Watch The Birdie

A first visit to the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park after all these years. A real great place for the family and for those who loves photography, a great place to put your skills to the test. It is always a challenges trying to photograph a bird.

Located at the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, the KL Bird Park is about 20.9 acres and is considered to be the largest walk-in free-flight aviary in the world.

No wonder everyone was panting away after spending almost two hours walking from one corner to the other. While it was tiring, it was worthwhile, especially after getting the opportunity to view some of the most exotic birds up close.

It is said that there are about 3,000 birds of approximately 200 species of local and foreign birds, including this chick and duckling.

Yup. I will testify to that. There were definitely local and foreign birds visiting the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park when I was there...*wink* *wink*

Birds Of A Feather

This is the first time I have stepped into the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park although I was living in KL for quite some time. For a first timer to the park, I was truly impressed with the wide collection of birds here, from the smallest of birds to the largest of them all. It was an eye opener no doubt.

However, I have to admit that bird is not one of my strongest passion, which explains why I had difficulty in identifying these feathered beings. Even owls have many sub-species. As far as I know, they are just owls and all owls look the same to me.

This is indeed a big park and as such, you really had to do a lot of walking to enjoy the surroundings. As most of these birds roam freely in the park, it can be quite a challenge trying to approach them, let alone trying to capture them on film. Despite these challenges, it was nevertheless a worthwhile experience.

Beauty and grace. Those are the two words that I think best describe the birds here. No matter where you look, you are bound to find something beautiful to look at. And I was refering to the feathered birds...not the other form of birds.

Bukit Melawati - Monkey & I

Bukit Melawati in Kuala Selangor is where the Royal Mausoleum is located where you will find the final resting place of Selangor's first three Sultans. However, it was unfortunate that the gates to the mausoleum were locked when we were there.

This is without doubt the main attraction of Bukit Melawati...the Silver Leaf Monkey or Langur (Presbytis cristata) or commonly known by its local name of Lotong Kelabu (not to be mistaken with the local delicacy called Lontong).

They are simply everywhere and the sight of visitors will only bring the entire group out of hiding. Unlike at zoos, there is no restriction about feeding this monkey. Other than peanuts (you just can't separate monkeys from peanuts), they also feed on long beans. You can always purchase these items here as there are several hawkers selling them.

It can really be a real feeding frenzy when the entire group of monkey try to outdo each other for the food. The best thing is that, they are really tame and they can virtually eat out of your hands. How's that for a monkey?

Which brings me to one question. Are the monkeys enjoying themselves looking at us humans behaving like monkeys...or are we enjoying ourselves looking at the monkeys behaving like...well...monkeys...?

Bukit Melawati Lighthouse

The Altingsburg light house, located at the peak of Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor, was built by the British in 1907. It is one of the attractions located at the top of the hill, other than the mighty fortress built by Sultan Ibrahim in the 17th century to safeguard the State from the Dutch following the conquest of Melaka by the Dutch.

However, today, not much of the fortress could be seen other than foundation stones and wall apart from the 68 cannons originally used for the defence of the hill.

Cameron

Spending the weekend over at Cameron Highlands...tak tahulah but Cameron seems to be one of my favourite places to relax and doing nothing. Maybe its because of the laid back atmosphere over there, plus the cool and clean air. Really good to unwind after going through the pressure of a city life.

When you talk about Cameron, one thing that you cannot escape from is the fresh fruits and vegetables. The greens are simply magnificent. Bak kata orang, saujana mata memandang menghijau sahaja. Baru betul turning green in envy.

But then, everything about Cameron memang seems wonderful...the people, the surroundings, the cool weather. In short, a perfect place for holiday. Although I think I can do without the traffic congestion.

Cameron - Home Of Flowers

Ah Cameron...the home of various species of flowers. No matter where you look, you are bound to find numerous species of flowers growing in abundance, thus giving the place the beautiful aura. For flower lovers, this is definitely heaven. But to those not really into flowers, this can be quite the opposite.

No matter how you look at it, there is no denying that Cameron has made a name for itself as home of flowers. Not surprising that most of the flowers grown here are destined for the overseas' market. Just check out the flower market in Tanah Rata or Ringlet and you will get the idea what I am trying to say.

Me...? Well, I am not really a fan of flowers. I can't even tell the differences between A dan B. But with a camera in my hand, flower becomes a great friend...a great subject that it.

Cameron Highlands - Holiday

Cameron Highlands...home of the tea plantation and fun. Fun...? That depends on how you define fun. If you love a cool atmosphere minus the 'kelam kabut' of a big city, than this is definitely the place for you. Even then you have to overcome the massive traffic as this place is well known to be quite chaotic on holidays.

But somehow, it is worthwhile...provided you have a good sense of patience.

Of couse the kids were more excited seeing the live strawberries for the first time. The closest they came to strawberry before this is just the strawberry ice cream. Wonder if I will ever find apples growing here...!