Sumatera Barat | Endless Surprises (#TripJiran)

This #TripJiran took Farah of ThatsoFarah, Ed Junaidi and myself to places that we never dreamed of, of past we never knew and of secret never been told. A trip that took us from Pekan Baru to Lembah Harau to Pagar Ruyung and to Batipuh (to name a few), before arriving to our final destination; Padang.

For me, more to rekindling with my root, my darah Minang. Something I have been wanting to do, but failed for so many years, glad I did with them; a fun, funny and enjoyable trip, full of narcissism. Ahaks.

Will blog about it more, meanwhile, browse thru what I've seen and experience during this 6d5n trip; a #TripJiran. Win.

Let's plan for our 2015 trip!

A day at Tipu Sultan Fort, Mysore

We were ‘lured’ by our tuk-tuk driver to visit Tipu Sultan fortress lcoated slightly outskirt of Mysore city, and from there we are able to view Mysore land and beyond. That’s a good bait I said to myself, for a history lover and curious-cat like me, I will, obviously jump to it. And the tuk-tuk driver knew that we will say yes before we could even blink, in fact faster than the speed of light, I mean, even superman will be impress. Ahaks.

The journey took around half an hour or so, as I said before, Mysore is clean which makes the journey outskirt super pleasant. We then reach the small entrance where our journey and adventure begin *wink*. Before I start, let me share about Mysore briefly.

Srirangapatna is like a island fortress surrounded by Cauvery River consist of 9 attractions.

The tuk-tuk driver took us up a small hill so that we can view the surrounding and that is when we realised the scenery was awesome (and windy too), feasting out eyes as far as the Masjid-E-Ala, Bailee’s Tomb, Scott’s Bungalow and everything else. We realized that there is a fairly small village located inside Srirangapatna which made us feel as if we were brought back into the time.

The Kingdom of Mysore is situated in southern India was founded in 1399 and  was ruled by the Wodeyar family, it initially served as a vassal state of the Vijayanagara Empire. The kingdom reached the height of its military power in the 18th century under the de facto ruler Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. Famously known as the Muslim ruler of the South Indian state - Tiger of Mysore; Tipu Sultan is a fearsome war leader, having said that he is also a Madrasa scholar, soldier and poet.

Jamia Masjid or Masjid-e-Ala

Jamia Masjid is situated near the Bangalore Gate. It was built in 1784 by Tipu Sultan after he ascended the throne of Mysore. Ninety-nine names of Allah was inscripted inside the mosque. Intricate Persian calligraphy decorated the mosque walls.

Jamia Masjid also houses a madrasa or a religious institution within the premises of the mosque.

Kids from all over southern India were sent here to learn religious study, I even walked around their kitchen, common room and the picture above is where they learn the Quran. Donations are welcome to help the mosque and kids.

Tipu Sultan’s Death Place

This is where Tipu Sultan’s body was found enroute to Water Gate from Masjid-e-Ala. For more story click HERE.

Tipu Sultan's Palace

I was very disappointed as we are not allowed to go in, it is gated and guarded. This is the palace foundations remains after siege in 1799.


Colonel Bailey's Dungeon

The dungeon is named after Colonel Bailey who died here during imprisonment in 1780 AD by Tipu Sultan. When I heard that there would be a dungeon, I was all excited thinking that I will need to crawl inside a smelly tunnel underground, I guess I was wrong as dungeon is properly cleared and cleaned up for tourist view.

During the siege of Srirangapatna in 1799, one of the cannons rolled back, pierced the ceiling and fellinto the dungeon. The feeling was rather eerie when I was there but clean though, the cannon picture can be viewed in my Instagram, *smile*.

Daria Daulat Bagh

Daria Daulat Bagh also known as Garden of the Wealth was built by Tipu Sultan and it is made of teakwood. This is one of the most beautiful building I have ever seen here and we were not allowed to take any picture inside it. I was so devastated about it, grumbled all the way.

The paintings, carving, architecture is very intricate and colourful, especially the history. Do be careful of the crowd as it allows everyone to walk in one direction and it is strictly guarded by


Gumbaz (Mini Taj Mahal)

Like Taj Mahal, this mini Taj Mahal is also a mausoleum of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and mother Fathima Begum. Built magnificently by Tipu Sultan himself, and the one thing that I noticed is that the corridor supported by pillars of black hornblende, very beautiful and really impressive.

It is a Persian style mausoleum designed with magnificent garden and the Gumbaz stands on an elevated platform at the center of the garden.

The whole area takes half day to two-third of the day so you need to plan well, we had a late lunch on the way back to our hotel as we have to take a late bus to the next city in the evening. There were a few other places that we missed out of which I wish we had more time. Overall I enjoyed the history and the sites and I do encourage everyone to cover this area especially you history lovers.

Winner Announcement | Polaroid Sunglasses Contest

A few facts for you to know on the Polaroid sunglasses that you guys will be winning *smile* and for the rest, below information will help you understand why Polaroid sunglasses are suitable for outdoor enthusiast. 

• The UltraSight^TM lenses are made of nine functional elements. The core element of the lens construction is the polarizing light filter in the centre, the best technology for eliminating glare.
• UV light absorbers are bonded to both sides of the filter to block all harmful UVA, UVB and UVC light rays. 

• Shock-absorbing layers are then fused to both sides of the UV absorbers, making the lens light, flexible and impact resistant. 
• A scratch-resistant layer on both the outer surfaces completes the lens structure giving optimal durability.

• Shatter-resistant and scratchproof protection ensure strength and shock-absorbency for a life-long performance.
• Created exclusively by Polaroid Eyewear, the unique Thermofusion^TM technology process optically fine-tunes the lens while curving it. The result is the new UltraSight^TM lens with improved polarizing efficiency and greater visual acuity, allowing the eye, and the wearer, to relax.

So, you guys getting some pretty good stuff heh!

I have a numbers of entries which I did not publish to avoid answer copying but I have to admit, you guys are one enthusiastic participants (boleh lah I buat lagi contest-contest macam ni). Some were right and some where wrong and some nailed it, some where too brief and some long, nevertheless, I am very impress. As per my rules stated, the decision is made based on spelling/caps & small letter/no copy & paste from web content/timing etc. All I am looking for are just a straight and simple answers.

Below are the answers:

1.  What type of premium polarized lenses do the Polaroid sunglasses feature in order to ensure perfect vision and protection?

Answer : Premium Polaroid Ultrasight™ 

2. What are the other 3 good qualities Polaroid sunglasses have aside from protecting wearers from UV rays?

Answer : Shock absorbent, shatter-resistant and scratchproof.

3. Name 3 types of light rays that a polarizing light filter able to eliminate.

Answer : UVA, UVB and UVC light rays

And the winners are :

Supermeng Malaya

Juliana

Winners* to email at lilyriani@hotmail.com latest by 26 October, 2014 (Sunday), failing to do so, the prize will fall to the next closest answer. Meet-up arrangement will be made for me to pass the prize to you winners *smile*.

* Instagram winner will be announced tonight.

Thank you for participating.

A collaboration with Safilo Malaysia.

Muzium Tentera Darat / Army Museum, Port Dickson

Inilah barisan kita
Yang ikhlas berjuang
Siap sedia berkorban
Untuk ibu pertiwi

It made me proud singing this song.

My first stop for this FAM Trip was to Muzium Tentera Darat or Army Museum in Lukut or its more well known location; Port Dickson. Post Dickson was awarded as Bandara Tentera Darat or the Army City on 29 September, 2009. I have heard feedbacks from many including my sis that this is one of the most popular and 'bestest' museum they have ever been. 

The Army Museum is located right next to a military base 7km away from Port Dickson. It is managed by the Malaysian Royal Armed Forces, this museum houses our nation military achievements, memorabilia, uniforms and weapons through decades of history.

The Army Museum is the brainchild of Panglima Tentera Darat (PTD), Jen. Tan Sri Md Hashim bin Hussein which was designed to nurture professionalism among the arm forces and cultivate the love and appreciation to your organisation, history and nation.

Marching is the basic training in the army as it teaches one to be discipline, obey commands and create team unity, and we get to experience this unity.

This Army Museum in Port Dickson has been awarded with a MERIT AWARD in the category of 'Best Tourist Attraction', National Identity 2005/6 by Tourism Malaysia. There is a time capsule placed at the entrance of museum and it was kept locked since 2008, and will be opened on March 1, 2033.

Local military weapons during Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century.

Portuguese military weapons in the 16th century.

Army uniforms. 

Regarded by Malaysians and Singaporeans as a national hero, Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi  is a Malayan soldier of the 1st Infantry Brigade which fought in Pasir Panjang and Bukit Chandu or Opium Hill,  

Lt. Adnan Saidi's personal file. 

The first 25 personnel of the Malay Regiment 1933 picture is kept here in the Army Museum preserved for our future generation.

Decommissioned military vehicles.

Communist Part of Malaya (CPM) Tunnel - Communication and administration center replica. 

I have learnt so much from this trip, I learnt and  realised their responsibility, ability and capability, and they have my utmost respect.

 


Muzium Tentera Darat
Kem Si Rusa,
Persiaran Pahlawan,
71050 Port Dickson
Negeri Sembilan

Opening time : 10:00am – 5:00pm from Wednesday – Sunday
Entrance Fee : FREE

A #KCC1M #Negeri Sembilan Media Fam Trip in collaboration with #GayaTravel