Shang Ti Temple 8 Jun 2009

Extracts from Commemorative Plaque of Shang Ti Temple (The Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple), Carpenter Street, Kuching...

" The Hiang Thian Siang Ti (Deity of the North) Temple was a very simple building when it was first built more than one and a half centuries ago by the Teochew immigrants from China.

The Temple was originally located at the previous Soon Hoon Street (now known as the Main Bazaar). It was re-built at the present location in 1863. It was razed by fire in 1884 and again re-built in 1889. In 1968 a major renovation of the temple was carried out and the statues of the Deities were completely re-furnished with gold foils.

A pompous celebration took place on the 4th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar to commemorate this occasion. There were merry-making and a grand procession was held to add to the festivities.

This celebration has become an annual event attracting devotees from far and near to congregate at the Temple. The yearly celebration will see Kuching city becoming alive with a burst of activities which include stage shows and a colourful procession as the highlight. Thousands of people line the streets to witness this celebration which will last till late in the night. The crowds will be rewarded with a skilful display of talents by the lion and dragon dance troupes amidst the thunderous beatings of the gongs and drums while pretty maidens, singers and dancers in colourful costumes performing on beautifully decorated floats.

Well known as a sacred place of worship for devotees and a historical monument, the majestic temple is a popular tourist attraction for both local and foreign visitors.

Shang Ti Temple is the first place we went during our visit to Main Bazaars at Waterfront. There is really a kuching which we saw once we came to the town area. Actually the temple is under refurbishment and restoration works when we were there. The 2 main dragons pillars at the entrance were protected by a clear glass frame in stainless steel finish. Inside the temple, there are a main chamber which the Shian Thian Shang Ti God is, and some others heavenly deities too.

Children and me take a few photos in the temple only. I quite regret that did not take more of the photos, as this temple aged more than 100 years old? Will be back when visiting Kuching next time…

Source from http://worshipdevotion.blogspot.com

Zoo Negara 28 Jan 2009

During this year Chinese New Year on the day 2, we decided to pay the National Zoo a visit. Actually, I had been planned for few weeks before the trip, due to the long holiday and we did not go back to Sarawak. Thus, bring the children go to Zoo as at their age, seeing animals is more fun than going shopping or playgrounds.

We reached there at the morning around 10:00 am. Started with the monkeys and apes areas, after that we adjourned for the the seals show at the theatre area. Issac and Belle were so happy seeing the shows on the sea lion jumping thru the big circles, eating fishes, and parrots show as well, watching how the clever parrot can recognise RM10 and RM5 and fly back to its trainer.

After the show, we went to Aquarium Tunku Abdul Rahman. It is a breezy entrance. Aquarium Tunku Abdul Rahman is one of the oldest public aquariums in the country. It features the country’s first ever exhibition on the Malaysian River Journey, which features aquatic fauna and flora from the top of the highlands right down to the sea. The aquarium not only features fishes that are commonly seen in Malaysian rivers, but also rare and endangered species including various other invertebrates such as crabs, prawns, corals, aquatic insects etc and even various species of aquatic flora that are part of our freshwater aquatic system. The journey through Aquarium Tunku Abdul Rahman takes you from the Upper Stream Zone to the Mid Stream Zone, the Wetlands Zone and down to the Lower River Zone. After that we pass through the Peat Swamp Zone, the Mangrove Zone and lastly to the Marine Zone with its coral reefs and deep sea exhibits. All the exhibits have been landscaped as close as possible to its natural condition in the wild, so we are able to see how these aquatic organisms behave in their natural environment. We did not snap photo in the aquarium, but we did take photographs in front of the 'big fish'...We saw the Humboldt Penguins. They are adorable little birds which originate from the tip of South America.

We did meet up with three Malaysian Elephants Siti (24 years), Sibol (23 years) and Triang (male, 21 years). Being a kid, these elephants seems gigantic for my 2 little price and princes. Issac even got chance to pat their trunk and even feed them with sugarcane with the little help from Daddy Alvin! Issac was so happy looking at the high giraffes! This was the 1st time he saw a giraffe cos all these while he seen it only in his books.

Further to that is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Lake. It's the home to over 300 free roaming birds. Painted storks, ibises, egrets, swans, pelican and many others inhibit the two islands in the middle of the lake. We didn't manage to see the most exciting moment that is their feeding times: 11.00 am & 3:00 pm. Really can see them right in front of our very own eyes.

And the Bird Aviary, with over 100 species of birds from all around the world. The walk in Aviary is also home to a variety of free flying birds. Home to the largest bat in the world, the fruit bats or Flying Foxes, this walk-in exhibit is an excellent place to visit.

We didn't manage to see the Kangaroo being the largest of all three and the family of Wallabies which located by Zoo Negara's Bird Aviary. But we did manage to see Pademelons, a miniature sized Kangaroo and smallest of the three.

Zoo Negara also home to a variety of jungle cats and wild dogs, Mammal Kingdom is a spot to meet rare cats such as the Golden Cat, Flat-Headed Cat and many others. Mammal Kingdom also houses raccoons, Pumas, Leopards and Binturong. Also see the largest rodent in the world – Capybaras and the Brazilian Agoutis.

Zoo Negara’s Cat Walk is filled with a roundup of majestic lions and tigers. Located in open concept exhibit, those cats look as if they can reach us! There is one tiger kept walking up and down and swimming thru the pond in front of us. We are getting so near with the Sumatera Tiger.

One of the largest open concept exhibits in the zoo, Savannah Walk is home to a variety of antelopes, giraffes, zebras, ostriches and rhinos. Being one of the hottest spot around, this location is close to looking like the actual Savannah plains in Africa! Nile Hippopotamus originates from the river Nile in Africa. They are known to be even more aggressive than the African Crocodiles! Zoo Negara has three Nile Hippopotamuses Duke, Kibu and Chombie.

Then, is the Zoo Negara’s Reptile Park has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Meet the largest type of crocodile, the Saltwater or Estuarine Crocs lazing in their pool or meet our ever aggressive Freshwater Crocs, the False Gharial. For those who would like to see a miniature version of the Estuarine Crocs, head on over to our African Dwarf Crocodile Exhibit. The Reptile Park also has a variety of tortoises and terrapins. Meet the second largest tortoise – Aldabran Tortoise or the local and highly endangered Tuntong or the River Terrapin! A Reptile Park will not be complete without snakes. Meet the longest type of python in the world – Reticulated Pythons and many others. Venomous snake collection can be found on the ground and first level of the Reptile Park.

Our trips ends at around 2:00 pm, because the weather is getting hotter, thus the Ape Centre we didn't manage to go. It was completed with the CNY Lion Dance which organized by the Zoo Negara. That's how we spend our CNY day 2 at Zoo Negara.

View Full AlbumOperating Hours:

9:00 am – 5:00 pm Daily

Zoo Negara

Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang,

Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Tel: 603 – 4108 3422

Fax: 603 – 4107 5375

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/, http://www.zoonegara.org.my/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Restorant Sichuan Dou Hua, Kuala Lumpur Park Royal 24 Jan 2009

This was the first year that Brother-in-law Andrew and his whole family staying here and celebrate Chinese New Year with us. He had reserved a table at Park Royal Hotel Kuala Lumpur Chinese Restaurant – Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant. Actually, we had our get together dinner earlier than the Chinese New Year eve itself, as both families of us will having or own eve dinner.

Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur have the savour authentic traditional Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine (pork-free) as Andrew and family are Muslim, thus the restaurant served the occasion.

Live seafood is the house speciality. There are a wide selection of fish, lobster and shellfish in the display tanks. Issac was so amazed by the big aquarium in the restaurant. It is part of the decoration feature too. Both Wei Chin and him had took a picture in front of the aquarium. And, Alvin had to apologise to the guests that sited at the table near it, because Issac keep going thee and watch the fish.

The grandeur is enhanced by the one thing that makes Si Chuan Dou Hua absolutely unique – is their tea service. In Old Cathay, particularly in Sichuan, which is not only the birthplace of Chinese tea but of the world tea culture, tea is honoured with its own unique rites that has transcended into a form of art. A fine brew of Chinese tea is an intricate mix of the finest tea leaves and the mastery of the traditional art of tea serving.

A master tea pourer, trained for years in China, serves using a kettle with a one-metre-long spout. He executes his dramatic pouring technique with absolute precision, combining martial arts, dance and gymnastics.

Wei Chin and Wei Yee tried to hold the cup, and let the tea master pour the hot boiling water in their tea cup.The humble act of serving tea is raised to a fine art as he performs elegant stunts such as Nodding Phoenix and Boy Prays to Buddha as he fills theirs cup. Issac and Annabelle were interesting watching it and clapping their both hands.

We were told that mastering this art requires years of martial arts, dance and gymnastics training before one can perfect the amalgamation of elegance and skilfulness of traditional art of tea serving that will leave any audience at awe. Not only does a professional tea master need to possess knowledge of the various usage and mixtures of tea leaves, he must also pour it in the traditional manner while adorning the proper costume.

A tea master has to go through years of intensive training in order to perfect the traditional art of tea serving. A trainee is only considered a Master when proven that he is able to manoeuvre the kettle without spilling a single drop and pouring tea with great precision and grace.

While we sip our signature Eight Treasure tea, choose from a sublime selection of Sichuan and Cantonese speciality dishes including crispy Beijing Roast Duck, Ma Po Doufu, Stir-Fried Venison with Lotus Root and Celery Sweet Bean, Fresh Home-Made Bean Curd and Silver Cod in Sweet White Wine Sauce and Cheng Du Spicy Chicken with Sichuan Sauce - a must for lovers of spicy foods. Brother Andrew really have a good taste, it was really an unforgettable feast!

Really have a feelings of coming back for more…

Operates: Lunch - 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm Dinner - 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm Location: Lower Lobby
Source from http://www.sichuandouhua.com/

Kuantan Trip 1 - 3 Oct 2008

It was Annabelle’s one year old birthday during our trip to Kuantan, Cherating. So happened that it was a Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays, and Alvin had some chit chatting with his boss, Lim, one of the day and suggested to go to Kuantan to spend the holidays there, as his another boss, Chow’s family also stayed at Kuantan. Thus, four families including Lim’s, Lim’s sister, Lim’s close friend Jack and ourselves went to Cherating together.

Cherating

Cherating is located about 50 kilometres north of Kuantan, nestling on the Terengganu-Pahang border and fronting the South Chine Sea . Here, wide gently sloping sandy beaches extend as far as the eyes can see and it is a perfect place for a quiet holiday. Cherating was discovered in the 1950s, by backpackers who stayed at guesthouses and wooden huts among the coconut groves by the sea. Today, there are world-class hotels and chalets, including the world renowned Club Mediterranean, Holiday Villa, Legend Resorts, etc. We stayed at Sanctuary Resort and took a 3 room apartment, about RM 540 per night, considered worthy as 4 families.

Once we reached there, we were eagerly began our vacation by strolling along the white sandy beach. A walk on the beach will offer opportunity to collect beautiful seashells and find tiny crabs struggling to find out their way out of the sand. We had our lunch at a Chinese restaurant by the seaside, whereby there were a lot of cheap and budgeted chalets surrounded the areas, but the cleanliness there is a hmmm….Then, we went back to hotel to swim at the resort swimming pool.

For thrill seekers, challenge the wind that rides the waves by going windsurfing. You can also try snorkelling to view the beautiful underwater corals and sea life. Of course, we are not the types as all of us have children from 1 year old to 10 years old, not suitable for underwater activities.

We had our dinner in our apartment as Chow’s family arrived bringing a lot of fresh vegetables, meats, seafood, fish balls, beers, etc… We had our steamboat. Actually, we thought that we would have a good holiday at Cherating, eventually the next day we knew that there were a lot of mosquitoes, and bite Lim’s sister family; besides, Lim’s wife also did not like the place so we have to change our hotel to Kuantan Seri Malaysia. At least, nearer to the Teluk Cempedak.

Kuantan

Teluk Cempedak, literally translated as ‘Jackfruit Bay’, is like Pahang’s very own Californian boardwalk, which is a favourite to the locals. Located just 5km from Kuantan, it is an enclosed bay, suitable for water sports like swimming, surfing, sun-bathing, sailing, and jet skiing. Along the beach lines pine trees and provide great spots for picnics or merely just sitting around enjoying the view. There are even rocky capes with the South China Sea waves lapping against it; perfect private corners for friends and couples who would like a little more space to themselves.

About 5km away on either side of Teluk Cempedak are the fishing villages of Tanjung Api and Beserah. On a good day, you can see fisherman out at sea on their tooting boats, waiting for the catch of the day.

At the seafront, numerous restaurants and food stalls serve a wide variety of food and beverage for your day out at Teluk Cempedak. There is even a McDonald’s drive-thru! There are also stalls set up selling trinkets for little kids to be happy with for the day at the beach with their mommies and daddies. We did not join them for the swim but just sitting aside.

Take a stroll on the wooden walkway that connects Teluk Cempedak to Teluk Pelindung nearby, where waves crash up on the rock promontories there. As the name suggested (pelindung means ‘protector’ in Malay), it is a private bay away from the more bustling Teluk Cempedak. Families and friends can have their own private picnics there, and going for dips in the waters.

The nearby jungle area provides a quick introduction to Malaysia's flora and fauna, with a few different species of plant life, insects and other small animals inhabiting the limited space. Beware of the macaques, as they can be quite a nuisance!

On the second night, we went for our dinner near Kuantan town which Chow brought us, good food, but I forgot the stall name. And, shopping of course!

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Bukit Tinggi Trip 31 Aug 2008

Selesa Resort Bukit Tinggi

I think it should be around National Day that we went to Bukit Tinggi, after we came back from Kuching. Actually, we stayed at Selesa Resort Bukit Tinggi because Bebe’s friend and contractor, Alan has an account here. Previously, he did the air-conditioning works for the resort and the management still owing some outstanding payments. That is why the resort proposed him to come and stay and offset the accounts.

Selesa Resort located at the gentle hills of Bukit Tinggi. We stayed at 3 bedrooms air-conditioned apartment but the air-conditioners spoilt already. Our family had a small room, Lim (Bebe’s 2nd boss) took another room and Alan with his daughter took the master room with bathroom attached.

It have various of facilities: the outdoor swimming pools and the children swimming pool is the one that attracted me, because it is just besides the Coffee House. From the Coffee House, you can view the pools. The views is good, but the interior finishes need to change, too old already…

Berjaya Hills

It is the nearest attraction area to the Selesa Resort, it is sited 2,700-3,500 feet above sea level. Its many attractions includes Colmar Tropicale - a French Themed Resort, Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club, Japanese Village and the Rabbit & Deer Farm.

Rabbit Park

Rabbits, rabbits everywhere! All the children love to cuddle and feed them. It is really a delightful experience the whole family can enjoy. Issac was so excited when touched and grabbed the rabbits. There are white, black and grey rabbits.

Deer Sanctuary

Shy and elusive in the wild, these beautiful white spotted deer and the Timorese's Deer, originally from Holland and Sulawesi, Indonesia, delighted every one of us. Annabelle and mummy taken a photograph in front of the deer fences.

Donkey Rides

Children read about them in fairy tales. Here, they can see and touch real live donkeys, and best of all, enjoy a ride to remember. During we were there, the rides is not available, but Issac manage to touch the donkey hair with the help of Daddy to bring him went near.

Japanese Village

Located 3,500 feet above the sea, the Japanese Village is the first of its kind outside Japan. The garden was planned and designed by renowned Japanese architect, Mr Kaio Ariizumi and built by a team of 22 skilled craftsmen from Japan.

From the chumon (entrance gate) to stone lanterns, from wood roofing shingles to tatami mats, and countless other artefacts, the Japanese Garden is the epitome of authencity in design and craftsmanship.

Step through a rustic gateway and a winding Japanese footpath leads you through a beautiful garden to a waterfall, over a bridge spanning a koi pond and up to a Japanese Tea House & Garden. Every detail you see captures the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship at its most authentic.

The Tea House lies at the heart of the Village. A natural stream filled with koi completes the tranquil setting. Guests and visitors may participate in a Japanese tea ceremony.

The only Japanese restaurant in Malaysia that is located in the midst of a tropical rainforest high up in the hills of the Main Range. Ryo Zen Tei Japanese Restaurant, with a menu that offers everything from a bowl of udon to an authentic bento, it is the perfect place to relax after a visit to the Japanese Village.

The detailing, from tatami mats to wood-frame paper screen doors, Ume Tatami Suite captures the essence of Japanese architecture and design to offer exclusive luxurious living in the solitude of a tropical rainforest.

Tatami Spa...the first of its kind outside Japan. Set in the tranquillity of an authentic Japanese Garden and surrounded by tropical rain forest, its breathtaking ambience takes you worlds away from care and worries.

We did not manage to go in the tea house nor the restaurant…because you can imagine that, the very first located high up at Bukit Tinggi, sure have magnificent price as well!

Botanical Garden

A 1km walkway weaves through this 4-acre tropical rainforest and leads to viewing decks with views over the countryside. Be amazed by towering trees, ferns, orchids and rarely seen flora. Don't miss the horticultural experiments to cultivate temperate fruits...pears, apples and 7 different types of strawberries. It is really a tough walk that we had been through, because I had to carry Belle with me in my arms. A very good exercise!

Colmar Tropicale

Inspired by the original Colmar Village in Alsace, France, Colmar Tropicale is a picture postcard come alive! At its heart is Colmar Square, a cobblestone central courtyard where you can enjoy outdoor dining and street performances. There are street and clown performers. It was so happened that when we were there, the clown is making some funny animals and toys using the colourful balloons; Issac got his sword, Belle got a quite little doggie. There is a pond with the residents black and white swans… There was a few restaurants serves fine cuisines and dining experiences.

Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort

Modelled after the Haut-Koenigsbourg, the medieval castle in the Vosges Hills of Alsace, The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort offers all the delights of a 18th Century Renaissance French Boutique Hotel & Spa. But, it is not open yet during our visits.

Hope can come again and take more photos back…

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/, http://www.berjayahills.com/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Green Hill Temple 26 Jun 2008

That day was my birthday, and I really enjoyed that particular day. Together we went to the Green Hill Temple with sis Agatha.

Why call Green Hill Temple? Actually is the translation of mandarin ‘Chin Shan Yen’ mean green hill area or stone… or Hokkien calls as ‘Cheh Sua’.

About two centuries ago, Ching San Yen area was already a prosperous port for Kuching. It served as one of the two major ports of entry to Kuching or Sarawak at large at that time (the other one is the Santubong river mouth), for vessels from the South China Sea.

The Brooke Administration at that time also had custom offices or the like established for purposes of taxation & other clearance. The temple was already established at that time for the Chinese immigrants. It also served as a first stop for the newly arriving Chinese immigrants to pay respect and to thank for the long safe journey, before moving on to the hinterland or other parts of Sarawak.

Many adherents believe that Ching San Yen was built on a good Feng Shui; the prosperity of Kuching is associated with that since then. Accordingly, Ching San Yen is seated on a Golden Turtle in the North (the Muara Tebas hill), and facing a flowing river in front on the South. The location might have been chosen carefully by a Feng Shui master as believed, and thus continues to bring prosperity to the City of Kuching nearby!

Today, the Sarawak River mouth at Ching San Yen is the only river entry for vessels to Kuching after the completion of the Sungai Sarawak Regulation Scheme in 1997, which includes a causeway across the Santubong passage. In the past, heavy floods caused economic and social problems, devastated parts of residential and business areas such as the 1963 and 1982 major incidents. The SSRS is believed to minimize floods and has brought significant socioeconomic impact on Kuching.

At the foot of the temple was a tombstone of ‘nibong wood’ was believed to be of a man who came about 100 years ago to Muara Tebas (Malay Village) to preach Islam. The ‘nibong wood’ suddenly turned to stone and it has become a shrine frequented by visitors all over the world especially during Chinese New Year.

It sited on top of a hill...and you had to walk a long staircase to reach it...

The temple itself is impressive and colourful. It had a small wishing pond and a big Buddha path, and really wonder what will be the shoe size if Buddha appear…The best thing of all is it is surrounded by Malay villages and along the Muara Sungai, makes the views so spectacular.

The children and us took a few pictures on the green hill. After a tiring climbing up and down the hill, we ended the day with a seafood feast at one restaurant of the fisherman village. Yummy!

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Prudential Mid Year Conference 3–6 Jul 2009

This is the first time ever since I joined Prudential, the first conference that I attended.

And, it is so special that Prudential held it at two locations for the first time ever in the history as well: 3rd – 6th July 2009 at Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) and 18th – 21st July 2009 at Four Points Sheraton Kuching.

Our group Winners Within (WIW) joined the Melaka event.

Together 5 cars went down to Melaka around 4:00 pm, which are Alison’s Toyota Wish, C.K’s Toyota Unser, Jackson’s Toyota Vios, Amos’s Proton Satria and S.T’s BMW.

The programme had been laid out fine to us when we reached Melaka town.

We arrive into Melaka and checked in to Mahkota Hotel. We had our dinner together with another group Sivan at a Baba & Nyonya Restaurant.

After that, our next destination was Jonker Street to walkabout and shop around. Then, we came and take a drink at the famous and the one tourist would not miss sight, The Geographer. We adjourned to another Discovery Café.

Jackson secretly organized a surprise birthday party for Stephanie, his beloved wife.

Really a tired night as after that, we still go for supper near Mahkota Hotel, because some of the members wanted to try for satay colok.

Amber and I stayed at same room, both us can’t stand any more. I had headache, so we slept earlier…1:30 am?

The second day 4th July 2009, the whole day programme was like rushing from one hall to another hall, just to catch up breakfast, speeches, coffee break, breakout sessions, then lunch, another breakout session, coffee break, platform speaker.

I had attended Mr Yen Sze Wei for Mandarin session for the session 1, then Dr Grace Kong for English Session for session 2.

Actually, I personally felt that Lt. Col. (Rtd) Izaidin is the most powerful speaker which I had earned some ideas from him.

Just to summarise, the essence of the whole is ‘I believe I can do it’ and ‘To grow is to change’.

The conference ended with some ‘goodies’ that Mr Lai Leong Pin gave: extended the Star Club another 3 months to end of December this year.

That night, we went for Karaoke and having buffet dinner there. I cannot recall which Karaoke but it is at the Dataran Pahlawan Melaka.

Everybody is so happy and relaxed. But I do not know why I am so ‘sad’ thinking of my career in this business. Really have to put on my thinking head…

The third day, we left our hotel and went for the chicken rice ball for our lunch before we left Melaka. That’s completed our trip to Melaka.