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.