Train Live Concert in Kuala Lumpur

Train Live Concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is not to be missed if you are a fan as this is the first time the pop band from San Francisco, California will be performing here live in KL on Saturday, 16th June 2012. The venue will be at KL LIVE and the show starts at 8.30pm. This is also part of the "Save Me, San Francisco World Tour". Among the bands well known songs, 'Drops of Jupiter' was a massive hit here as it entered the Hot 100 on March 10, 2001, and spent over a year on the chart (54 weeks) and the song also won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement.

Train Live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Train started their career in 1994 but gained mainstream success with their debut album, Train, which was released in 1998 with the hit "Meet Virginia"Their second album, Drops of Jupiter (2001), brought the band stupendous acknowledgment in a short time of period. The band currently comprises of trio Patrick Monahan (vocals), Jimmy Stafford (guitar, vocals) and Scott Underwood (drums, percussion).

Following the dissolution of his Led Zeppelin cover band, singer Patrick Monahan left his hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania in late 1993. He resettled in California and crossed paths with Rob Hotchkiss, who performed in coffee houses and local clubs. The two shared lead vocals, with Hotchkiss on guitar and harmonica, and Monahan playing percussion, including a modified conga attached to a kick-drum pedal. Hotchkiss had been the lead singer for LA based Apostles. 

Train Live in Manila - Image by Philippines Concerts

After deciding to form a full band, the duo recruited Jimmy Stafford on guitar, Charlie Colin on bass, and Scott Underwood on drums, thus solidifying Train's lineup in 1994. Train attempted to get signed under Columbia Records in 1996, but were rejected. Subsequently, the band decided to release its first self-titled CD independently. By 1997, they were touring nationally, opening concerts for bands such as Barenaked Ladies, Hootie & the Blowfish, Cracker and Counting Crows.

Where to buy Train Concert Tickets?

• Rock Corner: KLCC, The Curve, Subang Parade, One Utama, The Gardens, Mid Valley, The Curve
• Victoria Music Centre: Sg.Wang, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Tropicana City Mall, Amcorp Mall
• The Guitar Store outlets: Cheras, Desa Sri Hartamas, Damansara Perdana, Kepong, Puchong,KL Live

Tickets are also available online at TicketPro Malaysia.
TicketPro Hotline: 03 7880 7999.



Train concert tickets are priced at;

• RM 288 (Tune Talk Zone)
• RM198 (Chill Out Zone)
• RM 128 (Regular)

Venue: KL LIVE, Live Center, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 16th June 2012 (Saturday)
Time: 8.30PM

Stage info for KL LIVE

This concert is also brought to you bu TuneTalk Prepaid and BlackBerry.This is also the first time the band is performing here in Malaysia on their world tour. For the fans, this is your best time to catch the Train Live Concert in Kuala Lumpur.

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Damai Beach Resort in Sarawak

Damai Beach Resort in Sarawak is located at Teluk Bandung which is minutes away from the Rainforest World Music Festival (WRMF). This is also one of the well known accommodations here as the place is one of the pioneer resorts in this part of Kuching. Apart from the WRMF that happens in July, there is also the Sarawak Cultural Village and also the new Damai Central Food Court which is a popular place for locals and tourist. 

Damai Beach

Damai Beach Resort, a 4-star Resort faces the South China Sea on 90 acres of sea frontage and is majestically nestled within the world’s oldest tropical rainforest here in Borneo. The location is also just a 40-minute drive from Kuching the capital city of Sarawak.

Damai Beach Resort entrance

The Resort has 252 spacious rooms and Suites in 2-storey buildings, chalets and ethnically-designed unit spread over its Beach and Hilltop Wings where each room type is specially designed to reflect the rich and diverse ethnic background of Sarawak. The type of rooms available here are;

• Hill View
• Superior Poolside
• Standard Balcony
• Seaview Deluxe
• Chalets 
• Baruk Suites

Lobby and restaurant area at Damai Beach

As for activities around the main resort, there are many one can choose from. One of the popular ones would be the many types of boat and river cruises. Choose from Dolphin Watching, Bako National Park, Satang Island, Firefly watching and even just plain sea fishing. All these can be arranged at the resorts recreational counter. 

For the outdoor or sports fan, the resort has squash courts, table tennis, a fitness center, tennis court and even general cycling. Parents should be happy as this place caters quite a bit to kids. Just as one of the room types caters to children with a well themed kids section in the unit.

Kids room at Damai Beach Resort

For the family of business traveler, you will be spoiled for choices as the resort has quite a number of packages to suit your lifestyle. Even birthdays, weddings and honeymoon packages are created specially for that moment. There is even a business center that caters to MICE groups which can house about 240 pax.

As for me during my stay here in October 2011 with Sarawak Borneo Tours, it was at the Superior Poolside room which was very spacious. Take a look at the pictures below and you will know what I mean. 

Superior Poolside Room interior

Superior Poolside room bathroom

I was also taken to view the Baruk Suites which are the best rooms at the Damai Beach Resort. These units are perched on the hillside with a beautiful view of the South China Sea. More uniquely, these units follow the ethnic Bidayuh tribe war house called 'Baruk'. They are circular and split into two levels with a balcony on the top level. The kitchen and open area is on the lower level. Below are pictures of the Baruk Suites.

Inside the Baruk suite

Baruk Suite at Damai Beach Resort

Bathroom in the Baruk Suites

Cat Feeding Area at the resort

One more highlight is the cats at the resort. You will most likely encounter a number of cats that live at the resort and they have adopted these strays with an open heart. An area before the poolside is dedicated to these felines where there call the 'Cat Feeding Area'.

Damai Beach Resort Address;
Teluk Bandung Santubong
P.O. Box 2870,
93756 Kuching,
Sarawak,Malaysia
Tel: +6082-846999
Fax: +6082-846777
Email: general@damaibeachresort.com
Visit the official website of Damai Beach Resort for more information.

Finally, the unique resort architecture is also modeled on a traditional fishing village and is a very popular holiday destination for locals during weekends. Attractions found around here are the Sarawak Cultural Village, Mount Santubong and the Damai Golf and Country Club just to name a few. For those visiting Sarawak in June, note that there is a Gawai Special Package from the Sarawak Cultural Village. If you are heading to Kuching anytime and want to experience something different out of the city, then this resort will be one of the recommended choices which is the Damai Beach Resort in Sarawak.

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Unduk Ngadau 2012 Winner

Unduk Ngadau 2012 Winner is from Telupid, Sabah. Melinda Louis is also this years Harvest Queen where she beat 40 other contestants at the finals which was held at the KDCA Hall in Penampang, Sabah. Melinda will carry out her role as 'huminodun' and tourism ambassador for Sabah which is part of the title. She also takes home a total of RM68,600 in prizes and cash. Not only that, the title of Tati Topiodo or Miss Natural Beauty was also won by Melinda Louis from Telipid.

The Unduk Ngadau 2012 Contestants were also between the ages of 18 to 24 years old. It was also a surprise that a beauty from Telipud won the title as many did not expect this district to win. For the record, I did not manage to attend this years Harvest Queen Festival due to a broken leg therefore the main photo credit goes to JD Floyd Pictures from Sabah. 

Below are the 2012 Unduk Ngadau Winners;

• Melinda Louis from Telupid (WINNER)
• Fenney Doimis from Kota Kinabalu (KK)
• Meryl Foster Paladius from Tambunan
• Vanessa Samantha Manih from Tanjung Aru
• Samantha Sharon C.E. Laujang from Penampang
• Milviana Madrigal from Kota Belud
• Raemma Justim from Tuaran

Unduk Ngadau 2012 Winners - Photo Credit to David Aramaitii

A total of 41 contestants from all over Sabah went on stage at Hongkod Koisaan (KDCA) on the 31st May, to vie for the Unduk Ngadau 2012 or Harvest Queen title in their respective traditional costumes. Here are pictures of the 41 finalist for the Unduk Ngadau. You can also read my last years story on the Unduk Ngadau 2011 Winner. 

 Melinda Louis, Winner for Tati Topiodo and her initial photo on joining the Unduk Ngadau 2012

Photo Credits to David Aramaitee and SabahMotion.com.

One of the most recognizable cultural events in Sabah, the Unduk Ngadau Pageant is very unique here. The title comes from the ethnic word Runduk Tadau which means 'the girl crowned by sunlight'.  The Unduk Ngadau beauty contest was started to pay respect to Huminodun who is the sacrificed daughter of the Kadazandusun spirits Kinorohingan and Suminodun. It is believed that she was the one who taught the priestesses, known as locally as Bobohizans their ritual mantras which exist today.

 Inside the KDCA Hall in Penanpang

Kaamatan or Harvest Festival is Sabah is an annual cultural observation of the Kadazandusun people to celebrate a bountiful paddy harvest. Every year, contestants are selected in the state-level pageants and there will be one winner for their district's pageant. However, some districts hold joint pageants which produce more than one state-level contestant. After the district level, each of the finalist then move on to the state-level pageant which is held on the 31st of May each year at the Hongkod Koisaan building or KDCA in Penampang, Kota Kinabalu. This is the main highlight and ending point for the month long Kaamatan celebrations. Once again, congratulations to Melinda Louis from Telupid for being crowned Unduk Ngadau 2012 Winner.

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Malaysia Airlines A380 Plane First Landing at KLIA

Malaysia Airlines A380 Plane First Landing at KLIA took place at about 3.45pm on the 30th May 2012. This was indeed a historical moment for the company as it has been quite some time since the purchase of these six planes. This is also the first of the six planes that made its inaugural flight from Toulouse in France to KLIA, Malaysia. As many of the airline staff and technicians were patiently waiting out at Hanger 6 in KLIA, I made my way u[p the 30 feet scaffolding to secure a nice spot to capture the first few pictures of the A380.

Malaysia Airlines A380 flying by KLIA

The scheduled landing for the Malaysia Airlines A380 was set at about 3pm that day.While we waited it out in the hot sun, a false alarm was witnessed as an Emirates Airline A380 came in for landing. The anxious crowd started to clap until noticing the tail fin of the plane. A new timing was announced that the Airbus A380 would be landing at about 1530 pm. Plane spotters who were specially invited made their way up an even higher scaffolding to get the best spots and unfortunately with my leg cast and crutches, I could only make my way up the 30 feet scaffolding.

Malaysia Airlines A380 coming in for landing at KLIA

The Malaysia Airlines A380 was initially seen from a distance. With my zoom lens, I took a picture and zoomed in. Yes, it was the plane and it came in majestically. The pilot had radioed the control tower to say that they were going to do a 'Fly Pass' where the aircraft will come in low and fly pass the airport. After the fly pass, the plane made a circle and came in again. Landing gears down, she glided slowly and vanished behind the hanger to land on Runway 32R. The pictures above were taken with a 300mm zoom lens just before the A380 landed.

The Airbus A380 taxing towards Hanger 6 at KLIA

After landing, the A380 taxied its way towards Hanger 6 where everyone was waiting. A crowd of almost 500 people had gathered for this memorable moment in the airlines history. You could see Malaysia Airlines staff, technicians, pilots and even security people eagerly awaiting the arrival.

Crowd approaching the first landing of the A380 outside hanger 6

Finally the A380 makes a full stop outside Hanger 6 and the crowd applauds while making their way towards the aircraft. By then, the Plane Spotters had already climbed down the scaffolding and blended in with the crowd. As for me, I stayed up on my scaffolding due to mobility issues. So I continued with taking pictures from up there as the weather was simply beautiful. 

 Malaysia Airlines A380 First Flight landing at Hanger 6, KLIA

First passenger out of the A380 at KLIA

A stair ramp was pushed to the main aircraft door while the crowd had gathered around the mammoth plane. Ground crew who have been waiting for this day brought out their mobile phones and cameras, happily snapping away. And then the main aircraft door opens to a cheering crowd. The first passenger comes out with two Malaysia Airlines flight attendants with two thumbs up. Cameras snap away as a red carpet awaits the special passengers. 

Crowds were seen posing in front of the aircraft taking pictures and some even with iPads. Eventually it got so hot up on the scaffolding, I slowly made my way down to head towards the aircraft. As I got closer, I started to reminiscence about the time I was at the factory in Toulouse, France where I stood under the belly of this same plane. The white colour looks so clean compared to the green that I saw in the factory.  

Plane Spotters on top of a scaffolding at KLIA

View of the Malaysia Airlines A380 from inside Hanger 6

Hanger 6 at KLIA


Malaysia Airlines A380 First Landing at KLIA Video

After the A380 landed and parked at Hanger 6

Here is an initial video of the Malaysia Airlines A380 at the Airbus Factory in Toulouse, France I took when I visited in June 2011. I also had a sneak preview of the Malaysia Airlines New Airbus A380 Plane in the factory while they were assembling it. For your added information, the aircraft is still 80% complete as the body livery of blue stripes are not painted yet. Inside the A380, there is still some seating arrangements that need to be rectified as I was told the super economy has been removed to make way for more business class seating. The blue color on the tail fin is the final indicating a new premium design. 

The inaugural flight for the A380 will also be on the 1st of July 2012 where she will fly to London. But just before that on June 5th 2012, a special joy flight come test flight will be conducted and a total of five winning bloggers who joined the 'Big Flight Bloggers Contest' organised by Malaysia Airlines will be on board this flight among VIPS, media and other people. Finally after 11 months, the wait is over as the I witnessed the Malaysia Airlines A380 Plane First Landing at KLIA.

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Where to go in Hat Yai, Thailand

Where to go in Hat Yai, Thailand - This article is created for those visiting Hat Yai and thinking of where to go around the Hat Yai district of Songkhla. As HatYai is very well known to the Malaysians and Singaporeans, there are a number of things that one can do while visiting this city. I have personally been to HatYai twice in the last two years and found quite a number of interesting things to do here. To start this list, you should know that Hat Yai is located at the south of Thailand and bordering Malaysia. Here is the list in no particular order.

Floating Market in Hat Yai - One of the most popular places which is located about 20 minutes from Hatyai town. This is a food lovers haven as the food vendors come by boat via river to sell their unique Thai dishes. Not to be missed if you love Thai food and honestly, some of the best hawker food and drinks can be found here. There is also a land market selling all sorts of things too so this is hands down one of the must-not-miss places in Hat Yai. The floating food market only operates on weekend evenings. Time here: 1-2 hours.

Hat Yai Cable Car - One of the new attractions in Hat Yai, it is actually quite fun and interesting to ride on this. The surroundings of the cable car are also not to be missed as it takes you one way up the hill to another interesting 'Elephant' Temple. Views from around here show parts of Songkhla district. Time here: 1-2 hours. A fee applies to ride the Hatyai Cable car.

The Great Serpent Nag in Songkhla - A statue attraction located by the sea, the Serpent Nag shoots water into the ocean. This is also part of a three piece dragon that is strategically located around the area. The head portion faces the sea while the other sections are nearby. It is believed that Nag is to bring good fortune, wealth, fertility and prosperity to the people of Songkhla City. No entrance fee at this attraction. 

Hat Yai Food Experience - The streets are littered with all types of hawkers selling local Thai food. Not to be missed, you can find a lot of stalls by the roads in the day and night. Famous dishes like Thai Fish Cakes and Grilled Seafood are easily found at popular areas. Try the local restaurants for some authentic Thai food. There are also halal Thai food at some restaurants in Hat Yai town.

Khao Kop Cave in Trang - Located about one to two hours drive from Hat Yai, this cave offers a very unique experience. Boating and caving at the same time. See the picture and you will know what I mean. A fun adventure which is suitable for all ages and prepare to spend at least two to three hours here. Entrance fees applies too.

Songkhla Aquarium - Another popular attraction located about 45 minutes from Hat Yai city, there are also other activities available around here. The Songkhla aquarium caters to freshwater and also salt water fishes and overall a fun place to visit and if you have kids, that is a bonus. An underwater show in a large tank is also the end attraction here. Admission fees applies where there are some promotions going on so check with the counter.

Phu Pha Phet Cave in Satun - Another cave worth a visit is  the Diamond Cave or Phu Pha Phet Cave in Satun area, about an hour and a half drive out from Hat Yai. Here, you have the option of exploring these beautiful caves on foot where various structures can be seen. A 'Jade' rock sits in the middle of the 18 acre cave. A total of 20 caves are found inside while there are seven floors to explore. However, only two floors are open to the public. If you love caves, this is the third largest caves in the world. Outside the main area, vendors sell local Thai handicraft and food. Time here: About 1-2 hours. Admission fee is only Baht30.

Hat Yai Ice Dome - Another interesting attraction which is located at the Hat Yai Park near the cable car, this ice dome is the first of its kind in Thailand.Visitors have an opportunity to experience the ice cold feeling inside the dome. A number of structures on display are carved by well known Chinese sculptors from Harbin, China. Ice carvings of well known places around the world are also displayed along the walkway here. Time here: 30 minutes to an hour. Fees applies to go in.

If you are visiting Hatyai anytime soon, there are many things to do apart from just shopping around town. Some of the places above require only half a days trip so they are pretty much nearby the main city area. You can get more information from tour operators and hotels on Where to go in Hat Yai, Thailand.

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Jason Mraz Live Concert in Kuala Lumpur

Jason Mraz Live Concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will take place this 19th June 2012 at the Stadium Merdeka. This is the second time the singer and songwriter is performing here in Malaysia. The last time Jason Mraz was in Malaysia was in 2009 and this time around, he comes with his band on the 'Tour is a four letter word' Asia tour. Well known for famous for hits like 'You and I Both' and 'I’m Yours', the fast singing star returns to KL for a concert in line with the release of his fourth studio record ‘Love is a Four Letter Word’.

Biography of Jason Mraz

Singer and songwriter Jason Mraz hails from Mechanicsville, VA, where he grew up as a fan of the Dave Matthews Band and local roots musicians the Agents of Good Roots. But it was Mraz's interest and participation in musical theater that was his first introduction to music. Mraz moved to New York following high school to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy but dropped out a year later when he took up the guitar and began to focus on songwriting.

Mraz's following grew outside of San Diego to Los Angeles, garnering the attention of record labels. In early 2002, Mraz signed to Elektra Records and returned to Virginia to write and record his debut album, working with producer John Alagía (the Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer) and his high school heroes, the Agents of Good Roots, as his backing band. The resulting effort, Waiting for My Rocket to Come, was released in November of 2002. The album blends Mraz's early influences and coming-of-age by combining country and roots rock with the poeticism of coffeehouse folk, elements of jazz, and the rhythmic charge of hip-hop.

Jason Mraz performing on stage

Jason Mraz Concert in Kuala Lumpur information;

• Concert Venue:
  Stadium Merdeka,
  Jalan Stadium,
  Kuala Lumpur,
  Malaysia 
• Contact:
  AirAsia RedTix
  Telephone: 03 8775 4666
• Concert Date:
  Jun 19, 2012 (Tuesday)
• Time:
  8.30pm 
• Ticket Prices:
  Arena - RM345, RM295, RM185, RM95 (numbered seating)
  Terrace - RM235, RM75 (free seating)

You can visit the following website to book your Jason Mraz Concert Tickets.  Or you can visit the following places to get tickets;

Rock Corner outlets:
The Gardens, Mid Valley (03 - 2283 4893)
Mid Valley (03 - 2284 1423)
KLCC (03 - 2161 9417)
Subang Parade (03 - 5636 9520)
The Curve (03 - 7729 6313)
One Utama (03 - 7725 5667)

Victoria Music outlets:
Sg Wang Plaza (03 - 2148 7208)
Amcorp Mall (03 - 7956 0592)
Tropicana Shopping Mall (03 - 7722 2955)
Bangsar Shopping Center (BSC) (03 - 2093 1093)
KL Life Centre (03 - 2162 2570)

Those traveling to KL for the concert should take note of where to get your tickets and also the hotels that around the Stadium Merdeka area which is near Petaling Street or Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. As the concert is on a Tuesday, you should note the peak traffic hours before making your journey to the stadium.

The Jason Mraz 2012 concert in Malaysia is organized by Scenique Concerts & Events Sdn. Bhd. and Live Limited, the regional promoter in collaboration with the music label, Warner Music (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. For those who missed his concert in 2009, you have the chance to catch the superstar again this June for the Jason Mraz Live Concert in Kuala Lumpur 2012.

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