Keris Taming Sari - Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, Perak

Keris Taming Sari

(Taming Sari Dagger)

Everyone knew the famous and legendary dagger or keris as what we Malaysia calls it.

And this keris in particular – Keris Taming Sari is almost a must know by all Malaysia.

Legend says that it is owned by Malaccan warrior Hang Tuah. The frequently told story is that keris Taming Sari would and could leap out of sheath on its own and attack the assailant, its mystical power as well as Hang Tuah and four comrades Hang Kasturi, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu bravery is highly respected are known in the whole Malay archipelago.

Despite Hang Tuah being a Malay folklore, the keris actually exist and it made of 21 different types of metal, its wooden part (or sampir in Malay) as well as the lower part of the wooden sheath is covered in gold leaf. Keris Taming Sari is categorised as keris terapang gabus. Keris terapang gabus comes from keris panjang which is the highest stature amongst the keris family, it is ONLY used by kings and royal court officials. The differentiation is that kering terapung gabus is a gold plated keris panjang. Wielded by Javanese blacksmith; the champion of Majapahit - pendekar named Taming Sari of which the keris got its name.

The question is how Keris Taming Sari ended in Perak, in Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery?

  

Sultan Mahmud of Malacca passed the keris together with other royal regalia his son Muzaffar Shah, later became the Sultan of Perak. This was during Portuguese invasion of Malacca in 1511 which led to Sultan Mahmud retreating to Sumatra. The Keris Taming Sari is still being kept in Perak ever since 1528.

According to Puan Nor Janati Ibrahim; Perak Museum Director it is the original keris Taming Sari and not a replica as claimed by some. The famous Keris Taming Sari exhibition will be held every year during the sultan’s birthday in June at Gallery Sultan Azlan Shah, this is where and when the public can view the legendary keris Taming Sari. The exhibition usually last for one week.

Aside from keris Taming Sari, Sultan Azlan Shah also house memorabilia items and personal belongings of Sultan Perak. Aside from memorabilia, there is a separate building displaying the state cars and patrol cars used during Sultan Azlan Shah's travels.

  

The Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery was originally built as the residence of Perak Sultan Idris Shah I in 1898, it was later reconstructed to turn it into a gallery in 2001 and was completed in 2003. Resembling the National Palace, Ipoh High Court and Ipoh railway station architecture, however in 1957, this building was turned into a school, known as Sekolah Kebangsaan Istana Kota before converting it into what it is now, this majestic gallery.

Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah

Bukit Chandan

33000 Kuala Kangsar

Perak

Phone: +605 777 5362

Email: gsas@perak.gov.my

Website : http://gsas.perak.gov.my/index.php/en/latar-belakang/mengenai/galeri-sultan-azlan-shah

Opening Hours

Saturday-Thursday : 10.00am - 5.00pm

Friday : 10.00am - 12.15pm, 2.45pm - 5.00pm

Admission fee

RM4 (adults)

RM2 (senior citizens)

RM2 (secondary school and college students)

RM1 (primary school students)

World of Wonders - Perak Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Perak and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Attractions in Macao (previously known as Macau)

As mentioned earlier (you can read it here), most travellers tend to visit Macao and cover mainly the hotels and casino, but what I want to share with you guys are places of interest/attractions in Macao. Yes, Macao has more to offer but you need to do abit of googling. And to help and ease my readers, I thought I should just share a few that I’ve covered. Aside from these historical places, you can also experience some culture shows.

If you are visiting Macao during May time frame, I would like to recommend you to attend the Macao Arts Festival which is happening from 30April - 29 May, 2016.

These are a few places to see/do in Macau.

Ruins of St Paul’s (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Macao most famous landmark is a 16th-century Portuguese complex that was once a college and a church. The Church of St. Paul is also known as "Mater Dei" and was restored by the Macanese government; turning it into a museum while maintaining the concrete and steel façade. If you are adventurous enough, you can attempt to climb up to the top. 

Guia Fortress/Guia Lighthouse (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Dated as far back as 1865, Guia Fortress and Guia Lighthouse is a military fort, chapel, and lighthouse complex, and also part of Macao UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was built on Guia Hill, the highest point in Macao and it was constructed after an unsuccessful attempt by the Netherlands to capture colonial Portuguese Macau from Portugal.

Senado Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Named after Leal Senado or Loyal Senate building, is the original municipal chamber built in 1784 that is still standing strong till today. It is said that the name Leal Senado derives from the title “City of Our Name of God Macao”. Most of the buildings around the square are of European architecture and is protected under UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Guia Fortress/Guia Lighthouse (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Dated as far back as 1865, Guia Fortress and Guia Lighthouse is a military fort, chapel, and lighthouse complex, and also part of Macao UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was built on Guia Hill, the highest point in Macao; it was constructed after an unsuccessful attempt by the Netherlands to capture colonial Portuguese Macau from Portugal.

Taipa Houses Museum

Built in 1921, these five Portuguese colonial residences used to belong to a well-off Portuguese families living in Macau during the 20th century. The houses have been restored and currently showcasing artefacts and exhibits of Macau’s culture and heritage. The Taipa Houses–Museum opened in 1999 and is administered by the Macau Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau.

Monte Forte (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Monte Forte or Mount Fortress used to be a military centre for Macao. It is located near Ruins of St. Paul's and its main purposed was to protect Macao from pirates and invasion from Dutch. It is famous for the 32 cannons that was placed around the fort and was a restricted military area until 1965. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the mainland Macau from the park that is situated at the top of the fort.

St. Augustine Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

St. Augustine’s Church, Dom Pedro V Theatre, St. Joseph’s Seminary and Sir Robert Ho Tung Library are among a cluster of majestic Portuguese colonial buildings, settled within European- style cobblestone piazza and surrounded by monuments that left visitors awed by its interweaving culture.



I hope you guys are able to maximise your Macao trip base on the above tips I’ve shared, do include the prestige Macao Arts Festival that is happening in May into your itinerary.

Macao Arts Festival

Date : 30 April - 29 May, 2016

Website : www.icm.gov.mo/fam/27/en/

Caving - This is the real thang!

Caving is the only activity that allows you to name your own cave. Officially. Legally.

My friend once told me.

COOL! I told myself.

But the darkness and pacat stops me from experiencing  it, until March 2016. I can now claim I’ve done caving. Perasan-ly. Riak-ly.

Caving check-list box – TICK.

Despite that Gua Tempurung is located a stone throw away,  Gua Kundu is nothing like the earlier said. Similar to my white water rafting adventure (you can read it here and here), I am torn (yet again) on whether to attempt with this caving “expedition” or to sit it out. But then again, I agreed to this trip due to its uniqueness – covering outdoor and  extreme sport activities. Hence, I proceed. Cowardly. Worried.

I listen attentively to the guide’s safety briefing, on what to expect, what we will get to see, the condition of the cave etc. I posted him the most crucial and important question that triggered most of the participants attention, (i) Will there be leaches in Gua Kundu and (ii) Are we required to wade any water. Everyone waited for the answer eagerly. You see (nak cerita sikit), I am terrified of leaches (yup! You can read it on my Gua Tempurung post here). I am well prepared on every trip that I foresee this evil slimy crawly wiggly thing might appear. I listen and took all advise, none was left out. NONE! I kid you not. 

The question is not what do I need to prepare, the right and precise question is what DID I prepare.

• Mosquito repellent (2 types)
• Oitment (2 types as well – they say leeches hate the smell)
• Socks (what socks? I brought panty hose AND high socks)
• Salt water (I assume my dehydration salt works here)
• Tobacco (I decided to keep 3 JPAM at bay, eye contact level, within my reach)

This (the above) is called WELL PREPARED for caving! I bet my girl guide coy will be very proud of me – ‘A girl guide is always prepared’ = ME!) 

So, the ultimate questions:

• What did we actually do inside/during caving?
• How tough was it?
• Was there a lot of climbing? Swimming? Bat?
• Was it scary?
• Was it hard?
• Is it worthwhile?

I decide to answer this as specific as possible.

• A lot of fun stuff
• Easy peasy (coverline)
• Climbing – yeah.  Swimming – No. Bat – Batman adalah.
• Nehhhhh…
• Nehhhhh…. Gitew.
• YESZA!!!

There was rope climbing (10 feet high the most), abseiling (I love abseiling), crawling (its sandy so its pretty dry) and you know what… there’s 3 ways to get out of the cave and all 3 ways are super cool!

Zipling out

Ziplining + via ferrata + trekking out

Ziplining + trekking out.

Trekking out

And I chose…… jeng jeng jeng…. Trekking out as I was told this is the easiest and that I manage persuade the whole JPAM to accompany me. BUT what they failed to tell me was, the trekking route is steep, and they warned me not to be a ‘biawak jatuh’. Of cause I dengar cakap, I jalan elok-elok and berhati-hati.

Should you try it out?

YES!!!!!!!!!! I love it!

*This caving excursion was made possible by Nomad Adventure.

Head Office

525 Jalan 17/13,

46400 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor, Malaysia

Tel. +6(03)79585152 /3151

Fax. +6(03)79581710

info@nomadadventure.com

Earth Camp

Lot 17525 Kampung Chulek

Gopeng Kampar

Perak Darul Ridzuan

World of Wonders - Perak Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Perak and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Adventure Tourism with Nomad Adventure in Gopeng, Malaysia

Exhilarating trip.

It was worth it.

I can’t remember where I’ve heard of Nomad Adventure but it surely sounded familiar. After experiencing their well-executed and smooth-ran activities, I believe this is one of those cases where word of mouth carries weight. One that you can’t recall who recommended or mentioned them to you; their professionalism, experience and service precedes them. It travels. Word travels.

Founded in the mid 90's, Nomad Adventure owner and Managing Director Yuen Li shared how she started, her whys and her inspiration. I was overwhelmed, ecstatic, awed, I truly felt that I should just start my own company (whatever it may be) right there and then. To the point that I think this Perak Fam Trip should win ‘The Most Inspiring Fam Trip’, a type of culture that we should instil in us travel bloggers. Inspire, venture, excel.

Drive change.

Being an early rock climbing developer and pioneer,  and now one of the top adventure tourism destinations in South East Asia, Yuen Li’s Earth Camp provides eco-friendly campsite that is currently popular amongst companies for leadership camps activities and amongst colleges and universities for their teambuilding activities. Emphasizing strongly on safety, Nomad Adventure is the first outdoor adventure company in Malaysia that attain an ISO 9001:2008 certification. Aside from that, they are trained for Rescue 3 International, which is the largest and globally recognized rescue training organization for flood, water and rope rescue. Despite accolades of praise, recognition and awards, Yuen Li remains humble and hands-on on daily operations. In fact, during our caving and white water rafting excursion, she was kayaking to and fro; our safety is her utmost priority.

Among Nomad Adventure products are :

Earth Camp

•  6 dormitories with 100% natural coconut fibre mattresses for 150 pax

•  12 tree houses and 6 kampung houses for 40 pax

•  3 villas for 12 pax with attached bathroom. Sleep on luxury organic herbal mattresses.

•  Spacious dining hall, large lounge, multi-purpose hall,

•  Ample toilet and shower facilities

•  Easy road access and parking for cars and busses

•  Reliable mobile phone coverage and internet access via satelite dish

•  Delicious home-cooked food prepared by our caterer

•  Our fully fenced grounds are patrolled by a nightwatchman

Rope Based Activities

Rock Climbing & Abseil

High Rope Course

Giant Swing and Leap of Faith

Rock Climbing, Belaying & Low Ropes

“Over The Edge” Abseil

Waterfall Abseiling

Gua Kandu With Flying Fox

Caving

Gua Tempurung

Gua Kandu

Water Based Activities

White Water Rafting

White Water Kayaking

Rescue Team Challenge

How to get there?

Public Transport

By bus

There are daily bus services to Kampar, Gopeng and Ipoh. Many bus services provide transport from Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The bus costs RM 17 to RM 20.

By train

A more comfortable and reliable way is the train to Kampar Station or Ipoh station from Kuala Lumpur Sentral. The services are frequent and start from 6am till late at night and cost RM 31 to RM 34.

Do note that the public transport will only take you to the towns of Gopeng, Kampar or Ipoh and you will need a pick up from there to our campsite.

From Ipoh, Gopeng or Kampar you need a pick up to our camp site:

For a pick up from Gopeng, a taxi costs around RM 15 per car / one way.

For a pick up from Kampar, a taxi costs around RM 20 per car / one way.

For a pick up from Ipoh, a taxi costs around RM 60 per car / one way.

To check the train times and cost: https://intranet.ktmb.com.my/e-ticket/login.aspx

Fly

If you are coming from overseas the International Airport Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) is only about 2 hours from Earth Camp, Gopeng. KL International Airport is one of Southeast Asia’s major aviation hubs. From the Airport you can either take a rental car or public transport to Earth Camp.

Head Office

525 Jalan 17/13,

46400 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor, Malaysia

Tel. +6(03)79585152 /3151

Fax. +6(03)79581710

info@nomadadventure.com

Earth Camp

Lot 17525 Kampung Chulek

Gopeng Kampar

Perak Darul Ridzuan

World of Wonders - Perak Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Perak and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

White Water Rafting in Gopeng, Perak (Nomad Adventure) - Part 2

I assume you have read my earlier post, if not, go ahead and read else you will be so lost with this post. Very lost. Really lost. More lost than the TV series ‘Lost’. I kid you not.

Go. Read. Quick.

As I was saying earlier, as our raft carried and swayed us downstream, as we approach the end of our destination, something unexpected and unthinkable happened. A truly “Houston, we have a problem” scenario kinda a thing, a “Black Hawk down” experience, a “London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down…” scene #eh. I have experienced three white water rafting in three different state so far, but this time around is total different. Not the rafting, not the water but….

Thunder. We heard thunder again and again. And again. Worried.

Almost like scolding us, again and again too. Scared.

The dark clouds emerge. Panic.

The strong wind starts, brushing our face. Sei loh… sei loh… I murmured, hoping no one heard.

We paddled even stronger, now in unison. Not just us, all the other raft. Probably sharing the same thought, the same panic, the same fear.

I asked the instructor “Is it going to rain?”

“No, it’s at the other side. Don’t worry” He calms us.

But then, why is he paddling strong and fast too. Hemm….

Have you heard of kepala air? Water head? Yes, that’s the one that am worried of, as we are so close to the mountain. “Mana JPAM ni?” I said to myself, as if lah JPAM can stop the rain or the kepala air. Duh Lily! Well, at least it’ll made me feel better. With all their gadgets, equiptment and experience. I stand higher chance.

We managed to arrive safely at our destination where we were rushed to shower and change, fearing the rain and us arriving late for the Gala Dinner with Tourism Perak and the sponsors. Then I saw something I truly fancy – Nomad Adventure Earth Camp.

Angkat kain jemuran, hujan nak turun.

Ok. Itu jer nak cerita.

This white water activities was made possible with the help of NomadAdventure.

Head Office

525 Jalan 17/13,

46400 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor, Malaysia

Tel. +6(03)79585152 /3151

Email : info@nomadadventure.com

Website : http://nomadadventure.com/

Earth Camp

Lot 17525 Kampung Chulek,

Gopeng Kampar,

Perak Darul Ridzuan

World of Wonders - Perak Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Perak and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

White Water Rafting in Gopeng, Perak (Nomad Adventure) - Part 1

You know what?

The next time I do white water rafting, it should be in another country.

What say you!?!

This would be my fourth.

Despite having 3 experiences (Kuala Kubu Baru, Kiulu River and Sungkai), I am still worried. Over. Nothing. This is the only thing that remain constant. Ahaks.

Honestly speaking, I was torn between hoping for a water level 2-3 whereby the skill set required will be more technical or wishing for level 3-4 where it will be a breeze but stronger rapid. Kinda pointless to hope or wish seriously speaking, as I am already there; the past week has been dry with one measly rain the day before. I pretty much guess it will be 2-3 of which, I am right lah. Just go with the flow so people say. The truth that many don’t know are, go with sore arm and thigh (shallow water equals to technical skill), go with hot sun (El Nino, need I say more) and go with ‘malas nak basah tapi cuaca panas, terjun jugak lah’. Yup! That’s pretty much sums it up.

Having a few WWF experience gave me the confident and edge (ceh wah…), I know what to expect; I know the instructor will capsize the raft so that we will all get wet, I know the high-fives, I know the ‘hit your paddle on the water’, I know the commands! Left, left! Right, right! All to the back, or all to the front. Then the famous and popular command that tickled everyone, one that I like to rhyme it (like the movie ‘A Night At The Museum’) - JUMP JUMP your BUM BUM you DUMB DUMB! Where’s my GUM GUM? Hehhehehee….. funny heh! Then there was the incident where my raft became an all ladies raft as our “man” was pinched to the other raft. Redha ajer lar…

As suspected, the water was shallow hence a lot of jump jump required, like a. Plenty. Lot. Then there were other incidents where I realized the instructor was about to capsize the raft and I shriek “Nooooooo! I’ll jump into the water on my own” (Hint. Being capsize is no fun, better to volunteer to jump). We played a lot of bumper raft, we stop at midway to catch our breath – apple and water was served.

Then… as we raft further downstream, as we about to reach the end, something unexpected and unthinkable happened. Jeng jeng jeng… (Boleh tak sambung next entry? Baru suspense sikit).

This white water rafting activity is made possible with the help ofNomad Adveture.

Head Office

525 Jalan 17/13,

46400 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor, Malaysia

Tel. +6(03)79585152 /3151

Email : info@nomadadventure.com

Website : http://nomadadventure.com/

Earth Camp

Lot 17525 Kampung Chulek,

Gopeng Kampar,

Perak Darul Ridzuan

World of Wonders - Perak Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Perak and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Macao (previously known as Macau) - More Than Just Hotels And Casinos

Many have the perception that Macao is all about gambling with its fancy thematic hotels and casinos, to a point it is dubbed as Las Vegas of the east to some. I also come to realized that many travelers tend to visit Macao for a day or two, some even do a day trip from Hong Kong. As usual, I always advise otherwise, there’s nothing to see or venture if the country you are visiting is covered within a day (trip) or even in 2 days (including flight/ferry time).

Recently I got to know about Macao Arts Festival organized by Macao Culture Affairs Bureau (ICM), ushering summer. This is certainly new to me, there will be theatre, dance, music, circus, multimedia and visual arts in an artistic panorama of events being showcased.

I’ve learnt that 2016 is the 400th anniversary since the death of the literary giant William Shakespeare and Ming Dynasty’s famed Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu. Hence, the festival will showcase a number of their works such as the romantic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the Shakespeare Theatre Company, and The Legend of the Purple Hairpin by maestro Chu Chan Wa, among other local and international shows. This will be great for art lovers.

Those planning to visit Hong Kong and dropping by Macao, do keep in view of this festival. You can leverage or plan your trip around this date. This was, you will appreciate Macao, more than just their hotels *smile*.

Macao Arts Festival

Date : 30 April - 29 May, 2016

Website : www.icm.gov.mo/fam/27/en/

I will be sharing tips of where to go and what to do in my upcoming post on Macao, stay tune. Also, the halal food around Macao.