Exploring Taman Metropolitan Batu...

"Quality means doing it right when no one is looking..." - Henry Ford

(The Do and Don't in the park)

This morning we decided to explore Taman Metropolitan Batu.

The park is situated off Jalan Ipoh in the Batu district adjascent to the Sungai Batu Flood Retention Pond. The main feature is a man-made lake in the middle of the park. The park has two children's playgrounds, a few washrooms and Muslim prayer room facilities. There is a large open square where performances or wedding receptions could be held. If the park is maintained well, it would be a great place for community gatherings and functions.

(The view from one end  of the lake)

There is about 3 km jogging cemented path around the lake but unfortunately at the end of the lake the path is not connected. There is no bridge to allow joggers to make a full circle. There is even an illegal dumbsite encroaching the park and most probably the piling rubbish is slowly polluting the lake and fouling the air.

(End of the jogging path on the other side of the lake)

While we were in the park, we strolled leisurely around the lake and explored the facilities. As the jogging path is not connected, we had to walk a full round back to the parking lot. We met with a few elderlies walking and exercising around the lake. But no joggers were seen at this time of the day as the sun was already high in the sky.

We noticed that there are motorbikes and cars moving freely in the park compound and could be quite a safety hazard to children and pedestrians. Otherwise, the park is quite peaceful and serene and a good alternative place for our early morning walk.

(The area around the park is well-maintained)

Thailand 300-year Old Mosques...

"The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family..." - Lee Iacocca

(Crossing the border at Pengkalan Hulu)

2018 Betong to Hat Yai 4x4 Trip...

(26 - 28 July 2018)

During our 4x4 trip from Betong to Hat Yai from 26 - 28 July 2018, we visited many mosques along the route. Out of the many and not to be missed, are two historical and oldest mosques in Thailand situated in the districts of Narathiwat and Pattani.

(Masjid Wadi Hussein at Telok Manok, Narathiwat)

The first mosque was the 300 Years Mosque also known as Al-Hussein Mosque or Talo Mano Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Thailand. Located in Narathiwat, a southern province in Thailand, it is in use today by the large Muslim community in the area. The mosque was built in 1634 to serve the newly settled Muslim community during that time. It is the oldest wooden mosque in Thailand.

(Masjid Kerisik, Pattani)

Another old mosque was Krue Se Mosque also called Gresik Mosque or Pitu Krue-ban Mosque is located in Pattani Province, Thailand. It was begun in about 1583, but was never completed because of a power struggle between the sultan of Pattani and his brother. The present structure is on the same site and dates to the 18th century. It features a mixture of Middle Eastern and European architectural styles. The mosque is claimed by some Pattani people to have been built by the Chinese pirate Lin Daoqian. In 2004, during a period of insurgency, Thai military personnel attacked and killed 32 muslim during Isya prayer. The bullet holes could be seen around the main door of the mosque, a reminder of the unfortunate massacre.

2018 Betong to Hat Yai 4x4 Trip...
01 Bang Lang National Park...
02 Wadi Al-Hussein Mosque...
03 Krue Se Mosque...
04 Central Mosque of Pattani...
05 Ban Pru Floating Market...
06 Piyamit Village 5 Tunnel...

Next Trip: 2018 Bigfoot Beaches of Thailand I

My Overseas travel blog: munmus.blogspot.com

A visit to an orchid nursery...

"A brother may not be a friend, but a friend will always be a brother..." - Benjamin Franklin

(Nasi berlauk breakfast at Kak Badar's house)

I have not met Kak Badariah since I left my SIC hostel in 1973.

When the hostelite sisters suggested to visit Kak Badariah's house in Rawang, I agreed to join them and this time, Kak Jon and I brought our spouses along. It was a pity that the rest of the gang could not join us because of other commitments. The spread of dishes were abundance, delicious and filling. Kak Badariah is as I remembered her, sweet, gentle and motherly. 

After breakfast we visited a nearby Orchid nursery and bought some orchid plants. I wonder how long will they survive under my care...    

(A heaven for those who love orchids)

(Varieties of orchid species)

(Vibrant colored orchids)

(Purple is my favorite color)

A fairytale Wedding....

"Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope..." -.Dr. Seuss

(A fairy tale wedding)

Every bride deserves to feel like a princess on her wedding day.

We attended Sidah' daughter's wedding at the Grand Blue Wave Hotel in Shah Alam. The wedding was attended by schoolmates from as far as Kota Bharu, an opportunity to have a small get-together. It was one cheerful gathering, very warming and comforting. One of the blessings of old friends is that you only remember and reminisce only the good old memories.

After the wedding, we were invited to Datin Maheran's house for high tea,

(Friends from near and far)

(The bride's mother in beautiful pink)

(Big 5, minus one)

Rambutan bountiful harvest....

"Silence make the real conversations between friends. Not the saying, but the never needing to say that counts..." - Margaret Lee Runbeck

(A good spread of Kelantanese dishes)

It wasn’t just another breakfast meet.

The hostelite sisters were at DS Zaidah's residence this morning for our first Hari Raya gathering. Besides the spread of delicious home-cooked dishes, we were served with other kueh-mueh brought by the other sisters. After breakfast, we visited Kak Dah beautiful garden. Her garden represents her devotion and patience. The charm and beauty of her garden is a wonderful enlightening sight.

It was a bountiful harvest for rambutan this year and we had fun picking the fruits to bring home.

(With Nik Fauziah, Bee, Kak Jon and Kak Sariah)

(Aiming for the ones at the top)

(A good harvest to share)