The November 2008 issue of National Geographic published a story about the vanishing forests of Borneo (Borneo’s Moments of Truth) which at the same time truly sad and inspiring. The write-up plainly laid out the effects of the palm oil rush on the fast deforestation of Borneo and it’s natural (but mostly close to extinction) inhabitants.

I recall that the boyfriend had many times gushed on the beauty of the Borneo island and had always wished to one day have a visit. You see, to many people Borneo is the exotic tropical paradise with its lush canopy of trees, rich biodiversity and habitat to sui generis species discovered or undiscovered. For many, the crumbling fate of the island is unaware of.

I hate to admit it but i’m one of the many that still believed in the fable story of mysterious Borneo till i read about it in the November issue. Don’t get me wrong Borneo is still a amazingly beautiful place but it’s far from what it used to and fast vanishing too. Don’t believe it? Look at these.

- Deforestation due to the palm oil rush - taken from National Geographic

- Stripped and burned - taken from National Geographic

*Read this*. Help spread the message to the world.

Sungai Klah Hot Spring Park was opened in December 2003 and is reputed to be one of the best managed hot spring park in Malaysia. I’ve yet to hear about any other hot spring destination that is as well managed than here (i am still filled with unbelievable horror with memory of photos i found on the internet of the Selayang hot spring… 3 pools of muddy water filled with algae under the hot blazing sun).

Road trip to Sungai Klah Hot Spring Park, Perak

Sungai Klah on the underhand is well maintained and the water is alot more cleaner. Since it opened, the place is always packed with holiday goers especially families. This place is actually a fine place to go as a family and on short weekend trips. It’s very affordable, lush greenery greets us (hey i even learned a thing or two about the stretches of rubber trees and kelapa sawit (palm oil) at the plantation nearby), facility available is sufficient, service is with a smile plus it’s less than an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Hot spring water source

Entrance fees are RM10 for adult and RM8 for children.

The hot water springs ranges from 40°C to 100°C but of course some pools are prohibited because it’s so hot it’s dangerous to even touch the water. With a weather so warm right now, even the 60°C pool is too much for me. LOL.

People dipping their feet in the hot water

Sungai Klah also has a cafeteria in the park for people looking for a meal. Or if you would fancy it, you could buy a few eggs and try boiling it in the hot water stream nearby. It would just take a while for the eggs to boil actually and the eggs taste delicious because of the sulfur in the water.

Egg boiling in the hot water

There is also water reflexology whereby polished pebbles are scattered in the hot water. You have to walk on it so the pebbles will massage the sole of your feet.

Let’s go!

The place gets more crowded as noon approach so most of the pools are already occupied. So, we hired the private jacuzzi… which is really worth the RM75.

Door to private sanctuary

Within privacy, the family could enjoy the rush of hot massaging water. The good thing is that the water temperature in the private rooms could be adjusted according to tolerance.

Private pool

Me and mom enjoying ourselves

It is advised to book earlier for the rooms because on peak seasons they are mostly occupied. It cost RM75 per hour for a standard room or RM125 per hour for a superior room. Additional RM15 will be charged for each additional hours. (i doubt anyone would want to take up the extra hour offer… i hate wrinkly skin LOL)

Take a cold shower of natural spring water

Extra charges for extra hours

Sungai Klah Hot Springs Park is definitely an ideal place to relax and de-stress. I just wish that there are less kids around

Operating hours: 8am - 10pm daily

Other reviews:
http://mytravelbay.com
http://www.malaysiavacationguide.com

There are 2 separate travel fair going on within these 2 months.

The first is the MITM Travel Fair which starts today (15th August 2008). The fair will be held for 3 days ending on 17th August.

MITM Travel Fair

Date: 15th August 2008 - 17th August 2008
FREE Entrance for Senior Citizen & Children below 12
Time : 10am to 9pm
Location:
Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)
Kuala Lumpur

Next month there will be MATTA Fair which i have been going to every year.

MATTA Fair

Date: 5th September 2008 - 7th September 2008
Time : 10am to 9pm (Not sure)
Location:
Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)
Kuala Lumpur

Its time to take a break from the hectic work place. This is your chance.

As pointed out by a reader (Kelly), i had made a mistake by saying that MAS Airlines’ Sub-Zero Fare* is only covering South East Asia Route and that it is a promotion instead of a permanent offer. My bad. In fact, MAS Airlines’ Sub Zero Fare* is not a one time promotional stunt but the campaign is for long term. It also covers a number of nearby destinations besides the South East Asia’s countries such as Brisbane, Bangalore and Shanghai.

Everyday low fares!

This is good news to all. However, i do wish that there are more destinations included.

* Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) raised an issue on the misleading Zero Fare advertisements (in the papers recently) since customer still have to pay for the tax and fuel surcharge. Thus the ticket is not entirely free. I’m not sure if there is any action taken by both MAS and Air Asia. Public MIGHT not see the word “Zero Fare” anymore :).

We were simply ecstatic when the MAS Airlines (Malaysian Airlines) launched it’s very own Sub- Zero Fare promotional flights. Who wouldn’t? Flight tickets are FOC! Of course the free tickets do not include tax, fuel charges and other surcharge. But still. It’s a good deal.

Too good to be true? Well… the answer is yes and… no.

Since we were already planning for a trip to somewhere, we decided to check out MAS’ website wondering whether we are having a better deal at MAS or at Air Asia (the competing airline). We tried the nearest and mostly affordable destination which is Yogyakarta.

In comparison:-

* Assuming both MAS and Air Asia is having a zero fair promotion.

MAS total fees double the ones in Air Asia. This will be true for all destinations since MAS is using the state of the art KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) for landing which of course means tax and fees by MAS Airlines are way higher than those charged by Air Asia. Air Asia by the way, using the run down strip of LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) guarantees lower fees.

All this makes MAS promotional sub-zero fare not too impressive doesn’t it? Plus the zero fare is only applicable to short destinations to nearby Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and such. For such a short trip, i would think that traveler or tourist would rather opt for a lower fees alternative.

We’ll just have to wait and see if the sub-zero promotion will be open to other destinations besides Asian countries. If so, it’ll be a fantastic deal. Nobody wants to sit 8 hours cramped up in a low cost carrier.

Of all the places, airport is the vital vein in a country’s tourism sector. It is the first destination in a country that tourist and travelers alike step foot upon. It’s common sense to provide the best service and comfort to visiting travelers for a lasting impression. Airport could be the main factor for some people, determining whether the country is worth a second visit.

You’d be surprised that some airports are… well, not as impressive. Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam is one of them. I had the worst experience there whereby, flights were delay due to cabin not ready (inexcusable), visitors wondered here and there not knowing where to go (staff didn’t bother to help too) and encountered a bunch of airport staffs peeling and eating mangos idly blocking the airport toilet’s entrance. Maybe i was just having a bad day. Maybe i was hallucinating.

However, it is comforting to know that most airlines are performing their best. For a period 10 months (2007-2008), Skytrax, London had collected 8.2 million questionnaires completed by passengers in order to find out which airport deserves the top 10 ranking for the World’s Best Airports. This survey is done annually and each airport had been judged on their convenience, punctuality and comfort; from shopping, dining, customer service, baggage handling and delivery to waiting time.

The results for 2008 are finally out. The proud 10 are (taken from http://www.forbes.com/:-

1) Hong Kong International Airport, China

It’s no wonder that this airport has taken the top honors for seven years. It’s easy to navigate and equipped with passenger-friendly amenities like free wireless Internet and a pay-to-use arrival lounge. Business and leisure travelers can also get to downtown Hong Kong quickly on an express train service. Other perks include plenty of shopping, a mix of regional and international eateries and a program that allows frequent visitors to clear immigration quickly.

2) Singapore Changi, Singapore

Since Skytrax began ranking airports in 1999, Singapore Changi has placed first twice. The airport was built in 1981, and it has since added more terminals that cater to both budget and luxury passengers. The up-to-date services and amenities include an indoor orchid garden, a rooftop swimming pool, themed television lounges and a free sight-seeing tour for those who have at least five hours prior to their connecting flight.

3) Seoul Incheon, South Korea

If the 72-hole golf course at this seven-year-old South Korean airport is any indication, your experience at Seoul Incheon will be both relaxing and enjoyable. Passengers can also take advantage of the on-site hair salon, a children’s play room and a business center with overseas shipping. The airport’s Web site even maintains a list of activities by the number of hours a passenger must wait. If you’re within eight hours of a flight, try using the shower and massage services.

4) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This airport has won several accolades since opening in 1998. In addition to ranking forth in Skytrax’s World Airport Awards, it also ranked first on the company’s list of airports with the best immigration service. While passengers are almost guaranteed a seamless arrival and departure experience, they can also enjoy free wi-fi, luxury shopping and reflexology and massage services.

6) Munich, Germany

Staff here want you to be “carefree and relaxed,” according to the airport’s Web site. To this end, they offer miniature golf, a 60-seat cinema, and cosmetic and physiotherapy services, among other cutting-edge amenities. The airport also promotes aviation technology and history with educational experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and “kinderterminals,” a touchscreen that allows children to learn more about how an airport works.

6) Kansai, Japan

The Japanese are known for design, and this Osaka airport is no exception. Built on a man-made island, this sleek structure opened in 1994 and served 16.7 million passengers last year. They may keep returning for perks like on-site dentist and doctor’s offices, a DVD and movie rental service, VIP meeting rooms and a pet hotel.

7) Copenhagen, Denmark

Passing through the Copenhagen airport is an aesthetic experience; the terminals feature works of art and place a visual emphasis on architecture. Passengers even walk on brightly polished wooden floors. It’s a cozy environment for an airport that receives 60,000 passengers daily. When not admiring the surroundings, passengers are shopping at Burberry and Gucci boutiques and swigging Danish microbrews.

Zürich, Switzerland

This airport aims to serve all passengers well but makes a point of catering to VIPs by coordinating on-the-ground limousine service, event planning and access to a VIP lounge. Passengers can also rent day rooms with a kitchen and wake-up call service. The pampering even goes as far as childcare. The airport staffs nurseries and playrooms with trained childcare providers. They are proficient in various languages and will keep an eye on children who are accompanied by an adult.

9) Helsinki, Finland

If flying makes you frazzled, then passing through this capital city airport will soothe your nerves. The airport maintains a meditation room meant to create a “calm ambiance” for all passengers. But fliers who thrive on working non-stop won’t be disappointed either, since there are several working lounges with pay-to-use wireless Internet. If you’d rather shop and nosh, there are plenty of opportunities to do that as well.

10) Cape Town, South Africa

This modern airport in South Africa has simple amenities that go a long way. For a small tip, porters will transport your luggage from one terminal to the next. A medical clinic serves passengers with aches and pains. There are several lounges for airline members, as well as passengers who don’t mind paying a fee for access. And those who want to pray before or after takeoff can be accommodated in a quiet room.

The first time i had been to Bon Odori festival in Malaysia was ages ago. When i was still clad in primary school uniform. I somehow recollect that the music being vibrant, the crowd, joyous and the food, fantastic. It’s been a while since i had been to this festival. I remember being fascinated by the girls in Japanese traditional cloths and clogs too. I wished i had a pair of those.

- Bon Odori 2008 taken from http://www.daisycave.com/ -

Unfortunately, I did not make it to Bon Odori Festival 2008 for some reason. Instead i browsed through some blogs to read about it. Apparently, the air of festivity didn’t not cease after so many years. I see beautiful photos of people smiling and obviously enjoying themselves. There is one thing particular thing that is different this time though. What the hell is Sushi King’s sushi bar doing at Bon Odori?! LOL!

- Sushi King taken from http://www.daisycave.com/ -

I noticed that most people describe the girls at the festival as wearing ‘kimono‘. Once upon a time (Muahaha! Actually it was a few days ago), i too made the same mistake. A friend pointed out that the girls are actually wearing ‘yukata‘ (not Yutaka the Japanese hunk please) instead of ‘kimono‘. While ‘kimono‘ is the Japanese traditional garment with thick layering, ‘yukata‘ is a Japanese summer garment with less layers, worn during the warm summer and at particularly during summer events like the Bon Odori.

- Kimono (top) vs. Yukata (bottom) -

‘Yukata‘ is a cooling garment to wear. With wide sleeves and made of cotton. In fact, it is just a layer of cotton cloth wrapped across the body (like a bath robe) with an ‘obi‘ (sash/belt) around the waist to keep the whole garment intact. It is not to be mistaken for a ‘kimono‘ since a ‘kimono’ is usually made of silk or synthetic fibre and has usually 12 or more separate pieces that makes up the whole garment. Now, you can imagine how warm it would be to wear such garment during the warm weather. It would be like walking around in a portable sauna.

If a female were to have worn a ‘kimono’ instead of a ‘yukata’ to Bon Odori Festival, i think the Red Crescent will have a field day.

Who living in Malaysia would not recognize his name? Wee Meng Chee or better known as Namawae was on everyone’s lips since his controversial video clip on YouTube (a parody of Malaysia’s national anthem). The rap clip Negaraku, he produced created an uproar and gotten himself into trouble. The clip has then been taken down from YouTube.

This time around, the 25 year old rebel is now ready for another shot of fame. To commemorate Malaysia’s 51st Merdeka Day (National Day) which is on August 31st, he and another 4 of his friends are going shoot a documentary of Malaysians living abroad, recording the well wishes and also gather their signatures of those that could not make it back to homeland. The project will start while they are traveling from Hong Kong through Macau, southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand before arriving in Malaysia. The project will take on for a whole month starting from July 31st to August 31st.

The young man had already composed a suitable song entitled Wo Yao Hui Jia (I Want to Go Home) and video clip that will be uploaded to YouTube. Those living in Macau, southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand and are interested to contribute can contact him at namewee@gmail.com.

I will definitely look forward to the new clip.

The Bon Festival is a Japanese Buddhist custom which is held annually to honour and to show gratefulness to one’s ancestors. In Japan, this old tradition and festival lasts for three days and includes a dance known as Bon-Odori (Bon Dance).

- Bon Odori taken from http://www.pbase.com/alexlim/ -

Today, the Bon Odori Festival is celebrated not only in Japan but in other countries including Malaysia. This Saturday, 12th of July, Malaysia will be celebrating it’s 32nd Bon Odori at the Panasonic Sports Complex, Shah Alam.

Date: 12 July 2008
Time: 5pm (Gates Open) to 9.30pm (Closing Address)
Venue: Panasonic Sports Complex (formerly Matsushita Centre)
Lot 4, Persiaran Perkilangan, Seksyen 21
Shah Alam,Selangor
Admission: Free
Phone: 03-2274 2274 (Japan Club of KL)

Of course Penangites will also get the chance to have some fun on the 19th July.

Date : 19th July 2008 (Saturday)
Time : Begins about after 5:00pm-6:00pm, Ends around 11:00pm
Venue : Esplanade
Admission : Free

NOTE: Only flat-canvas shoes or sports shoes are allowed onto the field.

- Map to the Stadium (click to enlarge) -

If you have nothing to do, don’t sit and wallow in your boredom. Head out to the festival because this festival is more like a cultural event in Malaysia with lots of Japanese food, music, dance and not to mention cute ladies in Japanese Kimonos.

- Girls in Kimono taken from http://kyng8.blogspot.com/ -

The place is normally packed with people from all over, especially families. But not to worry, there’ll be distributing cute Bon Odori fans to cool you down.

- Drummer boy taken from http://kyng8.blogspot.com/ -

I spoke too soon. Just as i have posted about the 4 Heritage sites of 2008, another few more landmarks had made it into the list making a whooping 878 of UNESCO World Heritage sites in total to date. And guess what? I’m proud to announce that our very own Malacca (Melaka) and Georgetown (Pulau Pinang) are on that list. Malaysia Boleh!

Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca, Malaysia

The two cities/town have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. The two towns were the centre platform of the busy spice sea-route between Europe and the Far East. The trading had resulted in a rich multicultural heritage that is evident in the buildings, squares and even street names of both cities.

- The Stadhuys taken from http://www.pbase.com/ -

Melaka is best known to locals (Malaysians) for it’s red-painted Dutch buildings, rickshaws and delectable nyonya cuisine. People from all over the country drives all the way to this historical town for it’s famous chicken rice and coconut deserts.

- A Famosa taken from http://asiaphotogroup.com/ -

However Melaka is a popular tourist attraction because of it’s steep history falling back to the 15th Century where the sultanate rules and 16th Century when the Portuguese and Dutch took over before a change of hands to the British empire. Today, one will find many remnants of the glorious past scattered all over the streets of Melaka. This is balanced with other modern attractions such as water theme parks and cultural parks.

The World Heritage site covers St. Paul’s Hill civic zone (which includes A Famosa (Porta de Santiago), St. Paul’s Church and Stadhuys complex), residential and commercial areas (Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat), Heeran Street (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock) and adjacent streets) and th Malacca River. That covers almost all the must-visit areas of Malacca.

- Jonker Street during Chinese New Year taken from http://flickr.com/photos/amazingmelaka/ -

The largest city on Penang Island, Georgetown is a wonderful blend of cultures. George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century. The town retains most of its colonial charm, its narrow streets flanked by charming yet crumbling shop houses. Yet another town in Malaysia that still have rickshaws. You can see tourist relaxing while the rickshaw puller/cycler take them around town.

- Penang bridge taken from http://www.h4ppy.com/blog/ -

Founded in 1786 by British trader Francis Light, Georgetown was one of the three Straits Settlements along with Melaka and Singapore. It was the first British trading post in the Far East. Cathedrals, mosques, government offices, temples, bazaars, shops and cafes; the city has plenty of good food and things to see.

- Fort Cornwallis taken from http://timothytiah.blogspot.com/ -

Stepping into George Town is like stepping into the past with it’s old Peranakan houses and narrow back alleys. Yet it’s sandy, palm-fringed beaches care just close by.

Besides the centuries spanned architecture and complexes in George Town, Pulau Pinang (Penang) is also famous for its unique local culture especially the cuisine. Diners can enjoy a wide selection of good food at the local restaurants—everything from Malay satay to Chinese stir-fry. Who could resist Penang’s Chao Kuey Tiao?

- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion taken from http://www.avparker.com/category/misc/ -

The Heritage Site covers the Waterfront district (Esplanade and harbour area, Fort Cornwallis, Weld Quay and Beach Street), historical commercial centre (Bisop and Church street, China Street, Market and Chulia Streets and Little India), guilds and trades precinct (Chulia, Muntri, Leith and adjacent streets),mosques and wakaf enclave of Acheen Street and Kapitan Keling Mosque and also Chinese clan enclsave with Khoo, Cheah, Tan, Lim, Yap and Yeah clan or kongsi houses.

- Khoo Kongsi taken from http://picasaweb.google.com/dr.natasha/ -