Resort Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel in Rawang, Selangor

Initially I thought this is Templer’s Park being rebrand but NO, I was wrong. It is totally a different place (nearby of course) and much more family-friendly (and Lily-friendly too).

I was totally surprise at first, thinking that it is a camp site area in a ‘jungle’ and to my surprise it is a well equip camp and activity site. This experience was made possible and I owe it to Tourism Selangor when they launch the Resort Taman Eko RImba Komanwel recently.

And you must wonder, what makes this place interesting and different, right?

Designated Glamping Site

There are 3 areas whereby 2 are located by the lake and one is closer to the river (clear running river, worry not. There glamping site has own operator such as Crossover Outdoor and Lubar Camp where you can get hold of and book a tent depending on your crowd. They will prepare and set-up everything for you, you probably need to bring food and knick-knacks jer lah kot.

Build-your-own-tent Site

This one is located by the river itself (more mencabar if you ask me) but safe and convenient enough if you need a toilet of incase of heavy rain (boleh naik atas untuk berteduh).

Forest Cottage

This is a proper accommodation that caters for urban-friendly folks like moi yet nak acah-acah campaign sebab teringin. You will be staying in a comfortable room and can roam around doing outdoor activities within the park.


Little Wood Cottage
Chalet concept ie tiny cabin type of stay, suitable for single of double occupancy, especially those looking for a quick quiet back-to-nature kinda get-away. This is probably good as you won’t be sharing the whole building with strangers.

White Cottage

Ahhhhh… this is the best place to stay. It has 2 rooms and able to fit 6 people comfortably without maximising the sofabed (8 pax if you turn-over the sofa-bed lah). It has its own kitchem, dining area, TV, fully air-conditioned, living hall, veranda, Jacuzzi poll and many more. I personally stayed here and I don’t mind repeating.

Facilities/Amenities

Common toilet and shower (for campers)
One word – CLEAN! You don’t have to worry (this is true at the point of writing this blog post tau, lepas-lepas ni wallahualam).

Cafés

2 cafes where I believe you can ask them to manage your breakfast at a nominal cost. Forest Café has nice nasi lemak and they also have cereal, bread and etc – very very simple breakfast (jangan lah mintak egg benedict bagai pulak).

ATV

This one is a great favourite for those that came during the launch and I believe everyone will also enjoy this ride. And yes yes yes, there’s a cost that ties to it.

Cycling

You can rent a bike and cycling within this area. This is one of the easiest activities if you are here with teenage kids I feel

Scooter

First time trying this, sumpah I suka giler. For those of you thinking to do this in KL city but find it dangerous then I recommend you to try it here, safer and controlled environment for first timer. You won’t regret it.

Canoe

Apparently the lake is only knee deep so they say, so fret not guys. You can row and row plus the fact that it is small, the more reason you should not be worrying. Can even try this with you kids.

Hiking

If you stay here (not available for day-tripper) then you are entitled to register and join the hike. As the hiking area is a private property (if not mistaken) hence public is not allowed thus making the jungle area more pristine.


Camping equipment for rent
You heard me right, alright. If you wanna build your own camp/tent but don’t have the necessary equipment then all you need to do is just rent. Don’t waste money to buy and later have no place to store, or even worst… you gonna use it that one time only. No no… rent is better.


Food
As mentioned earlier there’s 2 cafes inside the park but my advice is to bring your own food/drinks, reason being the main gate closes at 9pm ie no one is allowed to go out nor come it after 9pm. Mati kutu kot nanti.

There is also open spaces for you to conduct activities or telematches as the place is suitable for teambuilding and family day event. Plus the fact that it is near KL (approximately an hour or so) makes it a great place for such event.

Do go and check it out.

Klinik Ajwa, SELCARE Clinic & Poliklinik Amalmedik | Industri Halal Selangor

I was confused upon receiving the itinerary for Industri Halal Selangor Fam Trip, it stated clinic visit. And you know what was the best part… it is not one, not two BUT three clinic visit. I still don’t get it…. Why clinic? What does it has to do with Industri Halal? I mean, based on my brain logic the halal part will be more on med of which we should be visiting the Pharmaniaga of the world or Pfizer or whatever lah – basically kilang buat ubat (and bukan klinik kan).

But as usual, curiosity will always get the best of me hence I joined the trip to understand their angle and obviously answer to all my ‘WHYS’. You know how they say curiosity kills the cat, kalau I cat memang dah lama gone dah… sebab habis semua benda I curious kan. Hahahhahahaa…

After going thru all 3 clinics and understanding their respective USP (Unique Selling Proposition), I appreciate them better now and of course I also understood UPENS direction better. Meh nak cita one by one.

1. Klinik Ajwa, Shah Alam
This is by far the most awe-aspiring story I have ever heard. I don’t think I can be half as good as them but I shall try. First, I will share you my thoughts about them and why we all must strive be like them (or the best version of one self, at least).

I was told that they started a small clinic as they aspire to grow the business and help others, they even have to sleep in the clinic as one of the reason was the area has a high theft rate (back then lah). NOW? Now they have a few outlets in Shah Alam alone, and the one we were at has 2 pintu (2 pintu dalam English apa yek?). I asked, why 2 pintu? What is the different between this 2 clinics reason being it is just at the next block jer. So this was what they said :

a. General Clinic
- The one we are at is meant for general public/sickness (not sure how to word this)
- Tight SOP upon entering and registering
- Social distancing seating arrangement
- 2-4 doctors attending patients at a time (during peak hours)

b. Klinik Ibu Dan Anak
- Attending to only pregnant moms and kids
- The split is to ensure pregnant mom doing their routine OBGYN check-up is not in the same clinic as public, especially during the pandemic - mom, baby and kids health comes first.
- Similarly, 2-4 doctors attending patients at a time (during peak hours)
- Baby delivery (birth) will be at the hospital of choice
- The great part is that you can request a female Muslim gynae. A definite plus point for many.

2. SELCARE Clinic Sdn Bhd, Shah Alam
16 branches all over Selangor and KL but yet to bump into one in Ampang though. I learnt that SELCARE is a subsidiary of SELGATE Corporation that has a well-integrated network of healthcare practices. And SELGATE is a wholly owned subsidiary of Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS). I was made to understand that the consultation fee is lower that other clinics hence to enquire prior to the consultation yah.

3. Poliklinik Amalmedik, Kota Damansara

This is a unique clinic and I am surprised that many did not know about their existence. They specialise in pain and surgery treatment. Services that they provide are ear wax microsuction, hyaluronic acid injection, minor surgery, wound care and circumcision. Where else type if pain that you should pay a visit to Amalmedik are shoulder pain, elbow pain, hand ache, knee pain, forgetfulness and foot pain.

I was having a bad shoulder pain during this trip and they volunteered to help to ease the pain. Upon detecting the exact pain spot they injected and it soothed after a few days. I think I should visit them 1-2 more times as it did help with the pain (was suffering for 1-2 months during that point). The problem with me is the discipline (facepalm).

The price range was pretty ok for me but my advice is for you to check with your respective panel/corporate insurance plan if they cover the cost. For me, my panel doesn’t include this unless it is done at the hospital so I have to pay from my own pocket lor.

 
So, there you go. Halal in this sense is very broad, not just food but medical, fashion, hospitality (hotel) and many more.

Industri Halal Selangor Fam Trip is in collaboration with UPENS (Unit Perancangan Negeri Selangor) and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Dabus | An Art of Self Defence Performance

How INTERESTING!!!

Dabus of which I have always thought is a musical art is an art of self defence (well, art lah jugak kan), based on the concept of heroism (kepahlawanan… is this translation accurate?). I bet many of you are wondering, tang mana yang heroismnya kan (wondered the same too)?

Apparently, for one to learnt/marter dabus it requires intelligence, agility and bravery among others. Dabus existing for more than 300 years ago in Perak and has seen migrated to other part of Tanah Melayu/Malaysia. In Perak, it expanded to Setiawan and Bagan Datoh of which eventually reach Sabak Bernam, Sungai Besar and Kuala Selangor. It said that Dabus was brought to Tanah Melayu by Ahmad Mahyuddin who is from Persia (Baghdad) in 1785, and that he was the student of Muhammad Abil Hassan al-Rifai. Other school of thoughts theory is that Dabus was brought here via Aceh in Indonesia.

This part is intriguing - it was used to train soldiers for battles back then. Remember I said that I thought it was merely and musical art, well I learnt during this Rentak Selangor trip, a Dabus dancer or player (referred to) uses ‘anak dabus’ or ‘dabus’s son’ of ‘son of dabus’ made of sharp iron. Usually in Dabus, players not only use ‘anak dabus’, the also uses other sharp weapon to provoke and showcase the prowess of the dabus player. Weapon used are basically keris (the Malay daggers), daggers, axes and a few other sharp weapon.

What we often see are the dabus performance and not the self defence art. The traditional performance combines 3 art forms ie singing, dance and art of self defence. And in self defence performance, it is a norm to see players use the sharp weapon to “slice/poke” the own body parts (usually arm).

Dabus style of singing is called berzanji or/and marhaban and the instruments used are gong, rebana and gendang. A Dabus group consist of 22 performers/ players including namely musical instrument players and dancers. There are four types of dance moves called 'susun sireh', 'ayam tajak', and 'helang sewah'. Each dancer holds a pair of ‘anak dabus’ while dancing, and dancers’ moves are according to the music.

As the music started to get upbeat, the dancers will “slide/poke” the ‘anak dabus’ onto their arms, this act is supposedly done when the dancer is in trance. Amazing, once the performance is over, those injured will be restored by the leader of the group.

Rentak Selangor Fam Trip is in collaboration with UPENS (Unit Perancangan Negeri Selangor), Tourism #Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

#RentakSelangor #KitaSelangor #UPENSelangor #MediaSelangor #PusingSelangorDulu #MKNS #PMNS

Balle Balle Group from Kampung Api Api, Kuala Selangor

I was introduced to this Balle Balle Group from Kampung Api Api in Kuala Selangor few years back and I was immediately intrigued and fell in love with their sound. I was hoping I get to watch them perform again and how lucky can I be when I saw Rentak Selangor 2021 will be inviting them to perform. So, writing about them is must lah kan, if kita tak promote music kita then siapa lagi. Betul tak?

What I find amazing was that they invented the percussion instrument called Balle Balle, honestly I am not sure whether similar percussion existed in other part of the world but this is the first and only one I ever saw lah. This balle balle is made out of what looks like a tree branch with flattened bottle caps attached to the string, that is tied to the both end of the branch. What sound does it make? Well…. Like many tambourine being played simultaneously. I personally feel the music is very beach-santai kinda thing. Having said that, Balle Balle Group type of song is suitable for fast and slow tempo.

Encik Isnain Abd Rahim, is the multi-talented guy behind Balle Balle Group. Having visited over 30 countries such as Germany, Spain, Bangladesh and many more just to get fresh new ideas and learnt local folk song of the world. He formed the group Balle Balle that consist 6 players playing instruments ie. Bongo, Timbalis, Accordian, Violin, Double bass, Guitar and of course Balle Balle.

The other thing that made Balle Balle Group unique is that they wear tudung saji (traditional Malay food cover) as their headgear, batik sarong, colourful shirts, and last but not least terompah or wooden clogs completing their stage attire.

Song that I feel and enjoyed with their instruments will be Sway by Michael Bubble, I'm Yours by Jason Mraz, Bubbly sung by Colbie Caillat… you get me don’t you.

Isnain Bin Abd Rahim (Wak Nin)
Pusat Kesenian Balle Balle
L3-25, Times 89, Business Plaza
Taman Seri Sentosa, Jalan Klang Lama
Kuala Lumpur

Mobile : +6019-281 4535
Email : isnain52@gmail.com

Rentak Selangor Fam Trip is in collaboration with UPENS (Unit Perancangan Negeri Selangor), Tourism #Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

#RentakSelangor #KitaSelangor #UPENSelangor #MediaSelangor #PusingSelangorDulu #MKNS #PMNS

Ronggeng Dance | A Controversial Dance Art

Mindblown.

Seriously I knew nothing with regards to Main Ronggeng or Ronggeng dance/performance until I see and was later explained by En. Nazmi. I remember telling myself I must write about Ronggeng as I have not touch this topic before nor do I know nuts lah kan (obviously). I googled and briefly read thru what is Ronggeng but couldn’t find much info, hence info from En. Nazmi was much appreciated. I do need to put a caveat here that Ronggeng is not originated from Selangor but Selangor is one of the places where it expanded its reach.

Here’s the thing, as far as I know (probably main of us too) is that the word ‘Ronggeng’ has always be associated with bad connotation, I believe movie and media played a role in this too. We always thought that it has to do with ‘bad or club girls that entertain men’, boy was I wrong. So I figure, let’s educate and create awareness on Ronggeng dance/performance.

I was told that the origin of Ronggeng is from Java in Indonesia where couple dance to rebab/violin music, starts with Tarian Melayu (slow pace Malay Dance), Tarian Inang (up tempo dance) and followed by Tarian Joget (quick tempo dance). Form my experience, the song sung was poetic/berpantun and the foot step is in accordance to the tempo with coordinated hand movement. The instruments that accompanied this dance are rebab or violin and a gong. The female dancers are dresses in bright kebaya labuh with a flower on their sanggul (hair bun), whilst men in baju melayu, sampin and songkok.

Desktop research stated that ‘female professional dancers are expected to invite some male audiences or clients to dance with them as a couple with the exchange of some tips money for the female dancer, given during or after the dance (base on Wikipedia).’ However, in verbatim-during the event it was said that the men will invite the lady dancers to, no touching and sexual innuendo are allowed.

Ronggeng is made popular in Southern Thailand and the Strait States namely Penang, Melaka and Singapore. As the we assimilate, Ronggeng has become part of the Malay culture and Ronggeng Melayu (or Malay Ronggeng) became a popular social dance, it is usually performed on Ronggeng stage (dance floow) at amusement parks back in the 1930s and 1940s. Infact, I remember my mom and aunts often talk about the famous BB Park in Kuala Lumpur being THE place to socialise as it has dance hall for cabaret, boxing ring, stage shows, theatres, restaurants and many more, and was closed in the 1970s.

I believe we need to preserve the art of Ronggeng for our younger generation, and effort that need to be undertook by Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, our Art School and relevant parties in order to elevate it internationally.

Rentak Selangor Fam Trip is in collaboration with UPENS (Unit Perancangan Negeri Selangor), Tourism #Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

#RentakSelangor #KitaSelangor #UPENSelangor #MediaSelangor #PusingSelangorDulu #MKNS #PMNS

3 MUST do things – From Hulu Selangor to Kuala Selangor

 
Why 3 things?
Takkan lah 3 things jeeeerrrr?
 
Well, I have been to Hulu Selangor and Kuala Selangor many a times but these 3 things are fairly new to me hence I think I should share the new stuff that you can add to your current/existing list lah kan.
 
We were told that Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) was used be called Ampang Pecah back in 1925. It was a mining town was originally located between two Selangor rivers. It was also the fort for Raja Mahadi and Syed Mashor when they fought against Tengku Kudin's during the Selangor Civil War from 1867 to 1874. The kubu or fortress was constructed before the British colonial powers took over the town.
 
The township Ampang Pecah was washed away in 1883 flood and approximately 1500 people were involved and 35 people died. Sir Cecil Ranking, the District Officer at the time was also killed. Local superstition said that the flood/his death might be due to him shooting a white crocodile that was regarded as the river guardian. Only a Buddhist temple and a mosque survived the flood though. From then onward, the town is known as Ampang Pecah (translated in Malay language as Broken Dam). Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) was built right after on a higher ground where plenty of gardens located all over town. KKB has been gazetted as a garden city.
 
 
Hulu Selangor

1. Kuala Kubu Bharu Heritage Trail.

Yup! I never knew they has one (duh Lily!), there are 8 points of which you can do it on foot starting with the clock tower that was commemorating the coronation of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth in 1937, Kuala Kubu Bharu Post Office, Old Fire Station, Shop house No 1 and 2, Jalan Dato Tabal, Hulu Selangor Traffic Police Headquarters and Hulu Selangor District/Land Office Building. You can cover all these places on foot.
 
2. Paragliding

They offer tandem paragliding where your flight starts from Bukit Batu Pahat, about 20-30mins ride from Taman Millenium; where you’ll touch down. The flight site is 1,400 feet above the sea level.
 
Price : RM350 p/pax (+video -bring own micro SD card)
Duration : 1 hour (8-15mins flight time)
 
Operational hours
Daily : 9:30am – 3:00pm (last admission at 14:00)
High Seasons (Jan, Feb, Apr, June, July, Aug, Oct) : 9:30am - 4:00pm (last admission at 14:00)
*Closed on major public holidays
 
Booking : https://www.paraglidinginmalaysia.com/paragliding-near-kuala-lumpur.html

Kuala Selangor
 
3. Cycling at Paddy Field

Been seeing people cycling at the paddy field the last few trips I was here and I have always wanted to experience it myself but somehow never got around it. This time around I get to experience cycling around the paddy field… BEST GILER! A must try tau.
 
AMG Bicycle Renting
No 8-C, Jalan Menteri
Sekinchan Selangor.
 
Tel: 0192416045 (Mr.Foo) / 016347121 (Ms.Lee)
 
Operation Hours
Weekday : 5:00pm – 12:00am
Weekend : 3:00pm – 12:00am
 

4. Punten, Getok and Ketiwol – Javanese Delicacies in Selangor
 
To know more on Javanese delicacies in Kuala Selangor aswell as its history, click HERE.

Eat Travel Write 11 Hulu ke Kuala Media Fam Trip 2020 is in collaboration with Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Nasi Kluban in Kuala Selangor, A Javanese deliciacy

First time hearing and didn’t have time to google before I join this trip, hence I have minimal to almost no expectation of Nasi Kluban. And if you read this entry of mine, my only (sincere) advice to you is, go try eat…. SUMPAH SEDAP GILER.

But I heard it is not sold everywhere, so I foresee this will be a challenge.

Similar to Nasi Ambeng (write about it earlier, click HERE to read), Nasi Kluban originated from Java Island in Indonesia, and is usually served during festivities such as thanksgivings (majlis kesyukuran) such as kid birthdays and aqiqah. It is frequently served during majlis melenggang perut (baby shower) which is usually at the 7th month of the pregnancy.
 
Nasi Kluban too is presented in a large tray or ‘dulang’ and enjoyed by a group of 4 to 5 people. It signifies unity and togetherness also encourages the act of caring and sharing among family members, friends and fellow villagers just like Nasi Ambeng. It is also said that the food is to be divided equally and guest to bring it home and share it with family members.
 
As I love the kluban (kerabu) so much, I shall share the recipe here. It is pretty easy to make… nanti nak buat lah.

The decor ingredient, make sure you have all these read (goreng-goreng jer)

Ingredients to make the kluban (kerabu)

How to make the coconut floss (serunding kelapa)

1. Fry the blended ingredient

To blend :

Onion
Chili (birds eye chili and fresh chili)
Ginger
Garlic
Aromatic/sand ginger or cutcherry (kencur)
+ add salt to taste (abit of palm sugar if need be)

2. Add grated coconut - only the white ones (kelapa parut - yang putih)

Fry till dry and golden brown

3. Mix the coconut floss with sliced vegetables

Remove from wok and add sliced vegetable

Sliced vegetables :

Bean sprout (tauge)

Winged bean (kacang botol)

Long bean (kacang panjang)

King's salad (ulam raja)

Brazillian spinach (bayam Brazil)

+ Mix and marry the coconut floss and all the thinly sliced vegetables well

4. Ready to be served

To be served in a large tray (dulang) with :

Rice (4-5 pax portion)

Salted egg

Cucumber

Fried fish

Fried fermented soyabean (tempe)

Sometimes Nasi Kluban when served during melenggang perut (baby shower), is paired with 7 type of vegetables or 7 types rojak (pickled fruits). The number 7 signifies the 7th month of the pregnancy. This custom is is till being practice in Kuala Selangor.

If you want to try the Kluban dish (kerabu), just head over to :

D’ Bagan Awang Restaurant

Jalan Pawang Ghaffar

Kampung Bagan Sungai Buloh

Jeram, Selangor

Mobile : 011 - 14337866

Eat Travel Write 11 Hulu ke Kuala Media Fam Trip 2020 is in collaboration with Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Menggagau ikan keli di bendang (Catfish catching with bare hand in paddy field)

 
I have seen this activity so so many times, but nothing could prepare me for this.
Super fun, super funny, with super-duper sporting folks.
When Della said jump, they’ll ask how high?
When Della said sing, they say ‘how many songs?’ #eh
When Della said catch the catfish in the muddy paddy filed with your bare hands, the ask how many?
YUP! Sporting media folks this time around.
I have nothing but respect. Respect. Respect.

One of the many activities we did here is ‘menggagau ikan’, literally translated as ‘to catch the catfish in the muddy paddy filed with your bare hands’… I kid you not. This is not a joke.
So what else that is not a joke? The fish. Cos it’s a catfish!
For those lot that don’t know what catfish is (ikan keli for us Malaysians), below is a snippet on catfish :
The spines contained in the dorsal and pectoral fin contain a venom that causes edema (swelling) and a hemolytic (causes increased blood flow in the area of the injury) if these spines puncture the skin.
Or what we’d say ‘ikan keli ni boleh ‘sengat’, nanti sakit.’ (Taken from : https://www.catfishedge.com/how-to-hold-catfish/)

Click HERE to view the video

 
I’ve guessed as much that under female category, Ayue will win tanpa bertanding when it comes to tangkap anak ikan #eh. Hahhahahhaha… Joke aside, this girl got some guts hokkay. I traveled with her before, I know her drive and motivation. As predicted, she won! Caught 6 catfishes.
Before I go on sharing on how the male faired. I am indebted to mankind in telling some interesting characters that I’ve observed.
 
The ‘tuh-tuh and nih nih’ gagau-er
There are 2 that were caught on my phone. All they did was pointing finger on where they ‘think’ the fishes are while yelling ‘tuh tuh and nih nih’ (while taking 1-2 step back from the fishes).

Click HERE to view the video

The photo-opp with fish that is caught by me gagau-er
There’s one (on my Instagram video, click HERE to view), someone presented (sedekah) the fish for this person to ‘catch’ it and have a ‘Hey! I caught an ikan keli’ moment photo-opp. (Petai tembikai lah ni)
 
The I must WIN even though I’ve won earlier gagau-er
The type that was declared the winner 30 mins ago but then organizer decided to extended 1 more ekor to break the non-existent tie. He then jumped back in and caught the next winning fish, and the decides yet again to extended 1 more ekor. He gagau-ed a total of 8 catfishes altogether.
 
The all-scream-but no-fish-caught gagau-er
Need I say more?!?

Click HERE for more videos

 

The if-I-can’t-beat-them-I-join-them gagau-er

One decides to be the catfish instead. Well played young man, well played (rubbing jambang yang tak wujud).
 
The pretend to be the photographer so that tak payah gagau ikan gagau-er
I lah tuh. But I blog, post on Instagram and stories, as well as Twitter tau… Kira macam over deliver giler kan kan kan.
 
The worked so hard yet did not catch any fish gagau-er
I don’t know what to say lah… kira gagal with flying colours gitew. But effort counts.

 
The city-boys/girls that can turn padang and get dirrrrty gagau-er
Kudos to all of you. Attitude WIN!
 
 
For those wondering, this is one of the activities that is being offered if you choose to stay with the locals (homestay package). You’ll get to experience the kampung lifestyle in Sabah Bernam; a 2 hours drive or so from Kuala Lumpur, try your hand at planting/harvesting the paddy (depending on the season you are visiting), sample fresh seafood dishes, scarecrow making, local delicacies cooking demo and many more. If you don’t know where to go or what to do, I highly recommend kampung stay (kampung = village) as one of your options. I bet you are gonna like it.
 

 

Kita Ke Kampung Volume 2 Media Fam Trip 202 is in collaboration with Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Corn Field in Sabak Bernam, Selangor!

 
Corn juice, lepat jagung (Malay pancake made of corn), grilled corn, corn fritters…. Boy! I can easily name a handful snack/food made from corn.

I recently experience kampong life during my Ke Kampung Kita trip (‘To the village we go’ Media Trip), and it was fantastic. One of the highlights that caught me by surprise is the corn field (can it even be called a field? It was small [yet they make sure it is informative, I guess size doesn’t matter]), we not only learnt about the snack/food made from corn but also about the plant itself. Educational and fun, trust me!

If you want to know how the lepat jagung looks like, quickily click HERE.

Some of the stuff we learnt :
1. Jagung susu (Cameron white sweet corn) is whiter/lighter in colour versus jagung manis (sweet corn)
2. We can eat ripened raw corn – freshly sweet (tested and approved!)
3. The corn seeds used by the kampong (villages) here are came from Thailand, China and Taiwan.
4. The leaves can be used as animal food
5. How to identify a ripen corn that is ready to be plucked. If the janggut jagung (corn silks) have turned brown and the ears have entirely filled out, it’s time to harvest. Click here for video.
6. The corn planted here are for human consumption, and not animal

 
Other un fact that I’ve gathered :
7. Corn is called maize in some countries
8. The corn field here are planted/harvested twice a year
9. Approximately 100 acres of corn field in Sabak Bernam (1-3 acres per each individual)
10. It takes 60-70 days for it to mature/ripen
11. Corn is the same family as cereal grasses, paddy, wheat, oats, and barley i.e grains
12. Corn ear or cob is part of the flower and an individual kernel is a seed
13. An ear of corn has 800 kernels in 16 rows, at average
14. Most interesting fact:- there are over 3,5k different uses for corn products such as fireworks, rust preventatives, glue, paint, detergent, soap, antibiotics, paint, cosmetics and many more
 

To view the video, click HERE.

I would like to recommend/suggest for the locals there to start a ’A-corn Café’ selling food/snack/dessert/drinks made from corn. Add edu-tourism as well, brief introduction about corn, the plant, its benefits, and etc. I can see potential here.

Wouldn't that be cool.

Kita Ke Kampung Volume 2 Media Fam Trip 202 is in collaboration with Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.