Travel Experience VM Review4

My ‘Royal Vacation’
18-November-2006




Believe it or not, my real vacation was when Iwas on a travelling job to the Royal Belum Forest. Last July, leaving my colognes, ties and the stress of my neighbours quarrelling at home, myself along with 27 friends from the Tourism Malaysia offices, travel agents and the media, headed to the Hulu Perak District, about 200km from Ipoh on a rather tight but an enjoyable trip.

Departing Ipoh on the morning with full anticipation, we stopped at the Kuala Kangsar Resthouse for a traditional and delicious lunch. I was glad to see many members within the group starting to get to know each other. We arrived later in the evening at the Banding Island jetty where, I hustled everyone into a group photo. I know that it was rather early in the trip for picture-taking, but I was keen in capturing the excitement portrayed by the members of the expedition.

We transferred from the jetty to Tail Kail Island via speedboats. Several members of the group were even lucky enough to get a ride on a boathouse which is quite literarily a house built on a boat. Even though I was stiff from the longbus ride, the boat ride through Temenggor Lake was refreshing and exhilarating.

After dinner and welcoming formailties, we were briefed on the Royal Belum Forest by Wan Shaharuddin, the General Manager of the Perak State Park Corporation, before adjourning, not to sleep, but to the boats yet again.

The night was lit by the sparkles of a million stars which shone smoothly on the lake’s waters, as we donned out life jackets tightly for a night drifting expedition. I had expected the stillness of the night would make for a silent boat ride, but the forest itself was very much awake with the nocturnal sounds of crickets, frogs and what’s more interesting, the distant sounds of elephants and tigers. The drift took us to the edge of Temenggor Dam and back to Tali Kail Island to retire for the night.

Instead of the roaring sound of kapcai bikes racing, I woke up the next morning to the soothing song of birds. It took us more than an hour boat ride from Tali Kail Island to the Royal Belum Forest. The sun was rising, the waters were gleaming and I could feel the tension and stress from overwork melting away from me. Two hours of jungle trekking later, we arrived at one of the most important areas of the forest: a salt slick. The locals call this place the animal clinic. It is really a small stream flowing through the forest. What makes this stream special is that the water is naturally nourished with salts and minerals, and that the animals frequent this place for their monthly, weekly and sometimes even daily dose of essential nutrients.

We had lunch at Kejar River before making a stop at an Orang Asli village on our way back to Tali Kail Island. That evening, we had a wonderful feast for dinner which truly made me appreciate the abundance of food God has blessed us with. Somehow, food just seemed much tastier in the wilderness. We also organised a small karaoke competition. In the forest, I can sing as loud as I wanted without disturbing my neighbours. We really had fun that night. More importantly, I was glad to see the group bonding and being supportive of each other.

I felt heavy departing Tali Kail Island for the last time the next morning. But with my body and mind fully recharged, our group took our last boat ride to Banding Island jetty and headed to the Lenggong Museum. The visit to the museum was extra special to me because not only did I get the opportunity to see an amazing collection of pre-historic relics, our group was also given the rare permission of viewing the actual remains of the Perak Man. From the museum, the group was guided to the actual cave site where the Perak Man was discovered. Even lunch was special to commemorate the last day of the expedition. It was a traditional lunch and a fruit feast at the same time. We had rambutans, dokongs and durians.

My ‘royal’ trip to the Royal Belum Forest truly made me appreciate the beautiful plants and animals that God has created. This realm of its own was a far cry from the hustle and bustle of city traffic jams. Even if for just a couple of days, I escaped from my boss and punch cards. I could go fishing the whole day if I wanted to. I was able to leave my hand phone in my bag and not worry about it because there was no signal in the jungle. Above it all, I was able, for just a moment, be a kid again. I was with nature, I made new friends and I return to the working world as a responsible adult, a new man.

Though I am a tourism officer and have been traveling quite a lot, this trip is actually a ‘royal vacation’ for me. It truly is all here in Malaysia. Join me and Cuti-Cuti Malaysia.


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Travel Experience VM Review3

Of Trials, Tribulations and Turbo Engines
18-November-2006


The first time I went on a 4WD adventure four years ago, I knew I was hooked. Since then, I’ve been on more than 30 4WD adventures in Malaysia. I’ve had so many experiences during these trips, some good and some quite nerve-wrecking. One of the latest adventures for our group of five 4WD enthusiasts turned out to be one of our most memorable - a trip to the Kerling district in Hulu Selangor.

As with our previous 4WD expeditions, our group was a mix of both experienced and new adventurers. We gathered at the ProJet station at Melati, Kuala Lumpur for a final check of our vehicles and equipment, and hold a briefing about the trip. The route was short - just about 3km long - but it was one of medium difficulty due to the mostly uphill journey, At 6pm, we reached Kerling and began our off road adventure.

At the onset, our uphill journey was relatively straightforward. The modified 4WD vehicles had no problems progressing up the slope and we allowed ourselves the privilege of enjoying the drive. But two hours later, our first trial began. Ahead of us was a path about 100m in length, littered with huge boulders and flanked by thick forests on either side. There was no way of getting around it.

Though slow in progress, the first five vehicles passed through with little problem. Ours was the second-last vehicle in the convoy. Ahead was a 3.1 D Isuzu Trooper, and behind us was another 4WD with three passengers. As we were managing our way through, the VHF radio in our car suddenly crackled to life. It was the driver behind us, “We’re stuck.

The car won’t move. Can you lend us a hand?” We stopped immediately and saw the immobilised car a few metres behind. Even with all four wheels spinning, the car couldn’t budge. It was time for a procedure most 4WD drivers are familiar with - a winch rescue. Grabbing my car’s stripe - a length of steel chain on a winch fixed to the front of the car - I wrapped it around the trunk of a relatively large tree ahead. Then I attached another length of chain to the immobilised car. Then both us of revved up. While my vehicle attempted to winch both cars forward, the other tried to heave itself out of the mud.

But after a few minutes, the other driver shouted through the radio, “It’s on fire! It’s on fire!” I instinctively looked up at my winch - the most likely equipment to catch fire under such circumstances – but there was no sign of fire. “There’s no fire here!” I radioed back, a little bewildered. The other guy yelled back, “I mean my car!” In a dash I grabbed a fire extinguisher, jumped out and ran to the other car. As I lifted the bonnet, smoke and fire licked out. The acrid smell of melted wirings was almost overpowering. Once the smoke had dissipated, we took one look at the engine and knew the car won’t be moving again that day. A small setback.

We loaded everything essential from the other car into my own and continued on our way. We weren’t too worried about leaving the damaged car behind. We’d done it before and the worst that’s happened in previous expeditions was having a group of monkeys rummaging through the car for food. We soon caught up with the rest of the convoy.

Our passage from then on was a slow but steady scramble uphill. After a couple of hours, we passed a makeshift bridge built previously by 4WD groups that had gone through the trek. We knew there was second bridge just a few hundred metres ahead. But when we got there, we found it half destroyed, perhaps by the rain or by elephants passing through. So we figured out a way to reinforce the broken bridge. About an hour later, the bridge was repaired and we were on our way. Finally, at about 2am, we reached the designated campsite. Though exhausted, we managed to pitch up our tents and have a quick snack. It had been an eventful journey, and we were ready for bed.

Our day began at 8.00 the next morning. Enjoying a light breakfast we exchanged notes about the previous day’s trip. Cracking jokes about the funny things that happen along the way make adventures like these all the more enjoyable. At the same time, the more experienced drivers also shared ideas on how to better handle or avoid mishaps that have happened. Ours was a small group, but we had a very good time chiding each other about the trip so far and joking about what might happen on the way down.

The journey downhill began at about noon after we had cleared the campsite. It’s an unspoken understanding with all 4WD enthusiasts that we leave things in exactly the same situation we found them. Needless to say, the journey down was a lot easier, though it still required solid driving skills to move down the hillside safely. We only stopped when we reached the abandoned car and spent some time manoeuvring the vehicle using our winches so it could roll back down the hill with the rest of our convoy.

Though the expedition to Kerling had its trials and tribulations, at the end of the day, our group was happy with the trip. It was a classic example of the unexpected on any 4WD adventure trip. Sometimes it can be peaceful and leisurely, especially on a straightforward trek. But other times, there’ll be obstacles and hindrances that will test your problem-solving skills and patience. But these are all part of the adventure and excitement that keep enthusiasts coming back for more.

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Travel Experience VM Review2

SEEKING GREATER HIGHS!
18-November-2006

I have been climbing for over three years, but I still can.t get enough of it. Each expedition holds a wealth of new experiences and challenges, which teaches me to be more patient, observant and responsible. There.s an exhilarating .high. every time I reach the summit of a mountain, luring me to the next climb and the next adventure. To date, I.ve scaled about 10 mountains in Malaysia, including Angsi, Datuk, Jerai and Ledang.

In March 2005, nine of my friends and I went for a trip up Gunung Stong. Standing at 1,422m, Gunung Stong is the highest mountain in Kelantan. We took the night train on Friday, reaching Dabong at 8a.m. From there, we took a-half-an-hour trek, a boat ride across Sungai Galas and a short drive to the base of Gunung Stong. Climbers are required to register at the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN) office here, before embarking on the climb.

As is customary, we appointed .spiritual. head in our group who is responsible to remind us the .codes of behaviour. While on the climb. This include not being a braggart and not behaving in an overly rowdy or lewd manner. After a brief prayer for safety, we began our climb through a narrow path winding through a forest of rattan, bamboo and tall grasses. The climb was not very steep, but each of us was carrying about 20kg of food and equipment. We didn.t realise just how difficult it was going to get until our path ended at the base of a rock wall rising more than 45 degrees steep. It was a struggle, but we managed to clear the rock wall. After a threehour trek, we reached Baha camp, our base camp for the night.

Baha camp has been in operation since the early 90.s and is the stopover for climbers who are on their way to Gunung Stong or the nearby Gunung Ayam. There were a few other groups at Baha camp and we made new friends exchanging notes on our experiences. We had a fitful sleep that night and spent the next day relaxing at Baha Camp. We decided to take a short walk to a nearby waterfall, one of the seven that can be found in the area. The water collected in a shallow pool at the bottom of the waterfall was nearly frigid, but we simply couldn.t resist having a dip.

Nothing beats a good, hot meal after a day of frolicking at the waterfall. That.s one thing we do well during our trips. eat well. On many occasions, others had complimented our group for taking the time and patience to prepare proper delicious meals. We.ve perfected the art of packing frozen foods, including chicken and fish, which will last for at least three days. With our designated chef extraordinaire, preparing his specialities, we were undoubtedly the best fed
among the many groups camping out at Baha camp on that trip!
A jungle jaunt followed afterwards. Exploring the area surrounding the waterfall, we found all kinds of interesting plants, including wild ginger and the infamous traditional herb, tongkat ali. We also saw fleeting glimpses of the lotong, a species of monkey with long arms and light coloured fur moving through the treetops. One particular area overgrown with bamboo plants caught our interest. In one section, the bamboo plants had all been flattened, as though a steamroller had driven through it. After a moment, Joe . a guide of the camp . told us that it was caused by wild elephants that pass through the area to get fresh water from the river.

I could have spent days exploring the area, observing the colourful and sometimes strange flora and fauna. But time flies when you.re having fun. Early on Sunday morning, we continued our way up to the peak, a journey that took about six hours, with two river crossings and only one break for lunch. The higher we went, the flora seemed to grow shorter and more sparse. The closer we got to the top, the climb got harder.

Finally, we could see the pinnacle of Gunung Stong marked by a huge granite boulder. When we reached the top, we all took a deep breath, admiring the view-the expanse of lush green jungle, the blue sky and in the distance, the peaks of Gunung Ayam, Tera and Noring Timur. The sense of satisfaction we had at the summit was priceless!

Malaysia has so much natural beauty, a precious heritage that should be protected, admired and enjoyed. We.ve met many foreigners who appreciate our national treasures, sometimes even more so than we do ourselves. Mountain climbing is one way to enjoy this natural beauty. And even as I stood on the summit of Gunung Stong, my mind was already on our next trip . a climb up to the 2,100-metre Gunung Irau in Pahang. I look forward to this trip, which will bring my friends and I to even greater heights and highs!

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Travel Experience VM Review1

Visiting Kota Kinabalu
18-November-2006




Recently, I had the opportunity to get away from the frenetic pace of living in Kuala Lumpur and escaped to Kota Kinabalu for several days along with two other close friends, Shara and Anita.

Before the trip, we were busy looking up the Internet on all the useful tips and advise on travelling in Sabah and after making the arrangements for the air tickets and accommodation, we eagerly waited for our holiday to begin. We arrived in Kota Kinabalu expecting the atmosphere of a frontier outpost. In fact, this largest city of Sabah with a population of 200,000 is bustling modern and easily accessible. Kota Kinabalu has a good, though not so busy, harbour. It is just a short motorboat ride to islands national parks where you will find great bird watching, hiking, snorkelling and wildlife watching. But the weather was not too kind to us when we arrived so we just forced to remain indoors in our hotel rooms.

The next day was filled with activities that included a full day visit to Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Gaya Islands, which were a short motorboat ride from the Kota Kinabalu jetty. Part of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, the islands are thoroughly protected. Although the primal forest is gone, the re-growth is now mature enough to offer a decent habitat to several species of primates, hornbills and many species of birds. It is a good place to walk through mangroves and identify the plants and animals.

Crossing a small strait to Sapi Island we felt we had arrived at a major beach resort. Many visitors come here to swim, especially on weekends. For us, the principal attraction was the coral reef, which was surprisingly rich in fish and coral. The rental masks were of only fair quality and you may need to bring your own. Scuba diving is available but you must make advanced arrangements. The local wildlife, now tourist dependent, include long-tailed macaques and enormous monitor lizards almost the size of Komodo dragons!

The next day, we left Kota Kinabalu early, boarding a taxi, which cost us RM80 one way to Kinabalu Park. It was a long journey of about 2 hours from KK, but with breathtaking sceneries of the countryside. This is the place to visit for those who love flora and fauna. Many species of birds and animals are now found only within the park. According to the locals, one can see Gunung Kinabalu clearly from the park, but unfortunately, at the time when we were there, the weather did not allow us this anticipa-ted vista. We then decided to go to Ranau, famous for its hot springs, canopy walk and butterfly farm and had a lovely time there.

Back in Kota Kinabalu, we had a wonderful visit to its ‘pasar malam’ or night markets. In the cool of the evening at the waterfront, scores of vendors set up portable charcoal grills and selling freshly prepared seafood. You can buy fish, squid, shellfish, shrimp, eel and a full variety of fresh vegetables, pastries, drink concoctions, sauces and spices. Open-air food courts and ambitious Chinese restaurants invite everyone to feast. Nearby side streets were converted to black markets selling counterfeit clothing, watches, sunglasses, athletic shoes, toys, cosmetics and music.

Finally, it was time for some retail therapy. Gaya market, famous for its handicrafts and traditional Borneo products, we spent almost half a day wandering around it looking for good buys. There is a lot of stuff here which are never seen back home. I bought a few curios including a unique miniature drum made of wood, while Shara and Anita were busy looking for clothes for their loved ones. On the last night, we were advised by the hotel operator to look for cheap seafood. We managed to enjoy some dishes and found out that their way of cooking seafood dishes is a bit different compared to the way its done in Peninsular Malaysia. However, we did enjoy the food a lot.

It was a fun trip that we enjoyed very much. One thing for sure, if we were given another chance, we would like to explore other parts of Borneo such as the Tanjung Aru Beach, Sipadan Island, Kota Belud and Sepilok.

Source/See more : http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/community/travel_experience/

Tourism Malaysia Youtube Review

Welcome to Kelantan Malaysia Review

The Year to be remembered offering culture, people and food. Beauty - and the East.
The Government and people of Kelantan take this opportunity wishing all of you.
There are endless, colorful programess specially prepared for our year throughout 2009.
Be here at the right time and at the right place. There a lot to explore & experience the beauty of Kelantanese cultures.
Welcome to our VISIT KELANTAN YEAR

KELANTAN IS LOCATED at the north-east coast of Peninsular Malaysia facing the south China Sea and covers a land area of 14,922 sq km. Its state capital, Kota Bharu, is a bustling town well connected to other major towns in Malaysia serves as the center for Kelantan's administrative and business activities. Kelantan is famed for its unique cultural diversity, white sandy beaches, waterfalls and lush tropical jungle.

Kelantan Hotels

KOTA BHARU

Anna Lodge, Hotel Anda, Hotel Ansar Garden, Hotel Azam, Bahtera Lodge,Hotel Baru, Crystal Lodge, Hotel Dani, Hotel Dynasty Inn, Hotel E&E, Hotel Flora Place, Hotel Gelam Emas, Hotel Grand Riverview, Impiana Motel, Impiana Motel 2, Hotel Indah, Hotel L Juita Inn, K&K Inn, Hotel Kami, Hotel KB Mutiara Inn, KB Traveller's Inn, Kencana Lodge, Hotel Merry, Hotel MGU, Mohanis Inn, Hotel New Pacific, Hotel Nora Baru, Hotel Paloh Inn, Hotel Perdana, Pesona Inn, Hotel Politan, Hotel Raudah, Hotel Renaissance, Rose Garden Inn, Royal Guest House, Hotel Sabrina Court, Hotel Selesa, Selesa Damai Inn, Hotel Sentosa, Sin& Sin Inn, Sri Cemerlang Baru Lodge, Motel Sri Merdeka, Hotel Star Family, Hotel Suria, Hotel Sutera Inn, Hotel Temenggong, Hotel Ummi, Z&H Inn, Zu Zu Inn

PASIR MAS

Hotel Nur Inn, Hotel Zainun Palace

PASIR PUTEH

Hotel Mar

BACHOK

Irama Inn 1, Irama Inn 2

GUA MUSANG

Fully Inn, Kesedar Inn, Hotel Usaha, HotelL Evergreen, Hotel Gunung Emas, Hotel Gua Musang

KUALA KRAI

Hotel Krai, Hotel Seri Maju

MACHANG

Hotel Azra

TANAH MERAH

E'mage Park Inn, Motel Sri Chalet

Kelantan Hotel

ANNA LODGE B3,

Wisma Hadee, Lot 2056, Jalan Raja Perempuan Zainab 2, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 765 3939 Room : 21 Rates : RM 20 - RM 69 Facilities :

• Water Heater
• Tv

HOTEL ANDA

2529-A, Jalan Kebun Sultan, 15350 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 747 7600 Fax : 09 - 747 6500 Room : 30 Rates : RM 35 - RM 80 Facilities :

• Water Heater
• Tv
• Telephone
• Fax Machine
• Internet
• Air Cond
• Laundry

HOTEL ANSAR GARDEN

Jalan Dato' Pati, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 747 4000 Fax : 09 - 746 1150 Room : 38 Rates : RM 110 - RM 180 Facilities :

• Water Heater
• Tv
• Telephone
• Fax Machine
• Internet
• Air Cond
• Laundry
• Radio
• Conference Hall

HOTEL AZAM

1872 - A&B, Jalan Padang Garong, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 747 0508 Fax : 09 - 747 0576 Room : 32 Rates : RM 80 - RM 110 Facilities :

• Water Heater
• Tv
• Telephone
• Fax Machine
• Internet
• Air Cond
• Laundry

BAHTERA LODGE

S/29, Lot 1084-G, Jalan Tengku Ahmad Panglima, 15300 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 743 9754 Room : 13 Rates : RM 40 - RM 90 Facilities :

• Water Heater
• Tv
• Cyber Internet
• Air Cond

HOTEL BARU

1972-1973 - B, Jalan Dato Pati, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 747 3232 Fax : 09 - 745 3227 Room : 17 Rates : RM 35 - RM 80 Facilities :

• Water Heater
• Tv
• Telephone
• Air Cond

CRYSTAL LODGE 124, Jalan Che Su, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 747 0888 Fax : 09 - 747 0088 Room : 50 Rates : RM 79 - RM 159 Facilities :

• Parking Lot
• ASTRO Tv
• Air-Cond
• Bath Tube
• Near To The Town
• In-House TV
• IDD Telephone
• Karaoke
• Restaurant
• Laundry

HOTEL DANI 2529-A, Jalan Kebun Sultan, 15350 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 748 6790 Fax : 09 - 746 1784 Room : 36 Rates : RM 45 - RM 120 Facilities :

• Water Heater
• Tv
• Telephone
• Fax Machine
• Air Cond

HOTEL DYNASTY INN 2885 -D&E, Jalan Sultanah Zainab, 15050 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 747 3000 Fax : 09 - 747 3111 Room : 47 Rates : RM 110 - RM 160 Facilities :

• Water Heater
• Satellite Tv
• Telephone
• Hot / Cold Water
• Coffee Maker
• Conference Hall
• Credit Card Facility
• Car Rent
• Courier
• Free Parking

HOTEL E&E 173, Sri Cemerlang, Seksyen 27, 15350 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 747 5990 Fax : 09 - 747 5968 Room : 51 Rates : RM 40 - RM 70 Facilities :

• Water Heater
• Tv
• Telephone
• Air Cond

HOTEL FLORA PLACE

Lot 202, Jalan Kebun Sultan, 15350 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel : 09 - 747 7888 Fax : 09 - 747 2688 Room : 20 Rates : RM 100 - RM 200 Facilities :

• Water Heater
• Tv
• Telephone
• Fax Machine
• Internet
• Conference Hall
• Air Cond
• Laundry

Source : Kelantan Tourism Information Center

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