Hari Merdeka - Malaysia's Independence Day

Today, August 31st, is Malaysia's National Day. Also Hari Kebangsaan, Hari Merdeka or Independence Day. I wish all Malaysians, local and around the world a Happy 52nd Merdeka Day. Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Picture courtesy of 3ff.com.

Our National Flag or Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory)

This year, the theme is 1Malaysia - Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian DiUtamakan (People First, Performance Now). Our current Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak wishes to unite all races to live harmoniously with mutual respect and work together towards national interest.

As the Bunga Raya (Rosa Sinensis) hibiscus, can be found abundantly everywhere in Malaysia, our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Alhaj declared it our national flower in 1960. The five petals of bunga raya symbolise the Rukunegara, our 5 Principles of Nationhood.

This yellow hibiscus is my entry for Yellow Mellow Monday. For other YMM posts around the world, please click here.

My Second Picture (1Malaysia) is my entry for Monochrome Maniacs. For other MM posts around the world, please click here.

The Secret Garden of 1 Utama

The Secret Garden of 1Utama is located at the rooftop of a 9 storeys building at the 1Utama Shopping Complex. It is opened on weedends only and visiting hours are from 10:00am - 6:00pm. Here is the wonderful part. Visitors are welcome to take as many photographes as they like but smoking is prohibited. Admission is FREE. You just need to register yourself at the entrance. Do wear sunblock and bring along an umbrella or cap as this is an open rooftop concept, visitors may be exposed to the sun and rain.

The view here is breathtaking.

This garden is the brain child of 1Utama director, Datuk Teo Chiang Kok who was concerned about preserving the environment. It was fondly called the secret garden by the few who knew about it because its very existence was not revealed to the public or to most of the shopping centre staff. Previously only accessible through one hidden lift, now it is opened to the public. To read more, click here.

The size of this garden is 30,000 sq ft and it houses 500 species of tropical, sub-tropical, rare and unusual plants. As the brochure says, the soil medium is based on granulated horticultural carbon.

The names of plants and their origins are provided in smal labels at the base of the plants.

The plants in the garden are arranged under several themes such as:

a) Cacti, Succulents & Dry Climate Plants
b) Climbers
c) Accent Plants, Palms, cycads, Giant Aroids, Century Plants, Conifers and Bananas
d) Flowering Trees, Shrubs and Herbs
e) Foliage Plants
f) Temperate and Highland Plants
g) Herbs, Spices & Food Plants

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here. It is really a great place to go for garden and photography enthusiasts.

To view other Scenic Sunday #59 posts around the world, click here.
To view other Weekly Snapshots around the world, click here.
To view other Today's Flowers #55 posts around the world, click here.

Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 7 - Sunset

For more Sky Watch pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site.
Skywatch was created by Dot and put in motion by Tom, who made it a huge success. Now it is hosted by Klaus with the help of Sandy, Ivar, Wren and Fishing Guy.

When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator
........ Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

I love to watch sunsets. I like the way the sky changes colours and hues and the fact that no two sunsets are alike. Every evening the painting on the sky is not the same. A sunset is a fleeting image of beauty, a brief moment in time.

In this picture, I see a light bulb from a lamp post taking the place of the sun and a cloud that looks like a dog or a lion. What do you think the clouds look like?

A New Mosque in Klang

This photo is taken from Bukit Kota hill. The magnificient structure is a new mosque situated along the Klang River at Jalan Pasar. It is called the Masjid Bandar Diraja Klang Utara (North Klang Mosque). Very near to it is the Pasar Jawa markets, The Store shopping complex and Goldcourse Hotel. It is fast becoming Klang's newest landmark and its beautiful design and architecture has attracted quite a lot of attention from photography enthusiasts.

Watery Wednesday # 50 - Putrajaya Lake Cruise

A cruise boat sailing along Putrajaya Lake.

This is my entry for Watery Wednesday. To see what others have posted or to participate, click here.

ABC Wednesday - F is for Floral Fantasy

A hornbill made entirely from flowers.

The rhinocerous hornbill is the State Bird of Sarawak, East Malaysia. Sarawak is also known as the "Land of Hornbills". It is a symbol of strength and courage.

Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 5, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt
For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

My World Tuesday XLVI - MPK Building

This is the Majlis Perbandaran Klang (MPK) Building that houses the Klang Municipal Council.

It is located on the grounds of the Bukit Kota, a hill rich in history in connection with Klang town's early beginings. Behind this building, there is a beautiful garden with stone pathways for visitors to take a leisure stroll around the area. There are benches for you to sit down and relax, perhaps read a book or newspapers. The historical Raja Mahadi Fort is just at the foot of this hill.
One can also enjoy a scenic view of Klang town from up here, looking down to the world below. It overlooks the Jambatan Kota bridge and some of the skyline include Metro Plaza, Coldcourse Hotel and The Store shopping centre.

It is very relaxing when you are up here away from the hustle and bustle of the city.


My World Tuesday is a Meme, strictly non-profit, where we have fun by showing you our world. To see how others view their world or to participate, click here.

Monochrome Weekly - Time Travel

To see other monochrome entries or to participate, click here.

This picture was taken in July 2009 near the entrance to the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, Ipoh, Malaysia. It has been given the ancient treatment, i.e. made to age by 100 - 150 years. How does it look now? Does it look authentic?

This is the original photo. A blogger friend has introduced this to me.

If you wish to try it, do visit wanokoto labs to try it yourself.

Scenic Sunday 58 - Millennium Monument Putrajaya

To see other Scenic Sunday posts, click here.

This is the National Millennium Monument located in Pricinct 2, Putrajaya. It is shaped like an obelisk with etchings depicting important milestones in the nation's history. The monument is constructed from solid metal and metal structures. During a sunny day, it glimmers like 'gold'.

For sight seeing of Putrajaya's landmarks, cruise tours along Putrajaya Lake are available from Cruise Tasik Putrajaya.

My first impression was that it looked like a rocket ready to be launched. Does it also reminds you of the Washington Monument in Washington DC?

To read more about this monument, please visit here.

Flowers Dancing Under The Sky

I think this looks like a fella with open arms,

dancing merrily to earth music from the surroundings and the sky.

Skywatch Friday No 58 - Sunrise

For more Sky Watch pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site.

Skywatch was created by Dot and put in motion by Tom, who made it a huge success. Now it is hosted by Klaus with the help of Sandy, Ivar, Wren and Fishing Guy.

This McDonald's fast food restaurant in Bandar Bukit Tinggi Klang, Malaysia is one place where you can spend your time from sunrise to sunset. Located adjacent to the Petronas petrol service station, it is opened 24 hours. Cheap breakfast is availabe from 4am - 11am and from as low as RM 4.00, you can get a burger and a hot drink. They even provide morning newspapers for your reading pleasure. From 12-3pm, we get to buy a McValue Lunch from RM 5.95 onwards, Monday to Sunday. Not bad, right?

Children can have fun playing in the playground or play area. Students and adults can bring along their laptops and do their homework or office works while waiting for the next appointmnet. Some outlets have wireless access or provide TV screens to watch football games from late at night till the next morning. If you need some provisions like titbits, snacks, or energy drinks, you can buy them at the Petronas convenience store just next door to it.

For drivers in a hurry and for those who do not wish to get out of their car, they can use the drive-thru facility. It is fast and efficient. If you are at home and do not wish to go out, then the McDelivery is just a phone call away, anytime because it is available 24 hours.

This is what we call modern day convenience at an age of instant gratification!

Where The Path Leads

Do not go where the path may lead,

go instead where there is no path and leave a trail

.... Raph Waldo Emerson.

We often dream of travelling the world to look at all the beautiful sights there is on earth. But then, one day we may just realise that all the breathtaking and wonderful places are right here, in our own land after all.

ABC Wednesday ... E is for Eternal and Evergreen

An Eternal Calm Among Evergreens

Picture taken at Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, Ipoh.

Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 5, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt
For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

Wild Flowers in the Field

Earth laughs in flowers .......Ralph Waldo Emerson

The wonderful thing about wildflowers is that it can be very beautiful and you can find them at the most unexpected places. This scenery is taken near a children's playground in Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Klang.

To see how others view the world and to participate, click here.

Monochrome Weekly - Klang Bridge

This is Klang's Jambatan Kota (City Bridge), one of the 2 main bridges that links North Klang with South Klang. The Klang River flows through and separates Klang town into the north and south regions. North Klang is a commercial hub while South Klang is the centre for entertainment, shopping and leisure activities. Besides the government administrative offices, all govenment and private healthcare facilities are also located in South Klang.

This bridge is always jammed with traffic. During peak hours, it is a bumper to bumper crawl. Everyone want's to avoid this jam. The jam is caused by road works in front of the tall building, Metro Plaza. Metro Plaza is the landmark of Klang town. It currently houses the Inland Revenue Board and the CIMB Bank.

Can you see a giant TV screen in front of the flag poles? It is for advertisements.
Can you also see a railway line in front ot the coconut trees?

Click on the picture to see (a) people dining in a 'warong' (mini restaurant) and (b) beautiful lamp posts.

To see more of Monochrome Weekly posts, click HERE.

Putrajaya Seri Wawasan Bridge

Putrajaya is the Federal Administrative Capital of Malaysia. Here is the view of Jambatan Sri Wawasan, Putrajaya (Bridge of Vision) from Princinct 2. This futuristic cable-stayed bridge has a sail ship appearance and is the main link that connects Pricinct 2 on the core island to the residential area of Precinct 8. Pricinct 2 is a mixed development area.

Construction of Putrajaya Bridge started in 1998 and was completed in 2000. The structure has two 53m high pylons at each side and an arch bridge in the centre. This is picture shows one of the pylons. Length of bridge is about 300m.

The lampost in the foreground has a 'Wau' (traditional kite) design.

Skywatch Friday No 57 - Sunset

Today's post is an entry in Skywatch Friday no. 57.
For more information and photos from other skywatchers, please visit HERE .


This is Sekolah Kebangsaan Cina Hin Hua (Hin Hua Chinese Primary School) located in Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Klang. The sun is setting over the football field next to the school hall. What a peaceful and serene scene after all the noise from the evening school closing session.

Usually, it is a very busy time in the evenings when parents come to pick up their kids and as usual there will be a traffic jam near the school. Sometimes there will be the sound of horns blaring by impatient parents who cannot stand other inconsiderate parents blocking the road while waiting for their child. But it is always a joy to see the happy expression of school kids comming out after the bell ring. Yes, school is over!

After all this hustle and bustle, I get to see a beautiful sun set.

A Diversity of Colours

Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 5, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt

For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

Letter D is for: Diversity of Colours

Look Deeper

Click on this photo. Can you see the buttefly?

I didn't see it when I was taking this picture.

I only saw the butterfly when I opened this image using Microsoft Paint.

Sometimes, wonderful things happen just when you least expect it.

Miniature Beauties

This butterfly is only about 2cm in width. It is perched on the leave of my portulaca plant. I need to enlarge it before I can see the beautiful patterns on its wings. I found that it is purple in colour and not grey as I had imagined when it was flying around me flapping its wings and zig-zagging here and there. Usually, I do not bother to take any photographs of them since they looked very ordinary to me anyway. Luckily, I happen to capture this little fella on camera a few days ago. I took time to enlarge it and a nice picture unfolded before my eyes. What a pleasant surprise. It was a very beautiful butterfly!

There are many things in life that we cannot see the beauty right away, hence we do not know how to appreciate it. It takes some close scrutiny or a relook before we realised how much we have missed all along. When we see things from a different perspective, we may find many pleasant surprises.

Dancing Lady Orchid at Floria 2009

This is my favourite orchid at Floria 2009. It's scientific name is yellow oncidium orchid. We also call it the dancing lady orchid. It has multiple blooms of bright yellow flowers with a reddish brown centre. Can you see graceful ladies in yellow gowns dancing to the waltz? Aren't they magical?

Put this orchid hanging from a container, a basket or in a vase, it will surely liven up your homes as well as your business!

Putrajaya Floria 2009

The Putrajaya Floral and Garden Festival, Floria 2009 is on now from 1st - 9th August 2009.
It is organised by the Putrajaya Town Board (Perbadanan Putrajaya). Admission is FREE!

The theme this year is "Celebration of Colours" and the venue is at Waterfront, Precinct 2, Putrajaya. There are so many lovely flowers in full bloom that I had a busy time taking photos of all the flowers, vegetables, fruits, floral arrangements, landscaped theme gardens, orchids and other exotic plants. The are daily seminars, floral exhibitions and also landscape exhibits by private companies and schools.

More than 100,000 people have visited it in the first 2 days of opening. For more information, please visit PPJ .

You may also visit My Nice Garden for more photos and an account of my own experience at Floria 2009.

After Dusk

In line with the night theme for August 2009, this is the view of the sky, just after dusk. Full moon day was yesterday, August 5th. This picture was taken in front of my house on August 3rd.

Mangosteens Are In Season This Month

Where there are durians, there will be mangosteens on sale. Same season. Some people believe that durian is considered a 'warm' food, therefore eating mangosteens help to balance our body by 'cooling' it down.

Sunrise Along Jalan Banting, Klang

Why so little traffic? Are you sure it is Tuesday, a working day?

Well, actually this photo was taken on a Sunday. Many people are still asleep around this time.

Durian Feast

Durians, the king of fruits are in season now. There a durians, durians, and more durians everywhere! Many people here are crazy over durians. Having durian craving lately? Why not try taking durians for lunch today! What to drink? Coconut water! The types of durians available here are Kampong Durian, D24, Tracka, Juiji, D96, Raja Kunyit, Udang Merah, and XO.

Caution:

1. Do not overeat, it is a very uncomfortable feeling.

2. Do not drink alcohol immediately after eating durians - your life may be in danger if you do that.

3. Not recommended for those with diabetes or high cholesterol problem.

The Haze

Today is a cloudy and hazy day. How gloomy!

On the positive side, it makes us more aware of how important it is to do our part on saving Mother Earth. A small effort from each and everyone of us can lead to a big impact on Earth.

Little India of Klang

This is Jalan Tengku Kelana, nicknamed the Little India of Klang.