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Tourism Malaysia

Kembara Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Perak 2011

October 28, 2011 at 12:27 pm

A traveller once said that what really makes a journey truly memorable was not where you went, but the people you meet and travel with. We learnt the truth of this statement during the Kembara Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia to Perak trip recently. We learnt that a grand palace filled with the finest finishings is nothing but a hollow meaningless artifice without the man who gifted it to his people as a museum; that a simple humble lunch turns into a joyous feast when affection and warmth are its main ingredients; and a simple media trip to Perak brings with it a trove of treasured memories just because of a bunch of complete strangers.

The media trip to Perak took place between 14th and 17th October 2011

And so we would like to share some of those memories with you, our readers, in hopes that you will find them as special as how they are to us.

We will start with the people who actually made this trip possible – Gaya Travel Magazine. As the organisers of the Kembara Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia to Perak 2011, they were more than mere hosts, their dedication and effort were equally matched with their warmth and sincerity. Their energy was infectious, and their carefree personalities set the easy-going, happy-go-lucky atmosphere throughout the trip. Although young, this team performed professionally, handling every challenge that came along with a welcome smile and a cheery remark. If we seem like we’re singing praises of them, it’s not because we want to be invited for upcoming trips, but because they’re just such a fun bunch to be with. Especially Ed.

The organisers of the trip, the Gaya Travel Magazine team. Really great job, guys and girls! The guy in the hat is Mr. Ed, not the horse

To be really honest, the most memorable part of the trip that everyone will NOT admit outright, was the fact that we loved being treated like royalty, thanks to Malaysia’s men in blue. This time around, we were accompanied by five dashing police officers from the Royal Malaysian Police. They made sure we were safe and, most importantly, that we got to our destinations on time. They may look stern, but they are actually very friendly, approachable and upright individuals. Thanks a lot, abang polis, because of you guys, we now know how VIPs feel when they travel. Trust us, that in itself, is a wonderful feeling.

From left to right – Jasasmurni, Shafik Izuan, Hassan, Malik, Abdul Latif. Their work ethics and professionalism are beyond compare.

At Kampung Beng, you will discover why the annual pilgrimage home known as balik kampung is something many Malaysians hold dear to their hearts. Here they wait, warm sincere smiling faces, waiting to greet complete strangers and welcome them into their homes. Willing to share everything they have, no matter how little or simple it may be, asking nothing in return except that we leave with fond memories of them and their village. Sememangnya syurga terletak di telepak kaki ibubapa – truly, paradise lies at the feet of our parents.

These ladies may be simple, but their charm lies in their elegance, sincerity and kindness.

The ladies of Kampung Beng hard at work preparing lunch for their guests

And what of Perak? The state is a beautiful place, surpassed only by the many lovely people who call it their home. The Tourism Malaysia, Perak Office welcomed us with open arms, and through them we realise that the best that Perak has to offer are its people, so many colourful and interesting personalities, and that they are what makes the state such a special place. Thank you, Puan Norshamshida, you and your staff made Perak so welcoming for all of us.

A very lovely lady with a great sense of humour. Can you spot the praying mantis on her head?

Dinah, one of the many volunteer rangers at the Taiping Zoo conducting a night safari tour, for us nonetheless

Mr Annuar Isa, the man behind the First Galleria in Taiping, is a man who loves to share what he knows about history

Mr Lingam, explaining the history of tin mining in Perak and its wide reaching consequences

Zamri, a local craftsman specialising in making labu sayong, ceramic water containers, happily answering all our questions

An elderly man selling soya bean drinks and bean curd. His stall in Ipoh, known as Kacang Soya Funny Mountain, actually has a drive thru service!

Mr Chin sharing with us the many stories about the sweet pomelo. That’s Ed in the red shirt by the way

The best kind of journey you can ever take is one where you all begin as strangers and end as friends. With that we would like to end this little stroll down memory lane by sharing some of the fun times we had getting to know our fellow travellers, no longer strangers, but kindred spirits and sincere friends. It was great spending time with all of you, we hope you enjoyed it too!

Our fellow travellers seated in the front of the bus

Our fellow travellers seated in the middle of the bus

Last but not least, our fellow travellers seated at the back of the bus

To our readers, we hope that your journeys will be filled with as many great memories as ours.

To see some more photos of the trip, make your way to the photo album on Facebook here.

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