Wayang Kulit - New Beats

Wayang kulit never looked this cool. At the recent two-night performances by Kumpulan Seri Asun Kedah, its tok dalang (or master puppeteer) Pak Majid sang songs that included Shaggy's Mr Boombastic. He used English words in the dialogue spoken by the characters and made references to the current fad in technology (SMS) and popular culture.
Held at Laman Cempaka, the open-air wooden stage located within the Istana Budaya compound in Kuala Lumpur. Some in audience had just visited the Eye on Malaysia ferris wheel a few metres away. Lured by the haunting sounds of the serunai, they made a diversion into the compound.
The group, formed in 1973 by Pak Majid's father, had performed abroad in Australia, Germany, Italy, France and other countries where the stories told were infused with modern references to appeal to audiences. For two nights at the venue, Pak Majid kept his audience entertained with fantasy / adventure tales that touched on dignity, family betrayal and self-redemption. The stories included The Magic Stick and The Disobedient Son.
All shows are held at Laman Cempaka, Istana Budaya compound, begin at 8.30pm and are free. For more information, visit their website www.istanabudaya.gov.my or call +603-4026 5553

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Qing Ming - show respect to the departed

In conjunction with Qing Ming, Chinese in Penang will go to their depart graveyard to buy the 'gift' for their departed to use in their world. Zip-up jackets, embroidered cheongsams, suits and nyonya attire - these days, the choices of 'paper gifts' for the departed now a day.

In Georgetown, some shops selling prayer paraphernalia and also offering various types of paper footwear, ranging from clogs, high-heels to lace-up short shoes. Some of these clothes are made from high quality fabric-feel thick papers. The latest products are even fitted with real shoe laces and zips. Also available in the shops are paper mahjong sets, dice, playing card, hadphones, computers and a mini motorcycle complete with a helmet. There were also food and beverages, such as titbits, soft drinks, canned food and the 'expensive' abalone, bird nest and shark's fin.

This year, the festival falls on this coming 5 April. The Chinese usually visit the graveyard 10 days before and after Qing Ming. It is a way for filial Chinese to show their respect to their departed ancestors.

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Top 10 - Praises & Complaints on Malaysia

May be you will be wondering why I post top 10 complaints on Malaysia in my blog which writing on why must visit Malaysia. Well! I want to be transparent to all my readers. There are some weaknesses in Malaysia that my readers need to expect. Not every country is prefect right? Now, here goes the list:

Top 10 Praises:

1. Friendly Malaysians
2. Multiracial experience
3. Beautiful landscaping in major cities
4. Greeney in the outskirts
5. Hawker food
6. Easy oral communication
7. Wealth of culture
8. Shopping
9. Competitive prices
10. Eco-tourism

Top 10 Complaints:

1. Dirty toilet
2. Taxi services
3. Security - pickpockets
4. Beggars
5. Over-priced souvenirs
6. Ill-informed coach drivers
7. Cleanliness
8. Weather
9. Lack of heritage tours
10. Nighlife lacking outside the major cities

Since you guys are aware of all these complaints, please take the necessary precautions to avoid such incident to happen. If such unavoidable, please accept my apology as the citizen of Malaysia. Our government is working hard to improve tourism industry in this country.

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Bako National Park - Home to most Borneo's diverse vegetation types

Spend at least two days to fully appreciate the beauty of the park. Don’t be misled by its relatively small size (compared to other national parks) as Bako is home to most of Borneo’s diverse vegetation types. There are seven diverse natural habitats here — Beach Forest, Cliff Vegetation, Kerangas or Heath Forest, Mangrove Forest, Mixed Dipterocarp Forest, Peat Swamp Forest and Grassland.

Its extensive network of 18 jungle trails (including the Pa’ Amit Trail on Lakei Island) is colour coded to guide visitors. The more adventurous can choose a full-day jungle hike or an overnight camping expedition. Day-trippers can check out the shorter trails close to the park’s headquarters.

Take a short boat ride to Pulau Lakei, the one and only island in the park to enjoy its serenity and natural beauty. You can stay overnight and enjoy the stunning sunsets overlooking the Santubong Range.

At the top of the 160 flights of wooden steps is a warrior’s grave. Datuk Ibrahim, an early resident of the island, was said to have superhuman strength and could engrave Islamic ‘khat’ on rock faces with his fingers! People come from as far away as Brunei on an annual pilgrimage to the grave near Salamun Pool.

Wear comfortable clothes and proper footwear, as the trails can get muddy and slippery especially after a downpour. Bring lots of drinking water and some light snacks, as some trails are quite long. Outdoor cooking is not allowed. A good pair of binoculars and a handbook on the birds of Borneo is a must for birdwatchers.

The park is also home to five species of primates, namely the rare proboscis monkey, long-tailed macaque, silver leaf langur, the slow loris and tarsier. Other interesting animals seen are monitor lizards, plantain squirrels, bearded wild pigs (the largest mammal in the park), flying lemurs, civet cats and more than six species of bats.

Where To Stay

Accommodation includes chalets, lodges and hostels. There are two semi-detached lodges, each with four beds priced at RM25 per bed. There are also seven units of two-room chalets at RM150 a night. The cheapest accommodation of a hostel bed costs only RM15 per night. The camp site, with washroom facilities, can fit 180 campers at any one time.

Other facilities include the Kerangas Cafe, a barbecue area, 24-hour electricity supply and treated water supply, information centre and environmental education centre. There is a government clinic at Kg Bako.

Getting There

Petra Jaya Bus No. 6 from Kuching takes 40 minutes to arrive at Kg Bako. The earliest bus leaves Kuching at 6am and the last bus leaves Kg Bako at 5pm daily. Visitors must report at the Arrival Terminal near the jetty.

Chartered boats manned by the locals cost RM16 for a return journey and while a trip to Lakei Island costs RM25. Children pay half price and toddlers under 12 months are charged only 10 per cent of the fare.

Recommended book on the rainforest:

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