Kedah Attractions

BUJANG VALLEY

West of the town of Sungai Petani, Bujang Valley was the scene of a thriving Hindu-Buddhist civilization dating to the 5th century AD. This kingdom traded with India, Siam and Cambodia and was visited by the Chinese monk I-Tsing in 671 AD.

It became part of the Sriwijaya Empire of Sumatra in the 7th century AD and reached an architectural peak by the 10th century AD.

Over 50 archeological sites containing the ruins of Hindu and Buddhist temples have been found. The temple ruins stretch all the way from Gunung Jerai to Kuala Muda in the south. The ruins were first excavated by British archeologist Quatrich-Wales in 1936.

Beside the Bujang River 2km north of the village of Merbok is the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum which displays some pottery shards, ceramics and stone carvings. Indian tridents and gemstones from the Middle East are also displayed.

BALAI BESAR

Located near the main padang, or town square, the Balai Besar was built in 1898 and is still used for royal ceremonies and some state functions.

This edifice, which serves as a great hall, is supported on tall pillars and decorated with Victorian wrought-iron designs.

The Thai influences in its architecture are seen in some intricate wood carvings.

BALAI NOBAT

The Balai Nobat houses the sacred instruments of the royal ceremonies of inaugurations, weddings, and funerals. The instruments consist of three drums, a gong and flute, which produce the haunting strains of nobat music.

ROYAL MUSEUM

Just beside the Balai Besar is the Royal Museum which was once the royal palace. It contains the regalia of the Kedah Royal Family.

There are displays and memorabilia related to the life of Malaysia's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, who was also a prince of the Kedah royal family.

Hunting trophies can be found in the Astaka Hall.

Open daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
It is closed on Friday from noon to 3.00pm.

BALAI SENI NEGERI

The Balai Seni Negeri, or State Art Gallery, is within the vicinity of the town square in a beautiful colonial building. Some paintings, antiques and artifacts found in the stateare on display here.

ZAHIR MOSQUE

Facing the Balai Besar is the Zahir Mosque, the state mosque completed in 1912.

One of the oldest in Malaysia, it has distinctively Moorish architecture, with a main dome and several smaller domes surrounded by minarets.

STATE MUSEUM

The State Museum (Muzium di Raja) is another fine example of local architecture hinting strongly ofThai influences in its majestic design.

Built in 1936, it houses a collection of Kedah's royal and cultural heritage.

TUN DR. MAHATHIR'S BIRTH PLACE

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia, was born in 1925 in this traditional attap and wood house at Lorong Kilang Ais, beside Jalan Pegawai.

The simple furnishing and implements in the 5-bedroom house are preserved from the former Prime Minister's childhood.

The house also displays souvenirs and memorabilia relating to his student days, and eventually his time as a Prime Minister.

Kelantan Attractions

Kelantan is known as the cradle of Malay culture based on the diverse cultural activities practised by Kelantanese. Among the popular cultural practices are Dikir Barat, Wayang Kulit Kelantan, Wayang Kulit Melayu, Mak Yong, Menora, Main Puteri, Wau Bulan (kite-flying), Gasing (top-spinning), Silat, bird-singing competition and handicrafts. Among the handicraft products that are songket, batik, silverware and mengkuang. The Kandis Recource Centre provides information on the Kelantanese wood carving.

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Dikir Barat - Dikir barat is a style of call and response singing originating in Kelantan . It is well known throughout the Peninsular through local television and performing groups. A dikir barat group, which may be of any size, is led by a tukang karut who makes up poems and sings them as he goes along. The chorus echoes in response, verse by verse. Dikir barat groups usually perform during various festive occassions, and their poems are usually light entertainment and may be about any topic, but are not religious in nature. The chorus traditionally consists of all men, but modern groups, especially those performing on television, often include women. Traditionally, no musical instruments are used, the singing being accompanied instead by rhythmic clapping and energetic body movements. Some groups however do use a pair of frame drums or rebana, a shallow gong and a pair of maracas, for accompaniment. In a typical dikir barat performance, the group will perform two segments. The first is led by the tok juara, who is often the person in charge of the musical training of the group. This first segment usually contains the more complex musical arrangements, and will likely feature the awok-awok singing in unison with the tok juara, as well as responsorial segments of singing, similar to what the tukang karut does with the awok-awok, later in the performance. Though musically more complex than what will follow, the first segment is seen as the "low-key" segment of the performance. The creative leader of a dikir barat group is the tukang karut. The tukang karut is usually a former tok juara who was promoted for his talent in creating spontaneous lyrics, for it his ability to do this that establishes the reputation of the dikir barat group. Leading the awok-awok (chorus) during the second and concluding segment of the performance, the tukang karut sings pantuns—most of which are likely original and improvised on the occasion of the performance, but some which may be known to the audience. (Pantuns are an oral poetry form indigenous to the Malay region, and are not exclusive to the dikir barat.) That the dikir barat uses pantuns does not mean that it is a performance of poetry. The tukang karut is expected to compose lyrics that touch upon life, like any poet, but he can also address social issues, legal matters, animal lifestyles, government regulations, and human foibles. The tone can be satirical, sarcastic, or simply humorous, but above all it is expected that it be clever. The tukang karut makes up and sings lyrics on the topic of the performance (which may be pre-established or simply the choice of the tukang karut), and the awok-awok sings the same lyrics back to him. During the performance, members of the awok-awok clap and perform rhythmic body movements, which bring energy to the performance. --> Dikir budu  --> Anak tupai Wayang Kulit - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayang_kulit Wayang is an Indonesian and Malay word for theatre. When the term is used to refer to kinds of puppet theater, sometimes the puppet itself is referred to as wayang. "Bayang", the Javanese word for shadow or imagination, also connotes "spirit." Performances of shadow puppet theater are accompanied by gamelan in Java, and by "gender wayang" in Bali. Wayang Kulit is a popular shadow puppet show in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, especially those in Kelantan and Terengganu, and also in Johor. The origin of the theatre is still remained a mistery, but it was brought to Malaya hundreds of years ago. Wayang Kulit is a very unique form of theatre employing the principle of light and shadow. The puppets are crafted from buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. When held up behind a piece of white cloth, with an electric bulb or an oil lamp as the light source, shadows are cast on the screen. Wayang Kulit plays are invariably based on romantic tales, especially adaptations of the classic Indian epics, "The Mahabarata" and "The Ramayana". Some of the plays are also based on local happenings (current issues) or other local secular stories. It is up to the conductor or "Tok Dalang" to decide his direction. The Tok Dalang is the genius behind the entire performance. It is he who sits behind the screen and narrates the story. With a traditional orchestra in the background to provide a resonant melody and its conventional rhythm, the Tok Dalang modulates his voice to create suspense thus heightening the drama. Invariably, the play climaxes with the triumph of good over evil -->Bunga Andani Bunga Andana -->Said nak bini Mak Yong Mak Yongis traditional dance drama of Kelantan, Malaysia. According to UNESCO, Mak Yong appeared well before the Islamization of the country but was banned in the year 1991 after the Islamic Party of Malaysia took control of the state. A ritual Mak Yong performance is more elaborate than that staged for entertainment, combiningshamanism, feasting the spirits and dance theatre. It reflects the deep, mystical significance of Mak Yong's stories and dances, and its original aim to serve as a conduit to the spirit world. Ritual performances are enacted for spiritual healing, to pay homage to a teacher and for the graduation of a performer. The late Cik Ning was a leading Mak Yong performer in the 1980s.    Wau Bulan (Moon-Kite) Wau bulan is an intricately designed Malaysian moon-kite (normally with floral motifs) that is traditionally flown by men in the Malaysian state of Kelantan. It's one of Malaysia's national symbols, along some others being the kris and hibiscus. The logo of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is based on this kite.There are many type of wau in Malaysia. Each with its own speciality.Wau kucing(cat kite) and wau merak(peacock kite) are some of them. Unique to the east coast state of Kelantan, these waus or giant flying kites are often as big as a man, measuring about 3.5 metres from head to tail. It is the largest kite around and is capable of soaring to great heights. Not surprisingly, kite-flying here is a sport for men as some kites require at least two grown up men to handle. Most of the patterns are based on local flora and fauna like birds, animals and flowers. It usually fitted with a stringed bow which emits a soft, wailing sound when flown. Each kite is lavishly pasted with colorful designs and a work of art in it its own right. Kites are flown throughout the year but especially after the full moon harvest. Indeed, so remarkable is the Wau Bulan that the national carrier, the Malaysian Airline System, has chosen it as its logo, symbolising controlled flight.   Gasing (top-spinning) The "Gasing" is a traditional game and it is a favorite pastime among the East Coast Malays, especially those in the Kelantan State. The "gasing" or top is about the size of a dinner plate and may weigh up to 5.5 kg! Spinning one is hardly child's play as it requires great dexterity and precise timing. After it is launched, the gasing is quickly scooped off the ground with a thin wooden bat and transferred onto a metal receptacle on a short wooden post. An expert top-spinner can make a perfectly balanced gasing spin for as long as two hours at a stretch, although, according to local belief, a top will spin for 24 hours or more if a spirit enters it! GASING The making of a good top begins with the selection a fine piece of hard wood. In Kelantan and Terengganu, a few species are normally used. Even then, only the base and upper roots or the portion where a branch joins the trunk are acceptable. The wood takes a few weeks to dry naturally. It is then shaped into a discus. For metal top, the edge has to accurately grooved in order to have a good grip of the metal rim. A good top requires perfect symmetry which is an important attribute to longer spinning time. From start to finish, a good giant metallic top might need four to six weeks to complete.

Tablet smackdown: Galaxy Tab 10.1 vs. iPad 2

Tablet smackdown: Galaxy Tab 10.1 vs. iPad 2 20 August, 2011 Before launching into this review, which pits Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 against Apple’s iPad 2, I took a few days to familiarize myself with the Galaxy Tab’s Android 3.1 (“Honeycomb”) OS. The thing is, I’d already used iOS on an iPod Touch for two years, but was a rank newbie when it came to Android. Unfortunately, after configuring the Galaxy Tab 10.1 to my liking, installing apps from the Android Market, and becoming accustomed to its operation, the realization came to me that I’d allowed myself to slide down a slippery slope into an Android Abyss from which there would be no escape. Apple’s obsession with tightly controlling everything in and around its products imposes a high level of rigidity in the look, feel, and functionality of the iPad 2. Consequently, all iPads are essentially identical, beyond the wallpapers and apps their owners install on them. In contrast, thanks to Android’s greater empowerment of its apps, I was easily able to mold the Galaxy Tab 2.1 into a highly personalized tablet experience, and do things on it that I haven’t a clue how to accomplish on an iOS device. Samsung’s thin, lightweight, Galaxy Tab 10.1 rivals the iPad 2 Now, that’s not necessarily best for everyone. In fact, Apple’s more tightly constrained systems are generally credited with being more stable and less prone to hardware/software and OS/app incompatibilities and mishaps, than less restricted systems. But if you value flexibility, configurability, and the ability to control many characteristics of your device — like I do — Android may be a preferred platform. In that case, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is well worth considering as an alternative to the iPad 2. At this point, I only turn to the iPad when in need of a specific app that’s not available on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 — and that’s not very often. Netflix video streaming and Skype video calling come to mind, although I’m sure there will be others. However, since I watch Netflix on a Boxee Box and don’t particularly care about video calling, the lack of those capabilities is of no great consequence. Galaxy Tab 10.1 and iPad 2 similarities Overall, both 10-inch tablets have a similar look and feel, and they implement comparable features. These include: Convenient access to Facebook, Twitter, discussion forums, and other social networks Excellent web browsers, email, and calendar apps Tons of free and paid games Great apps for leveraging online resources such as maps, shopping, news sites, dictionaries, language translators, Wikipedia, etc. A choice of free e-book readers, with easy downloads of both free and paid books Ability to watch movies and shows streamed from both free and fee-based online video aggregation services (e.g. YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, Hulu, Crackle, etc.) Peripherals and apps for taking photos and videos, making voice and video calls, recording audio, and playing music Deciding between the two tablets In light of their price parity — the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and iPad 2 each cost $500 at the moment — and the fact that the iPad 2 is more mature and commands substantially more marketshare than all 10-inch Android tablets combined, most consumers will likely select the iPad 2 over the Galaxy Tab 10.1. To be sure, the iPad 2 does everything most consumers want, and does so to near-perfection. On the other hand, if you want greater control over your tablet environment, more openness to non-Apple standards (such as Adobe Flash), or greater ability to adapt to new technologies and standards as they emerge, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 could be the better option. But don’t decide yet! Below you’ll find… A comparison of Galaxy Tab 10.1 and iPad 2 features and specs General observations regarding Galaxy Tab 10.1 features/functions An extensive Galaxy Tab 10.1 screenshot tour, with over 200 screenshots A list of the top-10 Galaxy Tab 10.1 pros and cons Some parting comments Comparison of features and specs The table below compares the key features and specs of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and iPad 2. The models tabulated are both WiFi-only versions, equipped with 16GB flash.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is launching in Malaysia

Yaahooo… Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is launching in Malaysia this Friday by Celcom! Discover its cosmic features and watch out for the amazing packages on the Celcom widest network! Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Specs Faster : 3G (HSDPA+ up to 21Mbps) Thinner : 8.6mm Lighter : 595gram Larger : 10.1″ Sharper Imaging : 3 MegaPixel (Rear) 1.3 MegaPixel (Front) Clearer : 1280*800 WXGA Richer Browsing : Adobe Flash 10.2 I think I was the very 1st few of us in Malaysia to preview and play with this Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1! The user experience is really awesome and I like it very much! I would love to grab one for my self too! Me and few bloggers were in Samsung office to check out this tablet and had a chance to be the proud user for 1 week. All of the bloggers are too excited about the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1! It kept us busy for quite awhile playing with all the features. Check out my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Home Screen! I damn like it! =) Some of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Accessories Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Optional Accessories – USB + SD Card Slot - with this usb converter, you can plug in your USB Thumb Drive / SD Card for file sharing or even plugin USB Keyboard / Mouse and Printer. Amazingly it will function too! Keyboard dock and Bluetooth Keyboard Case Celcom always brings the best affordable plans! The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is finally here & it is launching EXCLUSIVELY with CELCOM! Come for the launch and witness the unveiling of this beautiful Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet. PLUS get it at AMAZING offers at the event! Celcom is launching the Galaxy Tab 10.1 exclusively at 3 venues: Piazza, e@curve, Mutiara Damansara KL Date : 20 August 2011 Time : from 10am -1st 300 customers can enjoy the Galaxy Tab 10.1 @ the amazing offer price of RM999!* -20 lucky customers will be able to get it @ an even more fantastic offer price of RM99!* *Subject to 24-months contract on Celcom Broadband Basic or Advance. Terms and conditions.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

Sandakan
The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was set up in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned baby orang utan. Set in the lush 4,300-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Centre under the administration of the Wildlife Department of Sabah attracts tourists and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orang utan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads you to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10.00am and 3.00pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area. 

While orang utan rehabilitation is still the primary goal at Sepilok, it also focuses on public education on conservation, research and assistance on other endangered species such as the rhinoceros. 

Visitors are restricted to walkways. Some orang utan have become familiar with people but touching them is strongly discouraged, and while the apes are naturally shy and gentle, the more mischievous ones may try to grab your camera or hat, in which case you should call for a ranger as trying to wrestle the 200 pound apes may not be a good idea.

For the more adventurous, there is trekking through mangrove forest. As this is under the Forestry Department, you will have to get a permit from them before trekking the 5km trail which runs through Sepilok Laut. You can also arrange for a boat return or accommodation in chalets in the forest.

Getting There
If you are not on any tour, public buses and taxis are available from Sandakan town. The Labuk Road Bus Company vehicles depart from the front of the Sandakan Town Council (Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan or MPS) from 6.00 am onwards. Fares are RM2.10 one way, but it will only stop at the junction to the Centre. You will have to walk about one and a half km in. You can hire a taxi for a return trip for about RM100.00 negotiable. The distance between town and the Centre is approximately 23km.

Opening Hours
Security Gate: Daily from 8.00am till 5.00pm
Reception & Ticketing Counter: Daily from 9.00am till 11.00am and 2.00pm till 3.30pm
Exhibition Hall: Daily (except Fridays) from 9.00am till 4.30pm
Centre: Daily from 9.00am till 12.00pm and 2.00pm till 4.00pm Fridays 9.00am till 11.00am, 2.00pm till 4.00pm

Admission Rates

	Adult	Below 18 years old
MyKad Holders	RM5.00	RM2.00
Others	RM30.00	RM15.00
Use of Cameras, camcorders, camera phones etc will be charged RM10.00

Address
Batu 14, Jalan Labuk Sandakan Sabah

WDT200, 9009 Sandakan Sabah

Tel : 6 089 531180
Fax : 6 089 531189
Email : soutan@po.jaring.my
Webpage : http://www.sabah.gov.my/jhl/

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Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

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Turtle Island Park

Sandakan
The Turtle Island Park (gazetted 1977) lies 40km north ofSandakan in the Sulu Sea and consists of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands. The park is a safe haven for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles and gives you the rare opportunity to watch turtle landings. Selingan, the largest of the islands, houses the park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery, tourist accommodation and basic facilities. The other two islands are more for conservation activities.

As turtle landings usually occur after dusk, an overnight stay would be the best plan to see the turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs, but shining a light on them or using camera flashes should be avoided as either can be stressful on the creatures.

Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time to head there is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Observe the collection of eggs, tagging of mother turtles and releasing of baby turtles into the sea.

Getting There
The boat from the Sabah Parks jetty at Jalan Buli Buli Sim leaves at 9.30am and the ride to Selingan takes an hour.

Visiting Period
Throughout the year

Fees
Adult - RM10.00
Children - RM6.00
Night photography of turtle landing (unaided by flash) - RM10.00

Further Information
Permission to visit the Park must be obtained from Sabah Parks and is currently co-ordinated by the sole agency of Crystal Quest, located at Sabah Park Jetty in Sandakan.

Address
Crystal Quest Sdn. Bhd
Sabah Park Jetty
Jalan Buli Sim-Sim
P. O Box 848,
90719, Sandakan
Tel : 6 089 212711
Fax : 6 089 212712
Email : cquest1996@gmail.com

Sabah Parks
Sabah Parks
Lot 45 & 46, 1st - 5th Floor,
Block H, Signature Office
KK Times Square
Coastal Highway
88100 Kota Kinabalu

Telephone: 088-486 432/486 430/486 420 (General Line)
Fax: 088-486 435 (General)
Email : info@sabahparks.org.my
Website : http://www.sabahparks.org.my

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Nasi Kandar Line Clear on Penang Road

Nasi Kandar Line Clear right on the busy Penang Road has been around for more than forty-five years and is one of the famous Nasi Kandar stall in Malaysia. This place is usually very busy and packed with office workers and tourist alike.

Savory and fragrant Nasi Briyani

Nasi Kandar Line Clear is located in a narrow alley…

My last visit at Line Clear was during the Traveling to Penang meet with friend was in Penang with other Bloggers.

Straight right into the great meal!

First things first, when you arrive at Line Clear, be prepared to line up and wait if you want to eat. The waiting time depends on the queue. Those lining up at the end of the long queue will have to stand under the hot sun but the movement is relatively fast.

The interesting part of waiting is that I got to watch the food being cooked. The aroma of the pungent curries really had my tummy growling.

Pot of chicken curry & lady finger

The ever popular prawn curry, yummy!

Besides the curries which are rich in spices flavor, this place offers many delicious dishes to go along with the white rice or the savory and fragrant Nasi Briyani. Just as good are also the curry prawn, fried chicken, fish, squid’s egg and beef. They can be ordered as individual dishes or set on top of the plate of rice. The prices are charged according to your selection. Do take note of what you are ordering.

The Nasi Briyani flavored with many spices is a popular item

Most customers like to have their rice topped with a mixture (campur) of  the palatable curries and gravies. If you do not fancy having the rice flooded with the gravies, do let them know ahead. This plate of rice with a huge fried chicken drumstick, fish, squid’s egg, fried egg and a small portion of rice cost RM11. Indeed a plate of yummy nasi…

Nasi Briyani with seafood…just awesome!

Nasi Briyani with meaty choices of fried chicken and beef rendang

The spicy meal was cooled down with glasses of cool sirap limau (lime juice), ais kosong (ice cold water) and sirap ros (rose syrup). This is a food outlet on the island not to be missed! Click here for the Map Location.

Nasi Kandar Line Clear
Behind 177 Penang Road
Penang
Tel :             04 2614440      

Business Hour : 24 Hours

Closed every one fortnight on Tuesday and from 1pm – 2 pm for Friday prayers

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