', and we were apt to agree. At the time we were there, the padi plants were just the right colour of green. Our lunch at the eatery overlooking the rice terraces was good.

At the Pura in Batuan (Putu 2011)

Temple staff, hands clasped in welcome (CNB 2011)

Art on the streets of Bali (CNB 2011)

A smiling farmer on the rice terraces of Tegallalang (CNB 2011)

The green, green rice terraces of Tegallalang (CNB 2011)

Young faces of Tegallalang, Bali (CNB 2011)

We also went to Ubud, visiting its fascinating market there. There was so much to see (and buy). But I only  got three little angklung wind chimes for my garden. But they make good mementos because when the wind blows, their sweet sounds remind me of Ubud and Bali.

A young smiling face of Ubud (CNB 2011)

B at Ubud Market (CNB 2011)

At Uluwatu, we saw the most beautiful sunset as well as the Kecak and Fire Dance.

Kecak at Uluwatu (CNB 2011)

For food, some Malaysians do not favour Hindu Bali for their holidays. But they are really missing out on the beauty of the island. Apart from the plentiful seafood, there are Nasi Padang restaurants (eg Tegaltamu at Batu Bulan), and we were kindly taken there by our guide/driver Putu.

Food galore at the Nasi Padang Restaurant (CNB 2011)

At Batu Bulan we saw the Barong and Keris dance. There are a few theatres/arenas where this tourist 'must-see' event is held, so this time around we were taken to another venue from our last visit. But the story and the dramatic performance remain the same.

The all-fierce but benevolent barong, mythical creature & protector
 of villages (CNB 2011)

For souvenirs, we were taken to Agung Bali on Sunset Road where we bought Bali coffee, barong blouses, wooden handicrafts, etc.
At Seminyak, the beach was okay, though there seemed to be many stray dogs. At Seminyak Square, we bought books at Periplus, 'Indonesia's best bookshop'. I bought Dragons in the Bath by Bali/Ubud expat Cat Wheeler, and Balinese Dance, Drama and Music by I Wayan Dibia & Rucina Ballinger.

At Seminyak Beach (2011)

Another location for beautiful sunsets in Bali is Tanah Lot. If on a previous visit, we missed the sunset, this time we experienced it in its full glory! What can I say? It was the most golden, most fantastic sunset I have ever witnessed.

A lone angler, a golden sunset at Tanah Lot (CNB 2011)

The mesmerising sunset at Tanah Lot (CNB 2011)

Before going home, at the Uluwatu shop outlet in the resort I bought a white blouse of Balinese lace handcrafted by Ni Wyn Armini. I'd like to think that I have contributed in a small way to making her skill at lace making, (and maybe her life) a little bit better.

March 2011