Tuesday, September 20, 2011

摸鱼之旅 Batu Pahat, Johor

I have been visiting this town for X times. Now I've only discovered the exciting spots. Before this, I used to think that this is a dumb dumb boring place. Having a week-off, mom planned a day trip to this town called Batu Pahat, Johor (southern Malaysia).

The sis & I, didn't really look forward to this trip initially.


1st Spot: 四海龙王大伯公庙

Surprisingly, there were lots of people. Unexpected.

We were suppose to rinse our hands with this delicate miniature fountain before entering the temple.

Beside the miniature fountain, there's a statue of 貔貅王 (King of Pi Xiu). The temple keeper is really thoughtful. They actually provides the description beside the statue & also have the emcee to do the elaboration.








There's lots of Goddess Statues in this temple. A circle though small, yet is complete.



Had our little model demo on making wish to Laughing Buddha. *grin*
Steps:
#1: u gotta have a very sincere face. *lol*
#2: touch on Laughing Buddha's tummy.

#3: ring the bell & make a wish.
 








































































龙泉井 LongQuan Well
Well water can be used for to wash the car plate, house plate & shower.


太岁府 Jupiter House
Believe if you go through the altar, you will get to change your fate.



善财童子 Zenzai boy
Zenzai boy is that accompanied on both sides of the Bodhisattva.










the White Alligator
It is said that before, you will see a white alligator at Batu Pahat Riverside. 

According to the legend, whoever sees the white alligator, will get wealthy in life and goes up the ladder in your career. Therefore, feel free to touch this white alligator that will bring us good luck.


Beside the lake, there's a Match Maker 月老 (Chinese Cupid). A lot of people come here to pray for their love/relationship. They will either tie the knot with the red string or lock the "love lock" at the Valentine's Bridge & throw the key into the river as a sign of in love forever.


 





































Other scenes in the temple...


2nd Spot: Pantai Minyak Beku

A great venue to do BBQ party at night. During day time, you may do your fishing over here or strolling.







3rd Spot: 石文丁Segenting - the Fish Village

The final destination & also what we're looking forward for the entire trip--摸鱼 (touch the fish).

A lot people coming to the temple for fortune & blessings for the beloved. During holidays or weekend, you will see busloads of tourists visiting to this temple. Most of them are here to strike their luck.

You can see there was a lot people jostling for the pool just to get near the fishes.

But what so special about the fishes & what kind of fishes are they?!
See! So many people desperate about it! I can't even get myself in! Just bcoz the people believe that once you touch on the fish, you will be able to strike your TOTO or 4D or any gambling stuff.... =.=||




























 


Well, they are the Lake Monster - Arapaimas. Yes, lake monster not any giant coil fishes. *lol*


They are South American tropical freshwater fish and also a living fossil of the largest freshwater fish in the world. They can grow up to 5m long.


Sorry that I have no guts to touch the Arapaimas. They looked rather scary to me though they kept on swim near to me. I've only managed to take a picture of these desperate people pounding on them.


There is also an altar of the Dragon King facing to the Straits of Malacca. They named it as Crystal Palace. Usually are the fishermen here to pray before they set their sail out for fishing.




Frankly speaking, I find this trip benefited me a lot. I'd never thought that it could be so interesting till I had experienced it. It's worth to tag along your family to pay a visit.


Friday, September 16, 2011

the Borneo Island - Kota Kinabalu

God has been very generous to me. I got a 3 days 2 nights Complimentary Stay for 2 in Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.  Kota Kinabalu is often known as KK within Malaysia and internationally. 

There go I invited my sis, Muzanko, to go with me.



This's my very first time taking off with AirAsia Flight. Here we go, to the Borneo Island!!!

The weather wasn't bad that day, kind of cozy. Just like everyone did, took a shot from the window seat.
Actually, the meal wasn't that bad at all after hearing from so many people complaining about meal from AirAsia Airline. I've ordered myself a Bolognese Spaghetti @ RM12.
At least it did look good & taste good to me.

We did not arrange any ground transfer service. We just rented a "Putt Putt" (car) from the travel agency @ RM160/24hrs with RM200 refundable deposit.
 

We were welcomed by a group of hotel staff at the Foyer, made me feel like a super star. Very satisfied with their hospitality service.
I was attracted by the plant decoration at the front foyer. Can't help to keep snapping pic of it! People might think I'm crazy or Imba! *LOL*
What?! Performance happening at the foyer?! It's brilliant to promote the culture at the foyer. Especially the resort was full of foreigners..Mostly came from Hong Kong, Japan, States, Taiwan & Korea.
After check-in, we just couldn't wait to dash into our room...
The resort itself is just like a legend with lots of cool decoration.
and...we began to snap snap snap with the awesome deluxe room!




Provided a complete set of sanitary stuff.
The most thoughtful part was...they even prepared us the laundry powder.

There was a big piece of mirror...so...CAMWHORE session again! *rofl*
The view from balcony...
The greatest part of this resort was....they have their own water park!!!!! Love it MAX!!!
For sure we utilized them thoroughly. It's so effin' awesome fun!

and, u know what?! They even have private beach! Damn, I just can't help falling in love with this resort. 

So I quickly changed my clothes and ran to the beach!!! 





Before I came to Borneo, I actually claimed that I will wear bikini & run around at the beach. Finally, I've achieved what I had promised! ~ ε=ε=ε=ε=ε=ε=┌(; ̄◇ ̄)┘
There are so many swimming pools. In the morning, they had lots of activities in the resort. We enjoyed the water aerobic dance and had so much fun.



 At night, the pools will "glow in the dark". It's really beautiful...






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
They even have a very very nice cozy romantic bar. In fact, they have more than 1 bar.



We went there to have some drinks at the Sunset bar...lying on the couch. It's really relaxing..
 

The next day, we had our breakfast at the T.A.T.U. cafe. We were welcomed by a cartoon character everyday. The first day was a superman.
 
It was so crowded even we been there as early as like 7.30am. They served variety of food. The most popular was the pastries kiosk. 


 
 There was a little corner specially for kid.... Parents & guardians are not allow to touch that corner....not even allow to help the kid. :P


Frankly speaking, I could just only spend my time in the resort itself. However, journey still have to go on...So, we grabbed our putt putt & went to town without GPS (we totally have no idea how to go to the town).
1st station: Filipino Market along the Waterfront 
Had the Married Mee = Fried Mee + Fried MeeHun , it's a funny combination. Yet, it tastes good. *grin*

 Ice Kacang/ ABC (Ice-Blended), with pasta in it o.O

After that, we went to Sutera Harbour. Since lots of people strongly recommend that place..But, I don't find anything special over there.
Then, at night, we went back to Waterfront & had our dinner over there in a Chinese Restaurant, Port View SeaFood Village, which had cultural performance that night.
We just enjoyed every moment being there.


 











The next day, we went back to waterfront again... Just bcoz we haven't tried the fusion food at the boardwalk. We had no regret & we had the most delicious cuisine at the boardwalk though the food look pretty normal + average.





It's time to say goodbye to KK...I'm gonna miss u!!

I would definitely come back to Borneo Island again. I'm gonna have another Borneo adventure trip in the future. There is more to explore.