Getting to Koh Lipe Thailand

Getting to Koh Lipe Thailand is fairly simple as there are a few ways into this island paradise on the Andaman Sea. Koh Lipe or Ko Leepae (Paper Island) is one of the last few remaining exotic islands of Southwest Thailand which used to be a hippy stop that is located in the Tarutao National Marine Park. The most common way here is from Pakbara town next to La-Ngu Town in the Satun district of Southern Thailand or via Telaga Harbor or Awana Porto Malai in Langkawi Island Malaysia.

Telaga Harbor's Petronas Quay

For my trip to Koh Lipe in January 2010, I flew in to Langkawi Island from Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia and then took a ferry from Telaga Harbor to Ko Lipe. This is the only passage from Malaysia to Ko Lipe. However, you need to know that your ferry ticket can be booked online from the Telaga Harbor website in advance to avoid being sold out as it is a popular route these days.

Telaga Harbor Marina

Telaga Harbor Marina is located on the western part of Langkawi Island and is only about 15 minutes by taxi from the Langkawi Airport or about 30 minutes from Kuah Town. So plan your journey timings carefully here. There are a number of shops and amenities available like a KFC fast food joint and a mini convenient shop which is just at the Petronas Petrol Station just next to the ferry office.

Foreign Money Exchange at Telaga Harbor

More importantly, there is a foreign currency exchange available at one of the local banks there too. However, I would recommend you change your Thai Baht before coming here as the rates are not that good. Look for money changers in town or other cities. Your last alternative would be to change your Thai Bath with a friendly local guy that sits around the ferry waiting area with a laptop.

Koh Lipe ferry office in Telaga Harbor

Upon arrival, you head straight up to the Marina office where you need to fill up the immigration form and verify or buy your Koh Lipe tickets. (Online ticket buyers, bring the copy with you!) It is here that you also submit your Passport to them as they will hand it to the boat captain for safekeeping in a dry bag. This is completely normal so no worries here. After you have completed everything, head on downstairs and socialize while waiting. You would probably be the 9.5 out of 10 foreigners waiting as not many locals visit Lipe.

High speed ferry to Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe Ferry - What it looks like inside

Once the Lipe Ferry arrives, they will do a quick clean up and unload everything before you are invited to board the ferry. By looking at the pictures above, you would see that these are really high powered ferries that only take about 45 minutes from Langkawi to Koh Lipe. Each ferry can seat about 20 people comfortably. Bags are given to the deckhands to be stored in front while life jackets are ready on the seats. If you are the type that gets seasick easily, please be well prepared as these ferries are really fast.

Arriving at Koh Lipe in the water

On arrival at Koh Lipe, you should know that there is no pier or jetty for you. The boats will reverse and stop in the water where you have to get into the water and wade to the beach before heading to the immigration office. Your bags will be unloaded by the boatmen to the beach and you collect your own baggage. So avoid high heels (Asians!), socks and long pants. Best to go beach-style on this trip.

Koh Lipe Immigration Office or Hut

The ferries will stop right in front of the little immigration hut. It is so small that only one officer in charge so be prepared to wait if there are a few boats arriving at the same time. What happens is the captain will send all the passports kept in his dry bag to the immigration officer where he will check them individually and process them. When it is done, his assistants will call out your name to collect your passport. Note - Because foreigners have really nice names, it may be hard for them to pronounce so all ears there as in hang around closely till you get your name called. Sometimes they will just call a name and show the passport picture around. 

Immigration officer at Koh Lipe

The passport office is located along the Pattaya Beach just right next to the Bundhaya Resort. This is the main beach of Koh Lipe while there is the Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach and Mountain Resort. Depending on where you stay, you can take the longtail taxis from just outside the passport office. For me, I stayed at Mountain Resort which is a private beach on the north most part of Koh Lipe. So I went down to the beach and asked the local Chow Ley (sea gypsies) longtail boatmen how much to my resort. It generally costs about 50 Baht per person for taxi services.

Ferry check in times at Koh Lipe

If you are backpacking and planning to travel to other islands or parts of Thailand and Malaysia, I suggest you check your boat timings and bookings here as there is an office for this. On the main shopping street of Lipe, there are a number of travel services provided too. Ferry, train, bus tickets all sold there. Watch out for my next posting about Koh Lipe in general. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that there are NO ATMs or Banks in Koh Lipe so bring enough cash. Some outlets offer you cash advances from credit cards, but you know the drill.

For the below, there have been some confusion as a few readers have tried to contact a number of ferry operators but was told that they do not operate to Ko Lipe. I would suggest you go through the Telaga Harbor Ferry Service. 

Ferry from Awana Porto Malai Resort in Langkawi to Koh Lipe;
Ticket price for Awana-Koh Lipe: RM125 per person one way
Return ticket Awana-Koh Lipe-Awana RM240 per pax.
Contact Mr. Adam of Andaman Vacation
Telephone. +6012 463 6899
Email: andamanvacation@gmail.com

Tigerline Ferry timings to Koh Lipe and Langkawi
Departing Langkawi: 09.00 (Telaga), 09.00 (Awana Hotel jetty), 12.00 (Telaga)
Departing Lipe: 10.00 (To Telaga), 16.00 (To Telaga), 16.00 (To Awana Hotel jetty) 

Ferry from Kuah Town in Langkawi to Koh Lipe;
Alternatively, you can go to the Kuah Pier at Langkawi town and book your ticket from the ferry counter to Tammalang. From Tammalang, Tarutao Island you can hop on to a direct ferry to Ko Adang or Ko Lipe. You need to pay about 350 bath per way.

Koh Lipe Packages via Travel Agents;
Apparently, there are a number of travel agents in Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach) in Langkawi that offer 3D/2N packages to Ko Lipe. You can also check with them as they do an all-inclusive package with ferry transfer and lodging. One of the known ones are Besta Travel in Pantai Cenang.

Some of the travel agencies in Hat Yai or Pak Bara also offer packages so you can check with the respective agents there too if you are coming from Bangkok or via Hat Yai.

Getting to Koh Lipe from Thailand;

From Bangkok to Hat Yai to Pak Barra - There are daily trains from Hua Lamphong train station  in Bangkok at around 5pm to 8pm. Journey to Hat Yai town is 15 hours. From Hat Yai, take the mini bus from Thalat Kasit Station (near airport) and journey to Pak Barra is about 2 hours (150 Baht). Various travel agents sell package tickets in town (Mini bus plus ferry) but you have to buy it from these agents. You can also book a private van/car direct to Pak Barra, costs a little more.

When you reach Pak Barra town, it can get pretty messy with every other person trying to sell you ferry tickets. Best option is to buy your ticket from the relevant ferry company counters. There are restaurants and shops to pass time while waiting for your next ferry. Make sure you stock up on your necessities as prices are almost double on Ko Lipe. The last shop before the jetty in Pak Bara sells some decent Water Proof Bags. We got Size No5 for about Baht 300 while Size No10 at Baht 350.

Pak Barra serves as the main gateway to Koh Lipe from land. 

From Phuket and the surrounding islands which include Krabi - You need to get to Koh Lanta where there are many ferries heading to Koh Lipe. Check with the people there on the timings. Some ferries make various stops at many of the smaller islands before Koh Lipe. Also be careful of the low season from May to November as a number of services stop during this period.

Koh Lipe information website

Koh Lipe Island Guide 
Koh Lipe on WikiTravel

Ferry to Koh Lipe from Thailand

Telaga Harbor Langkawi Map

View Telaga Harbor Marina in a larger map

Ferry to Koh Lipe from Telaga Harbor Langkawi

Departing Telaga Harbour Langkawi twice a day - 0930hrs & 1430hrs
Returning from Koh Lipe twice a day - 1130hrs & 1700hr
Ticket bookings and availability online or Telaga Terminal, Telaga Harbour Marina, Langkawi.
One Way Ferry Ticket to Koh Lipe - RM 128 (US$42)
Return Ferry Ticket to Koh Lipe/Langkawi - RM 248 (US$82) 

You can also read about my other article on Koh Lipe. If you have been wondering where this beautiful island is, it is just north of Langkawi Islands and it is the most south most island from Phuket in Thailand. I have personally been here twice and tried visiting this place from Langkawi and also Pak Bara Town in Thailand. I hope this guide gives you good information about Getting to Koh Lipe Thailand.

Read More

Marina Bay Sands Opening Singapore

Marina Bay Singapore picture courtesy of Infostye 1881

Marina Bay Sands Opening in Singapore is scheduled to be on the 27th April 2010. This massive integrated resort which is the latest addition to Singapore's amazing collection of hotels and resorts costs over S$8 million and features three 55 storey hotel towers with 2600 luxurious rooms and suites and all three towers are connected by a 1 hectare sky terrace right on top. This amazing structure is also called the Sands SkyPark and is one of a kind in the world and the entire project was designed by Moshe Safdie.

 Marina Bay Sands Singapore in the night - Pic courtesy of Cliff Tan

Marina Bay Sands also has other interesting and unique structures besides the hotel and Sands SkyPark which are;

Lotus shaped Art and Sience Museum which has a retractable roof  creating a waterfall which has been collected from natural rain. It will also feature numerous galleries, a restaurant and rooftop seating from which to view events on the bay.

The Convention and Exhibition Block which totals more than 120,000 square metres (1.3 million square feet) which has space capable of accommodating approximately 2,000 exhibition booths, 250 meeting rooms and over 45,000 delegates.

Marina Bay Sands Shoppes, which offers almost 75,000 square metres (800,000 square feet) of retail and dining space, will be the dream destination of shoppers across the world. It will feature a refreshing mix of cutting-edge, emerging labels and international luxury brands, as well as innovative entertainment options including boat rides along a canal flowing through the mall and an indoor ice skating rink.

The Casino Block, which is the most interesting for many travelers and can cater up to 1000 gaming tables while slot lovers will rejoice as there are over 1400 slot machines available.

A newspaper scan of the Marina Sands Bay

At the Marina Bay Sands, the Sands SkyPark will be home to the world's longest elevated  infinity swimming pool, with a 475-foot vanishing edge. The pools will be composed of 400,000 pounds of stainless steel and hold 380,000 gallons (or 1440 cubic meters) of water which are elevated 975 feet above the ground and is 150 meters long. There are four movement joints beneath the main pools which are designed to help the pools withstand the natural motion of the towers, and each joint has a unique range of motion.

The Sands Sky Park also has a width of 38 metres and length of 340 metres, it has a plan area of 12400 m2 and contains lush greenery, extensive landscaped gardens, restaurants, bars and three linked  infinity swimming pools. Sands SkyPark can accommodate 3,900 people and the garden areas contain over 250 trees and 650 plants, some up to 8 metres tall. See my latest article on the Sands SkyPark for more information.

Marina Bay Sands Layout from newspaper scan

Timeline for Marina Bay Sands

• April 27, 2010 - First phase opening: 963 hotel rooms, part of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and The Sands Expo and Convention Center, celebrity chef restaurants along with other dining outlets and the casino.
• June 23, 2010 - Second phase opening celebration: Sands SkyPark, the Event Plaza along Marina Bay, more shops, additional dining options, and nightlife offerings.
• October 2010 - Disney's The Lion Kind opens at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre.
• December 2010 - Marina Bay Sands fully opens.

Getting to Marina Bay Sands;

By Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): 10 mins walk from Promenade MRT Station on the Circle Line.

By Public Bus: SBS Transit 97 / 97e, 133 / 133M, 502, 518
SMRT Buses 106, NR1 and NR6

By Airport Shuttle: 24 hours coach pick-up bay at Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, 3 and the Budget Terminal.

By Taxi; Just get into any of Singapore's taxis and they will know the place.

Marina Bay Sands Singapore is also part of the Las Vegas Sands Corp who owns and operates the Venetian Casino Resort, The Palazzo and the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada; the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel and the Sands Macao Casino in Macau, China; as well as the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in Eastern Pennsylvania. Additionally, Las Vegas Sands Corp. has a major development of numerous resort casino properties in Macau known as the Cotai Strip.

Sands SkyPark Pictures and Information

Website for Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands on Wikipedia

Other articles on Marina Bay Sands Singapore by Malaysia Asia;

Sands Skypark at Marina Bay Sands

Sunset Picture of the Week taken from my room during my stay in June 2010

Light Show at Marina Bay Sands Official Opening on June 24th 2010

Infinity Swimming Pool Picture at SkyPark Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Videos of Infinity Swimming Pool at Marian Bay Sands SkyPark

Read More

Sabah Borneo Malaysia (in Bahasa Melayu)

Sabah Borneo di Malaysia

Sabah adalah sebuah negeri di Malaysia yang terletak di bahagian utara Kalimantan dan juga dikenali sebagai Negeri Di Bawah Bayu, semua kerena terletak di bawah sabuk taufan. Sabah juga merupakan negara yang kedua terbesar di Malaysia yang merangkumi jumlah keseluruhan 76.000 km persegi dan berpenduduk hampir 2.5 juta orang.

Ibukota Sabah adalah Kota Kinabalu yang secara rasmi dikenali sebagai Jesselton selama kerajaan British Borneo Utara. Kota yang cepat berkembang sekarang menjadi pusat tarikan dan hub utama bagi mereka yang ingin melawat negara bahagian Sabah Borneo untuk aktiviti berkaitan pelancongan .
Pada saat ini, Sabah mempunyai banyak tempat yang dalam hal pelancongan kerana itu kedudukan yang unik di mana pelawat dan pembuat bercuti akan mendapati segala macam kegiatan yang harus dilakukan di sini. Dari Eko-Pelancongan ke Kepulauan dan Pantai, Gunung dan Hutan Hujan untuk Sukan dan Adventure, Budaya dan Warisan dan juga Pasar Tempatan dan Muzium. 

Kota Kinabalu - Di sinilah anda dapat menikmati melawat pulau-pulau indah dari Tunku Abdul Rahman Park atau TAR Marine Park yang hanya 20 minit dari bandar Kota Kinabalu. Pilih dari Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Sulug atau Pulau Gaya di taman laut di sini. Dari bandar Kota Kinabalu, ia hanya mengambil dua jam perjalanan ke kaki Gunung Kinabalu dan menikmati nafas mengambil pandangan gunung tertinggi di Asia Tenggara. Anda juga boleh membuat tour setengah hari ke eko-pelancongan Klias Wetlands mengalami safari sungai yang unik untuk melihat Monyet Proboscis atau Monyet Belanda dan berbagai jenis monyet dan burung di sana. 
 

Pasar Kraf di bandar Kota Kinabalu

Di bandar KK, lawati Pasar Handikraf atau Pasar Filipino yang sangat menarik dengan berbagai souvenir unik di sini. Pasar yang terkenal inilah dimana mutiara boleh dicari untuk membuat kalung atau gelang dan anda boleh berjalan kaki melalui berbagai bangunan baru dan lama ke pusat membeli-belah yang moden di sekitar bandar KK. Untuk lebih aktiviti, anda boleh explore dari Kota Kinabalu ke pelbagai tempat di sekitar Sabah untuk pengalaman lebih dari keadaan luar biasa di Kalimantan. Semua ini di sekitar Kota Kinabalu. 

Monyet Belanda atau Proboscis di Kinabatangan-Sukau

Sandakan - Lawati tempat yang paling popular di sini, iaitu Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Sementara di sini, anda boleh juga membuat persinggahan di Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) untuk melihat flora dari seluruh Sabah Borneo. Pengalaman yang menakjubkan adalah Kinabatangan River Cruise di Sukau  dimana orang boleh melihat binatang liar seperti orangutan, gajah kerdil, monyet proboscis dan spesies dilindungi yang lain di sepanjang sungai terpanjang kedua di Sabah. Kunjungi Gua Gomantong untuk melihat bagaimana Sarang Burung dituai dengan cara tradisional dan bahkan kesempatan melihat Monyet Merah yang luar biasa. Layani Labuk Bay Sanctuary untuk melihat Monyet Poboscis atau anda boleh juga naik boat ke Pulau Penyu untuk melihat beberapa penyu yang membuat pulau ini kediaman. Di bandar Sandakan, anda boleh juga melawat rumah Penulis Amerika yang terkenal bernama Agnes Keith House untuk melihat bagaimana keluarga mereka berjaya melepasi perang dunia kedua dan pengalaman salah satu yang terbaik. Di waktu malam, cubalah makanan laut di beberapa restoran seluruh bandar Sandakan kerana ia adalah paling segar dan termurah.

Semporna / Tawau merupakan gerbang utama anda ke dunia menyelam yang ternama dari Pulau Sipadan dan pulau-pulau sekitar iaitu Pulau Mabul dan juga Pulau Kapalai. Jika anda menikmati scuba diving, anda boleh ke sini untuk mengalami dunia bawah laut yang menakjubkan. Selain scuba diving, anda juga boleh melawat kaum Gipsi Laut luar biasa Sabah yang dikenali sebagai orang Bajau Laut. Ada juga pelbagai kegiatan eko-pelancongan di kawasan ini yang juga berfungsi sebagai salah satu pintu gerbang ke Danum Valley dan Sabah Hills Park.

Kudat terletak di bahagian paling utara Sabah dan disini anda boleh melihat Kaum Rungus, Bajau Darat yang berkuda dan mengunjungi beberapa pulau pulau yang menakjubkan seperti Pulau Balambangan, Pulau Banggi dan juga Pulau Mantanani untuk berbagai kegiatan. Sebuah pasar tempatan yang sangat terkenal and unik di bandar Kota Belud adalah harus melawati pada hari minggu.

White Water Rafting di Sungai Padas

Tenom yang memang terkenal untuk kopi tempatan iaitu Kopi Tenom juga berfungsi sebagai salah satu pintu gerbang untuk sukan pengembaraan atau adventure di mana anda boleh menyertai sukan water rafting di sepanjang Sungai Padas dan pengalaman mengambil salah satu dari kereta api diesel tua ke sana. Sekitar kawasan Tenom, anda juga boleh melawati Pusat Kebudayaan Orang Murut.

Labuan merupakan tempat menarik untuk dikunjungi dan terkenal sebagai pusat kewangan luar pantai (offshore) menawarkan perkhidmatan kewangan dan perniagaan antarabangsa sejak tahun 1990 dan juga sebagai destinasi pelancongan kerana memiliki lokasi menyelam dan snorkeling yang cantik dan indah. Tidak lupa bahawa Labuan adalah sebuah pulau bebas cukai dan merupakan salah satu daripada tiga Wilayah Persekutuan di Malaysia. Nama Labuan berasal dari kata labuhan yang bererti pelabuhan.

Sabah sebenarnya adalah salah satu tempat yang paling menarik dan unik untuk dikunjungi di Malaysia dengan begitu banyak yang ditawarkan untuk semua jenis pelancongan. Saya telah pergi ke Sabah lebih dari sepuluh kali dan kalau diberi kesempatan, saya akan melawati Sabah atau Negeri Di Bawah Bayu lagi.


Jika anda dibagi kesempatan untuk melawat Sabah, di mana anda ingin pergi? Sila menulis jawapan anda dengan memberikan komen di bawah dan sekian terima kasih.

Sabah Tourism

Sabah on Wikipedia

Sabah Travel Guide

Artikel Sabah ini diterbitkan dalam Bahasa Melayu untuk pembaca sekitar Malaysia, Brunei dan Indonesia. Jika saya telah membuat kesalahan ejaan atau tata bahasa, jangan alasan saya kerana ini adalah usaha pertama saya menulis dalam Bahasa Melayu.

 

(This Sabah article was published in Bahasa Melayu (Malay Language) for the Malay readers around the region of Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. If I have made any spelling or grammar mistakes, please do excuse me as this is my first attempt in writing in Malay.)

Read More

10 things to do in Luang Prabang Laos

10 things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang in Laos is one of the must visit places in Asia before it turns into another common tourist place. On my visit there, I had a chance to explore and experience the best of Luang Prabang which is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site, so here are 10 things you can do in Luang Prabang in no particular order.

1. Luang Prabang Town in General - Explore this beautiful and well maintained town by foot to see the amazing  heritage buildings in traditional Lao and Dutch designs which take you back in history. Hotels, restaurants, cafes and guesthouses utilize these buildings for their businesses around Luang Prabang Town and one can easily do all of this by foot. There are absolutely no modern buildings or anything above 2 floors in this unique town.

Pak Ou Caves, thousands of Buddha Statues

2. Pak Ou Caves - Or simply known as the Buddha Caves, this is a must-visit for all travelers as the 25 kilometer scenic river journey will be one to remember. Seeing everyday life along the great Mekong River on route to the caves is something special here. At the Pak Ou Caves, thousands of Buddha statues are placed inside the caves which is an amazing sight. Entrance fees are separate here.

3. Luang Prabang Markets - There are 2-3 markets around Luang Prabang town but the most popular would be the daily night market which is another must-visit for everyone. Unlike the common markets we are used too, the Luang Prabang Night Market is filled with lots of craft and silverware. This is also your best place to get souvenirs. Alternatively, there is the Hmong Market in the day which is in town where you can also get some decent souvenirs too. For art lovers, do check out some of the local paintings sold around town.

Luang Prabang sidewalk cafes and coffee stalls

4. Eat local Lao Food - Lao Food in Luang Prabang is relatively safe for everyone's consumption. Try the local baguettes that are sold around town. Tasty and filling for a very decent price. Make sure you get it with the local Lao Coffee which is reputed to be one of the best in the world. Try various local Lao restaurants along the Mekong River roadside. For some fusion of French and Lao, try the upmarket L'Elephant Restaurant in town.

5. Whisky Village - Known as Ban Xang Hai, this Lao village is on route to Pak Ou Caves where boats make a 30 minute stop here. You can also visit this interesting craft village via road from Luang Prabang town. Highlights here are the local whiskey or Lao Lao where all sorts of snakes, insects and bugs are fermented and mixed with the whiskey and sold in various shaped bottles. Lao Silk is also woven live in front of you by the locals. You can also buy fabrics and other crafts here.

6. Phu Si Hill - Also known as Chomsy Hill or Mount Phousi, this easy to climb hill serves as one of the best spots in Luang Prabang to catch the amazing sunsets or view the entire city. A temple is also located up top while there are two ways of getting up here. One from the main street in town while the other is a trail behind the Ethnic Museum in town. Best visited in the evenings just before sundown and there is a minimal entrance fee.

Wat Mai on the main street of Luang Prabang

7. Temples and Wats - There are 30 or more Temples or Wats located around Luang Prabang Town so you can easily visit any of them by foot. The most popular of them would be Wat Mai which is on the main street of town where it was recently refurbished.A walk around town will also take you to various other temples and Wats there. Check out some of the temples with schools for the younger monks where they learn woodwork, painting and also English.

8. Tad Sae Waterfalls - For the nature explorers, various tours or trips are offered to this beautiful waterfall which is located in a park and about 13 kilometers from town. There is an entrance fee of KIP 8,000 into the park where restaurants and facilities are available. The best time to visit the waterfalls is after the rainy season. During the dry season, the waterfall often has not much water so you may be disappointed.

 Wat Xieng Thong, the Golden City Temple in Luang Prabang

9.  Wat Xieng Thong - The Golden City Temple probably one of the oldest and most important temple in Luang Prabang which was built in 1560. Entry fee of KIP 5,000 (US$0.50) into the temple grounds where you see fascinating architecture here. Check out the detailed work on the main temple structure while various wall paintings have been restored to look amazingly beautiful. 

10. Elephant Riding and Trekking or Elephant Village - The Elephant Park Project Area is located about 15 km out of town and in the middle of a wonderful mountainous surrounding. Easy half day trekking (about 3-4 hours) will lead you out into a local Khammu village where you get an insight in every day life and culture of this ethnic minority. 

10 things to do in Luang Prabang Laos was compiled by David from Malaysia Asia on his personal experience at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Read More

Tiger Blogfest 2010 - Tiger Awareness

Tiger Blogfest 2010 Malaysia

The Tiger Blogfest 2010 is to create awareness about the declining rate of tigers throughout Malaysia and the world. Sadly as I write this, there are only an estimate 3,000 tigers left on our beautiful earth while a century ago, there were more than 100,000. Out of this number, there are only about 500 or less Malayan Tigers left in Malaysia.

This unique program which already has 98 confirmed bloggers to date (16th April 2010) since it was announced middle of March, was initiated by Planet of the Monyets which is a nature blog. According to  the founder, Dr G Balamurugan, the Tiger BlogFest 2010 is a forum for bloggers to contribute towards protection of the Malayan tiger stating - “The main aim is to increase awareness by reaching out to the large on-line community. It is estimated that the combined traffic to the participating blogs is about 100,000 visitors per day – giving the plight of the tiger the publicity it duly deserves".

I am participating with this article to show my support for these amazing creatures and hopefully you out there reading this will remember a little bit more about these beautiful tigers. I hope that when you travel and see anyone selling items from Tigers, you will not participate in purchasing them as they are currently being hunted down for all sorts of reasons. Mainly medicinal and decorative. 

Bengal Tiger yawning exposing teeth

Malaysian national icon - Tiger

The Malayan Tiger is depicted in the coat of arms of Malaysia, symbolising the government and appears in various heraldry of Malaysian institutions such as Maybank, Proton (National Car) and FAM (Football Association Malaysia). It symbolizes bravery and strength to Malaysians. The tiger has been given various nicknames by Malaysians, notably "Pak Belang," which literally means "Uncle Stripes."

Bengal Tiger walking in the Shanghai Zoo

The tiger pictures in this article are all taken by me during my various travels throughout Southeast Asia. Some as you can see are from the Malayan Tiger, Bengal Tiger and the White Tigers Species. I enjoy taking pictures of nature and more so in the wild. Something that keeps me excited while on my travels. Please enjoy the pictures below and if you need any other information, please contact the relevant parties or send me an email.

Bengal Tiger trying to snooze. Similar to my pet cat.

A couple of Malayan Tigers taking a nap

White Tiger sitting on a rock at the Singapore Zoo

White Tigers are often mistaken for Albinos which are completely white with pink eyes. Bengal White Tigers are also found exclusively in India. Although Bengal tigers make up 60% of the world’s wild tiger population, individuals with white coats are indeed very rare. Only one White Tiger exists out of every 10,000 normal orange-coloured tigers according to statistics and surprising the unusual white coloration is a result of gene mutation – a permanent change in the gene controlling the coat coloration and the change can be passed on from one generation to another. The mutated gene is a recessive gene, meaning two such genes are needed to produce the white coloration. Both white and normal orange-coloured cubs can be found in a litter.

White Tiger giving that look while in water

White Tiger at the Singapore Zoo

White Tiger makes a jump from the water

I hope you enjoyed the pictures, article and information conveyed here and with this, I leave you with some important links related to the Tiger Conversation, Programs and Associations around Malaysia and the region. I hope you will participate in doing your part for the Tiger. 

Tigers Alive - WWF - The Tigers Alive! project focuses on inter-related components within the Belum-Temengor-Gunung Basor landscape. The components include reducing human-tiger conflict and raising awareness through educational programmes in Jeli, Kelantan, addressing tiger landscape connectivity as well as monitoring of tigers and their prey. Each component forms an important part of a broader approach to addressing tiger conservation in Malaysia. 

Contact: Syazreen Sara
Communications Officer,
Tiger Conservation Programme (Peninsular Malaysia)
WWF-Malaysia, Peninsular Malaysia Office (HQ)
Telephone: +603 7803 3772 ext: 6421

Malaysia Nature Society -Tiger Conservation - The Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT) is a joint programme of the Malaysian Nature Society, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-Malaysia Programme, and WWF-Malaysia. MYCAT works in partnership with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia for integrated tiger conservation programmes in Malaysia. MYCAT is the collaborative platform for the implementation of the Malaysian Tiger Action Plan.

MYCAT partners:
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)
TRAFFIC Southeast Asia (TSEA)
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
WWF-Malaysia
Supported by:
Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia


MYCAT contact details;MYCAT Secretariat’s Office (MYCAT-SO)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia
KM10 Jalan Cheras 56100 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Telephone: +6 (03) 9075 2872 ext 140
Fax: +6 (03) 9075 2873
Email: malaysian_cat2003@yahoo.com / mycat@wildlife.gov.my

MYCAT Website

MYCAT Facebook Group 

Year of the Tiger from WWF - On February 14, 2010, the Chinese lunar calendar moved into the Year of the Tiger. Unfortunately, the plight of wild tigers doesn’t call for much celebration. Three subspecies have been driven to extinction in the past century alone and experts estimate there are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild. The good news is that together we can secure a future for these magnificent big cats. Join WWF to reach Tx2, our goal to double the number of wild tigers by 2022, the next Year of the Tiger.

Save The Tiger Fund - ExxonMobil has provided $1 million annually to support the Save The Tiger Fund since its establishment and more than $13 million in total in tiger range countries since 1992.  This represents one of the largest corporate commitments ever made to saving a species.

Wildlife Conservation Society - Right now, WCS conservationists are working on the ground in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak with various government partners and NGOs to help save some of Malaysia’s most endangered wildlife. From orangutans in Sarawak to tigers and elephants in Peninsular Malaysia, WCS is making important progress. But, much more is needed as the threats are increasing. Success is possible, and this means having more conservation interventions and field monitoring of wildlife. We need your help.

Various Tiger Fan Pages on Facebook;

Tiger in General

Save Our Tiger

Can this baby tiger get more fans than Robert Pattinson?

Stop Killing The Tigers

Tiger Links;
Malayan Tiger from Wikipedia
Tiger Research in Taman Negara
White Tiger from Wikipedia
White Tiger Information from Tigerhomes.org

Bengal Tiger from Wikipedia

Bengal Tiger from National Geographic

Tiger Blogfest 2010 was brought to you by Planet Of The Monyets

Read More

Klias Wetland River Cruise Sabah

Klias Wetland River Cruise Sabah

Klias Wetland River Cruise in Sabah is one of the closest river cruises around Kota Kinabalu town and easily accessible as it is only a two our drive from the city of KK.Operated by Borneo Authentic Adventure, the same company that runs the unique seaside Tempurung Lodge at Kuala Penyu, this unique wetlands river cruise will showcase the importance of the Sabah Wetlands while seeing some of the most amazing wetland creatures like the Proboscis Monkey and Fireflies.

Klias Wetland River Cruise Jetty

Klias Wetland is also centered around the biggest wetland reserve in the state of Sabah which is called the Klias Wetland Mangrove Forest Reserve. Usually, most travelers or tourist who do not have the luxury of traveling all the way to Sandakan to visit the Kinabatangan-Sukau Wetlands would opt for this package which is a half day visit. 

Klias Wetland Forest Reserve

The Klias River Safari Tour starts about 2pm from Kota Kinabalu town with your scenic journey through the smaller towns of Sabah before arriving at the Klias jetty. of Borneo Authentic Adventure which is located just by the main road. A short walk along the wooden covered walkway through the mangrove forest before you arrive at the main lounge area. You are then served some light snacks before your tour starts at about 4.30pm. 

While waiting around the lounge area, you are given life vests or jackets to be worn when you go for the river cruise. There are proper toilets provided and drinks can be purchased here. As the lounge is built over the mangrove, you may be able to see some smaller mangrove insects or animals around the area. 

The Klias River Cruise starts with your local nature guide ushering you towards the jetty where boats are ready to take you on this unique river safari. Note that each group that is going on this river cruise will have their own personal nature guide according to your language. Each boat also can sit about 15 to 20 people. 

The journey along the Klias River is absolutely an amazing one with beautiful scenery. As this was my first trip there, I was blessed with beautiful clear skies. You will also be passing various other lodges and operators who offer Klias River Cruise Packages. 

Along the way, I could not help but notice one of the various boats used for the River Cruises. It was a fairly large double decked wooden boat that looked like it came out from the sixties. 

Our first stop was when the local boatman spotted some activity along the riverside. Before you know it, three other boats had made their way in to witness the event and it was a group of Long Tail Macaques sitting on some trees. Cameras started to click while impressed tourists were frantically pointing the the partially hidden primates on the trees. 

As our boat got in closer, I managed to capture a shot of the long tailed macaques sitting on one of the branches. Apparently, the primates here are not so used to seeing tourists so they are more afraid then we are, unlike at the Kinabatangan-Sukau River. 

After about five minutes of observing the primates, we continued out journey along the Klias River trying to spot other primates, namely the famed Proboscis Monkey of Sabah. From my tour guides experience, they are usually found in groups along the river so we kept our eyes wide open. 

Apart from the monkeys, we chanced upon a fairly large Monitor Lizard or Biawak as they are locally called. Our boat went right up to the lizard and this got a few tourist a little uneasy. The Monitor Lizard must have been easily about four feet long and just stayed resting on the tree branch. 

Soon enough, another boat up ahead has slowed down after spotting something. As we made out way to join them, it was the famous Proboscis Monkey of Sabah. Guests were excited and fascinated with this rare and unique primate. A bunch of them were grouped on some trees high above by the river and cameras were clicking non-stop. A word of advice to would be river cruisers - Please keep your noise level down while on the river safari as it may scare off the animals here. 

Proboscis Monkey at Klias River Cruise

As the Proboscis Monkeys were perched pretty high up, my 18-105mm lens did not do justice so the picture above was about the best shot I could take. Anyway, from the guides experience, they are usually nearer to the ground and this was one of the rare cases they were quite high up. But I have to say, it was pretty amazing to witness these Proboscis Monkeys at the Klias River Cruise. 

Before we knew it, there must have been about 6 boats joining in to catch the monkeys in action. Not that the monkeys are going to give us a show, but the mere fact that you are seeing them in the wild made a lot of people excited and happy. I was one of them.

As the river cruise was about the end, we had to get back to the main jetty and the journey back was equally fascinating. The beautiful Sabah sunset refused to be boring as always. I could not help but sit back and enjoy the amazing colours thrown into the skies behind the boat. 

Sabah Sunset - Always amazing as ever

While the sun began to hide behind the horizon, the orange and red colours became more prominent reflecting against the Klias River. This, my fellow readers, is what a Sabah Sunset is all about. If you have never witnessed one, you should really consider making a trip to Sabah. 

Buffet dinner at the Klias River Jetty

Upon arriving back at the Klias River jetty, we were ushered to the well prepared tables for our buffet dinner which was packaged in the tour. Local Sabahan dishes were served with consideration that foreigners were among the guests here. 

I have to admit that the Klias River Cruise and the entire package was something very interesting and something unusual. I thought it had ended but we were told that the tour would continue after our dinner. Yes, we were going out again on the boat. This time to witness the amazing beauty of the Klias River Fireflies. 

Fireflies are well known here at the Klias River and has been pulling lots of tourism into the wetlands here. Among the popular groups of tourist that make their way for this are the Japanese and Koreans. So, after a thirty minute dinner break, we geared up our life vests and were back on the boat. This time around, it wasn't too far as the fireflies were about a five minute boat ride. I must say that it was virtually impossible to take pictures of the fireflies in the dark hence no pictures here. 

Fireflies along the Klias River produce an amazing sight. Imagine thousands of these little lit flies on a tree - making it look like a huge Christmas Tree, something that everyone should experience and see once in their lifetime.

Klias Wetland River Cruise tour package and price: 

• Per person - RM185 (US$58)
• Child Rate under 11 years - RM130 (US$40)
• Tour Includes two way transfer from Kota Kinabalu, welcome drink, snack and dinner plus river cruise and life vest with tour guide. 

Estimated time for the Klias River Cruise Tour: Depart KK at 2pm and arrive back in KK at about 10pm.
Please bring: Binoculars, Poncho, Insect Repellent.
Please wear: Comfortable clothes, sneakers

Klias Wetland River Cruise Information

Borneo Authentic Adventure Website
Tempurung Seaside Lodge at Kuala Penyu, Sabah (A Borneo Authentic Adventure place)

Other River Cruises in Sabah which I have experienced;

Kinabatangan - Sukau River Cruise in the Morning

Kinabatangan - Sukau River Cruise in the Night

For more information on the Klias Wetland River Cruise, please contact;

Borneo Authentic Adventure Sdn. Bhd.
Lot No.3, 1st Floor, Putatan Point,
88200, Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia.

Telephone: +6 088 773 066
Fax: +6 088 772 066
Mobile: +6 012 839 9993
E-mail: info@borneo-authentic.com

Klias Wetland River Cruise in Sabah is one of the must-visit places if you are short of time while visiting this amazing state known as the Land Below The Wind or simply Sabah Borneo.

Read More