Sunset in Bangkok

Sunset in Bangkok is my picture for the week. I took this picture from Asiatique Riverside during a visit to Bangkok's latest lifestyle entertainment place located along the famous Chao Praya River. The place had just opened in April 2012 and while I was in Bangkok, we were invited to come visit this new lifestyle and entertainment place. As the entourage got in via ferry that evening, I turned around and saw the orange sun falling slowly behind some construction in the distance. Without hesitation, I immediately got my 300mm lens and captured this beautiful Bangkok sunset.

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Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2012

The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2012 was officially launched on the 14th June at Central Plaza Grand Rama 9 in Bangkok by Mr Suraphon Svetasreni who is the Tourism Governor of Thailand. This marks one of the most exciting sales held between June 15th till August 15th 2012. To top it off, there is an amazing grand prize for tourist who shop here and will stand a chance to win a whopping 'Miracle 30 Days in Thailand' prize worth 3.5 million THB!

Mr Suraphon Svetasreni (L) and Mr Somboon Krobteeranon from VISA (R)

A total of 15,000 shops and stores around Thailand will be participating in this sale therefore tourist are advised to get the information from tourist centers around Thailand. The outlets are also found in seven cities across Thailand which are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Hat Yai and the island of Samui. Most of the major shopping malls are participating and you can also get information about the contest from the main information counters at each of the malls. As Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with VISA Thailand for this sale, those who shop with their VISA cards will be in for a pleasant surprise as they will be entitled for double coupons and double the chance to win the grand prize.

Central Plaza Grand Rama 9 Shopping Mall

During the launch event at Central Plaza Grand Rama 9, a hive of activities was seen with the presence of the Tourism Governor and VIPs. Speeches were conveyed followed by a special fashion show that highlighted some of the latest fashions on catwalk. As the crowd swelled with curious shoppers and a surge of teenagers carrying LED cards, local Thai superstar singer Kangsom made an appearance on stage followed by lout screams from the crowd that gathered around the launch area.

Kangsom performing live

The event ended on a high note with Kangsom's live performance while news reporters from various media were seen interviewing the Tourism Governor. Many were heard asking about the amazing prizes offered to shoppers for this years Amazing Thailand Grand Sale which is in its 14th year now.

Fashion show to launch the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale

In order to participate for a chance to win the amazing grand prize, one needs to spend a minimum of THB500 at any of the participating outlets throughout the seven main cities in Thailand. For those who use their VISA cards, chances to win are doubled. The "Miracle 30 Days in Thailand" grand prize is also valued at 3.5 million THB, it is broken down to;

• Business class round trip ticket from your home country to Thailand.
• Economy class for domestic round trip ticket according to travel program.
• Transportation throughout the program.
• Accommodation in each city according to travel program.
• Meals at designated restaurants
• Entrance fee for any attraction such as monument, museum, performance.
• Fee for designated special course for experience Thai life / Thai Traditional as per your preference such as Cooking Class, Thai Dance, Boxing, Pottery Making and Batik Painting.
• Private local guide throughout the travel program.

Left: Inside Central Plaza, Right: Kangsom live

For more information on this, please see Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2012. Note that the draw for the winner will take place on 20th September 2012 at Asia Airport Hotel, Pathumthani Thailand. For anyone heading to Thailand between the month of June and August 2012 and if you are visiting any of the main cities, you might want to take part in this Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2012.

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Malaysian Travel Bloggers Meet Up 2012

Malaysian Travel Bloggers Meet Up will be held on the 23rd June 2012 in Kuala Lumpur at a very trendy restaurant called Palate Palatte in the Golden Triangle of KL city. As there are so many up and coming travel bloggers in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia, this event is organized to get the travel bloggers together and share stories, talk about blog promotion, tips, tricks, headaches, ups & downs and more. This will be a great chance to meet, mingle and network with your fellow travel bloggers in a fun and casual setting. For this special first ever event, there will be free food, drinks and even a little Q&A session to help bloggers understand and also improve their travel blog.

Below are the details of this first-of-a-kind event happening in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Details

• When - Saturday 23rd of June, 12pm to whenever
• Where - Palate Palette - near Istana Hotel and Raja Chulan/Bukit Bintang monorail (map below)
• Lunch - Will be provided at 1pm and will include starter/sandwich/pasta. Free flow of tea/coffee/juice all day

Question and Answer Session

There will be 45 minute Q&A session to start the meetup at 12:15pm. It will just be a very casual chat where anyone can ask questions to the panel of experienced bloggers and social media managers. Pick up some tips on how you can improve your blog and increase readership.

Panel will consist of:

• David Hogan Jr of Malaysia Asia
• Ilya Houben of Wonderful Malaysia
• Dian Azura who is a social media expert for Tourism Selangor

How do I get there?

• Monorail - Just 5 minutes walk from Raja Chulan or Bukit Bintang monorail 
• Taxi - Get a taxi and give them the address of Palate Palatte.
  21 Jalan Mesui, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. Telephone - 03-2142 2148
• Parking - There is limited street parking outside Palate Palette. However there is parking for RM5 per day behind Istana Hotel, near Jalan Bedara

Palate Palatte Map

Sponsors

This meet up is sponsored by Sedunia Travel and also Palate Palette to bring the first ever Malaysian Travel Bloggers Meet Up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Things to do in Langkawi

Things to do in Langkawi, Malaysia is a list created for anyone heading to this beautiful island located on the north western part of the peninsular. Langkawi is a duty free island and very popular with local and foreign tourist as there are many things that can be done here. The island offers a variety of Eco-tourism activities, luxury resorts and hotels, duty free shopping and world class attractions which is accessible throughout the year. In no order, here is the list of things to do in Langkawi.

Pantai Cenang Beach

Pantai Cenang - This is indeed the most popular beach in Langkawi and it is located on the south western part of the island where you will find various hotels, resorts, spas and attractions. Pantai Cenang Beach stretches for almost two kilometers with all kinds of beach activities which include para sailing, jet skiing and horse riding to name a few. A selection of hotels to suit all kinds of budgets are found here too. You will find Five Star Hotels, Boutique Hotels, Themed Resorts and even budget hotels or chalets along here. A number of bars offer great music and drinks while there are travel agents, visa run agencies, Internet cafes and general shopping along the main road that stretches for almost 3 kilometers long. Suitable for everyone.

Langkawi Cable Car

Langkawi Cable Car - One of the world class attractions can be found at the Machinchang Mountain and located at the Oriental Village, a theme shopping center with individually designed buildings showcasing Malaysian and Oriental architecture. The unique Langkawi Cable Car is a must-visit for those who want to experience something different. Excellent views of the island can be seen from the mountain top on a clear day while a futuristic curved hanging sky bridge will surely impress you. The bridge is suspended from a 82m high single pylon and hangs at about 100m above ground. Best time to visit is in the mornings. Suitable for all.
Open Daily : 10 am to 8 pm
Entrance fee : Adult R158.00 , Child RM5.00

Underwater World Langkawi

Langkawi Underwater World -  Underwater World Langkawi is one of the largest marine and fresh water aquariums in South East Asia and has become one of the must visit tourist destinations in Langkawi which has attracted a large number of foreign as well as local tourists. The concept and theme of Underwater World Langkawi are geared towards Knowledge, Education and Entertainment. It is built to raise awareness on the importance of conserving our precious aquatic life forms, thus creating understanding of the deep and inseparable bond between man and nature. A gigantic 15-meter long walk-through tunnel consisting of 500,000 liter seawater houses many big fishes and various sea creatures. Penguins are one of the main highlights here but check with the counter about the show. Suitable for families, kids and those with interest.
Open Daily : 10 am to 6 pm
Entrance fee Malaysian: Adult RM28.00 , Child RM18.00 (3-12 yrs)
Entrance fee Foreigners: Adult RM38.00 , Child RM28.00 (3-12 yrs)

Feeding a stingray at Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall Floating Restaurant - This unique attraction is located along the Kilim River in the Langkawi Geopark and Hole in the Wall Floating Restaurant is one of the star attractions here due to the fact that you can see all sorts of marine fish in captivity. Highlights here are the Stingray Feeding session where guest get to participate in feeding the huge stingrays. While you do your Eco tours here, this is one of the stops for your lunch. Fresh seafood can be ordered and cooked here too.  Suitable for all.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfall - The name of this beautiful waterfall means ‘Seven Wells’, referring to a collection of seven intertwined natural pools fed by seven separate waterfalls around Mat Cincang Mountain. Locals claim that fairies and genies reside in the area but tourists are more likely to find the flora around the water more magically appealing. Intrepid travelers can climb to the top of the falls in 45 minutes to an hour, hopefully spotting some macaque monkeys or hornbill birds. The climb up the 638 steps to the top level can be very tiring. Suitable for nature lovers, trekkers and hikers.

Duty Free Shopping in Langkawi - Definitely a must for those who are after chocolates, cigarettes and liquor. Currently one of the best duty free areas in Malaysia, majority of locals and foreigners come here for the impressive Langkawi Duty Free Shopping. You also get cooking ware from Corning, Vision, Corelle and many other branded cooking utensils. Sports equipment is also sold while cameras are also available. Most of these duty free outlets can be found around Kuah town and there are a few located at Pantai Cenang. Overall, it would be better to visit the ones in town. Suitable for all.

Langkawi Batik 

Langkawi Batik - Just two kilometres from the airport lies an art village called Atma Alam which is popular among local and foreign tourists showcasing the best of Langkawi Barik. A building which is based on traditional Malay architecture offers a homely interior that cleverly showcases products for a comfortable shopping. Here, friendly staff will guide you to explore the unique batik workshop, batik showrooms, batik gallery, art gallery and the ceramic handicraft collections. There is a wide range of exclusive silk and cotton garments, elegant to casual and beach ware designed by Sada. Batik and songket materials are transformed into wall scrolls, cushion covers, handbags, purses and many other smaller gifts manufactured by the in house tailors. Suitable for art lovers, families, couples, kids.  

Langkawi Crocodile Farm

Langkawi Crocodile Farm - The farm itself has one of the largest number of crocodile and alligator species in the world. You will witness a unique boxing match between man and crocodile, or you can take a ride in a rickshaw drawn by a crocodile. Make friends with Bujang Kawi, the oldest inmate weighing over 1,000 pounds. Langkawi Crocodile Farm is also situated at Datai Bay - which is just 32km north of Kuah Town. It also takes about 30 minutes to get there by road. The attraction is also known as Taman Buaya Langkawi in Malay. Suitable for all.

Open Daily : 9 am to 6 pm
Entrance fee : Adult RM8.00 , Child RM6.00 (below 12 yrs)
Show Time : Daily at 11.15am & 2.45pm

Bon Ton Resort in Langkawi

Bon Ton Resort - One of the most unique resort villas in Malaysia is here at Bon Ton Resort in Langkawi. A detailed and fine collection of traditional Malay homes have been converted into individual villas for those wanting to experience staying in a kampung house. Live the way locals used to live. This is also located at the beginning of Pantai Cenang and very near the Langkawi International Airport. A well known traditional Nyonya Restaurant serves authentic Baba Peranakan food and is open to everyone and recommended. Suitable for those seeking something different.

There you have it, a list on what to do in Langkawi if you are heading here anytime in the future. The peak period here is usually during July till September and November to January. There is no monsoon here but there is the rainy season and you can be assured that there are no typhoons or hurricanes here. The best way to see the island is to rent a car and drive it around. Roads here are easy to drive but you need to watch out for the motorcycles and bicycles. There at many other attractions but this is just the basic list of things to do in Langkawi.

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Sunset Picture in Selangor

Sunset Picture in Selangor - I took this picture along the highway to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport or KLIA. One of those rare moments in the city where you get a beautiful sunset. Best part was that I took it from my van without getting out. As I was driving, I kept looking at the sunset and eventually when the orange ball appeared, on came my hazard lights, pulled over and wound down my passenger seat window to get this shot. I also used my Nikon D60 with a 300mm lens to capture this beautiful sunset.

Sunset Picture in Selangor, flock of birds flying past

In the picture above, you see a horizontal shot. It was a bonus when I was taking the picture, a flock of birds started to fly pass and got them in the foreground of the sunset. You can also view my other sunset pictures which I captures throughout my travels. Overall, I was pretty happy with the results of these pictures and there you have it, my Sunset Picture in Selangor.

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Rainforest World Music Festival 2012

Rainforest World Music Festival 2012 is back again for the 15th year from the 13-15 July and held at the Sarawak Cultural Village near Kuching. This years line up promises something different as local Malaysian star Zee Awi makes her debut here for the first time.This is one of the biggest and longest running unique concert in the history of Malaysia and held in the heavily cultured state of Sarawak. A show not to be missed, many international performers make their way here to showcase some of the best cultural music in the world.

Every year in mid July, thousands of music lovers travel across the globe to the Land of the Hornbill otherwise known as Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Converging at Santubong, a 45 minute drive from Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, it is like an annual pilgrimage for these music lovers who come to attend the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), which has been voted by Songlines, a renowned world music magazine for 3 consecutive years as the top 25 international festivals. This annual event, now in its 15th year, is organized by the Sarawak Tourism Board and is a three day celebration of daytime music workshops and action-packed nightly shows.

RWMF 2011 Workshop - Photo Credit to: Parochial Sarawakian

This festival is a not-to-be-missed occasion in the heart of the Borneo Jungle. This is where people regardless of their ethnicity, cultural backgrounds and music interests come together for three magical days for a fun filled, wholesome festival experience with a country fair atmosphere amidst lush greenery. Below are the list of performers for the Rainforest World Music Festival 2012.

RWMF Performers 2012

Zee Avi - Malaysia

Malaysian singer-songwriter, guitarist and ukulele player who was born in Miri, Sarawak but lives in the United States now. She was first discovered from a song she had posted up on YouTube for a friend. Zee Avi has since then released several albums and is making a special appearance at the festival.

The Music of Sarawak - Malaysia 

The music and instruments of Sarawak are as diverse and lush and poly-layered as its rainforests. Gongs, from the large hanging ones that represent the standing of the owner to the small melodically tuned ones; huge log drums to the hand-held frame ones; all kinds of innovative bamboo instruments; and of course the majestic sape,

   

Hata – The One - Malaysia, Korea, Turkey, Taiwan

They encapsulate the many facets of Asia – capturing, molding, fusing, and coming up with a unique sound yet completely enchantingly Eastern. Usually a 24 member group, they are coming as a 9 piece with musicians from Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan and Turkey. 

 

Rhythm of Borneo - Malaysia

Between the years of 1998-2008, Ainal Johari joined several well-established bands from Sarawak such as TUKU’ KAME’, TABUH PAK AINAL and JERRY KAMIT & FRIENDS to perform in the world-class Rainforest World Music Festivals.

Mamadou Diabate - Mali / Burkina Faso

I was born in 1973 into a West African “Jeli” family in Burkina Faso. In my family there is a long tradition of practising the profession of story telling and music making  (playing the balafon). 

Le Trio Joubran - Palestine

Three brothers descending from a family of « Oud » makers and players since four generations… the grand grand-father, the grand-father, the father and now, Samir, Wissam and Adnan have transformed this instrument into a passion, a skill, a life.

 

Samuel Dass & Prakash - Malaysia 

Samuel J. Dass, or Sam as he is fondly known in the music circle, was born on the 16th of March, and started his love affair with the Sitar at the tender age of 7. His first guru was his father, Mr. Jabamalai Dass, who drilled in him the basics of sitar playing. 

 

Khusugtun - Mongolia

The meaning of the name ‘Khusugtun’ The word khusug mean a cart of pastoral nomads. ‘Khusugtun’ means nomads, or more precisely people who move with carts. 

 

Diplomats Of Drum - Malaysia

Spreading the love for beats and rhythms across international shores, The Diplomats of Drum has received universal acclaim as Malaysia’s chief world music percussion troupe.

Raiz De Cafezal - Brazilian Amazonian Indians

The Carimbó is one of the rhythms from the Brazilian Amazonian Indians, however, as diverse other Brazilian cultural manifestations, it was mixed and received other influences, mainly African. 

 

La Zikabilo - France

 

This energetic brass band from France handles many musical styles with ease and infectious joy. Since their Beginning back in 1999, LA ZIKABILO transports through multiple horizons such as Jazz, Gypsy music, French chanson, Latino music, Rock’n’roll, Reggae rhythms.

Oreka Tx - Spain

Nömadak Tx is a project by Harkaitz Mtez, De San Vicente and Igor Otxoa, Oreka Tx. These Basque txalapartaris had a dream: they thought up a project that was to mark a turning point in the history of thisunique musical percussion instrument.

String Sisters - Celtic music from Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, USA 

Featuring some of the traditional music world’s top female fiddlers, the members of the String Sisters gather together for a concert Annbjørg Lien from Norway joins Catriona Macdonald from Shetland, Liz Carroll and Liz Knowles from America, Mairead ni Mhaonaigh (Altan) from Ireland and Emma Härdelin from Sweden. 

Kanda Bongo Man - Congo - UK Based

The man who single-handedly gave the world the infectious Kwasa Kwasa dance; Kanda Bongo Man is one of the most well known stars of world music, and one of the first pioneers of he African Soukous music.  

Cankisou - Czech Republic

No. 17th in the World music chart Europe in November 2011, performance at Sziget 2010 (world music stage). One of the top world music bands in the Czech republic which has already made audience in 14 countries dance with its original ethnic fusion full of wild rhythms and spiced with rock roots. 

Danyel Waro - Reunion Island 

Sega, a traditional Indian Ocean dance rhythm, is internationally known, but few people outside the island of Reunion have heard of maloya. Maloya is a compound rhythm on which plantation workers have long been singing their joys and woes. It’s a sort of réunionese blues.

Rainforest World Music Festival 2012 - Photo Credit to: Parochial Sarawakian

RWMF Programme
There will be a line-up of 12 international bands and 6 Malaysian bands playing a diverse range of world genres and the festival is featuring 7 different acts per night over 3 nights of pure music.

RWMF Workshops
Spread throughout the village, there will be afternoon informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage has proven to be a hit, with the audience, who come from near and far.

Food & Village Mart
A Food & Village Mart offers visitors local crafts, souvenir items. On the F&B part, choose from international to local food and drinks. A total of 30 stalls will be selling all of these throughout the village.

RWMF Store
The RWMF store is filled with Rainforest World Music Festival merchandize. A great place to get yourself a souvenir t-shirt or your favorite artist CD. You can also get some of the performing artist to sign your CDs during the signing times. Check with the store.

Ticket Prices for the RWMF 2012

Get your Rainforest World Music Festival Tickets.

Visit the official website for the Rainforest World Music Festival.

RWMF Organiser:
Sarawak Tourism Board
5th – 7th Floor, Yayasan Sarawak Building
Jalan Masjid, 93400 Kuching
Sarawak, Malaysia
Telephone : +6 082 423600
Fax : +6 082 416700

For those who are interested, come experience a truly memorable musical extravaganza amidst the lush green paradise that is the mythical land of Sarawak. We bid you, 'Selamat Datai'! (Welcome!) to all those attending the RWMF 2012 and if you have never been to this amazing festival and want to also explore Sarawak, here is your chance to plan ahead for the upcoming Rainforest World Music Festival 2012.

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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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