Happy 2009!!

Trip to Dubai with my parents - Part 3

Date: 27 Dec 2008

Dubai Mall

We just went there not to shop for anything really but just simply visited the place and took some pictures. Here are some pics from the Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium, skating rink and the Gold Souq (all inside Dubai Mall).

Trip to Dubai with my parents - Part 2

Date: 27 Dec 2008

A trip on an Abra

The most beautiful and picturesque location in Dubai, Dubai Creek is a natural seawater inlet cutting in the heart of the city. The enchanting view of a large number of colorful and traditional Arab dhows, abras (motorized boat taxis) and sleek yachts with water birds splashing all over never fails to mesmerize its spectators. Walking along the Creek or enjoying an abra ride on the Creek is the best way to explore the beauty and charm of Dubai. The spectacular view of Dubai's skyline would surely make a spell bound effect on you.

It is the historic point of Dubai. Large number of people including locals and tourists take a long walk along the banks of the creek which also marks the centuries-old trading traditions.

We took the traditional boats that will take us on a charming one-hour long trip from the Abra embarkation points to the tip of the creek; inland to the Maktoum Bridge that passes on the way to the city's historic and modern landmarks.

On an enjoyable abra ride up to Al-Maktoum Bridge, we can see the grand trading port. Walking around and exploring the dhow wharfage on the Deira side of Dubai Creek with a large number of vessel and ships waiting to be unloaded or queuing for their onward journey provide us an amazing view to its spectators and would surely be a unique and rewarding experience for us.

next....part 3

Trip to Dubai with my parents - Part 1

Date: 27 Dec 2008

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

One of the perks of shopping at Souk Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai is the view from its outdoor terraces of the Burj Al Arab hotel.

Built in the style of an Arabian market the souk is part of the sprawling Madinat Jumeirah resort. It’s the only market in Dubai where prices are fixed and bargaining is not the norm.

Its corridors with arched high ceilings and open front shops lend a bazaar like (and air conditioned) atmosphere. The exterior of the complex recreates traditional Arab architecture and features wind towers.

Housing more than 70 shops you’ll find anything from beachwear to high quality arts and crafts and home décor items from the region. There are also a wide variety of restaurants and bars to gain a second wind in the midst of a shopping spree. Many overlook the canals where passengers are ferried on water taxis throughout the resort.

Dubai Gold Souk

Dubai Gold Souk reputation isn’t all about its uber modern architecture. Even if you have no intention of buying anything its Gold Souk is a window-shopping and people watching paradise.

Hundreds of vendors line the covered market. Shop windows are packed with a wide variety of gold jewelery ranging from simple bangles to elaborate, Bedouin-style necklaces. Contemporary designs are also available. If time allows you can have pieces custom made.

next....part 2

Visit Al Ain with my parents

Bring my parents to Al Ain on 26 Dec
and planned to visit the Green Mubazzarah,
Jabel Hafeet, Al Ain Palace Museum & Al Ain Oasis

We started our journey at 10.30am
and reached the beautiful park,
Green Mubazarrah at 12 noon.

Had our lunch there and our kids had
lots of fun playing at the park too


After that we drove up to Jabel Hafeet
a limestone mountain just south of Al Ain
The winding drive up the mountain gives
beautiful views of both Oman and the UAE

There is a park at the foot of the mountain, as well as a large viewing point and “Restaurant and Cafeteria” at the top of the mountain.

Near the peak of Jabel Hafeet is the Mercure Grand Hotel. From what we saw driving by and reviews we have read, this looks like a great place to stay…a possibility for an interesting overnight when guests come in. It’s exhausting thinking of the work that went into constructing the three lane road up the mountain, as well as this hotel with swimming pools, tennis courts, etc.

Al Ain Palace Museum

The wonderful Al Ain Palace Museum was the former birthplace and private residence of Sheikh Zayed, the late president who brought the UAE into modernity (1971-2004). A majestic fort, the Palace lies in the center of town at the edge of the Al Ain Oasis. It is a beautiful place to take a quiet walk and explore the verdant gardens, courtyards, long corridors, paintings and photographs of former leaders and historic Al Ain, gorgeous carved wood windows, and many rooms decorated historically.

It's also a very romantic place to wander and take in the arabesque architecture, although of course we had 2 kids who enjoyed running around the grounds! This was my second visit to this palace and I was excited to re-visit this place again for its captures a certain sense of the history and beauty of this place.

There was one of the many rooms called a "Majlis" or meeting room--full of comfortable seating and beautiful carpets. Of course we had to stop and rest a moment. These rooms were also fitted with modern air-conditioning which was another reason to pause.

Al Ain Oasis

We visited the Al Ain Oasis in the evening around 4pm. The Al Ain Oasis is one of the seven oases in Al Ain and is located in the heart of the city. It is a large wonderful place to wander through – under a canopy of date palms as far as the eye can see, through labyrinth paths and falaj systems, an ancient irrigation system used dating back thousands of years, bringing water that comes from nearby mountains. The oasis is also infamous for staying cooler in the hot weather.

It's nice that you can be in this expansive place and feel like it's empty, and beyond birds singing, very quiet.It's a wonderful place to just go for a walk. And our kids loves exploring the old doors, trees, dates, stones, and different surroundings.... The oasis is divided into sections and owned by various departments, sheikhs, and other nationals.

random snapped of Al Ain Town Center

My sister wedding & breakfast at Uncle John Kopitiam in M'sia

Date: 7 Dec 2008

Woke up at 5.30am
Dressed up and helped my sister on her hair-do
Groom arrived at 8am & followed by tea ceremony for bride's family
Bride is fetched to the groom's home.

Congratulation to Chrys & Mok!!


with bridemaids
with bro & sis


After the morning wedding ceremony
I had my breakfast with my son (YT)
at Uncle John Kopitiam
YT omega toast (his favourite)
my 'French' toast
My Ipoh white coffee

My sister wedding dinner was held at
"喜来登" Restaurant

Day 6 Family Trip - Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Date:03&04.12.2008

Cameron Highlands was founded by William Cameron, a government surveyor while on a mapping expedition in 1885. He discovered a plateau at an elevation of 1370-1700 meters above sea level and was so enamored by the wide area of gentle slopes and plateau land. Cameron’s name was bestowed upon the highland area.

A grey, cloudy sky on our way up to Cameron Highlands

First, we stopped at the Green View Garden

Green View Gardeng is one of the largest integrated tourist centre in Cameron Highlands. Here, you will find breathtaking beautiful floral and natural landscape, the first hydroponics vegetable farm open to the public as well as an elegant European-style café set in a serene garden where you can enjoy a cup of Cameronian tea amidst fresh, clean highland air.

We reached Brinchang, a small town located in Cameron Highlands in the noon. We checked into a hotel and went to one of the Chinese restaurants for lunch. The dishes we ordered mostly consisted of fresh vegetables. Soon after lunch, the 'Snapshot Carnival' kicked off as we began to take photos around the restaurant.

Then, we visited the Tan's Camellia Garden
Tan's Camellia Garden in Tanah Rata,
It is probably the only Garden
of it's kind in the Asean region

Tan's Camellia Garden is a well lanscaped garden.
It's architecturally designed to suit the growing
of Camellias which need partial shade,
high humidity and well drained environment


followed by a visit to the Orang Asli (Aborigine Village)
at Kampung Pangan Orang Asli Village, near Boh Tea Estate

There are many aborigine villages in Cameron Highlands. The two famous aborigine villages in Cameron Highlands are the aborigine villages near Villa Dahlia at Tanah Rata and Kampung Pangan Orang Asli Village, near Boh Tea Estate.


last visited for today was the Tea Plantation.
It was a huge and green plantation.

Tea planting is the main economic activity in Cameron Highlands, with acres upon acres of land dedicated to its cultivation. There are several tea plantation located at Ringlet, whose hardy perennial plants, at a distance, produce the verdant carpet so characteristic of the highlands. Cameron Bharat Plantations is the second largest tea producer in Malaysia, producing Cameron Valley Tea which is synonymous with exquisite highland tea.

After dinner we decided to take a walk at the Night Markets

Night Markets also affectionately known as "Pasar Malam" in the local language are quite popular not just in Cameron Highlands but also in many places in Malaysia. Apart from the usual vegetable, fruits, flowers, you could find souvenirs and not to forget, the aroma freshly cook tidbits, you just can't resist buying some of the mouth watering cakes, corns, potato balls, just to mention a few. This night markets is a must visit!

Date: 4th Dec 2008

We visited the Big Red Strawberry Farm after breakfast. Big Red Strawberry Farm, also known as Taman Agro Tourism Cameron Highlands offers one-stop garden and farm centre to relax and unwind. It is located in Brinchang town, right beside Cactus Valley at the new town of Brinchang.

Before reaching, there are some stalls by the road sides, selling strawberry, vegetables and fruits. There are also a few smaller scale plants nurseries nearby. The shaded farm of Big Red Strawberry provides a comfortable stroll for visitors whether it is rain or shine. Under one root, you may visit hydroponic farm, potted plants nursery and even there are plenty of cactus for sale.

We were so excited to view with our own eyes how strawberry and lettuces (Red coral, Green coral, Butterhead, Romaine) being cultivated here. You may pause and try to learn how hydroponic system works if you love farming or gardening. A wonderful experience indeed! Parsley was also planted on the ground underneath the rows of hanging strawberry pots.

The farm is situated by the slope of a hill. Nevertheless, the path is made easy andwe did not feel the gradient at all. After a short walk, we arrived at the cafetaria that served local fresh salads, tea, scones and all kind of strawberry products including juice, milkshake, muffin, yogurt and tarts. Self-picking strawberry is also availble here with some fees.

This garden is suitable for children and elderly as well. They are equipped with good facilities such as car park near the cafetaria, clean washrooms, gift shop and small playing centres for children below 10 years old.

Tomato Garden

cactus on sale, all kind of flowers &
Hydroponically grown lettuces

We had a fresh strawberry ice cream


Rose Valley

After that, we also visited the Rose Valley. The entrance fee is RM4.00 per person Its main attraction as according to its name is the varieties of roses in this garden . Countless variety of roses of various shades of colors can be found here but some of the flowers appeared to be withering indicating the end of their bloom span. Those fully bloomed ones were fading, their petals showing signs of age with brown and blemished spots even on the leaves.

Nevertheless we were enthralled by the beauty of the roses not to mention the fragrances as we held the soft petals close to our nose. We were excited with the different fragrances of the roses, some smelled stronger than others. The sweet fragrances reminds us of perfumes in our talc and soaps.

We all agreed that the leisure walk among the beautiful and fragrant blooms in the cool climate was really therapeutic for city folks like us. We are grateful that the caretakers of this rose garden have taken good care of this place not to mention its clean washrooms.

Roadside view of the Vegetable Farms


that me at the tea plantation

Cameron Highlands. Ahhh…beautiful

It was the end of our trip - although we had hoped for a colder weather. It must be global warming. The weather in Cameron Highlands didn’t feel much different from on-ground Kuala Lumpur.

Day 5 Family Trip - Taiping Lake Garden

Date: 03/12/2008

We reached Taiping about 7pm last night
Early in the morning after breakfast
We visited the Lake Garden.
We went there for some relaxation and simply
enjoying the beauty of the lush green environment.

Its peaceful surrounding has never failed to
amazed me and everybody that set their eyes on
this charming land. For this particular beauty
I will never hesitate to call others to witness
and love Taiping and everything that it holds -
the town, the people, the lake, everything.

As Malaysian, I am proud to be a nation who
is gifted with our own wonderful nature
and I am able to appreciate them.
After that, we drove up to Cameron Highland.

Taiping Lake Garden located near to Malaysia oldest town and being the most beautiful lake garden in Malaysia, Taiping Lake Garden always becomes the centre of photography activities and favoured by wedding couples as dramatic backdrop of wedding photos.

The tranquility, beautiful lake view and misty mountain scenery are something that you will never forget. Taiping Lake is easily accessible from North-South Highway of Peninsula Malaysia and can be reached by following the road signs exiting before Ipoh town if you are coming from north.

Taiping Town

Taiping Lake Garden



Monkey eating banana
next...Cameron Highland