Unsuccessfulness...

It's how we wanted to describe on our hiking trip on the popular Broga Hill earlier this month. The gang (a total 5 of us) started our climb around 5+ in the morning. Didn't achieve our goal though (getting to the hill top and catch the early sunrise) due to the constant drizzling rain thus making our climb slippery while on our way to the top.

Wonder what's Eddy, Valen and Jenny doing back there


Some steep trails faced while on our way up


It was bloody dark if you're planning to climb during the wee hours. So it's best is to bring more LED (super brighter than those usual bulbs) torch light.


Failed scenery shot taken on one of hilltop spot cause I didn't use a tripod. And it was drizzling too, sad. But Val had better shots on his DSLR though.


While on our way down... it was already 7am, and still the sun is not visible.


A group shot of the climbers posing when we finally got down

Darn, we're THIS close to the top and thanks to the rain, we've no choice but to do a U-turn downhill. However, we had quite an adventure climbing up in the dark. Most important thing is to check the weather forecast the night before your climb.

There will be plans for a 2nd round soon though, and next time we'll be at the top catching the sun rise!

-Frag-

Gone Fishing

On a wonderful early Sunday morning (I forgot exactly when it was), we went for an interesting activity - fishing - together with my parents. The place that we're about to fish is located somewhere within inner Serdang village, some kilometers away from South City Plaza area.

Back then when I was a young brat, I used to follow my dad and uncle Phil (their favourite pasttime) into alienated places in the woods and swamps looking for wildlife lakes and ponds to do some hardcore angling. Yes, that's right ANGLING, sounds pro right? I know I'm not one anyways. Here's looking at how Wikipedia define it for newbies... 

"Angling is a method of fishing by means of an "angle" (hook). The hook is usually attached by a line to a fishing rod. A bite indicator such as a float is sometimes used. The rod is usually fitted with a fishing reel that functions as a mechanism for storing, retrieving and paying out the line. The hook can be dressed wit lures or baits. Angling is a principal method of sport fishing."

Besides fishing being a rewarding sport... well if you get the fish, it's worth the time it takes to cast a line, relaxing while enjoying the peaceful surrounding. I believe fishing helps to get things out of your head, and keeps you calm. In my countless years of fishing (lol!), I've learned about patience, relaxing, and how to enjoy nature. 

Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

After spending some time looking for the place, we finally found it, which is actually a man-made fishing pond hidden and surrounded by trees

The place's filled with anglers by the time we got there. We immediately start unpacking and begin our angling mission

Mum & Dad - both avid anglers and seriously good at it especially me papa. If I'm not wrong, I think they're challenging each other on catching the most fishes at that time. Talk about serious competition, huh

That's my secondary fishing tool aka "secret" weapon (with the hook and fishing line tied to a big stone). There's also a pebble acting as an indicator that moves should any small fishes bite or pull the bait. Dun play-play, I'm good at this

And here I'm being joined by 2 dragonflies while I'm half asleep focusing on my angling technique and patiently waiting to strike a gigantic fish

Our catch of the day - a total of 9 fishes. The big ones are by caught by my parents. I think Dad almost hit the jackpot, a competition where cash prize is given those who catch the heaviest fish end of the day.

Usually in fishing ponds like this, you'll find breeds like Patin (Silver Catfish), Keli, Tai Dau Pok (Big Head Carp) and 'Fei Jaus' (?). There are different techniques and baits which are used to catch different kind of breeds. It all depends on the area you're fishing in

Here's my catch with my 'secret' weapon. These fishes are 'Fei Jaus' which I named Lampard, Gerrard and Fabregas. Tough looking but easy weaklings, waiting to be fried and eaten!

What's dangerous and hurts most in fishing? When I was young, I was taught to bait my own hook. There was once when I've accidently kicked the fishing rod on it standing position, it felt down causing the freaking hook to be pulled thus it pierced into my finger flesh! All this happened when worms are attached to the hook. The pain's crucifying... and digusting.

Anyways, nowadays it's hard to find for an authentic natural fishing spots, with many disappearing due the uncontrolled pacy land developments and mushrooming of housing areas everywhere for the past decade. Damn those people-in-charge to hell for exploiting forest lands of mother nature! There used to be tons of good fishing lakes in Klang Valley area, but now it's all gone. Instead, you'll find loads of articifial ponds and fish/prawn fishing shops everywhere, especially within Serdang Village area. 

Those were the days of good ol' outdoor natural fishing, but at least the fishing hobby still lives on. Enough of ranting, I'm itching for one soon!

-Frag

Batu Caving Session

Ah at last, updates from us, something interesting to share with you guys.

Last month, we paid a visit to the Batu Caves Temple in Gombak, together with Feebz's cousin and her bro on a shooting session. This is the pligrimage site where our yearly Thaipusam festival is held for our Hindu brothers and many Hindu visitors worldwide.

The sun was scorching hot and it was a humid noon, but our passion (not me, me not good enough lol) in photography was hotter. Thus we stayed there for quite some time exploring around, looking for interesting stuff to shoot.

The envious feeling kicked in, seeing the rest holding great camera and equipments to shoot/snipe. Hmm, but I'd have great faith in my old trusty Lumix FZ7, and I still believe I can go further and there's more to learn though. It rocks man. :)

Most popular Hindu shrine, Lord Murugan. Also the tallest Hindu statue in the world

Young kids and old man drawing potrait of the statue, under the hot sun!

Monkeys awaiting at the entrance, can be nasty though

There are 272 steps stairway leading up to inner temple caves, gosh

While we're at the top, here's the city view from the eyes of the statue

A shot taken from the inside of the cave. It's cool inside here

A close-up shot - made from pure steel bars and painted in gold

Little statues accompanying the Lord. Real fine details, my friend

Wokies, that's all for now. 

Happy Labours' Day and have a nice weekend. 

Ciao.

The National Zoo

It has been some time since my last entry. Real busy with job as it is tiring everyday! Seems like 24 hours is really not enough for me nowadays. God is fair because no matter how good or how bad, how lucky or unlucky, how good looking or not, each of us has only 24 hours a day~!

On the previous month.. Casa, Frag and I visited the KL National Zoo, a place I have been wanting to go since like 8 years ago! The zoo's not as bad as I imagine in the first place. Unfortunately, many animals are either hiding or being unactive during day time. If I am not mistaken, the zoo will open at night during weekends as well, known as the Safari~!

The Zoo Guide! Here I come~


Hornbill~! One of my favorite birds


Aiming the food, get ready to hunt

~
He's one of the famous star in the animal show! An 18 years old sea lion


Took a monkey pet for abortion :D


Casa showing off his pet snake


Free bus service provided, follows the trail and stop at destinations you want


Fat Fat Hippo


Honey bear asking honey from us!


Cute Otters


Giant Turtle, I wonder how old are them


Rhino looks cute too! Fit or Fat?


Long neck Giraffe


These chimpanzees look like human. Beware, they are known to throw things from the other side!


Largest rat species in the world. Mama rat and baby rat


Handsome tiger!


Hungry Elephant, keep asking food from passer by~

-feebz-

Dumpling Festival!

Last month, both of us went back to hometown for Dumpling Festival last month. My grandma was preparing dumplings for the whole family members and relatives. Grandma's dumpling was so popular and delicious, that even everyone insist to have them. However, lot of preparations are needed to make these nice dumplings.

During the weekends in JB, we stopped by Desaru with my brother, Issa hoping to get a sun-tan session BUT too bad, the weather was not friendly at all. Every beach or seaside we stopped, it will start to drizzle and rain. Sweat... it seems like the gray cloud was chasing us where ever we go~ What a disappointment!

This is the way my grandma cook the dumpling, the traditional way!


Taken by Issa, chilling in a small shop, waiting for the rain to stop


Nice sea wave but no more sunny day


Look at the cloud, it's terrible & chasing us everywhere >_<


My bro in the background~ Busy taking picture


We then stopped by in Kota Tinggi after we gave in to the weather~ Aunty Linda & Uncle Henry brought us to a famous restaurant for lunch. We tried a various of special dishes! This one is certainly nice - BBQ Pigeon!

-FeeBz-

KL Bird Park

Seeing that it's time for some outdoor activites, we decided to do some bird-watching in the KL Bird Park, known as the world's Largest Covered Bird Park (sure not?).

Situated in the middle of city centre nearby the popular Lake Gardens, the KL Bird Park houses many species of birds in an enclosed anviary.

The size of the bird park is impressive and there are different pathways to walk along and explore. The birds were either let free flying everywhere or some of them were in the cages.

We were greeted by a pair of bright colored parrots... very loving


Plenty of peacocks roaming around, friendly and tame to be around with


Another species which arent afraid of humans, waiting eagerly for food


As we got there early, we saw birds being taken out and fed as the park staff were cleaning their cages. Notice the chilli seeds on the floor!


Owl's a great sleeper by day, a predator by night.. judging by this blurry looking one


Who says Rhinoceros Hornbills cant hunt? This one's busy with its rat catch


Caught Stork-ing around at the pool


We saw the most ferocious bird.. on a bird show for an 1/2 hour and usually around 12:30pm and 3:30 pm.


Stopped by at the Hornbill Restaurant & Cafe. A variety selection of local and western cuisines available here but the price's slightly expensive. We sat at the open verandah facing the green scenery. Yes, it even has WIFI connection here, hence we got online with the Asus Eee PC!


Mr Hornbill(s) looking nearby... be careful of your food though.


Good venue for phototaking session... both of us stalking the storks

You'll find other attractions nearby the Bird Park such as the National Monument, Butterfly House, Orchid Garden and more. It's an interesting place to visit and well worth the slightly pricy admission fees.

Been here twice now, still I find the KL Bird Park exciting to visit.

-/frag/-