Malaysia-Travel here in my home

Taiwan Government Uniform Invoice 台湾统一发票

2011-07-04T08:55:00.001-07:00

There is something interesting in Taiwan receipt when I was there-I found almost every receipt that I received from the merchandise was about the same size.

I googled and found this is so called Government Uniform Invoice (GUI), or in Taiwan they call it 统一发票.

All the receipt were standardized in same length and shape, looks very organized and tidy, and I think very good when doing book keeping on the daily spending.

What’s more, this Taiwan Government Uniform Invoice entitles you a lottery chance!

By collecting the receipt, you could win quite handsome prize at the end of the period.

Thus, we can see a lot of big plastic boxes outside of the shoplots collecting those receipts that shoppers do not want- some volunteers will key in all into their database, and donate the prized to charity organizations.

I saw all those receipt that I manage to get are written 100th year –May & June, so I guess the lucky draw should be held every 2 months?

But think twice, every month to take note of all the receipts that one get at the end of the days, wouldn’t it be quite troublesome and tiring?

What say you?

Taiwan Youth Travel Card 台湾青年旅游卡

2011-06-06T05:41:00.000-07:00

Would like to introduce everybody another good travel pal in Taiwan- Taiwan Youth Travel Card 台湾青年旅游卡.

When you arrive in Taiwan Taoyuan Airport, you can
go to Taiwan Tourism board counter to get your digital tour buddy 宝贝机，
While at the same time you can ask the officer for Taiwan Youth Travel Card台湾青年旅游卡 application form, it’s totally free, and need not pre-apply prior to your arrival in Taiwan.

Chinese version of this article 此文中译本

The main benefit for getting a Youth Travel Card is to have discounts in a lot of places, eg some museum like 故宫 can get up to 50% discount.

By reading the booklet that come together with the Youth Travel Card, I saw many tourist spots, transportation, homestay,food, Chinese language learning course and shopping arcades are alliance with the Youth Travel Card.

Even though during the time I was at Taiwan, I used only once the Youth Travel Card (as I have pre-booked the accommodation online before) in 故宫 Museum.

The normal rate for adult is NT160, but by using Youth Travel Card, get 50% off, only NT80, and all you have to do is just by waving your Youth Travel Card to the counter. Cool ya, isn’t it?

But yet, I forgotten that I could use Youth Travel Card in Deng Tai Fung Restaurant, not really having any discount in this famous franchise Xiao Long Bao restaurant, but using Youth Travel Card can earn you a little souvenir-Xiao Long Bao key chain.

Thus, I strongly recommend backpackers like me , should really study through the benefits of the Youth Travel Card at their website, you can get a better value of your money .

And another info for all backpackers out there going to travel to Taiwan:

From now onwards till 31st August 2011, by using Youth Travel Card, to register your receipt online , then you can join their lucky draw,the first prize is Ipad.  really regret….

Taiwan Digital Tour Buddy 台湾宝贝机

2011-05-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

Introducing a very good thing from the Taiwan Tourism Board- the digital tour buddy, and it’s FREE for application for backpackers from all over the world!

Chinese version of this article 此文中译版

There are two types, one is together with the cellphone they loan to you , while the other 1 is only loan out the 3G Sim card.

Me and myself separately get the 2 different types of digital tour buddy plan, but later on I found it’s more worthy to get the plan of only the 3G sim card, because its credit included in NT200, while the one with cell phone provided is loaded with only NT100.

If you are using smartphone, think undoubtly you should get the 3G sim plan.

Because the digital tour buddy cellphone OKWAP A272, to be frank, is not that user-friendly. I was having a hard time of typing a sms using the phone

You can start the digital tour buddy application online 2 months prior to your arrival in Taiwan. If your application is successful, an notification email will be sent to you. Even though the website saying you can apply on the spot over at the airport’s tourism counter, but I bet this programme should like a hot cake, if time permits, you don’t want to risk not having one, do you?

If you interested to apply for the phone, you can go to this website

or to go its main page for any other promotions on Taiwan

Singapore Istana Open House 新加坡总统府开放日

2011-04-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

Istana- which means Palace in Malay is the Singapore President House.

The Istana Open day is opened for public only a certain days in a year- festive days of each races in Singapore- Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Thaipusam, Singapore Natioanl day and Labour day.

For details, can refer to their website.

Since the opportunity is very rare, for sure I wouldn’t let go it when I was free in Singapore.

The nearest MRT to Istana is Dhoby Gauht station, following its direction to the Exit B, crossing the Orchard Road to Plaza Singapura, and you will come to Istana.

And if you not sure the direction, by seeing this crowd, you know it right ?

It’s like a huge garden indeed, I think this matches very well the Singapore image of Oriental Garden.

The raintrees inside the Istana is of age few decade, giving a good shade to its visitors.

This super-sized garden do not open to the public normal day, so you can see a lot of families bringing their kids and grandparents during its open day- though it’s quite suffocatingly hot.

Well, if not under the tree shed, walking under the super hot sun will be a disastrous for many (although the photo quality will be better , haha)

This is called Temasek House, not so sure about it function and it’s not opened to the public. Just so happened that the temporary toilets located beside it.

The orchestra under big hot sun, is so suffering.

Walk a bit further up, here it come the president house, which they use it for serving the diplomat, thus inside there are a lot of precious decoration, and in order to get into the President house, you need to pay another SGD2.

It’s prohibited to take photo inside, so can’t share with you all:

The whole Istana is full of policeman, your every movement is “under-controlled”.

Istana also having a 9-hole golf range, can be said the only golf club in Singapore city center.

This canon is another tourist’s hotspot for photo taking- it’s really hot out there.

If you miss the coming open day, the next will only be 3 months later- the National day of Singapore.

Fee:
Istana Park Entrace Fee: SGD1
President residence Entrace Fee: SGD2

Tanjong Pagor Train Station丹戎巴葛火车站

2011-04-12T09:01:00.001-07:00

Finally the Tanjong Pagar KTM railway station had come to an conclusion- to end its mission serving KTM in this coming july 2011. After this, Malayan Rail will move its Singapore stop to the border- Woodland.

Recently Singapore government had also announced to gazette the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station as National Heritage, is it going to be some sort of Train museum?
Chinese version of this article 此文中译本

I still remember few years back when I first took the KTM train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Tanjong Pagar, I was very puzzled to see some strange things over here at this train station- where you can see Malaysian Immigration office, flag at the Singapore Land. Thus, in view of its ticking life over 3 months, I decided to come here and took some photos in memory of such a special place.

On the other hand, I read some article saying there is real Malay cuisine at Tanjong Pagar station. Since I’m kinda thirst for real-Malay spices in Singapore, my trip has made it a stone for two birds haha.

Johor Bahru Chinese Temple Festival 新山游神

2011-02-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

Introducing this special Chinese New Year event in Johor Bahru, which falls on 23rd Feb (wed) night this year 2011. The Lunar new year 2011 officially ended on the 15th, but the Johor Bahru Chinese community is so uniquely celebrating Lunar New Year for 22days !

Johor Bahru Chinese Temple Festival,or Chingay procession- As the name implies, is a festival uniquely held at Johor Bahru, the Malaysia’s southern gateway.

Johor Bahru Chinese considers the end of the Chinese New Year period only after the Temple Festival. So this could be titled as “The world longest celebration period of Chinese New Year.” 
Chinese Version of this article 本文中文版

When I first read from the press about this JB Chinese Temple back in 4 or 5 years, I was so amazed that the JB Chinese community still celebrates in such a traditional way.

During my first year of stay in Singapore, I recalled such a special event in JB, which crowd of participants as many as compared to Kuala Lumpur’s Thaipusam Festival.

And out of my surprise, one of my colleagues from Johor Bahru, celebrated Temple Festival every year, and never missed any in the past 5 years.

Since he got so many “lobang”, he managed to get me a uniform of the event- to protect me from the bad people  , as I have a lot of brothers and sisters on the street.

Last 2 years, the JB chinese temple festival was fall on weekend, which left me no reason skipping to join such a happening event just across the Johore Strait. It’s even best as the event was at night, less hot compared to day time.

Getting to know from my friend that, it is “confirmed” won’t be raining during the Festival. Actually I felt suspicious on this saying, but believe it or not, last year when it rain 1 hour before the event officially started, but rain stopped just 15minute before!

The good thing about this Temple Festival is to experience the Johor Bahru city view at night. Something like exporing Johor Bahru.

JB Chinese Temple Festival is a proud of JB Chinese community, where this event was hold by the 5 dialect group- Teochew, Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka and Hainan for a period of hundred years already! If we understand the Malaysian Chinese history, we know that during the 20s,30s era, different dialect groups were almost like different races, but yet the JB Chinese community could harmonically hold the festival, it was a superb bonding that tie each of the group.

My friend is Teochew, so their uniform is in white color, though I’m not Teochew, but I was during the festival. :p

Only people wearing the uniform that able to get closer to the 5 gods, And the believers will shout “Heng ar, Heng ar, Heng ar” (or Hokkien’s “Huat ar Huat ar Huat ar”, which mean prosperity) all the way during the parade.

The parade start from the the temple in the JB Chinese Cemetary, which is opposite to Danga Bay Citymall around 6pm. The believers will carry the 5 god statues which represent the 5 dialect groups round the JB city, thus in Chinese, this event is called the JB God parade.

Out of these 5 god statues, there is only 1 god cabin is not allowed to be swinged, that is god represents the Teochew group. During the parade, the leaders will keep shouting to the crowd:”must not swing must not swing”, to pay highest respect to this god.

While the god represent the Hokkien group, is the one being swinged the craziest. You can have a look on below video I captured:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J8jnGS9gr8

Seeing the surrounding, it seems white-colored shirts (Teochew) were the majority , followed by pink (Hokkien), Orange (Cantonese), Light Orange (Hakka) and Yellow (Hainan). I think this more or less represent the composition of Chinese dialect group in Johor Bahru.

And only during the JB Chinese Temple Festival , you get to see so many people are on the street watching or joining the God Parade. Some of the resident also put tables full of offerings in front of their houses.

It’s an event full of Malaysian cultural fiesta, so I strongly recommend you could spend a night to experience the event.

Dragon Dance
24 season drums

Big flag (I thought only can see it in Penang)

I would recommend you all to stand near to the OCBC branch (best if in front of the Hainan Association) to watch the parade because here is just next to the sea, less hot compared to the central stage which is just in front of Public Bank Branch/Citysquare.

Hope you all enjoy the parade ! Huat arr!

2010 Singapore Orchard Road Christmas Lightup 2010 新加坡乌节路圣诞灯饰

2010-12-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

Singapore Orchard Road Christmas Lightup activity, to me is an annual activity that pay tribute to.

Even though I think the Orchard Road Lighting is the same for every year, feel kinda boring of it already, especially this year lighting design is worse than last year!

The same main sponsor-Toshiba,

Also the same design difference in which decorate the Orchard road with different colors for different zone-Red, Blue and Purple.

I believe after the opening of 2 Intergrated Resort in Singapore, the crowd brought to Orchard Road are even more.

Since the economy this year is better than last year, the purchasing power of consumers should be stronger—All the merchants should be smile happily.

For me, this is my forth year taking part in Orchard Road Lighting.Feel a bit boring already, instead of going xmas party, I’d prefer to go Mamak with my old friends,chit chating 

My previous article in Chinese:

Singapore Christmas Hippo Bus新加坡圣诞灯饰河马巴士

2009 Singapore Orchard Road Christmas Lightup 2009 新加坡乌节路圣诞灯饰
Singapore Christmas Light-up 2007

Bukit Mertajam Food 大山脚美食

2010-09-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

I aint whatsoever food hunter, but my friend did strongly recommended me to pay a visit to Bukit Mertajam for its food, thus here I came to the famous Bukit Mertajam Ku Zha Market ( means olden day market) together with my friend hunting for the reckon Kueh Chap. In fact I have watched it via the tv shows * Ah Xian.

To be frank , among all the Bukit Mertajam food, I like Kuey Chap the most, as I do not really into spicy food. But my friend nicknamed Uncle brought me to the super hot and spicy “Hokkien Noodle” for my first meal since I reach Bukit Mertajam

Well, I really have no idea why North Malaysian’s food name is always different from us the Central Malaysian. We called it prawn noodle (Har Mee), they called it Hokkien noodle. Their Laksa is our Asam Laksa. Their “green fish” (direct translated from penang local hokkien) is our Indian Rojak.

But 1 thing for sure, you will fall in love with Bukit Mertajam food, that is its low price yet very tasty! For example is this chicken rice, together with a lot of minced meat, priced only RM2.80!

This portion of Mi Tai Pak , for only RM2 (at Bukit Mertajam Market)

White Wanton noodle, was also RM2.

The food for the similar price, I could only find a kopitiam at Serdang New village , where the shop was having it as promotion when it newly opened! I believe sooner later, they will take down the promotion price.

And another good food in Bukit Mertajam, the Yam rice!

To have chance to eat this, you ought to reach the shop aroung 11.30am. Though the time is a bit awkward for me to take my lunch, but the yam rice was unbeatable super duper nice! Together with some fish balls, pork soup, everything was just nice.

Strongly recommend reader of this article to try it.

Uncle indeed a food hunter, he introduced me another food that is famous in Bukit Mertajam- A fried Kueh Tiao stall conducted by Malay hawker, which sold and specialized in only fried Kuah Tiao.

But the Kueh Tiao was priced the mid-upper range, for RM2.50 you can take a swallow of 3 times.

Yet overall, food in Bukit Mertajam is low and nice, as compared to Kuala Lumpur. The Ringgit value was bigger there than the capital.

Made me looking forward the next journey to Bukit Mertajam again!

Singapore is a fine country

2010-09-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Previously when I did my shopping at Singapore China Town, I saw some cute shirts written “ Singapore is a fine country”, I thought this was something the tourism promotion kind of things.

But afterwards, I realize that “Fine” has got another meaning in English, which means punish or punishment.

There I know the shirts I saw in China Town were teasing Singapore is a country with lot of punishment/fine.

Since then, I started to notice different kind of warning board in Singapore.

In Singapore MRT, you could easily find it.
And the punishments are of different grades, if you throw rubbish else where, the price is :

If you play with the emergency button, the price is:

If you accidentally press the station emergency call button, fine you 5000,

You are not allowed to stop the escalator, else 5000 summon for you.

All are in package, if you disobey this , you gotta pay this price, or else that price.

Somemore example: if you cross the yellow line, fine 500

If you cross the rail track, fine 5000 (Well, I wonder how they charge 5000 if someone is knocked down by the MRT…)

To cross the bridge, if you are riding with you bicycle, you gotta dismount and push the bicycle rather than ride to cross, or else 1000 dollars fly away from your wallet.
(in contrast, I saw a lot of bicycle rider just ignore the warning but just ride on the bridge, wondering since when Singaporeans become so rebellious ?)

Not allowed to litter at the letter box area down the HDB flat, yet I found rubbish and papers are everywhere (though the time I took photo, it has been cleaned up)

Not allowed to use reserved car park for disabled people, else summon 400 dollars

Cannot bring any pet to board the MRT (better to free them to the jungle)

Singapore-as the world’s famous Garden city, is contributed by such rigid rules and regulations. But would it be too strict?

Me myself feel annoyed by such rules that regulate one’s behaviour by threaten him/her consequences of against it. But yet Singapore has proved to us that mankind is just such a bad-disciplined animal-no laws then no one will follow. Sigh…

Malaysia is of more freedom as in these cases, but this beautiful country ended up with trash everywhere. Does it mean human really gotta be constrained by laws or else they won’t follow?

Maybe we ought to “Cuci-cuci Malaysia” before we start the stern regulations on those bugger. Too bad.

Geylang Serai Ramadhan Market芽笼士乃开斋市场

2010-09-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

While the Chinese in Singapore was preparing for the hungry ghost festival, Muslims around the globe are already in their annual fasting month. And following the end of the fasting month, will be the grand Hari Raya celebration. To celebrate this big event, how not to mention about the festive shopping?

In Singapore, Muslims which majority consist of Malay, generally do their festive shopping at 2 major spots, 1 is at the Arab street which is near to Bugis, another one is the traditional kampong area- Geylang Serai.

Chinese version of this article本文中文版

My Malay colleague told me that every year during fasting month (Ramadhan), there is a very happening bazaar at Geylang Serai, he strongly recommended me to pay it a visit.

Recently there was this article on Lian He Zao Bao, that translated from the Malaysia’s Malay newspaper (not sure whether Berita Harian or Utusan Melayu), commenting that Geylang Serai Ramadhan Market is more grand and buzzling compared to Kuala Lumpur’s Kampung Baru’s market. This article had confused me why the author would have this thought, so I would like to verify how true is it.

Well, as what the author commented, Singapore’s Geylang Serai Ramadhan Market was really bigger and tidier. The first impression is better than any Ramadhan market that I visited in Malayisa. The Ramadhan market here in Singapore is like their normal night market (Pasar Malam)- a big big tent with organized stalls.

Geylang Serai is more alike Malay Goods market, where you can get Malay traditional custom, curtain, decorative items etc.

My colleague tole me there are still some kampung (Malay village) houses here in Geylang Serai, which made me kinda excited, as I wonder how the kampong houses could coexist with land-limited Singapore urban.

Well, for sure what I saw is kinda disappointed, as the kampung houses are too commercilized-no longer be the residence of someone but mix-rice stall, pawn shop and jewellery shop. Highly urbanized Singapore is no space for the traditional kampung house anymore.

Actually I felt walking at Geylang Serai Ramadhan market, was not as syok as in any Malaysia’s Ramadhan market. The food sold here was mainly fried food like fried banana, Ramli burger, Kebab burger, other than that, not much choices left.

The thing that most disappointed me was I can only found a stall selling Malay famour delicacy- Malay Kuih-Muih.I wonder is there no market for the Malay Kuih in Singapore? Think deeply, it should be due to the materialistic mindset-which discourage the vendor to make these kuih which are tedious in preparation yet earn not that much item.

I heard during fasting month, there are a lot of people taking the whole month leaves to make some money. And the rental of a stall is not cheap, the cost to be transferred to consumers, how to have the heartful mind to prepare delicious food?

A normal Ramli burger with egg, sold at SGD3, even more expensive than Mc Chicken from MeDonald, worse still, no aircond seat to enjoy the burger!

Yet found something special in the Ramadhan market- the Halal beef fross called Dendeng.

During every major festive season, Singapore also having the lighting decoration, so does the Geylang Serai

Looking from far, the lighting was quite impressively nice, but bUt BUT when you walk closer to the pillar, other than Raya seasonal greetings, you can also see faces of the housing agents….. previously when I passed by the street, I thought it’s the MP of the area…

My colleague told me, getting nearer to the raya, the crowd here are even more, everyone squeezes to each other. Well, if you enjoy the feeling of sweat, you could come and experience it.

How to go?

Singapore MRT (green line or orange line) to Paya Lebar station. Geylang Serai Ramadhan Market is of 5 minutes walking distance from the station.

Singapore Bus Travel 新加坡巴士旅行

2010-07-24T01:47:00.001-07:00

During my weekend in Singapore, other than some special tourist spots I will definitely opt for the MRT, other venues that I had visited before, I prefer to take different mode of transport to arrive there.

此文中文版 Mandarin version of this article

And I found taking public bus in Singapore is kinda special feeling, a feeling that like going in depth for Singapore surrounding- some sort of travelling around.

When I am having my bus journey, I prefer to have seat on first row top deck for a double decker bus, in order for me to see clearly the people on the street. And of course, easier for me to take photo as no blockage in front of me !

Long ago, there was a youtube video saying Singapore street designs are of the same pattern, but it's not quite true. But definitely Singapore town plan council is having preference over Angsana trees.

So, you can see a lot of big and tall angsana tree along Singapore street.

But I do have some comment to this Angsana tree-its leaves are too small, that it will be a challenging job for the street janitors- More effort needed.

And 1 obvious benefit I gain from bus travel is to recognise Singapore road bit by bit, together with the map I holding, which I could say wherever place that I have been to with public bus, I could remember some 70 to 80percent. Haha, in future if any friend driving to Singapore, I could be a good travel guide.

The destination is same, but travel with different kind of ways.To me, it's kinda interesting desune!

Singapore Casino-Marina Bay Sands 新加坡金沙赌场

2010-06-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Singapore Marina Bay Sands has already been opened to the public for 2 months, hehe, and till now I only made my time to there to open eye view-to see this mega project which claimed to keep Singapore’s economic competitiveness in the future.

此文中译版 Chinese version of this article

The entrance of the Singapore Marina Bay Sands is this Helix bridge. You will get to see the enchanting Singapore night view from here- towards the famous Merlion statue.

But this famous Helix bridge is only 60% project completion, after you come to the half, you will have to walk to the road side because this Helix bridge is linked to the Lotus-flower-alike building. This is where the Museum located and a theatre which could accommodate 4000 audiences. Well, compared to the casino, Museum and the theatre for sure is secondary-important, thus project completion will take sometime.

And the Bayfront Avenue which is the main road at Singapore Marina Bay Sands, gives me a feeling like being in Macau’s Taipa Casino zone- where all the constructions were only be there when there was casino licence being approved. This is so called “contribution” from the casino. Is it really that important the modern economic growth to be casino-driven?

Well, Singapore Marina Bay Sands shopping center gave me an impression that it is only 60% completion and it’s rushed to open to the public. And I am not impressed by the mall’s interior design where it looks more like a luxurious goods displaying store.

It is not absurd to say this Integrated Resort (IR) is all about casino gaming. This mega project which involve an investment of 5.5billion USD, is aimed to generate a ROI of 1 billion USD a year, and the investment payback is 5.5years. Since its major competitor- the Genting Resorts World had already been open to the public in this year Chinese New Year, Singapore Marina Bay Sands has already losing its opportunity to the long-waited crowd of being the center of topic. Thus, irregardless of whether the shopping mall is nice/convenient to walk/shop, Singapore Marina Bay Sands just anyhow chose a “lucky day” for the gamers.

The Las Vegas Sands had built a very famous Venetian Casino in Macau, thus the thier Marina Bay Sands is of the similar style, where at the center of the mall is a canal. But even the mall is already open to the public , it doesn’t look like well prepared for the public, and this so called canal looks like a big drain/longkang.

The canal depth looks like only about 20cm, I wonder with this kind of water level, is it enough to float the boats. And even worse, there is bubble in the canal water.

As according to the source I found on internet, CNN reports that “the tax rate for Singapore Marina Bay Sands is only 12% which is much lower than the Macau’s 40%, so the crowd will flood to Singapore for the casino”. But I do have another point of view where I think casino gaming sector is always related to corruption, but as Singapore such a so called transparent financial body, how would it be having enough “holes” for the regional corruptor to “bleach” the black money? The ordinary gamers’ few hundreds contribution to the casino is not even sustainable to pay the casino’s staffs. The Singapore government so called “realistic move “ , does it mean start of its falling moral purity?

Nevertheless, I found the food sold in Singapore Marina Bay Sands relatively cheap. For instance, this chicken rice in this stall is priced at SGD5, A cup of coffee costs less than SGD2. Still affordable, isn’t it?

Well, For this trip, I was also look look see see only, because the main attraction to me is the Skypark, where it will only opened to public 1 day after the Singapore Marina Bay Sands officiated on 23Rd June. But Sands is now thinking if to charge an entrance fee for its Skypark, what a bad news.

So I will return to Singapore Marina Bay Sands once more when the Skypark is opened, I would like to view the Singapore night views from this angle and this height. And I believe this Skypark could become the Singapore Landmark.

Singapore Marina Bay Sands is “very kind” to arrange the free shuttle bus service to its potential victims- the same tactic that I have seen so much in Macau. This free shuttle bus travelled every 30 min from Singapore Marina Bay Sands towards Orchard road, Suntec City etc Singapore most exciting shopping places. Not to forget, the bus seats are very comfortable.

How to go?

Singapore MRT: Promenade station (circle line, yellow), following the “Helix” signboards, walk across the busy road for about 100meters, and you will come to the Casino’s entrance- Helix bridge

Free shuttle bus: DFS Galleria Scottswalk next to Orchard road’s The Shaw center (diagonal opposite to Ion Orchard shopping mall. Orchard MRT station), You will see MNG/Mango before you reach DFS Galleria Scottswalk.

Public transportation: 133, 97 (to reach right in front Singapore Marina Bay Sands main entrance), and I am sure 133 bus terminates its service at Ang Mo Kio interchange.

Henderson Waves, Singapore

2010-01-07T07:03:00.000-08:00

Land size of Singapore is very small, but its government had tried their best to give others an impression that it’s very spacious with a lot of greenery scenes –everywhere big raintrees, everywhere gardens can be found-at least I feel so.

And there is this new attraction-Henderson Waves in one of the Singapore gardens being opened to public not quite long ago.

此文中译版 Chinese version of this article

Chinese version of this article

The main function of this Henderson Waves is to connect the 2 parks aparted by the busy road. These 2 parks are Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park which located near to the Vivocity shopping mall at the south.

But what makes a difference is Singapore government’s ability to sellis so impressive, where they built this linkage bridge so high, with about 7 to 8 floors high.

And in a style of wave!

The wooden track on the bridge enclave the height level you were at the moment.

And it’s not exaggerate to say “ I can see the harbour far far away !”

The chairs at the 2 ends also with the sea valve design.

From my point of view, it’s best to come for this Henderson Waves around 5pm, where you can take both the daylight and nightlight’s Henderson Waves. At night, Henderson Waves will be dressed nicely with a lot of lighting, and some guards are stationed there for security purposes.Not the least, it opens 24hours

Well,Henderson Waves doesn’t really serve as linkage between Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park only. This is only part of the big plan ahead.

Singapore government has already planned out to link all the park islandwide ! by that time, tourists will have another choice to explore more Singapore, by their own foot, not walking on the road, round the whole Singapore,but in the greenery gardens!

It seems the Singapore government had put a lot of efforts into making its citizens to feel proud of being a Singaporean. A real big effort.

So if you happen to visit Singapore, and if you are bored of merely go shopping. Why not coming to the Henderson Waves to see the splendid structure?

How to go ?

From Harbour Front MRT station, follow signboard to Faber Hill,
Walked some 2km in the park, along the way , you could see the harbour from hill.

Or taking bus from the bus station in front of the VivoCity Shopping complex.

Singapore Christmas Hippo Bus

2009-12-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

During Christmas time, other than light decoration at Orchard Road, Singapore has another Christmas attraction –The Double decker Hippo Bus

Well, this is not the first time that I board on Hippo bus, but second time. But it was not really a good experience of mine in the first time, because that year Christmas eve was raining heavily. And the time I boarded on Hippo bus , we could go up to the upper deck as we didn’t bring along the raincoat (well, we did bring umbrella, but it’s totally not a good idea to have umbrella opened while you at the upper deck of Hippo bus, your umbrella would fly away in no more than 1 min when the bus ride starts)

We ended up siting at the lower deck, with freezing cold aircond (which we would prefer if it’s under hot sun), but hello, we intended to see the Orchard Road lighting outside, not to enjoy the aircondi in Hippo Bus!

Finally I get the chance to ride on Hippo bus , when my family came to Singapore

Hippo Bus is a special bus arranged by the Singapore Board of Tourism for the tourists. Tourists can get the free tickets from the counter beside the Orchard Road Tourism Building. But as reminder, please remember to go and make reservation earlier to avoid the tickets fully taken by others.

Its route is simple- From the beginning of Orchard Road-Tangling Road until the bus stop in front of Singapore Tourism Board.

And tell you what, only when you are on board Hippo Bus, you would expect the traffic jam to be terrible (the type of super duper jam), because only this can make you to stay on the Hippo Bus any longer. For my case, I hoped the traffic lights were always Red. And our driver would stop for us to take photos longer.

It would be an extra bonus if the guide on board is an out-going and super active personality, and you will never feel boring. I was so lucky that my bus ride was led by a super jump-here-and-there girl, kept leading us to greet the crowd on street “Merry Christmas” . Though not all the pedestrians would give any response to you even you waved your hands for 10seconds. Nevertheless, we did feel the joy of the season to share the wishes.

However, as I previously mentioned, the Hippo bus ride is somehow a great dependant on the weather of the day. So if next time you were to take the bus ride, maybe the weather forecast would become your good guide. And wish you to have a memorable Christmas as well. ,

Tips for taking Hippo Bus

1) Make the bus ride reservation earlier,recommended to have 3 hours earlier

2) As long the person who make reservation is holding the white card (Immigration card), then he can make the Hippo Bus reservation for his friends too

3) Not everybody cherish the free bus ride, so you can try taking earlier bus ride if you think of going back hotel earlier (e.g. your ticket is 9.30pm but wish to take 9pm bus)

4) On the Hippo bus, either you take the first row or the last, or else it would be very hard for you not to include strangers in your photos ( and I strongly recommend you to take the last row, you can take better photo from the back)

2009 Singapore Orchard Road Christmas Lightup

2009-12-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

I remember last year 2008 christmas lighting in Orchard Road was pretty discouraged. So I had so mood to help promoting it via my blog. I can still remember the time when the world economy was still in unsure situation, nobody can tell if tomorrow would get sacked.everyone lived in worry. Singapore economy which relied a lot on exports was so badly hit.

This year, the world economy has shown a recovery sign, thus Singapore government also resharpen its annual eye ball attraction, and the measures taken was so tremendous, even better than the year 2007

This year title is Christmas All Decked Out, all the reindeers went for vacations, on shopping tour at Orchard Road Singapore and let the tourists to take their photos.

Some reindeers even went dancing on the Orchard road main avenue!

Together with the APEC Summit , this year Orchard Road Lightup again adjusted to start on an earlier date, I feel the lightup every year earlier and earlier. Singapore government is doing their full turbo for maximizing the profit making period.

I remember last time november when I was working in Kuala Lumpur, I told my colleagues that I was going for Christmas lightup in Singapore. Every one of them didn’t believe it and kept saying I was going there for interview..

After the renovation, the Orchard Road is more comfortable to do shopping and sightseeing as the authority had widen the pedestrian way. Additional to that, the 2 newly-opened shopping mall- Orchard Central and ION Orchard, together with some 20 other malls, Orchard Road can really make you shop-till-you-drop.

Different road segment lighted up with different colors of light, while the one with most people hang-around –the Orchard MRT station exit area, is with a common orange light, a bit weak , I can say.I prefer the blue light area.

Personal preference is opt for Orchard Central, because its spacious shopping area, superb design of building architect, lift, sky-garden, makes it one of its kind and stand out from the malls in Orchard Road. I strongly recommend friends to come here to have a look, the picture below is taken from Orchard Central to the Orchard main avenue.

For delicious food at Orchard Road, I would like recommend everyone this Indonesian Restaurant in Lucky Plaza- The Ayam Penyet Ria. They have 2 branches in the same Lucky Plaza, here you can see how popular is this Ayam Penyet. Their sambal chili I think is the best chili I could find in the whole Singapore! But please take into account it’s real spicy , please order cold water before you consume any.

And for your info, Lucky Plaza is a popular gather point for working Philippinos in Singapore. Thus it is having the name –Little Philippines. And if you would like to do currency exchange when you shop in Orchard Road, here you can find the best rate throughout the whole Orchard Road. (I mean in orchard road area ya)

If you were to plan to spend your Christmas in Singapore the tropic country’s celebration, kindly be reminded that you could use your passport to claim your FREE hypo bus at the counter beside the Singapore Tourism Board, Orchard Branch.

This must not be missed, as Singapore has nothing free but this!

There are a lot street performers along Orchard Road, quite high standard performance. And some students singing the Christmas Carol. I believe you can feel the warmth and merry Christmas.

This is the Tang, who often won the prize of design. But this year their topic is glamorous inner beauty show, a bit strange….

Recommendation on Orchard Road Lighting route:

Take MRT to Somerset station, which is the center part of Orchard Road. There lies the new Orchard Central Shopping Mall, spend a meal there. Remember to go up to its rooftop garden.

From Orchard Central, can walk up all the way up to Ion Orchard, another newly opened shopping mall, a very very very high class =very very very expensive mall. Not suitable for us to do shopping.

If your leg turbo and withstand it, you can even take MRT to the Dhoby Gauht Station , which is the end of Orchard Road, and walked way up to ION Orchard.

Kampung Laut, Kelantan

2009-11-10T22:15:00.000-08:00

Kelantan- the state ruled by Islamic Party PAS, always like to label itself as the country’s leadership in Islamic teachings. For sure by any chance won’t be missing from promoting the oldest mosque –Masjid Kampung Laut ,in Peninsula Malaysia.

此文中译版 Chinese version of this article

The description on the tourism brochure stated that originally Kampung Laut Mosque located in Tumpat. But It was being attacked by a severe flood many years ago.In order to maintain its structure, the authority had moved the mosque to the current location near to the Kota Bharu.

Maybe the name is a bit misleading, or perhaps the name was simply too common. I purposely made a call from Singapore to the Kota Bharu Tourism Office to confirm the location of the historical mosque, somehow was still misled.

Perhaps the officer was too aggressive to promote his own hometown, and I was misled to a very common Malay village Kampung Laut which located the opposite shore from Kota Bharu.

When we were walking in the village, I guess the villagers must be wondering from which earth these 2 guys coming from and to visit their village. They must be puzzled to see 2 “loyal followers” from far far away just to visit their village mosque.

The real Masjid Kampung Laut, situated in Nilam Puri. Asking the villagers the direction and way of going the real Masjid Kampung Laut. Their strong accent of Kelantanese’s Malay made me fall into big question marks….

We these 2 weird guy appeared in the odd hour (3pm), took the boat beside the Tambatan Diraja, and so strangely exist in Kampung Laut. When I recall, I still find it funny for such situation.

And through the mistake we made this time, we got the chance to experience the Kelantanese life in unconventional way. A different view on Kota Bharu in different angle along the Kelantan River.

The sky was with bright blue, and Kelantan River was just merely brown, between the sky and river divided by greenery land. Combination of colours- blue green brown is not that matching, but it made me meditate- how Kelantanese survived in year end raining season where flood could happen anywhere easily? Or the way newspaper report is not that objective, well, I believe from now on, I will take note more on Kelantan’s news after coming here.

Little Kampung Laut, but its jetty was so gorgeous, but our boat never stopped at this beautifully looking jetty but a plastic floating jetty beside. I was wondering why… it’s just such a waste not to use the already-completed jetty .

3 motorbike was welcoming us at the jetty , but they were not coming to fetch us, but the 3 Malay ladies same boat with us. It’s their family member. None of them bothered us, not even a taxi driver, but only the cats, chicken, and goats happily ran here and there welcoming us.

That is in this small village, I saw something rarely seen in Malaysia- The grocery shop boss was sleeping in the shop with the main door opened widely- not even woke up when we tried to wake him up for direction! Good ! at least it shows Kelantan was far safer than in other places.

When we return to the jetty, we found nothing to be done, and the boat was already stopped at the jetty waiting for people get on board. But there was not even 1, except us 2 tourist at the supposed-to-be busy peak office off hour. And this made the boat owner to stop at the jetty for 30min to wait more people to come.

The journey to Kampung Laut was really out of our plan, time could be said waster to have gone to a super-duper common Malay village. But from my point of view, this is where backpacking trip is fun in, because not everything ran smoothly as what was planned. Treat it as a journey and explore the other part of earth. Maybe could gain some other thing which was not beautified and more nature.

As for this case, we able to see the floating houses along the Kelantan river, their houses were built on numerous floating plastic tank, I think this is a smart way to overcome the notorious floods happen frequently in Kelantan, because their house will float higher when the water level rise up. The intelligence of daily life was not written in the tourism brochure ya.

How to get there?

From small jetty beside Tambatan Diraja, boat departing to Kampung Laut every 40min

Fare:

RM 1.00 per trip

Pantai Sri Tujuh, Kelantan

2009-11-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

Initially I didn’t plan to go Pantai Sri Tujuh, because when I first planning my Kelantan trip, it seemed too far from Kota Bharu. When we consulted the Malaysia Tourism officers, where can we find those colourful malay fishing boats? As I read from internet, almost everyone who went to Pantai Sabak for the colourful boat , were complaining that site, and saying couldn’t find any boat at that beach.

此文中译版 Chinese version of this article

Well, I could say the tourism officer a bit like demoting tourism instead. He discouraged us to go Pantai Sabak as soon as I asked about it.He said there was having a severe erosion as the government was having some amendment project, so we could hardly find any colourful fishing boat there, and instead enjoying to see only the big stones.

He strongly recommended us to Pantai Sri Tujuh, a famous beach hosting the renown Wau Festival in every year’s May. He said the real Malay-cultured fishing boats can be found there, and it proved what he said was correct !

From Malaysia-Thailand-Pengkalan Kubor, we took the bus to this beach, while the sun was so fiercely outburst, the time was 2pm…

Few minute after alighting from the bus, we were surprise to see a small fish market selling newly caught fishes from the sea. Perhaps 2pm was too late where most of the fishing boat should have come back to the village, thus we didn’t see many wholesaler buying fish.

Mr Sun was too “outgoing”, we suffered from its torture and forced to take s shade and take a coconut to refresh. But I found the hawkers here a bit too passive, they didn’t even ask if I felt thirsty- if they were, I would stop and take their drinks… too bad, none of them did so ..

At last, I chose one with a better location,

Beach hawkers in Kelantan seemed to sell all the similar food-coconut, and fried food, almost the same through out all the stall, and they didn’t even think a way to outstand from the other competitors. Well, maybe we could say they are having “very very positive” thinking where money would come by itself without any effort.

There are some motel-like accommodation here, comprises a large area at the beach. Theoretically, we’re not allowed to enter the compound but there were none guard existed there…actually afterwards I found this motel location wasn’t that good-it located at the joint between the sea and river, and being in the same sea area with the adjacent Malay fishing village, the sea was so dirty.

It’s blissful enough that the tourism officer never bluffed us for promoting Pantai Sri Tujuh.Here we can see the Kelong, where the Kelong size here were even much bigger scale and size than those I saw in Kukup, Johor.

With Malay fishing village sure we could see the colourful fishing boat, and the fisherman was coincidently collecting his net by the beach, asking if we could take his picture, friendly accepted our request.

Pantai Sri Tujuh is very big, and divided into 2 parts. One which is the hosting the famous Wau Festival while the other is sea area connecting to the fishing village.

After I return from Kelantan, I google-earthed on Pantai Sri Tujuh and found there seems to be having a natural boundary protecting the village behind. No wonder I saw the sea area was like with no waving, and the water current was like stagnant without any movement, very dirty.

From the previos-mentioned motel, there was a bridge linking to the beach. Besides connection purpose, I think this bridge serves as the water catchment as well. And the scenery by the water catchment area, was seems like paradise for first sight!

Pantai Sri Tujuh wasn’t that clean, a lot of rubbish was found everywhere on the beach, this is saddening state. Even though it’s better than Pantai Cahaya Bulan, without any sea erosion,but seeing so much rubbish appeared on this beautiful beach, I feel very sorry for it.

And in fact, the Kelantan state government should be responsible for the poor state in Pantai Sri Tujuh. For instance, we couldn’t find any dustbin at the beach area, after we finish eating our Lekor.And we gotta carry along the god damn plastic bag walked for 500meter to look for the nearest rubbish bin!

I assume 50% of lekor buyers do not have the patience to carry the plastic bag, and the beach will be left with these 50% people’s plastic bag!

The sun was too fierce making us no mood to walk along the beach. The beach extend straight to the Malaysia-Thailand border.

The best thing to do under such a hot sun was to buy Lekor, while enjoying the wind breeze. Here you can find the cheapest lekor through out the whole Malaysia- 10pieces for only RM1.

But I have something in doubt- there was not many people coming to the beach during normal weekday, but there were 3 stalls selling the same food and all of them of same pattern- will never come approaching you to ask if you want some food, could we say this is having “very very positive” thinking. What say you?

Fare:

Bus 43 from Pengkalan Kubor (Malaysia-Thailand border) RM1.00
Bus 43 from Pantai Sri Tujuh to Kota Bharu RM3.40

Pengkalan Kubor,Kelantan

2009-11-04T07:58:00.003-08:00

Ever since 2years ago I went to Malaysia-Thailand border-Wang Kelian, this time round I arranged another border trip, and also due to the unforeseen circumstances, I didn’t go to the more-famous border Rantau Abang, but the less-famous Pengkalan Kubor.

From Kampung Jubakar,we continued our journey from Kota Bharu to Malaysia-Thailand border.

此文中译版 Chinese version of this article

Actually before boarding on the bus no 27, we were not sure if the bus was going to the border checkpoint, we were afraid that the bus driver would dump us in middle of nowhere and told us :”from here you take taxi , can reach the checkpoint” . Anyway our worry was extra because the bus no 27 was towards its terminal at Pengkalan Kubor.

Similar to other Malaysia-Thailand border checkpoint, Pengkalan Kubor is having a tax-free trade zone, and it’s much bigger than it was in Perlis’s Wang Kelian.

But Pengkalan Kubor was not giving us a good first impression, as the authority fenced up the area as those we watched it on the movie (Those Jewish detainment camp back in WWII), well I admit I was watching too much war movies before this…

Malaysia-Thailand border was divided via a river, its natural boundary has given the officers’ work much easier- in order to cross the border, you will need to board on boat/ferry. I saw the ferry there were much smaller compared to those in Penang, and without shelter, well.. under the hot sun/raining day, I guess you wouldn’t like to cross the river..

We never thought of cross over to Thailand, maybe read too much negative news from the paper, always felt that South Thailand wasn’t that safe

The free trade zone here wasn’t with any attraction to us, as the merchandise sold were almost the same categories eg kitchen utensil, toys, and dress. As a tourist point of view, we absolutely found no attraction at all because the shirt sold here also wasn’t souvenir shirt,all were imported from China ! (our famous Batik also imported from Yunnan, what a shame!)

With such a far far away border, with such a normal day it was, it was so extradinary that me and my brother walked in this “refugee camp”, but none of the shopkeeper came approaching us to promote his/her product, because they understand that tourist not going to buy kitchen utensils, haha

There was this small market in Pengkalan Kubor, I would say of a little bit attraction to us. We saw one kind of Asam, they called it Asam Java, the vendor gave us free sample to try, even though we declared earlier that we were not going to buy the fruit all the way back to Kota Bharu, she insisted us to try , saying it’s for us to try only. Kelantaneses were so friendly.

Free trade zone was only with 3 rows of shops, you can easily kill your time walking the whole area. We tried delay the time , walking slowly from shop to shop, just to experience the difference in this far-far away land. Thus we specially make ourselves to have our lunch in the trade zone.

Such eatery shop style can easily found in the whole KB, in which all the customers sitting surround the boss, boss preparing the food at the center. Customers just to raise up their hand, then boss will straight come to your order.

Along the river at Malaysia side, reside this Fishery Research Board also, theoretically nobody was allowed to enter its compound, but as mentioned, Kelantanese were kind-hearted—Just say hi to the guard, saying you just want to take photos, basically shouldn’t be any problem I guess.haha

Geographical location of this Fishery Research Board was very strategic, you can take photo without any obstacles to the opposite Thailand border.

And in fact, our Kelantan trip was of a lucky one, there wasn’t any rain during our outing. Even though we always fall tired easily, but much better than having umbrella to visit any site, isn’t it?

We saw the bus no 43 stopped at the same bus station we alighted just now. Its air-conditioning was function. After making sure that this bus was heading to our next destination- Pantai Seri Tujuh. We board on bus to catch our dream, while waiting the bus driver to come back from his break.

Even though after 20 min , we found we were still at the same place without moving any meter, and the passengers on board was just a pity some number- total 5 of us ! hard-earn money ya..

Expenses

Kampung Jubakar to Pengkalan Kubor RM1.70

Wat Prachumthat Canaram,Kelantan

2009-10-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

There are 3 temples at Kampung Jubakar, the famous for sure is Sitting Buddha, whereas opposite from Wat Machimmaram is this Wat Prachumthat Canaram, and another Wat (temple) which was symbolized by lion (not sure its name).

If the famous Wat Machimmaram’s visitor can have only few visitors (less than the numbers of fingers of yours), these 2 less famous Wat is even miserably few people.

此文中译版 Chinese version of this article

We saw only 1 local in total in these 2 temples- A local who was working on Wat Prachumthat Canaram renovation.

My personal thought is other than Wat Machimmaram is with a huge sitting Buddha, all the 3 temples were impressively magnificent each of them.

I have never experienced to visit temple with such few visitors, but I think this is not a bad thing either as I could take whichever angle with my photos without any blockage of passerby. The only worry I had was doggy might think we were of no good intention and come after us haha.

In front of Wat Prachumthat Canaram, there is this seven-headed dragon, seems like very fierce, bit scary sculpture

But Wat Prachumthat Canaram was not opened its main hall, think maybe this temple was not a temple for tourist but worship place for the locals

Beside the main temple, written Chinese 殿藏地, means store of the Buddhism books, but its board was in Chinese, but not in Thai, feeling a bit strange…

There’re few residential unit which I believe belonged to the Siamese, but there seems no people was at home during our visit, wondering if they went to school or workplace?

After we syok (find happy) our ownselves, we continued our journey to another temple nearby.

On the midway walking to this temple, we double check with the Siamese stall operator that the no 27 bus route is to Malaysia-Thailand border. But she seemed couldn’t understand none in my Bahasa Melayu, leaving me in stars/doubts if due to my too-formal BM or Siamese here do not use BM in their daily life…

The next temple was even more “peaceful” totally no human being around, neither did a dog or cat, except the statue lion at the entrance.

The temple seemed to be very astonishing, but don’t know why I had a strong feeling of abandoned. My brother was too observant to see a lot of spider webs on top of the temple. Some even of big spiders which web area can be as wide as 2 to 3 meters from temple roof to the trees beside! And I have no idea why the webs weren’t destroyed during heavy rain pour.

Seeing such large magnitude of spider web, we started to carefully exploring this temple, afraid of accidentally “invade” into their territory and they come after us.

Really wondering if reason existence of these spider webs- because of abandoned temple or become of Buddhism “non-killing” ideology?

Nevertheless, something worth seeing in this temple compound- the residential houses behind were of different style of architecture-non repetitive. There was Malay style’s rumah kampong” and Thai’s temple style.

After taking some commercial for Jetstar- X posture. We took the bus no 27 and continued our journey to Malaysia-Thailand border—Pengkalan Kubor!

Wat Machimmaram,Kelantan

2009-10-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

After paying a visit to Sleeping Buddha Wat Polithivan, we continue our journey to the next destination –Wat Machimmaram-the Sitting Buddha.

Departing from Chabang Empat, we took the bus no 27 which was initially departed from Kota Bharu. We found that the coming bus was numbered 27, but with another company’s name and logo, but yet we stopped it to ask if it going to the Wat Machimmaram

此文中译版 Chinese version of this article

The public buses route in Kota Bharu can be operated by different companies with the same route, do take note of this.

Data gathered from the net was saying Wat Machimmaram is located at Kampung Jubakar.

In Kota Bharu , when you were to take bus to visit these tourist spots, remember to note down the Buddha posture, eg whether is a Sleeping Buddha temple or Sitting Buddha temple. It’s because the bus drivers normally don’t remember the “long-winded” name of these Siamese temples,but only the posture of the buddhas.

As mentioned previously , the driver always failed from our expectation. Luckily this time we observed closely the brown-coloured signboard all the way after boarding.

The impression that Sitting Buddha gave me was even greater, I think the sunny sky had played a big part in this. The Buddha was simply too impressive when we were there.

And same function with Sleeping Buddha temple, it stores those urn. But not long ago before I came, there was a stolen case happened in Wat Machimmaram. The thief had stolen ashes of an eminent monk! It was reported to the police, but nobody was found guilty. This is insane ! totally of no morality!

The containment action against it was the top floor was locked up from visitor, no outsider than relative could be allowed to enter the top floor compound. Sigh…nowadays temple also gotta guard against others…

Although the temple is in Siamese naming system, but the interior is pretty “Chinese”

Opposite of Wat Machimmaram, there are 2 more magnificent Wat, which totally had no visitor/tourist existence. It’s of very local feel and totally non-commercial , well I will talk about it in the next article.

Fare:
Bus no 27 from Chabang Empat to Kampung Jubakar RM 1.30

Sleeping Buddha-Wat Polithivan,Kelantan

2009-10-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of Thai descendant in Kelantan, majority of them are living at the border between Malaysia and Thailand, which is at Tumpat district.

They are called Siamese, where their living style are almost same to those living in Thailand. Religious in Buddhism thus you can find a lot of magnificent Buddhist temple in Tumpat; and among them, the sleeping Buddha temple which named Wat Polithivan, is located not far away from Kota Bahru.

此文中译版 Chinese version of this article

We didn’t rent a car to travel around, because after our calculation, for only 2 of us, it’s much more worthy to take the public transportation.

Before coming to Kelantan, already get to hear that Kelantan’s public transportation system is not that good in service, advisable to have own transport. But to be fair, after I personally experience the public buses in Kelantan, I would say the public transportation is not that weak. (its airconditioning is pretty cold)

Kelantan is a state with low density of population, so you cant expect it to have good bus service as those in Singapore with 5 to 10 min interval bus frequency. As in fact, even in Kuala Lumpur , there is no such frequent bus service either. By taking into the fact that difficult business environment in Kelantan, its 30 min interval bus service is acceptable.

From Kota Bharu, we took bus no 27 to a small town called Chabang Empat (bus 27 serves from Kota Bharu to Pengkalan Kubor border).

In Malay, Chabang Empat means crossroad, and in fact crossroad as seen in Chabang Empat was too common. We specially asking the bus driver favour to remind us when reaching the place. While travelling, we also take note of the brown-colour signboard which indicate the Wat Polithivan

Bus driver never did out of our expectation, he really forgotten our request, until we stood out then he remember us these 2 tourist….

Chabang Empat is a very normal small town.Before I came to KB I already get to know from Cari Forum that there is 1 malay old man doing the taxi business here in this small town to fetch tourist to the famous Wat Polithivan. I tried to get other mean of transport to go there, but the people there were like “united” together, straight away waived to the old man our arrival. (seemed it was the monopoly business by the old man). As in fact, I did saw this old man before coming to KB , his trademark is having a Haji cap , with a green-coloured old car…

Info that I gathered from Cari was the taxi fare is RM8, but the traveler was traveling by himself , that’s why negotiation would be better. We were in 2, old man already offered with RM15, we can only act poor … and last price RM10.

Wat Polithivan was about 5km away from Chabang Empat, and there seems no any public transportation passby there, and this situation has nurtured a good monopoly business to the old man

Wat Polithivan is the second largest sleeping Buddha statue in South-East Asia.There is another one in Penang , in which I think both are about the same size. The difference is this sleeping Buddha in Kelantan was like isolated and forgotten. The whole compound was only us 2 tourist, the old man driver and some vegetarian canteen operators…feel very peaceful there.

Sleeping Buddha functions similar to the one in Penang , storing the urn and a lot of picture showing the situation in Hell, warning people not to commit wrongdoing.

And 12 buddha which symbolized the 12 zodiac in Chinese, seems great Chinese culture influence here.

Beside the sleeping Buddha , was a old temple which I guessed it was the 1st temple in Wat Polithivan.
。

And there were a pair of peacock, I found it’s pretty pity to be locked in cage.

And in fact, I noticed Wat Polithivan served another function in the community which is the local stray dog warm home. There were so many stray dogs inside the Wat compound, I think due to the fact the Malay don’t really like to see the dogs appear around their houses.

Our driver had proved my this observation- when we were approaching the Wat entrance, this old man even turn his steering and about to hit the stray door besides the road. That dog was scared and fall down to the drain.(me either almost fall down from seat)

On our way back to Chabang Empat, this old man told us that RM10 was not enough for him to Makeh (Kelantanese’s dialect which mean to eat). He asking for RM12, where RM 10 for petrol and RM 2 is for food.

Another taken his service , what to do ?

Expenses:
Kota Bharu to Chabang Empat (27bus) RM2
Taxi through and flo Chabang Empat RM12

Kelantan food

2009-08-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

I was back from Kelantan, northern state of Malaysia recently. But I have no idea which topic to touch on first, so I think it’s better to have a start with Kelantanese’s yummy food.

Kelantan consists of 95% Malay race, its food focus definitely be on Malay food.
此文中译版 Chinese version of this article

I have a Kelantanese friend, who strongly recommended me to try this Nasi Kerabu, but yet he didn’t know the source of the nice Nasi Kerabu (as his mom bought home for him always, and he just lying on the home and enjoyed the food). Thus, the only way he recommended to me was going there to look for it myself… and he would bless me to grab one…..

When I was there nearby Istana Jahar,Kota Bharu, we sensed very delicious fried chicken smile coming from somewhere, and it brought me to these 2 vendors’ stall which located near to the UMNO building.

One vendor selling Nasi Dagang , the other was selling Nasi Kerabu.

While looking on the blue-coloured rice, I felt so attracted but yet I have no idea the blue colour sauce was made of what ingredient.

Nasi Kerabu is using this kind of blue-coloured rice, mixed with coconut blend, and I extra ordered a fried drumstick, all together is only RM3, the price was so reasonable.

Friend chicken in Nasi Dagang was excellent as well, which my brother praised and praised after that, priced RM3.50.

You can call it unlucky or lucky enough, the street vendors didn’t provide any plastic spoon or fork or any equipment for taking the nasi, causing us “blessing” enough to eat the rice with local style-eating using own hand on the street…

I was addicted to the tastiness of nasi kerabu, as I was taking another nasi kerabu the next meal- breakfast at the reknown Pasar Khatijah.

But yet, I think I was misled by the sotong in this another vendor, as this breakfast cost me RM9.00, which was almost the most expensive breakfast I ever had in my life.

For dinner, Kota Bharu has an open space which is called Bazaar Buluh Kubu (the name is pretty called to pronounce out). There are many stalls selling different Kelantanese food and this is located near the pantai timur shopping mall (do take note that there is another Bazaar Buluh Kubu nearby which is a place for souvenir shops, the Bazaar Buluh Kubu on the tourism brochure referred to this, so please don’t be misled).The Bazaar Buluh Kubu is located at an open car parking space nearby.

The food selling in Bazaar Buluh Kubu are all seems very delicious, e.g this murtabak vendor. His murtabak sold at good price but yet very tasty. I tried on beef murtabak and it only cost RM1.70, though the beef was not too much, yet it’s enough to fit one’s starving stomach.

Before I came to Kelantan , I read a recommendation from a friend on Cari Forum, to this Yati’s stall.Her Ayam Percik was superbly nice, but yet the price was a bit too pricey…. RM8.50 for 2 drumstick. Mixed with the special made sauce, it was too tasty until I forgot to take its picture.

While in Bazaar Buluh Kubu , my personal advice is don’t go for its nasi lemak, it’s because it’s just a normal nasi lemak with friend egg yet cost RM2.I thought Kelantanese Nasi Lemak would have some special , but compared with either price or taste, both also lost to the nasi lemak stall near to my house in KL.

During night time , it’s very happening at the Kelantan china town –Jalan Kebun Sultan, besides the many-places-can-be-found Chinese food , here you can find some very good business malay stalls.

There is no free lunch in the world, these stall are famous not because of no way. For instance is this stall who sold rice in steam bowl.Their business was so good until I had an impression that their movements are the fastest among the Kelantan malays.

This is actually a mix rice stall, besides malay specialty –fried chicken, this is their weapon –the chilli !

Maybe the small bowl steaming helped in stimulate my appetite, I felt trying once more after finishing my packet! You can’t help your saliva when thinking their chilli..

Expenses in Kelantan is not high, there is another satay stall beside this steamed rice stall, only 40cents for 1 stick ,which is cheaper than a lot more small towns in Malaysia.

There are yet still lots more delicious food in Kelantan , which I missed out during this trip. Feeling regret of not having enough chances to explore all, but I think this would be the reason I come back to Kelantan in future ,for instance if I were to go Pulau Perhentian, I surely go by Kota Bharu way. To fulfill the regret I had in KB.