Bon Odori Festival in Malaysia

Background: Bon Odori refers to a Japanese traditional dance, associated with the celebration of the remembrance and appreciation towards the ancestors, in relation to Buddhism-Confucianism. 

In Malaysia, the celebration focuses more on Japanese culture and less on the religion. Held in the summer, some time in mid-July, Bon Odori festivals would be held in Selangor and Penang. Some said the same are also held in Johor Bharu and Sabah.

Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)

Johor Premium Outlets, or JPO in short, is one of the latest shopping attractions in Malaysia. This is an avenue for people to shop for branded items at relatively cheaper prices. Located in Kulai, within the state of Johor, it's deemed to attract both locals and tourists from the neighbouring country of Singapore. 

Pulai Springs Resort

The Place 

Pulai Springs Resort is located at the foothill of Mount Pulai in Johor. A place with 5-star facilities, the patrons are here for recreation and events, most of the time golf and maybe some seminars or courses. 
As for me, I was here for a wedding reception. Anyhow, my family first discovered it during their journey to send my brother off to UTM Skudai, which is just next door. Nowadays, there's the Johor Premium Outlet (JPO) and Legoland which are not far off to add to the reason to spend your weekend here. 

Bukit Tabur (West Side)

Background: Bukit Tabur is part of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge located within the area of Taman Melawati, Selangor/Kuala Lumpur. Some may call it Bukit Tabuh, some Bukit Hangus, though I haven't met with any that referred to the latter. 

The entrance to the hiking trails are near the Klang Gate Dam. There are two tracks (that I know of) around Bukit Tabur. This post will cover the hike entrance from the western side.  

Gunung Datuk

Background: Gunung Datuk (or Gunung Dato') is part of the Hutan Lipur Gunung Datuk (forest) in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. 

The summit is at 2,900 feet above sea level, with hiking difficulty at upper intermediate level. The terrains were similar to those at Kinabalu, at least a quarter part of it so for folks who are practicing to climb Malaysia's highest peak, you should find some time to come here. 

Grand Dorsett Subang Hotel

The Place 

Formerly known as Sheraton Subang, the hotel was recently taken over by the Grand Dorsett group. Hence the renaming to Grand Dorsett Subang Hotel. This is a 5-star hotel, targeted mostly at business travellers who appreciate style and quality service. 

Fraser Place KL

The Place 
Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur is a part of the Frasers Hospitality group. Previously, it's an office building (Lot 163) and a serviced residence building within the same compound. Currently there are construction work in progress to convert the offices into more service apartments. Some units are occupied by permanent residents, but it's open for temporary stay booking.

Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort

The Place 

Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort is situated along the beautiful beach of Teluk Chempedak, Kuantan, Pahang. Overlooking the South China Sea, this is one of the high-end accommodation options available at one of the most popular beaches in the state. From an outside front view, the hotel may not give so much of a striking pose (it's kinda dark I think, totally my opinion only). Just give yourself a chance to experience the facilities offered while enjoying the scenic view and you'll probably gonna love your stay there. 

Bukit Gasing

Background: Bukit Gasing forest park is a greenery haven in the middle of Klang Valley. It encompasses a 100-hectare area that borders Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur on one side and and Petaling Jaya, Selangor on the other. The strategic location enables the city folks to escape the bustling urban jungle and turn to some natural therapy.

Patrioting Around KL

I had a very enriching experience today, and I feel compelled to share it with fellow Malaysians, at the very least. Me, my brother and my colleagues signed up for the Cabaran Pahlawan (a.k.a. Pahlawan Treasure Hunt) in conjunction of Malaysia's Hari Pahlawan (Warriors' Day). As reflected in the title of the event, the whole program of the day revolved around Angkatan Tentera Malaysia. 

A Day at KLCC

Travel the whole world I may be, yet my heart remains fond of the place I call home (or in this case, office). Folks, let's explore the potentially fascinating Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). 

Sunway Lagoon

Background: Sunway Lagoon is one of the biggest theme parks in Malaysia, housing 5 theme parks within the same location. These parks are the Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Scream Park and Extreme Park. The most common ticket offer combines Water Park, Amusement Park and Wildlife Park in a single day entry. The other is for all 5 parks within a single day entry. There's also individual park entry but this is not so economical since you can cover more attractions in a day by paying a slightly higher amount of RM. 

Skytrekking at Taman Pertanian Malaysia

Background: 'Skytrekking' is an outdoor activity that takes a person travelling from tree to tree while overcoming aerial obstacles. These obstacles are suspended at various heights, and some could be reaching more than 20 metres off the ground. The difficulty in crossing each obstacle varies according to the trails prepared. SkyTrex Adventure is the name of the company that runs this activity, based at Taman Pertanian Malaysia, Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor.

Note: There could be many people wanting to do the skytrekking so it's best that you check out the website and make the online booking. You can also choose the timeslot that you prefer.

Bagan Lalang

Background: Bagan Lalang is a fishing village situated in Sungai Pelek, Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. It offers magnificent sunset view at the beach on a calm relaxed evening, and fresh local seafood cuisine. Thanks to the opening of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the Sepang International Circuit in the recent years, access to Bagan Lalang has since been easier. It is therefore receiving more and more out-of-towners over the weekend or short holidays. 

How to get there: The nearest landmark to the beach is Hotel Seri Malaysia Bagan Lalang, hence the choice of map as shown below. Once reaching the hotel, you are not far off to the beach area. There are plenty of signs indicating the directions to the beach or the Sepang Gold Coast. At a minimum, the crowds and many cars parked alongside the small roads will affirm that you are at the right place. 

This map is for sharing purpose

Broga Hill

Background: Widely known as Bukit Broga (Broga Hill) in the recent years, Bukit Lalang is situated in the area of Broga, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan. 

Standing at 400 metres above sea level, Broga Hill offers an alternative scenery to the normal forest hikes. True to its name, the fields are filled with lallangs all over up till the third hilltop. The sceneries are beautiful regardless of the weather conditions and it's no wonder that 'Broga' entices many professional as well as aspiring photographers.