There is another thing which is popular in Malaysia - bargaining. When going to street market, prices are usually not displayed. Let's take for example T-shirt. It costs 5 to 20 ringgit in super market, but seeing foreign tourist vendor might ask 2-3 times higher price. Now when vendor announces price, tourist wants to bargain. Let's say price asked was 45 ringgit, but tourist bargains down to 40 ringgit. Still its rather expensive, but tourist person might feel happy about being able to strike a bargain. Other side - seller is also happy because still he managed to sell that thing for 3 times higher price. In my situation I was looking for places with prices already displayed or what price locals are paying.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Ramadhan.......
Old part of Kuching City....Dates Bazaar during Ramadhan.
We're now just few days into Ramadhan.I spent Ramadhan in simple way,we broke our fast with dates and some other fruits then went for Magrib prayer and back for the main meal then off again for the Isyak prayer then follow by the taraweh prayer.........
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Trip to Batu Ferringhi...
My last trip to Batu Ferringhi was in 1992 ..10 years ago.My second was few weeks ago..Wow !!!! it's change a lot ,I like it.I would say Batu Ferringhi,where some of the most breathtaking beaches in Penang lay.Its balmy and scenic surrounding provided the perfect climate for blissful vacation.For these reasons the tourist foreign and local flock here,and for that matter,it is also haven for a string of world-class resorts including rows of specialty restaurants and shops.Business is often brisk here especially during Pubic Holiday & weeks end.
This prime of stretch of beach is always a hive of activity .Their facilities include water sport and windsurfing .
The Batu Ferringhi sidewalk bazaar,night market start from 7pm-12pm most nights,offering tourist a verity of cheap merchandise.This business that's currently thriving and attracting the tourist is this night market.........
Friday, August 6, 2010
Jalan TAR & Jalan Masjid India-Kuala Lumpur.
If we talk about hunting for carpet,textile,fabrics and hijab(tundung in Malay),I always talk about this street of Jalan TAR(Tuanku Abdul Rahman).In fact ,Tuanku Abdul Rahman is the name of the first Yang di-Pertua Agong(His Highness or King) of Malaysia.However there is another area near little India(or Jalan Masjid India) that you can find many textile store and fabric outlets.
Normally this place will be crowded when festive season are around "Hari Raya".We can see many new street vendors.For women Jalan TAR & Jalan Masjid India is a place to seek matching hijab(Tudung in Malay) and spending the whole day checking & hunting every store for the perfect colours.
On saturday and as expected the crowd begin for a night market(Pasar Malam) hunting and bargaining for their goods from the street vendors.
Beside many textile,clothing,carpet and fabric store I also notice there are many budget hotel around Jalan TAR and Jalan Masjid India.Most budget hotel around this district offer very competitive discount & more discount if we book online.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
LRT @ Rush Hour........
Taking LRT at rush hour is no fun at all. You are being squeezed like sardines, male and female alike, in a coach which smells of stale air. It is in fact downright unhygienic since if someone with flu sneezes in the coach, most of the passengers in that coach would probably be infected with the same virus. It is also very scary especially to the ladies, since even if you feel someone else is groping you, you can’t even move to avoid and fence off the move.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sarawak Regatta 2010 in Kuching.
Opening event.......
The history of Sarawak Regatta.........Basically, The Sarawak Regatta in the Brooke Days is known as a game of peace and passion to unite the warring tribes of Borneo. In those days, Rajah Charles Brooke used to send his yatch "Maimunah" to bring in the various 'Tuan Residents' to join the social event......
The family get shades from underneath the trees....
Sarawak Regatta started on the 30th July to 1st August 2010 at Kuching Waterfront. I just spent half day watching the events (last day Sunday) ignoring the heat from the very hot sun. No doubt along the waterfront you can get shades from underneath the trees but at times really had to go infront to get a clearer view.
Sarawak River.....
The Sarawak Regatta, to be held from July 30 with local and foreign participants, would directly promote racial harmony, greater understanding of cultural diversity and promote the tourism industry.
Will this team LANDAS grab the title "King of the River"...........
This has made the races more exciting. Participating teams have done their preparations earlier than usual and are well prepared. This can be seen in their determination to grab the coveted ‘King of the River’ title in the various categories.
Public Bus- Penang.
On my recent trip to Pulau Penang the public bus as my mode of transportation.I was using the Rapid Penang from Sg.Nibong bus terminal to Batu Ferringhi,bus No 102 and it is inexpensive.The bus itself was very convenient,you can go anywhere using public bus & it is also enable you to see the true color of Penang with it's culture diversity.The cheerful,helpful bus drivers were marvellous.The most important is the 'frequency' schedule was great for us on holiday.
