Simon's Photo Gallery

The Purple of Dawn

2018-05-08T22:43:00.001+08:00

Right in the heart of the township of Kota Kemuning (Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia), lies a serene lake surrounding by residential homes, commercial offices, shoplots, and of course not forgetting jogging tracks for morning and evening joggers.

When this image was taken, the following were my thoughts and sentiments.

Sometimes we need a take a few steps back to see a broader picture. Just like these images, when zoomed in and framing a particular object, it's unable to view the surrounding people who were jogging on the side track of the lake as well as birds feeding nearby. Unfortunately, most of the time, we were too focused on the issues at hand, and overlooked seemingly unimportant factors that could be the best solution.

Kota Kemuning Lakeside at Dawn

Visit to i-City

2015-07-19T01:10:00.001+08:00

I-City (also known as the city of lights) is located at Shah Alam in the state of Selangor. Visited this place on the 2nd day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Thought it's going to be quiet during the festive holidays but was wrong. It wasn't easy finding the right spots to capture these images in a crowded environment. All photos were taken with Olympus OM-D E-M1 with the m.Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 Pro lens.

Mangrove River Tour at Cherating

2015-06-13T17:41:00.000+08:00

A must-do in Cherating is a boat tour into the mangrove forest. The guides are good in spotting various animals, including snakes. The tour will last for about an hour and there are 2 trips a day - departing at 9am and 4pm.

Sunrise at Cherating Beach

2015-06-13T16:39:00.000+08:00

The view of the first dawn of light at Cherating is indeed captivating. One has to wake up as early as 6.00am to capture such scenes.

A Colourful Evening

2015-06-13T01:09:00.000+08:00

These photos were taken during my trip to the town of Cherating, located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Cherating is a popular beach resort area in the state of Pahang. It is located about 30 km north of Kuantan on Peninsular Malaysia's East Coast

Cherating village is a typical small lazy East Coast fishing village although backpacker-tourism now is the major income earner here. The village, which is just off the main East Coast trunk road between Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu is dotted with guesthouses and small hotels (called chalets here). Asia's first Club Med is also located here. The place is extremely laid-back and the beach is nice and wide.

Pahang Buddhist Association - 万佛殿（关丹佛教会）

2015-06-12T23:24:00.001+08:00

Discovered this large and beautiful temple while touring Kuantan. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the state of Pahang, with great lakeside scenery resembling that in China.

This temple is also known as Wan Fo Dian (万佛殿）which literally means the Temple of Ten-Thousand Buddhas.

Wesak Day Celebration 2015

2015-05-03T01:47:00.001+08:00

Wesak or Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima and Buddha Day, is a holiday observed traditionally by Buddhists on different days in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and the South East Asian countries of Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia, and other places all over the world. Sometimes informally called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually commemorates the birth, enlightenment (nirvāna), and death (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition.

This year, the auspicious day is celebrated in Malaysia on 3rd May 2015. These photos were taken on the eve of Wesak Day at the Buddhist Maha Vihara temple at Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur where devotees came for prayers and offering of alms and various forms of donations to the monks as well as the needy.

Enchanting Forest View

2014-10-06T22:45:00.002+08:00

This is the jungle track within the Kuala Selangor Nature Park, surrounded by swampy area. The colourful leaves, fauna and dried trees provide such an enchanting view that casted a binding spell on me. There is simply beauty in the shots taken from various angles and perspectives.

Age of the Innocence

2014-10-05T20:48:00.000+08:00

Looking at how happy these kids are reminds me of my childhood days. If only such feelings could last forever. Perhaps the most befitting song to listen while viewing these photos is Beatles' Yesterday. I like the part of the songs which goes:-

"Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday"

Flowers and Plants of Cameron Highlands

2014-10-05T15:24:00.002+08:00

It was raining season at Cameron Highlands where flowers and plants are blooming and growing fresh and vibrantly colourful.

Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2014

2014-09-20T21:21:00.003+08:00

Visited the Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival. Apart from new photography products, the event is also filled with a bevy of beauties, art & flower display, as well as talks by guest speakers in the photography fraternity

Mid-Autumn Festival 2014

2014-09-07T12:07:00.002+08:00

Mid-Autumn Festival is an inherited custom of moon sacrificial ceremonies. The ancient Chinese observed that the movement of the moon had a close relationship with changes of the seasons and agricultural production. Hence, to express their thanks to the moon and celebrate the harvest, they offered a sacrifice to the moon on autumn days.

The celebration is often symbolised by the offering of mooncakes as well as parading around with colorful lanterns, which is a favourite among children.

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Kota Kemuning

2014-07-12T01:35:00.000+08:00

This is a newly build temple at Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam. The temple, although opened to the public, is still undergoing construction. It's very decorative and colourful inside. If you're coming into Kota Kemuning, this temple is located at the left turn of the 1st roundabout (i.e. some called it the McDonalds roundabout) and heading towards Kemuning Utama. It's beside the new Methodist Church of Kota Kemuning.

Jeju Island - Mystery Road, Yacht Ride & Canola Field

2014-06-21T12:40:00.000+08:00

Jeju Island is the largest volcanic island in Korea. Officially called Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, this premier tourist destination boasts mild weather, as well as scenic beauties of beaches, waterfalls, cliffs and caves. Some of the top tourist sites include Hallasan National Park with a largely diverse species of flora and fauna, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak with breathtaking views, and Manjanggul Cave, the world’s longest lava tube that has been registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage. Meanwhile, Jeju has recently won the Global Geopark certificate, and also has been selected as the New7Wonders of Nature.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak, Jeju Island

2014-06-21T12:16:00.000+08:00

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well.

The sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Also the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak surrounded by bright yellow colored rapeseed flowers in the spring is truly a sight to behold.

Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul

2014-06-08T22:04:00.000+08:00

Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village with a long history located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The traditional village is composed of lots of alleys, hanok and is preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. Now it is used as a traditional culture center and hanok restaurant, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty.

Somewhere in Port Dickson

2014-06-08T12:44:00.001+08:00

Port Dickson is a beach resort destination at Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia, about 90km south from Kuala Lumpur and 30km away from Seremban. Also called 'PD' by locals, this popular holiday retreat is located within easy reach from KL and Singapore by major highways and roads. From PD's town center, a coastline of warm beaches and calm seas stretches along a 10-mile strip towards Malacca, ending at the tip of Cape Rachado (Tanjung Tuan). The most popular beach zones along this stretch are Teluk Kemang, Blue Lagoon, Bagan Pinang and Pantai Cahaya Negeri, supported by major hotels, resorts and apartments that offer budget and luxury family accommodation.

Day Trip to Carey Island & Kelanang Beach

2014-06-08T12:30:00.001+08:00

So used to my Olympus OM-D EM-1 micro 4/3 system that I have forsaken my beloved Canon EOS 5D Mark III for a long while. This Canon beauty is finally back in action on my recent day trip to Carey Island and Kelanang Beach. I must admit that I still admire the color vibrance and image sharpness of the full frame camera despite having to lug around extra weights on my shoulder.

Below are some brief facts/background of these 2 places.

Carey Island

People
The island has oil palm plantations owned by Sime Darby Plantations. It is an initial settlement area for the Mah-Meri (pronounced Mak Miri), one of the aborigine Orang Asli tribes of Malaysia.

Mah Meri people have a reputation for some of the world's finest wooden mask. They have assimilated into modern life, with jobs in the nearby plantations and farms, but they retain their unique culture and way of life. Apart from exhibitions of their traditional dances and music, the Mah Meri are particularly known for their votive sculptures, fashioned from a kind of swamp hardwood known as "Nyireh Batu".

Food

Carey Island is famous for its seafood such as crabs, prawns, and various fishes.

Getting There

Lebuh Raya Shah Alam (KESAS)

Federal Highway

North Klang Valley Expressway

Main access to Carey Island from KL is via Lebuh Raya Shah Alam (KESAS) and Klang-Banting trunk road. Future access is via South Klang Valley Expressway(SKVE).

Drive from Kuala Lumpur to Teluk Panglima Garang on the Kelang-Banting road. From Teluk Panglima Garang, a narrow road takes you past rustic Malay villages to Pulau Carey.

A bridge links the mainland to the island. The entire drive takes approximately 1 1/2 hours.

Kelanang Beach

Kelanang Beach is located near Morib Beach in the district of Kuala Langat. If you are coming from Banting town, go further up along the Banting-Morib Road and you will encounter a junction.
There will be a signboard that directs you to go straight instead of turning left to Morib. This beach is not as widely publicized and not many visitors outside of this district know about it.

Even if you do not intend to stop here for long, it is a good idea to drop by and see this beach. The beach has sandy white sand but is not suitable for swimming.
Plan additional travel time to drop by this beach, Gold Coast Morib Resort, Tanjung Sepat and Bagan Lalang. They are all located along the south west of the coast of Selangor. During the low tide, you can walk a couple of hundreds of metre towards the sea.

The GPS coordinates of the beach is N02° 47.384' E101° 24.710'.

Bandar Rimbayu : An Eco-Friendly Township

2014-05-25T22:52:00.001+08:00

Bandar Rimbayu is a premier township development inspired by nostalgia for a time when life was simple and people lived close to nature, in a safe, supportive neighbourhood.

Set in tranquil green surroundings on a 1,879 acre site, Bandar Rimbayu will be an iconic mixed development of residential, commercial, recreational and parkland components.

With a gross development value of RM11billion, Bandar Rimbayu will be an integrated township with residential, commercial and recreational components spread over 4 precincts : Flora, Fauna, Bayu and Commercial Hub.

Bandar Rimbayu’s strategic location with accessibility via 5 major highways to Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Subang, Petaling Jaya, Damansara, Puchong, Shah Alam and Klang Valley gives the township excellent connectivity.

Reaching out to the top

Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel

2014-05-25T18:49:00.002+08:00

The first premier ‘Malaysian Icon Hotel’, Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside is located 25 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Low Cost Carrier Terminal. Easy access to Kuala Lumpur city centre and Sepang Circuit via ERL transit train or by car through a network of highways.

Seoul Urbanscapes

2014-05-25T16:06:00.000+08:00

Seoul is the capital city of South Korea and it's the world leading technology hub that is centred around Gangnam and Digital Media City. It boasts the world's sixth largest number of Fortune Global 500 multinationals such as Samsung, the world's largest technology company, as well as LG and Hyundai-Kia. In 2012, the city's GDP per capita (PPP) of $36,321 was comparable to that of Britain and France. Ranked sixth in the Global Power City Index and seventh in the Global Financial Centres Index, the metropolis exerts a major influence in global affairs as one of the five leading hosts of global conferences.

The images below show the various scenes of this famous city, Despite the vast development, the city maintains a fair bit of green environment; a testament of South Korea's commitment to be an environment-friendly country that also promotes healthy lifestyle.

Everland Amusement Park, South Korea

2014-05-17T18:08:00.000+08:00

Everland Resort was opened in 1976 as the first family park in Korea. Though originally called ‘Yongin Jayeon Nongwon,’ the company changed its name to ‘Everland’ to make the name more recognizable to international audiences.

The park is home to over 40 heart-pounding rides and attractions. In addition to ‘Safari World’ featuring white tigers, tigers, lions and bears, ‘Herbivore Safari’ opened in April 2010, letting visitors get up close and personal with the safari’s giraffes, elephants, and ostriches.

Everland is also known for its gorgeous flower arrangements and beautiful gardens, which have been year-round fixtures since the Rose Festival in 1985. Other great spots for family fun are the Snow Sled (the first and the longest of its kind in Korea), Caribbean Bay (an outstanding water park) and Everland Speedway (a racing track). Full of exciting attractions and entertainment,

Everland is one of the most popular places in Korea for families, friends, and couples.

The tiger bus to Safari World

White tiger

Raging lion pawing at the 4WD vehicle

This is a liger - a cross breed of a lion and tiger

Cute sleeping foxes

Kensington Flora Hotel at Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea

2014-05-17T14:07:00.001+08:00

This is the best hotel I've ever stayed during the vacation in South Korea. Get to experience the 'country style living' with beautiful sceneries.

The Kensington Flora Hotel is an H.E.R.B (Health, Entertainment, Relaxation, Beauty) hotel located on Mt. Odae. The hotel, the first of its kind in all of Korea, was established with the goal of providing women with a classy leisure resort that combines relaxation with quality beauty care. Befitting of its feminine image, the hotel is decorated mainly in the theme of herbs and flowers.

In addition to excellent customer service geared towards its female clientele, the hotel offers a variety of facilities such as a state-of the-art seminar hall (with all the latest lighting, audio, and video capabilities) and a luxurious sauna.

The sauna is supplied with water from underground mountain bedrock that is known for its effects in revitalizing the body and relieving stress and fatigue. Professional trainers at the sauna’s health center test each client’s BMI, blood pressure, and heart rate and compose a tailored program, ensuring a health experience perfect for each individual.

Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

2014-05-17T11:40:00.000+08:00

Established in 1988, the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm raises sheep on an area of 195 k㎡, and is privately owned. There are many small to large animal farms in Pyeongchang, but the Sheep Farm is the only farm that raises sheep.

The Sheep Farm is open all year round, and is free. The most ideal time to visit is between June and August during the grazing season. You can see the sheep herds and various wild plants during this time. The Sheep Farm offers accommodations, toilets, and benches. If you decide to stay a night, you can try the outdoor lamb chops, or the sagolgomtang.

'Juktongbap' Restaurant Near Mureung Valley

2014-05-17T00:16:00.001+08:00

This restaurant is famous for 'juktongbap' - i.e. glutinous rice cooked in bamboo canister where you get the fragrance of the rice and scent of bamboo. Beautiful sceneries and flowers in the vicinity too. We stopped for our lunch here while heading from Mureung Valley to the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm.