Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Truly Asia

 

Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - It was a sunny Saturday on July 17, 2011, when my colleagues and I decided to go around some famous places in Kuala Lumpur. One of the places we first visited (taking the taxi we meet the day before) was Istana Negara.

Wikipedia.com describes Istana Negara as the official residence of the King of Malaysia. It stands on a 13 acre (50,000 m²) site, located at a commanding position on the slope of a hill of Bukit Petaling overlooking the Klang River, along Jalan Syed Putra.  The palace is surrounded by a lush of green trees and grasses.



Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower

We then went to a place not-so far away from Istana Negara and were able to see two of Kuala Lumpur's iconic buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers (www.petronastwintowers.com.my)  and Kuala Lumpur Tower (www.kltower.com.my). 

Still, as per wikipedia.com, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat cosidered Petronas twin towers the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 until surpassed by Taipei 101. Kuala Lumpur Tower on the other hand, is used for communication purposes and features an antenna that reaches 421 metres (1,381 feet). The roof of the pod is at 335 metres (1,099 feet). The rest of the tower below has a stairwell and an elevator to reach the upper area, which also contains a revolving restaurant, providing diners with a panoramic view of the city.



One of the government offices

We also went to some government offices with very nice ancient architectures. These were the results of British influence who colonized the country until they got their independence in 1957.

Why is Malaysia truly Asia? I don't exactly know the answer but I guess its because the country has all the 3 major races in Asia, Malay, Chinese and Indians, comfortably living together in the country.

Keep on following my travel blogs. Also, for all your travel needs (airfare, hotel, cruise package, holiday packages, car rental and more), please visit wow amazing holiday website.

Kota Kinabalu - the home of Southeast Asia's highest peak & amazing beaches

 

Mount Kinabalu
Highest mountain in Southeast
Asia on a cloudy day

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia - I met up with my 2 college friends in the Philippines last January 2011 and we decided to go out-of-the-country trips in May. First, they will come to Singapore on May 1 & 2 (where I am based) and then we will go to Kota Kinabalu on May 3-6. 

Only one of my two friends continued with the plan. He arrived in Singapore and stayed in my apartment. We then moved to Kota Kinabalu on the third day via Airasia (www.airasia.com).

After we arrived at the hostel - Lavender Lodge, we asked suggestions from the receptionist on available tour packages that we can take during our 2-day stay. She recommended us to take a day-tour to Mount Kinabalu National Park and then visit beautiful beaches at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. We booked the day-tour to Mount Kinabalu and we were the first passengers picked-up by the bus. The bus continued picking up passengers in other hostels and hotels until everyone came on board. The tour guide explained important subjects that we see along the way to Mount Kinabalu National Park - a UNESCO world heritage site.



Kawasan Mata Air Panas
Hot Spring

We reached Mount Kinabalu National Park but did not see the tip of the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. It was very cloudy on that day. According to Wikipedia.org, the mountain height is about 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level  and its surroundings are among the most important biological sites in the world, with 5,000 to 6,000 species of plants, 326 species of birds, and more than 100 mammalian species. Among this rich collection of wildlife are famous species such as the gigantic Rafflesia plants and the orangutan. After our informational tour to Mount Kinabalu National Park, we stop at a restaurant and had our lunch. The lunch was included in the tour package and it was sumptous. Rain pours heavily after we had our lunch so we needed to buy raincoat to continue with the tour. The next destination was hanging bridge, visit to Rafflesia and then to the hot spring.  The bus took us back to the hostel and we were the last passengers to drop.



Manukan Island, Sabah, Malaysia

There were 5 beaches to visit on Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park but we only selected Manukan, Mamutik and Sapi on the second day. These are 3 of the famous beaches in the area. We took the speedboat from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. According to wikipedia, Manukan is the most popular island with Kota Kinabalu residents. Manukan has some good stretches of beaches on the southern coastline. The best beach is on the eastern tip of the island. Offshore of Manukan are coral reefs, which is ideal for snorkeling, diving and swimming.

Out of the 5 islands making up Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Manukan features the most developed tourist facilities that includes 20 units of chalets, a clubhouse, and few restaurants and a diving centre. Recreation facilities include a swimming pool, football field, Volleyball and Sepak Takraw courts. Infrastructural facilities include support-water, electricity, desalination plant, sewerage system, and even a solar public telephone. It is covered in dense vegetation and has hiking trails.



I enjoyed coming to these beaches. The waters are clear that you can see a lot of fishes, the sands are white and its very relaxing to just lie down on the sand and sleep. We went beach hoping on these islands the whole day. I also met up with my former colleague who moved back to Kota Kinabalu.

Though initially, I didn't have knowledge about what Kota Kinabalu can offer, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable trip. I even recommended it to friends and family. I was able to book cheap direct flights for my mom, 2 brothers and sister-in-law in 2012 from Clark, Pampanga and based on their feedbacks, they told me that they want to come back. Kota Kinabalu is a nice place for nature and beach lovers. 

Keep on following my travel blogs. Also, for all your travel needs (airfare, hotel, cruise package, holiday packages, car rental and more), please visit wow amazing holiday website.

Sunset Series - Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia



Sunset at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Photo was taken through Canon digicam

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia - To continue with my sunset photo series.

2. Sunset at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. These 2 pictures were taken in the Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - a Malaysia city very close to the southern part of the Philippines.

During the day, we went to the 3 beautiful islands of Manukan, Mamutik and Sapi beaches. 

Sunset at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Photo was taken through Iphone

And on the way to our hostel, my friend  stopped and took pictures and so did I.  
When I checked my pictures, it just looks like some of the pictures I took using my Iphone are clearer than the ones I took using my Canon IXUS digital camera (which I lost in the Philippines).

The place is like Baywalk in Manila, Philippines where people watch and take pictures of the sunset.

Keep on following my travel blogs. Also, for all your travel needs (airfare, hotel, cruise package, holiday packages, car rental and more), please visit wow amazing holiday website.

Sunset Series - Sentosa, Singapore



Sunset at Sentosa, Singapore
Photo was taken through Iphone

SENTOSA, SINGAPORE -  I am not really into nature photography and I don't think I capture the best shots.

I was just inspired by some of my friends who are very passionate about photography.

For me, I just try to capture pictures while I travel so I have some memories to ponder later on.

One of the subjects I wanted to capture is about sunset.

When my college friend visited me in Singapore, he introduce photography to me. He tried taking pictures of people, places, nature (including sunset) and events.

While looking at his pictures, I realize that sunset is a good subject to take. Also, establishments with good view of sunset are those that are more expensive and more popular. 



Sunset at Sentosa, Singapore
Photo was taken through Iphone

1. Sunset at Sentosa, Singapore. The first and second pictures were taken at "Asia's favorite playground" - Sentosa, Singapore in May 2011.

It was when my friend had an exciting ASEAN business and leisure trips.

It was an exciting ASEAN trip because he first came from a conference in Cebu where his fligt was delayed and spent a night at "Crown Regency Hotel" and then went to Manila to catch his flight to Singapore. He was given a free flight via Philippine Airlines because he missed his flight via Tiger Airways.

He was supposed to be with another college friend to go to Singapore but the other friend did not go. He stayed in Singapore for few days and then we went to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for the final leg of his holiday.

While he was taking pictures on his professional camera, I also was taking pictures on my unprofessional gadgets - canon digital camera or Iphone.

Keep on following my travel blogs. Also, for all your travel needs (airfare, hotel, cruise package, holiday packages, car rental and more), please visit wow amazing holiday website.