A trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand

My friend Lili has recently went to Chiang Mai, Thailand for a holiday. She loves photography and has learnt from some well known photographer (not like me, who is simply click-friendly). I especially love the photos of flowers that she has taken there. Among the few photos I love most are:

Thailand's national religion is Buddhism. You'll find many temples ("wat" in Thai). If you happen to have a bird's eye view of Thailand's town or city, you'll never miss the stupor, just like the one above. But this stupor is situated in Myanmar, as Lili and her friends cross over to Myanmar for a short walk.

Lotus are sort of like official flower for buddhism. This is because it was said that when Gauthama Buddha was first born, he could already walk on his own. And every footsteps that he lifted, there grows a lotus.That is why people in Thailand pay respects to Buddha using lotus like the one caught on film.

Thailand is still developing from agricultural base. As tourism is one of the main boost of economy, you'll find many tourist spot offering animal shows like monkey, elephant, crocodile, tigers, etc. But one thing I would like to appeal to all of you is that, please do not ride or feed the elephants if you see that the owner uses hook to control the elephants. It is inhumane.

An extract from buddhist chanting -Metta: "May you be well and happy, may you be free from enmity and danger, may you be free from sufferring. May all beings be safe."

Welcome to China

I happen to come across this video and eventhough I have not been to China, I know I will not miss this place in my lifetime. I think I will really cry when surrounded by all the cultural and artistical intensity of China.

Tempting rest spot at Damai Laut

Tempting rest spot at Damai Laut, originally uploaded by everythingasian.

Damai Laut is a hidden beach resort surrounded by wetlands and tropical rain forests. It takes around 40 minutes ride from Sitiawan town. The place is run by Swiss Garden Resort & Spa. Pretty nicely done up. The only drawback is that it is quite far away from all other contacts. But golf lovers may like it here - 18 hole golf course and a driving range.

As for us, we just love the activities at the beach...

The only bus to Fraser's Hill, Pahang

The only bus to Fraser Hill, Pahang, originally uploaded by everything asian.

This bus travels to Fraser's Hill only once every day. It looks aged, because it is. But it never fails you. If you like the forest and peace, this is another place to stay.
Go for a walk in the morning and you will hear the calling of the wild.

Let's relax:

Taman Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur

Taman Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, originally uploaded by everything asian.

Who says Kuala Lumpur has lost its greens? Although not much left, but this is a tiny little park is worth mentioning (if not for the size, then for the effort to beautify the place). Come during weekends and soak in the laughters of children playing.

Port Dickson in the morning

Port Dickson in the morning, originally uploaded by everything asian.

Port Dickson beach never boast much of beautiful beach, but it is one of those destination that is not too far for the tired urbanites and not too near for a short escape from the bustling city. But rough sands and rocky beach does have its own attraction.

Kids love them...

Calming walk at Teluk Batik, Perak

Calming walk at Teluk Batik, Perak, originally uploaded by everything asian.

A treasured moment with all my friends at Teluk Batik, Perak. Teluk Batik beach used to be a favourite picnic haunt during the 80's. Pollution caused this beach to loose its lustre during the 90's, but the state government is restoring the spot to its former beauty. A short distance from Lumut and Sitiawan. If you happened to be there, don't miss this place.

It is a playground for photographers when the sun sets.

Chenang Beach, Langkawi

Chenang Beach, Langkawi, originally uploaded by everythingasian.

If you like the beach, Langkawi is a good choice. What's more, the beer here is duty free. It may not mean a lot if your country does not have staggerring duties taxed on alcohol. But for us, oh it's heaven here.
Drinks aside, you'll find the island is full of legends and folk tales. Not much to boast except beaches at some part of the island is still beautiful. Water is still clear. We actually have fishes swimming around us in the sea. I think that says a lot more about a beach.

Resthouse at Ulu Yam, Selangor

Resthouse 2 at Ulu Yam, originally uploaded by everything asian.

This double story resthouse near Ulu Yam (Selangor) lies beyond half hour of bumpy ride through oil palm plantation, rubber plantation and forest reserve. But the ride was well worth it. No air cond needed, the place is cool 24/7. No entertainment needed, there is a small stream right by the side of the resthouse.