Monday, August 30, 2010

Cameron Highlands

CAMERON HIGHLANDS


Cameron Highlands a cool haven!

The Cameron Highlands are located in the far north west of the state of Pahang, just over 200 kilometers - or 3 hours drive - north from Kuala Lumpur. This cool mountainous region – the highest on the Malaysian mainland - rises to 1500 meters above sea level, making it a popular escape for international travelers and locals alike.

Named after William Cameron, a Scottish surveyor who came across the plateau in the late 1800’s, by the 1930’s the areas rolling mountains and lush valleys had become a haven for colonial-era Brits seeking respite from the lowland heat. With the British came tea, and the Highlands quickly became one of the world’s great centers of tea production, an enterprise which transformed much of the landscape into a verdant tapestry of manicured plantations that rise and fall with the sometimes impossibly steep terrain. Yet despite the Highland’s continued importance as an agricultural centre, great tracts of jungle and forest remain, giving region a wild and untamed quality.

The Colonial architecture, décor, and garden design, lovingly preserved by a new generation of inn keepers and restaurateurs, makes the region an ideal destination for romantic getaways. Each morning as the mountain mists clear, visitors can explore the Highland’s many attractions: Its picturesque townships, historic plantations, and incense shrouded temples; to the many waterfalls and forest walks alive with butterflies, orchids and bird song.

A Hotel

Golf @ Camerons








Ferns

Lakehouse @ Camerons

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

FRASER'S HILL

At 105km north of Kuala Lumpur, 1,500 meters above sea-level on the Titiwangsa mountain range of Peninsular Malaysia is Fraser's Hill. Named after a Scottish pioneer, James Fraser, who set up a tin-ore trading post in the 1890s, it actually consists of seven hills. Fraser's Hill is truly an idyllic place for one to rest and to escape from not only the heat and humidity but also the hustle and bustle of city life. It is perhaps one of the prettiest of Malaysian Hill resorts.
There are hotels, resorts and chalets available on the hill. Tudor cottages sit amongst brilliantly coloured gardens shaded by lofty pine trees.
Fraser's Hill is popular with the locals and foreign tourists for its greenery, forest walks, fresh air and exotic flower gardens, not to mention the golfing facilities. There is a nature education centre where is a very popular and Fraser's Hill is the venue of the annual Bird Race which attracts many foreign omithologists.

The Fraser's Hill roundabout & Clocktower
In Fraser's Hill it's cool throughout the year at an average of 18 - 20 degree Celsius, the attraction of Fraser's Hill as a tourist resort has not diminished through the years. Today, Fraser's Hill is popular as a site for company retreats and weekends.

A Golf Course
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Mugimaki Flycatcher
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Post Office

Friday, August 20, 2010

Penang's Food

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Satay @ Teluk Kumbar

Penang's Culinary Deliciousness

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A shop selling Chinese sausages and other meat products @ the market
FISH HEAD CURRY @ JAWS77 GURNEY DRIVE
A must try at Gurney Drive.The restaurant serves a variety of Penang's mouth watering offerings from lobak to belachan fried chicken!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Penang Heritage Island

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Chong Fatt Tze Mansion
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Tok Panjang-a long table used for meetings and meals @ SunYat Sun Museum,Armenian Street.


An old compartmental tray for sweetmeats
Komtar Building on Penang Road
Old Antique Vases
Snake Show@Snake Temple
Colonial Building @ Beach Street

Some more heritage Buildings and things of old one can encounter when doing 'The Heritage Trials' around Penang island.Many cultural artifacts are preserved in private/state museums.Some colonial type buildings are still in use all over the city.

Penang a world heritage island

An inlaid carving on a wall
Khoo Kongsi at night
Carving on roof eves
Carvings on roof eves
Carving on roof eves


This is the Clan house of my ancestors in Penang island built in the 19thcentury when they came to Malaysia from China.The Kongsi was refurbished and preserved for future generations at the cost of millions of ringgit and restoration & maintenance is still ongoing.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Penang,a World Heritage Island


Kek Lok Si Temple @Ayer Itam

Row of Buddhas @ the temple

Hibiscus,the national flower

View of Ayer Itam from the temple


The Kek Lok Si temple is on top of a hill at a town called Ayer Itam in Penang.One has to climb some stairs to get to the top and there awaits a stunning stunning temple.It has views of the town and the sea too.