Nature's Sanctuary in Langkawi Island

It’s a paradise of an island that’s reachable and accessible to Malaysians and yet, surprising many had yet to visit this exotic island. I pondered intensely on how it could be and wondered curiously why? Well, this is the only place that you can get a 3in1 holiday package of beautiful beaches, up close to nature and duty-free shopping.

Anyway, I arrived at this magnificent island on a sunny afternoon and was driven directly to our hotel. The only irritating factor about Langkawi is the time that you spent on the road from one destination to another. Of course, it can’t be avoided as Langkawi is a vast island.

By evening, we took a slow stroll to the Burau Bay beach and were totally captivated by the beauty that unfolds before us. The spectacular evening sun reflecting off the calm sea contrasted brilliantly against the deep blue sky with cotton of clouds.

Breathtaking views of the beach area and river mount that leads into the deep mangrove forest within the island. We spent a good few hours of explorations and managed to capture some beautiful photos of this exotic place.

BON ODORI

It seems ironically, my blog has become a journal of my many first’s events, past, present and the coming future! And I am very certain that there will be many firsts to come in the next couple of months as I am on a quest for more ‘adventure’.

Not to mention a few plans, my very first planned trip to Tawau early next year! I’ve already bought the ticket (just remembered I’ve not paid my friend yet..yikes!), and this is certainly an amazing first for me as I have never planned so far ahead for a trip, but that’s AirAsia, forcing us to make a commitment!

Coming back to Bon Odori

Yes! You guess it right! I finally went to my 1st Bon Odori festival in Shah Alam on Saturday, 12th July 2008.

The surprise was really on me, I didn’t expect such a huge crowd. The roads leading to the stadium were jam-packed with cars. Arriving late wasn’t a good option I was told by a guy wearing a ‘Bon Odori’ tshirt. He suggests that I just go home because there’s definitely no parking space available on both sides of the roads that were filled with cars, school buses and humans were everywhere!

But I definitely was not going to go home yet! Why? Anyone in the right mind wouldn’t turn back after having arrived at their destination. So cruising at the slowest speed that I never thought it was possible, I spotted a car leaving! Just my luck, I squeezed my tiny car into that tight little spot and careful enough not to graze the BMW behind me.

Quickly gather my camera gears and jumped out of my car. I heard the distance sounds of music from the stadium beckoning me. My steps grew bigger and faster as I walked into the stadium. What greeted me was a slight disappointment as the whole stadium was quite bare except for some decorative Japanese-like lanterns and a stage in the centre of the field. I wandered aimlessly searching for what Bon Odori was supposed to be, moving from one-end of the field to the other… nothing!

Near disappointment, I was about to leave when an announcement came on the PA. Guessing something is about to happen I stayed. What happen next changed my whole perception about the evening. All the people that I thought were loitering around quickly got into a formation of straight line all around the stage. They were practically strangers and they held each other hands as the music starts. Everyone started to do a dance and sing along with the performances on stage. The spirits of all the people that night were high and obviously there were so joy in them.

For me, I concluded that Bon Odori was meant as a cultural festival where Malaysian shared a joyous evening experiencing Japanese culture and dance. A simple but memorable occasion each year where people gather for no other motives other than enjoy each other company.
Next year, I will make sure that I arrived much earlier before the sunset because I feel that’s where I will get more photo opportunity.

A PHOTO DAY IN MALACCA

The famed Jonker Street in Malacca! Finally, I actually got to do a walkabout Jonker Street on 15th June, a lazy Sunday afternoon. The weather not very forgiving, it rained just as we step into Jonker street. Alas, each of us had to hide ourselves in these quaint little rows of heritage houses!

Rain or shine, it doesnt deter us from jumping in and out to get on with our explorations!

We were invited by the boss of this 'Chicken Rice Ball' restaurant to visit his shop, curious as what he has to offer, we followed him into this restaurant cum antique shop.

Amazingly, time flies and we actually spent a good one-hour shooting in here. Being shutter happy and captivated by the old-charms, we simply couldnt resisted!

Finally, its time to try out the famous Chicken Rice Balls which we all stared on hungrily. As a ritual, no one touch the food until a photo is taken!

After lunch, the rain stopped and the weather were just nice for us to continue with our walkabout.

Photographer at work! Toh was too busy to notice me as he concentrate on getting the flowers.

Caught this little photographer-in-the making!

Exploring for better angle, I notice this archway which frame this shot perfectly!

'Gula Ketuk' one of my favorite during my childhood days! This delicacies is now nearly extinct in KL. Surprised to find it again in Malacca!

Malaysia Boleh!
Secret Garden in Jonker Street!
Eye of Malacca??

Food, more glorious food! I promise to visit Malacca again soon for more food!