Tag: Petaling Street

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Tourism Malaysia

iNyala & REX’s Revival

The iconic REX Cinema in Kuala Lumpur – an institution synonym with the 50’s generation – is given a fresher breath with a new look and new role. A big, neo-classical building nestled between Petaling Street, Jalan Sultan and bustling Kotaraya Mall, REX building is now a new icon in the capital, attracting youngsters and art lovers, not forgetting visitors from afar.

Once an attraction for Hollywood’s movies and Shaw Brothers’ legacy, the building was no more an old cinema with a parking lot. Long abandoned and untouched by time, the building managed to survive the development and commercialism. Fast forward, REX has transformed into an arts and social juncture branded as REXKL, with fresher look and liveable activities. As few small events starting taking parts in the venue, one big inaugural event that taking place at the moment is iNyala – the avant garde art programme for all to participate.

According to the organiser, iNyala is the first event in which college/university students will be able to contribute fresh, higher level ideas by incorporating the iNYALA theme: “Imagine the Impossible”, under the guidance of industry professionals. Unlike conventional mediums, innovation will play a key part in conveying the creative aspects to encourage appreciation and value in the arts.

The objectives are vivid. Promoting emergence of art and technology in Malaysia; nurturing a new generation of artists through unconventional mediums and platforms; and connecting people via engaging and responsive art pieces. With a combination of technology and multi media, the artworks are expected to be extremely rare for Malaysian scenes. The event started with a series of workshops from August until October 2019, followed by main exhibition in November. So watch out this space!

Back to now REXKL, much thanks to the ‘collective of like-minded architects, social innovators, brand identity builder and filmmaker, who comes together to repurpose the Rex Cinema building into a commerce-driven community space for all. Thoughtful content and processes that are in respect of the cinema’s history and its present community had been put in place to reshape the building and rebuild its social interaction within the community of Jalan Petaling, Jalan Sultan and dwellers of Kuala Lumpur city at large. REXKL was born out of our desire to reimagine a community space in the heart of the city – where individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds can meet and build connections.’

Event: iNYALA
Workshops: August to October 2019
Exhibition 1 to 30 November 2019
Address: REXKL, 80 Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur (Next to Petaling Street)
Email: hello@inyala.my
web: http://inyala.my/home/

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

CYCLING IN THE CITY

Question – what do Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam now have in common? Answer – MikeBikes.

Yes, following in the tracks of the cycling city of Amsterdam, Kuala Lumpur now has a new attraction – a cycling tour of Kuala Lumpur’s heritage areas utilising the original Dutch bicycle, no less, in the famous “oranje” colour! Nothing short of exciting and thrilling, the MikeBikes Tour offers a unique insight into some of the city’s oldest and historic quarters, and the best way to go off the beaten track in an otherwise modern and cosmopolitan city!

Before we ‘cycle’ any further, let me tell you that the local council of the capital has recently introduced a dedicated blue lane especially for cyclists. The 11-kilometer long cycling-track along selected major roads in Kuala Lumpur will ensure safety for all road-users and is a thumbs up towards reducing one’s carbon footprint in the city. Cycling in the city is still a new concept in Kuala Lumpur, but it looks like we’re headed in the right direction!

To register for a MikeBikes Tour, it’s best to call ahead and book (better than walking in) the tour package of your choice. At the meeting point, you will be given the Oranje Bicycle and a security vest. Two experienced guides will be at your service throughout the cycling tour.

The meeting point is well-placed certainly. MikeBikes is located at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MATIC) in Jalan Ampang, a stone’s throw away from KLCC. It is centrally-located and easily accessible to many places of interest in the capital.

With a group of enthusiasts, I managed to join the tour recently. MikeBikes offers two basic, highly experiential tours namely The Best of KL Classic and The KL Sunset Night Tour.

According to MikeBikes, the first tour takes you along some striking and iconic spots in the city — the Petronas Twin Towers, the fruit and vegetable market in Chow Kit and the Sin Sze Ya temple. This one starts at 8 am and ends at 12 pm.

The latter tour is about discovering the city while it is getting ready for the evening. The guys at MikeBikes painted this picture for us: The locals gather on squares and they set up their food stalls. You will be amazed at the colors and aromas of the city after sunset. Of course, the original Nasi Lemak should not be missed. The beautiful architectural buildings look different at nightfall. The KLCC Tower, Kampung Baru and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building are just a small selection of the places you will visit.

We wisely chose the evening tour (to escape the scorching sun) that would allow us to see the best of of both modern and traditional Kuala Lumpur, a kind of 2-in1 adventure. Plus, I thought it would be interesting to see the changes as the city transitioned from a bustling business centre to whatever goes on at night.

We were all geared up by 5 pm, ready and waiting eagerly at MATIC for a four-hour journey that would cover more than 14 kilometres.

We first cycled to a very special area – the untouched yet famous kampung or village in the city, Kampung Baru. Against the backdrop of KLCC, the only-surviving Malay village of wooden houses looked strangely juxtaposed against its modern surroundings. As we pedalled through back alleys and age-old heritage houses, I realised then that the village wasn’t at all backward but was a symbol of cultural identity that stood proudly against the encroaching modernisation. What makes Kampung Baru near and dear to many is its charm as a street-food institution with more than 200 stalls selling a gobsmacking array of food at affordable prices.

We later passed the Loke Mansion building and then made a brief stop in front of Masjid India at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, an area famous for local shopping and a melting pot of cultures. From time to time we digested morsels of interesting information and facts about the city dished out by our experienced guides.

As the sun started to disappear beneath the skyline, we reached the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It was quite something to admire the Moorish architecture of this iconic national building in the fading light. Special arrangements were made for us to have dinner at the historic Royal Selangor Club, once a British-only place of gathering where membership was reserved to only those in selected social circles…and here we were, quite tired, hungry and sticky, yet able to enjoy a once elitist view of the city. How ironic, yet delightful!

After dinner, we had a chance to view Masjid Jamek by night. As we were photographing this centennial place of worship sandwiched by colonial buildings, I briefly felt like I was stepping back in time to what was once the beginnings of a small riverine settlement that later turned into a modern city of wonder.

In no time, we were weaving our way through the heart of Petaling Street, where small-time vendors did thriving business. We cicyled past the Mahamariamman temple from which aromatic incense wafted and fragranced the air, and later passed by KL Forest Eco Park (formerly known as the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve), the last remaining tropical rainforest in the city.

When I glimpsed KLCC later, I knew that our journey was about to end. Towards the end, I thought that any tourist would enjoy and be happy with this authentic experience of getting up close and personal with Kuala Lumpur through the MikeBikes’ tour programme. Driving by these same places in a car would only leave a fleeting impression, if one were any observant. But cycling through the alleyways, weaving through foot traffic, passing by age-oild buildings within touching distance, really put a sense of perspective in me. Though my legs were tired, I felt a sense of pride to witness how my Kuala Lumpur had progressed well in its beauty and harmony. What a ride!

Address: MikeBikes’ at Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTIC), 109 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Web: www.mikebikes.my
Operation     Open daily. Closes 10 pm
Phone:          +6017-673 7322

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

The Red Envelope

Chinese New Year, which will fall on 16 February 2018, is celebrated by the Chinese all over the world. It is also known as the Lunar New Year as it is based on the lunar calendar as opposed to the Gregorian calendar in Western countries. In Malaysia, the first two days of the Chinese New Year celebration are public holidays.

2018 is the year of man’s best friend, or the Year of the Dog, according to Chinese astrology. The celebration starts with the new moon on the first day of the Lunar New Year and ends on the full moon, 15 days later. The 15th day of Chinese New Year (or Chap Goh Mei) is observed with a lantern parade in Chinese communities.

The origin of this celebration dates back to early Chinese civilisation 5,000 years ago. The word Nian, which means “year” in Chinese, was originally the name of a ferocious beast that preyed on people on the eve of New Year. To scare Nian away, the people pasted red paper decorations on windows and doors, and set off firecrackers, as Nian was afraid of the colour red, the light of fire and loud noises. Therefore, at the beginning of every year, they repeat these rituals which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Legend also has it that the ancient Chinese asked a lion for help. The lion wounded Nian, but it returned a year later. This time, the lion couldn’t help as it was guarding the emperor’s gate. So, the people used bamboo and cloth to fashion an image of the lion. Two men crawled inside, pranced and roared, and frightened Nian away. This explains the Lion Dance, one of the most impressive sights during Chinese New Year.

The phrase Guo Nian, which may means, “survive the Nian”, is used to mean “Celebrate the (New) Year”. The word Guo in Chinese means “to pass”.  Today, red paper decorations and firecrackers still signify the cheerful Chinese New Year period.


CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN MALAYSIA

The New Year season starts early in the twelfth month of the previous year and lasts until the middle of the first month of the New Year.

In Malaysia, Chinese New Year preparations begin a month before the actual celebration, when the Chinese shop for decorations, food, drinks, new clothing, groceries and titbits. Chinese New Year songs are heard in shopping complexes which attract customers with many seasonal sales and promotions. Chinatown at Petaling Street is an ideal place to experience the excitement of the pre-festive celebration.

It is customary to spring clean the house and symbolically sweep away any trace of bad luck to make way for good luck and fortune. Some families even renovate their houses or give them a new coat of paint. After that, the houses are decorated with paper scrolls bearing verse couplets inscribed with blessings and auspicious words like happiness, longevity, and wealth.

Long before the eve of Chinese New Year, people living far away from their families make their journey home. Traffic jams build up on highways while airports, bus terminals, and train stations are normally packed.

No matter how tiring the journey may be, family members are expected to gather around the table for their Chinese New Year eve reunion dinner, the most important meal of the year. After dinner, they spend the night playing cards, watch TV programmes dedicated to the celebration, or just have a good time catching up with each other.

On the first day of Chinese New Year, ritual homage is offered to ancestors and reverence paid to the gods. New clothes are worn and younger family members greet their elders saying Kong Xi Fatt Chai (Mandarin) or Kong Hei Fatt Choi (Cantonese), meaning “congratulations and prosperity”. The ang pow, a red envelope with cash, is given by married couples to children and unmarried adults.

The seventh day of Chinese New Year is known as “everybody’s birthday”. On this day, the Chinese eat yee sang, a combination of raw fish, pickled ginger, shredded vegetables, lime and various sauces. This meal is supposed to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who eat it.

On the eighth day, the Hokkien-speaking community pray to Tee Kong, the God of Heaven at midnight. On the ninth day, numerous offerings are set out in the forecourt or central courtyard of temples to celebrate the birthday of the Jade Emperor. The 15th day is Chap Goh Mei which marks the official end of Chinese New Year.

During the Chinese New Year period, many Chinese families often receive visitors at home. Relatives and friends, regardless of their race and religion call on one another, exchanging good wishes and gifts like tangerines (called Kam in Cantonese, meaning “Gold”) and other traditional New Year delicacies.

The Chinese New Year open house, like other major celebrations in the country, is also held on a national level to enable all Malaysians and tourists to enjoy the cultural event. The Malaysian open house concept bears testimony to the fact that tolerance and mutual respect prevail in this multi-racial country.
Through the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year, the spirit of peace, good health, happiness and prosperity is engendered and spread among people.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

Have you ever heard of the saying that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? What better way to find such treasures than scouring flea markets that can be found at designated areas, as well as in shopping malls all around Malaysia.

For the romantics, a flea market is a place filled with nostalgia that reminds them of a certain period in their life. For bargain hunters, a flea market can be their paradise, where they have the opportunity to discover something truly amazing, be it vintage clothing, antiques, or collectors’ items.

What makes the flea markets in Malaysia unique is because of this country’s cultural diversity. So, you can just imagine how eclectic the range of items that can be found at these markets. Flea markets in Malaysia are like an open secret though, some are established but most are the kind of places that you stumble upon when strolling in the back alley or streets on lovely weekends.

Let us take you down memory lane at some of the popular flea markets not just in Kuala Lumpur but also in Johor and Melaka.

 

Flea Markets in Kuala Lumpur

Pasar Antik Kuala Lumpur

Formerly known as Pasar Karat, this flea market which is said to be the oldest market in Malaysia has been given a total make-over by the local authorities recently, and now is known as the Antique Market or Pasar Antik.

So head down to the back lane of Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur, where some 80 vendors which occupy 261 lots, peddle a variety of goods which range from discarded household items, accessories, watches and gadgets, used books, stamps and old photographs, including some vintage and collectible items.

Where: Lorong Petaling, Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur

When: Every day from 6.00 am to 9.30 am

Contact: +603-2022 3366

  

 Amcorp Mall Flea Market

This indoor flea market means business. To the uninitiated, the Amcorp Mall flea market has been operating for 19 years and remains the largest with over 200 vendors. With all kinds of vintage, rarities, oddities and collectibles, it offers an advanced-level flea market experience to true lovers of the hunt.

Even if you are not a serious hunter or collector, once you visit this flea market, you will be hooked. The place is also an outlet for visitors to enjoy the vibe, share their interest, learn new things or perhaps immerse in nostalgia.

While the famous Amcorp Mall Flea Market is only a weekend happening, the mall itself is the place where you can find antiques and vintage shops, collectibles and hobbyists outlets that are open for business daily.

Where: Amcorp Mall, 18, Jalan Persiaran Barat, Petaling Jaya

When: Friday, Saturday Sunday, 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

Contact: +603-7932 0022

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amcorpmall

 

Fuyoh! Collectors Market at Publika

 The much-awaited collectors’ event held quarterly is for both the seasoned collector as well as the newbie. With over 80 selected vendors, it’s literally a vintage shop, a city-wide garage sale happening over two days under one roof.

Shop to your heart’s content at this indoor collector’s market at PUBLIKA, which is one of the trendiest malls in town. The market offers antiques, vintage items, collectible toys, vinyl records, music memorabilia and many more.

Where: Fuyoh! Collectors Market at Publika, PUBLIKA, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur.

When: Four times a year

Facebook: www.facebook/collectorsmarket

 

Flea Markets in Melaka

Looking for items at the flea markets in Melaka can be the ultimate treasure hunt, after all, the state is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let’s check out the quintessential flea markets in Melaka.

 

Trash Treasure Discovery Malacca

A first for the country, Trash Treasure Discovery Malacca is a recently-set up flea market along a riverside warehouse by the Melaka River. It’s a fun place to be if you want to browse for antiques, vintage and collectible items from the recent past. From restored vintage cinema chairs and enamel tiffin-wares to old advertising signs, bicycle, luggage metal trunks, handmade jewellery and even unique plants, this flea market sells almost everything under the sun.

Where: No. 3, Jalan Bunga Raya, Melaka City, Melaka

When: Saturday Sunday. 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

Contact: +6012-298 2834

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trashtreasurediscoverymalacca

 

Pasar Karat Jalan Hang Lekir

Located near the famous Jonker Street, this antique market is open from 7.00 am until 3.00 pm every Sunday. Visitors can easily find about 15 to 20 vendors peddling their treasured junks now looked upon as “old is new again”. Prices here are relatively cheaper as they are the real pickers who dig through dirty old barns to find the old glory that inspire us.

Where: Jalan Hang Lekir, off Jonker Street, Melaka City, Melaka

When: Every Sunday. 7.00 am until 3.00 pm.

Contact: +606-232 6411

 

Sayyid Antique Café

The combination of a quirky and retro ambience and good food makes this café worth visiting. This hangout is operated by a retired husband and wife team – who simply love everything oldy but goody – at the popular Lorong Hang Jebat, which is not far away from the famed Jonker Walk.

It is a lovely spot to eat, view and to strike conversations about the many old beauties that adorn the place.

Where: 74, Lorong Hang Jebat, Melaka

When: 8.30 am until 5.30 am.

Contact: +6012-681 3505

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sayyidantiquecafe

 

Flea Markets in Johor

Johor, the most southern part of the Peninsular Malaysia has some of the quirkiest and unique flea markets.

 

Pasar Karat Santai

Every weekend, a fruit orchard in Ledang, Johor, will be turned into a flea market yard. The 0.6 hectare flea market by the roadside is easily visible to passers-by travelling on the Ayer Keroh-Melaka-Jasin highway from Muar to Melaka.

There are about 15 vendors selling their valuable bric-a-brac in their simple built-up shack at the orchard. The Santai flea market is most noted for its old earthenware water storage pots, vintage bicycles and tricycles, vintage signs and other collectibles.

Where: Batu 6, Jalan Kesang, Kampung Kesang, Ledang, Johor

When: Saturday and Sunday. 9.00 am until 7.00 pm

Contact: +6010-785 6289

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pasarkaratsantai

 

Pasar Karat Batu Pahat

The bustling Batu Pahat flea market is regarded by some collectors and vintage lovers in the country as a haven of sorts.

Indeed, it’s laden with vintage treasures, cool collectibles, pre-loved quality clothing, gently-used goods, and an assortment of items sourced from neighbouring Singapore. At a glance, one can easily spot a variety of goods that are still in good working condition ranging from children’s mini bikes and baby strollers to electrical and electronic items that are irresistibly cheap. Kitchenware, crockery, tea sets and glassware are aplenty too.

Where: Jalan Pasar, Batu Pahat, Johor

When: Friday to Sunday. From 7.00 pm until 1.00 pm

Contact: +607-434 1045

 

Galeri Koleksi Abah

Galeri Koleksi Abah is a private house that is full of vintage goodies. But one has to make an appointment to view and buy from this gallery. What started as a space to display family treasures is now a store house of flea market items of various kinds.

The owner, Shariffudin Mahmood finds it all the more fun to share the memories of the recent past with everyone. In fact, there is something for everyone at Galeri Koleksi Abah, and even if there is nothing that interests you, the vintage collection that fills the gallery are still worth a closer look.

Where: 5, Jalan Mutiara 4, Taman Mutiara, Sri Gading, Batu Pahat, Johor.

When: Visitation by appointment only

Contact: +6012-723 1870

Facebook: www.facebook.com/koleksiabah

 

KD Antique

For the love of his home state, the owner of KD Antique, Kamaruddin Abdullah who specialises on all-things Johor has some of the best collections of items related to the commemorative events of the Johor royal family stocked at his shop.

His other speciality includes collection of various kopitiam cups, many of which date back to the 1960s, and are emblazoned with the kopitiam’s name.

Where: No. 7, Kedai Masjud Pekan Nenas, 81500 Pekan Nenas, Pontian, Johor.

Contact: +6019-754 4007

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kamaRuDin

 

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

In Johor, Everything Is Awesome!

2016 is almost over and if there’s ever a time to pack up and leave with your family, it’s now! Holidays were made for us to unplug and reconnect with the people we love, especially our family. It’s also a time where anyone of any age can relax and unwind. Once in a while, we need to take vacations because we can always make a living but we can’t always make memories.  And what better way to make memories than in Johor

To make it easier, let us help you plan the perfect weekend trip to Johor!

Saturday

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Lego® Kingdom

Legoland; the name itself can awaken our inner child. A land where all our imaginations have been put to life. Once you step into the Lego world, you can’t help but to feel young again. The architecture, the rides and even the food will leave you wanting more. It is safe to say that Legoland is the perfect location for a family trip, especially if you have young children.

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KLCC – Miniland

One of the places that you’ll find yourself revisiting would probably be the Miniland. A few minutes wouldn’t be enough because you’ll be mesmerized by all the intricate details of each model. There’s a total of 18 iconic places that you can find in Miniland, such as Cambodia, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Johor, Myanmar, Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur and many more.

Don’t forget to look out for the newly upgraded Miniland KL Cluster that features iconic architectures of the city such as Petaling Street, National Monument and Bukit Bintang. Over 3 million lego bricks are used to complete the upgraded KL cluster.

Don’t be afraid to zoom in because it’s even more amazing when you’re up-close.

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Lego® Ninjago™ World

End your day with a bang by getting a ride on Asia’s first 4D Indoor Ride! Ninjago is the newest edition to the Legoland rides and it certainly lives to its expectation. Many lined up to get a spot on their interactive ride and boy was it fun! You’ll have the chance to be heroes and defeat the “Great Devourer” (the main villain of the story-led experience) with your bare hands. Thanks to all new sensor technology, you’ll have full control of your actions, giving it a new meaning to indoor rides.

During the ride, you’ll be divided into teams of 4, each competing to see which team scores the highest. The rules of the ride are quite simple actually, you’ll only need to use your hands to guide the controls, aiming at the targets to engage. The ride takes about 3-5 minutes to complete but rest assured that every second you spend inside is going to be filled with fun.

Sunday

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Hello Kitty Town – Wishful Studio

Before leaving Johor, you should pay a visit to one of Legoland’s awesome neighbours.  Just 5 km away lies another attraction that your kids would definitely want to visit. Hello Kitty Town was built to put a smile on children’s faces. For girls especially, it’s practically a dream come true.

There’s a handful of fun activities to do inside, such as a taking a tour inside Hello Kitty’s house, watch performances on the “Purrfect Stage”, spin on their “Tea Cup Rides” and many more. The best of all is probably the “Wishful Studio”; where we get to create our own Hello Kitty themed souvenirs such as the Hello Kitty Handkerchiefs and Hello Kitty Cookies!

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Thomas Town

Hello Kitty town might not sound that appealing to the boys but thankfully there’s another famous town that is just upstairs! Thomas Town is located on the top floor of the building and they have more rides compared to Hello Kitty Town, such as the Knapford Station Thomas Train Ride, Colin Crane Drop ride, Bertie the Bus and many more. You’ll definitely have fun when experiencing the Bumping Buffers Steamies Diesels Ride aka bumper cars!

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Other Characters – Barney Live Show

The fun doesn’t stop there, there’s also other characters such as Angelina Ballerina, Pingu, Bob The Builder and Barney. Throughout the day, there are live performances on every level so your little ones can meet all their favourite characters. Children have the chance to sing, dance and interact with characters that they usually see on TV. What a treat!

Since tickets for Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town + Other Characters are sold separately, we suggest that if you prefer more rides and other interactive activities, Thomas Town + Other Characters would be a more suitable choice. However, we recommended that you obtain the “All Park Access” so your children won’t miss out on any of their favourite characters.

Here are some friendly tips to make your trip easier:

1.Buy your tickets online to avoid waiting in line.

2. If possible, use your own transport so you’ll be in full control of your activities.

3. Arrive early.

4. Bring water bottles, snacks, hats and hand-fans.

5. Visit the souvenir stores as the last stop to avoid extra baggage.

6. Bring EXTRA clothes in Legoland because there’s going to be some water games.

Book your tickets now and get ready for the time of your life!