Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum 18 Mar 2012

Mummy had learn this Museum on the Thrifty Traveller travel blog last week. Since we have not gone to the Museum yet, we planned to pay a visit there today. Our plan had been canceled yesterday due to Daddy need to go site and meeting with his boss. Around 9:30am, Daddy called Mummy and asked Mummy to drive down to Sentul, his site and we can go from there.

When we reached there the time was almost 11.00am. The sun was shine so high and we were so hot. During our visit there, there was a few other families too. The children were so happy seeing an aircraft hanging on top of a monument.

The Museum has many exhibits and is beginning to run out of space. So most of the larger aircraft are parked outside in the open while the smaller and delicate ones occupy its only hangar. Two of the oldest aircraft from the early years before the formation of the RMAF are also being exhibited.

Currently, 18 aircraft are on display in the hangar and the Museum compound. Two of them, the Alouette III helicopter and the DHC-4 Caribou, however, are still in RMAF service.

• Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer
• Scottish Aviation Single Pioneer
• Percival Hunting Piston Provost
• Scottish Aviation Bulldog
• Bell 47G-5 helicopter
• de Havilland Dove
• CAC Avon-Sabre jet
• Cessna 310F
• de Havilland Chipmunk
• de Havilland Tiger Moth
• Canadair CL41G Tebuan
• North American Harvard
• de Havilland Heron
• HU-16 Albatross
• A-4PTM Skyhawk
• Westland Wasp

Besides that, there are two exhibit halls displaying the information such as details about the role of the RMAF in counter-insurgency operations during the Emergency period and subsequent contributions to peacekeeping operations in the former Yugoslavia (1993), Somalia (1993-1995) and Cambodia (1991-1993).

There are also items displayed such as photographs, articles, aircraft models, uniforms, mementos, engines, armament and communication equipment which depict the history and development of the Air Force in Malaysia.

There is a Gift Shop at the entrance supposed to sell aircraft models and other souvenir items. Unfortunately, it seems like no longer in business.

Just a small incident happened incurred that time. We nearly caught in one of the exhibition room which the lock of the wooden door had been spoiled. Luckily, we had been saved by another Malay family which are there too.

It took us almost an hour to view all the exhibits as it is not a big museum. And, the sun is so hot and shine on top of us. Worth while to pay a visit for the kids.

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Desa Water Park 11 Mar 2012

Desa Water Park is is located and built on 12.6 acres land and surrounded by 50 acres of lake. There is a Indah Water Oxidation Pond nearby and sometimes the smells from the pond made a unpleasant smell. That is why most of the time, whenever thinking of a destination, it is really out of my mind that wants to bring the kids there.

Since it is a school holiday and both Daddy and Mummy have to work, we have no other pre-planned destinations. Just prepared some dry clothing and went off in the morning of Sunday. The entrance fees is quite cheap if compared to Sunway Lagoon, because just the water park only.

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Because of its optimum size, the availability of large covered space (Amphitheatre); ample free parking space and competitive pricing, the park is now deemed a popular location for hosting large group Family Days and events. The huge covered space (Amphitheatre) can also be patronize as an ideal location for dinners, corporate themed events & carnivals, family day and etc.

It is so happened that there is a group Family Day at the park when we arrive at there around 10.00am. Not so much of people yet, because just opened.

We just kept our belongings in the lockers. Then, rent the tubes and we just go down to the pools. There are various attractions on the pools itself, such as

Surf Shack - Children's water playground with the concept of a tropical slides in a design that is attractive.

This pool actually is for 7 years old and above children; whereby the followings are for 7 years old and below children. But, both Issac and Annabelle love the Surf Shack the most beside the Action River.

Water Factory - This machine enables you to shoot water with your hands to every surrounding spots and All you have to do is press a button

Clown A Round - Enjoy the thrill and excitement of sliding into a clown's body and The Clown Monster is always awaiting, to have fun and will thrill you together

Pink Slide - Multiple slides for children and prepare to get wet at the bottom

Action River - A river stream which is 1200 meter long; be prepared to enjoy the pleasure of water falling on you being under a waterfall.

At first, it is quite difficult to persuade Annabelle joined us for the Action River, as she was so afraid to sit in the tube on the water. But, finally she was the one requesting over and over again.

We enjoyed very much on those. At the mean time, there are a few that we did not play, such as

Tarzan In Town – a water based activity where you can jump from one tube to another and  hang on to the ropes to avoid yourself from being wet or challenge yourself to just balance on the tubes

Shock Wave - An awesome wave pool, non stop fun and enjoyment. Waves as high as 1.5 meters enables you to show off as well as test your physical and mental strength

Ripple Bay - Connected to shockwave, an open space for tele-match activities and lap swimmers.

Bubble Pool - Enjoy a pool which is like a Jacuzzi with bubbles which helps you and your family to distress

Super Tube - A concept of tropical slides launches and it is a 30-ft. high twisting and turning twin water slide.

The most attractive is the Thunderbolt, which is the longest and the first gravity-defying water coaster in Asia. It is only open between 2:00pm to 2:30pm only.

Other than that, there are souvenirs shop, kiosks and stalls selling food and drinks, surau, lockers facilities, and first aid room too.

We took our shower around 12:30pm, since there are so many people coming to the water park. The children were so happy. Mummy did not manage to take more photos as both of us were at the pools all the time and the camera was kept in the locker.

Well, next time then…

Paya Indah Wetlands 4 March 2012

Last week, Mummy had spotted a new interesting place to visit during surfed the internet - Paya Indah (which means 'beautiful swamp') Wetlands. Lee Siang actually went there last Sunday, and posted some photos on the Facebook. I had came a crossed this Paya Indah Wetlands many years back, since I was at EDSB time, quoting for the interior fit works for some chalets or café in there – year 2000 if I am not mistaken.

Paya Indah Wetlands area created in 1998 on land which had been heavily degraded by tin mining and sand dredging activities. It was opened and closed again. Few years back, the Wetlands had been taken over and managed by The Department of Wildlife & National Parks. They had done a good job over the past years in regenerating this eco-tourism park's facilities which had earlier seemed to be unutilized.

The excavations left by the mining works have been converted into lakes which are now home to fish, lotus plants and water lilies and some more exotic species, namely crocodiles and hippos.

New trees have been planted which, combined with the surviving earlier forest, are now attracting a wide variety of bird species, insects and animals.

Actually it is the crocs and hippos which drew my attentions when Lee Siang uploaded the photos, because it is quite rare that in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor areas, we can see the crocs feeding or hippos feeding, unless you are in Zoo Negara. This sparked my mind and suggested to the kids Dad that, we pay a visit there.

Mummy waked up early and prepare some cooked chicken meat balls, sausages, breads and some drinks too. Then, we waked up the kids and drove our way there. Daddy had goggled the map and using the Putrajaya route to there.

We reached our destination around 8:00am. Once we entered the Paya Indah Wetlands, the wetlands view catching our eyes as we are so close to the nature. We registered at the Information Centre, the Receptionist did give us a list of activities that we can do here:

Bird Watching

We had our breakfast at Thypa Platform at the Typha Lake, where we can watch the birds and the lake is so serene. It was a good day, as the morning was still foggy. The children and their Daddy were enjoying the breakfast there. We can see the birds flying across the lake and hear them too.

The park is open for bird watching from 7:30am to 7:00pm. There is no charge (admission to Paya Indah is free) but of coarse you have to bring your own binoculars. We didn’t have one.

Jungle Trekking

The Typha Trail is available for trekking. Much of the woodland in the recreational zone has been recently planted so do not expect the same sort of lush jungle that you encounter in other parks in Malaysia.

Cycling

The bicycles are available and can be rented for RM5 for 2 hours. Tricycles are provided for children under 6 years old at RM3 for 2 hours. This is a spread out (and flat) park so a bicycle is a good way of covering the distances.

We choose to walkabout as both Daddy and Mummy had long time no doing cycling already. Both Issac and Annabelle too, were walking tired and after 9.00am, it is really a sunny and hot day.

Hippo Feeding

This is the most happening and made the children happy. Two hippos, originally from Botswana, live in the Hippo Pond enclosure. Feeding time is from 10:00am - 10:30am. The Hippos are so hungry, just ‘park and rest’ his big mouth at the stainless steel fence waiting for its meals. Their diets are fruits like papaya, bananas and selected grass.

They spend much of the rest of the day semi-submerged in the lake to prevent their surprisingly sensitive skin from getting sunburnt.

We were so enjoying the time since the last time we had at Taiping Zoo. But, Taiping Zoo hippos are still the best, though.

Crocodile Feeding

After seeing the hippos eat their breakfast we had made our way to the nearby crocodile lake in time for the crocs' feeding session 11am - 11:30am. It is on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays only.

The massive fierce-looking crocodiles were apparently transported to Paya Indah from Langkawi.

According to the Tour Guide, there are 37 crocodiles in the lake, and all are Buaya Tembaga species. The feeding only on the weekends due to the lake itself have enough fish to feed them.

It was almost noon by the time we decided to make a move back, as it was so hot and both Issac and Annabelle were very tired already.

There are still some activities which we did not manage to check out, such as:

Fishing

Fishing is possible on Typha Lake from 8am - 6:30pm everyday except Fridays. The cost is RM10 per rod. No live bait is allowed.

Kayaking

Kayak rental costs RM7 per hour. An instructor can be hired for groups of between 10 to 20 people at RM180 for 3 hours (prior reservation is needed).

The hours for kayaking are 9am - 12pm, 3pm - 6pm.

They have also built a lookout tower providing a 360 degree view of the whole area. We did not manage to go up and visit the Animal Farm as well.

Chalet

We did come across the Chalets which sleep two people (double bed) and are air conditioned, and very nice they look too. It is at the very reasonable price of RM120 per night. May be someday we’ll check it out then. Probably stay a night and wake up early in the morning for the bird watching.

A great outing after all..^^

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Paya Indah Wetlands, Jabatan PERHILITAN

Km4, Jalan Dengkil-Banting,

43800 Dengkil, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Tel: 603 – 8768 7616

Fax: 603 – 8768 8424

Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam 19 Feb 2012

This is our trip to Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, but now had changed name to Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam. We did not take much photos, and just a few shots that Daddy took.

               

               

               

We spend a wonderful day at the Park.

Lexis Port Dickson 5 – 6 February 2012

Even though the first half of the morning was not a present one, Daddy and Mummy had a small argument on some issues.

Daddy and Mummy actually planed this trip just less than a week before. Our budget initially is around less than RM200, but due to is only we stay for one night, then Daddy said if more than RM200 would be alright too.

By the time Mummy checked all the available hotels, most of the economical hotels had fully booked. After Mummy booked Lexis Port Dickson, Daddy not really like it as the hotel itself do not have their own beach.

We reached early around 1.00pm at Port Dickson, since it is still early to check in, we just drop by at one of the beach area to enjoy the sea breeze.

Due to it is a public holiday, thus a lot people came and even had their ‘camping’ at the beach or picnic here.

Issac and Annabelle were so happy when seeing the sea view in front of their eyes. The wind was so strong. We were watching people swimming, having fun on the banana boat and flying the kites too, and it ‘had inspired’ Daddy to buy 2 kites to play.

“It had been long time that I never fly a kite already…ever since my secondary school days,” Daddy said. He bought an eagle shape and another bigger typical kite. Belle and Issac were enjoying very much.

We played until nearly 2.45pm, then we headed to our hotel. 

Upon our arrival at the Lexis, Mummy’s booking on the Premium Tower Seaview suite was not ready yet, the Front Desk Receptionist had upgraded our suite to Premium Water Chalet after Daddy shown his unpleasant moody face.

Mummy did not expect we will immediately upgraded to the most expensive suite in the hotel.

The best rates for Premium Water Chalet will be at least RM450, but now with only with RM264, with complimentary breakfast for 2 included.

What a surprise to me, as finally this surprise come along and eased the morning situation.

We all sat in a buggy to our designated chalet. It was really a pleasant and happy when seeing both children face so excited once entered the chalet.

The Water Chalet is elegantly furnished with granite, Bali's tumble stone flooring, parliament stone, tropical hardwood timber strip flooring and teakwood furniture coupled with Balinese stone carvings and pottery.

The elevated bedroom come with a king and a queen beds. It just nice to fit us 2 adults and 2 children.

It is a cozy environment with concealed lightings. And, the separate standing open concept bathroom and bathtub too. It comes together with a private balcony.

Especially the uniquely designed with solid transparent glasses for underneath sea water viewing.

Issac loves it very much. He was so sad when he saw the sea subside time, there is less sea underneath the chalet ^^ ha-ha…It was really true unique experience.

Apart from the beautiful landscaped swimming pool, there is also a dedicated children’s pool and a gazebo.

Both children love the swimming pool very much, they love water play. Outdoor games, bicycle rental, fishing and crabbing activities may also be arranged. Guests who prefer the indoors will enjoy the games room.

During the evening time, Daddy went out and take some photos while the children enjoying the bathtub swim.

“ Brother Issac, what do you think, this hotel is nicer or our house is nicer leh?”

“Emm, of course our house is nicer, but hotel here is nice too.”

“ Hotel here very nice hor? I like this hotel. How about you?”

“Me too.”

What a conversation between both brother and sister….

The evening walk in the sunset time was a memorable one too. Seeing the sky changing from the light blue, to golden colour and change to dark blue and the night came.

We can see some of the people were fishing along the boardwalks area during the evening time too.

The kids going for a swim before we checked out the hotel around 12 noon. We shall come again someday. Thinking of probably will stay either Grand Lexis Port Dickson or Avillion. Both too, have the water chalet. Just the Avillion have its own private beach whereby can just let the children playing water on the beach area, instead of just the swimming pool only.

This round of trip really pampered both kids as this is one of their unique experience of staying in a water chalet, whereby they can see the sea underneath through the viewing glass panels…^^

Lexis Port Dickson 5 - 6 Feb 2012 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Issac Art 26 Jan 2012

All these are a few of Issac’s scribbles which Daddy managed to take the photos up. It is really so cute of that. All are the icons from the Angry Birds games!

         

         

         

Issac 1st Day Primary 1 4 Jan 2012

Today is Issac first day in school. Both Daddy and Mummy are glad and happy that her Daddy came and witnessed this important day of our little baby boy.

Both Daddy and Mummy fetched him to school, as both of us took leave for this big day for us and our son.

We were only allowed to accompany her to Chee Wen big hall. He was sitting on the floor, together with others new students and queuing up in front of the auditorium hall and waited for their turns for assembly.

After the assembly, they will be guided to their own classes. Daddy took a photo of her new form teacher 1U, Miss. Teng. Just in case, he forgot how is his form teacher looks like XXD.

At the mean while, all the parents were directed to the Auditorium to attend a briefing which is organised by the Parents Teachers Association of the school to update and given the latest information on the school, ministry of education related matters.

Daddy and I were going back after Issac went to his class, and we came back again during her recess time, to check on the canteen catering food and to make sure he knows where and how to get her snacks during recess time.

I know that he is most happy because can see Daddy here with him on his first day of school. I hope he will enjoy his school days, just like I did during I was his age.

My boy is growing up too fast!