My First Time on MV Piano Land Cruise (from Port Klang, Malaysia)

This isn’t my first cruise. Not my second either. I’ve cruised enough times to know the drill: unpack once, overeat daily, lose track of time, repeat. So when I stepped onboard MV Piano Land at Port Klang on 1 December 2025, it wasn’t starry-eyed first-timer excitement. It was more like seasoned curiosity. This was my very first time on Piano Land, and judging by the welcome alone, I had a strong feeling it was going to be a fun ride. The good kind of fun. The kind where everything feels smooth, well-planned, and slightly dangerous to your waistline.

The arrival itself already felt special. There were cultural performances, big smiles, and that unmistakable Malaysian warmth where everyone looks genuinely happy to have you there. It didn’t feel stiff or overly formal, more like a proud celebration. MV Piano Land wasn’t just docking; it was being properly welcomed. And honestly, first impressions matter. This one passed with flying colours.

This sailing marked the official start of MV Piano Land’s homeport operations in Malaysia, which is a big deal for anyone who loves easy holidays. No long-haul flights, no airport chaos overseas. Just drive to Port Klang, board the ship, and suddenly your holiday has started. This whole setup is a collaboration between Hwajing Travel & Tours, Tourism Malaysia, port authorities, and industry players who clearly understand that convenience is king.

There were proper ceremonies too—flag raisings, plaque exchanges, important people in smart outfits. Maritime traditions were honoured, photos were taken, hands were shaken. It all symbolised a long-term partnership and Malaysia’s growing role as a cruise hub in the region. Serious stuff, but done in a way that still felt celebratory rather than stiff.

Now, let’s talk about the ship itself. MV Piano Land has history. It was once a European classic cruise ship, even named by Queen Elizabeth II. These days, it has been refreshed under China’s cruise development, blending old-school elegance with Asian hospitality. Translation: it looks classy but feels welcoming. You don’t feel underdressed walking around, but you also don’t feel like you need to whisper.

From end November to Christmas 2025, the ship sails from Port Klang to Penang and Langkawi, carrying over 1,700 passengers each trip. Having Port Klang as a homeport makes cruising suddenly feel very doable, especially for Malaysians. No passport stress, no jet lag. Just show up and sail.

Life onboard is where the cruise really shines. There’s always something happening—shows, live music, games, activities for kids, teens, adults, and people like me who say they’ll join activities but somehow end up at the café instead. The theatre performances are surprisingly impressive, evenings are lively, and days can be as packed or as lazy as you want them to be. No pressure, no FOMO, just vibes.

Food deserves its own moment. MV Piano Land is fully halal-certified, with all kitchens and equipment properly sertu. For Muslim travellers, this is huge. No guessing games, no awkward questions, just eat in peace. And eat we did. Asian dishes, international options, buffets that test your self-control. Everything halal, everything comforting, everything slightly encouraging you to go back for “just one more.”

After all that eating and exploring, the cabins feel like a reward. The beds are ridiculously comfortable. Combine that with the gentle rocking of the ship and suddenly you’re sleeping better than you do at home. There’s something about being lulled by the sea that knocks you out in the best way possible.

One of the highlights of the itinerary is the stop in Penang. You get about six hours, which is enough if you plan wisely. Penang Hill for the views, George Town for the food, street art for the photos. Eat fast, walk efficiently, and always watch the time. Missing the ship is not the kind of drama you want on holiday.

Beyond the fun, MV Piano Land’s presence is a big boost for Malaysia’s tourism scene, especially with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 coming up. It brings in visitors, creates jobs, and shows that cruising doesn’t have to be exclusive or complicated. It can be family-friendly, Muslim-friendly, and very approachable.

For me, after cruising umpteen times, Piano Land still managed to surprise me—in a good way. It feels like cruising, but localised, thoughtful, and easy. And as the ship sailed out of Port Klang, I knew one thing for sure: this first time on Piano Land definitely won’t be my last.

The serenity of Costa Serena

I believe this might just be one of the biggest Costa Cruise that I ever experienced.

I went on a few cruises before this, amd many short cruise trips (4d3n) and one long ones as well (10d9n). I guess love transportation so much so that I even took the ferry from South Island to North Island in New Zealand (to x fly was easier but NOOOOO). Also taken ferries; jumping from one Greek island to another. Of course then there's the ferry ride from Stockholm to Tallinn - coldest one ever (traveled in Scandi in Dec, big time stupid move).

Cruise is one of my favourite ride aside from train journey, and being able to experience another Costa cruise is thrilling as each ship has different theme making it special. The only one thing that was the same was Alan, my darling maître d' (and because he remembered from Costa Romantica trip half a decade ago - one of those small little things that makes this trip meaningful).

As usual in all cruises, the all day dining are the ones that makes me feel like I need to diet for at least a month (or mebbe two). I know, I know... I should use the gym or pool or even the running track to 'throw' the food I've been consuming but one must remember that - it is after all a holiday. Like 'what exercise?'... I am so not exercising.

Of course we dined at one of fancy schmancy Casanova Restaurant where the lobster meal was pure seafood orgasm. Everything in the course meal was great. I was advise one to at least try a fancy meal when on a cruise trip, splurge abit (or for one meal, you deserve it).

I have to admit, this was the only cruise I went to that I actually watched the shows/performance, and I simply LOVE IT! Thank you Miera for dragging me out of the comfy bed, no regrets. And also thank you for insisting me to watch the singing performance, love that too! I felt that the song selection was meant for me, serious!

I also found out that the Islamic Cruise participants were also onboard. Having join 2 of their trips before, I came to realised (upon comparing Islamic Cruise and other travel agency/organiser during this trip) thatthe management was professional. Why do I say this? Well... This is because I approached the organiser and 'self invited' to attend 3 of their activities - the Maghrib prayers, Konsert Terapung as well as one of their daily briefings. Based on my observation, their itinerary is pack yet it was comfortable ie not tight to a point you suffocate but easy/sufficient enough for you to have ample time to enjoy the ship.

I was especially in awe during the disembarkation briefing for Phuket. It was clear, crisp and firm, hence I don't see the Islamic Cruise participants gotten lost or going around asking 'nak gi mana (where should we go)' or 'macam mana (how to...)' adn etc. Affirmating their direction/location/venue they're heading-yes, but they are definitely not lost.

As for halal food, buffet kitchen has been sertu-ed by them so no worries for the Muslims participants.

Hence, if your family members are interesting to join the Islamic Cruise onboard Costa Serena, I highly encourage as they will be enlighten with the kuliahs as well as making new friends.

Aside from the hiccup during the embarkation (I heard that the cruise before us delayed in their departure resulting to our cruise unable to dork on time), everything else was great. However, I do hope the Port Klang authority able to manage this better in the future, plus the terminal waiting area needs abit of an upgrade (my personal opinion).

So, where should we go next?

The Costa Cruise 2024 Trip is organized by Costa Cruises.

A Royal Belum houseboat adventure

Regardless of how many a time you came to Royal Belum, it will always foster a different vibe – new experience, new fun, new learning, and all this with a new sets of friends. The same for this time around, all 3 times were with different sets of friends doing different things hence, I enjoy Royal Belum to pieces.

My first time here was a new experience all together, it was my first time to Royal Belum and on a houseboat. Not only that, it was the first time I encounter rafflesia as well the Jahai tribe. My second trip was slightly different if I may say so myself. We stayed on at the Royal Belum Resort on Tasik Banding, and it. was. ah-meh-zing. We took a boat ride and trekked as well. And in this trip, ah…. Lemme tell you about this trip …

First thing first :
1. The jetty is brand new hokkay. It is no more a jetty, it’s a freaking jetty complex! With shops and cafes, and all… When I was saw the complex, I was like ‘Eh! Eh! Eh! Tuh baru, dulu takde tuh, banyak nye boat, houseboat lain-lain mana, malam pun bukak lagi ke…’ were some of the questions asked. But obviously, no one responded nor entertained me. Chit!!! Penah jer I tanya
2. This boathouse was huge… like H.U.G.E! 3 levels high. I was told that it can fit up more than 30 pax. Dah macam hostel bergerak dah ni.
3. This houseboat has rooms (note : plural). Each room can fit up to 4 pax (double deck), it also has a VIP room.
4. The common/dining/karaoke hall is a proper setting ie tables/chairs and etc. My previous houseboat was pretty much free sitting ie on the floor.
5. There’s plenty of kayak for everybody. Like every single body, rakit pun ada.
6. They have good cooks. Ni penting hokkay.

7. No more Kampung Aman Damai. Different kampong, at different place now, with different family/villagers.
8. This trip we covered Kooi Waterfall, where else I covered Ruok Waterfall. Kooi Waterfall is very very beautiful.

Above was the big difference I spotted as compared to my earlier trips (more than 6 years ago I think), and I am happy to say that the changes were for the best. Kudos Perakians!

We were lucky that we were able to spot a few rafflesias and one that was blooming. It wasn’t a tough hike but since I am not as thin and sporty as Della, I huffed and puffed a lot…. The result was fantastic. Not complaining here (And also because I know Della will be reading this 😏). However, I did not climbed to get close to the rafflesia as it was steep (Yea lah tuh! Lier!).

And this trip we were lucky that they took us to check-out the Saltlick area. Salt-lick or sira in Malay language is basically an area containing minerals that provides nutrition to some animals. Due to tropical rainforests plats are often low in minerals ie sodium hence animals such as elephants, gaur and barking deers often come to this area to obtain these minerals; in which help their health and digestion. There’s a few saltlicks area in Royal Belum, namely Sira Papan, Sira Rambai and Sira Kejar. Souvenirs that often one brings back from visiting saltlick Sira Papan are pacat.

And of cause there’s kayaking, truthfully this is actually a kayak trip that they included other tourism product to mengaburi mata weolls. I boleh baca permainan Della ngan Ed tauuu… And I love love love you guys for this. Simply love all the kayak places/experiences, NOW I can officially call myself a PROFESSIONAL kayaker dah now (fliphair).

Houseboat Activities
- Kayaking 🚣‍♀️
- Bamboo rafting 🚣‍♂️
- Swimming 🏊‍♀️
- Boating 🚤



- Fishing 🎣
- Karaoke 🎶
- Boardgame 🃏
- Sleeping 🛌
- Eating 🥙



Houseboat : Arus Belum
Contact : Tuan Hj. Shansuddin
Mobile : +6019-526 0067

All in all, I highly recommend you guys to experience houseboating in Royal Belum, it is a great place to spend a short holiday with families and friends. In fact, you can also charter it for teambuilding activities.

Photo credit

Rafflesia : Gaya Travel Magazine

#TravelPerakLah Lenggong & Royal Belum Media Fam Trip 2020 is in collaboration with Tourism Perak and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

River Kayaking at Sg Beruk in Gerik, Perak

It was complicated but after googling the right name for 'berkayak di jeram', I'm settling with White Water Kayaking.
 
I mean... 'jeram' is rapid in English, so should it be rapid kayaking? Or kayak at river rapid? Or perhaps... 'rempit kayaking'. Hahhahaha…. Well, I've experienced white water rafting 3 times and I loving it like crazy, did tubing twice and totally in love with it (Bali was more of a canyon with rapids experience and Endau Rompin Selai was more flat but with challenging rapids as well). BUT kayaking at river rapids, this definitely the first. (Statement giler nampak show-off)

After my experiences with a few rapid rides, I kinda expected what’s in for me and I doubt it will be as tough as Endau Rompin Selai nor WWR in KKB (Technical giler). Having said that… suspense lah jugak sebenarnya.

 
We went upstream via a pick-up truck of what us Malaysians call Hilux, tak kisah lah whether it’s a Triton, Navara, Ford Ranger or whateverthing, citenya kat Malaysia it is called – HILUX 🙄. Kapish! Ahaks! We then were asked to pick our kayaks (Oh gosh! Sebab we traveled with influencerS kan, hence most of the bright/fun/cun colours were picked first. Obviously!) Some of us kayaked in pairs, some brave soul took single kayak. Eyta pun went solo hokkay. Tabik!

The ride was chill-chill jer, the rapids wasn’t that hard nor were there many boulders… so for you first time out there, easy peasy sangat. The only part that I would caution you guys is to avoid riverbank as there a many thorny trees that might prick you. Stay away from them tau. The whole ride probably takes you an hour or so depending on water level, technicality, how long you lepak at the half-way point and etc. It ends at Castella Café where you have your meal in the water.

 
Do note that reservation need to be made if you plan to have lunch at Castella Café, walk-ins are not entertained.

#TravelTips
1. As usual, toksah dok mai masa school holidays and public holidays, orang jadi ghamai sampai tak mau-mau (read in utagha dialect).
2. If you are familiar with the term ‘kepala air’ or ‘large column of water’, then avoid rainy season and paddle fast fast if you hear thunders and lightning .
3. Parking is limited, you might need to park by the road side. Any side, all side but not side by side cos double parking is a no-no.
4. Bring own litter bag and dispose your sampah sarao at your house or at proper a prober bin.
5. Do not pluck any plant, ruin our beloved rainforest.
6. Bring sunblock and wear them, jangan pulak bring but don’t wear. Facepalm.

7. If you own a rashguard, where them… cos (a) hot sun and (b) thorny trees

8. Wear wet shoes (yang orang pakai gi snorkeling/diving tuh, below RM40 at Decathlon)
9. Where tights/legging/shorts…
10. There’s limited changing room/toilet so please don’t hog them
11. Bring change of clothes, shampoo, soap and towel – bawak jer toiletries bag tuh.
12. Hair comb dilupa jangan, else you risk of looking like a Lion King-lost-in-Gerik. Hahhahahha…
 
Verdict : A MUST MUST TRY!

Kampung Padang Stang

Mukim Kerunai Gerik
Perak
 
Contact : Khairul Azmi
Mobile : +6019-608 0684
 
FB Page : Kayak Gerik
Email: bangji5755@gmail.com
 
 

#TravelPerakLah Lenggong & Royal Belum Media Fam Trip 2020 is in collaboration with Tourism Perak and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Water tubing at Endau-Rompin (Selai) Johor National Park

 
I missed the Rawa and Sibu Island Media Trip earlier and I told them organizer that if Johor trip comes about, please oh please include me in (waima gi JB sekali pun).
 
You see, I don’t have that many blog entries on Johor, and despite I know there’s a lot out there for me to write (don’t even get me started… the culture, food, historical places and all the national parks – both sea and land). When I heard there’s gonna be another one, I told them to include me in and I will fled even if my boss said no (cos she said requested I cancel the earlier one, she kinda owe me one). So the drama begins when I got to know the trip will be covering Johor National Parks. *gulp*. Me and park are not actually the best of friends, am sure you readers out there know me by know *eyes rolling*. But since I made a vow to myself (not that smart now huh), I am gonna honour my own vow. Die die I will.
 
I saw the itinerary and my worst nightmare flooded my brain cell…. P.A.C.A.T (for those that don’t know, tropical rain forest is famous for leeches of which feared by many, aside from well… tigers, snakes, wild boars and etc). Calm down I told myself, there’s a solution to everything kan. First thing first, let’s make a list (i) insect repellent, (ii) minyak angin, (iii) insect repellent, plaster, (iv) insect repellent, (v) Panadol and more (vi) insect repellant. That should cover the 3d2n trip right *smirk*. (Just so you know, I bought this leech stoking that looks really avant garde at the Endau Rompin National Park office.)

There’s a few activities that enveloped our fam trip. And I personally think it was a cool idea having an event that rides on another event that rides on another event… One can reangle many a times. They organized a CSR activity in collaboration with Regency Hospital Johor for the Kampung Orang Asli Selai, which includes giving away sanitisers and educating them on the importance of hygiene especially during the pandemic. Nonperishable foods were part of item given, books and colour pencils were also given to the kids. In order to bring these foods from the city to Selai, Tourism Johor join forces with Johor Trucks, a 4x4 truck club that act as the main transporter. To top things up, they also teamed up Kelab Basikal Johor (Johor Bicycle Club) to do an off road/mountain-biking from town right up to Endau Rompin and Gunung Ledang National Park. This is to encourage off road biking as one of the activities and also promotes nature to the younger generation. And media is to cover and rediscover the beauty of both national parks that are often overlooked. A good 360 marketing tactics, great job guys!

Check out Fahmi's video taken at Endau Rompin - Kampung Orang Asli Selai.

Many might not know about this, Johor to boast to have the most National Parks in Peninsular Malaysia and that Endau-Rompin (Johor) National Park is the largest protected area in the southern half of Peninsular Malaysia. Established in 1993, this ancient rainforest is a protected tropical rainforest covering south of the state of Pahang and northeast of Johor. Thus making it the second-largest national park in Peninsular Malaysia after Taman Negara.
 
There are 3 official entry points to Endau-Rompin National Park, whereby 2 of them are in Johor.
 
1. Peta
- Via Kumpung Peta, Kahang (Johor)
- Entrance located along the eastern boundary in the district of Mersing
 
2. Selai 
- Via Selai, Bekok (Johor)
- The Western boundary in the district of Segamat
 
 
Below are the activities that are being offered at Endau-Rompin (Selai) Johor National Park, I can proudly say we managed to do 3 out of the 6 below.
 
1. White water tube rafting
2. Orang Asli (Aborigines) Village (to learn on custom/culture/handicraft)
3. Trekking to waterfalls
4. Bird watching
5. Mountain climbing
6. Mountain biking
 
📸 : @picturesquephotostudio
 
We were briefed on safety on how to handle the tube prior to us wiggled waggled ourselves into the tube (it ain’t easy I tell you that). Life vest and helmet are a crucial gear in this (or most) extreme sport, we were also told how the course would be and what to expect. Instructor is with us managing each cluster and that JPAM will be at the disembarkation point. Yes, I do feel safe. By the way, JPAM was with us the whole trip on special request as it involves a few extreme sports.

If you have experienced Kuala Kubu Bharu white water rafting on water level 3 before then tubing in Endau Rompin is similar. Very technical as you need to ‘bump bump bump’ on your own *eyes rolling* and maneuver the tube a lot. It’s tough because the tube is round hence it kept twirling when we bump on the he rocks.

Towards the end I fell off… noticed by many (masa tuh lah nak jatuh pun, tempat dalam pulak tuh. Nasib baik ada life vest. Hilang glams). 
Verdict : Challenging? Yes, Fun? Super yes, it was WORTH IT.

Will share on where to stay in my next blog post.

Majestic Johor Eco Adventure Media Trip 2020 is in collaboration with Tourism Johor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

World’s longest water slide | Escape Penang Water Park

Well, people who know me, KNOW ME.

I don’t like my trip to involve water as I have to pack extra – beach bag, swimsuit, towel, toiletries so on and so forth. The luggage will be heavier and I have to ensure I bring extra plastic bags to store them wet cloths. You get the drift right. Basically very very the leceh.

So, when I saw the itinerary… I do the usual ie googling each destination to understand what I will be covering and how to angle my writing etc.

‘Escape! Hemmmm…. OK’ I remember telling myself. I have to pack extra lah maknanya kan. Consoling myself ‘kena pack slipper and towel gak ni’ murmuring under my breath.

Credit : Escape

Reluctantly I pack. Whole trip was great… Enjoyed myself thoroughly – very informative, action pack activities, great travel buddies. Then the last day came, Escape! Told meself to at least play 1 ride #demisebuahcontent. I asked Miera is it scary? I googled, I watched video, I read reviews…. Everyone said it is slow, not scary at all. Just that the ride is 1.1km long… few mins till you reach the end.

Great! I shall do this. One content done!

We took our float and head to the chairlift (I ain’t gonna take he staircase, tinggi giler kot)…

Credit : Attractions Management

Every was ok… then it was our turn; Nisa and I. Both penakut and scared of height, salah pairing nih. I sit and as Nike’s motto ‘Just Do It’. And we splashed down… screaming and enjoying the ride. Half way I stop screaming ‘bila nak sampai bawah ni? Bosan giler’…. ‘Are we there yet?!?’.

https://www.instagram.com/lilyriani_travelholic/

Yeah, we arrived and has a photo as a proof. The ride was around 4 mins kot but the queue was like 20mins or so. Sejenis kegigihan kalau nak buat second round, memang tak lah kan. By then the adrenaline rush kicks-in for all of us, I was persuaded to try the face-down steep scary splash (tak lah scary tapi I kan penakut [eyes rolling]). And strangely I said ‘OK, jom!’. Mabuk kot masa tuh… Hahhahaha….

Credit : STAR

We did the ride, all 6 of us… we were competing. Yup! We came out with this idea (masalah bila queue lama, semua orang jadi came out with weird ideas), we shall compete WHO will reach the FURTHER POINT of the splash. Remembered someone said that the heaviest will win. I lah tuh lah… me admitting.

Click HERE to watch how EJ did the Banana Flip ride. Must watch!!!

I was wrong, I couldn’t garner enough inertia and I was placed second (macamlah ada hadiah). Tetiba rasa best pulak… apa lagi nak main yek. I think my adrenaline when into turbo boost gear. Baru dok piker-pikir nak main apa, we were asked to pack, get ready as we need to head for lunch and then pecut balik KL.

BUUUUUUUUUUT I tak puas main lagi lah! Mana aci.

Jarang I enjoy water park ni tau.

Fine! Nanti kena dating lagi sekali.

Credit : Escape

#TravelTips

✔ MUST ride the longest slide in the world - 1.1km long!
✔ Spend 1 full day at each park (dry and wet)
✔ MUST also experience Banana Flip (water) and Splash
✔ Wear slippers, preferably the one with strap
✔ Bring own water as you easily get dehydrated
✔ Bring own TOWEL and toiletries
✔ Purchase tix online to avoid long queue
✔ Come early so you'll have more time to play and repeat.

Operating hours

Tuesday - Sunday (closes on Mondays)
10am - 6pm

ESCAPE
828 Jalan Teluk Bahang
11050 Penang, Malaysia

URL : https://www.escape.my/

The VM2020 Heritage and Family Fun 2019 Media Fam Trip is organized by Tourism Malaysia in partnership with all its sponsors.

Eagle-feeding in Kuala Selangor

Pasir Penambang, a friend Chinese village by the river; famous for its fresh seafood, restaurant and eagle feeding.

Yup! You heard me right, alright. Eagle feeding.

And yes, it is in Kuala Selangor (sure you guys ingat Langkawi ajer ada kannnn).

Popularly known for its fresh seafood and seafood restaurant, Pasir Panambang sees Malaysian from all walks of life, visiting this quaint little fishing village often to enjoy sumptuous Chinese style seafood at an affordable price. But since a few years back, it has garners tourist to enjoy not just the seafood, but other activities as well, namely a trip to Sky Mirror, fireflies boat cruise (kelip-kelip in Malay) and now, eagle feeding.

Still an underdog amongst other activities (famous one being the Sky Mirror – you can click here to know more), I find eagle feeding is more on the relaxing side, especially for those who wants to take a breather and just spending time on the boat – watching nature takes it course. Well, in this case, a bit of incentives for the eagle – chicken skin. Few things that I gather is that, boats are coloured differently as it help the birds to tell the difference between the tourist boats and usual working boats (and all this while I thought all animals are colour blind, silly me [eyes rolling]). With this distinction and conditioning, the eagles knew when and which boat came to feed them. Another conditioning act that is being done by the locals is in ensuring the feeding time is consistent; between 3pm to 5pm daily.

Originally, there were approximately 30 nesting eagle pairs along the Selangor River, but now, it has grew to 200 to 300 eagles. The most common ones are Brahminy Kite Eagle, White-bellied Fish Eagle and Crested Serpent Eagle, to name a few. Occasionally, tourist will be greeted by seagull hoping for a piece of the meat (chicken skin I mean).

Brahminy Kite Eagle is found in the Indian subcontinent such as Southeast Asia, and Australia, and in Malaysia, they prefer mangrove forest and is therefore a lowland forest bird. As for the White-bellied Fish Eagle, they are usually sighted in coastal areas as well as inland. It is often rested in a tree, or soaring over waterways near the mainland searching for prays. Crested Serpent Eagle on the other hand is very common in all forests in Malaysia. Similar to the other two, Crested Serpent Eagle can also be easily found in lowland, mangrove and sub-montane forest.

The whole activity takes between 30mins to 40 mins (inclusive of the boat journey), and I have to say and share, the amount of eagles spotted is massive. Even more than the ones in Langkawi, I kid you not. It was such a joy watching them glide and dive for the food.

Price

Malaysia

Adult : RM25 p/pax

Kids : RM15 p/pax

Foreigner

Adult : RM40 p/pax

Kids : RM35 p/pax

7-Regale, Eat Travel Write Selangor 2018 Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Komodo Dragon | Komodo National Park in Flores, Indonesia

Toothless.

Night Fury.

Dragon.

Those that know me well would know that I love dragon (not that I have own one, or seen one), but who wouldn’t right? I mean, have you seen How to train your dragon? Super cute right? Makes you wanna own one yourself. Or perhaps migrate to Norway in the hope that will fly offer itself to be your truly beloved pet (dragon).

I did not get carry away with this dragon thingy, I actually went to Slovenia as they said there are a dragon bridge there. Betul, tak tipu! Google lah.

So here I am, in Flores, hoping to catch a glimpse of an actual dragon. Yah yah yah… I know this so called Komodo dragon is basically a biawak or monitor lizard, and not those green coloured dragon that fly and breath fire (Owwww man… kinda disappointing kan) . Oh well, a monitor lizard a.k.a Komodo DRAGON is still better than nothing kan. So I say to console myself.

From day 1 itself or probably upon me confirming my trip, I have all this imagination of a Komodo dragon and how the picture, blog and social media entries be light. You can’t blame me right, it’s like a dream come true. I am actually going to be on Komodo Island seeing a K.O.M.O.D.O. Opkos lah excited giler… sampai jetty terloncat-loncat cam orang sewel.

Arriving at the jetty was already a spellbinding experience, when reaching the Komodo Island entrance with the word Komodo Island terpampang tuh…. Aish….. rasa nak ambek 30juta gambar kat situ ajer. As we walk to the ranger quarters, located approximately 30m from the arch, cutting across dried and dead leaves coupled with savanna-like vegetation, wah…. I feel like Indiana-Jones cum Lara Croft cum Steven Irwin all in one gitew. Strutting my way to the ranger hut for briefing (poyo tak hengat donia, macam lah orang kisah pun, Komodo dragon tuh pandang pun tak. If dragon tuh pandang pun atas sebab lapar bukan because my strut tuh sexy kea pa [read : perasan]).

This is what I gather - Komodo Dragon Fun Facts :

1. The largest lizard on Earth, Komodo Dragon is named after the island.

2. Komodo Island natives named them “ora," which means “land #crocodile”.

3. Lieutenant Steyn van Hensbroek, an official of the Dutch Colonial Administration in #Flores, planned a trip to Komodo Island to search for the giant lizard upon hearing from sailors.

4. The giant lizard was named Varanus Komodoensis. Realizing its significance as an endangered species, the Dutch government issued a regulation on the protection of the lizards on Komodo Island in 1915.

5. Komodo Dragon is the largest living species of lizard, it can grow to a maximum length of 3m and weighing up to approximately 70kg.

6. The lizard has venomous bite; there are two glands in the lower jaw which secrete several toxic proteins.

7. Females Komodo Dragon can reproduce without having sex. The female lizard practices “parthenogenesis”; meaning in lieu of sperm, egg cells can fertilize each other.

8. They are protected under #Indonesian law, and a #nationalpark, Komodo National #Park, was founded to aid protection efforts.

9. Komodo Island has been included into the New 7 Wonders of Nature list since November 11, 2011.

10. Komodo dragon tak boleh terbang and tak breath fire (point yang ni pepandai add sebab nak cukup kan 10)

But I have to share you the fun (kinda) part, we dare not make noise when nearing the dragon, worried that it might trigger and excites it resulting to him jumping and striking us. We actually (like seriously) tip-toed behind it (with 2 rangers on standby to control the situation and to take our photos [obviously]). Jangan kata bercakap, bernapas pun takut. Giler besar Komodo dragon ni. Like really huge. And the best thing is, we don’t even know how our photos look like (clear ke, blur ke, buruk ke, herot ke….), we all just redho jer at that point of time. No one wants to die on a trip and got killed by a Komodo dragon. Confirm viral tak hengat donia. Rugi lah…. pemes tapi dah mati. Hahhahaaa….

There are 3 trekking path that the ranger can take you departing from Loh Liang ranger station, looking at the time and weather (it was about to rain), the ranger was against it and we all agreed.

• Short trek - Half hour, 1km
• Medium trek - One and half hours, 3km
• Long trek - Two and a half hours, 4.5km
• Adventure trek – Four hours

For you nature lover and outdoor enthusiasts, I highly recommend you experience one of the track with a ranger of course!

This trip is in collaboration with Ayuh Pelesiran and Be Borneo Tour. #AyoPelesiranXBeBorneo

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park – DONE

Achievement unlocked! (First UNESCO site visit for 2018)

Photos taken by Komodo National Park Ranger and @raninovariany

This trip was made possible by@beborneotour