Short and Sweet: November 2011

Friday, November 25, 2011

Terokai Alam Baru

Dalam ranjau kehidupan kita sering berhadapan dengan jalan buntu, seolah-olah dunia ini akan kiamat. kita akan diasak ke hujung jalan hingga tidak ada ruang untuk menapak walau selangkah.

kita dihimpit ke dinding hingga tidak ada ruang untuk

bernafas. tapi sebenarnya hidup kita belum berakhir.

nyawa kita belum sampai ke tenggorokan. cuba lihat ke setiap arah ke utara, selatan, timur dan barat.

lihat setiap inci ruang di keliling. mesti ada ruang dan peluang untuk meneruskan kehidupan. mungkin untuk meneroka ke alam yang lebih luas, lebih laju dan lebih maju. ingatlah, penamat hidup hanya satu,

iaitu ketika Malaikatmaut memisahkan nyawa dari jasad.

itupun kita masih berharap menunggu untuk diiring ke satu alam lain iaitu alam akhirat yang lebih luas dan kekal abadi.

seringkali penghujung jalan yang dianggap penamat, membawa ke jalan baru yang lebih luas.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Chaplin , Sir Charles Spencer

1889 – 1977

British actor and director

Chaplin was a legendary figure in is own lifetime. Aged 35 in his first year in Hollywood, he evolved the tramp character as he went along. The funny walk, the bowler hat, the cane and moustache. The baggy plants. In 1920, The Kid was an enormous box office smash, and he became an international star. Having co-founded United Arists in 1919, Chaplin resisted sound as long as he could. City Lights (1931) and Modern Times (1936) are essentially silent movies. Though there are great moments in later movies, the use of sound revealed flaws, chiefly a tendency to become excessively sentimental. He was criticized for not to become fighting in World War I , his left wing politics, his refusal to become an American citizen, and his alleged fondness for teenage girls. He and his family were forced to move to Switzerland to during the McCarthy era, but in 1971 he returned to the United States to receive a special Academy Award.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The Ricebowl of Malaysia

Alor setar , the state capital of Kedah, delights visitors with an assortment of attractions.

1. Alor Setar Tower

Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Alor Setar

A proud symbol of the state and a prominent landmark in the city, Alor Setar Tower soars above the city skyline at a height of 165.5 m . this state of the art communications tower is the 19^th tallest in the world, and the second highest in Malaysia after the Kuala Lumpur Tower. From afar, its design remembles a huge bunch of paddy stalks that are tied together. Be sure to visit the Observation Deck at 88 m above ground level to enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings, sprawling from Gunung Jerai to the Straits of Malacca. Don’t miss the Seri Angkasa Revolving Restaurant at 94 m for a meal admist the clouds.

Open from 9:00 a.m -10:00 p.m daily

RM 6 > adult RM 3 > children

2. State Museum

Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Alor Setar

Situated in a statetly building, the State Museum is a splendid place to gain an insight into Kedah’s rich history. It showcases a wealth of information and artefacts, from the ancient civilizations in Bujang Valley to Kedah’s development into a present day industrial hub. Don’t miss a chance to see the beautiful bunga emas ( a plant with leaves and flowers made of gold ) which was sent as an annual tribute to the Siamese King. Another highlight is the Wan Muhammad Saman Canal, a pioneering irrigation system which led to Kedah’s growth as the paddy granary of Malaysia.

Open from 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m daily. Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Admission is fee.

3. Zahir Mosque

Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Alor Setar

One of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Malaysia, Masjid Zahir boasts a distinctively Moorish architecture. It has one main dome and five smaller domes which represent the five tenets of islam. Masjid Zahir was built in 1912 and officially opened in 1915 by the Sultan of Kedah. Its design resembles mosques in Langkat, North Sumatera. Visitors are required to dress modestly when visiting the mosques and observe its rules at all times.

4. Balai Nobat

Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Alor Setar

This three storey octagonal tower houses the sacred instruments of the royal orchestra or nobat. The nine piece musical ensemble includes serunai ( flute ), nafiri ( a long trumpet ) ,

Gendang ( drum ) and gong. The melodious nobat music is only played during royal ceremonies such as inaugurations and weddings. Visitors are free to view Balai Nobat from the outside. This building is only a stone’s throw from Zahir Mosque and the Big Clock Building.

5. Big Clock Building

Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Alor Setar

Situated admist a landscaped area at the heart of Medan Bandar, this clock tower has an important function. To announce the Muslim prayer time. In the past, the clock would ring at prayer time , prompting the beating of gongs at the nearby Balai Nobat. The muezzin at Masjid Zahir would then call Muslims to prayer. Visitors are free to view the Big Clock Building from the outside.

6. Grand Audience Hall / Balai Besar

Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Alor Setar

Elaborate carvings, arched stairways and a high roof are among the striking attractions of this impressive wooden edifice. Built in 1735 by the 19^th Sultan of Kedah, Balai Besar was part of a palace complex known as Istana Kota Star. The original building was restored after it suffered attacks by the Bugis armada in 1770 and the Siamese forces in 1821. Balai Besar served as the venue for royal audiences, official functions, state council meetings, coronations and weddings, including the wedding receptions if Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah’s five princes and princesses in 1904. Today, Balai Besar is still the venue for selected royal ceremonies and state functions. Visitors are free to view the building from the outside.

7. Birth Place of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

Persiaran Sultan Abdul Hamid, Alor Setar

This traditional wooden house was the birth place and early home of Tun Dr.Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s fourth and longest serving Prime Minister. Nostalgic stories of his simple life under the strict supervision of his father makes a visit here memorable and heartwarming. Treasured exhibits include furniture, documents in family genealogy and school photographs. The well manicured complex consists of two exhibitions halls, an auditorium, office, a souvenir shop and the first ice factory in Alor Setar. The Exhibition Hall 1 features Tun Dr.Mahathir’s education, from his schooldays to the time he obtained a Medical Degree. Exhibition Hall 2 showcases his political activities.

Opening from 10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m daily

Closed from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m on Fridays. Closed on Mondays.

( except during school holiday seasons and on public holidays )

Admission is free.

8. Traditional Malay Houses

Rumah Tok Su and Rumah Seri Banai

Jalan Lumba Kuda, Alor Setar

Featuring traditional Malay architecture , these heritage buildings were private homes which have been restored and relocated. The 100 year old Rumah Tok Su is supported by 34 pillars and has six main sections. It was brought from its original location in Bandar Baharu, about 200 km from Alor Setar. The Rumah Seri Banai, built with the local meranti and temak timber, was relocated from its original site at Kampung Banai. Both of home have an interesting history. The display of original furniture and other traditional items add to their appeal.

Opening from 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m daily

Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Admission is free

9. Pekan Rabu

Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, Alor Setar

This bustling bazaar offers a wide assemblage of textiles, traditional attire and an interesting assortment of local food. Pekan Rabu has a special significance for the locals, as Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, worked as a treader here when his studies were interrupted during the Japanese occupation. Pekan Rabu literally means ‘ Wednesday Market ‘ as it used to operate only once a week.

10. Paddy Museum

Gunung Keriang

Tucked away at the foothills of Gunung Keriang, admist acres of paddy fields, is Malaysia’s only paddy museum. It is the fourth of its kind in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines. The museum’s unique architecture resembles bushels of harvested rice stalks. Browse through the interesting collection of paddy related exhibits, from the tools that are used, to information on cultivation and harvesting, even legends and taboos. A must visit attraction here is the observatory on the first floor, where a huge three dimensional mural depicts amazingly life like images of an agrarian community. The rotating platform here gives a breathtaking 360◦ view. The Paddy Museum is situated 8 km from Alor Setar. Nearby Gunung Keriang is a popular attraction for mountain climbers and cave explorers.

Opening from 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m daily.

Closed from 12.30 p.m – 2.30 p.m on Fridays.

RM3 > adults RM1 > children

RM2 > cameras

11. Al-Bukhary Mosque

Jalan Langgar, Alor Setar

A truly magnificent edifice, this mosque boasts beautiful motifs in pleasant hues of blue and white. Masjid Albukhary features architectural elements from prominent mosques in the Middle East. Its minaret resembles the Nabawi Mosque in Madinah and the seven domes here are inspired by the Shah Mosque in Isfahan. A beautiful pool, designed after the mausoleum of Imam Albukhary in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, graces the façade. The mosque sprawls over a total area of 4.96 acres and can accommodate up to 15 000 worshippers at one time. Visitors are required to dress modestly when visiting the mosque and observe its rules at all times. Just nearby is the Souq Albukhary shopping mall.

12. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial

Jalan Tunku Bendahara, Alor Setar

Fondly known as the ‘Father of Independence’, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra was the first prime minister of the country. He is best remembered for his role in obtaining independence for the country without any bloodshed. Established in his honour, this memorial showcases photographs and documents in Tunku’s life and family, his struggle which led to the country’s independence in 1957., his contribution towards nation building as well as his social activities and hobbies.

Opening from 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m daily. Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.

Closed from 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m on Fridays

Admission is free

13. Rumah Merdeka

Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Alor Setar

This double-storey house was Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra’s private retreat whenever he returned to Kedah. It exhibits the original furniture, photographs, personal effects and souvenirs of the first family. Rumah Merdeka has the distinction of being the venue where many notable incidents and activities took place. It was here that the premier conducted private and confidential meetings with other leaders of the country, organized successful election strategies and pursued his creative writing. Tunku hosted a number of foreign leaders here, including officials from Indonesia and India.

Opening from 10:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m daily. Closed from 12:00 pm – 3:00 p.m on Fridays.

Closed on Mondays. ( excepts during school holiday seasons and public holidays. )

Admission is free.

Come, visit Alor Setar and enjoy an unforgettable holiday amidst pristine charm and unique attractions.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

malaysia > truly asia

Selamat bergembira selamat bercuti ~ raya kedua aidiladha, aku ke Pulau Pinang Pulau Mutiara bersama kezen2.

Antara tempat menarik yg kitowg pegi ;-

Penang Ferry Service

Masa pegi kitowg naik feri, balik naik jambatan. Feri ini memulakan operasinya pada tahun 1920 dan menjadikannya perkhidmatan feri tertua di Malaysia. Feri ini menghubungkan tanah besar Seberang Perai dengan Pulau Pinang. Feri ini membawa penumpang dan kenderaan.

· Penang Bridge

Jambatan ini dibuka pada tahun 1985. Jambatan yang pernah mendapat anugerah kecemerlangan kejuruteraan Amerika Syarikat pada tahun 1986 ini adalah sepanjang 13.5 km dan menghubungkan tanah besar Semenanjung Malaysia dengan Pulau Pinang. Ia juga adalah tempat acara larian Pulau Pinang yang diadakan pada setiap tahun.

· Fort Cornwallis

Dibina semasa Kapten Francis Light mendarat pertama kali di Pulau Pinang. Kota lama ini terletak di Georgetown. Kota ini dibuka setiap hari dari jam 9 am-7 pm . bayaran masuk dikenakan utk pengunjung. Pengunjung boleh menambahkan pengetahuan mengenai sejarah Pulau Pinang, sejarah pembinaan Fort Cornwallis, dan sejarah mengenai Francis Light.

· Penang Hill

Menawarkan pemandangan cantik seluruh Bandar Pulau Pinang . ia terletak 830 m dari paras laut. Pengunjung boleh memilih sama ada mahu mendaki atau menaiki kereta kabel yang disediakan untuk sampai ke puncak bukit bendera. Di puncak bukit ini terdapat taman bunga, taman burung, dan banglo lama peninggalan british. Kereta buggy juga disediakan kpd pengunjung utk kemudahan melawat sekitar puncak bukit. Buggy ini boleh dinaiki dengan harga RM 30 dan dipandu oleh pemandu terlatih.

· Dusun Bunga

Menawarkan keindahan alam dengan tumbuh-tumbuhan hijau yang tumbuh melata sekitar taman. Terdapat rumah paku-pakis, rumah orkid, rumah kaktus, dan rumah begonia, dan air terjun. Perkhidmatan kereta api juga disediakan bagi memudahkan lagi pengunjung melawat sekitar taman dengan harga RM 2 seorang. Tiada bayaran masuk dikenakan.

· Teluk Bahang Dam

Terletak di utara Pulau Pinang. Empangan ini siap dibina pada tahun 1999. Pemandangan menarik dan kedamaian yg terdapat di sini memikat hati pengunjung utk menjadikannya lokasi perkelahan bersama keluarga. Empangan ini selalu menjadi tempat perlawanan bot naga pada Festival Perlawanan Bot Naga Antarabangsa Pulau Pinang sejak tahun 2002.

· Batu Ferringhi

Salah satu pantai yang popular di Penang dan menarik ribuan pengunjung setiap tahun ke sini. Pengunjung dapat melakukan pelbagai aktiviti di sepanjang pantai ini dari sukan laut, parasailing, menunggang kuda hinggalah melawat pasar malam.

· Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

Menara jam setinggi 60 kaki ini dibina pada tahun 1897 untuk memperingati Ratu Victoria. Setiap kaki pada menara jam ini mewakili satu tahun pemerintahan ratu.

· Esplanade

Persiaran pinggir laut yang bersempadan dengan medan terbuka di mana perayaan dan acara-acara sering diadakan.

· Little India

Tempat di mana pendatang awal india menetap dan menjadikan Penang sebagai negeri tetap mereka. Ia adalah pusat music india, rempah-ratus india dan pelbagai lagi budaya india yang dapat dilihat di kawasan ini.

· Campbell Street

jalan ini terkenal dengan kedai ubat tradisional cina, butik india, dan pelbagai kedai barangan. Antara yang terkenal di sini ialah Pasar Jalan Campbell dibina pada tahun 1990. Di sini dijual pelbagai buah-buahan segar, makanan laut, dan daging.

· State Mosque

Antara salah satu masjid tercantik di Malaysia. Pembinaannya bermula pada tahun 1976 dan siap pada tahun 1980. Terletak di atas tanah berukuran 45 hektar dan mampu menampung jemaah seramai 5000 orang.

Ta sempat nk melawat semua tempat , sebab aku pegi sehari jer. Aku pasti akan menjelajah lagi Pulau Pinang satu hari nanti !

Antara tempat lain yang menarik di Pulau Pinang

1. Rumah P. Ramlee

2. Air Itam Dam

3. Suffolk House

4. Taman Perbandaran

5. Penang Botani Gardens

6. Toy Museum

7. Masjid Terapung

8. Tropical Spice Gardens

9. Penang National Park

10. Penang Butterfly Farm