Corbridges

Onroad 2 Borneo Revisited : Uncle Tan Jungle Camp

2006-03-16T11:34:00.000+08:00

Kinabatangan River Borneo, 3-5 March 2005

After a really good night sleep at Summit Lodge in Kinabalu Parks we checked out about 11am to catch the SIDA Express bus to Sandakan. We waited outside the Park until the bright yellow coach turned up. On an email from Eugene, this bus recommended to go to Uncle Tan Wildlife Jungle Camp HQ in Gum Gum village. It took about 4 hours journey to the village. The night before I tried contact Eugene to get latest development about the camp at lower Kinabatangan River. It was flooding in last 3 weeks so we just want to know whether the water level started residing.

On the junction of KK-Sandakan-Tawau, we’ve been stop due the immigration control. The officer with blue uniform in military style carrying riffle jumped up to our bus to checking ID or passport. I sat on the very end of the bus and got my chance. He asked my ID and I gave him my scruffy Indonesian passport. He quick glanced on it and notice few things. Then he smiled (pfffff…thanks God), asked questions in a good manner including where I have been and what I have been doing. The two British bloke just left without checking.

The bus driver knew where we should go. So we ended up in the Batu 16 Gum Gum just by the Uncle Tan office. You can easily spot this office since they put a big sign on top of their second floor where several basic room for stay overnight. We would not stay in this place. We want straight down to the camp –about 2 hours away from the HQ. But we got problem. They did not mention that we should arrive in their office at least at 130pm, otherwise we will missed the shuttle transport to the boat point. I argued that last night when I rang them I clearly mention that we will arrive at 3pm. And we did, not missed a single minute. We understood that we would not get chance to see orang utans at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. But that what we wanted. We just want to go to the camp.

After negotiation and calling the big boss (Eugene –apparently he is the son of late Uncle Tan), he agreed to transport us with fancy Toyota 4wheel drive fully AC at 5pm. Thanks for the email correspondence before our arrival and also Mark’s tips about using camera flash. So here we are….on the fancy car. We drove back to the road junction and again met the immigration control. But now they seemed not bothered about us. I asked about these to Shahril -the Uncle Tan driver. He said that Malaysia aware about potential smuggle immigrants from either Indonesia nor Philippine.

About 6pm we reached the Batu Puteh village not far from Kinabatangan Bridge. I saw kids swimming happily in the muddy river when the sun started going down. These kids enjoyed the river just like their parents. Some of the parents went to fishing with nets on a simple boat. A lady showed me proudly her half day fishing : a bucket full of fresh water prawn and fishes. A lovely selection…She said that flooding led more fishes to go further, meant you can easily caught them in the net.

Someone coming with a warm welcome. The guy –about late 20s typical Asian, dark skin, well built, long hair with a black Uncle Tan T-shirt gave a hand to everybody. His name is Lan. He would take us to the camp along with two others kids. On the dark, we set off with the boat. On our way, Lan showed us animals that he’ve seen it in just a glance with his bright spotlight. It took about an hour to reach the camp through oxbow lake and floodplain of Kinabatangan river. As I mention before, the camp in flooding conditions, means that now the camp became a water camp. Actually the location of the camp is by Danau Girang or Lot No 6 on the Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary level means that people can across the land without permission but not allowed to logging or farming.

An oil lamp in the dining room was the only source of light, quietly dimmed the rooms. Sound of owls and frogs gave impression to remoteness of this place. The dining area was the only place that we can stay that night. The rest of the camp was about half on top of water level. The huts that supposed to stay were totally un habituated. On that room we met three people from Sweden that arrived earlier on that day. They been waiting for us for dinner and the night safari. I can see that the room already been set up with 4 matras with mosquito net hanging about 2ft from the floor. This is our dining, bathroom and also sleeping room for the next 3 days. Since I am the only women in this camp, Mark had to drag me out with the boat every time I need to wee (apparently we called it No 1 need and the No 2 need you can guess what it was…).

We had a good dinner on that night, A pack of rice with lots of stir fried vegetables and chicken curry (with lots bones of course !). Then we have a half an hour briefing about what the Wildlife Jungle Camp about. Since flooding we were second guest in this camp. Most of them cancelled the program due the incapability of the place. Imagine that in the dry conditions the camp actually quite spartan and basic. With the flooding even drink water and toilet would be major problems. You’ve got to prepare for this situation. Previously we had to filling the disclaimer form regarding the flooding, including possibility that we couldn’t spot as many as animals that used to be easy to find in this area including elephants and orang utans.

The first night safari were great, we spotted frogs, owls, eagles, scorpions and flying foxes. In two hours we were scattering the river tried to find animals. Lan was really experienced guide. He told us the latin name, common habitat and the diet of each animal we found. I excited with this new experience, specially I am not a wildlife photographer. Lan himself is a keen wildlife photographer. Most of pictures on the board of the camp and the HQ were him. Eugene –his boss also a mad photographer. If you see some crocodile pictures or kingfisher or snake, they were all amazing. It needs a lots effort and determination to capture such beautiful moments.

In the next morning we started early to see how the animals moving from their territory to the jungle for feeding or daily activities. We went to the oxbow lakes to spot some of proboscis monkeys. We saw eagles as they moved to another area, also the famous one –Oriental hornbill. We had another safari in the mid day, then we had broken machine when we back to the camp. Problem was : we got to go upstream, so Lan decided to take a boat by river bank away from the main river. It took us more than 45 minutes through the swamp area with cutting the tree and leaves along the way. We survived by local boat just passed the river, carried us to the Observation Tower opposite the Uncle Tan camp.

There is a list of wildlife animal that we spotted in three days during our stay at Kinabatangan River.

Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus )
Long Tailed Macaque (Macacafacicularis)
Silvered Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus cristatus)
Red Leaf Monkey (Presbytis rubicunda)
Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)
Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
Asian Black Hornbill (Anthracocecos malayanus)
Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceroscor rugatus)
Great Egret (Egretta alba)
Intermediate Egret - small version (Egretta intermedia)
White Collared Kingfisher (Halcyonchloris)
Stork Billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)
Grey Headed Kingfisher
Brahminy Kite (Haliastur Indus)
Crested Serpent Eagle (Ichthyopha gaichthyaetus)
Bornean Blue Flycatcher (Cyorniscaerulatus)
Cricket Frog (Rananico bariensis)
Brown Bull Frog
Green Tree Lizard (Anolisbima culatus)
Monitor Lizard (Varanus indicus)
Buffy Fish Ow (Ketupa ketupa)
Plyn Pygmy Squirrel (Exilisciurus)
Stick Insect
Orb Weaver (spider)
Brown Bush Grasshopper
Black Scorpion
Dollar Bird (Eurystomus orientalis)
Tractor Milipede (black )
Giant Milipede (red)
Storm Stork (Ciconia stormi)
Pig Tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina)
Short Billed Spiker Minter
Flying Foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus)
Civet Cat Viverridae
White Bellied Woodpecker
Green Imperial Woodpecker
Blue Eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting)
Malay Badger (Mydaus meliceps)
Wolf Spider
Frilled Tree Frog
Centipede
Blue Totter Bee - eater

I m still looking for the latin name for all the animals above. Please inform or correct me.

Borneo Revisited 1 : Mt Kinabalu

2006-03-13T14:28:00.000+08:00

We arrived in Kota Kinabalu (KK) from JB at 28 Feb 2005 late evening. Flight been retimed two hours from the schedule. Air Asia sent sms regarding this matter that allow me to book domestic flight in Borneo. From airport to the Borneo Backpacker-place we stayed that night we took taxi cost RM17 (15minutes drive). Just book in and served with dormitory room without AC cost RM20 each. Not too bad though, soon we realized that this time was off peak season and not weekend days.

We couldn’t sleep that night. We reckoned the room was quite hot and loud. The location of the BB lied by the main road in KK. We heard motorcycle drove madly by skidding all around the city at 2am ! Next morning we were heading to National Parks by walk to the shuttle bus to bus station. Only 5 minutes walk from BB. We took 730am bus then catches the 745am express bus to Sandakan. We paid RM20 each on the site and jumped ourselves into it. The journey was quite pleasant with view of the villages and hill side of the Kinabalu. It took 2 hours then we reached the parks at 10am.

I straight to the Sutera Sanctuary Lodge counter to resume our booking. Then register on the Parks counter. All the paper work regarding our climbing and accommodation also pay by cash for climbing permits (RM100each for foreigner, guide RM70, insurance RM7 and plus storage for bag each RM10). But we did not have that all amount the money ! We got to pay in US dollars which is not recommended. We did not have choice, this is our fault that we forgot to get some cash while we were in JB. Never mind …

All sort it then we got climbing permits. Wow fancy badges (hmm make sure that we will swap in when we were on top Mt Kinabalu ) and several forms that gave in to our guide Ben John as checking note. At 1030 we started walking with several people behind. The first 2km were lovely, mainly lots people walked up and walked down. The vegetation just like jungle forest with fern and trees. Then we reached the km 4.5 where we found nepenthes or pitcher plants. Some of them were enormous with diameter of 20-30cm, some were tiny about 0.5cm in diameter. Bright red rhododendron were really pretty while mountain white orchid was everywhere near the path.
The last kilometer was hard and tough. I started feeling exhausted apart from not enough having sleep a night before, but also the gradient becoming more vertical. We pushed our luck to get the resthouse before dark. Ben Jon really helpful with carrying my rucksack on half way up. I was end up carrying camera and video/audio equipment instead. The Nat Park rule about porter carrying load was maximum at 10kg per person and you got to pay them about RM50. But mine was about 11kg !

Around 330pm we arrived at Laban Rata resthouse –a two storey building with rooms for rest and a fancy restaurant. Actually there are three more huts in this area but only Laban Rata is the biggest and warmest. Eventually with RM69 per night for dormitory room sound luxury in this altitude. But I thought a cup of Sabah tea was reward for today walking.
We had to share a room with three Malaysian. The dorm itself was OK, quite tidy for us. We just need a good sleep and good food. There is NO hot shower even the parks promise that in their website. Imagine you had to do shower in temperature about 5C water ! The sensation was unbearable. I did manage though ! The foods were fantastic specially chicken and corn soup also deep fried banana with sabah tea. Hm lovely…

We went to bed early at 6pm ahead from the Malaysian gank. Then it came. The sound of snore from the girl next to me was so loud that I can’t believe those irritating sound from. I couldn’t sleep again until 1 o’clock while that girl woke up and put the light on. Oh Dear ! Started climbing about 230 after a light breakfast and cup a tea. The climbing was quite straight forward while we have to do in the dark. The weather helped quite lots. No rain during our walking earlier and those night was clear with stars. A big number of climber that night, I reckoned about 200 people attempted to conquer the summit.

The granite slope of Kinabalu actually not slippery at all. The life line that remark the path was helpful to see the way. But useless to hold your hands while their been set up too low to the ground. I thought it might be set for descent rather than accent Kinabalu. Then after quite taxing climb about 3.5 hours we managed to reach the Low’s Peak (4,095.2m) and watched the sunrise behind King Edward peak. The sheer rock from St John Peak and the Donkey Peak were amazing. After dark out and sun arise we could see the rock formations on the U shape that divide the Low’s peak with others. The chilly wind was not too bad apart from the temperature drop about zero.

We celebrated Mark's birthday right on top of Kinabalu with flag that me and Paul prepared earlier on. The walked down through granite was quite easy. I did not need rope for most of the section, but few of them need descending in right way due the gradient. I can say that most of the stone walks were safe for fit and in good shape after spent hours ascending. The view still amazing, and with morning light was a perfect for photographing the peaks on that day. The weather still on our side, no fog and clouds appeared during our descent. The temperature was improving just like the sun started arising. It was gorgeous !

It took about 2.5 hours to reach Laban Rata. With cup a tea that heal our fatigue from sleepless night we started our day . Then another breakfast that make our morning looked perfect. Two hours later we were heading down back to the main gate. Again the pain of walking down start hurting my legs. We were keep moving specially in last 3km, stopped only when raining poring down. Believe me that was a maschocistic trekking down ..

We managed to take pictures of plants along the path, specially nepenthes and necklace orchids. Birds were everywhere, mainly they eats wild berry that grow abundantly in this area. The Mountain Blackeye and Yellow Breasted Warbler were move really quick if we try catch them. Anyway we had many pictures of plants and also many interesting species to see.

We headed down to the gate and arrived about 4pm. The shuttle bus that carry us to the park was waiting. Then we reported our descent and also get the key for our place in Summit Lodge. I need to negotiate with local driver to arrange transport for Mark to Kadazan village –the nearest place to get cash money. It cost RM15 about a half an hour for him before appeared at our pretty lodge. The lodge have two bedrooms and nice beds. That’s what we need. After not much sleep in last two days and a hard 11.5km walking, we definitely need proper sleep.

Thaipusam Festival : Don't try it at home !

2006-02-13T10:38:00.000+08:00

‘Thai’ is the Hindu month which falls between January 15 to February 15 and ‘Pusam’ refers to a star which shines at its brightest during the period of this festival.

Thaipusan originates fom a Hindu pranic story of Idumban, a devotee of Lord Subramaniam (also known as Lord Murugan, son of Lord Shiva) who received a divine calling to pay his homage to the deity on a hilltop shrine. Along his journey, he sang hymns in praise of Lord Subramaniam to forget the heavy burden of the offering he was carrying. Pleased at the devotion shown by Idumban, Lord Subramaniam showered blessing upon him.

Thaipusan commemorates Idumban’ devotion and even today, it is believed that any devotee carrying a kavadi in fulfillment of vows, will have their wishes granted, like those of Idumban.
During the procession on the eve of Thaipusam, a statue of Lord Subaramniam in a silver chariot (kavadis) will travel from the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Rd to Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple at Keong Siak St.

Did you know :
• Lord Murugan is often depicted riding on a peacock hence the use of peacock feathers on the kavadis.
• Hindu believe that limes ward off evil spirits
• Devotees pray to Lord Ganesha before Thaipusam for success in fulfilling their vows because he is the remover of obstacles
• Holy ash is sprinkled over wounds left by the skewers as it is believed to have the ability to heal
• Coconuts are broken by devotees to symbolize the ‘opening of oneself’ and the white flesh of the kernel reveals the purity of the heart and soul.
• Devotee ring the bells on the door of the temple to announce their arrival on the Gods before pooja (pray)
• It takes about 2 hours to assemble a spiked kavadi.

*text taken from the board at the Serangon Rd. More pictures at Multiply.

Kenny G Live : My Teenage Dream

2006-01-22T23:37:00.000+08:00

It was a dream come true. When I was 16 years old, turned on the radio at my friend's house I froze while listening a magical sound from an instrument that later I found the name -saxophone. That pieces of song led me to spend my pocket money to buy a cassette called Kenny G Live 1989. I never regret it. From his whole albums (sole album or compilation), this album I crowned it as the best. Not because I felt the intimate Kenny but also I found jazz was an interesting kind of music.

Friday 20th we went to the show at Max Pavillion a building at Singapore Expo. I was hoping to see him at outdoor stage just like in 1989 tour, but turned out to be indoor with may be two thousands audience. The good news that the acoustic system was excellent. Kenny backed by his teammate showed what the music can be. Rich with improvisation, powerful instrument and careful choice of songs were add on the great night.

Piece like his " Silhouette" was a beautiful opening song while he wandering around rows of the audience. Also he showed his circular breathing technique that blow saxophone in a very very long breath. My favorite such as "Song Bird" , " Home", "Tribeca" -played jamm with bassist, "Going Home" were line up nicely. I did enjoy the song as I imagined when I heard many years ago. Kenny closed the session with "My Heart Will Go On" soundtrack of Titanic -a wonderful climax.
Back on my seat, I felt like dreaming. Thanks Mark for our 1st anniversary gift !

Indochina Journal 6: Summary for Transport

2006-01-22T21:44:00.000+08:00

There were several consideration that need attention to independent traveler who want to go this area:

1.The condition for Laos was not too dangerous, but you must be willing to any transport available. Mini-Van for tourists (non local) could be ordered anywhere, while the public's transport such as bus and boat are widely acceptable.

2. Loaung Phabang was more organised and embraced tourism.
Although the road were unpaved but facilities such as guesthouses, hotels, restauranst, and travel agents were easy to find. In here also you could arrange visas to any neighboring countries like China, Myanmar, Vietnam.

3. Northern Thai mountains especially in Chiang Mai very popular to backpackers. But if you go to Chiang Do -90km or 2 hours with sangtheauw, you will be avoided by the bustle of tourists especially in trekking season.

4.The prices summarized below were based on high season (Deceember). If you travel in low season so assume that you will spend 60% of the rate. If you travel alone the price just slightly the the same as you were travel in low season.

Legs of Transportation (the price based per person)

Singapore - Chiang Mai with Tiger Airways SGD210.23 (inc tax)
Chiang Mai - Louang Phabang 1,900BHT (inc stay overnight at Chiang Khong and Mekong speedboat)
Louang Phabang - Van Vieng with bus of US$8
Van Vieng - Vientiene with mini-van of US$7
Vientiene - Nong Khai with taxi US$8 (for two)
Nong Khai - Bangkok by train 568BHT with bed
Bangkok – Singapore with Tiger Airways 3,825BHT (service charge at Don Muang 500BHT)

Accomodation (note: price based for two sharing)

1. Chiang Mai
EagleHouse, 190BHT per room, guesthouse, double with fan
6 Chang Moi Gao Road, Soi 3, Chiang Mai 50 300.
THAILAND. TEL: 053 874 126 or.
TEL: 053 235 387.
New:- 24 HOUR FAX: 053 874 366.
Contact: Annete at mail@eaglehouse.com
web: http://www.eaglehouse.com/
Comments: we stayed at EH 1 that its location little bit further down outer city tunnel. Bathroom was clean and an extra bed. Willing to pick up in the airport

2.Chiang Dao
Chiang Dao Nest, 398BHT per room, bungalow, AC
144/4 m.3 Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, 50170, Thailand
TEL: +66 53 456242
Contact: Stuart Cavaliero at nest@chiangdao.com
website: http://nest.chiangdao.com/
Comments: the bungalow was great, view was facing to Chiang Dao mountain, Thai
buffet from the restaurant was the best.

3. Louang Phabang
Sokdhee Guesthouse, US12 per cream with fan
Old City in the Manthatoulat road
Comments: did not have a view, but the house was a traditional wooden house. Bathroom was clean and hot shower.

4.Van Vieng
The Villa Nam Song, ranch type, US30 per room, double with AC
TEL: 00.856.23.511.016
Contact: Mrs Marie-Helene at reservation.namsong@gmail.com
Direction : from the bus station, walk 10 minutes acrross gravel road afterwards turnleft headed bamboo bridge. This villa just beside the bridge and Bungalow Thavonsouk (best known in Van Vieng).
Comments: scenery of limestone across the river was extraordinary, sat in the terrace restaurant laid back. Very recommended.
5.Vientiene
Haysoke Guesthouse, US$15 double with AC
083/1-2 HengBoon St B. Haysoke
Vientiene Lao PDR
TEL: 007 (856 21) 219711/22
Comments: clean and have a big room, very far from the river bank. Close to National Museum.

6.Bangkok
Happy House, 495BHT double with AC
46 Soi Chanasongkhram, Pre Athit Rd, Pranakorn, BKK
TEL: 02-2803301/02-2803306
Direction: Khaosan Rd turn left to direction Rambhutri road
Comments : clean and tidy, only the room was rather crowded.

Other link:
Guesthouses in Louang Prabang

Tangerine everywhere !!!

2006-01-18T12:14:00.000+08:00

We went to MacRithie for macro photo session. Hop on bus 166 we passed agriculture shops not far from the parking lot. We amazed for the ocean of tangerine trees and fruits that so abundant. Mark thought that was an artificial thingys. I did't believe him, so here's the pictures (pic 1)

We just realised that Chinese New Year will coming soon (end of January). Chinese ethnic celebrate Lunar New Year with foods that contains many symbol. Such as :

Tangerines and oranges are passed out freely during Chinese New Year as the words for tangerine and orange sound like luck and wealth, respectively. From : About.com

We also found funny fruit (not sure this is edible or not). The shop sell a bunch of stem with fruit only without leaves (pict2). After searching we found the common name is Nipple Fruit (Solanum Mammosum) symbolize abundance.

Indochina Journal 5 : Welcome to Backpacker's Capital City

2006-01-09T21:52:00.000+08:00

_DSC3514
Originally uploaded by About Asia.

Bangkok, 4 January 2006

Got off from train station in Hualamphong, we hurried looked for the taxi. We met two Kiwis to share a taxi to Khaosan Rd. Only 50BHT for four people it seems that was the good price. The Kiwis did similar loop route like us, but they started and ended in Bangkok. Then begun ritual backpacker: walking down street looking for accommodation. In Khaosan Rd it was rare to book in advance for room. Easy way to do is : came, asked, checked, and got it !. We were lucky had 1 room in Happy House with the price 495BHT.

Like the legend of backpacker itself, Khaosan Rd was a trade mark. Its place that strategic close to Grand Palace, the Port 13 of Chao Phraya rivers and National Gallery made Khaosan were easy to be accessed.

Also you will see the impact of cross culture happened. Tempted by Asia’s charm, people from the European country and Australia made Thailand the main stopover before heading to other exotic places like Bali and India. In minutes you will see the bands of backpacker wandering around for food or simply reading the books.

Here you will see travel agent busy arranging visas or served the transport to the other part of the country. Name sign for laundry a kilo for 25BHT scattered along the street collide with street vendors. Everything was sold and bought here.

Bangkok is a picture of Asian city. Chaos, noisy and confusing. I had quick notice of what they called tuk-tuk. Three wheeled bike with seat in back that transfer you to any other part of city. I found tuk-tuk was not really good for transport effectively. Because of the driver did not speaking English and no map knowledge. I use boat more often passed through the river or tunnel. In three days I did recovering from my upset tummy and also prepare my broken heart after failing into Vietnam.

Indochina Journal 4: My first Comitted Crime in Thailand

2006-01-08T23:40:00.000+08:00

Bangkok, 1 January 2006

From Vang Vieng we moved to Vientiene.The mini-van was ordered through the receptionist at the Villa Nam Song cost $7 departed at 1.30 pm. The road condition was not too bad only this vehicle appreared to be too slow. It took 2 hours in moderate speed but apparently 3.5 hours were standard here.

Vientiene was not too impressive for us. Possibly because we visited the best places in Laos that made the capital looked dingy. Anyway we stayed at Haysoke Guesthouse -clean and big with $15 for two inc AC. We enjoyed the New Year here, walked down the streets feel the atmosphere of a big night.

Next day we went to the Wattay airport, but then just realised that Mark needed visas to Vietnam.Unfortunately at January 1 almost all the offices and travel agent were closed. While Monday was a the bank holiday).Then the possibility of arranging visa was on Tuesday (3/01), the fastest service need at least 24 hours.. While we must return to Singapore at Thursday night. So we cancelled our travel to Hanoi on that day.

Our consideration were: one -as soon as possible to get out from Vientiene, two-think about the alternative destination furthermore without require a visa , three-e transport must be easy and must be in reasonable distance. We thought Bangkok likely more promising.
Aalthough we did not like big city, at least we will have more photo opportunity here. We thought about transportation. The bus needed 20 hours, while the train would need overnight. Also we already crossed Friendship Bridge -the main border of Laos and Thailand.
We decided to take an overnight train from Nong Khai departed 705pm and arrived in Bangkok 7.35am. With the ticket 568BHT we would be able to the sleep at a very comfortable bed. But in here was my first "crime" occurred.

At 5am suddenly I felt so sick. I reckoned something that we ate before that contains some bug and upset my stomach. I couldn't wait anymore, I had vomit in a very clean sheet bed. Don't know what to do but sure I have to report it to cleaning boy. Ow if you saw his face I felt so guilty. Also not to mention the fine threat that was brought forward by him. The security walked pass several times in our compartment but only caught a person without the ticket two bed apart from me. Ufff ......nearly

Indochina Journal 3: The Notorious Route 13

2006-01-08T16:41:00.000+08:00

Vientiene, 31 December 2005

We spent two nights exploring Louang Phabang. It was not enough.
to capture the beauty of this place. However we must leave.The ticket
bus was ordered in travel agent that stretched along the Xiang Thong road.
It was depart at 830 am from Southern Bus Station cost for $8 each.
In the morning Louang Phabang covered by thick fog with the
temperature around 15C. We will follow the trip towards Vang Vieng
took 7 hours from Loaung Phabang.

The route 13 was one section of the Laos road between Kasi village -
Vang Vieng. This route was previously known with its ferocity
of the bandits that partly from insurgent Hmong ethnic. There is
no bus service at night. The road condition was bad and the possibility
of the landslide made this route even harder.

That morning our VIP bus was ready. Oh don't think about how nice
VIP bus is but this bus just like economic class - old , broken bench,
and without AC. I saw a Lao troops hid the riffle beneath his camouflage
jacket. Then in one jump he entered one of the bus towards Vientine.

Although the route 13 was notoriously wild but here you will find
the best view. Scenery along the road was extraordinary. Mountains
stretched as far the eyes gaze on. Limestone walls a high as several
hundred metres on right and left side made my eyes couldn't even blink.
I felt grateful that we didn't take flight on this route. This scenery
could not been bought with money.

At 5pm we arrived in Vang Vieng a place that regard itself as a new
stopover for backpacker. In high season like december it was
difficult to find suitable guesthouse. Just before sunset we found
a room at Villa Nam Song which had a great view of the cliff across
the Nam Xong river. Thanks to Nefran for Vang Vieng information.
This place is a hidden gem of Laos. Happy New Year 2006, we will
celebrate in Vientiene.

Indochina Journal 2: Crossed the Border

2006-01-08T15:15:00.000+08:00

_DSC2691
Originally uploaded by About Asia.

Louang Phabang, 28 Dec 2005 at 5:31pm

Beyond the main gate was inscribed "Gate to the Indochina" I felt ready set my foot on it. Visa for Laos could be done in 1 hour cost 1,500BHT for all citizenship. Huoay Xai (Laos side) only five minutes on boat from Chiang Khong (Thai side). The imimigration office no more than 3x5m that was full a fflock of traveller from various countries. We found a counter to exchange our 20US dollars into kip. It turned out to be a whole bunch of kip notes.

This is what we were waiting for, a speedboat down Mekong river. The small long tailed boat with only 6 passengers was propelled with the Toyota 16valve engine. The speedboat is only for those hooked on adrenalin. You don't only need to contend with the speed and the manoeuvrability over shallow river but the exhilarating wind in your face as you were sat squashed up in to a patch of floor less than 2ft Square, all meant the trip could be classified as an endurance test. Oh we also had ear-plug as well to reduce noise from the Toyota beast as there was no silencer on the exhaust.

But scenery was really amazing as we passed by at 50MPH. The Mekong was unlike the river I had imagined. The hills and mountains in the background were awesome ! It took seven hours in the boat, certainly exhausting trip. We stopped several times by the villages or local food stall stretched along the river. When the sun down we reached Ban Don village about 7km from Louang Phabang.

Nine of us bargained tuk-tuk to carry into main city. $2 each seemed outrages for chinese people that got off same time with us. We tried to bargain based the price of a vehicle rather than per person. The driver agreed with $10 delivered as far as Old City. We stayed in Sokdhee Guesthouse, and enjoyed Louang Phabang- one of the old kingdoms that was crowned as World Heritage. It was so peaceful and calm just like river Mekong that flowed by the city.

Indochina Journal 1: Christmas with Pom

2006-01-08T00:02:00.000+08:00

Christmas with Pom
Originally uploaded by About Asia.

Chiang Mai, 26th December 2005 at 8.11pm

Here we are, six foreigners were casted in a bamboo hut in the settlement of the Lisu ethnic group at Chiang Do territory 90 km north Chiang Mai Thailand. Accompanied by a candle and Chang beer, Pom and Nata -our host entertained us in their simple house. Christmas Eve was celebrated simply by shared story about the ethnic group's Lisu culture -a group that originally from China and spread in the Thai border territory, Burma and Laos.

Pom was pretty, smart and very good spoke English, while Nata could understand us. Pom cooked dinner : gourd soup and veg stir fry.Nata was our guide for the second day trekking. Pom explained about the Lisu culture while we were eager to listen and ask questions. As a teacher Pom is really ideal. Her knowledge was very broad, from Sasame Street to the books. She amazed when she listen to Harry Potter and Half Prince Blood read by Stephen Fry on mp3 player.

For the third day trekking only the two of us remained, others withdrew as they did not have suitable footware for the slippery condition. In fact this was a rare opportunity to visit isolated villages in Chiang Do National Park. Today we return Chiang Mai headed to the border of Laos through Chiang Khong. The bus trip and boat required us to spend overnight. I can't wait for the Mekong journey.

End 2005 Trip : Indochina

2005-12-18T22:54:00.000+08:00

Next week we will begin the Indochina Trekking (Northern Thailand-Laos-Vietnam).It will start on Friday at 23rd Dec and end on 5th January 2006. Yes we will spend christmas and new year somewhere afar from snow. All these routes were rough guide, we have several consideration that need attention to.

Thailand
23/12 Singapore - Chiang Mai (evening)
Prepare for hill trekking and rafting the trip for the next day
Night City sighting
stay overnight at Chiang Mai guesthouse
24/12 Trekking/Rafting Pick up by the tour operator
25/12 Trekking/Rafting
26/12 Trekking/Rafting stay overnight at Chiang Do

Laos
27/12 Travel Mekong River across the border via Chiang Rai
28/12 Travel Mekong River via Houayxai
29/12 Travel Mekong River
30/12 City the tour of Louang Phrabang
31/12 Travel to Vientiene via land, pop in Vang Vieng
1/01 City the Viantiene tour

Vietnam
02/01 Flight from Vientiene to Hanoi
Travel to Ha Long City 3hrs with bus
Stay overnight at Ha Long City
03/01 Ha Long Bay, Stay overnight on the boat
04/01 Ha Long Bay, Stay at guesthouse Ha Long or back to Hanoi
05/01 City the tour (day) the back to Singapore (evening)

Heading Laos border through Houayxai we need boat sailing down along Mekong River. The options is either slowboat (2D/1N) and speedboat (6 hrs). This option was still in mind while I want to enjoy view and live in the Mekong river or riding 70 mil/hrs. With speedboat I can save time for solid 2 days that could be used to explore Louang Phabang/Vang Vieng.

Also the route Louang Phabang-Vientiene it seems more convenient with the bus. The choice between Lao Aviation that had the bad reputation made me think twice. But travelled by bus also not significantly safe. There is no public toilet along the route so people usually goes to nature. Like it's neighbour Cambodia, Laos experienced the same problem with the mine. Do you think it will safe ?

Ha Long City was not so worrying me. Several friends had been there said that this place was very pleasant. For visas, I do not requireone as Vietnam is part of ASEAN country. While Laos, I need to apply in the Laos Embassy in Singapore, because the Houayxai border did not allow visas on arrival.

treetop3

2005-11-10T09:41:00.000+08:00

treetop3
Originally uploaded by ambar_briastuti.

2005-10-21T16:54:00.000+08:00

petronas dan bulan

The best trek we've ever done

2005-10-07T17:27:00.000+08:00

We reached Mt.Rinjani's peak after 4hours summit attack at monday morning. It was gorgeous! Previously we had 10 hours trekking from Sembalun Lawang to the camp just below the mountain. Monday afternoon, after 2hours rest we move on to the camp by Segara Anak lake. We had a good rest and managed to gain our strength for another day's trekking. On Tuesday at 6am we set off to Plawangan a favorite place for viewing the crater rim. At about mid day we reached Plawangan and had our last lunch at post III. An hour rest then we set off into the last stage of trekking, about 8km to Senaru which took 4hours with gentle slope. Finnaly we arrived Senaru at 3:30pm. This was the best trekking I've ever done. Only 3D/2N for about 26km plus the summit was very rewarding

My experiment with GPS did not seem succesful. We had problem with battery supply, e-Trex couldn't pick any signal on the last stage due forest density. We had arranged taxi to pick us up at Senaru and take us to Mangsit -5km outside Senggigi where we found a place to stay. I am now sitting in backyard of Nusa Bunga with direct view to the beach. Today we are going to Gili Trawangan from Bangsal Harbour. Oh yeah with aching legs off course !

ambar on top

It was just a breathtaking panorama ! You can see more pictures in Photobox.

Google Earth : an experiment

2005-09-18T22:46:00.000+08:00

semerupath

We just played with Google Earth, the application that integrate with GPS data. The problem is we haven't got the USB cable connector for e-Trex garmin GPS receiver. So Mark created this connector with 9pin to 4 teeth into GPS. We used GPSUtility 4.15.5 freeware. GPSU not allowed us to save file, so we input manually into Google Earth. The result was not too bad.

Those picture above taken from trekking in Mt Semeru Java. We held the data but simply didn't work it out how to store it. Oh yes a good news is Google put altitude information on mountains or POI.

We can create path based on log data but we haven't purchase the Google Earth Plus (US$30). So in meantime we just delighted what we've done.

connector

Pulau Hantu : there's wildlife here

2005-09-10T22:52:00.001+08:00

To see the album click here

This is our Saturday trip with National University of Singapore' students. Their field trip was part of assignment to formulate environment monitoring system for Pulau Hantu. Thanks everybody....and Rani.

Lantern Safari : Magic Light

2005-09-10T22:52:00.000+08:00

To see the album click here

This festival marked mid autumn season for chinese people. Photos taken with Nikon D70 without flash. I loves kids and their lantern, proudly showed it to me. The lake in the Chinese Garden magically change into pre-historic lantern lake with dinosaurus and a volcano, completed with sound effect. Wow !!!!

Circumvention law: what the hell is that ??

2005-09-08T13:07:00.000+08:00

Video (5.3 MB Quicktime 2:33min)

Problem with stairs....

2005-09-08T11:46:00.000+08:00

stairslitteindia.jpg
Originally uploaded by ambar_briastuti.

Mark always got problems with stairs. I keep remind him "watch your step, please..." *with ugly and demanding look*. The last accident was in a bus stop opposite Dhoby Ghaut two days ago. He run over the bus with two hands full of shopping bag contains bottles of beer. He fell over just next two girls in the seating area. Uppsss...they just amazed to see an ang moh (=white man) flying...

This picture taken from Little India when we had fish head curry. We walked through Serangoon Rd packed with street vendor, and other services....so anyone need manicure ???

The Art of Eating Fish Head

2005-09-07T09:22:00.000+08:00

It's difficult to convince people how delicious the fish heads are. People think fish head is all bones but Asian's loves eat something that takes effort, not just a piece of meat. So the art is : you have to work hard before getting what you want. Believe me it was rewarding ! Aparently fish head is one of Singapore national dishes. So you better try it.

Thanks for Mr Douglas's maid who recommended the Gayatri restaurant.

Battle of institutions in US about copyright

2005-09-05T12:08:00.000+08:00

Video (940.51 KB Quictime 0:28min )

Cory part2: Copyright in any form of media

2005-09-05T11:16:00.000+08:00

Video (4.1MB Quicktime 2:07 min)

Cory's campaign in Singapore (part1)

2005-09-04T07:06:00.000+08:00

Audio (1MB MP3)
Video (1.7MB Quicktime)

Yes.. Cory Doctorow in Singapore for Singapore Writers Festival this weekend. His session : Copyright and Future Media turn out with various issues such as why he published his science fiction novels free in internet, what actually a battle ground of copyright and about Creative Common License. As a co-editor of Boing-Boing (urghhhh... the most popular blog in this planet) he also works for Electronic Frontier Foundation to promote civil liberties related with technology. Sorry for shaky footage Corry...anyway loved your shirt, I shall get one from here.

Nias Journal 3 Kids Kids Kids

2005-08-25T19:34:00.000+08:00

morning exercise at pre school in Afia Camp

In Gunung Sitoli we taught English and Math in three camps. Supomo and Remeling were only walking distance from PKPA Nias. But Afia Camp was 30 minutes by car. Normally Dewi and Fitri (two volunteers with headscarf) using public transport goes every Thursday Friday and Saturday on two sessions . First for pre-school and about late afternoon for Elementary school. Here we did exercise, playing and singing the song.

orphanage of OMO Tomorrow Hope

We visited an orphanage on top of the hill in Gn Sitoli. When we were there, they already finished dinner. The place are well constructed, barely could see any damaged by earthquake. The kids were so cheerfull, had a lot questions about our team. Rahim, Ady and me were lucky that we can understand what they said. But some of them were really good in English. Translator were not needed here !!

A funny story about the way we went that me and Sue Jan had to walk to this place. Our becak (bicycle turn into three wheels ride) decided to break its wheels. Shame though. I guess not because I am too fat ! I had similar incident in Medan on our last day in Sumatra. We went to a supermarket in town then the chain of motocycle loosened. It just stopped . Oh how lucky I was...

our class in sirombu (click the image for video)

The English classes that run in Sirombu were in temporary shelter in the front of SD (Sekolah Dasar=Elementary School). The structure of the shelter made from bamboo, the roof from palm leaves (rumbia) without wall perfect for hot and humid Nias. The kids were great. They learnt very quickly. We had several competition to build up their short of achievement. It was wild !!

Nias Journal 2 Sirombu activities

2005-08-25T13:22:00.000+08:00

road to sirombu (click the image to see how we crossed this bridge)

Sirombu was 84km from Gunung Sitoli. It was an area that suffered by tsunami and earthquake. We were there to support PKPA's suplementary class in English. Also supported pre school class that run in emergency shelter. We travelled with an ambulance in very very bumpy road. It took nearly 4,5 hours. We actually crossed Nias island shore to shore through several hills and valleys. We had to stop about 45 min in this bridge just tried to get through. I stopped a man with full of durian to take picture of his adorable fruit.

morning sesson with pre-school (click the image to see on video)

We held play sesson, drawing, singing the song, etc. Playing cat and mouse really amusing. We made a circle and the cat tried to catch the mouse inside it. Erni (with headscarf) the local volunteer helped us to get along with the kids. It was fun though !!

dinner with all PKPA members

This is what we done every evening. Dinner together with plastic dishes in plastic mat. The food were fantastic ! lots of seafood and really really spicy. Umi the chef treated us very well. We (the girls) aslo slept in this room where in the day became a kitchen for Umi.

our water for toilet

Water was not a big problem in Sirombu. The quality so poor, contaminated by salt . But you can find water sources easily. We used the bucket to get the water. Around 2-3m deep. I had to learn to do this. Everytime I put the bucket down, it was back only half full ! This is also a communal toilet. So there would be a few people showered together in same spot. Hah...

Nias Journal 1

2005-08-25T12:16:00.000+08:00

flight to Nias

Saturday 30th July

Flight been delayed. Elaine (uf whoever I couldn't remember) called at 2am in the morning said everything would be reschedule!! Silk Air cancelled their flight to Medan. In frantic effort team got the flight with Garuda Indonesia 11.30am. Arrived at 12pm in Polonia Airport where packed with humannitarian flight to Aceh and Nias. Nelly, the travel agent picked us up and gave tickets of return flight Medan-Gunung Sitoli with Merpati Airlines. We had to pay excesse baggage for our boxes. I hate it. The staff really pissed me off . We already said that we were charity team from Singapore to Nias. We end up have to pay Rp 250,000 for 4 kg. They even asked extra money for the receipt. Bugger !

Our flight to Gunung Sitoli (Nias) was good. To be honest I don't like bumpy flight. Rahim sat next to me said it was normal. Oh yeah but I got my nerves burst out. Arrived at Gunung Sitoli at 3pm. Oh as you know Sumatra was an hour late from Singapore time. I have been told to call Yaman (Merpati representative) about van that should take us to PKPA office. In fact the van was already there ! Just asked few people where's the driver.

The van was about too small for 7 people plus our belonging. I sat on the back along with rucksack. I even had to put my leg up'cause on the base full of boxes.

cramping on the van from airport to Mudik village

Thanks God, journey to Mudik village only half an hour. It was only a single line roadway in Nias. Enough for a car and motorcycle. We had to stop several times due the traffic (whoaaa...). I tell you the Niasan drove their motor like a mad !

Here we are the team (Merlissa, Ambar,Sue Jan, Ady 'the Hulk', and Rahim)

We had a first glimpse about Nias. Walked along the shore area that badly affected by earthquake. Sad though...but we watched Niasan played football surounding by rubbles and steels. I thought about Niasan. They refused to pity themselves.

This is Kethoprak

2005-08-22T16:46:00.000+08:00

On 21August we visited Indonesia embassy in Singapore for the anniversary of 60th Independence day. There were bazaar of Indonesian food and live dangdut music!!! Kethoprak is one of our Indonesia dishes. Contains :
[1] rice : boiled in plastic bag then looked compact, cut into 5cm cubes
[2] tofu : cut and deep fried
[3] beancurd : boiled
[4] Peanut sauce : chili, garlic, red onion with fried coconut grinnded in food processor
[5] Vermicelli
[6] Fried red onion, onion leaf and crackers as garnish. The more colourful of cracker the better !!

A girl that presented it was Shafira, Mela's daughter. She proudly said that kethoprak is the best !

This is another one. Ice cream served with colourful bread. Very nice specially when thousands people around. Shared with Mark, but after a condition : not durian flavour !

Nias island : another sad story

2005-08-17T18:12:00.000+08:00

Gunung Sitoli - Sirombu (1st Aug 2005)

This journey was long thought about Indonesia. The Nias island distraught by two disasters that took its people to zero point. All I can see was struggling and willing to build their life again. From Gunung Sitoli we headed Sirombu around 84km or 4 hours bumpy angkot (local public tranport). In its coastal region was badly affected by the tsunami. When the night falls this village became silent. I only heard a glance of waves. The wind just told me different story. It was a dead place. So quiet.

Project Ya'ahowu : Child's Play in NIAS

2005-07-28T10:05:00.000+08:00

I will join the team from Raleigh Society in Singapore to go to Pulau Nias Indonesia at 30 July until 14Agt 2005. Project Ya' ahowu : Child Play dedicated to provide education for the children who left homeless after Tsunami and massive earthquake.

We will conduct basic education such as Math, English and Health along with their morning school. Our local partner PKPA Centre of Study and Child Protection in Medan Sumatera will work closely in play theraphy session.

We need some more education materials, such as books, story books, stationary, charts, posters etc. Alternatively you can make a cash donation. Several teams been set up to continue this project until end of 2005. If you interresting to be a volunteer just let them know by going into theis site or email. We need more people specially who can speak Bahasa Indonesia or Malay.

Please email at : tsunami_reconstruction@raleigh.org.sg or contact +65 9456 0632

Update 29 Augt 2005 per-email : for next project Raleigh has not been cleared officially on new scope for future teams.

Taman Sari : A Place for Pleasure

2005-07-24T10:46:00.000+08:00

watercastle

Tamansari is a popular tourist destination in my hometown Yogyakarta Indonesia. Its location is so convenient to the city center and Pasar Ngasem (Ngasem Marketplace). The only way to get around Tamansari is by walking. You will get more opportunities to enjoy the various tropical vegetations, local community houses, and batik galleries.

Tamansari was built in 1758 as a pleasure palace complex for Sultan Hamengku Buwono I, the King of Yogyakarta. The 59-building compound included a mosque, meditation chambers, swimming pools, and a series of 18 water gardens and pavilions surrounded by ornamental lakes. The palace complex fell out of use following an earthquake in 1867, which destroyed several buildings and drained the famous water features. Over time, squatters began to inhabit the site, living among the deserted pavilions and building homes in the former lakebeds.

I went to visit again to see extensive renovation being done. Some areas were wonderful like it was. Specially the main polls (Gedong Panunjukan and Temanten) and the big gate (Gapura Agung). The underground water tunnel yet being fully paint. I found lots grafitti and vandals that beeing there for years. But now, by stages I see how the local authorities tried so hard to rejuvinate those building.

Still this place was so photogenic for me. I will be back.

(some text taken from PPS Project for Public Space)

Virtual Reality Photos : my first contribution

2005-07-05T18:16:00.000+08:00

Finally after three days of hardship this is the first contribution for World Wide Panorama. A massive Project was sponsored by the Geography Computing Facility University of California Barkeley that website been facilitated in The Geo Images Project. The panorama was the form of immersive virtual reality photography that had independence to look around 360 degree view.

This event was carried out to welcome June Solstice. Scheduling for taking pictures, editing and posting being coordinated by G Donald Bain and Landis Bennet. While the site server was handed over to Markus Altendorff.

I only could make cylindrical type which is a traditional VR because of the limitations of the equipment and software. For the camera that I with was Nikon D70 with the position potrait. Panohead for the tripod used Manfrotto 330 . For Tioman Project I used software PTMac free trial for stitching and the production of the panorama in QTVR format. Also QuickTime 7. 0 Pro and Photoshop Element 3. 0 to editing. I glanced at RealViz Stitcher that more powerful from PTMac. Only I was waiting for confirmation for student edition price. For my computer used PowerMac G5.

Ironically around 500 photographers that participated only me that came from Indonesia. Another thing is this a very first work was about Tioman - a tiny island in Malaysia. I really want to produce a panorama that represent Indonesia’s beauty. Imangine that Indonesia has soooo many islands (12,ooo including Bali). Shame that on that time (16-24 June) I had not been in Indonesia, but learn how to snorkell in Tioman. I have seen several VR photos about Indonesia in World Heritage theme. They are wonderfull VR pictures of Borobudur (a biggest budhist temple) in every level. Unfortunately this was not created by Indonesians.

To make cubic and spherical I need more hardship. At least this is a first step for next projects. One of them is to make a virtual map to my hometown Yogyakarta as part of the tourist promotion. Unfortunately (again) I am not a programmer/webdesign that could produce a very nice website. Please anybody help me !!!!

After you have a look at mine, please feel free to look at the other entries. Some are really good. Theme for this event is Water to celebrate June Solstice. We took pictures of Tioman jetty point when we had a long weekend. You might have experience for being there if you moving around panorama.

Flowers for Mums : vlog

2005-06-27T11:14:00.000+08:00

Click here to view

This is another v-blog. From a BBQ party at Toa Payoh with Indonesian ladies. We cycled down there from Tanjong Rhu. It took only a half an hour with several bridge crossing (means you have to carry your cycle along). Taken with Nikon CP5700 with poor battery. I tried to follow Hanan as my point of view but my camera went dead after few seconds.
Anyway thanks for great welcome. Enjoy !!!

You will need Quicktime Player to see video. Click here to download (Window based).

Snorkelling lessons at Tioman Island

2005-06-22T22:47:00.000+08:00

Coral reef at Tioman island

Oh true, this is my first snorkelling ever. As you know, I am terribly couldn't float very well. Wet suit might help, still I need life jacket on. Phobic....hmmm yep, specially face to face with a group of really big big fish.

We spent long weekend in Tioman Island. About 134 km from Johor Bahru/JB Malaysia. To cross the island we had a bumpy ride with speedboat from Mersing around 2 hours. We stayed at Salang village, furthest north of the island. This site was best for diving and snorkelling. And sooo quiet.
The accomodation was quite good. We had RM40 per night at a chalet with fan or you'll get more sophisticated one with Air Con cost around RM100. The food was fantastic. Lots of seafood and juice. Recommended : terabali fish and squid BBQ. They did it with banana leaf and soy sauce served with sambal (chili).

We managed to have a snorkelling tour on Sunday. It cost RM50 per person, that were just fab ! Three sites of snorkelling : Coral Reef, Tulai island and Monkey Bay. The best one was the Coral Reef. I am very nervous when started it. Soon I went down and saw the fish, I forgot my fear. They were soooo beautiful. We fed them with bits of apple. Some fish were so excited and bite my finger or knee.

Those pictures taken with Kodak disposable camera. Yes the cheapy one (its $14.95 or RM50). Mark need to dive down to get the best view. And that was worth it. Except I lost my glasses at Monkey Bay 'cause the monkey nicked it. Yes the monkey. I bet they can read now.

Down the Mountain-third vblog

2005-06-22T20:22:00.000+08:00

Click here to view

Third v-blog. With size 5.5MB won't take very long for upload into ourmedia.org. Only 1.09minutes long of last year climbing at Nevis Range in Scotland with friends : Debbie and Jon. Learn how to stop sliding from top of the mountain. Fun though...
Taken with Nikon Coolpix 5700 which didn't work very well at low temperature. Soundtrack : Flat Bottomed Girls from yesss the Queen !!

Borneo Sarawak May 2005 The Pinnacles

2005-06-14T17:50:00.000+08:00

Pinnacles of Mt Api

Day 3 Mon 24/05/05 The Pinnacles (Mt. Api)

There were around 4 groups that would climbing today. One from Singapore, the big party from Malaysia with a film crew, five foreign tourists and our team. Most teams around 5 to 10 people. Only ours that had two and a guide. We've been told that we will depart in the morning around 700am.

Finished packing we set to the footpath not far from camp 5. My feeling just too moody this morning. Possibly because I hadn't have enough sleep overnight. Heavy rain really made the zinc roof become noisy. The footpath went upwards with moderate grade. My stomach started feeling funny. Then about half an hour half climbing I vomited. I reckond caused by digestion system too much forced to work along with the foot muscle. Strangely after vomiting I felt a lot better. Only apparently needed the energy bar to replace my breakfast.

The route was good, occasionally with the rope. Designed t descend when rockeries and tree's root became slippery. The forest was very calm with high density of leaves and branches. We rarely got direct sun. This trek only 2.4 km but this one was totally vertical. In Guidebook was said most fit people did in 3-4 hours climbing. Just to remind you that this route actually "maschocistic route" rather that pleasant one. It was essential to bring a day pack as minimal as possible. I saw several mineral bottles placed in the edge of the route for supply. At least each brought two litres, ideally around 3 litres of water. No water resource all along the route.

The Pinnacles actually limestone layers that experienced the erosion because of the rain flow. This made his construction become sharp such as an iron bars. Moreover the height could reach 30-40m. The Pinnacles location was in the slope Mt Api (1750m) . It did not been climb yet for the real peak. A mountain nearby Mt Benarat (1580m) Although short but also was not yet been touched. The only one that could be climbed was Mt Mulu (2376m). It climbed by Lord Shackleton (son of Ernest Shackleton ) in 1932. Anyway for me the Pinnacles was more than enough.

Around 10an we arrived in a third of the last part (I called it:The iron route ). There was a plank of the warning that you should arrive here before 11am otherwise you have to come back. The reason because of the weather was often changed. The fog and possibly rain also make the route become so difficult. There were around 14 iron ladders and some auxiliary bridge with help of the rope that helped through the layer limestone.

The route changed to crawled, scrambling and climbing. For me that was more interesting because quite taxing. So do not believe if guide or the operator's tour mentioned this route as moderate. Richard-our guide even regarded the Pinnacles heavier compared with Mt Kinabalu at the level of difficulty. It was just fortunate that today was bright that the route not too slippery.

After total 4 climb hours, in wet of sweat shirt we were able to see the Pinnacles. It was speechless. Extraordinary! The fog also just lifted, so we could enjoyed the band of pointed rock that looked challenging the sky. Along with us two more parties, two Singaporean and a group of foreign tourists. The place to enjoy the Pinnacles also really narrow. It only can hold people around 10-15 people with some climbing the tree unlike a football pitch.

In here also I could chit-chat with one of the trekkers. Just because she wore shirt that be inscribed: the General Election 2004 The election of Miss Lucu Indonesia. Lucu mean funny in Bahasa Indonesia. Another stories flowed related about her experiences spent 4 months in Indonesia. From climbing Mt Merapi, Mt Semeru (highest in Java) and her efforts reached Mt Rinjani (second highest in Indonesia). Miss Lucu said that Indonesia was the most beautiful place that she visited. She promised to come back.

Borneo Serawak May 2005 Mulu Nat Park cont (part four)

2005-06-08T16:18:00.000+08:00

To explore Mulu we have to use local guides. Park HQ had Park Rangers that ready to accompany you. The tariff was fixed including a fee during your stay at the camp. For Pinnacles the tariff would be RM400 (3D/2N per group), while Headhunters trail was RM160.

From Melinau river we dropped by at Penan settlement. This ethnic group traditionally was nomadic, but at this time only around 4% that still hunting in the forest. Other became the rice farmer, the roots or sago. While the woman made craft for tourists. Generally they speak with Berawan, the language for people who live in upstream (Orang Ulu), but they could communicate with the Malay. One story is most of the Penan could not swim, but after settlement the new Penan generations began to be adapting with the life at the river bank.

The settlement that I was visited got three longhouses. But they were separated into three different row of the longhouse. According to Richard-our guide several years ago a big fire destroyed some of the housse so government decided to separated them in prevent of future fire. I saw several Bilek –small family room that also separated from main house even still in one complex. They maintained chickens, dogs also monkey. There was an old church for the religious activity. Ethnic groups in Borneo indeed followed the Christian Catholic religion but not meant animism was left.

I would like to have the Parang (big knife) and blowpipe - their traditional weaponry. But this could be the problem in immigration. Finally admired the flute bamboo that was blown through the nose. Also a piece of bamboo that was scared in the mouth to create sound. One musical instrument that interested me was a guitar that string was sliced from bamboo skin.

Here we needed one porter to deliver logistic to camp 5. A young Penan man was woken up from his siesta. That meant there would be five people on the boat headed to Kuala Berar. Beforehand we visited two more caves that only could be accessed by the boat, namely Clearwater cave and Wind cave.

Wind cave almost equally pretty with Lang cave. The first caught me was the karst layer that visible younger also was seen dry. King Chamber one of the view was very interesting because stalactite were slim almost a stick like iron bars that continued with stalagmite. While Clearwater cave had long system with the river connected in. I guaranteed its water was pristine very much like its name. Here we found the construction of stalagmites that like been cut off. They named him Adam and Eve because a pair.

After lunch we headed back by boat again. The Melinau river not really deep-about 1 foot high, We had several times that the boat machine knocked the rock at the bottom of the river. Only occasionally was gotten by the swift flow that made Richard issue his oars.

Around 1 hour afterwards we arrived in the Kuala Berar. From here we will begin trekking 8km headed to camp 5. The elevation was just flat, but when in the forest a eight kilo felt twice like its fold. According to signpost it only two hours but these more likely apply to local people. The young porter has departed first with the cane basket that was connected in the head.

I have no problem with mosquitoes but that was leech that I most worry about. My fear became reality after an one hour trekking suddenly torrential rain poured down. This would make the leech attack get cruel. Leech uses temperature sensitivity to look for prey. When rain the temperature tended to drop made them easy to identify casualties. Several times this cute animal attached itself on my foot and often crawl into my face ( they caught at the raincoat that I worn). After approximately three hours trekking including resting for 1/2 hour finally we arrived in camp 5.

Thing to do next was “leech operation”-took off all clothes and shoes. Result: three leeches on my foot successfully sucked my blood and one leech on my back that keep bleeding for nearly half an hour. Apparently several leeches fell on my rucksack. To release it we use insect repellent with 100% deet.

Camp 5 was very comfortable. Had 5 big rooms that per room was able to sleep around 10 people. The benches for sleep was equipped the foam layer. Also they have public's kitchens and clean bathroom. When getting dark a generator will lit the light along the beds. In the roof lined up solar panel as an addition of the electricity power. In here we will remain for two nights during the climb of the Pinnacles the next day and continued trekking Headhunter’s trail to Nanga Medamit.

To be continued (climbing the Pinnacles and the story about Miss Lucu)

Our first video blog

2005-06-07T21:22:00.000+08:00

Click here to view

This is our first v-blog. Showing Indonesian dancer at Birmingham UK in the Indonesia Night 2004. The dancing is called Jaipong Adumanis from West Java.

Good source : freevlog and videoblogginginfo
Thanks also for William

News about vblogging : The Times Online and Technocrati

Ambar first diving experience

2005-06-07T16:59:00.000+08:00

I am OK but nervous

We went to Celebrate the Sea 2005 at Suntec City for An Unforgettable Evening -a great presentation of two leading marine scientist and a National Geographic photographer. It was really good. There were exibition about diving school and environmental issues. Also some photography product for underwater such as housing. Then Sunday we went again to buy curved google (to correct my short sight) and Mark's snorkell. We were looking for the Scuba Asia Tour- one of PADI program to introduce diving. And that was FREE ! The big tank was on the entrance of Suntec and there a small queque ready to go (lots of them were kids ..) I was challenged to do this.

First we have to sign paper about health history and watched short video. Then got change. I was nervous (see I hold DV all the time !). But Vincent-my instructor was great and patient. I let him know about my phobic and he didin't pressure to do more tasks. Hmmm I will do it again.

Borneo Sarawak May 2005 Mulu Nat Park (part three)

2005-06-07T16:35:00.000+08:00

river boating

Day 2 Sun 23/05/05 Miri-Mulu

We spent the night in River Inn-a small hotel in the middle of the Miri city. The tariff RM25 perhead, was located at the junction of Jalan Brooke. I brought along the Rough Guide book Malaysian-Brunei-and Singapore that has been left behind the time. Miri too fast changed. Its location that strategic with Brunei made this city live up with expat oil guys ( they called themselves Mad Miri Man).

In the morning we ready after packing our rucksack. Thomas from Borneo Adventure picked us up on the first floor with his Wira (malaysian car). We contacted Thomas with a mobilephone borrowed from a waitress that served lunch at the previous day.

We left several of our stuff in Miri because for the luggage was restricted only 10kg. We will fly with small aircraft from Malaysian Arlines. From Miri to Mulu needed 1/2 hour flight but could be needed two days by the boat in four stages.

Today our aircraft Fokker 50. Moderate big, while Mulu National Park just opened for flight service 1996. Upon arrival there, Tom an Iban guide pick up and said would be with us for today. Then we were placed at a lodge that has a longhouse style. At 1430 Tom turned up with his mountain sandals accompanied to two show caves.

Not far from the lodge, around 30 minutes boardwalk we reached the caves. The first cave was Lang Cave. Lang name came from the name of the local people that found for first time. Really pretty with ornament that could be as beauty as the caves in Pacitan East Java. Especially the construction curtains very beautiful. Caves in Sarawak system mainly about 5millions years old.
The second cave was Gua Rusa or the Deer Cave. Initially became stopover of deer to take shelter and drink. Deer Cave was very big with entrance as high as 80 meters with boardplank of 3km that was lit light. By chance the previous night in Mulu was heavy rain so we could enjoy the water curtains from the roof in the cave entrance. A formation of the stone that was given by Abraham Lincoln's name because from inside you will see silhouette face of the USA President.

Then next we were waiting in a place of observation, not far from the two caves. It was like a small stage with the row of the benches. This was our place watched the following attraction: the bats. When the sun gone this little creature went out looked for prey. Because the nest was really big then imagine the amount would be 2-3 millions of bats.

Around 530pm first appearance went out formed in a long wave. They went out in groups, occasionally would take 10 minutes without being cut off. We made count roughly (thanks for Mark sheep counting ability). Around 30.000 bats in a minute then how about in 1 hour ? According to Tom they went out in time 1-2 hours. We also saw the eagles that took the opportunity by pursuing the bat. Approximately 6 eagles surrounded each one of the band..We could see hornbill that monitored in the distance.

Before dark we reached lodge and slept with very comfortable (forget about “Hotel California” in Miri). His morning we have sat idlely in the Melinau river bank to begin the day. There was a a board contained list of the tariff to transport the river. Several boatmen already standby was waiting for passengers. From today we were accompanied Richard- a small build but lively Iban man. In the boat already packed with logistic that was ready to be brought as far as Camp 5.

To be continued (visited Penan settlement and began trekking to camp 5)

Addition information: in Sarawak and Sabah as well as Kalimantan we only knew Dayaks. Inthe fact plenty of ethnic groups that was mentioned subcategory as : Iban, Penan, Kelabit, Kedayan, Tagal, Bisaya, Lun Bawang and Bidayuh (land Dayak)

Borneo Sarawak May 2005 (part two)

2005-06-05T09:19:00.000+08:00

City of Miri

Day 1 Sat 22/05/05 Singapore-JB-Miri

We deliberately departed early morning to avoid busy Singapore traffic. By taxi we headed Arab St to the bus station to Johor Bahru(JB). With ticket cost SGD2. 40 per person I sat right on the back.

To pass two immigration control, we have to get out from the bus, walking into the checking point plus scanning rucksack. In fact the distance between the two was less than 500m. Today is Saturday and around 10ish has already lined up the bus, the car and the motorcycle that will cross the gate. First gate was Singapore. Very efficient with the great building fully AirCon. Furthermore catches the bus (again) headed to Malaysian immigration. Unfortunately I forgot that Monday was a bank Holiday Vesak. Surprised with this condition, I have no choice. Immediately I queued in the room with size of a subdistrict office-a contradiction with Singapore office. Malaysia apparently must be remembered that JB was the entrance to anywhere after the era of budget flight. There was no clear sign and no neat queue. Really chaos.

I began to panic when the queue approaching 12 o’clock. Our flight to Miri was at 1300, while I am stuck in here. Passed the immigration, then looked for the taxi. We haven’t got time to exchange money so we paid the taxi driver with SGD25 (outrages!!!). There was no alternative.

Around 30min finally we got into the JB airport in Senai. Small and building in progress everywhere. I even smell the painting on the wall. We flew with Air Asia that had flight to several Malaysian countryside territories. This is the first time we traveled using their service. The aircraft B737- almost two third passengers was full. At two hours flight was quite boring, we forgot not brought the reading material book with us.

Instead we spent time admired the islands that were passed by. Pretty and ideal for snorkeling. My stupid estimation was the islands part of Malaysia, in fact after see the map it was part of Indonesia. Extraordinary beautiful….

Arrived in Miri, the first impression was wow! The airport was big!!! After quick interrogation I found out that they just constructed this international airport last year to equip the Miri status to a city at May 20. So we were left behind of the two days celebration party of the rise in the Miri status. We also would left behind of the Hari Gawai- namely the party of celebration of the Dayak that was begun this June. Tonight spent the night in Miri because flight to Mulu National Park would be tomorrow morning.

To be continued (caves in Mulu and romantic river boating …)

Borneo May 2005 (part one)

2005-05-31T23:39:00.000+08:00

There were great wildlife, wonderful plants, amazing people and incredible landscape

This is our journey into deep jungle of Sarawak. Land with myth and folk. Land with history back to 18's century when the first explorer discover hidden gem of equator. Even now the sense of unknown what we will find presence in every step into dense forest. We discovered more and more, truly because we loved what the nature give us.

We organised this journey with help and support from Borneo Adventure. We spent 5 days and 4 night in Gunung Mulu National Park. There were four show caves, river boating, trekking 8km and 11.3 km, climbing the Pinnacles and visiting Iban and Penan tribes with their longhouses. Also we went to Lambir Hills National Park and Batu Niah Cave Park. The last one was a cave which human remain and painting claimed to be the oldest in South East Asia dated 40,000 years old.

From Johor Bahru we catched the flight to Miri with budget flight Air Asia. Miri just received their city status at 20th May, so we missed the celebration also we will miss the Hari Gawai -a harvest party of the Dayak tribes. Mainly held for a month, the party will held spreading whole country inthe longhouses of the tribes.

Miri lied about sea level, 1.5 hours from Brunei Darussalam. It is a quite nice city with strong characters of Chinese. Most of business here deal with Chinese, the rest would be Malay and Serawak tribes. Miri also takes advantage of oil industry while company like Shell has several oil rigs just few miles from it beaches.

We spent a night at Miri then heading to Mulu National Park first thing in the morning. With Malaysia Airlines connect most of the remote area of Sabah and Serawak, you won't worry about transportation. Other service would be river boating to access further deep of Borneo. Mulu were open in 1996. But it is already gain as The World Heritage by Unesco because of rich in biodiversity and most studied of tropical karst.

That's why we were there.

Ambar at Habitatnews S'pore

2005-05-30T18:16:00.000+08:00

I received a link from Mark today that my posting about Sungei Buloh Nature Wetlands and Pulau Ubin on Habitatnews- a blog of Otterman from the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research. Also they used my pictures to a workshop for seashore program at National University of Singapore. Great !

Second Apple Computer after 25 years

2005-05-10T20:21:00.000+08:00

first apple computer

This picture above taken 1976 when two founder Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak showed the original apple computer in wooden box. And since 1975 the Aple series become PC sold in homeowner in US. Then Microsoft took everything up. They made Apple stop producing in 1992.

Mark recalled his first Apple computer was a IIe. Bought when he was a uni student-pressie from Jean to exsperimenting BASIC-a languange in early PC. The apple system was under DOS and we should type the command for creating programm. Mark still keep the IIe at the attic in our house in Solihull. He keep the apple for the value of history or probably for an antique collection.

Today we bought stylish Mac G5 from Funan IT Centre. We decided to buy Mac instead of a new telly. We thought telly more passive than a computer. Specially with completly new system we have to learn alots things. Telly also dragging us to less productive, and sometimes make so difficult to get out and do exercise. So here we are ....sexy G5. Lists of project will follow soon : my thesis, VR panorama pictures, photo library, BLOGs (curently I maintained three blogs: this one, Indonesian, and about Cycling in Singapore)

Our first night with Mac was frustating. Tried to figure out the mail system and set up network from my Windows to Mac. We struggling but we enjoy it. Anyway I LOVE MAC and MARK

Update from Jean Corbridge :
Added info for Mark's first computer

19 April 1980 : Apple computer £1307.55
19 April 1980 :TV for computer display £150.00
29 Jul 1980 : Integer Card for Apple computer £133.40† to increase processing speed
Total price £1590.95

For our new Apple:
10 May 2005 : PowerMac 2GHz Dual G5
10 May 2005 : Apple 23inc Cinema Display
Plus upgraded memory for 1GB RAM
Total price S$6400
We had good offer that day because we pay in cash !

List of software we need:

Office Mac S$249
Realviz Student version 140Euro
Pictures compressor for Mac (?)
.Mac actually a website hosting for mac user S$149

A Sunday Ritual

2005-05-09T11:56:00.000+08:00

The Sunday Times

The one of many things that I missed UK is The Sunday Times. Yes, we hardly difficult to find Bristish paper edition in this country. I missed to get up in the morning, pop down into local corner shop and buy a bundle of The Sunday paper with a bag of breakfast feast.

With internet technology, it's so easy to gather information from homeland. But I tell you, it's different when you hold a real newsPAPER. That's why we (or me actually) subscribe the Sunday Times from the Newspaperdirect. It delivered same day, in real size but black and white. Not completed with glossy magazine or holiday stuff. Only frontpage, indepth review, football (yess what else we want to hear from Britain) and bussiness section.

Also we subscribe the local English newspaper The Straits Times for saturday and sunday only . It made us a little bit closer with local issues such as technology, construction or government's regulations. The paper like its sister in UK came with a bundle. But nearly 35% was advertising. It's a pain for us. The good thing about journalism here, there weren't crazy paparazzi hanging around in the celebrity's life. So NO rubbish news about actress have an affair with this sod, or someone bought jewelery for their lover. Frankly : I am not interresting

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

2005-05-01T21:37:00.000+08:00

animal enjoy living here

We visited Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve just outside the city. It was recommended by Nature Society Singapore which established itself as birdwatching expert. Their collection of pictures, leaflet and CD about bird were amazing.

Set off from home about 9am with courtessy bus to City Hall then get off at Woodlands. On Sunday and Bank Holiday the SBS bus No 925 will service right on the gate of the Park. So took about an hour or so to get there. There were three walks based on the distance and one boardwalk for mangrove.

We started on the mangrove walk which on the leaflet should takes 30 minutes. We endend up spent nearly a hour photographing lovely animal. Ok these the story of how we captured the series (from top left to right) :

[1] It was a small lizzard (20cm length) under the tree. Mark took it after spotted the lizzard not far from the cafe (actually about five people around and seemed not knowing its precense)

[2] Again this creature actually really small snake with head just poped out on the tree. We barely seen it. It was because two naturalist helped us with their sophisticated binocular that caught in our eyes. We about 3 metres from the tree, I have to cropped hardly to actually seeing this lovely thing.

[3] This kingfisher we recognised as Collared Kingfisher (Halcycon chloris). We hide on the mangrove hut when started raining. With the distinctive sound quite easy to locate them.

[4]The pigeon. We caught it when looking for worm on the track. In Java this kind of bird been trained to sing. There's competation usually with hundreds of bamboo poll and the judge pick the winner from the length and beauty of the singing. I used to go along with my dad, carrying the bird with a fabric cover to the competation.

[5] The bird on the nest I caught when we stopped on the hut because a heavy thunderstorm. Mark did the set-up but it was too dark to capture it without light. She looked ok after been battered by winds

[6] The lizzard on the poll not far from the walk. I couldn't see it because too dark. Mark did very well with spot it first.

[7] Mudskipper underneath board walk. It was quite difficult to get them closer except you have longer lens. This is a maximum we can get. With height about 2.5metres it designed to accomodate Higest High Water Spring Tide HHWST

[8] Mark got it.

[9] lots varieties of crab. This one was big enough to close to our camera

In the end we only took route 1 walk (shortest) because of a heavy rain and thurdery storm. We promised to come back.

Pulau Ubin: Back to 60's

2005-04-24T12:19:00.000+08:00

lizzard, grey heron, wildlife, dinner and see the car ? That was the oly taxi service in the island

We set off on Saturday at 10am using courtessy bus to City Hall MRT Station. It was quite busy as Singaporean tends to travel around afternoon time. We took East West Line (Green Line) to Tampines then SBS bus no 29 to Changi Village. In Malay, pulau mean island and ubin mean tile/floor. Combine with that as an island which produce floor. In the early Singapore, Pulau Ubin had granite quaries as they natural resources.

The bus service terminated at Changi jetty point opposite the market. The bumboat cost $2 and another $2 if you take bicycle along. No timetable, the boatman just wait until the boat full. Service start at 6am and finish at 8pm. So we have plenty time to explore this island. The journey through Serangoon Harbour took only 15 minutes. The Harbour was quite busy with bumboat and bigship passing from Malacca Strait.

It was really hot when we came. First thing to do was drink and looking for hat. Don't forget suntan for the brave skin. Mine was brown enough !
The best way to explore this island with cycling. The track well laid, but for more fun there are many off road that you can try. Pulau Ubin is a heaven for wildlife. If you prepare for birdwatching or admire natural beauty then cycling would suit you. Cost of rent was really cheap. About $3 for whole day. Also the rent shop provide tandem and baby chair bikes.

We headed up to west part of the island, soon you will face a rural life of Singaporean. You welcomed by rooster and cicadas also singing birds. Not that long we spot a big big lizzard was hiding under the tree. We saw hawk rounding area looking for prey. The track lead us to old quarry that became swamp. The water just lovely, spotted fish and turtles swam happily.
We also visited Budhist temple. It was quite airee and the prayers just come and going. The ornaments remind me with Hindu's tradition when I visited Little India. Some God and Goddes I knew from school textbook. I loved takes pictures of them. Simply because they were beautiful (ha..ha and meaningful). On first short rest for coconut we spot little crabs and mudfishes on the mangrove area.

We cycled back on road, visited prawn field. There were three ponds for prawn. Some ready for packing. Then we end up at Noordin Beach. It was facing Johor strait and Malaysia. We could see Malaysia's land just less than a mile. Time was about 3pm and still really hot. So we decide have a long rest here. I was spotting grey heron on top border gate while Mark busy with his frieds. Yup...the bees. He so excited with bees digging the sands for mating (he wasn't sure). He took lots picture of them in macro.

Spent nearly 1.5 hours in the beach we then head back to the jetty point. We were lost after crossed the first bridge, too busy watching kingfisher. We back to jetty point about 5ish. Fell hungry then we went to local food stall. We had a really nice seafood dishes. Barbeque prawn with sambal and boiled sea snails served with chilli dip. It was really really nice dinner. Al together cost $16 plus $4 for rice duck with chicken leg soup and fried rice. Hmmm nice day out.

You can see our pix at : Photobox

2005-04-11T18:09:00.000+08:00

beach cycling

It was fun though. We've been around Tanjong Rhu area for nousing. Cycling is popular in S'pore but for MTB style it isn't. No mountain here, we happy to enjoy beach cycling through swamp !

Bird and more of them....

2005-04-11T12:34:00.000+08:00

birds, maggots, iguana, koi, eagle

We spent weekend with countrysite cycling and visit Jurong Bird Park. Since we found that there is NO topography map available in the market, we decide going to east coast by the backdoor. It was a vast area that under construction of highway interchange. We followed track that lead us to the shore. That was fun though. But then we had a big tidal tunnel that seemed too deep to cross. Desperately looking for altrenative ways but deadlock, turn back to Tanjong Rhu.

We endup going to east cost by motorway. Only about 5 minutes cycling then we had a nice track that we been used for cycling at first weekend in S'pore. Stop by for cake and ice coffe with cherry. Yummmm....People admire our bikes because sooooo dirty......

On Sunday we head up to Jurong Bird Park. We catched MRT from City Hall to Boon Lay. Then a frequent bus from nearby station carried us to the Park. We little bit early so we took Panorail to have a first glimpse of the park. We stop by at first station : Lory Loft which a big cage of metal net about 30m high. There were huts across the cage which inter conected with canopy walk....You can feed the bird for just $2 and lorries just burst into your arms (Mark been biten once and keep saying that hundreds time during the trip).

My favorite actually the rainforest birds. They are so tiny and moving so fast with beautiful colour. Also we found two giant iguana sat lazy under the tree. Mark loved the Waterfall walk where we'll find numerous birds in such like a willife environment. The waterfall itself was manmade 30m high. Soon we've been there we didn't realised that it was under a big big cage.

We were lucky that had two shows held on the place that we passed. One in sterling and bee eater stage. Bought a small cup of maggot to feed them. The second show was the eagle. Good attraction and quite entertain people. We've been falconry at West Midlands before and the show wasn't good as the Jurong one. Me in another hand bust tried to take a good pictures of them. So far I failed. They move so fast, lots of them move in different direction. Follow them was just endless.

Then had a ride with panorail again as our goodbye. In the gate we pop in to koi pond. Wow that was giant koi !!!

Ambar's Birthday

2005-04-05T19:09:00.000+08:00

Yes today I am officially 31sod. Not so young.... Mark bought me a DVD of Ice Age, animation about craze animal travelling along through cold winter. Another pressie was a gift voucher at The Royal Thai Spa Ayuthaya at Robertson Quay. It was two hours full body massage (got 50% discount for my birthday) and addition facial.

I choose traditional massage which contains stretching and healing muscle. It was quite hard massage with total scretching like yoga. I found this type of massage really interresting for me. Sometimes my body been bended in funy position. Nice though..

I wouldn't not recommended this to anyone never been hard massage before. There is more relaxing massage that would suit you. Thanks Mark !

New Telly ?

2005-03-31T11:39:00.000+08:00

Our stuff from UK arrived on Tuesday. Mainly sports gear and book. It was relieved after 3 days without spoon. Bad news : telly was damaged. Sure they were not crashed it, but just bang it on the corner caused tube became miss-allignment. Funny colour as well. We've been around electronic shop when we visit IT Show. Plasma TV is emerging. Big screen and the quality just so crisp. Think about new telly hmmmm....we need settie first !!

2005-03-30T09:03:00.000+08:00

Pulau Nias about 110miles from the plate boundary

Earthquake -How to find Out ?

2005-03-29T11:20:00.000+08:00

We woke up in the morning heard news from radio about another earhquake in Sumatra, or to be excat was at Pulau Nias. I couldn't beliave that. Grab internet try to find out what happen. Yes it was an earthquake scale 8 Richter at midnight. We were in bed on that time. Some Singaporean reported the tremor and the building were swaying. We confidence that our tower (15 storey) is safe. This is newly built and most of the building in Asia been designed with earthquake factor depend on the location.

I found about Wikipedia, a free encyclopedia that give me a good sources of almost everything. I uses Google most of time, but take ages to identify information that direct link to what I want. If you type on the search on Wiki "earthquake" there would be a great range of the eartquake including links to the recent one in Sumatra

While if you do the same with google it'll give you list of 6.7 million of site related with earthquake. But how you get the information about spesific one ?? You'll have to open at least 10 of them and realise you pick wrong ones. Yes time consuming, but with wiki is just stright forward. It's compile of information on the lengthy articles with sub catagories. You'll give a millions links without have to open them all. I thought this is the future of searching engine. Even Google has Google Answer done by bunch researcher just with small amount of money ($2.5 to $200) or Google Scholar which give more freedom for students or researchers, I would say it's great for people who dedicated themself spend hours in front of computer. But now people in moving. We need result now !! And wiki (means 'quick' in hawaiian) is the answer.

Actually Wiki is an ambitious project to create encyclopedia in the net by people in the world. They're not profit maker company like Yahoo or Google or even Microsoft. These people just try to provide information free. Once you involve with the project you become excited. Everyone can contribute, edit, object of the contains as an authors (now around 13,000).

Easter with Jesus

2005-03-28T09:48:00.000+08:00

Went to Easter drama at Stadium with Olivia-a new friend , Jordan also Arthur from her church cell. Olivia is a nice Singaporean lady, devotee christian and she 's studying theology (hmmm). I'm not short of religious person but was thinking why not. Earlier that morning I read BBC New : Arcbishop of Carterbury attacked "modern culture" which obsessed of ageing and mortality. So what the Easter theme about ? Resurection of Jesus. Yes meant he lives forever. So who say what then !

After watching the drama-some scenes still controversial (as mentioned in Da Vinci Code about Mary Magdalene). I became more convinced that Jesus was a human being. Yes he was. I watched The Passion of the Christ at cinema in Solihull (without Mark of course). It was actually good movie, beautifull cinematography and rebirth of Aramaic-ancient Semit language.Although too violence I learnt about his strength and determination. And love of mother to the son. Yes Christ was a man with passion. Love (even sex), scare,pain and doubt. He is not a God or even Son of the God.

Ok happy easter everyone !!!

We will skype you

2005-03-26T22:45:00.000+08:00

singapore in colour-test2

Yes we back online today. Went to StarHub to connect 1.5 Mbps which is three times faster than we had in UK. The internet here works through cable network -the phonelines in UK. Along with internet we also set digital Telly -even our telly will arrive on tuesday.
We managed to have telephony Skype which allow you to make a phone through VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). You're not have to pay bill if your friend got skype with the broadband connection. Yup...you can make a call abroad without worry about phone bill. We skype you !

Last Supper

2005-03-25T08:01:00.000+08:00

Today we're going to move in Water Place. I write this blog early morning before cut off the internet link. Water Place is a internet ready apartment. But to have the connection with Star Hub we have to wait until Saturday, hopefully we'll be back online next week. Things getting in order now. We couldn't apply anything until have a local bank account. To have an account we have produce FIN- a serial number of our pass. Thanks for Joseph -our estate agent. He did really good job including dealt with gas and electricity. He helped us a lots. We would recommended him to another 4 people coming from UK sometimes in this April.

We had nice last supper at Robertson Quay. Not far from Park Avenue Suite where we lived for last four weeks. It took 5 minutes walk. Called Aburiya Restaurant. Wait... if you think this is Middle east resto you're wrong. It's Japanese. Soon you been reserved all the crew member will cheers you with japanese say : Welcome. We sat in table (yes not in the floor ) with a barbeque grill in the middle. We had no idea what we'll eat. So we ended up order a beginneer package.

Not long we been served with whole meals. Don't imagine that you'll serve like western food. Starter, apetizer, main meals etc. Nup...they just put everything in the table. First we had kimchi- a chinese cabbage which mixed with ginger, sasame oil and lots chili. Then Karubi- beef short rib been marinated with tare (salty soy sauce). The nikunjyaga-beef and sweet potato stew came with slice carrot and rice noddle.
Hmmm this going to be good...but I need time to eat this all. Nup ...another coming...It was Hire-beef fillet with barbeque sauce and harami-the outside skirt marinated with shio (sweet soy sauce). And to add our misery : Gohan a small bowl of japanese rice, Tamago soup- egg soup with veg and Yasai salad- green salad with seaweed.

God bless them. How we are going to eat this all ?? Hmmm we were struggling that time. We took every kind soup first then start barbaque the meats. When we finished soup, we started eating rice combine with salad. To spice up we had a big mug of tiger beer. In the end we had a small cup ice cream. Mark had a green tea ice cream. Yup it was nice even got funny taste.

It was really good meal. Fun as well. Because you'll responsible for BBQ your own meat meant we controlled how raw it was. Looked experiment for us. Mark never been in the resto like that before so it was new experience. Services were really good. Friendly and they will suggest you what the best for your needs. Cost $60 for food package plus $15 for two beer plus servive and tax in total about $85 or nearly 30 quid for two. But I tell you that was our great last supper.

Meet The Ancesstor !

2005-03-22T10:15:00.000+08:00

Long tail Macaque

We watched National Geographic on Monday evening about the Hobbit- an archeology bombshell that create dispute among scientist. I bought the magazine too at Borders. There were impresive maps of how the homo sapiens diverted into another branches. Some in Africa that become a goliath -a lot bigger and the hobbit in Indonesia that third smaller than recent human. The Liang Bua lady was part of the theory that evolution wasn't linier. It might somewhere in this world we would find remains of extinct modern human. Probably near Flores where it looked like a cul-de-sac for the great traveller erectus.

We went to Bukit Timah Hill on Sunday. It was great to have a taste of tropical jungle. The paths are in good order. You won't get lost....Oh the macaque -the monkey were everywhere. Cicadas -the noisy insect were quite amusing. If you clik cicadas you'll find great links of cicadas mania. You'll love it !!

Mysterious Illness

2005-03-22T09:15:00.000+08:00

We've been ill twice since in S'pore. It wasn't serious one. We felt suddenly weak, headache, and a little temperature up. One Friday we just lied in the bed for half day, took paracetamol and woke up still with headache.

I reckon it's dehydration and adjusting our body into hot and humid. I noticed that headache start when we expose our self in the sun between 12-2pm. We drink a lot of water with ice cubes, that's would make it worse. Because both of us have low blood pressure means ice cube would make blood even thinner much much thinner. That's why we ended up got terrible headache because blood difficult to reach upper body. This is my analysis so far, GP would help the best (but Mark ignored it, he asked to buy proper umbrella instead).

It's also related with our dietary. We had breakfast and light lunch, most of lunch from Hawker Centre with big portions. Then dinner were eating out again. Sound pricey but food really cheap here. I thought our bodies protested that been treated quite badly. We try more careful choosing menus now on.

We had good news. Our pass been short it out. The Acknowledgment Letter turn up on Monday afternoon, then we pop into MOM. Took about one and a half hour until we've been called. Basically just completed the health from and submit our passport. I collected two hours later plus paid the fee. It cost S$160 in total for two year pass (mine more expensive because I am Indonesian !)

Anyway we survived so far. Managed things in order even I got bad news from Indonesia. My grandpa died seven days ago, while my grandma had a stroke. It urged me to visit home soon but we haven't done basic to live in this country. Hope will see family sometimes next month.

Expat Survival Guide

2005-03-20T13:45:00.000+08:00

Neil Humprey's book about his experience living in S'pore left me more question than answer. In his book he describe expat life as luxurious condo, dining in a club, etc I would consider our life isn't look like that. We just been here three and a half weeks and could see how wonderful life in S'pore. Not because we living in cozy apartment, or eating out every night but most of it about people. Singapore is unique.

Living in HDB (council house) or condo isn''t excuse not to know grass root of Singaporean. We have lunch at Foodstall at Hawker Centre for nearly everyday, there would be aunties and uncles (commonly name for someone much older than you) who will serves you. Also street vendor or people who watering garden every day. It just how you get on with other people with different characters. Yes language is barrier but it doesn't mean you not willing to give a nice gesture such as smile. Its about human relation wherever you from.

Blink : Thinking Without Thinking

2005-03-18T15:15:00.000+08:00

I fascinated by Malcolm Gladwell Blink. It gave me such understanding of our brain working, including what he called "thin slices" process. How we can make decision it just few seconds. How the instict works. And most importantly we can train those judment with thin slices.

I went to Kinokuniya to colect his first book Tipping Point which a NY best seller in 2000. I need this book to give me a background about epidemics -social, culture, fashion trends and society. In Singapore when trends is crucial into your social life, I still couldn't understand how the trends been build up and changes everyday life.

Then I saw Life of Pi a story about a boy and bunch of animal survived from singking cargo ship. After read The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-time by Mark Haddon, give me views of how kid think about this world, specially when he's got autism. I have been absorbed by Christoper's way to understand this chaostic world. Living in his world trully different.

I tried not to worry about the works pass. But seemed took ages. We went to MOM (Ministry of Manpower) to get the pass after short notice that it is been granted. We only been told that we should bring the Acknowledgement Letter along with us. But we haven't got yet. Mark little bit piss off by the authority and how the company handle this. Until I say that we have to be patient for this things. I experienced with many visa applications and this one is nothing. Patient Mark......

Anyway it was easy to extent our visit visa here. Just turn up into MOM and the officer will do everything. I think it will fine. My instict say so.

A Big Big Durian

2005-03-15T13:20:00.000+08:00

big durian

This is a nickname for Esplanade -Theathre on The Bay by Singaporean. It was a controversial project regarding the design for their first modern theathre. Two dome with glasses section been covered with metal shader created spiky skin around it. Designed by DP Architects in Singapore and the UK firm of Michael Wilford and Partners, the new complex opened in October 2002, housing both a 2,000-seat theatre and 1,600-seat concert hall (with an extra 200 seats in the choir loft), as well as a recital room, drama studio, and several outdoor performance spaces on the waterfront along Marina Bay.

Now this is even been compare with Sydney Opera House or Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain. I never been in both places only read architecture review about them. But Durians is striking, elegant and clever. I went to the top terrace where actually below the two dome. It was a open performence with screen and lighting. Elegant because the curve and shape so beautifully engrave. Guggenheim was even more complex and difficult to build, it was too aggresive on using steel and metal curtains although I have to admit that Guggenheim was mathematically clever in design.This durian wasn't so urban. I called it modern but not post-modern. It bargain between Eastern and Western.

Went to library at Esplanade where I found good collections of music, film, drama, acting and books. I read film scrip of Good Will Hunting (1997). The story about Will Hunting who genius in math without taking any formal education. Good story.....it won oscar for the Best Original Scrip by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Still.. I was crying read it.

I impressed that The Wayang Golek -traditional puppet show from west Java and The Shadow Puppet -from Central Java were been put in a glass as precious collections. Singaporean understand their diversity and open up for another culture (ie Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan). Also impressed to see young generation living what I call capitalism environment as they were enthuciast to do act classes. When living as an artist wouldn't see as good as a banker then educate people to appreciate it is so important.

Mrs Thatcher's Orchid

2005-03-14T11:39:00.000+08:00

Baroness Thatcher orchid

We spent weekend quite hectic actually. First we signed all the paper works for apartment in the middle of S'pore street with the owner and agents. Gave ID and cheque for deposit. Agree to hand over the key at 24th March at 8pm in Water Place. Then Joseph drove us to Suntec City for IT Show 2005 -the biggest IT and digital show. Was good, very very good but crowded. You must amaze how Singaporean were looking at. The wireless stuff seems very populer while in UK growing little bit slow. Digital camera were harvesting its technology but PC were just downhill price.

Left Suntec then we heading to Marina Bay with MRT. Mark got instant idea to go to Sentosa Island. Actually not far from the central, you name it central but in fact little bit further to East. We thought cable car was good idea. It was !
Only $11.90 return each you'll have experience crossing the island with hanging on about 80 m above sea level. The view was fantastic ! You'll see jetty harbour and the island it self. The Merlion-S'pore mascot stood there with his mouth open up. At night his mouth will jet streaming with water, his eyes were scanning S'pore mainland with green laser.
We end up walking along the beach and reached the southest view. It was nearly sunset, the sun was just leaving us behind thick clouds. We left Palawan beach using monorail-bit lazy. It was free service to travel around the island. It was fun ! View at night also fab ! The crime is my camera battery went dead. Couldn't take any pics (remind me to put in charge Mark !).

Sunday was easy bit. We went to S'pore Botanic Garden at Holland Road. It looked like the garden just been expanding. They put permanent stage for the symphony orchestra held here every year calls Classics In The Park. It is due 1st May (remind me !). Also some more facilities such as library and laboratories for education purposes.
The only things that I really want to see is the Orchid Garden. I saw BBC gardening : A Year At Kew about orchids imported from Singapore's garden. A close look would be better than heading to north London (we didn't manage to go Kew before left England).

The garden was beautifully landscape with path, trees, waterfalls, fountains, pergolas. Cleverly done ! The Orchids were everywhere from the native to hybrids. The rare orchids were put in special place called Mist House. You'll find lovely fragrant of orchids such as from Japan and China. Dont't forget about vanilla. Mark just realised that vanilla scent was from this plants !
Also a special place for S'pore national orchid call Vanda Miss Joaquim. Named after a lady found this hybrid in her garden on 1893 then showed it to Henry Ridley-director of S'pore Botanic Garden. The two petals and the top sepal are rosy-violet, and the lateral sepals are a pale mauve. The lip is very large and broad and the middle lobe extends out loke a fan. It is coloured violet-rose, merging into a contrasting fiery orange at the centre. Beautiful !

Another section was called VIP Orchids which a hybrid colection named after famous people. The interesting one was the Dendrobium Margareth Thatcher at her visit in 1985. Striking colour with violet and red. Lateral petals were curly. Strong character orchid just as its name.
I would recommend Orchid Garden for viewing. Very friendly environment, path were well marked, beuatiful orchids. So what else you need ? hmmmm umbrella and suntan. It was really hot when we visited. I couldn't wait for comeback on May !

Also we bought book : A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia by Morten Strange which Mark looking for it. Two more books were guide to local National Parks : Bukit Timah and Sungei Buloh. Another exploring to do !!

Surveillance webcam

2005-03-10T17:02:00.000+08:00

cool stuff

How if you caught your PC thief red handed and send it to jail ? That was exactly happen to Duncan Grisby from Cambridgeshire who set-up his PC into surveillance webcam. How it worked quite simple. He set up his web cam and had software to detect any movement. Also design to send warning and record it through email. So you'll keep the caption eventhough you lost your PC. That's how you can see your culprit, smiling into your camera. You could see more details at BBC Magazine.

Today I bought similar webcam for $62 at Funan IT Centre, called V-Gear TalkCam USB 1.1 The reason I want to buy not to catch the thief but for teleconference with UK. See how it works !

Singlish : Singaporean English

2005-03-09T14:20:00.000+08:00

Although English is my third language I found English in UK was difficult to understand. But the Singlish even harder. It's bit more like American English mixed with hokkian* dialect. I have to think first before give an answer. They tends to speak in long sentences no pause for educated people and speak very little for ordinary people.

"Can't I buy this book?"
"Oke, you pay cas-lah"
"How much for this?"
"Six dor-lar**, ha.."
"That's too expensive!"
"No..no...no...six dor-lar only..."
"Can I have for four dollar?"
"No..no..no...I only sell six dor-lar, ha"

English is been taught in every stages at school. Officially English is their first language. But as multicultural country, S'pore welcomed another languages such as Chinese (in many dialect), Malay, or Bengali. You will find different channel of TV or newspaper with different languages. I learnt that as happen in Indonesia, English not been use widely except in international business level. I know English but to speak, it was a big problem.

Fact about S'pore now more American than British also interresting for me. Even though S'pore was one of British colony but american's nail were very strong in every aspect of this country. That's why their English refer to American including their lifestyle. The Singaporean were crazy about junk food, Starbuck cafe, Hollywood babe's, or have an elite American Express credit card.

The only English spirit left for the Singaporean is football (even they call it soccer like american do) and of course David Beckam. How's he became 'celebrity most talk about' was an euphoria. Anyway if David speaks in cockney manchester accent, no one in S'pore will understand.

Note :
* Hokkian is a province in China where most of Chinese Singapore came from
** Singapore dollar

Water Place-our new home

2005-03-08T13:03:00.000+08:00

Mark and koi pond in Water Place (it will take ages to build this in UK...)

Finally good news this afternoon. Yes we got it ! Joseph will pop in to do all the paper work. How the estate agent practice in S'pore really different with the one in UK. Basically we contact him to act behalf our need to deal with the owner. The owner also have the agent to short it out the rental conditions. If the rent above $2.5K our agent will not collect the comission, but if below that agent has to collect from the tenant as part of agreement. The same rule apply for the owner's agent. News also from Crown -the removal company. They said will reload at 23rd of March mean we have to sort the house out beforehand. Or we end up stay in the hotel for couple days...

Not a good news from Bowens regarding work pass. Sarah application been pending due incomplete documents ( the officer lost the documents ??). So Sam went to Ministry of Manpower to extend her stay. Actually I suggested to go short holiday to Bali and come back with new '30days stay' permit. It will take some money out but you'll enjoy nice weekend though...
This make me little bit worry about my dependent visa as well....We need it asap to have a local bank account and property legal documents. I don't know with the beuarocracy here, seem takes at least 2 month to get approval from the Ministry. Learnt from the other case (based from Neil Humpreys' book) the goverment little bit moody about giving permission of works.

Mark forwarded email from Hunters (our estate agent in UK) about updating situation. There is an application from a doctor with a kid about the house in Solihull. The family was concern about pond in our back garden. They asked for putting a net for safety. For us it doesn't matter as long as they'll take care of the property. The four girls that viewing our house just before we left failed to rent for undisclosed reasons.

Went to IKEA today at Alexandra Rd and decide not to buy anything. It's just a copy of any IKEA store in the rest of the world. You won't get any special overthere except mass production designer things (remind me their advert). I like the rattan containers made from banana leaves but that's it. Bought Indonesian's cakes instead at Bengawan Solo-opposite IKEA. So can't wait to move in a new home.....oh bad news for Paul Bryant. Our house at 12th storey hope he will OK with view from the window.

Apartment hunting

2005-03-08T11:31:00.000+08:00

We've been around last weekend for apartment hunting. Joseph -our agent were drove us to several places that would be meet our requirements. Basically we only need 2 bed, easy access to work, and storages for our stuff (inc Mark's diving gear, boogey kite etc) with budget under S$3K.

Saturday we went to area around Leonie Rd near Regency Park where Bowen's already live in. There were interesting property that we ask before-Tanglin Park to have a look. There were four apartments- two in block A. The first was great, specially with high ceiling. View from window was calming. Imagine like we living in the middle of junggle. Trees everywhere, bird singing, squairel chasing around. Great ! The thing that let us down was the kitchen and bathroom condition. This project finished 1988 and some apliences started deteriote. The second apartment was just the same but has updating kithcen with background garden. The two faces Tanglin Rd a busy road shortcut to Orchard.

On Sunday Joseph took us into another two apartments in different block. It was faces a compound house-again with lots of tree. The price about the same :S$2.3-2.5K depends of furnished or unfurnished.

Then we been drove to East Coast area call Tanjung Rhu-where new development just sprung. Actually it is bit like a bay or harbour -not far from old airport. Called Water Place, this is brand new 15 storey residential apartment standing vividly in modern architecture and superb landscape. Joseph showed two apartments, the first one was 2 bedroom and the second 3 bedroom. We love the 3 bedroom because of space in the kitchen and bright light. The quality of the apartment just 1st class specially the bathroom with sinking bathtub. The kitchen is great- the same standard as European one. The view also down to the pools in the middle tower compound. Green but we realise this is been made by man unlike the Tanglin Park. The traffic sound was quite daunting but then been replaced by sound of water. The prices quite interesting. The 2 beds is S$2.5K while the 3 beds is $$2.6 both unfurnished.
Another interesting point of Water Place is koi pond. It was a big pond and been sorounding by tropical garden. The only thing makes Water below the point is access to the city. Eventhough taxi is cheap but we agree not to rely on in daily basis.

We were bit torn it two. They have a such distictive characters. Our consideration for Water Place becauce such as new apartment, good price, superb landscpe. We also found out that the management provide courtessy bus to travel Suntec City-the biggest commersial area in S'pore in every hour. At second viewing we managed to take a bus from Stadium carpark to Dhoby took 25 minutes including walking from apartment to busstop. So it was not too bad.

Anyway after seen 6 apartement on Saturday and 7 on Sunday we fell in Water Place. Yesterday we put an offer to the owner for $2.6K plus fridge and washing machine. We'll let you know when we have a news.

A Curry Lunch at Little India

2005-03-03T22:22:00.000+08:00

vegetarian curry lunch pack

Typical tropical country weather today. On off torrential rain with lightning and humidity about 80-90%. I managed to get out from apartment about midday. Took MRT from Clarke Quay. The station a little bit messy outside. Undergoing construction of new line called Central Line which is connect everyline of MRT without going to city centre. I think that's a good idea 'cause with 3MRT and 2LRT now it's difficult to shortcut if you live in suburb. City Hall, Dhoby Ghaut and Raffles Place seemed too far away each other. Also the new link will open some of improving areas such as East Coast (Tanjung Katong) and Bukit Timah.

Soon got off in Little India was an Indian market along the street. Cornershop or sharee. Also flower seller as part of Indian praying to God. I never see such of this in England. Beautiful colour... I asked to the seller about grass been binded. They called Kappa-grass for elephant God : Ganesha. In Hindusm Ganesha is God of Education also destroyer for vanity, selfishness and pride. I bought jasmine necklace 'cause love the fragrant. Remind me with Indonesia. It used to be a Hindu country before the colonial start up 300 years ago. Some people remain Hindu like in Bali. That's why Bali so unique. The only Hindu island in thousand muslim islands.

Walking along Serangoon St and spot the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple with obvious gate. This temple built 1881 by Bengali labourers who been imported by British. The gate was really tall beutifully carved with Hindu's God and Godess sculptures. Then heavy rain made me stop by a vegetarian Indian restaurant opposite the Temple. With S$3 or a quid you will have a big portion of lunch pack in banana leave. Oh... and you have eat by hand ! Don't worry, there were two vanity unit to wash your hand before and after meal. The food was good pieces. Plain rice (mine just half portion), vegetable curries were smashing ! The souces made from spices authentically from India. Wowww never taste like this.....just real curry ! Together with me a group of Indian worker with such curious looking at me.

Dinner with Ching Ming, Mark and Martin at FishFood. Ching Ming is Singaporean Sendo's guy. Really genuine bloke. Had some tips from him about how to survive in this country. Hmmm first hand advice...(including not telling your wife how much money you spent for build PCB)

Public Transport : MRT and the bus

2005-03-02T10:15:00.000+08:00

The public transport in S'pore is really good. Well managed. People using it because a lot of cheaper than car. If you have car you'll need special permits first, pay at leat $12K a year for tax. Too pricy.

MRT or tube is really convinient for travelling. It's clean, Air Con, tidy, and frequent. Electronic ticketing is a good idea. You do not need ID to buy it, just amount of money on it. Unlike tube, ticket have to be purchase first and put in electronic code reader as the ticket go inside. This EZ tickets only tap on top of scanner and you'll see a full charge for particular trip. Soon you leave MRT, tap again to see how much actual charge it was.

Similar with the bus. We bought Tansport Map plus Bus Guide for $3.90 which is really useful. The fare various from the type of the bus you using. Around $0.80-$1.0 or about £0.40 per single trip. Really cheap. That's why people relay on public transport. The facility is great. No graffiti or vandals. Hope Mr Blair and Mr Darling think about this when come to the transportation issue.

The only disadvantage of the bus is not designed for disable people or baby pram. You'll need going up into two steps to actually on sitting area. Same problem with buggy or heavy carriage. Anyway you still can use taxi which is easy to find. Not the end of the world....

PS : Happy Birthday Mark Corbridge !!!!! I love a card which mum sent it to you. You looked really cuuutttteeeeeee !!!!

We had special dinner at Pierside Kitchen and Bar with river view eastern part from The Esplanade -Theathre on the Bay aka 'Durian'

Menu for Ambar was a special package :
Apetiser : Fresh Oyster served in small glass with crushed ice, shreded chilies and ginger
It was a hit ! Really good
Starter : Liver duck patee served with salad and wild mushroom
The patee was smooth, not so strong flavour (they should put lemon on it), the mushroom little bit too plain for me. I thought might been cooked with oil rather than with butter
Oooh and a half glas of white wine which is light and dry (chardonay)
Between starter and main I have served with smal glass of lemon sorbet with chinese fruit which gave sorbet nice texture and more sour. Clever !!! Because you need something to neutrilised your mouth after eat patee.
Main : Lobster tail in risotto
It was nicely presented. I thought the lobster just a piece but come up with reasonable portion. Slightly chinese herb with french parsley. The risotto served with sweet pea and slightly cheesy. Absolutely fab !
The main course accompanied by a half glass of red wine (dry and smooth) and glass of water
Desert : Choc pudding with blackbery and peanuts ice cream topping with caramel souce
Share it with Mark. It was crumbly. The pudding just blended with ice cream nicely and caramel gave amount of sweet on it. The desert served with sweet wine (this time not to make me drunk !)
Mark's menu:
Starter : crab being fryed served with salad plus glass of white wine
Main : fish been poached in wine then served with mushroom and cream souce
The mushroom was chewy but taste very nice. Fish with slightly pepper on top was great with the souce which been made from liquid poach of wine. Superb !
Second glass of wine. No desert.

All together cost around S$200 or 70 quid. Haaaa...but that's worth it. Actually it was our first wine since we've been in this country. Overall the food was superb, good service and well presented. It's good for special occassion or celebrating something. Nice river view and athmospher just fantastic ! Special about service : we've been treated in European standard. Well done guys !

Looking for Books : Kinokuniya or Borders

2005-03-01T16:54:00.000+08:00

Kinokuniya is a Japanese franchise for bookstore in S'pore. Apparently become a big flux in Asia as manga-mania (japanese comic) spreading through all generation and races. The main one is in Orchard Road on Ngee Ann City (mall with most famous brand you know). The book collection for photography, architecture and fine arts are enormous. It is just a heaven for me. I bought Singapore Architectural Heritage Award 1994-2004 which is really good book for photo hunting. Another one is Notes from an Even Smaller Island from Neil Humphreys- a London bloke who decide living in S'pore after being mugged twice by teenegers (how safe UK now on ?). I found this book quite amusing which telling funny side from shock culture western meet eastern. I'll tell you later when I am finish reading it.

Borders also a big bookstore just lied in the first floor of Wheelock Place - a building with pyramid glass on entrance. I reckon from America, because you'll find most of american author in its finest collection. The travelling books collection are huge. A lots about another exotic asia country such as : China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia also European were a big favorite for local. The best things about Borders is bargain book counter. That's where I found a book about bridge's structure call : Bridges : A History of the World's Most Famous and Important Span by Judith Dupre. Coffe table short of book but information about civil engineering really struck me. Borders more reader friendly than Konikuniya. They provides seat and cafe in back door to enjoy reading (not only buying -things that sometime bookshop did not realise it).

Compare with Borders in Bullring B'ham .....hmmmm nothing. This is even bigger. I bought Contemporary Architecture and that's the only one. So if you love art go to Kinokuniya but if you looking for bargain book just go to Borders first.

Foods today :
Lunch with Tom Yum Chicken Soup at Thai Food Stall at Meridien Shopping Centre shared with Mark. It generous soup with fresh herbs (lemon grass, galangal, shredded lime leaves). This is recommended to everybody who love spicy mix with nice fragrant of herbs. Also Sarah and Sam had steamed rice with stir fry served in hot plate. Yummm...

Dinner at Food Stall at undeground Tanglin Mall. I had Nasi Padang-a package of rice with curry fish and spicy veg stir fry plus sambal (chillies !!!) from Sumatra. Mark had Australian fish and chips. The fish plus prawn were fresh (white and meaty when it chewed) deep fried in really high temperature for just few minutes. Result : delicious !

Today we managed to have a quick peek of two apartments. Regency Park in Nathan Rd is really nice, big, and look modern. It might be suit for young family with baby or kids. The architecture little bit odd but OK. The only reason we didn't take it because the price. It cost around $3.5K to $5.0K which is for us that's too much.

Then we walked to Tanglin Park apartment. Really nice area with lots of trees and houses (proper house mean 6-10 bedroom), embassies and government office. This area might be been protected from highrise development. Most of apartments are lowrise (3-4 storey) and garden was great. The price is on our budget, around $2.3K -5.5K. We managed to arrange viewing with estate-man on Saturday afternoon. See what it would be.

Nature Trek at MacRitchie

2005-02-28T13:51:00.000+08:00

ambar enter the jungle

Another option of apartment hunting is up to South area. Sunday morning mainly people going to churches. Christian is majority here as the Buddhist or Tao. We off around 12 after light breakfast. This time we took North South Line (red line MRT) from Dhoby and off in Toa Payoh.

Straight from station is a market. People who living in this area mainly malay or chinese with apartment spreading to far end. Various quality, little bit tacky mainly not AC. But environment OK. We feel like in the village in S'pore rather than in middle of city. Further we were scanning Braddel St and so on end up in Bishan Station. Bishan little bit like town with really good shopping centre. Stop by at BreadTalk for lunch. Ambar had bread with Rooster theme (apparently Chinese year for 2005) with dry beef mince. Surprisingly spicy with delicacy of Chinese's taste. Plus Mango Grappe-mango juice with crushed cube ices.

At Bishan we took bus to Thomson Road then have a little wonder in jungle over there. We saw a big family of monkey (little one) with two babies carried by mother. The jungle really dense and humidity was unbearable. Ambar keep winged about sweating like a bucket. Insect were everywhere. Most of it is mosquitoes and midges.

We found nature trekker by the Golf Club which emerged to MacRitchie Nature Trek. The track was in good condition, full of people jogging rather than walking. Unfortunately we couldn't cycling here. May be for safety reason. This trek create in jungle around reservoir enlarged by Municipal engineer James MacRitchie in 1891. As a central catchments for reservoir the forest is under protection by Singapore's law. We found a large number of tree which about 70 ft, wild animal lives happily here. Combine with Bukit Timah Nature Reserves which covering area 2800 ha the MacRitchie trek is truly an different atmosphere

Then have a rest on the hut on top of hill in torrential rain. It was jungle adventure in middle of S'pore !

East Coast Cycling

2005-02-28T12:47:00.000+08:00

obviously not straight to the left Mark

We woke up lazyly saturday afternoon (feeling couldn't open my eyes). Breakfast with French Croisant from the cafe at 1st floor and rushed to MRT. It was not to busy in the central compare what we do in every Saturday (shopping..shopping and shopping).

Grabbed the transport map from bookshop cross the road (same building with Tourist Information Centre). We took Dhoby Ghaut, got off in City Hall to East West Line (green line MRT) mainly to East Coast and end in Changi Airport. We off in Paya Lebar Sta which very nice concrete arch and airee. In midday we managed walk to Geylang and Katong area where we intent to looking for apartment. Its nice area, most of chinese people with luxury apartment for selling (price can be $350K or around £110K). Upps out of budget !

Cross the underpass (underground road) we reached East Coast. Had re-fluid then hire bike for $5 per hour each. Cycling along well paved track with skatter and jogger. People camping in the shore, swimming, fishing, canoeing, wind surfing. Fantastic ! Spent next hour with coconut drink and BBQ chicken wing as lunch pack.Back to central and walking along the river through Elgin Bridge to Boat Quay. Had great dinner with river view. Menu : S'pore chicken satay with peanut sauce and shallot, cuttlefish deep fried with veg inside, seafood special (everything from sea) and two pint Tiger beer !

The Boat Quay full of seafood reastaurant which quite expensive. It cost $96 or about 30 quid but as a note there is no wine or desert. But food really nice though !

PS : you will find adventures menu like frogs and shark's fin here !

Day 1 was great !

2005-02-28T11:45:00.000+08:00

Spore night-time

We arrived on Friday 24th at Changi Airport at 16.33 after delay an hour in Amsterdam. Then we took taxi to our apartment where in central of S'pore. We'll stay what they call service apartment. There is video footage from our friend Sam Bowen which also contain apartment's neighbourhood. Look like a hotel but you'll have your own kitchen and basic living stuff. The shop or restaurant just in the first floor while we staying at 9th. Fully AC (its 30-33C everyday !) and very close to Orchard Rd which Singaporean proud as their modern highstreet.

After 12 hours flight we explored our neighbourhood with no feeling of jetlag (not yet). We managed to buy sandals and standard stuff (milk, bread, juice and marmalade) also we learned how to get ez-link an electronic ticketing that allow you to travel in many ways. We bought first card $15 at Dhoby Gaut MRT (Mass Rapid Transport=tube) the closest MRT station in our place.

We had nice dinner in Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant in Plaza Singapura in Orchard Rd. The wonton prawn noodle was a good hit with a dripping of chilli oil. The roasted duck was delicious with ginger and lemon sauce (the skin is the best: crispy and spicy !!). Price is reasonable, about $40 something for 2 big soups and two meal (duck and crab ball).

S'pore is wonderful at night time. Modern apartment blended with traditional houses (temples, churches, colonials, Chinese, Malays etc). Really safe and you will have feeling comfort by local who will help you. At 10.30pm the jet-lag effect starting. Heading back by foot watching lightning above the sky.

Why using web-blog ?

2005-02-28T10:39:00.000+08:00

We realised that internet would be the best way to communicate with people around the world. We create web-blog as our journal of living in S'pore to share it with friends and family either in UK or Indonesia.
For us, living in new country meaning new experience. Even Ambar originally from Indonesia (Java) where about 2 hours flight from S'pore she is never been in this country for actually live in. For Mark who been S'pore for short trip, this is new opportunity. To be honest this is also help us to keep memorize name and places because we are hopeless with that. Hope you all enjoy this journal !!