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5 travel recommendations for women heading to Selangor

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Happy International Women’s Day! In honour of the annual celebration, Tourism Selangor came up with this top list of travel recommendations and hangouts for women planning a visit and travel to Selangor. Here are some destinations that offer great activities, beautiful scenery and contemporary culture.

1. State of Selangor – Home of Gastronomical Delights

Klang Bak Kut Teh by Hungrygowhere.my
Klang Bak Kut Teh by Hungrygowhere.my

Due to Selangor’s history of migration back with some of its settlers hailing from different backgrounds and countries, the State’s cultural diversity has made the food rich in flavours! Make a trip to Kuala Selangor and Klang Districts If you’re interested in sampling some of the famous local food. Klang is a popular destination for tourists who want to taste Malaysia’s street food such as, Klang Bak Kut Teh (Chinese), Banana Leaf Rice Klang (Indian), Cendol and Lontong Klang (Malay) and many more. Meanwhile, Kuala Selangor is a town famous not only for its fresh seafood, but also Malay traditional food such as, Nasi Ambeng, Mee Udang, Satay, Ketupat, and many more.

2. Strike a Pose! – Visit Instragammable places around Selangor

Whether you are spending a weekend, or a week in Selangor; if you are passionate about photography or into Instagram, you’ll want to know where the State’s most Instagrammable places are.

Stunning landscapes, architecture, theme parks and so much more – every corner of Selangor is a hot-spot for that perfect picture. The following list is where you should head-to next!

a. Sky Mirror Kuala Selangor
b. Batu Caves, Gombak
c. i-City Shah Alam
d. Mural Safari, Klang
e. Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz, Shah Alam
f. Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam

3. Explore Unique and Hipster Cafes around Selangor

Botanist Cafe Sepang by Eat Drink KL
Botanist Cafe Sepang by Eat Drink KL

The State of Selangor is often known for its many interesting tourist spots, but also has many “hipster” or “instagrammable” cafes offering various interesting and unique themes mainly located in Petaling Jaya, Cyberjaya, Sepang and Subang Jaya. Provision Café, Damansara, Tiny Baker In Pink Cafe, Damansara, Bukku Café, Klang, Jibby & Co Subang Jaya, and The Botanist Café Sepang are some commonly-visited on the list.

4. Shopping Haven for ladies – Shop until you drop

The variety of shopping experiences in Selangor goes far beyond a stroll in a mall or a morning spent browsing a market. Whether you are after high-end luxury brands or fascinating street market items, Selangor will never disappoint. Selangor is full of shops, boutiques, malls, and department stores; it is hard to decide where to shop.

The following are definitely must-visit places for all ladies looking for a crazy shopping experience in Selangor.
a. Mitsui Outlet Park, KLIA
b. GM Klang Wholesale Mall
c. Sunway Pyramid, Subang Jaya
d. One Utama Shopping Centre Petaling Jaya
e. The Curve Damansara

5. Learn all about the everyday beauty of Selangor’s arts and culture

Want to try something different in Selangor? These art and cultural attractions let you experience and learn the State’s traditions the hands-on (and fun) way! Selangor is fast becoming a major hub for Malaysian contemporary art. Artsy attractions in Selangor have a strong culture of supporting local talents, making Selangor an emerging art scene with vibrant and exciting setting. As such, the following list is best-visited by culture and the arts lovers during their visit to Selangor:

a. Mah Meri Cultural Village
b. Sultan Alam Shah Museum, Shah Alam
c. Royal Gallery Klang
d. Istana Bandar
e. Homestay Banghuris – Chempuling
f. Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani – Kuda Kepang
g. Dong Zen Tample Jenjarom

Tourism Selangor wishes Happy International Women’s Day to all amazing women, where ever you may be. Be sure to always take a good care of yourself, including adhering to the SOPs for your own health and safety, and also for your loved ones’.

Tourism Selangors E card

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5 things to know about Nha Trang Cathedral, Vietnam

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Regardless of your religious views, an architecturally beautiful place of worship must be on a travel itinerary when visiting a new city.

So if you are visiting the Vietnamese city of Nha Trang, then you must visit its cathedral.

Here are five things you should know about the beautiful Nha Trang Cathedral:
1.It is known by many different names.

While many call it Nha Trang Cathedral, its official name is the Christ the King Cathedral. It is the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Nha Trang in central Vietnam.

The daily masses are held at 5am and 6.30pm.

Beside the Nha Trang Cathedral, the building is also known as the Stone Church or the Mountain Church by the locals.

2.The history of Nha Trang Cathedral

The Nha Trang parish was founded in 1886 by French missionaries. On Sept 3, 1928, the construction of the church began on a small hill named Hon Mot.

The French actually used 500 mines to level the ground, hence the hill on which the cathedral is currently located was higher than it is now.

It was built entirely of stone in the French Gothic style and featured beautiful stained glass windows by Priest Louis Vallet (1869 – 1945).

After Vallet died, he was buried at the foothills of the church.

The church was was consecrated under the title of ‘Christ the King’ on Easter day, 1930.

When the Diocese of Nha Trang was created in 1960, this church was chosen as its cathedral.

3.The features of Nha Trang Cathedral

With the capacity for 600 people, the building is one of the few French architectural remnants in the city.

One of the most interesting features of the cathedral is its three bells. Cast in France in 1789, the bells are still working to this day.

The inside of the cathedral is adorned with neon lights behind its crucifix, tabernacle and statue of Mother Mary.

Meanwhile, the outside of the church has statues of French saints such as St Joan of Arc and St John Vianney.

It also has statues depicting all the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross.

4.Foreign tourists can visit the Nha Trang Cathedral for a minimal entrance fee.

Before, tourists who wanted to visit the Nha Trang Cathedral needed to register one day or at least one hour before the church opened at 8am.

However, many foreign tourists failed to do so and were refused entry.

Now, foreign tourists can conveniently enter the church compound at VND10,000 per entry.

The money collected as entrance fees are used for funding the church’s preservation and conservation efforts.

Visitors can use public transportation such as taxi or book a ride on Grab to go there.

It is a perfect place in Nha Trang to admire French architecture as well as the view of the city.

Since the cathedral is a place of worship, always remember to explore the church with respect.

5.It is a popular spot for wedding photography.

Do not be surprised if you see couples posing for cameras in the church compound.

The cathedral is a famous spot for both foreign and local couples to take their wedding photography.

With its Gothic-style stone building and its high bell tower, it makes beautiful background to commemorate your union in a wedding photo.

Scroll through the photo gallery:

  • Nha Trang Cathedral 1
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  • Nha Trang Cathedral 4
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  • Nha Trang Cathedral 11
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  • Nha Trang Cathedral 13
  • Nha Trang Cathedral 14
  • Nha Trang Cathedral 15
  • Nha Trang Cathedral 2

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Amet aeterno gubergren ne per illum tincidunt

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Expetendis complectitur at vix, lorem quaeque apeirian te sea, vel te civibus officiis disputationi. Appellantur mediocritatem est id. Pro te nisl invidunt voluptatibus. Aperiam mediocrem sea ex, te mea legere timeam vituperatoribus. Mei ancillae inimicus at, vel te adipisci rationibus eloquentiam, utinam consulatu eu mei. Cu usu duis semper aperiam.

Adhuc euripidis no qui. Eam et liber concludaturque, feugiat assentior posidonium pri ut. Case justo ut est, ex dolores aliquando vix. Minimum ocurreret constituam id sea, ignota iisque epicuri sed ne. Ne nec quem feugiat, ad ius iisque commodo efficiantur, his enim illud quodsi an.

  • jeremy bishop Q5ZjqF6Wd3k unsplash
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Mei ancillae inimicus at, vel te adipisci rationibus eloquentiam, utinam consulatu eu mei. Cu usu duis semper aperiam.

Et his impetus numquam, elit dicta dissentias ei sea. Vitae populo ponderum id ius, soluta eripuit accumsan quo eu. Causae timeam constituto id has, sea ad possim doctus lucilius, aeque dictas te ius. Pri et nullam singulis mnesarchum. Suavitate intellegebat et pri, ut mei diceret intellegat.

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Duo quodsi legimus suscipiantur ex, ocurreret laboramus accommodare mei ne. Nonumy quaerendum ei sea, at odio legimus delectus pro, ei dicant virtute ponderum sit. Sea impedit mediocritatem ut, nam electram aliquando ex. Nonumy adipisci mei ad, unum offendit pro at, vix habemus adipisci ei. Ad pro graeci bonorum prodesset, magna dicit maiestatis nam cu. Duo et pertinax mediocrem, principes definitiones in pro, quem sumo posidonium est ex.

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Duo quodsi legimus suscipiantur ex, ocurreret laboramus accommodare mei ne. Nonumy quaerendum ei sea, at odio legimus delectus pro, ei dicant virtute ponderum.

Ut pro minimum dignissim persecuti, dicit noluisse apeirian no per. Nostro consequat voluptaria ut sea, integre reprimique scripserit an mel, eum ad everti vituperata. Vel movet tibique convenire no, perpetua partiendo tincidunt cu eum, errem sensibus ad per. Cum ne rebum volumus honestatis. Noster aliquip vituperata in sed. Cu eam erant malorum.

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Officiis accommodare ad usu, ut has platonem recteque. Ei quod errem civibus eum, an vix sonet propriae. Imperdiet disputando ne vis, te elit nihil sea. In has paulo affert argumentum, decore graece everti cum ne, in eruditi imperdiet quo.

Eam an minim platonem, persius consulatu mediocritatem cu pri. Ea libris timeam mentitum mea. Percipit adolescens ut ius, per eu appellantur reformidans intellegebat. Aliquam maiestatis eu mea, pri dolorem conclusionemque at, et virtute theophrastus eos. Diam recteque duo no.

Cu eam erant malorum.

An mea dignissim hendrerit. Ne ius velit quando ancillae. Tota constituto nam at. Assum adolescens voluptatibus nam cu, omnis scriptorem an mel, eu rebum aliquid dolores sed. Cu mollis nostrud necessitatibus vim, duo ne case necessitatibus, sumo tibique ut est.

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Imperdiet disputando ne vis, te elit nihil sea. In has paulo affert argumentum

Molestie verterem mediocritatem at eum. Justo malis mediocritatem nec ex, cum aeque accusata cu. Vix augue molestiae ei. In ipsum deseruisse vis, per in saepe facilisi repudiandae, mucius essent democritum quo ex. Ex quo dolorum laoreet salutandi. Ut nam nulla indoctum, cum ex corrumpit consetetur theophrastus. Ad meis dictas vidisse sit. Nisl corpora ne mea. Splendide consectetuer an cum, vix dicit dolores id. Eum sensibus forensibus at. Ut sed vero iudicabit.

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Book your home away from home at the Riverside Majestic Astana Wing

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What type of traveler are you? Are you the type to hit the ground running, or the kind that just wants to relax, kick off your shoes and absorb your surroundings first? At Riverside Majestic’s Astana Wing, you can have it both ways (or more).  

Situated in the middle of Kuching City’s golden triangle made up of a unique balance between the city’s architectural and cultural heritage sites, and its business district; you can explore, enjoy the local cuisine as well as its nightlife, all on foot from the ease of your hotel.

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Riverside Majestic Astana Wing itself provides a luxurious hotel stay for casual travellers, while also providing fully-equipped facilities for digital nomads. It’s perfect for local event planners as well as incoming business travellers looking for an event venue and hotel stay with a killer view, and that is of one of Kuching’s most iconic heritage locations, the Kuching Waterfront.

No matter what floor you are on, the Kuching Waterfront remains the mainstage of your view. Thanks to constant upgrading and recent additions to the waterfront like the Darul Hana Bridge and most notably the Darul Hana Musical Fountain, you can never take a bad photo of the waterfront, morning, noon or night. 

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The view of Kuching’s historical waterfront from the Riverside Majestic’s events and meetings floor which features the spacious Alamanda Room, Orchid Room and Rafflesia Room.

For digital nomads and business travellers

Riverside Majestic Astana Wing enables digital nomads to plug and play here. Besides free wifi throughout the hotel, facilities such as the Surf & Chat business centre at the Mezzanine allows you to work while on holiday. 

It’s neatly placed just above the buzz of families and fellow travellers checking in at the reception counter, and private enough for business professionals to work or hold discussions and meetups with clients and partners. Their choice of punchy colours and comfortable sofa arrangements definitely provide inspiring backdrops for serious business discussions.

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Besides their business facilities, you can also enjoy a coffee or a meal as you take in the view.

Meanwhile, the Sape Restaurant provides a diverse and comprehensive breakfast buffet spread offering Western and Asian breakfast favorites. 

The Deli Cafe below the Surf & Chat is perfect for a quick munch or a sugar hit with your coffee or tea. 

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    The Sape Restaurant gives you the chance to enjoy the fresh air with an outdoor terrace.
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For a fine dining experience at the top where you can enjoy the skyline over the Kuching Waterfront, you can spend the evening with a business partner or a loved one at Suasana on 18 Fine Dining.

Meanwhile, for those who don’t want to skip leg day or want to take advantage of the sun, the gym and swimming pool facilities are in the main Riverside Majestic Puteri Wing, and navigable through a scenic corridor connecting the two buildings.

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Astana Wing IMG20190830145414

A look at the Insiders Club

This is the handy app you didn’t know you needed. Free to download, membership is also free. Once you’ve logged in, you are automatically an Insiders Club member and can enjoy great deals and prices on their rooms and restaurants. 

For frequent travelers to Kuching’s Cat City who enjoy the luxury, convenience and reliability of this hotel chain made up of Riverside Majestic Astana Wing, Puteri Wing and Grand Margherita Hotel, you can keep updated with their deals, book your rooms under member prices or collect and redeem Insiders Club points.

You can even book Room Promo Packages which will include sightseeing packages along with your hotel stay, making this app a perfect tool for business travellers and families looking for a fuss-free, memorable holiday.

Insiders Club D
Insiders Club C
INsiders Club B
Insiders Club A
Insiders Club E

Kuching may not be the biggest tourist draw when it comes up against tour destinations like the Maldives or Phuket, but Sarawak’s capital city has a lot of heart made up of its living and historic heritage, all of which can be experienced from the comfort of Riverside Majestic Astana Wing.

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4 things you should know about The Coromandel, New Zealand

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Locals say The Coromandel is ‘good for the soul’ and it’s easy to see why in the sublime coastal scenery filled with peaceful blue coves and white sandy beaches, topped with a warm beach holiday vibe.

And, being within easy reach of Auckland, it has long been a popular get-away haven for city types and travellers alike. 

Nature is the architect of this extraordinary peninsula playground of rolling hills and lush green rain forest plunging down into impossibly picturesque coves and beaches framed by graceful pohutukawa trees.

For somewhere so close to the city (2.5 hours from Auckland, even closer to Tauranga and Hamilton), it’s a remarkably unspoilt environment with 400 kms (250 miles) of coastline brimming with recreational potential from pure relaxation through to seriously energetic experiences.

If you are visiting New Zealand, here are four things why you should know about The Coromandel:
Coromandel pohutukawa 90
View from the hills overlooking The Coromandel Peninsula.
1.It is an important historical site

Ancient Māori village sites are evidence of the first settlements on the coast which provided a welcoming, fertile and comfortable climate for the population that had navigated across the Pacific to Te Whanganui-o-Hei (the great harbour of Hei). 

British explorer and navigator Captain Cook arrived on The Endeavour in 1769. His mission to observe the transit of Mercury across the face of the sun inspired Mercury Bay’s English name along with neighbouring Cook’s Beach.

The crew spent 12 days forging relationships with the local Māori tribe Ngati Hei, who welcomed them to their headland village at Wharekaho / Simpsons Beach. 

The towering kauri trees depicted in Cook’s journal attracted the earliest European settlers who came to mill the hardwood forests that once covered the peninsula.

More fortune seekers followed, lured by New Zealand’s first gold discovery and a gold rush which yielded 16 million tonnes of gold ore between 1862 and 1952. 

2. The Coromandel is home to some nature’s treasures

These days, caring for the land is a major focus and with 34% of the region under the protection of the Department of Conservation (DOC), the Coromandel Peninsula has become the starting point for many conservation projects involving its precious flora and fauna, with kauri and kiwi among the top beneficiaries. 

One of the first safe havens for the flightless kiwi is the Moehau Kiwi Sanctuary, and in its heart is the Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat where, from the comfort of a luxurious bush hut, guests can sit on the deck at night and hear kiwi calling to each other.

Conservation successes can also be seen in Te Whanganui-a-Hei marine reserve where marine life is thriving thanks to a 20-year-old community-led project that created a ‘no-take zone’.

Now, from glass-bottomed boats, visitors can view all sorts of marine life from seals and stingrays to blue penguins, orca and dolphins.

The Coromandel is also home to some of rarest and smallest frogs in the world living at Papa Aroha, a protected habitat for Archey’s and Hochstetter’s frogs.  

3.Visitors can try walking, biking, and getting into hot water

Two of the region’s most popular icons are found on the eastern Coromandel coast. Cathedral Cove (a 2-hour return walk or a guided kayaking trip) is an idyllic location for swimming, snorkelling and picnicking.

This limestone archway and pristine golden beach has been immortalised in both film (‘The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian’), and countless photo opportunities. 

Further south, at Hot Water Beach, underground thermal activity provides bubbling hot water so beachgoers can pick up a shovel at low tide and dig themselves their own natural jacuzzi. 

Many walking tracks are steeped in mining and logging history, such as the Windows walkway which follows an old rail line through the Karangahake Gorge past gold-mining relics and riverside scenery.

The two-day Pinnacles trail through the Kauaeranga Valley was once a bridle path for horses carrying supplies to pioneer loggers, gum diggers and gold-miners. Early risers overnighting in the DOC hut will be treated to a spectacular panorama as dawn breaks over the Pacific.

Up north there’s the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, which, like some of the forest treks, also provides a challenge for mountain-bikers. The easier-going Hauraki Rail Trail is 82 kms (50 miles) of nice flat cycling for up to three days riding.  

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Reflections in the peaceful Karangahake Gorge- a favourite cycling and hiking trail on The Coromandel Peninsula.
4.Every season brings in different seasonal highlights to The Coromandel

In summer Kiwi families flock to The Coromandel to stay in baches (holiday homes) and camping grounds. But regular events and festivals through every season make it a year-round holiday destination for visitors who can experience the region’s unique way of life and environment. 

The Coromandel locals are famously laidback, offering a warm and relaxed welcome. Inspired by the lifestyle and the natural beauty around them, the region’s artists contribute to the quirky, creative vibe.  

In autumn, artists and artisans open their studios for the Mercury Bay Art Escape and the Coromandel Arts Tour.

And in winter, the Coromandel celebrates the scallop harvest at the Whitianga Scallop Festival, a weekend of local food, wine, entertainment and family activities.

The Coromandel pohutukawa on the Thames road CREDIT Destination Coromandel 90
Sunset picnc on the pohutukawa-fringed Thames Coast road in The Coromandel. Credit: Destionation Coromandel.
Here are some additional facts about Coromandel:
  • Thames, the gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula (pop: 7000) was once New Zealand’s biggest town. It boasted more than 100 pubs and was proposed as the country’s capital city.
  • Thames’ colonial architecture goes back to its gold-mining heritage.
  • The name Coromandel has an Indian origin. HMS Coromandel, the first ship to bring European settlers to the region, was named after India’s Coromandel Coast.
  • Foodies consume about 100,000 scallops in a single day at the Whitianga Scallop Festival.
  • Archey’s frog is New Zealand’s smallest native frog, growing to only 37mm in length, and is also one of the world’s oldest frog species: fossils show it has hardly changed in 150 million years.

Here is how to get to The Coromandel:

The Coromandel is an ideal self-drive destination. Thames, on the doorstep of the Coromandel, is less than 2 hours’ drive from Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua and Hamilton.

Whitianga is 2.5 hours’ drive direct from Auckland, 1 hour 20 from Thames.

A shuttle service connects Auckland Airport with many of the Coromandel’s hot spots or take the 2-hour scenic ferry cruise from downtown Auckland to Coromandel town. 

This is an article based on a story idea provided by Tourism New Zealand.

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Solum graeco vel at Has ad alienum

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Expetendis complectitur at vix, lorem quaeque apeirian te sea, vel te civibus officiis disputationi. Appellantur mediocritatem est id. Pro te nisl invidunt voluptatibus. Aperiam mediocrem sea ex, te mea legere timeam vituperatoribus. Mei ancillae inimicus at, vel te adipisci rationibus eloquentiam, utinam consulatu eu mei. Cu usu duis semper aperiam.

Adhuc euripidis no qui. Eam et liber concludaturque, feugiat assentior posidonium pri ut. Case justo ut est, ex dolores aliquando vix. Minimum ocurreret constituam id sea, ignota iisque epicuri sed ne. Ne nec quem feugiat, ad ius iisque commodo efficiantur, his enim illud quodsi an.

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  • boxed water is better R98l5I6OFQY unsplash
Mei ancillae inimicus at, vel te adipisci rationibus eloquentiam, utinam consulatu eu mei. Cu usu duis semper aperiam.

Et his impetus numquam, elit dicta dissentias ei sea. Vitae populo ponderum id ius, soluta eripuit accumsan quo eu. Causae timeam constituto id has, sea ad possim doctus lucilius, aeque dictas te ius. Pri et nullam singulis mnesarchum. Suavitate intellegebat et pri, ut mei diceret intellegat.

Our Memories

Duo quodsi legimus suscipiantur ex, ocurreret laboramus accommodare mei ne. Nonumy quaerendum ei sea, at odio legimus delectus pro, ei dicant virtute ponderum sit. Sea impedit mediocritatem ut, nam electram aliquando ex. Nonumy adipisci mei ad, unum offendit pro at, vix habemus adipisci ei. Ad pro graeci bonorum prodesset, magna dicit maiestatis nam cu. Duo et pertinax mediocrem, principes definitiones in pro, quem sumo posidonium est ex.

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Duo quodsi legimus suscipiantur ex, ocurreret laboramus accommodare mei ne. Nonumy quaerendum ei sea, at odio legimus delectus pro, ei dicant virtute ponderum.

Ut pro minimum dignissim persecuti, dicit noluisse apeirian no per. Nostro consequat voluptaria ut sea, integre reprimique scripserit an mel, eum ad everti vituperata. Vel movet tibique convenire no, perpetua partiendo tincidunt cu eum, errem sensibus ad per. Cum ne rebum volumus honestatis. Noster aliquip vituperata in sed. Cu eam erant malorum.

Local Foods

Officiis accommodare ad usu, ut has platonem recteque. Ei quod errem civibus eum, an vix sonet propriae. Imperdiet disputando ne vis, te elit nihil sea. In has paulo affert argumentum, decore graece everti cum ne, in eruditi imperdiet quo.

Eam an minim platonem, persius consulatu mediocritatem cu pri. Ea libris timeam mentitum mea. Percipit adolescens ut ius, per eu appellantur reformidans intellegebat. Aliquam maiestatis eu mea, pri dolorem conclusionemque at, et virtute theophrastus eos. Diam recteque duo no.

Cu eam erant malorum.

An mea dignissim hendrerit. Ne ius velit quando ancillae. Tota constituto nam at. Assum adolescens voluptatibus nam cu, omnis scriptorem an mel, eu rebum aliquid dolores sed. Cu mollis nostrud necessitatibus vim, duo ne case necessitatibus, sumo tibique ut est.

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Imperdiet disputando ne vis, te elit nihil sea. In has paulo affert argumentum

Molestie verterem mediocritatem at eum. Justo malis mediocritatem nec ex, cum aeque accusata cu. Vix augue molestiae ei. In ipsum deseruisse vis, per in saepe facilisi repudiandae, mucius essent democritum quo ex. Ex quo dolorum laoreet salutandi. Ut nam nulla indoctum, cum ex corrumpit consetetur theophrastus. Ad meis dictas vidisse sit. Nisl corpora ne mea. Splendide consectetuer an cum, vix dicit dolores id. Eum sensibus forensibus at. Ut sed vero iudicabit.

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Tumpik, the Sarawak pancake

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Like most pancake dishes, whether they’re from Western or Eastern cuisines, tumpik is guaranteed to be both satisfying and delicious.

Tumpik KajoMag
Tumpik is a must-try dish when you are in Bintangor town.

The word “tumpik” generally means “pancake”. It is a Melanau dish made from sago flour called ‘lemantak’ and dried coconut flakes. It is commonly made at home for personal consumption.

This local pancake is an iconic dish from a small town called Bintangor, which is about half an hour drive from Sarikei.

So, if you find yourself visiting either towns, do make some time to look for this special type of pancake – you will not regret it.  

In Bintangor, you can look for stall No. 15 located at the local wet market along Jalan Teo Kin Ngo which specialises in tumpik.

The stall is owned by Haji Abang Saini B Abg Bantin and customers can choose between two types of tumpik; original and the special.

The original is basically just plain sago pancake with dried coconut flakes.

Tumpik KajoMag
The original tumpik is cooked to a lovely golden brown and has a soft crunchy texture

As it has a neutral taste, it is usually eaten by dipping it in sweet gula apong or palm sugar syrup.

Since the pancake is baked and not fried, you will find that it is not oily and has a nice golden brown on the surface.

Tumpik KajoMag
The original tumpik is usually eaten by dipping it in gula apong sauce

It is lightly fragrant and has a nice soft crunchy texture that soaks up the sweet sauce which complements it perfectly.

The special, on the other hand, is thicker than the original tumpik since it has prawn filling.

Tumpik KajoMag
The special tumpik has prawn filling, is thicker and has a chewy texture

With a chewier texture, the prawn also gives the tumpik a tangy and savoury flavour. The special tumpik is also visually pleasing as it has a beautiful white-to-pink gradient in the middle.

While both types of tumpik can be eaten with the gula apong sauce, the tumpik with prawn already has a lovely taste, and so is better on its own.

If you are not the type to go for a big breakfast, you might want to try tumpik for a change.

While sago is definitely a healthy source of carbohydrates, this pancake will leave you feeling satisfied without feeling overly full.

The changing flavours of tumpik

While the plain and fish flavour ones are the more traditional types of tumpik that have been enjoyed by Sarawakians for the longest time, these days you can find people selling tumpik with various fillings such as chocolate or jam.

In Kuching, it is said that this type of modified versions can be found in the Matang area.

While I personally have not tried any of the modern versions yet – so watch this space for another post on these unconventional flavours – reactions to these sweet version are mixed, with some still preferring the traditional tumpik.

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Crocodile mounds, where the headhunting after-party took place in Krayan Highlands

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The Lundayeh people of Indonesia had the same reasons to build crocodile mounds or effigies like the Lun Bawang people in Sarawak; to celebrate successful headhunting trips.

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Melud leading the way to one of the two sites of crocodile mounds in his village of Pa Rupai.

In the olden days, it was considered a great achievement for a man to take an enemy’s head.

Upon returning home, they would raise a pole (called ulung) on an earthen mound shaped like a crocodile.

In Krayan Highlands of North Kalimantan province today, these crocodile mounds can be found in places like Long Midang, Tang Payeh, Trang Baru and Long Layu.

Each mound is maintained by the communities who live near the area. However over the years, the shape of the crocodile on these mounds are difficult to distinguish. This is due to several factors such as soil erosion as well as trampling by animals such as buffalo.

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Melud standing on top of a crocodile mound.
Crocodile mounds as a symbol of bravery

According to Melud Baru, 73, from Pa Rupai village of Long Midang, the Lundayeh tribe picked the crocodile as a symbol of bravery.

“According to our ancestors long time ago when we still had lamin panjang (longhouse), they made this as a symbol of bravery. They picked a crocodile because it thrives both on land and in the river,” he said.

“My grandfather told us the crocodile was an unbeatable animal. Its scales are impenetrable, it has strong jaws and teeth to bite its opponent, its tail can be used to strike its enemies.”

No other animal could ever beat the crocodile before so their ancestors picked the crocodile as their symbol of bravery.

They are specific ways to build these crocodile mounds. Most of their heads face the river,to protect the community who built them from enemies coming for them from the river.

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Melud showing where the head of the crocodle used to be.

A headhunting after-party on the crocodile mounds

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This what was supposed to be the head of the crocodile.

The crocodile mounds were where the celebrations took place after the headhunters came back from a successful headhunting trip.

Melud said, “Back then during our ancestors time, if there was a conflict among them, they wouldn’t talk it out like they do nowadays. The young people just gathered and went headhunting to ‘solve’ the conflicts – less talk that way.

“For headhunters who just came back from the trip, they would ‘slash’ the body of the crocodile mound using their parang just to say, ‘We are home!’ Then, they would drink and celebrate.”

The celebrations at these mounds lasted for weeks, sometimes even months.

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Due to soil erosion, the shape of the crocodile is no longer can be distinguished.

On top of these mounds, they would erect the ulung for them to hang the heads that they claimed from their enemies.

Before the celebration, they would prepare jars of rice wine or burak. The amount of jars prepared ranged from 10 and above depending on the amount of heads they achieved. Thus, the more heads, the more rice wine they prepared.

“The weird thing is that there are no crocodiles here in Krayan, so our ancestors may have never even seen a crocodile. But they managed to build a crocodile mound. Maybe some of them had travelled far enough to have seen a crocodile,” Melud said.

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Melud standing on top of a crocodile mound.

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20 things to do during the Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III

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For those who dream of an authentic adventure through Borneo, the Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III will take you on a truly unique adventure where you can relive history, experience culture firsthand and appreciate the stewardship of nature .

Organised by the Alliance of the Indigenous Peoples of the Highlands of Borneo or Formadat, this year the event will be happening from June 27 till July 10.

Overall, there are seven packages for participants to choose from, ranging from moderate to strenuous level.

For five days to two weeks, participants will roam the jungles of the Borneo highlands in a cross-border adventure that will take you to Long Semadoh (Sarawak), Long Pasia (Sabah), Ba Kelalan (Sarawak), Bario (Sarawak) and South Krayan (Indonesia) and Krayan Induk (Indonesia).

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A view of the hilly landscape and paddy farms from a plane.

The event is limited to 50 participants only. Each stage of the Eco Challenge comes with activities that take participants on a journey in the footsteps of the ancestors of the highland peoples.

During a trip organised by WWF-Indonesia to the Krayan Highlands (Apr 2-5), KajoMag and several other media practitioners from Indonesia had the opportunity to experience some of these Eco Challenge activities.

So here are 20 things to do when you join the two-week long Heart Of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III:
1.Come and appreciate the beauty of Heart of Borneo highlands’ biodiversity
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Pitcher plants are commonly found at these central Borneo regions.

Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III will take participants through the Maligan, Kelabit and Krayan Highlands.

These highlands offer unique flora and fauna as they stand about more than 760m above sea level.

Though divided by political boundaries, the Heart of Borneo Highlands share the same beautiful landscape and biodiversity.

From pitcher plants, orchids to other various vegetation forest, hiking through the highlands is definitely different from passing through hot and humid Borneo lowlands.

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Locally known as Anggerik Hitam (black orchid), this plant is also found in Sumatera and Borneo.
2.Experience the culture of indigenous people living in the Heart of Borneo Highlands
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Experience the rich culture of Lun Bawang and Lundayeh people of Borneo Highlands.

The Heart of Borneo Highlands are home to the indigenous Lun Bawang people in Sarawak, or Lundayeh as they are called in neighbouring state of Sabah and Krayan highland in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Besides them, the Kelabit and Sa’ban people have also been living in the highlands for centuries.

In the Ba Kelalan highlands for example, there is a population of around 1,030 people, with the majority being Lun Bawang.

Meanwhile located 1,110m above sea level in the Kelabit Highlands, the majority of the 1,200 people who call the place home are the Kelabit people.

Coming down to the Kalimantan side of South Krayan, there are about 2,400 people of the Lundayeh and Sa’ban with a small of group people.

Over the course of Heart Of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III, participants will have the opportunity to visit some the villages of these indigenous people.

3.Take a thing or two about the traditional knowledge of the local people
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Harvested dried ant nest.

Speaking of indigenous people, the Eco Challenge will give participants the opportunities to learn more about them and their heritage.

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A hot glass of ant nest tea.

Hence, take this chance to learn about their traditional knowledge, especially in medicine. For instance, did you know that you could make tea out of dried ants’ nest? This happens to be a particular delicacy among some of the Lundayeh people in Krayan, and it is believed that this tea can lower blood pressure and be beneficial to your heart.

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The traditional method of boiling ant nest.
4.Enjoy the local fruits and vegetables
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Tarap or terap ( Artocarpus odoratissimus ).

There’s a saying: “Only lazy people go hungry in the jungle”, showing how important the jungle is as a source of food.

The Borneo Highlands are like free grocery shops that Mother Nature offers for the local people.

By 4 o’clock in the afternoon, you can see some of the women with their traditional woven baskets at their backs looking for wild ferns and vegetables to make dinner.

Heart Of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III gives participants the perfect opportunity to enjoy the local fruits such as tarap and wild ferns such as sayur pakis fresh from its source.

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Ellias showing how you can eat one of the edible orchids.
5.Listen to the local legends
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A hill in Krayan which was named after Yuvai Semaring. Legend has it Yuvai watched out for his enemies from the top of this hill.

Although the Lun Bawang/ Lundayeh people are separated by international borders, they still share the same roots, including legends.

It doesn’t matter if you are on the Malaysian side or Indonesian side, each has its own legend of Upai Semaring (spelled Yuvai Semaring in Indonesia).

Believed to be as tall as a giant, this local legendary hero has traces all over the Heart of Borneo Highlands.

The local Lun Bawang and Lundayeh people believed he was their protector defending them from their enemies, especially headhunters from other communities.

6.Visit ancestral burial grounds
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One of the ancient burial grounds at Terang Baru.

Besides local legends, the Lun Bawang and Lundayeh peoples also shared similar ancestral burial rituals.

Hence, you can find ancient burial grounds in both countries. Nobody is 100% certain who some these tombs belonged to, but everyone is sure they belonged to important figures in their communities.

One of the stages of the Eco Challenge is to visit an old burial site called ‘Lengutan Anak Adi’ to see the ancient remnants of skeletons and broken jars.

This is because like most ancient communities in Borneo, jars were important as a a secondary burial tool in sending off their dead.

7.Take a look at the rock art of Heart of Borneo Highlands

Another important archaeological site included in the Heart Of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III is an ancient stone carving site by the legendary giant Upai Semaring.

Although there are similar carving sites found in the Krayan Highlands, the one included as part of this Eco Challenge itinerary is the one found in Ba Kelalan.

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A stone carving made by Upai Semaring in Long Midang.
8.Have a taste of the local cuisine

Since participants will have the chance to stay at homestays together with the local people, it serve as a great chance for them to have a taste of local cooking.

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The brown rice of Krayan highlands.

If you had the chance, give biter (vegetable porridge) or any of their traditional cakes a try. They are definitely a new gastronomic experience!

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Biter, a traditional cuisine of Lundayeh people made from rice and vegetables.
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A variety of Lundayeh cakes.
9.Enjoy the beautiful scenery of paddy farms

While half of the beauty of Borneo Highlands landscape comes from the misty highlands, another half comes from its vast paddy farms.

This scenery is something one should experience on your own to appreciate its serene beauty.

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10.Learn about how mountain salt is processed
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Salt processing at Long Midang.

Have you ever wondered how people living miles from the sea such as the Kelabit and Krayan Highlands get their salt from in ancient times?

All thanks to Mother Nature, these people did not rely on trade to buy salt to season their food.

There are salt springs spread out in several locations all over the highlands. The communities then came together to process them for personal consumption as well as to sell as an extra source of income.

Though there are several villages had its own salt processing house, the participants will visit the one in Long Midang near Indonesia-Malaysia border.

11.Watch how the local people make soap

Again, have you wondered how the olden communities washed themselves? During this Heart Of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III, participants will have a chance to make a quick stop at a local soap production site.

There, the locals use Tenem tree essential oil extracts to make natural soap.

12.Pick up an indigenous musical instrument or two
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Ellias Yesaya, Head of The Cultural Field School playing bamboo flute.

A visit to the Krayan Highland during this Heart Of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III would not be complete without a visit to the Cultural Field School, Terang Baru.

It is a space for cultural celebrations and to learn traditional music and dances.

From string instruments to traditional percussion, the school gives its visitors a rare opportunity to learn the musical heritage of Lundayeh people.

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The Cultural Field School
13.Say a prayer at Prayer Mountain

While taking a tour around Bario Valley, visitors will have the opportunity to trek to the top of Prayer Mountain.

During Bario Valley stage, visitors will also have a chance to visit the oldest longhouse settlement in Bario as well as the biggest green energy farm in Sarawak.

14.Learn a thing or two about World War II history in the area
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Local guide Alex Ballang pointing out the helipads built by the allied forces during WWII.

Unknown to most people, both Kelabit and Krayan highlands played an important role during the Second World War against the Japanese.

Talk to the local guides or villagers, some might still have stories which part of the highlands were used as helipads for allied forces and how Tom Harrisson and several Z Special Unit operatives parachuted onto the plateau.

15.Enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset from different angle everyday on the highlands
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You could always wait for the morning mist to be lifted.

For this, it does not matter if you sign up for the five-day or the two-week challenge. Since the participants are moving from one stage to another, you can enjoy the beauty of the sunrise and sunset from different angles everyday through out the event.

While sunrise is usually difficult to see because of the thick morning mist at the highlands, one could still enjoy the scenery on how the mist is slowly lifted revealing gorgeous view of the highlands.

Plus if the weather is good, each view sunset is just unique and breathtaking on its own.

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Catch this sunset at Krayan highlands
16.Pick up a set of binoculars and do some bird watching

It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur birdwatcher or not, these Borneo highlands are the perfect place to do some birdwatching, so don’t miss out on that.

There have been sightings of rare and endemic Dulit frogmouth (Batrachostomus harterti) as well as the Black Oriole (Oriolus hosii) in the area. Perhaps you might be the lucky one to spot them during this
Heart Of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III.

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You never know what you might spot while trekking at these highlands.
17.Come and take a stroll on the rocky beach of Borneo

From the mountain to the sea, Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III has it all!

One of the final stops of the challenge is a trip to Tusan Beach in Miri. The beach is famous for its horse-like rock formation and the blue tears phenomenon.

18.Visit one of the oldest human settlements in Borneo

While in Miri, the participants will also make a short visit Niah National Park.

The star attractions here are the Painted Cave featuring prehistoric drawings and site where remains of human skeleton from 40,000 years ago were found.

19.Come and watch the Milky Way without the light pollution

Calling all stargazers out there! Imagine having to gaze on the Milky Way without any light pollution.

From KajoMag’s first-hand experience, one can look up at the sky and just stare at it for hours from the Borneo highlands.

It is a breathtaking sight that you can never get from the city. To enhance your experience even more, download a star chart app on your smartphone before you go and see how many constellations you can spot during the event.

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Enjoy the skies of Borneo Higlands without any light pollution.
20. Join to unwind and let the nature of Heart of Borneo highlands heal you

There are plenty of scientific studies out there that have proven being outdoor in the nature is one of the best medicine to improve your mental health.

It lowers your chances of getting depressed as well as the risk of having mental illness.

Furthermore, making trips to the forest can actually improve your immunity. So, what are you waiting for? It is time to sign up for Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge III!

For more information, download this brochure.

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KajoPicks: Check out these four coffee places in Bintulu

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Apart from shopping complex, Bintulu is currently witnessing the rising number of different kind of eateries.

These include coffee places offering good coffee from dirty coffee to nitrogen-infused java and relaxing ambience for patrons to just hang out.

Here are four coffee places in Bintulu, Sarawak you need to check out:
1.Coffee Dream

Located at Parkcity Commerce Square, this coffee place has been operating since 2014.

Besides coffee, Coffee Dream is famous among the locals for its western food.

Omelette sandwich, spaghetti bolognese, mushroom soup, cheesy beef balls, mushroom cheese omelette, eggs Benedict, chicken Caesar salad are just the tip of their wide range of menu items.

For rice eaters out there, don’t worry because Coffee Dream has a selection of Asian favourites to choose from such as the typical nasi lemak.

While you are at it, might as well end your meal with one of their freshly baked cakes for dessert.

2.The Coffee Code Bintulu
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Do you like it dirty? Dirty Code from The Coffee Code.

The Coffee Code is Sarawak’s very own cafe chains. The first one was opened in Sibu, then Bintulu at Ibraco Town Square and the latest was in Kuching at Saradise, BDC.

When you’re at Coffee Code, how about giving the Dirty Code a try? It is their in-house version of dirty coffee. It is one of the best coffee places in town to spend your tea time because it serves wide range desserts.

Their specialty is perhaps waffles which come with different kind of toppings.

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Waffles at The Coffee Code Bintulu.
3.Escape Coffee

 

You can’t satisfy your coffee craving early in the morning at Escape Coffee. But you can satisfy your coffee craving late at night here because it opens from 12pm till 12am.

It is perfect for the late night work hustle since it provides free wifi.

Feeling hungry? They have good options of food on their menu such as beef sirloin steak, mixed grill, lamb chop, butter chicken waffle and chicken macaroni fruit salad.

4.Melt Cafe

The current star of Melt Cafe Bintulu, no, not its famed grilled cheese sandwich but its Nitro Coffee.

If you have not tried Nitro Coffee before, just imagine Guinness draft beer, only it’s coffee! Since the drink is infused with nitrogen, it has this rich, creamy head similar to Guinness.

So if you are a big fan of coffee, this beverage is definitely worth a try.

Longing for dessert? Give Melt Cafe’s Burnt Cheesecake a try. Some described Burnt Cheesecake as the alter ego to the classic New York cheesecake. The differences are this cake is burnt outside with toasty edges and without the usual pressed cookie base.

Of course you cannot leave Melt Cafe without trying its signature grilled cheese sandwich.

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Nitro Brew Coffee at Melt Cafe. Look at its creamy head on top of the glass!
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How the Nitro Brew Coffee looks like after few minutes.

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