F L A S H P A C K E R

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Malaysia - The City of Contrast And Diversity

2020-02-29T20:34:00.001-08:00

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, boasting gleaming skyscrapers, colonial architecture, charming locals, and a myriad of natural attractions. Divided into numerous districts, its main hub is called the Golden Triangle.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is among Kuala Lumpur’s earliest Moorish-style buildings. It is set to the east of Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) and the Royal Selangor Club, across from Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. It was built in 1897 and was named after the reigning sultan of Selangor at the time. The distinguished landmark originally served as the secretariat for the colonial British administration. The historically-significant building used to house the superior courts of Malaysia: the Federal Court of Malaysia, the Court of Appeals and the High Court of Malaya, before they moved to Putrajaya.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building is now home to the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia and sits beside the old KL Railway Station. Though it no longer serves an official purpose, it remains one of the city’s most important tourist attractions and a historical landmark in the city.

Constructed entirely of brick, the building features strong gothic, western and Moorish-style influences with an imposing porch, graceful arches, curved colonnades topped with shiny copper cupolas and a domineering 41.2m- high clock tower. It is frequently seen as the backdrop for Malaysia’s annual Independence Day parades (which take place past Dataran Merdeka).

Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)

Standing in this square you get a panoramic view of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. A place where the British flag went down and Malaysian flag went up to declare independence of Malaysia on 31st August 1957. The clock tower that forms a part of this magnificent building. The clock was used in the countdown to independence on the eve of 31st of august 1957. A nice place to wind down away from the hustle of the rest of the capital.

Semarang, the Venice of Java

2020-02-19T23:20:00.002-08:00

Indonesia is a country with rich cultural and historical background, and each city in this tropical country has unique historical and cultural background that is worth visiting. Semarang City is a seemingly metropolitan city with modern buildings business and trade sectors and its own share of urban problems. However, despite these common factors of a modern city, Semarang keeps a long story that shapes its characteristics. Semarang is a city with a lot of local appeals. The name Venice of Java was given because Semarang City has large rivers that run in the middle of the city, just like Venice (the nickname was actually from the Dutch; originally it was ‘Venetie van Java’). Semarang also has other interesting nicknames that signify its main appeals and unique characteristics. For example, the city is usually called ‘Kota Lumpia’ by locals (The City of Lumpia, a kind of spring roll), which is a popular food in this city.

NEW SELO

Finally had an opportunity to visit New Selo, a nice Sub-district in Boyolali Regency, which lies between mount Merbabu and mount Merapi. Although it was a bit cloudy at that time but it didn't annoy my intention. New Selo has long been famed for its beautiful scenery and cool weather

The guy on the left with black shirt and cap is our tourist Supir Driver (S. Pery) Pery is very much a local. He is well versed with this city and can give good recommendations for places of interest and food. He is also a very pleasant person, funny and polite and a good company to be around. He is always punctual and does not have a problem entertaining any of our requests. Thumbs up for Pery. In case if you are planning to go to Semarang you may contact him (S.Pery +6282242917202)

UMBUL SIDOMUKTI

Located in Sidomukti Village and belongs to Bandungan Sub-District. The most impressive fact is that the site resides in 1200 meters above the sea level. It is surrounded by big trees and features cold atmosphere of the mountain. The most common reason for visiting Umbul Sidomukti is the site offers 4-story swimming pools and they come in a different depth. The site resides in a highland featuring lush trees and cold air. Not to mention the panorama is quite breathtaking!

DUSUN SEMILIR

Dusun Semilir is a tourist place that has a very charming architecture that combines modern and art concept. As the name implies Dusun Semilir or cool village, tourists will enjoy the nuances of rural nature but with complete facilities.The main building carries the concept of Borobudur temple stupa with seven stupas combined into one. fantastic!

BROWN CANYON

Decades of mining by explosives and heavy equipment has left its almost natural mark, sculpting walls and pillars that tower tens of metres in height - a taste of Arizona's Grand Canyon right here in the middle of Java.

The Indonesian version of Taj Mahal Mosque

2019-12-29T21:10:00.000-08:00

Boasting beautiful jade-green domes, often called as the Taj Mahal of Pekanbaru, It is one of the grandest mosques in Indonesia

An-Nur Grand Mosque ‘Masjid Agung An-Nur’ The mosque building is influenced by mixed styles of Malay, Turkish, Arabic and Indian architecture. The architecture of this mosque closely resembles the Taj Mahal with its perfectly symmetrical design.

Located on sprawling grounds, the sheer size of this mosque is enough to draw fascination and is definitely the central focus of the town. With its three floors building, this mosque is said to be capable of housing up to 4,500 people. During night, this mosque is a view to behold with it’s exquisitely pretty with its 5 domes, 4 towers, and the lights reflected on the surface of the pool in front makes the mosque even more dramatic.

Riau Islands (kepri) Indonesia, The Mysterious of Mount Daik (Gunung Daik)

2019-10-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Malaysian is very familiar with 'Gunung Daik' (Mount Daik), as the mountain is mentioned in the evergreen 'pantun' (Malay poem) that begins with the words: 'Pulau Pandan jauh ketengah, Gunung Daik bercabang tiga...'

'Gunung Daik'

The Entrance to Gunung Daik

Almost all of the Malays, Chinese & Indian in Malaysia have grown up hearing this pantun and prolly in Indonesia too. However, many believe that 'Pulau Pandan' and 'Gunung Daik' are merely words that have been made up in this poem.

Gunung Daik is not a figment of people’s imagination, it does exist and is located in the island of Lingga in Riau Islands province, Indonesia. Gunung Daik stands majestically in Lingga, dubbed the 'origin of Malay civilization,' while the uninhabited Pulau Pandan, rich in herbs and plants such as pandan leaves, lies in the middle of the sea. Lingga is spoken of as a heartland of the Malay culture and language and it is on Lingga, where Malay is spoken in one of its purest forms.

The three peaks are known as Daik, Pejantan and Cindai Menangis. This mountain has three sharp teeth as peak, one of them seems to have broken off at its base, and it was immortalised by Malay poets as the symbol of durability. The poem is “Pulau Pandan jauh ke tengah, Gunung Daik bercabang tiga, Hancur badan dikandung tanah, Budi yang baik dikenang juga” Pandan Island is far out in the waves, There’s a mount called Daik which is three-crested, While a dead man’s body decomposes in the grave, His good deeds remain to be remembered.

The advances of the modern world has not made it much easier to get to Lingga and the group of islands around it that takes its name. The islands, now also part of the Lingga Regency within the Riau Islands province, are served by ferry services from Batam or Bintan. Even with the fast ferry, it involves a four-hour journey. To reach the island, people can use Ferry services to the islands from outside the archipelago come from the provincial capital to the north, Tanjung Pinang on Bintan.

Local people believe, the peak of Mount Daik inhabited by creatures called 'bunian' (elves) smooth. While the fishermen around the mountain was believed that the spirits of their ancestors, namely Datuk Kemuning and his wife, lives in the mountain. The Peak is similar with dragon. Linga name derived from the root word Ling (dragon) and Ge (teeth), inspired by the shape of the peak of Mount Daik similar to the dragon teeth. Full of mystical and so exotic. Frightening, but fascinating. That's about the impression of us Daik travelers when visiting the Mount.

Dabo Singkep Island - Kepri

Gunung Daik Bercabang 3 Expedition : KL ✈️ SG 🚗 Stulang Laut JB ⛴ Tanjung Pinang ⛴ Penyengat Island ⛴Dabo Kepri 🛵Lingga ⛴ Daik

Palembang, Indonesia - The Land of Sriwijaya

2019-08-31T11:29:00.001-07:00

The second largest city in Sumatra after Medan, is the city of Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra Province which was once the celebrated seat of the rich and powerful Sriwijaya empire that for three centuries - from the 9th to the 11th century - reigned supreme over the Sumatra seas and up north included the strategic Straits of Malacca.

What fairly seen about Palembang city? It is definitely (Jembatan Ampera) The Ampera Bridge. This bridge is typically Palembang city icon that located in the heart of Palembang city, AMPERA bridge, which stands for Amanat Penderitaan Rakyat (Mandate of People’s Suffering), was first constructed back in 1962 and officially opened in 1965 with the name Bung Karno Bridge (it was renamed due to politic issues back then), with the main purpose of connecting two parts of Palembang; Seberang Ulu and Seberang Ilir which are divided by the Musi River.

Ampera Bridge

Did you know? the bridge was once considered one of the longest bridge in Southeast Asia and the center part of the bridge was once able to lift up and down up to 10 meters to allow ships to cross over. Today, the bridge no longer operate like it used to, but still used mainly for the citizens to cross between the two sides of Palembang as well as local and international tourist spots. No issues of finding food whenever you come here. Everything is provided. They do have a Musi River tour, where you can hop on a boat and cross the river, goes under the bridge and back. This place gets really crowded especially during the weekend or public holidays.

Kemaro Island (Pulau Kemaro)

The sun was shining hot, I decided to take a tour along the Musi river in Palembang and visited an island named “Kemaro” to travel around the river and reach the island, you can rent a motor boat from the port located in front of Benteng Kuto Besak or under the Ampera Bridge. There are several types of motor boats such as speed boats and small wooden boats or vessels (named “Perahu Ketek”). The rate range between Rp. 100.000 to Rp. 500.000,-. I choose a small motor boat which cost Rp. 100.000 for 1 person, and the driver took me to the island, waiting there and take me back to the port.

Located in the middle of Musi river, this island was never get flooded although the river water overflow. That’s why people named it “Kemaro” or “Kemarau” means “dry”.

There’s a legend about the appearance of this island, a love story between Palembang princess and a trader from China. Once upon a time, the king of Sriwijaya had a beautiful daughter, named Siti Fatimah. She fell in love with a trader from China, Tan Bun An. They both loved each other and then married. Tan Bun An brought her wife to China to meet his family and relatives. One day, Tan Bun An and Siti Fatimah wanted to go back to Palembang. Tan Bun An family gave them 7 ceramic jars as gift. They put golds in the jars, and covered them with some vegetables to avoid some pirates at that time, but Tan Bun An didn’t know about it. When they arrived at Musi river, Tan Bun An wanted to see the gift. He was surprised because he saw only vegetables in the jar. Disappointed, he kicked the jars into the river. That’s when he wanted to kick the last jar, it fell and broken …then he saw the gold. Without further thinking, he jumped into the river to save the other jars followed by his guards. When they didn’t show up from the water, Siti Fatimah was disappointed. She also jumped into the river, but before that she said, “Somedays, there would be a land in the middle of the river, and it would be known as my grave.” The next day, in the middle of the Musi River, a mound appeared, rising higher and higher. It was named Kemaro Island, which means “the island of drought”, because it was never drowned by the river even when the water overflowed.

Baitul Quran Al-Akbar Museum

It’s located at Kecamatan Gandus, Palembang and located on the same place with Al-Ihsaniyah Islamic Boarding School of Gandus, Palembang

It is a gigantic Quran museum which its foundation was commenced between 2002-2009 but officially launched and opened for public by the sixth president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on 30 January 2012 and attended by 51 Islamic countries delegations along with PUIC (World Islamic Countries Parliament Conference). H. Syofatillah Mohzaib S.Sos was the initiator of the first gigantic Quran museum.

He was helped by 35 carvers and all carved carefully according to the real mushaf. The museum itself consists of 4 stores and contains of 30 Juzuk. All were handmade, using trembesi wood and carved in typically Palembang style with golden and brown predominated colours. Prior placed to the museum, all inscriptions were displayed at Palembang Grand Mosque (Masjid Agung Palembang) for three years in order to get review from the audiences.

The Baitul Quran Al-Akbar also got award from Indonesian Record Museum (MURI) as the Indonesia and world’s largest sculptured Quran, and even Turkish parliament leader gave a gold medal for H. Syofatillah as the initiatior. Temporary The Bait Quran Akbar is part of H. Syofatillah’s private house and consists of four stores. Visitors just pay IDR 5,000 for entrance ticket and must modestly-dressed up. No tank top, no shorts, all covered. Unveiled female visitors can borrow headscarves available in the building. From all stores, only first floor is opened when I came there because the second and up floors still need to be improved. In general, the museum is very wondrous for me. Brown and golden ornaments dominated the interior and Quranic verses were carved clearly.

Made new friends in Palembang

Surabaya, Indonesia - The Sparkling Land of Heroes

2019-08-31T02:44:00.000-07:00

Situated on the northeast of Java Island, Surabaya is the capital of Jawa Timur and one of the largest Indonesian cities. Because of the famous Battle of Surabaya during the Indonesian National Revolution it is also known as Kota Pahlawan or the city of heroes.

In ancient times, Surabaya was the trading center of the old empires that included Singosari, Majapahit, and Kediri. The city was established on the site of a mythical battle between sura – shark and baya – crocodile on the mouth of the Brantas River. Today it is a huge, modern industrial city with more than 3 million inhabitants, offering modern shopping malls and high rises on one side and old buildings from the colonial era on the other.

Suroboyo Monument

Not only a statue but a legend of Surabaya. Suroboyo Monument is a beautiful landmark in Surabaya (Suroboyo) is locally believed to derive its name from the words "suro" (shark) and "boyo" (crocodile), two creatures which, in a local myth, fought each other in order to gain the title of "the strongest and most powerful animal" in the area. A ferocious fight resumed as the two animals bit each other's tails. Neither of them won.

Tian Ti (Sky World) Pagoda

This chinese temple is dedicated to Chinese deities and other Asian religious icons. The temple is a worship place for the follower of Confusius, Bhudda and Tao at the same time it can be a tourist attraction. The main icon of this temple is a 20 meters tall statue of Guan Yin on the waterfront. The location of this temple is on the "Kenjeran" beach and it's also a recreation park. Local people come for praying or just hanging around for pictures. The atmosphere is like a part of China/Thailand.

Sanggar Agung Temple or Hong San Tang

Sanggar Agung, also known as Hong San Tang is a temple beautifully located overlooking the Kenjeran beach. The temple featured stunning ocean gate with an impressive statue of Guan Yin guarded by a pair of heavenly dragons dedicated to Chinese deities and other Asian religious icons.

Hutan Bamboo (Bamboo Forest)

This forest is located not far from the Intitut Teknologi Surabaya(ITS), this forest is divided into two area that are separated by the main road. The first forest that is located in the north of the road has a larger flat area. The second forest is located in the south of the road that has a oblique smaller area

Bandung, Indonesia - Land of Unique Volcanoes

2019-08-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Bandung

is green hills fringing a sprawling city

Bandung is a city of punks and prayer, serious religion and serious coffee. Here are teeming markets and good shopping, thriving cafes in reclaimed Dutch relics, palpable warmth and camaraderie on street corners, and traffic everywhere you look. Almost everything great and terrible about Indonesia can be found in Bandung. You may cringe at the young teens smoking and systemic poverty, and nod with respect at the city's thriving art, shopping and cafe scene. Yes, Bandung has everything, except nature, and after the bottle-green hills of Cibodas, the sprawling bulk of Bandung is quite the urban reality check. But even if the local mountains are cloaked in smog, the city does make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside – high volcanic peaks, hot springs and tea plantations are all within reach. The trendy vibe of the city has helped give its famous moniker, the "Paris of Java"

White Crater, The Magical Splendor and Hypnotizing Ambience of a Crater

Kawah Putih is located near the charming little market town of Ciwidey, the Crater Lake and its surroundings are dominated by a pale white color which radiates a rather hypnotizing ambience. The vast dormant volcanic crater is filled with surreal turquoise-colored water. The tree-clad cliffs surrounding the crater reach around 2,500 meters above sea level and make for a stunning backdrop, especially when the clouds start to roll in. The altitude here brings with it chilly temperatures, which in a way, will add to the magical splendor of Kawah Putih.

legend has it that In World War II the plant was taken over by the Japanese military and was operated under the name Kawah Putih Kenzanka Yokoya Ciwidey. Today the plant no longer exists , however, entry points to its tunnels, remnants of these mining activities can still be seen at several points around the current site. First opened for visitors in 1987, nowadays Kawah Putih is a favorite destination for tourists and day trippers who are simply stunned by its mesmerizing ambience. On weekends and on holidays, quite large numbers of visitors frequently visit the area just to immerse themselves in the mystical beauty of nature.

The Lodge Maribaya

Located north of the magnificent city of Bandung. Lembang highland is bestowed with picturesque sceneries, scenic tea plantations, and a nice change of cold weather from humid heat. The Lodge Earthbound Adventure Park & Resort, more familiar as The Lodge Maribaya

Sangkuriang - The Legend of Mount Tangkuban Perahu

This volcano has a significant role in the development of the surrounding Parahyangan (the Land of God) Highlands. Its eruption contributed to the hills north of Bandung through lava flowing into the valleys and hardening into rock, thus forming big cliffs over which waterfalls leap. Mount Tangkuban Perahu has a distinctive, upside-down boat shape. In fact, “Tangkuban Perahu” is a Sundanese that means “up-turned boat”. the naming was based on the shape of the mountain as well as the legend .This peculiar shape has stimulated the fantasy of the Sundanese people from a long time ago, as expressed in the Legend of Sangkuriang.

Tangkuban Perahu from afar. It looks like an upside-down boat. (pic from Google)

The story of Sangkuriang and mount Tangkuban Perahu is like a two side of a coin. They will always be told as one.The Legend of Sangkuriang tale tells a story of the young Sangkuriang’s effort to win the heart of Dayang Sumbi, a charming woman who, surprisingly, is his own mother. Here is the story.

Dayang Sumbi was a daughter of King Prabu Sungging Perbangkara. She was a beautiful girl who was also adept in weaving and cooking. Many noblemen came to propose her, yet the princess chose to turn away from all of them. She was afraid that if she accepted one of the proposals, it would cause wars among the men. Finally, with the king’s permission, Dayang Sumbi secluded herself in a hut on the fringe of a jungle, carrying her weaving tools. She spent her time weaving clothes.

One night, Dayang Sumbi was weaving on the porch when one of her thread rolls accidentally slipped out of her hut to the dark. She uttered a vow: “whoever takes back my thread, if it is a woman I will take her as sister, if it is a man I will marry him.”

Suddenly, a black male dog showed up with the thread. Dayang Sumbi kept her promise to marry a male who found the thread. “Well, dog. Although you’re an animal, I’m willing to be your wife,” said Dayang Sumbi.

Miraculously, the dog turned into a handsome young man. Dayang Sumbi was speechless to see that. “Who are you?” she asked.

“I am an incarnation of god,” said the young man.

The two of them soon fell in love with each other and were since then involved in a romantic relationship. Dayang Sumbi called the young man Si Tumang, which most of time he would be in his dog form.

A year later, they had a son which they named Sangkuriang. The little boy grew up smart and tireless. Every day, he would go to the woods to hunt deer and catch fishes in the river accompanied by Si Tumang. Sangkuriang didn’t know that the dog was actually his father.

One day, Sangkuriang went hunting and wanted to give his mother a deer’s heart. However, until the night fell, he didn’t see any deer. With a disappointed heart, he walked home with Si Tumang. But then a deer ran past him. Quickly, he commanded Si Tumang to run after it, but the dog stayed put. He was frustrated that the dog wouldn’t run after the deer. Filled with anger, Sangkuriang lost grip of the arrow. It quickly rushed toward the dog and killed it. Sangkuriang then took its heart for his mother.

In the hut, Dayang Sumbi cooked the heart and ate it. When she was enjoying the heart, she realized that Si Tumang wasn’t with Sangkuriang. Sangkuriang then admitted that he killed the dog, and that she was eating its heart.

Dayang Sumbi was so angry and hit Sangkuriang’s head with her spoon. Sangkuriang was wounded and bleeding. Sobbing in pain, Sangkuriang was so sad that his mother hit him. He did not feel guilty for what he did. Dayang Sumbi didn’t share the same thoughts, yet she also couldn’t reveal to Sangkuriang that Si Tumang was actually his father.

Sangkuriang decided to leave his house to stroll to any place his feet might take him. After he left, Dayang Sumbi regretted what she did to Sangkuriang and prayed to God for the return of her son some time. God heard her, and Dayang Sumbi was bestowed with an eternal beauty, so his son would still recognize her when they met later.

Meanwhile, in the jungle, Sangkuriang staggered along while holding his wounded head. He fainted, falling to the ground. When he woke up, there was an old man sitting beside him. It was Ki Ageng, a hermit who found Sangkuriang unconscious in the woods and took him to his cave. He treated Sangkuriang’s wound and kept him safe in the cave.

Sangkuriang could not remember anything of his past. He even forgot his name. Ki Ageng then named him Jaka. Ki Ageng raised the young man and passed on some of his powers and knowledge to him.

When Jaka grew older, he decided to find out his past. With Ki Ageng’s permission, he went off. Several days later, he found a hut on the fringe of a jungle. He stopped at the hut and asked for water. The owner of the hut was a very beautiful woman, which was actually Dayang Sumbi. Jaka was astounded to see her, and apparently she too found Jaka attractive. She brought the guest a drink and had a chat with him. They soon fell in love with each other. Jaka did not know that the woman was actually his mother, and Dayang Sumbi also didn’t realize that Jaka was Sangkuriang, her son.

The next morning, when about to go hunting, Jaka asked Dayang Sumbi to tie his headband. It was when Dayang Sumbi saw the scar on his head. Taken aback, Dayang Sumbi asked Jaka how he got the scar. However, Jaka couldn’t remember that. He just told her that a hermit found him unconscious and wounded in the jungle. It made Dayang Sumbi sure that her lover was his own son.

Dayang Sumbi grew anxious as she knew that she could not marry her own son. She tried to convince him that he was his son and thus break their relationship. Sangkuriang could not accept that. Seeing his son’s insistence, Dayang Sumbi was scared. She thought of every possible way to distant herself from him.

An idea finally came across her mind. She asked Sangkuriang to make her a lake and a boat. Driven with love, Sangkuriang agreed to grant her wish. Dayang Sumbi demanded Sangkuriang to finish the task before dawn the next day.

Sangkuriang used all his powers and called unseen spirits to help him with the task. They began to dig the ground and pile big stones to dam up Citarum River. In the middle of the night, Dayang Sumbi silently peeped at Sangkuriang’s work, only to be surprised by how fast they were doing it.

Dayang Sumbi could no longer stay calm. She rushed to the village and woke the people up. She asked help from the villagers to get a wide and long red cloth and spread out on the east where Sangkuriang was working. The red cloth made it look like it was morning already. People also took out their roosters and let them crow.

The spirits helping Sangkuriang thought the sun was rising already. They hurried to vanish to avoid getting burnt, leaving the work undone. However, Sangkuriang, a smart man, knew that it was actually not morning yet. He knew that it was all Dayang Sumbi’s ideas.

He was infuriated. Using his power, he ruined the dam he made. In a very short time, water overflowed the place. He then kicked the boat away. It was flung up high, and fell upside down. Over the time, it turned into a mountain, and people since then called the mountain Tangkuban Perahu

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Vietnam - The land of the 'Ascending Dragon'

2019-08-30T11:11:00.002-07:00

The History of Saigon Central Post Office

The Saigon Central Post Office is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, with charming colonial architecture and ornate decorations forming the backdrop for newlywed photo-shoots, school trips, and city tours. Moreover, it is a beautiful remnant of Vietnam’s complicated past. If you’re looking to mail a postcard home or simply admire the architecture of a bygone era, this is definitely the place to do it.

This place has the spirit of the communication between the historical time of Saigon. Lovely architecture and a glimpse back in history. he Saigon Central Post Office was constructed from 1886-1891 and depicts classic elements of Gothic, Renaissance and French colonial design. While some mistakenly credit Gustave Eiffel, the famed designer of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was actually designed by French architect Alfred Foulhoux. typically when we think of anything called a post office we tend to think of boring commercial buildings. Saigon Central post office like many Vietnamese buildings and attractions is misdescribed to say the least. The building is a masterpiece of design and architecture. Inside the traditional counters are still in use and add to the charm and character of the place.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a historical and cultural attraction in Saigon, Vietnam a witness of the city development for almost 140 years. Situated right in the heart of Ho chi minh City is the most famous landmark as well as core Cathedral of the city, Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral (translated as “Nhà thờ Đức Bà Sài Gòn). Notre-Dame Cathedral, or Notre-Dame Basilica to be exact, is a famous age-long cathedral in Southern Vietnam. It is a magnificent building located at the paris Square in Ho Chi Minh City downtown, attracting not only Catholics but also most tourists for its no-Romanesque style architecture and a sacred atmosphere.

Touring The Mekong Delta In Ben Tre Vietnam

The ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the delta is carpeted in a dizzying variety of greens. It's a water world that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets float upon the innumerable rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries.

Mekong Delta lies to the southwest of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. It is interspersed by a number of tributaries and distributaries of the Mekong river. The river is loaded with tonnes of silt in this area and is slow & sluggish. This makes it extremely rich in nutrients that are required for plants and animals to thrive. Here, you will find the water is the same color as milk-laden coffee. However, it is not because of trash (though some of that is also present), it is mostly because of all the silt that the river carries. And that is what makes tail ends of tropical rivers extremely fertile.

The last bit – On a rowing boat

This was the most exciting part of our Ben Tre Mekong Delta Tour. It involved getting into a tiny, wobbly, rowing boat which almost touched the river surface. We had to then sit one behind the other while our helmsman propelled the boat forward on the sluggish Mekong waters.

During this time, we sailed the winding canals of Mekong while viewing water coconut palms and various fish-trapping mechanisms up close. You can almost hear the steady din of the river making its way through the complicated canal maze. And it is such a peaceful time to be all on your own soaking in the Mekong way of life.

Kota Gelanggi Cave, Jerantut, Pahang

2019-08-26T04:35:00.003-07:00

Never knew that I'd have a chance to encounter such a beautiful cave in a midst of the jungle. This place is practically abandoned yet mesmerizing for its effortless preservation.
The fabled Gua Kota Gelanggi, located near the FELDA plantations of Tekam, Pahang.

"Gua Kota Gelanggi" (City of Gelanggi Caves). Why City? Well, Legend has it that there is a myth that speaks of an ancient civilization that made the network of caves its home. One day, a sorcerer happens to come by and curse its inhabitants, turning them into stone,

Elephant's Head

thus explaining the various rock formations in the cave. Another myth refers to a creature called ‘Sang Kelembai’, some gorgon/medusa-like beast that lives in the area with the ability to transform things it touches into stone. Reputed to be one of the best tropical limestone caverns in the region,

visitors from all around come here to witness the cavern’s natural wonders and experience the awe of the stalagmites and stalactites as well as the spectacular rock formations.

more details read here

The JEATH War Museum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

2019-08-26T04:22:00.004-07:00

JEATH stands for Japanese, English, Australian,Thailand and Holland.

The museum is divided into two sections, one depicting the construction of the Death Railway which is meant to recreate the quarters used by Allied POWs, and the other consisting of reconstructed bamboo huts containing such items as paintings, drawings and photos of and by former prisoners, weapons, tools, and maps

This is a very interesting place where you can see a lot about the World War II and what happened in Kanchanaburi during the war. You can even see a bit of the original bridge over the river Kwai.

The view of the bridge from the top floor of the museum is fantastic and you get to see the entire span of the bridge.

more details read here

Padang, Indonesia - The Land of Minangkabau

2019-08-26T04:12:00.000-07:00

Minangkabau, Malay Urang Padang ('People of the Plains'), largest ethnic group on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, whose traditional homeland is the west-central highlands. The Minangkabau have extensive terraced fields and garden plots in which they raise irrigated rice, tobacco, and cinnamon, as well as fruits and vegetables. Their crafts include wood carving, metalworking, and weaving. Their language, closely resembling Malay, belongs to the Austronesian language family. In the early 21st century they numbered approximately eight million. Although Muslim, the Minangkabau are matrilineal, tracing descent and inheritance through the female line. Traditionally, a married couple stayed in the house of the wife’s maternal relatives; the husband, however, was considered a guest who visited his wife at night.

Pagaruyung Palace

Pagaruyung Palace (Minangkabau: Istano Basa Pagaruyuang) is the istana (royal palace) of the former Pagaruyung Kingdom, located in Tanjung Emas subdistrict near Batusangkar town, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The palace is a glorious work of Minangkabau architecture, covered with the unique woodcarvings of the region.used to homed the royal family of minang. Surrounding is huge, It's called Istana Basa which literally translated as Gigantic Castle.The name stood for itself as the palace is in fact huge.The architectural very much stay true to the Minang heritage

The domestic unit was traditionally the rumah gadang (“big house”; community house), which was under the control of a head woman, her sisters, their daughters, and their female children. Boys lived in the house until they were circumcized, after which they resided in the local mosque until they were married. The community house was a large rectangular structure, raised high above the ground, with a saddle-shaped roof. A main room occupied much of the structure. Adjoining it were the living compartments, each occupied by a woman, her children, and her husband. Members of several community houses made up the suku (clan), which was an exogamous entity; that is, marriage between clan members was not allowed.

Some Minangkabau migrated to Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia) in the late 19th century and formed a confederation of small states that came to be known as Negri Sembilan (Nine States). Minangkabau tribesmen, who closely resembled the peninsular Malay, left Sumatra to seek greater economic opportunity across the Strait of Malacca. Rapid expansion of Malayan tin mining after 1850 lured increasing numbers of Minangkabau as miners or as petty merchants. The immigrants secured transit to Malaya by selling property or receiving assisted passage in return for contract mine labour. By the beginning of the 20th century, however, capital-intensive mining displaced Minangkabau miners, who then shifted to agricultural pursuits in interior river valleys. Land was plentiful, and the Minangkabau frequently gained title to land by clearing, planting, and living on it. Malay sultans raised no objections to these linguistically Malay immigrants, who partially offset the influx of Chinese labourers. Minangkabau immigrants became successful smallholder farmers, and they ultimately came to control much of the retail trade in the Malay Peninsula.

Thai-Burma Railway (Death Railway), Thailand

2019-08-26T03:59:00.001-07:00

Amazing experience... historic and scenic ride along the Thai-Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, stretches from Myanmar (Thanbyuzayat) to Thailand (Ban Pong).

It originated in Thailand and cut across to the Burmese war front to aid in the Japanese invasion of India. Originally called the Thailand-Burma Railway, it earned the nickname “Death Railway” because over one hundred thousand laborers died during its 16 month construction between 1942 and 1943.

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Garden By the Bay, Singapore

2019-08-26T03:51:00.001-07:00

Singapore has the magic touch in bringing the ecosystem inside a city.

The Garden By The Bay is a stunning and spectacular tourist attraction in the heart of Singapore. This architectural, futuristic and artistic interpretation of a forest landscape is not only stunning but a feast for the eyes. Essential must do include the SkyDome with its canopy walk and waterfall, the Bloom Dome made which is a journey through the gardens of the world and a walk amongst the sky high metallic structures resembling sky reaching trees in the Tree Grove. The whole concept is a stroke of genius and if you return at night the Tree Grove comes alive to music and lights in the Light Rhapsody, a stunning visual display against the night sky.

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Bukit Gundaling (Hill of Gundaling) Berastagi, Indonesia

2019-08-26T03:41:00.002-07:00

Bukit Gundaling" (Hill of Gundaling /the "Good bye darling" Hill), Berastagi Tanah Karo, Indonesia

Legend has it that the name Gundaling is derived from the words "Good bye darling!". It is said that a Dutch officer once married a local and lived here. Something happened driving the wife to commit suicide. As she jumped off the top of the hill she cried out loud : "Good bye darling"... but in a dialect that sounds more like Gundaling!

Anyway Bukit Gundaling is a pride of the locals. For the record the town of Berastagi is located on a vast highland populated by the Batak Karo race. Here'a statue of their legendary medicine man ( I don't know from what era) called Pawang Ternalem.

Berastagi is situated at 1,400 metres above sea level. The top of the hill is about 75 metres higher, just 50 metres lower than the summit of Fraser's Hill in Malaysia but with a climate that feels the same.

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Lawang Sewu ("Thousand Doors"), Semarang, Indonesia

2019-08-26T03:03:00.002-07:00

Sitting on one of Semarang’s busiest traffic circles facing the Tugu Muda monument to fallen heroes and the Diponegoro military museum is Lawang Sewu, one of Indonesia’s most famous buildings. Indonesians easily recognise photographs of the building, and mentioning Lawang Sewu will energise a lagging conversation.

Lawang Sewu "Thousand Doors" is a relic Dutch historic building located in the city of Semarang. This building was constructed by the Nederlandsch Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij, which translates as the "Dutch (East) Indies Railway Company", as their Head Office. They had their head office in Semarang, rather than Jakarta, as this is where the railways of Java/Indonesia were born. In fact, Semarang Station is the oldest train station in Indonesia. During the Second World War the Japanese forces partly used it as a prison. The ghost stories are connected to the people who were tortured and died here.
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