Aquaculture in Kenyir Lake, Terengganu, Malaysia

Kenyir Lake is one of the biggest man-made lakes in Malaysia. Its construction completed in 1985 and  it is being used to harness and generate hydro-electric power. Those days this area was the forest and had a few villages. It is located 80km from Kuala Terengganu, the state capital.

Kenyir Lake has many things to offer for the visitors. One of them is the aquaculture project. This economic project can offer visitors to learn how the cage fish were farmed until they were sold to the buyers.

Kenyir Lake from the air. If you do not have the bearing, you may get lost in the wilderness.

The fish cage.

The area covered by this project is quite extensive.

The cages are being managed by a company.

A view from the cage platform.

The fish that are being reared here.

It is tilapia...

This tilapia is given special food twice a day. It takes six months to complete the rearing cycle.

If you are interested to visit this area, take a cab or hire a car and go to Pengkalan Gawi. When you reach Pengkalan Gawi, take a boat to Como River. There you are, you will see this aquaculture project.  If you are interested to know this project further, you can contact Tourism and Tasik Kenyir Division, Terengganu Tengah Development Authority, Bandar Al Muktafi Billah Shah, Dungun, Malaysia  tel 609-822 3100 or email  to tasikenyir@netscape.net   Happy travelling.

Kilim Geoforest Park, Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi island is situated in the north-west of Malaysia ( in the state of Kedah ). Langkawi has three geoparks i.e. Machinchang Cambrian Geopark, Dayang Bunting Marble Geopark and Kilim Geopark. What I am going to tell you is about Kilim Geoforest Park. It consists of the limestone hills or outcrop. It is located on the eastern part of Langkawi.

According to geologists, the hills had existed there over 400 million years. The area looks like the one in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. The rock outcrop and the sea made this area beautiful. Langkawi obtained international recognition and awarded a World geoPark Status in June 2007 by UNESCO. It also gained a listing in UNESCO Global GeoPark Network. This area has significant rock formation.

The welcome sign board to the area.

The rich bio-diversity of the area made it appealing for the natural enthusiasts.

A view from the boat.

The special rock with peculiar formation.

The jetty to the Geoforest Park. 

The jetty point at Kg.Kilim.

The waiting visitors to the park.

Sun set in Langkawi  tells many stories to visitors....

This area is managed and promoted by Langkawi Development Authority. If you like to visit this area, go to Kg.Kilim jetty and take a boat. Many boats are available on demand. It advisable to go in the morning as morning breeze can energise you. You can have your lunch at the floating restaurant which offers sea-food and local delicacies. Happy travel.

Shopping in Bandung, Indonesia

Bandung is a resort city in Indonesia. It is located on the island of Java near Jakarta. The city will be jammed with people from Jakarta during weekends. Among the attractions of Bandung are shopping streets especially factory outlet which sell or offer cheaper products, the Pasar Baru (Trade Centre) and Paris Van Java shopping complex.

There are many factory outlets which sell ready made clothes and other accessories. Those outlets are concentrated along Jalan Riau and Jalan Dago. For example those located at Jalan Dago  have names like Episod Fashion House, Grande Resort Outlet, Jetset, Uptown, Blossom Family and Donatello (shoe shop).At Jalan Cihampelas, you will find cheap jeans. However, original jeans are found at Tokoh Tiga. 

Pasar Baru at Jalan Ottista offer more products in one building. The 8 storey Pasar is an attraction to locals and visitors. It offers cheap clothes, textiles, interior decor materials, bags, souvenirs and other dried food. 

While Paris van Java at Jalan Setiabudi offers upmarket product. It also has franchise food outlets. This shopping complex is modern with amenities. Large parking areas are available.

Jalan Cihampelas, superman is an attraction. 

Bandung, a view from the top of Pasar Baru.

One of the popular mode of transport in Bandung.

Rumah Mode, one of the factory outlets in Bandung. This outlet looks serene with greenery and local furnitures for the patrons to sit and relax.

The wall at Paris van Java. The picture on the canvas is the picture of the entrance to this shopping complex. Note the parking gate.

Mobile food stalls are common.

If you want to visit these shopping areas, you can take a taxi or mini vans. If not just walk. If you prefer to walk, find an accommodation near to these places. Happy travel.

Herbal Garden, Kenyir Lake, Malaysia

Kenyir Lake is one of the largest man-make lakes in Malaysia. It is  located in the district of Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia and  is about 80km from Kuala Terengganu, the state capital. This lake is large covering hundreds of hectares of land with 340 islands. I am going to tell you one of the islands that is Pulau Sah Kecil which was planted with Malaysian herbs. This garden is unique due to its species.

This island covers 16 hectares and was opened to the public since 2002. It has more than 230 species including exotic plants. The garden is managed by Terengganu Tengah Regional Development Authority.

The jetty at the Pulau Sah Kecil, where the garden is located.

The sign board to the Herbal Garden.

One of the plant species, "Tongkat Ali".

Keladi Murai species.

Even reflexology path is provided here.

The garden.

The plaque about the garden.

The officer's (blue and red shirt) routine job is to give briefing to the visitors.

The selected herbs are boiled to  make herbal drinks using the old method (using wood as the fuel) 

The "tongkat ali" and "kachip fatimah" herbal drinks are served warm to the visitors at the courtesy of the management.

Herbal drinks are served and being  tasted by the visitors.

Kenyir Lake.

Another view of Kenyir Lake.

For those who like to visit this garden, you have to go to Pengkalan Gawi. If you come from Kuala Terengganu, you can take a taxi and straight to Pengkalan Gawi. When you reach Pengkalan Gawi, take a boat to this island which takes about 20 minutes. This garden is open to the public from 8.00 am to 5.00pm daily. Mind you, island hopping here is quite expensive. If you are not careful, it will burst your budget. It is advisable to go in group because the boat fare to this garden is around RM100.00 per boat (can accommodate 10-12 persons). You can share the cost. If you want to explore this lake, I suggest you stay at the hotels here. The hotels around this lake also conduct tour to this island for their  clients or customers. Happy travel.

Tongli Water City, Shanghai, China

Tongli Water City is two hours by road from Shanghai, China. It is gazetted as heritage city by UNESCO. It is an old town being preserved for future generation.

Tongli has a few canals serving the residential and commercial establishments. Unlike Amsterdam or Bangkok which have wide canal, Tongli has a smaller size of canals.

It is interesting to look at Tongli where the women row the boat for a living. They are serious people wanting to uplift the standard of living.

Get on the boat to experience the canal.

Boats are parked along the canal. Note that the canal is narrow.

The lady that uses her power to move the boat.

Some old birds are kept on a junk.

The house by the canal.

The boats look sunken in the canal. Note that there are bicycles, table and chairs for people to sit by the canal.

Visitors look satisfied after touring the area.

The nice house with lanterns by the canal.

The souvenir shop selling  many handicrafts including the fans.

The group photo by a group of tourists.

If you decide to visit this city, take a cab or arrange with local guide. Tongli is located on the eastern part of Shanghai. Happy travel.

Amsterdam Canal, Holland

Amsterdam Canal has been constructed hundred over years in Amsterdam. It is now one of the major  tourist attraction areas. Located right in the city centre, the canals offer breath taking view of CBD Amsterdam. The property value is quite high along these canals. Some even buy boat houses park along the canals.These boat houses are not cheap.

The boat ride along the canal.

Note that the boat houses are parked along the canal. They have license from the city mayor. The 5-storey "tenement" houses here are the icon of Amsterdam.

Another type of boat cruising the canal. 

The canal water looks calm.

If you visit Amsterdam, take the opportunity to cruise the canals. You can choose what time that suit you. Morning ride is popular especially in summer. You can buy ticket for a few euros at many booths belonging to different operators near the Central Station. Happy travel.

Fly Over Mount Cook, New Zealand

Mount Cook is one of the highest mountains in New Zealand. Located in the South Island, Mount Cook has a permanent snow-capped on its top. Flying over this mountain range gives you experience of  seeing the work of glaciation: the erosion and its deposition. I found this is very exciting. A 20-minute helicopter ride  take you around the mountainous area and land at one of the strategic points on the mountain.

The mountain ridge with snow. This picture was taken in summer.

The valley is barren. The remnants of the glazier is still there.

Taking a picture on the mountain top with the pilot (on the right).

Posing for picture. 

If you are interested to fly over this mountain, Glentanner is a place where you can get the service of the helicopter. To go there,  you need to go to Twizel first. The flying cost per person is NZ$210.00. One helicopter ride can accommodate six persons. Happy travel.