Travelific Story

The perfect getaway

Wednesday, September 08, 2010 — Wednesday, September 08, 2010

A need to escape from Kuala Lumpur for the weekend sees DAVID BOWDEN heading down the Likas Highway to the Royale Bintang Seremban

DIRECTIONS on the Royale Bintangs website proves useful in finding the property but those in doubt should look out for landmarks such as the Seremban Parade Shopping Centre and Lake Garden.

Tall trees growing in the nearby Lake Garden provide much greenery. The workers tell me that they also help keep the surrounding cool.

As I enter the grand lobby, I am greeted by the concierge who sets the scene for a friendly weekend in the countryside. I am checked into Room 528, a suite that offers space and luxury.

Royale rooms

I am impressed with the wide corridor, its clean and stately carpet and well-maintained decor.

My room turns out to be double the size of a standard hotel room with a separate lounge/dining room and a bathroom as big as a normal hotel room.

Light neutral tones add to the size of the room and the pink-brown marble lends a grand air to the bathroom. A dining table and large tea/coffee-making area provide ample space to prepare snacks.

There are two TVs in the suite and while not plasma screens, the range of local and Astro channels provide sufficient distraction.

A separate bathroom with a toilet and sink is located near the front entrance to the lounge room. Large cupboards and storage space are provided in the bedroom. The bed is so soft and the room so quiet that its easy to slip into a much-needed sleep. Now, if only theres wi-fi in the room.

Royale recreation

With nothing too strenuous planned, I head to the pool after a buffet breakfast. The landscaped gardens and umbrellas provide sufficient shade and the pool is compact but adequate.

Just off the pool is the Royale Spa and I pop inside to see whether I can get a massage for my work-weary body. Spa manager Nik Faris shows me the two treatment rooms which are tastefully furnished with large spa baths and shower rooms with open roofs.

Massages, scrubs and packages are available from noon to 8pm.

Royale dining

Han Pi Yuen Chinese Restaurant is probably one of Malaysias most under-used outlets except on Sunday when the dim sum is popular with the locals. You can get some 20 all you can eat dim sum for RM38++ (50 per cent discount for children and seniors).

Sunday breakfast starts at 8.30am and ends at 2.30pm. At other times, choose from dishes such as Nyonya-styled fish wok-seared fillet or garoupa sauteed sliced ostrich with ginger and spring onion.

Most guests are content to dine at the Asiatique Cafe. Apart from breakfast, guests can look forward to themed buffets in the evening, including Japanese/Mongolian on Fridays and international BBQ on Saturdays.

While pre or post dinner drinks and relaxation arent foremost on my weekend agenda, I am, nevertheless, enticed by the bars happy hours from 5pm to 9pm. The Filipino band playing in Anjung Lounge performs popular tunes to entertain the small crowd.

If you are looking to recharge your brain cells, what better way to do it than a weekend in Seremban.

Fast facts

Hotel

The Royale Bintang Resort Spa Seremban
Jalan Datuk A.S. Dawood
70100 Seremban, Negri Sembilan

Tel: 06-766 6666, website: www.royalebintang-seremban.com

Getting there

The hotel is located an hours drive south of Kuala Lumpur (depending on the traffic jam). A quicker alternative is to use the Likas Highway.

Main attractions

Five-star facilities surrounded by the peaceful greenery of the Lake Garden. It is also close to the State Museum and Seremban Craft Complex.

First impressions

A grand lobby befitting a five-star hotel and friendly workers who welcomed me back despite having only briefly visited the hotel several years ago.

Rooms

There are 350 rooms and suites in the 11-storey building. All rooms have been built to Hilton standards as the hotel originally opened in 2000 as the Hilton Seremban. Demanding international standards ensure that the hotel has withstood the test of time and shows little deterioration thats seen in other local hotels of a similar age.

F B facilities

Most diners will head straight to the buffet line of Asiatique Cafe. Han Pi Yuen is regrouping and rebuilding into a more discerning dining outlet.

Other facilities

Day spa, pool, small shopping arcade, ample covered basement parking, team building and gym.

Overall service

It all starts well when the concierge greets me like a long-lost friend. This makes an excellent impression and the rest of the workers try hard to attend to my needs. While there isnt the slickness of an international hotel (hey, its Seremban, okay) theres a genuine warmth and professionalism from the senior management down to the most junior worker.

Pulau Moreton penuh tarikan

Tuesday, September 07, 2010 — Tuesday, September 07, 2010

PELANCONG pasti teruja beri makan ikan lumba-lumba, bermain gelungsur pasir, menunggang quad bike, melihat ikan paus.

Memberi makan ikan lumba-lumba jinak biasa kita dengar atau lihat. Bagaimana pula jika memberi makan ikan lumba-lumba liar? Itulah pengalaman yang penulis lalui ketika berada di pusat peranginan Tangalooma, Pulau Moreton, Australia, baru-baru ini.

Seperti tidak percaya ikan lumba-lumba yang diberi makan itu liar kerana mereka kelihatan jinak. Mereka datang secara berkumpulan lima hingga tujuh ekor antara jam 6 petang hingga 7 malam berhampiran jeti pusat peranginan berkenaan setiap hari. Yang pasti pelancong tidak akan hampa kerana haiwan itu pasti datang pada waktu berkenaan.

Penulis bersama selebriti Chef Wan, rakan media daripada TV9 dan The Star antara ratusan pelancong perlu mendaftar nama dan beratur menunggu giliran untuk memberi makan ikan lumba-lumba yang mempunyai nama masing-masing seperti Echo, Storm, Bobo, Rani dan Nari. Kedatangan ikan itu dicatat di papan kehadiran berhampiran jeti itu setiap hari.

Pelancong disediakan anak ikan dalam baldi untuk diberikan kepada ikan lumba-lumba yang berlegar berhampiran jeti. Walaupun liar tidak pernah berlaku peristiwa pelancong dicederakan ikan berkenaan.

Sebelum melakukan aktiviti itu, pelancong diberi penerangan cara-cara untuk memberi makan dan mereka juga tidak dibenarkan memegang haiwan itu bagi mengelak perkara tidak diingini berlaku. Gambar boleh dirakamkan tetapi dilarang menggunakan flash. Mudah saja, pelancong hanya perlu memasukkan tangan yang memegang ikan ke dalam air dan sekali gus diragut oleh ikan lumba-lumba berkenaan.

Jika tidak mahu melakukan aktiviti itu pelancong boleh melihat gelagat pelancong memberi makan ikan berkenaan dari atas jeti. Ia seperti pesta di pusat peranginan itu setiap hari menjelang jam 6 petang. Kawasan sekitar jeti diterangi lampu limpah bagi membolehkan pelancong melihat dengan jelas ikan lumba-lumba itu. Walaupun perlu menunggu giliran dalam waktu sejuk ia aktiviti menyeronokkan.

Selain itu, penulis juga tidak melepaskan peluang bermain gelungsur pasir seolah-olah berada di padang pasir sebenar. Sebab itu pulau Moreton dikenali sebagai pulau pasir kerana ia dikelilingi pasir bukannya batu seperti pulau lain.

Untuk ke kawasan bermain gelungsur ini, penulis perlu menaiki bas dengan perjalanan mengambil masa 10 minit tetapi ia mencabar kerana melalui jalan berbukit yang sempit dan berpasir. Pelancong juga diwajibkan memakai tali pinggang keledar bagi menjamin keselamatan.

Sebaik sampai di kawasan berkenaan, pelancong diberikan taklimat cara untuk melakukan gelungsur menggunakan papan yang telah disediakan. Ia nampak mudah tetapi tersilap teknik boleh tergolek atau termakan pasir. Lucu apabila melihat pelancong yang gagal melakukan gelungsur itu apatah lagi yang termakan pasir.

Untuk melakukan aktiviti itu, kita perlu mendaki bukit. Penulis mengambil masa untuk mendaki kerana sukar berikutan berjalan dalam pasir. Bagaimanapun, kerana keinginan tinggi untuk melakukan aktiviti itu berjaya juga sampai ke puncak dan ia amat menyeronokkan. Walaupun mahu melakukannya lagi tetapi tidak larat untuk mendaki bukit buat kali kedua.

Penulis juga sempat bermain quad bike (motosikal empat roda) melalui kawasan berbukit dan pantai. Aktiviti ini juga menyeronokkan walaupun rombongan kami cemas seketika selepas Chef Wan terjatuh daripada kenderaannya di satu kawasan curam. Dia terhincut seketika tetapi selepas dirawat dia kembali menunggang motosikal berkenaan.

Aktiviti seterusnya ialah melihat ikan paus di laut dalam. Ia mengambil masa tiga jam untuk menyaksikan ikan itu termasuk perjalanan dari pusat peranginan terbabit. Kami berebut-rebut merakamkan gambar apabila melihat paus muncul di perairan. Ada juga pelancong yang mabuk laut muntah dan tidur saja dalam feri. Aktiviti melihat paus bergantung kepada cuaca. Jika cuaca buruk ia dibatalkan bagi menjamin keselamatan pelancong.

Inilah yang membezakan pulau pasir ketiga terbesar di dunia sepanjang 38 kilometer dan 16 kilometer lebar ini berbanding pulau lain kerana aktiviti yang disajikan lain daripada yang lain. Jika malas melakukan aktiviti berkenaan, pelancong boleh bersantai menikmati panorama indah di pusat peranginan itu.

Untuk ke Tangalooma, pelancong perlu ke jeti iaitu kira-kira 10 minit dari Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Brisbane dan 75 minit perjalanan menaiki feri ke Pulau Moreton.

Banyak pakej menarik disediakan bagi memudahkan pelancong ke pusat peranginan ini dan hanya perlu melayari internet atau menghubungi agensi pelancongan yang menawarkan pakej berkenaan.

Aktiviti di Tangalooma yang ditaja Australia Tourism ini boleh ditonton menerusi rancangan Ekspedisi Chef Wan Bersama TV9 setiap Ahad jam 7 malam.

Hooked on high adventure

Monday, September 06, 2010 — Monday, September 06, 2010

Via ferrata is a new craze when climbing Mount Kinabalu, and ZALINA MOHD SOM gets a dose of timing to Walk the Torq and reach Lows Peak

Its all about timing. Fitness, stamina and even weather - all these affect timing. We are very strict with our timings and you have to follow them to enable you to do the via ferrata activity, wrote Mountain Torq Sdn Bhd sales and marketing director Quek I-Gek in her first email about this activity, which involves walking precariously on the rock face of Mount Kinabalu, mere metres away from the peak of Southeast Asias highest mountain.

In her next email, Quek attached a standard two-day/one-night Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata itinerary in which she underlined and highlighted: ... if you fail to reach (Laban Rata) before 4pm, your via ferrata activity for the following day will be cancelled.

That set my heart aflutter. I remember my first climb to Mount Kinabalu years ago. It took me then almost 10 hours to reach the guest house at Laban Rata from the mountain base at Mesilau Gate. I had reached Laban Rata just before sunset at 6pm.

Climbers generally begin their climb at 8am and the fit ones often can reach Laban Rata, which is about half way to the peak, within eight hours, about 4pm.

I have little confidence that I could even reach Laban Rata in time for the mandatory via ferrata pre-activity briefing at 4pm. Yet, I tell myself that I must make it and I must also get myself photographed at the peak this time. And, I must also do this via ferrata thing, a craze which started with Walk The Torq in 2007.

Taking up the challenge

So, what exactly is via ferrata that requires such strict timing?

Via ferrata is Italian for iron road which refers to a route made by a series of steel rungs, rails and wire cables set along a mountain face.

Mount Kinabalu via ferrata is set at the Panar Laban rock face, from a height of 3,411 metres above sea level and ends at 3,776m, short of 325m from the mountains highest peak at 4,101m.

The pressure is now on. To meet the specified timing, I need to be fast; and to be fast, I have to have an excellent level of stamina and fitness. And that means a lot of hard work!

Again, in her final email a few days before our departure to Kota Kinabalu, the launch pad to the mountain, Quek gave a final reminder on the strict timing policy. The deadline for us to reach Laban Rata is in fact 3.30pm, half an hour earlier than the scheduled briefing.

This time, I am all ready, stamina and all.

Reminded, yet again

Physically and mentally prepared, photographer Roslin Mat Tahir and I are rather gung-ho as we step inside Mountain Torq office at Kinabalu Park headquarters, a two-hour bus ride from the capital city.

A sweet baju-kurung clad girl welcomes us with a smile - a picture that contrasts greatly with the striking photographs of rugged climbers against the vertical face of Mount Kinabalu.

Just as we are about to leave, the girl in her soft voice reminds us of the 3.30pm deadline in the same breath she wishes us luck. Urgh, not again!

Meeting the 3.30pm deadline

Set for the tight mission, Roslin and I leave Timpohon Gate with a climbing strategy - a five-minute break after every 30 to 40 minutes of hiking.

Soon, we are ahead of most of the 25 members of the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) Mount Kinabalu Expedition team.

I am not sure whether its a case of overestimating the rugged Timpohon Trail or underestimating our own capabilities, but we manage to reach the Laban Rata guest house way before 2pm!

Although Timpohon Trail is shorter by 2km than the more popular, and beautiful, Mesilau Trail, it is tougher since it is jagged all the way with bumpy steps.

Reaching earlier gives us ample time to freshen up and warm ourselves with hot coffee and the leftovers from our boxed lunch, prepared by Sutera Sanctuary Lodge Kinabalu Park, our stopover point before the expedition.

Ten minutes to the deadline, our guide Ginik Lunsin takes us to Pendant Hut for the via ferrata mandatory briefing. Located at 3,270m, Pendant Hut is Mountain Torqs mountain-top sales office which also houses its dormitory-style rooms for via ferrata participants.

We are met by our trainer Jay Mithun who gives us a comprehensive briefing on Mountain Torq via ferrata - its routes, background, equipment and safety measures and a short try-out of the equipment.

Friendly Jay turns serious every time he reminds us to be at Sayat-Sayat Hut Station, the starting point for our Walk The Torq route, no later than 8am tomorrow or else our via ferrata activity will be called off.

But I am confident that you will be able to make it based on your record today, assures Jay.

Looking at our dazed look, he continues: Just be among the first to reach the Lows Peak and after your triumph poses at the signpost, quickly make your way back down to Sayat-Sayat.

Well, all those who reach Lows Peak - the highest point - must have their picture taken at the peaks signpost to show off their triumph, otherwise they have no proof.

Meeting the 8am deadline

We stick to the schedule given by both our mountain guide, Ginik, and Mountain Torq guide Jay. At 2.30am sharp, all our team members are ready to go.

Personally, this is the toughest part of the climb. Groggy, dark, cold, in discomfort (from wearing the thick, heavy winter clothing), a steep incline, cruel rock face - these and more pose a great challenge.

Aided by the bright LED light from our headlamp, we follow the thick white rope that serves as a guide for climbers.

Somehow, after the Sayat-Sayat Hut Station, Roslin and I are separated. He is far ahead of me and I am left to follow the white rope alone. However, the picture of me at the peaks signpost keeps me going, slowly but surely.

Ten minutes before 6am, I finally set foot at the tip of Lows Peak and Roslin, who has been there for almost an hour already, is waiting to capture my first picture at the peak. Oh, what a feeling!

Thinking that I didnt get to strike such a pose during my first climb makes it even a sweeter reward. On that first climb, I was quickly brought down to a lower plane by my guide since I had breathing difficulties.

I am tempted to linger at the peak, but I cant as I still have the date with the via ferrata.

Roslin and I walk slowly back to Sayat-Sayat Hut while making a few photo stops along the route.

The sight of Sayat-Sayat Hut excites us and we are ahead of schedule. But not wanting to take it for granted, we maintain our pace and finally reach the station at a quarter past seven.

Wow, youre fast! exclaims Jay. Yay!

Walk the Torq

Decked with securely fastened equipment - a helmet and a pair of harness that comes with two karabiners, we leave Sayat-Sayat Hut to the starting point of our Walk The Torq route.

It is actually the same route we walked up early this morning. Going down this steep rock face in broad daylight is more intimidating than the climb in the dark.

From the bottom of this steep rock wall, we walk through bonsai trees to a barren rock edge from where the Laban Rata guest house looks so small, way far below on one side and the majestic sheer rock face on the other. It is a view to behold.

Walk The Torq circuit starts here, announces Jay as his finger points to a ring embedded on the rock floor.

Walking closer to it, we see a line of rings connected to each other by a steel cable set parallel by a ladder of steel bars and foot holds.

We are going to walk down this route for about 200m, followed by a 230-metre horizontal walk, he explains. And mind you, it is not the normal kind of walk we make on flat land.

Like a human chain, all the three of us are tied together to a rope with a gap of two to three metres apart. Roslin leads the way as Jay has to be the anchor in case anything unforeseen happens. I stand in the middle.

The rope is securely wrapped around Jays shoulder that will jerk when anyone of you falls, he says.

It is not the sheer height that bothers me the most but the pressure of doing it right so as not to risk anyone of us (myself especially!).

I chant his instruction - rope, karabiner and karabiner - like a powerful mantra each time I reach a ring. The rope holds us to the ring while the karabiners secure us to the via ferrata cable.

Still looking for the right body position, I hold on dearly to the cable and do it so uncomfortably. Going down on all fours with my legs stretched gives me an unbearable back ache.

Yes, Jay did tell us earlier that we can walk comfortably with our back straight just by pulling the cable up but I just dont have the confidence looking at its thin size even though the cable can withstand a maximum weight of 16 metric tons!

Knowing that its still a long way to go, I give it a try. It does make a difference - I can move easier and much faster. It is like a one-step-at-a-time abseiling as we descend and like walking sideways when we reach the horizontal cable.

At certain points, Jay asks us to stretch our lanyards - the tiny cords that hold our karabiners, put our weight on the harness and let our hands go. Though skeptical, we try it, and the result is fantastic - shots of us standing precariously against the gravity!

Though longer, the horizontal walk across the Panar Laban rock face is much easier compared to the first leg. Nonetheless, the route is made more exciting by a two-wire bridge, called Monkey Bridge, which makes us walk on a tight cable across a gap.

As soon as we get to the other side of the gap, Jay announces that we are almost half way through our horizontal walk. Soon enough, we reach the end of our via ferrata Walk The Torq circuit in just 90 minutes.

You guys are really fast. This route normally takes two to three hours to finish, says Jay.

Well, I guess, we are just riding on yesterdays momentum!

About Mountain Torqs via ferrata

Managed by Mountain Torq, Mount Kinabalu via ferrata routes hold the Guinness Book of World Records as the worlds highest and Asias first.

Its Walk The Torq Circuit is the regions first via ferrata while its Lows Peak Circuit starting at the 3,776-metre point is the worlds highest, beating the 3,343-metre Italian via ferrata at the Marmolada West Ridge.

There are about 500 via ferratas in the world, predominantly in Italy, Germany, France, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, Spain and a few places in the US and Canada.

Interestingly, this mountaineering sport had its roots during World War 1. The first via ferrata was constructed and used by the Italian military to move men and equipment in the Italian Dolomite across to Austria.

The total length of Mountain Torqs via ferrata is about 1.2km comprising routes of varying difficulties.

The Walk The Torq circuit is graded French PD (not very hard, suitable for beginners) while the Lows Peak circuit is French AD (fairly hard, suitable for accompanied beginners).

Mountain Torq conforms with international safety standard and strictly follows the regulations made by the Kinabalu Park authority. Hence, the strict timing policy.

In fact, its well-trained trainers regularly communicate to its base at Pendant Hut, as well as with the Kinabalu Park rangers and Sabah Park headquarters via VHF radio when they are on the via ferrata.

Its activity-only packages are priced at RM550 for the Lows Peak Circuit and RM400 for Walk The Torq Circuit. However, those taking the full package inclusive of lodging and meals at Pendant Hut will enjoy some huge savings.

Details, call 088-268 126 and 088-251 730/703 or visit www.mountaintorq.com

Intensive training for the climb

A TWO-month intensive training to scale Mount Kinabalu paid off when all 25 members of the NSTP-Mount Kinabalu Expedition returned to the base at Timpohon Gate safely in one piece.

Led by chief executive officer Datuk Anthony Bujang, the expedition braved the arduous climb to the regions highest peak, Lows Peak of Mount Kinabalu amid bad weather reports last July.

Heavy rain on the first day of the expedition did not affect the team spirit as the last member of the expedition checked in to the Laban Rata guesthouse at 4.30pm.

While only one member stayed on at the guesthouse due to health reasons, the rest braved the cold, wet morning for the second leg of the climb to the peak.

Though separated into a few groups, the team spirit was high - all had the one aim of reaching the peak.

The first group reached Lows Peak at 5am, way ahead of the expected time of being there for the spectacular sunrise.

Back from the peak, the team started to make its descend as early as 11.30am with the last group reaching Timpohon Gate at dusk.

For the expedition, members had to go through a intensive training programme designed by NST gymnasium trainers with the help of the Malaysian Climbing Association.

As part of their training, the team regularly walked up the 272 steps of Batu Caves and tested their fear of heights at Bukit Batu Tabur, both in Selangor.

The expedition was the first activity for the newly founded NST Extreme Club, a branch of NST Sports Club. It received sponsorships from Universal Fitness amp; Leisure Sdn Bhd, Bosland Corporation Sdn Bhd and World of Outdoor.

Monumen dibina skala 1:8

Monday, September 06, 2010 — Monday, September 06, 2010

SEMUA 21 binaan didirikan ikut spesifikasi khusus berdasarkan pelan bangunan asal.

Sinonim dengan gelaran Jendela Dunia Islam, Taman Tamadun Islam (TTI) di kawasan seluas 23 hektar di Pulau Wan Man, Terengganu menjanjikan percutian pesisir air yang sukar untuk dilupakan.

Keunikan dan kehalusan 21 monumen kegemilangan Islam dari seluruh dunia yang dipersembahkan dalam bentuk replika bersaiz 1:8 itu membuat sesiapa saja terpegun dan kagum dengan seni binanya.

Malah, penulis dan rakan media turut kagum ketika berkunjung ke taman tema itu yang dirasmikan bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi pada 2008.

Dengan melawat 21 monumen itu, anda seolah-olah sudah mengelilingi dunia melihat sendiri seni bina warisan Islam yang cukup mengagumkan.

Kembara mengelilingi dunia di TTI dimulakan dengan mengunjungi Masjid Negara kemudian ke Masjid Kudus Minar, Jawa, Indonesia yang mana batu pertama membina masjid itu dikatakan diambil dari Baitulmaqdis.

Tetapi ramai mengatakan masjid dengan gabungan seni bina Hindu dan Islam ini dibina menggunakan batu dari gunung berapi.

Kami turut dibawa ke Masjid Sultan Omar Sharif di Brunei yang kubahnya diperbuat daripada emas, kemudian terus ke Thailand iaitu Masjid Pattani Central yang dibina pada 1954.

Apa yang menariknya, masjid ini sama seperti Taj Mahal di India yang menjadi bukti cinta Shah Jahan.

Dari bumi Thailand, pengembaraan di taman tema itu seterusnya ke Pakistan untuk melihat Masjid Badshahi yang dibina oleh Maharaja Aurangzeb Alamgir ketika zaman kegemilangan kerajaan Mongol.

Ciri utama bangunan ini adalah pintu masuk yang dibina mengikut cara Mongol, menara bersegi lapan dan laman dalaman yang luas.

Tatkala singgah di Dome of The Rock atau Masjid As Sakhra yang ada di Baitulmaqdis, pengunjung boleh melihat sendiri keunikan dan kehalusan seni binanya.

Kunjungan ke masjid terbesar ketika kurun ke-9 iaitu Masjid Besar Samarra, Iraq pula semakin mengujakan.

Mana tidaknya, di taman tema itu saja kita boleh melihat masjid yang boleh memuatkan 80,000 jemaah.

Selepas ke Iraq, kami dibawa ke Masjid Sheikh Lutfalla, Iran dan ke Masjid Abu Nasr Parsa, Afghanistan yang mempunyai ciri paling menarik iaitu dua tiang berpusing di hadapannya dengan dinding, kubah, menara dan kaligrafi yang diperbuat daripada mozek biru.

Kembara seterusnya ialah Masjidil Haram, Makkah kemudian ke Syria bagi melihat Masjid Aleppo Citadel.

Dibina oleh arkitek berbangsa Turki, Masjid Mohamed Ali, ia turut dikenali Masjid Pualam kerana marmar putih yang bersinar menghiasi dinding luar dan dalamnya.

Kami kemudian mengunjungi Masjid Nabawi di Madinah.

Puncak bukit menjadi lokasinya, mihrab dan mimbarnya daripada marmar putih berukir dan cermin berwarna menyaring pancaran matahari pasti membuatkan pengunjung terpesona melihat keunikan Tugu Kompleks Suleyman, Turki.

Di taman ini, Suleyman dan isterinya membina musolla manakala Sinan membina makam untuknya.

Kunjungan ke Masjid Besar Qairawan yang menjadi pusat Islam tertua itu membawa pengunjung terus ke Tunisia sebelum ke Sepanyol melihat Masjid Al Hambra. Alhambra mempunyai empat pintu masuk utama dan dilengkapi dengan beberapa dewan besar di beberapa bahagian. Dindingnya diukir dengan seni kaligrafi memuji kebesaran Allah.

Ketika melewati Menara Kalyan, Uzbekistan itu, penulis dan rombongan kagum dan tertanya-tanya bagaimana ia di bina dan sehingga kini tidak ada jawapannya.

Bagaimanapun, menara itu adalah contoh binaan kejuruteraan dan reka bentuk kegemilangan Islam dengan ketinggian 48 meter (m). Ia juga adalah menara pertama runtuh akibat asasnya yang tidak sempurna.

Di di Masjid Besar Agadez, Nigeria, pembinaannya menggunakan lumpur dan kayu dan di tengah-tengah menara itu dipasang kayu.

Pengembaraan mengelilingi dunia melihat keunikan seni bina Islam diakhiri dengan mengunjungi replika Masjid Xian di China dan Masjid Kul Sharif, Tatarstan di Russia.

Masjid Xian boleh dikatakan masjid yang cukup unik kerana ia memaparkan seni bina Islam dan tradisional China dan seolah-olah pagoda atau tokong Buddha, tetapi kedudukannya menghadap kiblat.

Selain 21 monumen, turut menarik perhatian ialah Masjid Kristal, mercu tanda baru Kuala Terengganu yang dibina seolah-olah terapung di air.

Ia dinamakan Masjid Kristal kerana asas seni bina yang menggunakan hanya kaca dan keluli seakan-akan menyerupai kristal apabila terkena tempias cahaya.

Berkeluasan 2,146 meter persegi dan mampu menempatkan kira-kira 1,000 jemaah, masjid itu adalah terjemahan hasil seni dan kreativiti rakyat tempatan yang turut menyumbang terutama menghasilkan lukisan kaligrafi khat yang menghiasi keseluruhan hiasan dalamannya.

Selain membawa anda mengelilingi dunia melihat seni bina Islam, pelbagai ilmu pengetahuan boleh diperoleh.

Jika letih berjalan, anda boleh menaiki buggy atau basikal yang disediakan dengan bayaran berpatutan.

Info:

> Terdapat 21 replika monumen dibina dalam skala 1:8 berbanding saiz asal.

> Dibina ikut spesifikasi khusus mengikut pelan bangunan asal.

> Dome of The Rock di Baitulmaqdis antara yang menjadi tumpuan

> Mercu tanda utama TTI adalah Masjid Kristal yang dibina sepenuhnya menggunakan kaca dan besi keluli.

> Terbahagi kepada dua zon: Kompleks Taman Tamadun Islam dan Zon Awam.

> Zon awam meliputi Konvensyen Center, Jeti Tok Ku Paloh, Restoran dan Medan Selera, Warrior Park dan penginapan.

> Untuk maklumat lanjut, layari laman web www.tti.com.my

A walkers paradise

Friday, September 03, 2010 — Friday, September 03, 2010

ZALINA MOHD SOM takes in the sights of Kuala Lumpur with a walkabout from the Royale Chulan Hotel

The Royale Chulan Hotel couldnt have found a better location to fit its rich Malaysian-inspired theme.

Its Where Heritage Meets Modern Luxury theme seems to fit well in the serene Jalan Conlay, an inner-road surrounded by busy Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak.

This strategic location gives its staying-in guests a superb choice of walkabout routes - all lead to Kuala Lumpurs famous landmarks.

Ok, lets put on your walking shoes and take a leisurely walk around the vicinity.

Jalan Conlay

Though surrounded by KLs busiest roads, the inner-road is a picture of contrast.

Flanked by lush foliage from the lawns of old 70s bungalows, Jalan Conlay is so quiet and serene that you cant help but feel as if youre walking in a residential area.

Nevertheless, Jalan Conlay has carved its name in the citys map as the address for three must-visit spots for tourists - the KL Craft Complex, Restoran Seri Melayu and Rumah Penghulu Seman.

The craft complex houses a handful of indoor and outdoor galleries and a retail outlet.

You can spend hours looking at various beautiful local crafts as well as pottery and brass and silver work.

Still on heritage, Rumah Penghulu Seman gives an insight into Malay architecture. Built in the 1920s, the house was relocated to its current address from Penghulu Abu Semans village, Kampung Sungai Kechil in Bandar Baharu, Kedah.

Restoran Seri Melayu, on the other hand, takes visitors on a culinary journey to the Malay world. Not only does it serve authentic Malay cuisine, it also entertains patrons with Malay cultural shows.

Jalan Raja Chulan/Jalan Bukit Bintang

This wide, one-way road is always heavy with traffic which makes walking across it a dangerous adventure.

However, theres a pedestrian bridge that leads straight to the sophisticated Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. But why not just walk up further to the Chulan Square, a cluster of posh restaurants and retail outlets, located just 100m from the bridge?

There are six restaurants, offering local Malay and Chinese food to Japanese, Arab, Moghul and Argentinean.

Cross the road at the zebra crossing right in front of the Square to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. If you go further up, the road will take you to Jalan Imbi where Jade Museum and Berjaya Times Square are located.

Jalan Bukit Bintang

Now, who has not been to Jalan Bukit Bintang? Its probably the most happening place in the city. Shopping, entertainment, dining and accommodation - they are all here.

Its shopping heaven starts with the posh Pavilion Kuala Lumpur followed by Starhill, Lot 10, Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang Plaza and Plaza Low Yat.

The countrys biggest mall, Berjaya Times Square is conveniently located behind Plaza Low Yat and accessible via a back lane.

And in between these big malls are retail outlets that appeal to both locals and tourists who are looking for good finds and great bargains.

The citys big names in the hotel industry are also here - The Westin, The Ritz Carlton, Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur and The Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur, to name a few.

Jalan Kia Peng

No one can resist the attractions at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. So why not step in and have a look-see in the posh mall?

Even though shopping is not part of the days agenda, walking on the malls floors is therapeutic for everybody.

Now, lets take a walk to Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) via Jalan Kia Peng. Take the exit that leads to the pedestrian bridge to cross the busy Jalan Raja Chulan.

Its just a short walk to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, and instead of walking along Jalan Pinang to go to the Twin Towers, why not step in the convention centre.

Theres an underpass that connects the convention centre and the Twin Towers. Dont forget to ogle at its facilities and attractions, including Aquaria KLCC on the ground floor.

Jalan P. Ramlee/Jalan Perak

Instead of taking the same route back to The Royale Chulan Hotel, lets exit KLCC to Jalan P. Ramlee, one of KLs most happening night life spots.

The area comes alive as soon as the sun goes down with dinner crowds walking along the stretch looking for the right place to dine.

There are posh restaurants, and road-side stalls too. The stalls, however, mostly line Jalan Perak.

After happy hour, as the night wears on, club goers start to flock the area. This is probably the only road in the city at that hour thats still busy with heavy traffic.

Take the equally busy Jalan Perak to get back to Jalan Kia Peng before taking the quiet Jalan Conlay to complete the double-loop walkabout around The Royale Chulan Hotel.

The Royale Chulan Hotel

The five-star hotel offers guests a complete Malaysian experience, courtesy of its rich heritage architecture and the gracious Malaysian hospitality.

A complex of two buildings, the hotel features Malay architecture and design - from its high-pitched roofs to the nitty-gritty designs of hand-crafted wood.

In fact, its U-shaped building is specially designed to reflect the local architecture and provide guests a true picture of a typical Malay house.

It has 300 rooms and 120 serviced apartment units. These colonial-influenced rooms are given a local touch like carved wood, textiles and ceramics.

For example, the beautiful labu sayong - Peraks famed gourd-shaped water container - is cleverly used as a lamp shade.

Nonetheless, guests comfort is not taken lightly. All rooms are equipped with contemporary services and state-of-the-art facilities such as a plasma TV, broadband connections and others.

Completing its version of a Malaysian experience is its collection of F B outlets. The hotel offers two signature restaurants - Bunga Emas, a fine dining Malay restaurant and LHeritage, a restaurant offering contemporary continental cuisine.

Guests who prefer something casual can choose Warisan Cafe, an all-day dining restaurant, The Heritage Club, Tai Ping Chinese Cuisine, Lanai Lobby Lounge and the Pool Side Deck.

For leisure, the hotel offers a swimming pool, a well-equipped gymnasium and a kids play centre.

For details, call 03-2688 9688 or visit http://www.theroyalechulan.com.my/

Cruising down the Kinabatangan

Thursday, September 02, 2010 — Thursday, September 02, 2010

JOHN TIONG takes a memorable boat ride down the great river.

We waited for about two hours for the rain to stop but waiting in the spacious open-air wooden lobby and lounge of the Myne Resort by the Kinabatangan River seemed a blessing - the drizzle worked wonders in calming the spirit. The mighty river evoked an ingratiating harmony of the green forest and the fresh air around us.

It has been a while since I have had such relaxing moments to soothe my frazzled city nerves. So even if the river cruise was cancelled because of the rain, I would still be contented.

When the rain stopped at around half past four, we excitedly boarded the boat for the river adventure that would take some 90 minutes.

Against a grey sky hovering over the mighty Kinabatangan were shapely white storks that appeared one by one, as if they were actors making a grand entrance. Some glided low over the water while some pecked at little fish near the river bank. The sight was riveting.

It was even more so when a pair of colourful wrinkled hornbills flew over us, perhaps on their way home for the evening. They were followed by a pied hornbill. We also spotted one resting on a tree. Our tourist guide Patrick identified the different types of hornbills for us.

A tinge of regret swept over me as I didnt bring binoculars that would allow me to see the birds better. I realised later that a visit to the Kinabatangan to watch wildlife couldnt be enjoyed to the fullest without binoculars.

Patrick also did not carry one but still, he could easily tell the different species of birds and other animals.

Croc watch

Soon we came across a brahminy kite eagle resting alone on a dead tree trunk.

We didnt see any pygmy elephants, for which Kinabatangan is famous. But during our walk in the forest later, we did come across their waste, from which mushrooms and fungi have sprouted.

There was suspense during the cruise when Patrick said he saw a crocodile near the river bank. Our boatman headed there but before we could reach the river bank, the reptile has gone into the water.

Patrick told us that the presence of crocodiles could be foretold when you see vapours rising above the water. Thats a sign that theres a crocodile underneath.

We waited for about 10 minutes but the crocodile did not surface.

Monkey world

A trip to Kinabatangan would not be complete if you dont spot proboscis monkeys, which are endemic to Borneo.

We spotted some only in the late afternoon.

Patrick said proboscis monkeys only come to the trees on the river bank to rest. Otherwise, they would be in the forest foraging for fruits.

They have human-like faces. Their large protruding nose and round belly are most prominent. They looked healthy with their shimmering fur.

The sight of them walking, darting and springing around trees was thrilling. Some of them carried babies in their arms.

Patrick told us that proboscis monkeys always sleep with their faces turned away from the river. This is to ensure that they could dash for safety when there is an attack by predators from the forest.

As we cruised back to our hotel, we did indeed see the monkeys sleeping on the trees in that position.

To help the proboscis monkeys to have a bigger area to forage for food, one good samaritan has strung a rope across the river so that they can go from one side to the other easily.

Even silvered leaf monkeys use the rope, too. The sight of two of them crossing, instead of the proboscis monkeys, was still quite rewarding.

Another memorable sight was a dozen monkeys all perched on one tree gawking at us like children.

Silent prayers

Cruising along, we saw a blue-eared kingfisher on a tree trunk near the river bank. Its raging blue and orange feathers were so arresting. The mere sight of it has all of us reaching for our cameras.

When we reached the resort, the sky has turned russet with a touch of sepia.

Such grandiose of nature has us completely immersed in silence while we prayed for the survival of Kinabatangan.

Gunung Ngongotaha

Wednesday, September 01, 2010 — Wednesday, September 01, 2010

PENGALAMAN kecut perut menaiki gondolaSkyline, Skyride,hayunan buaian Swing Sky serta meluncur di kemuncak Gunung Ngongotaha setinggi 575 meter di Rotorua, New Zealand, sememangnya mengasyikkan. Ikuti catatan HIDAYAH MOHAMMAD

SEBAIK menjejakkan kaki ke bumi New Zealand atas satu tugasan, baru-baru ini, terasa tidak sabar-sabar mahu melawat tempat menarik di negara kepulauan berkenaan yang terkenal dengan buah kiwi serta pasukan ragbi tersohor, All Blacks.

Walaupun jadual harian penuh dengan tugasan membuat liputan buah kiwi keluaran syarikat Zespri International serta lawatan berkaitan, penulis serta rombongan media dari Malaysia dan India sempat dibawa ke beberapa lokasi tumpuan pelancong yang ada di sana.

Paling menarik, sepanjang lima hari di negara itu ialah kesempatan mengunjungi Rotorua. Begitu seronok menikmati keindahan dan pemandangan tempat pelancongan terbaik di daerah kecil ini iaitu Gunung Ngongotaha.

Di kawasan tanah tinggi itu, terhidang pemandangan indah bandar, tasik dan pulau Mokoia yang begitu menakjubkan sebelum kami merebut peluang mencuba aktiviti menarik yang disediakan di puncaknya.

Gunung Ngongotaha dengan ketinggian 757 meter, memerlukan pengunjung yang ingin ke puncaknya menaiki gondola `Skyline Skyride. Gondola berkenaan boleh memuatkan lapan dewasa dan mengambil masa lapan minit untuk sampai ke puncaknya.

Mengikut sejarah, gondola pertama beroperasi ke puncak gunung itu ialah pada 3 November 1967 dan laluan menggunakan kabel dibuka secara umum pada 17 November tahun sama.

Tiba di puncak, penulis dan rakan media lain teruja dengan permainan `Swing Sky terletak di sebelah kanan pintu keluar gondola. Buaian berkenaan hanya boleh memuatkan tiga orang dan menjadi permainan pertama menguji tahap keberanian pengunjung.

Mereka yang tidak mudah kecut perut boleh mencuba Swing Sky untuk merasai pengalaman dibuai pada kelajuan hayunan sekitar 150 kilometer sejam selama dua minit pada ketinggian 50 meter dari paras tanah.

Selepas keberanian teruji, penulis ke ruang tengah pusat pelancongan berkenaan. Oleh kerana suasana di Gunung Ngongotaha begitu indah, ramai pelancong tempatan memenuhi tanah tinggi ini selain mencuba permainan meluncur dipanggil `Luge Adventure.

Penulis juga tidak melepaskan peluang meluncur menuruni Gunung Ngongotaha dengan `luge atau kenderaan kecil seperti kereta sorong yang bergantung kepada tiga roda kecil untuk menuruni bukit.

Ia yang seberat 30 kilogram boleh dinaiki seorang dewasa dan seorang kanak-kanak menggunakan pemegang kawalan seperti hendal basikal bagi mengawal kereta sorong di atas laluan.

Peluncur boleh menetap kelajuan dengan mengemudi sistem brek pada pemegangnya sambil menuruni trek khas diperbuat daripada konkrit. Peluncur boleh membuat pilihan menguji cabaran dan kecekapan mengendalikan luncuran mengikut tiga tahap.

Tahap permulaan membabitkan luncuran sejauh dua kilometer (km) bagi yang baru mencuba, kategori sederhana sejauh 1.7km bagi mereka yang sudah mempunyai keyakinan dan tahap tertinggi sejauh 1km bagi mereka yang berani meluncur lebih laju menerusi trek lebih mencabar dan curam.

Luncuran pula melalui lereng berliku dan selekoh curam, tajam serta menyusuri terowong bagi menguji keyakinan dan keberanian. Pada masa sama, peluncur boleh menikmati panorama indah Queenstown dari bukit di bawah pohon Redwood yang redup lagi mendamaikan.

Mereka yang sudah meluncur ke bawah tetapi ingin mencuba lagi akan dibawa semula ke puncak menggunakan buaian gantung.

Penat meluncur, penulis menikmati sajian tengah hari di Restoran Skyline. Hidangan enak disediakan dalam suasana santai sekali, sesuai untuk pengunjung berkumpulan, manakala bagi pasangan yang bercinta bolehlah menjamu selera dalam suasana romantik.

Di sini, anda boleh menikmati hidangan bufet masakan laut atau panggang sambil menjamu mata dengan keindahan persekitaran tanpa gangguan hiruk pikuk, berada di restoran yang boleh memuatkan 350 pelanggan ini amat menenangkan.

Puas menikmati keindahan dan suasana nyaman di atas gunung, penulis dan rakan pulang ke hotel untuk berehat. Sambil mengimbas aktiviti riang di puncak Ngongotaha, mata kemudian bertukar berat lalu terlelap bersama memori indah di Negara Kiwi.

INFO

Rotorua

* Pusat kebudayaan kaum Maori.

* Terkenal sebagai daerah tasik

* Memiliki 14 tasik di sekitarnya

* Juga dinamakan Bandar Sulfur

Alternative fare to break fast

Wednesday, September 01, 2010 — Wednesday, September 01, 2010

TIRED of breaking fast in Malay or mamak restaurants? How about trying halal Chinese fare for a change? ELIZABETH LEONG suggests some popular spots for such food in the Klang Valley.

Restoran Mohd Chan Abdullah

B-G-06, Dataran Glomac,

Jalan SS6/20, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya

Tel: 017-882 8861

SPORTING a coffeeshop ambience and furnishing, this eatery caters for casual dining.

You can grab a pau for tea, or Kantonis Ying Yong or Wanton Mee BBQ Ayam for lunch. There are also nice fish dishes such as steamed siakap nyonya-style and fried siakap kerabu.

I like Nasi Masak Tiga Rasa Udang, with a glass of kedondong asam boi to quench my thirst.

Affordably priced, the dishes are delicious and served quickly.

This restaurant has four other outlets, but the quality of the food varies according to its chef. They are located at:

* 27, Jalan Melati 2B, Seksyen BB2, Bukit Beruntung, Rawang

*60, Jalan Negara, Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur

* 6, Jalan 1/27F, Wangsa Maju, Seksyen 5, KL

* 30, Jalan Medan Pusat 2C, Pusat Bandar Baru Bangi, Bandar Baru Bangi

Homst Restaurant

16, Jalan PJU 5/17, Dataran Sunway,

Kota Damansara, PJ

Tel: 03-6140 9134

FEATURING dark furnishing and overhead fans, this outlet occupies a corner lot and is sometimes mistaken for a coffeeshop as there are three stalls inside.

It serves, among others, 12 varieties of fried rice, including shark fin fried rice, and more than 20 fish dishes.

I go for butter prawn and mixed vegetables. Both are as tasty as from a good tai chow stall.

Restoran NJ Zenith

Block B, 3-LG-1, Megan Salak Park, Taman Desa Petaling, PJ

Tel: 012-920 6983

THIS is my top choice. Owned by Haslinda Sim Abdullah, this eatery has almost 120 items on its menu, categorised into rice, noodles, snacks, soups, vegetables, meat and seafood.

Yam basket is a hard-to-find item in Chinese Muslim restaurants, but its found here. I savour it with Kung Po Chicken. The yam is nice and crispy.

Seaweed with fish paste is next. If I were to give it a score, its a nine out of 10 - yes, its that good.

Among the tempting soup items are braised shark fin with crab meat, mustard pickle with beancurd, and beancurd with crab meat.

Restoran De Templer

17G 19G, Jalan Melati Utama 4,

Melati Utama, Setapak, KL

Tel: 03-4105 8000

FLASHBACK to 1999: Jinjang Fish Head was founded, followed by two more outlets in Rawang and Kepong a few years later.

Capitalising on its culinary skills and good source of supplies, the restaurant then formed a partnership with Malay entrepreneurs and Restoran De Templer was born in 2008 serving Chinese Muslim cuisine.

Although its strength lies in its fish dishes, other interesting items worth sampling include steamed beancurd, Vietnam chicken, beancurd with crab meat, black pepper beef, Royal King Chicken, lemon chicken and mango chicken.

My orders of sambal sotong (served on banana leaf) and steamed siakap turned out fresh and flavourful.

Chinese Muslim Food Paradise

1 3, Jalan USJ 9/P, Subang Jaya

Tel: 03-8024 6751

RUN by Chinese Muslim couple Mohd Ma Xiou and Khadijah Ma, this restaurant differentiates itself by offering steamboat and dishes based on the Lin Xia cooking style.

(Lin Xia is an autonomous prefecture in northwestern China and home to the Hui people.)

There are even 13 cold dishes on its menu, and I go for Cold Steamed Salty Chicken. This dish comes with curry sauce! What a change from Hainanese steamed chicken.

For dessert, I go for sweet pancakes, which are stuffed with sesame seed, kei chee and grounded peanut. And theyre good!

Aladdin Restaurant

A-G-3A, Jalan SS6/1, Dataran Glomac, Kelana Jaya, PJ

Tel: 03-7806 3668

WELL-FURNISHED with leather seats and lanterns, this outlet can easily intimidate diners on a budget with its decor. But once inside, youll find many affordable items on the menu.

Apart from halal Chinese food, theres Western and local fare. Sour and spicy chicken set, yang zhou fried rice, black pepper chicken rice and Hokkien-style ramen are some popular options.

Highly recommended is Tong Po Lamb Ribs, which is based on a Xinjiang recipe.

Restoran Cheng Ho

15 17G, Jalan Wangsa Delima 10, Wangsa Link, KL

Tel: 03-4149 6094

ITS decor is dominated by black-and-white sketches of Chinese junks and a portrait of, yes, youve guessed it, Cheng Ho. Owned by Amy of the rock band Search, this eatery is also a social hub for many musicians and actors.

The a la carte menu is divided into appetisers, poultry, vegetables, seafood, rice, noodles and desserts.

Whats interesting is the wide array of sauces used for the seafood and chicken dishes. For example, seafood is cooked in kam heong style, sweet and sour sauce, belacan, spicy sauce, asam, butter oat or butter salted egg, to name a few.

Most dishes are a cross between Malay and Chinese cooking styles. For example, tofu seaweed soup is perked up with aromatic herbs and spices while steamed tofu belacan is a play of textures with the softness of the tofu contrasting with the crispy shrimp in belacan.

Teroka terowong lapan kilometer

Monday, August 30, 2010 — Monday, August 30, 2010

Bukit Khao Nam Khang di Thailand jadi bukti kesungguhan Parti Komunis Malaya serang Malaysia

BUKIT Khao Nam Khang di Natawee, Songkhla, Thailand yang dikelilingi hutan rimba dan bukit-bukau serta jauh dari jalan raya utama sangat sesuai dijadikan kubu komunis sekitar 1970-an dan 1980-an untuk menyerang Malaysia dari utara.

Kesungguhan komunis mahu menyerang Malaysia pada masa itu terbukti apabila 200 anggotanya yang hanya bersenjatakan dengan pix axe, pahat dan pemukul mampu mengubah bentuk bukit itu menjadi terowong markas mereka.

Pelancong pasti kagum dengan hasil seni anggota komunis membina terowong berkenaan.

Dengan tenaga kerja seramai 200 orang itu, mereka membina terowong dalam bukit berkenaan setinggi tiga tingkat tanpa menebang pokok besar.

Apabila memasuki terowong tiga tingkat itu, anda boleh melihat pelbagai kemudahan dalam terowong itu seperti klinik, dapur, lapang sasar, bilik penginapan dan bilik komunikasi.

Di luar bukit, pelancong dapat melihat kemudahan yang dibina komunis, antaranya kolam air, tandas, tempat mesyuarat dan gelanggang bola keranjang.

Difahamkan, terowong itu dibina anggota komunis mengambil masa selama dua tahun dengan jarak lapan kilometer.

Jika memasuki terowong itu, pastikan anda menunduk kepala kerana ketinggiannya hanya 1.5 meter (m) dan lebarnya, satu meter.

Terowong yang dibina antara 1972 dan 1974 itu mempunyai lima pintu utama dan didiami Regimen ke-8 Parti Komunis Malaya (PKM).

Antara lima pintu itu terdapat satu daripadanya menghala ke Sintok dan Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. Ia mengambil masa lapan jam untuk sampai ke situ.

Bagaimanapun, selepas perjanjian damai ditandatangani antara PKM dan kerajaan Malaysia, anggota komunis bersetuju untuk meletak senjata pada 1986.

Justeru, terowong Khao Nam Khang dibuka kepada orang ramai pada 1997.

Selain dapat melihat teknologi yang digunakan komunis untuk membina dan mendiami terowong itu, pelancong mendapat penerangan cara hidup dan kesusahan mereka di dalam hutan yang sentiasa berwaspada daripada serangan anggota tentera. Penulis diberitahu ketika mendiami terowong ini, anggota komunis boleh berkahwin sesama mereka.

Bagaimanapun, anggota lelaki mesti menjalani upacara kasi bagi mengelak melahirkan anak.

Mas kahwinnya pula, pengantin lelaki hanya perlu menghantar secawan kopi dan dua biji gula-gula untuk pengantin wanita.

Info

gt; Pelancong boleh mengambil kenderaan dari Alor Setar ke Pekan Danok dan kemudian ke Terowong Khao Nam Khang, Songkhla dengan menaiki teksi. Jarak dari Bukit Kayu Hitam ke Terowong Khao Nam Khang ialah 40 kilometer.

Londons must-dos

Monday, August 30, 2010 — Monday, August 30, 2010

WHEN in London, there are things that you simply must do or you cant say you have visited one of the worlds most famous cities. DIANA YEOH comes up with these.

1. Cruise along River Thames

Take the River Thames cruise to see the seven bridges including the famous London Bridge as well as the Tower of London. The tower is 1,000 years old, and has been a royal palace, a prison and a place of execution. The cruise running between Westminster and Greenwich also allows you to see the London Eye, Crown Jewels, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament.

2. Meet Big Ben

Next to Westminster Bridge stands the Clock Tower which houses the famous 3.5 ton bell - the Big Ben, which chimes the hours. It is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was Commissioner of Works when the bell was put in place.

3. Ride the London Eye

Sweep Londons skyline from the London Eye, the worlds tallest cantilevered observation wheel. It stands 135m high on the South Bank between Waterloo and Westminster Bridges. The ride takes 30 minutes and offers views of the capitals landmarks.

4. Visit Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square

Walk around Parliament Square surrounded by imposingly charming historical buildings. Dont miss Westminster Abbey, where many kings, queens, statesmen, poets and writers are buried.

5. Gawk at Buckingham Palace

The official London residence of the British monarch, the palace is architecturally outstanding. It was originally a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, and subsequently acquired by George III in 1761.

Once here, dont miss the colourful ceremony of the Changing Of The Guards complete with a marching band. The music played ranges from traditional military marches to songs from films and musicals.

6. Feed the pigeons

Trafalgar Square, right smack in the city, is inundated by pigeons. You can spend hours here feeding them or simply rest and take in the sights. Theres Nelsons Column and Lion, St Martin-In-The Fields Church and a National Gallery near the Square.

7. Have fun at Piccadily Circus

The Circus is one of Londons busiest road junctions, always crowded with people who throng the restaurants, theatres and shops there. In the centre is the Shaftesbury Memorial with the famous statue of Eros (Angel of Christian Charity) and Horses of Helios.

8. See `stars at Madame Tussauds

A famous wax museum, its where tourists are prepared to queue for hours to get in. On display are historical figures and todays celebrities from rock stars to politicians.

9. Walk in Hyde Park

Londoners love to have picnics. If you are in London, do as Londoners do - sit on the grass, relax and enjoy a picnic. Or go riding along a 1.6km horse-riding track, the Rotten Row, south of the park.

10. Go shopping, of course!

Whats a visit to London without shopping? And whats a shopping outing here without going to Oxford Street? Its Europes largest high street with over 300 shops offering such humongous choices that youll really drop after you shop!

Just like coming home

Friday, August 27, 2010 — Friday, August 27, 2010

Mutiara Johor Baru has transformed its looks but its warm hospitality remains, writes PEGGY LOH

Stepping into Mutiara Johor Baru is like coming home because familiar faces greet and welcome me by name.

As the first international class hotel in Johor Baru, this hotel went through several name changes and upgrading over the last 28 years but one thing remains unchanged - its a hallmark of warm and welcoming hospitality.

I book my friends into this hotel so often that I know its telephone number by heart! But now I discovered that the hotel has a new telephone number. Im terrible with numbers but I guess its not too difficult to memorise 330 0300, Mutiara JBs new telephone number.

The creative fresh flower arrangement in the lobby is always a conversation piece and as I finish admiring it, my attention is drawn to the colourful display of cakes, breads and pastries in the sparkling new Mutiara Terrace amp; Deli Corner.

Behind this impressive deli island, the once familiar Seri Mutiara Restaurant is now transformed into a spacious and stylish dining room with live cooking stations and interesting buffet serving areas.

My room is fitted with new carpets and curtains, and the super-size single beds in the Deluxe twin room give me the impression of a larger room.

The sleek flat-screen television that replaced the bulky television cupboard certainly creates more space. While guests at the Club Floor enjoy more privileges and services, the hotel also has well thought-out features in rooms specially designed for the disabled. In these special rooms, beds are of a convenient height and the peephole on the door is placed for easy access by wheelchair-bound guests.

For family bonding and total peace of mind, families with children below 12 can enjoy the Junior Club Suite designed with a room-within-a-room, furnished in three themes - Football Fever, Musical Notes and Secret Garden.

This cosy kids alcove is fitted with double-decker beds, cuddly toys, board games and a desktop PlayStation with an exciting selection of games to keep the kids occupied for hours.

So while dad is at work, mum can catch up with some reading because she knows it will be hard to get the kids out of the room.

Mutiara JB is primarily a corporate hotel mainly servicing the oil and gas industry, and remains popular with families of these professionals during weekends and holidays.

The hotel makes tour bookings for city sight-seeing and to the Integrated Resorts across the Causeway. Tickets to Universal Studios in Singapores Sentosa Island are pre-bought and such day trips are fast gaining popularity among hotel guests.

Mutiaras 24-hour stay privilege is a convenience for business travellers who check in late and allows them to maximise their stay and enjoy the many facilities in and around the hotel.

There are many hotels in the city but its not surprising that the Mutiara JB, with its exceptional service quality and personalised attention, remains the preferred hotel for many.

FAST FACTS

HOTEL

Mutiara Johor Bahru

Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Baru, Johor

Tel: 07-330 0300 Fax: 07-331 8884

Email: adminjb@mutiarahotels.com

Website: www.mutiarahotels.com

GETTING THERE

Easily accessible from the Tebrau Highway, the main road that connects to the North-South Highway from the North, and with Johor Baru city and Causeway from Singapore.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Excellent location with convenient access to business, shopping and entertainment, complemented by established transport system to Singapore, airport, ports and industrial areas.

FIRST IMPRESSION

Clean and comfortable ambience with friendly employees.

ROOMS

Total of 332 rooms and suites in the Tebrau Wing and Pelangi Wing with Club Floor facilities, specially equipped rooms for the handicapped and uniquely designed Junior Club Suites for families with young children.

RATES

Ask for special promotional rates valid till December.

F amp;B OUTLETS

Meisan Szechuan Restaurant still serves the most authentic Szechuan cuisine in the city and its signature fried man-tou (buns) are a must with Szechuan hot and sour soup.

Dinner and drinks at Capri the Continental Restaurant comes with live music entertainment while the Polo Lounge rocks with live band performances up to 1am.

Chill out with snacks, drinks and ice-cream at the Poolside Bar or indulge in a mouth-watering range of cakes and pastries from the Mutiara Terrace amp; Deli Corner.

The spanking new Seri Mutiara Restaurant serves daily lunch buffets with dinner buffets on Fridays and Saturdays, and High Tea buffets on weekends and special holidays.

OVERALL SERVICE

Attentive and unobtrusive.

FACILITIES

Convenient high-speed Internet access in all rooms, a Business Centre, ballroom and function rooms, swimming pool, non-smoking floors, Club Floor facilities and fitness centre with sauna, steam-bath and massage or aromatherapy services.

Shops with hairdresser, beauty parlour, fashion boutique, florist, souvenirs and fine watches.

Concierge services including city shuttle arrangements and tour bookings to places of interest in Johor and Singapore.

PLACES WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE

The adjacent Holiday Plaza Shopping Centre with Spa Manja just across the road and local street food at Taman Sri Tebrau Food Centre.

Big attractions in small island

Friday, August 27, 2010 — Friday, August 27, 2010

From night diving to exploring a Vietnamese shipwreck, JASMINE ABDULLAH is enamoured with Perhentian Kecil

Pulau Perhentian in Terengganu suffers from a split personality.

Divided into two islands named Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) and Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian), both nurse reputations that are at loggerheads with the other.

While Perhentian Besar is known as a comfortable family-oriented destination, Perhentian Kecil carries the dubious label of being a backpackers paradise complete with rumours of wanton nudity. The small beleaguered island, in particular the Long Beach area, is often painted as a filthy stretch of sand populated by insalubrious elements.

It is with these impressions in mind that I head for the Small island, taking the boat from Besut jetty to the islands Long Beach.

To my surprise, however, Long Beach is very clean. It is packed with young European tourists but despite walking the length of the beach, I find no hedonistic hobgoblins. In fact, the only nudity I see is the ingenuous nakedness of little island children scampering about.

The largest and most established dive centre here is Turtle Bay Divers. Smack in the middle of the beach and surrounded by ubiquitous coconut trees, its bright blue sign is impossible to miss.

Diving Perhentian

Our first dive is at Sugar Wreck, a cargo ship that sank 10 years ago. The ground is covered with sea urchins and scorpionfish, while schools of snappers and yellow-tail barracuda dart about. We see sluggish bamboo sharks hiding under corals and also a small cat shark, the barbels at its mouth sticking out at an odd angle.

I try to photograph an angry white humpback scorpionfish, but decide to follow a one-metre pickhandle barracuda instead.

Tanjung Basi is a hard coral reef of staghorn and table corals leading to boulders, featuring loads of parrotfish, paddle-fin triggerfish, graceful tall-fin batfish, groupers and star puffers. Do look out for banded boxer shrimp and pipefish in crevices.

Our next dive north of Pulau Rawa is at the Pinnacle and reveals a white-eye moray eel, more than half a dozen bamboo sharks, zebra lionfish and an Indian walkman stubbornly refusing to spread its colourful wings and raise its spines for my camera.

However, the resident three-legged hawksbill turtle, aptly named Tripod, is kind enough to allow us to observe her chomping on sponges.

Leopard sharks have been spotted at Terumbu Tiga but I have no such luck. I do, however, enjoy the gorgeous gorgonians, harp corals and a beautiful garden of elephant ear corals. Do watch out for the resident titan triggerfish as its easy to get distracted by the lovely trevallies, pipefish and blue-spotted rays.

We do an exciting night dive at Batu Nisan Rock. Large crabs scramble among dozy parrotfish and puffers. There are big-eyed squirrelfish, a reef octopus and a fimbriated moray eel to ogle at. I try to photograph a banded coral cat shark, quite a fiddly task when juggling a camera, torch and banger all at the same time!

But my favourite dive has to be at the Vietnamese wreck. The current is relatively strong in the morning but the challenge is welcome after so many relaxing dives. The landing craft, sunk in 1976, is about 24 metres deep and is a treasure trove of flabellinas, nudibranch and home to four stonefish.

Two giant pickhandle barracudas stalk the underside of the ship and if you swim away from the wreck, seahorses can be found. Be careful of the resident banded sea krait. Its bite is capable of felling 20 men!

Our last dive is an extremely relaxing one at DLagoon, and is where a massive Jenkins ray dwells. Barracudas, gold trevallies, boxfish and shrimp decorate the lovely coral bed and I end my dive being attacked by an annoyed clownfish.

Food, Glorious Food

Long Beach has loads of restaurants but time and time again, everyone ends up at Daneila Restaurant.

And the reason is simple - the food just tastes better.

Breakfast is extensive - there are omelettes, muesli, pancakes, cooked set breakfasts with sausages, beef bacon and coleslaw. The salad and soup list is no less impressive, and there is an endless variety of Western, Thai and local choices. Theres also barbecue every night, with a choice of seafood or vegetables served with different sauces and sides.

I am impressed by the thick Milo unlike the watery versions found in other establishments. The kerabu fried rice and char kway teow are spot on, and the calamari is delicious.

Whether you are a gourmand or a stall gourmet, the food in Daneila should satisfy most appetites, as long you dont expect creme brulee or truffle-infused anything.

Friendly Place

Perhentian Kecil is a great place for diving and with Turtle Bay Divers, this is especially true. With more dive boats than other centres and about five dive slots a day, Turtle Bay tries its best to cater to different needs. There are two Turtle Bay dive centres on Perhentian Kecil and a small one on Perhentian Besar. Trips are organised to the outer reefs and even to Redang Island.

(A special mention must be given to the toilets, some of the cleanest I have ever seen at any dive centre!)

The dive masters are companionable and coupled with the owner Yaakubs unhinged sense of humour, its a great place to hang out.

Fellow diver Fizzy, a human resource executive, says, I called all the dive centres but only Turtle Bay was the friendliest and most helpful.

Not surprisingly, Perhentian Kecil is one of those places people start off visiting and end up staying for months. As a hardcore diver friend once said, Theres something about Perhentian.

And I have to agree with him.

How To Get There

You can fly into Kota Baru and travel one hour by taxi (RM78) to Kuala Besut jetty. Speed boats leave hourly to Perhentian Kecil. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes and is RM70 for a return trip.

Where To Stay

Accommodation is basic and unfortunately, cleanliness is a somewhat foreign concept in backpacker chalets/rooms. Most operators dont entertain advance bookings but Turtle Bay Divers can help organise accommodation on either island according to your budget.

Prices range from as low as RM20-RM50 (e.g. Symfoni), mid-range at about RM60-RM150 (e.g. Rock Garden) to relatively high-end at RM300-RM450 (Bubu).

Diving

Dive season is from March till October. The first four boat dives are RM70/dive with all gear included, except dive computers and cameras. After that, the dives are RM60/dive.

Sugar Wreck and The Pinnacle dive sites as well as Redang Island trips cost more. PADI Diving courses, Discover Scuba Diving, NITROX and Snorkelling are available. Night dives can be arranged separately.

For diving reservations, contactTurtle Bay Divers Sdn Bhd at 03-7803 3994, fax 03-7803 4060 or email yaakub@tm.net.my or go to www.turtlebaydivers.com

Note: A Marine Park Entrance Fee of RM5 is payable upon arrival at Kuala Besut.

Gua Terang Bulan

Friday, August 27, 2010 — Friday, August 27, 2010

Saksi keajaiban alam mencorak stalagmite dalam pelbagai formasi menakjubkan di dalam gua berusia 140 juta tahun.

JAGA bahasa, jangan cakap kuat dan jangan tegur apa-apa.

Pesanan yang tidak mungkin penulis lupa ketika pertama kali menjejakkan kaki untuk meneroka Gua Terang Bulan di Taman Warisan Gua Kota Gelanggi, Jerantut, Pahang.

Pesanannya ringkas, namun sarat makna tersirat, membuatkan penulis terfikir sama ada gua terbabit dikategori sebagai kawasan keras atau hanya seloroh rakan-rakan.

Apabila ditanya kepada pemandu pelancong Felda Resident Tekam, Norishanizam Sarudin yang membawa penulis bersama 35 wakil media dan kakitangan Olympus (M) Sdn Bhd, jawapannya ringkas: Kita perlu beringat di tempat orang.

Kami yang mengikuti Jelajah Olympus-Media ke Pahang hanya terdiam dan langkah dipercepatkan untuk mendaki tangga menuju pintu gua.

Di pintu masuk, kami dihidangkan dengan beberapa formasi stalagmite dengan satu daripadanya membentuk seperti kepala ular tedung yang sedang berdiri.

Menurutnya, gua itu di bawah jagaan Felda dan memang terkenal di kalangan penggemar gua dan pelancong.

Di pintu masuk, anda boleh melihat formasi kepala ular tedung, lepas ini lebih banyak formasi lain seperti menyerupai kepala kambing, manusia dan singa.

Semuanya terbentuk secara semula jadi hasil titisan mineral dan hakisan air sejak ratusan atau mungkin jutaan tahun kerana difahamkan usia gua ini sendiri lebih 140 juta tahun, katanya.

Penulis diberitahu nama terang bulan diperoleh berdasarkan keunikan gua berkenaan yang mempunyai sudut pantul cahaya di jarak 500 meter dari pintu masuk.

Jika bernasib baik, anda berpeluang melihat suluhan cahaya matahari daripada luar ke gua menerusi celah-celah batu secara pantulan zig-zag.

Ketika mula diteroka, kami mengesan pantulan cahaya itu dan apabila Felda mengambil alih pemuliharaannya pada 1993, ia dinamakan Gua Terang Bulan.

Kami pernah menemui rangka manusia di sini ketika menerokanya pada 1998. Semua artifak ini ada kita dipamerkan di ruang khas di Felda Resident Tekam, katanya.

Selain Gua Terang Bulan, Felda turut mengurus sembilan daripada 197 gua di kawasan Taman Warisan Gua Kota Gelanggi termasuk Gua Penyu, Tongkat, Sanding, Angin, Balai, Hijau, Tangga 99 dan Gelap.

Maklumat lanjut mengenai aktiviti rekreasi penerokaan gua hubungi Felda Resident Tekam di talian 09-471 8300.

Syurga beli-belah serlah kelebihan Manila

Thursday, August 26, 2010 — Thursday, August 26, 2010

PENGUNJUNG ibu negara Filipina ini tidak hanya disambut bunyi hon pengangkutan awam popularnya - jeepney, tetapi tarikan monumen bersejarah serta lokasi pelancongan mewah Roxas Boulevard, Manila Bay, Jalan Mabini dan Plaza Manila. Namun ada syurga beli-belah wajib dikunjungi iaitu Quiapo yang dipenuhi deretan ratusan gerai hasil kraf tangan, terutama berasaskan cangkerang siput di bawah jejambat lebuh raya, seperti catatan perjalanan MOHD ANWAR PATHO ROHMAN

MABUHAY atau selamat datang - ucapan yang sinonim dan sentiasa melekat di mulut rakyat Filipina apabila menyambut ketibaan tetamu atau bertemu orang baru dikenali.

Kemesraan itu dirasai penulis apabila berada di Manila, ibu negara Filipina yang boleh dikelaskan antara kota metropolitan yang sibuk, padat dan sesak di rantau ini.

Sikap ramah penduduk adalah antara ciri kota ini selain kesesakan lalu lintas, jenayah domestik, pencemaran, kemiskinan, gelandangan dan peniaga kecil di simpang jalan yang mewarnai kanvas kehidupan warganya.

Menyusur hiruk pikuk kota Manila agak merimaskan pada mulanya. Apa tidaknya, lalu lintas ala-Amerika Syarikat (AS) dengan pemanduan di sebelah kiri, agak memeningkan.

Bagi yang teringin memandu tetapi tidak biasa dengan sistem pemanduan di sini, perlulah mahir kerana jalannya sentiasa dibanjiri kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV), terutama jenama Korea dan Jepun.

Jika sekadar penumpang atau menggunakan pengangkutan awam, nikmati saja kerenah masyarakatnya atau pemandangan bandar yang dipenuhi monumen sejarah tinggalan penjajah.

Sistem pengangkutan di Manila juga unik kerana jalan raya dipenuhi `jeepney, bekas trak kegunaan tentera AS yang diubahsuai, dibaikpulih dan dihias menjadi pengangkutan awam paling popular di sini. Penumpang masuk dan keluar mengikut pintu belakang kenderaan ini yang boleh memuatkan sehingga 20 orang.

Konsepnya sama seperti Angkutan Kota di bandar utama Indonesia. Kelebihan jeepney ialah tambangnya yang murah sekitar 30 peso atau RM2.40 sekali perjalanan selain penampilannya yang berwarna-warni dan dilapisi besi aluminium yang menonjolkan sifat garang dan ganasnya di atas jalan.

Berada di Manila, tidak sah jika tidak ke lokasi pelancongan mewah Roxas Boulevard, Manila Bay, Jalan Mabini dan Plaza Manila. Di sinilah `syurga dunia, sama ada membeli-belah, `mencuci mata, memanjakan diri dengan diurut atau sekadar bersantai melapangkan minda.

Roxas Boulevard terletak berhampiran barisan hotel bertaraf satu hingga lima bintang, hanya mengambil masa sekitar 15 hingga 30 minit dari pusat bandar jika menggunakan pengangkutan awam khasnya teksi dan jeepney.

Manila Bay pula tempat nyaman untuk menghabiskan masa petang. Laluan pejalan kaki dipenuhi orang berjoging, bermain kasut roda atau sekadar duduk bersantai di atas tembok sambil menikmati pemandangan teluk, menyaksikan matahari terbenam.

Mungkin kisah ibu negara Filipina sudah banyak diceritakan sebelum ini, namun penulis pasti tidak ramai yang tahu mengenai Quiapo, pinggir bandar Manila yang dikatakan pusat utama komuniti Islam di kota ini. Di sini juga terletaknya pusat beli-belah Plaza Miranda dan Jalan Hidalgo, iaitu syurga jualan kelengkapan dan alat fotografi.

Apa yang menarik di Quiapo ialah kewujudan ratusan gerai menjual hasil kraf tangan, terutama berasaskan cangkerang siput di bawah jejambat lebuh raya atau dalam bahasa Tagalog dipanggil `sa ilalim ng tulay.

Namun, kedudukan barisan gerai terbabit yang terletak berhampiran pasar basah dan `tempat tinggal golongan gelandangan, mencipta persekitaran yang tidak begitu menyenangkan, berbau busuk, kotor dan hanyir, tetapi di sinilah tempatnya jika anda mahu membeli cenderahati pada harga murah.

Pelbagai produk dihasilkan dan dijual di sini, antaranya jam dinding, lampu bilik tidur, set kelengkapan meja makan seperti alas pinggan dan gelas, lampu siling, rantai dan mutiara, kapal mini dalam botol, rantai kunci, langsir pintu dan bermacam lagi.

Rata-rata peniaga di sini menjual produk yang sama, namun harganya berbeza antara satu gerai dengan gerai lain. Terserah kepada pembeli untuk tawar-menawar bagi mendapatkan harga terbaik. Perlu diingat, harga pembukaan yang ditawarkan kepada pelancong asing selalunya lebih tinggi.

Di sini, peniaganya begitu ramah dan apa yang membuat penulis tertarik ialah mendengar mereka menuturkan perkataan `murah untuk menarik perhatian pelanggan. Sebenarnya, `murah adalah sebahagian daripada bahasa Tagalog bersusur galur daripada bahasa melayu.

Bagi pengunjung Islam, tidak perlu gusar mencari makanan halal kerana ada restoran Muslim di kawasan perkampungan Islam atau Muslim Town yang turut menempatkan Masjid Hijau, namun agak malang kerana komuniti Islam di sini tidak begitu ramah dengan pelancong asing, mungkin kerana tidak mampu berbahasa Inggeris dengan baik.

Penulis dimaklumkan oleh peniaga setempat bahawa kanak-kanak Islam di situ tidak dihantar belajar ke sekolah kerajaan yang didakwa mereka menerapkan ajaran Kristian dan dibimbangi merosakkan akidah.

Satu lagi tarikan Quiapo ialah kebanjiran perisian komputer, CD, VCD dan DVD cetak rompak pelbagai hasil karya muzik dan filem dengan harga sekitar 15 peso atau RM1.20.

INFO

Suku kaum komuniti Islam di Quiapo

* Tausug

* Badjao atau bajau

* Samal

* Maguindanaon

Food bazaar with village charm

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 — Wednesday, August 25, 2010

C.K. LAM strolls the Tanjung Tokong food bazaar and ends up buying more than she needs

TANJUNG Tokong Malay Village, which was once a sleepy kampung in the 60s and 70s, has grown into a suburb with rows of flats, overshadowing what is left of the kampung houses.

Gone are the seafronts directly opposite the village where the natural sand split and mangrove trees grew. The village now faces vast reclaimed land and its sea view is blocked by modern concrete houses and high rise towers.

Despite the modernisation, the residents have maintained the uniqueness of Malaysian culture - the evening food bazaar, or commonly known as pasar malam.

The Tanjung Tokong night market operates every Saturday evening and is one of the designated Ramadan food bazaars.

During the fasting month, the bazaar is held every evening with stall-owners selling delicacies for the Muslims to break fast. Traditional Malay cuisine are the top draw here, with classics such as ayam percik (grilled chicken), rendang with ketupat or lemang, kuih muih, air bandung, putu mayam, fried noodles and satay.

Stalls are lined up along the road which leads to the village. The aroma of cooking wafts through the air as one strolls along the stretch of food stalls.

It is difficult to choose the food given the sheer variety found at the stalls but if one has to narrow down the choices, go for the beef soup, rendang with ketupat, putu mayam, fried noodles and satay.

One should also look out for the Wawasan Bihun Soup. The beef soup is boiled with many parts of the cow, including the innards. Not many food bazaars have this typical Malay cuisine as it is troublesome to prepare and difficult to lug the huge container of soup to the bazaar.

The soup has a distinct aroma of turmeric and herbs. Unlike the soup sold by the Mamaks, Wawasans soup is much clearer. It goes well with the turmeric beehoon and the spicy chilli paste.

The mini murtabak is another popular snack Malaysians can never go without. The murtabak is soft and moist, filled with minced beef. The pickled onion is a customised accompaniment, giving it an extra kick.

If you are a fan of glutinous rice, you may want to visit Mak Ciks stall. The ketupat with rendang is a must buy. There are not many stalls around town offering this triangular wrapper. Mak Cik says its time consuming to wrap the ketupat and the number of wrappers she can produce diminishes as she gets older. The rendang is home cooked with rich spices.

Do not be surprised to see durian in Mak Ciks stall as she also sells pulut durian (glutinous rice with durian).

With the coconut cream mixed into the glutinous rice and the durian, the whole mixture is just heavenly, leaving many wanting more. Many were seen queuing up to buy this dessert.

The mamak popiah has a strong turmeric aroma on the shredded yambean and with the fried diced taukua, beansprouts, shallots and a paint of sweet chilli sauce on the skin, makes the roll irresistible. The owner proudly claims that the popiah pastry is homemade.

One of the traditional Malay delicacies is kuih peneram. Made from the aromatic palm sugar (gula melaka) and flour, the mixture is shaped into small donut and deep fried till chocolate brown.

Another interesting food I found in this food bazaar is the stir-fried penne. The tubular penne was cooked with minced beef, vegetables and eggs. Besides this, the stall owner also sells the Singapore beehoon.

Right at the junction of the road is Hussains Satay. The beef and chicken satay go for RM0.35 each while the exotic innards (perut) are slightly more expensive. He is helped out by his wife and son, with the wife handling the griller.

Usually you end up buying more then you need as everything looks tempting here. Tanjung Tokong may have lost some of its village charm but when it comes to the food bazaar, the Malaysian eating spirit truly comes alive.

Crowded in Dhaka

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 — Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Home to 12.3 million people, the capital of Bangladesh is a throbbing, chaotic city that both fascinates and excites visitors, writes INTAN MAIZURA AHMAD KAMAL

A city once described by former Monty Python star and global explorer Michael Palin as Venice on speed, Dhaka, one of the worlds fastest growing cities, has long fascinated both travellers and historians in South Asia.

This was reason enough for me to want a slice of what it was that fascinated them.

The capital of Bangladesh, located on the banks of River Buriganga, which has suffered a long and turbulent history, witnessing the turmoil of Partition in 1947 and the creation of the state of Bangladesh in 1972, as well as the misery of wartime devastation and a flurry of natural calamities through the years, is a funny place. Youll either love it or hate it.

Suffice to say, theres no place like Dhaka. The ninth largest city in the world, its population (areas under the jurisdiction of the Dhaka city corporation) stands at approximately 6.7 million. However, combined with localities forming the wider metropolitan area, it is home to about 12.3 million (as of 2007).

And the population is growing by an estimated 4.2 per cent per annum, one of the highest rates among Asian cities. You can imagine how crowded things can get!

Dhaka is a place where the rich and poor live really near to each other and the differences between the haves and have-nots are obvious. Its a city of peddlers, and rickshaws, roadside vendors and hawkers.

The citys basically divided into two parts - the old and the new. The old town is where you get more of the mouth-watering traditional Bengali cuisine. Alternatively, there are always the modern areas, such as Gulshan and Dhanmandi Area, restaurants, and great hotels. Modern Dhaka is the centre of political, cultural and economic life in Bangladesh and this is where youll find many foreigners, presumably working in the city for humanitarian organisations or are there for business.

What To See

Lalbagh Fort: The fort, located along the river banks in the heart of Dhaka city, is an oasis of tranquillity.

The Mughal palace fortress was built in the late 17th Century during the vice-royalty of Prince Muhammad Azam, the son of the reigning Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. However, it wasnt completed during his reign. The prince was betrothed to Bibi Pari (fairy lady), daughter of Bengals Governor, Nawab Shaista Khan, but following her death, Shaista Khan began believing that the fort was inauspicious, and subsequently halted its construction.

Some years later, local rulers, who were running out of money, leased the fort to the British who turned it into a police headquarters. They added more buildings to the complex but ignored the Mughal architecture. During restoration works years later, many of these British additions were removed and the compound was returned to its original design.

The fort, a three-storey structure with slender minarets at the south gate, has many hidden passages and a huge mosque. Some of the outstanding monuments include Pari Bibis tomb, composed of eight rooms surrounding a square central room that contains her remains - a tribute that inevitably echoes the glory of the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, found in Agras Taj Mahal, and the Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan, which now houses a museum.

Its a great place for a leisurely stroll and soaking in the Mughal past. The gardens are beautiful and you can even enjoy an impromptu picnic on the grounds. The only thing that mars the serenity is the presence of child beggars intent on getting tourists to part with their taka. But dont let that spoil your experience here.

Shaheed Minar: The symbol of Bangladesh nationalism, this monument was built to commemorate those killed in the Language Movement of 1952. Although this movement was apparently for the recognition of Bangla as one of the state languages of the-then Pakistan, it was in fact, the first outburst of popular feelings against the unpopular and autocratic government.

Curzon Hall: One of the few architectural standouts from this trip. This beautiful building, named after Lord Curzon, is an important part of Dhakas history and today houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. The walk around its beautifully manicured lawns is a welcomed respite from Dhakas manic bustle.

Parliament House: An architectural marvel, Parliament House was designed by the famous architect, Luis Kahn. Juxtaposed against most of Dhaka citys architectural landscape, this building seems almost surreal. Made of mostly concrete and marble, its a unique showcase of both ancient and modern architecture.

Where To Shop

For a taste of Dhakas diverse shopping scene, check out Aarong (handicrafts, apparels, souvenirs), Elephant Road (famous for its shoes market, apparels, belts and wallets), and the seven-storey mall, Bashundara City Mall (apparels to DVDs). If hagglings more your thing, Bango Bazaar Shopping Market, the largest garment market in the city, is the place to be.

Where To Stay

Dhaka has many hotels and guesthouses with the cheapest places found in and around Old Dhaka. I stayed at Ascott, The Residence (www.ascottdhaka.com) - a cosy boutique hotel that served up great food, a comfortable room that made me feel right at home, especially with the modern flat screen TV to watch the World Cup from, and friendly service. Its not as grand or packed with state-of-the-art facilities as many of the other larger hotels, but it was lovely.

Other hotels with five-star facilities are Radisson Water Garden Hotel (www.radisson.com/dhaka), Dhaka Sheraton Hotel (www.sheraton.com/dhaka) and Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka Hotel (www.panpacific.com/dhaka).

Where To Eat

If youre not feeling adventurous, there are plenty to choose from, with Thai, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Italian, Mexican and Chinese restaurants scattered around the city.

Continental cuisine has yet to make a niche for itself in the local scene but if youre dying for it, the international hotel chains do serve Continental and American meals.

One hotel that does a great lunch buffet is Dhaka Sheraton Hotel (www.sheraton.com/dhaka). Its general manager, Ahmad Bukhari Hamzah, is a Malaysian and you can see how this is reflected in some of the menu selection.

Id personally look out for traditional Bangladeshi restaurants because the food is seriously good. Although I ate most of my meals in the various hotels we visited, I managed to sample traditional Bengali cuisine at Bar-B-Q-Tonite (House No. 58, Road No. 16 (new)/27 (old) Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka), a modest open-air bungalow-turned-restaurant famed for its tandoori, parata and curry. Awesome.

A word of caution: Avoid eating at outside stalls or you might end up spoiling your holiday with the equivalent of the Delhi Belly.

Beyond The City

Experience the beauty of Bangladesh by heading out to places such as Sonargon, considered to be one of the first and oldest capitals of Bengal. Located near the current-day city of Narayanganj, 29km south west of Dhaka, this old town, they say, is a good day out of Dhaka city where you can enjoy some of the best preserved remains of the kingdom.

Coxs Bazaar, the premier and most popular beach destination in the country, also comes highly recommended. The locals tell me that you can literally see both sunset and sunrise at the same time as this is one of the longest (125km) unbroken beaches in the world. (Note: Cox, an English officer, was the Superintendent of the Palonki outpost after Warren Hastings became the Governor of Bengal following the British East India Company Act in 1773).

Weather

The weather is warm most of the year and the best time to go is in the winter months from November to March when the climate is pleasantly cool, with temperatures ranging from 10C to 20C. Typical summer temperatures range between 30C and 37C.

How To Get Around

Pick from buses, air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned, three-wheel scooters (auto rickshaw), air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned taxis and private cars. Theres also the green taxis or CNG, which run on compressed natural gas, replacing the earlier two-stroke engine taxis.

Dhakas known as the rickshaw capital of the world. Some 400,000 cycle rickshaws run each day and together with the auto rickshaws, its the main mode of transport for the locals.

Although theyre cheap and non-polluting, cycle rickshaws cause massive congestion and have been banned from many city streets. Its quite an adventure trying to manoeuvre along the roads here, especially if youre a pedestrian.

Then theres Bangladesh Railway, as well as the domestic and international air links.

And yes, you can cycle in and around the city but be prepared for some serious adventures in the cacophony that is Dhaka City.

How To Get There

Malaysia Airlines flies to Dhaka daily at 10.20pm. For more info, go to www.malaysiaairlines.com

Simpan khazanah berharga

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 — Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Kompleks Muzium Losong terbesar di Asia Tenggara

DIKENALI Muzium Losong, Muzium Negeri Terengganu mempunyai keunikan tersendiri dan menyimpan khazanah yang tidak ternilai.

Dengan keluasan 27 hektar, ia adalah kompleks muzium terbesar di Asia Tenggara yang terdiri daripada empat blok bangunan utama.

Menerusi empat blok bangunan utama, pengunjung berpeluang menjelajahi setiap sudut yang di bahagi mengikut galeri iaitu Galeri Tekstil, Galeri Diraja, Galeri Islam, Ilmu Kejadian, Perikanan dan Taman Laut, Pelayaran dan Perdagangan dan Galeri Petroleum.

Muzium dengan seni binanya diinspirasi dari istana lama Terengganu serta landskap taman yang indah itu turut menempatkan muzium maritim, muzium perikanan, lima rumah tradisional dan taman botani serta taman ulam.

Melangkah masuk ke muzium utama, pengunjung pasti terpegun melihat Batu Bersurat yang menjadi lambang penyebaran Islam di Terengganu.

Di Galeri Tekstil, pengunjung berpeluang melihat sejarah industri itu selain proses penghasilan, perkembangan serta jenis-jenis tekstil yang dihasilkan seperti songket, limar, batik, pelangi, cindai, gerus dan telepuk.

Pengunjung juga dapat melihat pelbagai jenis busana tradisional termasuklah pakaian harian dan upacara perkahwinan serta berkhatan.

Di Galeri Diraja, pengunjung dapat mengimbau kembali sejarah Kesultanan Terengganu menerusi salasilah institusi Kesultanan Terengganu.

Turut dipamerkan, keris berpintal milik Sultan, pingat dan bintang kebesaran.

Melangkah terus ke galeri pengunjung dapat menghayati peristiwa bersejarah di Terengganu serta mengenali tokoh sasterawan dan sejarawan.

Sebagai menghargai kerjasama yang erat antara Kerajaan Negeri dan Petronas sebuah galeri yang memberi peluang kepada pengunjung menerokai dan mempelajari sejarah serta perkembangan industri minyak, diwujudkan di Muzium Negeri Terengganu yang dinamakan Galeri Petroleum.

Info

Waktu beroperasi:

Sabtu - Khamis: 9 pagi - 5 petang

Jumaat: 9 pagi - 12 tengah hari / 3 petang - 5 petang

Cuti Umum: 9 pagi - 5 petang

Aidilfitri / Aidiladha

- Ditutup pada hari raya pertama dan kedua.

Tiket:

Warga negara Malaysia

Dewasa: RM5

Kanak-kanak: RM2

Pelajar Berpakaian seragam: RM1

Bukan warga negara

Dewasa: RM15

Kanak-kanak: RM10

Bagaimana ke sini:

Kereta

Pengunjung yang ingin memandu sendiri ke Muzium, harus mengambil laluan ke Kampung Losong yang terkenal dengan pembuatan keropok lekor. Muzium itu dapat dilihat di atas Bukit Losong.

Bas

Hanya 15 minit perjalanan menggunakan bas dari stesen bas MPKT ke Muzium atau Losong.

Teksi

Dari Stesen Teksi Kuala Terengganu, perjalanan hanya 10 minit untuk ke muzium.

Tokyo destinasi pelancongan serba lengkap

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 — Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Kota kosmopolitan bertaraf dunia, aksi ranggi remajanya dan status bandar raya mahal dengan harga secawan kopinya mencecah RM31 sudah sinonim dengan tokyo. Namun, ibu negara Jepun ini juga kaya tarikan lain seperti keindahan bunga sakura, pelbagai muzium dan bangunan bersejarah, syurga beli-belah termasuk barangan elektronik, magis Disneyland tokyo serta kelembutan rakyatnya, seperti catatan perjalanan ZAHARA ZULKIFLY

AWAL pagi di Tokyo, penulis bersama sembilan rakan yang mengikuti program kembara ilmu di Negara Matahari Terbit ini keluar dari Asrama Sakura di Asakusa dan menaiki kereta api ke Ueno Park, taman awam terbesar di ibu negara Jepun yang dibuka pada 1873 dan menjadi destinasi wajib dilawati.

Di pintu masuk bahagian selatan taman ini, berdiri megah Tugu Peringatan Saigo Takamori, pemimpin penting pada zaman Maharaja Meiji. Ueno Park juga menempatkan pelbagai muzium, antaranya Muzium Nasional Tokyo, Muzium Orient, Muzium Sains Kebangsaan, Muzium Shitamachi, Muzium Kebangsaan Seni Barat dan Muzium Galeri Seni Metropolitan.

Di sini juga ada taman zoologikal pertama Jepun yang dibina pada 1882. Ada sebuah kolam terbesar dinamakan Shinobazu, di tengahnya ada sebuah pulau menempatkan Kuil Benten yang menarik kunjungan ramai penganut Buddha. Antara tarikan utama Ueno Park ialah lebih 1,000 pokok sakura atau cherry tree.

Penulis bersyukur kerana diizinkan Allah SWT menyaksikan keindahan bunga sakura yang mekar berkembang putih bersih, berkelopak lima dan kembangnya hanya seminggu dalam setahun. Bila hujan menyirami alam, sakura berguguran jatuh ke bumi.

Dari Ueno Park, kami ke Akihabara atau singkatannya Akiba yang juga dikenali sebagai bandar elektronik. Ratusan kedai elektronik dalam pelbagai saiz dan bentuk ada di sekitar Stesen Akihabara dan di sepanjang jalan Chuo Dori atau Chuo Avenue menjual produk terbaru di pasaran serta barangan elektronik terpakai yang masih baik kualitinya.

Lokasi seterusnya ialah Istana Raja, tidak jauh dari stesen kereta api Tokyo.

Kawasannya amat luas, dikelilingi pokok pine yang dijaga rapi. Tersergam indah bangunan istana dan rumah pembesar dengan seni bina klasik sambil dikelilingi air dari binaan dinding konkrit yang sangat kukuh.

Kami kemudian ke Menara Tokyo yang menjadi mercu tanda bandar raya ini. Dengan ketinggian 333 meter, struktur yang dibina dengan besi serta mengambil ilham model Menara Eiffel di kota Paris, yang menjadi simbol kekuasaan ekonomi dan perkhidmatan penyiaran Jepun.

Stesen kereta api bawah tanah terdekat ialah Onarimon yang disambung dengan perkhidmatan Mita Subway Line dan Akabanebashi Station. Dari Stesen Hamamatsucho, pengguna boleh menggunakan perkhidmatan JR Yamanote dan JR KeihinTohoku Line atau berjalan kaki yang mengambil masa kirakira 15 minit untuk ke menara ini.

Destinasi seterusnya, Ginza yang menempatkan gedung perniagaan mewah, butik, galeri seni lukis, restoran, kelab hiburan dan kafe antarabangsa.

Namun di hati penulis terdetik rasa bangga kerana di sini juga ada gedung kasut Datuk Jimmy Choo, anak Malaysia yang berjaya mengukir nama di persada dunia.

Seperti namanya yang kedengaran eksklusif, Ginza juga adalah tempat belibelah paling mahal di Tokyo. Tidak hairanlah jika harga tanah di sini mencecah lebih sejuta yen bagi satu meter persegi, malah harga secawan kopi di sini pun sehingga AS$10 (RM31).

Tidak ramai yang tahu, daerah Ginza muncul sebagai pusat belibelah dan lubuk ekonomi Jepun selepas meletusnya gempa bumi Kanto pada 1923.

Apa yang menarik, jika kita lazimnya mengelak melakukan aktiviti belibelah pada hari minggu kerana bimbangkan kesesakan lalu lintas, namun di Ginza, ia selesa dikunjungi pada Sabtu, dari jam 2 hingga 5 petang manakala Ahad, jam 12 tengah hari hingga 5 petang. Ini disebabkan jalan di sepanjang pusat Chuo Dori ditutup kepada lalu lintas. Malah, bagi April hingga September pula, waktu jalan ditutup dilanjutkan sehingga jam 6 petang.

Andai penat berjalan, pengunjung boleh berhenti rehat di ruang meja berpayung di sepanjang kawasan ini. Selepas menjelajah sebahagian besar bandar raya Tokyo, kami kembali ke Stesen Ueno yang di sekitarnya ada kedai 100 yen yang menjual pelbagai barangan berkualiti.

Pada kesempatan ini, kami turut singgah di pasar basah menjual ikan dan hasil laut lain. Sudah pasti, hasil laut yang dibeli iaitu ikan salmon segar diberi sentuhan Malaysia apabila dimasak asam pedas menggunakan pes dibawa dari tanah air. Tidak ketinggalan, sup abalon campur cendawan dan sayursayuran hijau menjadi menu makan malam kami yang kepenatan selepas membelibelah cenderahati di Ameyoko Plaza.

Di Asakusa pula, ada sebuah rumah ibadat tertua Buddha, Kuil Sensoji yang dibina pada abad ketujuh.

Pintu masuk utamanya dikenali Kaminarimon yang terletak betulbetul di pintu keluar Stesen Asakusa. Dari Kaminarimon ke pintu masuk kedua, Hozomon untuk ke Kuil Sensoji, ada laluan sepanjang 250 meter yang dikenali Nakamise.

Kawasan Nakamise ini wujud sejak beberapa abad lalu dengan kiri dan kanan di sepanjang laluannya menempatkan lebih 50 kedai cenderahati dan kuihmuih tradisional seperti osenbei (biskut nasi) dan ningyoyaki (kuih berinti kacang merah).

Sudah semestinya, tidak lengkap kunjungan ke manamana destinasi tanpa membawa pulang buah tangan.

Di Tokyo, apa yang menarik, begitu mudah mendapatkan cenderahati hasil kerja tangan penduduk seperti kipas lipat, terompah kayu, selipar getah, yakuta (baju tidur), kimono dan baju T beridentiti tempatan dengan harga amat berpatutan. Zon perniagaan Nakamise sekarang diperluaskan dengan kewujudan butik pelbagai jenama, kedai dan restoran.

Penulis sempat meninjau sekitar kawasan Asakusa dan di sepanjang satu kilometer Kappabashi Street, ada kedai menawarkan kelengkapan dan aksesori dapur termasuk keperluan untuk pengusaha katering dan restoran, Rox Department Store yang beroperasi 24 jam selain Matsuya Department Store.

Andai anda pencinta muzik, kunjungi Taikokan atau Muzium Dram yang mempamerkan pelbagai jenis dram dari seluruh dunia. Ada juga Muzium Kraf Tradisional menghimpunkan barangan tradisional Jepun seperti sikat, gunting, perabot, barangan perak, sulaman dan lainlain tetapi demonstrasi penghasilan barangan kraf hanya diadakan hujung minggu.

Berhampiran Hostel Sakura dan bersebelahan Kuil Sensoji, ada Hanayashiki Amusement Park yang menawarkan pengalaman menarik menaiki roller coaster, ferris wheel mini, carousel dan space hot.

Pengunjung juga boleh ke Sumida Park, menghayati panorama indah Sungai Sumida yang boleh juga disusuri dengan perkhidmatan cruise.

Penulis berpeluang ke kawasan luar bandar Kagohara. Perkampungan dan ladangnya diurus penuh sistematik, bersih dan tersusun.

Pemandangan sayursayuran hijau dan bunga sengkuang yang menguning amat memukau.

Jika bersama keluarga, pastikan anda singgah di Disneyland Tokyo yang menjanjikan pengalaman dan keseronokan buat kanakkanak.

Bagi yang sukakan cabaran, bolehlah ke Gunung Fuji, namun ia hanya dibuka kepada pelancong pada pertengahan April, iaitu selepas musim sejuk berakhir.

Kembara ke Tokyo kali ini amat bermakna kerana selain perkongsian ilmu, penulis juga dapat menyaksikan sendiri masyarakatnya yang masih mengekalkan adab sopan orang Timur. Menariknya, anda boleh melancong tanpa menggunakan khidmat pemandu pelancong kerana segala maklumat terkini dan lengkap boleh dilayari melalui internet.

Info
Antara tarikan utama di Tokyo

* Taman Timur Istana Diraja

* Odaiba - pusat beli-belah

* Shibuya - Tinjau dan beli fesyen Tokyo

* Taman Ueno - Paling banyak dilawati ketika musim sakura berbunga

* Akihabara - Bandar elektronik Tokyo

Brighter, bolder and safer

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 — Tuesday, August 24, 2010

THE refurbished suites at Holiday Villa Hotel Suites Subang have a new, dapper feel and round-the-clock security, writes PUTRI ZANINA.

Whats the advantage of upgrading from a Deluxe room to an Executive suite? Plenty... as I find out at Holiday Villa Hotel Suites Subang during a short break.

For one, the suite has a new feel with everything looking so dapper. Its on one of the two recently refurbished floors which underwent phase one of a RM25 million renovation.

The decor of the suites in the 22-year-old hotel has been transformed into one thats brighter, bolder and definitely nicer.

I like its overall chic simplicity. The light brown curtains match the carpet streaked with brown and warm yellow as well as the dark brown wooden panels mounted on the walls. Modern art pieces decorate the walls of the spacious room.

The maroon headrest and bed runners contrast beautifully with the crisp white duvet. The bed is indulgent, with a firm mattress, cosy blanket, plump duvet and cushy pillows.

But what strikes me most is the orange sofa set that adds a dash of brilliance to the otherwise sedate living area.

Theres a widescreen LCD TV and a workstation with Internet access, which is one of the main facilities provided when you choose to stay in the Executive suite. You also get free breakfast for two with the room package. Other facilities like separate shower stall and bathtub, bedside lamps, flexible LED reading light, weighing scale, iron and ironing board and an in-room safe are all at your disposal.

All suites are at the newer tower block, guarded by security personnel round-the-clock and you need to use your room key card to operate the lift at the tower.

Another type of room - the Deluxe rooms - are in the older wing of the hotel and these have not been refurbished. There are no guards manning the access to the floors here and you wont need key cards to use the lift.

Although the furniture looks old and the decor jaded, the spacious room is still charming. Theres a nice walk-in closet for hanging your clothes, keeping your baggage and storing things.

You wont get Internet access, free breakfasts, large flat screen TV, bathtub and in-room ironing facilities, but theres a bonus when you stay in these rooms - a nice view of the Subang Jaya Lake surrounded by greenery that makes it worthwhile.

The hotel is beautifully set near the edge of this lake. Lush gardens, an Olympic-sized pool, fine restaurants, a spa and numerous other facilities add to the appeal of this hotel which has retained much of its original fa�ade and charm.

FAST FACTS

Hotel

Holiday Villa Hotel Suites Subang

9 Jalan SS 12/1, Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Tel: 03-5633 8788, fax: 03-5633 7449

Email: hvs@holidayvillasubang.com.my or centralresv@holidayvilla.com.my

Website: http://www.holidayvillahotelsubang.com

Getting There

Subang Jaya is 25km from Kuala Lumpur with easy access to the capital city as well as other places such as Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Bandar Sunway and Klang via a network of highways including the Federal Highway, New Klang Valley Expressway and New Pantai Expressway. The hotel is less than five minutes drive from Subang Jaya Medical Centre.

Main Attractions

Its many facilities. Its recreational club allows members to enjoy all the facilities. Superb conference and meeting rooms cater to business guests, while its large halls are popular for private functions such as weddings.

First Impression

A well-frequented hotel that is spacious and with facilities located in its many nooks and crannies. The huge swimming pool is a major draw.

Rating

Five-star.

Rooms

There are 383 rooms (Deluxe, Corporate Deluxe, Studio/Executive Suite, Residential Suite, Prima Deluxe and Prima Presidential Suite). Two floors - the Prima Floor and Prima Lounge with restaurant and bar facilities will appeal to business guests. Rooms come with air-conditioning, a television with satellite channels, a separate shower and bath, an IDD telephone system, broadband Internet access, work desk, mini bar, electronic safe and coffee/tea making facilities.

Rates

Normal rack rates from RM530. Current promotional rate starts from RM295, which includes a buffet breakfast for two and Internet access.

F B Outlets

Palm Terrace 24-hour coffeehouse serves local and Western fare with elaborate buffets for breakfast, lunch, hi-tea and dinner. The Inn of Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant offers Cantonese dishes and dim sum daily. For fine Italian food, Cibo Ristorante Italiano is the place to go. The Lobby Lounge has specialty coffees, teas, sandwiches, scones and cakes. Little Cuba sells exclusive cigars and premium wines. Enjoy cocktails and other beverages to the sounds of live bands at La Vida Lounge and cools drinks and snacks by the pool and barbecue dinner on Saturday nights at the Poolside Cafe. Finally, Lifestyles Karaoke has two private rooms for you to sing away while savouring fine food and drinks.

Other Facilities

Theres an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a childrens pool, a learners pool, a toddlers pool and an open-air jacuzzi, a sports centre with courts for badminton, squash, tennis and table tennis, gymnasium, 10-lane bowling alley, snooker table, childrens play room, piano room and Spa Wellness Amoaras Relaxation Spa featuring traditional Balinese treatments and steam baths. Also available are convention and banquet facilities, business centre, private computer rooms, private work cubicles with computer facilities and Internet access, and library and secretarial services.

Overall Service

Prompt.

Places Within Walking Distance

Subang Jaya Lake recreation park, shophouses with eateries and convenience stores, and the Subang Jaya Medical Centre.

Rahsia Cyberjaya

Monday, August 23, 2010 — Monday, August 23, 2010

Cyberview Lodge tersembunyi di sebalik kehijauan alam, tarikan Lembah Silikon Malaysia

IDEA untuk lari dari kesibukan kerja dan menghabiskan hujung minggu bersama anak-anak di destinasi istimewa cukup dinantikan. Tidak perlu pergi jauh, intai saja lokasi strategik berkonsepkan resort dan chalet di Cyberview Lodge Resort Spa, Cyberjaya.

Bukan saja mudah dan ekonomikal dari segi kos pengangkutan bagi mereka yang menetap di sempadan Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Selangor dan Negeri Sembilan - lokasinya yang seolah-olah `tersembunyi lagi tenang serta kaya dengan kehijauan, cukup mengumpan.

Berkeluasan 2,890 hektar, Cyberjaya kini mudah dikunjungi dengan pembukaan lingkaran lebuh raya Maju Expressway (MEX) yang menghubungkan Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya atau Kuala Lumpur-Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) dalam tempoh 25 minit hingga 30 minit saja.

Tambah menarik, kedudukan resort dengan hanya 74 bilik berkonsep chalet ini hanya 20 minit hingga 25 minit dari KLIA dan Lapangan Terbang Tambang Murah (LCCT), Sepang.

Ikuti pengalaman penulis yang berpeluang menghabiskan hujung minggu di resort bersama keluarga sebelum Ramadan, baru-baru ini.

Sabtu

9.15 pagi: Selesai bersarapan di rumah, penulis bergerak dari Klang menerusi lebuh raya KESAS sebelum masuk ke lebuh raya Utara Selatan Hubungan Tengah (ELITE). Sebaik terpandang saja papan tanda Putrajaya/Cyberjaya, kami terus membelok ke kiri dan masuk ke lebuh raya Maju Expressway. Tidak sampai setengah jam, kami sudah terpacul di depan pintu gerbang Cyberview Logde Resort Spa. Senyum mesra pengawal keselamatan segak berpakaian seragam menyambut ketibaan kami.

10.30 pagi: Teruja benar untuk sampai tepat pada waktu kerana temujanji untuk memanjakan diri di Sembunyi Spa yang tersohor itu sudah ditetapkan jam 11 pagi.

Tanyalah siapa saja yang pernah ke sini mendapatkan rawatan. Anda akan faham mengapa bukan mudah untuk mendapatkan temujanji di Sembunyi Spa, pusat rawatan kecantikan dan kesihatan yang tidak putus-putus dikunjungi pelanggan malah sering memenangi anugerah berprestij.

Urusan daftar masuk cukup lancar, tidak sampai lima minit kami terus dibawa ke Junior Suite menaiki buggy yang disediakan pihak pengurusan hotel.Bilik ini cukup luas. Ia termasuk ruang tamu berasingan, dapur dan segala macam kelengkapan dan perkhidmatan termasuk akses jalur lebar berkelajuan tinggi, komputer peribadi, plug-and-play port untuk komputer riba, semuanya tersedia secara percuma.

10.50 pagi: Sedang sibuk mengagumi reka letak, susun atur bilik yang sarat dengan perkakasan dari kayu jati, panggilan dari kakitangan Sembunyi Spa mengingatkan sesi temujanji bermula dalam masa 10 minit lagi.

Seperti yang sudah diuruskan, anak-anak akan dilalaikan dengan aktiviti yang disediakan `Kids Club sementara kami berdua menuju ke Mayang Sari Suite untuk mengalami sendiri keunikan rawatan secara berpasangan bertemakan spa Asean melalui sesi terapi menggunakan ramuan herba jamu.

11 pagi: Forever Yours menjadi pakej pilihan, mengambil masa 2 jam 45 minit rawatan dari hujung rambut ke hujung kaki ini meliputi urutan wajah diikuti rawatan tubuh dan mandian bagi membangkitkan emosi serta kesegaran mental dan fizikal.

Khusus untuk wajah, kami memilih Renew Me yang menggunakan scrub diperbuat dari bahan semula jadi seperti badam Cina, madu dengan aroma buah-buahan diakhiri dengan masker dari madu untuk memberi vitamin dan nutrien pada wajah.

Serenity untuk urutan tubuh menggunakan teknik tradisional Bali, scrub pula menampilkan perawatan lulur tradisional bersama yogurt. Untuk tubuh, Warm Spicy yang menggunakan minyak aromaterapi berasaskan rempah ratus. Sebagai penutup tirai, kami memilih untuk berendam dalam campuran air serai wangi dan herba tradisional bagi mengembalikan semangat serta kesegaran rohani dan jasmani.

1.45 petang: Selesai urusan di Sembunyi Spa, perut mula berkeroncong. Tidak sedar dua jam berlalu begitu pantas sekali. Terus menuju ke Restoran Verandah yang baru saja melalui fasa terbaru ubah suai.

Jika dulu reka hiasan dalamannya menonjolkan elemen kayu jati yang cukup rustik, kini elemen itu diganding dan diseimbangkan dengan elemen moden kontemporari yang menggunapakai hiasan kaca berhias. Tambah berselera dengan konsep menu Pan-Asian yang menghidangkan variasi hidangan dari Jepun, Vietnam, Cina, India, Barat dan masakan Melayu.

2.30 petang: Makan tengahhari begitu mengenyangkan, buat mata jadi berat. Anakanak pula lebih teruja untuk menghabiskan masa bermain permainan video dan komputer. Maklumlah, bukan saja laju untuk mengakses internet melalui jalur lebar, malah ia percuma.

5 petang: Sinar mentari mula menyembunyikan diri. Saat paling sesuai untuk mencuba nasib di kolam pancing yang letaknya betul-betul di belakang Sembunyi Spa. Tidak perlu bersusah payah membawa joran, semuanya ada tersedia siap dengan umpan sekali, bayaran hanya RM10 sejam.

6 petang: Umpan jinak di air tenang, malangnya tiada satu pun yang mengena. Ubah rancangan, kami menyewa basikal dengan kos RM15 sejam sekadar untuk menikmati kehijauan dan kesegaran sekitar Cyberview Lodge yang merimbun bukan saja dengan pelbagai tumbuhan dan pohon kelapa sawitnya, tetapi juga pokok buah-buahan seperti nanas, nangka, mangga, ciku dan kelapa.

8.30 malam: Kembali ke Verandah untuk makan malam berkonsepkan BBQ pula, anak sudah tidak henti-henti bertanya aktiviti seterusnya malam itu. Jawapan kami, biarlah rahsia!

9.30 malam: Acara seterusnya mengejutkan anak-anak. Selepas makan kami menuju ke Tree Haus Fun Pub yang mempunyai kemudahan karaoke dikenali sebagai Oasis Karaoke. Mujur Oasis mempunyai koleksi lagu popular masa kini, pendek kata kami berdua tidak dapat langsung memegang pembesar suara.

11.30 malam: Mungkin belum terlalu lewat untuk kami, namun anak-anak nampak keletihan selepas aktiviti karaoke. Dalam perjalanan kembali ke bilik, kami sedari satu keistimewaan yang hanya ditemui di sini.

Biarpun di siang hari pelbagai persidangan dan seminar berlangsung sementara majlis makan malam dan perkahwinan pada malamnya, keheningan dan kedamaian tetap terpelihara.

Ahad

8.30 pagi: Menikmati sarapan pagi di Restoran Verandah ternyata cara terbaik untuk memulakan aktiviti rehat di Cyberview Logde Resort Spa. Pelbagai pilihan makan pagi variasi Pan Asia dari yang `berat hinggalah paling berkhasiat menanti tetamu.

9.30 pagi: Berlari anak balik ke kamar selepas bersarapan. Rupanya anak- anak sudah menyusun agenda sendiri untuk mandi-manda di kolam renang. Apa yang menarik, ia adalah satu-satunya kolam mandi tiga tingkat yang pernah dibina di Malaysia. Bermula dengan kolam mandi kanak-kanak di paras teratas, diikuti dewasa dan kolam ketiga pula memberikan anda perasaan seolah-olah sedang berenang di sungai ses uai dengan batu batan buatan manusia dan tumbuhan hijau yang dibiarkan menjalar bebas.

11 pagi: Jika semalam di Verandah, sebelum pulang kami menjamu selera masakan Itali di restoran Bistro pula. Mungkin sudah rezeki, ia adalah hari terakhir The Bistro Cascata beroperasi sebelum ditutup selama sebulan untuk kerja-kerja pengubahsuaian menggantikan atap alangalangnya. Cadangan kami, jika anda ke mari pesan hidangan istimewanya Calamansi Cod - cukup menyelerakan!

12.30 petang: Dalam sibuk berkemas-kemas sebelum mendaftar keluar, jauh di sudut hati terasa berat untuk meninggalkan suasana penuh kedamaian ini.

Mana mungkin memori mendamaikan seolah-olah berada di kampung halaman dapat dilupakan. Apa yang pasti, kami akan kembali lagi ke Cyberview Lodge Resort Spa untuk berbuka puasa. Khabarnya, sajian serta pakej Ramadan yang disediakan sukar untuk dilepaskan.

Untuk maklumat lanjutan dan tempahan, layari laman web www.cyberview-lodge.com.my atau e-mel shuriana@cyberview-lodge.com.my

Belai jiwa di resort

PENGURUS Besar Cyberview Lodge Resort Spa, Shaheen Shah Mohd Sidek mengakui resort yang terletak bersebelahan Putrajaya, menyimpan sejarah dan keunikannya tersendiri.

Tidak ramai tahu, ketika Cyberjaya mula dibangunkan 12 tahun lalu, bangunan pertama yang didirikan adalah Karma Lounge yang kini sedang menjalani fasa pengubahsuaian besar-besaran.

Memandangkan nilai sejarah nya itu, pelbagai aspek diperincikan termasuk konsep baru pengubahsuaiannya yang bakal ditampilkan lebih beremosi dan kontemporari, katanya ketika ditemui penulis.

Selain Karma yang pernah dikenali sebagai Atap Lounge, Restoran Verandah juga baru setahun siap diubahsuai diikuti The Bistro, restoran Itali yang baru saja ditutup beberapa minggu lalu untuk tujuan membaikpulih atap alangalang bagi digantikan dengan genting. Fasa berikutnya akan melihat pusat karaoke Oasis yang kini ditempatkan di The Tree Haus Fun Pub akan dipindahkan ke lokasi berhampiran dengan lobi hotel.

Restoran Verandah juga menerima pengiktirafan sijil halal JAKIM, tambahnya yang me negaskan Verandah adalah restoran terbaik untuk membawa keluarga berbuka puasa pada hujung minggu de ngan tarikan 13 gerai atau Hawkers Stall sebagai tambahan kepada hidangan bufet.

Jelas Shaheen, emosi tetamu juga akan dibuai bukan saja de ngan tema warna yang diselaraskan mengikut hari malah perubahan genre muzik yang menjadi halwa telinga di seluruh premis di Cyberview Lodge Resort Spa dengan muzik lounge yang lebih hip, kontemporari dan moden.

INFO

Putrajaya dan Cyberjaya

* Nikmati keindahan Taman Tasik Cyberjaya berkeluasan 1.6 kilometer persegi, lengkap dengan pusat maklumat, lorong pejalan kaki, menara peninjau dan taman permainan kanak-kanak. Bagi kaki pancing, lokasi ini sering menjadi pilihan penganjuran pertandingan memancing bagi penduduk setempat dan luar.

* Cruise Tasik Putrajaya, menawarkan khidmat untuk anda belayar sekitar Putrajaya dan berhenti di beberapa destinasi pelancongan (RM30/seorang). Khusus pada hujung minggu, anda boleh belayar sambil makan malam di tengah tasik. Bot berlepas dari Jeti Putra jam 8 malam dengan harga RM120 seorang. Hubungi 03-8888-5539 untuk tempahan sehari sebelum belayar.

* Malam hari di Putrajaya cukup menawan. Luangkan masa mengelilingi laluan utama di pusat pentadbiran kerajaan ini atau tuju ke Dataran Putra serta nikmati makanan di medan selera sambil menghadap keindahan Tasik Putrajaya.