Kuala Selangor (5): additional treat

An unexpected treat on the way back to Sungai Buloh. Who would have guessed that in the middle of a palm oil tree is a rabbit farm with lots of cuties?

Bunny eyes ... they were begging for the carrot sticks.

Bunny babies.

Suspicious bunny.

Thirsty bunny.

More adorable bunnies for sale.

Love that fur!

A small collection of birdies in a cage nearby.

Look at me too!

They are ... bored.

 Christmas has gone by and I'm still alive and ... puffing.

Kuala Selangor (4): Bukit Melawati @ Melawati Hill

Finally, the main attraction in Kuala Selangor during the day time.

Bukit Melawati is another historical site and is very much the heart of the history of Selangor. But then again, I won't bore anyone with the detail, there's a museum up there for those who are curious. Suffice to say, this strategic area was the main fort used to defend against Dutch and British invasions and also a site of many wars.

The clock tower at the foot of the hill.

The tram for tourist to tour the hill.

The view of the Straits of Malacca from top of the hill. It looked like a storm was brewing, how appropriate to get into the feel of history.

Cannons used to defend the fort.

Silver haired monkeys forever eager for tit - bit.

Entrance to the museum, a must - go if you want to appreciate the historical sites better.

More cannons!

The famous lighthouse, still used nowdays to guide the ships.

The royal tombs.

Kuala Selangor (3): unexpected findings ...

On the way to Bukit Melawati, we chanced upon this round - a - bout which happened to be with a historical monument, the Medan Perwira. So we endangered our lives to stop and stand in the middle of the road like idiots to take pictures.

This monument was supposedly where names of British soldiers who died during the WWW II were engraved.

A look from not - too - far.

The info board about the monument.

I'm not sure whether this is an original or an additional.

Below is the VVIP rest house next to the round - a - bout, in dilapidated condition, a waste of my tax money. 

Of course, the angle does not reveal so. But it still looks nice enough.

Kuala Selangor (2): the other 2 hills @ Kota Tanjung Keramat

These 2 hills are joined by name but are 2 separate entities. Together they are known as Kota Tanjung Keramat. Separately, they are Bukit Belanda and Bukit Keramat.

Bukit Belanda is previously a fort built by the Selangor sultanate to protect the land from invading Dutch. It later was surrendered to the Dutch, recovered then fell into the British and Japanese hands.

The monument detailing brief history of Bukit Belanda.

You have to climb up those stairs to get to the top.

The faded info board, thanks to poor maintenance. Behind it are remnants of once a stolid fort.

The Japanese soldiers used to train here.

As for the other hill, Bukit Keramat, there lies the tomb named Makam Anak Dara @ The Virgin's Grave. Legend has it that a very pious girl ran away from home as she disagreed of the arranged marriage by her parents. She was never found, but her clothes were found in this are hence the father erected the tomb out of remorse.

The view from below. Again, another heritage negligence. The wooden floor looked as if they'd collapse if anyone dares to climb them.

Side view.

Tasik Shima @ Shima lake that lies between the 2 hills. Used to be a fishing spot.

The cannons in front of the lake.

More cannons from the area, oddly placed in front of someone's house.

  

In my opinion, this historical place suffered badly from negligence. Soon, technically and literally it will become history alone.

Kuala Selangor (1): Finding the Light - Fireflies

After deliberating for some time, I finally picked Kuala Selangor as my end of year holiday spot. Simply because it's nearby and I have only 2 days break. 

The main event was of course, firefly watching.

Initially the plan was to lodge in Bukit Belimbing firefly center resort. Initially. 

But after a long, dark journey to find the place, we finally chickened out and made a U - turn back to civilization. Literally and technically. The road going to the center was so freaking dark without any road lamp; there were sparse houses along the road; and it seems to go on and on forever. What more, Bukit Belimbing is a bit out of Kuala Selangor town. The drizzle - turn - shower made things even more creepier.

Luck was with us, we noticed the De Palma Inn teeny signboard, which sounded decent, and so made a beeline at it, along the way hunting after the signboard for direction.

Merry Christmas @ 1Utama

Christmas is here again and things are merry indeed at 1Utama Damansara. Shppers are entertained quaintly with Christmas replica set - up that houses dainty shops. Happy hols!

Cruising Mines

It's nothing new but after years cloistered under books and study, I finally get to enjoy the cruise offered by The Mines shopping mall. It was a short trip from The Mines to the Palace of The Golden Horses where I was attending a conference, but quite enjoyable.

The water gate exit. At the start of the ride, the boat will be shut in between 2 water gates to level the water, as The Mines is on a higher ground than the lake.

I dunno what this is but the blue dome looks grand.

The Mines Resort.

I was focusing on the birds.

Of course there are more cruising options offered like the Dining Cruise and all, but till next time.

More info on the cruises can be found here.

Long time no see...

Haih.. with life's up and down I've been neglecting this blog for such a long, long time... My apology...

To think that at a crucial time near my exam only did I pick up my laptop and start typing away.. Such irony =)

No, I have not stop blogging, just busy with life as an upgrade from medical student life. Sadly, this upgraded life accompanied with cash somehow did not help me in procuring more interesting places to dine at. However, I managed to slip out now and then for a squeeze of fun.

So here then...

A drive through Puchong one evening ...

Who would expect to find such sunset in the middle of Puchong ... 

 

Estapada surprise

One pleasant day I decided to have lunch at Nando's and got the shock of my life when the food arrive...

I certainly did not expect my chicken to be hanging from a hot metal rod... Not that I never had chicken Estapada before but usually as take - aways.

Thai Express = Thai fastfood

A day of hardwork, no one to cook for me at home and a craving for rice (After 1 week avoiding due to my expanding waistline... ). So a drive to The Curve, Mutiara Damansara...

Simple Thai food, not authentic enough but as mentioned above, I feel like this place is more of a fast food version. Contemporary setting, modern music, Thai - looking waiters.

I had sweet and sour fish with white rice, which was nice accompanied with my favourite vege, brinjal cooked in tom yum paste (not spicy).

One late evening on GCE...

Please don't do this while driving aka taking pics. I won't be responsible if you do.

Sunset on GCE highway.

 

It just shows how my life sucks. Can only see sunrise and sunset everyday...