A walk in the clouds

A walk in the clouds
By Lee Tai Wah
Wednesday April 29, 2009

THE year was 1983. I was among a group of students up in Cameron Highlands to study the habitat of the Bluebottle fly at the farming village of Kampung Raja. We stayed the night in a small town called Brinchang. It was a cold night and I woke up early the next morning to answer nature’s call. As I gazed out of the window, I saw a thick white cloud enveloping the whole valley.

I quickly put on my shoes and jacket, and stepped out. The street was deserted and all was quiet as the whole town continued to slumber. Even the cicadas and birds were quiet, as if frozen by the cold.

Orang Asli in Malaysia

In danger of dying out
Stories by Martin Vengadesan
Sunday April 26, 2009

With various orang asli tribes dwindling in numbers, the need to document their cultures becomes even more pressing.

UNTIL very recently, I was unaware of the rich diversity among the cultures of the orang asli tribes that inhabit Peninsula Malaysia. All that changed when I followed a team from Muzium Negara charged with documenting the traditions of the Semai, an orang asli tribe found largely in north-western Pahang.

I stayed for a couple of days at Kampung Kabang. a Semai village on the outskirts of the Kuala Lipis district. During that time I was able to observe some of the unique traditions of the Semai, including communal dancing and the playing of instruments such as the nose flute. However, due to the demise of a neighbouring village elder, many of the festivities planned specially for our visit were scrapped. Nonetheless, I was determined to find out more about the orang asli. After speaking to a number of experts, I realise their situation is critical.

Govt to develop tourism Malaysia aggressively

Minister: Govt to develop tourism aggressively
By Krystle Low
Wednesday April 22, 2009

KUANTAN: Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen has said that the Federal Government will initiate aggressive measures to attract tourists, particularly to Pahang.

She said the industry’s players could carry out three types of promotional activities namely overall, product and rural.

“Each of the categories can be promoted individually, depending on creativity and foresight. For example, rural promotion can be done in Kuantan as there are a lot of iconic places in rural areas unknown to outsiders.

Sabah Tea Garden

Care for a spot of tea?
By Lydia Lau
Saturday April 18, 2009

Misty Fields

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Offering close-to-nature activities, lush greens, coupled with amazing views of Mt Kinabalu, Sabah Tea Garden is a great place to get close to nature and have a relaxing holiday — all in one place.

Nestled in the lush tropical wilderness of Mt Kinabalu on 2,509ha and at 692m above sea level, Sabah Tea Garden’s cool and refreshing atmosphere renders it perfect for anyone who wants to get away for the weekend or a holiday.

Here are some six must-dos while there:

Make a pit stop at Bidor

Make a pit stop at Bidor
Story and Photos by Grace Chen
Sunday April 12, 2009

Bidor town is a favourite stopover for travellers seeking fruits and local snacks.

LAI Yoke Kuan, the owner of Ah Yew Fruit Shop, stopped us dead in our tracks when she jumped out and playfully hollered, “Halt! Who goes there? Friend or foe?”

Once she got our attention, the 46-year-old mother of five broke into a charming smile and handed out slices of red, juicy bell fruit for sampling. Lai’s shock tactic worked because when we left, she had managed to sell us two packets of bell fruit, a few kilos of seedless guavas, a bag of tamarind pods and a few stalks of lotus fruit.

Khong Siew Kit of Pun Chun showing the restaurant’s famous chicken biscuits and shat ke ma.

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