RETURN TO KLIAS WETLAND

I returned to Klias Wetland after a year on a tour with a group of Japanese students last Friday.

This is the main attraction of the jungle river cruise - the Proboscis monkey. I took the Klias river cruise package, operated by Borneo Authentic Adventure Sdn. Bhd.

It was a pleasant walk of less than a minute to their jetty and restaurant using the plank walk.This open-air restaurant built on stilts can accommodate about 150 people. Refreshment - coffee or tea with the traditional Malay cookies and cakes.Visitors can venture into the wetland jungle through another plank walk to take a closer look at the wetland and flora. This operator has a fleet of 10 long boats - A boatman was getting ready for the cruise.Cruising along the Klias river in search of the Proboscis monkeys and other wildlife, like the monitor lizards and water birds. The silver leaf monkeys and macaques are also in abundance in the area. The long boats returning just before sunset for dinner before the second outing to watch fireflies.

A varieties of Malay dishes to pick. The meal was delicious. I gave the kitchen team 9/10 points. I noticed that some the Japanese students went for second and even a third round.

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It was a pleasant trip. I had a fabulous time revisiting the wetland. The "Kampung" (local) Malay cuisine was marvellous!.

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2011 (2)

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2011

This Chinese New Year, with no exception, we had our family gathering at home and invited a Lion troupe to celebrate with us. Many believe that the "lions" are regarded as guardian creatures to scare away evil spirits and to summon good luck, fortune and prosperity at home. New Year greeting from the troupe consisting of a Golden and two Red lions. The Golden lion was to perform the the traditional custom of "cai ching" (採青), literally means "plucking the greens", which would usher good fortune and luck. We offered beer and oranges to the Golden lion to start the performance. The "joker" was inviting the "lion" to take the beer.

Going for the last can of beer!

We provided a tray of lettuce, oranges and a Pomelo to the lion as the final "cai ching" (採青) items. The lion was lying down to "work" on the "greens" Finally, this Golden lion returned the tray with the pomelo beautifully peeled and decorated with "gold" - symbolizing life and a new beginning.

and.... left four orange lucky numbers on the floor!

Our family gathering would never end without food. Dinner was ready after the Lions' performance.

FLOWERS AND DINNER ON VALENTINE'S DAY

It was Roses and dinner for my wife on Valentine's day. I was one of the early birds at the florist shop ordering this bouquet of red roses.

I always like red roses and so does my wife.

Many people believed that red roses are the ultimate symbol of love and convey respect and love.

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In the evening, we had dinner at the Nagisa Japanese restaurant in the Hyatt Regency.

We had sashimi, salad, tempura as our side dishes with the main course of "Unagi" and grilled "Tara".

Grilled "Tara"

Unagi

Mixed tempura

We finished off the dinner with Green tea ice cream (抹茶アイスクリーム, Matcha aisu kurīmu). It was a pleasant evening with good food ( a little too much though) and of-course, with very good and loving company!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

14FEB is a day for people all over the world to celebrate the day with love, care, romance and peace.

I would like to wish everybody a happy Valentine's Day and enjoy the spirit of Valentine!

YUSHENG (鱼生) FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR

Yusheng (鱼生) is a popular Chinese-style raw fish salad served during the Chinese New Year. This dish is served to raise "Good Luck". This dish usually consists of raw fish slices, like salmon, mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments.

Slices of salmon were added on.

The final touch with all ingredients on the plate.

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During our family reunion dinner, we had this Yusheng (鱼生). My family members tossed the shredded ingredients into the air to mark the starting of a prosperous New year!.

Yusheng (鱼生) to the Chinese is considered a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor.

GONG XI FA CAI !

In Malaysia, Chinese New Year falls on 03FEB 2011 - just one and a half hour away! According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit, which begins on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are friendly and enjoy the company of a group of good friends. They are good teachers, counselors and communicators, but also need their own space.
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Wishing everyone a Happy and a prosperous Chinese New year!

CHINESE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL AT GAYA STREET

We went over to check out the Chinese New Year carnival at Gaya street last night. The whole street was lighted up with red lanterns and crowded with people.

The entrance to Gaya Street.

Along the street, there were many stalls selling Chinese New year goodies and all kinds of stuff just like the 'Pasar Malam' (night market).

Temaki...Chinese style. A family shopping for Chinese New Year.

The highlight of the carnival was the stage performance which included traditional Chinese dances, arts and songs.

A talentime show was in progress when we arrived. We stayed for about about an hour enjoying a colourful evening.