Welcome

Sportage saved my life

2011-10-12T07:27:00.001-07:00

One evening in November 2004, I was on my way home from work. As I drove my Sportage out from the office carpark towards Kampong Baru, the sky suddenly turned dark. I realised that a heavy downpour was coming fast.

The busy road was jammed up with heavy traffic. I was stalled in the middle of the road. Incidently, I looked out through the windscreen to check out the weather condition. I realised that the huge and tall "Sena" trees planted along the road sides were swinging vigorously caused by super strong wind. I was feeling quite worried and uneasy over the conditions outside, and I prayed that nothing disastrous would happen. Unfortunately, my prayer was not answered. I heard a loud bang on the roof of my Sportage. Before I can do anything, I saw a big tree trunk rested nicely on top of the engine cover. The impact of the fallen tree was so great that resulted in the wind screen shattered and rain water started to sip into the dashboard; the rear door on the left was forced opened. and the Sportage apparently became lower due to the heavy load it carried then.

When I got out of my Sportage, I was shocked to see that the tree that hit on the Sportage roof was indeed a giant tree. A vehicle nearly that was also hit by the fallen tree branch had its roof totally smashed up. Thanks God. I was protected by the Sportage by its tough body and good safely features. If I was driving other vehicle, I might have lost my life due to the soft roof that might not be able to hold the impact of the tree trunk. Also, because of my Sportage, my car had prevented the nearby vehicles from being smashed up, because my Sportage had taken most of the weight of the tree trunk.

Thank you Sportage. You saved my life. I love you.

Right on target

Arrival of rescue team

Damage view from front/left

Damage view from real/right

Ulu Tembeling

2011-08-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

I was posted to Jerantut District from 1979 till 1987 During that period, I had made at least 3 working trips to Ulu Tembeling. Each trip covered up to Kpg. Mat Daling and Kpg Gusai.

We usually leave Kuala Tembeling Jetty with a 40hp long boat as early as 9:00am, and would only reach Kpg. Bantal around 6:00pm. As for lunch, we cooked in the boat. When food was ready, we stopped over a sandy beach for a quick bite.

View of Kpg. Bantal in the early 80s
From another angle a few years later

Health Clinic in Kpg. Bantal

Staff Quarters

Istana Sri Tembeling in Kpg. Bantal

The calm Tembeling river and scenic Malaysian jungles

I had once followed a fishing trip

Led by the late Peter Sta Maria (sitting, front)

We set up our tents at a sandy beach by the Tembeling River

We proudly displayed our catch

Visited the boatman Abang Ramly's village in Kpg. Pagi

The villagers busy cultivating

This one was taken in Kuala Sat

In front of the Primary School in Kuala Sat

In front of Kpg. Mat Daling Primary School

Stopping over National Park in Kuala Tahan had become a norm for every visit to Ulu Tembeling. I hiked up Bkt. Teresek.

Took a pic on top of Bkt. Teresek

Another pic

Yet another one. I was warned, "Be careful, don't lean at the rock."

I went up there again in year 2006. Took a picture at the same spot.

Scene of village by the Tembeling River.

忆中扶

2011-02-15T04:12:00.000-08:00

中扶（非真名），是我在怡保求学时所认识的一位朋友。虽然我们来自不同的学校，也不是居住在同一地区内，但机缘巧合，我们都是圣约翰救伤队员，也同样爱好摄影，因而成了好友。

当年怡保圣约翰救伤队摄影组，中扶和我都在照片里

中扶年纪比我小，为人沉默寡言，对人彬彬有礼，脸上挂着一副眼镜，整个书生样。学业方面，虽是华校生，但功课比我强得多了。

回顾七十年初，我在槟城中央医院接受医药助理训练。那时我国刚经历513种族动乱，社会还不是处于十分安宁的状况，森林里的武装份子也随之活跃起来。

中扶通知我说他有重要的事要从怡保上来槟城找一位朋友，並会顺道探访我。敏感的我，总觉得事有蹊跷。

中扶终于摸上我的宿舍来。还好，中扶还未接触到他那位朋友。见到他，我心里产生了一种恐惧感。我话不二说，立即把他拉去码头坐渡轮过北海乘搭‘的士’回怡保。一路上，我不敢跟他太靠近，也不敢跟他多说话。乘坐‘的士’时也分开，我坐前座，他坐后座。感觉上，好像有人在监视着我们似的。我们最终还是安全抵达怡保。

我过后回到槟城，接到了中扶的来信。我感觉到他还是有点执迷不悟。信中，他提到了很多社会问题。愤怒的他，嫉恨如仇，流着满腔热血要改造这不理想的社会。

我给他回了信。信中我提出了我的“改造社会”观点。我认为，改造社会并不需动用到暴力及武器。我劝他努力读书，将来成为了医生，工程师或律师等，也一样能通过专业知识过改造社会，贡献社会。

非常幸慰的，中扶终于接受我的劝告。他本已被录取在怡保某政府学院修读大学先修班。但为了追求他的理想，中扶放弃本地求学机会，转而申请台湾高雄医学院，并成功被录取。临走前，他交了一本书给我，即是蓬莱王明长所著的【孙子兵法】。他吩咐我好好地保管这本书，若有事情发生在他身上，他会给我写信，並依照那本书的内容解读信件。

这本书，我用牛皮纸包住，好好的收藏至今

中扶写下感言

中扶走了，我有点不舍，但为了他的前途，理想，自身安全，远走他国未必不是一件好事。不久，中扶从台湾寄了封信给我。信中，他感谢我，并说如不是我，他已成为社会的罪人。嗨！中扶呀中扶，若如你还执着，极可能未成罪人先成仁也。

我给中扶回函，“中扶，我国不承认台湾医学文凭，医学毕业后你有何打算呢？” 中扶以坚强的语气回答，“我不管也不怕谁承认或不承认我的医学文凭，我只怕学习浅薄，知识不够，不能有效服务社会。” 他还说，极可能，学成后他会到非洲大陆，为那边的贫民提供医疗服务。中扶，我欣赏你这崇高的意愿。我向你敬礼。

中扶从台湾寄来生活照，并在相片后面题字

怡保圣约翰救伤队总部 - 摄于六十年代。

由于当年通讯不发达，而我又被调往东海岸一个遥远及交通极不方便的乡村，再经过几次的搬迁，我和中扶已失去联络多年。我曾尝试到他怡保居住的地区寻找，可是那地区改变很大，我找不到他的家。我也到过圣约翰礼堂，那是我们时常见面的地方，只可惜：

人面不知何处去桃花依旧笑春风

中扶，无论你在何处，我深深地祝福你。

Tokyo Autumn Holiday - Day 8

2011-01-15T02:09:00.001-08:00

8th day, 27/11/2010

From Narita U-City Hotel, took the shuttle service to the airport.
Arrived at Kuala Lumpur in the evening.

A last glimpse of momiji

The little Japanese house

A blooming tree

Blossom

A dream Japanese home

Finally arrived at the Narita Airport

The temperature is a bit cold for me

While waiting to board the plane

A touching scene was caught at the departure hall

Wishing them reunite soon

and happy ever after

Tokyo Autumn Holiday - Day 7

2011-01-15T01:47:00.001-08:00

7th day, 26/11/2010

Last day in Yokohama, really don't feel like leaving.

Took the Narita Express to Narita Town. After checking-in at the hotel, Went around the town while enjoying the cold chilling wind. Then we came across the famous Ramen shop. We went in there and had a bowl of Ramen each. The hot soup came right in time to assist us combating the cold weather.

View inside BreezBay Hotel

Relaxing at the lobby

Free Wifi

Went to the garden near Cosmo Park

Rather busy morning

Feel free to run about

Adorable little Japanese girl

The tree turned red

Another view

Fallen leaves all over

Had a last meal in Yokohama

A picture in front of Sakuragicho Station before leaving Yokohama

Inside the Narita Express

Narita is 1½ hours away

Tokyo Autumn Holiday - Day 6

2011-01-15T00:48:00.001-08:00

6th day, 25/11/2010

Early in the morning, took a walk from hotel towards the other side of the town. Came across the Yokohana river with a number of seagulls. Beautiful river band decorated with momiji.

Later, went over to Shinjuku for sight seeing, later, adjourned to Shibuya, which was one of the busiest area in Tokyo.

On our way back to the hotel, made a diversion to the China Town.

View from the hotel room

Same site, viewed at eye level

Yokohama river

Relaxing

2 kind ladies feeding the birds

After a good meal

Autumn scene along the river

Autumn scene along the road

Family photo

Another snap shot

Breakfast cum lunch

Shinkansen - Japan bullet train

JR train

JR train to Shinjuku

Where the 2 JR trains meet

Arriving at the Shinjuku Station

Join them in 'Anti-smoking campaign' just outside the station

Street scene of Shinjuku

Street scene of Shibuya

Busy pedestrian crossing in Shibuya

One of the building in Shibuya

Well-disciplined Japanese.

They will not cross the road if the light had not turned green,

even though there was not a single vehicle on the road

Subway to Chinatown

A temple in China town

Night scene of Minato Mirai, Yokohama

La boheme Bakery in Yokohama

Tokyo Autumn Holiday - Day 5

2011-01-14T23:57:00.000-08:00

5th day, 24/11/2010

There were so many train lines in Tokyo. Again this morning, we boarded the wrong train. Luckily we realised our mistake at the Shin Yokohama station, so we turned back to Yokohama and boarded another train to Oimachi. Walked around outside the station, took some pictures, and then boarded another train to Tokyo Telepot station in Odaiba.

Palette Town was a nice place to visit. Toyota Mega Web Showcase over there was a very nice place to visit, especially for Toyota car lovers. All new models of TOYOTA cars were displayed. My son really had a good time there.

Venus Fort was also a nice place to walk around. The Kitty Cat outlet attracted many young children, while the car museum was pretty quiet with handful of visitors.

From Palette Town, we walked towards Decks, Tokyo Beach. At the little Hong Kong, the wind was chilling, but with the night scene of Tokyo, Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower within vicinity, cold weather is no more a hindrance.

Merry go round at Odaiba

Mega Web - Toyota City Show Case

Palette Town

Toyota Passo Sette

Toyota Rav4

Restaurant inside the Mega Web

Getting information about Hybrid

Gran Turismo 4

Roundabout to the Car Muzeum

Old car on display

Big Kitty cat attracts many children

Rainbow Bridge. Tokyo tower on the right.

A photo under chilling wind

Odaiba at night

Tokyo Autumn Holiday - Day 4

2011-01-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

4th day, 23/11/2010.

After breakfast at the hotel, boarded the train to Yokohama for transit to Tokyo, then to Yurakucho. Walked around the town and shopped around Ginza. My son really had a good time in Nissan Gallery. Besides, an 8-storey Sony centre provides good information. The Apple store was also very interesting with latest products like iphone, ipad etc.

After lunch at Yoshinoya Restaurant, we went over to Akihabara for shopping. This is a very good place for shopping, especially electrical and electronic items. I bought myself 5 pairs of shirt. After our dinner, we went back to the hotel at Sakuragicho

Tokyo Station

Seeking information

Patiently explained

Ginza street scene

Unique building

Uniqlo

Uniglo - another view

I like the clock

Nissan Auto Gallery

Requesting for brochures

Nissan Leaf

Ginza street view

Akihabara Shopping centre

Bamboo bench

Just nice to rest aching leg muscles

Street Stage show at Akihabara

Another group

Strawberry bought in Ginza, big and sweet...

...Trust me

Tokyo Autumn Holiday - Day 3

2011-01-14T04:32:00.000-08:00

3rd day, 22/11/2010

Raining the whole day. Our plan was to go to the Premium Outlet in Gotemba. From the hotel, we took a train to Yokohama Station, then change another train to Odawara.

On arrival at Odawara, we realized that we had overshot, so we took a bus back track to Kozu. At the Kozu Station, the cool weather, the hilly landscape, the mist, the calls of birds similar to Long tail Sibia, reminds me of Frasers hill back in my country.

From Kozu Station, took a train to Gotemba. The scenery from Kozu to Gotemba was so nice. Rivers were lively with swift flowing clear water. Hills were decorated with momiji, which means the red/yellow autumn leaves.

We were picked up by the shuttle bus from Gotemba station to the premium outlet. Good bargain, if not thinking of how to bring the goods back to Malaysia, I would have bought a tempting Nikon spotting scope cum tripod at a very good bargain.

Due to rain, my camera could not put into action. What a waste, missing so many good shots. My wife eventually bought only a handbag. On our way back to the hotel, we adjourned to the Sogo, which was situated just next to the railway station, and bought ourselves varieties of Japanese food for dinner.

Taken on the way to the JR Station

Near the JR Station too.

Efficient train service

Taken from inside the train

Misty

One of the train station

Autumn leaves

Another one

Shallow river with clear water

Another scenic view

I like the colour of the leaves

Serene

How I wish I could stay in there for the whole of autumn.

I was fascinated with this tree in Odawara

Lovely meal after a tiring day

Tokyo Autumn Holiday - Day 2

2011-01-14T00:55:00.000-08:00

Second day, 21/11/2010

From Narita to Yokohama by Narita Express Train. The journey was comfortable and took about 1and a half hour. Checked into Breezbay Hotel at Sakuragicho. Very convenience, just next to the railway station. Walking distance to Cosmo Theme Park and Minato Mirai. We spent the whole day in Yokohama.

Street scene of Yokohama

Another view

Another view too

Celebrity performing right in front of Sakuragicho JR station

A closer look of her

Food we bought in Minato Mirai

Tasty

Night Scenary of Yokohama

Autumn months, it gets dark early

Family photo

Part of our dinner

and this.... Delicious

Tokyo Autumn Holiday - Day 1

2011-01-13T19:15:00.000-08:00

First day, 20/11/2010.

Plane touched down at Narita Airport as early as 6:40am Japan time.

Outside Narita Airport
While waiting for the shuttle bus

The feel of autumn with fallen leaves all over

The leaves turned yellow

Some still stand strong

Street scene on the way to the hotel

Lone cyclist

Welcoming sign

Temperature at that time

Reached Narita U-City Hotel by shutter bus. Room not ready, so took a bus to Jusco. Walked around, walked into Toyota and Honda Service Centres and showrooms. Daihatsu showroom under renovation. Also visited an exhibition with many food stalls and presentations.

Impressed with the well-mannered Japanese. They were very helpful. Unfortunately not many can speak English. Vehicle drivers were very patient and considerate. Never hear a sound of horn so far.

Narita-U City Hotel

Opposite the hotel

Parking bay for bicycles near JR station

This way to Narita JR Station

A famous bakery opposite the hotel

Mother and child on the bicycle

Getting ready to cross the road

Took a bus to Jusco

Scene along the way

A giant guitar at the Jusco compound

Hard Rock Cafe instead

Our lunch at Jusco

Unique building adjacent to Jusco

A flowering tree

Autumn scene from far

When are these last two leaves going to fall?

Some kind of fair is on

Ladies displaying drum-beating

BBQ expensive seafood

Guess what?

Oyster, scallop....yummy

Grilled fish

Grilled what?

Squid

Fresh vegetables too

Entertaining children

Dorayaki - Doraemon's favourite food

Fluffy sugar

Paddy field nearby

Persimmon, so tempting, feel like plugging them.

A closer look

Swinging in the air

Perfect colour combination

Familiar Chinese words

Lovely flowers

Our dinner - Bento

Sushi

Tempura

Fried chicken

Different types of bread

第六章 - 大堂姐逝世了

2010-06-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

在第三章所提到的大堂姐，于2010年5月19日逝世了，享年八十有七。

70年初期，当我出来社会工作时，我才真正地认识这位大堂姐。我很喜欢她那慈祥的脸孔，以及她的4 个孩子，尤其是那位最小的女儿，当年还未正式入学，却很会唱歌给我听。

记得去年5月拜访她老人家时，她还是顶壮的，过后不久，就中风而进入同善医院接受治疗。等病况好转后，就被孩子们接回半山芭家休养。

今年4月，我和大姐，小弟上她家探访她，那时她已显得衰弱无力，也不能说话，跟一年前的她简直是不相同。没想到，过后不久即接到她往生的噩耗。

大堂姐是我们家族第廿四世最年长者。她的离去，给我很大的感触。

万法因缘起，皆因缘而灭，愿大堂姐往生西方极乐，永离苦海。

在焦赖火化场进行送别仪式

棺木徐徐而下

忍不住的悲伤

看最后的一眼

脱孝仪式

洗花水

休息用膳

表姐妹留影（姑姑的女儿）

Raptor Watch Week

2010-03-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

This year, the 11th time 'Raptor Watch' was held 0n 13-14th March.

This year also the 70th anniversary of Malaysian Nature Society (MNS).

Venue: The traditional grounds of Ilham Resort, Tanjung Tuan, Melaka (10th Mile Port Dickson).

This is also my 8th time attending this type of event. My first attendance was in 2003. That year, for the first time I met the Father of Digiscoping, the late Mr. Laurence Poh.

Pic taken in year 2003. 3rd from left, the late Mr. Laurence Poh

Entrance at the Ilham Resort

View from the watch tower. Look at the beautiful beach.

I like the backdrop of the stage

and the cute little girl with the binoculars

Some of the sponsors/participants.

Another one

This was where the Selangor Bird Group members gathered

Campaigning "My Garden Birdwatch"

Isn't the bird cute?

My son wanted so much to purchase a green one, but unfortunately no suitable size

Other species of bird printed on fabric

Exciting over some sighting

Good place to meet up with old friends

A lot to talk about

Getting ready for raptors' arrival

Is it a raptor up there?

Any of these species

or these

No raptor? Its OK, Hornbill is around

Unidentified bird

A fierce one, most probably bird of prey

A friendly one

and how about this? Spectacled Spiderhunter?

Talk given by Swee Seng, Co-ordinator for Selangor bird group

and also by Rafi

Rafi's talk attracted such big crowd. Late comers had to stand at the back

Went up to the Light house for better watch

Barn swallow took the show

Then raptors appeared

Steed went into serious action

The Oriental Honey Buzzard

Taking thermal

Ready to go north

Bye, Bon voyage. See you next year.

Lineated Barbet sighted at the Ilham Resort

Birding at Lukut, Port Dickson

2010-03-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

There is a stream in Lukut, seldom visited by human, is a good place for birds life. A reasonably good stretch of laterite road runs along the stream, and I use to bird watch from my 4WD.

The water of this stream is quite clear and sufficient food-supply for avi friends.

I was welcomed by the White Breasted-Waterhen with 2 juveniles. So cute.

The weather was extremely hot, a lot of birds came for a shower and good sip of cool fresh water.
Javan Myna had a good time. They were joined by a single Pied-Fantail, but unfortunately I couldn't get a picture of it.

A flock of Scaly-Breasted Munia also came for a cool bath. They stayed for quite a while

I was lucky to see 2 other species of munias, i.e., White-Headed Munia,

and Black-Headed Munia.

Another pic. of Black-Headed Munia.

A pair of Chinese Egrets had good time feeding.

and flew away after a good meal.A number of waders dropped by, which included this Wood Sandpiper (I think. I'm no good in waders id.)

A common Kingfisher was still around, maybe need a good meal before heading off to its homeland. It waited patiently for its prey.

Another picture of it.

Water Monitor Lizard was commonly seen here.

It retreated after noticing me.

By the roadside, a Paddy-Field Pipit made its appearance.

and a lot of Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters. Surprisingly, according to my record, I had not seen any Blue-Throated Bee-Eater here before.

This Changeable Hawk-Eagle is very productive. It built its nest here almost every year.

A crested Serpent-Eagle perched high on tree.

Just before I left, a Stork-Billed Kingfisher came right in time to bid farewell.

第五章 - 母亲的故事

2009-12-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

母亲遗照

母亲与少年时候的我合照

母亲姓陈名莲娇，于民国五年丙辰（肖龙）（1916年）出生于马来西亚霹雳州布先市，祖籍广东省惠州。母亲是家中老幺，上有三位长兄，俩位姐姐。

外公什么名我不知道，只知道他在本国拥有锡矿场，在香港有田地和渔船。也听说他曾跟随过甲必丹叶亚来。

母亲很小时就随着父母去了香港大浦墟居住，在那儿渡过童年，受教育。该是七岁吧，她又随着父母回到了马来西亚，並居住过怡保市附近的龙头岩，和靠近金宝市的石山脚。之间，也有到香港小住几趟。据她所述，大浦墟家的楼上有一天台。她很喜欢爬出天台栽种很多美丽的玫瑰花和绣球花。

廿六岁，还没人来提亲，在当时的社会，已是被人嘲笑为嫁不出的老姑娘了。之前，有相看过，但不成。缘份来时，逃不了，被我爸爸点中了，即成为夫妇。当时还是日军统治的战乱时期呢。

母亲虽是家中老幺，但却有一点威严。年轻一辈的，都很遵从她。一直以来，丰衣足食，没受过半点苦。父亲对她千依百顺，她也对父亲百般顺从。俩口子相敬如宾，倒不知令多少旁人羡慕不已。

母亲很喜欢与父亲结伴去看电影。为了安抚我们兄弟姐妹们乖乖在家，通常都会给我们一些散钱作零用，而我们也乐得其中。父母脚一踏出大门，我和哥哥就会被遣去附近马结路的均泰昌商店买零食，通常都是酸梅，杨梅，酸柑子，嘉应子，陈皮梅等等腌制品。零食吃完后，就耐心地等父母亲回来，因为还有好戏在后头呢！父母亲才踏进家门，我们就急不及待的搬张椅子给母亲坐，然后大家围在她身边听她讲戏文。讲到紧张处或讲得不对时，父亲还会参张嘴呢。讲毕，我们也带着戏剧情节进入梦乡。

新的均泰昌商店已由贤叔的儿子接手，但已没有再卖零食了。
旧的均泰昌则在右边隔壁店屋。

好景不长在。1959年，11月14日，父亲病逝，遗留下七个由2岁至16岁的孩子。母亲强忍丧偶之痛，把悲伤化为力量，扮演了的单亲妈妈的伟大角色。

首先，她把我们兄弟姐妹们带回怡保铁船路的老家。当时那间板屋还住着我大舅一家人。我大舅是位华小老师。在他的帮忙下，我们也顺利地转入怡保的学校，而我也进入霹雳华小五年级就读。

铁船路的老家。
屋子左边的橡胶树已老死了。

大舅对我母亲说，“不用开伙食了，以后就一起吃好了。” 以我母亲坚强的性格，她拒绝了大舅的好意。可是家里无收入，怎样办呢？总不能坐吃山空吧! 政府所颁给的一点恩俸金，又能维持多久呢！

我的大舅 - 一名华教工作者。

大舅对我们非常关心及疼爱。
搬出铁船路后，每天傍晚必踏着脚踏车来探望我们。

船到桥头自然直。客家人说：“马死落地行”。首先，她把恩俸金的数额买下一段6英亩的橡胶园。这橡胶园位于金宝埠及地摩埠之间，並由我姑姑及表姐们负责割取胶汁，制成胶片后卖出，所得的收入五-五对分。

此外，通过志良印务局职员阿娇姐的安排，把印好的某些产品拿回家，加工折黏，制成纸袋，纸盒等, 工资是每一千张从五角至一元不等。

母亲对父亲的爱是永恒的。每逢想到父亲时，总是泪流满腮，好多时候，泪水都把印制品弄湿了。这段时期，我最讨厌有人到来拜访。名誉上是好意的慰问，但实际里，却触动了我母亲的伤心处。很多时候，我激动的很想下逐客令，但当年只有10岁，受过良好的华人传统家教，那敢对大人及长辈无理呢！

每逢清明节，母亲必带我们上父亲坟前扫墓。

新年即到，母亲就带领我们制造年糕及传统年饼出售，如炒米饼﹑绿豆饼﹑薯粉饼等。顾客都以邻居为主。我被分配到的主要工作是推石磨磨糯米﹑炒米﹑炒绿豆﹑炒薯粉等。我最讨厌炒米，因为那时候用的燃料是木材，很多烟，把我的眼睛燻得眼泪直流。炒米时又要用慢火，时间很长。米炒好后，放入面粉袋，然后哥哥与我就以脚踏车载到旧街场的印度店将之碾磨成粉末。

我的工作还包括用木锤把在木刻饼模中的粉团敲打压实，后脱模，然后晒饼，收饼，送货等。工作虽然辛苦了一点，但所赚到的钱能换取到过年时的鸡，鱼，肉等年菜，辛苦一点倒是值得的。

母亲对我们的管教非常严格，她非常注重我们的学业及品行。现在的人说，再穷也不能穷教育。其实，这个概念，早在50年代，我母亲已用上了。

为了增加收入以填补孩子们的学业及生活费，母亲也为人洗衣及搭伙食。这样东凑西凑的，勉强的让我们度过辛苦的日子，而我也在这半饱不饱的环境下成长，也完成了我中学学业。

在铁船路的那段时期的成长过程是辛酸但又极值得缅怀的。童年时，母亲对我们的管教非常严厉。她不允许我们随便参与邻居的孩子们玩，以免学坏，打架惹是非，荒废学业。少年时的我们，更加不能沾染黑社会。

母亲信奉神佛，家里供奉着观世音菩萨，关二爷，另有祖先，天神，地主公及灶君爷。母亲早晚都上香礼拜，每逢初一，十五都持素。有位推销子母牌牛奶的妇女，我们称她为冯师奶。她每个月都会来向我母亲传福音，也成了我母亲的好朋友。但母亲凭着坚强的信念，由始至终都动摇不到她对神佛的虔诚。

在铁船路这小社群，有一大特色的就是给予家庭妇女的称呼，比如：丈夫驾的士的被称为的士婆；丈夫制做濑粉的即是濑粉婆，如此类推。我家大门上，是村子里唯一挂着一幅写着堂号的匾额《陇西》，因而母亲也成了家户喻晓的陇西婆。

廿岁那年，我收到了政府的聘请书，但必须北上槟城医院接受为期三年零四个月的训练。离开怡保的前一天，母亲特地为我煮了很多美味的菜肴，还邀请了大堂兄来吃。第二天，我坐上表姐夫的车，强忍着泪水，望着母亲的影子渐渐地消失在我的视线里。我知道，这次离家背井，是很难再到回来久住了。

经过三年多的训练，终于顺利过关了。可是我并没有机会返乡服务，反而被调往彭亨州淡马鲁县的一个小马来甘榜 - 桑港，还好，有政府楼住。

1977年，大女儿出世，我邀求母亲搬过来淡马鲁与我同住。当时，我三位姐姐都出嫁了，哥哥和小弟都在吉隆坡工作，还有一位弟弟在纽西兰就读大学，铁船路的老家，只留下我母亲一人默默地守着。若母亲搬过来与我同住，不但能互相照顾，而且还能让母亲重新入住‘皇家楼’。母亲欣然答应了，从此以后，母亲就断断续续地与我同住，不过，每逢华人大日子，如端午，中秋，冬至，观音诞等，母亲必定赶回铁船路老家礼供衆神佛。

自小弟出世后，母亲开始患上高血压。应该是1966年吧，还进入过怡保中央医院留医，因为高血压而导致心脏肿胀。出院后，母亲找上了一间私人诊所的内科专科医师陈仁义医生。母亲对这位陈医生非常信任。虽然母亲与我远住在彭亨州，不过每到一个期间，必返回怡保找陈医生复诊。

80年初，母亲觉得心胸部位疾痛。我找了俩位医生来我家为母亲检查，确实是患上急性心脏病，而且情况非常严重，供血液给心肌的微血管都塞住了。我立即招来救伤车，把母亲送入而连突县医院，随后通知了所有的兄弟姐妹们。他们接获通知后都赶来了而连突。那时，我们都做了最后的打算。菩萨加持，经过医生的细心医治，母亲终于慢慢康复了，我们也鬆了一口气，各回各的工作岗位。不过从此以后，母亲时常会感到胸部不舒服。

1987年，我举家搬下吉隆坡。由于还未申请到政府屋，就暫住二姐所拥有的一间店屋楼上。母亲上楼时显得吃力，很多次我献意背她上楼，但她总是不肯，不知是信不过我的体力或是被旧封建思想所牵住。

1988年农历新年，如往常一样，我们兄弟姐妹们都带着各自家庭成员们回到了铁船路的家过新年。这时母亲的健康已开始显露着下滑的状况。大部分的时候，她都躺在床上，忍住胸部的隐痛。

年初二开年后，我拿了一张藤椅，独自一人坐在屋前阅读报纸，忽然间，有一块如砖头大的木块从屋顶掉在我身边。我往上看，就是不知这块木到底来自何处。母亲很担忧，怕这间老屋子经不过岁月的摧残而倒塌，立即叫人来修理。

同年三月，母亲的健康状况已有恶化的症状。我们把母亲送入吉隆坡同善医院留医治疗。姐姐们去了一趟神庙为她祈福。上身后的乩童说：“榴莲已经成熟了就会掉下来。新年时不是给你们暗示了吗？”我突然想起那块于年初二掉在我身边的木块。

母亲进入弥留的时候，突然大姐听到她说出了2148这四位号码。我们都无法了解这到底是什么意思。

31/3/1988 早上，我接到小弟从同善医院打来的电话，说母亲往生了。我急忙去向大哥报讯，然后再赶往同善医院。

安排后事期间，我翻开通胜查阅时辰吉日，咦，母亲于阳历3月31日早上8时去世，即是农历二月十四，那不就是说，母亲弥留时所说的2148，不是已经预告我们她会于农历二月十四早上八时离开我们吗？

依着母亲生前的意愿和吩咐，我们把母亲的遗体运返怡保铁船路，做了两天的法事后，载往三保洞火化，部分骨灰撒在邦咯岛公海处。我口念往生咒，手轻轻撒着母亲的骨灰，脑海中想着母亲生前对我们及她孙子女们所付出的一切，我的眼泪，又再次不受控制的流下。

妈妈，感谢您，好好上路，我们永远怀念您.

母亲部分骨灰被供养在霹雳洞里

1957年母亲与我们在太平皇家楼前留影

70年代初的全家福

左起，大哥，我，大弟，小弟。

第四章 - 父亲的故事

2009-11-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

先父李应兴公遗照

1907 - 1959

五十年代的全家福，我站在中间

由左到右，大姐；二姐；三姐；大哥；我。

父亲名应兴，于光绪卅三丁未年（羊年）（1907年）出生于马来西亚霹雳州怡保埠万里望市，乃属广东省，嘉应州，梅县，龙芽，禾树下，和昌下，仁斋李公祠第廿三世子孙。父亲排行第二，上有一位长兄，下有一位小妹。

不知何时，祖父母举家从万里望市向南迁至六十公里外的万岭村镇，并在那儿开荒垦土，种植橡胶树。

祖父不抽鸦片，只吸水烟。父亲皆无吞云吐雾之馋。记得有一回，为了应酬，父亲把对方递来的香烟点着了，但不把它放进嘴巴，只夹在拇指及中指间，待烟火烧到手指时，才仓促的把烟头丢掉。他惊慌失措的动作成为我们日后常提起的笑话。

年轻时期的父亲，受过中等教育，华文及英文，都难不倒她。我小学的英文，都由他督促及教导。

据述父亲年轻时，有一回因受不了父母的唠叨，愤然骑着脚踏车，从万岭镇沿着铁路北上廿公里外的金宝市。在那儿，他遇到了一位朋友。这位朋友问他何以从老远的地方跑来金宝。父亲答曰想找份工作。后经过这位朋友的指点，父亲终于顺利的进入政府部门成为一名文员，並事奉英政府，日本政府，及独立后的马来西亚政府，直到逝世为止。

先祖母年轻时的相片

1941年，日本煌军入侵马来西亚。英军兵败如山倒，不久后即举白旗投降。很幸运的，父亲並没有被新政府裁退，而给他另一个新任务，即是负责售卖鸦片。当时吸鸦片是合法的。人民只要成功申请到执照就可向有关政府部门买取。父亲任职的地点是在霹雳州南端的安顺市镇。

1942年，父亲卅五岁，还是孤身寡人。说媒的上门来了，相亲的对象是一位年芳廿六的陈姓惠州妹。父亲看上了这少女的耳垂，不久即派人上门提亲。次年，大姐被他们带来了这世界。

日治时，父亲曾经历了一次惊险万分的事件。事发当时，一名日本军官传召父亲第二天早上到他办公室。通常，被传召的结果都会凶多吉少。当晚，父亲以悲伤绝望的心情把一切身后事给母亲交代清楚。第二天，来到了日本军官的办公室。军官指着一名被囚着的抗日份子，问我父亲可否认识他。父亲点头答曰认识。

“你怎样认识他的？你为何把鸦片卖给他？” 军官严峻地责问。

“我是通过卖鸦片而认识他的。我把鸦片卖给他是因为他拥有购买鸦片合法执照。” 父亲强作镇定地回答。

结果呢，父亲被释放了。过后父亲说，幸亏当时是遇着一位通情达理的军官，不然的话可人头落地了。

1945年，日本无条件投降，日军撤离，英军重回马来西亚掌握政权。这转变对抗日份子可说是不公平的。鬼子来了，英军夹着尾巴逃了，留下的，是抗日份子冒着生命危险为保卫国家与敌人搏杀，出生入死为国捐躯，到头来，胜利的甜果却让人尝了。这口气那能咽得下呢！结果，抗日份子与英政府闹翻了。抗日份子从此到处搞破坏。

一天，父亲在下班时间过后留下来处理文件。整间办公室就只他一人。突然间，他听到外面人声喧闹，急忙从窗缝往外一看。哗，不得了！一群抗日份子正朝着政府办公楼走来。父亲心想，这次他可完蛋了。不一会儿，有几位抗日份子闯了进来。领队的头目向父亲看了一眼，转身向他手下说，“这位是好人，我们到其他地方去。” 抗日份子离开后，父亲也急急忙忙地赶回家去。过后，父亲一直想不起那个头目到底是谁。意想不到，父亲性情温和，平日善待别人，竟然无意中为政府保护了一大批官方文件。

好景不长在。1949年，政府推行裁员运动，而父亲亦不幸被裁。于是，父亲带着举家搬迁至怡保市的一个村庄 – 铁船路。那儿有一间先前买下的木屋，共有六间房，一个客厅，一个非常大的厨房兼饭厅。后院有厕所及浴室，还有一口井。后院篱笆外还有一条小河，河水不深，但河堤很高，我曾经在此河里发现过鳗鱼呢！屋子前院两旁各有一棵橡胶树。每逢干旱季节，橡胶果成熟了，就会自动爆裂并把核里的三颗橡胶子弹出。年幼的我们就会跑出去拾橡胶子当玩具。

话说当年父亲被裁后，母亲肚子里恰好怀着我。九月尾某一夜，亥时，我出世了。（亥）跟（害）字同音，对父亲被裁的事实，多多少少也会把我的亥时扯上关系吧！为了减轻父母的负担，阿姨把三姐带回去《贞德朗》新村抚养。

父亲在家无所事事，就做了两张有靠背的长椅子，其中有一张，曾负起了无限重任。60年代尾，它每晚都见证大姐和大姐夫恋爱时坐在它身上轻言细语，毫无怨言。它坚守岗位，默默地陪着我们整整卅多年才告老退休。

守得云开见明月，不久后，父亲重新找到工作了。可笑的是，这份工作尽然还是政府公务员。薪水呢，是以新人起薪算，很少。总之，少入息好过无入息。新工作地点在太平市，于是，我们举家从怡保搬迁至太平，並入住位于太平湖街的一间‘皇家楼’。这‘皇家楼’靠近风景如画的太平湖，屋前亦面向举国闻名的太平华联学校。

摄于五十年代的太平湖码头

闻名全国的华联中学。

‘皇家楼’前留影。我站在中间

‘皇家楼’前的另一张照片

父亲在太平工作了一段时期后，有一天，他上司发现到父亲原来是老职员，于是为他平反，结果呢，父亲获得一笔为数可观的追算金，薪水也增加了不少。

1955年，父亲被调往霹雳州北部的宜力小镇。为了省却孩子们转校的麻烦，父亲单身匹马北上，母亲带著我们兄弟姐妹五人，搬离‘皇家楼’，而迁入一间店屋楼上的后房。这间店屋位于马结路，店主姓温，在楼下开打铁铺。店主夫人是我母亲的结拜姐妹，我们都称她为香姨。

源昌号打铁铺至今还存在

每天晚饭后，我们兄弟姐妹们都会结伴去太平湖公园。在夕阳的陪伴下，我们互相追逐，我们比赛爬皇家山，有幸的话，偶尔还会寻找到洋人打高尔夫球后留下的高尔夫球球托。

50年前所爬过的山路还在，使我感到非常惊讶，意外，和无限的感触。

父亲每逢星期六都会从宜力搭巴士回来太平与我们相聚, 但当学校假期时，母亲就会带着我们搭巴士去宜力居住，直到临开学时才再回太平。我还记得，去宜力的路非常不好走。巴士到江沙市后即向右转，穿过火车桥底下，沿着霹雳河北上。这是一条很小的路，弯弯曲曲，遇到前方有车来，还得停在路边让对方先过。

宜力的皇家楼位于森林边，环境幽美。屋子前面隔条马路是森林，听说曾有人在那儿见过野象呢。屋子右边有一小溪，溪旁有一棵树。有只小鸟在树上筑巢繁衍下代。幼鸟学飞时，不小心从窝里跌下。我们把它拾起並放回窝里，最后，幼鸟终于成功飞走了。屋子的后面呢，有很多“巴固”（蕨）树。我们心血来潮时就会跑去采它的嫩叶回来给母亲炒来做菜，味道可不错呢！不过，那个地方有很多水蛭，下雨后，还是少去为妙。

通常，父亲放工后，会带我们去草场看人踢足球，幼小的我，对足球没有兴趣，只好奇地望着三五成群，身材矮小，头发曲卷，皮肤略黑，衣着极少的男女老少原住民们。

宜力还有一个令我难忘的地方，就是宜力吊桥。父亲曾经带我们到那边照相。吊桥窄小，离河面很高，当时，河里还有一位原住民在捕鱼呢。

宜力吊桥留影

1956年，父亲成功申请调回太平工作。我们又再次搬家了。这次，是搬去火车站路的一间三房式的‘皇家楼’。这间屋子可美了。前面的花园，种了很多花草树木，其中有一棵《米子兰》树，最令我喜爱。屋旁，分别有一棵红毛丹树及芒果树，还有很多木槿花树。屋后呢，隔着一条大水沟，是华人体育会。

摄于火车站路‘皇家楼’前的花园

父亲的办公室在太平湖畔，是一间两层楼的英式建筑物。父亲的部门负责批准及发出售卖米的执照，简称米牌。在当时，商家卖米是必须先向政府申请执照的。

父亲工作的办事处

一天，我们姐弟几人路过父亲办事处，于是顺便走进去找父亲，准备和他放工后一起回家。当时父亲正忙着为商人办理米牌申请手续。其中一商人得悉我们的身份后，竟然给了我们几角钱。回到家后，不得了了，父亲大发雷霆，把我们臭骂一顿，还罚我们以后不准踏足他的工作地点。

父亲整世人就是那么的清廉，清清白白的做人，规规矩矩的生活，直到去世时还是两袖清风。

据说年青时，有一次，一班损友带他去喝酒，接下来嫖妓。损友们把他及一名妓女推入房后就各自寻乐去了。父亲在房里可急了，怎末办？他叫那女的先上床，自己则在抽屉抽出纸和笔，涂写了整个晚上，直到天亮，然后把那女的叫醒，促她立刻离去。

父亲很喜欢吃梅菜。若久未嘗到，他就会亲自去杂货店买回来给母亲烹调。饭桌上，他对『饭桌礼貌』的要求非常高，一不对，他的筷子就会拍下来，我的手可中招多次呢！

父亲很疼爱小我五岁的弟弟文祥，时常逗着他玩。父亲也时常讲故事给我们听，尤其是《洛阳桥与夏得海》及《李文古的典故》，至今还深深地留在我脑海中。

1958年中旬，趁着学校假期，父亲准备携带着我搭下午四点卅分的火车南下怡保办些家事。那天是星期六，父亲中午下班后回到家里吃午餐，收拾行李，看报纸，然后睡个午觉。四点了，父亲还没醒来。母亲有点着急了，吩咐我把父亲叫醒。父亲醒后看下时间，自己也吃了一惊。但慢条斯理的他，还是慢吞吞的换衣，喝水。最后，我们终于出发了。我们一步步地走向火车站，还有大约两百米就到火车站了。忽然，我们听到身后火车隆隆的声音，呀！火车到了，火车超越我们了，火车进站了。父亲开始跑，我也紧紧跟随着。出门遇贵人，刚好有一好心陌生人驾车经过，话不二说，停下车打开车门，就毫无条件地把我们载去火车站。

太平火车站还保存着原有的样貌

1959年，父亲发觉颈部有一硬块，便到医院进行检查，结果被证实患上甲状腺癌。父亲被安排进入医院留医。经过了两次的大手术，父亲身体显得衰弱，体重也降至80磅。

同年阳历十一月十四日（农历十月十四），我也忘记了是谁在我上课时把我从学校接回家。听说，父亲的病突然转急。家里出奇的静，没有人在讲话。母亲不在，该是去了医院吧！这时，香姨来了，大喊大姐的名字。大姐应了，然后香姨接着说，“妳爸爸没有了”。大姐听后放声大哭。当时只有十岁的我，还不是很明白什么是“没有了”，还奇怪大姐为什么会哭呢，但一种不祥的意感已涌入了我的心头。

父亲的遗体终于躺在棺木内被送回来，摆在屋前空地临时所搭起的帆布棚里。唯一的姑姑及姑丈也赶来了。当晚，发生了一件非常神奇的事，即是当客家籍的斋姑们即将开坛做法事时，忽然间，晴朗的天空竟然转变成狂风暴雨，布棚其中一角也不胜其负的倒塌，把其中之一的斋姑压伤。

就这样，父亲永远离开我们了。过后，我们也搬离太平而回到怡保铁船路的家。

Sandakan Trip

2009-10-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

My first trip to Sandakan, the former capital of the Sabah State.

The previous capital of the state was Kudat, while the present capital is Kota Kinabalu.

Took a "Sandakan Weekend Package" in Swiss-Inn Waterfront Sandakan.

Very good and worthy package. I paid only RM468.00 for 3 nights stay, inclusive of 2 steamboat dinner for 2 pac on Friday and Saturday evening respectively; 3 breakfast for 2 pac. This hotel also provides free Wifi.

Swiss-Inn Waterfront Sandakan

Spacious room with King-size bed

Complimentary coffee/tea in the room

Delicious steamboat dinner

By the seaside, but the sea is not clean

Contributed by the local residents' attitude of rubbish disposal

The restaurant at the ground floor serving buffet breakfast

View of the Sandakan Harbour Square from the hotel.

At the far end was actually naval base.

View from the hotel room. Lots of youngsters gather in the evening.

Sandakan had been described as Little Hong Kong. I really wonder why. There is nothing resembling the Hong Kong image. No high-raised building; No rushing crowd; No busy traffic; No cantonese language, and not even many yellow skin.

The only identical was: For some buildings, commercial activities at the ground and first floor, while the other floors are dwelling. Actually, with so much of land available in Sandakan, I feel that there is no necessity for people there to live in tall buildings like Hong Kong.

Does it look like Hong Kong?

Ground floor - commercial activities; 1st floor upwards - dwelling.

Took a stroll at the central market. Business there started as early as 6:00 am, and closed almost at 7:00 pm. This building is quite new. Inside the building, it was clean and well organised, nice to walk around.

The central market

This lady offered good bargain for the dried seafood.

A shop situated directly opposite the central market majoring sea cucumbers, shark fins and other exclusive dried sea-products. Can get good bargain too as compared to the two other similar shops in the town.

Good bargain at this shop

Walk along the seaside by the central market you can see the Town Mosque at Kampung Buli Sim Sim not far away. This is the birth place of Sandakan.

View of the Town Mosque from the central market

On arrival at the Sandakan town, took a walk to the Tourist Information Centre. Unfortunately it was closed for Deepavali Public Holiday. Then we decided to visit the Sandakan Heritage Museum. We were unable to locate the place, so we asked a few passer-by. They too were not aware of it and thus unable to guide us. The actual fact was, we were just standing right in front of the museum. What a joke. Anyway, we didn't get a chance to visit the museum as it was also closed for Deepavali Public Holiday.

The Tourist Information Centre and The Heritage Muzeum were actually sharing one building

So we walked to the entrance of the "Stairs With Hundred Steps". It was very quiet there. No other visitors. We did not climbed the stairs because we had been pre-warned by a taxi driver that a lot of robberies had happened there. So we turned back. What a pity.

Stairs with Hundred Steps

Not far away from the Stairs of Hundred Steps, a monument erected in memory of William B Pryer (1845-1899, the founding father of modern Sandakan.

William Pryer monument

So, instead of risking our safety by walking up the 'stairs of hundred steps' to Agnes Keith's Museum which was situated on a ridge at Jalan Istana, we decided to hire a taxi.

Agnes husband, Harry Keith, was a Conservator of Forests.

Agnes had written 2 books entitled “Land Below The Wind”, while the second book “Three Came Home” described their war experience during the Japanese occupation, and was later made into a movie.

There was an English Tea House and Restaurant situated next to Agnes Keith’s Museum. From there, one could have a good view of Sandakan Town. But if you are not willing to pay for a cup of tea at such serene environment, you can walk to the Observation Pavilion not far away from the restaurant.

Entrance to Agnes Keith's House

Beautiful pre-war heritage building

English Tea House & Restaurant

Observation Pavilion overlooking Sandakan town

Then the taxi took us to the St Michael's Church at Elton hill. This church was built in 1893.

This heritage building was overcrowded by the other modern buildings that surround it .

The St Mary's Cathedral situated not far from it provides a better religious atmosphere. I was fascinated with the big bell hanging there. I wonder how old was it and how it sound like.

St Michael's & All Angels Church

Beautiful glass Pane

Another one

St Mary's Cathedral with the bell hanging there.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary is the place where no visitor to Sandakan should miss.

We hired a taxi, and left the hotel for it as early as 8:00am because we wanted to catch the feeding time at 10:00am. The journey took less than an hour.

Entrance fee is very minimal for Malaysians. Just RM5.00 for adult, and RM2.00 for students and senior citizen/pensioners.

Entrance to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

The feeding time began

Even the late comers also got a share

Everyone watched

Everyone observed the rule

Well, feeding time was over, but still felt like biting something

As for this one, resting after a big feed was more important

Spotted a viper

On our way back to Sandakan town, we diverted to the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

Entrance fee: RM5.00 for adult, and RM2.00 for students

The signboard

The canopy walkway

View at the canopy walkway. Ideal place for bird watching

After leaving Rainforest Discovery Centre, we stopped by at the Thiam coffee shop to have a cup of hot coffee along with delicious bread with margerine and kaya.

Thiam Coffee shop

All types of delicious confectioneries

We also went to Kampung Buli Sim SIm, popular with its fresh sea food restaurant.

Kampung Buli Sim Sim

Scallops with their shells on

Scallops with their shells off

From Scenic Lake to Litter Pond

2009-10-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

The Lake - before

The Lake - now
A closer look at the lake now - filthy

I received an email from a Journalist of StarMetro, stating that a resident from Villa Laman Tasik wrote an email to StarMetro complaining about the foul smell that emanates from the lake behind, claiming that there was a pile of waste there and therefore, the smell was unbearable at most times...

However, when the said Journalist went down the site on one morning, he noticed that there wasn’t anything really wrong with the lake. He claimed that the lake was actually beautiful, clean and clear, except for a small portion maybe at the water mouth that had plastic bags floating and some dead fish there...

Later, I replied his email, giving my views as follow:

When Kerayong river swells up during a heavy downpour, overflow water will be led into this lake through a canal, so that areas along Kerayong river will not be flooded. But due to that they had not built any trap to filter litters at the mouth of the canal, whatever rubbish will also flow into the lake too.

The likely consequences of this will be:-

- As time passes, the depth of the lake will be shallower due to the large amount of litters, soil and mud that pours into the lake.

- Litters create unsightly view of the lake and produces unpleasant smell.

- Toxic matters that flow into the lake causes contamination of the lake. This may be the cause of large amount of fishes that were found dead. Aquatic birds that feed on the poisoned fishes may also be in danger, thus it is very eco-unfriendly.

It is true that this lake always give out intolerable foul smell. The smell may be due to the decomposed rubbish or dead fishes.

A common resident waterbird of the lake - Little Heron

A common visitor to the lake - Blue-tailed Bee eater

Hopefully authorities concerned do something to return the beautiful lake to the residents of Bandar Sri Permaisuri, cause this had been a place where the residents gathered, jogged, exercised, practising Tai Chi, fishing, bird watching, photographing, watching fireworks displayed etc...

Birding at the Frasers Hill

2009-09-28T05:26:00.001-07:00

Greeted by the Grey Wagtail, Mountain Bulbul, Magpie Robin, Long-tailed Sibia as I entered Frasers Hill.

Checked-in at the Pine Resort, my favourite place for accommodation.

The Pine Resort

Looking out from the balcony, a Blyths Hawk-eagle was perching at a tree far away.

Blyth's Hawk-eagle

Flocks of White-rumped Munia were everywhere.

White-rumped Munia

Told by Singapore birders that 3 Malaysian Hill-Partridges were sighted, so decided to try my luck the next morning.

While waiting patiently by the roadside, I suddenly heard noises behind me. So I turned my head. Wonderful, a barking deer (kijang) emerged from the bushes. It was hardly 20 metres from me. Gosh! my first encounter with a barking deer in the wild.

Walked out from the jungle

Realized my presence

Dashed across the road

Speed-up

And it's gone

No luck with the Malaysian Hill-Partridge, but saw a pair of sub-adult Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Little Cuckoo-Dove, Rufous-browed Flycatcher,along with other spp. like Streaked Spiderhunter, Silver-eared Mesia, Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush, Grey Wagtail etc.

Heard calls of Collared Owlet. so near but just couldn't trace it with scope.

sub-adult Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush

Little Cuckoo-Dove

Balancing with its tail feathers

Rufous-browed Flycatcher

From the Pine Resort, I was videoing the wild boars in the evening, then suddenly I saw a panther walking down the slope, moving towards Corona Nursery

Wild boar

Panther

The next morning, I told the counter staff of the Pine Resort regarding the panther seen. According to him, 2 months ago, a tigress with cubs were spotted by a foreigner at the new road near the bridge.

So friends, while enjoying bird watching, please be very careful over your safety.

Kota Kinabalu Trip

2009-09-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

Made a trip to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.

Jesselton was it's old name.

Api-Api is it's other name.

The main attraction of Sabah - Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia.

First night, stayed at Promenade Apartment. Room big but old. Moderately acceptable. Easy walk to anywhere in the town.

View of room interior of Promenade Apartment

Took a stroll to the waterfront in the evening

A place to dine and watch sunset at the same time

Beautiful scenery of sunset

All of them catching the magnificent moment

Some of the attractions worth a glimpse.

Atkinson Clock Tower, built in 1905 by Mary Edith Atkinson, in memory of her son Francis George Atkinson, the first District Officer of Jesselton.

Jesselton Hotel, one of the leading boutique hotel in Malaysia, built in 1954

Even dogie also dresses well

Never miss visiting Kinabalu Park if you are in Kota Kinabalu.

Beautiful bungalow within the Kinabalu Park with cool environment,

The accommodation in Kinabalu Park is extremely expansive, so we choose to stay outside the park compound.

D'Villa, It's 700 metres from the park entrance.

Puncak Borneo Resort is nearer to the Kinabalu Park, but unfortunately not well maintained.

Bridge built for the convenience of visitors

But beware your steps

Birds life is good. Ideal place for bird watching

Indigo Flycatcher

Yellow-breasted Warbler, busy bringing food back to the young

Wow! Large Hawk-cuckoo

Pied Fantail was friendly

It came so near to you.

Next destination, Kundasang

Kundasang Pine Resort

View of Mount Kinabalu from the resort.

Bring your binoculars along. As from 3am, you can see mountain climbers' light moving up the hilltop.

White-bellied Swiftlet and their nests.

Back to Kota Kinabalu after making a day trip to Ranau. Stayed at the newly opened Cititel Express Hotel.

Goodness, the room was so small, hardly had space to move around, bed was placed just next to the glass window, hardly a foot apart. So be careful not to jump or roll too vigorously on the bed, or else you might find yourself landed on the road outside the hotel. It made me recall the Dorsett Hotel room in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Wanted to have a cup of hot drink? No worry that there was no kettle in the room. You can bring your empty cup to the pantry, fill up the cup with hot water and walk back to your room. But be careful, don't knock on other room guests, the veranda is narrow, or spilled hot water on you yourself, or soil the carpet with the hot coffee/tea. By the way, a reminder, wash the cup in your room first, there is no tap water supply in the pantry.

Cititel Express Hotel

A final place to visit before we depart for home - Tip of Borneo in Kudat

The journey took 3 hours from Kota Kinabalu by taxi. I'll highly recommend you visiting this place if you have not been here before. It's so scenic and the sea is so welcoming. We sat there , relaxing ourselves, so reluctant to walk back to the taxi that was waiting for us for a long time. Fortunately, the taxi man was patience and friendly.

View of the Tip of Borneo

The actual tip

Christmas Frigatebird, my lifer

Of course, before we left Kota Kinabalu for Kuala Lumpur, we had seafood at a restaurant.

The lobster

台北八日游

2009-06-20T21:55:00.001-07:00

[ 马来西亚怡保市戏院街招，竟然出现在台湾一纪念馆陈列橱内。]

这是我第一次到台湾旅游。

五月卅日星期六，从吉隆坡国际机场乘搭国泰航空飞往香港，再转机直飞台北。
香港机场系统实在很差。飞机在吉隆坡已延误了整半个小时，抵达香港时，只有大约四十五分钟的时间转机。飞机停下后，搭客还要轮流乘坐巴士到机场大厦。进入机场大厦后，地勤人员叫我们要快，使我们心里更加焦急。急急忙忙连走带跑的上去一楼转机处，还得重新排队检查行李，这又浪费了一些时间。过后，又得走一段路，再走下楼乘搭地铁，出了地铁又要走一大段路，才到离境闸口。这时，已经是精疲力倦了。心想，还是新加坡机场好，那次去黄金海岸度假，在新加坡机场转机，多么的方便顺利呀！

住宿

桃园快捷假日饭店 http://www.expresstaoyuan.com/holiday.php 住了两晚。饭店设备不错，房间很舒服，还提供电脑给房客免费上网, 只可惜地点不适中，非常不便。

舒适的房间

饭店提供的早餐

台北喜苑旅店 http://www.taipeionestarhotel.com.tw/index.html 住了五晚。房间较小，地点适中，靠近台北车站，非常方便。

很舒适的床

这早餐还可以吧

观光点

大溪老街
桃园大溪老街，非常热闹。大溪桥旁有艺人在表演大大小小的陀螺旋转特技，并获得好多喝彩声及奖赏。中正公园里，有艺人用喷漆画画，不少游客向他购买。面向公园的街道卖着各种各样的食物，尤其是印度先生甩饼，吸引了不少游客围观。

大溪桥。左下角有艺人在卖艺
喷漆画画

看见飞起的饼吗？

101大楼
媲美吉隆坡高峰塔，该是游客必游之地。上观景台得付新台币四百元。电梯出奇的快速，到八十九楼的观景台只须卅七秒。从此处望向台北市区及其周围，这门票价是值得的。

仰望大楼

从八十九楼往下看台北夜景

两蒋文化园区
虽然台湾观光局所出版的小册子没有介绍，但我们还是去了一趟。从桃园快捷假日饭店搭计程车直到慈湖。那儿风景的确不错，而且还有很多花草树木的品种在马来西亚是找不到的。慈湖陵寝依山面水，庄严无比。很可惜，慈湖雕塑纪念公园失修，蒋总统的右腿不见了。

饱吃一顿才进慈湖参观

这种植物我国可没有吧？

美丽的慈湖

黑天鹅在湖中游

慈湖另一景色

蒋总统的右腿不见了，右肩膀也受伤了。

大溪陵寝，蒋经国总统奉厝处，比慈湖陵寝，显得较孤独宁静。隔街的纪念馆，我竟然有一大发现，即是在一陈列橱里，摆放着一张于一九五五年，我国怡保市奥迪安戏院上映的街招–翠翠。至今，我还不明白，怡保的街招，怎会跑入台湾大溪蒋经国总统的纪念馆内呢？

街招上角印章注明‘怡保奥迪安戏院’

卫兵换班仪式

国父纪念馆
宏伟的建筑，值得一游，只可惜所有的陈列品都是复制的，但是却让我增加不少历史知识。

国父纪念馆外观

孙中山先生铜像

台北市立动物园
游客不多，大部分的游客都集中在熊猫馆。园内有免费列车载送游客至飞禽园。当天猫空缆车没有服务，使我们失去了从高空欣赏木栅茶区的美景。

团团还是圆圆？

这条过马路的小蛇可吓倒不少游客

淡水渔人码头
离淡水不远，据说是观夕阳的好去处，可惜抵达后，老天一直下雨，只能在一间咖啡厅里呷杯价格昂贵的咖啡，隔着玻璃窗欣赏雨景及海浪。

渔人码头

这桥是渔人码头的地标

红树林生态保护区
搭捷运往淡水时，经过一片红树林，稀凋的红树，偶尔有一两只白鹭冒着毛毛细雨掠过树梢。若与我国瓜拉十八丁的红树林区比较，可逊色得多了。至少，离吉隆坡不远的瓜拉雪兰莪自然公园，在大自然学会的照料下，是一个生态旅游的好去处，可惜大马旅游部及各有关当局未看到这一点。

其他
由于天不着美，连续两天的豪雨，使我们不得不改变行程，而错过了好多计划中的景点，如国立故宫博物馆，至善园，阳明山等，实为遗憾。

商业区

桃园观光夜市
从大溪乘坐巴士回到桃园，在复兴路下车。跟着快捷假日饭店所提供的地图，沿着中正路走向三民路附近的夜市。从地图上看是近，但真实的情况却是好一大段路，到达夜市时，已经累得无心情欣赏，只能走马看花而已。

五分埔
从台北车站搭捷运至后山埤站即到。服装批发商，各类服装，鞋子，皮包等等琳琅满目，该是女人爱逛的地方。

西门町
未去台湾之前就听过这响当当的名字。不到此一游就好像未到过台湾似的感觉。从旅店步行即到。在那儿，吃的，穿的，娱乐，包罗万有，绝不让人失望。

西门町入口处牌楼

特出的流动广告

特出的另一种广告
学飞的小鸟，掉在角落喘气，最终还是飞走了。

好熟悉的马来西亚语，即是“到处”

买回去旅馆吃的耗煎非常美味可口。第二天到回去吃，味道却大差人意。同样的档口，却煮出两种味道。

士林夜市
这么出名的地方，哪里会错过。从台北车站搭捷运至士林站之前的剑潭站就好下车了。士林夜市不负所望，我们都吃得肚皮涨涨的，真爽。看到还有好多美味的食品都吞不下了，实在太吊瘾了。

百货公司

所到过的百货市场有：台北车站的新光三越；台北车站的地下街；忠孝敦化站的太平洋崇光。此外，喜苑旅店附近有好多书店，卖的书都是繁体字的。

台湾小食

我觉得，台湾小食吃来吃去都是那几样。一些吃了平淡无味，一些令人垂涎三尺，吃了令人回味无穷。以我推荐，首选为五分埔附近永吉路的郑宗焿食店的肉羹。第二名为士林夜市里头卖的阿亮面线。第三名则是位于临江街夜市通化街的正常汤包。士林夜市的润饼入围。（上述排名只代表我个人意见。）

位于永吉路的郑宗焿食店

第二名 - 阿亮面线

第三名 - 通化街的正常汤包

入围 - 郑家润饼

后记

虽然台湾消费比马来西亚高了一点，但还是值得一游的。

台湾人，尤其是服务员，非常有礼貌。“欢迎光临”，“谢谢”到处可听到。
在一餐馆内，一位主管正在训练一位新来的服务员，认真的学习态度，给我留下了深刻的印像。

台湾治安好，不像马来西亚，走在街上，不怕手提包被抢夺，也不需要担心摩托骑士。回到马来西亚后的第二天，我女儿去银行提款，就差点被一年轻人抢去。

台北公共交通系统很好，对我们自助旅游者非常方便。捷运是我们的首选。次选为巴士。我们每人买一张悠游卡，每张新台币500元。悠游卡给了我们很多方便，除了免去排队外，还有8折优惠。去动物园也用得上场，不需排队买门票。我个人认为台北公共交通系统是值得马来西亚政府，吉隆坡市政厅及其他有关当局学习的。

台北市，摩托机车多，大部分骑士都循规蹈矩，不会把机车乱放，不过，在人群众多的市集里，却与行人相逼。

台北车站

台北市的摩托机车

第三章 - 真相终于大白

2009-05-11T06:34:00.000-07:00

五月九日，到大堂姐家拜访她老人家。

大堂姐年龄已届八十左右，但思想及行动还是非常敏捷，谈起话来一点也不含糊。

大堂姐与我合照

大堂姐年幼时与祖父祖母一起生活，对两老的生活点滴还印象深刻。如今，她与她小女儿一家大小居住于吉隆坡半山芭的一间店铺楼上。抵达她家后，我把梅州寻根的照片通过手提电脑播放给她看。看毕，与她聊谈儿时趣事。

闲谈中，大堂姐突然爆出一句令我十分惊讶的话。

她说：“啊公唔系（不是）唐山（中国）来概（的）。”

我听后整个人都呆住了。

据大堂姐说，祖父祖母从来没有提起过中国的事，也没说过他们是从中国南来的。他们都是在马来西亚霹雳州怡保埠万里望市椰园长大的。祖父的名字是和元，从来没有改过。

这么说来，谜团应该已经解开了。

原来，如我上次所述，当时太祖父庆清公南来时，曾经在当地娶妻生子建立家庭，赚到钱后，回去《禾昌下》建造【庆余楼】，并把马来亚的妻儿留在当地。我祖父和元公，就是那位留在南洋的儿子。难怪，当我在《和昌下》寻根时，竟然寻获不到有关和元公的一丝线索，比如说：和元公上辈的墓碑没有和元公的名字记录；居住在祖乡的亲戚们对和元公没有印象。

能肯定的，则是：

- 祖父母曾经口述的家乡名的确存在，即广东省，嘉应州，梅县，松口，龙芽，禾(荷）树下，和昌下。

- 族谱所记载的世代辈份名字完全相同符合，即廿二世元字辈，廿三世兴字辈，廿四世祥字辈。

太祖父庆清公为祖父取名和元，该是摘自故乡《和昌下》吧！

另外提一提祖父的其他三位兄弟，他们是隆元公，万元公及善元公。

隆元公一直以来都留在《和昌下》。其孙增祥解放前随其舅父远渡印尼谋生。增祥的其中一名儿子汉绮，目前仍住在《和昌下》【庆余楼】。

南来马来西亚的先叔公万元公，我对他毫无印象，反而对叔婆更熟习。他俩育有一子一女，今已失去联络，也忘了他们的名字。

叔婆晚年时独居地摩埠。每年农历新年前几天，当我从外地工作地点赶返家乡怡保时，必在地摩埠停留拜访她老人家，也顺便给她一些钱过年，直到她往生那年为止。

上辈的墓碑都有万元公的名字记录。祖乡《和昌下》居住的汉绮贤侄，曾向我介绍围龙屋里万元公所居住过的卧室。

一直以来，我们曾否听过先辈述说祖父与万元公非亲兄弟，其实真正的情况是他们是同父异母的兄弟。

善元公，对他的一切完全没有头绪，也不知他有没有留下子孙。

第二章 - 廿二世『善元公』『和元公』是同一人吗？

2009-03-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

以下是从族谱及先祖墓碑所记载的资料：

细看廿二世，先祖父和元公的名字并不在内，为何会如此呢？

隆元公只有两位兄弟即是善元和万元，万元是我叔公，这么说来，善元应该是我先祖父呀，可是我先祖父的名字是和元而非善元也。

过后，经过一番探索研究，多方面征集资料，很肯定的推断：善元就是和元，原因如下：

先祖父有三兄弟，墓碑上的三房名字，包括了先叔公的名字。属廿二世。

据述，先祖廿一世庆清公，中年时曾到过马来亚，并在当地娶妻生子建立家庭。赚到钱后，才回《禾昌下》建造【庆余楼】。由于在家的张婆太性情刚烈，故庆清公不敢把马来亚的妻儿带回家乡，而他本人也没再返马来亚。折衷的方法，只好叫在家的儿子返马来亚谋生。先祖父和元公极可能在这种情况下来到了当时的马来亚。

我们的推测，为了想念祖乡《禾昌下》，原名《和昌夏》，先祖父抵达马来亚后索性把名字从善元改为和元。其实，这只是一个猜测而已，有待证明。

据知，文亮公下代，只有庆清公系有出国谋生的历史，其他系则无记载。

《禾昌下》围龙屋旁的《庆余楼》

第一章 - 梅州寻根之路不易走

2009-03-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

序

从梅州回来，已差不多两年了。此篇记述，迟迟未出炉，只因有一些细节缺乏足够的资料，必须向各方面求证，以便达到确实完整的境界。

至今，第廿一世先祖的资料还是有点迷糊，不过很肯定的是，我所到过的《禾昌下》，原名《和昌夏》，绝对是我先祖的发源地。

前述

一直以来，心里总有个心愿，即是往嘉应州走一趟，寻找祖父的家乡，尤其在小儿诞生后，这意愿更如雨季时的彭亨河水般，激流澎渤，欲泻而出，把岸边的村庄淹没。

寻根，谈何容易。祖乡，对我来说，是多么的陌生，多么的遥远。手头上的资料，只有祖父墓碑上所刻着的: “梅县第廿二世”，及前辈，兄姐们说述的：广东省，嘉应州，梅县，松口，禾(荷）树下，龙芽，禾(和）昌（仓）。

其次，就是祖父共有三兄弟，俩人来了南洋，一人留在祖乡。

据述，祖父带着祖母，同行者还有叔公，于清末时穿山过河，越洋漂海，几经万苦，落足南洋，最终在霹雳州万岭埠，辟地开芭，伐木筑屋而定居下来。

祖父生二子一女。吾父排行第二，于一九零七年（丁末年）诞于霹雳万里望镇。日本鬼仔占领我国时，与我母亲结为夫妇，并于一九四三年诞下大姐。我本身则于一九四九年（已丑年）在怡保出世，上有三位姐姐，一位兄长，下有三位弟弟，其中大弟年幼时意外身故。

一九五九年，先父不幸患上甲状腺癌，于阳历十一月十四日（农历十月十四）在太平政府医院不幸长辞，享年五十二岁。据知，在他有生之年，从未踏足中国。

缘起

返乡寻根的心愿，埋藏在心坎里多年，一直无法实现。

二零零七年八月中旬，突见某日报刊登雪隆嘉应会馆即将主办梅州团的新闻，心里兴奋无比，毫无犹豫地，立即前往会馆报名参加，返乡寻根之愿即将实现也。

寻根开始

九月十六日，一团人在吉隆坡国际机场鱼贯登入马航班机，随即飞机冲入云霄，直奔广州白云机场，寻根之路也随之开始。

离开白云机场，登入由旅游社安排的旅游巴士，往梅州的方向奔驰，半途在惠州市留宿一夜。惠州是我母亲的祖籍地。

抵达梅州市，拜托地接李娴小姐代找一部计程车，以方便我寻根之用。

寻根路

九月十九日，寻根行动正式开始。用过早餐后，步出酒店大门，即见计程车已在大门外等候。司机是位杨姓的年轻人，为人热心，老实，诚恳及开朗。

我们先到松口市。

梅江畔的松口市

抵达后，找了几位乡亲，皆不晓得禾(荷）树下为何处，我顿时感到非常的失落及迷茫。有位名为李分奎的热心老乡亲，不辞劳苦，从街头跑至街尾，到处为我打听询问，可惜也徒劳无功。在失望的情况下，我几乎要打退堂鼓了。

带着‘姑且一试’的念头作最后一击，问李分奎乡亲是否有龙芽这地方。之前我不提这地名，是因为若干人曾告诉我龙芽位于福建省。若我提出，必会引起笑话。那知，当我提起龙芽时，李分奎乡亲突然眼睛大放光彩，如镭射光似的对我大喊一声：“有啊！”

原来，龙芽即是今日的隆文。在那儿，更有一村为荷树下，今称木寨下。曾几何时，随着时代的变迁，地方也跟着易名。侥幸的，李分奎乡亲对这些老地方还存记忆，年轻的一群，那会有印象呢！龙芽啊！隆文啊！千呼万唤始出来。咱找你找得好辛苦呢！

有了新的希望，那还等待什么呢？话不二说，立即跳上杨司机的计程车，并邀分奎乡亲同行，奔向隆文。

九拐十八弯，上坡下岭，翻越几许山丘，渡过无数河溪，荷树下终于在望。

车子停在一店旁，问一位仁兄：“借问李家村何在？”

仁兄答曰： “何谓李家村？此地百姓皆李姓也，包括本人在内。”

再问：“那禾(和）昌（仓）呢？”

仁兄遥指：“再往前走，拐几个弯即到。”

为了要正确抵达目的地，也并邀这位李姓仁兄同行指引。

梅县隆文的位置图。雁洋至松口已有道路连接。

《禾昌下》 - 李氏祠堂

《禾昌下》 - 李氏祠堂正面

终于到达禾昌围龙了。踏在祖乡的土地上，心里一阵激动。毕竟，这是我先祖父出世，成长的地方。当年若不是时势所逼，何苦别乡离井呢！

默默地往祠堂走去。为了确认无误，细细地观察着枱上的几座神主牌。可惜，牌上的字幕都被香火燻得黑漆漆的，但依稀还能见“十七世”，“李” 等字。心想，我到底找对地方了吗？

对或错都好，上把香吧，反正都是李姓的祠堂。住在围龙屋的主人家，递来了一束香烛，供我焚香，恭敬下跪磕拜。

拜毕，向主人家借阅族谱，可惜他未拥有，只得向一位住附近的亲戚借来。主人家热心的招待我们进入大厅用茶。

细阅族谱，未见祖父之名，大失所望，心里头顿时萌起怀疑‘找错了’的意识。

主人家非常热忱。他吩咐其夫人从屋后仓库搬出三块墓碑，都是文革时为了预防被破坏而挖掘出来收藏的。墓碑铺满一层厚厚的垢泥。经过一番洗刷，风干，墓碑上所雕刻的字也显现出来了。

其中一个墓碑上写着：清大学生俭裕李府君之墓
其左侧是：公？献？生庆清；男隆·善·万元
其右侧是：孙富·俊兴；曾孙增祥

咦！我听说过叔公的名字是万元啊。
咦！孙：富兴，俊兴，而我父亲是应兴，伯父鸿兴，都是兴字辈呀。
哎呀！曾孙：增祥，而我是庆祥，祥字辈也。
还有，主人家的名字是汉绮，是增祥的儿子，而我大堂哥永祥的孩子们都是汉字辈呢。

据汉绮所述，他曾听前辈说过，隆元公有两位兄弟去了南洋而失去了联络。

祖乡啊！我终于找到了。

遥望《禾昌下》

《禾昌下》祖居虽残旧破烂，但属于稀有的两层楼围龙屋，因此可想像到当年的旺盛繁华。

Dissolution of VILASURI, the only Residents Association of Villa Laman Tasik

2009-03-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

Villa Laman Tasik, view from the lake.

Being the first chairman of the Residents Association of the Villa Laman Tasik, Bandar Sri Permaisuri Kuala Lumpur (VILASURI) in the year 2001-2003, I was indeed very disappointed and sad that VILASURI was finally dissolved during the AGM on the 8 March 2009. Those residents who voted for the dissolution gave the following reasons:

1. Since there was a Joint Management Committee (JMC) that takes care of the welfare of the residents, there is no necessity for a duplicated body.

Have they failed to understand that VILASURI and JMC are two very different bodies by itself?

VILASURI was registered with the Registrar of Societies, while formation of JMC was compulsory under the Strata Title Act.

Membership for VILASURI was opened to all Malaysian citizens (owners and tenants) above the age of 18 residing in Villa Laman Tasik, while JMC only represent the house owners.
(Limited to 1 owner of each house under the Act 663 article 14 (5) joint purchasers shall not be entitled to vote except by way of a jointly appointed proxy)
So, without VILASURI, who looks after the affairs of the non-owner residents.

If we read through the Act 663 under section on Duties and powers of Joint Management Body, JMC deals more with the day to day administrative functions on maintenance and development of the property, while for VILASURI, its main aim was to carry out social, educational, recreational and cultural activities of the members.

2. Less and less members paid up their annual subscriptions.

How many on earth will voluntarily stepped up to you and make a payment which was only RM10.00 annually? Had the treasurer and the committee members made an effort to collect subscriptions? During my time, the committee members knocked on their neighbours’ doors for the subscription collection. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to Molly, who had to listen to so much fuss and scolding from a particular neighbour before he made his subscription payment.

3. Members did not participate actively in social activities.

Don’t blame the members and residents. Stop pointing fingers at them. Ask yourself, how many committee members came for this so call family day in Taman Rimba Ampang? Only my family, S M Chan’s family and the organizer Judy Tan’s family participated. Where were the Chairman and his committee members? If you yourself don’t support your own activity, do you expect others to support you?

The only 2 kids participated in the family day in Taman Rimba Ampang

Look back during my time, we have a lot of overwhelming family social activities, like trip to Bidor/Telok Intan, Kuala Selangor, Paya Indah Wetland in Dengkil.

Children had good time playing while the adults enjoying fruits offered by a member whose hometown was in Bidor

While inside the compound of Villa Laman Tasik, we had Chinese New Year celebration with lion dance going round the whole compound. For this activity, I had very pleasant memory on the preparation works carried out by the members and their spouses.

The Lion Dance and the Calligraphy writing

The Club House was packed with crowds; Our invited guests celebrating together

Moon Cake festival celebration was organized in the year 2002 with Datuk Tan Chai Ho, the MP cum Deputy Minister then as our VIP in attendance. Special thanks and appreciations to Mr. Ng C J, who had helped to pick up the moon-cakes and drinking water, and transported them all the way to the clubhouse. Can you imagine the weight of the cakes and water that applied to an aged retiree?

Having a chat and light refreshment with Datuk Tan Chai Ho

Members and their families also participated actively in activities outside the Villa. One good example was the anti drug abuse activity organized by the PEMADAM in Kampong Cheras Baru.

While Chung was explaining the pictures at the exhibiting board to his children, a reporter took a photo of it, and published it the next day in the Newspaper.

Members attending the anti drug abuse campaign officiated by Tan Sri Dato' Michael Chen

Some other avtivities included:

Recycle campaign

Buffet at Grand Seasons Hotel

Nothing is permanent. VILASURI had finally comes to an end for the above reasons described by the last VILASURI committee, or whatever reasons that were not revealed.

VILASURI, was like my lover who jilted me, diminishing from my tears-filled eye sight, but left a lot of sweet and sour memories in my heart. VILASURI, I love you, forever and ever….

To end this, I like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciations and thanks to:

Judy Tan, a very dedicated and efficient secretary. Her English scored A1++. Many a time I had difficulties in understanding the vocabularies she used (Many a time, I pretended that I understood). I like the way she giggled, very melodious like a garden bird. But, don’t play a fool with her, when came to negotiations with the developer and management company (DMSSB), she was real serious and never gave a slightest chance. I salute the man behind her, Patrick, who had silently and unanimously supported her in helping to run the VILASURI.

Chung Y T, our Treasurer. Efficiency was his greatest point. Besides, he was a very active, friendly and knowledgeable man. He moved out of Villa Laman Tasik recently. Nowadays, every time I passed by his house, I recall the day he invited us to his house for X’mas, not forgetting his wife’s superb cooking, which were so delicious. I also love to see his hydroponic vegetables at his backyard.

Ng C J, top class vice chairman. We called him Penghulu of Villa Laman Tasik. As the only committee member who did not need to punch in and out at work place, he had helped out a lot in many things. He seems to know everything that happened in the Villa Laman Tasik, examples like the water pipe burst in which place; the landslide occurred around lake view area; which house was flooded during the recent heavy rain; snake entered which house etc. He had good hospitality. Many times we had pot-luck gathering, festival gathering in his house. I cannot forget him wearing the Indian costume during the Chinese New Year.

S M Chan, the Deputy Chairman. Quiet but everything is in his hand, having vast knowledge over housing management. As far as I remembered, he never missed any committee meeting. He was indeed my very good advisor in dealing with housing matters with the DMSSB and the developer.

While for S H Chan, due to his nature of work, where he needed to travel overseas often, he missed quite a few times of the meetings, but when he appeared, everyone would be suddenly became lively, because he could bring in a lot of jokes and humorous statements that made us laugh and laugh. The nights were always young with him around. We could continue our happy hours at the Stephen’s Corner in Pandan Indah, recommended by him.

Never forget others like Thomas, Alex, the late Haji Idris, Haji Arshad, Miss Thong (our sweet young sister), Molly, Goh N S, Haji Yusof, Zaidi……and many others, where I couldn’t describe in detail one by one. They had given me such memorable and nice time during my office as the Chairman of the VILASURI. Together we met, we laughed, we negotiated with the tough giants (that’s what they thought, but to us, they were nothing more than just a mere supplier of shelters where we paid for) without fear, we jointly inspected areas within and around our homes, we had fun together, we jokes on each other, we enjoyed the fellowship, and finally, I bided farewell for some personal reasons.

Closing note:

[Whisper] VILASURI, I love you, and now I miss you. I know you are gone forever, you’ll never come back again. But I have to face the fact. I have to abide the majority’s decision.

VILASURI, my sweet heart, you are always in my mind.

Mysterious Radiator and Fan

2009-01-26T00:52:00.000-08:00

The broken radiator fan

The spoilt radiator

December, 2007, I drove my Kia Sportage to my usual tyre shop in Maluri. I have the 2 front tyres changed. At the same time, to have the balancing and alignment checked.

When all the jobs were finally completed, the technician drove my Sportage out for a test drive.

Few minutes later, he returned with a very unpleasant facial expression. He told me that something had happened to my Sportage.

I rushed to my Sportage, and noticed that there was water dripping out below the engine compartment. I open the bonnet. On inspection, I was shocked to see that all the 8 leaves of the radiator fan were broken, and the radiator was thus punctured with a big hole. Water started pouring out from there.

I queried the Technician who test-drove my Sportage. He told me that this thing happened while he was driving. He denied any mishap had happened while on the road. I wondered if he had told me the truth.

For my past thirty years of driving experience, I’ve not heard or experienced such incidence.

The technician who repaired my Sportage later also confirmed that he had not encounter such matter before.

Till today, I'm still puzzle with what had actually caused the damage.

The replacement of the fan and radiator cost me more than RM1,000.00. What a bad day.

Kia Sportage Almost Caused My Life

2009-01-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

I bought the KIA Sportage in Kuala Lumpur, registered on the 2 January 2003. First service was done at 5,000Km at the KIA Service Station in Setapak by their highly qualified KIA vehicle service personnel. I was not told of any defect found, and happily received back and drove off the car.

It happened on the 12 April 2003. I was on my way from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh using PLUS highway. Passengers in the car included my wife and my 7 years-old son.

At about 5:30pm, just before reaching Gua Tempurong, traveling at a speed of 100km/hr., I wanted to overtake a lorry. But when I steered my wheel to the right towards the fast lane, I realized that the steering was just loose and not responding.

The shock I received was unimaginable. At that speed, going down the slope; immediately after a bend, with the car beyond control, the first thing that came to my mind was: “That's it. We are all going to die.”

The next thought that came to my mind was to turn on the hazard flasher to warn other drivers that came by. But where was the switch? It took me some time to locate it as it was blocked by the steering wheel.

Can you see where the hazard light switch is located?

Yes, it is hidden well behind the steering wheel. Very bad design.

With the hazard lights on; applying brake slowly, as I was afraid that the vehicle might swing if I gave the brake a hard press. The car slipped towards the center divider at the fast lane, I have no choice but to apply a hard brake to stop the vehicle from hitting the divider. It worked and missed the divider by just half a foot.

Stopped just a foot away from the highway divider. My family members still inside the car.

See the traffic congestion started building up?

I could not recall how the hi-speed vehicles from the back overtook and missed me, but I constantly heard angry and continuous horn from them. Thanks to their expert driving skills and alertness.

When the vehicle halted, I shouted to my wife to remain in the car and have the safety belt secured, I jumped out of the car, rushed to the back of the car, waved and warned on-coming vehicles to keep to the left. I was lucky that there were no reckless drivers or sleepy drivers at that time, but the thought of death still tingling in my mind. I kept waving my hands even though I felt the stiffness of my deltoid muscles right down to the phalanges. I tried to call for help but both my phone and my wife's phone had no reception.

About 10 minutes later, I felt much relieved when I finally saw the PLUS truck approaching from the back. Only then the symptoms of fear aroused. My body began to shiver and my legs were unstable.

The arrival of toll truck. Praised to their efficiency.

PLUS staffs did not come to rescue on receiving information. Coincidently, they were actually on their way back to their office. Very soon later, the Police petrol car came too. All of them were very efficient and friendly.

Police petrol car arrived too. The 2 policemen were quite friendly

After calming myself down, I decided to open up the bonnet to check on what actually went wrong. To my horror, I noticed that the intermediate shaft had dislodged from the joint. Apparently the screw that was supposed to tighten the shaft to the joint had gone missing.

What puzzled me then was:

How could this defect happen to a brand new (less than 4 months old) vehicle?

Where is the quality control?

Do the manufacturer and distributor know that the negligence had put my whole family into a stage of horror, shock and life threatening?

How about other Kia Sportage vehicles of the same batch, do they have this problem too? Are these drivers' lives being threatened too?

The big joke was, just before leaving Kuala Lumpur, I told my wife that even though it consumed more fuel, I would rather drive the Kia Sportage instead of our another car TOYOTA COROLLA SEG1.6 with ABS, because I felt that Kia Sportage was a safer car. If that TOYOTA has brain and sense, he should be laughing till now.

After the incident, I have lodged a complaint to the local distributor, i.e.

General Manager
NAZA KIA SDN. BHD.
12, 4thFloor, Wisma Naza
Jalan Sungai Besi
57100 Kuala Lumpur

As usual, it had fallen into deaf ears.

PLUS staffs helped me to push the vehicle to the road shoulder.

'Gua Tempurong' was right at the back

Tow truck was called

The Kia Sportage was towed to a workshop in Gopeng town.

I continued my journey after the repair.

The Idea of a Second Family Car - Kia Sportage

2008-12-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

Today, 1 January 2009, I am celebrating the 7th birthday of my wonderful Kia Sportage.

7 years ago, there was a necessity for a second family car. Don’t blame me for the contribution to the congestion of the city traffic. The traffic system in Kuala Lumpur was so bad. During working days, I had to wake up as early as 5:30am, had myself washed-up and dressed, and got my wife to send me to the nearest Light Rail Transit Station (STAR) which was more than a kilometer away.

Mad rush along with the public and school students and squeezed myself into the coach, I would consider myself very lucky if I managed to get a seat, or else, I need to wait till the train arrived at the Masjid Jamed Station, where a number of passengers would change to another transit system (PUTRA) for Petaling Jaya or KLCC.

On arriving at the designated station, I need to walk another kilometer to reach my office. By that time, I would be quite exhausted to start a day’s work.

I desperately need a second car, but why Kia Sportage?

Being a member of the Malaysian Nature Society, I involved actively in bird-watching activities. A vehicle that allows me to move freely off-road was most appropriate. I’ve gathered and studied in depth the specifications of various 4WDs, which includes Toyota RAV-4; Hi-Lux, Honda CRV, Perodua Kembara, Hyundai Santa-Fe, Suzuki Vitara, Ford Ranger.

Putting cost, performance, quality, structural design etc into considerations, and also seeking advices from various 4WD users, Kia Sportage was finally voted.

Till today, I am still confused whether I had made a right choice or otherwise. My Kia Sportage is now 7 years old. It occurred once that it almost took away me and my loved ones’ life. On the other hand, it had also saved my life once. I’ll tell you what had happened later.

Bird-watching at Panti Forest and Sedili, 12-15 September 2008

2008-09-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Selangor Branch organised a 4 days bird-watching activity at the Panti Forest and Sedili, situated adjacent to Kota Tinggi town of Johore State.

How to go to Kota Tinggi from Kuala Lumpur? Just Travel towards south at the North-South Highway, exit at Kulai and drive eastward, then you’ll be at Kota Tinggi.

Our birding activity commenced almost immediately after checking into the hotel.

Our destination : The Bunker Trail of Panti Forest Reserve.

Look at the picture below, so now understand why was it called the “Bunker Trail”?

These bunkers were built by the British during the Japanese occupation, part of their strategies to halt the enemy’s further intrusion.

Panti Forest Reserve is a well known birding site worldwide. 27,500 hectors had been gazetted as forest reserve. The logged forests on both side of the Bunker Trail were made into birds’ sanctuary.

Picture below shows the entrance of the trail.

Bird-life here was fantastic. We had spotted quite a number of exotic birds.

Our star bird, the Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker, had only favoured our leader, Alan. This resulted in much envy and commotion amongst the team members. Alan had thus gave this feather friend a nickname = Lollipop.

I had a good glimpse of my lifers like the Orange-backed Woodpecker; Violet Cuckoo; Grey-chested Flycatcher; Malaysian-eared nightjar, but unfortunately I didn’t have their pictures taken.

The above picture is aTiger Shrike, a winter visitor from Northern China/Russia, arrived rather early.

Scarlet-rumped Trogon. Suprisingly, quite commonly seen there, and were rather friendly.

The movie of it.

The Pale Blue Flycatcher with its melodious call attracted all of us.

On the last day, we were rewarded with a big bonus, the Javan Frogmouth.

Birds were uncomfortable, and their worried calls led us into the discovering of this snake.

What a beauty

Watching waders at the coast around Sedili was quite good experience. One should be able to stand the heat generated by the hot sun.

Our target bird was the Malaysian Plover, where the sandy shores in the East Coast were preferred by them. The Sedili coast of East Johore met their requirement.

Sorry that I don’t have a descent picture of it.

But instead, I had a picture of one of our team member, who had put herself under the hot tropical sun, just for the craze and love for her avi-friends.

I salute you, my friend.

Trip to Endau-Rompin National Park

2008-07-29T04:21:00.000-07:00

Part 1 : Kluang 5-7 June 2008

The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Selangor Branch organised a 3 days 2 nights bird-watching activity at the Endau-Rompin National Park. I immediately registered with the organiser.

Heard so much about Kluang, so I decided to go there with my family 2 days earlier.

On arrival at Kluang, the first place to visit, of course, is the railway station, its cafe.

Railway station was packed with travelers waiting for the train arrival. I was told that the train was delayed - as usual.

Unfortunately, the cafe was closed for business for the day, instead, we went to the cafe outlet in the town.

The next morning, went over to Gunong Lambak Eco Resort for a walk. A group of health-conscious citizens practicing Tai Chi.

Went up to the place where hornbills ?spp. were spotted for nesting, but no sight of them. People around there told me that the hornbills had not appeared for quite some time.

Coming down from Gunong Lambak, went to a coffee shop in the town for breakfast.

Name of this shop was "Old Market". Inside the shop, a giant cup of coffee and food were displayed. Very unique and fascinating.

How about food served? Mostly hawkers' type of food. We ordered the famous fish ball & 'yong taufu' soup noodle. Taste? OK la, They had their preparation in favour of the locals. I still prefer the Ipoh mee soup or mee curry, served together with various type of fish/meat balls, fupei, sar-gord-yun etc.

We also ordered the famous kluang coffee and toasted kaya bun. Quite different from Hainam style.

A delicacy that was specially promoted in the shop.

Taste of coffee? OK also la, but it stimulated my urge to go back to Ipoh for the old town white-coffee.

After breakfast, drove towards Kahang. Just before Kahang town, turn left into the oil palm estate.

The road was quite bad due to last night's heavy rain. My 4WD proved to be very handy.

Quite a number of birds seen, which includes Greater Coucal, Red Junglefowl etc, and an injured White Collared Kingfisher.

The king had apparently injured its left wing. It couldn't fly high or far, but I saw it picking up some food from the ground. Hope it would able to hunt for food, otherwise it would die of hunger.

Back from Kahang, drove straight to the Kluang Railway Station.

Look at the signboard. It was Kluang Rail Coffee, not the usual one we saw in KL - Kluang Station.

We were told that Kluang Station Cafe had nothing to do with them.

We ordered the nation-wide famous coffee, bun and kaya.

The most recommended food – Nasi Lemak wrapped in banana leaves, really tasty and cheap. It’s only RM0.70 per packet.

On the 7^th morning, took a walk at the little Genting as described by the locals. This place was located on the northern part of Gunong Lambak.

I saw a flock of Great Hornbills. Soon, they flew further away from me. As I could hear them calling, I knew they were quite near but unfortunately my view was blocked by the slope. I tried to climb the slope, but failed, because the path of the slope was covered with thick bushes.

There were also a lot of Pink Neck Pigeon. I too saw a raptor perched at a dead branch far away, believed to be Changeable Hawk-Eagle.

Trip to Endau-Rompin National Park

2008-07-02T02:09:00.000-07:00

Part 2 – Endau-Rompin National Park, 7-9 June 2008

After a palatable breakfast at the station Café, and took away a few more packets of nasi lemak, we proceed straight to Kahang town, where all the participants of the trip were supposed to meet up before 11am.

To locate the office of Endau Rompin National Park, once you enter Kahang town, watch out for the two-storey shop-lots on your right. The said office was squeezed in between a restaurant and a motorcycle repair shop.

Many of us had lunch at the restaurant. The owner should be very pleased over the sudden increase of customers.

We were packed into five 4WD vehicles that brought us into the National Park which was 56 km away from Kahang.

There had been raining for the past few evenings. The road to the National Park was not accessible with normal vehicles, especially at the site where we need to slope down to a flooding bridge.

On arrival at the visitors centre (VC) of the park, we were welcomed by a heavy downpour. It caused us much inconveniences. With lots of difficulties, we finally checked into our chalet,

To access to the canteen from the chalet, we need to cross a hanging bridge. The planks of the bridge were wet and very slippery. In fact, someone slipped and fell.

Rain had not stopped the bird-enthusiasts from performing their act of bird watching. As the rain began to retreat, they had put themselves into actions.

It was dinner time. We cater food at the only canteen available in the park. Very expensive, cost us RM12.00 each. After negotiation by the organizer, the next day’s dinner was much better.

This was Rm12.00 food – an improved version on the 2nd evening

On the 2nd day morning, lorry ferried us from Visitors Centre to NERC as early as 7:00am. From there, we did bird watching along the narrow tar road.

While we were concentrating on birds’ activities, one young lady in a motorcycle informed us that there was a herd of elephants ahead of us.

Cautiously and silently we walked by. True enough, a herd of them which includes a mother and its young were enjoying their breakfast at the bushes just next to the tar road, and were about 30 feet away from us. We speed up our steps. Fortunately, they were quite comfortable with us, never attempt to charge. In fact, this was my first experience of close encounter with the wild jumbos.

Freshly manufactured. Awful, isn’t it?

Around 100 species of birds were recorded during this trip. Amongst them:

Banded Broadbill. It was carrying some nesting materials.

Red-bearded Bee-eater, a juvenile.

If you wish to know more about birds of this trip, I suggest that you visit:

http://wcm-birding.blogspot.com/2008/06/birding-at-endau-rompin-kg-peta.html

A trip-report wrote by Susan Wong. She is a very experience and enthusiastic bird watcher.

Observe the rule of the park,

otherwise our next generations don't have a chance to see this.

We had to bid farewell to the park. On our way back to Kuala Lumpur, we stopped by at the Kluang station again for a cup of coffee and nasi lemak.

Form 5A1, Year 1967, St Michael's Institution, Ipoh.

2008-01-11T00:57:00.000-08:00

The Reunion of Form 5A1, Year 1967
St Michael’s Institution, Ipoh.

I am indeed grateful to the SMI Alumni Association Klang Valley for organizing the Annual Dinner on the 28 April 2007, where school leavers for year 1967 were invited in conjunction with their 40th anniversary of leaving the magnificent Institution naming after His Holiness St Michael.

How to describe the feeling of someone who suddenly met up with the long-lost-acquaintances, of whom were totally parted for the past 40 years? It was really beyond description.

Before the dinner ended, the next appointment was made.

Our next gathering would be on the 5th January 2008, in Syuen Hotel, Ipoh, in conjunction with the marriage reception of Simon Yau’s son.

Trip to Ipoh

Left for Ipoh on 5 January 2008 before dawn. After checking-in at a hotel in the heart of Ipoh City, I contacted Meng Bok, who agreed to pick me up from the hotel where I stayed to the Syuen Hotel before 7:00pm. He came right on time with Choong Kooi.

View of the roof top of SMI from the hotel room.

The Dinner

Stepping into the ballroom where the wedding reception was held, amazingly saw so many familiar faces. Some I had met during the Alumni’s dinner, while a few others I had not seen for the past 40 years, and what a shame that I couldn’t even recognize Moo Choy (Class monitor), Kah Guan and Joseph Leong.

There were altogether 14 old classmates and 2 teachers, namely Mr. Chan Khin Seng, our Form Master, and Mr. Wong Kee Fah, our History teacher.

Not all the 14 of us were staying in Ipoh. Michael Loke traveled all the way from Kuantan, while Marcel rushed down from Penang.

Kah Guan, Simon Lim and I were from Kuala Lumpur.

Tracing the images with a nostalgic class photo.

Chatting with Sirs.

Mr. Wong Kee Fah is still good with history.

He remembers the dates well.

In class, he taught us history without using text books.

All events were in his mind.

Let’s have a photo with Sirs.

“Sir, remember this person?”

Mr. Chan Khin Seng looking through the class photo.

During school, he conducted the moral class every morning.

For sure, we had not failed him.

The dinner ended,

but yet there were so much unfinished topics.

Still on the subject of the good old time.

Group Photo

A group photograph was taken before we left.

Seated: The spouses with Mr. Wong Kee Fah, Mr. Chan Khin Seng, Rev. Bro. Vincent.
Standing (L to R): Lee Keen Seong, Simon Yau Sai Yan, Yee Weng Hoon, Marcel Augustin, Loi Yew Kee, Divakaran, Ng Choong Kooi, Wong Meng Bok, Vincent Khoo Kah Guan, Simon Lim Bor Aik, Fu Suan Seng, Lai Moo Choy, Joseph Leong, Michael Loke Wai Leong

Belum - Temengor

2007-08-16T06:04:00.000-07:00

The Temengor Lake

It was a wonderful and exciting trip to Temengor Lake during mid August 2007 under the leadership of Connie Khoo from Ipoh.

The crew consists of 16 nature-lovers cum birders, which includes 6 from Kuala Lumpur, 4 from Singapore, 4 from Ipoh, and a loving couple from Japan.

Group photo before boarding the boat. 4th from right was our leader Connie.

Belum is situated at the north most of Perak Darul Ridzuan. Temengor is at the south of Belum. The East-West Highway from Jeli (Kelantan) to Gerik (Perak) cut right through it. Our meeting point was at the Banding Island car park. When everyone arrived, we proceed to the jetty.

Bridge over Temengor Lake, connecting mainland to Banding Island.

A type of boat house sighted along the way

The Resort

On arrival at the Discovery Island, Steve Khong, the owner of the resort, briefed us on the activities during our stay, and the Do-s and Don’t-s like ‘always have life-jacket on while on board’; ‘Swim but don’t dive as you won’t know what’s in the water, even though the depth of the lake is easily 20 to 30 feet around the boat-house’ etc.

The exact location of the Discovery Island

View of Discovery Island Boat house from far

A closer view

Dormitory type of accommodation at the boat house was chosen even though the chalets were available on the island.

The chalet.

Rear view of the chalet. Notice the roofless bathroom? Marvellous experience.

The interior. Comfortable enough for 2 - 4 person.

Food – no problem. The cook prepared tasty food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The first night, we had steamboat, and the famous Ipoh "Salt-baked Chicken" complimented by a group of Singaporean visitors, while on the second night, barbeque was served. Both dinners were held at the waterfront restaurant.

The guests could prepare their own tea or coffee at anytime they wanted. Tea-bags, coffee (3 in 1), sugar, creamer and hot water were always available.

Steve was a good host. He was not selfish in sharing his knowledge of the Temengor lake. He entertained us well through-out our stay.

This resort was still developing. The bathrooms and toilets were clean. It was relaxing. One can sit by the side of the boat to be entertained by around 6 to 7 species of fish displaying their skillful ‘aquatic ballet’. This resort’s webpage is available at http://www.ttdi.com.my/

The Aborigines (Orang Asli)

The Jahai and Temiar are the two main orang asli groups of Belum Temengor rainforests. They are dark, short with curly hair. They are friendly. They built their houses by the lake side. Fishes from the lake are a main source of high protein diet for their children to grow.

Typical Orang Asli settlement by the lake-side

View of another Orang Asli Settlement

Catching fish to supplement their diet is one of their major activity.

The Three Musketeers

The two loving brothers, even though they didn't look at each other while this photo was taken

See what I meant

Logging

Signs of logging activities still exist. At times, you could see clouds of dust suddenly rised from the forest floor. This was due to the timber lorries rolled over the dry logging tracks.

Logging activities

Logs ready to be transported out.

One local resident told us, what we saw from the lake were beautiful green vegetations, but behind them, trees been fallen, the forests at the other side were “bold”.

Sungai Sara, once a heaven for anglers, is now clogged up with debris of wood as a result of logging. “No more Sebarau and Baung”, they claimed.

The once crystal clear Sara River

Animal Life

It is needless to describe wild life in this area. Everyone knew this tropical forest was infested with lots of wild animals, but of course, in the midst of the thick jungle, I supposed they could see us, but we could not see them. So, watch out friends, we’re being watched.

Looks funny? They were actually 2 butterflies

Dragonfly species

Damselfly

At the Halong River mouth, traces of elephants’ footprints and their excreta were here and there. A hut which was built recently was apparently destroyed by these giants. Prominent footprints were seen inside the fallen hut.

The Halong River (Reminds me of the Halong Bay Vietnam)

Where the elephants walked by

Where the elephants left over

Where the elephants had pulled down (arrow)

There were other footprints too.

Bird life

Being bird lovers, birds watching was our main aim for this trip, particularly the Hornbills.

All the 10 species of Hornbills exist in this country could be found there. But throughout the trip, we only clocked 5 types, which includes: Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus; Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris; Rhinocerous Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros; Great Hornbill Buceros bicoruis, and finally our ‘star bird’, the magnificent Plain-pouched Hornbill Rhyticeros subruficollis.

Plain-pouched Hornbills flew by.

Get a better picture taken by our teammate Con Foley at http://www.pbase.com/image/84032593

This was the island near Pos Ciong, where we landed for Hornbill watching

On the last day, Steve entertained us with a round-the-discovery island boat trip. He also took us to a place not that far away from his island, where we saw a large number of Rhinoceros Hornbill and a few Oriental Pied Hornbill. I suppose the humans and birds were equally excited. The hornbills were playing hide-and-seek with us. They hid behind thick branches, occasionally exhibiting only part of their bodies, but made loud calls enough to make us realize their existence. When we were slowly moving away from the island, they suddenly appeared at the open branch, starring at us. They might be wondering why we abandoned the hide-and-seek game so soon.

Another star bird was the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus, my lifer. It was spotted at the Halong River mouth. This bird was quite friendly and posed many different positions, and also showing us its hunting skills. We had a good time photographing/digiscoping it.

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus

3 raptors were seen, which includes White-bellied Sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster; Lesser Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis; Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus. Other attraction includes flocks and flocks of Large Green Pigeon Treron capellei.

Plant Life

Want to see the world’s largest, rare and well known flower, the Rafflesia? Of course there won’t be any objection. We were taken to the south-east bay of Pulau Besar. After a careful climb up the steep river band, we walked along a path which was more like a dried-up river. The walk was easy and took us less than 10 minutes to arrive there. In fact, we visited the site twice. First visit was on Saturday, the flower was not fully bloom then.

Rafflesia seen on the first visit

The second visit was on Sunday to see if the flower had fully bloom.

Rafflesia seen during the subsequent visit

A distance away from the bloomed flower, a bud and a decayed Rafflesia sighted

When we arrived, 2 boats with loads of youngsters were ahead of us. On arriving at the destination, we were shock to see some of these youngsters were actually stepping into the fenced area through the broken fence. Not only that, their guide did the same thing too. I wonder how many buds and roots of this precious and rare jewel of our country been destroyed by their ignorance. I too wonder whether the related authority had actually gave the guides training before issuing them license to operate the trade. Won’t they realize, if there is no more Rafflesia, then there will be no visitors, which also means that they will lose their income or even job.

Whoever put the fence up, have they look into the maintenance part? Another disgusting matter, when we requested them to come out from the fenced area, the guide had the cheek to say that the signboard stated ‘no plucking’, and not ‘no stepping’. Before we left, we helped to repair the fence as a temporary measure.

Cameras, binoculars, even spoting scopes were in use for a better view of this rare species. Notice the broken fence on the left?

The signboard - 'no plucking', not 'no stepping"

Buttress root. Standing by its side was David

I won't know what seed was this.

Neither this.

The red colour is striking

Fully bloom

It was time for us to say 'Good-bye'. Thanks to Steve and his staffs for their friendliness and hospitality. Thanks to our leader Connie Khoo for her capability and efficiency to organize, and thanks to all participating members, of whom were so joyous and cooperative. I really enjoyed this trip.

We hate to leave this serene place, but we have no choice.

The sunset, the lake.

Discover Tanjong Sepat

2007-07-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

It was weekend again. No activities planned, so, decide to take a drive down south of Kuala Lumpur to Tanjong Sepat, a typical Malaysian Chinese New Village with so much of wonders to discover.

We landed at a coffee shop for evening tea. This shop served tasty "cheong fun" with "kangkong" vegetable. Something unique, I have not tried this combinations before.

Besides, they also served palatable "Xuan Pan Zhi", a type of hakka food that was made of yam and flour.

Look out for Teow Aun. They made lovely traditional biscuits. It tasted better than the one I bought in Penang. The hospitality of the owners made us very comfortable.

Of course, further down the road, there was the popular meat; vegetable; bean; kaya "pau" factory.

"Sorry, sold out. Come back 3 hours later at 8:00pm." We were told.

While waiting, let's go the beach. Wow! wonderful sight of sunset. But what had happended to the mangrove trees, they are all dead.

Look! a White-bellied Sea Eagle. Look at its legs, what was it carrying along? Yeah, a fish for dinner.

The trip is incomplete without having sea-food for dinner.

Lovely fishball, 100% local product, fresh from factory

A type of prawn, deep-fried

A typical teow-chew steam-fish. Very tasty. The fish is fresh.

And the price? Very reasonable. You cannot get it in Kuala Lumpur.

About me

2006-12-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

I am a Malaysian Chinese. I am a retired Government Servant. Married with 3 children, 2 girls and a boy. My eldest girl is a civil engineer, 2nd girl is an electrical engineer, while the 3rd child, a boy, is still schooling.