Life at Singapore

It’s been quite long since I last update by Blog spot. Since I started my job as M&E engineer at developing main contractor company, life become busy. Working 6 day week is really not easy, some more, Sunday also need to go back to site office to work. The project that I was currently working on is a million condominiums plus 3 block of semi-detached house.

The amenities inside are so good where you can expect the private car park lots, combined swimming pool-Jacuzzi-splash pool, fitness centre. Everything was so well planned including the furniture, M&E items, and architectural finishes and so on.

Nothing much I could expect if I could own one of it.

My life at Singapore is just like a roller coaster where every day I just repeating the same old routine: wake up-breakfast-go work-lunch-dinner-sleep. A fruitful result always starts by a very tough beginning. Life is meaningful if you believe what you are doing now is correct, it’s what you want to achieve. May be hope is just a sense of tiny light, but what could be expected more if it appears from a utter darkness.

Thus, I would like to rephrase again my words. Life is not like a roller coaster, but it’s a rolling stone, as the same repeating routine will always bring us forward, train us as a better men.
Here I am lucky to meet a boss who is considerate and thanks him for lots of opportunities given. He’s a real working man from Malacca who likes to share experience with people especially young guy like me. Thus, sometime we will go out for lunch or dinner or after meeting, he will talk to me. His philosophy sound this way: Everybody as a team must communicate and ensure the message is well received by others, identify the problem and sort it out in no time.

Well, enough for working portion. My other part of life is always going online to watch movie. Since I start to work at Singapore at Nov. So I had the opportunities to celebrate Christmas and New Year at Singapore. Believe me; Christmas and New Year at Singapore are grand. Along the Orchard road, you will find the whole street was adorned by blue and white shinning twinkle lights on real and artificial Christmas trees. New year was celebrated at Harbor Front. It’s started with a 10-minute fire cracker performance. New year new hope.

Now, I am waiting for the coming of Chinese New Year. But before go back to Malaysia, sure there’s lots of work to settle before I can flee away. It’s normal as superior will always use their own human (perhaps monster) skills to push you to meet the deadline. What could be expected more from a superior? Irk!

All right! That’s all. It’s time to bed. Opps….before I forget,
Wish everybody a happy and prosperous Chinese new year. Gong Xi Fa Cai.

Jakarta or Batavia Photo

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah/ Mini-Indonesia Indah Garden's Photos. Inside has varios theme parks and exhibited myraid types of Indonesia's traditional buildings and houses. The garden compound is big. Thus, it was a rush visiting for us (We spend half day at here only to stroll around with the help of F.O.C transport). It's preferable to spend one day if want to understand their heritage.

Building which mark the chinese settlement at Indonesia. (Below)

The outlook of 'WTC mangga dua' shooping complex. Here I would like to explain that my camera was not good enough to take a nice shot when the day getting dark. So just bared with some of the following very low quality's photos which I took at night. Hehe...
Chinese hawker centre near WTC mangga dua shopping centre. Unfortunately, the moment we arrived was still early for dinner. Therefore many stalls were still not open yet. Much of the chinese foods here can also be found at Malaysia. Here we even found a stall which sold Penang Delicacies.

Inside'Kota' railway station.

Merdeka square at night. The white colour tower is their national monument erected on August 17, 1961. Even Ir. Soekarno(1st president of Indonesia) also involved in the architectural planning.

Jakarta or Batavia, a complicated experience

It was Jakarta, a 3D2N trip yet the first flight of my life time. On 4th Sept. 2009, with a big bag behind, I was on board AirAsia to Jakarta with my friend. It was an uneventful journey. By the time the plane touching down Soekarna-Hatta International Airport, the clock ticked at 10.30a.m. of Jakarta time (Jakarta’s time lack 1 hour behind Malaysia.)

All in all, this trip was great as it marks lots of 1st time. Here the '1st' trademark goes. It's my 1st experience on board; 1st 'Bajai’-hire (a 3-tyred mini moving vehicle with a cabinet behind to fetch passengers); 1st experience on 'non-asih' (non air-conditioning) train with an open door; 1st experience to catch the mini-bus on the middle of 3-lane road.

It was a journey overwhelming with complicated feeling as we were worried of securities. According to a local Chinese lady it was now Ramadan month and the crime’s rate might accelerate as lots of poors began to steal, rob and etc in order to gain some money to celebrate Hari Raya Aldilfitri. In addition, the dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia regarding culture and heritage issues where cluster of Indonesian held their protest in front of Malaysia ambassador at Jakarta. Last but not least, the Indonesia maid issues; Shame because we not dared to admit that we were Malaysians; Pleasant as we were welcomed by 'WTC Mangga Dua' shopping complex where inside we bargained lots of cheap items such as clothes, Indonesian batik, Lap-top bags, Stockings and Shirts; Look weird as 1st day we didn't have our food until 5p.m.. We had our 1st meal fierce fully. When we realized that it was fasting month, Muslims around the restaurant already stared at us with pair of weird eyes. We should had our dinner slowly and quietly to show our respect; Exhausted as most of the time we walk with both our legs and I couldn't sleep well at night; Sympathy as we saw lots of kids who didn't have shelters to sleep under. The street was their homes and the cardboard was their beds. Sorrow surged through my heart when the mother had to collect the plastic bottles and cans from the rubbish pile up by the street with her son/daughter bared bottom-part of his/her body and slept beside her mom; Drunk as I drank "Bintang" beer every night (Actually, I just drank some beers to cool down my body); Funny as we had to pretend like we didn't know Bahasa Melayu and lots of funny things happened following this. The local hardly explained the direction for us in English (It was like killing them brutally when they had to speak English); Distinct when we made our path though a night market in our way to “Yogjakarta railway station”. Along the road which stretched 100m along the stilts-railway, set up many stalls which sold myriad of goods, foods and beverages. The road was congested with all the Malay people and we were the only Chinese with clear distinct skin. Night sky was contained with thick smoke exhausted by motorbikes stuck along the road and noise of people chit-chat, people who bargained prices, people strayed along the road and owners who tried to promote their goods; Astonishing to witness the Komodo Dragon, kind of 4-leg reptile with the size as large as crocodile, 2m long, a poisonous reptile found only in Indonesia all over the world; Cruel, the staff in Reptile farm used live chick to feed the snake; Proud of Malaysia. We met the U.S. guy, Mr. David at Jakarta, who we successfully teased him to visit Malaysia. At the end of our conversations, he was extremely interesting in Malaysia. Following, he went to seek tour agency to arrange his journey to Malaysia.


Perhaps, I should stop my pen now and let the picture explain everything. A picture worth thousand words. Much of the time I really wanted to take down the photos of important and precious moment. Alas, I was stop by my friend for afraid that it might disturb them or camera being robbed as much of the time we put ourselves in certain complicated situations by riding on the public transport. It was once when I was worn by an Indonesian at 'Kota train station' at night as the result of photo shooting. Thus, I was left with no choice but to store all my memories vividly, rearranged and conveyed it in concise manner.

Wish you enjoy reading it!

Our flight number was QZ 7691, an Indonesia base AirAsia Jet.

My friend, kee ping, and I on flight.

Jakarta panoramic view when the flight was descending.

Damri was the air-conditioning bus we hop on at Soekarno-Hatta International airport and hop off at Dambir near our guess house.

In front of Bloem Steen Hostel, the guess house we stay overnight for 2 nights. Lots of european backpackers liked to stay at here. It was clean, nice and cheap. 80,000 rph per night (around RM32)

Fornt view of the hostel where the guess can rest while having beers.

The mini-bus which was congested with people.

Reckless drivers (car and bajai) tried to made U-turn on the massive traffic flows. The traffics flow in Jakarta was twice compared to Kuala Lumpur.

The signboard alert that only cars with at least 3 passengers are allow to use the routes. One of the measures take by government to reduce the massive traffic jam.

The breath-taking city of central Jakarta.

Idol of 'Anjungan Java Tengah' (A place at Java). It was the duplicated Idol that we found at Mini Garden of Indonesia.

Photo sessions at the Mini garden of Indonesia. At Indonesia, do expect to give small tips for whatever helps or entertainment provides by the local. Even photo shooting like this also cost us 1000 rph. Although the amount was little, but we were not suppose to pay as we had paid the entrance fees.

The 2m-long Komodo Dragon the I mention above.

Our supper at Dim Sum's Restaurant.

Our room at Bloem Steen Hostel. Quite decent space for the price we paid.

Me outside of the guess house on last day before we proceeded to Airport.

Last moment on Bajai. My friend took for me while on the way to Damri's bus station.

In the nutshell, as a Malaysian, we should feel gratitude. Thanks to our ancestors from China who set up a strong base with their sweat for the prosperities of future generation; The drastic role play by our government to eradicate poverty; Malaysia, the land bless with lots of scenic and untouched natural resources; Politic stability; Working opportunities and the government’s tolerance in culture and religious issues. Just imagine how lucky we are when the Chinese at Indonesia even didn’t understand their mother tongue and the further deadline of Chinese culture in the land of Batavia. This make Malaysia such an extraordinary place where there is nowhere else over the world you can find culture, religion and heritage from Malay Archipelago, India and China live in harmony. Perhaps, we shall strive forward in order to preserve this invaluable Heritages be it Chinese, Malay, Indian or other minority group such as indigenous tribe, straits Chinese / Baba-Nyonya, Portuguese or Eurasian.

( Stay tuned, following will feature some videos and pictures while I was in Jakarta......)

2D1N Pangkor Island Retreat conti......

It was next morning. Night before I couldn't get a nice sleep, the time i woke up already 9a.m. which was far long after Uncle woke up's time as he needed to go to the cottage factory to check and collect the products he ordered yesterday's afternoon.

Thus, alone, I went to the restaurant around the town to have my breakfast. I chose to eat the hand-make "want tan mee" or literally called "dumpling noodle" which i thought was the most worthwhile to try. After all, the noodle was not bad.

After that, i went straightly to meet uncle at the cottage factory which is located behind one of the shoplets in the town.

The tilted wood-path that stretch few metres away from the shore behind the shoplets.

Remarkable fishing village at Pangkor island.

The ships that parked near the off shore behind the shoplets. These are just few of lots more.

Inside the cottage factory, which normally the owner wouldn't allow outsiders to visit, I had a chance to glance through the process of making delicious dried fish. I was lucky enough to meet uncle as he knew the factory's owner well that I have the privilege to visit the factory(as the owner thought that i was friend of uncle from K.L. Hehe.). The process of making the dried fish look easy, but it needs skill especially the secret gravy which only the boss know how to prepare. Alas, the time i reached the factory, the gravy already well prepared. Thus, just look at the picture below for a rough explanation of dried fish making process.

At first, the workers would use this machine to press the "dried fish" which they bought from the trader.

Then the flatten dried fishes inside the blue plastic basket would be put inside the basin filled with the special gravy. It was followed by putting them on the long tray (beside the basin) so that the dripping gravy would flow back to the basin. (to avoid wastage)

Once the gravy stop dripping, it would be put on the big rectangular tray and ready to be push into the oven. The baking time range from 10mins to 30mins. Depend on the soft or crunchy dried fish you wish to produce.

The baked dried fishes were ready for packing. After my objective to document down the process of making dried fishes was achieved,I decided to walk around the small town of Pangkor Island.

The big tree which I believed to be the oldest tree at one of the edges of the town.

Inside the Island, motorbike is the most convenience vehicle to use. Most of the motorbikes are parked at the roadside of the town.

Pangkor Island is also popular for its dried anchovies. Thus, I won't miss the chance to visit the factory. According to the worker, this type of fish can only grow up to few centimeters. After the fishes were catched, fishermen would use the sea water to boil the fishes while on their way back from deep sea. Once touch down, the fishes would be dried under the sun. Result was the salted anchovies.

I was standing in the middle of "sea of anchovies".

Inside the factory, the workers were busy separating the anchovies of different types and according to its quality.

It was around 12p.m. when i finsihed visiting the town. Then, I continued to visit the chinese temple named "Fu ling Kong". It was the most beautiful and established chinese temple at Pangkor Island. Tourists won't miss the chance to visit the temple while visiting Pangkor Island. This is partly due to its famous miniature china great wall erect behind the temple. During my visiting, I took the opportunity to ask fortune( to predict my future). Outcome was not so well.

Normally the indian and chinese will pray at the temple.

Miniature China Great Wall at Fu Ling Kong.

Open view of the Island facing peninsular malaysia which i took at the hill behind Fu Ling Kong.

After that i returned to the town to have my lunch and later proceeded to the "Dutch Fort" which was erected long time before. The fort was built by Dutch in 1670 for storage and protection of tin supplies from Perak. In 1690, it was destroyed by villagers to show their discontent over the methods used by The Dutch in obtaining the mineral. In 1743, it was rebuilt again by The Dutch and a force of 60 soldiers were placed to guard the fort until 1748 when the force was disbanded and the fort abondoned.

It was later reconstructed by Museums Department in 1973 and was gazetted as an ancient monument and historical site.

The remaining of Dutch Fort.

Following, I went to Teluk Segadas. This is an abondone beach and the only road to access through the beach is through Kampung Teluk Gendung. After passing through the Dutch Fort, you may notice a green signbord, wrote "Kampung Teluk Gendung". Besides the signboard,is a small concrete pavement which will lead you through the bushes and finally a jungle. One has to trek pass the jungle in order to reach the the beach.

At first, I was little bit worried as I took the risk to walk alone through the jungle. Later, it was proved to be excited as I was invited by breath-taking view of white sandy beach and crystal clear water adorned by wild-abondone tropical forest. The only moving creature that invited me were the giant lizards settling at the small river at one side of the beach. It was quite frightening for a first visitor like me as i even didn't know that there were giant lizards. Who knew it was the snake waited in front! Haha.

Enchanting teluk segadas beach with crystal blue water and soft white sandy beach.

My exploration finished at Teluk Segadas.

Perhaps Pangkor Island, located at the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is not famous without reasons. Greeting in front of the island is the decades old fishing villages with most of the chinese settle at the town while malay at the rural area; beautiful beaches such as teluk nipah, teluk segadas, pantai pasir bogak, turtle bay and so on; Rich history hidden behind was the Pangkor Treaty which marked the arrival of British Colonization Era and historical heritage of The Dutch Fort.

2D1N Pangkor Island Retreat

I decided to board to Pangkor Island at last minute without much consideration in order to kick-start the plan which I delayed for almost 3 years. Overall it was fruitful and rejuvenates.

On first day, 7th August 2009, I proceeded to Lumut from Pudu Raya at 10.30am. It was a well journey and I managed to reach Lumut at 3.20pm. By chance, I met with a middle-age man who I called him “Uncle” while I was on bus. He came to Pangkor Island alone to collect some Pangkor Island produced and distribute it to the retail shops in Kuala Lumpur. Thank to him, who guided me to the Lumut Jetty which was just beside Lumut bus station; introduced me a chalet operated by Chinese with quite a low price and a nice free-dinner; visiting to the dried satay fish and squid, a local produced cottage factory.

It took about 30 minutes to reach Pangkor Island. By the time, the cloud was covering with grey clouds and small rain began to drip. Lucky for me, it lasted not long. I rent a motorbike(RM 40 per day) from Ah boon through the chalet’s owner introduction and begin the Island explore escapade. The road at the east side is quite flat and smooth, but believe me,the road at the other side of the island is steep and winding and could be very dangerous for inexperienced motorists. It took about 45 minutes to 1 hour for a non-stop roaming around the whole island.

Among the beaches which I visited along the road was Pasir Bogak beach, Turtle Bay, Nipah Bay and Dalam Bay. The first stop I made was Pasir Bogak beach. It was a long golden sandy beach with green-blue water. Near or along the beach, there are several hotels which provide accommodation with moderate price and some facilities which allow cluster of people to organize group activities and company seminar. Among those are sea view apartment and coral beach resort. Things that you can do include sun-bathing, swimming or even rent a boat to go to opposite Pangkor Laut Island for snorkeling. The little island is where the famous and luxury Pangkor Laut Resort located. According to folks, the price for the resort could reach RM 1000 per night; definitely not for common people to stay, me neither. Without much elaboration, the highlight is at night as I revisited the beach again; you can stroll around the beach and search for limestone. According to group of young local ladies whom I asked for information regarding limestone, the lime stones are of the size of sand and will shine in blue under utter darkness. Unfortunately after I searched for an hour, without any findings, I decided to give up while consoling myself that the moon was quite bright which alter by searching difficulties. What a brilliant excuse. Hehehe……

Small boats which park at the beach. Quite a calm sea-water and gentle breeze.

Another part of the beach with beach’s volleyball facility.

Next stop is Turtle Bay, the bay was very nice, but the sea water was quite roaring and I got bottom part of my semi-short pant wetted while took photo shooting.

The roaring sea-water adds an incredible scene to already-scenic-landscape.

Hut that extends out to the sea at coastline of Turtle Bay.

Oh! Before I forget there is a lookout tower locates beside the road between Pasir Bogak and Turtle Bay. Don’t miss the chance to cease and climb to the top of the lookout point to have a glance of panoramic view of the Straits of Malacca.

The lookout point locate beside the road on hill side.

One shall take precaution as the staircase of lookout point is quite narrow.

Panoramic view of Straits of Malacca.

After that I proceeded to Nipah Bay. The atmosphere is lively with several budget chalets or hostels along the roadside. Opposite of the chalets are the souvenirs outlets which sell some fine decorative make of seashells, batiks, foot wear and hand wear as well as shirts with the name of ‘Pangkor Island’ printed on it. Besides, there are plenty of food stalls along with souvenirs outlets which sell local and sea food such as Nasi Lemak (coconut milked cooked-rice top with boiled eggs, fried anchovies, slices of cucumber and spicy chilly gravy), Satay (Skewer of meat which grille under charcoal fire and serve with special make gravy with nut mixture, slices of cucumber, big onion and some with cubed ketupat), Keropok, Mix rice, chicken rice and so on. All the souvenirs outlets and food stalls are facing the seaside. One can enjoy the beauty of mother nature while having the food.

Nipah Bay is the place where you find local and foreign tourists hang out and stay. Thus, it is easy to assume that Nipah Bay is the best place to stay while visiting Pangkor Island. The resort which I personally recommend is Seagull B.V. Resort, out of curiosity or by chance, the boss Mr. Tan if I’m not mistaken, is generous enough to take me to visit the rooms. The cheapest room rate for single/double is RM 30 with Asto T.V. and air conditioner provided. The resort can accommodate 120 people at a same time with seminar hall and canteen which serve food. Free internet service and mini library also form part of the resort facilities. It is 10 minutes walk inside from the main road and lay beside the tropical forest, remarkable place for those who would wish to have tranquility environment at night.

This mark the first day of my visit. Exhaust but compact.

The town, a stone's throw away from jetty, of the fishing village.

The shop, Chop Hai Li, is the place where I stay overnight.

The room is decent for 2 people but able to squeeze in 3 people with fan and air conditioner provided.