the journey

2012-01-25T21:54:00.003+08:00

In front of my house. Sibu, Sarawak. January 2012.

Blessed Chinese New Year 2012! :D

Shots from Penang

2012-01-22T01:15:00.000+08:00

At Penang Bridge.

Great publicity.

Queensway Mall.

Foochow fish ball soup in Penang. Didn't try though.

One of the traveling buddies at PISA.

Auto-City's Love Bridge.

Penang mainland jetty.

Khoo Kongsi.

Lee's jetty.

This is the house that was featured in the film Ais Kacang Puppy Love, at Chow's Jetty.


TV's ancestor at Baba and Nyonya museum.

Corner basin.

Leaving Penang International Airport. :D

I really love Penang. Full of colours, food, cultures without leaving developments out. Other than the world class traffic and language I would really love to spend the best of my years here.

I Miss You

2012-01-11T01:33:00.000+08:00

Oh Penang Char Kueh Teow with duck egg... How much I miss you... Looking at the picture above just makes me hungry over and over again. Mouth full of saliva. Oooh la laaaa~

We came all the way to Bukit Mertajam just to enjoy this uncle's wonderful char kuey teow. I think he cooks with charcoal.

Just look at the egg shells in the dustbin. And my local friend told me the business for that night was considered bad already because we don't have to wait for 30 minutes for the noodles to come. In fact, 6 of us there managed to eat 2 plates each in about 30 minutes. Thank goodness I did because it's really too good to just have one.

I'll miss you uncle, I mean your char kueh teow. :)

Sensor Cleaned!

2011-12-29T14:50:00.001+08:00

Finally I got my sensor blower from ebay. It was about 2 years since I realise my sensor is covered with some dust. Visible dust marks even at f1/9. But being a lazy bum I didn't take any action. And that caused a lot of 'scream' moments when I look at the my pictures. =.=

superflygallery.com

Here are the results:

Actually this is the initial state. Apology for the watermark mistake.

Suddenly I realise there are unfamiliar marks appeared on the upper part of the picture! And no matter how hard I try to blow it away I can't get it off. Then I took a courageous but silly step. I used a cotton bud to clean the affected area.

Thankfully the marks are gone without leaving any scratches. (Maybe minor scratches that are not visible with naked eyes.=/) I won't take that risk again.

Although this is not perfect, but I didn't wanna go on trying. I called it a day for this. At least it's not as bad as the initial state. Won't give me screaming moments. :)

I guess I'm satisfied with the current state. If not I would need to get extra tools.

superflygallery.com

And that means extra cash. Woohoo...

Labuan

2011-12-23T22:34:00.000+08:00

It was an impromptu trip to Labuan when the actual plan was to go Brunei. Took a 2-hour boat express before reaching the Pearl of Borneo. Again, like Limbang, it's much bigger than I expected. I'm sorry, I don't mean to undermine these towns. Where do I come from anyway? Sibu! :p

Express ticket.

Even the signage is labeled with the slogan. @.@

As soon as I reached, I went to the information booth and got hold of a copy of the tourist booklet. The first thing I saw in the Labuan section is the World War II Memorial Park, which is supposed to look something like below.

virtualmalaysia.com

It's the biggest war memorial in Malaysia, commemorating the fall of the soldiers from Australia, Britain, India, New Zealand and Malaya as they were tortured during the Death March from Ranau to Sandakan.

So that became my goal. After a roti telur and teh tarik, I started my journey on foot. I wanted to do it quick because I only have 3 hours on the island.

Passed through Dataran Labuan, a landmark officiated by the then DS Dr. Mahathir.

Because I don't have a detailed map, I have to rely on direction asking in order to find the place. After getting my direction set, I continued my journey, not knowing how long would it take for me to walk. Unfortunately, after walking for 30 minutes under the hot sun, I gave up, drenched in my own sweat. I headed back to the city and walked around before having lunch and then following the group back to Limbang.

Pasar Tani.

The earliest settlement on the island.

Grand mosque. Didn't have enough time to get closer.

Financial district of Labuan.

The road sign showing the WWII Memorial. I guess it's about 2-3km from this point. Thank goodness I gave up.

Seaport's view.

Only after I got back home and googled I realise that I had just traveled about half way there that day! I should have gotten myself a cab instead of trusting my feet while battling with the sun.

The disappointing part about this brief trip is, it's a brief trip. I should get a chance to stay on the island longer!! But, I managed to buy the only souvenir throughout the whole Limbang trip - a bottle of Scottish whisky. Ooolala. Just right for the coming CNY. :)

Up North

2011-12-22T03:23:00.001+08:00

Finally I got to travel up north Sarawak, but not through all the town. My destination was Limbang.
I traveled with a group of people bearing the same surname as mine. Although we are not directly related, we are still under one macro family.

Besides Limbang I went to Labuan as well, for just about 3-4 hours time. But anyway, I'll share just the pictures I took in Limbang for this entry.

Our bus stopped at the Sungai Tujoh Kastam in Miri before entering Brunei. Brunei crossing is needed as that is the only way to travel to Limbang. Weird enough, but that's how it works.

We were stopped by Polis Diraja Brunei for about 30-40 minutes before we were released as we covered the glass windows with the curtains and I guess they suspected us doing some smuggling.

3 Brunei buses reached the Purnama Hotel in Limbang. By this time, I had traveled about 16 hours since departure from Sibu.

The sunset view along the Limbang River is spectacular accompanied by the view of the wooden houses on top of the river. Breathtaking.

The room I stayed in.

This was the 2nd day when I walked to Taman Tasik Bukit Mas from the hotel I stayed. Passed through the town museum with the town's emblem - the kerbau. In fact, on the bus journey to Limbang, I saw a kerbau in a mud pool along the road we rolled through. So, unofficially I was greeted by a kerbau before entering its town. xD

This is the suspended bridge in Taman Tasik Bukit Mas. It took almost my life to walk up to the peak of the park. I almost gave up the challenge as I knew I don't have much time left before the sun sets. Plus, I had almost drained up all my energy after the walks in Labuan which I will share in the next post. But thankfully, I made it to the top with the help of a few person I met on the way up by asking them the question "Are we there yet?"

The view from the peak.

On the day before I left, a friend brought me around the town with his vehicle. Among the things I saw, this house stood up. I really wonder whose house is this. Limbang is not deprived of nice houses surprisingly.

Brunei kastam as we entered Brunei on the way back to Sibu.

Brunei kastam before entering Miri.

These are the 2 buses that brought us from Miri back to Sibu. To be honest, they are not in very good conditions. What's worse, the road is really bumpy. I banged my head on the glass frame in the bus and it hurts till now.
I would like to sponsor our state ministers for a ride from Kuching to Lawas in these buses one day. I'm sure the roads will be upgraded as soon as their journey ends.
We need better roads!

Well to conclude, Limbang is a nice place with nice people although it's small. Well, it's not THAT small but just that it's quite scattered. I think it's a nice place grow up as a kid there as you would know almost everyone in the town. It's not congested and I presume life is simple there. Let's hope it'll stay simple for many years to come. (I don't mean undeveloped by that.) :p

Rushing with Time

2011-12-15T01:33:00.001+08:00

Car and train racing. Which one's faster? Midland Tasmania, April 2010.

Time is always not enough. I think most of you who are reading this blog are students. And definitely the precious of time is felt.

Not only as a student we squeeze the most out of time, but as a Christian we ought to do so as well. Now I'm definitely not a good example, not even close. Time is so limited for us to win more souls back into God's kingdom. We only have so little time left and so many people out there, who are still yet to realise the truth. The ultimate truth in our lives.

And the society today, with the things we saw on the TV and online, we know it's only getting harder. There are too many things hindering people from really, really getting to know who Jesus is and what His passions are.

When I see some of the things people posted on Facebook, my heart aches. I wish I can talk to them, and they can discuss with me about the things with an opened mind. Some of them are so near to the truth, they just need a key at the right time to unlock into the truth that they always looked for. Some are so far from the truth, not even having a slight desire to look for it. 活在当下, why think so much and be confused and miserable?

Well, like it or not, it is we as Christians who have the most responsibility to spread the truth to the world. The truth that will set people free. The truth, which is the only thing one can bring into afterlife. And time? Yes, don't wait when the opportunity is at the doorstep. We never know when our time will come to an end, or the end will come to time. Stay alert. Never slack.

Moon Eclipse

2011-12-11T20:13:00.001+08:00

That was last night. Snapped with my half alive lens.
Sigh... ... ... ...
I want my lens repaired.
Or a replacement.
And, I want a tele lens.
I want a prime lens.
I want money.

Ok, be patient and persevere. Hm.

Being Rich or Poor?

2011-12-10T01:21:00.001+08:00

Diamond Island, Binalong Bay, Tasmania. November 2011.

Sometimes I wonder why am I not born in a rich family. Rich as in, you know, R I C H.
Decisions can be made straight away. Things can be obtained almost certainly. Choices are made without compromising. Soaring above without limits.

But most of the time I'm being thankful for where I am now. If not I would not feel what the majority of the world feels. I would be less relevant to them.

And being average helps me to persevere, and that brings character, and character, hope. (Romans 5:4)

If I'm rich, would I be as hopeful for a better tomorrow as I am now?
Would I be hopeful to see God bringing me out of my suffering?
Would I be putting my faith in God when I face limitations?

Being rich is not everything. How to depend on God to live our lives to its fullest is the gem of life.

Thought of de Day

2011-12-09T02:12:00.001+08:00


East Coast, Tasmania. November 2011.

Life should never get too complicated, because once it's tangling it requires so much effort and sacrifices that is almost impossible to revert back to its original simplicity.

Be joyful always. Count your blessings.

Jalan-jalan Tangkap-tangkap

2011-12-02T22:14:00.001+08:00

Took a short afternoon walk around Bukit Bintang area last month. And it came to my realisation that I have never taken any picture of the LV store as well as the new Sephora store. So that consumed quite a fair bit amount of time.
I started the walk from Times Square, Low Yat Plaza, Sungai Wang, Fahrenheit 88, Lot 10 and lastly the Pavilion. Nothing changed too drastically. But I really think this is probably one of those few places in Malaysia which is comparable with Singapore. Enjoyed my day while getting even more tanned.

It seems like there's a sword on top of the flag. :)

As if it's a temptation for the cookie in the cookie jar.

How does it feel to work here while seeing the rich shopping here day in and out?

What's fascinating is that construction never cease to end in this area. Is the demand really that great?

These 2 workers kept trying to pose for me when I wanna take this shot. My initial intention was to take the shot unnoticed. Ended up they posed and didn't realise the cars behind them and so they got honked. Funny.

Ahh.. interesting. If I'm not mistaken this is the first high tech toilet in Malaysia launched not too long ago. Unfortunately I didn't see anyone using. I didn't wanna invest 20 sen to try out as well. :p

Saw this swarm of cops escorting an important lady from the royal of Negeri Sembilan.

It's always ironic to think that this area is actually not owned by the Malaysian government but YTL. So what is there to boast about KL? Ah.. the world tallest TWIN towers la. :D

Kedai Runcit 1 Malaysia

2011-11-29T23:01:00.001+08:00

Malaysia is a country where funny things happen, like the passing of the Peace Assembly Bill today. Not sure what do you think about it, but I think it's a joke. A sign of desperation by the ruling coalition. The recent statements and accusations made by some politicians are utterly absurd as well. Desperation, again is the word I see. They have no other way to gain support. Pathetic is it? After being in power for more than 54 years and the best foot they can put forward is still the racial card.

Well, another joke which happened some months ago is the one that I wanna share in this entry. I don't mean to undermine their effort but it's like, is this even necessary? Realising it's so near to where I stayed in PJ, I have decided to visit it ever since it's opening. At last, I made it.

It's interesting to note that during my last visit two main things I saw in the city were the 1 Malaysia logo and our YAB Dato. Sri Najib's face. Almost all over the place. It's like as if it's the most popular brand and he's the most valuable celebrity in Malaysia today. Or perhaps that's the truth.

Hopefully things will get less funny / dodgy and true transformation can take place, as soon as possible.

A Day at Golf Club

2011-11-27T21:09:00.001+08:00

Went to Launceston Golf Club about 3 weeks ago. Following a golf enthusiast brother J and I really opened our eyes to the golf world. All these while I always think golf is a very boring sport. I didn't know that it's actually so challenging and interesting!

The trick is probably to master the different swinging techniques that are used to tackle each challenge specifically. The golf course design and the weather condition are crucial in deciding with strategy as well. It is not a sport where you lock yourself up in a complex whilst preventing the environmental factors from affecting your game. In fact, golf is a game dealing with the environment.

Unfortunately, it's a rich man's sport. Well, relatively rich at least. I doubt if I'll be a golfer one day. Haha. :D

Some pictures to share.

And Rev. Kwang is so cool. Haha. :D

Thought of de Day: Substance of Life

2011-11-24T03:48:00.001+08:00

Well, we all heard this so many times. But let this be another reminder to myself and to you who so happen to read this.

At the end of the day, it's not your wealth, status, ability, physical appearance, fame, glory and experience that matter. It is your character and your desire + willingness to learn to please God that will last through eternity.

Anything out of that is always secondary and temporal. And that's a life changing 'enlightenment' if one really accepts and believes in it.


Pasar Malam. Jalan Pasar, Sibu, Sarawak. Jan 2011.

Going back in a short while more. :)

Thought of de Day

2011-11-23T01:37:00.001+08:00

Tasmazia, Promised Land, Tasmania. September 2011.

Today I praise God for showing His wisdom through the people around me.
I may not have other person's gift, so I have to learn to appreciate that person and acknowledge that gifts are given by God.
Some things just can't be learned by ourselves but we can ask our heavenly Father for it.

Thought of de Day

2011-11-21T02:43:00.001+08:00

Frisbee. Binalong Bay, Tasmania. Nov 2011.

Recently a good friend told me that everyday there is definitely something that we can praise God for. I agreed, not knowing how workable could that be.

So, if I believe that is true, then I should try it out at least. Well, here I go.

Today I praise God for showing me what to get for my new Chinese new year clothing.
Lord I praise you for telling me that no matter how uncertain people's opinion and words are, all I need to focus on is you. Christ's salvation is the center of ALL.

Praise God.

P/s: I'll try to keep this updated as regular as possible. May it be a blog full of praise. :)

Thought of de Day

2011-11-20T02:37:00.001+08:00

My feet over the pool of the Museum of Art and Science. Singapore. Nov 2011.

Life is supposed to be simple.

All we need is love. Love is the answer to all question.

I have been traveling almost non stop for the past 2 weeks. I saw lots of people along the journey. I realise that people really need to be less self centric and just, love. Love the neighbours as ourselves. Give out love freely to everyone. Learn to love others even though when we are sad or feeling miserable.

It's either we love, or we would get desperate of love. Choose one.

And where's the source of love? Love comes from the heart of God.

0.o!!

2011-11-01T13:59:00.000+08:00

Malaysian durian in Launceston.
$18.95 student price.

Thank goodness I have the gift of resistance towards durian. Halelujah! :D

Fullstop

2011-10-26T02:29:00.001+08:00

There goes weeks of sleepless nights. Weeks of weary. Weeks of distress. For all of us here in the uni.
It's a special season I went through. Slightly different from the previous experiences. I suppose it's the people who make the differences.
Although I would say I had not achieved well academically for this semester, but I gained a lot in life. Things that can be carried through for life, topping up on what I had gained so far.
So shall I conclude that it's a good semester after all? Fullstop for 2011 uni work. See you in 2012, for one, last, year.

Thought of de Day

2011-10-07T14:26:00.000+08:00

Sunset. Maria Island, Tasmania. April 2011.

Staying positive is not something teachable, but it's a conscious decision to stay joyful and hopeful.

Love Blooming

2011-10-05T08:32:00.000+08:00

Tulips blooming. Tulip Farm, Wynyard, Tasmania. October 2011.

It's so joyful to be able to witness how love bloomed between a sweet couple. It's so refreshing to see such relationship exists and abide itself within the love of Christ.

Bro I and Sis A, you have my very best wishes and may God bless both of you with countless good days to come. :)

Pahlawan Putih

2011-10-03T23:04:00.002+08:00

The Truth About Ta Ann. Invermay, Launceston, Tasmania. September 2011.

Attended the above forum last week.
The so called 'truth' was revealed about the dark side of Sarawak. It's shocking how influential Sarawak is to the world, in terms of the crime network. Unthinkable.
I was touched by how Clare Rewcastle would do so much for Sarawak, that she risked her own life to bring justice to the oppressed indigenous people, especially the Penan tribe.
How about me? A Sarawakian who spent almost my entire life in this beautiful state? What can I do? What have I done? Zero.
All that I can do now perhaps is to spread this message to the rest of the world, and share Sarawakian's mission in setting the state free in almost every aspect you can think or name of. And with much hope, we wish Clare all the best in fighting for us. She's truly a Pahlawan Putih.

Her blog: Sarawak Report
Her radio station which should be back on air this week: Radio Free Sarawak

And not forgetting, to pray for the natives that they can keep their land and enjoy the nature that is so close to their hearts. For your information, a huge percentage of them are our dear brothers and sisters in Christ. We should not forget them even more!

God bless Sarawak!

My Home, Away From Home

2011-09-25T22:50:00.000+08:00

This is where my heart is. My home, away from home.
I love you, Praise Methodist Church! Thank you for blessing me so much! Much more than any words could express. I'll serve you will all my might, and may God bless us all with great spiritual blessings and harvest in the world out there! Let's fight a good fight for our Lord my dear ones! :)

Thought of de Day

2011-09-16T18:06:00.001+08:00

Tasmazia, Promised Land, Tasmania. August 2011.

Never fall back into the same trap that you just came out from. 2 simple steps to remember:

1. Recall how you came out from it; and
2. Remember it for life.

Thought of de Day

2011-08-23T01:05:00.000+08:00


The lonely girl*. Mona, Hobart, Tasmania. June 2011.

No matter how popular or busy a person would seem to be, there are moments where he or she would feel lonely. Always be there for the people around you, never think they are too busy to have you with them.

(*Not the actual art name.)