Bandar Seri Begawan
Travel to Brunei April 18th, 2010
If you’re expecting some kind of lavish mini-Dubai, think again – Brunei may fancy itself as an oil state, but there’s no nouveau-riche ostentation here, and the country’s capital is as polite and unassuming as its people, wearing its wealth almost prosaically in places. The most interesting buildings in the quiet centre, eg the main mosque and the bigger shopping malls, certainly reflect the expenditure put into them, but without much sense of flashiness, and on the whole there’s little to distinguish BSB, as it’s usually known, from any medium-sized city in Malaysia. You’ll have to head to the suburbs to start to see the stupendous riches at play here.
For most visitors, BSB forms the entirety of their experience of Brunei, and while there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a couple of days, the city itself is unlikely to inspire any great devotion. However, if you take the time to relax and talk to the locals, you may find you start to understand what makes this modest metropolis tick.
Dragon Boat Racing
Travel to Malaysia April 18th, 2010
History of Dragon Boat Racing
On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month every year, Chinese communities worldwide celebrate the Duanwu Jie festival, which commemorates the death of the Chinese patriot / poet Qu Yuan. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month every year, the Chinese people all over the world celebrate the festival Peh Jie, which commemorates the death of Chinese patriot / poet Qu Yuan.
As a rival of his home state conquered kingdom, Qu Yuan committed suicide, drowning himself in Miluo the river on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. As a country conquered the kingdom of his rivals, Qu Yuan committed suicide, drowning himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.
His countrymen paddled swiftly out to the middle of the river to retrieve his body, while others threw packets of rice in the water to distract the fish from eating the poet’s body. Nation quickly rowed to the middle of a river to retrieve his body, while others throw in a packet of rice in water to distract the fish from eating the poet’s body.
These two acts, it is said, are the origin of the festival’s two main preoccupations – the glutinous rice dumplings known as zongzi, and the dragon boat races. Both actions, it is said, is the origin of the festival two main preoccupations – glutinous rice dumplings known as zongzi, and dragon boat races.
Dragon Boat Racing In Modern Times Dragon Boat Racing In Modern Times
Dragon boat racing, despite its roots in ancient tradition, are as exciting a sport as they come. Dragon boat racing, although its roots in ancient traditions, is as interesting sport when they came. Two or more boats Compete against each other in heats spanning distances of about 1 1 / 4 Mile (2000 meters) or less. Two or more boats compete each other in the distance runs heating about 1 1 / 4 miles (2000 meters) or less.
The boats conform to traditional designs, and are extremely eye-catching. Boat according to the traditional design, and very eye-catching. Each boat is mounted with a dragon’s head and tail, finely carved to meet the traditional Chinese dragon appearance (in case you did not know, a Chinese dragon has an ox’s head, a deer’s Antlers, a horse’s mane, and a fish’s tail) . Each ship is mounted with dragon heads and tails, finely crafted to meet the appearance of a traditional Chinese dragon (in case you do not know, the Chinese dragon who has a cow’s head, deer horns, mane and tail fish).
Each boat is crewed by up-to twenty paddlers, facing the front of the boat (as opposed to Western rowing sports, where the rower faces the rear). Each ship crewed to twenty paddlers, facing the front of the ship (as opposed to the Western rowing, where the rower faces the back). A drummer sits in front of the boat, facing the rowers, dictating the rhythm for the row team. A drummer sits in front of the boat, facing the rowers, dictating the rhythm for the team’s line. A sweep, or tiller, sits aft, steering the boat. A sweep, or steering wheel, sitting in the back, steering the boat.
Strength and endurance are necessary, but not sufficient, for success. Strength and endurance are necessary, but not sufficient, for success. Dragon boat racing, as a sport, teamwork demands the closest possible from teams that want to get through the finishing line first. Dragon boat racing, a sport, teamwork requires the closest possible of the teams who want to pass the first finish line.
Dragon Boat Racing in Penang, Malaysia Dragon Boat Racing in Penang, Malaysia
In Penang, Malaysia, the dragon boat races are especially famous. In Penang, Malaysia, dragon boat racing is very popular. The region’s first dragon boat race was held here in 1956, on the occasion of the 100th founding anniversary of Georgetown. Region’s first dragon boat race held here in 1956, on the occasion of anniversary of the founding of Georgetown 100.
Initially, the races were open to Malaysian teams only. Initially, the race is only open to Malaysian team. Overseas participation was allowed in 1979, attracting contestants from Hong Kong and Singapore. Foreign participation was allowed in 1979, drawing contestants from Hong Kong and Singapore.
Today, the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival attracts contestants from around the globe, including teams from Europe and the USA. Today, the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival invites participants from all over the world, including teams from Europe and the United States. Any group affiliated with the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) may join. Each group is affiliated with the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) can join. 62 countries are represented in the IDBF. 62 countries represented in the IDBF.
A Safer, Safer A Controlled Environment, Controlled Environment
The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival takes place at the Bay of Heat Dam, Penang, from May 23 to 24. Penang International Dragon Boat Festival held in the Gulf Endang Dam, Penang, from 23-24 Mei. In two days, a number of races are staged, including races For men, women, and mixed teams. In two days, a number of races staged, including races for men, women, and mixed teams.
Teams come from all over, with some teams Representing local government offices, fraternal associations, and corporations. The team came from all directions, with some local teams representing the government offices, fraternal associations, and companies. The local teams bring along the most enthusiastic fans, cheering at the top of their voices for their favorites to win. Local team brought the most enthusiastic fans, cheering at the top of their voices for their favorite to win.
The reservoir at the Bay of Heat Dam has served as the Dragon Boat Festival’s venue since 2002, as it provides a safer, more controlled environment than the Seafront venue used from the beginning of the race. Dam Reservoir in the Gulf have served as Endang Dragon Boat Festival where since 2002, as it provides a safer, more controlled environment of the seafront used from the beginning of the race.
The view, too, is top-notch, as punters get to see the race against the green hills of the Penang countryside. This view, too, is a leading, as the visitors could see the race against the green hills of rural Penang.
For more information on the event, infoccwc@yahoo.com email or go to their website: International Dragon Boat Festival For more information about the event, infoccwc@yahoo.com email or go to their website: International Dragon Boat Festival
Getting to Penang … and Staying There Getting to Penang … and Stay There
Bayan Lepas International Airport serves travelers flying in to Penang. Bayan Lepas International Airport serves travelers flying to Penang. The airport is serviced by local carriers Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly, with daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and regular international flights from hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore. The airport is served by a local operator Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and, with daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and regular flights from international hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Bayan Lepas is a twenty-minute drive from Georgetown. Bayan Lepas is a twenty-minute drive from Georgetown.
Philippine Fiestas
Travel to Philipnes April 18th, 2010
Philippine Fiestas
Feast Days for the Whole Community Day Celebration for the Whole Community
Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate a patron saint (the Philippines is the only majority-Christian country in Southeast Asia) or to mark the passage of the seasons, depending on which part of the country you’re in. The sole exception is Christmas, where the whole country breaks out in celebrations that can begin long before December. Fiestas in the Philippines was held to celebrate the patron saint (the Philippines is the only majority-Christian countries in Southeast Asia) or to mark the passing of the seasons, depending on what part of the country you are in. The only exception is Christmas, in which the entire country erupted in celebration that can be started well before December.
The Roots of Philippine fiestas go back even further – back to before the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the 1500s. Philippine fiestas roots go back even further – back to before the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the 1500s. In the old animistic culture, regular ritual offerings were made to placate the gods, and these offerings evolved into the fiestas we know today. In the old animistic cultures, ritual offerings usually done to calm the gods, and this offer fiestas evolved into what we know today. A wonderful fiesta season means good luck for the rest of the year. A wonderful party season means good luck throughout the year.
For individual Filipinos, fiestas can be a way of supplicating the heavens or to make amends for past wrongs. For each of the Philippines, fiestas can be a way to invoke the sky or make atone for past mistakes. In one place, Lash penitents themselves with whips; in another, childless women dance on The Streets hoping for the blessing of a child. In one place, penitents whipped themselves with whips; on the other, have a girl dancing in the streets hoping for the blessing of a child.
Every town and city in the Philippines has a fiesta of its own; whatever time of the year it is, there’s sure to be a fiesta going on somewhere! Every city and town in the Philippines have their own fiesta; nothing during the year, there will certainly be a party going on somewhere!
Feast of the Black Nazarene Feast of the Black Nazarene
Quiapo, Manila Quiapo, Manila
January 9 January 9
The Black Nazarene is an antique hand-carved statue of Jesus Christ, which is brought out to The Streets of Manila’s Quiapo district to lead a huge procession of thousands of barefoot penitents, all around the rolling Massing statue yelling “Viva Señor!” The Black Nazarene is an antique hand carved statue of Jesus Christ, who brought out into the streets of Quiapo district of Manila to lead a large procession of thousands of barefoot penitents, all gathered around a statue of a revolving shout “Viva Señor!”
Penitents believe that touching the statue will grant one a miracle in one’s life; stories have been heard of diseases Healed and personal problems solved Blackened after touching the statue. Sinner believe that touching the statue will provide a miracle in someone’s life; story has been heard about heal diseases and personal problems solved after touching the statue turned black.
The carving is black, legend says, because the ship that brought it caught fire along the way; despite its charred state, it is a prized icons for Manila’s faithful. Carving is black, legend says, because the ship that took him on fire along the road; regardless of the situation sunk, it is a valuable icon for Manila faithful.
Atihan Festival Ati-Ati-Atihan Festival
Kalibo, Aklan Kalibo, Aklan
January 13-19 13-19 Januari
The Ati-Atihan Festival honors the “Santo Niño”, or Christ Child, but Draws its roots from much older traditions. The Ati-Atihan Festival respect “Santo Niño”, or Christ Child, but pulled the roots of traditions much older. Festival participants wear Blackface and tribal clothing to imitate the Aboriginal “Ati” tribespeople who welcomed a group of Malay datus fleeing Borneo in the 13th century. Participants Blackface festivals and tribal dress to imitate the original “Ati” tribespeople who welcomed a group of malay datus fled Borneo in the 13th century.
The festival has evolved to become a Mardi Gras-like explosion of activity – three days of parades and general merrymaking that culminate in a large procession. Festival has evolved into a Mardi Gras-like explosion of activity – three days of parades and general revelry that ends in a big procession. Novena Masses for the Christ Child give way to The Streets drumbeats and throbbing with dancing townsfolk. Novena masses for the Baby Jesus give way to the streets pulsed with drumbeats and dancing townsfolk.
On the last day, different “tribes” played by townsfolk in Blackface and elaborate costumes take to The Streets, competing for prize money and year-long glory. On the last day, the various “tribes” who played by the citizens in Blackface and elaborate costumes took to the streets, competing for prize money and glory for one year. The festival ends with a masquerade ball. Festival ends with the ball incognito.
Other festivals in the Philippines, like the Sinulog in Cebu and Dinagyang in Iloilo, are directly inspired by the Ati-Atihan. Other festivals in the Philippines, such as the Sinulog in Cebu and the Dinagyang in Iloilo, directly inspired by the Ati-Atihan.
Sinulog Festival Sinulog Festival
Cebu City Cebu City
January 18-19 18-19 Januari
Like the Ati-atihan, the Sinulog Festival is another Catholic festival honoring the Christ Child (Santo Niño), with deeper pagan roots. Like Ati-atihan, the Sinulog Festival is a festival of another Catholic honor Christ Child (Santo Niño), with pagan roots deeper. The feast Draws its origin from an image of the Santo Niño gifted by Ferdinand Magellan to the recently-baptized queen of Cebu. The party took origin from an image of the Santo Niño gifted by Ferdinand Magellan to the newly-baptized the queen of Cebu. The image was re-discovered by a Spanish soldier Amidst the ashes of a burning settlement. The picture was re-discovered by a Spanish soldier in the middle of a burning ash solution.
The feast begins with an early morning fluvial procession marking the arrival of the Spaniards and Catholicism. The party begins with the morning fluvial procession marks the arrival of the Spanish and Catholic. The procession follows after a Mass.; “Sinulog” refers to the dance performed by the participants in the big procession – two steps forward, one step back, it’s said to resemble the movements of the river current. The procession follows after the Mass; “Sinulog” refers to the dance performed by a large procession participants – two steps forward, one step back, say like stream movement.
Participants dance to the beat of drums, shouting “Pit Señor! Viva Sto. Niño!” Participants dance to the beat of drums, shouting “Pit Señor! Viva Sto. Niño!” as they move along the procession. as they move along the procession.
Moriones Festival Moriones Festival
Marinduque Marinduque
April 6-12 (2009; moveable feast) April 6-12 (2009; moveable feast)
The province of Marinduque celebrates Lent with a colorful festival, commemorating the Roman soldiers who helped crucify Christ. Marinduque Province of Lent celebrated with a colorful festival commemorating the Roman soldier who helped to crucify Christ. The celebrations begin on Holy Thursday, and end on Easter Sunday. Holy celebration begins on Monday, and ends on Easter Sunday.
Townsfolk wear masks patterned after Roman soldiers, taking part in a masquerade dramatizing the search for a Roman centurion who converted after Christ’s blood Healed his blind eye. City residents wear masks patterned after the Roman army, took part in the dramatic posing for a Roman officer who converted after the blood of Christ healing a blind eye.
The festivities coincide with the reading and dramatization of the Passion of Christ, re-enacted in different Towns throughout Marinduque. Coinciding with the celebration of reading and dramatization of the Passion of Christ, applied again in different cities throughout Marinduque. Penitents can be seen whipping themselves in Atonement for this year’s sins. Sinners can be seen whipping himself in atonement for the sins of this year.
Panagbenga (Baguio Flower Festival) Panagbenga (Baguio Flower Festival)
Baguio City Baguio City
February 1-March 8 (2009) February 1 to March 8 (2009)
The mountain city of Baguio celebrates its flower season with – what else? Mountain town of Baguio celebrates spring with – what else? – A flower fiesta! – Flowers fiesta! Every February, the city holds a parade with floral floats, tribal festivities, and street parties, with the scent of flowers creating a unique signature for this equally-unique celebration. Each February, the city holds a parade with a floating interest rate, interest parties, and street party, with the scent of flowers create a unique signature as this unique celebration.
The word “panagbenga” is Kankana-ey for “blooming season”. The word “panagbenga” is Kankana-ey to “blossom season”. Baguio is the Philippines’ Foremost center for flowers, so it’s only appropriate that the city’s biggest festival centers around its chief export. Baguio Philippines is the ‘main center of interest, so that only appropriate that the largest city centers around the main festival of exports. Other festivities include a beauty Baguio Flower Pageant, concerts at the local SM Mall, and other exhibits sponsored by the local government and foreign sponsors. Other festivities include a beauty contest Baguio Flower, concerts in the local SM Mall, and exhibitions sponsored by the local government and foreign sponsors.
Lenten Rites Rites Maleldo bargaining Maleldo
San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga
April 6-12 (2009; moveable feast) April 6-12 (2009; moveable feast)
Maleldo is best described as Extreme Lent: San Pedro Cutud village in Pampanga celebrates what is perhaps the bloodiest Good Friday spectacle in the world, as penitents flagellate themselves with whips and burillo literally have themselves nailed to crosses. Maleldo best described as Extreme Lent: San Pedro Cutud village in Pampanga to celebrate what is perhaps the most bloody Friday spectacle in the world, as a sinner violates burillo themselves with whips and have literally nailed to the cross.
The tradition began in the 1960s, as Locals volunteered to have themselves Crucified to seek God’s forgiveness or blessings. The tradition began in the 1960s, as local residents volunteered to have himself crucified to seek God’s forgiveness or blessing. Many more followed, with hundreds making the “panata” (vow) over the years. Many more followed, with hundreds making “panata” (oath) for many years. Today, both men and women undergo the excruciating ritual. Today, both men and women undergo the ritual torture.
Location: Kuala Selangor, West Malaysia Location: Kuala Selangor, West Malaysia
Entrance Fee: $ 1.15 (RM4) per adult, $ 0.29 (RM1) per child (7-16) years of age. Entrance Fee: $ 1.15 (RM4) per adult, $ 0.29 (RM1) per child (7-16) years.
The Kuala Selangor Nature Park is a mangrove wetland, an ecological oasis, covering over 800 acres of Inland secondary forests, Muddy Estuaries and mudflats abutting the sea and a 25-acre lake brackish wetland that showcases animals. Kuala Selangor Nature Park is a mangrove wetlands, an ecological oasis covers more than 800 hectares of secondary jungle outback, muddy estuaries and mudflats abutting the sea and the 25-acre brackish wetlands of the lake that displays animals.
The diversity of habitats within the park also harbors a diverse collection of wildlife. The diversity of habitats within the park also harbor diverse collection of wildlife.
Less than two hours from Kuala Lumpur, you’ll be able to see Brahminy kites, Fiddler crabs, mudskippers, silvered langurs, banded archer-fish, and Wading Herons and egrets in their native habitat, doing what comes naturally. Less than two hours from Kuala Lumpur, you will be able to see the Brahminy kites, fiddler crabs, mudskippers, silvered langurs, banded archer-fish, and wading heron and egrets in their natural habitat, doing what comes naturally.
The park is also an important Stopover for Migratory birds flying in from as far as Siberia away. Park is also an important stopover for migratory birds flying from as far away as Siberia.
With all this packed biodiversity within its borders, the park serves as a great nature education site, its visitors with leaving a greater appreciation for mangroves and the need to Conserve Malaysia’s unique wetland flora and fauna. With all this biodiversity is packaged within its borders, the park serves as a place of great natural education, so the visitors with a greater appreciation for the need to preserve the mangroves and wetlands malaysia unique flora and fauna.
The Park is managed by the Malaysian Nature Society with support from the Selangor State Government. The park is managed by Malaysian Nature Society with the support of the Selangor State Government.
Three Types of Habitat Three Types of Habitat
Mangroves and mudflats, secondary forests and a brackish lake form the three dominant types of habitats, each with their own unique properties. Mangroves and mudflats, secondary forest and a brackish water lake formed three dominant types of habitats, each with unique characteristics of their own.
Mangrove trees have evolved to thrive in the saltwater Muck, and also serve for habitats as a number of sea creatures. Mangrove trees has evolved to grow in the mud, salt water, and also serves as a habitat for several marine creatures. Crabs, molluscs and inhabit these mudskippers areas, emerging at tide to low forage for food. Crabs, molluscs and mudskippers inhabit this region, appears at low tide looking for food.
The park’s 450 acres of secondary forests are full of strangler figs and climbers. Park’s 450 hectares of secondary forest filled with strangler figs and climbers. The park’s forest trails help visitors come face to face with snakes, songbirds and lizards. Forest park trails to help visitors deal with snakes, and lizards singer.
The park’s brackish lake is bordered by a path and three wildlife observation towers – these offer a great way to Socialize with other visitors, seek refuge from the sun, and see wetland birds up close. Park’s brackish lake is bordered by roads and three observation towers wildlife – this offers a great way to socialize with other visitors, seeking protection from the sun, and watch the birds near wetlands.
The lake is also bordered by a “bund”, a manmade Embankment to keep water in the lake levels suitable for birds to feed and Roost. The lake is also limited by the “bund”, an artificial embankment to keep the water levels in lakes that are suitable for birds to feed and roost.
The Visitors “Center is open seven days a Week, including public holidays, from 9 am to 6 pm. Visitors’ Center open seven days a week, including public holidays, 9-6. You’ll start Your jaunt around the park right here, where you’ll pick up tickets, drinks, souvenir and vital information on the park. You’ll start cruising around the park here, where you will take tickets, drinks, souvenirs, and important information on the park.
How to get there How to get there
Travelers can get to Kuala Selangor by a number of ways: Travelers can get to Kuala Selangor by a number of ways:
* Visitors can make their way to Kuala Selangor by taking bus No. 141 in front of the main bus terminal, Puduraya Bus Station, in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can travel to Kuala Selangor to take the bus No. 141 in front of the main bus terminal, Puduraya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.
* Drive from Kuala Lumpur via Sungai Buloh (Route 54) or take the North-South highway and exit at the Sungai Buloh signboard and follow the signs to Kuala Selangor. Drive from Kuala Lumpur via Sungai Buloh (Route 54) or take the road North-South highway and exit at the Sungai Buloh signboard and follow the signs to Kuala Selangor. Or travel to Rawang (Route E1) and head west overhang to Trunk (B33 Route) and then proceed to Kuala Selangor. Or travel to Rawang (Route E1) and head west to stem overhang (Route B33) and then proceed to Kuala Selangor. An alternative is to go straight to Klang and go north on Route 5. Alternative is to go directly to the Klang and go north on Route 5.
* Kampung Kuantan (Firefly watching) is only a 15 minute drive from town; turn left off Route 5 to Route 33 and watch for the blue-Twinkle Twinkle signs. Kampung Kuantan (watching fireflies) are only 15 minutes drive from the city, turn left from Route 5 to Route 33 and watch for the blue flickering signs.
What To Bring What To Bring
When going to the nature park, it pays to come prepared. When he went to the natural park, it pays to come prepared. Here’s a short list of items to pack when planning a trip here: Here’s a short list of items to pack when planning a trip in here:
* Birdwatching equipment (binoculars, Scopes) Birdwatching equipment (binoculars, binoculars)
* Camera equipment (tripods, filters) camera equipment (tripods, filters)
* Long-sleeved shirts for protection is a long-sleeved shirts for protection
* Wear a hat or cap to block out the sun Wearing a hat or cap to block the sun
* Mosquito spray for walking trails a must mosquito spray for walking trails to be
* Wear shoes that can get Muddy, bring extra pair for the ride home Wear shoes that can get muddy, bring an extra pair for the ride home
* Plenty of water and energy snacks for trail walks and bird hides lot of water and energy snacks for trail walks and bird hides
* Guide books to identify birds, butterflies, mammals and reptiles handbook to identify birds, butterflies, mammals and reptiles,
* Patience in The hot sun to wait out wildlife for that perfect shot Patience under the hot sun to wait for wildlife to shoot a perfect
Bangar
Travel to Brunei April 12th, 2010
Bangar is a quiet little town on the banks of Sungai Temburong. Despite being barely three blocks across, it’s the district center and has the only convenient facilities this side of Sarawak, plus a road bridge that makes a perfect spot for sunset.
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The speedboat trip from BSB is a highlight in itself, roaring down Sungai Brunei and slapping through the open sea of Brunei Bay, then tilting and weaving through the dense mangroves into the mouth of Sungai Temburong. Stinking can be visited as a day trip if you catch an early boat, but you’ll get more out of it if you stay over and explore the area more thoroughly.
bangar handy tourist office (522 1439;13-14 People’s Store; 8am-noon & 1:30-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 8am-noon Sun) is in the wooden shop complex opposite the youth hostel. Ask here and around town for transport to local attractions, or to see if you can arrange a stay at one of the Iban longhouses in the area.
From rotten you can travel overland to Sarawak, either west or east to Limbang to Lawas. The immigration office (6AM-10pm) is a few kilometres west of stinking on the way to Limbang.
