REDANG TRIP PART I: The Many Faces of Redang

Catching her breath
(Tired after snorkeling)

On my recent Redang trip, I had the opportunity to cross paths with many people and I can't help but make analysis on them. ( I am a thinker as drroza claims, :P). Many were pleasant and helpful, thus I am not losing hope on Malaysians being a polite nation, after all!

Photographer on the move
(On one of the many cliffs with his 55-200mm lens)

On reaching the Merang jetty, we were received by the travelling agent, (employed by Pfizer), called Jamie who made us feel at ease with her friendly gestures. As there were a number of us who arrived much earlier than scheduled, she made a considerate decision to arrange for an earlier ferry ride. The few doctors in this early group however were not that amicable though. I tried to make eye contacts but to no avail! Perhaps still tired from their long journey, I thought.

Ways to disembark
(Back from snorkeling trip)

On board, I chose to occupy the top-deck. Everyone else chose to take the bottom deck. Well, better that way, I thought, as I needed space to manuever when I take photo shots. Few minutes later, a guy (a spouse of another doctor) came up and started chatting with me. We exchanged info on our background and I felt better. At least someone was friendly, after all, :P

Walking with an intention
(Laguna Redang swimming pool and jacuzzi)

After 45 mins, we reached Laguna Redang Resort's jetty and we were greeted by friendly and polite staffs who made warm welcome gestures to us. Not to worry about our luggages we were told. All were taken care of. Up on a tram we went for short pleasant ride to the main grand block. On entering the main lobby, the sofas were all occupied by many guests who have checked out and waiting for the ferry-ride home. Most of them looked bushed and didnt offer us any smile. Oh well, I thought.

Enjoying the sunrise
(Second morning with heavy clouds)

Various ways to observe the sunrise
(Second morning wait)

Searching for gems
(Morning after sunrise)

Memorable pose
(Morning after sunrise)

Budding architect
(Late Evening at Pasir Panjang, Redang Island)

Baby and dad, lost and found search team
(Morning walk after sunrise)

I made several obseravations whilst I was there.From day one, I observed that the staffs were all well trained and executed their chores wth great earnest. Many of hotel employees were locals and I see that they are friendly and show good 'adab'. Many of the guests were either foreigners or local chinese. In fact the guests of other resorts were mainly chinese too and most of them were youngsters. This could be a new trend amongst them to go on big group vacations to such places. A trend still not caught by other races yet.

A ride to the jetty
(Bon Voyage)

This entry will concentrate on candid shots of people there. Study these pictures and you'll find that each of them tells it's own story. These are pictures of people vacationing on a beautiful Island, trying to savor every bit of pleasure they can, of
the transparent blue sea water, of the saltish sea air, of the easy-going atmosphere, of walking-on-the-beach on a moonlit night and most importantly of harvesting the treasures of the deep-blue sea!

A long shot of a serious discussion
(DITH, Dr. Hazelynn and Dato' Dr. Yeow)

You are welcome to make your own observations too (Paul Moss included! After that respite at Redang, I can face any harsh comments from him, hehe)

I would like to thank DITH for helping me with this entry.

Jogja Trip Part III: Land of One Thousand Memories

Gunung Sumbing is an inactive volcano that can be seen from Borobudur.

On our first day after we had landed in Solo, we went straight to Jogja and checked in. After a short rest we went for a city tour. The places we visited were The Keraton, Pasar burung and Pasar Batik. Pasar Batik is at a place called Malioboro, a shopping area. You can choose to ride a 'beca' or a 'kereta kuda' if you are interested in ala Jogja city tour.

A clean street in Jogja. The white building is the Pos Office.

Later in the evening we left for Parangtritis to view the sunset from a cliff.

Parangtritis

Local legend claimed that Parangtritis Beach is the location of the palace of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the ruler of the Southern Ocean invisible world. Parangtritis beach is one of tourist attraction offering a beautiful sunset, Langse cave and other interesting sites.

Sunset at Parangtritis. The ray started to shine on the clouds.

Gumbirowati Highland
This is the place where we get the pleasure of viewing the Parangtritis sunset.

The Langse Cave
The Langse cave is located on the foot of Parangtritis slope. It is a known place for meditation . According to legend, the Langse cave is Kanjeng Ratu Kidul's cave where Mataram's kings often visit. It was also said the opening of the cave will be covered by water during high tide thus preventing entry or exit at that particular time.

On the next day we went to Ketep Pass to see the peak or lava dome of Gunung Merapi. On the way, we had a short stop to view Candi Prambanan, Candi Seribu and a few other lesser candi.

Candi Prambanan and Candi Seribu

Prambanan is a beautiful region. In ancient time, it was capital of a Kingdom known as "Kraton Boko". Candi Prambanan is a hindu temple and there are 237 big and small temples in it. On certain nights they have plays of 'Ramayana and Mahabbrata'.

Candi Prambanan view from afar.

Not far from Candi Prambanan complex is a smaller candi called candi seribu or candi Larajonggrang. It was said that a creature with supernatural power wanted to marry a princess and a condition was given to him that he had to buiid a temple with 1000 figurines in one night.

Candi Seribu an interesting sight always.
(I used the wrong lens;55-200mm, there was no time to change to18-55mm)

Gunung Merapi

Gunung Merapi is located to the north of Jogja and has been erupting for 10,000 years. Its one of the most active volcano and has more pyroclastic flow than any other volcano in the world.
The word Merapi comes from a Javanese word Meru means mountain and Api means Fire.
Gunung merapi stands 2920 metres with it peak known as Puncak Garuda.

We stayed at Manohara Hotel on the second night which is in the same compound with the Borobudur.

Candi Mendut and Borobudur

Candi Mendut is 3 kilometres eastward from Borobudur. It was built in 824 AD during the Cailendra Dynasty. There are 3 big statues inside.

A farmer and the egrets
(a view from Manohara Hotel)

Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple of the world and one of the best-preserved ancient monument.

Borobudur: Early morning mist

The meaning of Borobudur remains vague. It is a compound of words Bara and Budur. Bara from Sanskrit has a meaning of complex of the temples. While Budur reminds us the Balinese word Beduhur, which means above. Accordingly, Borobudur means monastery on the hill.

Borobudur: Ready, smile, click.

I could still remember an advice from an article to share. "Get up early and stay out late, thats when you will find the best subject to shoot at".

Kotagede

On the third day, we left Jogja for Solo via Kotagede. Kota Gede was the capital of The Mataram Kingdom. Kotagede had being a capital city of Mataram until 1640. Later the third king of Mataram, Sultan Agung moved the capital to Desa Kerto, Plered-Bantul. A few relics and important buildings of early Mataram that can be seen are the cemetery of Prince Senopati's clan, piece of wall and foundation of one of pendopo (the front room of the palace) and Sendang Selirang(a pool where the royal family bathed). All are located in the compound of Masjid Agung Kotagede.

Masjid Agung Mataram: After the Friday prayer

Surakarta(Solo)

Solo is a short name for Surakarta. Bengawan Solo is the longest river in Java Island has its source at Gunung Lawu. Gunung Lawu in Solo is an inactive volcano. I guess many of us still remember the keroncong song "Bengawan Solo". At Solo, we went shopping at the Pasar and the mall. We flew back to KL on the next day.

At Jogja, there were lot of happenings dated long before Malacca. Jogja is rich with history. Their civilization is far earlier than the people in the Malay Peninsular. Their literacy may be less than ours but their culture, their mind and their spirit are far stronger than most of us. We can actually learn a lot from them. We may be a better peson if we do not look down on the Indonesians. Wallahu 'alam.

My travelling companions.

Jogja Trip part II - The people We Met

This picture was taken 5 min. before landing at Adi Sumarmo Airport, Solo.
The flight KL-Solo took 2 1/2 hours. That mountain is not Merapi.

As our plane touched down at Solo, we we greeted by Anang our would be 'supir' for 3 days. Anang was born and brought up in Jogja. He is a true Jogja born Javanese, descendent of great Java warriors during the peak of its civilization. His knowledge about his hometown is well respected.

On the street in Jogja.
This is a traffic light junction musician with a home made instrument.

Another traffic light junction musician going from window to window asking for charity.

Pengayuh Beca waiting for customers. There are so many beca and a very limited number of passengers. The rate for a day rent can go as low as Rs 25,000 that is equivalent to RM 11.

She is waiting for a ride but look! The Pengayuh Beca is sound asleep.
This place is within the walls of Keraton, Jogja.

Jogja was the capital for many rulers of Java. A land full of history of many religion from Hindu to Buddha and later Muslims with lot of artifacts and structures of old empires to be seen. At Prambanan, we can see Prambanan Temples and Chandi Seribu. An hour drive from Jogja you will find The Borobudur and Chandi Mendut. At Kota Gede about 15 minutes from Jogja lies the royal mausoleum of The Mataram Kings.

At Kota Gede.
Guests are required to change into traditional costumes before being allowed to enter the mausoleum of the Mataram Kings.

One morning at Borobudur.
Visitors are trying hard to reach the statue inside the stupa. It was said that it brings luck to those who succeed.The guide is doing his duty telling the myth.

People of Java speaks bahasa Jawa and bahasa Indonesia. According to Anang Bahasa Jawa is supposed to be more detailed than Bahasa Indonesia. The usage of its vocabulary depends on the person to whom one is talking to.

Buying Apem at a pasar.
The people here are very polite and friendly (berlemah lembut dan bersopan santun).
This girl had just finished her upper secondary and had to work.

At Pasar Batik.
This nenek sells anak itik. She was trying hard convincing us to buy the ducklings.
Working hard to get sesuap nasi at this age.

From our transport, a 'Kijang' we realised that there were almost no wooden houses. It seems that the Javanese had mastered the art of masonary hundreds of years ago thus buildings were made from bricks and rocks. Keraton a place where the royal family dwells is surrounded by layers of stone/brick walls. Within the walls there are shops, houses, gardens, farms, administrative buildings and of course the royal palace.

Pasar di Jogja.
Selling vegetables at the market. They are really friendly but camera shy.

Still at the market not far from our hotel. She is selling timun, serai, huge tempe etc.

Her product is just banana, leaves and the fruit. I wonder how much she makes a day.

Viewing the active Gunung Merapi

A photographer on the loose.
Gunung Merapi, most part of the peak is still covered by clouds

It happened that our long planned holiday to Jogja coincides with the eruption of Gunung Merapi. This entry is just about the hunt to get a view at Gunung Merapi's peak where the lava and hot cloud are supposed to come out.

At Ketep Pass. The Garuda is looking toward Gunung Merapi. This site was officiated by President Megawati Soekarno.

We arrived at Jogja on the 3 rd of May with a chance to get a glance at Gunung Merapi. The cloud was thick and we managed to see the top part only for a few seconds. The next day was our 'view Merapi day'. We travelled by 'Kijang'(equivalent to Toyota Unser but with better suspension) to Ketep Pass which is a viewing point for tourists. Ketep Pass has an audio-visual theater (Gunung Merapi's eruption in 1994/98), Gunung Merapi Museum, viewing spots, a restaurant and a mussola. There is a Garuda statue looking towards Gunung Merapi. From Ketep pass, we can see a huge valley, Gunung Merbabu on the left and Gunung Merapi just next to its right. Gunung Merbabu is higher volcano than Gunung Merapi but is inactive.
We waited for a few hours but unfortunately the peak was not visible due to heavy clouds.

The cloud started to clear.

We left Jogja for Solo on the next day from Manohara Hotel, Borobudur. We were able to see the heavily cloud covered peak of Merapi. The frustrating travel changed when the sky started to clear up with Merapi's peak getting clearer as our 'supir' Mr Anang made a detour towards Babadan. We we able to see new points of small eruptions as new brownish smoke points. We were grateful to Allah for granting our wish.

A clear view of the peak. A few seconds after the centre parts started to break and release smoke. (200 mm zoom and size minimised)

Gunung Merapi that stands 2920 metres is an active volcano in Jawa Tengah. There are a few other voclano such as Gunung Merbabu, Gunung Sumbing and Gunung Lawu but all of them are inactive. Gunung Merapi is of great significance to the Jogja kingdom. The royal family of Jogja karaton still gives yearly offerings to the 'protector' of the mountain. Gunung Merapi with it garuda-like peak is a symbol of strength and greatness to the people. The soil is fertile, the hardened lava which is black in color are shaped into various ornaments. The black sand can be used to built bulidings.

Rocks from hardened Merapi lava that we found(1994 or 1998 eruption)

Gunung Merapi had erupted many times within the last 15 years. In 1994, the eruption was was strong killing many due to the hot lava flow called 'nuee ardentes' and the hot cloud the local called 'wedus gembel' that measured 3000 deg celcius, rising 3000 metres above the peak of Merapi. This moving hot cloud will burn anything in its path. During the 1998 eruption, about 68 farmes were killed by the nuee which can travel as fast as 110 km per hour pouring down the steep slopes to the rivers, 66 people were killed and hundreds disfigured by 'wedus gembel'.

A far view from the road leading to Babadan, a post at the foot of Gunung Merapi.

For us, it was a great experience to be able to watch the small eruptions of Gunung Merapi, the most active volcano on Earth even from afar.

A short Entry: Blog Block

This what they call "Merpati Dua Sejoli".
She leans forward to give him a birthday kiss.
(infront of our balcony:200mm, 1/500, F8, ISO200, AP, -0.7 EV)

I have been absolutely idle for the past 2 weeks with regards to the blog world. No new entries . No blog-hopping and leaving comments. The thing is I was so occupied with many other things pertaining to the ' real' world.

Meyo beranak lagi but this time longhair and semi longhair kittens

On the 9th of April, the unit I am working in, plus a few others held our yearly barbeque cum family gathering. The most memorable fact is that someone had donated a whole goat for the occasion! Alahmadulillah!

Roasting the lamb with Maman giving a hand

Incidentally the next day was my birthday and an old dear friend came to Kuantan with his family (not to celebrate my birthday, mind you but for some other business) and we had a supposedly 'sea-food' feast by the beach of Batu Hitam (read: Thai cooking actually, :p)

The cushion is from Momad and the card from drroza

In the same week, another friend called upon me and asked me out for dinner as well. The interesting part was that we went to 2 different spots of ikan bakar and tasted 2 different kinds of grilled fish within 1 hour! Masyallah!. The trend continued for the days that followed as friends kept on asking me for eat-outs and as my parent-in-laws are here, additional night outs are also in the keeping (no wonder my waist-line seemed to baloon up).

Beserah Resthouse (among the oldent in the country)

What I am trying to say is that there have been lots of happenings but the mood to write is a bit low, like ifos had mentioned once something like blog block.

Mr. Buffalo Si Nelayan Beserah; I have been waiting to snap this scene for a long time.

Dusk at Pelindung Pantai. Do you notice the small moon?

As for the last entry, sorry for the late reply. Thank you.

A Day to Remember

Cenderahati (http://ikelah.fotopages.com)

2 nd April 2006 was a date to be remembered. It had been 34 years since I left Abu Bakar School Mentakab(ABS Mentakab) just before sitting for my Standard Five Assessment as my dad had to transfer to Kuantan.

Gambar beramai-ramai di hadapan bangunan sekolah

The gathering ran smoothly from a fabulous welcome address by our old friend Cikgu Abd. Malek, a note from ex student representative Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and a short speech from the present headmaster. We had photo sessions, a good lunch, tea and a round table talk. Most of us were either from Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan or Mentakab. We also had a friend who flew from Melbourne to be with us. Congratulations to the organizing committee headed by Rosemayati.

Berkongsi pengalaman lucu

All the speeches given by my friends were interesting but a statement from Lee Kwang Chow, now Aaron Lee triggered my mind to recall all those good time during schooling days. He said that he never had a non chinese friend that he was so confortable with except for those who were from the primary(ABS).

Menjamu selera sambil beramah mesra

What he had said about his feelings can be refered to other ethnic groups as well. At that age we were innocent and not influenced by any racial, political or social grudge. We spoke english or malay to each other no matter weather it was proper or broken. We played 'police and thief', 'guli', 'konda kondi', 'hopper', shared secrets and recipes without any hesitations. We trusted each other and the trust was based on sincerity, trustworthiness, good manners etc.

Human train on the move

My 'closeness' to a non Malay friend however was extended until the secondary school. Since I was in a residential school, we grew together, eat, play, study and understand each other. I could still remember Lip Boon the left winger, Bhajan the left back and Visua the right half who played hockey with me the right winger, with all those penalty corners, penalty flicks, the goals and screaming in triumph after beating the better teams.

Pantai Beserah:menjemur ikan kering

I still have non Malay friends with my involvement in non government organizations but as Aaron had pointed out, the closeness is not the same as those whom we knew during our younger days.

Cenderahati majlis perkahwinan dua pupu saya pada hari yang sama