BORNEO PIT STOP

Vacation in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo - Part III

2009-01-08T00:08:00.010+08:00

On the third and fourth day of our vacation in Sabah, we headed off to the northern part of KK called Karambunai, about 40 minutes drive from the city centre. We checked into the 5-star Nexus Resort Karambunai, reputed to have a rather long and beautiful beach area which "some say it's heaven" or something along those lines.

The room we had was nice, clean, cosy and very much equipped with what you'd expect for a 5-star accommodation. Even the TV channels were pretty good and clear, plus the internet was smooth and fast. Strange feeling for me to have things in an almost perfect state since most hotels I've stayed in (even 5-star ones) would not have most things in order.

Food at the restaurants in Nexus Resort is splendid, nothing to complain there. The portions were obviously not meant for normal Asians, as there was enough for two to share for each meal ordered. Cool innit?

Things get pricey here though. The room I booked, called Ocean View Room, costed RM450 per night including breakfast, and that's the special rate when I booked through the net in September 2008. Normal rates would be in the range of Rm800-900 per room per night. And don't expect food to be any less than RM40 per meal, that'd be a hard thing to find here.

The beach - well, to me it's not really something to die for, I think the beach at Mamutik Island is better, the sands were smoother and fluffier. The Nexus beach is long, wide and quite flat, excellent for swimmers and beach games. The waves were a bit strong during the two days we were there, but then again that would be expected at this time of the year.

I'd recommend this place for beach lovers who enjoy a good swim, sunbathing, beach games and barbeques, plus couples who want a really private getaway where they can enjoy very, very long walks on the very, very long beach.

Let these photos help you decide if Nexus Resort Karambunai will be your next holiday destination.

Vacation in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo - Part II

2008-12-30T23:57:00.005+08:00

This is Part II of my Sabah island excursion.

After Manukan Island, we took a 5-minute boat ride to the island of Mamutik. Mamutik is more suitable for swimming and snorkeling I feel, because the water is muc much more clearer than Manukan and there's amazingly less people there. Strange coz I think Mamutik is cleaner and more natural than Manukan. The waves are gentle and the sandy beach is just perfect if you want to laze around in your shorts and get a moderate tan. Crystal clear waters enable you to view the coral fishes as clearly as if they were in your living room aquarium. These photos are just some of those I took of Mamutik. Have to be there to savour the beauty, folks.

Vacation in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo - Part I

2008-12-27T23:26:00.012+08:00

My family and I spent a wicked 5-day vacation in Sabah, Borneo Malaysia on 16th - 20th December 2008, just over a week ago. We had planned to go visit some of the well-known islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park located just on the fringes of the blue-green waters off the coast of Kota Kinabalu (or KK as it is lcoally known), the capital of Sabah.

The first two nights, we put up at a rather minimalistically dressed-up hotel called the Imperial Boutech Hotel, located on the 7th floor of Warisan Square building, in the heart of KK.

On the 17th December, our 2nd day in KK, we went off to the islands. To go there one needs to get to the nearest jetty, i.e. located at Jesselton Point, some 20-minute walk from Warisan Square. There you will find a potful of what I would refer to as island taxi-hopping service operators, who provide various island getaway packages. There are altogether 5 islands in the Park, namely Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug. We decided to visit two, i.e. Manukan and Mamutik. It costed around RM68.00 for 2 adults and 1 child, including jetty fees for 2 adults of RM6.00 per person. The Park charges RM3.00 per entry per adult which you pay upon reaching the first island. The boat ride takes a mere 20 minutes to Manukan and Mamutik from the jetty.

It was a great day out for us, and the images here captured some of the best views I've seen in these parts of the country. All of the images here are taken of Manukan.

In my next post I'll upload images of Mamutik.

New Zealand - Places to Visit

2008-10-26T00:04:00.001+08:00

It's not uncommon to associate New Zealand with breath-taking, scenic views of its natural environment since the country is notoriously endowed with it. Some of the places I've found to be among the top locations to visit in New Zealand are Milford Sound, Stewart Island and Mount Cook, Canterbury.

I am reminded of scenes in the Lord of the Rings when I look at these images. The film was shot partly in New Zealand and most probably at some of these locations.

A country I must visit one day.

Skrang River, Borneo

2008-08-13T22:45:00.001+08:00

I was up at Skrang River recently, doing some scouting for a buffer strip research site. This river and its tributaries were once famous for its adventurous longboat journeys along meandering routes and its canopy-covered stretches, plus the almost crystal clear waters with reddish brown "karangan" stones. In fact the part that I visited still retained this rather unique feature of the place. The only thing is, it's completely accessible by tar-sealed road now, so almost all of the fun and adventure is gone if you go by land.

In any case, it's a wonderful stretch of a river if you're into river safaris and longboat rides with scenic jungle sceneries. And if you're lucky, you might be able to catch some photos of its local fauna inhabitants.

Visiting Istanbul, Turkey - The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

2008-07-27T22:26:00.003+08:00

I visited Ayasofya in 1994 and to this day, I will always remember the magnificent views within the ancient church/mosque/museum that held me in awe, wall after wall. To know more about this historic and truly unique structure, read some background on the Hagia Sophia here.

Visiting Ankara, the Capital of Turkey

2008-07-16T00:36:00.001+08:00

Many would be familiar with Istanbul or Constantinople, Turkey's largest and also most famous ancient city. Ankara comes second in terms of size and population.
I visited Ankara in 1994 and remembered the city being located on top of a rocky hill, which allowed you to have quite a scenic view of the rest of the city and the Enguri Su river.
I also remember the scorching, hot daytime weather during summertime while I was there - average daytime temperature was 45 degrees Celcius - and yes, it was a memorable visit indeed.

Turkey - Visiting Pamukkale, Denizli

2008-07-07T21:49:00.001+08:00

If you think this image was taken from some Hollywood sci-fi flick, then you're absolutely wrong. This place actually exists, in Turkey. To be exact, you can visit these extravagantly unique "salt bowls" at Pamukkale (or ancient Hierapolis) in Denizli, Turkey.

Apparently, thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge have created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. These hot springs have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers.

I was at this very spot back in 1994, during one of those English summer holidays I had while studying abroad. An amazing place to visit in Turkey.

The 3 Largest Shopping Malls in the World

2008-07-01T22:34:00.005+08:00

Shopping malls - something city dwellers can't live without. It's like a watering hole for buffaloes and hippos; it attracts all kinds of animals who either need the cooling rejuvenation of water or just simply to be part of the herd. You know how it is - you just need to be in one whether you really need to be or not.

I found out that the world's top three largest malls, based on gross leasable area according to Forbes Magazine, are:
1. South China Mall, Dongguan, China - opened 2005
2. Golden Resources Mall, Beijing, China - opened 2004
3. SM Mall of Asia, Manila Bay, Philippines - opened 2006

South China Mall covers 600,000 square meters of total floor area, which allows a leasable space for over 1,500 stores. Unfortunately the mall suffers from lack of retailers, believed to be due to its locality which is in the suburbs and only accessible by car, and is due for closure in July 2008.

Golden Resources Shopping Mall has about 680,000 square meters of area but allows for less retailers at 1,000 outlets only. It also faces the problem of being "under-shopped", again believed to be due to locality as well as high pricing, which does not cater for your average Chinese.

SM Mall of Asia has a total floor area of 386,224 square meters and is built on 19.5 hectares of reclaimed land. It consists of four building interconnected by walkways.

I'm not much of a mall visitor myself but I find it very interesting to see humans congregate at these places which they believed to be their source of everything and anything, come weekends or hoildays especially. Maybe it's an Asian thing. But then again, you also have the Mall of America.

Top 3 Places to Visit in Malaysia for Nature Getaways

2008-06-22T18:13:00.004+08:00

Finding a hard time deciding where to go for your next adventure? For those of you looking for a holiday with a challenge (and some education) in Malaysia, then check up on these top three places in both West and East (Sabah and Sarawak) Malaysia:

1. Sabah, Borneo Island, East Malaysia - Now where does one start? Sabah is rich in natural flora and fauna, both terrestrial and also marine. It has South East Asia's highest peak, Mt. Kinabalu, and also one of the world's most unique rainforest basin, the Maliau Basin in Danum Valley. One can always start with Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the state. Kota Kinabalu is the largest city in East Malaysia. It's a pretty popular resort destination due to its proximity to tropical islands, lush rainforests and Mt. Kinabalu.

2. Sarawak, Borneo Island, East Malaysia - For Sarawak, do not miss the opportunity to visit the unique caves at Mulu, north of Sarawak. The Gunung Mulu National Park is situated close to the southern border of Brunei with Malaysia, about 100km east-southeast of the town of Miri. The Park has a number of world record-breaking caves such as the Sarawak Chamber - largest cave chamber in the world, Deer Cave - largest cave passage and the Clearwater Cave - longest cave in Southeast Asia. There are at least 300km more of explored caves, which provides a spectacular sight.

3. Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Islands), West Malaysia - Glittering gems off the East Coast, the Perhentian Islands are a small group of captivating coral-fringed islands off the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu. The Islands are one of the most beautiful places on the earth, but unexplored by mass tourism yet. Activities on the islands are limited to scuba diving, snorkeling and sunbathing. The islands are ideal for peaceful vacations.

I've only been to some of the places in Sabah and also Sarawak, but will soon be adding more to my portfolio of adventure holidays!

Surfing in a Nissan Frontier at Nyalau, Similajau, Sarawak

2008-06-18T10:05:00.002+08:00

I had a chance to drive through 2.5 feet of water during the Similajau/Nyalau field trip this time. Early Monday morning 9^th June, it rained torrentially and gave quite a volume of water for the Nyalau villages to absorb, especially Ulu Nyalau. I didn’t think the drainage system could handle such sudden, large volumes of water, added to the fact that it was the occurrence of king tide levels at the time. On one of our daily journeys in and out of the village roads, at the lowest point just before reaching Ulu Nyalau village, the stretch of road is very low that it was inundated for up to 2.5 feet. Flood has arrived.

Earlier we have been using Kuala Nyalau as our base camp but when this flood occurred, Dr. Lee decided we go back to Bintulu and take our boat from somewhere along the Similajau River, upstream of the flood areas. On a couple of occasions I had to drive through water in the Nissan Frontier we hired, which was an interesting experience.

The photos here show how high the water level was at the time. These photos were taken at about 5.00pm, and Dr. Andrew Alek was driving at the time.

While driving through, the water actually reached up to the headlights and covered it entirely; this we only realized in the most undesired of ways when we had to drive through the flooded road when it was already dark. And I was at the helm. That was scary.

Diving off the Coast of Similajau, Bintulu, Sarawak - Part 1

2008-06-16T14:32:00.001+08:00

I was on a field trip with Dr. Lee Nyanti of UNIMAS and his team on 7^th – 11^th June 2008. He was going to do some dives off the coast of Similajau to do coral reef surveys plus marine fauna surveys and sampling. Not quite my area of expertise but being in the outdoors never ceased to thrill the adventurous side of me.

To get to the diving spots, we had to first get to Similajau coast. We hired a boat from one of the local fisherman (a friendly chap named Effendi and his crew Hisham) at Kuala Nyalau village, a fishing village located at the estuary of Nyalau River, 70km from Bintulu town. Kuala Nyalau is one of three Kedayan villages located along the Nyalau River, which drains into the South China Sea.

The UNIMAS team, led by Dr. Lee Nyanti, comprised Dr. Lim Po-Teen - a plankton specialist, Dr. Andrew Alek Tuen – a terrestrial flora and fauna specialist, Jongkar Grinang – aquatic and macrobenthic specialist, and technical assistant Amin Mangi. On Sunday 8^th June, we took the boat out for as far 1 km parallel to the coastline, and Dr. Lee selected 4 dive spots of about 2-3 km apart, up to the mouth of Similajau River.

Weather was fine and sunny. Some of the photos I took are shown here.

Dr. Lim managed to collect one lobster species at one of the dive spots (exact location is kept confidential) and according to these guys, the lobster is a juvenile. Imagine how big a fully grown one could be.

Sematan Palm Beach Resort, Sematan, Sarawak

2008-06-13T16:34:00.002+08:00

My family and I spent a good four days and three nights at Sematan, southwest of Sarawak on 30th May - 2nd June 2008. Sematan is a small fishing town just over an hour's drive from Kuching City. We stayed over at a nice, cosy motel sort of resort called the Sematan Palm Beach Resort. You practically drive up all the way to your doorstep. Well, maybe up to 10 feet from your doorstep, depending on which type of accommodation you're taking up. Here are some photos during our four-day stay there.

For the first two nights we took up the terrace twin room (for 2 pax) which costed RM 180 per night for weekends and public holidays, and RM 153 per night for weekdays. The last night, we stayed at the Quadruplex Chalet, which had the same rate. Basically there are four types of accomodation namely:

Detached Chalet for 4 pax
Quadruplex Chalet for 2 pax
Terrace Twin for 2 pax
Terrace Family for 6 pax

The Terrace Twin room is very cosy, ideal for quiet times of relaxation. There is hardly any of the typical hotel room gadgetry around, e.g. a phone, a fridge, drawers and stuff you never really use. There is hot water available, a small 15" TV (good enough for me) and the very comfortable bed. Plus, for those absolute city-dwelling people, yes, there is air-conditioning. Which I find to be not so necessary. But wife and kid loved it so what to do.

The rates I paid for included breakfast and dinner, which I thought was a pretty good bargain. Food is served buffet-style, and mostly a mixture of both eastern and western cruisine. Food is also very freshly-prepared, and I particularly liked the salad bar they had one evening.

There are none of those hotel-type entertainments around, e.g. karaoke bar, or any other sort of bar with alcoholic drinks, swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, etc. There is just plenty of peace and time for a family (or individual) to enjoy relaxation.

I spent most of my time at the beach with my wife and son. We would be up by 8am, have a quick breakfast and would be hitting the gentle mornig waves by 9.30am. Yup. Did that four days in a row. Plus the late afternoon session at about 5.30pm when it's not so hot. My son Nathan loved the warm waters and getting his chunky body all immersed in the sea. The beach is long, almost flat and has extremely cealn water, to my great surprise. I'm so used to beaches with myriads of wood debris and plastics floating around as you trod on the sand.

I would strongly recommend this place for those of you looking for a good, cheap and peaceful getaway from the City, which is not too far from Kuching.

For more info on the chalets and rates, you may also check this website.

If you want to book, the contact numbers are:

Sematan Palm Beach Resort
Tel: +6082 712388, 711112, 711128

Have a great time at Sematan!

Tioman Island, Pahang, Malaysia

2008-05-22T22:51:00.004+08:00

I'm a sun, sea and sand kind of a person. Then again I guess most city-dwelling people are. One of the places I'd like to visit in Malaysia would be Pulau Tioman, or Tioman Island. This island has been voted as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is situated 56km off the coast of Pahang in the South China Sea. The main island spans an area of 38km in length and 19km in width at its widest point. As the North Easterly wind brings torrential showers from November to February, the best time to visit this island is from March to October. Visibility of the water during this time ranges from 20 to 30 metres.

Apparently Tioman is the largest island that formed the Tioman Marine Park. Other smaller islands which are also a snorkelling and diving sites include Tulai Island, Chebeh Island, Sepoi Island, Labas Island, Sembilang Island, Seri Buat Island, Jahat Island and Tokong Bahara Island.

For the snorkelers and divers among you, you will be able to see the array of marine life such as the barracudas, the Napoleon fish, turtles, stingrays, murray eels, bumphead parrotfish and the corals that surround this place.

Hotels in Australia for Frequent Travelers

2008-05-09T20:44:00.001+08:00

Traveling for extended periods of time, whether for business or pleasure, would naturally take a toll on one's physical and mental conditions. It is therefore only appropriate that one chooses the best, most comfortable and suitable hotel to crash into as one arrives to rest for the night. If you happen to travel Down Under, then you would be spoiled for choices. Hotels in Australia comes in many different shapes and sizes, with some of them offering services that pamper you to the very limit of your credit card.

For those among you looking for extravagance and luxury, there are many leading international hotel chains in Australia that you can opt for. Sheraton hotels for example, offer many hotel chains throughout the Gold Coast as well as Perth. One of the more popular ones is the Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa at the Gold Coast.

Another popular hotel chain is the international Rydges hotels, with chains in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. There are three Rydges hotel chains in Melbourne, i.e. Rydges Hotel, Rydges on Bell Preston and Rydges on Swanston. These hotels are most suited for business travelers as they provide a range of conference facilities.

Travelodge hotels is another popular hotel chain in Australia. This hotel chain is more for the budget traveler, such as myself, as they provide basic needs at very reasonable prices. Travelodge hotels provide a consistent blend of modern quality facilities and friendly service. Travelodge Sydney for example, is situated on the edge of the Central Business District, where it is perfectly positioned to explore the city of Sydney.

Radisson Hotels is another popular hotel chain in Australia. Radisson Plaza Hotel in Sydney for example, is an intimate, boutique style, five-star property housed within a stunning heritage listed building located in the heart of Sydney. This hotel is the perfect place to stay for those attending the Musica Viva Festival thanks to its close proximity to each of the Festival event locations.

Thus, before embarking on that business or leisure trip to Australia, make sure you check through these hotel chains first before deciding on the best ones to suit your needs.

(Photos top to bottom: Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa, Rydges Hotel Melbourne, Travelodge Sydney, Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney)

Taking a Road Trip in Germany

2008-05-05T22:49:00.001+08:00

One of the best ways to visit a country is by driving through it, which is taking a road trip. Some of the best sights a country can offer are often missed if you just fly in from the capital to the specific cities you plan to visit. Hence, a road trip enables you to see most of the scenery and beautiful views in between the cities that you are visiting. And if you're visiting Germany, you're in for the ride of your life. From the high Alps in the South, the Bavarian plain, and the flowing hills of central Germany to the coast of the North and Baltic Sea: it all looks like a miniature train landscape packed with the nicest of old towns, medieval houses, gothic churches and small villages.

Germany's cities have endless pleasant surprises in store for those who enjoy good food and drink. In addition to top-quality international cooking each region has its own local specialities, ranging from hearty country fare at simple inns to modern light cuisine at star-rated restaurants. Some of the cities you can visit are Berlin, Koln, Frankfurt and Munich.

In Berlin, one can visit places such as the Schloss Charlottenburg, the Baroque palace with English gardens, the Egyptian (Ägyptisches) Museum and Papyrus Collection, and the Brandenburg Gate, just to name a few. Don't forget to book accommodation at Berlin hotels during your stay.

Cologne, or Köln, Germany is the fourth largest city in the country and is located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. When you visit Cologne you're sure to be enchanted by the blend of Romanesque churches, simple post-war buildings, and classic modern architecture. Finding a place to stay in Koln hotels would not be too difficult since there are plenty of places in the city you can choose from.

When you arrive in Frankfurt, the places you'd be seeing would include the historical Römer, Frankfurt Cathedral, St. Paul´s Church and the Goethe-House within very close proximity to one another, yet still within sight of the modern banking district. This business centre city also provides different types of accommodation to suit your needs, just check out Frankfurt hotels.

Finally, if you end up driving all the way to south of Germany, make sure you stop over at Munich. Go visit the city centre, Marienplatz, where the main pedestrianised streets converge. Some sights worth seeing are the 16th-century Michaelskirche, with its imposing barrel-vaulted interior, and the Asamkirche, considered a masterpiece of south German Rococo architecture. And if you're staying for the night, make sure you're booked in at Munich hotels.

Going on a road trip in Germany will give you so much pleasure with all the interesting and wonderful landscapes and countryside you are able to enjoy while driving. Make it a point to include Germany in you list of countries to visit!

France and Its Romantic & Magnificent Cities

2008-04-18T00:41:00.002+08:00

It's no secret that France has probably some of the world's most magnificent and frequently-visited cities. For centuries this land of romantic splendour has been a symbol of true love and finding love that was once lost. Paris, the country's capital, has been adopted in countless number of both Hollywood and European motion pictures as a place where lovers pledged their love for one another.

As a tourist, one must of course know where to best obtain information on France hotels. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, depending on which place in France you plan to visit. And of course, any first-time visitor to this country would have to add Paris as one of the cities to go to - it would be a mortal sin if you did not. Check up on Paris hotels and Paris Latin Quarter hotels for the best accommodations available in this spellbinding metropolis.

Now, where do I go if I were in Paris, you might ask yourself? Well, here is a brief list of some of the most popular places you must consider popping into when you are in Paris:

Notre Dame Cathedral
Not the largest cathedral in the world, the Notre-Dame might be the most famous of all cathedrals. The gothic masterpiece is located on the Île de la Cité, a small island in the heart of the city. The site of the Notre dame is the cradle of Paris and has always been the religious center of the city.

The Louvre
This is one of the largest palaces in the world and, as a former residence of the kings of France, one of the most illustrious. It exemplifies traditional French architecture since the Renaissance, and it houses a magnificent collection of ancient and Western art.

Arc de Triomphe
In the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle, at the border of the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissement stands one of the greatest arches in history: the Arc de Triomphe (arch of triumph). This arch was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories, but he was ousted before the arch was completed. In fact, it wasn't completed until 1836 during the reign of Louis-Philippe. The Arc de Triomphe is engraved with names of generals who commanded French troops during Napoleon's regime.

Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Gustave Eiffel's was unanimously chosen. At 300 metres (320.75m including antenna), and 7000 tons, it was the world's tallest building until 1930.

Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is home to one of the world's most important museums of modern art, the MNAM, but it also contains a very popular library, a bookshop, a movie theater and a panoramic terrace. The Public Information Library or BPI boasts a collection of 450,000 books, 2,600 magazines and a large number of new media items.

For those among you who are on a shoe-string budget traveling agenda, have no fear, for there are cheap Paris hotels in the city to cater for your limited financial resources.

Other than Paris, there are of course other major cities in France worth visiting such as La Rochelle, famous for its towers such as the La Tour de la Lanterne, Tour Saint-Nicolas and la Tour de la Chaine; Champagne, a province located at the northeast of France, well known for its famous white wine; and Nice, the capital city of Côte d'Azur, located on the Mediterranean coast 929km (577 miles) south of Paris and 32km (20 miles) northeast of Cannes, currently the largest city between Genoa and Marseille.

Nice is a major tourist centre and a leading resort on the French Riviera, for its wonderful attractions and sights. Nice has one of the most beautiful seafronts along the Mediterranean coast. Nice also has many attractions such as museums and cathedrals of ancient times. To find a place to stay, check up on Nice hotels.

A holiday spent in France with your loved ones will always be something that you will treasure for the rest of your life. Don't miss out on this magnificent country!

Sri Aman town, Sarawak

2008-04-12T07:50:00.006+08:00

I was up in Sri Aman a year ago for some work-related matters, as usual. This town, no longer referred to as a small town by most, has grown quite a bit since my previous visit in 2002.

Sri Aman Division, formerly known as ‘Simanggang’ or Second Division, was established on the 1^st of June 1873. The name Sri Aman was taken from the historic event of the "Deklarasi Sri Aman" or Peace Declaration which was signed on the 21^st of October 1973 between the Government and the Communist members. The change of name was officiated in March 1974.

Sri Aman Division comprises 2 districts and 3 smaller districts, which are Sri Aman and Lubok Antu Districts whereas the smaller districts covers Engkilili, Lingga and Pantu.

I just found out that the population is around 90,000 people, which is quite substantial for a town which, on a first-time visit, would not impress you much in terms of urban development which seems to be rather scattered along the main road leading into town.

Sri Aman's main attraction would be the tidal bore or locally known as the "benak", which occurs everyday in the Batang Lupar River, with different wavelenghts and heights. If you don't know what a tidal bore is, it's a wave that runs in a river. The wave height can be very high depending on which time of year and tide season it is, high enough for a surfer to even ride on. From the estuary of Batang Lupar river, the wave or "benak" runs another 30km or so inland. There is an annual Pesta Benak celebrated in Sri Aman which further promotes the tidal bore phenomenon to tourists and locals alike.

The photos you see here show the extent and magnitude of the waves at certain times (photos courtesy of www.sriamanro.sarawak.gov.my). I've yet to get into a boat myself and confront one of these huge benaks face-to-face, so far I've only seen them from the comfort and safety of the Batang Lupar riverbank.

Sri Aman is a mere 3 hours drive from Kuching City; if you've got a car and half a day to spare, drive up to Sri Aman and try to catch a glimpse of the legendary benak for yourself.

Kapit, Sarawak

2008-03-28T20:49:00.001+08:00

If you ever get the chance to go up the Rejang River, the longest river in Malaysia, take an express boat ride to Kapit town. A mere 3 hours' boat ride from the river town of Sibu, the most established town along Rejang River, Kapit is only currently reachable via river. I last visited this nice little town in 2005. I was there for a few days I think, work-related.

Kapit is one of those smalltowns located by the riverbank, typical of many river towns in Sarawak. If you're a fish-eating person, then Kapit would have some of the most sought-after freshwater fishes in the State. The fish dishes are not necessarily cheap, but once you've tasted some of those cooked in Kapit's best local restaurants, you wouldn't mind parting with your dosh to savour its deliciousness.

I like Kapit because it's notoriously small and compact; you can't find everything you need here but that's the absolute beauty of it. You do not want to find everything you need here. For that you go to Kuching City, or Kota Kinabalu, or Kuala Lumpur. Kapit is fast developing though, one of the development it has experienced in the last 4 years is the Kapit Waterfront, which further enhances Kapit as one of Rejang River's most frequently visited river towns.

A town like Kapit would not thrill a visitor looking for beautiful sights to photograph or document, or a traveler looking for nature walks or jungle trails and the likes. A town like Kapit would thrill a person like me, who constantly seeks the momentary solace for the soul, away from the, what shall I call it, hustle-and-bustle of urban life, in the hopes of bumping into clouds of inspiration to evoke the creative side in me, to write songs or poetry or anything along those lines. And all poets talk of unrequited love they say.

Kapit. A definite venue for solace of the soul.

(Photo of Kapit: Courtesy of rowlandom.wordpress.com)

Mukah, Sarawak

2008-03-16T00:41:00.001+08:00

I was in Mukah earlier this week for a few days. It was my first trip ever to that rather tranquil town located somewhere central of Sarawak. If you Google Earth it, you'd find that it's located not far off the western coast of Borneo. Mukah is well-known for its rather tasty and reasonably cheap sea food, of which I had the opportunity to sample while I was there.

A local delicacy which perhaps might not come as one which pops out of Martha Stewart's culinary shows as "most recommended appetizer" is the sago plant worm. Basically it's a worm that lives off sago palm and finds its way through the soft inner sago trunk by burrowing quietly and contently through it.

The locals in Mukah cook these for dinner. I've tried it before, but it seems to taste better in Mukah.

It taste very much like potato, only slightly more spongy. Have at it, folks!

Getting the best, no-fuss accomodations in Europe and the States

2008-03-04T23:19:00.001+08:00

Whether you're an ardent backpacker or a 5-suitcase-per-trip kind of a person, the one thing you will put as top priority in your list of things-to-sort-out-before-travelling is a place to stay. Most of us real travelers are only ever fussy about two things - food and lodging. The rest we can accept as it comes.

I found out that you can find some very interesting places to stay which gives, at the price it offers, the most comfortable basic needs for a frequent traveler. Hotels that give you just enough of what is necessary without leaving a crevice in your thin wallet or purse. These hotels are easy to book and very affordable, not to mention providing adequately for all things needful. Whether you're travelling to the beautiful city of Barcelona, or planning a trip to London, a week of endless shopping in New York, or even cruising in the ancient city of Rome, you will appreciate the simplicity and no-fuss concept that these hotels offer. Check out the hotels in the list and you will see what I mean.

In the meantime, educate yourself in getting to know how to navigate our way properly to the places that you plan to visit next, so that you save both time and energy when you do reach your destination. That way you'll be able to appreciate your journeys even more.

Sarawak's Future Business Hub - Bintulu

2008-02-13T10:14:00.001+08:00

Already referring to it as my second home now, Bintulu is a town worth noting for I believe in the very near future it will transform into one of Sarawak's most prominent towns in terms of business and industrial development, out pacing other more established cities or towns such as Sibu or Miri in Sarawak.

I personally like Bintulu as it is now for the fact that it's ever so easy to get around. You can get to almost any part of the town in just a matter of minutes (well, maybe not when school is out). There is hardly any traffic jam or congestion (except for of course when school is out) and it's just a far cry from Kuching City or even Miri. Of course, being a small-ish town also means you don't get the luxury of getting everything that you'd expect from the metropolises. It provides adequate needs, and that's enough for me. No cineplexes or bowling alleys but hell, who needs those things anyway. Fishing off-coast and boating to the sea is great at Bintulu. Although one thing the local folks are saying is that the fish are going further and further away from the coastal areas.

The price of houses are also cheaper that Kuching, Sibu or Miri. You can get a nice intermediate single storey terraced house for under RM100k here in Bintulu, and it's located like a few minutes drive from the town centre. Can't get that price in Kuching City.

The photo shows Bintulu's old airport which was located right in the middle of town. It's now defunct; the new airport is located soutwest about half an hour's drive away from the town.

Having a great time at Darling Habour, Sydney, Australia

2008-01-23T17:19:00.001+08:00

A few posts back (my post on October 27th 2007 to be exact) I wrote about interesting places to visit in Sydney, Australia. Here's a bit more info on places to visit in Sydney, focusing on one of the city's most popular arts, entertainment, shopping and leisure spot, Darling Harbour.

Darling Harbour is a modern leisure area on the waterfront to the west of the city. It was developed in the 1980's from a previous dockland region. Here you will find the country's largest cinema screen — eight storeys high — at the Imax Theatre. Lying north of it is the Sydney Aquarium and the more recent Sydney Wildlife World. Sydney Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world with more than 5000 different Australian fish displayed in their natural habitats. Visitors can "walk on the ocean floor" through 145 metres (480 ft) of acrylic underwater tunnels. The aquarium is open 9.30am-9pm daily, with the last admission at 8pm. Just a short walk south is the Chinese Garden with its serpentine paths and placid pools.

There are plenty of shops within the wonderful Harbourside shopping complex, with restaurants lining the beautiful waters edge. The huge Sydney Entertainment Centre lies at the southeastern edge of Darling Harbour. And of course, not forgetting the all-important Darling Harbour hotels which you'd be spoilt for choices to choose from for places to stay.

Crossing to the west, the Powerhouse Museum offers a look into its current exhibitions which range from fashion to cutting edge technology. At Harbourside's northern end lies the Australian National Maritime Museum. This is sited by the water at Darling Harbour and contains exhibits chronicling Australia's maritime history. Darling Harbour also features the new Sydney Art Gallery housing a magnificent display of Australian artwork, and is open daily between 9.00am - 5.00pm.

There are wide promenades and large swards of green where people can relax, and there are the occasional street performances as well as organised concerts and other activities. For the kids there are always the carnival rides at the eastern end.

Of an evening head to Star City which is home to the large Sydney Casino. It also features 2 theatres, a nightclub, the Star City hotel, a fitness centre and plenty of shopping outlets and restaurants. It is in Pyrmont to the Northwest of Darling Harbour. Opposite the harbourside is a new eating and drinking area called Cockle Bay Wharf which also offers great nightlife. There is a full range of stylish restaurants, al fresco cafes, bars and clubs. Cockle Bay Wharf has life and atmosphere during the day and the evening, and is a great place to simply relax amongst friends.

Darling Harbour also hosts some fabulous Water Screen displays during the evening, which are a magnificent blend of music and laser images projected onto water fountains. These are held from Wednesday to Sunday on the half hour (depending on the season and weather).

The wonderful and colourful Paddy's Markets are also held near Darling Harbour on the corner of Hay and Thomas Streets, every Thursday - Sunday. Nearby is also the Sydney Fish Market where there is definitely plenty to choose from.

Two more places you can consider to stay in are Ibis Hotel and The Four Points by Sheraton, both located within the Darling Harbour area. Ibis Hotel has 256 hotel accommodation rooms together with iBistro restaurant, iBar and overlooks Darling Harbour and the city skyline. The Four Points is Australia's largest hotel, boasting 630 rooms including 45 suites. It is located within Sydney's central business district and just a short walk from the Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building and Chinatown.

Whatever it is you plan to do at Darling Harbour, make sure it's an enjoyable and memorable one!

Visiting Italy's Interesting Places

2008-01-16T08:22:00.001+08:00

One of the places I have always wanted to visit is of course, Italy. We're all familiar with the cities of Rome, Venice, Milan and Florence, just to name a few.

Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the European Union. Visitors come from around the world to see famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Forum and the Patheon. You might want to throw three coins into Trevi Fountain, climb the Spanish Steps and later enjoy some latte in Piazza Navona. At Vatican City, you can visit St. Peter's Cathedral and enjoy its fountains, statues and the church dome. At the Vatican Museum, you won't want to miss the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael or the Sistine Chapel. Rome's two main airports are the Leonardo Da Vinci and Ciampino Airport. For affordable accommodation, you may want to check information on Roma Hotel which would suit your budget and travelling needs.

Florence is famous for its world-class art galleries and museums plus the beautiful setting along the Arno River. You may wish to hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy a fabulous view of Florence's skyline. When you visit Florence, be sure to see the Italian paintings at the Uffizi Gallery and sculptures at the Bargello. You also won't want to miss Michelangelo's famous statue of "David" at the Accademia Gallery. Florence is located just two hours north of Rome. Check out Firenze Hotel for the best accommodation to suit your needs.

Milan is Italy's second largest city and is a world centre for banking, high fashion and international conferences. Visitors to Milan will be impressed by its famous landmarks which include the Duomo, the Vittorio Emanuele II shopping plaza and the La Scala Opera House. Many people visit Milan for shopping purposes of course. To find the best place to stay, check out Milano Hotel.

And finally the City of Venice. Visitors to Venice will find that this undeniably beautiful and unusual city has a whole host of things to interest any traveller. Once one of the most powerful cities in the world, the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Cathedral remain as a testament to its naval and religious past. Dominating one end of St Mark's Square, the cathedral is a spectacular building. Romanesque and gothic carvings as well as numerous mosaics contribute to make this one of Europe's most exotic cathedrals. Rising high to the side of the cathedral is the Campanile; at 99 metres the view from the top of the tower provides a spectacular panorama of the city with virtually every building able to be identified.

Although many tourists mistakenly think the Bridge of Sighs is so named due to people sighing at the beauty of the bridge, it is actually named after the sighs of prisoners who were taken across it to the city's prisons. Although gloomy, the prisons provide an insight into Venice's past.

Travelling from place to place in the city is often best on foot, but for those who can afford it, taking a tour on a gondola is one of the most decadent and romantic ways to explore the city's winding canals. Grouping together with other people can make the ride more affordable, as can haggling with the gondolier for a cheaper price. To choose a place to stay, check out Venezia Hotel for the best choices to pick from.

Make your visit to Italy is a memorable one by ensuring you visit these grand cities!

Greece and its Ancient Civilisation

2008-01-13T23:08:00.001+08:00

I have a good American friend, Dr. Paul Taiganides, who simply loves his Greek roots. In fact, he carries the legacy of Greece with him anywhere he goes.

Greece is a country of a rich cultural heritage. Democracy was invented in Athens, Greek culture is the mother of Roman culture and has very much influenced other civilisations. Famous places to visit include the coast of the Aegean Sea, the Peloponnesus with antique Olympia, the host of the 2004 Olympic Games (Athens) with its Parthenon on the Acropolis, or Thessaloniki in the north. The main destinations in Greece include but are not limited to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Kefalonia and several others in the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian Islands and Sporades islands. There are plenty of hotels in Greece to choose from to suit your travelling needs and budgets.

Greek nature is extremely varied ranging from snow covered mountains and dense forest inhabited by brown bears, lynx and deer to thousands of sun drenched islands with sandy beaches. Tourism makes a significant contribution to the nation's income and therefore the tourist infrastucture is quite advanced. There are hotels in the Greek islands for every taste and pocket, adventure activities, extended nightlife in all major cities and towns and of course the many museums and archaeological sites this country is world famous for. Greek hotels will simply delight you with their famous exquisite Greek dishes, one of my favourites being the Greek salad with its generous amount of olives.

I would love to visit Greece one day, wouldn't you?