THE BUKIT TINGGI ADVENTURE (PART I)

I've been writing on my visits abroad of late and come to think of it, I've been to a few interesting places in my beloved country as well (Yes, Malaysia is one of the best travel destination in the world). One of the place my family and I visited was Bukit Tinggi (I'm naturally drawn to mountains, have no idea why). We took the trip a while back, but we've created lovely memories on that particular visits. Before I forget, we drove to Bukit Tinggi, from Bangi (not that far, it took us around one an a half hour).

Now, there are a few interesting places in Bukit Tinggi including the Japanese Garden, the Botanical Garden, the Rabbit Farm and the main attraction (for me) the Colmar Tropicale. Colmar Tropicale is a replica of a small French town of which housed the hotel and a few restaurant. I'll talk about that later.

The Small Pond: I used a slow shutter speed to create the effect of water flowing. By doing so, I had to use the smallest possible aperture (big number) and low ISO. (Nikon D90, 10 - 24mm Nikkor lens)

The first place we went to was the Japanese Garden (personally Malaysian prefers a Korean Garden nowadays due to the popularity of K-Pop culture that spread like virus especially among young adults). It was a beautifully well kept garden with small streams, ponds, Japanese style huts and a small trail connecting the places together. In short, it makes a picturesque scenes for photographers. There was even a Japanese tea ceremony (which you have to pay quite a lot. I lost interest due to the monetary factor). But still, it was pleasing and my family and I had good times there with tonnes of photos as prove.

The Hut: I focused on the hut on the top of the small hill and creating 'bokeh' to the subject nearest to the camera, which is the grass. (Nikon D90, 18 - 55mm Nikkor lens)

After spending quite sometimes in the Japanese Garden, we decided to go to the Botanical Garden, which was only a few paces away (it was actually quite a distance, my armpit was sweating like hell). The garden boasts its flora and fauna with more than hundred species of trees. Of course there were labels on each tree consisting its name and scientific terms (a hard to pronounce name that no one hardly ever used). It might appeals to those with forestry major which I'm not, but nevertheless it was still informative. The pathway was a bit moldy and slippery, so if you're with children you might want to be a bit careful. A nasty fall might spoil the whole trip (magically my two girls stayed on their feet! Even with all the running around leaving me with a probable heart attack). 

Lost: I used my wide angle lens to capture this area, but personally the composition was way off. I used small aperture (big number) to capture the details. (Nikon D90, 10 - 24mm Nikkor lens)

The girls had a lot of fun running around as mentioned earlier (I had a lot of 'fun' chasing them around). The only setback was it was not as cold as I imagines it would be (which was a waste as I brought my favorite Camel Active jacket and had no chance of putting it on). I was really hoping for a colder weather, but one can only hope and Allah will take care of the rest ; )   

Cheeky Lil' Girls: A normal shot, but I purposely place the subjects on the left and not in the middle.

The stopover at the Botanical Garden wrapped up the day and all of us went back to the Colmar Tropicale. The girls were fast asleep after five minutes in the car, tired of all the running and jumping (and whatever they did that I hardly noticed) in the gardens. I was also tired having to chase after the girls while carrying the quite heavy D90 camera bag and my wife's handbag and the burden of being a good Dad (watching over the girls while screaming on top of my lung: "DON'T RUN! DON'T RUN!"). The plan was to get a decent rest, and then have a family dinner (steak & lamb were my favorite after the long day) and start early the next day.

The Moldy Steps: I took this photo because of the color and the lights through the trees.  However, it was hard to balance the lighting which was overexposed on the tree lines but darker on the steps. (Nikon D90, Nikkor 18 - 55mm)

Before I sign off, I'll leave you guys with something to ponder, cheers!:

"Time is always the greatest adversary, so use it well to see the world with the loved ones even if you only have a jiffy."

Thanks.

Yours truly,

Kaz

30 Dec. 2013 

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A SMALL GUY IN BIG WORLD SERIES: THIS IS AFRICA! (PART II)

As the war of melancholic between the authors of this blog rages on (Wira kept tabs on who wrote more melancholic, of which I don't really understand why), I like to continue writing on my visit to South Africa, in particular the Apartheid Museum (as stated in earlier post as a tribute the great Nelson Mandela).

A self portrait at the entrance of the Apartheid Museum. Red bricks signifying a 'wall' separating
the whites and the colored.

So here goes. The second day of the visit, I was told that we were going to the Apartheid Museum, of which was built as a solemn reminder of the 'colorful past' of South Africa. When the color of ones' skin determined how they should live their lives, when being colored means that dogs were treated better and when the whites rules with supremacy. That was the time of Apartheid, hence the Apartheid Museum.

A series of Nelson Mandela's portrait. The faces of a man who inspired billions to fight against what they believe.

Though the museum was built as a reminder of the past, the designs weren't. It boast of modern arts and design in almost every corner of the place. Without the exhibits, one would think that this is a modern art museum. Most of the exhibits tell stories on the great Nelson Mandela, a story of him since he was young, as a teenager,  adulthood (where most of the fights took place), his life in prison and his presidency (after more than 30 years of waiting). A story of a man who change the history, a man who defied bigger power for what he believed in.

The museum's passageway. Decorated with mirrors of people strolling. A mixture of the whites and
the colored, sharing the space together.

The passageways of the museum was designed as maze, which took me on a little adventure through time. There were complete history of Apartheid with displays, manikins, photos and even a model of Nelson Mandela's cell in prison. The history portrayed how mankind treat one another without any sense of respect, and at one time my head started spinning, unable to compute and understand why we acted such ways. I took the time to thank Allah for the peace and unity in my homeland (Malaysia, I'm a Malaysian and proud to be one).

The Apartheid Museum, a solemn reminder.

Visiting the Apartheid Museum in a away reminds us of how fragile and dangerous the world of men is but yet the story of Nelson Mandela was so inspiring, leading me to believe there are still hope for mankind, hope for the world so that all of us can live in peace, enjoying the awesome place we all call home (yes, I'm talking about earth).

So I'll leave you guys with something to ponder, cheers!

" To know a place, one needs to understand its culture, food and most importantly its people. So take the time to get to know the locals as only then you'll understand the place."

Thanks.

Yours truly,

Kaz

26 Dec. 2013 

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Photojournalism : Cricket Bat Industry in Kashmir

Ooo snap. We invite a guess writer and he wrote far more melancholic and tell his side of stories like nobody business. Like other guess writer, the appearance he made is quite strong if not bold. I'm sure in no time, he will get his own niche of followers. Nevertheless, we would like to thanks him for his superb portraiture and very artistic view of human gesture. Thank you Ariffin.

Thanks you Ariffin. Willow wood for cricket bat making. Two sizes. One for handle and one for plate.

 Well, trigger by this event (he posting very strong blog post), my inner ultra kiasu attitude cannot sit calm. Me and Kaz being senior writer felt disturbed (in a good way) especially me since I write the less. I cannot just sit down and admiring our own blog doing nothing, so here's my third post (ya ya ya, i know, Kaz posting most of the entry). To make thing more interesting and bringing the blog to more upper par, I'm doing this in photojournalism style (Phew, try to top this, writers).

This small lot selling very high quality cricket bat for even India's national player

The dusty windy road from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, to the town of Sangam, enroute to the tourist haven of Pahalgam (I shared in previous post), takes you from the 70s feeling to the striking. Winter is on their way hence the dusty and very dry air. Wood dust with very woody smell make you feel very uncomfortable. One have to cover their nose to adapt.

Sales nowadays is slightly decreased compare to 15 years back when cricket in India was like football in Latin Amarica

The road is flanked by sadly two-story brick structures, dusty stone factories and an army garrison surrounded by poorly camouflaged bunkers, stray dogs and dirty footpaths. Stray dogs cant cover their nose. I'm sure their lung is full of wood dust. Very small particle yet very damaging. Yeah, its wood and its biodegradable but you don't want it to be inside you.

partially ready bat. They still need to smooth this up and do few adjustment. You will be surprise when you can actually stand on this bat and it will swing you without broke.

But the muck is a prelude to a green corridor of hanging trees, soggy poppy fields, freshly tilled saffron gardens and towering snowcapped mountains beyond the horizon of the Pampor highway to Kashmir's south. This is paradise. Engine rattling and you know it need oil. I'm not sure if its ever grinded  a human hand before. I bet it was.

Abbas, already work here since he was 12 years old

Traditional Indian cricket bats are made from wood. In Kashmir it is made out of willow found in northern India. Some bats made in Kashmir are of international standards and  used by many national players in India.

Rounded shape handle before they merge with the plate

Kashmiri bats require constant knocking and oiling to make the bat good enough to use in a cricket match. Knocking makes the fibres of the willow blade compress together, which helps the bat bear the impact of the ball. Shaping the bad is done manually by knocking them for six hours.

The small smelly dusty handkerchief on Abbas face shows that what he need is balaclava

It has been some time since I entered this factory unannounced, interrupting him as he filed the shoulders of a newly cut bat, and he gestures that he needs to go back to work.

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Probabilities : Episode 1

A guest writer/photographer? Well, why not? These guys (Kaz and Wira) have been asking me with much patience to share some of my photos and my personal thoughts in regards to the pictures I took. My only concern is that while this is a travel blog (obviously) that would only make good sense to post photos of places you have been to, my subject of interest in photography as I have come to discover, is human being. Why? Because human beings are full of thoughts (the sane human being, that is). And taking somebody's picture, and then guessing and meddling with the mystery of what goes inside his/her head or what is happening in that moment while that picture is taken is what I do. So when I told them of my concept, the abrupt respond was "Just post it!". The reply makes me wonder whether they are sincere or whether they have run out of material to post in this blog. 

One more thing, the only true fact of what is described in these photos are only the venues. The descriptions of the subjects and what the subject does or think in the photos are generally fictional. They are more of noting the hypothetical probabilities of what is going on in those photos. Hence the title 'Probabilities'. Salam. Ariffin

Subject : An artist, thinking of his lost love while examining this particular artwork of his.

Venue   : SOGO, Kuala Lumpur

Subject : A Sundanese man in his early forties looking at nobody in particular while waiting for his wife and wondering how much she had spent his hard earned rupiahs.

Venue  :  Pasar Baru, Bandung, Indonesia

Subject : A Malay fisherman, while resting was answering his daughter's call and forgiving her for some ill deeds that's she had committed.

Venue  : Tanjong Dawai, Kedah.

Subject : A child beggar, saying with his eyes that he has no choice but to endure life, regardless of whether or not I give him money.

Venue  : Pasar Baru, Bandung, Indonesia

Subject : A man walking off to a certain business meeting. Thinking that maybe this time luck would finally shine on his good fortune.

Venue  : Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur

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A SMALL GUY IN A BIG WORLD SERIES: THIS IS AFRICA! (PART I)

In accordance with the passing of Nelson Mandela, I was inspired to write about my visit to South Africa, a place I always wanted to visit (especially because I'm a BIG fan of NatGeo). But this was about three years back (so I'll be writing plainly based on my memories), the one that I remembered the most about the trip.

Once landed in Johannesburg, I remembered spreading both my arms and yelled "This is Africa!" (without any guilt or any sense of embarrassment) as I simply wanted to do that. The trip to Sheraton Pretoria was a remarkable one. I had to cross a 'Safari like' area to reach Johannesburg. Can you imagine seeing impalas and wilder beasts even before reaching the hotel? It was simply wondrous. A dream came true.

The dead tree: I took this photo right after the Safari's entrance. The glaring sunlight made it hard to balance up the sky and the bushes.

One of the first destination once the checking in process was finally concluded (a formal G to G visit requires a formal sentences), was the Safari. One can only imagine how I felt then (I'm going full NatGeo on this). So there I was, standing in front of the entrance, with a big smile on my face (I can almost hear my heart pounding).

A self portrait: A friend of mine took this for me and yes, that were wild hogs in the background.

Once inside, I was ushered into a truck by the guide and off we went. Like I said earlier, a dream came true. What you see in NatGeo is exactly what you see here, except it's not from a TV screen more than a thousand miles across the sea, it's right in front of your eyes.

Kwang Soo: Looking back at this photo reminds me of Kwang Soo (a goofy character in Running Man, a Korean show). But there was no Kwang Soo back then, it's just a giraffe. 

As you can imagine, there were giraffes, antelopes, crocodiles and many other animals. I went trigger happy, forgetting to compose the photos nicely (hey, not my fault, too happy). But the harsh sunlight made it quite hard to get the perfect photos. Nonetheless, I was still so darn happy (furthermore, back then, I didn't even own a DSLR yet). All the photos was taken by my Sony compact camera.

Bambi and friends: How I wished the two will run so I can get a dramatic shot of the antelopes in action.

The tour got more interesting when the guide said (in a thick African accent) "Now we go to see lion feeding". I went "Yeay!" and almost knock myself down the truck. So the guide took us into a caged area, complete with barbed wire and men with guns (yes dear readers, lion feeding is dangerous. They sure as hell not gonna let the lions feed on us). Seeing the mighty lions devour the carcasses prepared was a pure adrenaline rush. The sound, the action, the intensity and most of all, the blood was awesome!

A feeding frenzy: The King of the jungle, devouring it's meal, it couldn't care less of the people watching. Why bother? He is the King!

The lion feeding ended the Safari tour and off I went back to the hotel. It was a tiring trip but so satisfying (it's not like I'm going back to Africa any time soon). So a rest for the next big African adventure was in place. The next day I went to the Apartheid Museum and that story will come in my next post.

So keep on travelling, take photos ( a lot of 'em) and enjoy life. Like I always said to my friends:

"Life is short, working 8 hours a day to gain money and not spending it to see the world is a sin as the world is just awesome!"

I'll leave it to that, as something to ponder. Cheers!

Thanks.

Yours truly,
Kaz
18 Dec. 2013

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A SMALL GUY IN A BIG WORLD SERIES: COPENHAGEN, DENMARK (PART II)

After a day of wondering alone in the Botanical Park and the King's Garden, the next day I decided to visit The Rundetarn (translated as The Round Tower). It was a walking distance from the hotel I was staying (Saint Peter's Hotel) right in the middle of central Copenhagen. So I took a morning stroll towards The Round Tower through some alleys and walkways (which was very elegant by the way). So after half an hour walking, there I was standing right in front of the magnificent tower (not like the gloomy ones you see in The Lord of The Ring). My first impression was 'Wow! it's so tall' (kind of funny coming from a short guy like me).

The Round Tower: Low ISO, high shutter speed and small aperture (large number) to capture the details. There was more than enough light to use small ISO. (Nikon D90, 18-55mm lens)

After paying the not so expensive (for European) entrance fee, I started my hike up the tower. I was expecting stairs, stairs and more stairs but I was wrong. The Round Tower was designed in such ways that you can actually ride a bicycle up the tower. It goes spiraling upwards! Amazing isn't it? The design allowed me to actually walk slowly with more than enough space to snap some photos.

The curve: I had to use high ISO as there was small amount of light coming from the two windows. I had also used large aperture (small number) to allow more light. (Nikon D90, 50mm prime lens)

So I took my time enjoying the details in the building. The natural lighting in the tower was fantastic with soft light coming from the window highlighting shadows of bricks and curves. The design was stunning with lots of photography opportunities along the way up. I had to stop a few times to snap some photos (while waiting some of the areas to be vacant), but it was worth the wait.

The girl with a camera: It was challenging shooting this photo. The girl was facing away from the light not to mention snapping this one without her permission. But I personally love this photo as the girl makes good subject with
story to tell. (Nikon D90, 50mm prime lens)

Apart from the old section of the tower, a new section housing modern art galleries was also built. It's interesting to have both the old and the new in the same building. The contrasting designs and built was fascinating. It's like alternating between the pass and the present (yup, somewhat I became a time traveler). The only problem was I'm a bit ignorant on understanding modern art. So I had a really hard time appreciating the display (if course it was easy to act by looking and occasionally nodding my head and scratching my chin as if I understand what is was all about).

The modern art: I used the wooded structure to frame this photo, centered around the window. It was quite hard to balance between the back light from the window and the room's existing lights. (Nikon D90, 18-55mm lens)

I was in for another surprise in the next level of the tower. There was a display of an original part of the tower with a small 'peeping hole' giving access to the particular view. It was stunning! There was a small arm chair facing a small window with beautiful sunlight streaming through it. The only thing missing was an old lady sitting on the armchair, knitting with a cup of steaming hot coffee by her side.

An empty chair: I had used high ISO and large aperture (small number) as the only source of light was from the small window. It was hard to compose this shot as I only had limited space (through the 'peeping hole').
(Nikon D90, 50mm prime lens)

A few minutes after, I was at the top of the tower. The view was so unforgettable (but I somehow manage to forget where the hell I saved the photos). I can see the whole of Copenhagen from the top of the tower. I stood there with awe as its stretches as far as the eye can see.

So that wraps up this post. Keep on traveling and taking photos. Do share it here in this blog by commenting on posts. Cheers!

Thanks.

Yours truly,
Kaz
16 Dec. 2013 

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Pahalgam, India : Dingin, Tenang dan Asyik

Penggunaan kayu api masih menjadi rutin lantaran sumber gas asli yang mahal

 Pahalgam merupakan satu pekan kecil di Kashmir. Selain Srinigar yang menjadi tarikan utama kerana bersejarah dan terkenal dengan Tasik Dal, Pahalgam pula terkenal dengan Lembah Kashmir. Ia terletak kira-kira 4 jam perjalanan menggunakan kenderaan 4WD dari Bandar Srinigar. Sepanjang perjalanan, pengunjung akan disajikan dengan pemandangan yang begitu cantik dan berbeza-beza antara setiap pekan. 

Pekan Pahalgam hanyalah pekan kecil yang langsung tidak sibuk. Seperti biasa, berada di Kashmir, kawalan keselamatan sedikit ketat berbanding di kawasan lain di India. Seperti juga Srinigar dan Gulmarg, Pahalgam juga punya kawalan keselamatan sendiri. Namun apa yang membezakan  Pahalgam ialah, kawalan keselamatan di pekan ini berada hanya di pintu masuk pekan sahaja. Ini menyebabkan tiada kelibat anggota keselamatan di sekitar pekan Pahalgam berbanding pekan lain. Ditambah dengan ketenangan pekan itu sendiri, ketiadaan anggota keselamatan memberikan perasaan aman dan damai sekali.

Gadis Kashmir menggunakan sumber air bersih dari pergunungan untuk tujuan membasuh dan minum

 Tarikan pelancongan di sana ialah Lembah Kashmir yang begitu luas. Ia meliputi kawasan pergunungan dan hutan yang perlu diterokai jika sampai ke sini. Berbeza dengan Gulmarg yang hanya menyajikan kawasan gunung bersalji, Pahalgam mempunyai denai, lembah, pekan kecil, hutan, bukit bukau, kuda, lembu, kambing biri-biri dan penduduk Kaum Nomad yang pemalu. 

Majoriti penduduk di sini beragama Islam dan sepertinya mereka ini lebih berminat untuk menyertai Pakistan berbanding dengan berada dalam India (this is purely my observation). Makanan di sini juga lebih mahal berbanding di Srinigar. Kashmir yang terkenal dengan Nasi Briyani resepi tinggalan Empayar Mongul sebenarnya begitu berbeza diantara sesebuah pekan. Di Pahalgam sendiri, Nasi Briyani adalah amat pedas namun di Srinigar masakan Nasi Briyani bukan merupakan satu pilihan popular penduduk di sana.

Kaum Nomad yang berada di pergunungan Pahalgam sedang membasuh pakaian

Selain penduduk asal, bangsa Kashmiri yang bertutur dalam bahasa mereka tersendiri, terdapat juga golongan Nomad. Mereka ini sebenarnya penduduk yang lebih asal dari kaum Kashmiri sendiri. Malahan, ketika Empayar Mongul menakluk jajahan ini, penduduk nomad sudah mula menetap di kawasan pergunungan sekitar Kashmir. Mereka ini tidak lagi berpindah dari satu tempat ke satu tempat sebaliknya menetap di satu penempatan khas yang diperbuat dari tanah liat. Rumah mereka jauh di tengah hutan dan hanya sesekali kaum lelaki akan keluar ke pekan bagi mendapatkan sumber keperluan. Mereka hidup dengan menternak kuda, lembu dan kambing biri-biri.

Kuda merupakan pengangkutan utama di Pahalgam. Ia juga merupakan tarikan pelancong

Cuaca di Pahalgam lebih sejuk berbanding tempat lain di Kashmir. At least lagi sejuk dari Srinigar. Suhu pada waktu malam sungguhpun pada musim panas tetap sejuk. Jika winter, seluruh Pahalgam akan membeku dengan salji termasuk anak-anak sungai. Tak dapat dibayangkan seluruh kawasan bukit bukau hutan pokok pain akan membeku dan memutih.

Lembah Kashmir, satu kawasan hutan pokok pine yang bersih dan menyegarkan

Yeah, penulisan blog kali ini nampak lebih kepada ulasan rencana berbanding penceritaan pengalaman. Well, untuk makluman, trip ke Pahalgam oleh saya dan Isteri was in 2012. Too bad waktu tu tak ada sebarang rekod penceritaan kecuali gambar dan kenangan manis kami berdua di sana. Lesson learned. Jangan dirisau, from now onwards, kalau ada event menarik, I'll try to record and shared. More me style instead of Astro Awani style. But, I'm sure you guys enjoy the photo.

 

Pekan Pahalgam sendiri hanya terdiri dari dua barisan pendek kedai di kiri dan kanan jalan

WIRA

13 Dis 2013

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A Small Guy In a Big World Series: Copenhagen, Denmark (Part I)

I've been writing on my recent visit to Sabah of late, so a change might make this blog more interesting. In this post, I'll be writing on my visit to Copenhagen, Denmark. Please note that it's not my recent trip, but a place I'd visited for quite some time now. As this blog is about my memoir, so I'll be writing about my pass visits as well. So please bare with me on this.

Now, lets see, Copenhagen is a very beautiful place with nice weather (especially for photographer, the light was just right). There are many interesting places to see and in this post I'll be sharing on some of the attractions I'd visited while I was there.

A reflection of calmness: I used a large aperture for this photo to highlight the details and low ISO. I'd also change the white balance to bring out the blue sky 

So here goes. If you ever plan on visiting Copenhagen, the Botanical Park (especially in summer/fall) is the place to see. The park is huge with many attractions and for an amateur photographer like myself, it's heaven! It's tranquility and calmness leads to me wondering alone, thinking, composing photos and mostly reflecting (it sounds melancholic but it's actually not). I really took my time here spending more than four hours wondering. The only things missing was my better half (the Lovely Kila Nordin) thus making me appreciate the phrase 'if only you were here'.

A butterfly's heaven: To create the 'bokeh' I used a smallest aperture possible

Nature is at its best here. Like I'd mention earlier there are a lot to see including hundreds species of butterflies, birds and the list goes on (seriously, there's that many). So I spent more time capturing the images of butterflies and birds and more wondering around the park (I really missed my wife at that time).

A bird's bath: In this photo, I used high shutter speed to capture the splashing water. By doing so I had to increase the ISO to allow more light

By noon, I decided to visits the King's Garden, another stunning attraction here in Copenhagen. The garden consists of several old castles, some beautifully well kept trails and fountains. For those who loves to read (like a scene in Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts), this is the place for you. One can bring your favorite novels (in my case it's Dan Brown, David Baldacci and a few others conspiracy/thriller authors), pick a nice looking wooden bench and read all day long (do remember to bring something to eat as well). I didn't bring any books to read, so I picked a bench and started FaceBooking (just to get the 'feel'. Feel me?)

Sitting on a bench: I played with the white balance on this photo to bring out the color. Low ISO as there was more than enough sunlight

After a few minutes without any responses from my FB friends (I realized then that I'm not that popular), I got bored and continued with my photo adventure. My trusted D90 nicely sling, equipped with a standard 18-55mm lens (I just bought the camera, now I have more lens ;p), I then embarked on my little adventure. I spent around two hours wondering and getting lost in the garden (yes, I'm literally lost, it's a King's Garden and it's huge). After half an hour, I finally found my way back to the hotel, smiling happily with some of the photos taken.

An old castle by the lake: Having a wide angle lens would really help with this photo. Nonetheless I used what I have and try to compose this photo to perfection (which obviously not that perfect)

On my way back, I was amazed by the night landscape as well the night life. Though shops closed early in Europe, the night was still 'alive' with people hanging out in some of the bars. I took the opportunity to snap away a few photos (but without tripod, it was hard to get decent photos as the D90's ISO ranged only up to 3200), so the photos taken was grainy. Nonetheless, I got a few decent shots. As the night grew colder, I felt lonelier (crap! This is turning into a love novel). So the best thing to do was to head back to the hotel and get some rest.

The archway: Without a tripod, I have to steadied my hands to capture this. I'd to use high ISO and slower shutter speed to allow enough light

Okay then. I'll have to stop here as the post is getting longer and I really don't know how to make this more interesting or funny or add some drama in it (when you're alone, you can't escape the melancholic feeling). I'll be writing about 'The Tower' (a wonderful architecture relics) in my next post. So until then, cheers!

Thanks

Yours truly,
Kaz
12 Dec. 2013

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Sabah : Perjalanan yang tak pernah jemu (Siri 1)

Sauh dilabuh, agar hidup kekal berpaksi

Kota Kinabalu bukan satu bandar asing untuk aku dan isteri. Memang, kami telah sampai ke sana malahan Kota Kinabalu menjadi tempat pertama pertemuan isteri dan family aku sebelum kami berkahwin lagi. In a way, Kota Kinabalu punya cerita sendiri pada aku dan isteri.

Namun, perjalanan kali ini berbeza sekali. Sungguh berbeza. Pertama, trip kali ini bukan sahaja aku dan isteri malah turut ditemani oleh dua keluarga dari rakan pejabat. Sungguh mengujakan bila mana kebiasaan perjalanan yang hanya berdua namun kali ini ditambah dengan 7 anggota lain. Bersama rakan, pengalaman percutian nyata berbeza.  Di tambah dengan kehadiran 3 anak kecil yang very cheeky, perjalanan tidak pernah jemu.

Us, at KK Airport Terminal

Baik, kami tiba di Lapangan Terbang Kota Kinabalu sekitar jam 11.00 pagi. Memang sudah dirancang dari awal bahawa kami akan terus ke Kundasang. Kebetulan tiada antara kami yang pernah sampai ke Kundasang maka percutian kali ini tambah mengujakan. Oh ya, cerita perihal perancangan, semuanya dibuat sendiri sejak dari Kuala Lumpur lagi. Asalnya tempahan sebuah Innova dilihat memadai namun melihat beg yang dibawa oleh mereka-mereka yang beranak pinak, Innova seems like Kancil. Itu cerita lain.

Ok, sebuah van disewa. Memang selesa. Anak-anak boleh melunjur kaki. Para suami boleh bergilir menjadi pemandu. Beng semua muat di bahagian belakang. Kaz even cakap van ini boleh ditukar jadi camper kalau keadaan terdesak. Hish, tak dapat nak bayang. Ok, jangan bayangkan.

Sepanjang perjalanan ke Kundasang dari Kota Kinabalu, cuaca cerah. Namun tiada kelibat Gunung Kinabalu yang kelihatan lantaran awan tebal. Cuaca sedikit sejuk namun tak cukup chill. Kami singgah di Pekan Nabalu untuk lunch. Sepatutnya pemandangan restaurant adalah mengadap Gunung Kinabalu namun kerana awan tebal, hanya kabus putih kelihatan. Ada drizzle sikit-sikit cukup untuk buat seperti berada di negara asing.

Kami tiba di Pekan Kundasang sekitar jam 3.00. Pekan kecil yang tenang. Tak banyak kenderaan. Gerai sayuran memanjang ditepi jalan. Ada kedai-kedai makan. Selebihnya hanya lembah yang nampak dari kejauhan. Menghijau di kaki Gunung Kinabalu. Rumah-rumah kecil diantara lembah berbalam-balam. Sekali angin menderu, dingin menyapa pipi. Tenang sungguh. Tenang sehingga kami masing-masing berimpikan untuk menetap di Kundasang suatu hari nanti. Itu cerita lain.

Sesampai ke sana, terus ke hotel untuk check in. Hotel memang sudah ditempah sejak dari Kuala Lumpur lagi menggunakan Agoda. Perjalanan dari jalan besar untuk ke hotel juga satu cerita menarik. Pheeww, bergetar lutut bila difikir kembali. Jalan berbatu yang curam, jauh ke dalam dan ke atas dengan kiri kanan adalah hutan dan lembah. Memang jauh dari kesibukan manusia.

Petangnya, setelah selesai kemas diri kami bergerak ke Dairy Farm. Fuhh, selain perjalanan yang juga curam dengan van yang nampak gagah namun gayat, pemandangan di Dairy Farm begitu stunning sekali. Bayangkan begini, lembah hijau dengan rumput berbukit bukit. Ada pagar putih kayu memagari dengan design petak-petak. Ada lembu hitam putih meragut. Background gunung dengan awan berarak. bau hutan yang segar dengan sikit-sikit bau lembu. Cuaca sejuk dengan titisan kecil air embun. Got it? Yeah, discription yang macam New Zealand namun ianya di Kundasang. Sumpah cantik.

Gunung Nenek Moyang

Selesai di Dairy Farm, awan yang menutupi Gunung Kinabalu awal tadi sudah mula cleared. And now di hadapan kami tersergam gunung yang sangat besar. Bayangkan cerita Game of Throne, ada satu wall besar putih. Yup, itu perasaan yang dirasa. Rasa chill campur goosebumbs tengok betapa tinggi Gunung Kinabalu. Very mystical feeling. Tak pelik la kenapa orang zaman dulu dari suku Kadazandusun dekat situ percaya semangat nenek moyang yang mati akan pergi ke Gunung Kinabalu. Sebab menang Gunung Kinabalu nampah gah. Hatta nama Kinabalu sendiri berasal dari bahasa Kadazandusun, 'Aki' iaitu Nenek Moyang dan 'Nabalu' iaitu gunung. Gunung Nenek Moyang. Dang, rasa tak goosebumbs?

On the way balik dari Dairy Farm, singgah dinner di satu restoran dedat Pekan Kundasang. Makanan di Kundasang bukan lah murah sangat. Berpatutan sebab portion dia besar. Sedap di makan cuma banyak pakai MSG (at least untuk sizzling mee). Sampai hotel, hari sudah gelap. Pelan asal untuk lepak di belkoni namun terpaksa pospone kerana masing-masing dah letih. Aku dapat dua katil single, so terpaksa re-arrange balik bagi jadi macam queen size. Dekat Kundasang kot. Takkan nak tidur single bed. Ok, itu cerita lain.

Good night,

Wira

12 Dis 13

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Of Mountains and Oceans. A Visits to Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Part II)

For those who have not read the first part, I would suggest you do so to grasp better understanding of what I'm about to write next.

So, after singing 'Flying Without Wings', had a fantastic breakfast and well do what we have to do (yup, the usual morning ritual, an appropriate stuff, not really suitable to share, you get the point) we went to Poring Hot Spring. It's not really hard to find, one can just follow the signboard or simply turn on the GPS or Waze or Google Map or whatever apps you're using to get from point A to point B and guess what, you'll eventually reach the place.

A tree aged more than a hundred years, a treasure

Poring Hot Spring... how do I put this in words... Yes, it's a hot spring. Sulfuric, hot (egg boiling hot!), and... it's a hot spring. But, there're many activities to do there. There's a Butterfly Farm (we didn't get in), waterfalls (we didn't take a dip), jungle tracking (we didn't do that either) and Canopy Walk (that we did). Seriously, the climb was tiring with wet muddy trail but once you get there, you'll be in for a surprise!

It was SCARY (if there were no Japanese tourists behind us, which blocked the way I had probably turn back). But my two girls are actually enjoying the climb as well as the long, wobbly walk across. My wife and I, well we don't really have any choice do we? But to press on and put up a 'brave' smile for the camera.

 My two girls having a great time, unlike the adults

While going up the trail was tiring enough, going down was even worst (for many of those who loves tracking it would be like a walk in a park, but not me). My wobbly legs after the near death incident crossing the Canopy Walk (yes I was that scared as I was attacked by a fly that tried to get in my ear) won't stop shaking making going down the trail just a little bit better than crossing the plank stitch by ropes and will definitely move to the slightest touch (maybe I'm a bit over the board on explaining this). But against all odd, my wife and I plus the girls (who pushes us to go faster while laughing all the way) made it safely down.

As my legs won't stop shaking, it's obvious that the next place we're going will not be as adventurous as the Canopy Walk. We decided to go to Sabah Tea Plantation. A more relaxed place where we can ease our minds enjoying a simple life's pleasure, a cup of tea (maybe a few more cups by my count). There we had lunch, which is simply delicious (to a hungry stomach) had a stroll in the compound, bought teas for family and friends back home and happily left for our next destination.

The blue sky is something that I'll missed the most

The last destination of the day was Kinabalu Park. It was raining when we arrived, meaning no outdoor activities for us. But we did stroll around the park with our trusted Urvan (that has been doing great so far). The view was stunningly beautiful, pity we didn't have the chance to explore more. As the rain stopped, we hanged out at the entrance of the park, taking some photos of the scenic views and left for the hotel.

A quick stop at Kinabalu Park, an opportunity to snap a few photos

We spent the night having a 'balcony party', Maggi in a cup was the best choice at that time, garnished with fresh veggies we bought earlier. Cold weather and hot Maggi is a match made in heaven (I do think that it's the best tasted Maggi ever, better than the ones I had in boarding school). So that wraps up the visits to Kundasang. We had an early start the next day, driving back to KK trying to catch earliest boat to Tungku Abdul Rahman Marines Park. I'll write about that part in my next post.

In a nut shell, Kundasang is a great place for family vacations with tons of things to do and much to see. The fantastic weather, the clean air (as apposed to KL) is somewhat a cure to boredom and stress. I'll leave you guys with that thought and cheers.

Thanks.

Yours truly,
Kaz
11 Dec. 2013

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