Love : by Robert Indiana

The other day I saw this sculpture in a TV show about New York, can't remember which one probably something on Channel 707.

This iconic pop art piece by Robert Indiana has been depicted on TV and many movies, yet I never bothered to find out more until recently. Google it for more information; I just wonder why we do not have art pieces like this in our country. It should read 'CINTA', no?

I want to take a picture next to one, apparently there is one in Singapore, that's the nearest. Where in Singapore - have to find that one out.

"Amor" -in Piazza della Scala, Milan.

In JFK Plaza, "Love Park", Philly.

"Ahava" - love in Hebrew; Jerusalem.

Travel News : Koolred

Check out the new online community/social networking site from AirAsia's partner, Koolred.

It says, 'if travelling is your passion, get connected now!'

Will see how interesting this turns out to be, since I'm now bored with Facebook. Maybe I can find a travel buddy for next year.

Where, and What Now

Stood on the corner of Jupiter and Mars.

Sometimes life wants you to decide which direction you want to go.

I get that feeling sometimes.

Or maybe I just like signposts and overanalyse too much.

Travel News : Air Asia's Convenience Fee, Update

Grabbed from the AA website :

Convenience Fee

With effect from 5 November 2009, a Convenience Fee is now applicable for all online payments made via credit, debit or charge cards. Please see below for more details on the fee. What is Convenience Fee? A convenience fee is charged when payment is made through credit, debit or charge cards. The fee is charged per guest for each way and only applies to the initial booking. Any changes or addition to existing booking is excluded from the Convenience Fee. Why is the fee introduced? To ensure that our guests are provided a comfortable and safe booking environment AirAsia has invested substantially to expand, implement and maintain our online payment systems and especially, to upgrade, enhance and improve the security features for online credit, debit and charge cards payments. The Convenience Fee is to subsidize the costs of the payment systems. Are there other payment options which do not attract a Convenience Fee? Yes, the Convenience Fee does not apply to direct debit payments. * * * So when you are buying that free seat that's on sale right now, remember to add on RM10 to the ticket price. Happy travelling!

Nature Appreciation in Sukau

I underestimated Sukau.

Didn't expect that I would enjoy nature that much, and I am glad I went ahead despite not having a solid plan to reach Sukau. As this is my third Sandakan trip in the space of a year, I was pretty confident that I could get there on my own.

After managing to get to Kg Sukau on pirated transportation - because I didn't have the budget for packages :( - I checked into my lodgings and immediately spent the whole afternoon napping due to a massive headache that did not go away even after dinner. Gah. The heat does this to me way too often.

Anyhow, since I was the only one there that evening I couldn't go on the cruise anyway as the minimum was 2 pax to go. Hmmph. The bane of solo travellers. Decided to let it go and wait for the next day's cruises.

Where I stayed - Sukau Greenview B&B.

The reception and restaurant across the road.

Hammock, albeit not a very wide one.

This was where I spent mornings and afternoons reading and napping. On the second day there was no electricity in the whole village. Eerily quiet, devoid of any sounds from TVs and radios. I walked the whole length of the kampung.

I was luckier the next day as another guest had checked in, so off we went for the afternoon cruise to Menanggol and later after dinner for the night cruise.

I really, really like boat rides so seeing the wildlife and jungle were added super bonus :) At first I put on the life jacket provided like any other good tourist (and I figured that the crocodiles would have a tough time biting through that nylon, and that bright orange colour would put them off in the first place). Halfway through I removed it cos it was warm, kept it at arm's length, just in case.

Heading towards Menanggol. Soft breeze, evening sun. Bliss.

Towards Menanggol (actually I am not sure if Menanggol is the place or the name of the river :P)

So what did I see? Sadly not the pygmy elephants, although the boat which had left earlier saw two rogues. Didn't take that many pics and hopefully I've got the names correct. Wildlife sighted : kingfishers, owls, rhinoceros hornbills, black hornbills, Borneon Gibbon, Leopard Cat, monkeys galore - proboscis and macaques, snakes like Pope Pit's Viper (?) and yellow banded mangrove snake - in addition to various insects and butterflies. The guide had these wildlife books as reference and they were really handy for the non-informed like me.

Macaques putting on a show.

During the night cruise, the highlight was .... The Milky Way! If only I can take a picture of that very very starry sky - the stars were like tiny twinkling diamonds. It was so beautiful that I shut up and just sat in the boat looking up to the skies. Darn, I need to re-read the constellations.

Heading out from the jetty.

Leopard cat - only managed to capture its gleaming eyes.

Blue-eared kingfisher. I think. Or maybe its the common kingfisher.

Stork billed Kingfisher (?)

On Sunday I left for Sepilok very early via a proper minibus direct from Sukau. After checking in my lodging, I walked over to Sepilok in time for the morning feeding. There's a different alpha male now, I don't remember seeing the mighty CID before. Thankfully it wasn't a really big crowd although there were a group of very young school children who kept getting reminded to keep silent. Oh, they have guards with whistles now to do that, I don't remember the guards from previous visits.

After SORC, I trooped it to the RDC which was skipped on the last trip, arriving there hot and sweating and immediately sought refuge in its cool, airconditioned exhibition hall. What a relief! Decided to follow some of the trails and go up the observatory tower, from Bristlehead to Trogon. It rained when I was halfway along the trails so I hurried it up and decided to take a rest. For such a large area, it looked quite deserted, in fact I was the only one on the trails that day. Bumped into other visitors on the canopy walkway and near the lake.

Favourite tree - the menggaris - en route to Trogon Tower.

What? Only 11m and my legs were already like jelly. Maybe I should forget about Sydney Bridge then.

For the longest time, I have this weird recurring nightmare of melting through metal grilles like this.

Survived that - wasn't so bad :)

Next time I really want to see the elephants, and perhaps brave the leeches and go for that early morning cruise and trek at the Ox Bow Lake. Overall, a happy trip - with only one major mosquito bite, which I just discovered yesterday.

Being out in Nature definitely rocks; maybe there's a Jungle Jane in me after all :). We'll see.

Made.

"Close your eyes and imagine where you want to be. Imagine the complete journey you need to take in order to get there. Now go pack. Your reservations have been made."

- Michelle Ustaszeski, American writer and photographer.

Travel News : Air Asia Imposes "Convenience Fee"?

I caught a little bit of news on this on Air Asia's FB page yesterday. And again today found postings about the matter on Trip Advisor.

An excerpt from a TA member's posting :

"Recently AirAsia has started adding an item called 'Convenience Fee' when one make booking with them. AirAsia introduced this fee stealthily - ie w/o any annoucement or notification.

Worse still, this fee is not shown anywhere in the fare calculation and ONLY appears on the FINAL page of your booking just before you confirmed your credit card or other payment details. I believe this is done intentionally so that for those who are not alert might missed this additional charge."

The 'convenience fee' is RM5 per person per sector. So for a return that's RM10 extra per person. I remember paying a convenience fee on Tiger Airways too. Am not sure whether it is the same rate for international flights.

Unlike the other services, this is not optional so that means we have no choice; boo. I wonder why no official announcement has been made, though apparently it has taken effect immediately, perhaps it's applicable from November onwards. Just be informed travellers!

No Fuel Surcharge. No Admin Fee.

But, say hello to Convenience Fee :s

Travel News : Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2010

From : The Star Online

Wednesday November 4, 2009

Lonely Planet puts country among best-value places to visit

LONDON: Malaysia is among world’s best-value destinations, according to travel guide firm Lonely Planet.

The British-based company, in its Best In Travel 2010 guide, said Malaysia “is a clever choice for travellers on the lookout for a bargain”.

Thanks to the economic crisis, Iceland and London were also among the top 10 destinations, which included Thailand, South Africa, India, Mexico, Bulgaria, Kenya and Las Vegas,

The annual snapshot book captures “the world’s hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead”, Lonely Planet said yesterday.

The economic collapse in Iceland meant the island was no longer punitively expensive, said the guide, putting the beleaguered country at the top of its best-value list.

Thailand, at number two, remained “perennially good value”, said the book.

Meanwhile, London’s days as a costly destination were now over, Lonely Planet said, thanks to the exchange rate which made it “much more affordable for visitors from abroad”.

The top 10 countries overall for travellers were El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and the United States.

The top 10 cities were Abu Dhabi, Charleston (South Carolina), Cork (Ireland), Cuenca (Ecuador), Istanbul, Kyoto (Japan), Lecce (Italy), Sarajevo, Singapore and Vancouver (Canada).

Bali (Indonesia), Goa (India), Koh Kong (Cambodia), Southern Africa and southwest Western Australia featured among the top 10 regions. — AFP

* * * * * * *

An alright list by me. Morocco, anyone?

Travel Gear : An Update

Some months back I wrote about getting a few things for my travels.

So just an update:

(i) microfibre travel bath towel. Check. Got them in Singapore.

(ii) wide brimmed bush hat. Check. Got one in mossy green in Bako.

(iii) adidas kampung four stripes :). Check. Bought a pair in Kuala Penyu.

Changed my mind on :

(i) Combination locks because I found most of my little Tricircle padlocks that I can still use. Plus the good combilocks (TSA) I saw were pretty pricey and not within my budget.

(ii) Leech socks, because I'm just going to avoid leech-infested areas as far as possible. Easier, huh?

Oh and am definitely learning to travel light. So far I have only used my 38l backpack once, the rest of the time I rely on my trusty 28-30l backpack. I read somewhere that 3 pairs of every clothing is all you need for a trip, and I can't agree more. My back and shoulders will thank me for such light loads, especially when there's a lot of walking and moving around.

And yesterday I found and got a pair of binoculars, for my 'nature appreciation' outings.

So no more items on my shopping list, for now :)

Da Vinci : The Genius in KL

Since travelling throughout Europe is still a wish in the distant future, it'll be some time before I can realise my dream to see Leonardo's greatest works.

Well, what do you know : for now Italy can wait :), as Pusat Sains Negara has brought Da Vinci - The Genius, an acclaimed exhibition, direct and all the way from Italy, so we can get to know more about his life as an inventor, artist, scientist, anatomist, engineer and architect.

It runs from 1st October 2009 to 17 January 2010, so since I will have a trip to KL during the period, I will make it a point to visit the exhibition.

I need tickets, so here's Daniel The Gallivanter to the rescue. Thanks!

The tickets are RM25 per adult FREE, by the way. If you would like to have one FREE, all you have to do is read here.

Now to figure out where Pusat Sains Negara is.

Project Alpha : Kenny Sia, The Travelling Marathoner Blogger

Hands up - those who don't know who Kenny Sia is.

Celebrity blogger? Marathon runner? And now, fitness centre entrepreneur?

I had the honour (?) of meeting - or rather, bumping into - him twice :)

The first encounter was at the Borneo International Marathon in KK last year, and then this year it was at the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching. On both occasions, he was very friendly and obliging to small talk and such from blog stalkers like moi.

Took this pic of Kenny, view from the rear at RWMF 2009.

In Episode 7, Kenny the Shy One enjoys a massage session, cut short because he had to ...

So, in this Project Alpha that's currently running, he talks about not having a girlfriend because of the all the travelling that he does; which seems to be every other day from what his blog. I like to read his blog especially when he posts about his travels overseas (and for that reason I read Nicole too).

I say : haiya Kenny, very simple solution; bring your girlfriend along in your travelslah!

If not, I volunteer! As travel buddylah ... :P

It's A Rat's Life

An excerpt from an email I just received:

The Rat - Forecast for 2010

The Year of the Tiger is going to be fast-paced for the Rat, which in itself does tend to make them slightly uncomfortable.

But it is essential that they go with the flow and seize opportunities and take adventures – this year is going to be important for them. A lot of Rats may have dreamt of travel in 2009 but were unable to take trips either due to financial or work commitments. This year will be so different! Travel will feature strongly for many and if there is dream destination in mind, it may become a reality during 2010.

Notice the word, travel? *BIG GRIN*

Indo-endo : Last Few Pictures

Some pictures from Jogja that I just received from Masami-san.

Me and Masami. She's a teacher in a kindergarten/playschool in Tokyo and is an avid traveller.

Walking towards the main site.

By this time it felt like we were getting baked under the sun.

The temples of Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma.

Sayang Kinabalu

"Tinggi-tinggi Gunung Kinabalu,

Tinggi lagi sayang sama kamu .."

The above lines come from the song every Sabahan should know, written by successful local songwriter Asmin Mudin, and sung by his brother Kimin Mudin. The song has been adopted by Sabah Tourism as Sabah's official tourism promotional theme song for the 10 years, and why not, I say.

View of a mist-enveloped Kinabalu at about 0730.

I love this song - so much so that when I hear it, it makes me want to get up and dance the sumazau, with my two left feet and gangly arms.

A short post for today; this morning we had an early start to Ranau to check out the Pesta Durian, Pesta Kubis and Mt Kinabalu Climbathon that's being held this weekend.

"Banyak sayur boleh pilih-pilih" - vegetable patches on the slopes.

We arrived early at Pekan Ranau, had breakfast and then went to the venue for the durian fest. Quite merry but not as much as I expected, went round the exhibits and decided since the programme only starts at 10 am, we would to go to Kundasang.

A display of various types of Durian Ranau.

A contraption to 'peel' the durian - come to think of it I've never attempted to open up one myself. Not good with parangs.

Not much to write about Pesta Kubis, since the main events started yesterday. Ended up buying durians and vegetables from the stalls.

Entrance to Kinabalu National Park was free for today to encourage visitors for the Climbathon. We could hear the gongs being played for the finishing runners and walked from the reception towards the Visitor's Centre where the finish line was. A bright clear day and hot sun - I must have gotten a very good dose of Vitamin D :)

Everytime in KNP, I always stop by at this information board.

View of the finish line - supporters and spectators waiting for the runners.

This guy was basking in the sun right after the finish line, complete with a book!

This was already about 1130 am.

And on the way back we swung by Kota Belud to catch a late glimpse of the Tamu Besar. At the KB junction we stopped at a stall to buy some more wild durians and some fresh tuhau.

'Dahit' and fresh tuhau.

"Apa guna pergi luar negeri,

Tengok Kinabalu,

Hati saya rindu"

Home is where the heart is :)

Now I am thinking of a short holiday in Kundasang soon.

Indo-endo : Bandung

The Lodaya 2 Pagi pulled out at 0930 out of Jogja Station and got underway towards Bandung, 385 kms away, estimated travel time 8.5 hours.

I tried to recall the last time I was on a long distance train journey, and I think it was those days on British Railways from Lancaster to London.

Very comfortable seats, I had the row all to myself so I took advantage of the extra pillows.

And pardon my jakun-ness, I thought the adjustable foot rest was a really nifty feature.

The main stops were at : Kutoarjo (1030), Kebumen (1100), Gombong (1115), Kroya (1145), Kawunganten (1250), Banjar (1400), Tasikmalaya(1500), Cipeundeuy (1600), and finally reaching Bandung at 1755 hrs.

The journey was quite scenic I must say; kampung scenes just like what we have of padi fields, kebun sayur, ubi kayu, pisang, small houses, musollahs, kids playing, mums doing household chores and so on.

Welcome billboard. Tobacco companies are still allowed to advertise, and they do so heavily both in print and on TV (great adverts, by the way).

Stasiun KA Bandung from Jln Kebon Kawong side. I got out from the other side and got rather lost.

Arriving early evening, I experienced the infamous machet (traffic jam) throughout the city and it gave me this massive headache, on top of trying to get more Rupiahs and getting a place to stay as I did not book in advance.

A bad picture of the machet; yeah that was how my head felt. Bad headache afterwards.

The kindly driver drove me to the money changer and later to Paris Von Java where I had my dinner and also bought a 3-pin adapter to charge my handphone and battery. So I did not manage to take any pictures at all on that day.

After confirming the next day's arrangements with the driver, I got back to the hotel tired and took my shower, then settled in. Their SuperSport channel had the Gunners vs BirmCit live so I caught the second half and watch them win 3-1. Classy.

The next morning, after breakfast I took a walk around the neighbourhood and went to look for an internet cafe as well.

At the 24 hour warnet; buzzing with kids playing online games; stank of cigarette smell. Urgh.

At 9:00 am I was back at the hotel where the driver was waiting to drive me to Tangkuban Perahu.

A sizeable weekend crowd was already there when we arrived just under an hour later. The sulphuric smell reminded me of Poring. The area where eggs can be boiled is further away, I decided I needn't see it.

Kawah Ratu, the main crater.

A painting depicting the whole TP recreation area.

Donation box for mosque restoration.

Quite the standard menu here.

Interesting, almost arrid, landscape.

Scarves for sale.

Horse rides.

He's selling these furry hats and bags.

On the way back, we drove through their horticultural zone, where all types of flowers and plants are on sale. Really pretty stuff, apparently people drive all the way as far as Jakarta to get their plants here.

I was back at the hotel at 1:00 pm and checked-out to find another place around Kebon Kawong. After inspecting Hotel Arimbi (very budget, basic), Perdana Wisata (out of my budget), Hotel Serena (okay, a bit old), I found Hotel Unik which belongs to the same company as Hotel Serena. Hotel Unik is newer and fresher looking, under 2 months old and located on the same alley as Kartika Sari.

Don't mind my mess :P

Tuty told me Kartika Sari is famous for its pastry (and only available in Bandung) so I stopped by and tried out the individual portions, quite yummy I must say. I especially liked their savoury local kuehs, my favourite is the potato croquette with a little green chilli sticking out of it, as well as the pulut-bakar-like kueh, I can't recall the names.

Inside spacious Kartika Sari. They didn't allow close-ups of the pastries though.

Baked cheese brownies - yummy, a combination of sweet and salty tastes. The brownies kukus is also soft and yummy.

After checking in I proceeded to Pasar Baru Trade Centre. It was so crowded, both with locals and visitors and I heard some Malaysians too. No pictures, I didn't feel comfortable whipping out my camera every now and then in the crowd. They sell many many things here over the 5 (?) floors, mostly clothings and bags and shoes.

Later, I decided to go straight to Dago on an 'angkot', a mini van that's everywhere in the city centre. I actually stopped at the wrong place (too far up) and had to take another angkot to go back down the road. So there at Dago I spent about 2 hours traipsing around the outlets. Didn't really damage my purse much, and managed to find a few things that I wanted.

Coffee break.

Batangor and siomay with its gravy. Tasty.

Throwing caution to the wind, I had a quick bite of batangor and siomay from a street vendor and it was very tasty. After another hour or so, I left Dago to return to the hotel, also in an angkot, albeit I had to switch angkots halfway as the direct angkots have ceased service for the day.

On my last night in Indonesia, I had a very late dinner at this newish Chinese resto called Golden Duck and then walked 15 minutes to get to an internet cafe (actually it's inside someone's house); got back to my hotel at around midnight. Woke up late the next morning, had breakfast and went for my morning walk before stopping by at Kartika Sari to buy some brownies back.

My last meal in Bandung, which was the breakfast at the hotel. Anything rice always comes with the kerupuk.

Checked out and went to the airport early, only to be bored as it was really small and there's nothing to browse. Long story short, was in LCCT by 1830 and had to wait for my 2125 flight to KK.

* * * * * * * *

Between the two cities, I'd go back to Jogja if given the chance. Indonesia is a very affordable place to travel to, even on a budget, you'd have options. Now, if you intend to splurge, it's even better!

One day, some day?