Nasi Dagang
Laksam
Budu
Somtam
Nasi Berlauk
Nasi Kerabu
Kerabu Bekok
Taek Itek
Solok Lada
Jala Mas
Buah Tanjung
Monday, December 7, 2009
Year End Sales
One of the Malaysian Tourism promotion is the Year End Sales
Many shopping and departmental stores participate in this promotion, such as
-Parkson, Isetan, Robinson,Watson , Jusco and many others .
Shopping complexes such as Sogo, 1-Utama Shopping Centre, Sungai Wang Shopping complex, Suria KLCC, Pavillion Kuala Lumpur, Mid Valley Megamall participate in this Year End Sales.
-In Penang, places such as Queensbay Mall, Komtar , Carrefour, Jusco and latest Times Square at Jalan Dato Kramat and many others also participate.
-This is a nationwide and promotion will range to the maximum up to 60% discount.
-This is in conjunction with our Malaysia's Year End festivities such as Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.
-Due to the holiday season of the school- many will go for holidays within Malaysia.
-
Malaysia Truly Asia
Malaysia is very beautiful country. Malaysia is the only one place where all the colours, flavours, sounds and sights of Asia come together – Malaysia.
No other country has Asia's three major races, Malay, Chinese, Indian, plus various other ethnic groups in large numbers.
Nowhere is there such exciting diversity of cultures, festivals, traditions and customs, offering myriad experiences. "Malaysia, Truly Asia" captures and defines the essence of the country’s unique diversity.
It sums up the distinctiveness and allure of Malaysia that make it an exceptional tourist destination. Visiting Malaysia is a fabulous way to experience the beauty of lush tropical jungles, the cool hideaways of the highlands, as well as the stretches of inviting sandy beaches. Rich in flora and fauna but at the same time equipped with first-world infrastructure, the country is both convenient and comfortable to explore.
Malaysia is also well known for its multi-cultural background, where people of different ethnicities live together in peace and harmony, giving rise to diverse cultures and heritage, including Malay, Chinese and Indian, as well as other unique cultures of the local indigenous people. This is the reason behind the statement: “Malaysia, truly Asia".
Up in the highlands of Malaysia, visitors will experience the refreshing greenery, cool mountain air, unique flora and fauna.
These cool highland resorts are situated on the major mountain ranges of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia.
The tropical waters of Malaysia create a perfect excuse for yachters to sail with the wind, while enjoying the splendor of the country’s golden, sandy beaches. Participate in the water sports, regatta and have fun watching the camaraderie. Be a part of the international water sports scene in Malaysia.
St.Paul Church and statue of St. Francis Xavier
The Portuguese also built a fort with four main gateways encircling the hill.
The A Famosa is part of this fortress. Only two of the gateways were open at any one time. The church of Madre de Deus and a school were located on the top of the hill. The residence of the Portuguese officers were built on the slope and the rest of the Portuguese population were at the bottom of the hill. The houses were built of brick and wood.
Within this fortress was a town hall, two hospitals, and five churches. When the Dutch wrestled Malacca from the Portuguese in 1641, they destroyed all the Portuguese buildings except for the fortress, on which they placed the Dutch emblem. This can be seen today on the remaining gate of the fortress, the Porta de Santiago.
The Dutch also took over the Portuguese chapel on top of the hill, repaired and reconsecrated it into a Dutch Reformed Church, calling it the St. Paul's Church, a name which remains until today. The Dutch used it for their worship for the next 112 years, until they built their own church at the foot of the hill, Christ Church. St. Paul's Church was then abandoned.
When the British took over Malacca in 1824, the St. Paul's Church has lost its tower. However, the British added a lighthouse in front of it. And instead of being used it as a place of worship, the Church became a convenient storehouse for British gun powder.
The Statue of St. Francis Xavier today stands in front of the ruins of St. Paul's Church. It was quite a recent addition, completed only in 1952, to commemorate the saint who passed there on several occasions from 1545 to 1552, on his way to the Far East. When he died in China in 1553, his body was sent back to Malacca, where it was interred here for nine months. When a decision was made to transfer it to Goa, the exhumers were astounded to learn that his body showed little sign of decay, even though it had been buried for nine months.
This led to request for the missionary to be made a saint. Now, in order to be canonized, the Catholic church needed a relic. When the arm of Francis Xavier was severed, it still dripped blood. If you take a look at Francis Xavier's statue, you will see that his right arm is also missing. However, this is not part of the original design of the statue.
A day after the statue was consecrated, a large casuarina tree fell on it, breaking off its right arm. And so it stands today without one limb.
The A Famosa is part of this fortress. Only two of the gateways were open at any one time. The church of Madre de Deus and a school were located on the top of the hill. The residence of the Portuguese officers were built on the slope and the rest of the Portuguese population were at the bottom of the hill. The houses were built of brick and wood.
Within this fortress was a town hall, two hospitals, and five churches. When the Dutch wrestled Malacca from the Portuguese in 1641, they destroyed all the Portuguese buildings except for the fortress, on which they placed the Dutch emblem. This can be seen today on the remaining gate of the fortress, the Porta de Santiago.
The Dutch also took over the Portuguese chapel on top of the hill, repaired and reconsecrated it into a Dutch Reformed Church, calling it the St. Paul's Church, a name which remains until today. The Dutch used it for their worship for the next 112 years, until they built their own church at the foot of the hill, Christ Church. St. Paul's Church was then abandoned.
When the British took over Malacca in 1824, the St. Paul's Church has lost its tower. However, the British added a lighthouse in front of it. And instead of being used it as a place of worship, the Church became a convenient storehouse for British gun powder.
The Statue of St. Francis Xavier today stands in front of the ruins of St. Paul's Church. It was quite a recent addition, completed only in 1952, to commemorate the saint who passed there on several occasions from 1545 to 1552, on his way to the Far East. When he died in China in 1553, his body was sent back to Malacca, where it was interred here for nine months. When a decision was made to transfer it to Goa, the exhumers were astounded to learn that his body showed little sign of decay, even though it had been buried for nine months.
This led to request for the missionary to be made a saint. Now, in order to be canonized, the Catholic church needed a relic. When the arm of Francis Xavier was severed, it still dripped blood. If you take a look at Francis Xavier's statue, you will see that his right arm is also missing. However, this is not part of the original design of the statue.
A day after the statue was consecrated, a large casuarina tree fell on it, breaking off its right arm. And so it stands today without one limb.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Laban Rata
The ascent from Laban Rata upwards is difficult in places, .... Laban Rata is the accommodation near the peak of Mt. Kinabalu where you'll able to view the beautiful sunrise of Mt. Kinabalu.
The final attack on the peak takes place in the early hours of the second day (most begin at 2:30AM) in order to catch the sunrise at the top. By mid-morning the mist begins to roll in, obscuring the breath-taking views.
The area is being surrounded by 600 million years old of rainforest and pampered by attentive staff and luxurious accommodation. The feeling can be described as a paradise in the making.
Lotus Flower and Buddhism
The lotus flower has a unique characteristic in that it blooms and sheds its seeds at the same time.
In the context of Buddhism, the theory of karma says that, just like the lotus flower, our life is made up of cause and effect. Every cause -- be it action, word or thought -- will imprint an effect that can be seen in this lifetime or in future lives.
The lotus is one of Buddhism’s most significant symbols. It is a symbol of enlightenment and purity of the mind. The lotus symbolizes many aspects of the path to enlightenment.
As the lotus grows out of the still water and mud of the pond (samsara – the cycle of rebirth), it leaves the mud (worldly existence) behind to emerge straight toward the sky, appear clean on the surface (purity), and blossoms into a beautiful flower (enlightenment).
The flower opens its petals to catch the warm sun rays, reveals its beauty and purity, and shares its fragrance with the world.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Rafflesia -Largest flower in the world
Pitcher plant is a plant that 
can be found in the South East Asia region and Malaysia is of no exception.
popularly known as tropical pitcher plant or monkey cups,
The genus comprises roughly 120 species, numerous natural and many cultivated hybrids. They are mostly liana-forming plants of the Old World tropics, ranging from South China, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines; westward to Madagascar (2 species) and the Seychelles (1);
southward to Australia (3) and New Caledonia (1); and northward to India (1) and Sri Lanka (1).
The greatest diversity occurs on Borneo and Sumatra with many endemic species. Many are plants of hot humid lowland areas, but the majority are tropical montane plants, receiving warm days but cool to cold humid nights year round.
A few are considered tropical alpine with cool days and nights near freezing. The name 'Monkey Cups' refers to the fact that monkeys have been observed drinking rainwater from these plants.
Rafflesia is known to be the largest flower in the world. This particular plant has no stems, leaves or true roots.
The plant is named after Sir Stanford Thomas Raffles, the founder of Singapore.
The flower is 1 metre in diameter and weighs about 10 kg.
It is famous because it discharge a stinking rotting flesh smell.
This plant is discoved by Dr. Joseph Arnold in 1818
can be found in the South East Asia region and Malaysia is of no exception.popularly known as tropical pitcher plant or monkey cups,
The genus comprises roughly 120 species, numerous natural and many cultivated hybrids. They are mostly liana-forming plants of the Old World tropics, ranging from South China, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines; westward to Madagascar (2 species) and the Seychelles (1);
southward to Australia (3) and New Caledonia (1); and northward to India (1) and Sri Lanka (1).
The greatest diversity occurs on Borneo and Sumatra with many endemic species. Many are plants of hot humid lowland areas, but the majority are tropical montane plants, receiving warm days but cool to cold humid nights year round.
A few are considered tropical alpine with cool days and nights near freezing. The name 'Monkey Cups' refers to the fact that monkeys have been observed drinking rainwater from these plants.
Rafflesia is known to be the largest flower in the world. This particular plant has no stems, leaves or true roots.
The plant is named after Sir Stanford Thomas Raffles, the founder of Singapore.
The flower is 1 metre in diameter and weighs about 10 kg.
It is famous because it discharge a stinking rotting flesh smell.
This plant is discoved by Dr. Joseph Arnold in 1818
Timpohon - The Gate to Kinabalu Park
This guideline is for climbers who plan to climb from Timpohon Gate (Summit Trail). If this is your first climb, it is advisable for you to follow this trail. Climbing from Mesilau Trail will be explained on Mesilau Trail page.
With increasing popularity and accessibility of the park, accommodation can become booked up well in advance at certain time of year, so it is important to book well ahead of time. For a proper appreciation of your climb, it is essentialor you to spend 3 days and 2 nights at the mountain.
The main concern about the stay during the climb is that for both of the nights that you have, you will have to spend it on a different place and at a different altitude level. You have to stay in Kinabalu Park HQ on the first night and Laban Rata on the second night.
Kinabalu Park HQ is the usual place where you would start you climbing journey. It is the place for registration, get your guide and porter (if necessary) and also the place for you to stay for the first night.
Sabah Park, the Kinabalu Park authorities will be responsible for all the things that is concerning the climbing. goo is responsible for your stay during the climb.
So, the first thing you have to do now is try to make reservations for your stay on the first night at Kinabalu Park HQ with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. They have various type of accommodations from a 28 bedded hostel to an exclusive lodge for you to choose. Most of the climber choose the hostel because it is cheap and usually they will only stay there for only one night. You will start your climb on the next morning.
The next thing that you have do is to book a place in Laban Rata, a place for you to stay on the second night. There are also various types of accommodations in Panar Laban for you to choose. Because of the limited availability, heated rooms is only available at Laban Rata Resthouse. You will start the next continuation of your climb (Summit Trail (night climb)) to the summit early on the next morning. You will not be allowed to climb if you do not have a place to stay in Laban Rata. You are not allowed to camp there.
You do not have to worry about your meals here as there are restaurants in Kinabalu Park and Laban Rata. However, the price is a bit expensive compared to normal meals anywhere else. So, most of the climbers bring along their own food. Instant mee, instant coffee, tuna, bread and chocolate is the usual things that they bring.
Now, please browse through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website and book your accommodation there. They are the only accommodation operator that is authorized by Sabah Park in Mount Kinabalu.
FEES
This is the part that most of the climbers do not know. Apart from having a place to sleep and rest during the climb, you would also have to pay fees to Kinabalu Park authorities, Sabah Park. It is usually not included with the accommodation fees.
With increasing popularity and accessibility of the park, accommodation can become booked up well in advance at certain time of year, so it is important to book well ahead of time. For a proper appreciation of your climb, it is essentialor you to spend 3 days and 2 nights at the mountain.
The main concern about the stay during the climb is that for both of the nights that you have, you will have to spend it on a different place and at a different altitude level. You have to stay in Kinabalu Park HQ on the first night and Laban Rata on the second night.
Kinabalu Park HQ is the usual place where you would start you climbing journey. It is the place for registration, get your guide and porter (if necessary) and also the place for you to stay for the first night.
Sabah Park, the Kinabalu Park authorities will be responsible for all the things that is concerning the climbing. goo is responsible for your stay during the climb.
So, the first thing you have to do now is try to make reservations for your stay on the first night at Kinabalu Park HQ with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. They have various type of accommodations from a 28 bedded hostel to an exclusive lodge for you to choose. Most of the climber choose the hostel because it is cheap and usually they will only stay there for only one night. You will start your climb on the next morning.
The next thing that you have do is to book a place in Laban Rata, a place for you to stay on the second night. There are also various types of accommodations in Panar Laban for you to choose. Because of the limited availability, heated rooms is only available at Laban Rata Resthouse. You will start the next continuation of your climb (Summit Trail (night climb)) to the summit early on the next morning. You will not be allowed to climb if you do not have a place to stay in Laban Rata. You are not allowed to camp there.
You do not have to worry about your meals here as there are restaurants in Kinabalu Park and Laban Rata. However, the price is a bit expensive compared to normal meals anywhere else. So, most of the climbers bring along their own food. Instant mee, instant coffee, tuna, bread and chocolate is the usual things that they bring.
Now, please browse through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website and book your accommodation there. They are the only accommodation operator that is authorized by Sabah Park in Mount Kinabalu.
FEES
This is the part that most of the climbers do not know. Apart from having a place to sleep and rest during the climb, you would also have to pay fees to Kinabalu Park authorities, Sabah Park. It is usually not included with the accommodation fees.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Orang Utan , Rafflesia and Pitcher Plant
Orang Utan is an endangered species primate found commonly in Borneo.
Orang Utan means " Jungle People " in Malay
They are now co0ncentrated in a Orang Utan sanctuary known as Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary . There are other however the one at Sepilok is the common one.
Orang Utan means " Jungle People " in Malay
They are now co0ncentrated in a Orang Utan sanctuary known as Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary . There are other however the one at Sepilok is the common one.
Putra Mosque and Ubudiah Mosque
Putra Mosque is located at Putrajaya - Malaysia, new goverment administrative centre .
- Known as a floating mosque ,was built in 1997 .
Served commonly for the community there and majority are the people that works in the govermant department there.
Gates are designed like a Islamic Persia design.
Ubudiah Mosque is the most beautiful mosque in Malaysia.
While convalescing from an illness in Port Dickson, Sultan Idris Murshidul-adzam Shah (1887-1916) made a vow to build a mosque at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, when he fully recuperated.
It is located at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
This mosque was originally built for the Sultan of Perak at that time, Sultan Idris Shah.
The mosque is built in year 1913 and completed in 1917.
According to the story.....One day during a ceremony and a feast to celebrate the circumcision of Raja Khalid, a son of Sultan Abdul Jalil, suddenly His Highness' elephant named Kulub Chandan and its mahout, by the name of Kulub Said fought another elephant named Kulub Gangga with its mahout by the name of Uda Debok. The latter belonged to Raja Chulan.
The mosque was design by Mr. Hubbert -based on the Moorish design
Engineering and construction is made by Mr.Caulfield.
Long House ( Sarawak & Sabah)
Longhouses is a common structure found in Sarawak
There are many natives found in Sarawak and Iban form the majority and the biggest group.
-Longhouses are mostly built near the riverbanks
-Longhouses are also similar like a Malay house in which they are built on stilts.
Reason is also similar to Malay house i.e. to avoid floods
-Longhouses is a communal living concept.
-Under the longhouse, the Ibans normally will allow pigs, chicken to live there. Normally whatever food that is leftover will be tossed over to the ground for the animals to feed on.
-Longhouses consist of many families and each of them stayed in their private units known as bilik. Bilik means room in Malay.
-The longhouses front roof are decorated with skulls ( The Ibans are commonly known as head hunters in the olden days) Today this practice is banned.
- The Iban believed that the skull of the enemy is able to chase away evil spirits.
And during Iban festivals , offerings are made for the skull . They would be served with rice wine known as tuak.
- Pua Kumbu is a traditaional weaving art of the Iban comminity. It is a cloth weave with decorative designs.
Malay House
A Malay house is basically a typically made of timber wood and some bamboo.
-Can be found in Malay villages known as kampong
- A Malay house is raised above the ground by stilts
- Malay house is very traditional in the sense that in the olden days much of the Malay house are built without nails, but only with joints and grooves.
- Malay house is also known as Kampong House
-The main characteristics is that the house is raised above the ground on stilts and piles
-The basic reason is for the prevention of flood, avoid wild animals,ventilation and to deter theives .
- A basic traditional Malay house is divided into 2 parts , i.e. Main Hall ( Rumah Ibu) and Kitchen ( Rumah Dapur)
-There is also a elevated verandah known as Serambi
-For ventilation the elevated Malay house also have many windows to with hole cravings and slatted panels.
-Melaka Malay house is among the most unique because the staircase is made of bricks with decorated with patterned tiles designs.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wat ChaiyaMangalaram - Thai Buddhist Temple
- Built in 1845
-This site of this temple was presented by Her Majesty Queen Victoria to 4 Siamese women trusteess as a gesture of goodwill towards Thailand.
- founded by Phorthan Kuat also known as Strong Monk
-he is very fond of Penang laksa -a shrine is built for him and people continue to bring laksa to pray to him.
- Here is the reclining Buddha 33 metres lenght.
-considered to be one of the longest.
-Used to be visited by HM King Bhumiphol and Queen Sirikit of Thailand.
-Festivals here is basically the Wesak Day.
-others such as Songkran ( Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong ( a goodwish festival)
Dhammi Karama Temple.
Dhammikarama Burmese Temple located at Burmah Lane.
-Originally known as Nandy Molah Burmese Temple.
-First Buddhist Temple built in Penang in 1803.
-Land was donated by Nyonya Betong who bought the land from the British .
-The oldest part of the temple is the stupa consecrated in 1805.
-It is enshrined within an outer stupa which was constructed in 1838, together with the ceremonial hall guarded by a pair of stome elephants.
There is a standing Buddha which measures to about 8 meters in height.A pair of winged chimeras called Panca Rupa look resplendent in the roles as "Guardian Protectors of the World."
Panca Rupa is a mystical creature combination of :-
A) Head Of Lion with trunk like elephant
B) Body of Fish
C) Wings of mytical Garuda
D) Ears and hooves of Horse
E) Horns of a Deer
There is also a white elephants in the compounded of the temple.
There ia a fish pond and a pagoda and a Bodhi tree within the compound.
Along the pathway of the temple is also decorated with pictures depicting the lives of Buddha from the time of his birth until he discovered Nirvana.
Wesak is held annually here to commenmorate the birth of Buddha.
other occasion such as Khatina - presentation of robes to the monk is also performed here.
-Originally known as Nandy Molah Burmese Temple.
-First Buddhist Temple built in Penang in 1803.
-Land was donated by Nyonya Betong who bought the land from the British .
-The oldest part of the temple is the stupa consecrated in 1805.
-It is enshrined within an outer stupa which was constructed in 1838, together with the ceremonial hall guarded by a pair of stome elephants.
There is a standing Buddha which measures to about 8 meters in height.A pair of winged chimeras called Panca Rupa look resplendent in the roles as "Guardian Protectors of the World."
Panca Rupa is a mystical creature combination of :-
A) Head Of Lion with trunk like elephant
B) Body of Fish
C) Wings of mytical Garuda
D) Ears and hooves of Horse
E) Horns of a Deer
There is also a white elephants in the compounded of the temple.
There ia a fish pond and a pagoda and a Bodhi tree within the compound.
Along the pathway of the temple is also decorated with pictures depicting the lives of Buddha from the time of his birth until he discovered Nirvana.
Wesak is held annually here to commenmorate the birth of Buddha.
other occasion such as Khatina - presentation of robes to the monk is also performed here.
Besides these, other activities such as Pali chanting, Meditation, and Sunday School are held here too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
