A unique Kampungstay in Alor Limbat, Terengganu

I believe I mentioned in much earlier Sarawak Entry on Koperasi or Co-operative activities, Jom Jelajah Koperasi this time around took us to homestay in Alor Limbat, Terengganu where we get to experience the locals’ livelihood, their produce and unique delicacy. Not only that, they also shared with us on how Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission (Surahanjaya Koperasi Malaysia) work hand-in hand in assisting them on the community progress. With great leadership, Koperasi Alor Limbat Kampungstay is set to evolve, develop and grow at a dynamic speed.

Located in Marang district in the beautiful state of Terengganu Darul Iman with population of 1000, approximately 25km from Kuala Terengganu, this beautiful kampung got its name from a catfish family (ikan keli) which is called ikan limbat. Moving abreast with the economic advancement coupled with opportunity to expend and excel, Koperasi Alor Limbat started Kampungstay to generate a new source of income to the locals via cottage and rural tourism which indirectly opening its doors to domestic and international crowd. This foresight pushed the local to also market their local produce such as Keropok Lekor or Lekor Chips and Madu Kelulut (Stingless bee honey) not only in the local market but also internationally. In fact, export for madu kelulut has reached a level where demand exceed supply, something to be proud of.

Laksa making.

Having attended a couple of Jom Jelajah Koperasi I fast realized the key differentiator and the uniqueness of Alor Limbat Kampungstay, introducing guest with local past time activities such as gasing cacang (cacang spinning top), hand fishing and petik mata (a game similar to rounder) and Malaysia most famous past time; eating *wink*. 

Madu Kelulut/Stingless Bess Honey.

Food being a favourite excuse for a get together in Malaysia *smile*, we were introduced interesting and unique local delicacy, namely Gajah Mengamuk (click HERE to find out more), Lok Lik and Emping padi. We also learnt how laksa and keropok lekor was made, plus how madu kelulut (stingless bee) was farmed; you can read more HERE. 

Keropok Lekor/Lekor chips for export.

If you are looking for a quick and short getaway with a different touch, a touch of local flavours, untouched beauty, fresh and clean air, do give Alor Limbat Kampustay a try. Who knows, you might just fell in love and decide to stay here for an additional week or two, or a month. Terengganu will never fail to surprise you. Trust me.

Koperasi Desa Alor Limbat Marang Berhad

4, Tingkat Bawah, Bangunan MDM

Dataran Sri Limbat

Alor Limbat

21400 Marang

Terengganu

Tel : 014-5357164/ 017-9355966/ 019-9145250/ 019-9899247/ 019-908272

Jom Jelajah Koperasi Terengganu Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Surahanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (#SKM) with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Skyrides Festivals Park - The Sky's the limit!

I’ve watched Ninja Warrior a couple of times but little did I know we have similar training ground located here in Pricint 2 in Putrajaya. I was surprised to see a few guys having fun at this site.
Have your tried?

Here was what I gather during my trip here… Skyrides Festivals Park covers Skyrides Balloon, SkyWarrior, SkyGallery, SkyCruise, SkyKids amusement centre for children, and obviously SkyTaste and SkyCafe. This is definitely a great place if you want to expose your kids (and yourself) to some good and safe outdoor activities. And I highly encourage families to come and spend some quality time here….

One I personally like would be the Skyrides Balloon whereby an adult MyKad holders are charged RM38 and children for RM30. The other activities worth spending your dollars and time would be the SkyWarrior (for those highly energetic few), it’s RM10 with unlimited tries. Meanwhile for the Skycruise, it costs RM20 per person. I guess the question boils down to why I favour the Skyrides Balloon? For a very simple reason as below:

Why

• This is the closest to a hot air balloon I can get
• It is in Putrajaya, approximate 30 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur
• It’s afforadable (MyKad – Adult RM38, Kid RM30, Non-MyKad – Adults RM68, Kid RM60)
• I get to view the whole Putrajaya from the height of 150 metres
• I feel like a Queen looking at my land/country (muahhahahhaaa…..)

Few tips that might be of help to those planning to do one the above few excursions.

#TravelTips

• If you are scared of height – forget about it (it’s wobbly too)
• Bring sunblock/sun screen!
• Apply sunblock/sunscreen (jangan pulak bawak then tak pakai *wink*)
• Hat or cap is a must!
• MyKad for the discounted rate (obviously)
• Change of clothes if you plan to experience the SkyWarrior.
• A bottle of water as you’ll get dehydrated
• Camera! The view update there is fantastic (and the view you falling down while SkyWarrior-ing will be hilarious)

Times

Mon – Thu: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Fri – Sat: 10:00 Am to 12:00 AM (midnight)

Sun: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Skyrides Festivals Park

Jalan P2M, Precinct 2, 62100 Putrajaya,

Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

Email : enquiry@skyridesfestivals.com

So, are you game now?

JOM!

Modern Craft for the New Generation in Selangor

In building Selangor as the state of craft center, we; the media was educated with few types of craft during our Kembara Kraf Selangor. With the little knowledge I had earlier, I learnt that one should not only limit herself to what traditional available, always be pro-active and curious, learning new craft and venture to new frontier. And I did just that, embracing to new arts and craft, starting with traditional craft earlier (read more HERE), and now, paving to the Modern Craft area.

Amal Kufi

Kufi art is well-known here in Malaysia, taken the country by storm. But not many know that there are a few ways or style in the kufi itself and in its technique. Here we learn on string-art kufi, where a husband and wife professionals learn and translate this hobby of theirs where they picked in Oman into business. Located in Puncak Alam, one can custom made the word, colour, board according to preferences. Interested to know more about kufi or what drives their passion?

Visit their IG at @AmalKufi or their Facebook : Amal Kufi.

Sew Fabby

When frustration highten and expectation don't meet one's requirements, all one needs to do is to create one instead. That's what happened to Azzah, owner of #SewFabby; a fabric craft artisan. A great entrepeneur of modern craft in Shah Alam, Selangor. Azzah has transformed her hobby to generate income and at the same time provides options for shoppers and art enthusiast to learn the craft of sewing, applique, embroidery and quilt. Sew Fabby teaches and sells ready/custom-made fabric craft, and it comes in wide range of selections : frabric toys, bags, purses, coasters and etc. The sky is the limit, so does fabric arts! We were tested with hands-on production of which some passed with flying colours, some were superbly creative and some, were plain lazy (that’s me I guess! *smile*).

Want to pick up a skill set or hobby? Visit @sewfabby now.

Luvly Touch

A craft Kak Kat mastered in Japan, she decided to start a business with intention to occupy her free time, helping single mothers to generate small income and at the same time making extra money for herself as well. With the notion of sharing is caring, and submitting to 'the upper hand that gives is better than the lower hand that takes” hadith; Luvly Touch took off and flew high. Aside from teaching on polymer clay craft and sewing classes, she also rents out her studio space for small business to conduct their classes. Many might not know, playing with craft helps to stimulate neuro senses which help reduces depression.

Looking to start (and play) with polymer craft? Follow Luvly Touch and be joyful.

Kembara Kraf Selangor Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Selangor and UPEN with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

3rd Light And Motion Putrajaya / LAMPU 2015

The 3rd Light And Motion Putrajaya or LAMPU 2015 is organised by Perbadanan Putrajaya starts from Friday - Sunday (30 October - 1 Nov 2015) at Dataran Putrajaya. The projection mapping show projects 3D and colourful display on the grand Istana Kehakiman or Palace of Justice. Aside from the projection mapping on Palace of Justice, there are also light installation such as garden lighting, free standing light structures, the decorative arch and many more. The objective of the festival is to introduce high-tech light designs, interactive light related activities and energy efficient lighting materials to the general public. This is the 3^rd edition of the LAMPU light festival in Putrajaya.

Skill and light art experts and university students in Malaysia showcased their creativity through a competition entitled “3R Light Structure”, it is aimed to involve younger generation to preserve nature by recycling materials to create light structures. This time around, LAMPU able to garner approximately 500 000 visitors and received a Malaysia Book of Records award for being the “Largest Light and Motion Festival”.

ETW Putrajaya in conjunction with Magic of The Night Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, and #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

FREE Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur (Part 2)

Earlier entry

FREE Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur (Part 1)

The Music Museum or Muzium Muzik, formerly the National History Museum, is housed in the first bank to open a branch in Kuala Lumpur. Displaying Malaysia musical instruments from different era and culture. Currently gamelan team is performing for a month at the ground floor/lobby of Malaysia Music Museum.

If one plan a self-walking tour around Kuala Lumpur (KL), Music Museum is one of the location you can/should be including aside from those I shared HERE. 

Keeping in simple and light, Music Museums house local and international musical instruments aside from those dated as far as prehistoric times. Having a multi-racial with East Malaysia’s tribe heritage, Malaysia musical instrument ranges from native, classical to international instruments; covering brass, strings, wind and percussion family. Examples of musical instruments showcased here are those of Malay, Chinese and Indian instruments such as Bonang, Gambang, Kenung, Pipa, Gu Zheng, Tabla, Manjira and others. Not forgetting the aboriginal instruments, the likes of Seruling, Keranting, Gambus Selindang Labu, Engkromong, Engkuratong and etc.

Music Museum Kuala Lumpur

No. 27 Jalan Raja

Dataran Merdeka

Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours : 09:00 to 18:00 (daily)

Tel : +60 03 2694 4590

Admission : FREE

ETW KL in conjunction with Citrawarna Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, and #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Timeless Craft - Kembara Kraf Selangor

Pressed flower is not new in the art and craft world, having existed and practised since 30 years ago in Japan (also known as Oshibana) and England, now it is also established in the United States. In general, pressed flowers craft is pretty much easy, one are requried to dry the flowers; both petals and flower and later flatten it. Now it has evolved where in pressed flower craft, knowing the type of flowers and its fade speed or intensity, using the right paper or colour, creating art and design to form a picturesque scenery is crucial. It is no more a simple dry flowers and pasting it paper. Sometimes, the pressed flower crafts are coupled with water colour paint or with other materials to create a unique effect. Of course, material used are not only limited to paper, fabrics, wood and any material to form a beautiful art can be used. 

Puan Esiah Kaimun

Puan Esiah Kaimun; a pressed-flower specialist we met recently during Kembara Kraf Selangor shared her creative art collection where it has been showcased in Malaysia and internationally. Having a unique skill sets sets Puan Esiah to pave her path in motivational talk arena and workshop sessions. One might not know or aware, Puan Esiah uses her pressed-flower craft  knowledge to help single mother in battling from depression and poverty. Similar to modern craft share earlier HERE, learning a new art form defocuses those battling with stress and depression as it stimulate neuro senses which help reduces depression. Not only that, single mothers can use this skill to generate additional income to support family and yet still stay at home doing what they do best – home caring. 

Traveling overseas within ASEAN, Europe and US is nothing new to Puan Esiah, where she conduct demo classes and showcasing this unique craft. Modern craft/art is Selangor's latest fad and is being accepted by all age group, now being converted into businesses; that have opportunities to market and expand worldwide.

Kembara Kraf Selangor Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Selangor and UPEN with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Teaser | Vietnam UNESCO Heritage Trail

The path entrance leading to the original or Bai Đính ancient pagoda is located near the new temple at Bái Đính Temple Spiritual and Cultural Complex at the Bai Dinh Mountain. Founded by a botanist or herbalist; Nguyen Minh Khong after receiving a calling to make an offering for the Bai Đính pagoda inside the cave.

The grottoes at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh Province was honoured with a world heritage recognition. Yet another visit to Vietnam's amazing Heritage Trail. Prestine limestone karst scenery, river ways paving into its eight unique caves, flora and fauna, and lush greenery with high biological diversity sets Hua Lu district apart from the rest of heritage towns/sites around the world. It is no suprise this beautiful place was recognized for UNESCO mixed natural and cultural property in 2014.

There are so many stories and history on the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, I don't even know where to begin so I decided to pick one to share. 
This citadel was first built during the Lý Dynasty in 11th century till the Nguyễn Dynasty in 19th century, the royal palaces and most of the structures were destroyed during feudal civil war, then during French conquest, and later by the Americans. Only in the 21st century are the ruin foundations of Thang Long Imperial City systematically excavated. 3,000 relics were excavated at the citadel from different period of time.

If you like to roam around, and people surfing is your hobby then Hanoi Old Quater is a perfect for you. Feast your eyes with architecture of hundreds years old, browsing thru the shops, sample the phos and coffees, or perhaps... just enjoy the colours of life. No regrets.

Teamwork at its best! 
This is an amazing and a beautiful scene when the banner became their umbrella, where business associates became friends and when rain can't stop them from enjoying the historical town of Hanoi. It was a fantastic Heritage Sites Fam Trip!

Phong Nha Cave is one of those places where one should take a leisure sampan ride where rowing inside the cave is manned mostly by the nearby village ladies, enjoy nature's greatest cave wonders; stalactites and stalagmites and walk on soft sandy beach inside its gigantic tummy. Heaven for nature lovers, easy for kids and appreciate by all.

Hoi An Old Town is a well-preserved traditional trading port since 15th - 19th century, it has been awarded and recognized as an UNESCO site in 1999. Hội An (會 安) translates as "peaceful meeting place", is where all beautiful Chinese-styled shophouses envelope its quaint long winding lane. I can truly understand how many travelers then (and now) fell in love with Hoi An.

Ignorant is a bliss. I just found out that there is a Vietnam Demilitarized Zone, or popularly known as DMZ. The localtion is approximately on the 17th parallel north of latitude, on the Ben Hai River. This Hien Luong Bridge crosses the Ben Hai River marks the former border between North and South Vietnam. When I was here this afternoon, there is no army, military old vehicle or bases, not even a proper museum! However, for war and history lover, there are a few other places you can include if you're planning a DMZ trip, such as Vinh Moc Tunnels, Truong Son National Cemetery, Rockpile and etc.

Chau Chu mountain is where this grandeur Khải Định Tomb situated. An East meets West architecture was eracted under the instruction of Nguyễn Emperor Khải Định and was completed by Bảo Đại, Khải Định's successor. This beautiful historical complex consist of stone statues, obelisk, monument and courtyard.

2 distinctive characteristic between Halong Bay on Land and Halong Bay on Sea, and I get to experience them both during this trip, a special thanks to Mr. Peter Pham of Golden Tour Vietnam and Tourism Vietnam. 
Having experienced Halong Bay cruise years ago allows me to see the effort put in to enhance and enrich the tourism industry in Quang Ninh especially in Halong Bay; a popular and famous UNESCO site. Great infrastructure and amenity implemented that have created a different journey this time around. Vietnam always surprise me. Would definitely revisit this beautiful country!

I would like to express our sincere thanks and utmost gratitude to VIETNAM TOURISM, GOLDEN TOUR and VIETNAM AIRLINES in hosting us for the last 8 days.

We have experienced many provinces' culture and heritage during this trip; from visiting 5 out of 8 world heritage sites (I believe is record breaking for almost all of us), realising that Vietnam TOO have a DMZ, to experimenting 5 types of Rice Paper of which Malaysian only know ONE, right down to 'how we should pronounce Vietnamese famous delicacy - PHO {FER}'. It is a great educational Fam Trip!

#TourismVietnam #Vietnam #GoldenTourVietnam #GayaTravel #GayaTravelX #Hanoi #HaLong #HaLongBay #QuangNinh #UNESCO #GoASEAN