🌿 Welcome to Kampungku Retreat — Your Hidden Gem in Serendah, Selangor! 🌿
Escape the city and reconnect with nature at Kampungku Retreat, a peaceful riverside campsite tucked away in the lush greenery of Serendah. Whether you love camping, glamping, or just chilling by the river — this is the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and create beautiful memories.
🏕️ What We Offer:
✨ Spacious camping zones for tents & RTT
🔥 BBQ pits for rent
🐶 Pet-friendly — bring your furry buddies along!
🏞️ River access & nature trails
🎁 Free gift redemption for our guests!
📍 Location: Kampungku Retreat, Serendah, Selangor, Malaysia
📲 Follow us on social media for updates, events & promotions:
👉 Facebook / Instagram / TikTok: @KampungkuRetreat
2025年2月12日星期三
2023年12月19日星期二
2019年7月4日星期四
2018年9月30日星期日
Ministry cautions public on 12 dangerous water recreation areas
Ministry cautions public on 12 dangerous water recreation areas
The Housing and Local Government Ministry has advised the people to exercise caution when carrying out any activities at 12 water recreation areas nationwide which are considered dangerous and prone to tragedies.
Its deputy minister Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said the 12 areas were five rivers, one lake/mine/dam, three waterfalls and three beaches.
The rivers are Sungai (Sg) Kampung (Kg) Batu Payung, Tawau, Sabah; Sg SJKC Kg Timah, Sg Ciling and Sg Gasi in Selangor; and Sg Kg Sabak, Kelantan.
“Semenyih Dam, Selangor; Sg Sendat Waterfall (Selangor), Lata Berembun Waterfall and Chamang Waterfall in Pahang. The beaches include Nipah and Muara Tok Bali (Kelantan) and Teluk Bahang, Penang,” he said.
He told reporters after launching the Water Activity Safety Awareness Campaign organised by the Water Activity Safety Council (MKAA) in Pulau Warisan here today.
According to the statistics, Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah said Selangor recorded the highest number of water-related deaths namely 44, followed by Sarawak (34) and Perak (22). - Bernama
The Housing and Local Government Ministry has advised the people to exercise caution when carrying out any activities at 12 water recreation areas nationwide which are considered dangerous and prone to tragedies.
Its deputy minister Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said the 12 areas were five rivers, one lake/mine/dam, three waterfalls and three beaches.
The rivers are Sungai (Sg) Kampung (Kg) Batu Payung, Tawau, Sabah; Sg SJKC Kg Timah, Sg Ciling and Sg Gasi in Selangor; and Sg Kg Sabak, Kelantan.
“Semenyih Dam, Selangor; Sg Sendat Waterfall (Selangor), Lata Berembun Waterfall and Chamang Waterfall in Pahang. The beaches include Nipah and Muara Tok Bali (Kelantan) and Teluk Bahang, Penang,” he said.
He told reporters after launching the Water Activity Safety Awareness Campaign organised by the Water Activity Safety Council (MKAA) in Pulau Warisan here today.
According to the statistics, Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah said Selangor recorded the highest number of water-related deaths namely 44, followed by Sarawak (34) and Perak (22). - Bernama
2013年9月1日星期日
Flying fox thrill at Bukit Tinggi
Flying fox thrill at Bukit Tinggi
The Adventure Park at Colmar Tropicale has the longest flying fox line in Southeast Asia at 530 metres.
IF you are a thrill-seeker, make your way to the Adventure Park at Colmar Tropicale and try out their longest flying fox single zip-line in Southeast Asia.
With a length of 530 metres, the Adventure Park made an entry into the Malaysia Book of Records recently.
Malaysia Book of Records chief executive officer Aziz Hamdan presented the certificate to Berjaya Hills Bhd executive director Datuk Azlan Meah Ahmad Meah and the signing was witnessed by Colmar Tropicale chief executive officer Teh Ming Wah.
Teh said it took them six months of planning and another eight months to construct the contraption which cost a total of RM2 million.
"We want to attract more locals and international tourists by creating an unforgettable experience for them," she said adding that a special certification will be made available to them as proof of their participation.
The flying fox consists of four checkpoints and at each point, staff members are available for assistance.
Prior to the start of the event, each participant has to put on safety gear and follow the safety instructions strictly.
To get to the launch point, participants have to walk up the stairs built behind the rock climbing wall.
Once they reach the top platform, they have to go through two canopy walks, one person at a time.
The journey does not stop there as they the have to then climb a tree.
A deck is specially built around the middle of the tree and participants have the option of standing or sitting down.
Those who are not afraid of heights are welcome to stand and enjoy the beautiful scenery while those who are can opt to sit on the deck and not look down.
To participate an individual has to weigh at least, 45kg with a maximum weight of 120kg.
"If the riders weigh less than 45kg, they will have a difficult time reaching the other side," said Teh adding that more than 500 have tried it since it was first opened in 2011.
Aziz who tried this activity for the first time said although he was a bit nervous earlier he was excited about getting chance to experience this.
The fee for the flying fox is RM78 for each person and the park is open from 10am to 6pm.
Other activities such as paint ball, rock climbing, the canopy bridge walk and high rope obstacle course are also available.
The activities at the Adventure Park requires no electricity or motors.
Its design works to create a healthy, environmentally friendly, recreational venue.
Getting ready for take off on the flying fox.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
The Adventure Park at Colmar Tropicale has the longest flying fox line in Southeast Asia at 530 metres.
IF you are a thrill-seeker, make your way to the Adventure Park at Colmar Tropicale and try out their longest flying fox single zip-line in Southeast Asia.
With a length of 530 metres, the Adventure Park made an entry into the Malaysia Book of Records recently.
Malaysia Book of Records chief executive officer Aziz Hamdan presented the certificate to Berjaya Hills Bhd executive director Datuk Azlan Meah Ahmad Meah and the signing was witnessed by Colmar Tropicale chief executive officer Teh Ming Wah.
Teh said it took them six months of planning and another eight months to construct the contraption which cost a total of RM2 million.
"We want to attract more locals and international tourists by creating an unforgettable experience for them," she said adding that a special certification will be made available to them as proof of their participation.
The flying fox consists of four checkpoints and at each point, staff members are available for assistance.
Prior to the start of the event, each participant has to put on safety gear and follow the safety instructions strictly.
To get to the launch point, participants have to walk up the stairs built behind the rock climbing wall.
Once they reach the top platform, they have to go through two canopy walks, one person at a time.
The journey does not stop there as they the have to then climb a tree.
A deck is specially built around the middle of the tree and participants have the option of standing or sitting down.
Those who are not afraid of heights are welcome to stand and enjoy the beautiful scenery while those who are can opt to sit on the deck and not look down.
To participate an individual has to weigh at least, 45kg with a maximum weight of 120kg.
"If the riders weigh less than 45kg, they will have a difficult time reaching the other side," said Teh adding that more than 500 have tried it since it was first opened in 2011.
Aziz who tried this activity for the first time said although he was a bit nervous earlier he was excited about getting chance to experience this.
The fee for the flying fox is RM78 for each person and the park is open from 10am to 6pm.
Other activities such as paint ball, rock climbing, the canopy bridge walk and high rope obstacle course are also available.
The activities at the Adventure Park requires no electricity or motors.
Its design works to create a healthy, environmentally friendly, recreational venue.
Getting ready for take off on the flying fox.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
2013年7月3日星期三
Reverie on a brook - Sungai Pisang
Reverie on a brook
Simply magnificent: The spectacular twin waterfalls at Level Two of Pisang Falls.
Who would have imagined that there are such lovely waterfalls and forests so close to Kuala Lumpur?
I LOVE living in Malaysia because it offers so much in terms of the outdoors and natural environment, especially for a nature-lover like me.
Recently, I had the opportunity to go on a river trekking adventure with some friends ... or rather, I got “conned” into going by my beloved husband. He told me the river would only be 10 minutes away after we parked our car.
In retrospect, had he not thus deceived me, I would still have been in bed, fast asleep and missing out on an exciting experience.
Sungai Pisang is located on km11 of the old Gombak road to Genting, near the Orang Asli Hospital. After parking the car near some old wooden buildings, we walked towards the river. The laughter of children playing in the water filled the air.
Sungai Pisang, which flows under the Karak Highway, connects to the larger Sungai Gombak. Twin culverts enable the river to flow below the highway. We hiked along the rocky banks of Sungai Gombak, and through an extremely narrow path between thick undergrowth to get to the two tunnels. This is where Sungai Gombak officially ends, and Sungai Pisang begins.
It turned out to be a roughly two-hour trek through the forest, not just along the riverbanks, but most of the time, through the water, using it as our path. After that, we had to do some minor rock-climbing along the narrow ledge of the reinforced concrete wall to reach the twin culverts, which we had to traverse to get to Sungai Pisang. (I was told later that it’s possible to trek 10 minutes if we had parked at the lay-by next to the highway and taken the steps down to Sungai Pisang directly. So, I guess my husband hadn’t really lied, after all.)
We walked through the briskly flowing cold water in one of the tunnels, going against the current. The water was, thankfully, just ankle-deep. Fortunately, nobody told me earlier that hikers sometimes encounter snakes in the water, otherwise I would never have made it through that tunnel!
It was a beautiful sight that greeted us as we came out at the other end of the tunnel. It was as if we had left civilisation far behind and entered a different world. All was silent except for the splashing of water as we trekked on the sandy riverbed, wading through ankle-deep water, and the enchanting sounds of the forest.
It was still early in the morning and the crystal-clear water was extremely cold. Along both banks of the river, jungle foliage formed a canopy overhead. The air was refreshing and a slight breeze blew. Soon, our “water course” got rockier and slightly deeper, but it was still less than knee-deep.
Our trail zig-zagged through the river as we chose the less rocky parts to trek on, not wanting to slip or risk getting our feet lodged between rocks.
Along the way, we came across myriad flora and fauna. There were strange insects skipping along the river surface, gigantic ants crawling along the trail next to us, and even tiny schools of curious fish swimming in the water.
An array of unusual jungle plants and fungi growing on decaying tree trunks greeted us. We even chanced upon huge trees that must have been hundreds of years old, judging from their size, and also beheld a gigantic boulder the size of a small cave.
In the distance, we could hear the roar of the Pisang falls. It sounded nearer than it actually was in the stillness of the forest, for it took another half-hour of trekking before a wondrous sight greeted us. It was the first of the Pisang waterfalls.
After taking a short breather, we decided to press on. At the second level, twin waterfalls greeted us. It was even more magnificent. We paused for a while to enjoy the sight and soak in the cool water.
To get to the third and highest waterfall, we had to scramble up a 6m-tall hill, and when we reached the plateau, we came upon a campsite. From here there were two trails leading to left and right, to different parts of the third level of the waterfalls.
We took the right trail, which led to the highest part of the Pisang falls. There were several huge waterfall pools, one of which was teeming with huge fish. Further up, the water gushed down majestically. We spread out a groundsheet on the rocky area and proceeded to unpack our food.
We had been trekking for two hours and were very hungry. Fried noodles, fruit and nuts were distributed.
We had even brought along a small pan and outdoor stove to boil water (which we collected from the “head” of the waterfall) to make coffee and tea.
The brave ventured into the waterfall pool. It was quite deep, at least 3m, so only the experienced swimmers dared explore it. After that, we checked out the fish in the rock pool. There were so many of them, snapping eagerly at the surface, as if waiting to be fed.
We waded into the thigh-deep water for a natural fish spa experience. The curious fish nipped and nuzzled gently at our bare legs and feet. It was extremely ticklish.
Fortunately, they were not piranhas!
The nice thing about this trek was that even though it was in the jungle, there were hardly any mosquitoes. My husband did have a leech jump on him, though! It was also very cooling in the jungle – the shady trees forming a canopy overhead, shielding us from the hot tropical sun.
In the late afternoon, we decided to make our way back after hearing thunder in the distance. We packed up all our belongings, as well as our trash which we put into a garbage bag we had brought along. What really impressed me most is that Sungai Pisang is relatively clean and unpolluted, unlike a lot of well-known rivers and waterfalls in Malaysia.
We found the environment around it to also be free from rubbish.
Someone once said: “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs” whenever you go into the jungle. And this is one motto that I adhere to. After all, we want to preserve our rivers and other natural resources for future generations.
The way back seemed easier and faster, perhaps because we were already accustomed to the trail and just had to retrace our steps, minus all the breaks. It was also mainly downhill.
We were soon back at our car, heading on home, tired but satisfied with the enjoyable experience on our river trekking adventure. Our exit timing was perfect too, for the minute we got in the car, it started to pour!
~News courtesy of The Star~
Simply magnificent: The spectacular twin waterfalls at Level Two of Pisang Falls.
Who would have imagined that there are such lovely waterfalls and forests so close to Kuala Lumpur?
I LOVE living in Malaysia because it offers so much in terms of the outdoors and natural environment, especially for a nature-lover like me.
Recently, I had the opportunity to go on a river trekking adventure with some friends ... or rather, I got “conned” into going by my beloved husband. He told me the river would only be 10 minutes away after we parked our car.
In retrospect, had he not thus deceived me, I would still have been in bed, fast asleep and missing out on an exciting experience.
Sungai Pisang is located on km11 of the old Gombak road to Genting, near the Orang Asli Hospital. After parking the car near some old wooden buildings, we walked towards the river. The laughter of children playing in the water filled the air.
Sungai Pisang, which flows under the Karak Highway, connects to the larger Sungai Gombak. Twin culverts enable the river to flow below the highway. We hiked along the rocky banks of Sungai Gombak, and through an extremely narrow path between thick undergrowth to get to the two tunnels. This is where Sungai Gombak officially ends, and Sungai Pisang begins.
It turned out to be a roughly two-hour trek through the forest, not just along the riverbanks, but most of the time, through the water, using it as our path. After that, we had to do some minor rock-climbing along the narrow ledge of the reinforced concrete wall to reach the twin culverts, which we had to traverse to get to Sungai Pisang. (I was told later that it’s possible to trek 10 minutes if we had parked at the lay-by next to the highway and taken the steps down to Sungai Pisang directly. So, I guess my husband hadn’t really lied, after all.)
We walked through the briskly flowing cold water in one of the tunnels, going against the current. The water was, thankfully, just ankle-deep. Fortunately, nobody told me earlier that hikers sometimes encounter snakes in the water, otherwise I would never have made it through that tunnel!
It was a beautiful sight that greeted us as we came out at the other end of the tunnel. It was as if we had left civilisation far behind and entered a different world. All was silent except for the splashing of water as we trekked on the sandy riverbed, wading through ankle-deep water, and the enchanting sounds of the forest.
It was still early in the morning and the crystal-clear water was extremely cold. Along both banks of the river, jungle foliage formed a canopy overhead. The air was refreshing and a slight breeze blew. Soon, our “water course” got rockier and slightly deeper, but it was still less than knee-deep.
Our trail zig-zagged through the river as we chose the less rocky parts to trek on, not wanting to slip or risk getting our feet lodged between rocks.
Along the way, we came across myriad flora and fauna. There were strange insects skipping along the river surface, gigantic ants crawling along the trail next to us, and even tiny schools of curious fish swimming in the water.
An array of unusual jungle plants and fungi growing on decaying tree trunks greeted us. We even chanced upon huge trees that must have been hundreds of years old, judging from their size, and also beheld a gigantic boulder the size of a small cave.
In the distance, we could hear the roar of the Pisang falls. It sounded nearer than it actually was in the stillness of the forest, for it took another half-hour of trekking before a wondrous sight greeted us. It was the first of the Pisang waterfalls.
After taking a short breather, we decided to press on. At the second level, twin waterfalls greeted us. It was even more magnificent. We paused for a while to enjoy the sight and soak in the cool water.
To get to the third and highest waterfall, we had to scramble up a 6m-tall hill, and when we reached the plateau, we came upon a campsite. From here there were two trails leading to left and right, to different parts of the third level of the waterfalls.
We took the right trail, which led to the highest part of the Pisang falls. There were several huge waterfall pools, one of which was teeming with huge fish. Further up, the water gushed down majestically. We spread out a groundsheet on the rocky area and proceeded to unpack our food.
We had been trekking for two hours and were very hungry. Fried noodles, fruit and nuts were distributed.
We had even brought along a small pan and outdoor stove to boil water (which we collected from the “head” of the waterfall) to make coffee and tea.
The brave ventured into the waterfall pool. It was quite deep, at least 3m, so only the experienced swimmers dared explore it. After that, we checked out the fish in the rock pool. There were so many of them, snapping eagerly at the surface, as if waiting to be fed.
We waded into the thigh-deep water for a natural fish spa experience. The curious fish nipped and nuzzled gently at our bare legs and feet. It was extremely ticklish.
Fortunately, they were not piranhas!
The nice thing about this trek was that even though it was in the jungle, there were hardly any mosquitoes. My husband did have a leech jump on him, though! It was also very cooling in the jungle – the shady trees forming a canopy overhead, shielding us from the hot tropical sun.
In the late afternoon, we decided to make our way back after hearing thunder in the distance. We packed up all our belongings, as well as our trash which we put into a garbage bag we had brought along. What really impressed me most is that Sungai Pisang is relatively clean and unpolluted, unlike a lot of well-known rivers and waterfalls in Malaysia.
We found the environment around it to also be free from rubbish.
Someone once said: “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs” whenever you go into the jungle. And this is one motto that I adhere to. After all, we want to preserve our rivers and other natural resources for future generations.
The way back seemed easier and faster, perhaps because we were already accustomed to the trail and just had to retrace our steps, minus all the breaks. It was also mainly downhill.
We were soon back at our car, heading on home, tired but satisfied with the enjoyable experience on our river trekking adventure. Our exit timing was perfect too, for the minute we got in the car, it started to pour!
~News courtesy of The Star~
A light in the dark - Kuala Selangor fireflies
A light in the dark
On a good night, thousands of fireflies come out to play (or rather, mate) at the Firefly Park in Kuala Selangor.
WE had just clambered into a little boat from the jetty of the Firefly Park in Kuala Selangor (also known as Kelip-Kelip Kampung Kuantan), and the boatman was taking us out on the river to observe the fireflies.
There we were, sitting in the dark and being lulled by the hypnotic sounds of lapping water all around, when hundreds of glowing dots of light appeared out of the darkness. It seemed as though the entire firefly colony at the park had come out to play.
They were perched on or hovering around the mangrove trees along either side of the muddy river bank. In this area, the Pteroptyx tener species is king. It is among those that practise synchronised flashing.
The boatman skilfully manoeuvred his boat, weaving in and out among the tree branches that hung over the water, to give us a better view of these dancing lights. The fireflies drifted lazily over tree branches and leaves, glowing a warm yellow against the night sky.
Yes, the experience on the Selangor river that night was surreal. It felt like Christmas came early this year.
~News courtesy of The Star~
On a good night, thousands of fireflies come out to play (or rather, mate) at the Firefly Park in Kuala Selangor.
WE had just clambered into a little boat from the jetty of the Firefly Park in Kuala Selangor (also known as Kelip-Kelip Kampung Kuantan), and the boatman was taking us out on the river to observe the fireflies.
There we were, sitting in the dark and being lulled by the hypnotic sounds of lapping water all around, when hundreds of glowing dots of light appeared out of the darkness. It seemed as though the entire firefly colony at the park had come out to play.
They were perched on or hovering around the mangrove trees along either side of the muddy river bank. In this area, the Pteroptyx tener species is king. It is among those that practise synchronised flashing.
The boatman skilfully manoeuvred his boat, weaving in and out among the tree branches that hung over the water, to give us a better view of these dancing lights. The fireflies drifted lazily over tree branches and leaves, glowing a warm yellow against the night sky.
Yes, the experience on the Selangor river that night was surreal. It felt like Christmas came early this year.
~News courtesy of The Star~
2013年6月9日星期日
Living it simple
Living it simple
Lush greenery: The view from the top of Bukit Jugra.
Selangor is offering homestay programmes at several Malay villages for tourists to sample the quintessential kampung life.
FOR a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and an opportunity to experience the kampung life, take a short break and explore the various homestay programmes offered in Selangor.
Recently, Gaya Travel magazine and the Malaysia Co-Operative Societies Commission (MCSC) organised a four-day, three-night trip for the media to showcase some of the tourism-related products and services offered by MCSC.
During the trip, participants were given the opportunity to sample village life by staying with various keluarga angkat or host families.
The first stop was in Sungai Sireh, Tanjung Karang.
The picturesque village is a two-hour drive from the Kuala Lumpur city centre and has been labelled one of the important rice-growing communities in Malaysia.
Set amidst acres of padi fields, the village offers views of sweeping vistas and can be considered a quintessential Malay kampung.
The villagers in Sungai Sireh are a friendly lot and most actively participate in the homestay programmes.
Once the visitors had settled down, they were introduced to their hosts.
Two of the hosts were Mohd Tohid Ahmad Jumadi and his wife, Sudarwati Abd Rahman, who put up four of the participants.
After a sumptuous meal cooked by Sudarwati, who insisted on being called mak (mother), the participants retired to their rooms for some much-needed rest.
During their stay, the participants were given the chance to participate in various activities in the village, including helping Mohd Tohid, or Wak as he prefers to be known as, harvest homegrown vegetables and fruits such as cili padi, ubi kayu (tapioca), bananas and passion fruit.
Ready to go: All-terrain vehicles are available at the homestay in Sungai Lang.
Participants were also given the chance to experience other typical activities in the village, including catching eels, fishing in the nearby river and harvesting rice.
For dinner, the participants joined the villagers for the iconic nasi ambeng, a local favourite, while watching cultural shows presented by youths from the village.
Surprisingly, some of the villagers, including mak, can communicate in basic Korean, an ability they picked up after welcoming hundreds of South Korean guests to the village as part of the homestay programme.
The second stop for the group was in Sungai Lang, Banting, where the host families included Othman Johari and his wife, Umi Salamah Dalail.
Here, the participants had the opportunity to sample Malay-Javanese cuisine.
Activities planned for the group included All-Terrain Vehicle rides to visit the various SME businesses run by the villagers.
Away from the city: With lots of fresh air and a scenic view, Tanjung Karang is an ideal place for a homestay programme.
To wrap up the expedition, the organisers arranged for the participants to take to the air, with paragliding in Bukit Jugra on the agenda.
While gliding serenely in the sky, the participants witnessed the beauty of Selangor’s coastline set against a scenic panorama of the Straits of Malacca.
To find out more about the Sungai Sireh homestay programme, contact Faez at 019-318 8220 or Selamat at 013-305 1470 while the Sungai Lang homestay programme can be contacted at 03-3180 1021 or 016-341 7539.
Alternatively, visit www.skm.gov.my for more information.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Lush greenery: The view from the top of Bukit Jugra.
Selangor is offering homestay programmes at several Malay villages for tourists to sample the quintessential kampung life.
FOR a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and an opportunity to experience the kampung life, take a short break and explore the various homestay programmes offered in Selangor.
Recently, Gaya Travel magazine and the Malaysia Co-Operative Societies Commission (MCSC) organised a four-day, three-night trip for the media to showcase some of the tourism-related products and services offered by MCSC.
During the trip, participants were given the opportunity to sample village life by staying with various keluarga angkat or host families.
The first stop was in Sungai Sireh, Tanjung Karang.
The picturesque village is a two-hour drive from the Kuala Lumpur city centre and has been labelled one of the important rice-growing communities in Malaysia.
Set amidst acres of padi fields, the village offers views of sweeping vistas and can be considered a quintessential Malay kampung.
The villagers in Sungai Sireh are a friendly lot and most actively participate in the homestay programmes.
Once the visitors had settled down, they were introduced to their hosts.
Two of the hosts were Mohd Tohid Ahmad Jumadi and his wife, Sudarwati Abd Rahman, who put up four of the participants.
After a sumptuous meal cooked by Sudarwati, who insisted on being called mak (mother), the participants retired to their rooms for some much-needed rest.
During their stay, the participants were given the chance to participate in various activities in the village, including helping Mohd Tohid, or Wak as he prefers to be known as, harvest homegrown vegetables and fruits such as cili padi, ubi kayu (tapioca), bananas and passion fruit.
Ready to go: All-terrain vehicles are available at the homestay in Sungai Lang.
Participants were also given the chance to experience other typical activities in the village, including catching eels, fishing in the nearby river and harvesting rice.
For dinner, the participants joined the villagers for the iconic nasi ambeng, a local favourite, while watching cultural shows presented by youths from the village.
Surprisingly, some of the villagers, including mak, can communicate in basic Korean, an ability they picked up after welcoming hundreds of South Korean guests to the village as part of the homestay programme.
The second stop for the group was in Sungai Lang, Banting, where the host families included Othman Johari and his wife, Umi Salamah Dalail.
Here, the participants had the opportunity to sample Malay-Javanese cuisine.
Activities planned for the group included All-Terrain Vehicle rides to visit the various SME businesses run by the villagers.
Away from the city: With lots of fresh air and a scenic view, Tanjung Karang is an ideal place for a homestay programme.
To wrap up the expedition, the organisers arranged for the participants to take to the air, with paragliding in Bukit Jugra on the agenda.
While gliding serenely in the sky, the participants witnessed the beauty of Selangor’s coastline set against a scenic panorama of the Straits of Malacca.
To find out more about the Sungai Sireh homestay programme, contact Faez at 019-318 8220 or Selamat at 013-305 1470 while the Sungai Lang homestay programme can be contacted at 03-3180 1021 or 016-341 7539.
Alternatively, visit www.skm.gov.my for more information.
~News courtesy of The Star~
2012年3月16日星期五
Inaugural exhibition in Perdana Botanical Gardens
Inaugural exhibition in Perdana Botanical Gardens to coincide with Formula One
INTERNATIONAL football stars Fabio Cannavaro, Fernando Morientes and Michel Salgado will attend the inaugural Bonsai and Orchid Exhibition KL 2012 at Perdana Botanical Gardens on March 24.
The festival, from March 23 to 27, is inspired by Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail. It is an eco-tourism product for Malaysians as well as international tourists in conjunction with the Formula One in Sepang.
As part of the exhibition, there will be a garden hunt, graffiti competition, flower arrangement competition, cultural show, children’s show, talks and demonstration on bonsai and orchid as well as stalls selling gardening peripherals, fruits, herb and vegetable plants, hydrophonic products and books on landscape and horticulture.
Thing of beauty: Fuad (second from right) admiring the orchids which will be displayed at the Bonsai and Orchid Exhibition KL 2012. With him are (from right) Ng, Fonseka and Normah.
Fuad is confident that the event will draw interest from various groups.
He said the event would be made an annual exhibition in Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s calendar.
“We hope to open the event to an international stage but it all depends on the feedback we receive. The impact from this event will also be beneficial toward the botanical gardens as a must-visit place.
“The event isn’t a duplication of the Putrajaya flower festival as it is focused on bonsai and orchid. Visitors will be able to learn about the beautiful plants.
“A lot of people are interested in the plants but they may lack knowledge, so this will be a great opportunity for them to get first-hand information from the experts,” he said at a press conference to announce the exhibition recently.
Also present were Bonsai N Stone Academy president I.S. Ng, Orchid Society of Selangor and Federal Territory president Datuk C. Fonseka and DBKL deputy director-general Datuk Normah Malik.
～News courtesy of The Star～
INTERNATIONAL football stars Fabio Cannavaro, Fernando Morientes and Michel Salgado will attend the inaugural Bonsai and Orchid Exhibition KL 2012 at Perdana Botanical Gardens on March 24.
The festival, from March 23 to 27, is inspired by Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail. It is an eco-tourism product for Malaysians as well as international tourists in conjunction with the Formula One in Sepang.
As part of the exhibition, there will be a garden hunt, graffiti competition, flower arrangement competition, cultural show, children’s show, talks and demonstration on bonsai and orchid as well as stalls selling gardening peripherals, fruits, herb and vegetable plants, hydrophonic products and books on landscape and horticulture.
Thing of beauty: Fuad (second from right) admiring the orchids which will be displayed at the Bonsai and Orchid Exhibition KL 2012. With him are (from right) Ng, Fonseka and Normah.Fuad is confident that the event will draw interest from various groups.
He said the event would be made an annual exhibition in Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s calendar.
“We hope to open the event to an international stage but it all depends on the feedback we receive. The impact from this event will also be beneficial toward the botanical gardens as a must-visit place.
“The event isn’t a duplication of the Putrajaya flower festival as it is focused on bonsai and orchid. Visitors will be able to learn about the beautiful plants.
“A lot of people are interested in the plants but they may lack knowledge, so this will be a great opportunity for them to get first-hand information from the experts,” he said at a press conference to announce the exhibition recently.
Also present were Bonsai N Stone Academy president I.S. Ng, Orchid Society of Selangor and Federal Territory president Datuk C. Fonseka and DBKL deputy director-general Datuk Normah Malik.
～News courtesy of The Star～
2011年9月3日星期六
Selayang hot springs for health benefits
Many visit Selayang hot springs for health benefits
THIRTY-two-year-old Daphne Beh has been visiting the Selayang hot springs in Jalan Ipoh for about six months now and is already reaping the benefits of the geothermal-heated groundwater.
Beh, who lives in Kepong, said the water from the hot springs had made her hair softer, skin smoother and also improved her blood circulation.
She visits the hot springs four times a month and spends two to three hours each time by soaking her feet in a pail of hot water and wiping her body with a soaked towel.
She usually visits the place between 6pm and 8pm when there are many people because it is more enjoyable and relaxing and she can also interact with them.
Recently, she has also managed to convince her friend Annie Chong, 32, to go along with her.
“I find the water has healing properties and I am lucky that I live not far from here. I love hot springs from the time I was in Japan,” said Beh.
Distance is not an issue for Wong Yoon Hee, 63, who also goes to the hot springs at least once a week.
Before discovering the Selayang hot springs, Wong travelled to the Sungkai hot springs once a week. However, when she heard of the spot in Selayang, she comes here instead.
“I have been coming here for four to five months now and my knee pain has improved a lot.
Popular spot: Visitors bathing using buckets of water scooped up from the pool at the Selayang Hot Springs.
“It is also good for skin problems,” said Wong, adding that people of all races, including foreigners such Koreans and Japanese come to the hot springs.
Norazizah Yusuf, 44, who delivered a month ago, washes her baby’s head with the water to improve blood circulation.
“I always felt good when I wash with the water and that is why we brought our baby here,” said Norazizah from Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur.
Ganesh Kumar, 36, who used to frequent the hot spot 20 years ago with his friends, said the place was popular even back then when there were no facilities.
“Today there are facilities such as toilets and a cemented flooring at the spring area,” he said.
However, many people feel the hot springs needs maintenance and upgrading.
Beh and Chong feel the toilet needs much improvement as it was dirty and the overall area could be spruced up.
Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) public relations and corporate planning director Mohamad Zain Masoad said the development of the hot springs was still pending.
He said there was a proposed development plan for the area which only left one fourth of an acre for the hot springs.
“This idea does not appeal to the current councillors and they are insisting on maintaining the hot springs as a tourist attraction,” he added.
Mohamad Zain said the council and the developer had yet to come to a conclusion on the scale of development.
Council president Datuk Zainal Abidin Aala said MPS was planning to gazette the hot springs as a recreational spot and was studying its details.
“We will submit the plan to the state committee as the project will be funded by the Selangor government,” said Zainal, adding that the hot springs, which is managed by Selayang Municipal Council Cooperative Union, would be taken over by the council soon.
～News courtesy of The Star～
THIRTY-two-year-old Daphne Beh has been visiting the Selayang hot springs in Jalan Ipoh for about six months now and is already reaping the benefits of the geothermal-heated groundwater.
Beh, who lives in Kepong, said the water from the hot springs had made her hair softer, skin smoother and also improved her blood circulation.
She visits the hot springs four times a month and spends two to three hours each time by soaking her feet in a pail of hot water and wiping her body with a soaked towel.
She usually visits the place between 6pm and 8pm when there are many people because it is more enjoyable and relaxing and she can also interact with them.
Recently, she has also managed to convince her friend Annie Chong, 32, to go along with her.
“I find the water has healing properties and I am lucky that I live not far from here. I love hot springs from the time I was in Japan,” said Beh.
Distance is not an issue for Wong Yoon Hee, 63, who also goes to the hot springs at least once a week.
Before discovering the Selayang hot springs, Wong travelled to the Sungkai hot springs once a week. However, when she heard of the spot in Selayang, she comes here instead.
“I have been coming here for four to five months now and my knee pain has improved a lot.
Popular spot: Visitors bathing using buckets of water scooped up from the pool at the Selayang Hot Springs.
“It is also good for skin problems,” said Wong, adding that people of all races, including foreigners such Koreans and Japanese come to the hot springs.
Norazizah Yusuf, 44, who delivered a month ago, washes her baby’s head with the water to improve blood circulation.
“I always felt good when I wash with the water and that is why we brought our baby here,” said Norazizah from Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur.
Ganesh Kumar, 36, who used to frequent the hot spot 20 years ago with his friends, said the place was popular even back then when there were no facilities.
“Today there are facilities such as toilets and a cemented flooring at the spring area,” he said.
However, many people feel the hot springs needs maintenance and upgrading.
Beh and Chong feel the toilet needs much improvement as it was dirty and the overall area could be spruced up.
Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) public relations and corporate planning director Mohamad Zain Masoad said the development of the hot springs was still pending.
He said there was a proposed development plan for the area which only left one fourth of an acre for the hot springs.
“This idea does not appeal to the current councillors and they are insisting on maintaining the hot springs as a tourist attraction,” he added.
Mohamad Zain said the council and the developer had yet to come to a conclusion on the scale of development.
Council president Datuk Zainal Abidin Aala said MPS was planning to gazette the hot springs as a recreational spot and was studying its details.
“We will submit the plan to the state committee as the project will be funded by the Selangor government,” said Zainal, adding that the hot springs, which is managed by Selayang Municipal Council Cooperative Union, would be taken over by the council soon.
～News courtesy of The Star～
2011年8月2日星期二
National Zoo hits a milestone
National Zoo hits a milestone
IN conjunction with Zoo Negara’s 50th anniversary, visitors born in 1961 will be given free admission.
“To celebrate the zoo’s ‘birthday’, we would like to invite more people to visit, with special treats for those born in the same year as the zoo,” said Malaysian Zoological Society president Datuk Ismail Hutson.
“Currently, Zoo Negara receives about one million visitors a year, of whom about 300,000 are children.
“As children are our future conservation ambassadors, I am pleased to inform that the zoo’s facilities will be upgraded to improve visitors’ experience and enable the zoo to better serve as an educational resource,” said Ismail during the Zoo Negara 50th anniversary dinner at Palace of the Golden Horses in Seri Kembangan last Friday.
During the gala dinner, Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail donated RM250,000 to the zoo to upgrade the multi-animal show amphitheatre.
Other guests at the gala included Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Zoo Negara director Dr Mohamad Ngah and representatives of the Natural Resources and Enviroment Minstry.
The zoo based in Hulu Kelang has grown from a five-acre garden to a 120acre zoological park today.
Ismail said the anniversary promotion, starting July 30, would continue until Dec 31. Standard ticket prices are RM20 for adults and RM6 for children.
~News courtesy of The Star~
IN conjunction with Zoo Negara’s 50th anniversary, visitors born in 1961 will be given free admission.
“To celebrate the zoo’s ‘birthday’, we would like to invite more people to visit, with special treats for those born in the same year as the zoo,” said Malaysian Zoological Society president Datuk Ismail Hutson.
“Currently, Zoo Negara receives about one million visitors a year, of whom about 300,000 are children.
“As children are our future conservation ambassadors, I am pleased to inform that the zoo’s facilities will be upgraded to improve visitors’ experience and enable the zoo to better serve as an educational resource,” said Ismail during the Zoo Negara 50th anniversary dinner at Palace of the Golden Horses in Seri Kembangan last Friday.
During the gala dinner, Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail donated RM250,000 to the zoo to upgrade the multi-animal show amphitheatre.
Other guests at the gala included Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Zoo Negara director Dr Mohamad Ngah and representatives of the Natural Resources and Enviroment Minstry.
The zoo based in Hulu Kelang has grown from a five-acre garden to a 120acre zoological park today.
Ismail said the anniversary promotion, starting July 30, would continue until Dec 31. Standard ticket prices are RM20 for adults and RM6 for children.
~News courtesy of The Star~
2011年7月1日星期五
New-look Perdana Botanical Gardens
New-look Perdana Botanical Gardens has facilities for the disabled too
SINCE its humble beginnings, the Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana) which has now been renamed Perdana Botanical Gardens (Taman Botani Perdana) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is set to be a prime tourist spot in Malaysia’s capital city.
Located right in the heart of the city, the 122-year-old garden underwent the first phase of upgrading in March 2010 featuring a complete makeover of a park that beckons with luxurious greenery, new features and facilities that even cater to the less fortunate people — like the blind and handicapped.
The programme forms part of the city’s greening initiative under the Greening Kuala Lumpur and River of Life projects.
A total of RM18mil — out of which RM6mil from Kuala Lumpur City Hall — has been spent over the last six months to improve the facilities at the 101ha garden.
The first phase included cleaning of the area, planting trees — including the unique types like sausage tree, cannonball, elephant tree and bottle tree as well as Laman Heliconia. In total 1,275 plants and trees were planted.
Huge attraction: The overall landscape has been upgraded, allowing the park to function as a tourist destination.
A Laman Perdana has also been set up for dignitaries and officials from other countries visiting Malaysia to plant a tree in the area.
Infrastructure wise, a waterfall at Jalan Tembusu, fish pond and boardwalk using railways sleepers have been built.
The garden has a retaining wall and bio grip installed to prevent landslides especially at sloppy areas along Jalan Tembusu.
The overall new-look garden with its enhanced beauty provides a picture perfect view for casual walks, picnic or even an outing with family and friends.
Najib, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor took a tour of the garden and its new features.
During the launch, Najib commended the participation from the private sector in helping with the upgrading programme.
“Tourists often like to visit parks and the botanical garden will also be promoted as an attraction.
“We also want to give a better quality of life to people that are part of Greater KL, who are able to smell fresh air, have clean environment and lead a sustainable life.
“We hope to promote greater environmental consciousness by changing our attitude and initiate efforts to allow us to achieve a higher level quality of life and environment,” he said,
Najib said as the end user, he appreciated such things like gardens, parks and greenery in life.
Meanwhile, Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the commitment from the government to make the city green was strong.
He said under the economic stimulus package, the government has allocated RM25mil for DBKL to plant trees.
“So far DBKL has planted over 37,000 trees and the government has also established the Special Lab to oversee matters pertaining to Greater KL green areas.
“The lab has suggested that the total number of green area per citizen be increased to 1.48sq m by 2020 in the Greater KL area. Thus there will be 30,000 shady trees planted by 2012.
“On the botanic garden, it is a great initiative to make it a world class park, which has seen good response from the people,” said Nong Chik.
Speaking more about the park, Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the second phase would take at least about two years to complete.
The second phase will commence immediately. It will have a visitors centre, cafe, boat house, souvenir shop, art sculptures, multi-level parking and even a herbarium for the collection of plants. It will also have a children’s park themed as Lat’s Kampung Boy, Garden for the Blind as well as upgraded facilities for the disabled.
As for the third phase, DBKL will add more collection of plants and trees, guided tour as well as outreach programmes with non-governmental organisation, schools and associations. All works are expected to be completed by 2015.
“For phase two, the Cabinet has approved RM35mil but we have to see the plan from the consultant and the amount needed for it.
“The prime minister liked the venue of the launch with a pavilion for hosting events, which will we look into making a permanent type of structure.
“As for the herbarium, we will be using the existing structure. We will build a gantry and we are also contemplating a wetland concept too for the kids,” he said.
Fuad added that they wanted to make the garden, a favourite spot for everyone.
The Perdana Botanical Garden was built by A. R. Venning in 1888, the state treasurer of Selangor at the time.
Lake Garden’s name was changed to Taman Tasik Perdana by Najib’s father, Malaysia’s second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein in 1975.
Within its vicinity stands the National Monument, the National Museum, Planetarium, Carcosa Seri Negara and other historical buildings. Also present at the launch was Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Unggah Embas, Deputy Federal Territories and Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan and the ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib.
~News courtesy of The Star~
SINCE its humble beginnings, the Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana) which has now been renamed Perdana Botanical Gardens (Taman Botani Perdana) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is set to be a prime tourist spot in Malaysia’s capital city.
Located right in the heart of the city, the 122-year-old garden underwent the first phase of upgrading in March 2010 featuring a complete makeover of a park that beckons with luxurious greenery, new features and facilities that even cater to the less fortunate people — like the blind and handicapped.
The programme forms part of the city’s greening initiative under the Greening Kuala Lumpur and River of Life projects.
A total of RM18mil — out of which RM6mil from Kuala Lumpur City Hall — has been spent over the last six months to improve the facilities at the 101ha garden.
The first phase included cleaning of the area, planting trees — including the unique types like sausage tree, cannonball, elephant tree and bottle tree as well as Laman Heliconia. In total 1,275 plants and trees were planted.
Huge attraction: The overall landscape has been upgraded, allowing the park to function as a tourist destination.A Laman Perdana has also been set up for dignitaries and officials from other countries visiting Malaysia to plant a tree in the area.
Infrastructure wise, a waterfall at Jalan Tembusu, fish pond and boardwalk using railways sleepers have been built.
The garden has a retaining wall and bio grip installed to prevent landslides especially at sloppy areas along Jalan Tembusu.
The overall new-look garden with its enhanced beauty provides a picture perfect view for casual walks, picnic or even an outing with family and friends.
Najib, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor took a tour of the garden and its new features.
During the launch, Najib commended the participation from the private sector in helping with the upgrading programme.
“Tourists often like to visit parks and the botanical garden will also be promoted as an attraction.
“We also want to give a better quality of life to people that are part of Greater KL, who are able to smell fresh air, have clean environment and lead a sustainable life.
“We hope to promote greater environmental consciousness by changing our attitude and initiate efforts to allow us to achieve a higher level quality of life and environment,” he said,
Najib said as the end user, he appreciated such things like gardens, parks and greenery in life.
Meanwhile, Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the commitment from the government to make the city green was strong.
He said under the economic stimulus package, the government has allocated RM25mil for DBKL to plant trees.
“So far DBKL has planted over 37,000 trees and the government has also established the Special Lab to oversee matters pertaining to Greater KL green areas.
“The lab has suggested that the total number of green area per citizen be increased to 1.48sq m by 2020 in the Greater KL area. Thus there will be 30,000 shady trees planted by 2012.
“On the botanic garden, it is a great initiative to make it a world class park, which has seen good response from the people,” said Nong Chik.
Speaking more about the park, Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the second phase would take at least about two years to complete.
The second phase will commence immediately. It will have a visitors centre, cafe, boat house, souvenir shop, art sculptures, multi-level parking and even a herbarium for the collection of plants. It will also have a children’s park themed as Lat’s Kampung Boy, Garden for the Blind as well as upgraded facilities for the disabled.
As for the third phase, DBKL will add more collection of plants and trees, guided tour as well as outreach programmes with non-governmental organisation, schools and associations. All works are expected to be completed by 2015.
“For phase two, the Cabinet has approved RM35mil but we have to see the plan from the consultant and the amount needed for it.
“The prime minister liked the venue of the launch with a pavilion for hosting events, which will we look into making a permanent type of structure.
“As for the herbarium, we will be using the existing structure. We will build a gantry and we are also contemplating a wetland concept too for the kids,” he said.
Fuad added that they wanted to make the garden, a favourite spot for everyone.
The Perdana Botanical Garden was built by A. R. Venning in 1888, the state treasurer of Selangor at the time.
Lake Garden’s name was changed to Taman Tasik Perdana by Najib’s father, Malaysia’s second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein in 1975.
Within its vicinity stands the National Monument, the National Museum, Planetarium, Carcosa Seri Negara and other historical buildings. Also present at the launch was Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Unggah Embas, Deputy Federal Territories and Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan and the ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib.
~News courtesy of The Star~
2011年6月17日星期五
Zoo delivers storks
Zoo delivers storks
The rehabilitation efforts of Zoo Negara in breeding the Milky Stork has proven to be a success with over 200 birds now released into the wilds of Malaysia where only 10 were known to have been alive before.
Tan Chong Group comprising Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad, Warisan TC Holdings Berhad and APM Automotive Holdings Berhad has decided to support Zoo Negara’s efforts by contributing one Nissan Urvan and Nissan Frontier 4x4.
By way of this contribution, Tan Chong has also officially adopted the Milky Stork.
The Group believes Zoo Negara’s efforts has proven that its captive breeding programme is effective in rehabilitating a near-extinct bird species.
Gift of wheels: Cheah (fourth from left) handing a mock key to Zoo Negara council member Datuk Seri Low Yow Tian. Flanking them are senior management from Tan Chong Group and Zoo Negara.
A handover ceremony of the two Nissan vehicles was made at the Dataran Datuk Ismail Hutson located within the zoo’s compound.
Tan Chong Group was represented by its group senior adviser Datuk Cheah Sam Kip, while Zoo Negara by its director Dr Mohamad Ngah.
“We are indeed proud to be associated with efforts of the Zoo in protecting the Milky Stork and to ensure its continued survival for future generations to enjoy. This does prove that efforts can be made to reverse the damage mankind had caused leading to the near-extinction of the Milky Stork,” said Cheah during the handover ceremony.
“The stork (pronounced as “guan” in Chinese) and crane (pronounced as “he” in Chinese) are very similar. For the Chinese community, the crane symbolises longevity and with the Tan Chong Group having been established for more than 50 years in Malaysia, we look forward to another 50 years of longevity to come,” he added.
Tan Chong also feted some 20 children of single parents from the SJK (C) Sungai Chua, Kajang to a day at the zoo. The school is one of two schools presently sponsored by Tan Chong Group as part of its CSR Programme.
~News courtesy of The Star~
The rehabilitation efforts of Zoo Negara in breeding the Milky Stork has proven to be a success with over 200 birds now released into the wilds of Malaysia where only 10 were known to have been alive before.
Tan Chong Group comprising Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad, Warisan TC Holdings Berhad and APM Automotive Holdings Berhad has decided to support Zoo Negara’s efforts by contributing one Nissan Urvan and Nissan Frontier 4x4.
By way of this contribution, Tan Chong has also officially adopted the Milky Stork.
The Group believes Zoo Negara’s efforts has proven that its captive breeding programme is effective in rehabilitating a near-extinct bird species.
Gift of wheels: Cheah (fourth from left) handing a mock key to Zoo Negara council member Datuk Seri Low Yow Tian. Flanking them are senior management from Tan Chong Group and Zoo Negara.
A handover ceremony of the two Nissan vehicles was made at the Dataran Datuk Ismail Hutson located within the zoo’s compound.
Tan Chong Group was represented by its group senior adviser Datuk Cheah Sam Kip, while Zoo Negara by its director Dr Mohamad Ngah.
“We are indeed proud to be associated with efforts of the Zoo in protecting the Milky Stork and to ensure its continued survival for future generations to enjoy. This does prove that efforts can be made to reverse the damage mankind had caused leading to the near-extinction of the Milky Stork,” said Cheah during the handover ceremony.
“The stork (pronounced as “guan” in Chinese) and crane (pronounced as “he” in Chinese) are very similar. For the Chinese community, the crane symbolises longevity and with the Tan Chong Group having been established for more than 50 years in Malaysia, we look forward to another 50 years of longevity to come,” he added.
Tan Chong also feted some 20 children of single parents from the SJK (C) Sungai Chua, Kajang to a day at the zoo. The school is one of two schools presently sponsored by Tan Chong Group as part of its CSR Programme.
~News courtesy of The Star~
2011年6月14日星期二
2011年5月28日星期六
The charms of Tanjong Malim
The charms of Tanjong Malim
THERE are two reasons as to why Tanjung Malim in Selangor is worth a day trip.
First, you will find some interesting eateries located around the town centre and if you love laksa kampung this would be a good place to start.
Next, there’s the high-speed electric train from Kuala Lumpur and if you have a foldable bicycle, the ride from Tanjung Malim to Kalumpang is definitely a route that might interest you.
The laksa kampung stalls in this town are located near the abandoned Rex cinema along Jalan Loke Yew.
Noodles galore: There’s a row of stalls selling curry laksa and soupy noodles along Jalan Loke Yew in Tanjung Malim.
Here, you will find a row of stalls selling noodles with stuffed vegetables, foo chuk and taufoo.
And for RM4 a bowl, they serve a generous portion and decent tasting laksa.
Speaking of riding a foldable bicycle around town, you can actually complete it within 20-minutes.
I took the opportunity to discover this town over a weekend on my bicycle when ride organiser Pauline Lee offered a slot for me and my wife Michelle.
This was also a chance to ride along with veteran folding bicycle rider Uncle Bil Choy who co-founded the folding bike club in Kuala Lumpur.
Choy rode his Brompton bike while Lee had a first try with her state-of-the art Moulton touring bike which is also a foldable bicycle.
There were 13 riders in the group who rode their Dahon, GT, Brompton and Moulton bicycles.
At Tanjung Malim, there are two sections of the town which is seperated by a railway line.
Rough terrain: Loose gravel and a high gradient proved to be too much for the folding bicycle riders.
The older part of Tanjung Malim is the most active trading areas with rows of pre-war shophouses and a wet market.
Even at the market itself, you will find some good eating places on the first floor.
But if you are over 1.8 metres in height, you might want to watch your head as the ceilings are built really low here.
From Tanjung Malim, the old trunk road leads to Kalumpang, a small town located about 15km away.
The ride from town-to-town would take about 50-minutes if you cycle non-stop in an average speed of 16km/hour.
Kalumpang is also split into two areas and the older part of town is located near the police station.
Here, there is a coffee shop called Cheong Fong that has been in existence for decades.
It specialises in char siew pau and local coffee and if you love the roasted brew, this is the place to be.
Not too far away from here, there are two jungle retreats called Kalumpang Resort and Pasir Putih Resort.
It is roughly about two kilometres from town and is a popular haunt for the picnic crowd.
Place for pau: The Cheong Fong coffee shop in Kalumpang.
I found the resorts to be quite polluted as water from a poultry farm nearby was chanelled into the stream.
During our visit, we saw two men gutting fish upstream with some children playing in the water where they were carrying out their act.
The ride back to Tanjung Malim would take another 15km which translates to about 45 minutes on the road.
And we completed the ride in four hours by taking a group photo in front of the Tanjung Malim train station.
If you plan to ride this route, be wary of oncoming vehicles as traffic is heavy along the KL-Ipoh trunk road.
~News courtesy of The Star~
THERE are two reasons as to why Tanjung Malim in Selangor is worth a day trip.
First, you will find some interesting eateries located around the town centre and if you love laksa kampung this would be a good place to start.
Next, there’s the high-speed electric train from Kuala Lumpur and if you have a foldable bicycle, the ride from Tanjung Malim to Kalumpang is definitely a route that might interest you.
The laksa kampung stalls in this town are located near the abandoned Rex cinema along Jalan Loke Yew.
Noodles galore: There’s a row of stalls selling curry laksa and soupy noodles along Jalan Loke Yew in Tanjung Malim.
Here, you will find a row of stalls selling noodles with stuffed vegetables, foo chuk and taufoo.
And for RM4 a bowl, they serve a generous portion and decent tasting laksa.
Speaking of riding a foldable bicycle around town, you can actually complete it within 20-minutes.
I took the opportunity to discover this town over a weekend on my bicycle when ride organiser Pauline Lee offered a slot for me and my wife Michelle.
This was also a chance to ride along with veteran folding bicycle rider Uncle Bil Choy who co-founded the folding bike club in Kuala Lumpur.
Choy rode his Brompton bike while Lee had a first try with her state-of-the art Moulton touring bike which is also a foldable bicycle.
There were 13 riders in the group who rode their Dahon, GT, Brompton and Moulton bicycles.
At Tanjung Malim, there are two sections of the town which is seperated by a railway line.
Rough terrain: Loose gravel and a high gradient proved to be too much for the folding bicycle riders.The older part of Tanjung Malim is the most active trading areas with rows of pre-war shophouses and a wet market.
Even at the market itself, you will find some good eating places on the first floor.
But if you are over 1.8 metres in height, you might want to watch your head as the ceilings are built really low here.
From Tanjung Malim, the old trunk road leads to Kalumpang, a small town located about 15km away.
The ride from town-to-town would take about 50-minutes if you cycle non-stop in an average speed of 16km/hour.
Kalumpang is also split into two areas and the older part of town is located near the police station.
Here, there is a coffee shop called Cheong Fong that has been in existence for decades.
It specialises in char siew pau and local coffee and if you love the roasted brew, this is the place to be.
Not too far away from here, there are two jungle retreats called Kalumpang Resort and Pasir Putih Resort.
It is roughly about two kilometres from town and is a popular haunt for the picnic crowd.
Place for pau: The Cheong Fong coffee shop in Kalumpang.I found the resorts to be quite polluted as water from a poultry farm nearby was chanelled into the stream.
During our visit, we saw two men gutting fish upstream with some children playing in the water where they were carrying out their act.
The ride back to Tanjung Malim would take another 15km which translates to about 45 minutes on the road.
And we completed the ride in four hours by taking a group photo in front of the Tanjung Malim train station.
If you plan to ride this route, be wary of oncoming vehicles as traffic is heavy along the KL-Ipoh trunk road.
~News courtesy of The Star~
2011年4月3日星期日
吉隆坡蝴蝶公园美丽蜕变
吉隆坡市中心（中篇）：重新规划空间宽阔‧蝴蝶公园美丽蜕变
多朵大红花的花瓣，被整齐摆放在铁架上，並且被洒上10%的蜜糖和90%的水份，以作为成蝶（大双的蝴蝶）在採不到鲜花的蜜源时的附加食物。
城市人，你到底有多久没到过吉隆坡蝴蝶公园了？你可知道，吉隆坡蝴蝶公园已今非昔比，不仅仅是蝴蝶们悠游自在翩翩飞舞的“天堂”，也不只是各种乌龟和昆虫的“安乐窝”，更是旅客和许多学府带团研究和钻研蝴蝶和昆虫標本、蒐集各种与生物息息相关的“珍贵宝库”。
这个坐落在湖滨公园的蝴蝶公园，確实是城市地区不可多得的“宝”，它已重新装修和美化，让置身其间者可以更舒適的置身在青葱秀丽的园林景致里。只要你愿意花些时间游走在蝴蝶园里，就可亲身体会到蝴蝶由蛹化蝶的过程和生態，感受到生命的美妙，甚至有可能成为真正的蝴蝶专家。
蝴蝶公园的幕后推手是拿督方振德。蝴蝶公园始建於1991年，並於次年营业，但並非由他开疆闢土建造，他是於1996年因不忍心看到公园的屋顶破烂、柱子摇摇欲坠，毅然游说公园的老板把经营权转让给他，没想到收购一事一拍即合，从此他就跃身为公园的新老板。
围网离地50呎
让蝴蝶高空飞翔
自收购了这座佔地8千平方呎的公园后，方振德就全情投入於重新规划和改造工作，为他心爱的蝴蝶宝贝赋以全新的生態环境，即在公园內栽种了大量的花卉植物和大棵树木，並在距离地面最少有50呎高的上空围起了网，让在高空飞翔的蝴蝶不会“离家出走”。
他打趣说，人会放鬆减压，蝴蝶也是一样，如果让它们在狭小的空间飞来飞去，很容易遇上“交通阻塞”。
仔细观察打量，他围起的网果然与眾不同，因为据他的观察，国內其他的蝴蝶园大约只有12呎的高度，而他就选择突破原有的框框和格局，把蝴蝶网设定在离地面有50呎高！
“这样才能让蝴蝶有更高和更阔的空间，可以飞来飞去呀！”
半原始半人造公园
“在我接管之前，公园是纯粹以森林的概念来打造，如今却是半原始半人造的公园，因为过於美观和现代化的环境，並不適合蝴蝶居住。”
他说，蝴蝶要经歷4个不同的发育和成长阶段，而且幼虫吃植物的叶、蝴蝶要吮吸花蜜等，加上要有適当的棲息之处，具备这些条件之后，才能建构成它们的‘家园’。”
已堪称为蝴蝶专家的他说，蝴蝶园內有30种专为蝴蝶栽种的树木、草本和攀藤植物，而蝴蝶的种类有如天上繁星般，全世界有1万4千多种。
蝴蝶寿命最长只14天
“蝴蝶喜欢躲藏起来，以便可以专心享用他们的花蜜。它们的寿命只有7至10天左右，长命的也有14天，不过也有蝴蝶不慎被蚂蚁咬到，那就活不了，死在它当时停歇的地点啦！”
方振德说，蝴蝶每次平均可產200粒卵，而它们的幼虫喜欢吃的叶子有很多种，包括柚子叶、桔子叶和棕櫚科植物的叶子等。目前，该公园的经营费为每个月3万令吉。
不说不知，在蝴蝶园內，除了有活生生绚丽多彩的蝴蝶在四处飞舞之外，也设有蝴蝶和昆虫博物馆，展示来自大马和世界各国不计其数的蝴蝶和昆虫標本。
饲养罕见乌龟牛蛙
此外，蝴蝶园范围內也有一个以人造石山製成的一个小隧道，两旁陈列了多个水族箱，里面就饲养的各种罕见的乌龟和牛蛙等两棲类，为初次造访者带来另一项意外的惊喜。
吉隆坡蝴蝶公园的入场费
成人：每人8令吉（大马公民）、每人18令吉（外国游客）
孩童：每人4令吉（大马公民）、每人8令吉（外国游客）
携带相机：1令吉
携带录影机：4令吉大马公民配套：2名成人与3名孩童（24令吉）（註：孩童的年龄必须介於2至11岁之间）
开放时间：上午9时至下午6时
电话：03-26934799
贴士：最理想的赏蝶时间是介於上午10至11时。由於蝴蝶很怕雨水，雨天会找地方躲藏起来，所以不適宜在雨天赏蝶。
星洲日报／大都会‧2011.04.02
http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/node/136775?tid=29
多朵大红花的花瓣，被整齐摆放在铁架上，並且被洒上10%的蜜糖和90%的水份，以作为成蝶（大双的蝴蝶）在採不到鲜花的蜜源时的附加食物。城市人，你到底有多久没到过吉隆坡蝴蝶公园了？你可知道，吉隆坡蝴蝶公园已今非昔比，不仅仅是蝴蝶们悠游自在翩翩飞舞的“天堂”，也不只是各种乌龟和昆虫的“安乐窝”，更是旅客和许多学府带团研究和钻研蝴蝶和昆虫標本、蒐集各种与生物息息相关的“珍贵宝库”。
这个坐落在湖滨公园的蝴蝶公园，確实是城市地区不可多得的“宝”，它已重新装修和美化，让置身其间者可以更舒適的置身在青葱秀丽的园林景致里。只要你愿意花些时间游走在蝴蝶园里，就可亲身体会到蝴蝶由蛹化蝶的过程和生態，感受到生命的美妙，甚至有可能成为真正的蝴蝶专家。
蝴蝶公园的幕后推手是拿督方振德。蝴蝶公园始建於1991年，並於次年营业，但並非由他开疆闢土建造，他是於1996年因不忍心看到公园的屋顶破烂、柱子摇摇欲坠，毅然游说公园的老板把经营权转让给他，没想到收购一事一拍即合，从此他就跃身为公园的新老板。
围网离地50呎
让蝴蝶高空飞翔
自收购了这座佔地8千平方呎的公园后，方振德就全情投入於重新规划和改造工作，为他心爱的蝴蝶宝贝赋以全新的生態环境，即在公园內栽种了大量的花卉植物和大棵树木，並在距离地面最少有50呎高的上空围起了网，让在高空飞翔的蝴蝶不会“离家出走”。
他打趣说，人会放鬆减压，蝴蝶也是一样，如果让它们在狭小的空间飞来飞去，很容易遇上“交通阻塞”。
仔细观察打量，他围起的网果然与眾不同，因为据他的观察，国內其他的蝴蝶园大约只有12呎的高度，而他就选择突破原有的框框和格局，把蝴蝶网设定在离地面有50呎高！
“这样才能让蝴蝶有更高和更阔的空间，可以飞来飞去呀！”
半原始半人造公园
“在我接管之前，公园是纯粹以森林的概念来打造，如今却是半原始半人造的公园，因为过於美观和现代化的环境，並不適合蝴蝶居住。”
他说，蝴蝶要经歷4个不同的发育和成长阶段，而且幼虫吃植物的叶、蝴蝶要吮吸花蜜等，加上要有適当的棲息之处，具备这些条件之后，才能建构成它们的‘家园’。”
已堪称为蝴蝶专家的他说，蝴蝶园內有30种专为蝴蝶栽种的树木、草本和攀藤植物，而蝴蝶的种类有如天上繁星般，全世界有1万4千多种。
蝴蝶寿命最长只14天
“蝴蝶喜欢躲藏起来，以便可以专心享用他们的花蜜。它们的寿命只有7至10天左右，长命的也有14天，不过也有蝴蝶不慎被蚂蚁咬到，那就活不了，死在它当时停歇的地点啦！”
方振德说，蝴蝶每次平均可產200粒卵，而它们的幼虫喜欢吃的叶子有很多种，包括柚子叶、桔子叶和棕櫚科植物的叶子等。目前，该公园的经营费为每个月3万令吉。
不说不知，在蝴蝶园內，除了有活生生绚丽多彩的蝴蝶在四处飞舞之外，也设有蝴蝶和昆虫博物馆，展示来自大马和世界各国不计其数的蝴蝶和昆虫標本。
饲养罕见乌龟牛蛙
此外，蝴蝶园范围內也有一个以人造石山製成的一个小隧道，两旁陈列了多个水族箱，里面就饲养的各种罕见的乌龟和牛蛙等两棲类，为初次造访者带来另一项意外的惊喜。
吉隆坡蝴蝶公园的入场费
成人：每人8令吉（大马公民）、每人18令吉（外国游客）
孩童：每人4令吉（大马公民）、每人8令吉（外国游客）
携带相机：1令吉
携带录影机：4令吉大马公民配套：2名成人与3名孩童（24令吉）（註：孩童的年龄必须介於2至11岁之间）
开放时间：上午9时至下午6时
电话：03-26934799
贴士：最理想的赏蝶时间是介於上午10至11时。由於蝴蝶很怕雨水，雨天会找地方躲藏起来，所以不適宜在雨天赏蝶。
星洲日报／大都会‧2011.04.02
http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/node/136775?tid=29
2011年3月29日星期二
Herbal garden at forest reserve
Herbal garden at forest reserve
THE Friends of Kota Damansara (FoKD) was brought together in their fight to save the forest from development and it eventually became a close-knit community. However, their work did not stop with the forest reserve’s gazettement.
“Our work actually began from there but there’s so much more we ought to do to protect and preserve our community forest, which we see as an ecological platform for nation building, from both the environmental and social aspects,” said FoKD co-chairman Dr Jeffrey Phang.
The group proudly unveiled their latest achievement — a herbal garden they named after Local Agenda 21 (LA21) and the Green Communities programme — recently at the forest reserve.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman, Subang MP R. Sivarasa, Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim, representatives from Selangor Forestry Department officiated at the launch.
Gems for the future: Roslan (right), Landscape and Urban Greening Department director Zuraidah Sainan (left) and Nasir planting a sapling at the LA21 Herbal Garden in Kota Damansara.
“We feel that LA21 will be a meaningful name for the herbal garden. The secret of achieving good social impact lies in working together, and this is all embraced in the concept of LA21,” Dr Phang said.
The herbal garden, occupying a site previously filled with bushes and domestic waste, is complete with disabled friendly facilities as well as BBQ pit and camp site for a great family outing next to the jungle.
Dr Phang thanked the local council and relevant government departments for their attention and assistance in matters pertaining to the forest reserve, adding that the community strengthened with the involvement of the orang asli community would continue the endeavour in an integrated, inclusive and inter-dependant manner.
Roslan congratulated the group and pledged his full support for all green efforts, adding that it was everyone’s obligation to go green in the face of climate change that caused the many catastrophes across the globe.
“Making the environment green has always been our priority, we have always been providing assistance and sometimes allocations to the caretakers of Bukit Gasing, Damansara Damai and Kota Damansara forests as well as Kelana Jaya lake among others.
“As long as I am the mayor, there will be no development in these places,” he said.
Nasir expressed his excitement over the herbal garden as it would enable the community to benefit from the plants’ medicinal values while appreciating nature.
Sivarasa said the success of the programme was an actual manifestation of LA21.
“We think the state should also consider a more permanent form of protecting the forest, to set a law so that future governments cannot degazette it easily.
“It was the first forest reserve in the country, gazetted by the British government, but was then taken from the people for development, this is what’s left for us,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE Friends of Kota Damansara (FoKD) was brought together in their fight to save the forest from development and it eventually became a close-knit community. However, their work did not stop with the forest reserve’s gazettement.
“Our work actually began from there but there’s so much more we ought to do to protect and preserve our community forest, which we see as an ecological platform for nation building, from both the environmental and social aspects,” said FoKD co-chairman Dr Jeffrey Phang.
The group proudly unveiled their latest achievement — a herbal garden they named after Local Agenda 21 (LA21) and the Green Communities programme — recently at the forest reserve.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman, Subang MP R. Sivarasa, Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim, representatives from Selangor Forestry Department officiated at the launch.
Gems for the future: Roslan (right), Landscape and Urban Greening Department director Zuraidah Sainan (left) and Nasir planting a sapling at the LA21 Herbal Garden in Kota Damansara.
“We feel that LA21 will be a meaningful name for the herbal garden. The secret of achieving good social impact lies in working together, and this is all embraced in the concept of LA21,” Dr Phang said.
The herbal garden, occupying a site previously filled with bushes and domestic waste, is complete with disabled friendly facilities as well as BBQ pit and camp site for a great family outing next to the jungle.
Dr Phang thanked the local council and relevant government departments for their attention and assistance in matters pertaining to the forest reserve, adding that the community strengthened with the involvement of the orang asli community would continue the endeavour in an integrated, inclusive and inter-dependant manner.
Roslan congratulated the group and pledged his full support for all green efforts, adding that it was everyone’s obligation to go green in the face of climate change that caused the many catastrophes across the globe.
“Making the environment green has always been our priority, we have always been providing assistance and sometimes allocations to the caretakers of Bukit Gasing, Damansara Damai and Kota Damansara forests as well as Kelana Jaya lake among others.
“As long as I am the mayor, there will be no development in these places,” he said.
Nasir expressed his excitement over the herbal garden as it would enable the community to benefit from the plants’ medicinal values while appreciating nature.
Sivarasa said the success of the programme was an actual manifestation of LA21.
“We think the state should also consider a more permanent form of protecting the forest, to set a law so that future governments cannot degazette it easily.
“It was the first forest reserve in the country, gazetted by the British government, but was then taken from the people for development, this is what’s left for us,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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