wyetravelmalaysia

Many different architectural styles of our churches, found within stone's throw from each other around Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.

Thaipusam festival is a colorful event celebrated by Indians in Malaysia, especially amongst the Tamils. It is a day when Lord Murugan defeated the demon Soorapadman with the vel.

Devotees prepare themselves up to 48days before the big day by fasting and cleansing. Some repay their vows by carrying p**l kudam or milk inside metal vessel, which is presented at the temple where Lord Murugan resides during the festival. For others, they will subject their physical body to greater sacrifice by carrying bigger & heavier kavadi. These devotees are often seen with the metal vel (spear) pierced through their mouth or tongue in order for them to concentrate on their actions and remain silent during their procession.

Thaipusam is celebrated on a grand scale at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown, Penang Island. One can also experience this festival in other towns such as Ipoh, Perak and Seremban, Negeri Sembilan where there is a large Indian community.

Short introduction to the art of chewing betel and its connection to the Malay society today.

Betel Chewing or Makan Sirih Betel Chewing or Makan Sirih used to be very common amongst the locals of Malaysia, particularly amongst the Malay, Indians and Baba Nyonya. Most will chew i...

Baju Melayu Cekak Musang is the traditional wear for men typical around Negeri Sembilan state. The main difference can be seen in the collar, which is elevated about 2.5cm all around the neckline. On the front, there is 5 buttons which represents the 5 pillars of Islam.

To complete the emsemble, men will wear a special headgear called "destar" and there are various styles used depending on the occasion, social status and area or clan the wearer belongs to.

And not forgetting the "Samping" which is the outer cloth worn from the waist to the knees. Do you know that you can tell where the male is a bachelor or married from the length of the samping ? Those who are still available will tie the samping above the knees, and men to show he is happily married has the samping worn over his knees.

This traditional wear was showcased during the Olek Ulak Tanag Mengandung and Adat Lingkungan event held at Royal Museum of Seri Menanti Old Palace in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan

Kebaya Setengah Tiang is one of the traditional wear for ladies of Negeri Sembilan. The top is not tight fitting and much longer to cover the modesty of the ladies. There is also a pocket on the left side towards the middle of the cloth where important items can be kept.

Ladies will pair the kebaya with "kerongsang tiga" or a set of 3 brooches connected like a necklace. For common wear, the kebaya setengah tiang is made from cotton and paired with a sarong batik. Whereas the ladies will wear the kebaya made from songket cloth where the textile are weaved with golden or silver threads in between the base threads.

Did you know ladies show off their marital status by how they place the "kepala" or head design of their sarong. When it is placed in front, the female tells the world she is available. If placed on the back, it shows the female is married and should not be disturbed. On the right represents she is a widow and for the left represents she is a divorcee.

These traditional wear were part of the Olek Ulak Tanah Mengandung & Adat Lingkuangan event held at Royal Museum of Seri Menanti Old Palace in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan

D**g Tian Gong is a Chinese temple situated in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. Started back in 1930s by the Henghua, who were mainly trishaw pullers, the small prayer shed has grown to a big temple these days.

This year from 16 to 24th Dec 2023, the temple will observe a special "cloister" moment as the chosen members are "locked" inside the temple for 9 days to observe special prayers.

This occasion normally happens every 4 or 9 years, depending on the calling of the gods. Special dragon joss sticks have been ordered from Sitiawan and paper lantern specially from China to mark this momentous occasion.

Temiar old lady happily weaving a "Tempok" or traditional headgear used by the Orang Asli. She comes from the village of Pos Hau Kampung Kedip nearby Gua Musang.

She and her family members have been invited to showcase her culture and village produce as part of the Karnival Usahawan Desa (KUD) taking place at Anjung Floria in Putrajaya. The carnival can be visited from 10am to 10pm and ends this Sunday 26th November 2023

Tasted some new forest produce today, brought to Putrajaya by Mr Kamal from his Kampung Orang Asli Pos Muzoh LZ, nearby Tapah in Perak. He is from the Semai group which settled around the area leading up to Cameron Highlands.

Some of the newly tasted fruits include buah cepu, buah tampoi in orange color and buah kulim which the locals use as garlic replacement in their cooking.

Mr Kamal and many other orang Asli are exhibiting their fresh produce and handicrafts at the Karnival Usahawan Desa (KUD) at Anjung Floria in Putrajaya. This large scale event from 10am to 10pm will end on Sunday 26 November 2023.

Earth Lodge is a small ecolodge located inside the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve in state of Kedah. This is a special area where a lake has been created when the dam was built back in 1971 for irrigation purposes.

Today the place is one of the best place to see wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia. This includes the Asian elephant, hornbills and many bird species, mammals and plenty of insects.

Visitors coming here can stay between 2 to 4nights with full board packages in their dorm or 2pax rooms. Activities include river cruise along Muda river, hiking and tubing.

For more information, check out www.earthlodgemalaysia.com

Ban Onn Goldsmith & Electro Plater is still proudly preserving the dying trade of making & preserving jewellery, especially the styles favored by the Peranakans in Melaka. The shop is one of the few family businesses surviving along Jonker Street which has seen so much gentrification changing the social landscape.

The business started back in 1933, and Mr Yoong Sung Shen has taken over from his father who passed away in February 2023. He is currently the 3rd generation and wishes to continue his family legacies.

They sell ready-made jewellery items and can also personalize pieces based on customers' requirements.

Check them out at 52 Jalan Hang J***t (Jonker Street) within historic center of Malacca. Or reach out yo Mr Yoong at 0122724637.

Kanching Eco Forest Park (Taman Eko Rimba Kanching) is a popular spot for a cool getaway due to its close proximity to Kuala Lumpur. Located about 30km north of KL, most locals can easily drive here, or take taxi from the nearest KTM komuter station at Rawang.

Kanching park is famed for its 7 tiered waterfalls, which gives visitors plenty of choices for their picnic and soaking spot. From the carpark, it is an easy walk up towards the waterfalls. The lower cascades are accessed by concrete steps, whereas the upper falls require more walking through forest trails.

As for facilities, there are toilets available nearby the carpark along with some shops and eateries. Further along the pathway, several gazebos and concrete chairs are set up for the comfort of visitors.

IMPT - be careful of the cheeky macaques seen around the area especially the lower falls. Definitely waiting for opportunities to sn**ch food whenever possible.

Entrance fees apply for visitors RM2/pax (weekday) and RM3/pax (weekends). Non-malaysian pay Rm8/pax. Car parking fees are Rm5/car.

Sunny Hill Ice Cream is the place where Kuching people flock to on a hot day.

Serving soft smooth ice cream since 1963, it serves up 2 flavours during its working days. Classic vanilla is always available, and the other 3 flavors - strawberry, chocolate and pandan is rotated on different days.

One can enjoy the ice cream on a cone, cup or sandwiched between the old-school bread. Bolder flavours come in the sundae and floats.

Great thing about this ice cream parlour is that the profits goes towards the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Hence it closes from Fruday 330pm onwards and Saturdays to observe Sabbath.

Fancy some o***m coffee ? One can indulge in a cup, which is actually our local kopi served with a dollop of butter in a very small kopitiam in Kuching, Sarawak.

Hiap Yak Tea Shop is located along the quiant Kai Joo Lane. Started by a Hainanese man with surname Tan, the coffeeshop is now operated by his daughter.

With only 4 tables, customers can enjoy o***m coffee along with the classic toast and half boiled eggs. Diners can also taste the famous kolo mee from an old lady during the morning session.

According to Mdm Tan, during the early days this Kai Joo Lane was filled with o***m dens favoured by the Chinese labourers. After indulging in the o***m, the labourers crave for the butter to sooth their dry throat after the smoking session. Hence the reason how the coffee earned its nickname.

Hiap Yak Tea Shop is open daily except Sundays mornings till 3.30pm. The kolo mee aunty also sells during the mornings from Monday to Friday.

Toddy or palm wine is our local tipple made from the sap of the flower stump of the coconut trees.

This local place is situated in Bukit Pelandung, nearby Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.The owner here collects the sap daily about 6:30am and it is sold from 8:30am till finish or 9:00pm. When fresh, it tastes sweet and non-alcoholic. Many take it regularly as it is believed to contain many health benefits because of the vitamins it contains. Some ayurvedic benefits include good for eyesight and reduces risk of heart diseases.

Toddy is also a key ingredient to make the traditional huat kueh - steamed rice flour cake fermented with toddy, coconut water, coconut cream and sugar.

Usually it only last for about 24hours and the taste becomes more sour, acidic and definitely more alcoholic as the liquid ferments through the day. These fresh toddy places are normally found in small towns where coconut trees are grown abundantly.