2016: Q5 4-Nation Ride...

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow..." - Lin Yutang

(Riding the loop in 22 days)

Date: 27 November - 18 December 2016

Route: Malaysia - Thailand - Cambodia - Laos

Total Distance: 7,650 km

(On top of Muang Kasi Plateau, Laos)

Earlier, we made plan for our 4-nation solo ride and plotted the detail routing covering Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos and coming back through different route. For the first 10 days we rode solo, just the two of us, crossing the Malaysia/Thailand border at Bukit Kayu Hitam, the Thailand/Cambodia border at Hat Lek and the Cambodia/Laos border at Dom Kralar thus completing our mission of our solo 4-nation ride for 2016.     

On day 10 in Thakhek, Laos we met up with the Truecolour Bikerz who crossed the Thailand/Laos border in Chong Mek. From then on we rode together doing the loop through Laos and Thailand back to Malaysia.

This ride was a relaxing journey covering a total distance of more than 7,650 km in 22 days. We enjoyed the freedom of riding the open road, absorbing the beautiful awesome scenery and exploring new places. I have compiled the 4-Nation Ride itinerary in our travelogue.

Every experience, good or bad, is priceless...

Day 01: K Lumpur - Hatyai

Day 02: Hatyai - Chumphon

Day 03: Chumphon - Chanthaburi

Day 04: Chanthaburi - Koh Kong

Day 05: Koh Kong - Phnom Penh

Day 06: Phnom Penh

Day 07: Phnom Penh - Stung Treng

Day 08: Stung Treng - Pakse

Day 09: Pakse - Thakhek

Day 10: Thakhek
Day 11: Thakhek - Vientiane

Day 12: Vientiane - Vang Vieng

Day 13: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabhang

Day 14: Luang Prabhang - Boten - Luang Namtha

Day 15: Luang Namtha - Golden Triangle - Mae Sai

Day 16: Mae Sai - Pai

Day 17: Pai - Mae Hong Son

Day 18: Mae Hong Son - Mae Sot

Day 19: Mae Sot - Kanchanaburi

Day 20: Kanchanaburi - Chumphon

Day 21: Chumphon - Danok

Day 22: Danok - K Lumpur

(Our faithful reliable KTM, otw to Thailand/Cambodia border )

(By the Mekong River in Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

(Just the two of us in Trat, Thailand)

(Thai Guest House in Kanchanaburi, Thailand)

(The Villa Thakhek, Laos)

(The Avalon Hotel in Vientiane, Laos)

The Truecolour Bikerz gang:

Mat Put, Nizam/Faiza, Mad Wan/Effa, Mus/Mun

Pok Deng/Aizan and their 3 kids (4x4)

Our Overseas Travelogue: munmus.blogspot.com

Momento from Italy (2008)

"A person without the knowledge of his past, origin and culture is like a tree with no roots..."

(Leaning mugs of Pisa)

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa or simply the Tower of Pisa is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its unintended tilt.

In March 2008 we went for a backpacking tour of Italy and took the night train from Rome to Genoa. On the way back to Rome we hopped off to Pisa to visit the Leaning Tower.

I was in Italy in January 2003, May 2004 and March 2008.

My Overseas Travel Blog: munmus.blospot.com

Thailand: My 61st Birthday in Koh Lanta...

"Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not count the years..."

(Koh Lanta, Thailand)

It’s that time of the year again!

I remind myself every year on this special day how blessed I am to have been given another year to experience the wonders of this beautiful world! Thank you Allah for all the blessings of lots of love, good health and abundance of wealth.

Today I spent my 61st birthday with dear hubby, watching the sunset at the beach of Koh Lanta, Thailand.

I’m another year older but none the wiser...

(A tranquil sight of sunset from the chalet)

Koh Lanta Ride:

12 - 15 Nov 2016

KL - Hatyai - Koh Lanta - Hatyai - KL

My Overseas Travelogue: munmus.blogspot.com

Momento from Egypt (1998)

"Live for the moments that you can't put into words..."

(Perfume decanter)

Glass perfume bottles

Glass and glassblowing have long been a part of the Egyptian culture, glass has been found in tombs dating back 3,500 years ago.

The best raw materials used is the quality Pyrex glass. Each perfume bottle is fired a minimum of three times, this ensures permanent rich colors. First, the glass blower who brings shape, second, the painter who is meticulous in his creative expression, and on some - the artist who etches your blown glass creation.

Each one of these skilled people brings their best talent forward to create a truly unique piece.

I was in Egypt in October 1998 and December 2010.

My Overseas Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

Arif Ashran 1st Birthday...

"There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why..." - William Barclay

THERE ARE WORSE THINGS 

So what if you're getting older,

There are worse things to be,

Like a goofy, pimply teenager,

With zero self-esteem.

So what if you got a few wrinkles,

There are worse things to have,

Like a case of the twenty somethings,

And a room at Mom and Dad's.

To me, you're simply wonderful.

(With sister Alia and cousins Hana and Amir)

An evening in Japan...

“If you lead me astray, then my wanderings will bring me to my destination.” - Michael Bassey Johnson

(A relaxing stroll)

(A nice ambiance)

Algeria: Our next destination...

"In life, it's not where you go. It's who you travel with..." - Charles Schulz

My Algerian Story

Algeria is a North African country with a Mediterranean coastline and a Saharan desert interior. Many empires have left legacies here, such as the ancient Roman ruins in seaside Tipaza. In the capital, Algiers, Ottoman landmarks like circa-1612 Ketchaoua Mosque line the hillside Casbah quarter, with its narrow alleys and stairways. The city’s Neo-Byzantine basilica Notre Dame d’Afrique dates to French colonial rule. - Google

Date: 5 -15 October 2016

Route: KL - Doha - Algiers - Tipaza - Oran - Djemila - Constantine - Timgard - Biskra - El-Oued - Ghardaia - Algiers - Doha - KL

(Djemila archaeological site)

My travel blog: munmus.blogspot.com

Momento from the Netherlands (2002)

"Sometimes you will never know the value of the moment until it becomes a memory..." - Dr. Seuss

(Decorative wooden clogs)

Dutch Wooden Clogs

These high quality wooden shoes are made in the Netherlands from white poplar wood. Worn by the Dutch Village farmers, these shoes are long lasting and comfortable.

Traditional clogs remain in use as protective footwear in agriculture and in some factories and mines. Although clogs are sometimes negatively associated with cheap and folkloric footwear of farmers and the working class, some types of clogs are considered as fashion wear today.

I was in Netherlands in February 2002.

My Overseas Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

Thailand: Umphang Death Highway...

"An adventurous life does not necessarily mean climbing mountains, swimming with the sharks or jumping off the cliffs..." 

(A rest area half way to Umphang)

Date: 1 – 9 September 2016

Route: KL – Surat Thani – Kanchanaburi – Mae Sot – Umphang – Tak – Samut Prakan – Chumphon – Hatyai – KL

Total Distance: 4,760 km

(Staying in a resort in Umpang

(Signage of the long and winding road)

(Not for the weak heart)

(Route 1090 with 1,219 curves)

(An achievement of sort)

My travelogue: munmus.blogspot.com

Momento from the United Kingdom (1995)

"Release your expectations of holidays and be open to surprises..."

(Brass Candle Holders)

light a candle, see it glow,

watch it dance, when you feel low,

think of me, think of light,

I'll always be here, day or night,

a candle flickers, out of sight,

but in your heart, I still burn bright,

think not of sadness, that I'm not near,

think of gladness, and joyous cheer.

I was in the United Kingdom in April 1995, January 2001, February 2002 and May 2017.

(Mini cartoon picture frames) 

My Overseas Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

Our 37th Anniversary...

"Love is not just about finding a good partner. It is also about being a good one..."

(Thailand/Myanmar border)

Let's grow old together

Hand in hand, you and me

Sharing life's great moments

Keeping each other company...

Living, loving, laughing

Smelling roses as we go

Even when our eyesight dims

And the steps we take are slow...

No matter where life leads us

Remember this is true

Today, tomorrow, forever

I always will love you...

My beloved emak...

"There may be no single thing that can teach us more than life than death..."

Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiuunn...

My beloved emak passed away in her sleep this morning...

Emak has been bed-ridden since she had her hemorrhagic stroke more than five years ago. Over those years, with my other sisters, we took turn to look after her and my ailing Abah in Melaka as they were comfortable to stay in their own home. My father passed away exactly a year ago.

Losing my emak is hard to accept but letting go is the most painful...

Al-fatihah...

(My beloved emak and abah, now just a memory)

The Blackfoot in the workshop...

"Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and repeat to yourself the most comfortable words of all: This too shall pass..." - Ann Landers 

(Overheated and refused to start)

On Tuesday after Zohor, we started our journey to Melaka for my nurse duty.

We stopped for lunch at Elmina R&R on the Guthrie Corridor Expressway. When we wanted to continue our journey, the blackfoot refused to start and showed the signs of overheating. We called GCE Ronda for assistance. When they arrived 15 minutes later, we drove the Blackfoot towards home but it stalled again at Lagong Tol Plaza. We decided to leave the 4x4 near the rest area and took a taxi home and drove to Melaka with our other car.

We safely reached Melaka a little late than usual...

(Patiently waiting for the taxi at Lagong Tol Plaza) 

(The Blackfoot is being towed to the workshop)

Say a little prayer for Amir...

"Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe..."

(Amir in Ampang Hospital)

Two years ago Amir was diagnosed with Leukemia...

Amir is Bee's younger son. He is in and out of hospitals several times and now he's being treated with chemotherapy and later will be undergoing bone marrow transplant.

I visited Amir during my free time and stayed with Bee during the short visiting hours. Bee looks tired and drained but she needs to be with Amir. I could not describe a mother's anxiety, words fail me. For most part, she has accepted and is accustomed to the reality. Amir is getting through it, one day, one treatment cycle, one challenge at a time. The shock and fear of the first diagnose days are long gone, replaced by patience and determinations.

I am praying hard for Amir's fast recovery. I told Amir to be strong. Good things come to those who believe, better things come to those who are patient, and the best things come to those who don't give up... 

(A mother's prayer for her son recovery)

Out of medications...

"Thank God for your life tonight. For your health, your family, or your home. Many people don't have these things..."

(Collecting my medications at Pantai Hospital)

Health is Wealth

Rich or not

We all have got

Chances in lifetime

To live quite sublime

More rich people become richer

And the majority poor more poorer

It's not how much money brings boost

But having enjoyed life not its cost

Healthy body makes an active mind

Once sick can't make good things rewind

Beware of taking too much of everything

Good health is wealth and the best thing 

(Marvin Brato Sr)

Indonesia: Karimun and Batam trip...

"Take vacations, go as many places as you can. You can always make money, you can't always make memories..."

(Rumah Makan Selero Bersamo, Batam)

Tanjung Balai, Karimun
8 - 9 August, 2016
Hotel Lovina Inn

(Ferries from Kukup to Karimun and Batam)

(Return ferry tickets to Tg Balai, Karimun)

Karimun is one of the islands in the Riau Islands province of Indonesia, 37 km southwest of Singapore. The island's main city is Tanjung Balai. Notable landmarks on the island include Mount Jantan, the beaches of Pelawan and Pongkar, and the Pongkar Waterfall.

Tanjung Balai is a bustling port town with a lot of commerce, boosted by tourists from Singapore and Malaysia. Like Batam, Karimun is also listed as a Free Trade Zone area.

Return ferry tickets from Kukup, Johor cost RM95, excluding RM10 port tax/boarding fee.

Kotamadya, Batam
9 - 10 August, 2016

Holiday Karimun Hotel

(DAHP Program Amal gang)

Located only 25km from Johor in Malaysia, Batam is Indonesia's equivalent to China's Special Economic Zones. The island is an industrial hub with electronics factories, a large and growing ship repair industry and an even larger oil service sector. Quite a few expats head there for work, and pubs and golf courses have sprung up to serve them.

Most tourists, come from Singapore and Malaysia. While there is a smattering of family resorts, the main lure on Batam is the discounted shopping and the nightlife. The new governor of the province has shut down casinos and taken steps to curb prostitution.

Regular ferries operate between Tanjung Balai, Karimun or direct from Kukup, Johor.

My Overseas Travelogue: munmus.blogspot.com

Johor - A trip to Pulau Kukup and Tg Piai...

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep..." - Robert Frost

(The mangrove jungle, peaceful and quiet)

After our program Amal in Pontian, we decided to explore some attractions in Pontian and decided to visit the Kukup National Park and Tanjung Piai.

Pulau Kukup is one the largest uninhabited mangroves in the world. It is also the only one situated in Johor waters. Today, Pulau Kukup has received international recognition as the island has been granted the status of a 'Wetland of International Importance' (RAMSAR site) by the Geneva-based Ramsar Convention Bureau.

A local folklore tells a tale of Pulau Kukup, an abode for five celestial princesses. One day, one of the princess fell in love with a sailor and they eloped. A curse was set upon the island of Kukup and it was submerged by sea. The island later resurfaced, but it was covered in mangroves. Many have tried to settle on this island, but without success. Some say this is because the island is inhabited by spirits.

Pulau Kukup is today the home of countless species of wildlife. Among these are the playful monkeys, the quiet mudskipper or the nosy wild boars.

(The gang boarding a ferry to Kukup National Park)

(Kelong Fish Farm with varieties of fish to choose)

(A home-stay on the old floating fishing village)

(Arriving at Kukup Island jetty)

(Tickets to enter and explore the National Park)

(Pulau Kukup is shaped like a palm with 6 fingers!)

(The jetty with basic amenities)

(A group photo at Kukup National Park)

(A place to rest and relax, tranquil and serene)

(The pathway leading to the entrance to the National Park)

(An island of Mangroves and mudflats)

(Protected as a National Park under the Johor State Park Corporation) 

(Pulau Kukup is one of the biggest inhabited mangrove sites)

(Declared as a RAMSAR site in 2003)

(One of the many mangrove species) 

(There are various species of wildlife too)

(The many small resting huts in the mangrove jungle)

(A well-maintained pathway into the mangrove jungle)

(Ready to board the ferry back to the mainland)

(Happy faces on board!) 

(A famous Kukup Seafood Restaurant on stilts)

(Ready to go to our next destination)

Our next destination is Tanjung Piai situated at a cape in Pontian District, Johor. Tanjung Piai is one of the five Ramsar sites in Malaysia. Tanjung Piai is also an important nature site in Johor, being the 3rd designated park of Johor National Park Corporation. Tanjung Piai has high socio-economic value for fisheries. The site also has high ecotourism potential, attracting many visitors.

Located on the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, the skyline of Singapore is visible across the Johor Strait from the point. It features resorts and seafood restaurants, perched on wooden jetties that are surrounded by a rugged and rarefied coastline of unspoiled mangrove forests.

Under the Ramsar Convention, the government and relevant stakeholders have an obligation to ensure the mangrove ecosystem and its values are maintained. Erosion at the site needs to be minimized to safeguard the ecological integrity of the mangrove ecosystem. The root causes of the erosion need to be eliminated or reduced.

It is also an important habitat for migratory and resident birds. These include the IUCN-listed vulnerable species, such as the Lesser Adjutant Stork. It is part of the Important Bird Area of southwest Johor, which extends from Parit Jawa to Tanjung Piai. The southwest Johor mangroves are ecologically important as a natural barrier for protecting the inland villages and agricultural lands from storm events, including tsunamis.

(Tg Piai is the southernmost point of Peninsular Malaysia)

(Tg Piai Resort and seafood restaurant on Stilts)

(A good place for fishing enthusiasts too)

(A 15-metre light tower which flashes once every 3 seconds)

After our trip to Pulau Kukup and Tanjung Piai we checked-in Kukup Golf resort and spent the night relaxing and unwinding in one of the 54 villas there.

(A golf resort amidst mangrove, shrubs and palm fronds)

(Checking in for the night)