Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - Street Arts, George Town

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.

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Bring out the name Ernest Zacharevic and chances are everyone will be raving about his mural paintings that decorate the streets of Malaysia. While these days, his works can be seen across the country with Ipoh being the latest town painted by him, there is no doubt that George Town will always be linked to him or that the  “Little Children on a Bicycle” will be his most famous piece.

One of Ernest's work, "Boy on a Bike"

The beauty behind this piece of art is that it manages to capture the simplistic childhood moment and the thrill and excitement of riding a bicycle together with your siblings or friends. You will feel nostalgic when looking at the painting. Even though the mural has been there for more than a year, it remains to be among the most famous of them all in Penang, with tourists, both locals and foreigners, queueing up to take pictures with it.

Someone pasted Ernest's infamous work in Johor Bharu in one of the streets

George Town will never be the same again thanks to him. He definitely has left an indelible imprint in the art scene of Georgetown. Besides contributing to the city's art revival, his works also encourage other artists to do the same. 

Georgetown has become an unofficial patron city of street arts, with more and more new pieces popping out along these narrow streets. Most of these artworks, delicately painted by local artists, fuses with the vibe of the city. There are some that are more of an oddity. I mean, the popularity of minions has an expiry date.

Wonderful creation that showcases the cultural beauty of our country

Regardless whether you see them as work of arts or pure vandalism, there is no denying that thanks to these mural arts, George Town has become much more livelier and bursting with energy. Tourists would flock to the city in hunt for these hidden treasures, walking around the narrow streets of the historic city centre in search of them. 

Another gem by local artist, I think

However, if you are planning to see these mural arts for yourself, you better do it quick for some of them has faded beyond recognition. One of Ernest's creation, “This Old Man” mural along Armenian Street, has faded with nothing but the palest outline of a face can be seen while the “Children in a Boat” mural, another one of his works at Chew Jetty, is barely recognisable as the painting peeled off due to the brutal forces of Mother Nature.

Even these arts are not safe from passerbys. The aforementioned “Little Children on a Bicycle” mural endured few vandalism acts back in the early days. Luckily, the locals managed to save the painting and restored it back to its original self. Therefore, do visit the island quick if you are planning to do a mural hunting. It might no longer be there come the next day.

"Little Children on Bicycle"

 Info Box

Street arts along the narrow streets in the historic city centre of George Town. Most of the mural arts are clustered along Armenian Street and its surroundings. 

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

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.

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It's already halfway through 2014 which means I have already written almost 26 entries on places to go in Malaysia. Hurray me! Granted, the entries on the past two months were rather insipid and short but what to do? I'm currently in Warsaw and I can't get to explore around the country. But, I will be back soon and there will be better written posts then.

A lot of walking in Labuk Bay sanctuary

As of now, let us shift our focus back to Sabah. Or, to be precise, Sandakan. This town is well known for its two main attractions. One of them is the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (which was already featured here) while the other being Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

Proboscis monkeys

Proboscis monkeys, which coincidentally is the mascot for the Visit Malaysia Year 2014, are endangered animals. Also known as the long-nosed monkeys, this species of primates can only be found in the Borneo island. Hence, when you are in Sabah, chances are you will see at least one of them if you visit the national parks.

You can also go to the sanctuary, located about an hour from Sandakan town, for an up close and personal time with them. A former palm tree plantation (and still a functioning one), this piece of estate was turned into an animal shelter when the owner of the plantation witnessed the destruction of their habitats when he was deforesting the land and decided to keep a part of it remained untouched. 

Watching them so close can be such a worthwhile and educative experience. We were told that it is the males that are with the long noses and that the noses are what attract the females. The longer the noses they have, the more females will swoon over and fall head over heels for them. 

They usually live in a group, with one male and his many wives. Other male monkeys are not allowed in the group as the leader often fears that he will be ousted by the other competitors. Even their own sons will be kicked out of the tribes once reached maturity. 

They usually come in a group

Besides proboscis monkeys, you can also find other types of animals here such as silver-leaf monkeys, hornbills, and so on. The silver-leaf monkeys are really adorable and they usually hang around the platforms so you get to interact with them. 

Hornbill

Silver leaf monkeys

They really like her as they kept dangling around her hair

Be sure to make it in time for the feeding time which is at 9.30 am and 2.30 pm for Platform A and 11.30 am and 4.30 pm for Platform B. You would want to attend both as the locations of these two platforms are different. 

During feeding time, they would all come out from their habitats

Info Box

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary,
Off Jalan Labuk, Sandakan.
Open daily.
Entrance fee is at RM 15 for adult (RM 60 for non-Malaysian) and RM 5 for child (RM 30 for non-Malaysian). There is a RM 10 charge on cameras.
For more information, you can go to Sabah Tourism Board here.

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - Pasar Karat Memory Lane, Ipoh

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.

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Another city, another morning market. This time around, it's the antique flea market in Ipoh. Affectionately known as the Ipoh Memory Lane, this is the place to be in Sunday morning if you want to be immersed within the crowd. 

Welcome to Memory Lane Ipoh

Located along Jalan Horley, right besides The Store supermarket, it might be hard to find some conventional items to buy but if unconventional is what you are looking for, this is definitely where you should be. From secondhand electronic goods to shirts of questionable origins, stamps to minted old notes and coins, ancient plastic toys to antique furnitures, you can find these and many more in this market.

 

 

Some of the antiques and old treasure troves you can find here

Just like the Sunday market in Kota Kinabalu, the road is closed off from vehicles early in the morning untill around noon to make ways for these hawker stalls to open. Between the two morning markets, the items in Kota Kinabalu are more varied compared to this flea market. Yet, you should not brush it off especially so if antique items are what you are looking for. You might find some great bargain here in this Sunday market.

People watching is also a good activity here in the flea market

Info Box

Pasar Karat Memory Lane,
Jalan Horley, Ipoh, Perak.
The market opens from early morning to about 2 p.m. every Sunday.

 

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - Kledang Hill, Ipoh

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.

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The sun has yet to rise and still, people are already gearing up to start the day. The best part is that it is weekend, the days where everyone would slack off and wake up only hours to noon. Welcome to Kledang Hill, Ipoh.

Retirees doing tai chi

Granted, most of the early risers are retirees, uncles and aunties whose staminas are surely better than the young generations but there are young families as well as youngsters. While most of them are here for recreational purposes, some of them are in training, perhaps to prepare them for the upcoming Gunung Kinabalu or Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. I knew I was as I made preparation for Kinabalu.

One of the trails we took

Pavilions for us to rest when tired

Paved road makes driving your cars up the hill a possibility

The trail is relatively easy, a perfect launching ground for beginners. There are a few routes where you can take, each differs in lengths and distances but eventually ends up towards the peak of the hill, fondly known as the RTM Tower. 

RTM tower

However, there is more to Kledang Hill than that as the hill boasts some of the most beautiful aerial views of the city. You do not have to trek them in order to see it for there is paved road for you to take your cars up just for the views.

Aerial view from Kledang Hill

Info Box

Kledang Hill,
Laluan Kledang 1, Menglembu, Perak.

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - Air Adventure Flying Club, Subang

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.

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At one point in my childhood, I did consider becoming a pilot. Maybe it was the idea of roaming freely up in the air or the limitless feeling attached to the job. However, the dream didn't pan out for various reasons which was ancient news. 

Cessna-172

Yet, I had the opportunity to live out my childhood dream late last year through Air Adventure Flying Club, a private flying club where you can take flying lessons here and become an official pilot. While my session did not lead me to becoming a pilot, it did give me a chance of seeing the aerial view of Kuala Lumpur. 

Flying with Captain Godric

Manning a small Cessna-172 with supervision of a licensed pilot, we flew around the city and what a view. Everything looked like stacked up Lego toys. We got to see the terrible traffic the city is famous for and mind you, it was still early in the morning, 2 hours before lunch break. 

 

Aerial view of the city

The best moment, however, has to be when we flew right next to the twin tower. I have seen the national landmark up close but not from this angle and this height. That was truly priceless. 

Up close and personal with the twin tower

Captain Godric, the pilot I flew with, told me how much he loves his job. I can definitely relate to that.

Info Box

Air Adventure Flying Club,
Light Aircraft Hangar Site, Subang Airport, 47200 Subang.
Their office starts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but if you want to catch sunrise or sunset, you can arrange with them.
For more information about the flying lessons as well as the prices, click here.

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - Sunday Market, Sabah

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.

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Pasar malam (night market) is something that we Malaysians are quite used to. Almost every area has its own night market once every week. In fact, a visit to pasar malam is quite a tourist attraction by itself. However, when it comes to sunday market, there can't be that many around the country and if so, none as big as the one on Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu.

Gaya Street

No cars are allowed during this period

My first visit to the morning market took me by surprise by its massive size. The whole street, which is a backpacker haven and where I was based at when I was in the capital city, was closed from vehicles to accommodate the many makeshift hawker stalls opening just for that day. From one end to another, the whole road was decorated with large, colourful umbrellas, protecting them from the merciless sun.

 

The locals are doing shopping in the market as well

There are surprisingly many things to see and buy here in Sunday Market. I was expecting something along the line of souvenir stalls targeting guillible tourists but instead, there are more locals traversing along the street, looking for some bargain buys or locally produced products. In fact, it reminded me more of the famous weekend market in Bangkok, Chatuchak Market.

Handmade soaps

Unfortunately, these adorable dogs are for sale too

This is definitely one market not to be missed when in Kota Kinabalu.

Info Box

Sunday Market,
Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
The market starts from 5.30 a.m. and most likely open until 1.00 p.m. Vehicles are not allowed to use the street from 5.00 a.m. onwards.
For more information, click here.

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - Underwater World, Langkawi

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.

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If you grew up watching The Little Mermaid or any underwater movies, you will be enchanted by the beauty of this mystical world and would immediately sign up for diving lessons. But, if you don't know how to swim like me or have phobia of open water, then Underwater World Langkawi is your best solution.

There's more than marine life in the park

A popular attraction in the island, there are more to the theme park than just watching the marine creatures as they have other animals as well. However, as this being Underwater World, these sea darlings take the centre stage. 

The crew of Underwater World feeding the sea creatures

The park itself is 8 sections, namely sub antartic section, temperate section, tropical rainforest section, freshwater section, marine life section, coral section, koi pond and otter pond sections and reptilium section. Personally, the section I enjoyed the most has to be the sub antartic section for it was in this part of the park where the adorable casts of Happy Feet are at.

Angelfish

Corals are aplenty in the theme park

Nothing beats watching these penguins interacting with each other and moving around. In fact, just looking at them doing nothing worth every penny of the ticket for me. Instead of going to North Pole or South Pole, all I have to do is just to purchase the entrance ticket to the theme park and I can see them up clsoe and personal.

The cast of Happy Feet!

Aren't they all adorable?

Info Box

Underwater World,
Zon Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, 07000 Langkawi.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During public or school holidays, the park opens and closes at 9.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. respectively.

Tickets are priced at RM 40 for adults (RM 30 with MyKad) and RM 30 for children between 3 to 12 years old (RM 20 with MyKad). Malaysian senior citizens over 50 years old with MyKad can purchase the entrance tickets at a lower rate of RM 24.
For more information, click here.

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

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.

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My detailed journey up to Mount Kinabalu has been documented here in Virtual Malaysia. Do have a read at it.

You tend to be very proud of the works you did if you had poured in all your efforts and it came out exactly as you imagined it to be. Put in a bit of hardship and obstacles along the way and when you pulled through, there is a sense of pride in it. That is how I felt when I was at the top of Mount Kinabalu and this is why I can say quite certainly that this will be my greatest achievement for 2014 even though we're barely halfway past the year.

After all the hard works, you'll be rewarded with these awesome views

The breath-taking view from Mount Kinabalu

Me at the eighth kilometre

Once you reached to the peak, you sort of forget all the struggles you faced along the journey. Or perhaps, the views just somehow make the whole hike worthwhile. While you can't really stand at Low's Peak for long - there's a long queue of peoples waiting to have their photos taken with the sign - you can definitely enjoy the breath-taking views even after the eighth kilometre. 

The long line of peoples heading to Low's Peak

The last 200 metres or so

It really amazed me, looking at how pillows of clouds, with the sky in different layers of colours, served such an awe-inspiring background to the mountain. Words failed to describe the beauty. Only when witnessed with your own eyes you can truly appreciate the wonders of Mother Nature. 

At the highest park of the mountain

Climbing Mount Kinabalu seems like a daunting task upon hearing its mighty name but it is definitely doable. Hard, but doable. In fact, Mount Kinabalu is the most accessible mountain in the world and the fact that it is right in our own backyard means we have to take the opportunity to climb it at least once in your lifetime. I already did mine. What are you waiting for?

Mount Kinabalu from afar

The many shots from Mount Kinabalu

Info Box

Kinabalu National Park,
Sabah, Malaysia.
The easiest way of climbing Mount Kinabalu is through tour agency. Travel agencies will help arrange everything from hiking permits to accommodations at Laban Rata. Prices depend on which agencies you consult with.

As Mount Kinabalu is a popular destination and there are limited rooms available up at Laban Rata, it is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. It is advisable to book at least 6 months in advance.