Chinese New Year Preparation 1 Feb 2011

           

It was the 2nd last day before the actual Chinese New Year. We were having family dinner all together with Brother Ambrose and family, Sister Agatha and family, Brother Ambrose and family, because as the Chinese New Year Eve Sister Agatha would go to her in-laws home for the reunion dinner.

           

We were having our dinner at the Benson Seafood Restaurant at the town city area. It was an joyful and delight one! Annabelle and Issac enjoyed the companionship of all their elder cousin brothers and sisters, as both of them are the youngest in the family.

           

Later in the night, all of us gathered in the kitchen to see how Sister Agatha do the jelly desserts for the Chinese New Year. We were all so happy, look and help. Especially the kids, they seldom see all these things as I myself also do not know how to do the jelly.

           

Kuching Main Bazaar & Waterfront 31 Jan 2011

After the Studio Family Portrait Shooting, our family went to the Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront.

It has to be the most visited place in town as it is the number one place to shop for souvenirs, handicraft and also to enjoy the beautiful views of the Sarawak River or simply dine at one of the restaurants or cafes along this place which is also known as the Kuching Esplanade.

Known to locals as Kuching Main Bazaar, one can find almost every ethnic handicraft at the shops here along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Every tourist that visits Kuching will sure to make a stop at this famous Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman road.

Many travel agents who specialize in Eco-Tourism trips, Adventure tours and the most popular which is the Longhouse Visits are found in this street which is dominated by the two storey old pre-war colonial buildings.

Apart from the tour services offered here, there are a number of other interesting shops to visit  along the Main Bazaar which are the Handicraft Shops, Souvenir Shops, Restaurants and even at one end, the famous Goldsmith Row.

This place attracts all sorts of travelers as from my many visits here, I have noticed local travelers right up to backpackers and foreigners who are seen exploring the area. Chinatown is just around the corner if you should know. 

The beauty about the Kuching Main Bazaar is that the place remains as original as it can be with not much modern development on the main street thus showcasing some of the best and finest ethnic crafts found in Borneo.

A number of art shops, collectible shops and handicraft shops make you visit worthwhile if you are into this sort of thing.

All sorts of strange wood carvings and wooden masks are found here too.

Some of the older shops have been converted into souvenir shops selling a mix of items. There was one shop which sold raw Sarawak Pepper while half of the shop sold interesting curios.

The best times to explore this place would be mornings till afternoon as they start to close by about 6pm.

When you cross the main street towards the river, there is a beautiful walkway about a kilometer long.

It is here that you will find various cafes, stalls and even restaurants but the river. It is here too where one can ride the Sarawak River Cruise boats or take the famous Sarawak Sampan Taxis across the river.

Walking along the waterfront in the evenings are the best if you like sunsets.

Sometimes, the beautiful Sarawak Sunset can be quite impressive but on my many visits here, I never got a chance to catch one though I have seen some really nice ones from other photographers who patiently waited day by day for that magical moment. Also, take note of some of the sculptures which are placed along the waterfront. some of them are quite interesting.

There is also a kiosk for the Sarawak Tourist Association along the Waterfront here so if you need information about Sarawak, you can just walk in and get help. They are open from 9am till 5pm.

Back on the main street, if you walk along the old shop house five foot walkway, you will be greeted with various types of archways cleverly decorated and painted to attract potential business.

Most of them are painted to the Iban or Orang Ulu traditional motives.

Seeing them would mean a shop selling ethnic items would be there and one could find something really worth getting.

Do not worry if the items are too big to carry as most of these shops do postal delivery back to your country for a minimal fee.

One thing I always make a point to stop and get are local handicraft souvenirs. There are a ton of them around and many with unique choices.

Most of the beaded items come in form of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Key chains are popular especially those in the shape of the traditional Sarawak Iban Warrior Shield.

Kuching Waterfront is also a beautiful place at night as it is lighted well from one end to the other.

Various vendors are seen along the main walkway selling all sorts of 'interesting' items. Food kiosk are abundant at various points while couples and tourist flock to enjoy the walk along here

A number of make-shift stalls sell souvenirs and crafts too but at a slightly higher price than the usual shops. The place usually simmers down around 9pm. It is the way how local live their life – simple and easy life…

Pre Family Portrait Shooting 31 Jan 2011

Earlier of the 31 Jan 2011, our main itinerary was to take the family photos. All of us were having breakfast outside the house, near the photo studios.

            

Sister Anna, my sister-in-law helped all of us to make up for us before we went into the studio.

                 

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre 30 Jan 2011

After the Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo trip, we were thinking of going to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.

Well, it was a thought that going to see the orang utan.

Unfortunately for us, we had passed the feeding time. It is takes place between 9.00am – 10.00am in the morning and 3.00pm – 3.30pm in the afternoon.

There is the good chance of seeing semi-wild orang utan returning to the Centre for a free meal.

We were there around 2.00pm and it was quite a hot day, we did not wait for the feeding time.

However, we able to see other endangered species which was housed by the Centre, including rescued gibbons, porcupines, crocodiles and river terrapins.

We did snap a few photos at the entrance and some shots at the gallery.

Anywhere it was a good walk too, surrounded by the virgin forest around the area. Hope to be back soon next time.

                 

            

Chinese History Museum 31 Jan 2011

Chinese History Museum 31 Jan 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

This museum showcases the origin of Sarawak’s Chinese immigrants who are now part of Malaysia’s multi racial society. Immediately enter to the Museum there are 2 statue or figures which made by ivory. According to the person in charge, it is actually donated by the tycoon to this museum. It have divided into a few sections.

We can see and learned about each dialect group’s traditional trades and skills: Hakka, Hock Kien, Hainan, Teow Chew, Foochow, Heng Hua, Cantonese, etc..

The pioneers and community leaders which some of them are still living in Sarawak. It is actually one of its kind in Malaysia that help to preserve and archive the rich heritage of the Chinese community locally for the benefits of generations to come.

The Chinese traditional musical instruments section:

The festivals that Chinese are cerebrating, most of its is in written format. There are displays of Chinese Family Names. And, some of the features or mock up of a small stall and stools.

There is a theater room showing some short film how was the Malaysians of Chinese origin the hardship and sacrifices of the pioneering forefathers, who eventually played a major role in the development of this country which we proud to live in today.

A short 30 minutes will finish the tour. Initially we were not allow to take photos but the person in charge let us to take some without the flash lights.

Tua Pek Kong Temple 31 Jan 2011

It was a bright sunny day after we took the family shooting at the studio. Daddy and Mummy had a walk down at the Kuching downtown near the Main Bazaar area.

We parked our car at the Star Cineplex building. Mummy really enjoyed the trip. Our first stop is the Tua Pek Kong Temple. We did our shootings at the temple. During our visits, the temple was doing some upgrading works.

Tua Pek Kong Temple 31 Jan 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Tua Pek Kong Temple is one of the oldest (or the earliest known) Chinese temple in Sarawak; it is also one of the most famous and mentioned tourist destination in Sarawak.The temple was believed to be built around the year 1800, more than two centuries; the earliest known official land title issued by Charles Brooke was 29 August 1871.

Like many of the earlier Chinese temple in Sarawak, it was a small & simple hut; the first known renovation was done in the year 1856, and subsequently it was upgraded with ceramic roofing & partial brick walls in 1863.

By the year 1880 when cement was introduced into Sarawak, major parts of the temple were then concreted as to existing look. The earlier management of the temple before the Japanese occupation was elected informally by yearly cast lots of getting one representative with two ‘tau key’ to assist the required periodic ceremonial & religious occasions.

After the war, the temple was managed by five Chinese Associations from respective major dialects in Kuching. The temple was then transferred officially to Kuching Chinese Community Charitable Trust Board in 1951 until now.

We had our 200 years walk that afternoon…

Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo 30 Jan 2011

It seems it is our family travel itinerary that whenever we come back Kuching for holiday, that we will go to Jong’s Crocodile Farm.

And, it is never fail to entertain the kids!

There are a few things that we definitely will see, and considered their main attractions. The crocodile museum which I had wrote about it briefly 2 years back on my blog.

Another one is the giant Arapaima freshwater fish. The Arapaima feeding is located at the middle of the gigantic Fresh Water Pond, and other species of freshwater tropical fishes habitats.

Besides that, we can buy the fish food at the nearby refreshment corner to feed the fish.

Another attraction is the Crocodile feeding demonstration.

We were sitting at the first row just next to the pond! And, watching and videoing how the crocodiles were having their food.

There are other animals in display as well. Children just love to see animals!

Both Issac and Annabelle were enjoying the day and having fun in the Jong’s Crocodile Farm and Zoo.