Happy Deepavali In Kuala Lumpur

Deepavali is celebrated annually in the seventh month of the Tamil lunar calendar. This year, Deepavali falls on Oct 27, Monday, which is a national public holiday. The festival ymbolises the triumph of good over evil when, according to one legend, Lord Krishna defeated the evil King Narakasura. Hindus light oil lamps in their homes as a victorious symbol of light over darkness.

In Malaysia, Deepavali is celebrated on a grand scale at the national level with an open house concept where people from all races are invited to join in the celebration, to partake in a day of food, fun and culture.

In Kuala Lumpur, during the run-up to the festival, Jalan Masjid India and Lebuh Ampang areas, better known as Little Indias of Kuala Lumpur, are abuzz with activities.

Household items and festive decor line the streets as traders pit their prices against each other to attract festive buyers. If you are looking for things related to the Indian culture, this is a good time to pay Jalan Masjid India and Lebuh Ampang a visit.

There may be a little traffic congestion during peak hours (evenings between 5 to 8pm) and if you wish to do your shopping during that period, take public transport. Cab fares should not cost more than RM7 from Jalan Sultan Ismail where major hotels are located. If you decide to take the LRT, get down at the Masjid Jamek station. Lebuh Ampang and Jalan Masjid India is just a five-minute walk from the station.

You may also use the KTM Komuter and get down at the Bank Negara stop. You will need to walk a bit (about 20 minutes) from here, crossing Jalan Raja Laut, and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR). Masjid India is located parallel to this thoroughfare. Lebuh Ampang is located about 10 minutes' walk from Masjid India.


Map to Masjid India

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Map to Lebuh Ampang

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October Happenings in Kuala Lumpur

OCT 11, LIRE EN FêTE (BOOK FAIR)
Created twenty years ago, Lire en Fête is a book festival that spreads to more than 150 countries throughout the French Cultural network. The Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur invites you to three "Rendez-vous" to discover the French literature": a French bookfair, tales reading in French for kids and an exhibition on Paul Claudel.
Venue: Main Hall of the Alliance Française Kuala Lumpur, 15 Lorong Gurney, Off Jalan Semarak
Time: Noon to 4:00pm
Admission: free
Details: Call 03-2694 7880

TILL 12 OCT 2008, WALLSCAPES - THE MERDEKA PAINTING BY WANG LAN, WANG XU AND SHEN JIAWEI
The Merdeka Painting by Wang Lan, Wang Xu and Shen Jiawei, commissioned to commemorate Malaysia's 51st year of Independence, is a masterwork of mural conception and design that figures historical and contemporary protagonists in the shaping of modern Malaysia. The mural illuminates on the enduring relationship between history and the vocation of art while presenting a contrasting narrative of the acknowledgement and affirmation of historical roles in the making of Malaysia's history. Presented in a continuum of figures reaching into the year of pre-Independence, the mural explores the possibilities offered by art for the renewal of perceptions concerning history.
Venue: Bustle Gallery, Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC
Time: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 7770

OCT 13-NOV 12, 18@8-VICE AND VIRTUE
Wei-Ling Gallery’s fourth installation of their annual 18@8 exhibition, takes on a new twist with the introduction of the theme ‘ Vice & Virtue‘. Nine participating artists have been selected on grounds of significant contribution to the local arts scene in the preceding year, or, in terms of pronounced artistic development. The exhibition’s premise is to explore the characteristics of commonly perceived values.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

OCT 15 – NOV 1, YASMIN SISON: THE WEIGHT OF WAITING
Yasmin Sison refers to blotting as an act that describes how images are altered through a play on light and darkness. By painting over her figures, she erases their individuality, creating ghostly portraits that form a critique against the longings and desires engendered by media and an acceptance of its power.
Venue: Valentine Willie Fine Art, 1st Floor, 17 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Time: 12 - 8pm Monday to Friday, and 12 - 6 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Details: Call 03-2284 2348

OCT 27, DEEPAVALI
The Hindu Festival of Lights, known also as Deepavali, celebrates the day when good prevailed over evil when Narkansura was defeated by Lord Krishna. The day is marked with prayers and other festivities. Open house are also held to invite friends from other religions to partake in the festivities.

TILL OCT 31, SHANGHAINESE HAIRY CRABS
Feast on the legendary culinary delight, hairy crabs from Shanghai.
Time : 12.00noon to 2.30pm for lunch (Mondays to Saturdays)/6.30pm to 10.30pm for dinner (Mondays to Sundays)
Venue : West Lake Garden Chinese Restaurant, Sunway Hotel
Details: Call 03-7492 8000 ext 3181 ( David Pang )

NOV 4 - JAN 18, IMAGING SELFS
Imaging Selfs – Portraits by Soraya Yusof Talismail
Venue: Main Gallery, Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC
Time: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 7770

NOV 25 - JAN 18, DRAWING THE LINE: SCULPTURES BY AMIN GULGEE
Venue: Bustle Gallery, Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC
Time: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 7770

Kuala Lumpur Thieves' Market

The Thieves' Market are not named out of novelty and the goods may have a tainted past. If you wish to check out the place, go early between 7am to 10am where business is at its peak.

This is one sleazy corner of Kuala Lumpur I would not like to be on the tours' itinerary simply because of the dangers it pose. But again, which nation in the wordly doesn't have it - a Thieves Market, where you are constantly unsure whether the goods are stolen or just scavenged from the rubbish dumps.

Then again, there are people who beg to differ in that here in lies some things that you are not likely to find in established shopping malls or even junk stores.

Things like old VCDs, books, loud speakers, rare amplifiers, coconut scrapers, radios, screws and bolts, rusty saws, one or two rare paintings, and the likes. Or even shirts and shoes that have been used that cost large fractions of their original prices, and whish with a little bit of cleaning, can still be used.

Kuala Lumpur's Thieves Market lies along Jalan Sultan. You can't miss it simply because it is located behind the row of shops that front Petaling Street. The place is a hive of activities from early mornings, sometimes as early as midnight when prying eyes of the authorities take their daily rest.

The best time to visit this place is in the wee hours of the morning and the crowd peaks at about 7am. You can find plenty of second-hand goods here, but don't ask about how the traders got them. Just get the best bargain and if it seems worthwhile, get it. Otherwise move on and come another day.

While browsing here, you might want to take care of your wallet. No, not that you will be fleeced by the traders or be tempted to spend more than you actually need. This place is the haunt of pickpockets and these faceless hoods move in and out of the crowd quite easily. If you are not too careful, your wallet might end up being on of the items being sold here over the next couple of months - after its contents have been relieved, of course.

Mooncake Festival in Kuala Lumpur

The Mooncake Festival, otherwise known as the Mid Autumn Festival in a grander name, is celebrated on the eighth lunar month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

The celebration comes on the heels of the Hungry Ghost Festival, which is the Seventh Month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. While the latter is one month the Chinese considered inauspicious, the Eight Month is considered very auspicious, particularly on the Fifteenth Day.

Garfield immortalised in a lantern!

On that day, it is believed that the moon is at its loveliest and largest, and it is also the day the Chinese give thanks to the Goddess of the Moon for a bountiful harvest.

During this time, the Chinese plan all sorts of auspicious events, especially weddings, and particularly on the Fifteenth Day.

The Mooncake Festival, also known among the Cantonese as the Chung Chow Cheet (Mid Autumn Festival), is actually celebrated from the first day of the eighth month to the fifteenth day. During the final day of celebration, the Chinese will hold feasts outdoors and enjoy mooncakes. Children will also be allowed to sleep late that night to enjoy the full moon and in villages, even today, they go around the neighbourhood parading paper lanterns.


Superman lantern.

The pictures you see here are lanterns of various types, ranging from the candle-lit glass paper lanterns to battery powered types. These range from RM3 (USD1) to RM10 (USD3).


Plastic mouse shaped lantern with music. These are battery powered.

Although traditional lanterns, ie the paper made ones, are not easy to find in cities, rural sundry shops stock them and they are quite a sight to watch during the day. There are lots of designs although traditional ones sport mythical creatures such as the unicorn or dragon. Today, you find comic characters and cartoon superheroes instead.


Accordion lantern carrying a cartoon superhero.

Mooncakes are rice flour cakes with sweet fillings such as red bean paste or lotus paste for the cheaper ones. More expensive ones contain mixed nuts and salted egg yolks and even meat stuffed within.


This one is expensive, just look at the metal box in which the four mooncakes are kept in.


The cheaper ones, only a fraction of the price of the metal box packaged one above.

Mooncakes range from RM5 a pack of four for cheap ones to RM50 per box of four of expensive ones. Of course, it is easy to discern the more expensive by looking at the packaging - more expensive ones have grander, usually metal, packaging boxes.


Plain rice flour mooncake. This one does not contain any filling. It is not eaten either. It is usually used as a prayer item among offerings to the Goddess of the Moon.

September Happenings

TILL SEPT 7, MERDEKA PHOTO EXHIBITION
Featuring pictures from the past and present that highlights the country’s 51 years of independence.
Venue: Ground Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya
Details: Call 03-7710 8118
Time: Sun - Thu : 10am - 10pm / Fri and Sat : 10am - 10.30pm

SEPT 8-30, ICONS

A solo exhibition and re-launch of the iconic contemporary Malaysian artist Zulkifli Yusoff. It has been eight years since Zulkifli Yusoff held a solo exhibition of his works in Malaysia and this exhibition promises to deliver some of his most provocative artworks to date. Using a combination of media in a layered format, including a blend of silk-screen, painting, photographic transfers, drawings, embossing and fibreglass, Zulkifli’s new works draw direct reference to historical and current events that have made a mark on Malaysian society. He was particularly inspired by the book written by Frank Swettenham in the 19th century entitled ‘Malay Sketches’, and has expanded on a number of the themes in the book in his new paintings.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

SEPT 12 - OCT 5, HARI RAYA PROMOTION
Sale and promotion of stuff related to the festive occasion
Venue: Ground Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya
Details: Call 03-7710 8118
Time: Sun - Thu : 10am - 10pm / Fri and Sat : 10am - 10.30pm

TILL SEPT 14, MOONCAKE FESTIVAL
Promotion of mooncakes and things related to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Time: 10am to 10pm
Venue: Berjaya Times Square, 1 Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur
Details: Call 03-2144 9821

TILL SEPT 15, INDONESIAN MODERN ARTS
Indonesian artist Wayan Gede Susana features his work.
Venue: Art House Gallery, Desa Sri Hartamas, 20-1, Jalan 24/70A, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 10:30am - 7:00pm (Mon - Sat)/ 1:00pm - 6:00pm (Sunday and Public Holidays)
Details: Call 03-2300 1343

SEPT 18-28, BROADWAY PARODIES LAGI LAH!
Comedy by local group.
Time: 8.30pm (Tuesdays - Saturdays) / 3pm (Sundays) / NO SHOWS ON MONDAY
Venue: Pentas 1, KLPac, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Ipoh
Admission: Tickets at RM60 / RM40 / RM20 (students)
Details: 03-4047 9000/2094 9400

SEPT 19-21, AIDIL FITRI CARNIVAL
Sales promotion related to the Hari Raya Puasa or Aidil Fitri celebrations.
Venue: Putra Concourse, Putra World Trade Centre, Jalan Putra
Time: 10am to 10pm
Details: Call 019 358 0890/014-638 0090 (Melissa)

SEPT 21-28, BACK TO NATURE

Exhibition by artists from Tieling China and Malaysian Artists. This exhibition will display more than a hundred pieces of exquisite artworks by 14 artists from China and 11 artists from Malaysia.
Venue: Ground Floor Exhibition Hall, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Bukit Bintang
Time: 11.00am to 6.00pm
Admission : Free
Details: 03-9075 6876 (Ms. Chan Yin Kwan)

TILL SEPT 27, DREAMS, HOPE AND PERFECTION
This is the third solo by Bangkok artist Natee Utarit in Kuala Lumpur. The artist here conjures the birth of Thai democracy and so modern Thai political history as a means of commenting on actual and pressing political issues.
Time: 12 - 8pm Monday to Friday, and 12 - 6 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Details: Call 03-2284 2348

TILL SEPT 28, SWEET FLAVOUR BY MOHD FAUZI SEDON
After completing his PhD in Hobart, art lecturer and printmaker Mohd Fauzi Sedon, returns for his second solo exhibition.
Venue: NN GALLERY, 53A - 56 Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir,
Time: Mon-Sat (9am-6am); Sun & Public Holiday (Closed)
Details: Call 03-42706588

TILL OCT 25, BEYOND ORIENTALISM: HOW THE WEST WAS WON OVER BY ISLAMIC ART
The exhibition looks further than Orientalist art. Instead of being about how European and American artists depicted the Islamic world, it shows how the Islamic world changed aesthetics in the West. This is most visible in the decorative arts, especially glass and ceramics, but it also applies to architecture and ‘fine’ art.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Jalan Lembah Perdana
Time: 10am - 6pm
Details: Call 03-2274 2020

PC Fair off to a lukewarm start

PC starts today and judging from the crowd between 11am to 4pm, it was a bit disappointing - there appeared to be more sales assistants than visitors the first two hours and the crowd only picked up sometime into 2pm.


After 2pm

There were bargains, without doubt, and the street smart would yet again walk off with a good deal. Anyone buying anything without bargaining is foolish to say the least.


Hard sell?

Pitching against each other this time around are the miniature laptops known variously as e-laptops and e-pcs (the latter's name culled from Asus's model no doubt). Some antivirus with a funny name - Kapersky - were seen being unloaded at almost any stall. Prices vary from RM70 to slightly more. Real cheap if you asked me.

August Happenings in Kuala Lumpur

AUG 1-3, PC FAIR 2008
Largest computer exhibition and sale. Bargains galore.
Time: 11am - 9pm
Venue: KL Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Details: Call 03-7955 2922; 03-7955 2933

AUG 2, MTV ASIA AWARDS 2008 The highly anticipated pan-regional music event is back for the 6th year running, bringing music excitement to all music fans in over 9 markets in Asia. Hosted by Jared Leto (30 Seconds to Mars) this event will be the most exciting and happening musical event yet!
Venue: Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands
Details: Call 03-2718 1118

TILL AUG 3, WORLD MARCHING BAND COMPETITION



TILL AUG 3, PATRIOT - A MALAY MUSICAL
About a patriot named Yahya and his love Sapura.
Time: 8:30pm (Nightly) and 3pm (Aug 2)
Venue: Istana Budaya (National Theatre)
Admission: Tickets at RM30, RM50, RM80, RM100, RM130 & RM180
Bookings: Call 03-4024 8715/4026 5558

TILL AUG 5, PORTRAITS OF PARADOX
Yau Bee Ling holds her first solo exhibition ‘Portraits of Paradox’ after an illustrious career spanning nearly thirteen years. Born in Klang in 1972, she studied painting at the Malaysian Institute of Art(MIA),graduating in 1995. Since then she has exhibited her works extensively both locally and abroad, and is a well-known artist on the Malaysian art scene.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

TILL SEPT 1, MEGA SALE CARNIVAL
Enjoy astounding discounts and special offers during Malaysia’s biggest annual sale carnival! There’s value for money for everyone out there at the countless shopping malls and stores nationwide.
Venue: Participating shopping complexes.
Details: Call 03-2698 1033

AUG 11-SEPT 4, CONDITIONAL LOVE - PAINTED STORIES
Features nearly twenty new works by artist Anurendra Jegadeva. Venue: Wei-Ling Gallery, No.8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri (12-7pm); Sat (10-5pm). Closed Sundays
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/07, 012-3025302

AUG 15-31, INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS COMPETITION
Watch the sky being lighted up with impressive fireworks displays. The competition features various countries vying to craete a grand theatre of pyrotechnics. Be part of this magical, glittering evening.
Venue: Putrajaya
Details: Call 03-26937111
Website: www.motour.gov.my

TILL AUG 16, ART EXHIBITION - 'THE GARDEN' BY KEN YAU
Ken Yau explores the relationship between earth and humanity. His works are dominated by strong colours, flowers, animals, human expressions in the form of dancing, meditation, crying and laughter. Happiness and sadness, wealth and poverty, success and failure, clarity and confusion, what is real and what is not? Can one truly experience one without the other? The artist invites us to question and explore this theme.
Venue: Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur, 15, Lorong Gurney,
Time: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2694-7880

17-24 AUG, NANYANGISM 2008
Art Exhibition in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts & the 25th Anniversary of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Alumni Association Malaysia
Venue: Ground Floor, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, 243, Jln Bukit Bintang
Time: 11.00am-6.00pm
Details: Call 03-2141 2003 / 2143 9236

TILL AUG 24, DISCLOSURE
This solo exhibition features the works of Ahmad Zakii Anwar, one of Malaysia's leading figurative painters. A major influence on the development of figurative realism within painting in contemporary Malaysian art practice, this exhibition traces the development as well as future direction taken by Ahmad Zakii Anwar in his career as an artist.
Venue: Main gallery, Galeri Petronas, KLCC
Time: 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 5930

AUG 31, MERDEKA MONTH CELEBRATION
Malaysia celebrates its 51st year of Independence. Highlights include parades, fireworks displays and much more! Join in the merriment!
Venue: Kuala Lumpur
Details: Call 03-2615 8188/8888 1957

TILL OCT 25, BEYOND ORIENTALISM: HOW THE WEST WAS WON OVER BY ISLAMIC ART
The exhibition looks further than Orientalist art. Instead of being about how European and American artists depicted the Islamic world, it shows how the Islamic world changed aesthetics in the West. This is most visible in the decorative arts, especially glass and ceramics, but it also applies to architecture and ‘fine’ art.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Jalan Lembah Perdana
Time: 10am - 6pm
Details: Call 03-2274 2020

Colourful Sentul Market

Interesting architecture. The building is very simple in design, with small coloured glass windows to allow light to stream in. This is the main Sentul Market building.

This is one section of town that you probably won't see in your tour itinerary of Kuala Lumpur simply because it is way out the promoted tourist belt.

But sometimes, this is where the excitement lies. When travelling, if you are slightly more adventurous, a more meaningful tour would be places that are out of the beaten track.



Quaint sundry shops in the market where you can get anything from rice to horsegram and chickpeas.

The Sentul Market, which was established somewhere in the late 70s, started off as a morning market even much earlier, catering to the needs of the Sentul community which in the 70s comprised of mostly Indians and Chinese. Here the green grocers operate in the mornings, starting as early as 5am, bringing supply from town to be sold to village folk then.


Take a walk into colourful Malaysian daily life.

In the late 70s, the market was rebuilt with a main concrete structure to house the traders but as development moved in, demand exceeded supply and the market simply outgrew its intended size.

Today, there are several sections to the market, with the original main building housing traders selling greens, poultry and fish. Meat stall lie beside this.


The extended area which was built later.

Adjacent to the main building, which is an extended area built much later, is the main vegetable section. Surrounding the vegetable stalls are small sundry shops and coconut merchants.

Sandwiched between the main building and the greens section is the eating area selling Chinese food mainly. The other eating area lies about 30 metres away, where you can find Malay and Indian stalls. There are two Indian stalls selling traditional working-class fare and several Malay stalls selling Indian prata, known locally as roti canai, noodles and the likes.

One Indian stall - known simply as Breakfast Corner - which is highly popular lies at the entrance, selling traditional putu mayam. Here you can choose to have traditional Indian fare such as thosai, putu, vadei, and the likes - including fresh cow milk wrapped in plastic bags.



One of the few left operating this dying trade. The putu mayam corner and the apparatus he uses to steam the coconut-flour cakes (below).



The putu mayam maker is among those very few left in the city, or possible the whole country, selling these steamed delicacy as can be seen from the pictures. As far as we know, not many in the city ply such a trade using tiny steamers as shown.

If you are in Kuala Lumpur and staying near the northwestern side of town, reserve a morning and drop by the Sentul Market. Best day to visit is on a Sunday, when activity starts as early as 6:45am. Drop by for breakfast or grab some of the delicacies and fruits and what have yous. Experience life reflective of what a man-in-the-street in Kuala Lumpur go through daily.

Flora Fest Malaysia 2008

Likened to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in USA, the floral event, which started in the days of Malaysia Fest, will be a feast to the senses, especially if you are a flower lover.

It celebrates the diversity of Malaysian flora each year, with parades and flower shows.

Themed Colours of Harmony, the event will be held from July 18 to Aug 3 at several venues around the Klang Valley, participated by private and governmental organisations in Malaysia. International participants are also invited.

For more information, please contact its organisers at 03 2696 3171

Kuala Pilah - Sleepy Hollow Left By British

You can't miss this welcome sign on top of a hill if you are coming in from the highway into Kuala Pilah.

KUALA PILAH is one of the many sleepy hollows in Negri Sembilan. Basically it is a valley town, with the main streets dotted with predominantly pre-war buildings.


Ulu Bendul Forest Reserve on the way to Kuala Pilah


One of the many attractions within Ulu Bendul recreational forest.

There is a main street fed by several feeder streets with angled car parking bays. The early settlers of this township were Chinese miners and loggers. This is evident in the Chinese-architecture styled arch dedicated to the first Resident of Negri Sembilan, Martin Lister.


The sleeping hollow caught in its slumber on a Saturday afternoon. Plenty of parking space.

Life in the town is quite slow moving. Except for the quaint architecture, there is not much to see in this transit stop-over town.

However, if you are into exotic food, there is a food square which houses several Chinese eateries serving freshwater turtle soup. At RM8 a bowl, it is quite a steal. The soup, cooked in herbs, and of course turtle meat, is believed to be good for ashmatics.


One of the many turtle soup stalls in town.


But if you are not game for turtle soups, there are also other fare like this run-of-the-mill 'kon lou meen' is also available.

I was told that you can get quite good Minangkabau food at the few Malay restaurants in the town. And they are quite cheap too.

Getting There: Travel South via the Sungai Besi exit till you see the Senawang-Kuala Pilah exit (route 51). Just follow the main traffic and the signs and you won't be lost. Thirty minutes from the toll, the road winds upwards ascending a small mountain known as the Mount Angsi (825m high). You will see the sign KUALA PILAH emblazoned by the hillside. Fifteen minutes away is the Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest and among attractions here, besides the Nature, is a Python Park. Kuala Pilah town is about 20 minutes from here.

Map: From Kuala Lumpur City To Port Dickson

This is a map from Kuala Lumpur city to Port Dickson, using the North South Highway, via the Sungai Besi Toll.


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Map: Kuala Lumpur City - Tourist Attractions

This map features the attractions in Kuala Lumpur city, together with prominent transport hubs.


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Click on the placeholders for the places of interest.

Map: KL to North Port, Port Kelang

This is the map leading from Kuala Lumpur City to North Port of Port Kelang. It lists the seaside esplanade where you can get good seafood and if you are an angler, good fishing ground. At one end is a private fishing farm where you get to fish at hourly rates.


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July Happenings in Kuala Lumpur

Portraits of Paradox - Massgathering by Yau Bee Ling

TILL JULY 4, WOMEN IN ISLAM
Muslim women have occupied positions of power for as long as Islam has existed. This ranges from the trading might of the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, Khatija, to the more formal position of the 12th century Yemeni ruler, Malika Arwa. The Qur’an alludes to women of power from as long ago as the Queen of Sheba. In more recent times, the political leadership of Islamic states such as Pakistan and Bangladesh has drawn heavily on the female half of the population. The exhibition Faith & Power: Women in Islam explores a rich history that has often been overlooked. Examining the lives of these women, and attitudes to them, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is also able to provide a physical dimension with artefacts from distant times and places. Jewellery, clothing and the accoutrements of power bring new vigour to the lives of forgotten queens, consorts and wielders of influence from behind the throne.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum, Jalan Lembah Perdana (next to National Mosque)
Time: Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays: 10am - 6pm
Entrance: By tickets, purchasable at the museum entrance/
Details: Call 03-22742020

TILL JULY 5, ELAINE ROBERTO-NAVAS: STANDING ROOM ONLY
First solo exhibition of Filipino painter Elaine Roberto-Navas in Kuala Lumpur. Elaine's skillful use of colour and texture gives a powerful and sensual life to still objects. Through her signature thick impasto layers of paint, her work, acquire a nervous energy, leading viewers to consider painting beyond the subject matter but also its physical aspect, or 'materiality'.
Venue: Valentine Willie Fine Art, 1st Floor, 17 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Time: 12 - 8pm Monday to Friday, and 12 - 6 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Details: Call03-2284 2348

TILL JULY 10, TWIST - MULTHALIB MUSA
Twist’ by Multhalib Musa, features new pieces which are an extension of a series he created in response to a suite of paintings by Yusof Ghani entitled, ‘Biring’. Just as Yusof Ghani has drawn reference to the swirl of energy, drama and dynamism present during a cockfight, Multhalib’s ‘Twist’ works similarly echo this mood.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7
JULY 1-31, KUALA LUMPUR FESTIVAL
KL celbrates the arts! City wide celebration of the arts with cultural offerings at various venues, featuring a wide range of genres.
Venue: City Wide
Details: Call 03-2615-8188/2052-3600

JULY 2, WAGASHI - THE JAPANESE TRADITIONAL CONFECTIONARY DEMONSTRATION AND WORKSHOP
Time: 10am ~ 12pm, 2nd Session: 2pm ~ 4pm
Venue: Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur, Bentley’s Pub (1st Floor)
Details: Call 03-2161 2104

JULY 5, CHIRIMEN POCKET TISSUE CASE MAKINGTime: 10am – noon
Venue: The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur
Participation Fee: RM15
Details: Call 03-2161 2104

JULY 14-AUG 5, PORTRAITS OF PARADOX
Yau Bee Ling holds her first solo exhibition ‘Portraits of Paradox’ after an illustrious career spanning nearly thirteen years. Born in Klang in 1972, she studied painting at the Malaysian Institute of Art(MIA),graduating in 1995. Since then she has exhibited her works extensively both locally and abroad, and is a well-known artist on the Malaysian art scene.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

JULY 20, 24TH JAPANESE SPEECH CONTEST (Kuala Lumpur rounds)
Time: From 1pm
Venue: The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur Hall
Details: Call 03-2161 2104

Super GT in Sepang next Weekend

Inspired by the success of the recent Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang International Circuit, is hoping that the Super GT International Series Malaysia, to be held at the circuit from June 20-22 will just be as great.

Advertisement efforts both on flyers and buntings, as well as TV ads have been taken profusely to draw fans to what is touted as "a showcase of motor racing actions at its best."

The organisers are targetting a modest attendance of 65,000 spectators.

The Super GT race features road cars, which can be owned and seen travelling along the normal roads, allowing fans to relate themselves better.

Apart from the main race, support races - Asian Touring Car Series, the Asian Formula Renault, Asian GT Challenge, Formula V6 Asia Series and the Aston Martin Cup - will be making heads turns literally.

Tickets from RM75 can be purchased by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 603-87782222 or via internet at www.malaysiangp.com.my.

June Happenings in Kuala Lumpur

JUNE 1, SHIFTING BOUNDARIES
This is an annual charity art exhibition under the Art for Nature theme. It explores how the boundaries that we have extended for short-term gains are at the expense not just of other species, but of our own long term survival.
Venue : Rimbun Dahan Gallery, Kilometer 27, Jalan Kuang, Selangor
Time: Sat and Sun: 10am - 6pm (Weekdays: By appointment)
Admission: Free

TILL JUNE 2, LIVE ANIMALS INSIDE!
Exhibition by photographer Azril Ismail. Azril sees his photographs as being very much ‘alive’ as they are so much a part of his life that they ‘co-exist’ within his life, and thus have to be handled/treated with care and love.
Venue: Wei-ling Gallery 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri,12-7pm, Sat 10-5pm. Closed Sundays.
Details: 03-22601106/07, 012-3025302

JUNE 7-28, ESTON TAN, THOUGHTS OF LIFE II
The exhibition will showcase new works of oils and charcoal on canvas. Painting scenes close to his heart, such as fishing villages and idyllic landscapes, Tan conjures up dreamy and atmospheric impressions of places that have remained untouched over the years.
Venue: NN GALLERY, 53A - 56 Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir,
Time: Mon-Sat (9am-6am); Sun & Public Holiday (Closed)
Details: Call 03-42706588



TILL JUNE 14, IDYLLE: NEW PAINTINGS BY CHONG SIEW YING
Features the work of one of the Southeast Asian region's most powerful portrayers of the human face and figure (above). Chong's work has been described as profoundly emotive, and she is able to capture the expressive qualities of the human form.
Venue: Valentine Willie Fine Art, 1st Floor, 17 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Time: Monday to Friday (12 - 8pm) and Saturday (12 - 6 pm). Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Admission is free.
Details: Call 03-22842348

TILL JUNE 15, RAMLEE THE MUSICAL
A musical about the life of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, musician extraordinaire.
Time: 3 pm, 8:30pm
Venue: Panggung Sari, National Theatre
Details: Call 03-40265558

TILL JUNE 30, REFRESHING JOURNEY
This is a solo exhibition by artist Yeoh Eng Peng featuring the artist's debut into the art scene.
Venue: Dong Zen Gallery, FoGuang temple, Jenjarom, Selangor
Time: From 10am daily
Admission: Free

TILL JULY 4, WOMEN IN ISLAM
Muslim women have occupied positions of power for as long as Islam has existed. This ranges from the trading might of the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, Khatija, to the more formal position of the 12th century Yemeni ruler, Malika Arwa. The Qur’an alludes to women of power from as long ago as the Queen of Sheba. In more recent times, the political leadership of Islamic states such as Pakistan and Bangladesh has drawn heavily on the female half of the population. The exhibition Faith & Power: Women in Islam explores a rich history that has often been overlooked. Examining the lives of these women, and attitudes to them, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is also able to provide a physical dimension with artefacts from distant times and places. Jewellery, clothing and the accoutrements of power bring new vigour to the lives of forgotten queens, consorts and wielders of influence from behind the throne.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum, Jalan Lembah Perdana (next to National Mosque)
Time: Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays: 10am - 6pm
Entrance: By tickets, purchasable at the museum entrance/
Details: Call 03-22742020

JUNE 6–22, JACK TING - DRIFTED GLIMPSESThis is a solo exhibition of recent paintings by Sarawakian born artist Jack Ting, featuring 24 paintings of variable sizes done in oil.
Venue: The Gallery @ Star Hill, FF03, Muse Floor, Starhill Gallery
Admission: Free
Details: Call 03-2143 3323

Fraser's Hill

Fraser's Cool Hill Station Retreat

Fraser's Hill, located 1,524m above sea-level on the Titiwangsa mountain range in the State of Pahang in the heart of Peninsula Malaysia is another tourist attraction reachable by car from Kuala Lumpur within two hours or so.

Discovered and subsequently named after Scottish pioneer Louis James Fraser in the late 1890s this hill resort has been described as an engineering marvel of the British when they started the idyllic township in the clouds that had been likened to 'mini' England.



Fraser's Hill lies about 107km north of Kuala Lumpur. For many years, the only way up the hill resort is through a one-lane 9km road known as the Gap. Traffic was regulated hourly, with uphill and downhill traffic designated to alternate hours.

Realising the importance of the hill station resort, the authorities built a new road in 2001. The entrance of this new road lies on the west site of the foothills of Fraser's Hill and it is used for traffic going up the hill. Unfortunately, this road is again closed because of a minor landslide a year ago. To date, it is not known if it will be reopened again.



The old road, which is on the East side lies about half a kilometre away and is only used by traffic going down Fraser's Hill in days of old will now have to cater to twin-tidal traffic flow.

When driving up, be advised that thick mist sometimes envelop the road when the weather gets colder such as after rain. For those who are not accustomed to the winding terrain, motion sickness may result. Usually, this can be remedied by switching off the car's air conditioning and taking in the refreshing cool mountain air.



Getting there:
One way to get to Fraser's Hill is by road via Pahang side - by about110km from Kuala Lumpur. Head towards the Karak Highway and the towards Bentong and then Tranum. There are signboards indicating the road to Fraser's Hill. Just follow them and you will get to the entrance at the foothills of Fraser's Hill.



If you decide to approach Fraser's Hill from Selangor side, use the North-South Expressway and exit at the Tanjung Malim toll plaza and ehad for Kuala Kubu Baru and follow the signboards indicating the direction towards Fraser's Hill.

Another way is to use the new Ulu Yam road towards Kuala Kubu Baru. However, you can only access this road from the Batu Dam in Selayang at Batu Caves. This road is a bit tricky although it is a much shorter way to get to Kuala Kubu Baru and subsequently Fraser's Hill.

Note: To check out the road conditions before heading for Fraser's hill, you can call the Fraser's Hill police station at 09-3622222 to inquire. Other numbers you can check out is the Fraser's Hill Development Corporation at 09-517 1623/4.

Things to do:
Fraser's Hill is most popular as a bird watcher's paradise and haven for nature lovers. It is believed to be the home and stop-over point for over 270 species of local and migratory birds as well as a treasure trove of Malaysian highland fauna.

The cool temperature fluctuates between 26 degrees and 15 degrees (night) Celsius, making Fraser's Hill a refreshing addition to the tropical holidays in Malaysia (which was why the British called it 'mini' England in the past).



The town centre is the heart of Fraser's Hill with its offering of souvenir shops and eateries. Most of the economic activities are concentrated here.

Apart from bird watching, you can also discover the many marked trails located all over the hill resort - getting a proper guide is advised for the newcomer, however.

Photography opportunities abound at the town centre and the object of attraction is none other than the quaint edifices surrounding the equally popular clock tower.

An information centre is also located here where you can get a walking map of Fraser's Hill for exploration later. There is also a large inn overlooking the town centre for budget travellers.

Where to stay:
Accommodation comprises the many apartments and resorts offering accommodation between RM80 to RM200 a night per room. For up-market accommodation, try the quaint and exclusive bungalows priced from RM300 a night.

Best Nasi Dagang In Town

If you like nasi dagang, you will surely agree that the Terengganu nasi dagang has no rival. And if you are in KL, and looking for Terengganu nasi dagang, you must have not much luck looking for an authentic nasi dagang.

Well, if you are reading this, you have come to the right place. There is one called Ulek Mayang Restoran along the Middle Ring Road II between TAR College junction and Gombak-Batu Caves turnoff. I discovered it by chance while travelling via the road and decided to stop over to check it out.

Unfortunately, that day, the nasi dagang was sold out. Instead, we had nasi kerabu - real nasi kerabu Terengganu-style, complete with herbs and budu (fermented fish which smells like hell but taste like heaven).

We also tried the satar (fish meat marinated in herbs and spices) wrapped in banana leaves and barbecued to perfection.

For dessert we had tapai or fermented rice which was wrapped in rubber tree leaves. Check out the pictures (from top): The Menu, The Restaurant, Nasi Kerabu, Satar and Tapai.