A night's stay at the Orang Asli Settlement that never materialize....

Well. that's it ! Jun 06 2011- Monday , the day we started off trekking along the trials in Cameron Highlands, was the day that all of us were really looking forward to. Speaking for myself, its not so much the trekking that I was looking forward to, rather the night's stay, as we were told, camping in the Orang Asli settlement with a bonfire, and of course, already imagining that we're certainly having a whale of a time, singing and whiling the time away....

The morning of Jun 06 started off really well..every one was really all geared up, fresh and eager to start the day well .!

So at 10 past 10, we set off on 2 vans heading towards one of the Orang Asli Settlement to begin our hike up to the mountains and jungles of Brinchang ! Briefing by Sargeant Maniam was done prior to the actual climb..but really, how many of us were really listening? Of course, some are really serious about the briefing , while the rest of us were busy taking pictures and eager to go up !!!!

So after all that is to be said and done, full of vigour and energy, we begin our climb! Looks easy , doesn't it ? Very soon, we were up on the hill, looking down, mesmerized with the whole scene below us !

By mid day, most of us were almost quite tired, but still full of enthusiasm and vigour.

Lunch time was most enjoyable and much awaited too, coz we were really hungry after trekking for more than half a day, without us realizing that time flies ... so fast !

Right after lunch, with energy recharged, we started on only journey. Everybody was in high spirits ! Guess it must be the lunch. Its sure was rejuvenating !

As we walked and we talked, the pace begins to slow because the climb seems to be getting difficult and dangerous. But everybody treads on... even though we were almost sapped of energy at one point where the slope was so steep that quite a few of us actually tumbled down much to our horror !!! I was one of them too..

As the day treads on, the hours seems to drag... this trekking never seems to end.....! Finally we reach a point where everybody was asking the obvious question running through everybody's heads "When are we arriving at the Orang Asli village as promised !" How much longer do we have to trek? " Nerves are thinning already... but the best part was the spirit of the group was still intact! It was already 6pm. The look on the Captain's face reveals bad news ! " We are lost !" What ?? We couldn't believe our ears ! How could it be? I was almost on the verge of tears!

World Expo - Shanghai

Just a reminder.... some of these postings are really not in chronological order. Anyway, does it really matter? I guz it doesn't coz these postings are just recollections of my trips abroad...and its more of my experiences as and when it comes rather than a typical report .

Anyway, Shanghai being the venue for the World Expo attracted me when my daughter proposed that she wanted to pay a visit to her friends in Shanghai.. Besides I've not been to Shanghai. So why not? Jumped at her offer and while we are there,

visiting the World Expo is really not an option.. its a must !

Our original idea was to take the Air Asia to Hangchow and then bus ride about an hour or so to Shanghai. The thought of all that travelling and arriving there late practically puts me off . So we opted for a direct flight on China Easter Airlines instead. In fact, we actually saved on time!! Thats more important to me.

So there we were, at the KLIA taking pictures with the mascot of the World Expo which was on display at the check in counter of China Eastern

So Shanghai ! here we come ! What a wet arrival ! It was raining heavily ! Is China Eastern a budget airline? How come there were no aerobridge linking straight to the terminal building? We had to climb down the stairs, take a shuttle bus to the terminal building, under the heavy drizzle ! And look at that! Our luggages were also all wet , while attendants flinged bags into the carriage ! Mine Mine !! reminds me of my flights on Air Asia

After a warm and nice shower, took a walk along the streets of Shanghai...very typical Chinese street. Beautiful.! So very Chinese of course, and some of these scenes are almost like those coming straight out postcards!

And ooh lala ! bicycles for rental ! Look at that! Malaysia should consider this especially Kuala Lumpur, to ease the traffic conditions! But on second thoughts, who among us would like to be seen riding bicyles, sweating under our hot weather, and to top it up, dressed prim and proper? Any takers if this were proposed by our City council ?? haha !

Bali- The Exotic Island

Have been in hibernation mode for such a long time. Almost lost the hang of writing blogs. To be honest, lost the motivation to even start writing.

Anyway, I've promised myself when I started this blog that I want to record my travels and also my tours, so here I am again..

These tours are long outdated, but its ok.. Took an incentive group to Bali. There were in total 7 coaches, meaning there were 7 tour leaders in all. Have heard of Bali , the exotic island..well, am rather excited that I am finally making a trip there...

so here we go...

Balinese spa. Balinese culture, Balinese girls.. all exotically displayed in a 3D2N adventure....

As Hinduism is the main religious component there, the touristic sites and all around Bali- Denpasar to be specific were mainly adorned with pictures, sculptures of Hindu deities.. big, huge ones that decorates the roads as we travel along. Some of them seem to be flying .... hm..impressive.

Temples were the focus of the tours... visited quite a few temples mainly Hindus. What is unique about these temples were their architecture, especially at the entrance where 2 main structures had an opening as the entrance.Shopping is really exciting there, prices were so low that most of them complained that they did not have sufficient time to buy everything there... sigh... isn't that the trait of most Asians when we go travelling? shopping , shopping and more shopping... we never get tired of it , do we?

As for myself, fortunately this trait never got into me and I'm very selective in the things that I buy. I rather buy what I need than what I want...more for memories and souvenirs...

Tried the Balinese spa since everybody says it good.. Well I wouldn't say its no good but well, am quite satisfying...
Come the night, went to the Hard Rock area.. didn't walk about much, very similar to KL downtown, the usual clubbing area.. nothing fantastic really..sometimes am just too overwhelm by the crowd and all.

Unfortunately couldn't locate my pictures ...so will have to be satisfied with just this much cos

am really trying to remember what I've done. As they say pictures paint a thousand words... so no pictures, kind of difficult to recall..

Hm... finally am able to upload some pix to authentic what I've written... hehe..

The Malaysian International Gourmet Festival 2009 !

At the gala night of MIGF 2009

Royale Chulan Hotel

1st oct 2009

Into its 9th year, the MIGF 2009 which was 1st launched in 2001, was a huge success with hotels, restaurants showcasing our various Malaysian cuisine. ! Focusing on fine dining it is officially endorsed as one of Tourism Malaysia's key events in the annual calendar. For more details visit the official MiGF website www.migf.com.

Was with a group of Canadian travel agents, at the Royale Chulan Hotel during the gala night. The food that was being showcased was so fabulously varied. It was overwhelming just trying to sample each and every speciality from the participating hotels and restaurants! Walking from stall to stall, bumping into the who's who's in society, and trying to balance the plate with drinks, and simultaneously sampling every food that I could try...sigh... I finally gave up and started looking for a table to rest my tired legs. At the table, had ice wine from Canada.. hmm.. simply fabulous that I took more than my usual one glass.. Fortunately I didn't have to drive home that night!

The next few days was a whirl of other activities in Kuala Lumpur- like the visit to the world's largest covered Bird Park at the Lake Gardens, / Batu Caves/ Royal Sgor Pewter and also introducing to them the fish spa which is becoming quite popular for most KLites..

At the Bird Park

Getting up close with F1 cars simulators at KL Tower

At the School of Hard Knocks at Royal Selangor Pewter

The Fish Spa at The Pavillion

.and finally culminating in fine dining at the Tamarind Hills Restaurant on the last day before their departure...

This is what fine dining is about... small serving but it sure is filling... you just can't get enough

of it....and what with the chief chef explaining on the nutritional content and how he does the serving... hmm... super.... ( reminds me of my school days where we must listen to the teacher speak first before you can eat !!..plus .. from the tourist guide aspect.. listen to my commentary first before you savour in the sights for your photo taking !! haha..We were eager to eat but uh..oh... no no.. listen to me first.. kind of thing ! )

Notice the yellow powder lining the sides ?.. when u drink, sipping the drink together with it gives it a special lovely taste.. ( can't remember what it is )

When we are handling travel agents, being industry personnel, our showcase on touristic

sites would have to be slightly different from normal tourists. Because they are guests of

Tourism Malaysia, whose main role is to promote Malaysia to the world, our focus is to show

them how and what exactly Malaysia or Kuala Lumpur has to offer in terms of touristic sites, infrastructure, accessibility and locations of various hotels, be it 5 star, 4 star or even 3 star hotels., and of course, our various cuisine and multi racial communities

With this in mind, they will have a clearer picture on how exactly to explain to their potential clients on Malaysia.

So, being tourist guides licensed by our Ministry of Tourism, we are actually the sales personnel of Malaysia.. Thats our job .. to help our Ministry to promote Malaysia....

A view from the Cruise Boat at Putrajaya

A good way to see Putrajaya would be cruising along the lake! I discovered the joy of viewing Putrajaya from a different angle recently. Not that I’ve not done the cruise before, but this time round, I was a guest (ie being looked after by the staff of Putrajaya Cruise) instead of having to look after my guests when I’m on duty as a guide! That makes a lot of difference in the journey as I can now take it in a more relaxed mindset.. Hm… its good to turn the table the other way round occasionally. It does wonders to the heart and mind !

ENTRANCE INTO THE CRUISE TASEK PUTRAJAYA JETTY


Good opportunity to ask questions and clarify on whatever doubts and also updating on their latest products.

Cruising along the Putrajaya Lake, which covers a total area of 650ha, and 14m in depth, Tasek Cruise Putrajaya has air-conditioned cruise boats that caters to at least 70pax as seen here

There's a guide onboard the cruise to point out the interesting sights while cruising

The views from the cruise is certainly different. Even the buildings seem different.

Putrajaya watersports complex Aquatic Centre at Precint 5

Putrajaya Pullman Resort at the Maritime Centre

The New Putrajaya Mosque under construction

A little bit further on this mosque...

Also known as the "steel mosque" as the structure is built mainly from steel.....6,000 tonnes !

Costing RM200million, the mosque do not have fans or air conditioners as a new environment-friendly ventilation system is being introduced, beside a lot of other water features within the premises that will act as "cooling" agents as well as beutifying the surroundings.

Verses of the Quran are etched on the anti-rust steel on every wall of the mosque.

A "Kiblat walk" will also be planned with stalls offering trinklets and souvenirs for visitors on the pathway leading to the mosque.

(ref NST Jun12 2009 )

Besides the Belimbing cruise which caters to groups, Perahus known as Dondang Sayang are also available for small groups of 6 pax.

Tasik Cruise Putrajaya has many other products available to cater to special groups either for lunch cruises, charter cruises and what haves you. Call Tasek Cruise directly and discuss your details with them.

No Horsing About with Equine Sports!

Came across an article on horses and Equine sports the other day, and immediately it rang a bell of an assignment that I did way back in 2006. Gosh! Its been two years already and I’ve totally forgotten about it .
The title goes “ THE SPORT OF KINGS .. Explore the Equine Word at Selangor Turf Club “ Horse racing is certainly no fool’s game and it actually takes a lot of commitment in time, effort and of course, money to be around horses!
Back to the assignment that I did in 2006, took a group of Thais to Bukit Jalil for an international horse competition, as I was told.
Malaysia was horsing ..oops ! I mean hosting the FEI World Cup Show Jumping Championship held at the Putra Stadium at Bukit Jalil. It was a proud moment for Malaysia as we were the 1st Asian country to host the FEI World Cup Final Jumping, the world’s most prestigious individual show-jumping competition. This is the highest level of all equestrian competitions with participants contesting to qualify in 13 world leagues comprising more than 50 nations and of course, attracting thousands of spectators from all over the world.!

WE WENT..
in 2 mini vans. I was with the VIP group in one van,( I later learnt that they were the bosses ) and the other van following behind comprising staffs of the bosses.
AT THE STADIUM..
Watching the horses trotting and galloping out in single file, with their smartly dressed jockeys stirs an exciting vein in me, understandably as it was my first live encounters with such events !


Sitting slightly away from my guests, I watched the competition begun with such fixed expression, trying to make out and understand how the jockeys could discipline and communicate with the horses with such precision as it gallops and jumps over each hurdle placed at varying heights and distances! It was indeed mesmerizing and I love every minute of it. Watching a horse live in motion is indeed a beautiful thing, an experience like no other ! The horsemanship skills displayed by the jockeys were indeed impressive . The first competition lasted about an hour or so. Before I realized it , we were there for almost 4 hours !

NEXT MORNING..

we were off again to Bukit Jalil, preparing to spend a whole day there. The 2nd time round, the thrill and excitement in me kind of wears off a little, probably due to my lack of equestrian exposure and unable to appreciate what equine enthusiasts looks for. For them, their concentration focuses on equestrian things like dressage, show jumping, eventing and combined driving. Whether a horse gallops with light or lagging hoofs is indicative of its form. A horse in cracking form would literally springs in its steps as it glides over the ground and jumps over each hurdle.

SHOWJUMPING...
is one of the best known sports worldwide and is also one of three equestiran Olympic disciplines. There are many different jumps, based on the course and have different levels of difficulty. This includes the vertical jump- the most difficult for horses to judge, the wall jump, the oxer-made of two jumps, the water jump, and the joker fence. The combination jump, the most demanding of an obstacle course in showjumping, tests whether the horse has the correct stride, rhythm and speed between each fence.

DRESSAGE....

is often called ballet on horseback and is the highest expression of horse training where a blend of power, beauty and precision is required of both horse and rider. Dressage is another Olympic Equestrian sport and it develops the horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, improving balance, suppleness and flexibility.

It was indeed an eye opening experience for me. It makes me more appreciative of my job as a tour guide, where we are constantly being expose to various kinds of learning experiences in all forms and culture, something that I could reminisce when I decide to call it a day in tour guiding.
Finally, bought this pin as a sourvenir for myself at the event !

What makes a good guide?

There are so many aspects and angles to look at.. from information delivery, to the way the guide handles the group.

Skills like patience, friendliness, approachability, empathy are all skills that are an important makeup of a good guide. And of course, not forgetting good manners, a common sense method of spreading etiquette-based guiding.

Basic guidelines needed for guides includes :
1) Introducing yourself cheerfully to the tourists
2) Smile if appropriate

While such acts should already form the habits of most regular and senior guides, sometimes it is performed with haphazard frequency. As humans, sometimes we need more to be reminded than instructed actually.
While we are not aspiring to be perfect guides, I think we should looked at it from the perspective of being able to be a "good enough" guide. Do not be too overly anxious to go for perfection, because in our hospitality industry, its more important to be relax, trust our intuition and realise that what tourists needs is a guide who is reliable, alert, caring... ie good enough !

There is no way that we can churn out ideal guides, at times guides may not be perfectly attuned to the guests, but at least they are respectful and professional.

An etiquete-based approach can certainly promote such behaviour. With etiquette-based guiding, tourists can derive comfort and satisfaction from specific actions taken by the guide. He or She may be tired, preoccupied but the guests still expects him or her to treat them with the kind of attentiveness and respect that is expected. Tourists do not necessarily need an exceptionally informative guide that rattles information like a robot, but what they like is good service.

Trying to cultivate a deeper human sensibility in guides should be emphasied. Training yourself to be a "good enough" guide should be uncomplicated, routine,relatively inexpensive but certainly with widespread and long lasting benefits. It all starts from the heart !