PICTURES AND MEMORIES - MALAYSIA TRIP

In the End, all that really matters isn't the things you did, but what its effects are today, not the knowledge you have learned, but how you applied it, not the words that were said, but how they made you feel, and most of all, not the moment of occurrence, but how its now just a part of our memory. Everyday, we make memories let's paint lives with happy ones.
Staying in Malaysia for three weeks was a great opportunity to be acquainted with the capital city Kuala Lumpur. Like I said from my previous entry about the city there's nothing much to see around Kuala Lumpur except the Hindus temple, Petronas tower, China town, Batu caves and Merdeka square. You won't impressed much of the city's tourist attraction,however, you'll still appreciate the cleanliness and the progress of the economy so as the love of Malaysia's protecting the environment.
Malaysia is a strict country mixed with different races coming from Sri Lanka, India and etc. I was really hoping that I could make my way to Malacca as I dreamt of going there but instead I was confined around the canopy of Kuala Lumpur. Was also thinking of my budget then so I decided to stay in the capital city instead.
Now, you'll see my pictures that I took inside a Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur that remain a good memories in my heart one of my trips that I treasure.

JOURNEYING with JAMES

James Betia is the author of the blog Journeying James. It was him who influenced me to join Couch Surfing online community site for backpackers, and among of the backpackers who inspired me to travel more in a budgeted and less expenses and why traveling light is right ( I used to bring my whole closet in the trip, as if I could use them all, after all my back aches).

One of the blog sites that I've added to my lists of my must read. I check his blog and follow his twitter everynow and then just to get the recent & a birds eye view about backpacking in the Philippines.
He's not just an ordinary blogger but mind you one of his entries was posted in Mabuhay magazine(the official magazine of Philippine Airlines),isn't that amazing?

Well, here is my brief interview with James about his passion in backpacking.


1. what's the farthest place you have ever traveled?
-I've been abroad twice only, I've been to Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia. So I guess Cambodia.

2. Name the top 5 places both local & abroad that you like?
-Local:
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Coron, Palawan
Guimaras Island
Batanes
Bohol

-Abroad:
Angkor Wat Complex
Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
Esplanade, Singapore
KLCC and Twin Towers, Malaysia
Train ride from Saigon to Hanoi

3. If there's one tourist place in the country that you could recommend to a lone traveler where'd it be and why?

Hands down Palawan. The crystal clear beaches, the underground river, the stunning karst, lagoons, diverse flora and fauna and the chillax life- its like paradise on earth.

4. How long will you backpack?

Until I die or until I visited all countries of the world.

5. If you could treat yourself in style by traveling what country do you wish to visit and why?

I want to travel in style to Europe and NYC! I wanna be like the models in London Milan, Paris, Rome and New York City.
Better yet, I wanna visit all the New 7 Wonders of the World.


6. Backpacking isn't much a lucrative to every Pinoy, how would you encourage everyone and promote backpacking?

I'm planning of doing the cheapest 100-day backpacking in the Phils (maybe P500/day or lower budget), then blog about this and hopefully write a book about it.

7. What Not to bring (on) backpacking?

-Judgemental heart. Also, if you think you will need it, you actually won't.


As James said, he won't stop traveling till he reaches the four corners of the world...hmmm sounds like we have the same passion for that. I guess every backpackers wishes that.
You can also read his other blog at: http://running.journeyingjames.com (running stories of journeyingjames


This is an excerpts from the interview of Flipnomad to James:

How did you discover your passion for travelling?
“I have been travelling a lot since 2003 but it was year 2008, when I was in Kabayan, Benguet when I met a Vietnamese backpacker. We had a simple talk about what we do in life etc. After the chat, I was so ashamed of myself that he has been almost everywhere in the Philippines for only 2 months and I’m stuck in Manila and Luzon. I said to myself, I don’t want to be a foreigner in my own country. After that, I did my first backpacking trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.”
What’s the most horrible experience that you’ve had on the road?
“I just crossed the border from Singapore to Malaysia and was about to go to Thailand. When a man pretending to be police told me that I have drugs in my backpack in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Turns out he is a holdaper. He got my travel money, borrowed camera and worst, my passport. I was stuck in Malaysia for a week without money and any friend. Detailed story can be accessed here.
What’s the best travel experience that you’ve ever had?
“My recent 14-day Solo Backpacking trip to West Visayas where I challenged myself to spend only Php250/day (all-in food, transpo and accommodation).”
What’s the biggest realization that you’ve got out of travelling?
“The wonders of God’s creation both the nature and the people are amazing. Take care of nature and she will take care of you. Respect the people and they will really love you.”
What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?
“Challenges and an unending lust to explore new territories. Curiosity and the love for learning.”
This is a silly and hypothetical one. If you would be given a chance to travel with a popular person or a celebrity, who would it be and why?
“A lot: Les Stroud of SurvivorMan, Janet Hsieh and Bobby Chin of TLC and Bear Grylls of Man Vs. Wild. Lastly, Keira Knightley of Pirates of the Carribean would be a great companion for Round-the-World Cruise.haha”
Where’s your favourite place in this planet and why?
“Easy! Palawan. I live there for almost a year just because I love the island.”
What do you think about yourself?
“Self-proclaimed backpacker. I appreciate God’s love through the beauty of his creation- human kind and nature.”

FLIPNOMAD BUDGET TRAVEL

Among of the travel blogsites that I read is http://flipnomad.com/about/ of Flipnomad. I learned so many things of his travel specially on budget trip 'coz I am a poor traveller or let say a budget traveller.
He posted his infos that we could use especially to those who travel, backpacks for the first time.
So here's what he wrote about his backpacking and the answers to your possible questions:


"Flipnomad.com is a compilation of my travel experiences around the Philippines and as well as other countries. I’m an ordinary and a typical guy who started traveling when I was a kid, together with my grandma and other relatives around Luzon, Philippines. I then ventured outside of my usual destinations when I reached the age of 25.
When I was younger, I thought it would be impossible for me to travel to far flung places. But as time passed by, I realized that I shouldn’t stop believing in what I could do but instead stay positive and optimistic that I could achieve whatever I put my mind into.

My way of traveling kept on changing, from going to the usual resorts when I was still in school, to going to nearby provinces when I started working. Then I started backpacking which changed my life forever. It opened my eyes to a lot of other cultures. It gave me a chance to meet interesting people that have interesting views in life. It even led me to the wonderful world of blogging.
We’re all travelers regardless of where we go. Traveling starts when we close our eyes and open our minds to all the possibilities in this journey called life. Let go and trust your instincts and don’t forget to have fun.
Smile and everything will just be fine and you’ll be surprise to where your feet will lead you to.

FAQs
When did you start travelling outside the Philippines?
I started travelling when I was 25 years old. I went to Singapore with my friends and then to Thailand.

Do you often travel alone?
Nope. I’ve only tried it last March – September 2009 when I backpacked for six months and I liked it. It gave me more freedom and flexibility in travelling.


Do you also travel locally?
Of course, I do enjoy going to different places. Actually, the destination is now just an excuse to keep on moving. I do enjoy travelling (going from point A to point B) regardless of where it is.

Why do you like travelling?
I just don’t like it, I love it. Travelling is the only thing in this world that makes me feel alive. It’s also fun!!!

Do I need a lot of money to travel?
There really is no absolute answer for the amount that you’ll be spending on a trip. It really depends on the choices that you’ll make. You could fly out on a promo economy ticket with a low cost carrier or you could fly Business class. You could even stay for free by camping out or staying on local people’s houses or you could pay $1000 room in a very exclusive hotel. The amount that you’ll spend depends on the choices that you’ll make.

Will I die out there?
First, everyone dies anyway right? And there’s a lot more scary things in this world than travelling. But of course there are some risks involve especially if you go to a place that you’re not familiar with or a place where people don’t speak your language. You might get lost every now and then but that’s what makes it fun and memorable. Take necessary precautions and exercise common sense when you travel.

Is it sad to travel alone?
Exactly what I was thinking when I first traveled alone. But based on my experience, I could say that you will never be alone when you travel by yourself. There are thousands of individuals travelling on their own and most frequently than not, these individuals meet each other along the way and sometimes travel together. There are also plenty of locals to hang out with. I’ve travelled with people that I just met on the road, I even shared a room with some of them to save money and a few of them became my friends that I still keep in touch with.

What would be your advice to first time travellers?
If you really want to travel, go out there and have fun (really). Life’s too short to risk it not doing the things that we love. If we couldn’t do it continuously, at least do it once. Let go and lose yourself for a moment. You’ll be surprise on what travelling can do with how you see things and even the way you live your life. Travel with an open mind and an open heart (but at the same time take necessary precautions and exercise common sense, but don’t overdo it). Enjoy! – Flip"

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MY SECOND TRIP TO KUALA LUMPUR

Sorry for not updating for a while. As usual, I'm blogging based on diary style. I just copied them from my Note Book diary.

December 22, 2010
I just arrived in Malaysia safe and sound by train. Was my first ever ride on a train. It was a long trip which isn't stressful comparing to bus. The train provides pillows, blankets and they have sleepers or berth for the passengers to sleep on. On my way to Malaysia, met fellow traveler from USA. He's at his age travelling alone and he's been coming back to Southeast Asia. I learned so many things about his travels which is a helpful one for me.
The weather in Malaysia is a bit cooler because of its frequent rains. Right on my arrivals in Kuala Lumpur, I immediately went to the place of a Malaysian girls who happens to be the friends of my friend too. I was hesitant at first because they were all girls and its my first meeting to these good Samaritans.

Train station in Bangkok.




My ticket going to Butterworth Malaysia.




Inside the train.




Sleepers or berth of the train.



December 23, 2010
Went to Poles embassy and was a bit disappointed. Didn't know that're close by Thursday. I might have forgotten the sked. After knowing the short cut going to the embassy, just realized that I could go around KL by on foot. Reached and found my way to Petronas tower by walking from Polish embassy. It wasn't that far but enough for me to be soaked with so much "pawis". Decided to go back to the apartment of the Malaysian ladies because I was kindda tired of walking around, looking some tourist places to click on.


December 24, 2010
Went back to the embassy again but the man in charge was so strict and sort of conceited. Was praying that it'd be my last day of applying my visa. Left the embassy with my head down filled with anger and desperation. Thought there'd be no problem at all, much to my expectations I failed. That night, the song "He Leadeth Me, medley" and "When Answers Aren't Enough" were the only tools that I used as my medicine to ease the pain I had, it was really soothing hearing those wonderful songs.




December 25, 2010
Christmas day so as Sabbath, but the pain is still there. Had a fellowship with the Malaysians and other nationalities in the church. Joined their community service by visiting those abandoned old folks by their children.

GENTING HIGHLANDS - MALAYSIA

Genting Highlands in Malaysia is a resort and recreational located up in a mountainous area of Kuala Lumpur.
I'd no idea that there's such a thing about this resort along the outskirt of the capital city, till I met fellow Filipinos in Kuala Lumpur suggested me to visit this place before I left Malaysia.
The resort doesn't only provides recreational for kids and family, but it has hotels and casinos to those who love to stay and be rejuvenated of the crispy cooling weather.
The place is just one hour away from the capital city by bus. There are ticketing offices around Kuala Lumpur for local visitors and foreigners wish to enjoy their stay in the country.
When I went there it was a bad timing I guess. The weather wasn't that favorable that time. It kept on raining so as the highlands was covered with fog and it was freezing that I didn't even bring any jackets to keep me warm. I couldn't see much of the magnificent views so as some of the rides were closed because of the bad weather.
There are two ways of getting up to the resort itself by bus directly drive you up and a skyway cable car that is so fast and that will take 30 minutes, imagine the distance of the hilltop city is 4 km. down to the bus station. I was shaking when I got off alone and the skyway cable started to fly up over the thick forest of the area.
Genting Highland is a hilltop city with its magnificent view overlooking the breathtaking views of Malaysia with its preserve forest.

A welcome sign for visitors.



Skyway cable going up to the resort.(source:http://www.destination360.com/asia/malaysia/genting-highlands)



Skyway cable car station.



Signs and guides..


Italian inspired sculpture at the hotel.


Pathway going to the theme park.


Lobby of the hotel.


At the theme park area.



One of the fine restaurants in Genting.



Vietnamese resto.



A Venice inspired canal.




A bus station in front of the colorful hotel.



Views that you'll see down of Genting resort.

KUALA LUMPUR-MALAYSIA TRIP

Sorry for not writing a couple of days, been hectic of thinking what to do. Yeah, thinking what to do really keeps me busy and giving me a lot of stress.
Just giving you a tidbits story about what was and what is going on around me lately, and recently.
Since I became a member of Couch Surfing site,(thanks to fella blogger James) a community site for backpackers who wish to meet fellow travelers around the sphere and ask for a place to stay by freely while on travels and so on and so forth,etc that get me addicted.
Well, I began to join last November and so I am a kindda of new and neophyte of sort - browsing what's going on around and what is it all about.
Just realized that its about hosting a place or surfing around with people that you like to be with while on trip. Hmmm, since its about traveling and meeting other people from different countries that ignited my interest.
So,I decided to host with the permission of my pal Joeper(thanks Joep). The first traveler who stayed with us was from Indonesia who travels around neighboring countries of Thailand. I learned about his story of traveling to Cambodia which I long before(think of Ankhur Wat).
He stayed with us a short of time and I was his constant companion going around of Bangkok.
Before he left Thailand, I was on call to visit Kuala Lumpur Malaysia for a business trip(was it the right term?). Was pretty excited when I got a message from the owner of the school that I'm applying for a teaching job in Europe to fly to Malaysia to work out on my visa there.
I flew in Saturday evening by bus without any preparations what to do and what should I was going to bring of course aside from the requirements that needed but you see, I didn't even have the chance of asking people I know about the "where, how, what".
In short, I made my way to Malaysia by bus. It was a very exciting trip because another country on the list. On my way to Malaysia, I saw the beautiful nature of the countryside and its spirit of saving the trees.
I reached Kuala Lumpur 9 in the evening and slept in Sengalore another neighboring city of KL. Good heaven that I have a friend back in College days working in Malaysia so as it wasn't hard for me where to stay.
Seeing the pride and symbols of Malaysia's power and its strength the Petronas tower truly gave me the signal of I've been to Malaysia.
Going around the capital city wasn't hard since the people there really speaks the English language. I appreciated Malaysia because they tried to maintain the cleanliness around them, obeying the traffic rules, preserving trees and getting the business up as one of Asia's progressive countries.
Well, I am letting my pictures to speak now, so much blah blah and blah and in case, just in case it will also give you birds eye view where to and the tourist spots in KL.

A Hindu girl at the temple..



Bride and a groom on Hindu traditional wedding.



Long stairs way up to the cave.




At Batu Cave, a haven of the Hindus in Malaysia.




My dear friend Rolly Bantan at his work place in Sengalore Malaysia.




One of the public transportations in Kuala Lumpur - Monorail.




Another pic of me with the Petronas tower





Me standing small in front of the tower.





The tallest twin towers in the world, Petronas tower and the symbols of power as well.




Clean and beautiful scenery of Malaysia.




Among the beautiful nature that you'll along the way to Kuala Lumpur.




Malaysian Kid that I played on the bus.




The bus that I boarded going to Malaysia.