Travelholic

Hot Spring in Selangor?

In Batang Kali?

Well well well… This is new to me.

First and foremost, I just learnt that ‘cholo’ means ‘jenguk in Bahasa Malaysia or ‘to look around or over something by stretching or leaning’ in English. And ‘cholo’ is a Minangkabau dialect; originated from Sumatera in Indonesia.

Located in Hulu Tamu in Hulu Selangor and founded by En. Othman Omar in 2008, Ontok Ontok is now managed by his son; En. Lokman Hakim and his wife Pn. Emas Zaherra. The area consist of a restaurant, chalet and camp site called Ontok-Ontok as well as Cholo Cholo Hot Spring.

Air Panas Hulu Tamu or hot spring are found by accident through a villager while looking for a buffalo calf who is jumping with surprised that the water it was drinking is too hot. During the Japanese invasion in Malaya during the World War II Japanese soldiers found Hulu Tamu hot spring as a healing site for those who were injured. Hot water from the spring can accelerate the healing process and is believed to cure ailments and rheumatism.

Ontok Ontok Enterprise decided to build the Cholo Cholo Hot Spring approximately 30-50m from the main chalet area. The hot spring consist of a few pools that is categorized by the degree of heat, once this is ready, a nominal fee will be imposed as it will come with proper changing area and washrooms. Not only that, this whole area will be fit for small scale team building - a great total experience for attendees.

Ontok Ontok Enterprise

Lot 2107, Kolam Air Panas Hulu Tamu

Batang Kali, Selangor

7-Regale, Eat Travel Write Selangor 2018 Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Selfie Museum

Go crazy guys!

Seriously guys. Amazing right. And you know what makes this even better? It is located a mere 2mins walk from Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, basically it is across the street. There is 2 other places that you can cover while you are within this area as it is located just next door to each other – Museum of Illusion KL (will blog about this in my next post) and the mural behind Lot 10.

You know what, this is my recommendation if you happened to be in Pavillion or Jalan Bukit Bintang area. Spend probably half a day or perhaps a full day (if you include shopping lah) and cover these places:

Selfie Museum KL
Museum of Illusion KL
Mural at Hutong (behind Lot10)
And nearby this area, where you can reach via grab or/and walk (a tad too far to walk though)
Jadi Batek Gallery at Jalan Inai
Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman at Jalan Stonor
And ends you trip at Jalan Alor for dinner (mostly non-halal) or Ain Arabia/Arab Street on Jalan Berangan, or perhaps you might prefer the malls’ eateries.

This is the part that I find it weird, like seriously weird. Well, you see… a bunch of us visited the Selfie Museum by Samsung Galaxy (like 20+ of us was there) and I hardly see anyone taking any selfies, most of us (me inclusive) asked our friends to snap a picture for us. No! No guys! We are not supposed to do that, its selfies (wefies pun ok lagi) … why lah no one took any selfies? But can I really blame them? After all, the rooms are really and truly amazing – vibrant, colourful, catchy and most importantly Instagrammable (penting tuh).

One must know that some of the 9 rooms are being sponsored by well known brands such as :

1. “The Giant Cakes” Room by Pandora

2. “Everything’s Sweet” Room by Benefit Cosmetics

3. “Fluffy Path” Room

4. “Ice-Cream World” Room by Baskin Robbins

5. “dUCkies Café” Room by dUCk Scarves

6. “Rainbow” Room

7. “Super Happiness” Room by Samsung Galaxy

8. “Splash Lab” Room by TeaLive & llaollao

9. “Do-Nut-Stop” Room by Hotlink

Yup! You guess it right, some of the rooms serves bite size food/icecream/drinks. And NO! You are not getting a dUCk scarves, I’ve asked *wink*.

General Tips from non-selfie-lover.

Plan your attire wisely, my suggestion is go for non-printed design and perhaps light/pastel colours
Browse thru the hashtags or their Instagram on poses so that you can recreate during your visit
No props are require, am sure you can make use of whatever available there (takut tak menang tangan jer nanti)
We were given less than 10mins per room (due to our large crowd), if it is the same for you guys – time well.
Solo visitor - most of the room looks better if the photos are being taken by another person (Seriously. Despite that it is called the Selfie Museum. Ahaks)
Allocate sufficient memory space on your mobile. Kid you not!
Come early. As you can adjourn to Museum of Illusion next door and mural photo session right after.
Remember to hashtag #SelfieMuseumKL when you post in the Instagram

You selfie lovers out there, what are you waiting for?

JOMlah!

Selfie Museum KL

Level 2, Fahrenheit88

179, Jalan Bukit Bintang

Kuala Lumpur

https://www.selfie.com.my/

Operating hours : 10am - 10pm (daily)

Entrance Fee : RM45 (Adult), RM30 (Kids)

#UnseenKL Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, #VisitKL and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman

An architectural excellence.

Built in 1910, Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman of Mukim Bagan Samak, Kedah is one of the oldest surviving traditional Malay houses.

Built in between 1910 to 1930s, it was owned by the penghulu or village headman of Mukim Bagan Samak, Bandar Baharu, Kedah. The home was originally located in Kampung Sungai Kechil, Kedah and was rescued, relocated and restored between 1996-1997 by the Badan Warisan Malaysia.

I am proud to say that as an ongoing effort in preserving and conserving #Malaysia architectural heritage, Badan Warisan Malaysia or The Heritage of Malaysia Trust (an NGO body) has managed to disassemble and relocate Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman to Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur for public to learn and experience our heritage.

Badan Warisan Malaysia Background

Badan Warisan Malaysia or The Heritage of Malaysia Trust is a national heritage NGO that focuses on heritage conservation services for nearly 30 years. Their role is to create and raise awareness of heritage issues and to ensure the survival of our built heritage. It also helps to influence policy so as to create a conservation-friendly environment as well as promoting and educating the understanding of Malaysia heritage as an expression of our history and identity. Badan Warisan Malaysia also hosts monthly talks and lectures, to know more and participate in their activities, kindly follow @heritagemalaysiaInstagram.

Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman (next to Badan WarisanMalaysia)

2 Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603 2144 9273

(15mins walk from the Bukit Bintang monorail station)

Operating Hours :

Tues - Sat : 10am – 4pm

Price Range : FREE. RM10 for guided tour

Badan Warisan Malaysia (next to Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman)

2, Jalan Stonor

Kuala Lumpur

Tel : +603-2144 9273

Email : info@badanwarisan.org.my

(15mins walk from the Bukit Bintang monorail station)

Opening Hours :

Mon- Sat : 10am-5pm (closed on Public Holidays)

Tours: 11am & 3pm

Selfie Museum KL

The latest craze just hit KL. Selfie Museum just across…… Pavilion, in Fahrenheit88 (2^nd floor to be precise). Everything is a must selfie, nothing should be missed – all the 9 thematic rooms.

There’s “The Giant Cakes” Room by Pandora (people tend to have plenty of photos here, I mean, would you want a photo with a cupcake, unicorn and lollipops), the there’s the “Rainbow” Room (my suggestion is for you to wear white so that the background pops out *serious talk nih*), of course there “Splash Lab” Room by TeaLive & llaollao (yang ni I nak minum air jer hehhehhee) and a few more rooms lah.

For more tips (yup! On how many time to spend, what to wear, how to pose *kid you not*), click HERE.

Selfie Museum KL

Level 2, Fahrenheit88

179, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur

Operating hours : 10am - 10pm (daily)
Entrance Fee : RM45 (Adult), RM30 (Kids)

Museum Of Illusions

The first Museum Of Illusions in Asia and 7th in the world and it stated that ‘illusion which will trick your confidence in senses’ oh boy, it is so true. And my favourite are the puzzles (yeah! I am simple like that), but I can’t even solve one, felt like I should buy a few, memorize the steps and show of my ‘skill’.

I felt the Vortex Tunnel was fun and vomiting which makes my photo turns out ugly, but I enjoyed the enperience (kept challenging myself to walk straight and go against the ‘vortex’). There are also the Mirror Room and Infinity Room which need no explanation lah. The Hologram collections are pretty cool, was wondering whether I can purchase that Einstein posted, hemmm…..

There are few other illutions that you can wander and wonder (get it?!) such as the The Ames Room, The Anti-Gravity Room, The Chair Illusion, The Rotated Room, The Bottomless Pit and many more. Allocate 2 hours or so here, it’ll be fun (and sense-stimulating).

Museum Of Illusions

Ansa Hotel 1st&2nd floor

101, Jalan Bukit Bintang

Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours : 9am - 11pm (daily)

Entrance Fee

Adult : RM35 (MyKad) / RM45 (Non-MyKad)

Kids : RM25 (MyKad) / RM35 (Non-MyKad)

Muzium Telekom

Built in 1928 to house the Central Battery Manual Telephone Exchange, this building is now home to Muzium Telekom. Located at the intersection of Jalan Gereja and Jalan Raja Chulan, this magnificent building is 82 years of age (1928-2010) and was declared a historic landmark by the National Archives of Malaysia Negara.

I remembered vaguely the last time I was here... a couple of old phones and etc. It was so-so if my memory serves me right. Well, obviously, my memory failed me. BIG TIME! Ahaks.

This is what I've imagined (before visiting lah) - the telephony evolution. Basically just that, full stop. Period. But NOOOOOOO.... It also talks about communication evolution - from Batu Bersurat to Pasu Bersurat (yeah, first time hearing this!), and from morse code to the internet era. Not forgetting the beduk communication, they even showed us the beduk sound for emergency, azan and death. I was half expecting smoke signal will be showcased here too, but nahhhhhh... kenot main api depa kata, dangerous.

SO, if you guys are curious of the communication evolution, drop by at the Muzium Telekom here in KL, it is near the Plaza Rakyat/China Town (a 10mins walk). You won’t regret it.

Muzium Telekom http://www.muziumtelekom.com.my/Jalan Raja Chulan

Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours

9am - 5pm (closed on public holiday)

Entrance Fee

Adult - RM6
Kid - RM3

#UnseenKL Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, #VisitKL and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

And I told myself die-die also I must visit this place, I remembered vaguely the last time I was here... a couple of old phones and etc. It was so-so if my memory serves me right. Well, obviously, my memory failed me. BIG TIME!

This is what I've imagined - the telephony evolution. Basically just that, full stop. Period. But NOOOOOOO.... It also talks about communication evolution - from Batu Bersurat to Pasu Bersurat (yeah, first time hearing this!), and from morse code to the internet era. Not forgetting the beduk communication, they even showed us the beduk sound for emergency, azan and death. I was half expecting smoke signal will be showcased here too, but nahhhhhh... kenot main api depa they say, dangerous wor.

It also displayed the birth of phone right thru what we are using now – smart phones. Hey! They even have ATUR and satellite phone, have you heard and seen an ATUR phone before? No huh! Go check them out when you are there. While you are there, do check-out the public phones that we used to use – way before everyone owns a mobile phone.

This is something I hold close to my heart – branding. A true blue marketing person that I am, I was excited when I saw the transition from the first logo that Telekom ever had till the one we are using now. And I can only remember Jabatan Telekom logo, the one with the phone in the middle. What I didn’t realized was that it went thru more changes after that as well as before that.

I also learnt that all the telecommunication towers in Malaysia is owned by Telekom Malaysia namely Menara Kuala Lumpur and Menara Alor Setar.

A Telegraph Museum was recently launched in July 2018 in the same building that housed the first Post and Telegraph office in Tanah Melayu back in 1883. It is located at Jalan Stesen in Taiping. I myself have not been there but will definitely be ni my Perak bucket list aside from covering the rest of 33 first Taiping of course. The museum covers submarine cable from the 1870s, a massive stone grinder, old clothing and many items from between the 18th century right to 2012. What makes it even better is that this building is recognized as National Heritage Building. The entrance fee is RM8 for adults and RM5 for children while for non-Malaysia is RM15 per person.

So, if you guys are curious of the communication evolution in Malaysia (so yeah, no smoke signal here), drop by at the Muzium Telekom here in KL, it is near the Plaza Rakyat/China Town (about 10mins walk). You won’t regret it, trust me.

Muzium Telekom

Jalan Raja Chulan

Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours

9am - 5pm (closed on public holiday)

Entrance Fee

Adult - RM6

Kid - RM3

#UnseenKL Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, #VisitKL and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

I've covered Bagan, Myanmar a couple of years ago with a bunch of great friends and due to time limitation, we missed out horse cart riding and catching the magnificent sunrise in #Bagan (with hot air balloon flying over 2500 pagodas and temples). You can't imagine how ecstatic I was when I learnt that the activities we are about to do are this 2 items. The truth is, I can never be bored with Myanmar, despite that I have been here, I am still in awe and so many things and places that I have missed out. I am not surprise if I am still as impressed in my future trip here. Yeah, I foresee another trip here. Definitely.

For those curious few, the horse cart price for half day is K15,000 and K25,000 for full day, this is also highly depending on the season. The carts can be shared between 2-3 person. The question is whether is it worth it? My answer is : YES!

Ananda Pahto Temple

Revered as Bagan’s first of the great temples, Ananda Pahto Temple also boast as one of the most largest and most beautiful. Built between 1090-1105 by King Kyansittha, Ananda Pahto Temple; is a Mon and Indian architecture wonder in #Bagan. It is said to be the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of all Bagan temples. Ananda Pahto Temple was damaged during the 2016 earthquake and has since gone through restoration.

This beautifully symmetrical temple was also a monastery hence there are few buildings within the enclosure wall. Source says that ‘Six terraces rise pyramid-like to the central tower. The lower terraces have a complete numbered set of 537 Jataka plaques (scenes from the lives of the Buddha) in Pali; the upper terraces have a set of 375 Mon language plaques depicting the last ten Jataka. Including those on the interior, this is the largest Bagan collection of terracotta tiles.’

Jātaka : It is a literature native to India concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. Jātakas are amongst the earliest Buddhist literature.

There are also four 30-foot-tall gilded teak standing Buddhas, each Buddha face the four cardinal directions. According to the local, it represents the enlightenment received in the present world cycle. Out of the four Buddhas, only the Bagan-style images facing north and south are original as the other two were destroyed in the 1600s by fire.

Shwezigon Pagoda

Circular gold leaf-gilded stupa surrounded by smaller temples and shrines what makes Shwezigon Pagoda distinctive. Similar to other pagoda, the bell-shaped stupa was influenced by the culture of the Mon people. They were the earliest peoples to reside in Southeast Asia, they were responsible for the spread of Theravada Buddhism in Indochina.

King Anawrahta builts Shwezigon Pagoda to be a massive reliquary to holds a collection of relics, including the Buddha's frontal and collar bones, a copy of the tooth relic at Kandy, Sri Lanka, and an emerald Buddha image from China. Its beautiful staircases, gates, and a richly ornamented spire fitted with a large golden umbrella type finial embedded with gems, Shwezigon Pagoda is noted as the prototype for many other stupas across Myanmar.

Dhammayangyi Temple

This Dhammayangyi Temple is infamous for its mysterious, bricked-up inner passageways and cruel history. It was built to atone King Narathu own sins: he smothered his father and brother to death and executed one of his wives, an Indian princess, for practising Hindu rituals.

Aside from being the largest and widest of all the temples in Bagan, tragically the king was assassinated by Sinhalese invaders hence the temple was not completed. It is a heart-rending story as cruelty upon cruelty in the process of erecting this magnificent temple, it is also said that King Narathu commanded that the temple to be mortar-less, hence bricks are fitted together so tightly that even a pin couldn’t pass between two bricks. Those who failed had their arms chopped off. This can be validated and seen as one enters from the west gate, there are stones with arm-sized grooves that are said where amputations allegedly happened.

Rich in culture, a site to behold and very instagrammable huh!
So, what are you guys waiting for?
Head to Myanmar now!

1st ASEAN Media & Bloggers Fam Trip in collaboration with Myanmar Travel Bloggers Club and Tourism Myanmar

You guys know that I like outdoor adventurous stuff kan despite I don’t like the hot sun, leeches, stickiness (usually from hanging by the sea) and etc. But when there is ATV in an itinerary, I usually won’t say no, never (well, unless I have to climb or it involves height) … Well, seeing ATV as one of the activities in our Labuan trip doesn’t exactly awe me, ‘been there, done that’ was my reaction. As for toughness level - I have done a few tough/extreme ones, I have even experience riding an ATV around the Siem Reap villages and paddy field at sunset. Hence, it takes a lot to impress me (flip hair).

And you know what?

They did just that.

They impressed me.

Kow tow.

In order to keep things in perspective and in a structured manner, I will share their unique selling point that I certainly appreciate (it’s more clear cut this way lah kan).

1. Friendly and prioritise safety

Well, most ATV operators are. And this one is too. Showed us the steps, guided us (those forgetful few – yeah! Like me!), ensuring we have driving license (eh!) and accommodative (ni penting).

2. Terrain

Technically it is not that extreme or tough as we did not cover jungles, rives or plantation and whatnot. Having said that, jeng jeng jeng…. They promise us that it will be an experience of a life time (gitewww), hence, muddy terrain was enhanced (read ; purposely), steepness of molehill was not forgotten, slim log bridge was included (at a few places). Adventurous – check.

3. View

All you need to do is cross the road, and it’s the tadaaaaa… beach!

4. Vehicle

Its sturdy and robust. No squeaky sound nor does it rambles like a motorboat.

5. Beach ATV ride

My dream came true (sampai mimpi kita, wak…). Well, with one strict rule though – no riding in/near the water (salt waterkan, nanti rosak ATV tu). The moment they say, we riding the ATV at the beach, everyone starts taking out the cameras, smartphones and drone. We ride like there is no tomorrow, speed without worrying the bumpy surface, breaks ever so freely as no one is blocking you path (and if they do, the beach is wide kot, corner ler tempat lain kan) and allowing the sea breeze kisses our sun tanned beach boy/girl face. Heavenly feeling with rugged on the side. We were the outriders!

6. Photo

Here’s the thing – single photo BY the ATV, single photo ON the ATV, single photo KONON-KONON RIDING the ATV, group photo BY the ATV, group photo ON the ATV, group photo KONON-KONON RIDING the ATV. Of course then there’s the photo with the mud splashing the ATV, photo KONON-KONON SKIDDING, photo taken from the back view, photo taken from side view, as well as photo taken from the front view. Eh! Belum habis lagi…. Photo by the beach, photo by the beach with ATV, photo BY the beach ON the ATV… etc etc etc. By now you got the drift lah kan kot. You can guess berapa juta photos we have on our camera of ourselves and of others kan. And mind you, all the above mentions were excluding the drone footage tau.

What I would have appreciated even more (of which I doubt they will comply. Ever.) is to have a long journey ride – like those snow mobile ride, and ends it with a barbeque by the beach. It will be so cool kan (hint hint). Whaddayathink?

Operation Hour

Wednesday – Sunday : 9:00am - 4:30pm (booking is required)

Walk-in on weekends

Smart Ryders ATV

Email: smartrydersatv@gmail.com

Whatsapp: +60143580027

Explore Labuan Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Perbadanan Sabah and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Do you know how it feels when you found out that you were wrong all this while?

Or perhaps, you did not read and understand thoroughly?

Or not one knew about this info all these while!

Well, this is the story of Me, Labuan Story and the Straits Settlement (Negeri-negeri Selat).

Let me set the stage so that you guys can clear understand my train of thoughts (or bewilderment) when I got this information. First and foremost, we were told that Labuan is part of Straits Settlement of which, all this while, I thought the Straits Settlement consist of Penang, Melaka and Singapore. I guess I was NOT right.

Secondly, I have always enjoyed museums, a small quaint one is simply perfect as I find it more intimate, within reach (I love touching stuff) and not that overwhelming, making digesting the info and feel - easy. More consumable than the large scale museum. But Labuan Museum did totally the opposite, the info was overwhelming and new (I was running from one end to the other to compare notes, I ever backtracked to relook at the Labuan flag and Brunei family chart just to reaffirm the details.

Last but not least, Sir Hugh Low of whom I always thought helped to introduce rubber/rubber tree in Perak actually started his career in Borneo, namely Labuan, Sabah and Sarawak. I was like ‘just wait a minute, this is a lot to consume in the first 30 minutes of my visit to Labuan Museum’. For a person who loves history, UNESCO sites and all… I basically flipped. An hour visit is insufficient, I need at least 2 hours here (MINIMUM) hence I need to revisit Labuan and its museums again (hint hint to Perbadanan Labuan and Gaya Travel).

Let’s share some insight on the 3 items I shared earlier (as above) with some visual help (to justify what I read). It says clearly that in 1871, Sir John Pope Hanessey; the colonial Governor of Labuan in 1867 suggested Labuan be united with the Straits Settlements so that it may develop further but the Colonial Office did not accept his suggestion. And in 1906, the Colonial Office took over Labuan and was incorporated into the Straits Settlements in 1907 as part of British Colony. On 1^stDecember 1012, the status of Labuan as part of Straits Settlements was confirmed.

On to the 2^nd item, this is pretty straight forward as you can see in the video, I basically touch the board as I read (sorry yek curator museum).

Lastly, Sir Hugh Low, a colonial administrator and naturalist joined James Brooke, the White Rajah in Sarawak writing on botany in the Sarawak Journals, he later held various colonial roles in Labuan and was the Consul General of Borneo. He also documented ascent of Mount Kinabalu in 1851 thus both Kinabalu's highest peak as well as the gorge on the northern side are named after him. Only in 1877, he was transferred to the Malay Peninsula and became the 4th Resident of Perak.

And all this info that I just shared, is just a section of the museum. I did not even covered the upstairs nor the other half of the ground floor. Well, I guess I need a repeat trip huh! (Sorry, I was so absorb that I forgot to take photos of the museum)

Operating Hours

Daily : 8.30am - 5.00pm

Closed on first day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha

Entrance Fee : FREE

Labuan Museum

Jalan Dewan, Bandar Labuan

Labuan, Wilayah Persekutuan

Tel : +6087-414 135

Email : mlabuan@jmm.gov.my

Explore Labuan Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Perbadanan Sabah and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Armistice Day, later known as Remembrance Day; is commemorated every year and this year marks the 100^th year anniversary since the first world war ended in 1918, and in Labuan per se, it is to also honored heroes that who lost their lives in Borneo during World War II from 1941-45. War veterans from Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, India, locals and many more gather in Labuan World War II Memorial to pay respect to the unsung heroes of yesteryears. The Labuan World War II Memorial consist of 3908 burials of which 2,156 were unidentified names, 858 are made up of Australians and 814 British while the rest comprised of others and Indians. There are 34 Indian soldiers, whose remains were cremated.

This year is the 100th Year Anniversary of Remembrance Day was in collaboration between Labuan Corporation in cooperation with Royal Malaysian Arm Forces, Royal Malaysian Police from Sabah and Labuan, Labuan Health Department, Ministry Of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia Labuan, Tourism Malaysia, Civil Defence Department Malaysia, Commonwealth War Grave Commission, Labuan Scout Association, Labuan Red Crescent and Labuan Media Association.

During the event, dignitaries, family of fallen heroes as well as war veterans contributed and participated in the wreath-laying ceremony. Other ceremonial formalities include reversed arm (leaning on a weapon held upside down), the lone bagpiper, the sound of the last post and the moment of silence.

In respect of the Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Hindu religious rites, the prayers were done concurrently in respected burial ground located nearby.

During the Remembrance Day, war veterans and tourist pay a visit to sites that memorialize renunciation of the horrors of war. Surrender Point is where the surrender of 37th Imperial Japanese Army to the 9th Australian Imperial Forces on 9 September 1945. It is said that Lieutenant General Masao Baba officially handed his sword as a sign of surrender to Major General George Wootten during the ceremony and this marks the end of World War II in Borneo.

Built and maintained by the Japan Shipbuilding Industry Foundation, the Peace Park is situated next to the Surrender Point as an acknowledgement of the trouble and trauma that their forefathers have caused in the past.

The World War II Memorial; where the Remembrance Day event took place was constructed and maintained by the Commonwealth Graves Commission. It is also a sign of respect to the fallen heroes during the Japanese occupancy, the World War II and the infamous Sandakan Death Marches. There are 3908 burials, and 1,752 are identified; 1, 523 soldiers, 220 airmen, 5 sailors and 4 civilians. Those unidentified were emboldened with the words “Known Unto God”.

Explore Labuan Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Perbadanan Sabah and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

The museum, situated inside, was opened to the public in January 2003. Specialising in marine life exhibition, this is the first marine museum of such a concept in Malaysia.

I was truly surprised to learn that this small Labuan island has so many museums and that most of it are free. There’s the Chimney Museum, Labuan Museum and now the Marina Museum. Not only that, you can even go island hopping in Labuan, and the islands around Labuan are simply beautiful (will blog about the islands separately). And of course, there’s plenty of outdoor activities such as ATV by beach, perahu larai, zipling by the beach, nature trekking at the mangrove, on the island and etc. Oh! All museums are free, kid you not – FREE. I guess, what I am trying to say is not to doubt small island, especially Labuan.

OK, back to the Marine Museum. Wasn’t sure what to expect initially as I have never been to a marine museum before in my life. Yeah yeah… I know, what you guys gonna say that I have been to a few Viking ship museums before this and then there’s the Maritime Museum in Melaka (which talks more about the maritime in Melaka itself and not marine stuff in general). So visiting Labuan Marine Museum seems like a must-do activity in Labuan for me, and I have no regrets.

Opened since 2003, the Marine Museum is located inside the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex and is said to be the first marine museum in Malaysia. The museum is split into 16 galleries covering live specimen, preserved species of marine creatures, types of corals, fishing technics, shipwrecks information and many more.

Aquariums

Live fishes are being displayed as you entered the museum, namely damselfish, butterflyfish, porcupinefish and others.

Shipwrecks
Aside from showcasing local fishes in Labuan, the museum has information on the 4 famous shipwrecks in Labuan water. The shipwrecks in Labuan (yeah, you can dive as well) are 'Cement wreak', 'American Wreak', 'Australian Wreak', and 'Blue Water Wreak'– two are from World War II and the other two are from the 1980's. It is a heaven for divers.

Coral Reef Biodiversity
The Labuan Marine Park comprises areas extending two nautical miles where the three islands are located – Kuraman Island, Rusukan Kecil Island and Rusukan Besar Island (you simply must visit these island); that was gazetted in 1994 as marine park. The reef patches such as Montipora monasteriata, Cyphastrea chalcidicum, Acropora valida and Pavona crassa among others are located in shallow area and grow on the granitic rock.

Blast Fishing
Also highlighted in the Marine Museum is the blast fishing or dynamite fishing; using detonator, plant poison, cynide and etc to kill the fishes for easy collection. However, this process is illegal and damages the ecosystem as well as our marine life; threatens our coral reefs and contributes to the decline in fish populations. Upon seeing this in the museum, I did a little reading (not that I don’t know blast fishing is bad, more to I don’t know how many types of blast fishing are there) and found out Malaysia is mentioned in a few websites. This is not good guys, do educate you family and friends on the importance of NOT to do blast fishing yah.

The highlight of the museum is actually the Indian Fin Whale 42-foot skeleton. I felt as if I entered a Jurassic Park for creatures of the sea.

The whale found on Sebatu Beach in Malacca and has been ‘touring’ and ‘exhibiting’ itself around town in Raffles Museum, Singapore and of course the National Museum. Perhaps in the future they should put sperm whale skeleton as well. That. Will. Be. So. Cool.

So, jom lah ke Labuan!

Labuan Marine Museum
Kompleks Sukan Air Antarabangsa Labuan
Jalan Tanjung Purun
Labuan

Operating Hours
Time : 8.30am - 5pm daily (closed on first day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha)

Entrance Fees
FREE

Explore Labuan Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Perbadanan Sabah and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

I had so many ideas on how to write this, on what to write as well as the angulation but when putting it into writing, all gone. Whooooosh, hilang pergi mana tak tau! So I guess I have to write this as what I remembered and how my mind thinks, of which might not be good. Hem…..

Anyhow… I need to make it very clear to everyone that I have never been to Labuan before this nor have I read let alone research about Labuan. My knowledge of Labuan is that it is an island (duh!) and it is somewhere near Sabah. I probably know about Tiga Island or Mantanani Island better (yeah… sad, I know), but have you heard about this 2 islands yourselves? Belum kan kan kan…. *smirk*.

It started with me getting an invitation via whatsapp to Labuan, and I agree without hesitant, requesting urgently for the itinerary as I need to know what I will be covering and what else can I do there. This is when, jeng jeng jeng…. I found out that we will be going to nearby islands (note the plural in island). ‘Wow’ I said to myself, pulau and more pulau. Interesting (I murmured). I lied, I already knew few months earlier that island hoping is one of the must do activity when in Labuan (based on a friend’s Instagram post), just that I forgot all about it. Now that I too will be going to the same island is he/them, I can show off lah kan *evil smile*.

They brought us to 2 islands – Karuman Island and Papan Island. After much thought, I figure, Papan Island would be the one for me to share (first, later on Karuman Island) as it is (i) nearer to Labuan, (ii) have a proper and well equip chalet, (iii) offers nature activity as well – ‘jungle’ trekkeing to the light house, eagle's nest and separation rock. Lastly but not least (iv) water activities – banana boat, sofa boat and PERAHU LARAI. Did I get your attention now? Here are some infos to help you plan your trip and activities.

Pulau Papan Di Labuan Bed & Breakfast

Pulau Papan Di Labuan is the only resort located on Papan Island has so much to offer, for a small resort in a small island, its comfortable with the necessary amenities available.

Journey

- 6-8mins boat ride from Marina Awam Labuan – subject to weather condition.

Chalets/Room

- It consist of 3 chalets and each chalet consists of 3 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, wash room & bathroom

- Each chalet can accommodate up to 6 pax in a chalet – 2x rooms with 2 single bed room in each room and 1x room with queen size bed

- For additional guest (on request) mattress will be provided. Ideally maximum of 10 pax in a chalet (comfortable).

Cost per chalets/room

- RM450 per chalet, excluding boat ride and food

Cost per camp site

- RM90 for solo camper

- RM150 for 2pax, inclusive of return boat ride, a tent, overnight charges & utility charges

Meal - full board

- RM115 per pax for breakfast, lunch and dinner (minimum of 6 pax for the full board*)

* there are on shops nor restaurants on this islands

Day trippers

- RM100 per pax, inclusive of return boat ride, snorkeling, jungle trekking, banana boat ride, perahu larai & set meal

Catering – per meal

- Starts from RM20 - RM80

Water activities

- Sofa Boat Ride - 1 pax for RM30, 2 pax for RM50, 3 pax for RM75 and 4 pax for RM100

- Banana Boat Ride - 2 pax for RM60 (minimum 2 pax, maximum 7 pax)

- Perahu Larai Ride (30mins ride) - 1 pax for RM30 (minimum 4 pax, maximum 8-10 pax)

Outdoor facilities

- Volleyball, sepak takraw courts and barbeque pit

Aside from the above, I was made to understand that one can also have an private event on this island such as team building, family day, birthday parties, get-togethers and etc. They also organized packages duringn school holidays so keep a look-out on their Facebook Page as well as they Instagram.

Game?

3 days 2 nights or 4 days 3 nights in Labuan is sufficient but make sure you includes Papan Island in your itinerary and perahu larai is a must. Else you’ll bound to regret it.

Pulau Papan Di Labuan

Tel : +6013-400 7833 or +60 19 5839100

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/pulau.papan.di.labuan/

Explore Labuan Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Perbadanan Sabah and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

‘The story covers the struggles they and their two teachers face in keeping the Muhammadiyah Elementary School on Belitong Island, Sumatra, up and running, as a tin mining company circles their fecund land. The students each have individually interesting backgrounds, providing prisms for real insights into the diversity of Indonesia. Take, for instance, the child genius Lintang, who cycles 80 kilometres a day for the chance to study: “Lintang’s family was like the epitome of poverty for Malay and Indonesian traditional fishermen. They carried that misery in their hearts from generation to generation. They swallowed the bitterness of empty expectations for the future and their doubts about their children’s education.” Then there is the singer Mahar, who since the second grade has “worked after school as a coolie, grating coconuts at a Chinese produce stall.’ – Travelfish (https://www.travelfish.org/book-reviews/138)

With that in mind, my movie-adventure-trip to Belitung begins - The Land of Laskar Pelangi (roll montage, queue music). A place where movie-hunters should make a point to visit, with Garuda flying to Belitung from Singapore makes it even easier. For me, it is more of curiosity, especially of Museum Kata Andrea Hirata (Andrea Hirata's Museum of Words). Of Laskar Pelangi. Of Andrea Hirata himself.

Laskar Pelangi Beach or Tanjung Tinggi Beach
Located in Sijuk District, approximately 45mins to an hour from Tanjung Pandang is the Tanjung Tinggi Beach. Famous for the smooth large oddly size granite boulders, on a pristine beach with powdery sand is where one of the Laskar Pelangi scene was shot. Tanjung Tinggi Beach; now goes by Laskar Pelangi Beach is a place where the locals hangs-out on a weekend. Stalls selling snacks, coconut drinks and beach toy to lure the kids are seen scattered along the coastline.

On a calm sunny day, the water is crystal clear with sun rays piercing from the clouds that sometimes shading the clear blue sky. Often you seen shots taken here reenacting scene of Laskar Pelangi, it is either that the starfish floating shots (no, didn’t do any as the current was too strong on that day for us).

SD Muhammadiyah or Muhammadiyah Elementary School
Another iconic site made famous by the LaskarPelangi book and movie is the replica of SD Muhammadiyah or Muhammadiyah Elementary School. This is where most of the scene centered on, where the teachers are devoted to inspire, teach and guide students from tin mining families who've come to study at the poorest village school on the island of Belitung, while having to brave 80km round trip by bicycle.

The replica of SD Muhammadiyah was set to looks as real as possible, ensuring each detail are accounted for. Stepping into the classroom creates a sense of childhood in almost all visitors where you can easily see the ‘pupil and teacher scene being acted out (dramatically)’. At times, you can see locals kid coming over with kaolin clay covered on their body, depicting the kids from mining family from the movie. And if you are lucky, you can have a picture of them or perhaps even with them.

About 100km from Tanjung Pandan City, rented car or tour arrangement would probably be the best mode of transportation for the drive can be up to 2 hours max.

Museum Kata Andrea Hirata or Andrea Hirata Museum of Words
Once known as Billiton; one of the top producer of tin and tin mining in the world, has now waned due to the decline in tin commodity that hit the world. This was during the time where many of the countries around South East Asia were impacted, Malaysia included.

This happens to be the most looked-forward place if you are in Belitung; for those that the appreciate museum, the those who love of art and those that got bitten by the travel bug. The book Laskar Pelangi or ‘The Rainbow Troop’ has achieved a worldwide success that a Museum of Words was erected for Andrea Hirata himself. Having produced a few sequels namely Sang Pemimpi, Edensor and Maryamah Karpov: Mimpi-mimpi Lintang, and his success in putting and highlighting Belitung in the map, aside from the fact the Laskar Pelangi book was translated to more than 20 languages and is being read around the world, this Museum of Words is the best (and yummies) icing on the cake.

The book not only introduce us to Belitung, but also the poverty, the desire to learn, the hope and dream. And that everyone can excel, given the right attention, guidance and encouragement. Nothing is impossible. From the word of Andrea Hirata – Bermimpilah kerna Tuhan akan memeluk mimpi-mimpimu (Dream for God will embrace you dreams).

The museum was the first and only Museum on Literature in Indonesia and was officially opened to the public in 2012.

Fam ‘Getaways’ Trip to Belitung Island is made possible by MTN Getaways.

True as it can be.
Despite the fact that beautiful island is made famous by the movie Laskar Pelangi, many might not know that it has more to offer. All you need is to give it a little more time and space to appreciate the island as it is, then you will see Belitung as Belitung. I was tasked to write 3 entries on Belitung trip, having to complete the first one of which I felt rather easy (everything about Laskar Pelangi), this time around seems hard to share it in a listical manner without injecting my personal take on it. So I figure, let’s be blunt about this, let’s put my thoughts with some background facts to the list below.By the way, this trip was sponsored to promote the new Garuda Airlines route to Belitung via Singapore.

Slower pace
I have been to a few cities/towns in Indonesia, am yet to experience an Indonesia island that moves in a more leisure pace as Belitung (then again, Indonesia has 17,000+ islands). Located in Selat Sunda, to the west of Sumatra, Belitung was a quiet (quieter is more like it) island back then till the Laskar Pelangi fame brought the world’s attention to this pristine island. Yet, it feels as if time stood still, everyone is ever so friendly, no hurry in live, the tendency to appreciate mother nature seems to be higher too. Perhaps the decline of tin mining industry slows everything down, till now.

Jalan Warkop 1001
This was the second thing that excites me when Eka and Oki highlighted about the Jalan Manggar or Manggar Street. Not a coffee lover, but the smell of a coffee being brewed tends to make me ‘high’ for some reason thus stopping and sampling the famous Belitung coffee became a must. I managed to sample the Belitung coffee (with milk) as well as the Kongi coffee; a Belitung equivalent of Starbucks. Apparently this coffee is the one that will make you fall in love with Belitung (katanya lah).

I was made to understand that coffee is the lifestyle of Belitung, it started during the tin mining ear where you can see all the tin miners stopping by a warkop (warung kopi) before kick-starting their daily routine at the mines. After awhile, it became a Belitung lifestyle to lepak at a warkop. In fact, some warkop (like seriously, a tepi jalan warung kopi) has wifi to encourage younger patrons to stop by. Starbucks-Starbucks tak main lah… warkop pun ada wifi hokkay.

Don’t be surprise as most warkops tend to be slightly creative with their menu. My advice is to go with a few friends and each orders different drinks and food, the best way to sample local culinary *wink*.

Danau Kaolin
Once was an active kaolin mine, this danau or lake resembles the famous Turkey site – Pumakkale (but now not anymore). The turquoise blue water pops-out against its milky white sand, an instagrammable sites that is now restricted (yeah, swimming is highly DIScourage). Having said that, one can still stop by enroute to the airport as you probably need 15-20mins or so to take some photos.

Dermaga Kirana
This place is rather unique and is situated just across the street from SD Muhammadiyah site, do make a point to stop by as there are a few Rumah Kong there (shell like rattan hut). There is also a café by the name of Owly Café at the end of the Dermaga Kirana if you feel like you wanna lepak and laze around and perhaps just enjoy the calming mangroves riverscape. According to the locals, this place was built as a place for the locals and tourist to ‘photoin suka-suka’. Not wanting to go against the advice, I also photoin-photoin, suka banget gue *cheeky smile*.

Burung Mandi Beach
The name inself raised the curiosity in me, translated to ‘Bathing bird Beach’ makes me wonder the history behind its name. Pestering the guide was not helping as they themselves did not know how the beach got its name but one thing for sure, I realized that all the fishing boat that is docked there has a carved bird in front. I suspect there bathing bird and the carved bird have a deep dark secret that is waiting to be told (eye squinting trying to figure out the secret).

As of now, I am here to appreciate my rojak buah with fresh coconut drink while enjoying the Laskar Pelangi breeze gently brushes my face. Drama sangat.

Kampung Ahok and Rumah Ahok
Ahok's home in Belitung, popularly known as Kampoeng Ahok has been renovated 3 times), the Rumah Panggung architecture is made of 'kayu bulin' (kayu belian) of Rumah Limas design in Palembang.

The actual house that the family is living in is located right across Kampoeng Ahok (last photo). Ahok or Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (chinese name : Tjung Ban Hok) grew up in Manggar, Belitung. He was the Indonesian People's Representative Council and Regent of East Belitung as well as former governor of Jakarta.

Kwan Ying Statue
Like any other Kwan Ying Statue and temple, this one is located on a hill overlooking the sea. The colourful temple is definitely a good venue for photo shoots but other then that, there is nothing much. I would suggest to give this a miss and spend more time at the Museum Kata.

Fam ‘Getaways’ Trip to Belitung Island is made possible by MTN Getaways.

Being a country with more than 17,000 island, it comes as no surprise that every island/provinces/district/ethnicity will have their own tradition and culture. Same goes for the beautiful island of Belitung, located on the far east of Sumatera. And island that also goes by the name of The Rainbow Troops Island or Pulau Laskar Pelangi, an island that was made famous by a movie of the same name. For Malaysian visiting this Laskar Pelangi island, you will be surprise to hear the way they speak, it sounded like ‘bahasa Melayu zaman P.Ramlee’.

What amazes me is makan bedulang in particular as it reminded me of nasi ambeng from the Jawa ethnicity in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia. The objectives of makan bedulang or nasi bedulang is to promote unity, fairness, strengthen the family institution as well as respect to the eldest. Makan bedulung is usually practice during an event or traditional ceremony such as Idul Fitri, Maulud Nabi and such. Having said that, in order to educate, introduce and promote this unique Belitung culture, makan bedulang can be experienced in some of the restaurants around Belitung. The restaurant will explain and guide the guest on the protocol or procedure, every steps symbolizes their custom.

The uniqueness of makan bedulang is that even its preparation is being taken into account; Mak Panggong is the protocol or procedure coordinator, Tukang Berage role is to lay the dishes on the dulang (tray/large platter), then you have the Tukang Periksa Dulang where she will be checking an ensuring all the dishes are correctly put/laid, pouring the drinks into the glass being done by the Tukang Ngisi Air and last but not least, Tukang Ngangkat Dulang will carry the dulang (tray/large platter) to the guests. As you can see, custom and tradition is being upheld strongly by the locals here.

Upon the dulang (tray/large platter) being serves to the guest of which per tray/large platter shall not be lesser than 3 person ideally 4 person, the youngest in the group will need to serve the eldest first (or the highest in social ranks) before the rest can join the meal.

Interestingly, the dishes serves are rather standard and consistent; 7 plates/bowl/dish in total - nasi, ikan goreng bebulus, sate ikan, oseng-oseng, ayam ketumbar, sambal serai and gagan darat. The other unique thing is that when all the dishes beingn displayed in the dulang, it is covered with tudung saji or mentudong known to the locals. Mentudong is a large dish cover is made of daun mengkuang (screw pine leaves) that is being weaved into a conical shape with a crochet cover decorating top.

If you to sample the food and experience the whole process, head over to Rumah Makan Belitong Timpo Duluk.

Rumah Makan Belitong Timpo Duluk
Jalan Lettu Mad Daud
22, Kampung Parit, Tanjung Pandan
Parit, Tj. Pandan
Kabupaten Belitung
Bangka Belitung

Fam ‘Getaways’ Trip to Belitung Island is made possible by MTN Getaways.

“When the world thought we couldn’t get any tougher, we proved otherwise today with the introduction of the G-SHOCK Carbon Core Guard series, an even more resilient watch to our already formidable G-SHOCK line.’

- Mr Tezuka Itsuro, Managing Director of Casio Malaysia -

G-SHOCK never fail to overwhelm me, Infact I felt like I am some kind of a superhero when I learnt about the new Carbon G-SHOCK.

The first time hearing about the ‘3rd Generation of Toughness’, I was confident I am gonna fall in love with the watch (again). Its latest innovation launched recently showcased their latest feature – carbon fiber. After their success with resin and metal, it came as a no surprise for me that Casio is able to top their own creation. 2 hero model presented is the GA-2000 and GWR-B1000 Gravitymaster.

GA-2000 is the analog-digital G-SHOCK that comes with Carbon Core Guard structure featuring as a carbon fiber-reinforced case, guardless buttons, front light button, a double case back structure, and multi-color resin bands.

You will be amazed to hear that this is lightest Gravitymaster ever. The GWR-B1000 Gravitymaster is designed for the severe environments faced by pilots. If that is not enough, this model has a higher level of toughness as it uses the same carbon and titanium materials found on modern aircrafts. What awed me (kid you not) is that it utilizes tough solar technology, is Bluetooth enabled (up to 2m however it may differ depending on surrounding conditions) and has a full auto double LEDs which automatically illuminate in dark conditions. Another plus point is that its scratch resistant sapphire glass enhances readability.

Carbon-Fiber Bezel : The structure of the bezel is designed with gaps between it and the case, which allows the parts to absorb shock.

Carbon Monocoque Case : The case and case back are seamlessly integrated into a monocoque, improving strength and resisting shock while reducing weight.

Shock-Resistant Buttons : The stronger case and the modified plate that holds the circuit board in place inhibit direct impact to the button shaft and circuit board, eliminating the need for button guards. Buffer parts are made of a highly elastic, very hard material that reduces shock to the case.

G-SHOCK - famous for their triple G Resist; shock resistant, centrifugal force resistant, vibration resistant (and rust-resistant). Go get one now!

If you are in KL for a holiday during fasting/Ramadhan month, you can easily drop by Cosmo Hotel located at Leboh Ampang and sample their Ramadhan Buffet.

Offering a dazzling spread of local delicacies during the holy month of Ramadhan, one can enjoy Malaysian cuisine from satay, kambing panggang to lemang, rending and bubur lambuk to ABC, kuih lapis and talam pelita. And the list does not end there.

Some of their highlights are Talapia masak Sambal Hijau, Daging Panggang Masak Lemak CIli Api, Kambing Kurma, Lala Masak Paprik and assorted jeruk.

Priced at RM88 nett per pax (early bird at RM65 nett per pax) from 5 May till 3 June, with more than 30 varieties of food to overwhelm your Ramadhan.

For more information, feel free to call +603 2030 1888 or email chkl.ramadhan@cosmohotelkl.com

Cosmo Hotel

13-15, Leboh Ampang

50050 Kuala Lumpur

‘Gi lah tengok. Gil lah cepat….’

I urged my sister.

The spread is not just a plenty but the options and smell (the heavenly lauk melayu smell!)… All I can say, is ‘nasib baik the Ramadhan Review is not during the holy month of Ramadhan sebab rasa nak ngap terus’. Hahhahaaa…. Either it that or I was famished during the review day.

(By the way, they have air mata kucing. Itu ajer nak cakap [Nampak tak excited giler ni, asyik dok distracted sebab rasa nak cite semua benda])

Lala, kambing bakar/salai, sambal tumis udang ngan petai (petai tuh yang I excited) and pucuk paku goreng belacan and the main highlights for me. Don’t get me wrong, the have the usual bubur lambuk, sup ekor, asam pedas, nasi beriani, ayam golek, sweet sour dish, rojak buah and etc. But as usual lah, I kan lidah melayu… petai, belacan is my thang! Gitew…..

(Oh yah! They have assorted keropok – 4-5 types hokkay [habis sepinggan besar I ambek tuk buat ngunyah, macam lah hotel tak cukup makanan!!])

For those that have tekak upper class melayu, their highlights are ‘asam pedas ekor, telur itik masak lemak cili padi and rendang daging’, all these are priced at RM85 nett and for early bird promo, it is priced at RM65 nett (can be purchased from 1 April – 3 May). All you need to do is call +602-2692 9298 or email to sales.maytower@silkahotels.com

(Chup! Their tiramisu cake… I ate 5 pieces. OK, let’s sambung balik)

What I would recommend is for you to stay a night here (2D1N) during fasting month for you last minute Raya shopping or whatnot at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman/Masjid India, enjoy their Ramadhan package at RM180 nett per/pax which includes the Buka Puasa buffet and Sahur. Don’t worry, there’s masjid nearby for you to perform tarawih. I personally feel this is more untung…

If interested to do a 2D1N stay, you can call +602-2692 9298 or email reservation.maytower@silkahotels.com

(They even have aiskrim Malaysia hokkay. Hehhehehee…. A sweet Malaysia touch during Ramdhan month if I may say so myself [Awat syik distracted and side track nih. Perhaps because everything is so great sampai tak menyempat nak mencelah/type])

What are you waiting for? Gi ler book cepat (sambal-sambil tuh boleh shopping sekali)

Silka Hotels

7 Jalan Munshi Abdullah

50100 Kuala Lumpur

I have always been interested in culture and heritage, hence being invited to attend Eat. Travel. Write covering on 3 ethnicities ie Minangkabau, Kerinci and Mandaling definitely excites me. My focus will be Kerinci and Mandailing. Why not Minang you might ask? Well, being born in Minang family (my dad being orang nogori and mom, 1st generation born in Malaysia. And both my maternal grandparents are from Padang, Sumatera)... I figure I should just interview my mom’s family and write about them instead (eksen giler… hahhahahha).

Background

Kerinci is a regency/kabupaten in Jambi province, in the island of Sumatera, Indonesia. It was once known for its cattle, cinnamon and gold mining. Due to the rich natural and agriculture resources, this province was colonized by the Dutch in early 1900 of which eventually it led to migration to Tanah Melayu (now known as Malaysia).

Aside from the colonization, migration of those in Jambi and Sumatera at large is because of the pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca to perform the hajj where they travel overland in Sumatera and continued to Tanah Melayu before continuing to Mecca. The long journey might have led to some staying back in Tanah Melayu to earn enough money to further their journey to Mecca and others, made Tanah Melayu their home. Those that have decided to stay permanently in Tanah Melayu are the founder of Kampung Kerinci in Kuala Lumpur. It is learnt that different groups were alloted different sites to establish their settlements or perkampungan, hence Sungai Gahal and Sungai Lui were apportion to the people of Kerinchi. Where else some live Hulu Langat, Kuala Kubu and other parts in Malaysia.

I was rather surprise that despite us knowing Kerinci people is close to us (after all, we have Kampung Kerinci in KL) just like the Javanese and Minangs, we strangely don’t much about them; let it be culture, heritage or even delicacy. Hence, I exremely ecstatic when I got to know that we will be learning and sampling few of Kerinci dishes. And it tastes GREAT!

Masak Lemak Umbut Pisang dengan Ayam

This is abit technical as I too need to google… and break it down for you guys.

Umbut = Edible soft shoot of a tree stem (banana tree, palm tree, coconut, areca-nut and etc.)

Pisang = Banana

Ayam = Chicken

Masak Lemak = Coconut milk gravy with turmeric and bird’s eye chili

How is it being cooked, just like any other masak lemak dish but with umbut pisang and chicken, the kick is the spiciness and thick gravy and of course – the umbut!

Sambal Tempoyak Ikan Bilis

Unlike the usual masak lemak tempoyak that I know (and love, despite the fact that I don’t eat durian), this particular dish needs to be tumis (stir-fry) first with the standard shallots and garlic, add the anchovies and then the tempoyak. Cook in low heat till the sambal/chili is cooked (naik minyak)

Tempoyak = Malay condiment made from fermented durian

Ikan Bilis = Anchovies

Sambal (Belacan) Kerinci

This is also unique as this Kerinci dish doesn’t use belacan but daun Palembang (daun ketumbar Jawa) or cilantro instead. They also add ikan tenggiri or mackerel fish of which they’ll fry and then flossed/pulled it before adding into the sambal.

Belacan = Fermented shrimp paste condiment

My favourite?

A.L.L

Will Travel For Food 8 - Eat Travel Write Selangor 2019 Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Jongkong.

My favourite dessert that is synonym to the Mandailing ethnicity.

Background

The word 'Mandailing' is derived from the word ‘mande’ which means 'mother' and hilang; 'lost' hence, the name Mandailing is associated or meant - ‘lost mother’. I learnt that ethnically Mandailingnese are actually part of the Batak people, where the Bataks are mostly Christians, whereas the majority of the Mandailingnese are Muslims.

The Mandailingneses are known as the great travelers hence the migration of the Mandailingnese to Tanah Melayu (now known as Malaysia) in 1803 and 1845 was during the Padri War came as no surprise. Later in 1860s the overlord of the Mandailings was entangled in the local Klang War (Selangor War) which led them to fled to Perak; Belanja and Tronoh, while some decided to stay in Hulu Langat area.

Ingredients

Rice flour

Cups water

Pandan leaves

Pandan colouring a extracted from pandan leaf

Coconut milk

Caramelise palm sugar (gula Melaka)

Salt to taste

Parched banana leaves

Mix rice flour, water pandan extract, pinch of salt and pandan colouring into a bowl and whisk it. Gently the stir/cook it over low heat and until the mix thickens.

Fold leaf to one side forming a pouch, put floor mix.

Add + coconut milk + Caramelise palm sugar (gula Melaka).

Seal pouch and secure with a toothpick.

Steam for approximately 10 minutes.

Final and ready dessert.

This dessert is best eaten cold in my opinion, especially in Ramadhan.

Yum Yum...

YUP! Spicy Durian Pizza.

If you hate durian and do not like spicy food then this is a definite NO-NO.

And if you are like me, hate durian but don’t mind tempoyak and absolutely love spicy food, then this is a must try. Am I even making any sense here? Hahhahaa…. The pizza contains of the spicy durian paste as the main ingredient, mango and passion fruit puree in replacement of tomato puree and fruits as toppings. And you think it might taste awful right (at least that was my first thought) but no wor…. It is amazing delicious. I kid you not. For those who want to give it a try, you should drop by but do call before hand.

Aside from the famous Spicy Durian Pizza, Fruit Farm in the City also sells durian ice creams that is made with 100% durian flesh priced at Priced at RM1 for original kampong durian, RM3 for Musang King durian + kampong durian and RM5 for Musang King durian ice cream.

As their name stated, Fruits Farm in The City also sells… FRUIT. Fresh fruits and organic fruits, there’s mangosteen, banana, duku langsat, pineapple and many more.

Fruits Farm In The City

104-G Jalan SS21/35

Damansara Utama

Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operating hours

Mondays-Thursdays : 10am - 11pm

Fridays to Sundays : 9am - 11pm

URL : https://www.facebook.com/fruitsfarminthecitymalaysia/

Good Food Only 9 - Eat Travel Write Selangor 2019 Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Did you know about this?

I only knew that there’s a rock climbing place in 1Utama but I never knew that there’s 2 other extreme sport venue in the same mall. Like seriously?!?!

I plan to do all these sport one day (bila pulak tuh), anyone wanna join me?

FlowRider 1Utama

This is the one I saw on a celebrity’s Instagram and I thought it was in Sunway Lagoon but NOOOOO…. It is in 1Utama, less than 7minutes drive from my office hokkay. After standing there for 5 minutes, looking at how the kids balancing themselves, how to ‘ride’ the wave, I am pretty sure I can do it too (NOT!).

OK! I know what you guys might be thinking, where should I change, what should I bring, blablabla… Basically bring your swimsuit, your changing clothes, your toiletries/make up and etc. There is a changing room at Flow Rider where you can change and surf so worry not hokkay *wink*.

FlowRider 1Utama (LG Floor)

1 Utama Shopping Centre

1, Lebuh Bandar Utama

Bandar Utama

Selangor

Operating hours

Monday – Friday : 10am – 10pm

URL : https://flowrider1utama.com.my/

AirRider Indoor Skydiving

This is even more scarier than the above, yet you will feel safer lah as the ground is only a few meter down. This is also something I want to do (banyak pulak benda nak do). Mt beautiful plan is that I start with Skydiving and end my day with surfing, lunch in between lah. Waddaya think?

FlowRider Indoor Skydiving (2^nd Floor)

1 Utama Shopping Centre

1, Lebuh Bandar Utama

Bandar Utama

Selangor

Operating hours

Monday – Friday : 10am – 10pm

URL : https://airrider.my/

Camp 5

Alang-alang dah main air, dah terbang, we might as well indulge with climbing waima badan tak berapa boleh nak lift myself up. But sis cuba. Here’s the thing, my ex-colleagues seem to like this place and I feel I should also give it a try…. On the kiddo height/difficulty lah. Hahhahahaa….

On a serious note, I think I should pick up one of this sport, to build my confidence and fight my fear. So how now? I start with skydiving, then wall climbing and end with surfing? Or should I remove one of this activity. Awat semua nampak best nih?!?

Camp 5 (5^th Floor)

1 Utama Shopping Centre

1, Lebuh Bandar Utama

Bandar Utama

Selangor

Operating hours

Monday – Friday : 12am – 10pm

URL : https://www.camp5.com/

It's a Hit Rooftop Baseball

It is South East Asia’s 1st and only Automated Baseball and Softball and it is in Malaysia. Gempak dak? This is the place where one can distress easily, literally. Asalkan jangan hit a person with the baseball bat lah yek. Hahahhaa…

Don’t think I will be doing this as a sport but I think I should give this a try, looks like fun and I have never played softball nor baseball before in my life. They say its fun, betul ke?

It's a Hit Rooftop Baseball (UR601)

1 Utama Shopping Centre

1, Lebuh Bandar Utama

Bandar Utama

Selangor

Operating hours

Monday – Friday : 12am – 10pm

URL : http://www.hit.com.my/

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Labuan Museum and Negeri-negeri Selat

Remembrance Day 2018, Labuan

Labuan Marine Museum

Pulau Papan Di Labuan B&B

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Kerinci delicacy | Masak Lemak Umbut Pisang

Kuih Jongkong - A Mandailing dessert

Spicy Durian Pizza at Damansara Utama

Extreme Sport in 1Utama Mall