North Borneo Cruises in Kota Kinabalu

I can’t remember when or whose social media platform I saw but I remembered that there is a sunset cruise in Kota Kinabalu and one should experience these. When I got the chance to experience this ride I obviously jumped with joy. So off we went, a sunset ride into the sea.

We took the North Borneo Cruises for sunset dinner that departs form Sutera Harbour, Kota Kinabalu. The package we took comes with dinner and like any other cruise, performance is often part of the package so the nonchalant me was unimpressed. But guess what… the band is so entertaining, we start singing along, public karaoke, that mambo-train-line-what-do-you-call-it, we dance, other people dance, cha cha cha started…. It was so much fun. So much so, I forgot to eat cos I don’t want to miss the fun.

This scenic cruise takes you past the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine park and down the central coast, and glides along the city’s famous Waterfront. As you all know, Kota Kinabalu has one of the most beautiful sunset and being able to see it from the cruise perfected this trip.

What I would recommend if you are planning a three or four days Kota Kinabalu trip is to have seafood dinner on one of the nights, and the other night you can book this cruise ride. As for accommodation, the new hotel that we stayed is not bad either. You can stay there here at The Luma Hotel – it is so worth it.

There’s a promotion that is currently ongoing during the I posted this. I costed RM149 and covers :
🎂 Served Buffet Dinner
🌅 Bask in Golden Sunset Radiance
🛥 2 Hours Luxury Cruise Session
💃 Live Band Entertainment

#EnchantingSabah #SabahOnsoi  #CutiCutiMalaysia #VisitSabah  #MalaysiaAirlines #GayaTravel #AksesMalaysia

Murut Culture at Marais Center, Sabah

A great place for you to experience Murut culture is at their community-based Marais Center, located at Kampung Marais in Tenom, Sabah. And I was made to understand that Marais Center is managed by Koperasi Marais Centre where its main objective is to promote sustainability and improve the livelihood of the community here.

This beautiful village is enveloped by mountains, surrounded by paddy field surrounded with river and creeks. Activities offered here depicts their daily lifestyle that has been inherited many generations ago, amongst it are paddy cultivation, rubber tapping, lanjung weaving (a type of Sabah rattan basket), barksloth making (Murut traditional attire), bead crafting and many more. Other activities that for the city folks might be interested paddy field and hillside cycling, rubber tapping, fishing net and trap making and perhaps cooking local delicacies. Of course, these activities have a nominal cost attached to it, worry not as it is not pricey (unless you plan to partake in all activities).

We were also introduced to the Murut traditional attire and some of us donned in their traditional attire for cultural experience. Murut men traditional attire consist of tree bark vest or babaru puputul, a red loincloth, and a headdress decorated with Argus pheasant feathers.

Traditional Attire

Bark Vest (Babaru Puputul)
It is made of the puputul tree, the vest is later decorated with bead motifs. The bark vest is paired with loincloths (aba puputul). You can usually see red is being used as it symbolizes bravery in Murut culture.

Loincloths (Aba Puputul)
Two meters long cloth made of the inner bark of a puputul tree. The cloth worn on the waist where it is passed between the legs. Cotton cloth is used to attached at the front and back part (apron like). Red cloth is common because red is used to symbolise bravery. Sinuzu motifs can be seen on the cloth.

Image credit to : https://www.facebook.com/mrkaamatankunak/

Lalandau or Tupi Sinulatan
Tupi Sinulatan is taken from the word sinulat which means weaving. It is a tree-bark head gear, some were decorated with Argus pheasant feathers (local call it as Tawou).

The other thing that fascinated me was the ladies’ head gear that resulted to me seeking permission to buy them, unfortunate they have none to spare so I told them I wanna have a picture with it. Oh yah, I bought their beautiful bead neckless.

Traditional Dance
Murut Timugon tribe from Tenom is famous for the Magunatip dance, the word Magunatip originated from the word ‘apit’ which means ‘jepit’ or pinch. This dance is commonly known as bamboo dance, performed with two bamboo poles clapping together to the gong rhythm. Dancers will skip/jump in a timing (to the rhythm) to avoid their feet being clapped.

Delicacy

Local delicacy is one not to be missed especially their ampurau, umbus, tuhau, hinava and many more. He ingredients were sources locally and cook with love, a must try and one can easily fall in love with the taste – simple, light and easy on the tummy.

Marais Center

Kampung Marais
Tenom, Sabah
URL : https://www.gotenom.com/marais-center/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/maraiscentertenom/

#EnchantingSabah #SabahOnsoi #CutiCutiMalaysia #VisitSabah   #MalaysiaAirlines #GayaTravel #AksesMalaysia 

Kenyir State Park Discovery and Bird Watching Activity

This is the first time am trying this bird watching thingy. Verdit : I absolutely love all the infos shared but to cari the bird and recognising it… I failed ‘with flying colours’. Ahaks.

Video : https://bit.ly/3L6ZtrL

The Terengganu State Park introduced the Kenyir State Park Discovery as an eco tourism destinations to raise public awareness about the importance of nature. Kenyir State Park consist of 30,000 hectares of various beautiful flora and fauna such as rat pakma, tiger orked, rafflesia, 9 species of hornbills, tigers, bears and many more. What makes it more interesting is that there’s a white hornbill - White-crowned Hornbill is the name!

During the bird watching activity, I learnt that black-billed magpie has a melodious call, it is easier to see a hornbill early in the morning and migration bird do do a pit stop here in Kenyir. In fact, Jas brought up a good question ‘how do the northern hemisphere migratory bird adapt to tropical weather?’.

#FunFacts (shared by Anuar McAfee)
1. There are 463 bird species in Terengganu
2. 332 of it are resident birds, 87 migrant and 35 resident/migrant
3. 92 are listed with Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as threatened (20%)
4. Excellent locations for beginner birders throughout the state of Terengganu

5. Kenyir Lake is one of the best spots for rainforest birds in the state

6. Kenyir Lake has over 300 species of birds
7. Can easily spot 9 species of hornbills
8. Great variety of tropical forest birds
9. 30,000ha of fully protected lowland and hill dipterocarp rainforest

The protection and maintenance of the Kenyir State Park is managed by Majlis Pengurusan Taman Negeri Terengganu (MPTN) together with related government agencies, namely the Terengganu State Forestry Department, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Jabatan Perhilitan Negeri Terengganu), Ketengah and non-government bodies - Nature Based Solutions and Phantera. Sime Darby Foundation assisted in ensuring nature treasure is there for the future generations. There shared with us information on the park, the animals, survival skill, plants and many more, not merely on trekking per se. I truly welcome this initiative as I feel we should love and understand our mother nature.

Video : https://bit.ly/3L6ZtrL

#TravelTips
1. Binocular!!! Get a good one and learn how to use first tau.
2. It will be helpful if you already now about the birds and the bees.
3. DO NOT make alot of noise, you'll 'opocot' the bird nanti.
4. By being quiet, cos you can hear their beautiful calls 🎶

5. Train your eyes to notice any small movement.

6. Sharp eyes are an added advantage (obviously 🙄).
7. We bumped into wild boar footprints and elephant dungs. You might too 😉
8. You can overnight at the Lawit Lodge as it is better to start early in the morning 🌄
9. Start early and you might be able to see all 9 hornbills 💓
10. Other activities that you can include (ideally a 3D2N stay at Lawit Lodge in Kenyir Lake would be 👌🏻👍🏻❤💯) - Elephant Village 🐘, Houseboating at Kenyir ⛵️, Camping 🏕, fishing 🎣 and trekking.

Video : https://bit.ly/3L6ZtrL

GTN x Terrapuri Fam Trip is in collaboration with Ping Anchorage and Terrapuri, and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

#Terrapuri #CutiCutiMalaysia #BeautifulTerengganu #Terrapuri #TerrapuriHeritageVillage

Trekking at Kenyir State Park | AP Seladang

Kick-starting 2022 with a BANG! BIG BIG BANG! Haaa… gitew.
Small bang tak main, orang kata. Orang kata lah… bukan I kata.
 
Video : https://bit.ly/3gmcJup

Many of you might have known especially those that follow my Instagram closely, I recently did Stand UP Paddling or SUP as popularly known. Tried that in PD…. Plenty of fun. Nahhhh, did not fall down pun. I forbid myself to. Kiasi!

February is the month for another outdoor activity – Trekking at Kenyir State Park and bird watching (gonna blog about this later). March? I will be in Sabah… follow my Instagram lah as I usually upload promptly here. Blog comes in much later.

If you are an avid jungle trekker – like Adela, this would be a piece of cake WITH icing on top. If you are an amateur like moi… this trek is fairly easy BUT with loadsa pacat jer lar. Opkos lah kan, nama pun masuk utan. Duh!!! It takes approximate 2 hours or so to trek to the 1^st pokok ara or fig tree, then we rested and had our tapau-ed lunch before heading to the 2^nd pokok ara, the proceed heading back to our vehicle via the river route (which took only an hour or so – but we all basah lah sebab kena menyelami hati budi air sungai kan kan kan. HAHHAHHHAHHAHH….).

I learnt few important stuff here, how to identify an elephant dung, Malayan tapir footprint, tiger and sun bear’s claw marks, types of plant that is important for survival and making delicious masak lemak tempoyak (Adela tuh dah try ke letak daun kesing/pijat, sedap ke idok?) and many more. I have to admit this trip is very educational, am glad I joined.

#TravelInfo
1. Taman Negeri Kenyir or Kenyir State Park consist of an area size of 30,000 ha.
2. Kenyir State Park is source of medicinal products, recreation, cultural and spiritual values aside being known for its flora and fauna.
3. The two significant indigenous Orang Asli communities are the Bateq of Kuala Koh and the Semaq Beri of Sungai Berua.
4. The Park is important for our endangered species such as the Malayan Tiger, the Malayan Tapir, the Sun Bear, the Asian Elephant and Panther.

Pokok Ara / Fig Tree

5. Key threats to Kenyir’s biodiversity include poaching, deforestation, and encroachment from oil palm and rubber plantations.
6. Where else Justice for Wildlife Malaysia (incubated by Rimba) – help develop state park regulations, conduct judiciary and legislative workshops to improve prosecution rates for wildlife crime.
7. Permit is required for jungle activities purpose.
8. Our access/exit point is Seladang (AP Seladang).
9. Trip video : https://bit.ly/3gmcJup

The trip was led by the experienced state rangers, Justice for Wildlife Malaysia team, UNISZA, Terrapuri and us medias. Specially thanks to En. Dome and Janggut for explaining everything to me, soalan yang tidak-tidak pun dia reply (reply ngan loyak buruk nya AHHAHHAHHAH… Bagus!!! 😊 😊 😊)

For enquiry, please reach out to Terrapuri and/or Ping Anchorage

GTN x Terrapuri Fam Trip is in collaboration with Ping Anchorage and Terrapuri, and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

#Terrapuri #CutiCutiMalaysia #BeautifulTerengganu #Terrapuri #TerrapuriHeritageVillage

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.

Baker’s Cottage | JAKIM Certified Halal

Well well well…. Little did I know Baker’s Cottage has this fantastic meal offer.
To be honest, I saw it being displayed a couple of times at the outlet near my house whenever I drop by to get some buns for my mom but I have never stop to ask (let alone to buy, mana lah I tau sedap kan).

JAKIM certified halal; Baker’s Cottage is currently popular with its RM12.99 Whole Roasted Chicken Promo (BBQ or Black Pepper) and this is so worth it. It also comes with rice ie Roast Chicken Rice Set with Macau Egg Tart/ Donut and Roast Chicken Rice Set with Macau Egg Tart/ Donut + Soup.

One may wonder is how come they can sell at such a low price, so we decided to ask and truth reveals - apparently their parent company owns the biggest poultry farm in Malaysia. Leong Hup (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is the largest poultry producer is supplying chicken to their subsidiaries – Ayam A1 and The Baker’s Cottage, hence the affordable price point. Its ‘farm-to-plate’ business model paid off big time and has made Baker’s Cottage a household name todate.

With more than 100 outlets all over Malaysia, Baker’s Cottage has proven that consumer-oriented strategy of serving fresh and quality food at value-for-money price is the way to go. Married with great marketing strategy ie. understanding its customer needs as well as targeting semi-urban and secondary townships helped in accelerating the business.

Aside from the popular Roasted Chicken Promo, other promos include cake slice at RM9.90 for 2 slices. What fascinate me as the loaf cake that they are selling of which I feel suitable as an ole-ole when visiting. Don’t you think so too.

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

Wayang Kulit Kelantan | Preserving Culture

A little bit about Wayang Kulit Kelantan yah guys.

There are few types of Wayang Kulit perfomances in Malaysia, namely Wayang Kulit Jawa, Wayang Gedek, Wayang Kulit Kelantan, Wayang Purwa and Wayang Melayu. Wayang Gedek is said to based in Kedah whereby northern dialect is being used, and obviously Wayang Kulit Kelantan uses the Kelantanese dialect. Wayang Purwa (which is new to me too) is using Javanese language and last but not least, the Wayang Melayu is performed using the Malay language (with Javanese influences). I attended and event in Kuala Selangor where they too have their own Wayang Kulit and it is using Javanese dialect as well however I’m not sure whether it is the same as Wayang Purwa. A little bit of digging is needed, Lily!

During our trip to Terrapuri, Terengganu we were brought to watch the Wayang Kulit Kelantan or Wayang Kulit Siam. It was performed to the public in conjunction of Terengganu Cultural Festival 2021, the objective is to create awareness and encourage the younger generation to be involve in sustaining our wondrous heritage. Performance are conducted in public area such as museum ground, malls and halls for easy public access.

Not many of us know that Wayang Kulit Kelantan is actively performing in Terengganu (there is not Wayang Kulit Terengganu it seems)

Wayang Kulit Kelantan is also referred to as Wayang Kulit Siam, and it is believed to originate from Cambodia and brought it to Peninsular Malaysia via Patani in Thailand. It is practiced and performed commonly in Kelantan and Terengganu. Hikayat Seri Rama or Ramayana is the epic story in Wayang Kulit Kelantan and it is performed as a form of entertainment ceremonial and official event. The leading characters involved are Rawana and Siti Dewi (protagonists), and Seri Rama (antagonist). Wayang kulit or shadow puppet theater portrays how the society feels back then, being represented in a form of art and music. Not only as a symbol of entertainment but also describe values, life, beliefs norms and heart of the locals back then.

One interesting thing that I learnt is that the dialect or language used in Wayang Kulit Kelantan is both Kelantanese and Sanskrit dialects hence making it not comprehensible to audience outside Kelantan but also to the younger generation. Thus, making preservation of this old art form even more difficult.

You can also watch the Wayang Kulit Kelantan performance in Terengganu, I suggest that you liaise with trusted local agency - Ping Anchorage and get them to arrange for you to visit and experience cultural performances and heritage sites in Terengganu. You will be overwhelmed with Terengganu rich culture and abundance of natural beauty.

 

GTN x Terrapuri Fam Trip is in collaboration with Ping Anchorage and Terrapuri and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

#GayaTravel #Terrapuri #CutiCutiMalaysia #BeautifulTerengganu #TerrapuriHeritageVillage #PingAchorage