Wednesday, January 28, 2009

CNY holidays in Malaysia (2)

Swiss Garden Golf Resort (Damai Laut)/Lumut/Pangkor Island (2 days)

We checked out of Pullman Hotel and headed for Damai Laut in Ipoh. After 4 hours of driving, we arrived at Swiss-Garden Golf Resort which is located in the peninsula of Lumut. Spread out majestically on 400 acres of land & surrounded by green hills, the resort is a haven for those who crave leisure activities or total R&R. This almost paradise-like resort offers comfort, tranquility and sheer indulgence. The wonderful sights and traditional Malaysian hospitality amidst centuries-old natural forests and sandy beaches confirmed that we have found the right place.

We started off to explore the amenities of the resort. The following day, we island hop to Pangkor.


In and around Swiss-Garden Golf Resort...


Above left: our room - no. 438

Above & below: all within the resort...


The green (below) & the 'blue' (above)...


Having dinner here (above) while the sun set (below)...

is our greatest moment in life...

In and around Pangkor Island...

Above left: ferry terminal to Pangkor Island
Above right: locals' past time

beautiful sights at Pangkor...

Monday, January 26, 2009

CNY holidays in Malaysia (1)

KL / Putrajaya (1 day)

We set off at 6am this morning and arrived at KL at noon. Traffic was smooth as most people have already set off last Saturday to enjoy the long weekend. It was then shopping and food. Later noon, we drove to Putrajaya where we spent the night.

Putrajaya, located about 25km south of KL, is the new federal administrative centre of Malyasia. Several government offices have relocated there to gain relief from the overcrowding and congestion of KL which is Malaysia's largest city. However, KL still serves as Malaysia’s national and legislative capital for now. Putrajaya is a Federal Territory just like the city of KL and the island of Labuan.

The city has a number of bridges spanning an artificial lake, Putrajaya Lake. It has only been established recently and it is still undergoing massive development.

We put up at Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel for the night. The hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses. This yet to be opened hotel comes with WiFi & LCD TV not the usual CTV. Goods views and good choice for business trips as well as R&R.


The Hotel...

Our room - no. 3801

Above: The centre of the 4 wings of the hotel features a clock tower.

Above: Excellent views of the lake & bridges from the hotel.
Above left: Extending out to the lake is a al fresco dining resturant and a bar.
Above right: the hotel’s 250-seat open air amphitheatre located on the lakefront.

Above: The neighbouring Water Sports Complex to hold international waterski and wakeboard series.

In and around Putrajaya...
Above left: The Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister’s office
Above right: Putra Mosque at Putrajaya Lake
Above left: Seri Wawasan Bridge
Above right: Perbadanan government complex
Above left: Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC)
Above right: Palace of Justice

Saturday, January 24, 2009

恭喜发财! 万事如意!

萬象更新,萬事如意,
...
又是一年的新年即將來臨,
...
願大家在未來的日子裡,
...
更愛自己,並祝闔家安康,
...
事事順心、幸福美滿。


Friday, January 23, 2009

Chinese Horoscope Year 2009 (牛 Ox Year)

Chinese Horoscope for 牛 Ox Year
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鼠 Rat Born in: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Overall Forecast - Early year of 2009 is relatively favourable especially for wealth. If you are brave enough to make commitment, luck will be with you. Therefore, you must seize all opportunity that comes along your way. This year is also a good year to invest in properties but remember to manage your financial properly. You must guard against petty people especially when it relates to wealth matters. Also you need to guard yourself against sexual traps. As such, control your alcohol intake. Take care yourself this year as you might get hurt easily. For relationship, you need to exercise more tolerance and understanding.

Career - A good year to start your own business. Beware of petty people and therefore you should avoid gossiping against other people as well as not too trusting. Those born in 1948 and 1960 can have great achievement this year.

Relationship - Love is in the air for you this year. Especially those born in 1972, relationship can go into a new height but also can turn to worst. Married couple should build more tolerance and understanding.

Wealth - Wealth luck is good. Wealth gains are from investment as well as lottery. However, spend your money wisely and guide against petty people.

Health - Remember to control your alcohol intake. You might get hurt easily this year.

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牛 Ox Born in: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973,1985, 1997

Overall Forecast - This year, you offend Tai Sui and therefore, there will be obstacles through out the year. Be more vigilant and careful when dealing with matters. Fortunately, there are lucky stars present this year to help you. You will have the tendency to change job, get married or travel. Regardless of the problem, this year will be better than last year. If you are religious, you can offer prayer to Tai Sui during the Lunar New Year. Remember to choose the correct Tai Sui that matches you.

Career - There is possibility that you might change your job. Don’t be too aggressive to make the decision. Weigh all the pros and cons before you decide to change your job.

Relationship - No major breakthrough. Control your emotion and exercise tolerance. There are still opportunities to meet the other party if you work hard to seek for it. Those born in 1949 and 1961 have to be careful in making acquaintances.

Wealth - Proper income is stable. Scrutinize all documents before you sign. Those born in 1937 can be in deep trouble if invest wrongly.

Health - You need to be extra careful this year. Accidents will happen easily.

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虎 Tiger Born in: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

Overall Forecast - This year is favourable to you. Wealth and health luck is good. Any undertaking will be smooth. Be sincere in your dealing and noble man will help you. You need to differentiate who is there to help you and who is there to ruin you. You need to guard yourself against sexual traps and control your alcohol intake. There are people out there to rob you, so be careful when handling money matters. Avoid risky investment and take care of your health.

Career - It is a good time to start your new business or expand the current one. You need to workout who is your noble man and who is there to harm you. Leverage on your noble man to excel. Control your temper when dealing with matters. Career progression will be good this year. Do not be guarantor.

Relationship - Love is in the air and for teenagers you will fall in love easily and this will affect your study. You should focus on your study and don’t be easily distracted. Couples in courtship will have the urge to get married. Those already married should steer clear from sexual temptation to avoid getting into trouble.

Wealth - Proper income luck is good as career progress. Save your money and do not lend to others. Do not make investment based on short term gain.

Health - No major issue with health but you have to control yourself against sexual traps and alcohol intake.

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兔 Rabbit Born in: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

Overall Forecast - Luck will go up and down this year. Don't be distracted and stay focus. Plan your action wisely and this year is not a good year to be aggressive. It is a good year to enrich yourself. Due to auspicious star this year, you should look out for noble person that can help you. There might be a chance for travelling this year.

Career - You shouldn’t be aggressive this year. Stay cool and guard against petty people. Don’t try to hang out, people might sabotage you.

Relationship - You will have mood swing. You will feel left out and lonely. You need to exercise tolerance and patience when dealing with your love one. This is because your behaviour and temper will go up and down.

Wealth - Your normal income will be stable. However due to your up and down luck, you need to save up for raining season and also exercise caution when spending your money. Do not be greedy for windfall luck – there is no such thing as easy money. People will take the opportunity to cheat you. Therefore, do not be too trusting when dealing with investment. Always do your due diligence.

Health - You will have unstable emotion, so need to take care as this will caused fatigue and stress. For those who love water sports, you will have to be careful this year as there is potential injury or accident related to water. Elderly folks have to take care of their health as chronic ailments might surface again.

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龍 Dragon Born in: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

Overall Forecast - This year, you have guardian star and it will be smooth year for you. Every matter will be favourable for you. You might be changing career this year with helps from noble person or person with higher authority. If you have chance to take up overseas assignment – take it. Take care of your interpersonal skill and you should be fine. There will be much joyous news this year. Those who are hoping to have child this year, the possibility is high. Those who plan to get married; this year will be blissful for you. Students will have exceptional performance in their academic endeavour.

Career - This year is your prime year. Promotion and better job opportunity is around the corner. If you have planned to start a new business or change job, this year will be the year. If there is overseas assignment, go for it. On the other hand, due to your luck, beware of petty people that might be jealous of you. Be humble and modest.

Relationship - For those who plan to get married, this year will be a good year to do so. There is offspring luck this year. For man, do show more care to your wife, especially when she is pregnant.

Wealth - Wealth luck is excellent and beneficial for both normal income and windfall luck. You may attempt different type of investment after careful analysis. Business transaction and dealing will be smooth. Since you are in luck, be on your guard against sexual temptation and alcohol to avoid getting intotrouble.

Health - Your health should be fine this year. Since your career will be picking up, you need to take care of your health. Don’t be too stress over your new opportunity and busy schedule. Take extra precaution of your digestive systems.

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蛇 Snake Born in: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

Overall Forecast - Lucky star is not on your side this year. You are bound for rugged year. Never try to hang out and cause unnecessary issue. Do not get involve in gossip as it might back fired and harm you. Treat everybody with upmost respect. Control your wealth wisely.

Career - Communication and respect is the key to your career. There will be many obstacles and troubles in your career. Always show respect to others and keep a low profile. Maintain good relationship with others. Take extra precaution when signing or dealing with contracts and documents. It is not a good year to start a new business. Avoid risky business to avoid getting into legal issue.

Relationship - Your romance encounter setback this year. Married couples should exercise upmost tolerance, open communication and trust with each other. For those who are single can look forward for some romance luck.

Wealth - Your wealth luck will go up and down this year. It is not a good time to invest heavily. Be contented with what you have and you will be fine. Never be too greedy. Take extra precaution when spending your money.

Health - Due to bad star influence, this year you will see blood. Take extra precaution when handling matters. If you have sickness, seek treatment immediately. Go for gum cleaning or donate blood. Avoid dangerous games and activities.

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馬 Horse Born in: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Overall Forecast - This year will definitely better than last year but the cloud is not entirely clear yet. You should take extra precaution when making major decision. Take your time, proceed slowly and cautiously. Do not be mistaken by the appearance of others. Be on your guard against sexual temptation and alcohol to avoid getting into trouble.

Career - Career luck is not that smooth. There will be up and down this year. There will be petty people trying to make trouble with you. Be careful of evil plots by petty people. Avoid getting into conflict with others.

Relationship - Love will be up and down this year. Be careful of third party intrusion for attached couple. Control your sexual lust to avoid getting into trouble. Communication is the key.

Wealth - Your normal income will be stable with improvement from last year. Financially you will be ok if you exercise extra precaution. Be careful of sexual trap as you might loose money from it. Save for raining day and be thriftier in your spending.

Health - You need to control your lust this year. Limit your illicit activities and cut down on drinking. As your luck is picking up, you will have busy schedule. Take a lot rest and stress control.

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羊 Goat Born in: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979,1991, 2003

Overall Forecast - This year, Goat zodiac clash with Tai Sui. As such, it is not a favourable year. You have to stay focus and alert in dealing with matters. Be extra careful will petty people. Avoid gossip and be vigilance. Take good care of your health. You should lay low this year.

Career - A time to hold. Be extra prudent when making business and investment decision. Since your luck is not good this year, you have to rely heavily on your colleagues and friends. So treat them well. Not a good time to partner with others in business. Review all documents carefully before you sign.

Relationship - With this time of bad luck, you need the help of your friends and colleagues. You have to maintain good relationship with your friends and colleagues. Maintain harmony with all of them. Couples should maintain open communication with each other to avoid conflict due to stress from bad luck this year. Show respect and affection with each other.

Wealth - You hit rock bottom this year on your wealth luck. If can, stop all risky investment this year. Be conservative in managing your wealth. Do not be guarantor and also need to curb your gambling.

Health - Due to stress, you have to take care of your health. You will be mentally stressed also. Seek treatment immediate if you fall sick. Bring the older folks that are born in the year of goat for medical checkup. Be careful against falls and cuts.

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猴 Monkey Born in: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Overall Forecast - This year is your lucky year. All your endeavour will be smooth. If you run your own business, it will be good. There will be good news for those who is working. Students will do well academically. For those who is trying for kids will have offspring luck this year. You will also enjoy good wealth luck. This is the year to charge ahead with aggression. However, take precaution as people will see you as showy and cause harm to you.

Career - There will be business opportunity coming up if you are running your own business. If you are working, there will be good news coming your way. News on promotion or new assignment might be coming your way. Be careful of petty people as people might be jealous with your achievement.

Relationship - You will be in cloud nine this year due to much good news. Courting couples will move on to next stage; i.e. marriage. It is also a good time to plan for marriage or start a serious relationship. Couples trying for kid will have offspring luck this year. Couples should guard against third party.

Wealth - Wealth luck is extremely good but don’t show off. Normal income and windfall luck is good. Petty people will be jealous against you so be more prudent.

Health - Take good care of your health this year. There will be minor sickness here and there. Avoid attending wakes.

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雞 Rooster Born in: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Overall Forecast - You will have good wealth luck this year. There are a lot of lucky star this year but there is also unlucky star. Be prudent and don’t be too aggressive. Perform your best and your superior will notice. Those in business can expect results and push forward for expansion. Students can excel in their academic study. Good year to invest in property.

Career - Good progress in your career and work luck with increase in reputation and status. Smooth business deal and good business relationship. There are chances of promotion and overseas assignments.

Relationship - No major breakthrough in relationship this year. Be more truthful and affectionate to your companion. Married couples should go for a recharge vacation.

Wealth - Wealth luck is good this year. You will receive gain from your investment. However, you must control your spending also. You can consider investing in property. Be wary against petty people that might be jealous of your good luck this year.

Health - Health is normal this year but have to take note of home safety. Don’t climb high. Don’t speed or drink excessive alcohol. Take adequate rest and exercise.

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狗 Dog Born in: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Overall Forecast - This year your luck is good as there are many lucky star shining on you this year. However, there is also unlucky star. As such, be extra caution when making decision. Keep to your path and avoid gossiping. Be mindful of petty people. Be alert and always ready for challenge ahead. A good year to purchase property or move house.

Career - Smooth and good year for your career progression. There will be increase in business volume. Be mindful of the way you communicate as you might offend the other party without you knowing it. Maintain good relationship with your superior. If you are in business, maintain good relationship with your business associates. It is better to maintain a harmony relationship to keep petty people at bay.

Relationship - Relationship luck is good also. However, be faithful and be careful with sexual trap. Couples will enjoy the company of each other but be careful of third party trying to break the relationship. Those that are unattached will find love this year. Maintain harmonious relationship with peers, friends, and business associates.

Wealth - Wealth luck is superb. If there is chance to purchase property or start a new business, go for it. Since wealth luck is favourable, be vigilance and be careful of petty people. Don’t be greedy and showy as it will invites unnecessary problem later.

Health - Health is normal this year. Cut down on drinking and sexual activity. There is danger caused by lust.

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豬 Pig born in: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Overall Forecast - There are many unlucky stars this year. However, there is still hope as there are a few lucky stars that can lend you a hand. As such, people born in the year of pig are advised to be modest, humble, handle matter logically and try not to be too aggressive. Students will have no problem with study. Be mindful with your investment this year. Don’t invest too much. Be vigilance and never make anyhasty moves or decisions.

Career - Career or business luck is considered normal with minor obstacle popping along the way. As long as you are modest, humble and handle the matter logically, you should be fine. Evaluate every situation and do not attempt any huge investment. This year is not a good year to change job.

Relationship - You will feel vexed and stressed out this year with regards to relationship. There is constant conflict and argument this year. Be more tolerant, forgiving and understanding. Learn to give and take. It is not worth it fighting over trivial matters.

Wealth - You might lose wealth this year. Be conservative in your expenses. Remember to save up for rainy days. Do not gamble or speculate in share, you don’t have luck there. Your normal income is stable.

Health - Relationship luck is not good and as such, you will constantly burn out. This will affect your health. Take some time off to unwind and don’t sweat over small matters. Open up your mind. When outdoor, take extra precaution as you are prone to accident.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Life is Great...


with a cup of cappuccino and my favourite raspberry cheese cake !!!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Bak Kwa vs. Bak Kwa...

Chinese New Year is not complete without Bak Kwa. Bak Kwa is a must-have delicacy during this festive period. Most people do not mind to queue for hours (even during office hours) at popular Bak Kwa outlets such as Lim Chee Guan (林志源) and Bee Cheng Hiang (美珍香).

Lim Chee Guan has limited each purchase to 2 pack per customer. Thus, you can see (in the 2nd pic) this gentleman in green has brought in a few blangah workers (in the queue) so that he can buy more pack...

The queue for Lim Chee Guan went round the Chinatown MRT station... It shows how great Lim Chee Guan bak kwa is!
The queue at Bee Cheng Hiang was shorter, probably Bee Cheng Hiang has many outlets all over the island.

Does it look like there is a economic crisis?

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Great sense of achievement and satisfaction...

It has been a hectic week, rushing to finish all the cleaning assignments. Most of these were ad-hoc assignments. Just realized that some families gave up their helpers and send their kids to the care centres. Could it be related to the global crisis? Nevertheless, the Chinese New Year is around the corner, who didn’t want their homes to be spick and span in time to welcome the Year of the Ox.

We actually did not expect the flood of cleaning assignments. It was out of hand in the initial. However, with all our efforts and determinations, we did not only manage to finish the assignments but also achieve many compliments from the customers. Well done, uncle and auntie helpers. Thanks Gary for helping us to get extra vehicle, cleaning machineries and equipments. I was surprised you know how to brush a toilet bowl!!!


Thursday, January 8, 2009

Mr. Ox is in town...

Chinatown has an early street light-up since the Chinese New Year arrives early this year. The main streets of Chinatown - Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road have been decked with Ox characters to usher in the Year of the Ox. Immerse in the festive hustle and bustle simply by walking the streets of Chinatown. You can find simply everything you need for the Chinese New Year, like festive goodies such as waxed duck, barbecued sweet meats, cookies, fresh flowers, handicrafts and myriad of Chinese New Year decorative items.




God of Fortune


Get anything you need for this Chinese New Year right here, at Chinatown. Remember to bargain...



Chinatown at night...