CAPTURE 5 : Late post on Sarawak's Beauty and Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2009

Last July I was part of thousands of local and international crowd who thronged the annual Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF). It was held from 10-12 July. The event was held at the tranquil Cultural Village in Santubong, Sarawak. The myriad colors, language and music added luster to win through the rainy days.

With almost 17 bands from Poland, Canada, China, Portugal, Hungary, New Zealand, United States, Morocco, Finland, France, Chile, Tanzania, Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia’s very own bands made the event a dazzling array of lights, music and dance. Oudaden from Morocco, Zawose Family Africa, Noreummach of Korea and Sarawak’s Lan-E-Tuyang stole my heart. They were not just dynamic, but unique in their presentation. Highly energetic, they captured the hearts of all present. Overall they created an euphoric atmosphere that sent people crazy.

I enjoyed not just being part of the world music festival but also the display of Sarawak's Cultural uniqueness at the Santubong Cultural Village.

I stayed at Sarawak Village House with offers home stay concept.....

Some of the vegetarian dishes served....and unique lighting.

Some of the bands that participated in
Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2009

Wrist tag...the entrance ticket to the event
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Sarawak’s Lan-E-Tuyang

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Noreummach of Korea
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Oudaden of Morocco
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Zawose Family Africa
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Workshop sessions by the participating bands
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A look at the exhibitions in Cultural Village

Sarawak indigenous Woodcarving

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Bamboo Carving
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Claypot Making
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Weaving Mat
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Pua Kumbu Weaving
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Natural Dye used in dyeing
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Sarawak's finest handicraft at display
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Traditional warrior displaying
the art of using blowpipe
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Traditional blower used in sword making
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Dunno..what statue is this..sorry guys
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The famous Santubong Hill

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Houses of Sarawak's natives....

Rumah(House) Bidayuh

[Bambo Bridge to Rumah (House) Bidayuh]


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Rumah Iban

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Rumah Penan

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Rumah Orang Ulu

Long Corridor..

Design on the wall..

Oars on display

Things at display inside the house

Steps made of tree trunk
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Malay House


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Boat Trip Along Santubong River

A Malay Village along the Santubong River

Not able to take a shot better than this....am satisfied with this :)
Proboscis Monkey..only to be found in Borneo
The above picture is taken from http://hellishhumor.com/Proboscis-Monkey.jpg

©cyclopseven. All rights reserved 170909

CAPTURE 4 : Teluk Batik Beach

Teluk Batik is one of the famous beaches in Malaysia. It is located in the state of Perak. The long stretch of golden sand attracts many visitors, mostly locals. One can expect big crowd during peak seasons especially during school holidays and festive seasons. The clean beach and clear water provides ideal spot for contemplation and relaxation. Water can be murky during high tides.

With recent development in the infrastructures especially the increase in the number of chalets and lodges, food stalls, toilet facilities and parking spaces have really boasted the number of tourists.

































©cyclopseven. All rights reserved 011108.

CAPTURE 3 : CAVE OF DARKNESS AND WAN TANGGA VALLEY

A lake along the way to Gua Kelam

A quite stretch on the way to Kaki Bukit


Entrance to the cave

Hanging Bridge

History
Sir John Campbell, an Englishman who was also a miner, discovered the Kelam Cave in 1935. He realized that the cave is rich in tin. So, he made use the available natural resource, the stream that flows through the cave, to transport tin ore in a much effective and productive manner. Story goes that he hired the skill of a Chinese tin miner, Loh Ah Tong to build the hanging bridge to the tin miners. Gradually, as time went by, the mining operation ceased and the cave was used by Communist guerillas who were waging an undeclared war against the then Malaya, and during the later part by smugglers to smuggle things in and out of Thailand.


My Trip
Last Sunday, 5 Oct. 2008, I had a chance to visit the tranquil atmosphere of a cave in the northernmost part of Malaysia. Gua Kelam or Cave of Darkness is located at Kaki Bukit (Foothill), 33km to the North of Kangar, the capital of Perlis (one of the smallest states in Malaysia). The cave is not dark anymore as the name implies, as spotlights have been fixed along the way from the entrance to the valley which is located on the opposite end of the cave. If one expect any mysteries and strange occurring , you can forget it, as the shine has already killed whatever mysteries one can expect in a cave.



Mother Nature's artwork
Stream at Wan Tangga Valley








At Wan Tangga Valley


This 370 meter long limestone cave is accessible by way of a suspension bridge. It was a thrilling experience to walk across the suspension bridge. I admired work of nature sculptured on the walls of the cave, the stalactites and stalagmites as well. The underground stream that flows out from the limestone range provides a cool dipping place for children and adults. The sound of water flowing under the suspended bridge provides a soothing music for the ears. If one is observant, one can see the water dripping from stalactites and stalagmites. The constant erosion and effects of water running through the cave thousands of years ago have left indelible impact on the surface of the walls. Beautiful formations of rocks and designs can be seen along the way.

The lushes green valley at the opposite end of the cave gives one an experience of paradise with its wonderful trees and cooling breeze.

On the way back

Sunset bidding farewell to me


©cyclopseven. All rights reserved 121008.

CAPTURE 2 : MATANG MANGROVE FOREST

Among the attractions in Taiping is the world famed Matang Mangrove Forest, Kuala Sepetang, Taiping. It covers an area of 40,000 hectares that is nearly half the peninsular's 101,877hectares of mangrove swamps. It is reputed to be one of the best-managed stretches of mangrove swamps in the world. To add to its reputation, it has won numerous international awards. It is one of the famous tourist attractions in Taiping. Visitors come from both around Malaysia and also from other parts of the world.

The mangrove forest is a sort of life wire and acts as support systems in various fields such as forestry, medicine, food, fisheries and nature conservation. One can find huge number of various tree species, migratory birds and marine life within the heart of the mangrove forest.

Apart from providing food, medicine and wood, Mangrove forests too provides natural habitats for fish and shellfish, preserve the shoreline from erosion, as a shield to protect from strong wind, a stop-over area for migratory birds and provide resources for charcoal production. Boardwalks take us closer to the mangrove swamp, which allow us to experience the mangrove swamp from closest angle possible.

©cyclopseven. All rights reserved 030808

CAPTURE 1 : TAIPING LAKE GARDEN

Taiping is where I live. A place I find solace and inspiration. It was once the old capital of Perak (one of the biggest states in Malaysia). Known as heritage town, it boasts being the town with many firsts in our history, numbering more than 30. In the beginning it was known as Klian Pauh, then the name was changed to Taiping. Taiping originated from a Chinese word Tai Peng, which means Eternal Peace. I believe as long as the hills, trees, and good-natured people remains here, peace will eternally prevail.

Among the many places of interests in Taiping, the TAIPING LAKE GARDEN holds a special spot in my heart. It is located nearby the Bukit Larut ( previously known as Maxwell Hill). Within the heart of the garden is the man made lake. It was an abandoned mining pool, now converted to beautiful lake.

Taiping Lake Garden is a 62-hectare park and one of the oldest lakes of the country, operational since 1880. The spectacular natural beauty, the lake, is surrounded by trees that speak the history better than us. Another unique thing is that it also houses the Taiping Zoo, the oldest zoo in Malaysia. People from various parts of Malaysia and the world visit this lake and enjoy the scenery as well as the plants, trees without forgetting the birds.

As explained earlier, the Taiping lake is actually an old mining pool, which underwent some landscaping and redesigned to form the lake. One can feel the freshness of the air as one enters the lake garden. It is an ideal place for relaxation and provides escapism from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

The uniqueness of this lake is that one see and marvel at the stretches of ancient Angsana trees with their drooping branches that seem to bow down to quench their thirst. Pictures speak a thousand words. Enjoy the sceneries.

Overall, the Taiping Lake is the ideal place to relax and rest far away from the petrol fumes and stress of city living, you can come here to rejuvenate your spirits leaving beyond the hectic schedule of daily life.

This link will be of some help

www.TaipingTalk.com/photos