Simple Life 简单的生活: May 2008

Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

Siem Reap/Angor Wat will be the destination that I will be visiting end of June, 2008. I wanted to see this architectural masterpiece constructed in the jungle in the early 12th century, then - two centuries later - was mysteriously abandoned by the Khmer civilization. In 1861 a French naturalist accidentally came across the jungle veiled ruins. Eventually archaeologists reclaimed the site, exposing its magnificence.

I managed to book Air Asia returned ticket at RM100.00 only (exclude taxes) and through my friend in the travel industry arrange the ground arrangement for a 4days/3nites package.

Looking forward to see another Wonder of the World.

2 comments

, by FL Sam

Travel (Jogjakarta)

Parangtritis Beach @ Jogja

Parangtritis Beach is the most popular beach @ Jogja loacted 27km away from the city centre.

The primary attraction of this beach is its natural view. The enchantment of the coastal scenery can be seen from different angles to give you different experiences. When you are standing at the seashore, you will see the wide ocean with the high waves and steeply mountainside on the east side.

To get the view from the site, just walk or hire the horse-cart westwards and you look southwards when you have reached the place. You may get to the place by riding a horse that you shall rent at negotiable price.

Parangtritis is a beach full of myths, which is believed to be the manifestation of the unity among Merapi Mountain, Yogyakarta Kingdom, and Parangtritis Beach. The legend tells that Panembahan Senopati and Sunan Kalijaga once met in this place after completing their meditation. Panembahan Senopati was reminded of being a humble ruler despite his supernatural powers.

7 comments

, by FL Sam

Food Reviews (Indonesia)

Ayam Goreng Ny. Suharti @ Jogja

The varieties of foods at Jogja are plenty and we have no chance to try most of it. But this Indonesia version firied chicken is really nice and we like it till we ordered a second serving. It costs Rp40,000 for the 1 piece on the plate. My most enjoyable meal @ Jogja.

Ayam Goreng Ny. Suharti is very popular mbok berek fried chicken restaurant, the recipe still remains a secret. The fried chickens are Kampung Chicken and not those steroids enhanced chicken and deserved to be ranked No. 1 in all friend chicken chain restaurants. It is well amrinated and deep fried to perfection.

When you are in Jogja, I would recommend that you not to miss the Suharti fried chicken.

1 comments

, by FL Sam

Travel (Jogjakarta)

Candi Parambanan @ Jogja

One of the other major attraction other than Borobudur, the Prambanan temple is the biggest and a most beautiful Hindu temple about 20 minutes from Yogyakarta city. This magnificent Shivaite temple derives its name from the village where it is located. Locally known as the Loro Jongrang temple, or the temple of the "Slender Virgin" it is reputed to be the biggest and most beautiful Hindu Temple in Indonesia. 17 kilometers east of Yogyakarta, the temple is believed to have been built by King Balitung Maha Sambu in the middle of the ninth century.

Since this attraction is not part of our tour package, we cancel our last day program to Cosmos Factory Outlet and Karita Muslim Market to visit this place.

We arranged with the tour counter @ the hotel and it costs us RP180,000 for a 3 hours Private Van to bring us there exclude the US$10.00 entrance. You can engage a guide at the Main entrance to show you around but we prefer to go on our own.

Its parapets are adorned with a bas-reliefs depicting the famous Ramayana story. It has eight shrines, of which the three main ones are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma (all are manifestations of God in Hindu). The main temple of Shiva rises to a high of 130 feet and houses the magnificent statue of Shiva's consort, Durga.

Prambanan Temple is beautiful temple, in fact, it is a group of temples. The biggest temple dedicated to Shiva (one of manifestation of God) with two other smaller ones, on its right and on its left, dedicated to Brahma and Wisnhu (manifestation of God) respectively. Reliefs decorating the walls of the temple depict the story of Ramayana.

There are many other smaller temple like this Candi Lumpung around the vast compound.

On the way in and out, you will be surrounded by locals selling local handicrafts. The opening price is skyhigh when you are a tourist. You have to bargain for the lowest price possible.

4 comments

, by FL Sam

Buddhism

Wesak Day Celebration

Buddhists celebrated Wesak Day on May 19, 2008 which marks three momentous events in Buddha's life - his birthday, enlightenment and achievement of Nirvana. The celebration begins at dawn when devotees gathering at the temples to meditate on the Eight Precepts. Donations, giving food to the needy, offering of incense, lights, flowers, joss sticks and prayer are carried out.

The display a small image of the baby Buddha in front of the altar in a small basin filled with water and decorated with flowers, allowing devotees to pour water over the statue; it is symbolic of the events following the Buddha's birth, when devas and spirits made heavenly offerings to him.

At Lonsang Dragpa Centre, the Bathing of Buddha was held at 10am followed Refuge Ceremony.

We had vegetarian lunch followed by many other events.

2 comments

, by FL Sam

Food Reviews

Face to Face Pan Mee @ Damansara Perdana, PJ

Last Saturday, I brought my family to try out another Pan Mee Specialist Shop located at Damansara Perdana. The shop is famous for their various version of Pan Mee and Sarawak Kolo Mee.

It was quite pack when we arrived there during lunch time.

Many different types of chillis.

You write your order on this order chit. Many different versions for you to try.

House Specialty Hot & Spicy Pan Mee (Soup/Dried)
Curry Pan Mee (Soup/Dried)
Braise Pork Noodle(Soup/Dried)
Chef's Special Pan Mee in Soup
Creations Minced Pork Pan Mee
Black Pepper Pan Mee
Sarawak Noodle with Dark Soy Sauce & Chili Sauce
Sarawak Noodle with Dark Soy Sauce
Traditional Sarawak Noodle

What we ordered.

I had this Creation's Minced Pork Pan Mee. It taste different from the traditional Pan Mee I normally ordered but I like this version.

My son had the Pan Mee Soup.

Not too bad. The Sri Sentosa Pan Mee is still the Best for the traditional type.

My Mrs had the Sarawak Noodles. Just Ok.

Next trip, I am going to try their Chilli Pan Mee.

Address:
Restoran Face to Face
11A-1, Jalan PJU8/51,
Perdana Business Centre,
Damansara Perdana

5 comments

, by FL Sam

Travel (Jogjakarta)

Taman Sari (Water Castle) @ Jogja

After visiting Karton or the Sultanate Palace, we visited Taman Sari.

The Water Palace was a complex of pools and palaces built within the Keraton. It has been hugely damaged by wars and quakes. Today it's just ruins, but some have been restored. From the outer wall you can get a good view over Yogya. History behind Taman Sari was about a king who wants to build a huge - large swimming pool for the girls. From the tower, he can see all of them and whenever he wants to get closer with one of them just thrown a rose for a sign.

2 comments

, by FL Sam

Travel (Jogjakarta)

Kraton or Sultan Palace @ Jogja

The King Palace or Sultan Palace or called Kraton it was built in 1775 by Pangeran Mangkubumi, the son of Prince who was then called Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I.

The Sultan's palace as one of the interesting tourist site in Yogyakarta. the palace now the dwelling palace of Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and his family.

This palace lay exactly between Winongo river and Code river. The Kraton built in grand and elegant Javanese architecture, lay in the center of the municipality, stretches from north to south. Each part of the building has its own name.

The bulk of the palace is actually a museum displaying portraits of the previous sultans, family trees and gifts from foreign dignitaries.

2 comments

, by FL Sam

Food Reviews

Mee Jawa @ Casa Tropicana

I read about this Mee Jawa shop from some food bloggers like The Glutton Queen and Three Meals of Goodness about this Mee Jawa. Their reviews about the Mee Jawa are not in the Must try Category. Since I was around that area, I decided to give it a try.

The Mee Jawa is located @ Casa Tropicana just beside the 7-E;even shop. Very easy to find.

The shop is well decorated and well lighted with nice lampshades.

The menu. Mee Jawa @ RM7.90 per plate.

Jawa Mee Served in a huge plate.

Sambal, lime, cuttlefish, some crackers, lots of vegetables, some tofu and eggs. Not the best but worth at try. Will check out the other foods on the menu next time.

Address : Unit No. B-0-3A, Block B, Casa Tropicana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Contact No : 012-483 5555
Business Hour : Daily 10am to 10.00pm

No comments

, by FL Sam

Travel (Jogjakarta)

Beringharjo Traditional Market @ Jogja

Beringharjo Traditional Market is one famous shopping destination you must visit while visiting Yogyakarta. It is the largest traditional shopping place in Yogyakarta. We visted this market but found nothing much for our us to buy as we can get most of this things back home.

Pasar Beringharjo, literally meaning "slanted land", has a reputation as an old, traditional market.This market is also night flea market. When you visit, you'll be charmed by the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling market complex. From the most basic household items, fruits, meats and veggies and spices right down to beautiful, locally made handicrafts like batiks - you'll find it all at Pasar Beringharjo