Tourist Destinations | Various Tourist Attractions In World

Tips To You Visit the Borobudur Temple

2012-05-10T21:17:00.001-07:00

The tour guide. Visitors must be accompanied by the officer or with a tour guide. Did you should visit the Borobudur with a tour guide. Incomplete if you visit this temple only for the photographs only. Knowledge and the history behind the temple is very interesting and enriching yourself.If you've previously visited Borobudur temple with a tour guide, then still use the guide on my next visit. There are many local tour guide at Borobudur. Each tour guide has the style and the way the story of their own temple of Borobudur. So you always get additional knowledge and new experiences.

Visits in groups. The officer will arrange to visit Borobudur Temple is a group consisting of at least 30 people. Each group will be accompanied by the officer who will direct the traffic lane during the Borobudur Temple.

Traffic lane. Now if the visit to Borobudur Temple, then there are lines that are tailored to visiting hours. There are two routes that visit the yellow line and green line. This is to regulate the movement of tourists so it does not accumulate in one place.

Clothes are worn. We recommend using a comfortable cotton. If you come in the morning, it's good to bring a jacket because the air is quite cold. Avoid using high-heeled shoes or sandals, and leather shoes. Use sandals or shoes that are comfortable for walking.

Each adult visitor shall use a cloth glove that has been provided. When finished exploring the temple of Borobudur, do not forget to return the batik sarong.
Do not climb and sit on the stupa. There are many stupas and statues at Borobudur. Do not climb the stupa, reliefs, and statues in them. Do not also sit on it. Actually sign the instructions for this prohibition is posted clearly, but tourists are still many who break them.

Aside from being a form of tribute to the Borobudur temple, it is also part of preservation. Do not forget, these stones are very old age and slowly began to erode.
Other prohibition. Do not littering, smoking in the area of Borobudur, and scribble on temples. Also, do not bring food, weapons, musical instruments, and animals.

Time to visit. Hours are open from 6 am till 5 pm. Should come in June, July, or August. Because, in these months tend to be sunny weather. However, a visit Borobudur Temple is always beautiful at any time.

Kuala Kedah

2012-04-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

The port of Kuala Kedah.

The Tok Pasai bridge.

The historical fort of Kuala Kedah.

Fishermen unloading their fishing net.

Typical view of the boats at one of the jetties.

Kuala Kedah is a fishing town well known for its seafood delicacies and also a historical fort of the past. You can spend your time at the Kota Kuala Kedah, a 400 years old fort and also visit the museum at the location. You can also watch the fishermen unloading their catch at the piers early in the morning or late evening.

Night is when the place will start bustling up. The town is well known for its seafood delicacies such as Laksa, Prawn Noodles and other Malay, Chinese or Thai dishes.

Tips: You can try the pulut sambal at Pak Hassan Pulut Sambal, located nearby the Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal. Their family have been producing this for generations. This delicacy has been served for most vvip functions and no complaints so far...

Lata Lembu Waterfall

2012-04-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

The main view of the waterfall..

Enjoying the cool water..

The waterfall uphill at the forest fringe..

This waterfall is located in Sik, Kedah. Situated in a forest reserve and about 5 km from the main Baling/Sik road. It is beside the Lata Mengkuang Forest Recreation but you have to drive in into the forest. The waterfall emerges from the forest uphill.

Tips: A beautiful, isolated place. Best to bring your food as there are no hawkers around.

Bukit Hijau Waterfall

2012-04-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

The first level waterfall.

Family activity at the third level waterfall.

Walkway along the stream.

The fifth level waterfall.

High and steep fourth level waterfall.

Bukit Hijau is the biggest waterfall in Kedah. Situated in a forest reserve, it is a beautiful combination of a forest park, a multilevel waterfall and a clear water stream. Located in Baling, this waterfall and park is maintained by the Forestry Department.

There are five levels of waterfall that you can enjoy. The fourth level is really high and the pool is deep, so you have to be cautious of this one. The sight of this waterfall is an excitement in itself already.

Tips: Food and beverages are available at the food court. There are toilets and changing rooms beside the food court. A prayer hall is provided. Also nearby are chalets for those interested in staying the night.

Bukit Wang Forest Recreation

2012-04-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

The stream at the park.

Children having fun.

One of the pools.

The hillside pool.

This forest recreation is located in Jitra, Kedah. It consists of a forest park and a clear water stream that flows out from the forest. There is a walkway along the stream that will take you into the park. There is also a hill that you can climb and explore.

Tips: Food and beverages available at the food court. Toilet and changing rooms are available on the park. Chalets are also available.

Balai Nobat

2012-04-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

Located in Alor Setar, this building is located just beside the Balai Besar and across from the Masjid Zahir. The Balai Nobat or The Nobat Hall is a site for storing royal traditional musical instruments such as the nobat, nafiri, drums and gongs. They are only used for royal customaries such as weddings and state functions. Built in 1735, renovations were done periodically to the present design.

Wildflowers Of Gunung Jerai

2012-04-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

Sonerila Calophylla, endemic to the mountain.

A wild climbing Jasmine.

Torenia violacea, concentrated only in a few locations..

Wild Trumpet flowers(?), very tiny and grow in the shades.

A Balsam flower, probably the Impatiens sp species.

Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai) has a collection of widlflowers that will delight nature lovers. There are species that are endemic to the mountain such as the beautiful Sonerila calophylla. The best area is near the mountaintop, where the species seen are not available even nearby the hotel area. Take a trip using the Telaga Tok Sheikh route to the Padang Tok Sheikh. Wildflowers can be seen along the roadside if in season. The best season for wildflowers is after the dry season as Kedah has a tropical climate. This is when almost all the flowers will be blooming. Usually, it begins in May, lasting until August. The next season will be around October, but the species may differ.

Tips: Best to ask the Forestry Department for advice and tips. They have the on-hand experience. Walking is preferable when observing the wildflowers at the mountaintop. The road is small. Also it will be easier to foray into the small lanes that will bring you into the forest.

Bring food and beverages. There are toilets available at the hotel facilities and at the Telaga Tok Sheikh. As the weather is unpredictable, bring warm clothings. Also warm up your camera's batteries. They might not work if it is cold.

Bukit Perak Forest Recreation

2012-04-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

The stream in the heart of the forest park.

Enjoying the waterfall located between the boulders.

Cooling off by the stream uphill.

Bukit Perak Forest Recreation is a forest park with a clear water stream flowing through. Located in Sungai Tiang, Kedah, this small park is a favorite haunt for swimming and jungle tracking. There are walkways that will take you uphill into the forest, and easy to follow tracks if you prefer to jungle track up the hill.

Bring food and beverages. There are hawkers but limited to snacks. There is a simple toilet and changing rooms available. The route from the main road is small, so be cautious of encountering another car especially around corners.

Wildlife Of Gunung Jerai

2012-04-30T04:44:00.000-07:00

Tiger Butterfly

Lesser Green Leafbird

A monkey with a baby..

I don't really recognize this one..

A Leaf Monkey

There are wildlife that are observable on the Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai). The mountain is blanketed by a forest. You're bound to meet something. All you have to do is wander around quietly.

Gunung Jerai

2012-04-30T04:29:00.000-07:00

The mountain view from the district of Yan.

The Forestry Museum at the park.

The waterfall at the park.

An aerial view from the mountaintop.

Walkway in the forest at the park.

Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai) is the highest peak in Kedah and the northern region of Malaysia at 1200 meters. You can drive up the mountain from Gurun. During the climb, you will arrive at the Sungai Teroi Forest Recreation. There is Forestry Museum, a forest park and a camping area. Driving on, you will reach a hotel. Before the hotel, there is a junction that will take you to the Telaga Tok Sheikh (The Sheikh's Well) and the Padang Tok Sheikh (The Shiekh's Field).

Caves Of Gunung Keriang

2012-04-30T04:14:00.000-07:00

View of the mountain from a nearby paddy fields.

Colorful cliffs of the mountain at the park.

The ledge beside the entrance to the cave.

The roof of a another cave opposite from the Paddy Museum.

Beautiful wall of the cave illuminated by the sunlight through a hole in the ceiling.

Gunung Keriang (Mount Keriang) is located about 20 km from Alor Setar. There is a park at its foothill. The mountain has some caves that you can explore. There is one on top of the mountain and the other at the foothill across from the Paddy Museum. The former has a path and stairways that will lead you to the cave. If you intend to explore into the cave, best to hire a guide for your safety.

The second cave is small. It is just a walk in and you can park your vehicle near the entrance. What strikes me is the color of the walls when sunlight hit them.

Puteri Mandi Waterfall Jungle Tracking

2012-04-30T03:59:00.000-07:00

The trip begins at Titi Hayun Recreational Center

A really old fruit orchard.

Passing through the forest.

Water from the pool dropping into a steep ravine hundreds of meters below.

Enjoying the waterfall. You can see the kids at the bottom.

Puteri Mandi is a waterfall deep in the forest in the middle of Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai). It is accessible from Titi Hayun Recreation Centre, located in Yan, Kedah. The same stream from above passes through the recreational area. It will take 4 to 5 hours of climbing the mountain to reach the place. Just follow the blue paint markings and the red striped plastic strips along the trail.

Best to bring along some anti-leech stuff, especially during the wet season. But halfway up the climb, there will no more of them. The second half of the trip is quite steep but not dangerous, just tiring. You have to bring plenty of water. The waterfall's water is reddish due to natural vegetation rot from the top, too cloudy for consumption. Bring a hammer too for convenience. Setting up camp is slow due to limited soil. Mostly rocks near the waterfall. And lastly, don't camp near the water's edge, a lot of creatures getting to the water at night. We've seen hundreds of eyes reflecting in the light from our torchlights from above the ridges.

Lata Sedim

2012-04-30T03:44:00.000-07:00

Family activities at the stream.

Warming up for whitewater rafting.

Where the whitewater rafting activity begins.

The Treetop Walk, a walkway high among the forest's canopies.

Enjoying the forest atmosphere from above at the Treetop Walk.

The Gunung Bintang Trail.

Lata Sedim is located in Kulim, Kedah. The place is well known for it's clear water stream. You can spend time swimming, white water rafting and others. Your first stop is at a recreation area where you can swim or other water activities. Food stalls are available beside the stream run by the villagers. Driving on you will reach another activity area. There are whitewater rafting activity available here. Also nearby is the Tree Top Walk, where you can walk and view the forest from a steel hanging bridge. You can also drive up the Gunung Bintang Trail with your vehicle to enjoy jungle tracking.

Tips: There are food and beverages here. Toilets and changing rooms are also provided. There is a dormitory and chalets near the Tree Top Walk area.

Masjid Zahir or The Zahir Mosque

2012-04-30T03:29:00.000-07:00


The main view.

Beautiful dome with intricate patterns.

Inside the mosque.

The Zahir Mosque lies in the heart of the city. It is the prominent landmark in Alor Setar. Built in 1912 by the late Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah, the Sultan of Kedah then. Incorporating beautiful moorish design in its architecture, it is one of the most beautiful mosque in Malaysia.

Menara Jam Besar or The Big Clock Tower

2012-04-30T03:14:00.000-07:00

Menara Jam Besar. or the "Big Clock Tower" was built in 1912, in the same period of the Masjid Zahir (Zahir Mosque), which is beside it. Beautiful design that incorporates and complements the Masjid Zahir's architecture. Mainly used for the public to tell time and to announce the prayer times.

The clock is located in Alor Setar, across from the Balai Nobat and the Masjid Zahir.

Pekan Rabu Or The Wednesday Market

2012-04-30T02:59:00.000-07:00

The front entrance

Dry goods on display such as crackers, cookies and other local food products.

Preserved food produced from local fish.

The midsection of the building.

Pekan Rabu, or "Wednesday Market" used to be a traditional market for malay products, trading on wednesday only. Today, with a building of their own, the market is open everyday. This is where you can shop for local handicrafts, kitchen utensils, food, clothing and others. A very popular destination for locals and tourists alike, especially for the local sweet treats such as dodol and karas.

The building is located in the downtown of Alor Setar.

Masjid Al Ghufran or The Al Ghufran Mosque

2012-04-30T02:44:00.000-07:00

The small but beautiful mosque.

Beautiful patterns and calligraphy encircling the dome.

The interior of the mosque.

Located in Alor Setar, the Al Ghufran mosque is beautiful in its design. Middle Eastern architecture had been implemented in making the mosque to differ in its look to the other surrounding mosques. The interior also had been lavishly designed with beautiful motifs and calligraphy.

Lata Bayu Waterfall

2012-04-30T02:29:00.000-07:00

The main view of the waterfall from the park.

Aerial view of the pool from the lookout tower.

Walkways taking you uphill along the stream.

The waterfall at the end of the walkway uphill.

Located in the district of Baling, Kedah. This waterfall is the second biggest in the state. A multi level waterfall, created by a stream flowing out from the uphill forest. There is a park with walkways, benches and rest huts. For convenient there is a food court, toilet cum changing rooms, and a praying hall provided at the park.

Balai Besar Or The Noble Hall of Alor Setar

2012-04-30T02:14:00.000-07:00

The Balai Besar, or the "Noble Hall", was built in 1735 and was used for royal gatherings, state assemblies and others. Thai motifs were heavily implemented in the construction as to the historical political connections of the past.

This hall is located in the heart of Alor Setar city. Nearby the Zahir Mosque and the Balai Nobat. Behind the Balai Besar is the downtown of Alor Setar.

Orchids Of Gunung Jerai

2012-04-30T01:59:00.000-07:00

The elegant Slipper Orchid.

A yellow bloom of a wild orchid, Eria pannea lindl.

Beautiful patterns on the leaves of the Jewel Orchid.

Wild orchid atop a tree trunk in the forest.

A pink Eria pannea lindl.

Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai) has a variety of orchids. The bloomimg period is usually after the dry season, but it is hard to pinpoint which species to when. The most common orchid that can be seen starting at the forest park will be the purple spathoglottis. From the hotel's elevation will be the grass like Bamboo orchid.

The Forestry Department had created an orchid menagerie at the forest park. Some of the rare ones are being cultivated there. Contact the department for more information.

Tasik Ahning or Ahning Lake

2012-04-30T01:44:00.000-07:00

The first of the hill to be climbed to get to the lake.

Soil erosion and potholes to lookout for.

Unpaved road all the way.

One of the aerial views of the lake..

Abandoned boats by the lake shore.

This lake is in Padang Sanai, the northern part of Kedah. Surrounded by hills and forests, the lake is isolated and provides a getaway from city life. Getting there can only be with a 4x4 transport as the road is rough with potholes and unpaved. To get to the lake you will have to drive up two hills before descending down to the lake shore, which also is minimal as the forest is thick. The starting point is the hill next to the MADA office.

Tips: No food or water. Also no accomodation available. The last gas station is at Kuala Nerang, which is about 30 minutes drive away.

Birds Of The Paddyfields

2012-04-30T01:29:00.000-07:00

The elusive Pintail Snipe.

The Cattle Egret

The Bee Eater.

The Little Egret.

The Little Ringed Plover.

Kedah have a vast amount of paddy fields and water channels. This environment had attracted and provided habitats for varieties of birds. You can always observe them almost all day long, among the grasses and the channels' banks, usually foraging for food.

All these photographs were taken at a water channel in Sedaka, Yan. The best time is early in the morning when they are still actively feeding. The next is later in the evening when they are not that active flying anymore.

More Birds Of The Paddy Fields

2012-04-30T01:14:00.000-07:00

The Common Sandpiper.

The Heron among the paddy plants.

A Brown Shrike at the water channel.

The Oriental Pratincole having a drink at a puddle in the paddy field.

The Pacific Golden Plover.

The paddy fields in Kedah had provided a nice habitat for these birds. There is plenty of water, insects and aquatic creatures for food. Most of the birds are migratory in nature, originating from China, Northern Europe and others. They will arrive in September, when winter sets in those countries, and depart again in March, when spring emerges.

Tips: Don't wear anything bright. It is easier to photograph them from inside a vehicle. When you step out, they all will fly away immediately. You can even drive up close to about 7 meters for close-up, as long as you remain in the vehicle.

Alur Naga Waterfall of Mount Jerai

2012-04-30T00:59:00.001-07:00

The waterfall on the mountaintop.

Rocky bed of the stream.

The cave beneath the waterfall.

This is a small waterfall on the top of Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai). Located about 200 m from the chalet, you have to go up and down a hill using the easily seen jungle track. This waterfall is a part of a long stream that have waterfalls, but this particular location is unique. The dripping water, the cave and the pool created a mysterious atmosphere. As by the name of Alur Naga, or the Dragon's Creek, this seems a befitting title to the place.What attracts me is the color. The place looks like a Japanese bonsai garden. There are streaks of red, orange and green all over the landscape. Very high on moss due to little sunlight reaching the place and the rocks are quite slippery.

Ayam Bakar Echo, Tempting aroma

2012-04-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

Still a culinary tour in Tangerang, this time we want to stop by the Public Eating Echo (Echo Ayam Bakar). Grilled chicken sellers are obtained according to the info from my brother well and should be attempted.

Eating Echo shop is located on Jalan KH Salah Ali No. 99 Tangerang. This shop is selling from 1996 are pretty, and has many customers, and special menu is grilled chicken. That afternoon we accompanied my brother and our friend Ratno.

Echo stall is quite simple, with buildings occupying a house to sell and on the front for extra fuel his cock. We ordered grilled chicken with spicy-sweet flavor, and for those who do not like spicy, sweet messages that could be yes. We also recommended by the owner to try oxtail soup, bring it on? LHA we really like oxtail soup menu, so we also just a portion of oxtail soup message.

While waiting for our order came, we had grilled chicken photographing process. It looks good, smells bakarannya of smell also seductive.

Not long after our orders come, sweet-spicy grilled chicken ala Echo Shop. Hmmm .... still smell the aroma of grilled chicken. With a little bit charred on certain parts to make grilled chicken look more attractive.

When trying to taste the chicken meat, it turns out tender, spice-pervasive and pungent sweetness quite felt at the surface of the chicken, but really is not that hot really. In fact, sweet-spicy blend of chicken makes this so awful you know. Plus the chili paste to add solid! We like the grilled chicken ala Echo Warung this, let us know immediately wrapped message to he-he ...

And do not forget we cobain oxtail soup recommendation of the owner of this shop. Oxtail soup look quite attractive, with a tail piece with hot sauce and inside there are pieces of carrot, potato, celery leaves and a sprinkling of fried onions, do not forget the fried chips served in a portion of the tail soup.

We cobain had before plus chili sauce and orange nipisnya. Wow .. cider was very tasty and, as usual in young bone broth and the meat is marinated to make it more taste. You know the meat tender.