Free & Easy Travel to Zhouzhuang, Suzhou, Shanghai & Hangzhou (12th - 17th September 2008)

Photograph - from Left: myself, Wan Heng Kei, elder brother, Heng Wah, Nephew, Wan Wai Onn, younger brother, Heng Wan (Back) & wife, Rina (in front), Niece, Wan May Suet & elder sister, Wan Lai Meng.
( Photograph taken at West Lake, Hangzhou ).

Another photograph of myself and my elder sister taken at the 9-turn zigzag bridges, Xiaoying Island, West Lake, Hangzhou

Group Photograph of Wan Family taken at the "Romance of the Song Dynasty' , Song Dynasty Town, Hangzhou

This was our first travel via Air Asia-X. Once again, thank you Air Asia-X for providing us cheap and reasonable airfares to Hangzhou. After browsing the internet, we decided to conduct our "own tours" of various cities within The Yangtze Delta, i.e. Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou & Zhouzhuang. There were 7 (seven) of us from The Wan Family of Tiong Nam Settlement, Kuala Lumpur, namely, my elder brother, Heng Wah, elder sister, Lai Meng, younger brother, Heng Wan & wife, Rina, daughter, May Suet, son, Wai Onn and myself, Heng Kei.

Our flight to Hangzhou via Air Asia X Flight D 72602 departed LCCT on 12 September 2008 @ 8.10am and arrived at Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport within the scheduled arrival time of 13.10 pm. After immigration clearance, we proceeded to Gate 5 to purchase the bus tickets for the Hangzhou airport shuttle service to Hangzhou Railway Station @ RMB 15/person. On arrival, we enquired with the locals as we intended to purchase CRH (or China Railway Highspeed) train services to Shanghai. Unfortunately, we could not board the next train D 678 departing at 5.25 pm as the Railway station was packed with local commuters going back to their respective hometowns; that Friday being the beginning of the weekend and the coming Sunday a National Holiday (Mid Autumn cum Lantern Festival) with Monday being a replacement holiday. We were lucky to get the next CRH train D 680 leaving at 18.18pm. The journey from Hangzhou to Shanghai South Station with a distance of approx. 160 Kilometres took 78 minutes (as compared as the usual 3 to 3 1/2 hours by normal bus). The CRH train travelled as fast as 170 KM/hour and it was smooth ride all the way. It was so comfortable that I managed to catch some extra sleep for about 20 minutes during the trip. In fact, during the 5 hours flight from LCCT to Hangzhou; eventhough I was tired, I could not get more sleep than inside the CRH train. The CRH train took exactly 1 hour and 18 minutes to arrive at Shanghai South Station. On arrival, we walked to our pre-booked Shanghai O.K. Hotel located about 300 Metres from the Southern Exit. The Shanghai O.K Hotel (http://www.okhotel.cn/ ) was a reasonable budget hotel and cost us RMB 188/twin beds with full internet access. The free internet access was useful to me as I brought along my laptop and every available free time, I was on-line with the internet world and my working office clearing the outstanding workload. At times, I worked up to 2.00 am in the morning, thus for me, it was more like a working holiday (at my expense). The location of this hotel was perfect especially when it was so near to the Shanghai South Railway Station which was also the inter-change station for Shanghai Metro Station Line 1 & 3. At any Metro Station, you can travel to a total of 9 (Nine) different Metro lines within Shanghai as well as the 2 (two) Railway Stations, the Main and South Stations. Furthermore, the cost of travelling via Metro (for all lines) is reasonable at mimimum RMB 3/person and maximum RMB 6/person. Within 5 to 10 minutes walk from Shanghai O.K. Hotel, you can find cheap & reasonable food stalls. Also, the Shanghai South Bus Terminal as well as the Shanghai Long Distance South Terminal are less than 5 minutes walk away.

Night view of The Bund facing Pudong. My nephew, younger brother & wife and elder brother.

Another photograph of myself taken with the colonial buildings in the background. The Bund, Puxi, Shanghai

Photograph of myself taken at Tiger Hill Scenic Area, Suzhou, Jiangsu

For our first " on-our-own tour " , we decided to visit the famous garden city of Suzhou. It was so easy to travel there. Within the Shanghai South Railway Station, there are 2 other Metro Lines, i.e. Line 1 (which goes the the main Shanghai Railway Station) and Line 3. All you need to do is to take Line 1 to Shanghai Indoor Stadium (2 stops) and then inter-change to Line 4 for the next stop at Shanghai Stadium. Alternatively, you can just take Metro Line 1 only to Shanghai Indoor Stadium and then a slow 10 minutes walk to Shanghai Stadium. Our targeted destination was Shanghai Sightseeing Bus Centre (SSBC) which was located at staircase No. 5, Gate 12 of Shanghai Stadium. At SSBC, you can join the locals or foreigners for numerous cheap and reasonable tours (mostly Chinese guided tours). There are daily tours as well as 2 or 3 days tours to other tourist attractions within Shanghai and the nearby Provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui Provinces, etc. Tours of 2 days or more are inclusive of hotel accomodation. If you are in Hangzhou, you can join the equivalent of SSBC, i.e. Hangzhou Tourist (Yellow Dragon )Centre - HTC at No. 3 Huanglong Road, Yellow Dragon Sports Centre. Whether you are in Shanghai or Hangzhou, you can chose the tour supermarkets at SSBC or HTC to conduct your own tour.

On Saturday, 13 Sept 2008, we chose the 1 day Suzhou Tour from 8.30am and the tour ended at almost 8.00 pm (due to traffic jams all the way from Shanghai to Suzhou ) as the locals were jamming the roads to return to their respective hometowns due to Mid Autumn Festival. The cost of the tour was RMB 228/person and it is worth it.

The places we visited at Suzhou were:-

1) Ou Yuan Garden,

2) The Lingering Garden or Lui Garden

3) Hanshan Garden & Fengqiao Scenic Area

4) The silk producing factory

5) Suzhou famous landmark, Tiger Hill & scenic areas

By the time the tour completed at SSBC, it was almost 8.30pm and raining, so we miss our planned night tour of The Bund, Huangpu River and Pudong.

Photograph of myself taken at one of the scenic spots within the ancient water-town of Zhouzhuang

The next day, 14 September 2008, we decided to visit the Yangtze Delta famous ancient water-town of Zhouzhuang. It was perhaps one of the most visited watertowns in China. We were recommended to Zhouzhuang by a British lady whom we met at SSBC the previous day and she informed us that this place was the best picturesque tourist attractions within Shanghai suburbs. Moreover my Malaysian friends who came here before also recommended this place as the Movie, "Mission Impossible" was also filmed here.

The local tour cost us RMB 150/person, i.e. RMB 70 for the return bus ride and RMB 80 for the entrance fee. However, if your are an elderly age 60 years + (as my elder brother), you only pay RMB 50 as entrance fee. The actual entrance fee at the gate was RMB 100/person (if you go there with your own without going thru SSBC). There was no guide for the tour to this ancient water-town; you just spend freely for 5 to 6 hours on your own at Zhouzhuang ancient water town. The tour starts at 8.00am and ends at 3.00 pm (at Zhouzhuang) and thereafter, the bus will return to SSBC Shanghai.

Zhouzhuang lies between Shanghai and Suzhou and it is an ancient town within Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province bounded with rivers and lakes. It is said to be one of the best waterside town in China. This ancient town has a history of more than 900 years old (since the late Song Dynasty) with many houses built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are about 100 houses with courtyards, and 60 of them have arch gateways made by carved bricks.

With lakes on four sides, the beauty of Zhouzhuang was specially found along the waterside lanes and around a number of the stone bridges.

Zhouzhuang was a popular tourist destination within Taihu Lake. It was also noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs. It has been called the "Venice of the East". There are various attractions here such as:-

- Twin Bridges built during the Ming Dynasty

- Fuan Bridge built in 1355 during the Yuan Dynasty

- Sheng House (built: 1742),

- Zhang House (built during Ming Dynasty and bought by Zhang Family in early Qing Dynasty)

- Chengzu Taoist Temple built 1086 - 1093 during Sung Dynasty

The tour ended at sharp 3.00 pm within the Zhouzhuang Bus Parking Bay. If you late, you will have to return to Shanghai on your own. Two of the locals were late for about 5 minutes and nearly missed the returned trip to Shanghai. The SSBC's driver was about to drive-off after getting cellular phone numbers from 2 other locals (as evidence in case of any official complaints).

We arrived at SSBC Shanghai at about 4.30 pm and walked to Shanghai Indoor Stadium, took Metro Line 1 to People's Square. On arrival, we were shocked as we have never seen so many commuters at this station which was also an inter-change for Metro Lines 2 & 8. The crowd looks like coming out of a "full-house stadium" and was packed everywhere. We have never seen so many people congested in a Metro Station (even in Guangzhou, Hong Kong or Singapore). After departing from People's Square, we took a slow casual walk all the way to The Bund. It was packed all the way especially at the tunnel where Chinese Police were controlling the crowds (not vehicles or other traffic). It took us more than 5 minutes just to cross the pedestrian tunnel beneath Zhongsan Road and get over to The Bund.

The Bund is located within Huangpu district in Shanghai. The area centered on a section of Zhongshan Road which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River facing Pudong, in the eastern part. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road as well as some adjacent areas. Some of the famous buildings are The Peace Hotel, The Bank of China Building, The Chartered Bank Building, The Customs House, HSBC Building and others.
The Bund is also one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai. Building heights are restricted in this area. It has dozens of historical buildings lining the Huangpu River, that once housed numerous banks and trading houses from Britain, France, USA, Russia, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands and Belgium, as well as the consulates of Russia and Britain. It lies north of the old walled city of Shanghai and used to be a British settlement; later American and other International settlements moved in. A building boom at the end of 19th century and beginning of 20th century led to the Bund becoming a major financial hub of East Asia.

By the 1940s the Bund housed the headquarters of many of the major financial institutions operating in China, including the "big four" national banks in the Republic of China's era. However, with the Communist victory in the Chinese civil war, many of the financial institutions moved out gradually in the 1950s, and the hotels and clubs closed or converted to other uses.

Pudong is a district of Shanghai that enjoys sub-provincial administrative status. It is named "Pudong" because of its location on the east side of the Huangpu river, on the opposite of Puxi, the west side. Since the beginning of its development in 1990 when plans were first announced, Pudong has become a New Open Economic Development Zone, and emerged as China's financial and commercial hub. Pudong is home to the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and a skyline that includes the symbolic Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Building, and the Shanghai World Financial Centre, reflective of Shanghai and China's rapid economic development. Pudong now has China's 1st & 2nd tallest building, i.e. The 101 storey Shanghai World Financial Centre completed in 2008 @ 492 Metres and Jin Mao Building completed in 1999 with 88 storeys and 421 Metres high. However, another new tall building, i.e. Xujiahui Tower is being planned in 2010 with 92 storeys and 462 Metres high.

We left Shanghai on Monday, 15 September 2008 by CRH Train D657 leaving at 9.30 am and arrived Hangzhou at 10.48 am. On arrival, we took a 20 minutes walk to our pre-booked budget Hotel, Blog Inn which was about 1 kilometre away. Although the rates were almost similar to Shanghai O.K. Hotel but the condition was not as good. On the otherhand, it also has free internet access and the food prices around it was much cheaper than Shanghai, e.g. the usual small pork meat pau cost RMB 0.50 (RM 0.25 cts) each and a large size fritter cost RMB 0.60 (RM 0.30 each) as compared to prices in Malaysia being 2 to 3 times more. After checking-in, where else to go to Hangzhou - Shopping and Hangzhou's famous landmark, The West Lake, the musical fountain, etc.; we only returned at about 9.30 pm.

The next day, we arranged with Blog Inn for a full day Hangzhou City Tour (8am to 6pm). The visited places were:-

1) Tiger Running Spring at Hupao Valley

2) West Lake - Boat Ride to Xiaoying Island, Mid-Lake Pavilion and the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon

3) Temple / Mausoleum of General Yue Fei

4) Visit to the Silk factory

5) Romance of the Song Dynasty / Song Dynasty Town

6) Visit to Hangzhou's famous Longjin or Dragon Well Tea Processing Factory

7) Lingyin Scenic Area and Lingyin Buddhist Temple

8) Yellow Dragon Cave

We left Hangzhou on Wednesday, 17th September 2008 via Air Asia-X Flight D 72603 departing at 2.00pm and arriving at LCCT at 7.00pm. We really enjoyed conducting our own tours within the Yangtze Delta cities of Shanghai, Hangzhou, etc. It was fun and cheap and we are looking forward to return next year as we intended to visit other places such as Nanjing, Huangshan, Wuxi, Wuzhen, Tongli, Putou Mountains, etc. Also, with China's cheap and fast CRH trains and Tourist supermarkets at Hangzhou and Shanghai, we strongly recommend all travellers to conduct their own tours which would be much reasonable and enjoyable.

Happy Travelling

Posted on 10th October 2008 by HK Wan

Email: hengkei@gmail.com

Enchanting Holidays at Pulau Redang and Laguna Redang Island Resort

Photograph of my son, Wai Yan & wife, Sow Lan taken at Pulau Redang Marine Park, Redang Island

Another photographs taken at Marine Park Centre, Pulau Redang

Photograph of my son, Wai Yan taken at the beach front, Laguna Redang Island Resort

Scenic view of Pulau Redang taken from the Buffet Restaurant, Laguna Redang Island Resort.

Photograph of myself & my wife taken from the buffet restaurant, Laguna Redang Resort

Date of Holiday : 16th - 18th August 2008

Place of Holiday: Laguna Redang Island Resort

We planned our holidays on the beautiful and enchanting Pulau Redang Islands with its rich diversity of marine species, coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries, snorkelling (and/or scuba diving), relaxing holidays and most of all the popular Pulau Redang Marine Park Centre. Pulau Redang offers a safe and family-friendly snorkelling experience with its clear, calm waters. Even young children, the elderly and newbies can enjoy snorkelling. Just put on a lifevest, mask and snorkel and jump in.

Pulau Redang, located 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of a group of nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous diving & snorkelling sites for enthusiasts. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life. At midday when sun rays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and fish can be seen.
This paradise island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba-diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2km radius of the island as Pulau Redang is gazetted as a marine park. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also strictly prohibited.

The Pulau Redang Marine Park Centre is the most popular snorkelling destination and crowded during peak visiting season. At 3 - 6 Metres dep, the area around the jetty is covered with hard corals and offers easy access to a large variety of marine life and has one of the largest concentration of fishes in any single location such as the resident giant grouper, moray eel, damselfish, sergeant majors, wrassess, parrotfish, trigger, etc. seeking food handouts from visitors. Even if you do not know how to swim or water-phobia, all you need to do is to sit at the jetty's steps, hold a piece of bread in the water and dozens & varieties of fishes will come and gobble your bread (right from your hands).

The Pulau Redang Marine Park Centre was estabished in 1990 and located at Pulau Pinang just off the southern tip of Pulau Redang. It is one of the most beautiful marine park in Asia . There is a Vietnamese fishing boat-wreck to the east of the jetty, probably the only wreck shallow enough for snorkellers to explore Admisssion to the Marine Park Centre is RM 5 per adult per entry & RM 2.00 for children.

We booked a 3 days 2 nights Laguna Redang's package during the August 2008 holidays for the three of us, namely, my wife, Sow Lan, son, Wai Yan and myself, HK Wan. The package cost us RM 1686.00 including all all meals, KT airport transfers, boat transfers, snorkelling trips, addtional surcharges for school holidays and weekends. We flew in from Subang Airport to Kuala Trengganu through the courtesy of firefly @ special returned fare of RM 102/person but our only bad experience was the return flight (KT-Subang) being rescheduled from 4.40pm to 10.00pm (without any prior notification from Firefly); thus we waited unnecessarily at KT Airport for almost 7 hours. If firefly had notified us earlier, we could have spent the precious time at Laguna Redang's town office which offers its guests special facilities to store luggages, relaxation, shower, etc. They also arrange for a special van service @ 7.00pm to KT airport at RM 5.00/person. Alternatively, we can also have a half day KT City tour or shopping.

Laguna Redang is a 4 star resort. Its 3 days 2 nights package is really enjoyable, its buffet restaurant provide reasonable Malaysian & Continental meals, good food that the whole family can enjoy and its well planned dining arrangements. The package also included 3 snorkelling trips (incl. one at the Marine Park). It has a magnificent shoreline studded with fine sandy beach, bathed by a clear blue sea and set against a background of green hills. It is also equipped with family oriented swimming pool, a whirl pool, a wading pool and water slides. My recommendation is to be more adventurous and enjoy snorkelling at Redang's Pasir Panjang Beach which is about 300 metres to the west of the resort. Here you will find beautiful corals, reefs and a variety of fishes including numerous 2 footers sharks.

We enjoyed our holidays at Pulau Redang especially the Marine Park Centre and our 3 days 2 Nights package at Laguna Redang Island Resort. My daughter and her friends also stayed here in end June 2008 and her comments was 3 Days 2 Nights stay was too short; you need to spend more days here and I agree. My daughter flew back to Purdue, Indiana, USA just 3 days before we came here. I also met an elderly Hongkong resident who came here in May'08 and came back again in Aug'08 bringing more Hongkonger residents. The reason, where else can you find such a cheap snorkelling & holiday paradise - only at Pulau Redang, the marine park centre and of course, Laguna Redang. I hope to be back at Pulau Redang and/or Perhentian Islands with my siblings, perhaps next year.

Posted on 7 September 2008

Wan Family Photograph taken in 1995

The Wan Family of Tiong Nam Settlement, Kuala Lumpur - Gathering on 9 August 2008 at Fathers's 84th Birthday

The Wan Family celebrated my dad's 84th Birthday on 9th August 2008 at The Golden Sun Restaurant, Jalan Kuchai Lama, Kuala Lumpur.

Photograph:
Sitting (from Left): 3rd Brother, W anHeng Wan, 4th Brother, Heng Lim, My father, Wan Kam Tai @ Won Soo & Eldest Brother, Heng Wah

Back Row: 3rd sister-in law, Rina, Elder sister, Wan Lai Meng, 4th sister-in-law, Janice, 5th sister-in-law, Youngest & 5th brother, Wan Heng Chee, myself as 2nd brother, Wan Heng Kei, my wife, Sow Lan & Younger Sister, Wan Lai Ling.

Not in the picture: Eldest Sister-in-law, Doreen - who was in Medford, USA

Photographs of my Father with some of the grand children.

Sitting: My daughter & son, Wan Po Yee & Wan Wai Yan, my father, Wan Pik Ki, Michelle Wan,

Back: Wan Wai Wen, Marcus Wan, Wan Wai Onn & Ivan Wan

Not in the Picture: Wan Wai Kit (studying in Brisbane, Australia), Eldest Grand Daughter, Wan Ee Lin & her husband, Mr. Koid and their 3 weeks old son, Keegan (my father's great grand son-in-law ) based at Medford, Oregon, USA.

Free & Easy Travel to HANOI & Halong Bay

The Wan family & siblings enjoying our cruise at Halong Bay , Vietnam - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Standing - elder sister, Lai Meng, Younger brother, Heng Wan
Sitting - wife, Sow Lan, Son, Wai Yan, Daughter, Po Yee, younger sister, Lai Ling & myself, HK Wan

Date of Visit: 24th to 28th May 2008.

This was the first time we were visited Hanoi, Vietnam. Now that Air Asia also fly to Ho Chi Minh, we intend to travel to HCM in our next few travels. My elder brother, Heng Wah & his friend visited Hanoi in 2006 when the only cheap budget flights available then was Tiger Airlines of Singapore. My elder sister-in-law, Doreen also visited Hanoi early 2008. Both my elder brother & his wife strongly recommended me to visit Hanoi. As usual, when there was a special offer of RM 48/sector, I immediately contacted my elder sister (Lai Meng), younger brother (Heng Wan), younger sister (Lai Ling) and managed to book 4 special offer returned seats to Hanoi during the 2nd term school holidays. Our first option was to travel during the holidays so that my younger sister; a teacher could join us.

Subsequently, when there was another offer by Air Asia to Hanoi, I booked another 2 seats for my wife (Sow Lan) and son (Wai Yan). Finally, when my daughter (Po Yee) who was studying in Purdue University, Indiana, USA returned for the 3 months semester break, I booked the 7th ticket to Hanoi at normal prices.
We flew via Air Asia Flight AK 760 at 6.30am and arrived 10 minutes ahead of scheduled at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi at 8.40am. We have had pre-arranged with The Golden Sun Hotel to pick us up from the airport. The Golden Sun Hotel at 23, Hang Hanh, Old Quarters was highly recommended by my elder sister-in-law, who stayed here earlier. It is slightly more than 1 year old and it took us less than 2 minutes walk to the weekend night market or the Hoan Kiem Lake. The cost of our accomodation was USD 30/double room and USD 36/triple room with breakfast provided at the 7th Floor Restaurant. From this restaurant, the beautiful and scenic Hoan Kiem Lake can be viewed here (refer to enclosed photograph). The hotel has 14 rooms and comes with free internet lan cable access. In addition, there were 3 computers with free internet access available for their guests at the lobby. The Golden Sun hotel was part of a chain of 4 hotels within the old quarters of Hanoi, i.e. the Golden Sun Hotel, the recently completed (2007) the Loyalty Hotel (just 2 doors away), the Orchid Hotel and the Hanoi Guesthouse. The manager of these 4 lodging outlets, Ms. Moon was helpful and friendly and likewise the rest of the staff of this hotel.

After checking-in, we had a rest since we woke up at 3.00am to board the 6.30am flight. Later, we watched the 5.15pm pm Thang Long Water Puppet Show which was about 10 minutes walk from the hotel. The cost of the tickets was 40,000 dongs per person. I would strongly recommend you to see the water puppet show whenever you are in Vietnam. It was a theatrical puppet performance on water manoeuvered via by a system of underground poles, strings, rods, etc. and accompanied with classical Vietnamese music, singers, etc. The puppeteers stand in waist deep water, their puppetry skills were screened from the audience. Poetry, fireworks and the watery reflections of the brilliantly coloured puppets, combined with splashing sounds and the alluring music of bamboo flutes, drums, bells and single-string violins to entertain the audience to a world of fishermen and villagers; kings & generals on boats, beautiful princesses; water buffaloes, fishes, monkey, and ducks; magic turtle and fire-breathing sea-dragons, etc. The Vietnamese water puppet skills dated back to the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century. The show was very enjoyable and entertaining; you can rarely watch them in our country, Malaysia, although it was available once during the Vietnam Festival Promotion held at the tourist cum casino resort at the Genting Highlands.


Photograph of my family taken at Hoan Kiem Lake or Lake of the Restored Sword, Hanoi

After the water puppet show, we walked to Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword" or "Lake of the Restored Sword". It is a lake within the historical old quarters (also known as Hoan Kiem District) of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for public life.
Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) in the center of the lake. According to the legend, Emperor Le Loi handed a magic sword called Heaven's Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) in the lake and hence gave it its present name (the lake was formerly known as "Luc Thuy" meaning "Green Water"). The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) standing on a small island near the center of lake was linked to the legend.

Near the northern shore of the lake lies Jade Island on which the Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) stood. The temple was erected in the 18th century. It honoured the 13-century military leader Tran Hung Dao, a 13th century leader who fought successful wars against the Nguyen. This temple also venerated Van Xuong, the God of Literature as well as La To (a physician) who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan Dynasty. The renovations of 1865 were carried out by Nguyen Van Sieu, a famous writer who also commissioned a large pen-shaped tower at the entrance of the temple. Jade Island was connected to the shore by the wooden red-painted Huc Bridge (The Huc, meaning Morning Sunlight Bridge).

The lake is the city's most popular strolling ground and a lovers' lane at night with couples locked in embrace on benches or parked motorbikes looking out over the placid waters, the shadows of overhanging willows cast by moonlight. In the morning the lake area is crowded with folks out for their morning exercise running or walking in a counter clockwise circle around the lake or joining in with the many tai chi, martial arts, calisthenics, aerobics, and even ballroom dancing groups that meet in the open areas at water's edge.

Photograph of my family taken in front of Ngoc Son Temple or Jade Mountain Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake

An aerial view of Hoan Kiem Lake taken from 7th floor Restaurant of Golden-Sun Hotel.

Halong Bay (Vietnamese: Vinh Ha Long) or Bay of the Descending Dragon was listed by UNESCO at the 18th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages on 17 December 1994 at Phuket, Thailand. It consisted of thousands of limestone karsts and islands in various sizes and shapes. The bay has a 120 kilometre long coastline and is approximately 1553 sq. km. in size with 1969 islets. The area designated by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage Site includes 434 sq. kilometres in size with 775 islets. Several of the islets are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Dau Go (Wooden stakes Cave) is the largest grotto in the Halong area. There are 2 big islands, i.e. Tuan Chau and Cat Ba, both of which have tourist facilities including hotels and beaches.

Halong Bay is perhaps the most popular travel destination of The Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Foreigners and locals alike are attracted to one of the worlds most spectacular natural wonders of limestone & karsts islets.

Cat Ba is an island of approximately 140 sq. kilometres in Halong Bay. It is commonly used as an overnight hotel stop on packaged tours to Halong Bay. It is the largest island in the bay and half of its area is covered by a National Park., Cat Ba Island was recognised by UNESCO in December 2004 as a Biosphere reserve of the world.


Photograph of my family taken at the beach, Catba Island.


The next day, 25 May 2008, the seven of us booked a 2 days/1night Halong Bay & Catba Island Cruise with a night stay at Cat Ba town. The tour was booked through Golden Sun Hotel but organised by AP Travel. It cost us USD 45/person plus a 25% discount for my +9 years son. We left Hanoi at 7.30am and headed for Halong City (with one stop-over) and arrived there just before 11.00 am.

We boarded the M/V 'PHUONG TIN 12" cruise boat for the Halong Bay cruise. There were about 20 tourists on board of various nationalities with the caucasians preferring to stay on the deck and roof of the cruise boat throughout the trip. During the cruise, a fisherman's boat berthed alongside our cruise boat selling live fishes, crabs, shell fish, etc. My daughter. Po Yee fancied her favourite dish, live crabs (after being deprived of them while studying in Indiana, USA) and she purchased five crabs at 200,000 dongs including cooking by the chef. These were served as an additional dish for our lunch consisting mainly of seafood, fish, squids, spring rolls, vegetables, etc. The lunch with the crabs were fresh and delicious.

The cruise continued until we reached a floating fishing village. Here we joined an optional tour @ 50,000 dongs/person for about 30 minutes motor boat visiting the nearby islets, lagoons, cliffs, caves, stalactites, etc. with fishing boats and fishing village cum school nearby. The sceneries were phenomenal. Later, the cruise boat dropped us to visit the Hang Dau Go Caves which was the largest grotto in the Halong area. It has three large chambers and contained large numerous stalactites and stalagmites . We spent about 30 minute visiting and taking photographs inside the caves.

Finally, at about 3.30 pm, the cruise boat "Phuong Tin 12" dropped the seven of us and two more passengers at the Jetty at Cat Ba Island whilst she continued with her cruise to Halong Bay for other passengers who intended to spend the night on board. We preferred to stay at the hotel at Cat Ba. From the jetty, a mini bus took us for a 30 minutes of winding and hilly ride to Cat Ba town. On the way, we passed by the Cat Ba National park which covers about half of Cat Ba Island. The park covers both land and marine areas and has a high biodiversity. The Cat Ba National park was recognised by UNESCO in December 2004 as a Biosphere reserve of the world.

My daughter, son & wife enjoying the cruise at Halong Bay

My daughter & wife eating crabs for lunch on board the cruise vessel, m.v.PHUONG TIN 12

Photograph of my family taken on board the cruise vessel, m.v. "Phuong Tin 12'

My wife & myself enjoying our cruise at one of the scenic spots, Halong Bay

At Cat Ba Island, the tour organiser, AP Travel arranged our lodging at a three star hotel, The Princes; This hotel was reasonably satisfactory but the dinner and breakfast provided were rather basic due to the high inflation cost. After dinner, we walked to Cat Ba town with its illuminated promenade, a large fountain, lighted trees which oversees the bay teeming with small boats, many of which belongs to pearl or shrimp farmers or fishermen. There are numerous cheap hotels, bars, sea food restaurants, souvenir shops, etc. At Cat Ba town, the main road was very wide with hardly any motor cycles unlike Hanoi which was clogged with motor cycles & other vehicles especially in the localities of the weekend night market.

Early next morning at about 6.00am, we walked to Cat Ba beach about a kilometres away. It took us about 20 minutes to reach there. It was rather a small sandy beach at the bottom of the cliffs, you need to walk down scores of steps before you reach the beach. Nearby the beach was Cat Ba's most luxurious resort facing the scenic view of Halong Bay - The Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa. It was probably the best resort in Vietnam. It has well-furnished rooms and a wide range of business and recreational facilities which include waterfalls, water slides, water park, spa and sauna. Formerly it was known as the Catba Water Park Resort.

We left Cat Ba Island at about 8.45am for another boat cruise to Halong City and reached there at about 11.00am. On arrival, we had basic lunch at one of the restaurant owned by the tour operator, AP Travel and thereafter proceeded back to Hanoi, reaching our hotel at about 4.00pm

My family photograph taken at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi

My son, wife & daughter - photograph taken at One Pillar Pagoda (built: 1042)

On 27 May 2008, the seven of us took 2 taxis (arranged by the hotel) to Ba Dinh Square and visited the nearby tourist attractions, i.e. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the one pillar pagoda, the Presidential Palace (formerly Residence of the Governor General of Tonkin), Ho Chi Minh House-on-stilts and the surrounding lake, etc. The taxis arranged by the hotel to go there by meter cost us 33,000 dongs each. On the returned trips, we were ripped-off by another two taxis who have manipulated their meters and the journey back to the hotel was 68,000 dongs and 138,000 dongs respectively. I did not argue with the driver and paid him 68,000 dongs. However, my younger brother & sisters refused to pay him 138,000 dongs, instead, they paid him 50,000 dongs and the taxi driver just accepted it without any dispute.

Later in the afternoon, we went on a walking tour of the old quarters, the Dong Xuan market. As the weather was rather hot at 35 celcius and humidity unusually high, we did not have the mood to continue walking as we feel uneasy with profused sweating; we would rather stay in the comfort of our airconditioned rooms. Furthermore, the traffic (especially the motor cycles) was horrible, the old narrow streets of the old quarters were clogged with thousands of vehicles especially motorcycles and a large number of them do no follow traffic rules. According to our tour guide, there are about 2 million motor cycles in Hanoi itself. My wife, son & daughter panicked whenever they cross the busy streets within the old quarters. As for me, I would rather act 'brave' and just walk; pretending not to notice them; they will avoid you, since there are too many of them on the packed road. They can't go fast, they travel slowly and avoid the pedestrians. During our stay at Hanoi and despite the high number of motor cyclists, we have had never seen any accidents involving them.

On the 28 May 2008, my sisters & myself woke up very early and by 5.30am we were strolling at the nearby Hoan Kiem Lake watching Hanoians doing their exercise, strolling, tai chi, line dancing, etc. An hour later, we had our breakfast and at 7.00 am, we bid farewell the the staff of Golden Sun Hotel and headed to Noi Bai Airport for our flight back to LCCT at 9.20am.

Posted by H.K. Wan on 6 June 2008

Email: hengkei@gmail.com

Free and Easy Budget Holidays in Thailand - CHIANGMAI, KANCHANABURI & PHUKET

Photograph of my younger brother, Heng Wan, my elder sister, Lai Meng, myself, HK Wan and my younger sister, Lai Ling taken at the Air Asia check-in counter, Phuket Airport prior to our departure flight to LCCT

1) HOLIDAYS AT PHUKET FROM 8TH TO 11TH MARCH 2008.

There were 4 of us being my elder sister, my younger brother, my younger sister & myself. Our flight to Phuket was at 12.45pm on 8th March 2008, i.e. the same day for the 12th Malaysian General Elections. All 4 of us voted early at about 8.30 am at Chung Kwok Chinese School which was located behind my primary School, Batu Road School, Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur.

We were lucky as we still have the time to exercise our voting rights and hardly an hour later, we took the KTM Komuter train from Putra Station to KL Sentral for the bus trip to LCCT for our flight to Phuket. On arrival at Phuket at about 4.45pm, we paid Baht 550 for the taxi ride to our budget hotel, ie. The Phuket Seven Seas Hotel, Kathu, Phuket - a brand new budget hotel @ Baht 1200/twin room per day with free wifi. It was a new hotel with good facilities including swimming pool. We stayed here for three nights.

At night, we walked to the shopping areas of Patong Beach, Carrefour, etc. for shopping, dinner, etc. Before we could returned to our hotel, I received numerous SMS on my mobile informing me of the initial results of the 12th Malaysian General Elections - a political tsunami had taken effect on the evening of Election Day when the initial results were out. We rushed back to the hotel and immediately logged-on to my laptop to various blogsites, e.g. Malaysiakini, malaysia-today as well as messenging with my elder brother, friends, etc. Indeed, a political tsunami has taken place in Malaysia after 50 years of Independence from the British. Firstly, Penang has fallen to the opposition, followed by Kedah, Kelantan, Selangor and finally just after midnight, Perak had also fallen. We were shocked with the wind of change as we do not expect it. The other guests of the hotels mainly caucasian backpackers were amazed at what the 4 Malaysians were so enthusiastic over the laptop screen, unaware that we were monitoring the results of the 12th Malaysian General Elections. We slept very late that night at approx. 1.30pm.

The next day on 9 March 2008, we booked a local tour to the neighbouring province of Phang Nga. It took us about a hour ride north of Phuket and then boarded a long tailed boat to James Bond Island (from the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun") or Ko Tapu. The boat ride was scenic with limestone karsts islands of the Phang Nga Bay. The island was rather small and uninhabited with no tourist accomodation except for a small beach, several expensive tourist souveniers shops, the Phaya Naak Cave and Phuket's famous spectacular rocky pinnacle islet.

Myself - relaxing at James Bond Island with Phuket's famous spectacular rocky pinnacle in the background

After James Bond Island, the boat took us to the floating "Muteara Sea Canoe" for canoeing with inflatable kayaks around the mangrove swamps filled with fauna and flora and passing through
stalacite & stalagmite caves & lagoons, limestone cliffs, etc. We enjoyed the fun canoeing activity as this was our first canoe ride within the eco-friendly natural environment while appreciating the fantastic scenery and natural wonders of Phang Nga Bay.

Later, we proceeded to Gypsy Island or Koh Pannyi for lunch.

My younger brother, myself & my elder sister enjoying lunch at a floating restaurant at Koh Pannyi or Sea Gypsy Island


After lunch, we were taken to the rural interiors of Phang Nga for an ox cart ride, followed by an elephant show, rubber tapping, etc. We did not go for an elephant trekking ride as we had done so during our previous 2 trips to Chiangmai & Kanchanaburi - refer to articles below


Photograph taken at the jetty at one of the island within Phang Nga Bay, Phuket

The next day, we spend half a day on our own and travelled by bus from Patong Beach to Phuket town . We had lunch and went shopping for cashew nuts, sea food products, clothings and miscellaneous items. We also walked along the Patong Beach, Kathu Beach, the shopping centres, etc.


Photography of my younger brother & elder sister taken at the scenic Kathu Beach, Phuket with a Star Cruise Vessel anchoring at sea

We left Phuket on 11 March 2008 for 13.30 PM flight to LCCT.

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2) HOLIDAYS AT KANCHANABURI (VIA BANGKOK) FROM 13TH - 17TH SEPTEMBER 2007

For this trip, there were three of us, namely my elder sister, Lai Meng, my younger brother, Heng Wan and myself, HK Wan. We left via Air Asia Flight AK 886 arriving Bangkok at approximately 17.30 pm and checked-in the usual Bangkok Centre Hotel (opposite Hualamphong Railway Station). At night, we had dinner & shopping at the nearby chinatown, Yaowarat Road.

The next morning, we checked out of the hotel, walked to the nearby bus stop and took a stage bus to Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal @ Baht 11/person. We then board a 1st class coach (with toilet facilities) to Kanchanaburi @ Baht 100/person. The journey took approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. On arrival at Kanchanaburi bus terminal, we took a trishaw ride to our guesthouse, The Riverhouse Guesthouse and stayed at a triple-bedded raft-house @ Baht 800/night with hotwater bathroom/toilet, air conditioner, fan and a balcony facing the River Kwai. It was valued for money as you can watch sun rise or sun set from the balcony. Also, whenever, boats passed by or there were river swells (due to strong wind), you can enjoy being "rocked and craddled" in the comfort of the rafthouse. This was our first stay inside a raft and it reminded me of an oldie song during my younger days - "Rock Me Gently by Andy Kim" with some of the lyrics being " Rock me gently, rock me slowly, take is easy, don't you know, that I had never been rocked/loved like this before"

In the afternoon (14 Sept 2007), we went for our first local tour arranged by River Guesthouse at Baht 120/person for transportation to Tiger Temple or Wat Pa Luangta Bua. The pick-up van took about 50 minutes and on arrival, we paid Baht 300/person being donation fees to the temple.

On arrival we were taken to the Tiger Canyon where a few tigers & cubs were taken here for their afternoon exercise from 1 - 4pm. All visitors queued up and 2 visitors were allowed at one go to be with the tigers for photography or human contacts with the tigers within the fenced compound. However, you have to hand over your camera to the handlers who will take the photographs using your camera. You can go in as many times as you like but you have to queue again. We went in twice to be photographed and humanly touch with the tigers.

At about 4pm, visitors were allowed to walk with the tiger on its way back to the tiger cages. Along the way, you will meet herds of other animals such as buffaloes, wild pigs, wild goats, horses, peacocks, etc. These animals were fed with animal pellets along the roads. There were also two playful tiger cubs where visitors were allowed to stroke or carry them if you wished to. These two tiger cubs were very playful and sometimes 'howling' at each other.

The half day afternoon tour to the Tiger Temple was worth every cent. I would recommend you to visit here if you are in Kanchanaburi. You will surely enjoy it.


Myself taken with an adult tiger at tiger canyon, Tiger Temple or Wat Pa Luangta Bua, Kanchanaburi


My elder sister walking with the tiger (my younger brother & myself following behind) with a Buddhist Monk leading the way.

The next morning, we booked a full day local tour @ Baht 1000/person and visited the following places,

a) Erawan Falls - a spectacular 7-tiered waterfall dropping down over 1,500 Metres. It was located within Erawan National Park - about 65 KM from Kanchanaburi. You can swim in some of the pools as some caucasians do. The top level of the falls was said to resembe a three-headed elephant called "Erawan" in Thai which was riden by Indra in Hindy mythology. The falls are photogenic and said to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand.

b) Elephant riding & trekking across a river, passing villages and difficult terrains

c) Bamboo Rafting - a 30 minutes ride with 2 perso per raft along the river.

d) The Krasae Cave which housed sacred Buddha images, was located approximately 55 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, beside the surviving remnants of the Death Railway overlooking Khwae Noi River near Wang Pho Railway Station. The cave was within walking distance from the railway tracks of Wang Pho Railway Station.

e) Death Railway- Constructed by the local & allied POW's, this part of the railway was one of the most interesting sections still in commission today.. You can also enjoy the nice sceneries of the mountain & river at this location.

f) Bridge over the River Kwai - This famous bridge from the movie of the same name was about 4km north of Kanchanaburi, crossing the Kwai Yai river. The original railway construction material was brought from Java by the Japanese Army and assembled at the River Kwai by Allied prisoners of war. The bridge was bombed several times in 1945 and was also rebuilt after the war. The curved spans of the bridge are the original sections. An estimated 16,000 war prisoners and 49,000 forcibly recruited labourers died during the construction of the bridge and the Death Railway that leads to Burma (now Myanmar).


Myself - photograph taken at one of the scenic spots at Erawan Waterfall

My younger brother & myself rafting along the river at the nearby Kanchanaburi Elephant Camp

Photograph of my younger brother & elder sister taken with a 70 years old elephant with 2 huge ivory tusks.

Myself taken with the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai

Kanchanaburi is a very nice quite place for visitors. You will meet all nationalities of friendly backpackers including Israeli Jews, Aussies, Kiwis, Germans, British, Swedish, etc. Almost all visitors stayed at cheap guesthouses or raft houses along the River Kwai. Food, clothings, souveniers, etc. are among the cheapest in the whole of Thailand. You will definately enjoy your stay at Kanchanaburi, Thailand as we did.

We left Kanchanaburi on 16 September 2007 via express bus but at a lower fare of Baht 77/person directly to Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal and then took another town bus to the same hotel (Bangkok Centre Hotel) for our final shopping at Bangkok prior to our departure for LCCT on 17 September 2007 via Air Asia Flight AK 883 departing at 3.15 pm.

We enjoyed our cheap budget holidays at Kanchanaburi (and also shopping at Bangkok).

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Myself - photograph taken at Donedao Hilltribe Cultural Garden, Tonpheung, Bokeo, Lao PDR

3) HOLIDAYS AT CHIANGMAI (and Golden Triangle, Chiangrai) from 26th - 30th May 2007.

As this trip was during the school holidays, my younger sister and a teacher joined us again and thus, there were the same four of us (similar to the Phuket Holidays - above)

We left on Air Asia Foight AK 896 arriving at Chiangmai at approx. 11.00am and checked into CM Blue House. This guesthouse was recommended by my elder sister-in-law who stayed here a few months earlier. It was owned and managed by two Americans friends, i.e. Tim Riley & Tony Leeds. It was located in the heart of the city and within walking distance to Chiangmai's tourist attractions, shopping malls, the Sunday night market and many of the oldest wats. It has a variety of amenities such restaurant & bar, tours and trekking, hair saloon, wireless internet and laundry services. However, at the time of our visit, there were very few air-conditioned rooms and these were mainly leased to long term guests.

Our guestrooms were clean & tidy with hot water bath & toilet facilities and fan and the rates reasonably cheap totalling Baht 2600 for two double rooms for 4 nights.

The next day on 27 may 2007, we booked a full day tour to Chiangmai-Chiangrai Golden Triangle, etc. @ Baht 650/person. The tour package took us to a Hot Spring at Maekajan, various temples such as Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, and then at The Golden Triangle at Sop Ruak; a small town about 18KM north of Chiangrai. It was where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar & Laos meet along the Mae Khong River. Here we took a speed boat cruise along the Mae Khong river @ Baht 300/person and another Baht 20 Baht (without an official visa) to visit Donesao Hilltribe Cultured Garden, Tonpheung Bokeo, Lao PDR. This was my first step into Laotian Territory. We were given half hour visit/shopping for Laotian souveniors, snake brandy, handicrafts, clothings & garments, etc.

The speedboat later proceeded to the Ruak River (a tributary of the Mae Khong) where the border of Thailand and Myanyar met. Along the way, you will passed by a huge statue of a sitting Golden Buddha as well as a Casino Resort at Myanmar. After lunch, the tour took us to Mai Sai where you can cross over to Tachilek in Myanmar for shopping. However, we did not cross over to Myanmar; we shopped at Mai Sai. One of the foreign tourist crossed over to Myanmar as her tourist visa in Thailand will expire soon and she need a new visa for her extended stay in Thailand. I am sure she enjoyed more backpacking holidays at the tourism friendly paradise in Thailand.

The tour package also included visit to minority tribe villages of Lisu and Karens as well as the handicraft & souveniors shops

We left Mae Sai at about 4.30pm and reached Chiangmai at about 8.00pm. It was rather a tiring and boring 3 1/2 hours journey (with only a toilet stop) along the hilly and winding road which made us feel rather dizzy and uncomfortable due to the hot weather.

Photograph of my elder sister, Lai Meng, my younger brother, Heng Wan, my younger sister, Lai Ling & myself, HK Wan taken at the jetty at Tonphuen Bokeo, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic

Myself & my younger brother enjoying our elephant trekking ride

On 28 May 2007, we joined another local tour @ Baht 700/person. This tour included a visit to the Mae Taeng Elephant Camp with elephant shows, elephant taking bath in the river, elephant playing football, elephant art painting with the assistance of their handlers and other humourous and skillful acts by elephants . The painting were then sold by auction to the visitors. After the elephant show, the FUN begins, i.e. photography with elephants, elephants lifting humans, etc. Thereafter, the elephant trekking ride with 2 persons per elephant for almost an hour. The trekking included crossing over the river, trekking over over rough terrains, uphill, downhill, etc. that human beings cannot even achieved, passing through the forest, lychee orchard, the nearby villages. During the trekking, you can also buy bananas for the elephants @ Baht 20 per bunch and the elephant took a few seconds to grub it. It was my most enjoyable elephant ride in Thailand.

After that, we had a 20 minutes ox cart ride to the lunch venue (within the elephant camp); followed by an hour rafting along the river; all four of us shared a bamboo raft and we were provided with a "Vietnamese' headgear to shelter us from the blazing sunrays. The elephant show, trekking, ox cart ride, lunch and rafting within Mae Taeng Elephant Camp were well worth your money.

After exiting from the elephant camp, the tour company recommended a optional visit to the monkey training school cum monkey show @ baht 200/person. The show was for about 30 minutes. The Monkey school was only a gimmick for the tour guide to earn extra cash. I do not recommend you to watch this show if you are visiting Chiangmai as it was not worth it.

Our last and final visit for the day was to the Sai Nam Phung Orchid Nursury and Butterfly farm. Chiang Mai city's largest orchid nursery, home to innumerable species of orchids. This farm was said to possess some of the most beautiful and rarest varieties of orchids. The rare Vanda Coerulea which is more commonly known as "Pure White" orchid was also present in the farm. All visitors had an opportunity to admire these exotic and beautiful plants all year round.

Sai Nam Phung Orchid Nursery and Butterfly Farm, Chiang Mai also had special butterfly enclosures, where tourists can see exotic species of beautiful butterflies in their natural environment. It also houses a few rare breeds of butterflies. The farm also offers visitors a wide variety of souvenirs, like the gold-plated orchid and butterfly ornaments.

My sisters, my younger brother & myself rafting at a river within Mae Taeng Elephant Camp

On 29 May 2007, we went on our own walking to the nearby tourist attractions, such as:

a) Wat Chiang Mun - Chiangmai's oldest Royal Temple built in 1296 and contained a white quartz Buddha Image in Lanna style.

b) Wat Chedi Luang which used to house the revered Emerald Buddha Image now enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo. This temple was the site of an enormous 280 feet pagoda and partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545.

c) Wat Phra Sing - dating back from 1345 and one of the focal points of Songkran festivities every year on April 13 - 15, where people bathe the Phra Buddha Statue.

We enjoyed our stay at Chiangmai especially the Elephant show and Elephant trekking/ride, etc. and we would recommend this tour package whenever you are in Chiangmai. Chiangmai is a nice place to visit in Thailand. It has good and cheap food, reasonably priced souveniors, dried mangoes, clothings, garments, handcrafts. You must visit their weekend night market and Night Bazaar, shopping etc as you can get reasonable priced goods if you are a good bargainer.

My last visit to Chiangmai was in March 2003 (with my two sisters, my wife and son) and I hope to return here in another few years, perhaps with my family whereby we can visit the Chiangmai Night Safari and not forgetting the enjoyable elephant trekking.

We left Chiangmai on 30 May 2007 via Air Asia Flight AK 897 departing at 11.05 am and arrived at LCCT at about 3.00 pm.

Posted by HK Wan on 1st June 2008

email: hengkei@gmail.com

FREE & EASY TRAVEL TO BALI, INDONESIA - 23RD - 27TH NOVEMBER 2007

Ground Zero Monument in Legian, Kuta, Bali showing the names of all 202 people of various nationalities killed in the terrorist bombing.

The 2002 Bali bombings occurred on 12 October 2002 in the tourist district of Kuta on the Indonesian island of Bali. The attack was the deadliest act of terrorism in the history of Indonesia, killing 202 people, 164 of whom were foreign nationals, and 38 Indonesian citizens. A further 209 people were injured.

The attack involved the detonation of three bombs: a backpack-mounted device carried by a suicide bomber; a large car bomb, both of which were detonated in or near popular nightclubs in Kuta; and a third much smaller device detonated outside the United States consulate in Denpasar, causing only minor damage.

Various members of Jemaah Islamiyah, a violent Islamic group, were convicted in relation to the bombings, including three individuals who were sentenced to death. Abu Bakar Bashir, the alleged spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiyah, was found guilty of conspiracy, and sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment. Riduan Isamuddin, generally known as Hambali and the suspected former operational leader of Jemaah Islamiyah, is in U.S. custody in an undisclosed location, and has not been charged in relation to the bombing or any other crime.


Photograph of myself & my elder sister holding a python snake taken at Turtle Island, Nusa Dua, Bali


Photograph of myself taken at Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park,

Situated on a limestone escarpment overlooking the South Bali tourist region, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park showed the art and culture of the Island of the Gods amid dramatic natural backdrops and breathtaking panoramic vistas. Dominating the park was Wisnu, a bust of a Hindu deity constructed from giants slabs of copper and brass. Representing the divine force responsible for the protection of the universe, the 22 meter Wisnu figure was a modern rendering of an ancient cultural tradition. The companion piece, Garuda, represent the giant bird which transports Wisnu, a symbol of both freedom and selfless devotion.The two 25-meter natural limestone pillars comprising the Gapura Batu, at the entrance gate to the complex, were carved with images taken from the Ramayana, the Mythical cycle of stories forming the dramatic basis of most Balinese art forms. The base-relief carving on the gate depict scenes from the Wayang, the shadow puppet theatre unique to Bali and neighbouring Java.


Photograph of myself taken at the Tanah Lot Temple, Bali.

The temple was built on a small promontory which is only accessible at low tide. During high water the rock takes the appearance of a large boat at sea. Sunset is the best time to visit Tanah lot, when the golden red skies frame the temple and waves crash into the rocks.

Tanah Lot means "Land in the Middle of the sea" in Balinese. The temple sat on a huge offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide. Tanah Lot was said to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. The story goes that during his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.
The Tanah Lot temple has been an important part of Balinese mythological history for centuries. At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. It is said that one giant snake protects the temple. It is believed that this snake was created from Nirartha’s scarf when he established the island.


Photograph of myself, my elder sister, my younger sister & my younger brother taken at sunset, Tanah Lot Temple, Bali.


The beautiful landscapped garden of Matahari Bungalow, Legian, Kuta.


Photograph of the Malaysians wearing "Balinese Sarongs" attire taken at one of the Hindu Temples. - Myself, my elder sister, my nephew and his father (my younger brother).


Photograph taken at the scenic view of Mount Batur, Kintamani, Bali

Kintamani was one of the prime tourism destinations in Bali. It was an active volcano, Mount Batur with its crater, Lake Batur and its beautiful landscapes around it. The volcano was active with eruptions in 1917, another in 1926/27 and again in 1963. Nearby Kintamani were other attractions such as Penelokan Sightseeing and Toyabungkah, Jati Temple, and Batur Temple. The mountain area was really beautiful, exotic, romantic, tranquility and ... religious ! It has a height 1500 meters of the sea level with fresh and cool temperatures. We can have local food in one of the local restaurants.

We also visited the Sacred Baths and Holy Springs of Tirta Empul. Tirta Empul was a favoured pilgrimage site of Balinese Hindus as the source of it's waters were believed be of magical origin. Balinese folklore recalls countless examples of healing and miracles attributed to the 'Luids' like qualities of the water.




Photograph of myself taken at Kuta Beach, Bali.

Kuta with its daily spectacular sunsets was also the centre of nightlife activities in Southern Bali. It was also a shopping mecca, with its lines of shops, boutiques, and galleries. restaurants and pubs line up the streets as well as Beachfront hotels; both luxurious and budget and small inexpensive homestay to accomodate all tourists.

The beach of Kuta was one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourists. Most visitors to Kuta come for leisure and pleasure drawn by Bali's laid-back atmosphere and the stretch of sandy beach which was sometimes dangerous for swimming because of strong undertow current. However the area was renowned for its surfing, the several mile long beach break between Kuta and Petitenget offering a range of waves. Scuba diving and game fishing excursions were also sought after and freely available. Kuta also offers bungy jumping on the beach, and boasts a beautifully landscaped waterpark full of thrilling rides and slides. Horse-riding along the beach at sunset was a popular pastime.


Our Travel
Our travel via Air Asia during the school holidays on 23rd - 27th November 2007 was a special "FOC" tickets - courtesy of Air Asia. Our all inclusive returned fare (excluding Bali Airport taxes) was RM 175/person. There were five of us, namely, my elder sister (Lai Meng), my younger sister (Lai Ling), my younger brother (Heng Wan) & his son (Wai Onn) and myself (Heng Kei).

We stayed at The Matahari Bungalow, Legian Kuta - about 15 minutes walk to Kuta Beach. Our accomodation was for double rooms @ USD 26/night and triple room @ USD 34/night for 4 nights and included two-ways airport pickup and breakfast. The Matahari Bungalow has a large landscaped garden with beautiful flowers, various fruit trees and a beautiful swimming pool with pool bar.

Our stay at Matahari Bungalow was quite and peaceful and we would strongly recommend you to stay here.

On 24 November 2007, we booked a Kijang Van for a full day tour of Bali to visit various tourism attractions beginning with Nusa Dua, Turtle Island, Uluwatu temple, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Besakih temple, Kintamani and finally the sunset at Tanah Lot Temple. We also visited a number of Balinese Hindu temples during the journey.
My elder sister will never forget the visit to Uluwatu temple. The moment we reached there, the tour guide advise us to be very careful with the monkeys as they will snatch your belongings especially optical glases. As it was extremely hot during midday, my sister rested under a tree and suddenly, a monkey appeared above and snatched her glasses. She managed to get it back from one of the local boys (believe to be the monkey's owner). The moral of the story was the monkeys were trained to snatch your belongings and to get it back, you need to reward them,

Posted by HK Wan - May 2008.