Thursday, November 5, 2009
Kuching, Sarawak - Finale
I bet some of you visit this place every year like a ritual for the Rainforest Music Festival. Well, to be honest, there's really nothing to shout about this place unless you fancy seeing how various tribes live in Sarawak. But of course, it could also turn out as a relaxing stroll in the 'jungle' when you have not much to do in Kuching city. And no, if you're looking for a more rugged and challenging experience, this is not the place.
Pay RM80 to get in.
You'll get a 'passport' and probably encounter the Bidayuh Bamboo Bridge when you enter.
According to Mike, there will be tons to see at the Sarawak Cultural Village. He also said you'll be given some tuak and get to participate in some of the local practices. Now, I'm not too sure whether is it the wrong day or they don't do it anymore - I saw and experience very little of those - a few of the elderly locals that was showcasing 10% of what was expected and some light activity at the Melanau House. Hmm, maybe its just me.
The 10%.
Inside one of the longhouses.
Built entirely on stilts - the Melanau House is my favourite.
The only activity that had the crowd participating.
Rooms, 'stairs' and things hung on the wall.
Inside Rumah Orang Cina.
Perhaps the only entertaining bit of the whole 'tour' in the Sarawak Cultural Village was the highlight of the day - the cultural show - which featured dances and stage antics from various tribes according to their houses. Funny thing is, all tribes had stage time except for the Chinese (supposedly from the Rumah Orang Cina). Funny.
The cultural show at its peak.
Spinning around.
We left the place in the afternoon and headed back for some rest. Soon, it was night and Mike took us out for some laksa at this place where tons of locals hangout after clubbing apparently.
Anything will taste good when you're hungry. But the laksa IS good.
Fahriee joined us too and all of us went for the famous Midin near Kuching's Waterfront area.
The next day soon came and it was time to say goodbye to Kuching. Seeing that I had some hours to kill before my flight back - I visited the swimming pool to cool off in the morning, caught up with some movies in my hotel in the afternoon (don't you just love late check-outs?) and finally getting to enjoy my free dinner provided by MAS on the way home.
No delayed flights and they have KitKat too.
Guess it will be a long time if I were to return to Kuching again but who knows - maybe for the Rainforest Music Festival next year? Hmmm.
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Read from the beginning :
Kuching, Sarawak - Part #1
Kuching, Sarawak - Part #2
Labels: friends, kuching, MAS, places, sarawak
Monday, November 2, 2009
Vehicle On Fire At Duke Highway
Here's a random update.Driving on the DUKE half an hour ago.
Almost reaching the Ayer Jerneh toll.
Had to brake suddenly.
Witnessed a car in flames.
Snapped some pictures.
Here they are :
Perodua Viva caught in flames.
Massive traffic jam build-up.
The firefigthers arrived about 3 minutes after the vehicle went up in flames. Not bad.
Almost out.
Doused.
DUKE patrolman at the scene.
Not too sure if there are any casualties.
Hope the driver is fine.
A reminder to drive safe and service your vehicle people.
God bless.
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You may also want to read this :
Biar Lambat Asalkan Selamat
Roadkilled?
Labels: DUKE, event, places, reflections
Friday, October 30, 2009
Cold Weather in Cameron Highlands
Am in Cameron Highland's for work at the moment. It's been awhile since my last visit and the weather has always been something I look forward to here. Oh well, I shall be back in KL soon. Here's a glimpse of what I see when I look out my room window :
And here's another random picture I took from the ground floor of my hotel. Can you spot the bird? :
Looking at this place, I will definitely be coming back here again for leisure very soon. Till then!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Kuching, Sarawak - Part #2
What's a visit to Kuching without a visit to the Cat Museum, eh? Yeah, I know the place isn't as interesting as one would have thought it to be according to some friends but since good old Mike offered himself as our personal tour guide - I guess there's nothing to lose in checking out the feline species. The entrance fee is below RM5 and you get to bring in your camera too!
You get cat figurines, pictures and interesting stories on them - all behind four walls.
Among some interesting facts about cats that you'll get to see here are like :
* Cats don't see "detail" very well. To them, their person may appear hazy when standing in front of them.
* Don't pick a kitten or a cat up by the scruff of its neck; only mother cats can do this safely, and only with their kittens.
* If your cat is near you, and her tail is quivering, this is the greatest expression of love your cat can give you. If her tail starts thrashing, her mood has changed - time to distance yourself from her.
* Cats don't see "detail" very well. To them, their person may appear hazy when standing in front of them.
* Don't pick a kitten or a cat up by the scruff of its neck; only mother cats can do this safely, and only with their kittens.
* If your cat is near you, and her tail is quivering, this is the greatest expression of love your cat can give you. If her tail starts thrashing, her mood has changed - time to distance yourself from her.
Yes, everything that we know today that has a reference to the animal is featured here.
Moving on, we headed to the Sarawak Museum that was built in 1891. Old building of sorts, the first floor had exhibits of ethnographic artifacts such as models of longhouses of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak, musical instruments, various kinds of fish and animal traps, handicrafts, models of boats and other 'museum-y' stuff. You get the drift.
Postcard material.Or maybe not.
Left : Visited the Sarawak Warrior Monument Park too. Right : inside Sarawak museum.
Now by this time, we were already a little bit hungry - so Mike brought us to this stall which is located in the same vicinity of the Sarawak Museum and Warrior Monument Park to have this awesome and favourite tea time dish called the Belacan Mee Hoon. Operated by the same family for over 15 years - this stall/shop which has no name (not that I know of) can easily be found by identifying its temple-shaped like architecture that comes complete with tables and chairs for patrons. Look out for it if you're there and give the delicacy a go - cuba sekali hendak lagi!
They also serve assorted drinks and air batu campur.
Heading back to the hotel to freshen up for a couple of hours, the journey continued when Mike suggested we cross the Waterfront river to get some dinner at this place called Al-Fayad. Phone booking it earlier, we arrived there with the dinner table prepared after paying the boatman RM1 for his river-crossing service. Being made into a restaurant, you can't possibly miss this house on the corner that serves some really good bamboo chicken. A must try for all those who cross the river.
Al-Fayad is easily located across the river and next to a foodcourt.
Top Left : Pansuh (bamboo chicken). Bottom Left : Umai (salted prawns). Right : Serving the pansuh.
Not far from Al-Fayad is another great gem : the Sarawak layered cake (Kek Lapis) that is a crowd favourite especially during the festive season. Mike directed us to this specific shop (as there were many there) called Kek Lapis Dayang Salhah which had an enormous selection of layered cakes to choose from. Spoilt for choice - I purchased the Pudina and Cheese flavoured one after testing it out a couple of times in their testing hall.
Mass produced for every occasion throughout the year.
You've got to visit them here at least.
And if you're there (across the river) at night and want to locate them faster, look out for this :
Can I get an Optimus Prime special + cheese please?
The evergreen Hilton Kuching and river.
Back on the town side - we briefly stopped by a standard night market in town to check it out. I realized that Kuching's night market is somewhat the same when compared to those here in Kuala Lumpur. You can find almost anything you need in a typical Malaysian night market - from household items, food to clothes and even the latest gadgetry. Seeing that nothing much can be done here - we proceeded on to experience Kuching's social nightlife.
Get everything you need in a typical Malaysian night market (pasar malam).
First stop : SOHO
Ambience : 7/10 (8/10 for the wind outside though)
Music : 7/10
Drinks : RM10 for a bottle of Heineken
Food : Order next door
Wow factor : Wifi and the fact its just one lane
Met AhLost, Gladys, Johnston, Anna and Nina. Nice meeting you guys!
Second stop : Piccadilly's
Ambience : 6/10 (7/10 for the wind outside again)
Music : 6/10
Drinks : RM11 for a bottle of Heineken
Food : Order inside
Wow factor : New mall opening opposite and tons of easy parking
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It was a nice to hang out at these places considering the wind that day. Of course, its different from being inside the club/pub but if you're a fan of the outdoors - give not this two places a miss! Didn't managed to visit BarZ!ng though. Oh well, stay tuned for Part Three!
Labels: friends, kuching, MAS, places, sarawak
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
A Magical Halloween - Hogwarts Style!
Looking to attend a party this Halloween? Look no further :
With costumes provided by AbsolutPitch - you won't want to miss this one even if you're not a fan of Harry Potter.
RSVP here today!
Labels: Absolut Pitch, event, HELP University College
