Malaysia Express Adventure…

South

The dream child of Dr Mahathir, Putrajaya is a futuristic city designed so that government employments could live and work in one place. To get a perspective, take a cuisine on Putrajaya Lake. Then, get back to nature in Sungai Telaka Recreational Forest with its tranquil picnic spots and waterfall.

Park Paradise

Reached by walkway from KL Tower, Bukit Nanas Forest Recreation Park is a shady retreat in city’s heart – the perfect place for a picnic or a stop at the children’s playground. Another peaceful haven is Kuala Lumpur’s City Center Park. Discover 1900 indigenous trees and palms, a kid’s playground, wading pools, artificial lake, sculptures, grass and shade.

          Of course the king of parks is the Lake Gardens. For first-timers, head to the Hibiscus Garden to relax in the country’s national flower, at the nearby Orchid Garden (800 varieties). Besides the entire flora around, there is fauna waiting to be greeted, found at The Deer Park in Lake Gardens.

          It features the world’s smallest deer, the mouse deer (original to Malaysia), as well as Dutch spotted deer. Meet more original species (including the national bird, the Hornbill) at the Kuala Lumpur bird Park, which houses 3000 birds, including Hawk Eagles, parrots, toucans and flamingos. The world’s largest butterfly garden, he Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park (6000 fluttering creatures) can also be found at the Lake Gardens.

Markets

The lovely art deco Central Market (Pasar Seni) is the place to see Malaysian Crafts. Best buys are kites of all decoration that vary from moon, cat and bird kites (kite flying is a national pastime). Besides that , there are shadow puppet plays, batik painting, fortune-telling and art exhibitions. Saturday evenings feature Malay, Chinese and Indian dances. Follow up with a visit to the Craft Center (Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur) and Royal Selangor Pewter Showroon for more arts and craft.

Chow Kit Market, the historic site of the race riots of 1969, is the place to buy secondhand clothes, Islamic textiles and fabrics, (not to mention raw produce such as edible worms). Do be careful after dark. Petaling Street (Chinatown) barely needs introduction. Almost everything is on sale there, so sharpen up your bargaining skills. For the best buys go mid-morning, for atmosphere and food visit after 6.30pm. For more exotic items (including pashminas, textiles, saris and spices), Little India (Masjid India) makes a great lunch or dinner detour.

Enlighten Yourself

The ideal starting point to discover KL and its heritage sites is Merdeka Square. This is the historical place where the Union Jack descended on 31^st August 1957, marking Malaysia’s Independence.

          The Islamic Arts Museum is worth a visit for the architecture alone, not to mention the extensive collection of Islamic artifacts or the quality Islamic crafts on sale at the museum shop. For glimpses of traditional architecture, take a walk in Kampung Baru, KL’s oldest residential area.

         Masjid Jamek may not have the typical Malay architecture but is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. The oldest mosque is KL, Masjid Jamek was designed by British architect A.B. Hubback in 1909 and inspired by the Mogul mosques of North India.

          Get acquainted with Malay history and culture at the National Museum (Muzium Negara Malaysia). Then get a feel for the art scene at the National Art Gallery, which features both permanent and temporary exhibitions of Malaysian art. The Gallery is flanked by the Lake Titiwangsa Gardens as well as the beautiful National Theatre building.

          Seen the Batu Caves? To continue the Odyssey into Hindu culture, pay a visit to KL’s principal Hindu Temple; Sri Maha Mariamman. In addition to the hints of jasmine and incense, the ornate decorations are overwhelming – gilt and precious stones abound. During the Thaipusam Festival the Temple’s large silver chariot is taken out and paraded to the Batu Caves. For added atmosphere, go in the evening when devotees are praying.

          

Add another temple to the journey on Seputeh hilltop, which houses the Thean Hou Buddhist Temple. With great views, this is the most popular place in KL for Chinese marriages. Experience the great atmosphere during one of the major Chinese festival such as Chinese New Year.

          The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is one of a kind. Besides being a base for the translocation team and a home for a number of resident elephants, Kuala Gandah aims to promote the public awareness of elephant’s plight in Malaysia and to support research into elephant’s translocation and conservation. Visitors are welcome throughout the year to join the elephant activities, help wash them in the nearby river and participate in feeding the elephants.

A Different View…

For a change of perspective, take the lift to the observation platform of Kuala Lumpur Tower for a dizzy gaze or dine at the Seri Angkasa revolving restaurant. For repeat visitors, experience the view at sunset. At 88 stories the KL icon Petronas Twin Towers was once the tallest building in the world. The incredible glass and steel construction is inspired by the Five Pillars of Islam.

          Besides its majestic height, the tower also houses Malaysia’s own Philharmonic Orchestra (Dewan Filharmonik Petronas) (Every year certain schools bring students there once or twice a year) which has been making sweet music since their first performance in 1998. Get up-close and personal with more than 3,000 sea creatures of various shapes and sizes at the Aquaria KLCC.

          Genting Highlands about 50km (less than an hour) from Kuala Lumpur is the most developed hill resort in Malaysia. The nightlife is Genting is something not to be missed. The resort includes two theme parks, both with amusement rides and attractions suitable for the entire family. The Awana horse ranch offers equestrian activities, rides for children and lessons for beginners.

HOW DO YOU LEARN?

HOW DO YOU LEARN?

Have you ever asked yourself this question?

Did you know that people learn differently?

Did you know that some people even think they are a “slow learner” or have “poor memory”? Yet these same people find that they can easily learn many other things e.g. how to use the internet or play basketball or they can find that they have no trouble remembering that they have a night out with friends tomorrow!

Perhaps it is not that they are a “Slow Learner” or have a “Poor Memory” but rather that they haven’t always had information presented to them in a way that they can understand, or in a way that caters for their learning style.

HOW DO YOU LEARN & COMMUNICATE?

Complete the survey below and total up your scores.

What is Your Communication Preference?

For each of the following statements, please place a number next to your chosen answers. Use the following system to indicate your preferences:

           Give 2 points to the closest description of you

          Give 1 points to the next best description

          Leave two spaces blank

(Be sure to write down your points via paper or via in your head for scoring later; I’ll be doing mine to show you an example.)

1.     I make important decisions based on:

____    what looks best to (V)

____    which way sounds the best (A)

_1__    gut level feelings (K)

_2__    precise review and study of the issues (AD)

2.     During an argument, I am mostly likely to be influenced by:

_1__    whether or not I can see the other person’s point of view (V)

_2__    the other person’s tone of voice (A)

____    whether or not I am in touch with the other person’s argument (K)

____    the logic of the other person’s argument (AD)

3.     I most easily communicate what is going on with me by:

____    the way I dress and look (V)

____    my tone of voice (A)

_1__    the feelings I share (K)

_2__    the words I choose (AD)

4.     When I am setting up my bedroom, it is most important to me to:

____    have the right colours in the room (V)

_1__    have the sound system set up properly so that I can play music (A)

____    select the most comfort furniture (K)

_2__    make sure every thing is put in its proper place (AD)

5.      I find that:

____    I easily notice changes in the way places or people look (V)

____    I am very aware of the sounds of my surroundings (A)

_2__    I am very sensitive to other people’s feelings (K)

_1__    I am very adapt at making sense of new facts and data (AD)

6.     In order to know if someone is doing a good job I need to:

____    see them do the job (V)

____    listen to a description of the way they are doing their work (A)

_2__    do the job with them or experience some aspect of their work (K)

_1__    have all the facts and figures on the work that’s been done (AD)

7.     I find that in a class or workshop presentation I take most notice of information that:

____    I can see, such as power point or information presented pictorially (V)

____    I can hear, such as what the presenter is saying (A)

_2__    I can learn by doing an activity or exercise (K)

_1__    is presented in terms of fact and figures (AD)

	(V)	(A)	(K)	(AD)
Totals	1 1	2 1 3	1 1 2 2 2 8	2 2 2 1 1 1 9

VAKAD Communication Preferences are also referred as your Learning Styles; choose your 2 top scores.

Ways To LIVE LONGER!

Want to add years in your life? Simply take a few minutes to ask yourself these questions.

Do I Work Too Much?

CUTTING DOWN DESK BOUND HOURS CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!

A person who works for more than 55 hours a week has more risk of mental decline and possibly dementia. Based on a study from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, this was led by Dr Marianna Virtanen. Dr Virtanen says, “The disadvantages cause by overtime of working should be something that has to be taken seriously and isn’t a minor issue.” Professor Cary Cooper, who is an expert in the workplace about stress at the University of Lancaster, says that it had been long established that constantly working for long hours is bad for a persons general health, and now this study tells it is also bad for our mental functioning. Besides dementia, it’s more likely that a woman who works for more than 51 hours a week are more prone to have high blood pressure than those who don’t log extra hours of working. So, it’s about high time that you cut down on your desk bound moments and start to enjoy life a little! And if you can’t find ways to trim down on working hours, why not add some stress busters such as deep breathing, stretching and how about meditation classes to help you cope. Never let yourself get stress out!

Do I Watch Too Much Television?

LIVE YOUR LIFE INSTEAD OF WATCHING IT!

A study had shown that regularly watching television for two hours in a day can increase the risk of a person becoming obese by 23 percent and even the risk of developing diabetes by 14 percent. A nutritionist Dr Frank Hu says, “Heavy watchers of television are more likely to be overweight and have low nutrient diets, high-calorie which research suggests it could lead to Alzheimer.”

Do I Get Enough Sleep?

WE SHOULD ALL EMBRACE THE “SLEEPING BEAUTY’ IN US.

A researcher study at the University of Bristol has out found that hormonal changes that are caused by lack of sleep could the lead to the increase of appetite. Dr Shahrad Taheri says, “Individuals who usually spends less than eight hours of sleep were shown to have a much greater likelihood of being heavier.” For having a good night’s sleep, try to avoid food such like cheese and soy sauce, which this contains tyramine, which is a brain stimulant.

Do I Hold Grudges?

LEARNING TO FORGIVE AND FORGET IS GOOD FOR THE BODY AND SOUL.

Well, if you aren’t a person who can be able to forgive and forget, then your lungs might be about to be paying the price! According to Harvard Medical School studies, constant bad feelings are such like pollutants in ones body, only triggering inflammation in the lungs just like how cigarette smoke does. A psychologist Dr. Ernest H. Johnson of Raleigh says, “When people are angry, there’s a damage cause to the system that keeps us healthy. So, we’re more prone to cancer, as well as prostate harms.” However, we are not trying to say that you should suppress your feelings. The key lies in channeling your rage the right way. Expert says inhalation technique such as taking 10 deep breathes at a quiet place works just like a charm!

Do I Sit Properly?

GRANDMA AND MUM WAS RIGHT TO NAG YOU TO SIT UP STRAIGHT!

The British Chiropractic Association has found out that 32 percent of community spends 10 hours or even more by just sitting down each day. Sitting can put the least of almost twice as much weight on your back rather than standing up. There is an increase of 85 percent in recording pressure when learning forward in a poor sitting position. This only means, you are just hurting you’re back while you slouch and lean towards your computer! Imagine the abuse your back has taken through all the years? Chiropractors suggest that never to sit in the same position for more than 40 minutes without getting up for a stretch to relax. So, wise up and take care of your precious spine!

Tips On How You May Improve Your Daily Life For A Healthy Living!

Lack of time is one of the major reasons why many people had foregone healthy eating daily. Fast food is one ready and fast available food. It’s just too tempting to eat it, and it’s cheap yet filling. Still, eating fast food is never actually a healthy nor a well-planned, balanced diet for an individual but if you must eat fast food, then should you take steps to improve the quality of your nutrition when on the run?

1. Watch the amount of food you consume in your everyday life. Your cravings will most likely be satisfied after you have finished your small order of fries, and you’ll be saving about over 100 calories when compared with the large orders. The same holds for sandwiches. So, just order the regular meal or even the kid’s meal for yourself.

2. Seek out the fast food chains where you will be able to order a sub or sandwich on a whole wheat bread or a wrap for a healthier sandwich, which have lower fat and lower calorie level than eating fried food a lot.

3. Many fast foods now offer healthy sides in place of the ever-presented French fries. Take options which are healthy. Or, if you are unable to bear by giving up the salt and oil, then why not get the healthy side order too to keep it balanced.

4. Why not just order a side salad whenever you are eating at fast food outlets. You would be less likely to be only filling up your tummy with the unhealthy foods, and the salad will be the healthy something for your tummy at the same time it provides fiber and vitamins to balance an unhealthy meal.

5. Do remember that chicken isn’t always the healthy choice. Many fast food chains usually offers fried breaded chicken sandwiches on only white bread that are actually just richer in fat and calories and yet it is far worse than a regular burger. Grilled chicken is the better option than having a fried chicken. As I have mentioned in tip (2) why not the whole wheat bread isn't it far better.

6. Now make it a daily habit to eat fruits, maybe a bowl of cereal, or some low fat yogurt before you set out to a running exercise or just a regular exercise. Regular eating can even help you feel full and avoid temptation all round in a day.

7. Have stock in your car like bottles of water and some healthy snacks. Before the craving hits you can have a small snack, and you’re less likely to pull yourself into that drive through fast food outlet for a fast food. Even I myself do pack stock when going out station so if I’m caught in a road jam I’ve got food to eat.

You see here a bottle of water! Don't have to follow by only drinking one bottle a day just drink more isn't it good for us?

8. Why not consider a supermarket as a fast food break for yourself. In every supermarket you will always have a wide selection to pick from up a precut and washed fresh fruit, vegetables, low fat cheese, or yogurt. All round Malaysia many supermarkets also offer sushi in wide selections and other types of healthy prepared food.

9. This tip right now is about mayonnaise so listen and hold on to the mayo. A single tablespoon of a regular mayonnaise has at least 100 calories! But sure does it taste nice with mashed potatoes. If you are planning on making home made mashed potatoes with mayonnaise it is nice to be added in but try not doing so and just try eating plain potatoes it is really healthier. But if you like it sweet then how about sweet potatoes.

10. It is best not to add a very sugary drink into a meal, because it is very rich in calorie and yet to an already unhealthy meal. The best is always water and it is available everywhere and it is good for you. Drinking a large glass of water with your meal will help you feel full faster. In addition, don’t ever drink cold water when eating food that has oil because it will freeze the oil in your tummy.

Eat healthy like me this was what I had for breakfast it's whole grain bread with only egg.

This here as you know is a cup of milk and it is low fat milk. Try not taking full cream milk.

Now for coffee when you add milk in it be sure to use  low fat milk because it is better than full cream milk for a well balanced diet.

Dude, where's my Duit Raya? XD

What Hari Raya Puasa is :

For Muslims in Malaysia, the most celebrated holiday is Hari Raya Puasa also known as “Hari Raya Aidilfitri” which marks the end of Ramadan, the fasting month. In addition, they also celebrate Hari Raya Haji also known as “Hari Raya Aidiladha”, Awal Muharram (the Islamic New Year) and the Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday. Hari Raya Puasa is the Malay equivalent of Eid ul-Adha.

This Year's Hari Raya for me.

Hari Raya is finally here for a month! Many Muslims are off to celebrate their two week holiday as they "Balik Kampung" to have a scrumptious feast with their relatives after having a restless moment during their fasting month... What's in for the rest of us? We college students got like a week break only. *Sob* So probably some of us are like relaxing, playing around, slacking about, shopping, studying, watching movies, hanging about, etc.

Well… during every Raya, I’d normally be over-sleeping at home, play some stack of video games, chill out and annoy my little brother... he he~

But, this time around I’ve gained weight due to sleeping late, very late. Oh and a friend of mine gave me my very 1^st green packet, it had like RM +100? And I spent it on a nice bokuto! And the rest for augmentation! XD  

Here’s what the staff did when I was having a short trip at KLCC (Kuala Lumpur Convention Center)…

Nice? Not nice? Up to you lah… Green is the main theme for Hari Raya, but why so? I’ve learnt & heard from some of my neighbors who are senior citizens here; that there was no such thing as a coloured theme for Raya during their time and so was there any existence to giving green packets around the family at all but as time pass by along with exposes to other cultures like Chinese New Year for example, the Muslims thought about giving it a try so now it a tradition well practised amongst the Muslims here in Malaysia and anywhere else where it is done. Ah yes back to why it had to be green, from my own point of view they must have got the idea from one of their dishes called: Ketupat

It was kind of funny though that I didn’t even realize that the leaves used to wrap up the dish itself was from Ketupat leaves, whatever plant that is…

As I was about to leave the convention center, a short performance came on stage with a “Raya” music which I did not recognize, was made to entertain any of the guests who were around the mall & I too have noticed that they were playing a 12-gong Idiophones, a set of “Membranofons” which are both traditional musical instruments for the Malays and a different set of modern musical instruments were brought into play; which were the Flute and the Bass. Which was unexpected ^ ^”. I thought it’d be better if they use the TRADITIONAL instruments all the way.

The Hari Raya Deco around Sunway Pyramid :

Man, the actual one was SO much brighter than how it was taken, not to mention it hurt my darn eyes for doing so ha-ha~

Isn’t that a beautiful picture.

Colours of Malaysia!

The Colours of Malaysia is now well known as the Colours of 1 Malaysia which 1 Malaysia was implemented by Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin Haji Tun Abdul Razak Malaysia's 5th prime minister. Featuring concept of “Street Performance of 1 Malaysia”, It’s a spectacular night of traditional performances and colourful parades, which will include showcase of Faces of 1 Malaysia, Home stay, Food & Fruits Fiesta, Mega Sale and Shopping Paradise, Golden Beaches and Eco Tourism. So, get ready to dance the Malaysia rhythm. Yeah, lets shake it. This year Colours of 1 Malaysia carries the tagline as the “Greatest Tourism Malaysia Parade” which had expected to have 6,000 participants showcasing not only Malaysia arts & cultural but also Malaysia tourism products which will bring excitement to all. The Colours of 1 Malaysia was held on 22nd May 2010  at Dataran Merdeka at Kuala Lumpur, the Colours of 1 Malaysia parade started from 8pm onwards. The Colours of 1Malaysia parade had made its way through Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Isfahan, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and then back to Dataran Merdeka. Pre-show of Colours of 1 Malaysia was performed from 5pm to 7pm. Some Malaysia's popular artist was there performing on stage, among artist that had been there were Abbym Fabulous Cats, Winnie Kok, Haziq AF, Kelvin Lau, Magin and Bob AF.

Colours of 1 Malaysia – This had been Malaysia's greatest tourism parade in Malaysia. The best ever seen in Malaysia so far...XD

Here are some pictures during the event :

Malaysian Culture

Malaysia is a country that is known for its rich and cultural heritage. People here strongly believe in respecting each other’s culture, race and religion. In the country of Malaysia one can find a good mix of Malay, Chinese and even Indian in the communities.

The Malay people of Malaysia cover more than half of the population here and they are about 62 percent in the community. As for the laws of the Malaysian Constitution, all the Malays are basically Muslims and one can get a good glimpse of the traditional Malay culture in the village areas.

The Malaysian culture also includes the Chinese. When the Chinese were here some of them have married the Malays where the males were to be called as the babas and the females were known as the nyonyas. The Chinese therefore are the second largest group here in Malaysia and are about 24 percent in total of the community. 

The Indians are the third largest group of people in the society of the Malaysian cultures. Thus we can now see how a part of the culture here in Malaysia of different races have been formed. Here in Malaysia unity and diversity can be seen in the celebration of various types of festivals by all different races. This forms to be at least 8 percent of the total population here in Malaysia. 

We have many cultures here in Malaysia and everyone lives in harmony here. Now Malaysia have reached its 53^rd independence day this year of 2010. The independence day was celebrated at the stadium of Bukit Jalil on 31/08/2010.

The cultures here in Malaysia :