THE ROYAL BELUM FOREST

THE SIMPLE LIFE

The Orang Asli of Royal Belum have remained largely untouched by development, writes Diana Yeoh

By nature, they are shy. They will not extend a hand nor come forward to welcome you. Yet, they will not run away from strangers like most people, the Orang Asli can be very curious about the cultures and behaviour of other communities.

In Perak's protected Royal Belum reserve, I find them charming, especially their inner qualities that shine through – pure, peaceful, innocent and friendly in their own unspoken ways.

Both sexes mingle within their own gender – men with men and women huddle close together. The women wear blouses and skirts or sarong. A few have applied lipstick and powder. I wonder where they learned to do this. Is it from the few visitors they get their cosmetic products?

Their warm nature is even more evident when we ask if we can take pictures of them. They readily sit on boulders to pose. Unlike some other Orang Asli groups elsewhere, they don't demand for money to pose for pictures.

One young lad looks like the late Michael Jackson, with his curly shoulder-length hair. Wearing an unbuttoned shirt, he gives us a star-like pose. A mother gathers all her children to pose at the door of her humble home.

Watching them with a smile is village chief Malaikat who wears only a loin cloth. This is still the clothing of choice for the men here at the Sungai Kejar Hilir Orang Asli Settlement.

Theirs is a simple life. They either tend to their crops or go fishing daily, using bamboo rafts that they skillfully row along the river.

(This article has been published in NST on September 15, 2009. This article has been selected for public viewing during the Tourism Perak Media Award 2017 night)

The writer (right) posing with the Orang Asli children together with two media members at the Sg Kejar Hilir Orang Asli Settlement

IMPIANA HOTEL IPOH CNY FOOD PROMOTION

IMPIANA HOTEL IPOH CNY FOOD PROMOTION

IPOH: Impiana Hotel Ipoh (IHI) is having a "Chinese New Year Food Promotion",  held at its coffee house from February 1 until 17, here.

Guests can have a choice either to go for a CNY Eve Dinner on Feb 1 – 15, or Prosperity Buffet Dinner (Feb 16 and 17), or Gong Xi Fa Cai Buffet Hi Tea (Feb 16).

For the CNY Eve Dinner, there are two selections priced at RM888 (8-course set dinner) or RM1,088 (9-course set dinner) for a table of ten persons.

A WIDE RANGE OF CNY DELIGHTS

The course set dinner will showcase dishes like – Salmon Fish Yu Sheng, Braised crab Meat Broth, Double Boiled Chicken with Chinese Herbal, Deep Fried Prawns with Salted Egg, Steamed Garoupa Dragon, Braised Mushroom with Bean Curd Root, Fried Rice and Iced Longan with Fruit Cocktail.

IHI STAFF SHOWCASING CNY DISHES

Meanwhile, for the Prosperity Buffet Dinner and the Buffet Hi Tea, the coffee house is offering 80 types of dishes to its guests. 

There will be a starter, soup, main dishes and desserts.

Highlight dishes for the buffet line are – Salmon Fish Yu Sheng, Roasted Duck, Fried Chicken Wings, Braised Beef Chinese Style, Ginger Chilli Clam, Telur Sambal, Nai Pak Choy with Abalone Sauce, Butter Vegetable with Almond Flakes and Oven Roasted Rainbow with Potatoes Herbs, among others.

For desserts, there are jelly, kueh mueh, cakes, bubur cha cha, ice cream and salad.

AN ARRAY OF BUFFET DISHES FIT FOR CNY

The Prosperity Buffet Dinner is priced at RM88 nett (adult), RM68 nett (senior citizen) and RM48 nett (children).

However, the Buffet Hi Tea is priced at RM48 nett (adult), RM38 nett (senior citizen) and RM28 nett (children).

In addition, guests are invited to attend CNY activities such as Lion and Dragon Dance Performance and the God of Prosperity Walkabout, at the hotel's lobby on February 16

at 9 am.

For reservations, call: 05-2555555 ext 8009.

ROASTED DUCK

SALMON FISH YU SHENG

BUTTER VEGETABLE ALMOND FLAKES

TELUR SAMBAL

DESSERTS - CAKES AND KUIH MUIH

LET'S LOY SANG FOR PROSPERITY

MBO CINEMA

 MBO CINEMA FALIM

IPOH: The first ever MBO Cinema is now open in AEON Midtown Falim, here.

With an investment of over RM14 million, this cinema will be MBO's 27^th outlet in the country and it features two unique viewing concepts namely KECIL and BIG SCREEN.

MBO Cinemas chief operating officer Cheah Chun Wai said that the company aimed to provide Ipoh audience the opportunity to experience MBO's latest cinema hall concept and technology with the introduction of the first time KECIL and BIG SCREEN special hall concept in the Northern Region.

In the KECIL hall, which is dedicated to parents and children will include sofa bed, bean seat, in-hall playground, diaper changing rooms and softer audio and brighter lights inside the hall.

While the BIG SCREEN hall, audience will get the experience of viewing in one of the largest screens in Ipoh with their own Premium Large Format screen for an impactful experience.

The cinema hall is equipped with state-of-the-art technology with BARCO and DOLBY ATMOS. BARCO, the flagship laser RGB projector, which is also first of its kind in the country, bringing advanced image quality of the big screen with outstanding brightness, high contrast, and superior colour performance.

DOLBY ATMOS enhances the viewing experience with rich, realistic sound system and elevates the impact of on-screen movie scene.

Presently, MBO Falim offers six (6) standard hall, (2) special concept hall and a combination total of 1,169 seats.

The press members were given an opportunity to detour the cinema and view the latest movie in town.

Cheah Chun Wai (fifth from left) and staff launching MBO Falim Cinema

MARVELOUS JAPAN

I LUV JAPAN! One of my dream land in my 'must visit” Asian countries bucket list is Japan. Also one of my resolution for 2017 was to cover Japan. An expensive country to visit but must do so for once in a life time. Clean, courteous and very advance in technology.

I made an effort to sign up for a 7D5N tour with Golden Deluxe Tour which takes me to Osaka-Kyoto-Shirakawa Go - Takayama-Matsumoto-Mt Fuji-Tokyo-Narita.

Day 1

A light and easy tour is arranged for the first day due to the long flight journey of six hours from KLIA – Hong Kong – Japan.

OSAKA

Osaka is the central city of West Japan – it was the distribution center for products from around the country from 1868-1913 onwards.

The first venue is shopping at Shinsabashi street in downtown Osaka.

Get to Dotombori – food paradise of two rows of eateries packed wall-to-wall with Japanese nosh of every imaginable kinds and prices. With the lights of neon sign boards touting as colorful as rainbow, and this is the reason why Osaka is dubbed as “The Kitchen of Japan”. Here, one can see the exceptionally bold decorations in the form of big lobster, prawns, chickens, family, bull and the Japanese caricatures.

DOTOMBORI

 

Next stop is Osaka Garden constructed in 1583, is one of Osaka's representative sightseeing spot, Here is where one can view the heritage Osaka Castle.

OSAKA GARDEN

KYOTO

Kyoto an ancient city with many notable and historic scenes, conveys Japan's beauty and traditions to this day.

Temple and ritual places is plentiful and a must visit for tourists to Japan.

Our first temple visited is Fushimi Inari Taisha. An important Shinto Shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion toril gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. We (my mum and me) managed to take good photographs with Japanese ladies in kimono in front of the temple.

FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA

Another stop we made before sunset – is Kiyomizu Temple – famous for its principal sanctuary, built on a steep cliff. It is registered as a world cultural heritage in 1994.

KIYOMIZU TEMPLE BY SUNSET

Day 2

Our journey by coach took us from Kyoto to Shirakawa Go and Takayama.

SHIRAKAWA GO

It took us about 4 hours to reach the village of Shirakawa Go – which is one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This village is well known for their houses constructed in the architectural style known as gassho-zukuri. The Gassho-zukuri, “prayer-hands construction” style is characterized by a thatched and steeply slanting roof resembling hands joined in prayer.

SHIRAKAWA -GO

The coach stopped us at the highest peak of a hill top to view the village located below the hill, as tourists are not allowed to reach at the door steps of the villages.

We took photographs from atop overlooking the village. After that, we adjourned to have our lunch nearby, where we can take more closer photographs with the unusual gassho-zukuri style houses.

WRITER ENJOYING SCENIC SHIRAKAWA-GO

A short distance of one-hour, we reached Takayama town, which is a small township made up of traditional shops selling crafts, souvenirs, and museum and restaurants. Rows of houses called “Machiya-Zukuri” stand in Takayama which is the main sightseeing street of Takamaya since Edo Period (1603-1867). 

TAKAYAMA TOWN

We visited Takayama Jinya a place served as the local government office headed by the officials dispatched from Edo. The building complex was in official use until 1969, is now open to public as a museum. One can have a look at the Rice Storehouse (Onkura), Law Court and Interrogation Room (Oshirasu, Ginmisho), Guest Room (Zashiki), Japanese Style Garden, Offices and Confernece Room. The attraction in this official house - is the full bloom flowers in its garden and tourists enjoy taking photographs of the flowers as backdrop for their memorable photograph.

TAKAYAMA JINYA

Day 3

Journey from Takayama to Matsumoto – Mt Fuji – a rather long journey from one place to another which took us the whole full day of traveling and sightseeing.

The first stop over is to see Matsumoto Castle (1603-1867) which is registered as a national treasure. It is one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles. Took great selfies photographs in front of the Matsumoto Castle separated by a peaceful lake.

MATSUMOTO CASTLE

The next destination is everyone's favourite – Mount Fuji – the highest mountain in Japan with a beautiful conic shape, the world reowed symbol of Japan. Here, we posed non stop – hoping to catch the best shot with the gigantic Mt Fuji before leaving the place. The weather is 1-2 celcious and everyone clinch hard to their winter coat, could hardly speak a word and waste no time clicking on our camera with our numb fingers.

MT FUJI

The final stop is to the Fuji Earthquake Simulation Centre – a specializing space of Earthquake Simulation Facility with a various theme. We are ushered to a dark room, sitted and experienced the different frequency of earth quake which is a norm to the Japanese.

The centre is located next to a souvenir shop, and the tourists could not resist grabbing dry packages food back home.

EARTHQUAKE CENTRE

Day 4

Journey from Mt Fuji – Tokyo

We are still in Mt Fuji area – stop by Oshino – Mura in the foot of southeast Mount Fuji of Yamanashi.

OSHINO-MURA

TOKYO

Since the start of the Edo Period in 1603 – Tokyo has played a primary role in politics and economics as Japan's capital till today. Tokyo is a giant metropolis, housing 12 million people – is a city of various charms, owing to its dense history. Popular sightseeing – Ginza, the shopping town of the city filled with department stores and stylish shops.

The moment we reached Tokyo – our first destination is Nakamise Avenue – comprises over 150 stores lining up on the street. The stores are packed full of local specialities and souvenirs. Lunch served was a fried fish.

NAKAMISE AVENUE

NAKAMISE AVENUE

Enjoy the scenic view of Odaiba – established as a harbour side development on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. It has now become Tokyo's newest landmark. Not only does it offer parks, the latest amusement facilities and shopping area where visitors can feel the sea breeze in the heart of the city, but also admire the beautiful sight of the Rainbow Bridge.

VISITORS ENJOYING TOKYO BAY SUMIDA RIVER CRUISE

Tokyo Bay Sumida River Cruise – this is a pleasurable trip on the Sumida River where one can view the huge buildings of Tokyo from afar, and take photographs of it as the backdrop scenery. Here, one will find both Edo-Period atmosphere and New Tokyo at the same time when you listen to the annoucement explaining the scenic points and historical places while viewing the ever-changing Tokyo Bay.

We had a chance to walk over to experience the New Tokyo area – showcasing Statue of Liberty and the Golden Bridge of San Francisco.

STATUTE OF LIBERTY

GOLDEN BRIDGE OF SAN FRANCISCO

Asakusa Kannon Temple – is the oldest and one of the most popular temples in the urban area of Tokyo. By having a huge red lantern hand under the gate of Kaminari-mon (thunder gate) as the symbol. Get excited to taking photographs with a number of large lanterns hang along the temple gates, and temple houses. By night, the temple lights up beautifully, and you must not missed posing with any of the lighted huge lantern.

ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE

Day 5

Journey from Tokyo to Narita

Tokyo Disneyland – an eternal source of joy, laughter, inspiration and imagination to the people around the world. We reach Disneyland as early as 9am – the crowd line- up patiently at the entrance to get into the theme park. Disneyland is one of my favourite place to visit. It is a “must visit” place I recommend to you, if you are in Tokyo. Love the crowd, dry rides, castles, river cruise, cartoon characters, shows, procession and souvenir shops!!

COLORFUL DISNEYLAND DECORATIONS FOR XMAS 2017

DISNEY CHARACTERS PROCESSION SHOW

DISNEYLAND CASTLE

 

RAINS (LEFT) WITH HUBBY POSING WITH THEIR FAVOURITE CARTOON CHARACTER SNOOPY

 Day 6

Narita – Kuala Lumpur

Sayonara to Japan! Will visit Hokkaido if God permits.

GOODBYE, TILL WE MEET AGAIN AT NARITA AIRPORT

SPAIN

SPAIN (PART 2)

Now, journey with me to Barcelona, Spain. Colorful, artistic, rich in culture and a shopper’s paradise. Get to see uniquely designed building of odd shapes.

One can either cross over to Spain by flight or land (via the Spanish Border from Evora passing through Alqueva Lake). But, I choose to fly as it is time saving and I can keep my energy cells for another round of detouring in Barcelona.

MUST SEE PLACES

In Barcelona, I need to work out my short stay to get the ‘best’ of this colorful city of cultures and art coupled with eccentric architectures found in the buildings surrounding the city.

With little time on hands, I have barely another two days to explore and experience this artistic city, I then take a map from the reception.

It is easier for me in Barcelona, as I am staying at the La Rambla shopping area, in the city center.

LA RAMBLA

The “Best of Barcelona Walk” map really serves a good purpose for me as it guides me along my walking spree to cover central Lisbon.

Firstly, one will meet up with the city’s mighty Gothic cathedral named Catedral (Cathedral) which was constructed on the remains of a palaeo-Christian basilica and a Romanesque church.

Next, is the Gothic Quarter which is Barcelona’s oldest district, brimming with atmospheric streets, alleyways and hidden squares, and flanked by historical buildings.

At the Gothic Quarter, one gets to see the Bridge Carrer Del Bisbe, Sant Jaume Square, Temple Augustus Itinerant Columns and the Horses Square.

HANGING BRIDGE CARRER DEL BISBE

 

Another ‘must see’ is the Picasso Museum is one of the city’s greatest tourist attraction which houses a complete collection of early artworks by Pablo Picasso in the world.

PICASSO

LA SAGRADA FAMILIA

I tell myself, Barcelona is incomplete without visiting the most unusual church in the world called the La Sagrada Familia (1882) designed by Antoni Gaudi.

On the second day, I book a taxi heading to La Sagrada Familia to capture Barcelona’s most distinctive landmark where Gaudi’s dream was to create Europe’s biggest temple and a bible in stone, with three facades representing the birth, death and resurrection of Christ.

For once, I witnessed for myself how beautiful is the La Sagrada Familia – the detail of sculpture on the façade is truly extraordinary, depicting almost 100 species of plants and animals, including Gaudi’s beloved chameleons, which can be seen carved onto the stonework all over the cathedral.

LA SAGRADA FAMILIA

Currently, the church is still undergoing some work-in-progress for an indefinite period.

To wrap up my holiday in Barcelona, I make a visit to the Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol) to know more about the cultures of the locals.

 The life-sized village contains 117 reproductions of famous or characteristic buildings from all over Spain, many of which now serve as art galleries and artisan workshops selling jewellery, wood carvings, leather items, and glass and ceramics.

SPANISH VILLAGE

 

We (my mother and me) then bid adios to Barcelona with a shopping spree at Gracia (branded items) and the La Rambla (middle class items), followed with an evening of Flamenco performance and a dinner of tapas dishes. 

GRACIA SHOPPING AREA

PORTUGAL

 THE BEST OF PORTUGAL AND SPAIN (PART 1)

The Best of Portugal and Spain – the writer gets to experience for herself the best of both neighboring countries and concluded the two sisterly countries are equally beautiful ‘in its own ways’.

Going to Spain without Portugal is like going fishing without a fishing rod.

The two ‘sisterly’ countries of the Southern European continent are inseparable.

The elder sister Spain is a more popular tourist destination compared to the laidback Portugal, which is well known for generating footballers for the World Cup Matches.

Nevertheless, the ‘two’ countries have me wandering if I sign up for one without the other, I will regret.

Without second thought, I purchased a one-week travel package covering Spain (Barcelona) and Portugal (Lisbon) to experience for myself who is the ‘better’ sister between the two.

PORTUGAL, LISBON

LISBON

Portugal, is one of the less travelled European countries compared to her counterparts in the southern continents namely Spain, Italy, Greece and the Mediterranean.

I do not know ‘why’ she is not a hit among tourists, and I choose ‘her’ because I want to let the world know they may be wrong for not including her into the Europe travel list.

No doubt,  I have little knowledge about Portugal except gathering some facts from school history books on the Malacca sultanate, as well as the existence of the Portuguese community living in Malacca, I am positive I will get close to her on my three-day-two-night in Lisbon.

My first day in Lisbon is quite disappointing as I have to endure with the heavy rain pour. It must be a ‘shower of blessing’ as Lisbon is one of the pilgrimage place for the Christians. 

Upon checking into Hotel Travel Park located in the Angel Neighborhood, I waste no time to book for a day tour package via the receptionist.

The pleasant receptionist then recommended the “Lisbon City Tour” which is supposed to be one of the more popular tours for first timer, to this historic city.

Since my days are limited to only two full days in Portugal, I followed her advice and sign up for the city tour instead of the outskirts tours such as the Castle Tour or the Fatima Tour.

According to a Portugal Tourist Guidebook (published by NewJamp) Portugal is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a first class trans-oceanic port.

It stretches along the northern length of the banks of River Tejo estuary occupying seven hills.

Lisbon is not like any ordinary European cities, as the town is on the low part of these seven hills that surround the city.

Thus, I fall in love with Lisbon at first sight for its beautifully decorated gardens, landscapes, sculptures and Squares steeped in history, occupying every corner of the city.

BIRD'S VIEW OF PORTUGAL

 

LISBON CITY TRAIL

Next day, we excitedly waited for the arrival of our tour guide who arrived punctually at 9am, at our hotel. Our group was a small one comprising of an American tourist, my mother and myself. We are chauffeured by our English speaking guide Alex in a van, and we are told that the city tour will take us to see the charming sight of Lisbon city, monuments and statues.

To start off, the guide drive through some interesting places in city centre for us to catch a glimpse of the historic places namely Marques de Pombal, Av. Da Liberdade, Rossio, Alfama, Palimento and Pantea Nacional.

The first stop is none other than to view the first-ever cathedral in Lisbon erected with French Romanic shapes during the XII century called the Catedral Igreja St Antonio.

The awesome church now serves as the Cathedral of Lisbon and the headquarters of Cardinal patriarch of the City.

CATEDRAL IGREJA ST ANTONIO

Moving on is one of the ‘must’ go places in the city located at the highest point in Lisbon called Miradoro da Nossa Senhora do Monte whereby one can have a breathtaking view of the city.

MIRADORO DA NOSSA SENHORA DO MONTE

Here, I am amaze with the sightings of the buildings, castles, gardens, and even the faraway Salazar Bridge.

The Salazar Bridge (also known as 25^th April Bridge) was constructed of steel runs two kilometers and sits on two great pillars above River Tejo, which was opened to the public in 1966.

The bridge is a replica of the San Francisco’s Golden Gate, and is one of the two bridges in the city with the other one called Vasco Da Gama.

A major landmark of the city is none other than the World Heritage Site Torre de Belem (Belem Tower), which is a masterpiece in the Manueline style and is a symbol of the city.

TORRE DE BELEM (BELEM TOWER)

King Manuel commanded its construction and it was built in the River Tejo between 1515 and 1521. The structure of the building is Romanic-Gothic, incorporating Arabic decoration which gives it an exotic and attractive aspect.

Nearby, is the Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument of Discoveries) an imposing architectural built in 1960 in commemoration of the 500^th anniversary of the death of Henrique O Navegante. This impressive monument is dedicated to the maritime discoveries and sailing companies that have given such fame to Portugal.

Every tourist (including me) will definitely walk up to the upper terrace and contemplate the River Tejo, Salazar Bridge and the Monastery, from where the large compass which presides over the square sits.

Across the road stands the majestic Mosteiro Dos Jeronimos (Heironnomytes Monastery) which is one of the most important monuments in the city, an additional masterpiece of Manueline works, also founded in 1506 by King Manuel.

MOSTEIRO DOS JERONIMOS

 Thousands of visitors throng this monastery weekly to take photographs with this enchanting building showcasing Renaissance style decoration, and a series of magnificent pillars covered with ornamental statues separate with three naves of the temple.

Another great place of visit is the Praca Do Commercio which forms the largest of the squares in the Portuguese capital, which house the headquarters of various ministries and government offices and also serves as a tourist attraction.

PRACA DO COM,MERCIO

 At the square, one can view the Triumphal Arch coupled with the four statues representing Viriato, Nuno Alvares, Pombal and Vasco da Gama.

The centre of the square is presided over by the elegant Equestrian Monument of King Jose 1, and a set of steps called Cais das Colunas, goes down to the Tejo.

However, one must not leave Lisbon before tasting its Portuguese egg tarts offered at an old timer shop named Pasteis de Belem. The tarts were first made by monks as the monastery was near a sugar refinery, where they (monks) came up with the idea of combining the yolks with sugar. 

 

PORTUGAL TART

TRAM RIDE

On my last day, I managed to squeeze into a sandwich city tram for a joy ride to a beautiful ancient Moorish neighborhood called Alfama, to see the XVI century houses, alleys and steps and the livelihood of the people.

My only regret is that I am not able to make it to the sanctuary of Fatima, where thousands of people make a pilgrimage to Fatima to commemorate the apparition of the Virgin to the three young shepherds on May 13 and October 13, annually. The Fatima church is located about four hours from the city.

TRAM BY - PASSING CITY