Hotel Review - Eight Acres Resort, Raub

We live in a world where technologies have become an essential part of our lives, to the point where we seem to forget what truly matters; human connection. It's not quite unusual to see families or groups of friends, sitting together and yet, they have never been more further apart from each other as they focus more on their electronic gadgets than one another. It seems that these days, words and laughter are exchanged through texts and emojis, not verbally.


Uncle Kam, resort manager and proud father of the resort, noticed such predicament and has every intention to instil that connectivity among humans as well as with nature back in his guests. That's why there's barely any coverage throughout Eight Acres, so that we can unhook ourselves from the abyss that's the Internet and focus on people around us. Even the yellow man will not follow you to the resort, so, you have been warned.

Eight Acres

Now, what to do in a resort located deep in the estate plantation with the nearest town about 40 minutes away? Plenty. Boredom does not exist in Eight Acres for there are many activities to fill up the time.

One such activity is the traditional kampung games such as guli (marble balls) and gasing (spinning tops). These recreational activities were popular among children back in the olden days. I remembered playing guli when I was a kid growing up in a small town. It must be more than 15 years since I last touched one of those tiny little marble balls that I immediately start to play with it. In fact, all of us are sporting a gleeful smile on our faces throughout the session as our childhood memories start rushing back.

I doubt that youngsters these days know what these games are or how to play. Angry Birds and Candy Crush, yes, but gasing and congkak? This is really a good initiative to reintroduce back traditional games to the young generation.

Traditional games await you

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - Cherating River Cruise, Pahang

To support Visit Malaysia Year 2014, I will be writing on various tourist attractions in the country. Let us work together to bring in tourists to our lovely Malaysia.

***

This article first published in The Daily Roar.

Cherating, a quaint little beach town off the coastal side of Pahang, has more to offer than just sea and sand. Instead of the regular swimming, sunbathing and beach walking, we went for a river cruise expedition, courtesy of Hafiz's Cherating Activities. Hafiz, an affable man with strong knowledge on fireflies, also offered fireflies expedition which we went for the night before and were amazed by his skills in "communicating" with these insects. Another must do when in Cherating.

All on board for an adventure

With the strong sunlight brighting up our day, we have a good view of Cherating River and its surrounding mangrove trees along the riverbanks, something we missed out during the fireflies adventure. Our boat guide, which was also the nature expert working under the agency, gave us a thorough tour of the river. He was very informative and always more than happy to share with us his knowledge on the many species of mangrove trees growing in the area.

The boats stopped when the guide saw some animals hiding behind the mangrove trees

He also has a good eyesight for often he was the one pointing out the animals hiding deep in the forest. His hands would raise up and point at the snakes he saw curling up on the tree branches, telling us to look for the yellow stripes on their skins. Often, cameras will be flickering away at the direction the guide pointed at, hoping to capture a good photo of it. Some of the wildlife we saw were mangrove snakes, macaques, blue kingfishers and monitor lizards.

The mangrove trees on both side of the riverbank

All of us were keeping an eye out for some hiding animals

Halfway through the cruise, we chanced upon a Malay uncle, alone in his boat. He was looking through the traps he set this morning before dawn, trying to see if there is any catch for today. Apparently, lady luck herself was feeling rather generous for the uncle has a few crabs inside the basket all tied up, ready to be sold to restaurants around the area.

Uncle showing us his catches of the day

Besides these animals in their natural habitat, the best asset of this cruise has to be Cherating River itself. Growing up in a city, I don't really have a strong connection with nature and it is usually through these expeditions that I get to experience and see with my own eyes the beauty of Mother Earth. This is definitely a trip not to be missed when in Cherating.

Info Box

Hafiz's Cherating Activities,
7/1156, Kg. Cherating Lama, 26080 Kuantan, Pahang.
Open daily from 8 a.m. onwards.
Entrance fee is at RM 25 for adult and RM 15 for child.
For more information, you can go to its website here or call Hafiz at 017-9789256 or 017-9406898.

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - BOH Tea Plantations, Cameron Highland

To support Visit Malaysia Year 2014, I will be writing on various tourist attractions in the country. Let us work together to bring in tourists to our lovely Malaysia.

***

Cameron Highland is a perfect weekend retreat, especially what with the scorching heat of Chinese New Year. About 2 hours drive from Ipoh, most people go to Cameron Highland for its cooling temperature, fresh vegetables, hiking, and tea plantations.

BOH Tea Plantation in Sungai Palas

I had been to Cameron Highland countless time but it was my first time visiting the BOH Tea Centre, Sungai Palas. Only when I was up there did I realize what I had missed out all these time.

The drive up along the narrow road heading to the tea centre is scenic, to say the least. We stopped by the road halfway and got down to see for ourselves these tea leaves. It was really beautiful, standing there overlooking the green scenery. Somehow, the air here was fresher than the other parts of Cameron Highland.

Tea plantation

Tea leaves up close

There were workers collecting tea leaves to be processed for our consumption. Bags containing these tea leaves were left unattended before being collected all together to be taken to the factory.

Workers were cutting the tea leaves

Plates to keep track of the spraying

We continued up towards the plantation after our quick rest. BOH Tea Centre is an informative attraction where you can learn the history of BOH Tea as well as the process of tea-making. There are posters detailing the development of the company that worth reading if you want to know more about the company. Unfortunately, during my visit, it was quite late and we just briefly explored the place.

You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the centre

Information on tea-making

Ancient tools of tea-making

Tea factory

You can rest at the cafe which boosts the most amazing view of Cameron Highland. It was simply beautiful, hills of greenery to look at. I would not mind spending a few extra dollars to just sip tea by the balcony overlooking the tea plantations.

The cafe

What a view

Info Box

BOH Tea Centre Sungai Palas,

Jalan Gunung Brinchang, Brinchang, Cameron Highland, Pahang.

Opens daily from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. except Mondays.

Entrance is free. Free guided tour in the tea factory every half an hour. 

Cherating - The End (Media Trip 2013)

After 2 awesome days in Cherating, we have to leave the quaint beach town back to the city. After breakfast and a tour around the hotel, we had to start packing and get ready to leave. To end this amazing media familiarisation trip to Cherating 2013, I just share some group photos.

In turtle sanctuary (via Fadzly)

Cherating - Little Bali (Media Trip 2013)

This trip to Little Bali was an impromptu one. With the end of the theme dinner party, the day was supposed to end as well but we were told that there will be a bus trip to Little Bali, an entertainment outlet we saw the other night while on fireflies cruise, if we were interested. Why not, I thought.

The banner that welcomes you

Little Bali is located along that same stretch of road that we have been frequented to these two days, where Hafiz's Cherating Activities and Limbong Art batik are at. While it looks nothing more than a simple shack along the Cherating River, it is the atmosphere the pub/bar boosts that will truly amaze you. Owned by local artist DJ Shah, Little Bali is the most hippy joint in East Coast.

Everything was still slow before 12

When we arrived, the resident house band was already alive and kicking, jamming tunes that for sure will quicken your heart rate. The singers were dancing to the music while serenading us, a feat I find difficult to do. The dance floor was perpetually empty except for one Malay uncle, twisting and turning to the beats nonstop. That uncle really appreciated music.

They gave an energetic performance that night

The beverages are rather limited with the standard carbonated drinks, fruit juices and hot coffees and teas while local beers and wines for alcoholic ones. Neither cocktails nor mocktails can be seen on the menu.

This uncle seriously can dance

Sway your hip left and right

By the time it hit midnight, the crowd began to expand. This is something quite common, according to the owner, especially on Thursday and Friday nights as the youngsters from Kemaman and Cherating as well as the foreigners from offshore oil plants would come over for a good night. Fridays and Saturdays in the East Coast are what Saturdays and Sundays are for West Coast.

Just look at the crowd after midnight

We just sank into the music and let it took hold of our bodies until we were mentally beaten. It was about 1 a.m. when Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" was serenaded to us as parting gift. Now, that is the way to go out with a bang.

This trip is made possible thanks to the peoples of M-Mode Berhad, Santai Travel, Tourism Malaysia and the Legend Resort Cherating.

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

Located at the Riverside Chalet, Little Bali opens daily with live band performances from 10 p.m. onwards on every Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Just a 30 minute trip from Kuantan and 15 minutes from Kemaman, Little Bali is the resident fun house along the coastal. For more information, visit their website or you can contact them at 019-9836536 or 013-9836536. You can also leave them an e-mail here.

Cherating - Pirate Theme Dinner (Media Trip 2013)

As mentioned in previous post, The Legend Resort Cherating can organize a theme dinner party for your crowd if you requested for one and on our second day, we did have one ourselves. Our party theme, Pirate!

Welcome to Pirates Night

Beautifully dressed in black

Unfortunately, not many of us came in full on costume, myself included. We just wore a T-shirt, a Pirate themed graphic, given to us by the resort. What to do? I'm not used to attending dinner party with an eye patch and a stuffed parrot on my shoulder. However, some of the friendly staffs did dress up, especially the emcee for the night who obviously had Captain Jack Sparrow as his role model.

Look at the Captain Sparrow look-alike

Pirates on loose

The party was by the beach and it was a definitely a change of environment after having our meals at the Coconut Grove Coffee House for breakfasts, lunches and dinner. The whole set-up was all-black, with polystyrene plates bearing skulls hanging around and miniature treasure boxes on dinner tables. The meal was buffet style as well as BBQ. Our entertainment consisted of the said emcee (he was a hoot!), the 3 Filipino singers and our local celebrity, Iqwal Hafiz. 

Some of the decorations

Fruits and pastries as desserts

Roasted lamb

Needless to say, it was a fun-filled night and after the group photo taking sessions, we were told that there'll be a trip to Little Bali, a local pub, to have a drink or two and enjoy live band performances, if we would like to follow. I was like, of course! 

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Cherating - Half Day Tour (Media Trip 2013)

A restful night was the prescription for the fatigue after the eventful first day and the next day began with new spark of energy. While we can't begin the day with sunrise (it was rather cloudy), at least we had ourselves some wonderful breakfast prepared for us by the Legend Resort Cherating to fuel the day. When everyone was done, off we began with the half-day tour.

Even without a sunrise view, morning by the beach is still beautiful

Hotel Review - The Legend Resort, Cherating

After a tiring first day filled with amazing activities (visiting Turtle Sanctuary, releasing baby turtles back to the open water and going on a fireflies watch), it was high time for a good night rest. Thanks to our gracious host of the Legend Resort Cherating, we all have amazingly restful slumbers throughout our 3 days 2 nights trip in this quaint beach town.

Our Grand Deluxe room

We stayed in the Grand Deluxe room in the newly renovated Cherating Wing. The room is spacious and beautifully decorated with balcony that has access to ocean view. Meanwhile, the bathroom is clean with all the modern necessities made available. The channel selection on the television is rather limited, but, I guess no one comes to the beach town only to hide yourself in the room watching TV.

The view outside of the balcony

Cherating - Hafiz Firefly Tour (Media Trip 2013)

The whole afternoon of our first day in Cherating was all about turtles, Turtle Sanctuary and releasing baby turtles back to the sea, and both activities were nothing short of fun and informative. Later, after our steamboat dinner which was provided by our kind host, The Legend Resort Cherating, it was time to depart for the must-awaited firefly watch.

Hafiz's Cherating Activities is easy to spot wit that sign

Organized by Hafiz's Cherating Activities, this firefly tour is unlike any other firefly tours you might have been to for here in Cherating, instead of you going to the fireflies, they are the one flying to you. Hard to believe, isn't it? Mr Hafiz, the owner of this tour agency, somehow developed the ability to 'communicate' with these insects and have them come to him.

Mr Hafiz is very enthusiastic about fireflies

Posters on fireflies are all over the walls of the agency

There were about four or five motorboats prepared to take us along the Cherating River, home of these lightning bugs. These fireflies hover around mangrove trees along the riverbanks and their blinking lights gave off the illusion of Christmas. It was so beautiful.

All of us trying to board onto the boats

As the boats were getting nearer to the riverbank, Mr Hafiz took our his red flashlight and on it. At first, nothing happened but slowly, one by one, these fireflies flew towards us. It was total darkness as we were deep along the river and all you would notice is many yellow dots moving and clustering around one red dot. You have to see it to believe it.

All set for the fireflies watch

We are not allow to use flash cameras as it would create light pollution. However, I doubt you can perfectly capture the moment in picture as it is very dark. Most likely, you will see just tiny dots of light in the photos. After some failed attempts in trying to capture it on film, I just gave up and enjoy what in front of me. A wise choice, I must say. After an hour plus on the cruise, we went back to the hotel for supper before calling it a day.

This trip is made possible thanks to the peoples of M-Mode Berhad, Santai Travel, Tourism Malaysia and The Legend Resort Cherating.

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

Hafiz's Cherating Activities has 2 nightly trips into the Cherating River to get up close with the fireflies, the first one being at 8.00 p.m. while the second one at 9.30 p.m.. The cruise usually lasts more than an hour and the price for the trip is very affordable, RM 25 for adult and RM 15 for child. You can contact Hafiz at 017-9789256 or 017-9406898 or you can straight go to agency itself (GPS: 4'07'37.64" N 103"23'28 77" E). Other than fireflies watch, there are many more activities you can do such as mangrove river cruise (which we did the following day), snorkeling trip, turtle watching trip, and so on.

Cherating - Releasing Baby Turtles (Media Trip 2013)

We learned about these vulnerable sea creatures in the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary and when we went back to the hotel later in the day, we were given the opportunities to be the one releasing these adorable baby turtles back into open water. One word best described the experience; AWESOME!

The hotel management brought out two boxes containing these fragile babies for us to do the honors. While we were at the beach, there was a family of Westerners and they were invited to join us as well. The saying, picture worth a thousand words and in this case, words simply insufficient. So, just enjoy the pictures.

The lucky family

The family becomes an instant celebrity...

The family has a lot of fun, especially the kid

Everyone was busy taking that best shot of these baby turtles and most of us refused to let them back into the sea. They kept bringing them further away from the sea so that they can have a few extra moment with them. I, too, am guilty of this. They are just too freaking adorable.

Try as I might, I failed to produce a decent shot...

Eventually, we have to just let them go, however unwilling we may be. As the sun set, we bade them a safe trip, wondering how many of these hatchlings will make it back alive in the next few years.

I'll fight my way to the sea

All these photos are taken with my friend's Samsung S3. Sadly, none of mines are usable. This trip is made possible thanks to the peoples of M-Mode Berhad, Santai Travel, Tourism Malaysia and The Legend Resort Cherating. 

*TO BE CONTINUED*