Wan's Footprints the World

Picturesque Bali

2018-06-24T09:35:00.001+08:00

Last May, 2018 I had an opportunity to visit Bali again. This time I visited Taman Ayun in Wengwi, Botanical Garden in Bedegul, Rice Terrace in Jatiluweh and Kintamani in the north. These places have their uniqueness. Taman Ayun has many puras surrounded by a moat; Botanical Garden is so big and a good place to have weekend picnics; rice terrace is unique equipped with irrigation canals (drains) and its nearby restaurant offers a much good taste of Indonesian cuisine; Kintamani with its mountains and Lake Batur offer a very scenic panorama.

To visit these places, you need at least 2 days. Happy a nice holiday.

Taman Ayun

Botanical Garden

Jatiluweh

Kintamani

Visit to Aceh Tsunami Museum

2017-11-24T09:57:00.004+08:00

Aceh Tsunami Museum, built in 2009 (five years after the tsunami) is located at Jalan Banda Aceh. Its existence is to inform the public regarding the tsunami which hit Aceh in 2004. Its building is unique in its physical design and beautiful too.

Once inside, you can get information on tsunami and its impact on Aceh via its physical model (pre and post tsunami), colorful displays, videos, writing on the walls, names of the dead, name of contributors from other countries who help and donate and many more. Those without geography or geology background can understand how tsunami occurs and why it occurs.

It is estimated more than 300,000 death resulted from this tsunami. Some were found and buried and thousands were missing. Mass burial sites scattered around the city. Thousands of properties were destroyed and some were not reconstructed due to the missing owner and now remained either as vacant land or agriculture land.

Many nations came and helped. Now, Aceh has 7 evacuation centres around the communities. The research centre was formed with the help of Japanese government and also functions as evacuation centre.

Those who are already in Aceh and wish to know more about tsunami and its impact to Aceh township and her people, you must visit this museum. It has lots of information. I enjoyed my visit to this museum. Next to the museum near the entrance, there is a gift shop where you can buy products and souvenirs of Aceh.

External of the Museum

Inside the museum, you can look at the computer terminals depicting information

Names of the dead

A circular column where names of the dead are portrayed and this chamber also has Quran recitation

Names of the known dead

One of rock balls (part of the overall design)

Visitors listening to the Presentation by the museum staff

Watching the video presentation in the room

Visitors inside the Museum

Model of the Museum

Shipped that stranded

Visualisation of Tsunami waves and people were running

One of Tsunami's survivors, now become the speaker of the Museum

Helicopter used during tsunami geohazard

Visitors (my team)

Bangkok- the Baiyoke Sky Hotel

2017-11-13T18:05:00.000+08:00

Having breakfast at the 78th floor at Baiyoke Sky Hotel, the tallest hotel in downtown Bangkok is something to look for. Rich in food variety brings more visitors to this floor and enjoy the view while having food and coffee.

Viewing from the large glass window, I can see Bangkok city layout, its double layer highways, traffic movement and traffic congestion. The cloud was hazy indicating the coming of rain very soon.

While enjoying my breakfast (as the food served has varieties: wide selections of fruits, drinks, breads, croissant, egg and omelette, salads, nuts, vegetarian diet, Japanese tofu and miso soup, cakes, puddings), I can see many foreigners coming into this hall, largely from Europe, India and Japan. Thanks to the food variety and honestly I had to be careful in selecting them as it does not have halal certification.

I like the soy drink that is being served. The drink is so thick and it is carefully put in the big thermos flask to make it warm and hot. It comes with side add-on like syrup, sesame seeds, sugar free jelly, and honey. You can add honey or syrup to satisfy your taste bud.

Other lower floors, it has restaurants which caters many oriental and western dishes.

Not far from the hotel, down the alley in Pratunam, there is a large shopping mall, called Platinum Fashion Mall. The six-story commercial floor offers much sought after garment, clothes, jeans, leather, accessories, souvenirs, gift shops and of course food court. The price is reasonable, the principle is the more you buy, the more it will be the discount. Each floor is named after famous world city streets like Orchard, Nathan, Ginza, Soho, Oxford and Camden.

Platinum Fashion Mall

For the convenience of Muslim visitors and shoppers, food court at level 6 serves halal food at some stalls, and small praying rooms are provided at level 5 for men and level 2 for women. You can spend hours and hours here to do shopping. Why not? The price is very competitive and it is a fully air-conditioned mall.

A few kilometres away, there is another shopping mall called Terminal 21 which I consider as a lifestyle mall. It consists of 9 floors: LG, G, and M and floors up. With M floor, it is named after famous world city such as Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London, Istanbul, San Francisco and Hollywood. Each floor, which has city names, you see the shops displays that city image. For example, London floor, you will see red telephone booth or London bus. For Istanbul, you will see lights and lamps like the ones in Istanbul Grand Bazaar. There is a large food court in level 5- San Francisco. However, it has not cater for the Muslim visitors. However there is a small Muslim prayer room at level 2 next to the parking.

London Floor at Terminal 21

Istanbul Floor at Terminal 21

I found it quite an interesting shopping complex. But the product price here is a bit on the higher side against the ones in Platinum Mall. Here the design and architecture of the building is unique in its own way. This building is located next to Asok BTS station. You can take taxi, tut-tut or skytrain to this shopping centre.

In the hotel vicinity, there are a few halal food restaurant offering north indian cuisine. But accidentally, I found one small restaurant serving Thai Muslim cuisine by the name of Sanneya. It is located at Soi Petchburi 17. Co-incidentally, it is the first day of its operation. The owner is very happy to welcome us to their new restaurant. Not only the food is tasty here, the restaurant has a small praying room for the Muslim patrons at the third floor.

Saneeya Thai Muslim Restaurat

Baiyoke Sky Hotel's large lobby at at level 18. You need to take an elevator to level 18. Its room is large and spacious, more than 32 sq meter. There is a gymnasium, a spa and swimming pool at level 20.

Visiting Madinah in the beginning of 2017

2017-03-26T22:34:00.001+08:00

1-12 January 2017, I had the opportunity to visit Madinah in Saudi Arabia for a few days. I joined a group from Kuala Lumpur who are going to perform umrah. We took a flight direct from KL to Madinah.

Once we reached Madinah, it was a plain easy journey to our hotel. Madinah's new airport terminal was just opened. The passing of immigration and custom was smooth and fast. The next time, if you are going to Mecca for umrah, entry and exit from Madinah is a good option.

As usual, during our short stay, we performed congregational prayer five times a day at Masjid Nabawi, visit historical places around Madinah, visit the Prophet's grave and sahabat's graves, and a bit of sight seeing and shopping.

Madinah is a cooling city, surrounded by a chain of hills, where core activity start from the mosque. During the night journey from the airport to the city, I was surprised to see a good lighting (blue in color) beaming around Mount Uhud making it so beautiful. This is naturally, to me, a new spot suitable for night tour in the distant future.

Places of Interests in West Sumatera, Indonesia

2016-05-02T18:02:00.002+08:00

West Sumatera is one of the provinces in Sumatera (an elongated island in the western most of Indonesia). It is estimated that its population (in 2014) had reached 5 million spreads in towns and rural hinterland. Major towns are Padang (its capital), Bukit Tinggi, Paya Kumbuh, Sawahlunto and Pariaman. Two notable cities are Padang and Bukit Tinggi.

Padang has an international airport and the province can be accessible by road and air. You may also go through Pekan Baru International Airport and take a car to Padang via a winding road especially around Kelok Sembilan.

Kelok Sembilan is now one of the touristic spots due to its long and winding road. It has many turns and curves that it fits nicely in this wildlife habitat of West Sumatera's valley. The construction of this road took several years to complete. Once completed, it helps to facilitate movement of road traffic from Pekan Baru in Riau province to Bukit Tinggi and Padang in West Sumatera. Prior to this road improvement, the journey time from Riau to West Sumatera takes many hours.

Keluk Sembilan

Jam Gadang is located in a square right in the middle of Bukit Tinggi town. The square forms part of the recreational space for the locals. You may see many activities during the weekends around this place. Kids playing kites, food vendors on cart or ladies selling cakes and traditional delicacies.

Clock Tower in Bukit Tinggi

Nyarai Sianok is a place where you can appreciates the cliff and its formation.

Nyarai Sianok in Bukit Tinggi

Meanwhile, many building owners here are proud of their traditional roof architecture. Banks, offices, hotel, schools, houses etc have this kind of roof. It is an identity of West Sumatera, as it belongs to the people of Minangkabau, one of the Malay ethnics in Indonesia.

Special Minangkabau roof

Puncak Lawang, 30 minute-drive from Bukit Tinggi is a good retreat place. Located on the top of the hill, overlooking the great lake, Danau Maninjau.

Puncak Lawang

On the border side with Riau, there is a conservation forest called Harau Conservation Forest which has many waterfalls. You can have picnic here.

Harau Waterfall

Not to forget the history, Bukit Tinggi was once under the Japanese occupation during the Second World War. The Lubang Jepang is one of the tunnels left by the Japanese. It consists of underground tunnels used for prison and related activities.

Lubang Jepang

Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatera

2016-03-01T15:10:00.001+08:00

Bukit Tinggi is located in the west of Sumatera island in Indonesia, to be exact, it is in the province of West Sumatera. I had the opportunity to visit this small city in January 2016. I spent two days here and visited places of interest to many people.

Bukit Tinggi enjoys cool weather. Most hotels here do not provide air conditioner (perhaps ceiling fans are enough). One of the landmarks in Bukit Tinggi is Jam Gadang (the clock tower at the square that exist over hundred years).

Within the vicinity of Bukit Tinggi, there is a large lake called Danau Maninjau. It took 45 minutes by road to reach there from Bukit Tinggi. I took a rented car to the peak of Puncak Lawang and from there you can see the lake.

Within the city, you can visit Lubang Jepang, an underground tunnels used during the Japanese occupation, Nyarai Sianok (canyon), the clock square, Bung Hatta library, Jenjang 1000 and many more.

Buildings in Bukit Tinggi are unique in their own way. I mean the roof. It has an arch like a horn. It is called Minangkabau roof. West Sumatera is the land of the Minangs people and they spoke their Minang dialects.

The nearest airport to Bukit Tinggi is Padang International Airport. However, you can go via Pekanbaru in Riau. From Pekanbaru, it takes more than 5 hours to reach Bukit Tinggi, passing the highland and valley through narrow and winding road.

Masjid Jamek Pattani, South Thailand

2016-03-01T15:05:00.000+08:00

I had the opportunity to visit Masjid Jamek, Pattani in South Thailand on my way home to Malaysia from Hat Yai. With its dome green roofs and a big water body in front, it does not only display serenity but also portrays a majestic look. It is considered one of the beautiful mosques in Thailand and its neighbouring regions. Its green roofs gives extra shine when the sun beams its light.

Being located in the majority Muslim Malay population of Pattani province, this mosque becomes the main focus of the religious activities in South Thailand such as daily prayers, friday prayers, sermons, religious classes etc. This mosque activity is able to unite the populace to perform social and societal duties accordingly.

Klonghae Floating Market, Hat Yai, Thailand

2015-05-04T20:13:00.003+08:00

When one's talk about floating market, you will remember the famous floating market in Bangkok (along Menam Chao Phraya), Damnoen Saduak in outskirt of Bangkok, floating market in Lake Ton Le Sap in Cambodia, and floating market in Cai Be Saigon and Mekong delta, It seems selling from the sampan or boat is traditionally age long practice in Indo-China.

What I am going to tell you, is about another recently created floating market in Hat Yai, Thailand where people flocked together on nice boats along river bank selling traditional Thai food and drinks to the visitors.

This place is called Klonghae Floating Market, Hat Yai, Thailand. It opens from 3.00pm to 9.00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. It is only a few kilometres from the Hat Yai city centre.

They sell many traditional food and drinks such as cooked rice, fried mee or noodle, steam corn cob, thai dessert, longan drink, coconut drink, ice cream, Most food are Halal.

The buyers stand on the wooden board walk nicely constructed by the authority. Beside the board walk there are a few sitting and eating areas for the patrons to eat and enjoy the food and scenery.

Above the river banks, there are many stalls selling souvenirs like t-shirt, embroidery, thai desserts, and other touristic sough after souvenirs.

Below are a few pictures.

Visiting Dublin

2015-04-14T19:09:00.000+08:00

Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. Located to the west of UK, Dublin can be connected via air, and sea.

I took a Ryanair to Dublin from Manchester which cost me only 20 sterling pounds (return). It is only one-hour flight.From the Dublin airport, I took a Dublin bus to the city centre with Euro 3 per person. The bus has a wifi.

Upon reaching the apartment at Iveagh Court that I booked earlier, I walked to the city centre passing the city park (St Stephen's Green), O'Connell Bridge until I reach the post office. Other place that I visited are Temple Bar area, castle, bachelor's quay and a few institute of higher learning.

Dame Street and the Grafton Street are lively place to visit.Dame Street and Temple Bar are lively at night. These areas offer wine, dine and entertainments.

Dublin is well served with buses and trams. However, if you want to explore, walking is the best option.

Here are a few pictures that I took during my visit to Dublin.

St Stephen Green

An accommodation at Bachelor's Quay

Liffey River and the Bachelor's Quay

O'Connell St

Tram near Iveagh Court

A pedestrian mall, Grafton St

Kebab outlet at Dame Street.

A restaurant at Dame Street

Dinner at Dame St

Dublin at night

Wicklow Streeet

Whiskey Museum

You can book your tour here

A good street map and sign direction board

Fridge magnets sold at Carrollls

O'Connell Bridge

Iveagh Court, has both residential and offices.

The Spire of Dublin. a stainless steel, pin-like monument (121 metre high), O'Connell St.

A Dublin Mosque, South Circular Road.

Eating Place in Manchester, England

2015-04-13T17:58:00.000+08:00

I had the opportunity to visit this city, a city that is not too big but famous for its football clubs i.e Manchester United. Manchester has a lot of higher institutions that attracts students globally. Its population is rather mix ethnic. I found some are from the Indo-Pakistan and Chinese origins.

The city centre is centrally located and Piccadilly is right in the city centre. The city is served by inter-city trains (which has big stations like Piccadilly and Victoria), inter-city buses (Shudehill station), trams, buses and of course taxi. I found Piccadilly Gardens attracts most tourist with its Manchester Wheel.

As a traveller visiting Manchester, I found a lot of halal food and restaurant located along the road around Rusholme. Major Muslim cuisine are available here at Wimslow Road, Manchester. If you want to satisfy your hunger, come to Rusholme and enjoy your meal.

There are many restaurants at Wimslow Road. One of them is Al Jazeera. You can taste Arab cuisine at Al Jazeera.If you come at night, this area is well lit with colorful lights and looks vibrant.

Cosy atmosphere at upper stair of Al Jazeera

Rice and grilled chicken at Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera

Wing Yip supermarket offers oriental food.

For those who like to cook Asian food themselves, you can buy raw materials like chilly sauce, wantan mee, prawn paste, fish essence (budu), and other oriental food from a Chinese supermarket in the city, This Chinese supermarket offers large variety of oriental food imported from Malaysia, Thailand, India, Pakistan, China and Hong Kong.

Makan Cafe, Portobello, London

2015-04-13T17:14:00.000+08:00

I had an opportunity to visit a restaurant by the name of Makan Cafe, in the heart of Portobello Street in London (Portobello is famous for its antique market in London).

Makan Cafe offers Malaysian cuisine at affordable price and is well-like by its patrons. Streams of patrons comes in and out from this Cafe. Patrons are both locals and those visiting London. It offers breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner. That includes noodles, chicken dishes, lamb curry, seafood, drinks, desserts, vegetable dishes, rice, all day breakfast, Open at 9.00 am and close at 9.00 pm, this Cafe offers authentic Malaysian dishes !

This Cafe belongs to a Malaysian who operate it years ago. It started from one shop, later as it is successful, it expanded to the next shop. So, now adjoining shop combine with the original shop to make it a better dining environment and spacious too.

I talked to the owner, Madam Hairani who hails from Terengganu, Malaysia. She is a nice charming lady in her early fifties. Her strong will and commitment paves her way to success.

The entrance to Makan Cafe

One side of the restaurant

Variety of food are being served

Affordable price

Vegetables

Curry

T-shirt sold in Makan Cafe

A visitor and the owner (black blouse)

The owner (blue blouse) and the patrons.

This Cafe seems to be a good meeting point for locals and visitors to London especially Malaysians as it offers many delicacy and Malaysian dishes and desserts.

During my recent visit, I found many Malaysian students who come all the way from Germany. They came in group purposely to taste the food here while visiting friends in London.

Malaysian students happy enough to pose for this picture

So next time you are in London, do visit Makan Cafe. It is located at 270, Portobello Road, London W10 5TY (Tel +44 208960 5169). For details, visit makancafe.co.uk The nearest tube station to Makan Cafe is Ladbroke Grove in Zone 2. Happy travelling.

Visiting Paris

2015-04-12T22:31:00.001+08:00

I had a chance to visit the most visited cities of the world, Paris. It is a city which attracts many people due to her physical charm (historical buildings, museums, boulevards, Eiffel tower, River Seine etc), her transportation, boutique shops and fashion, and of course the food that caters for different type of people.

I took a low cost carrier Ryanair from Manchester, England to Beauvais Airport, 50 km north of Paris. This airport is very small by international standard surrounded by a large agricultural land. However, many airlines operate from here with destination all over Europe.

After passing the immigration counter, I took a bus from here to Paris, Porto Maillot with cost of Euro 17.00 per pax. The travel time to Paris took 1 hr and 15 minutes.

Porto Maillot Bus Station, Paris.

At Porto Maillot bus station, passengers are connected with other modes of transport. A walking distance only, you can take a train, bus or Metro to your destination. For Metro, which is very convenient to me, you can take at Porto Maillot station with a ticket from the vending machine which cost only Euro 1.80 to your destination.

Porto Maillot Metro Station.

Paris has a number of must visit places such Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Cafes, Arc De Triomphe, Champs Ellysees, Musium, Notre Dame Cathedral, Grand Mosque of Paris, shopping streets of La Fayette etc.

Below are places that I visited and wish to share with the readers.

Eiffel Tower is the landmark of Paris where you can not miss.Actually if you have enough time, it is advisable to visit Eiffel tower both during the day and at night. I found it is a very different atmosphere.

Eiffel Tower at night with laser light beaming to various directions. The tower has glittering lights at times.

Fun games at the tower vicinity.

Metro, subway train is one of the options you can take in order to bring you around Paris. It is fast and efficient too. Paris has many Metro lines. You must learn to read Metro maps in order to guide you to your favourite destinations.

Buses are good too. With buses, you can see Parisian buildings and activities while sitting on the bus. But, it moves at slower pace compare to Metro trains.

Buildings in Paris

Venturing or exploring Paris is best on foot where you learn about streets and people. However, if you are tired, just relax at benches nearby or sip coffee at many street cafes.

Building in Paris

Happy tourists posing for my camera

I found Paris offers many types of food which caters for " international taste ". Turn left you see turkish or moroccan kebab or labanese rice, turn right, you see all sorts of ice-cream, breads, pastry, chocolate and cafes. So, you do not go hungry in Paris. Just spare some Euros will do.....

Pastry and bakery shop

Chocolate shop

One of the places that I visited certainly is Pompidou Centre, which has a funny and peculiar design.
It is just a walking distance from the apartment that I rented at Rue De Clery. In front of this building, there are many souvenir shops (that sold many patented t-shirts, key chains, fridge magnets), restaurants and boutique shops. If you follow your map, you can not go wrong......Nowadays, you can use google map application from your hand phone to show your location.

Pompidou Centre

Besides looking at buildings and souvenirs shop, I accidentally met small kids going back from school. What a lovely day! There is life in Paris.

School kids are being escorted by their teachers and parents.

As I walked long enough, I stopped at the corner shop and ate this food. It is easy going exploring Paris on foot. Relax your feet.....

Food that I bought to give me energy for walking......

One of the cycles that crossed my path was this try-cycle, manned by a young man. There are other similar tri-cycles in different design which functions to carry goods.

This try-cycle attracted me. it was used as goods carrier. it is easier to move around and do not use petrol.

Tri-cycle that carry people.

The halal food are everywhere in Paris especially near the city centre, where many in-migrants from North Africa stay. It is also found near mosques.

Restaurant that offers Turkish dishes and delicacy.

Rented bicycles

If you are tired walking, you can rent this bicycle for an hour or so. Just pay and follow instruction, you are free to move around at faster speed using this bicycle. But you have to be careful to park this bicycle at other designated destination after using it. Many world cities have this kind of facilities too.

Paris city centre

River Seine

While exploring Paris, you can hop on the river cruise at Euro 17.00 . You can see Paris from different view. Seine river cruise is also available at night.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedal is one of the major attractions in Paris. It is located on small island in the middle of Seine River. This gothic building offers such a detailed architecture. You can go inside if you wish, however the queue is long especially on Sunday.

Benches are provided near the Cathedal for visitors to sit.

Vehicle operators are creative here. This blue coaches are meant to bring tourists around the city. You need to pay.

Coach for tourists

If you use the car which runs on battery power, you can re-charge your car battery for a fee here.There are kiosks here.

Car charging kiosk

As I walk past the Cathedral, I moved south east to visit the Grand Mosque of Paris. This mosque has many gardens inside its compound, Many North African people use this mosque as their praying place. Non Muslims can enter its premise. Some were given briefings by the mosque officers.

Grand Mosque

Green spaces or court yard within the mosque compound

After completed my visit to the mosque, I took a Metro ride from Place Monge to George V metro station after a change/transfer at Chatelet station.It was a very smooth ride. I noticed Line 1 has most beautiful stations.

As I came out of George V station, I entered the Louis Vutton which is located along Champs Ellysees. This outlet to me is not for the ordinary people as the products sold are meant for rich people.

Boutique shop in Paris

Champ Ellysees

As I walk along this Champs Ellysees, I came across a concrete arch called Arc de Thriompe, which attract tourist all over the world to come and see this spectacular monument. Twelve avenues radiate from this Arc.

Arc De Thriompe , along Champs Ellysees

Paris is pedestrian safe as the road and streets are equipped with traffic lights and even an infirm lady is seen free roaming the city on wheel chair without guide.

Paris lady on the electric wheel chair

Petrol Kiosk along the street

For buying the souvenirs, you can buy at the shop, kiosk or from the vendors that come to you. You can bargain the price with the vendors. I found products sold by vendors are cheaper than the kiosks.

Souvenirs kiosk

Parisian building

One's visit is not complete if she or he does not visit Galeries La Fayette oulet. It is located next to Metro La Fayette station, Boulevard Hausmann.The building has multiple storeys which houses branded products from watches, clothes, bags, perfumes to belts and purses. You can claim tax rebate when you leave France. Do not forget your passport when you buy products if you intent to claim tax rebate at the airport. Only CDG and Orly airports have the tax rebate facilities. If you exit via Beauvais like me, there is no facilities.

Galeries Lafayette

Longchomp lady's handbags on display

La Fayette Metro Station, along Boulevard Hausmann

Boulevard Haussmann

If you want to go home via Beauvais airport, it is advisable to depart Porte Maillot 4 hours before your designated departure time. Traffic congestion in Paris suburban can be tricky.

Porte Maillot bus station

Development around Porte Maillot

Visiting Lombok, Indonesia.

2015-03-13T23:30:00.000+08:00

Lombok is one of the Indonesian islands. Located south east of Bali,separated by Lombok Straits, Lombok is rural in nature where most of her population involve in agriculture. Her main economic activity is rice farming and agriculture.

Unlike Bali where majority are Hindus, here in Lombok, majority are Muslims. Main towns are Mataram, Ampenan and smaller settlement like tourist centre of Senggigi, Praya and Kuta. Estimated population of Lombok is around 3.17 millions. In terms of tourism promotion and facilities, Lombok has a lot to catch up with Bali.

Lombok offers natural beautiful landcape of rice fields, mountains and forest and a host of cultural assets.

Rice fields of Lombok

I had the opportunity to visit this island in early March 2015. I took a 3 hr flight with Air Asia from Kuala Lumpur and it flew direct to Lombok International Aiport at its new airport in Praya, 2 hr drive to Mataram, the capital.

The new Lombok International Airport at Praya.

I booked my hotel in Senggigi. Senggigi is a settlement near the western coast which attracts foreign tourists. It has many hotels ranging from 5 star to budget hotels. Senggigi seems to attract many foreign tourists with the mushrooming of restaurants, clubs, hotels, massage and spas, art gallery and travel agents.

Senggigi road to the north is a breath taking journey as you can experience nice coast with sandy beaches, rural villages and rural lifestyles. This stretch covers 30 km.

Senggigi Commercial Area

Looking at Senggigi, it resembles famous world beach of South East Asia and the Pacific. Senggigi coast is attractive compare to Kuta Lombok beach in the south due to its facility. Most boutique shops, night entertainment centre, bars, good hotels, souvenirs outlets are located around Senggigi road. If you want some active night life, Senggigi has many to offer.

Visiting Lombok is not complete if you do not visit the weaving centre at Sukarare, pottery making at Banyumulek, and cultural village at Sade village. These villages are exhibits of Lombok where cultural activities are kept alive. For instance, my visit to Sade Village, I was briefed there more than 150 families there, staying in small huts made of traditional materials. Women enjoy weaving and sell the weaved clothes in their individual huts.This brings income to their families. While men are occupied in farming.

Sade Village, where traditional cultures are being preserved by the community

Elderly women selling weaved cloth at Sade Village

Weaved product at Sukarare Village

One interesting culture of Lombok man that I learned from Lombok. Every body is talking about kidnapping a girl to be a legal wife. In order to get married, a man has to "kidnap" his girl friend for a few days, keeps the girl for a day or two in his house and after that his parent has to go the girl's parent to seek permission for marriage. Normally, the consent will be given. This tradition is deep rooted in Lombok's culture and is hard to go by or die.

I found Lombok has many mosques and its scale or size is big. Its distribution is closer to each other. Masjid Agung Praya for example is such a big mosque with its colorful mosaic, high dome. It can accommodate thousands people at a time.

Outside its compound, under shades of big trees, there are a few food and drink stalls. There are also people who sell ornamental stones which is popular in Lombok. This place is cooling and shaded from the scorching sun. I took the opportunity to sip ice fruit drink and talk to the locals.

Masjid Agung, Praya

Ornamental stone on sale.

One fine day, I visited Pasar Kebun Doek in Ampenan, I found its wet market is just like any Asian wet markets, packed with locals. Its cleanliness is not up to my expectations. However, its populace can accept it. The products are relatively cheap.

Pasar Kebun Doek. Ampenan

As for food, I took my lunches and dinners at restaurants in main towns in Lombok as I move along.
I found food sold in Senggigi is much more dearer compare to other places. This may be Senggigi market is geared towards foreigner's deep purse.

Spending my night in Senggigi is quite okay. You can sit back in the garden restaurant and sip hot "aromatic" coffee while listening to soft music is therapeutic in a way after a long cruising along the coast.

Bakso Tulang Muda (with soft bones) , Ampenan. Bakso is a popular food in Lombok and the rest of Indonesia.

As far as beach is concerned, Kuta Beach in the south offers white sandy beach while the western and north coast offer darker color sand. My visit to Novotel Hotel in Kuta, I found this hotel is superb with facilities and enjoys beautiful scenery. However, it is quite deserted and quiet place and perhaps suitable for honeymooners.

Novotel Hotel in Kuta Lombok with its sandy white beach. Very luxurious hotel.

Malimbu beach , western Lombok. A spot where you can take your picture.

Western coast of Lombok.

My last visit is to the Singang Gile Water Fall at the foothill of Rinjani Mountain. I took me nearly 2 hours by car from Senggigi to reach this place. This is due to I made several stops along the way. I passes the scenic Malimbu beach, Nipah beach, small settlements of Pemenang, Tanjung, and Bayan. Lunch at Bayan is nice and cheap too. I did not stop at Bangsal near Pemenang as I did not have program to visit Gili Trawangan.

As I reached Senaru, there is an entry gate at the foothill where you need to pay the "toll". To enter the waterfall gate, again you need to pay an entrance fee Rp 10,000 per person. You have to walk up and down the valley which taxes your energy and stamina for 20 minutes before you reach the Singang Gile waterfall. This area is always rainy, so bring an umbrella with you in case it is raining.

On the way back, I followed the same route and stopped for tea at Nipah beach, sipping coconut juice and its flesh. Nipah beach has many food stalls for the visitors.

Singang Gile Water Fall, Senaru

Pearl, product of Lombok, Mataram

Any shopping? Yes of course it is. You can buy weaved clothes sold at fashion outlets or direct from the people, you can buy pearls of various quality at pearl centres, or you can buy foods at the gifts shops. Buying at the airport should be the last resort or last option.

For local travels for during my 4-day visit, I took a cab from the airport, negotiated with the driver and vehicle owner. Prices vary from driver to driver. The driver that took me around Lombok is Mr Lalurofek phone +62 87865422243.

Happy travelling.

Line Clear Nasi Kandar, Penang , MALAYSIA

2014-11-15T23:28:00.000+08:00

If you visit Penang, you must not miss the opportunity of eating Nasi Kandar (Rice with curry). There are lots of restaurants here that offer this cuisine however, the one at Line Clear seems to attract lots of patrons. Every day at lunch hour or dinner, there are many people come to this restaurant.

This restaurant is actually located at the annex of a restaurant at the junction of Penang road and Lebuh Chulia. This annex restaurant can easily accommodate 100 diners at a time. I found its roof can be close or open by a pulley. There is a car parking area at the back where you can access it via Lebuh Chulia.

There are many types of dishes being served here. They include deep fried chicken, curry fish head, curry fish, boiled eggs, fried squid, fried prawn, cucumber, pickled cucumber (acar), vegetables and other sea food. The service is fast and a plate of rice with big prawn and a fried chicken may cost RM30.00.

To get the food, you must queue and ask the "waiter" what dish you want. Do not simply order as it has financial implication that you have to pay. Ask the price of each item so that you can make some adjustment to your purse.

If you visit this restaurant, I recommend you order the big prawn. Its taste is really good.

Overall environment of the restaurant

Fish head curry

Choice of food

Special food for special people?

Prawns and squids

Some of the patrons

Fried chicken

A Glimpse of Penang Hill, MALAYSIA

2014-11-09T15:51:00.003+08:00

Penang Hill or locally known as Bukit Bendera is located in Air Itam, 10 km south-west of Georgetown, Malaysia. With its 832 metres above sea level, Penang Hill commands good view of the city of George Town, Penang's capital and the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia (Seberang Perai).

To go up the hill, the State government has provided the public with the furnicular railway transport with a small fee. The railway recently being refurbished and modernised its coach with a faster speed. I found its speed is much faster than the Peak Tram in Hong Kong! Others who do not like taking the train, they can walk up using the paths already there. There are also a few roads leading to the hill but it is only suitable for 4 wheel drive vehicles such as jeep or land rover.

Penang Hill is a heritage hill for Malaysia. It consists a lot of histories and of course has rich bio-diversity. Development around the hills is encroaching and if they are not properly controlled, it may adversely affect the environment of the hill with serious slope erosions and landslides.

Going to the hill, you must go to a small town of Air Itam. There is a public bus Rapid Penang (number 204) from the city ferrying passengers to and fro. The bus will certainly stop at the front gate of the Penang Hill station.

The tickets going up the hill for adult (return) is around RM30.00 and children RM15.00. But those with mykad get 50% discount. This train operates 5.30 am in the morning and end up at night.

The old coach is no more. The new coach introduced in 2012 is new design and faster too. At the hill top, there are entertainment spaces and a few buildings such as hotel, restaurants, a police station, playground for kids, performance area, deck viewing and photograph taking.

Lower Station

The coach

Bellevue Hotel at the top of the hill.

Meseum, Restaurants and Viewing Deck

Activity Area

Cliff Cafe

Visitors taking photograph

Outdoor activity for the children

The writer

Covered walkway to the train station.

Lock and cupid at the viewing deck similar to Seoul hill top.

Viewing deck

Another view of walkway

Old coach being displayed.

Seating place (covered) for the public to relax, rest or watch performaces

Railway track

Railway track and small tunnel

Performance monitoring

The driver

A happy family posing for the camera.

Those who had experienced riding Peak Tram in Hong Kong certainly will like this train too.

Selected pictures of Makkah Grand Mosque

2014-05-30T20:57:00.001+08:00

Inner court of the Grand mosque

Waiting for Isha prayer

Crowd entering the Grand Mosque

Cleaning and washing the route between Safar and Marwah

People performing the tawaf (a view from Hijr Ismail)

Praying at the inner court in the midday.

Many people performing the tawaf and in the background many more construction unfinished

People watching the tawaf at the first floor of the Grand Mosque. It looks like one of the recreational activities.

A unique clock in the mosque.

The day I visited Madinah and Makkah (Part Two)

2014-05-16T00:15:00.001+08:00

I was overjoyed when I reached Makkah. I know anybody who perform ibadat in the Grand Mosque (Masjidil Haram), he will get 100,000 virtues. That is a big reward. That is why it is better to perform solat and other deeds in this mosque as you will get 100,000 virtues. Whoever who already arrived in Makkah must ensure they do not miss this golden opportunity!

When I completed my umrah, I visited many historic places around Makkah. They include Mount Thur, Arafat, Mount Rahmah, Mina, Jaaranah, Tanaim, and the prophet's former house site. Our guide explained to us about the significance of these areas. I learnt a lot from this visit because the guide is very knowledgeable and he gave us a lot of relevant information including the history and the Quranic verses which are related to these sites.

Mount Thur is where the prophet was hiding from the enemy who wanted to kill him. The enemy nearly found him inside this cave but the spider quickly made her web around the entrance and the birds occupy some place. This situation made the enemy thought that there were nobody inside the cave. This pushed away the enemy to other areas.

Mount Thur, Makkah

Among the visitors who were at the foot of the Mount Thur.

Arafat is a big field which houses thousands of pilgrims during the haj season. All pilgrims who perform haj must stay here for a moment during the noon on the 9th of Zulhijjah (Muslim calender month). It was made known that all phophet of God had come here during their lifetimes.

Mount Rahmah is a small hill next to Arafah. It was told it was the place where Prophet Adam met Hawa again after being separated for a long time after being discharged from the Heaven (Jannah). I found many grafitis being written by visitors. They wrote their names on the rectangular column walls on the mountain top. Some believe if they make doa or prayer at the site, it will be granted.

Mount Rahmah, Arafah

Mina is another place where it was a very historic place. This is a place whereby all Muslims who perform their haj have to throw stones. There are three jamrahs (Ula, Wusta and Aqabah). Now, they are properly housed in a multiple level building which was constructed quite recent. In Mina too, there are permanent anti-fire tents are constructed. These white tents can be seen from far. A train station was constructed here. But I was told the train is being used only during haj season and that too for the Saudian pilgrims. Others still use buses for transport.

Jamrah in Mina.

Jaaranah is a village (not far from Makkah) where the prophet Muhamad pbuh once was poisoned by a lady who wanted to test him whether he is the real prophet or otherwise. He survived the ordeal. Jaaranah is also a miqat ( a place where you make niyyah) for performing umrah similar to place like Bir Ali and Tanaim.

The next day, we visited the prophet's birth place and prophet former house site. It is a common knowledge that the prophet Muhammad birth place is just near the Grand Mosque. However, the management now says there is not much evident to prove it. Well, the site is now developed as a library next to the Palace.

The site of the Prophet's house

When we reached the former site of phophet's house, our guide just told us to sit down. At first we did not know why he asked us to sit down. When everybody sat down, then he opened his narration. This site is near the Babul Salam entrance and the toilet. This is the first time I learnt about the site although I had been here many times.

Later in the evening, the guide discreetly showed us the pillar in the Grand Mosque that is always emitting good odour. Since they are large crowd around, I did not dare to validate it. We just nod and may be some day, we will validate it.

After Maghrib prayer, I started walking towards the lane that lead to the new mataf. I had to come out of the mosque and walked to the the special lane. This lane is fully dedicated to the people want to perform tawaf on wheel chairs. The mataf is a circular double-deck structure (built around the Kaabah), but now only its upper deck is being used. So I waited for my turn to be allowed by the guards. After all wheel chairs got into this lane and move towards the mataf, non wheel chair people were allowed in. We walked passed the elevated wooden structure into the upper floor in the Mosque.

New Mataf (double-deck ) for the jemaah to perform tawaf.

I performed my sunat tawaf by encircling 7 times and finished a few minutes before isha prayer. It took nearly an hour. Here you get a good view of the Kaabah and jamaah.

Large crowd is very normal nowadays where pilgrims perform the tawaf.

Talking about Kaabah, some people are determined to kiss the black stone (Hajar Aswad) and pray in the Hijr Ismail. If your niyyat is strong and you are determined, insya Allah you will get it. Find a suitable time to do it and it is advisable to do it when people are getting less especially in midnight and the wee morning. Some people offer pilgrims to kiss the stone at a price. So be careful.

I spent 6 days in Makkah. In between prayer times, I visited shopping outlets which are below my apartment. Shops now are concentrated in the three towers in front of the Grand Mosque. These include Safwah, and Zam-zam. Basement shops sell products at cheaper price.

There are many hotels in these towers such as Ritaj, Pullman, Al Marwa Rayhana by Rotana, Movenpick, Al Safwah Royale Orchid and Elaf Kinda Hotel.Price may start from RM500 a night.

Clock Tower in Makkah where a few hotels are incorporated within the shopping malls.

At Safwah Tower (on the left), many Malaysians tried the Malaysian cuisine at Felda's restaurant, D'Saji at the food court.

Since many hotels near the Grand Mosque are being demolished to make way for other buildings and development, only those who can afford can stay in hotels near the Grand Mosque. Those who can't afford, have to be housed 400-800 metres away or even a few kilometres away. This may not be good for the elderly as they have to walk a long way or pushed on the wheel chair to and fro the Mosque. In years to come, when the construction of the Mosque complete, I think new hotels will be built on the other side of the mosque and thus making more rooms available close the mosque.

However, there are other visitors who do not care about staying in hotels. They usually come from the Indo-Pakistani countries. They just occupy unused shopping floor, or around the tarmac outside the Grand Mosque.

As far as food is concerned, most visitors will take their food in the respective hotel restaurants. Some patronise the local restaurants and food courts and some even pre-order packed food to be sent to their respective rooms.

One thing I noticed, on Friday afternoon prayer, there are many people in Makkah, They came from all over the place, jamming the mosque. By eleven a.m., the mosque front doors were closed by the guards on duty. Those who were late have to pray outside the mosque and prayer even extended to the shopping malls nearby.

Friday prayer performed at the Albait shopping mall.

Buying packed lunch from the vendor in Jeddah.

On the last day in Makkah, our guide told us to perform farewell tawaf in the morning as we have to depart Makkah by 11 a.m. By 11 am, all of us entered the coach with our luggage and went to the King Abdul Aziz International Airport at the Saudian terminal. It is the same terminal that we arrived.

In Jeddah, our guide bought zam zam water at a kiosk and this add storage in the coach. Later, our guide bought lunch packs for us at the parked van nearby.

Once we reached the airport terminal, the porters came with the trolleys. They never give you the trolley as they wanted to keep it themselves. So we have no option but to get their services at a price.

As we entered the departure lounge, there were many other passengers occupying the seats. We got our seats at a corner and started to have our lunch.

The check-in time is around 5 pm. So we waited nearly 2 hours. When the check-in counter opened, there was no information of our flight number. We were worried. Our guide had spoken to the Flynas staff and he said we should check-in at other terminal, meaning the international terminal. We argued back saying we came through this terminal and we assumed we go back from this terminal too. Minutes later, the staff spoke to their counterpart. Then, he said it is alright to check-in here. So they started to process our check-in. All our passports and tickets were submitted to the check-in staff. In the midst of the check-in, the system got jammed. The check-in ended at 6.30 pm, barely 30 minutes before departure!

The departure gate was only opened at 7.30 pm (there is no flight information at the information electronic board) when everybody finished performing their solat maghrib. We just followed what the staff said. The bus waited for us down stair and the officer guides us to the bus and later to the awaiting plane.

The bus brought us to a long and winding path to search for the plane. As it was already dark, being an ordinary visitor, it seems difficult to pin point our plane. After a few turns, at last we found our plane. All of us (20 persons) boarded the plane. Once we enterd the plane, I found they were a few passengers inside. The plane crew escorted us to the seats. I noticed the big plane had only few passengers! It looked as if it is a charter plane for us and we enjoyed it as we get many seats and converted it as our beds.

The plane departed Jeddah at 8.30 pm. We reached Kuala Lumpur in the morning the next day.

Thank you Allah for giving the opportunity to visit this place. I pray and hope the Almighty Allah will give me more rezeki so that I can visit this holy place again in the near future.

The Day I visited Madina and Makkah (Part One)

2014-05-07T19:16:00.000+08:00

Last April 2014, I had the opportunity to travel to Saudi Arabian cities of Madinah and Makkah to perform an umrah. We took a 9 hr flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah with a Saudian aircraft, Flynas. Flynas ia a Saudian low cost carrier, like Malaysia's Air Asia. We departed KL at 12.45 pm and reached Jeddah at 5 pm (Saudi Time).

Earlier, we were told that we will be exiting at Haj Terminal, however, it turned out, we had to go through a Saudian terminal. By the way, King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAAIA) has 3 terminals: International, Haj and other terminal is strictly for saudi aircrafts. This imposed problem for us as the guides who waited for us were at haj terminal. It took us 3 hours more to start our journey to Madinah.

The queuing at immigration counter was not that smooth as there were many passengers from different airlines were also arrived at that time, however we were lucky enough to get speedy stamping of our passports. Collecting our baggage was not that long. However, waiting for our guides to arrive from another terminal and fetched us took a long hours.

Only after 8.00 pm, we were escorted by our guides to the awaiting MPV at the airport parking. There we had our dinner of packed food and mineral water. Then we proceeded to travel northward to Madinah. Since it was dark, we spent our time sleeping and 7 hours later, we reached Madinah. We were housed in the Madinah Mubarrak Hotel for six days. This hotel is a walking distance to Masjid Nabawi.

I for one had difficulty of adjusting to Saudi time as Saudi's 2.00 am is our 7 am. By 4 am we have to get ready for subuh prayer. While putting the bags in our room at thirteen floor, I found the room has a faulty air conditioner. Phoning the front counter several times earned me to change room to another room at the far end, still on the same floor. If I did not insist strongly, I don't think they will change my room. Well, by 3.00 am, all settled and I also forget to tell my new room to our entourage.

I had barely one hour to be ready for subuh prayer. For that, I thank myself as I had a good nap while on MPV a few hours ago.

At 4.00 am, there were already thousands of people moving toward the mosque. This is quite unique in the sense that here everybody seems determine to pray in the mosque in congregation. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had said, "Those who prayed in my mosque, will get 1,000 virtues."

Business at the Mosque Entrance (Masjid Nabawi)

Masjidil Nabawi, located in the central of Madinah is indeed a very large mosque. It had been renovated and enlarged many times to accommodate a rising number of visitors or pilgrims all over the world. At the left front corner, lies the Prophet Muhammad's grave. This area attracts many visitors and sometimes you can not escape big crowd of all ethnics (all Muslims from all over the world) and a big push as everyone is eager to move toward the protected grave and offer some dua. Some even cried during their prayer and duas.

Raudhah

The prophet's grave

Immediate right hand side of the grave is a space called Raudhah. This is one of the areas where Allah will grant your prayers or duas. This make this place a sought after. It is not easy to pray inside this area if you are not determine to do so. It is always full of people irrespective of time. If you are a women, there is a time reserve for the ladies to pray inside this area. If you are interested, tell your guide to bring you to this Raudhah.

Not far from the mosque is a large graveyard called Baqi graveyard which "houses" holy people and companions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

After finishing our subuh prayer at 5 am, we went back to the hotel for breakfast at level M. Wow, there were many people queuing for the food. This time, we had shared our food with pilgrims from Indonesia. The food caterer is the same. So we ate Indonesian food: tempe, fried rice, fried bee hoon, keropok, gado-gado etc.

Going into the the lift is a problem. This hotel has a number of lifts (elevators) but small. They can not accommodate a sudden rush of patrons. So, to occupy time waiting, we surf internet on the hotel free wifi. Free wifi can be reached by a simple hand phone. I found many male visitors here do not care about others when smoke at their floors. I found it a nuisance when I met smokers who smokes in an air conditioned floors.

The room key is in the form of card. I was given a card and this gives problem for 3 of us who occupy the same room. So we requested an extra card which they obliged.

The next day, we were taken tour of Madinah where we toured Uhud, Masjid Quba, Masjid Qiblatain and date market in the orchard. This is a standard visiting program while in Madinah.

We visited Masjid Quba first. Prophet Muhammad says, "Whoever perform ablution at his house and pray at this mosque get merit or virtue of one umrah". It is just 4 km away from Masjidil Nabawi. Upon arrival, there were already many people performing solat inside. Visitors from Turkey and Indonesia form a large crowd.

Next we visited a date shop in the orchard nearby this masjid. You can all eat whatever dates available in the shop. But I found the price is a bit high compare to the Date Market in the town. However, it is an irony, the guide can not dictate the driver to bring us to the Date Market.

Dates (Ajwa)

Date Shop at the orchard near Uhud.

We did not spent time here and moved to Uhud. This hill was once a battle ground between the Muslim Madinah and the kuffar where one of the martyred was the Phophet's uncle, Saidina Hamzah. The guide briefed us the history of Uhud and the Uhud war. Around the area now have many petty traders selling all kind of products such as dates, fruits, nuts, clothes etc. They are selling similar products.

At 9.30 am, the heat here is very high, more than 38 celsius, making us very uncomfortable. It may be normal to Madinah citizens but not us. This make us short cut the visit and proceeded to Masjid Qiblatain. Masjid Qiblatain has two kiblat. Previously, all Muslims in Madinah prayed facing the Masjid Al Aqsa in Palestine, but due to certain reasons, Allah swt asked Phophet Muhammad to change the kiblat to Kaabah in Makkah. So, all Muslim over the globe now offer prayers facing the Kaabah. Inside the mosque, there is one side of the wall facing Masjid Aqsa and the other one wall facing the Kaabah. This is part of the Islamic history. Our ziarah ends at 10.00 am.

The next day, I joined another group for the visit. We visited the same areas but had an extra visit i.e. visit the largest Quran printing plant in Madinah. The area is situated in the outskirt of Madinah.

Quran Printing Plant

The printing plant is a huge one. Only male visitor is allowed to enter the plant. As there were many people who like to visit the plant, we have to wait for our turn. The females will stay in the exhibition and selling areas. During the visit, we were briefed that the plant prints 11 million copies of Quran yearly in various languages and distributed all over the world. At the end of the visit, each visitor is given a free Quran.

Those who read Quran and acted upon it will surely get the blessing of Allah swt. Those who read this writing, I like to say that reading Quran is a challenge to all Muslims. Quran can give you syafaat in the hereafter. So it is words of God, the Creator. It is from Allah the creator to His Creations revealed through His Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Quran is for all mankind. A lot of lessons can be learnt from this Holy Quran. Believe in Al Quran is one of the tenets of Islam.

The daily activity here is similar or repeat. Pray at the mosque 5 times daily is a routine and sought after. Here, one should not miss solat jenazah at every solat. It happens every day.

I spent 5 days here which is considered long by a normal package. After spending 5 days in Madinah, we prepared ourselves to go to Makkah for umrah. The last activity in Madinah is we went to bid farewell to the Prophet.

There were many people at that vicinity. We made dua and say good bye and hope we can come back again in the future.

We started our journey to Makkah at 2 pm after lunch. Ready with our ihram (two-piece white clothes) wrapped our body (for males), we took a coaster and stopped at Bir Ali, an hour journey from Madinah on the way to Makkah. Since the coaster bus is small, all our bags were placed on the roof top and were tied nicely.

Ready for umrah

Bir Ali Mosque

At Bir Ali mosque, we queued at the toilet to make ablution and went inside to pray. At this hour, there were many pilgrims too. Stopping here is about 45 minutes and got into the bus again and make niyyat to perform our umrah. Our guide then guided us in making the niyyat and we started our talbiah ( reciting Labbaikallah humma labbaik......). We reached Makkah at 9.30pm.

The driver parked the vehicles at the basement of the Zam Zam Tower complex. After all baggage were put down and wheeled to the hotel by the hotel porter. We were not sure where our hotel were actually located. Later, we were told it is at Retaj Suites Hotel. So it took different elevator at 02 to P6. It is quite confusing here. Later, we learnt that it is next to the Grand Mosque.

Once we got our rooms at level P6, the guide gave us the dinner, a packed of rice, chicken and vegetable plus the mineral water. Actually, our rooms are scattered among the floors. I got at level 6, others at level 5 and 8.

The room at Ritaj is really luxury to my standard. The room comes with an attic with 3 single beds and bathroom, tv and fridge while the lower are bathroom, dining and kitchen, tv plus living. So we were happy to get this room as it has 2 bathrooms.

At 12 midnight, the guide summoned us to the lobby where he will bring us to perform umrah. As we exit our lift, I realised that our hotel is right in front of the Grand Mosque. It took us a few minutes to enter the King Abdul Aziz Gate.

As we entered the mosque, the guide brought us right to the tarmac where the Kaabah is. I noticed the new mataj was properly installed with people on wheel chair performing the tawaf. At least the ground tawaf is not disturbed by the wheel chairs.

After offering solat sunnat, the guide took us to do tawaf 7 rounds complete. It took nearly an hour as there were many people. Completing the tawaf (encircling anti clockwise 7 times with ablution and with duas ), brought us to perform solat sunnat in front of Makam Ibrahim. Mind you, this area has many people passing in and out and can sometime make you uncomfortable. But you have to overcome whatever your problems. Next is to do sa'e i.e. walking between Mount Safar to Mount Marwah 7 rounds. It takes another 45 minutes and end up at Marwah with tahallul (cutting a few hairs). When you have done the tahalul, you can be free from the umrah do and don'ts. You can change to the normal cloth.

Performing umrah is also to ask God's blessing in pardoning whatever sins that you have committed.

To be continued.

Visiting Bali

2014-02-22T22:51:00.000+08:00

Recently I visited Bali Island, one of the many thousand islands in Indonesia. Located far east of Indonesia, Bali offers a lot of attraction to the tourists (which comes to 4 millions tourist a year). Bali has a lot of rituals and almost everyday you see many occasions (upacara). Upacara means ceremony such as burying the dead, wedding or death.

Bali has a few small towns around the island, being Kuta is the most visited place. Other towns include Denpasar, Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Negara and Singaraja. Bali has mountains too especially the northern part.

For those who like water sport (surfing), they better stay near Kuta beach. Those who likes arts and tradition or culture can stay around Ubud. Those who likes conferences or wish to hold international conferences, can stay around Nusa Dua. Last not least, those who prefer quiet life, can stay around Uluwatu, south-east of Bali. Now lots of wedding receptions happen around Uluwatu.

A lady selling flowers

T-shirts and souvenirs

Legian Street

Art Gallery in Kuta

Well, if you want to visit Bali for sightseeing, you need at least 4 days to do. The first day is for walking around Kuta, the happening area. Second day to the northern part of Bali to Bedegul until Singaraja or Lovina beach (to watch wild dolphin). The third day to the south including Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu. The forth day is to Tanah Lot and Negara.

Whatever location of your accommodation that you choose, you should properly plan your visit to those places. If not you will waste lot of time unnecessarily.

In terms of budget, certainly you need to have sufficient money to pay for the accommodation, internal travel, food, entertainment or going for body massage or reflexology.

There are many restaurants around these town centers which you need not worry. However, for halal food, you need local people to tell you where to get halal food. Normally, rumah makan selling Padang Cuisine is halal. Night shopping in Kuta is around Jalan Legian.

Main roads in Bali are narrow. But new toll-expressway from Sanur to Nusa Dua is wide. You can rent a bike or motorbike while holidaying here.

Happy travelling.

Topspot Food Court in Kuching, Sarawak MALAYSIA

2013-11-23T20:12:00.000+08:00

When you visit Kuching, Malaysia, you can visit this roof-top food court by the name of Topspot at Jalan Mata Kuching off Jalan Green Hill, Kuching, Sarawak. It is right in the town centre, next to Pullman Hotel. The food court is located on the top floor of the car parking floors.

It offers sea food cuisine like steam fish, oyster basket, fish curry, fresh prawns, soups, shark's fin soup and other sea food.

The place is clean and has no air-conditioners, only large fans to cool you off. You have to walk up the stairs in order to be there or take a lift. If you come in a large group, it is better to book early as this food court is always full of people.

It opens everyday from 4.00pm until midnight. The price of food is reasonable. So, it is good to enjoy dinner (traditional food) here.

A Glimpse of Jakarta

2013-10-14T12:01:00.000+08:00

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, has more than 10 millions inhabitants. Located on the north west of Java, Jakarta has attracted many foreign tourists to visit and enjoy the food and tourist places. I had spent 4 days and 3 nights in Jakarta and had time visiting Monas, Pasar Abang, Istiqlal Mosque, Old Batavia, shopping complex, and Blok M. Below are some pictures that I took during my stay in Jakarta. Lovely place to visit....

A statue at Jalan Sudirman.

Commuters at Sudirman train station (in the morning). Fare is cheap and is subsidized by the government.

Old Batavia. It is big square (Fatahillah Square) with many old buildings around and were being restored and conserved by the authority. Take a transjakarta bus to Kota and walk a few meters to this place....

An attraction to the Old Batavia Conservation Area.

Top floor of the Tanah Abang commuter station where tickets are sold.

Quenching his thirst....Old Batavia Conservation Area.

A must for visitor to try Avocado drink. Cost of 10,000 rupiah per glass.

Menara 46 along Jalan Sudirman, a new landmark of Jakarta.

Private vehicles in Jakarta. Traffic congestion is a common sight. You are advised to take Transjakarta bus which has dedicated lane to avoid congestion. The flat price 3,500 rupiah for any distance along the line (route). TransJakarta bus has 13 lines and it functions like any metro or LRT in other cities, the difference is the vehicle is the buses while LRT/MRT are trains.

Tanah Abang shopping complex.

Istiqlal Mosque, the biggest in Indonesia which can accommodate 200,000 prayers at a time.

Monuments at Jalan Sudirman near Monas.

View of Monas, a must visit. Entrance via the tunnel underneath. Fee: 5000 rupiah and another 10,000 rupiah if you want to go up. It advisable to be early in the morning if you want to go up to avoid long queue which might take hours.....

5 star hotel along Jalan Thamrin.

Small souvenirs sold at Monas.

A kind of bench for the visitors to pose....it is inside a restaurant called Selero Jumbo, near Sarinah Shopping Mall. Selero Jumbo offers authentic Sumatran cuisine. Price per plate is around 40,000 rupiah.

Gambir Railway Station in central Jakarta. It is a station for people going to Bandung and other cities.

At the top of Monas. Smiling Indonesia scouts joined in.

A village right in urban Jakarta, similar to any south east Asian cities around.

Tanah Abang Complex.

Note for the Muslim travelers:

The airport (Terminal 3) has a few prayer rooms. Arrival hall has one musalla (on the left before you exit the hall) while the departure hall has separate musalla for men and women.

The DAMRI bus cost 30,000 rupiah/person which goes to the city centre (Gambir Station). Taxi may cost more. Venturing Jakarta: try walking, commuter train and buses. Occasionally take blue taxi (has meter).

Shopping for common items, try Tanah Abang while expensive ones in Plaza Indonesia or Grand Indonesia which are located at Jalan Thamrin (next to each other).

For food, try at Food Court at many supermarkets. Cheaper food at roadside mobile food stalls. Accommodation is best along Jalan Thamrin, as you can visit many places nearby.

Tips To Move Around in Jakarta

2013-09-20T19:02:00.001+08:00

This posting is meant to guide travelers who visit Jakarta. Once you had landed at the Sukarno-Hatta Airport, you have two basic choices to the city either by bus or taxi. If you choose a taxi, please choose the registered taxi like Blue Bird. This taxi has a meter or fixed fare. The normal fare from the airport is around 200,000 rupiah. However, if you choose a bus, you take DAMRI bus, a blue striped with silver background in color, you pay around 30,000 rupiah (at the booth or on the bus). DAMRI bus goes to many city destinations such as Gambir Railway Station and Blok M. The bus moves every 15-20 minutes. This bus has a fee wifi. If you have many luggage, it is better to take a taxi.

Most tourists will take DAMRI bus to Gambir station and from Gambir, they took blue bird taxis to the hotels. The fare is around 20,000 rupiah.

It is better to stay in central Jakarta hotels if you want to move around for site visits, shopping and relaxing. Choose good hotels according to your budget. I suggest you find budget hotels around Jalan Thamrin/Sudirman as it is very easy and convenient to move around.

Staying around Jalan Thamrin, you are closer to interesting places such as Istiqlal Mosque (the biggest mosque), Monumen Nasional, Kota (old Batavia), Pasar Tanah Abang (shopping), Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia (big shopping complexes catering for rich people) etc.

Note that places of interest such as Monas open at 8.00am and close at 3.00pm. Entrance is Rp5,000/person and going up to the top, you pay another Rp10,000 (to view Jakarta from the top). It is better to go early as the queue is long if you want to go to the top.

Menara '46, along Jalan Sudirman.

Monumen Nasional (Monas)

Tanah Abang Multi Storey Shopping Complex. It has many shopping floors (bags, clothes, batik, food court, banks etc)

Kota (old Batavia). It is now being conserved by the government

One of the activities at Kota. Man in grey has attracted many visitors here.

For halal food, you may go to food court in many shopping complexes. The price may a bit more than the road side stalls. You may go to good restaurants such as Selero Jumbo which serves nasi padang, which is near Sarinah Mall.

For Muslim travelers, as far as food is concerned, you have many choices. I suggest you go to food court. The food court in Grand Indonesia has food from various part of the world (western and eastern food). Food court at Pasar Tanah Abang serves many Indonesian delicacy.

Restaurant Selero Jumbo at Jalan Timur, near Sarinah Mall offers Nasi Padang.

Food Court at Grand Indonesia, offering many western and eastern dishes including fast foot outlet like pizza, KFC etc.

The famous Indonesia gado-gado. Cost around 20,000 rupiah at food court .

For internal transport, you can take TransJakarta bus which has many lines (13 lines). If you stay along Jalan Thamrin, you can take Line 1. It starts from Kota to Blok M (vice versa) with a flat fare of 3500 rupiah. If you want to go to Monas, take tranjakarta bus and stop at Monas station and walk a little to Monas. You may also take commuter train to go to Bogor or Tanah Abang. The fare is reasonable.

The TransJakarta Bus. The bus runs on tyres and wheels and has dedicated lane to it. However, the bus has to stop at traffic light junctions.

Happy travelling.

Visit to the Chimelong International Circus, Guangzhou

2013-05-13T11:12:00.001+08:00

Last March 2013, I had the opportunity to visit the world's biggest circus in Pangyu, Guangzhou, China. The travel time from the city to Pangyu is about one hour. Pangyu is located to the south of Guangzhou, at the edge of the city, near the mountains.

We went there with a chartered van driven by 29-year old man by the name of Mr. Lee. When we reached the area, it is already 7.00 pm. Lee just left us at the gate of the Chimelong International Circus. We walked across the road and started queuing at the entrance gate. There were many people, thousands of them waiting outside. I guess, it is Saturday night, many parents bring their children with them.

We took our time and took pictures of the area, their sign boards and the patrons. The entrance fee to the show alone cost us RMB270 per pax. By 7.20 pm, we were already inside the hall. This hall can accommodate easily 7000 people at the a time. I looked around the hall and saw 3/4 is occupied.

We took our seat at the centre of the gallery overlooking the big stage. The large stage is separated by a water body (a canal ) from the audience. The ceiling is high with glittering lights all over. The circus is using the high tech with big screen at strategic places.

The trapeze, acrobat and other performers comes from all over the world. The animals are also introduced and make performance : horses, chimpanzees, tigers, lions, ducks, birds, elephants, pigs, dogs etc.

Among the highlights are the trapeze swinging at high ropes and had triple somersault; bikers in a cage (racing in the circular cage without knocking each other); women riding horses in various ways; acts of balancing on a moving wheel; performance of clowns playing tricks; parading of animals on stage including the ducks in the waterway.

One impressing moment to me, was a flock of white birds coming from one upper right window entered the hall, making their noises and exit through other left window and a chimpanzee playing guitar and had gangnam style dance.

The 1.5 hour show (7.30 pm-9.00pm) is not boring at all. It entertains us very well. Later, Lee picked us up at 10.00pm at the spot where he dropped us and brought us back to the hotel.

If you wish to visit this circus, it is recommended, you book the ticket first.

Happy travelling.

Mosque and halal food in Bangkok

2013-04-08T09:48:00.000+08:00

There are many mosques and halal restaurants in Bangkok. For Muslim travelers, you do not have to worry about this. Just find a mosque, you will get information where to get halal food.

Darul Aman Mosque (A) is close to BTS Ratchadewi.

For those from the Middle East, lots of halal outlets along Sukhumvit Road. For those who like Malay or Thai food, you can visit Darul Aman Mosque area where there are many halal restaurants. To go there, you can either take a taxi or sky train ( the nearest sky train station is Ratchadewi near Asia Hotel).

If you take sky train, stop at Ratchadewi station and walk across Thanon Petchaburi towards the mosque. There are many Muslim restaurants that serves Malay-Thai halal food at affordable price. You can speak Malay here.

There is another cluster of Muslim restaurants around Pratunam (clothing shopping area), which serve Middle East and Indo-Pakistani cuisine. The price is reasonable. If you take sky train, stop at Ratchadewi, and walk towards Baiyoke Sky Hotel, the tallest hotel around, then you will reach Pratunam.

Happy travelling.

Halal Food in Hong Kong

2013-04-04T09:02:00.000+08:00

I travelled to Hong Kong from Shenzhen by train. The train ride from Lo Wu station to Hung Hom station in Kowloon is very smooth stopping at various station along the way. It only takes 45 minutes.

While in Hong Kong, I found halal eateries centred around Nathan Road in Kowloon especially the Indo Pakistani cuisine such as garlic nans, chicken curries, biryani, fried rice etc. It is just around Chungking Mansions and inside that mansion there are lots of small eatery outlets. This mansion is actually a shopping area and lots of budget hotels. It is a walking distant from the Kowloon Mosque.

Chungking Mansion at Nathan Road

Chungking Mansions at Nathan Road, Kowloon.

Islamic Centre, Ammar Mosque, Wan Chai.

Tasty dim sum being served at level 4, Ammar Mosque. The canteen opens at 10.00 am.

On the island side, I found the canteen at Ammar Mosque (Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic centre) in Wan Chai serves halal food too. Its dim sum is tasty and nice. You can take MTR train to Causeway Bay station and take a walk to Russel Road and Bowrington Road towards Wan Chai, you will notice a mosque green in color.

There are many other outlets but I recommend you try these two. Happy travelling.