Langkawi 2011

It has been a great many years since I was in the land of eagles. As such I cannot remember much about it, only little fragments such as the giant eagle statue and not going up on the cable car. The only clear memory was that I visited the underwater world... and that is only because my aunt bought me a necklace (the pendant is the following photo). Even after growing out of wearing it, I turned the pendant into a key chain so that it is still functional. 

This time around, I went there during my birthday weekend with some friends (my birthday was just a coincidence, they would have gone without me any way ^^). Unfortunately for all of us, it was basically raining for most part of our trip... spent a lot of time listening to the rhythm of the falling rain (=p) which of course meant a lot of thinking on my part. 

At least we managed to go island hopping which was fun. The waters was a little choppy, making the ride exciting. The guys were joking about how only here even the ocean has portholes as the boat went up the wave and landed on the waters. I loved the eagle feeding part (though not sure if it is environmentally friendly) as they swept down from the sky gracefully, picked up the food from the water and fly back to the sky. Then there was the Pregnant Maiden's Lake which was a little scary to swim in since the bottom cannot be felt and there is hardly sides to hang on to. 

Oh! We also went up the cable car (subconsciously been trying to push back this particular memory). It was terrifying @.@ But once on top it was nice to enjoy the cool breeze. Since it has been raining, it was foggy and could not see much, in drier seasons the view is said to be fantastic, especially at sunset. 

Birthday Cake

It was truly a different way of spending my birthday which usually means a big party. This time, it was just another day.... except at the end where they distracted me with shopping when in town while they bought and snuck the really pretty cake into the car then the room. Have to hand it to them for the really nice surprise (I am seldom surprised... and even less pleasantly surprised ^^)

*thinks about life so far..... *

Kenyir Lake

People always talk about going overseas for holidays.... it is a bit sad because many of them do not realise how much they miss within their own lands. Recently went to Kenyir Lake for my graduation trip with my form six friends. Though we went on to do different things in university, we kept in touch and went on this holiday to celebrate the end of one chapter of our lives (for most of us anyway)

Rather than staying in a grounded chalet with swimming pools, spas and full facilities, we opt to stay in a boathouse where electricity is only available between 7pm -7am, water is processed from the lake and the bed is just a mattress on the floor instead. Crazy? That is just what we are ^^ Best part? There was no regrets about the trip ^^

The Jetty

This is the jetty. I love the moment when we get off the car or bus and view the ocean/lake for the first time. Just to stand there, stretch a little and absorb the whole scene in front of you. As you can see from the picture, Kenyir is no small lake.

Lake House

The boathouse has 2 floors with the sleeping quarters on the second floor. Most of the time we hung out on the front deck of the boat. The second floor is very hot and stuffy during the day. But who wants to stay in there when they can enjoy the wind and sights on the deck?? The kitchen and toilets are at the back. Most of the facilities are the basics, just enough to get what needs to be done done.

But the kitchen is surprisingly complete up to a full 3 layer steamer! When we sat down for the first meal, we knew why. Lunch and dinner are meals consisting of 1 fish dish, 1 chicken dish, 1 vegetable dish and 1 tofu or egg dish along with soup, rice and fruits for desserts. Breakfast is more simple with fried rice or noodles, or bread with assorted spreads with sausage and beans. There's also tea-time which is sweet soup such as red or green bean soup. Pretty luxurious for a nature trip. Plus, since the whole houseboat is ours, we get to make requests such as the food not being too spicy.

More awesome than the food is having the food while travelling. If you were staying in a chalet and wanted to visit the different places around the lake, you would probably need to sit in a speed boat to get to the place faster. When you are living on a boat, you get to travel at a leisure speed and enjoy a great many things such as having your meals while watching the scenery change, chatting, napping and even playing games such as twister. Life is a journey that is as much about the travel as the destination.

The Boat Crew

From left: Captain Alward, First Mate Man, Zainal aka Sarjan and Bawi

The friendly crew who takes care of all our needs from meals to travelling to places and ensuring our safety during the whole trip. At first we were surprised that the boat needed so many crew, but turns out everyone of them is indispensable. Feel free to ask them questions about the surroundings as they are quite knowledgeable about the area. If you need help with fishing, they are your men.

Sky Lake

At times, we travel upon deep parts of the lake where the surface would so still that you can enjoy the view of the sky on the lake.

Lake of Shiny Waters

Other times when the waters are not so deep, there would be ripples as the boat moves and you will get to enjoy the sparkly lake. Now I understand how Anne of Green Gables felt when she first viewed Barry's Lake. Just so pretty.

Could not resist the water that was so near, so I dipped my toes into the waters ^^

A panoramic view of the lake. Believe me, it is even more breathtaking when you see it for yourself. The whole place is in good condition. The operators take care of maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of the lake.

Then came the part I look forward to the most during trips... Waterfalls!!! In the package we took we visited two waterfalls! Awesome possums ^^ There are certain spots that are safer for swimming than others. The crew would guide you to those. The one in the photo above is more for the sight of water falling tiers after tiers.

This area was where we stayed awhile. Found areas to sit/stand and just let the water wash away your stress and worries. Do note that the water is cold! Lovely ^^ Better still is the hot sweet soup for tea time that awaits on the houseboat after you are done splashing in the icy waters.

Next to the natural jacuzzi is a relatively calm area where you can swim or just float...

Woke up early to take a refreshing dip in the waterfall waters. Ah.................

Besides waterfalls, the package also took us to two caves, Gua Bewa and Gua Taat. Bewa is a dry cave while Taat is a wet one where the entrance is submerged during high tides so it depends on the tide if you are able to enter. The photo above is one from Bewa. Standing there is wonderful as you get to feel the gush of wind from the entrance of the cave. If you are worried about creepy crawlies, it would be advisable to just stand there and enjoy the wind ^^

The second cave is worth entering. It is a wet cave, so you can still see stalactites and stalagmites forming. Best is the mineral rocks that sparkles (photo above). After spending time in the dark the light from the entrance of the cave is always welcomed (photo below). You will be surprised at how much better you can appreciate the light when you have been in the dark for some time (try switching off all your torch lights and just listen to your own heartbeat).

Besides caves and waterfalls, there are forests at all night stops where you can go for night trekking. For a small fee, the crew can also take you out on a boat ride in hopes of catching sights of elephants or leopards drinking from the lake. A small group of us went for a short hike and saw elephant treks and poop. So the chances of sightings are quite good I suppose. No guarantees.

If night walks are not your thing, there is always fishing....taking the small boat out for fishing is part of the package.... not really my cup of tea though.... speaking of tea, there is free flow of coffee and tea through out the trip!

Take time to view the flowers and other floras......

not forgetting the variety of fauna that can be found.... above is a millipede with hard shell. I love its colours.....

And if all else fails, at night you can still watch Astro. Surprisingly it works even when all phones cannot be used unless you want to throw it at an attacking bear...... not sure if that will help either ^^ But seriously? Come on! You can do that at home ^^

But if you want to have a mild nature trip with lots of time to spend with friends and family, beautiful sights and wonderful waterfalls, this is the way to do it. For more information you can give their site a visit. They have a variety of packages to fit your wants and needs. Will tell you more about the things you will need to pack and other trips tips in the next post ^^

*dreaming of waterfalls*

Flowers on Highlands

After much delay, I finally decided to take some time and upload some of the photos I took when I was in Cameron for a trip... it was a bright sunny (yet cool) morning when everyone else was asleep, I sneaked out to absorb a little peace and tranquility that Cameron is known for. There I found my favourite photography subjects... flowers! And really pretty ones with lots of petals ^^ Just don't ask me what their names are....

A beautiful day

Glowing Glory

A little bug caught on camera. Morning glories are one of my favorite... maybe just because of its name.... mornings are awesome ^^

Burst of Pink

Contrasts in the sky

Orange Spread

Pink Bloom

I love the various sizes of petals on this flower, like it was caught unfurling it's true potential.

Pink Blossom

One of my favorites with its many outlined petals.

Sunshine in Bloom

Luminescent Dream

Another one of my favorite as it has that mystical glow to it... think Avatar (the blue one)

Flowers always makes me happy. Coupled with cool fresh air and peace of mind, it was one of the best walks I had. Upon returning to the apartment, I warmed up with a nice cup of steaming hot tea.... that is the life ^^

~Dreams of next vacation~

P/s - All photos were taken with Sony Ericsson's C903 phone camera. The reason I got the phone.

Malacca Revisited....

It has been a long day.... a day trip to Malacca (with lots of hyper children...). In terms of places visited it was quite similar to my previous trip... but a difference in time of shots.... plus it was a beautiful day with blue skies and fluffy white clouds.... (hence my slight sun burn...) I also got to finish some unfinished business and absolutely heavenly pineapple tarts mmmmm..... =D

The last time I was standing on this spot, the Eye was not there....

Let the Spirits be Free

St. Paul's Church... there was a very informative (on the history of Malacca) artist...

should go get some drawings from him...

pictures that you cannot get on camera because it was before the fort was destroyed...

Unfinished Business 1

This time got to visit the museum... but it was not that interesting,

just the ship itself was nice for some shots....

Colours of the Wind

(no idea what caused it...)

Reaching the Sky

My favorite shot for this round

Chicken Rice Ball for lunch.... looks like fishball... not that nice, really don't understand the craze over it... rather eat candol!

Eye Contrast
I like the bright white against the shades of blue....

I went up on the Eye on Malaysia, Melaka... against my mental pleads not to do so...

my carriage creaks on the way down ;(

Unfinished Business 2

On my last trip, I bought this key-chain... and lost it in Malacca itself... to my surprise, I managed to find the same design again =D

Putting on aloe vera gel and heading off to bed...

Gombak Waterfall Take 2

As promised, here are the Gombak waterfall photos.... only when the film was developed I realised that most of them do not have people in them =D

Alien Invaders

Lighting Up the Path

Ray of Ho(p)e

Same scene with the one above, yet not so interesting without PH...

the light was is not focused on a target

Stoney Mist

Kinda like this one.... there's flow in the water...

Tree of Life

Reminds me of the story of the oldest tree in the world....

Leaving the Darkness

This was not how I intended it... the light was not bright enough to see the rocks closer to me, but now it looks like we are leaving a cave... think King Kong....

Wonderfall

A miniture waterfall just before the 'water slide' where everyone had a wonderful time... this was not easy to take... standing partially in the water where there was a strong current... and my hand was not steady enough... otherwise it would have been a better photo without the blurred background....

Mushrooms

These gave a break to all the green.... there is an interesting story behind the mushrooms... I am not too fond of heights and thus was gripping anything within reach to make sure I do no slip down the steep hill.... then I was ordered to take the mushrooms hence was distracted from the heights....

A Whole Log of Fun

The one and only photo with people... and I was not even the one who took it... though it was my suggestion ^.^

Those who want to see more people pictures please click below: http://tigapuluhsatu.blogspot.com/2009/06/return-to-sungai-pisang.html

Full story on this trip please click below:

http://fragmentsofmind1500.blogspot.com/2009/06/road-not-taken.html

Was an excellent trip.... fun people, cool weather, photography opportunities.... I find that this roll of film came out with better photos... could be that the subjects and and the lighting were better =D

(continued)... and yet with film camera, I tend to save for good photos.... and savour the trip and the experience more than when holding the camera all the time... no way the camera can follow me into the slide.... also on trips with friends, everyone should take part in the activites and not hide behind the camera (like someone did to TRY and avoid being tossed into the ocean....) also having more than one photographer is great to make sure everyone can have fun and that fun is still recorded....