Malaysia

  • Art & Places,  Sarawak,  sculpture

    Art & Places: Sarawakians, Sarawak

    Sarawakians

    Named Sarawakians, the sculpture portrays unity in Sarawak. It has a body and many heads. A body depicting Sarawak and many heads depicting the many diversity of Sarawak people and cultures.

    This granite sculpture was sculpted by Robert Yong, an architect, in May 2003 and is located at the main entrance of Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong, Sarawak.

    I wanted to contact Mr Robert Yong to ask about the creative process but could not find his contact details. If you know him, please do let me know.

     

  • Sarawak,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    Absolute Tribal in Kuching

    This restaurant really had me at ‘Hello’.

    Absolute TribalAbsolute Tribal entrance.

    I thought to myself, “the interior must be as beautiful as the entrance.” My expectation was true. I fell in love straight away.

    Absolute Tribal interiorInterior of the restaurant.

    Absolute Tribal is a restaurant with a contemporary fine-dining ambiance serving Asian fusion food; mostly local authentic cuisine with a delightful presence of Thai’s unique selection.

    Set in a historic building built during the Brooke Era about 120 years ago, Absolute Tribal is part of Sarakraf Pavilion. The historical attachment of the establishment will make you feel as if you have travel back in time and take a refuge to a spiritually enchanting holiday.

    Here are some of the food that we had during the lunch. The lunch was on Sarawak Tourism Board and Malindo Air. This was part of the Familiarisation Media Trip last April.

    at3Left row from top: Sarawak Tribal Salad, Pansoh Chicken, Umai Sarawak. Right row from top: Sarawak Pineapple Fried Rice, Terong Dayak with Fish Curry and Mee Kolok Fusion Style.

    Yes, I love everything that I ate. The food live up to the beautiful ambience. I definitely recommend this restaurant to you. You will love it too.

    Other than fine dining, Sarakfraf Pavilion features gift shops with local arts and crafts that could not be seen elsewhere.

    craftIf you are visiting Kuching, Sarawak, do look for Absolute Tribal. The restaurant sign is not really visible from the main road, so be on the look out for Sarakraf Pavilion sign near a white brick gate. It opens from Monday to Sunday from 07:30 – 22:00. Address: 78 Jalan Tabuan, 93100, Kuching 93200, Malaysia.

    Sarakraf

     

     

     

     

  • Kuching,  Malaysia,  Sarawak,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    7 things to do in Kuching, Sarawak

    Flying on an inaugural flight with Malindo Air was great experience. Love all the features inside the aircrafts. And it was more great to be able to revisit Kuching after the first one in 2005.

    For your information, Malindo Air flies to Kuching 4 times daily.

    7500th Boeing 7377500th Boeing 737 (9M-LNF).

    So, what’s interesting in Kuching? Plenty, actually. Malindo with collaboration of Sarawak Tourism Board had arranged tours around Sarawak for media who was on the inaugural flight.

    Here are some ideas for you to start with if you plan to visit Kuching. This list is crafted based on places I visited only.

    1Stay at Riverside Majestic Hotel. Riverside Majestic Hotel is strategically located in the heart of Kuching overlooking the Sarawak River. The hotel commands a panoramic view of the city and the Kuching Waterfront across.

    The hotel has 241 comfortable rooms and offers chef’s selection of signature dishes and tonic soups. Their kitchens are all certified Halal. For relaxation, you can go to the Borneo Odyssey Spa located on the Lower Ground floor of their sister property the Grand Margherita Hotel, or cool off in the hotel’s swimming pool. A bowling centre and cineplex is also available in the adjacent Riverside Shopping Complex.

    Riverside Majestic HotelFront view of Riverside Majestic Hotel.

    2

    Eat, eat and eat. For dinner, everybody is going to Top Spot Food Court. It is basically a hawker centre that sells mostly seafood. It is located on a roof top of a 5 storey car park right in the smack of the city centre. For exotic lunch, you can go to Absolute Tribal Restaurant located at Sarakraf Pavilion. For local kampung style food, you can go to Mount Serapi Corner.

    absolute tribalInteresting entrance of AbsoluteTribal Restaurant.

    3Go shopping! There are many places you can shop but if you want to look for food, fruits, seafood, go to Medan Niaga Satok. For gift items like pua kumbu, jeweleries and what not go to Main Bazaar. Another place you can go to to buy Kek Lapis is Dayang Salhah Kek Lapis. Another interesting place to buy crafts is Sarakraf Pavilion.

    4Visit cat statues around Kuching. The most recognizable cat statue is the one near Kuching Waterfront, just opposite the Riverside Majestic Hotel. You can also find another one in front of the Little China Town along Jalan Padungan. There’s another one at Jalan Abell. More if you walk around town.

    cat statuesClockwise: A cat family near Riverside Majestic Hotel, Lonely cat in front of Little China Town and four cats at Jalan Abell.

    5

    See orang-utans at Semenggoh Wildlife Center.  Established in 1975, this center cares for wild animals which have either been found injured in the forest, orphaned, or were previously kept as illegal pets. The center also offers a rare opportunity to view orang-utans in their natural habitat. Although these recently released orang utan spend most of their time in the surrounding forest, they do return to the centre where they are fed twice daily at a “halfway house” feeding station. Over time the orang utan appear less frequently as they start to adjust to life in the forest. During the fruit season they may not appear at all, which is a good sign and shows that they are adapting well to their new surroundings.

    orangutanOrang-utan right right above me!

    6Experience Sarawak heritage at Sarawak Cultural Village. Situated at the foothills of legendary Mount Santubong, this village, dubbed as Sarawak Living Museum, showcases fascinating   Sarawak’s ethnic diversity at a glance. You will have the chance to the heritage of the major racial groups in Sarawak namely their traditional houses, crafts, musics and clothings. Sarawak Cultural Village  is also the venue for the World Harvest Festival and the Rainforest World Music Festival, an internationally renowned festival.

    Sarawak Cultural VillageOne of the traditional houses.

    7Take the Sarawak River cruise. The best way to see Kuching is from the Sarawak River located in the heart of Kuching. The cruise gives you a view of the city and its surrounding areas. You will see the New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building, Astana Building, Kuching Waterfront, colourful villages, villagers doing their daily routines, cargo vessels and many more.

    Sarawak river cruiseSarawak River Cruise boarding area at the waterfront.

    There you go. I will elaborate more on some of the places above when time permits.

  • EVENTS,  Kedah,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS,  world events

    Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) 2013

    Being enthusiasts of aircrafts, my husband and son wouldn’t want to miss it for the world to see the LIMA 2013 static aircrafts and air show held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) and therefore they forced themselves (while dragging me along) through the MASSIVE traffic jam. We had to park far away outside the airport area and walked about 15 minutes to MIEC under the scorching hot weather.

    hot

    But it was all worth it; we were very happy to be surrounded by aircrafts! Let’s take a look at the pictures (please wait while they load and please use the left and right arrow to navigate):

     The air show summed up all the happiness!

    SU-27P & SU-27UB (Russian Air Force)
    Russian Knights SU-27P /SU-27UB (Russian Air Force)

    airshow02
    Spectators taking pictures.

    About LIMA 2013

    Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2013 is the 12th edition of LIMA exhibition series held at  the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), one of the largest and most prestigious exhibition and convention venues in northern Malaysia. It is strategically located at the centre of Langkawi Island and 30 minutes away from all major hotels, resorts and Kuah town. MIEC has been home to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition since opening her doors in mid 1995. It boasts a built up space of 22,050 square meters and a further 49,400 square meters of outdoor display area.

    The exhibition hall caters to large and heavy exhibits through its triple volume ceiling and convenient purpose designed access. It’s location adjacent to the Langkawi International Airport makes it suitable for aircraft display and eases logistics planning. MIEC also provides international standard ancillary facilities such as banquet and seminar rooms, offices and business centre. Langkawi Island is an hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur and is also connected to the main land via regular ferry service. [Source: http://www.lima.com.my]

    It was held last 26 – 30 March 2013 and opened to public the last two days.

  • Kuching,  Sarawak,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    Flying on the inaugural Boeing’s 7500th 737 with Malindo Air

    I was super excited when Malindo Air dropped me an e-mail inviting me for their inaugural media flight from KL to Kuching. Double excited when my blog buddy and BFF, LadjJava was invited as well. This inaugural flight was unique as we were on board Boeing’s 7500th 737! The first 737 was was delivered to Lufthansa in 1967. This new 737 is fitted with the new Boeing Sky Interior that brings in the new modern designed interior similar to the Boeing 787 with LED lighting, larger pivoting overhead bins and a greater feeling of spaciousness.

    7500th Boeing 737
    7500th Boeing 737 (9M-LNF).

    The flight was even more unique as there were only 50 invited guests and media (13 being bloggers) and the rest were paying passengers. It was great seeing all the people (some who had no idea) enjoying the experience.

    For your information, Malindo Air is a joint venture airline between Lion Air of Indonesia and the National Aerospace and Defense Industries (NADI) of Malaysia and the airline name takes after the two countries in the partnership (Malaysia & Indonesia). Hence the name Malindo Air. Malindo Air currently flies to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

    The flight was awesome. Seated in the Economy Class, I got to enjoy the in-flight entertainment. Something that I didn’t get on board Air Asia during my Hong Kong trip last month. One thing missing is the earphones, though.  I normally carry earphones but lately I have been travelling without one because the earphones’ jack on my laptop is not working. Perhaps earphones is something that will be provided for free soon.

    personal TV
    Personal TV for everyone. Yay!

    USB-portThere’s also USB Port. (Soon, there will be Internet connection, something that we social media freaks are looking forward to! )

    view

    view2Views from my window seat.

    Other than that, Economy Class passenger enjoys up to 15kg free hold luggage, light snacks (sandwich and mineral water) and plush leather seats with 32″ seat pitch. Comparison to other airlines: AirAsia’s 29″, AirAsia X 32″ and MAS 34″. (*Thanks to Sedunia Travel for the comparison info.)

    As for Business Class, service comes with 45 inches legroom, delicious meals and 30kg free bag allowance, allowing passenger to travel in absolute comfort.

    The flight to Kuching took about one and a half hour and when it was time to descent, I was about to sleep (haha!) but anyway the touch down was very smooth and guess what? We had a water cannon salute upon arrival!

    water cannon
    Some had no clue that it was water cannon and thought it was raining!

    All the invited guests and media were escorted to Media Room, VIP Terminal, Kuching International Airport for a press conference and welcoming ceremony. We were welcomed by YBhg Dato’ Rashid Khan (Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board). Also present during the conference was Mr Chandran Rama Muthy (Chief Executive Officer of Malindo Air) and YB Datuk Amar Haji Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg (Honorable Minister of Housing and Minister of Tourism Sarawak).

    During the press conference, Chief Executive Officer Chandran Rama Muthy said that Malindo Air’s next destination is Miri and India in June. It also aims for direct flights from Borneo to China and Hong Kong by early 2014. On expansion plans, he said right now the idea is to make Malaysia a transit hub for tourists coming in with Lion Air and also from the Malindo Air network.

    Malindo Air is expected to have 12 units of Boeing 737-900ER aircraft by year-end.

    MalindoAir

    I am happy to be part of the inaugural flight as it was much more than just a flight. As a budget traveller, paying low fares but still benefiting from in-flight services without hidden extra costs is something that I look for.

    Thank you Malindo Air for being not just low cost!

    Summary
    Who? Malindo Air – Not Just Low Cost
    What? Currently fly to Kuching (4X daily)  and Kota Kinabalu (3X daily)
    How much? RM78 to Kuching and RM108 (Promo price until 15 May 2013. Online booking)

    Promo price
    Photo: Malindo Air.

     

     

     

     

  • Kedah,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    7 things to do in Langkawi

    I got the chance to revisit Langkawi last holiday after more than 20 years. It was spontaneous. Although I have a lot of work to be done t home, the idea of travelling never fails to get me excited. My husband told me in the morning (few weeks back) about wanting to go to Langkawi and next thing I knew I was packing and we left for Langkawi in the night on a road trip up to Kuala Kedah. Later it was ferry from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi. We rented a car and stayed in a room a bit off Kuah town as hotels were full due to the LIMA 2013 event.

    In Langkawi, we managed to drive around (with the help of Garmin) and visited some great places in Langkawi. Below is a list of 7 things that my family and I managed to do in Langkawi and please feel free to use this list if you are looking for ideas of where to go with your family. I wanted to add LIMA 2013 to the list but as the event is held every two years, I think it is better that I write about it separately.

    Please click left or right arrow to navigate my photos.

    1Explore and learn about aquatic animals at Underwater World Langkawi | UnderWater World (UWL) is a multi award-winning tourist attraction located in Pantai Cenang, a popular beach to the south of Langkawi Island. UWL houses a large collection of over 4000 aquatic lives. Various animals, birds and inhabitants of the sub-Antarctic, Temperate and Tropical Rainforest regions are also on display here. More than 100 species of seashells from various parts of the world are grouped together in a unique display. The exhibits provide an opportunity for visitors and particularly nature lovers, to study and examine them in a comfortable and unique environment.

    The concept and theme of UWL are geared towards knowledge, education and entertainment. It is built to raise awareness on the importance of conserving our precious aquatic life forms, thus creating understanding of the deep and the inseparable bond between man and nature. So it is good to take your kids here and let them explore and learn about aquatic animals as well as other animals.

    Admission fee: RM28 for adult; RM18 for children.
    Operating hours: 10am to 6pm on normal days; 9.30pm to 6.30pm on School /public holidays.
    Address : Underwater World Langkawi, Zon Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
    Website: http://www.underwaterworldlangkawi.com.my

    2

    Appreciate the diversity of various arts at Galeria Perdana | Galeria Perdana is located in Kilim, on the north-eastern part of Langkawi and it showcases a huge collection of friendship souvenirs of Tun Dr. Mahathir and his wife.  According to Tun, the  the souvenirs are not his personal belongings because they belong to the Government and the people of Malaysia. Thanks to Tun, the galleria was built in 2003 and we now have the opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness and diversity of various arts and culture portrayed here.

    Admission fee: RM3 for adult; RM1 for children.
    Operating hours: 10am to 5pm on normal days; 9pm to 6pm on School /public holidays. It is close on every Monday.
    Address: Galeria Perdana, Kilim, Mukim Air Hangat, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
    Tel: 04-9591863/2214/1498


    3Take a boat trip around Kilim Karst GeoPark
    | The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park (KKGP) is situated not far from Galeria Perdana.  KKGP features a magnificent landscape of limestone hills with a multitude of pinnacles of varying shapes and sizes. It encompasses three river basins, namely Kilim, Air Hangat and Kisap. Also included in the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park are the islands of Pulau Langgun and Pulau Tanjung Dendang. There is an extensive cave system within the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. Among the caves found here include Gua Tok Jangkit, Gua Teluk Dedap, Gua Cerita, Gua Teluk Udang, Gua Siam, Gua Buaya, Gua Tanjung Dendang, and the most important, Gua Kelawar. There are several package you can take around this park. Prices ranges from RM250 to 500. We took the cheapest one and got to visit Gua Kelawar, Fish Farm, Andaman Sea Tour and Eagle Watching.

    Admission Fee: Based on package ranging from RM250 to RM500. Please view my slideshow for a picture of the package.
    Address: Pengkalan Sungai Kilim, Mukim Air Hangat, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
    Telephone: 04-9592323

    4Ride up to observation deck atop Mount Machinchang on Langkawi Cable Car | The base station is conveniently located inside Oriental Village. The ride  on the cable car will be an exhilarating experience as you will be able to observe the unique geological formations of the Mount Machincang range at close range . You will also enjoy dramatic views of the deep chasms, overhangs cliff walls, isolated pinnacles and some caves as well as observe at close range the unique flora on the ridges and the forested valley. Such nature monuments are seldom seen anywhere else in this combination except in Langkawi.

    Since you are in Oriental Village, do take the chance to explore the village as it provides more than 50 activity & adventure; F&B outlets; souvenir & retail stores; galleries and spas, the Oriental Village offers a quality day-out of fun, adventure, shopping and gastronomic delights at one location!

    Admission Fee: Adult RM30. Children RM20
    Address: Cable Car Station, Oriental Village, Burau Bay, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
    Telephone: 04-959 4225/1225

    5Take picture-perfect family holiday photos at Dataran Lang | Dataran Lang (or Eagle Square) is located near the entry point of Langkawi; the jetty. Dataran Lang features a gigantic sculpture of an eagle measuring at 12-meter tall. In the vicinity of Dataran Lang, there are is a beautiful miniature fountains, terraces and bridges, making it the ideal place for those picture-perfect photos. The square is a good place to watch ferries ply across the harbour but plan a trip here early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is at its least intense.

    Admission fee: FREE
    Address: Kuah Jetty, Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah. Opening hours: 24 hours daily

    6Stroll and play along Pantai Kok beach | The beach here is quieter and more secluded than Pantai Cenang and it fronts a beautiful bay surrounded by limestone hills and verdant jungle. It is lined with a modern marina with a string of shops, bars and restaurants, petrol station, bank and post office. There is an area where you can park your car and let your kids play with sands and simply a dip. When the tide is low, the place is crowded with Pacific Reef Egret which are looking for food. This is also an opportunity for shutter-bug parents. There’s a mobile food trader who sells drinks and food such as Mee Rebus and Laksa should you feel hungry or thirsty.

    Address: Jalan Telok Burau, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah. The beach area is located just after The Danna Langkawi Resort.

    7Shop and dine at Jalan Pantai Cenang | Pantai Cenang is a haven for tourist shopping at the entire beach road is lined with shops and stalls on both sides. These shops sell mostly souvenirs in the form of fashion accessories, beads, handicrafts and merchandise but there are also many convenience stores. There is also a duty-free shop here. As for food, there are huge variety of international and local food, you pick your choice.

    Address: Zon Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.