SOUTHERN CHINA

Xiamen – That is where I belong! I came from the Fujian (Hokkien) clans in a small town called Amoy, China. My forefathers are from a little village, of fisherman. I did not get to visit my forefather's village called Lam Hua but at least I get to see how Xiamen looks like. I wonder whether my forefather's village is still in existence today.

POINTING AT FUJIAN STREET AT GULANGYU ISLAND

Xiamen is a sub-provincial city in southeastern Fujian, the fourth largest island in Fujian Province.

This is my second visit to Xiamen after the first one in 2011. This time around in 2019, I want to take my mother to see our forefather's city, after much delayed in doing so.

I CAN TOUCH YOU LIGHTHOUSE

We then signed up for a 6D5N tour (6/11 – 11/11/2019) covering five places namely Shantou, Hua An, Zhangzhou, Xiamen and Chaozhou, located in Southern China.

DAY 1 (6/11/2019)

Our flight Air Asia AK142 departed at 11 am from KLIA 2 and reached Shantou Airport at about 4pm.

SHI PAO TAI PARK, SHANTOU

We are lucky as we have time to check out the first destination called Shi Pao Tai Park in Shantou – a park surrounded with beautiful lake, flower and fortress. The park was built in the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Guangxu completion of five years (1874 – 1979), which lasted five years at a cost of 80,000 silver dollar, as of now, more than 100-year-old history.

Later, there is a detour of the Seaside Corridor to view the beautiful scenery of the beach.

DAY 2 (7/11/2019)

Morning call is as early as 5.30am every day for the next five days.  

NANYANG LOU

 

The second day is a “must”visit to the Heritage Dadi Tulou Cluster to have a look of the archaic building namely Eryl Lo, Nanyang Lou and Dongyang Lou situated in Hua'An. It takes about three hours bus ride up the hilly mountain to arrive at Dadi Tulou Cluster. We spent half a day here where home-cook lunch is served here, followed with a detour around the clusters and a tea drinking session.

ERYL LO

Dadi Tulou Cluster is a representative of human and nature unity. Fujian Tulou is the most extraordinary tye of Chinese rural dwellings of the Hakka and others in the mountainous areas in southwestern Fujian.

DADI TULOU ARCHAIC ENTRANCE

The earth buildings are regarded as exceptional examples of a building tradition and function exemplifying a particular type of communal living and defensive organisation in a harmonious relationship with their environment.

DONGYANG LOU

A panoramic view of the Hua'an Dadi Tulou Cluster, Fujian comprises of – Eryl Lou (left), Nanyang Lou (middle) and Dongyang Lou (right). There are a total of 46 tulou sites in Dadi Tulou Cluster.

MING QING ANCIENT STREET

By evening, we visited the popular Ming Qing Ancient Street to peep into its old fashion shops in Zhangzhou.

DAY 3 (8/11/2019)

The third day we traveled from Zhangzhou to Xiamen. Upon reaching Xiamen, we are mesmerised with the massive development of the city – the scenery is similar as Singapore City – tall, majestic and impressive buildings surrounded by water (sea) and crossing the of the many bridges joining mainland to Xiamen Island.

XIAMEN, HERE I COME!

The third day is the most 'exhausted' one where we are going to a few places such as – HuanDao Road (pass by), Xiamen University (outlook), Lesser Kinmen (Overview), South Putuo Temple, and Gulangyu Island. 

LESSER KINMEN

 

In the morning, we covered South Putuo Temple – a famous Buddhist temple founded in the Tang Dynasty and deemed to be one of the must-go tourist places in Xiamen.

We have lunch at Lesser Kinmen and took photographs by the beach side.

SOUTH PUTUO TEMPLE

After lunch, we hip hop into an overly packed ferry to the Gulangyu Island (Wan Guo Buildings) – is renowned for its delicate natural beauty, its ancient relics and its varied architecture. The island is beautifully designed with old looking buildings where one can take photographs as well as food streets. 

GULANGYU ISLAND OLD BUILDINGS

It is a popular island for taking wedding photographs where the old building acts as a backdrop to the photograph. We have a sumptuous dinner on the island.

GULANGYU ISLAND

By 8pm, we returned to Xiamen land, we are allotted one hour shopping spree at Longtou Street – so called for selling branded items, located next to the ferry station.

DAY 4 (9/11/2019)

Our second day in Xiamen is a city tour – to see the Xiamen Lighthouse Park, WuYuan Bay and Wooden Board Area, JiMei School Village and Bailuzhou Park.

XIAMEN LIGHTHOUSE PARK

I am impressed with the Xiamen Lighthouse Park – clean, neat and a recommended place to pose for photographs.

WU YUAN BAY + WOODEN BOARD AREA

Next, is the Wu Yuan Bay + Wooden Board Area – the largest park in Xiamen, land with freshwater is created as a paradise for bird feeding and sheltering. Additionally, with the construction of wooden board road, pavilion, tower, house, dike, bridge, the park is one of the most popular one in Xiamen.

JIMEI SCHOOL VILLAGE

After lunch, we stopped by the scenic JiMei School Village – Jimei is one of the four most popular tourist sites of Xiamen City especially for this academic atmosphere as well as pretty natural and social sights.

BAILUZHOU PARK

By night, we have stop by to admire the Bailuzhou Park – Goddess sculpture is a symbol of the island and also the quality of urban sculpture in Xiamen. The Goddess beautiful posture, sit silently knelt on a rock, combing long hair, many visitors stop and take pictures in this area.

DAY 5 (10/11/2019)

Today, is another traveling day where we traveled from Xiamen to Chaozhou (Teochew) - to view the oldest town called Chaozhou Ancient Town and to experience the Chaozhou cultural and traditional livelihood, here. 

XIANGZI BRIDGE

 

In this ancient town, one can have a look at the Ancient City Wall, Xiangzi Bridge, Guangji City Gate, Bingjiang Corridor, JianDi lane, MingQing Arch Gate Street.

CHAOZHOU ANCIENT CITY WALL/ GUANGJI CITY GATE

We have a chance to visit the KaiYuan Temple located in this ancient township which features architectural style and artistic quality of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. 

KAI YUAN TEMPLE

 

The MingQing Arch Gate Street is made up of four lanes of old shops selling Chaozhou snacks, traditional toys, lantern, tea, food and all kinds of items.

MINGQING ARCH GATE STREET

Not to be missed is experiencing a breezy trishaw ride from the ancient town back to the entrance before we return back to Shantou.

DAY 6 (11/11/2019)

Finale! In Shantou - we managed to visit People's Square, Laoma Temple and a new township before we departing for the Airport. 

PEOPLE'S PARK

 

LAOMA TEMPLE

 

POSING WITH TOUR GUIDE BEN LIM AT SHANTOU NEW TOWNSHIP

We posed for a last group photograph at the Airport before saying Sayonara to the 16 participants in this wholesome trip.

SAYONARA !! SHANTOU AIRPORT

KOREAN FAIR IN IPOH PARADE

THE KOREAN WAVE IS MAKING ITS WAY TO IPOH PARADE!

IPOH: The Korean Wave or Hallyu has never ceased to bedazzle us with its pop culture namely “K-dramas”, K-pop, the Korean language and Korean Cuisine.

Korean fans and shoppers can now indulge in a Korean Fair which is running from June 18 until 23, held at Ipoh Parade.

KOREAN FAIR 2019

To start off with, shoppers are invited to dressed up in Korean traditional costume for a photography opportunity with Hanbok (free of charge), available daily.

For kids who love handicraft, do take part in the Korean Arts & Crafts Workshop while watching a dance performance by Rejuvenate Dance Crew (RJVN) or participate in the Golden Bell Quiz and win prizes, held from 12 noon to 8pm, on June 21 until 23.

KOREAN DUMPLINGS

Besides, shoppers can also immerse themselves with all things Korean held at the K-Street carnival.

Highlights are XXXL Bibimbap Demo (6pm) as well as Spicy Noodle Challenge (12.30 noon) or Spicy Toppoki Challenge (1.30pm) and Spicy Noodle Challenge by MyeongDong Topokki (2.30pm) where foodies can put their love to the uniquely fiery Korean food to test. Do not miss out the Gimbap rolling workshop including sampling of the food (1pm). Those with a penchant for Korean delicacies can try their hands at making Kimchi (12 noon). All these activities will be held on June 22. 

A RANGE OF KOREAN DELICACIES

 However, on June 23 – there is a repetition of activities such as Kimchi Making (12 noon) followed with Spicy Noddle Challenge (12.30 noon), Spicy Noodle Challenge by MyeongDong Topokki (7pm) and Spicy Toppokki Challenge (7.30pm).

Highlight of the carnival is the K-pop Dance Cover Competition whereby the contestants will have to replicate the dance moves of their idols such as Korean bands' BLACKPINK and BTS, in a competition. which will be on June 23 at 2 pm.

The champion of the competition will walk away with cash and prizes worth RM2,000, followed with second placing (RM1,000), third placing (RM500) and three consolation prizes worth RM200.

Ipoh Parade Shopping Mall is located at No. 105, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, Greentown, 30450, Ipoh.

SINGAPORE 5

SINGAPORE'S 'GREAT' FOOD

Singapore Food – be it local or western food. Either you like it or not!!

Singapore local Chinese dishes have quite a plan taste compared to Malaysian dishes which are “very tasty” adding much salt, sugar, herbs and spice.

 

BAK KUT TEH AT BKT PANJANG MALL

Over the years, I admit that Singapore dishes are improving due to the number of Malaysian working as chef in the island. 'They' might have been the reason of the improvement, yet the dishes are still lacking in tastiness.

FIVE STAR CHICKEN RICE AT BKT TIMAH

The popular dishes here are Fish Soup Noodle, Fish Soup and Rice, Mee Pok, Wantan Noodle, Katong Laksa, Fried Prawn Mee, Chicken or Duck Rice, Bak Kut Teh, Rojak, Chilli Crab and Fried Kuay Teow.

FISH SOUP NOODLE & RICE

KATONG LAKSA

MEE POK (DRIED NOODLES)

PRAWN MEE

ENG'S WANTAN NOODLES

As far as western food is concerned, they have a wider range of food, whereby most are “franchise” food, from popular chain of restaurants. 

LONDON FAT DUCK RESTAURANT

One can have a chance to eat 'all kinds of western food' including Han's, Oberstrasse, Morganfield's, Steakville, Pete's Place and Kodas's Cafe and The Seafood Bar & Beer. 

 HAN'S CAFE AT HILLUM

Apart from western restaurants, there is a high number of Asian Favorites from Japan, Korea, Thailand, China, Hong Kong and India.

SANOOK KITCHEN (JAPANESE) AT WESTMALL

Fast food are plentiful, from Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), King Burger, Mac Donald, Pope Eye, Nandos, Pizza Hut, Jinjja Chicken, Chef-in-Box, Vendcafe, Alati Skewers, Chic-a-boo Fried Chicken, Birdfolks, Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels and A&W, among others.

POPEYE AT IMM

For Muslim, there is no shortage of halal food due to the presence of Singaporean Malays, it is no wonder there are many Halal restaurants scattered over the island.

LONDON FAT DUCK RESTAURANT AT SCOTTS SQUARE

According to Senthlui.com website, some of the Best Halal Eateries are – Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak, Puncak, Rasa Istimewa Waterfall, HJ Maimunah and Al-Azhar Eating Restaurant. 

As conclusion, Singapore food is either you love it or not!! 

SINGAPORE 4

SINGAPORE AS I SEE IT!

THE MERLION - has been erected as a symbol to welcome all visitors to Singapore. It was formally installed at a ceremony on September 15, 1972 by the then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

MERLION

The Merlion is the mythical symbol of Singapore and is a 'must visit' place for tourists who come to Singapore. Here, one can take lots of photography with the Merlion (a half-fish, half-lion statue) which measures 8.7 meters tall and has a fountain of water spurting out into the picturesque Marina Bay.

ORCHARD ROAD - is the main shopping street in Singapore – which is named after the fruit orchards that the road led to it, is now flanked by malls, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and hotels.

ORCHARD

Apart from the Orchard, one can find lots of shopping opportunity at places like Jurong East, Jurong West, Bugis, IMM (factory outlet), China Town and Little India.

JURONG EAST

CHINA TOWN also called Niu che shu (ox water) is a subzone and ethnic enclave located within Outram District, featuring Chinese cultural elements.

It occupied the Pagoda Street where street peddlers once sold their wares all along Pagoda Street. Clustered on both sides of the street next to Sri Mariamman Temple, these hawkers would squat on the pavement with their goods displayed haphazardly on old bits of newspapers, on pieces of cloth or on top of bags.

CHINA TOWN

Pagoda Street got its name from the entrance tower that frames the Indian temple, which is not actually a Pagoda but a gopuram. Most of the shop houses on this street were built after 1842, when the land along Pagoda Street was granted to the public.  By 1862, the street was fully built up. Opium dens and slave traders (coolic traders) - including the biggest coolie house Kwong Hup Yuen dominated the place. The two trades fed off each other, quietly encouraged by the colonial authorities. Many coolies, condemned to a hopeless existence, turned to opium for momentary relief frm their hardship. At the end of the spectrum were the Hindu devotees who flocked to Sri Mariamman Temple for prayers. In 1972, Pagoda Street was visited by Queen Elizabeth II, who was in Singapore for a state visit. 

PAGODA STREET

Today, the Pagoda Street is part of the China Town – where traders displayed their goods such as souvenirs, clothes and food. There is also a Chinatown Heritage Centre which house memories and untold stories of Singapore's early forefathers. One can also visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Mariamman Temple and Masjid Jamae around this area.

GARDENS BY THE BAY

GARDENS BY THE BAY – is a recent Singapore's tourist attraction – where it consists of three gardens namely Bay Central, Bay East and Bay South.

FOUNTAINS AND GARDENS

Bay Central is a garden with a waterfront walk that connect the other two gardens; Bay East completed in stages, and Bay South which is the largest garden showcasing tropical horticulture and includes tree-like structures up to 50 meters high that dominate the Garden's landscape.

The Garden is best visited at night due to its thousands of lighting bulb surrounding the structures, trees and plants, here.

ONE FOR THE ALBUM

Next to the Gardens By the Bay is The Sands Casino, do try your luck at the hundreds of jackpot machines available here. I did try my luck at the jackpot and I left the place richer by SS100.

IMPRESSIVE RAIN VORTEX AT JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT

JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT - one of the latest attraction is the HSBC Rain Vortex inside the airport itself, which is the world's largest indoor waterfall stands at 40 meters tall; the Shiseido Forest Valley; an indoor garden spanning five storeys and the canopy Park at the topmost level, featuring gardens and leisure facilities.

MAY 17 - JUNE 9, 2019