Malaysia Federal Territory Mosque (Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan)

Date: 26th January 2017

It was my first time driving around in Jalan Duta's Federal Government Complex. I've been called to the magistrate court for traffic offence as summoned by JPJ. The court session started at 8.00am. I arrived at Jalan Duta before 7.30am and accidentally passed by this jewel which look so stunning from a distance, the KL Mosque (Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan). KL Mosque or the Federal Territory Mosque is a major mosque in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. It is located near MATRADE complex and the Federal Government Complex off Jalan Duta, just opposite the KL High Court.

Image from the mosque's website, "masjidwilayah.gov.my"

The Mosque was constructed between 1996 to 2000, situated on a five hectare site near the Government Office Complex along Jalan Duta. It's official name "The Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territory) Mosque" was opened to the public on 25 October 2000 and was officiated by the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin ibni Almarhum Syed Putra Jamalulail. It is the 44th mosque built by the Government within the city limits. The mosque can accommodate 17,000 jamaah (worshipers) at any one time. This are the facts that I gathered from the mosque website.

Mosque that surrounded with water features and beautiful landscape

If Shah Alam Blue Mosque is in my opinion, a 100% Malay architectural design that reflects a true Malaysian arts and pride, these are not the case for the KL Mosque. In my eyes, the mosque's design is a blend of Ottoman and and a little bit of Malay architectural styles, heavily influenced by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It has 22 domes made from a composite material of glass fibre fabric mixed with epoxy resin to make it durable and light. The domes obviously a copy and paste all of the Ottoman's mosque design. Those who have been touring Turkey, especially Istanbul would agree with me. For the record, the mosque has attracted tourist from all over the world, 198 countries to be exact and I maybe the late guest. As a Malaysian, I feel shy to admit this.. hehe, apologies to all Malaysian people!!! 

Construction of the mosque area was realized on 25 Shawwal 1416 Hijri, i.e. 15 March 1996 and was completed on 30 August 2000. It took 4 years to built this magnificent complex. The ceremony of handing over the property to the Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) was immediately held in September 2000. JAWI is the official custodian of the huge complex. The whole complex occupied ​​about 13.4 hectares seated on the site of a former court and government offices which later was shifted to Putrajaya. The master mind behind the proposed mosque was inspired by none other than our one and only Tun Dr. Mahathir who then became the Prime Minister for the fourth time. It is a project of the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department Kuala Lumpur (Jawi) and being recognized the status of the State Mosque. Thank you Tun, we are greatly indebted for your intelligent and wise wisdom.

Federal Territory Mosque is located in a hilly area in Jalan Duta, near the intersection to the center of Kuala Lumpur. The mosque is named Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan with an iconic concept of "a mosque in the garden". It's purely designed and built using traditional Ottoman mosques in Turkey, on the external facade that resembles Istanbul Blue Mosque. However its internal architectural design and decoration is a combination of an East Malaysia Malay tradition concept. It is indeed a national landmark added to the whole Government Complex of Jalan Duta. The mosque built up area is about 47,000 meters square, complete with modern facilities.

Community centers and science complex are included to form the basis of the design concept. It has adequate facilities for JAWI to spread the Islamic teaching in this country. Masjid Federal Territory Mosque became one of the main mosques in Kuala Lumpur, seated near the complex Matrade and government official. Tun Mahathir has brought an original drawings of Ottoman mosque ideas filled with the past glorious history of this century added and/or combined with an influence of the Middle East and Malay architecture. Like I said earlier on, the mosque has the effect of architecture of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. The entrance facade (as seen in below photo) is adapted from Iranian mosque, an influence of shiah's design. I'm sorry to those who might disagree with my opinion. My years of travelling abroad has made me reach to that conclusion.

The design of the dome is a unique series consisting of a main dome, half domes, a vault and other small domes above it's main centre domes. The main prayer's dome height is 30 meters reaching up to 45 meters of the floor space at the main prayer hall. As a whole there are 22 domes altogether in this mosque. Apart from the main prayer hall built in the middle of the building, there are plenty of other areas that is also serves as a prayer interaction, i.e. in the court yard, an open concept similar to the Jama Masjid in Delhi. The main hall, multi-purpose hall and dormitory is all equipped with air-conditioning system. The mosque is also equipped with fire-extinguishing systems, service elevator to the 4th floor, and an escalator that connects to the 1st floor and 3rd floor.

Reminded me so much of the Moghul architecture when I saw the mosque courtyard

A delicate and unique carvings can be seen not only on  a plastered wall finishes but on a high or low plastered ceiling that has been carved and shaped using a special mold. Special motif, mostly on wood carvings that adorn the mosque is shaped from five kinds of fragrant flowers like flowers pierced wildebeest (flower mas), frangipani, ylang, cape, jasmine and green leaves like ferns.

Wood decor specially carved from East Coast craftsmen

And all these wood decor consists of cengal carved by skilled local craftsmen brought in from Terengganu and Kelantan. The interior of the mosque is decorated with lights that emit light sparkled from inside out. The chandeliers that hung on the inside of the dome-shaped is of a modern and exclusive design. Its beauty is revealed when all the lights were installed, especially at night. I was there in the morning, hence the beauty and the charm of this chandeliers cannot be seen at that time. Hubby has done shopping 4 chandeliers for our new house. Soon, I would be surrounded with the crystals beautiful lights. I am so indebted to Allah for granting me with not only 1 chandelier but 4.

Stone carvings were made at the main gate and the chamber. Type of stone used consists of marble "Makarana" (I honestly do not know what it was). The stone is organized from 3 centers located in Agra, Jaipur and Makarana in Rajestan, India. These stones were carved by skilled artisans in India using the concepts of in lay out of precious stones and assembled at the construction site by local workers and updated and refined by Indian workers. No wonder I have the same kind of feeling when visiting this mosque. Not only it adopt an Ottoman architecture, it also has a Moghul architecture element brought in. Indeed, a very unique mosque.

KL Courts seen from the KL Mosque

Various types of precious stones such as rock layers of lazuli, black onyx, malachite, jasper red and golden, mother of pearl and tiger eye has makes this mosque as a very special and majestic complex. "Thuluth" calligraphy also plays an important and meaningful role as a decorative calligraphy to this Territory Mosque. It is applied in certain places for people to easily appreciated and understood  the beauty and the meaning of it. Take note of this calligraphy, especially at the entrance gate.

There's no one apart of the 2 cleaners inside the main hall prayer areas when I stepped inside to snap some photos. The domes and the inner wall are mostly painted (or wall paper, I'm not sure here) with layered of a bee nest, that reminded me so much Chapter 16 of the Quran, An-Nahl or the Bee where Allah has reminded all Muslim to gathered in the mosque for learning the Quran and spreading its wisdom to all. Let me share with you 2 verses from Surah An-Nahl, 16:68&69 "And your Lord inspired to the bee, "Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees and [in] that which they construct. Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you]." There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought".

Finally, I like touch a little bit on the hard landscape and external layout. The pedestrian lanes that are provided around the pool is paved with pebbles from the river. Indoor water fountain is equipped with seven refined and artificial waterfall added with natures softness and tranquility. The pool is equipped with bio-filters to keep the water clean all the time. Landscape concept for the mosque is a mosque in the palace garden as oriented in Islam's teaching. Beautiful gardens complete the mosque as a center of education, research and recreation. The mosque is surrounded by a pool of water created an atmosphere of comfort, peace and quiet. The mosque is equipped with walkways and fountains. Visitors will be impressed by the beauty of the various species of flowers and plants that are grown here. That was the purpose.

The mosque facing the Government Administrative Complex and the Court Complex

Last but not least, I hope I shall visit more mosque in Malaysia in the future and blog about it.

A sinful week

Date: 21st January 2017

I was so looking forward for the weekend to come. Driving home everyday for the past 1 week was a bit painful as I was really sick since Monday till Friday. It started off with a running nose on Sunday afternoon but I thought it was alright to go to work on Monday. I paid a visit to the clinic as soon as it was open at 10.00am. I diligently took the medicines that the doctor prescribed without fail. She didn't gave me an antibiotic as the cold was rather new. She asked me to return if it's get worse, but I didn't had any spare time due to a series of meetings lasted till Thursday. By Friday my eyes are both red and hips aching due to coughing too much. Fever has totally stopped on 2nd day, proven that if a person can bring herself to the clinic, she could continue to work. There's no reason for Medical Certificate (MC) being issued. Anyway, it was me who refused the MC. Sinus occurred since Thursday, I guessed.

I waited until Saturday to visit my special doctor cum dermatologist. He straightaway can tell that I suffered from sinus infection and prescribed proper medicines (antibiotics, flu and cough pills that lasted for 5 days). In addition, he explained in details by showing charts of how the sinus occurred and the reasons why it took times for medicines to reach the affected area. Pretty simple actually, it was due to the smallest blood vessels channeling the blood circulation to the faces. Medicines were absorbed in parts where treatment is required through blood vessels. Sinus patient usually needed 5 to 14 days medication.

Pickup pages that was left abandon for sometime

Well, from Monday till Friday I've been committing lots of sins due to ignorant and the excuse of being sick. My brain couldn't work properly I guessed as I was simply saying or commenting or rather complaining to every single little thing without feeling guilty. Little did I know that I was so restless when I rest my head on the pillow each night. Lucky that I'm still alive the next day. Allah still given me opportunity to repent, to seek forgiveness. Alhamdulillah for all the blessings and the enlightenment.

In fact a sound heart has no doubts but when the heart is sick, the doubt started to appear. It what was usually happened, when one of those weird moment appeared you are just feeling restless and hopeless. At times, I was not cool as I was so down with uncertainty and started doubting Him. Faith is something very special. It involves your inner connection with the One you look at to, whichever Gods that you pray to. On the road to a permanent place (hereafter or life after death) one has to firstly purify their heart contently before seeking for a place in jannah (heaven). I plan my life according to what I want to be. Being a sinner all the time, along the way I couldn't help but sincerely admitted that Allah has given and has saved me most of the times. There's no need to repeat the sins again and again.

The saunas protruding in the view beneath, just outside my window. 

Well, just merely looking at the 2 photos that I'm sharing here in this entry. My condominium unit, MashAllah has been surrounded with only good views. These are the views from the master bedroom. The sun will set every evening from my window. The trees planted on the small hill adjacent to the building has a yellowish flowers, non-stop blooming that reminded me of spring season in a foreign country. How could I not feeling grateful with those gorgeous view. The sky is just as clear as the glass window that I managed to clean. So, I think I really should focus of having NO complaints to every little unimportant things and instead concentrating to purify my heart to enable me to feel the love, the compassion and the peace that comes within.

I shall pray for everyone to have the same blessings, happiness and wisdom! 

Naim's experiencing Europe Tour

Date: 15th January 2017

Patience is what I needed the most for not being able to continue my train travel journey since my return from Moscow., i.e. the last Train Rides. Besides, reading according to Mason Cooley gives a person someplace to go when we have to stay where we are. By the way, Mason Cooley was an American aphorist famously known for his aphorisms. One of the other famous aphorism that he has developed was "the time I kill is killing me". He was formerly a professor emeritus of French, speech and world literature at the College of Staten Island. He died in 2002. Getting my son to check on the routes and surveying the places that hubby and I would explore during my retirement is another healing process for my travel craves. Hence, this are the story of his recent trip, fully sponsored by the parents.

At St Paul's Cathedral, London

At his favorite football team, Chelsea Stamford Bridge Stadium

I planned for Naim's trip to UK initially for vacationing with only his brother, Nazhif. Not many people knows that raising Naim to what he is now caused so much worries and headache. When he finally graduated with a mere Diploma in Public Relation I, for once was really over the moon. It doesn't matter when he reassured again and again that he has done with college life. It's a promise between us that Diploma is the basic education, one should at least has. Nevertheless, parents are responsible as an oath to raise their kids well when Allah has granted a child as a trust from Him to us. Naim is one the species that gave so much headache when he started entering the secondary school. He pick-up smoking habit right after, at the age of 13 and now on a cheaper kind of smoke, Vapes (cheaper according to him). The trip was a final gift to him in return of a promise to being a well matured grown up. He knew that he has his lifetime to pay us back. A payment is through his proven success being a credible righteous Muslim man.

At Royal Pavillion in Brighton

A meal that he cooked to save pocket money while occupying a rented house in Bath, booked through Air BNB

I might have told my sister as I couldn't remember well how Luqman, his cousin was tagging along in the vacation plan. What I remembered clearly, I was a bit reluctant when Lugman's cousin wanted to join too when my sister's did suggested to him. Being a cool and nice guy, Naim assured me that he has no issue to have another 1 more traveller accompanying him. Nazhif and I are really impressed with Naim as he is too cool with people, unlike us 2. We are a little bit impatient when dealing with people, especially with people who unable are unable to follow our pace. I would say that Naim shared a bit of hubby's character in that zone.

At Royal Crescent, Bath

At Clifton Suspension Bridge

The initial plan was to tour all Britain states, including Wales and 2 cities in Spain (Madrid and Barcelona) plus a  new year eve in Eiffel Tower, Paris. But I got really busy when it was time to book and confirmed the transportation and deciding on the accommodation. Actually, more on feeling stingy to charge those expenses into my credit card. I took Madrid out from the itinerary just because I was too lazy to think about how would he travel from Madrid to Barcelona. When Nazhif advised that flight to Barcelona is cheaper than to Madrid, I straightaway omitted Madrid from the list. They ended spent longer time in London due to that. By right, I should have let him flew to Madrid, rent a car touring Madrid and travel by road with the same rented car to Barcelona. It would not cost much after all. Sigh... well, one can't turn back the time, right!

At Clevedon's Pier where One Direction's "You & I" music video was filmed  

Few days ago when HSBC emailed Dec/January charges made mostly for Naim's hotel, Air BNB, flight, buses and or what was spent before he returned on 6th January 2017, I tidy-up the actual expenses paid for his trip. It is all confirmed that if I was not lazy he could have explore Madrid at ease. The journey by road to Barcelona would even be more wonderful. Apparently, it doesn't cost much to cover 2 cities at 1 go as living expenses is rather cheap in Spain, in comparing to UK's main cities and/or Paris. The actual pocket money (cash) for food and shoppings, the accommodation and the transportation cost only slightly above RM14 thousand (GBP2,500). Unbelievable isn't it?

At Manchester United's Stadium, clearly not a fan

Enjoying a stroll at Christmas Market at Manchester Town Hall

I'm sharing in this entry some photos he took while following all itineraries and places to visit according to my wishlist. At times, he has been forced to wake up early and explored the cities according to what his mother want. Our priorities are different. He just loves taking his daily outfit like a model pose for magazines, in other word, a person traveling in style. Being on the move for 37 days and 2 other characters that different from him was not an easy task. I realised his difficulties when he returned and shared his adventures. Whatever it was, the satisfaction and his appreciation to us, the parent is priceless. Worth all the efforts and money spent.

At Glasgow Cathedral, such a poser he is

In Aberdeen's city before heading to Invarness

I will share details itineraries and expenses at main cities that he visited should you wanted to travel on tight budget yet stylish according to a 22 year old man. Naim surprised me when answering to what is his most favorite place among all places visited, he quoted an adventure in Scotland's Highland was his best memories. Second in his list when in Barcelona as the cost of living is rather cheaper than in London or Paris. Paris was a highlight of the trip since he spent 6 days and 5 nights with his brother, who mostly look after his meal. The Paris apartment is so cosy and homely for all 5 of them to stay. They usually cooked early lunch and dinner there. While exploring the city, they merely break for light meals and/or coffee to feel warm after walking and exploring in the cold winter weather. However, Paris is rather busy with tourist at the end of the year, especially people with mutual intention that wishes to celebrate new year in the city of lights. It made all attractions packed with people who were queuing to visit. Many places I listed were not visited.

Imitating a model's pose (rather copy and paste) at Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

New H&M Trench Coat with Eiffel Tower as a background

But one thing about Naim is that he is a person who thinks that his look is more important than other things. He couldn't be bothered to visit all places that I indicated in the POI list. Most of the time I have to call and reminded for him to enter those visited place. For example, the museums, the Beatles's Story (rather Beatles museum house) which he complaints as its all required entrance fee. Paying entrance fees mean limiting his pocket money for shopping. It was so important that he dresses well for the photo, OOTD what not. He has set his mind to buy the brown trench coat in above photo right before his travel. He couldn't find sizes that suited him in Prime Mark and finally made a wassap call for permission to buy that in Paris, without any discounted price.

In overall, he's been complaining of only 2 things, that there's no boxing sales day in Barcelona and no fireworks at Eiffel Tower. Apparently, the new year firework was held at Arc De Tiomphe which theoretically can be viewed from Eiffel Tower. The weather was not good on that new year eve, forbids all beautiful fireworks from spreading into Paris night skyline. How pitiful...

To be continued if I see appropriate to do so. 

Nasrul's 19th Birthday at Chillis Suria KLCC

Event's date: 25th December 2016 (late post)

Nasrul came back the week of his birthday. Though he demanded for a Christmas tree after a long years not mentioning it and a gift to be placed under the tree, I didn't actually bother to entertain. We have been negotiating a lot about his birthday gift being 19. A week later, he won the negotiation but what the return promises that he obliged to do is even more priceless. He didn't say anything about the Christmas tree when he woke up in the morning and when he obediently followed us for a beautiful wedding at Cyberjaya. And seriously Cyberjaya is indeed a very beautiful place for a wedding. Further, it gave me a feeling of touring into a foreign city. No wonder both Putrajaya and Cyberjaya are places for tourist who visited Malaysia. After the wedding we went to check the household items we purchased at Harvey Norman in Damansara. That gamer sets in second photo was his motivation to buy when he started earning his own money. He said that, not me. Importantly I did not even want to promise people anything anymore these days, especially those price IT stuff.

Huge Christmas Tree at Suria KLL waterfront, snapped after dinner

After Harvey Norman, we went straight to KLCC for his birthday dinner in Chillis. Little did we know that our family’s most favourite place to hang out for special function, i.e. Chilli’s first location was opened in 1975 in Dallas. They started with their signature dishes of burgers, ribs and fajitas. No wonder we can’t resist of visiting again and again as they have created this restaurant as a place for their customers with the same mind-set. That is a place to hang out with good friends and family over for a foods and a drinks. Another interesting fact is that the first restaurant in Dallas was converted from a post office into a well famous restaurant named as Chili’s.

The birthday boy and the starter, Salads!

Weird choice of mine, a Salmon Steak which I ended not liking it that much

Chillis has grown widely since Dallas and claimed their place in the restaurant industries in many parts of the cities, including in Kuala Lumpur. Chillis restaurant can be found in 32 different countries where in Mexico, they have just recently celebrated their 20 years existence in the country. We’ve been at Chillis first outlet in KLCC since its opening and never failed to return frequently, usually for a steak and burgers. They have few outlet in Kuala Lumpur city, the first one is located on 3^rd Floor Suria KLCC, another is a plot in G10 Bangsar Shopping Complex (BSC), also at Lot G(E) Mid Valley and finally at Chitta Mall. Do drop by should you are happen to be in nearby areas.

Sirloin Steak for hubby

A chicken and ribs combo for birthday boy

We have that party dinner only the four of us whilst Naim was at that time having a blast Christmas vacation in Barcelona and Nazhif was taking a flight to London, thereafter a bus ride to Paris to meet Naim and his girlfriend Yaya. We met Syahirah in KLLC where she joined us straight from her work place. Good thing that the waiting time was not that long, usually lasted to 1 hour. It was just half an hour in our case. We bought a movie ticket, Assasin Creed to watch at TGV’s Cinema seated adjacent to Chillis after dinner. What a fine and convenience arrangement to celebrate one happy birthday dinner.

Syahirah finished only half of her rib's. The balance portion was taken away

Complimentary birthday cake from Chillis

The meal that we ordered are as what I shared in this entry. The price are equal to what other fine dining in the city. It cost us a few hundreds and a happy tummy. You may call first to book in other to shorten the queue time. Take note that all drinks are free refill. Enjoy!

Thank you son for bringing so much joy and contentment to me

Hello 2017, Goodbye 2016

9th January 2017

I've been meaning to write this entry on new year day itself and attempted to do so on the 2nd day of 2017. But it was put on halt as nothing exciting came into mind. It seems to me that I wrote the same thing for the past new years, mainly on resolution and what I had achieved or been at before the year ended. Admittedly 2016 has been a busied yet exciting year for me. The company did so well with a turnover hit nearly RM0.7 Billion in just 10 months after re-activation. Take note, that I've been assigned by the group to run the company along with my other colleagues. As a result of that, bonus and increment that went into my bank account by year end seem unreal. It's too good to be true.

The 1st Instagram Photo shared in 2017

Amazingly, I surprised myself with a greater change instead. No matter how good the money is, i.e. in return of good KPI achievement, I am so cool with it, so content and so peaceful inside that made me feel unmoved with a materialistic world that came by. For example, I've been asking Allah to ease my bank's debt and monthly commitments. When the bank deducted 70% of my bonus for the condominium title (Lawyer's Bill for processing the Memorandum of Title with the Land Office), the unhappy feeling to see the money gone in split second does not prolong. Yet, I felt so much relieves. An uneasy feeling of paying the bank's advance payment to the respective lawyer in November has forever gone. The rest of the monies goes to the rightful people that Allah has guided me well how to spend them. MashAllah, the feeling of peace and blessed are so surreal each day. Knowing that there's a reasons why Allah has blessed you with good things in this life as whoever gets lucky like me is meant to pass those blessing down to others. Sharing is loving guys! When I said that I'm comparing that luck of mine verses how bad the economies are happening in many part of the world that affecting everyone in the industry. Businesses has been closed, people are losing job, genocide war and killings everywhere in the name of World New Order etc etc.

This "Apple" boy said he wishes to get Phd.. didn't I hear that correctly???

Moreover, my analyzing skills has improves into another next level. Whenever I hear a wise people advice something, a question related to that advice will emerges in my brain and my heart will straightaway gets the answer and/or reasoning, rather fine tuning. My heart and brain must have been working in sync perhaps. I noticed this happened to me after I returned from performing prayer where during a round of tawaf in Makkah I seek Allah's assistance for me to inherit a wisdom of Luqman (a wise man that is mentioned in Holy Quran, chapter 31.

Loves in the air.. I was wondering if it's okay if this couple officially tied a knot

Finally, yesterday's while watching a movie, I realized that the pain leaving this world and the loves one behind is unimaginable great. It's not as easy as one would perhaps thought. Therefore, do not be selfishly thinking that you may rest in peace when people that loves you crying and missing your presence and souls when you died. I've been selfish all this while, wanting to meet the Creator in peace and in contentment not knowing that those having a genuine loves toward me silently suffers.

So, before I pen off I wish to say that 2017 will be another great exciting year as I have 3 KPI's that I set upon for my work's PMS. My family and relatives are my focus moving forward beside focusing only to the One, the Omnipresence that has been protecting me from every angles, with left and right unseen protectors. I felt so much love and safer breathing these days due to that unconditional loves received. It is no longer important of whether or not I should receive more loves from others not related as I've been 24 hours has His love. 

May 2017 will brings you guys lots of achievement, a peace of hearts, enormous wisdom, loves, contentment and compassion. Happy new year!

Langkawi - Island Hopping

Tour date: 23rd January 2016

I must say that Island hopping when in Langkawi is a must do activity. With Langkawi surrounded by the sea and the islet, there are various water-based activities to indulge in. You may opted for yachting, I mean for those that love cruises, there are various cruises that can accommodate for individuals that love the morning sun or individuals that would like to have dinner on a yacht while circling the islets of Langkawi. As for island hopping, tourists can choose a different options of hopping, i.e. fast or slow trip. A slow trip means traveling and spending time on selective private islands/beaches longer, whilst a fast trip is sitting on a speedboat for a quick spin around the various islands available in Langkawi and a quick stopover like what we chose that day.

The starting point

Beach sandals at the boat jetty for last minute shopper

Island Hopping is probably the most popular boat tour in Langkawi and also one of the cheapest ones. Hanum, being a local girl had arranged an exclusive speed boat for our group of 8 people. Apparently that is a standard tour that being offers by other tour companies too which usually starts at 9.00 in the morning and lasts for 3.5 to 4 hours. Because of its popularity, this tour is offered by virtually all tour operators, travel stalls and hotels in the island. It covers 3 spots that includes wonderful scenic islands to the south of the main island of Langkawi and eagle feeding where you can watch the marvelous spectacle of many eagles swooping down from the sky to catch their prey on the water.

Speed boat for 8 to 10 peoples

The other 2 islands offer plenty of activities including swimming in scenic fresh water lake, paddle boating, snorkeling from soft sandy beach, lounging and sunbathing, or just relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery all around. The boat tours usually start from Teluk Baru Jetty located at the southern part of Pantai Tengah and before Resorts World or Star Cruise Jetty. So if you are staying at Pantai Tengah or Pantai Cenang areas, the tours would be very convenient. Most importantly, please bring along your swimming attire with you as to only dig your feet onto the soft sandy beaches and touches the coolest water ever would not justify a visit to Langkawi. You must swim and swim for the moments and the feelings to stays there, for a lifetime in your heart.  

On the way to the first stop

There are large and small boats. The larger ones can accommodate up to 20 persons whilst the smaller ones are for 8 to10 peoples. The tour operators usually choose and decides on sizes of the boats according to the demand and/or crowds that came to book. During high tourist season, you may find hundreds of tourists waiting at the jetty for their boats since all the Island Hopping tours mostly begin around the same time. Another important things to note is to not leave your sunblock away as you should apply and carry enough sun block lotion to avoid sun burns and also carry bottles of drinking water. We brought a little extra thing that day. The hotel has allowed us a packed breakfast that we stored away in a bag and had a wonderful break at Pulau Beras Basah, which was on our 3rd and last stop. 

Pulau Dayang Bunting Jetty

The first stop, Pulau Dayang Bunting

Pulau Dayang Bunting was the first stop that the speedboat operator drop us that day, the first island that we visited. It takes about 20 minutes to reach this fascinating island from Teluk Baru jetty. A total of 1 hour was given to us to spend there. This includes 10 to 12 minutes one-way walk up the long flight of stairs up the mountain and down from the other side to reach the wonderful Lake of the Pregnant Woman, and same way back. The boys and the 2 girls spent more than the allowed time playing with a wonderful scenic fresh water lake surrounded by mountains that are covered with dense forests. The lake was formed when a large underwater cave collapsed many years back. You will also see large limestone formations. I will made a separate entry about the lake of the Pregnant Woman.

Some activities at the Lake of the Pregnant Women

The boats that awaits their passengers at Lake of the Pregnant Women jetty

At the onset, Pulau Dayang Bunting is part of UNESCO World Heritage Geoparks. Tourist are most welcome to indulge into several activities like swimming at the lake, solar paddle boating (at extra charge), natural catfish spa at designated areas to clean up dead cells from your feet, walk through the forest and see the Miracle Border where the lake is separated from the sea by a thin rocky ridge, or just lounge on the wooden planks next to the lake. From the lake if you look at the mountains at the fringes, you can clearly see an outline of a woman lying on her back who is 6-7 months pregnant, and thus the name of the lake.

After nearly an hour, we walked back to the island jetty to get back to our boat for the next destination island, Pulau Singa Besar. We came to the island (without having to set a foot in the island, only at nearby water front) to watch a fantastic natural show, the Eagle Feeding. The name of the island means "Island of Big Lions", although there are no lions there. The name was probably given  due to the shape of the island. The water over in this area is surrounded by a lush forests. Not only us, other tourist actually do not get off and remain seated at the boat while watching the eagle feeding. So unfortunate that we arrived a little bit too late. Should we come earlier in the morning, we probably could see about 300 to 350 golden brown eagles swooping down from the sky and feeding on fish from the water area said to be present there.

Upon arrival, the boatman stop the engine and usually will throw some chicken pieces out into the water to invite the eagles. And in no time you will see eagles diving down just next to you and clawing up the chicken pieces and eating them as they soar into the sky. It's not happened to our boat. The boatman did not feed the eagles at all, hence what we saw basically some 50 to 60 eagles hovering around and diving for food. We gave signal to the boatman to proceed to the next stop, after 10 minutes.

Pulau Beras Basah is the last stop in the tour. The name literally means "Island of wet rice". This is a picture perfect island with far reaching views of the sea and wonderful soft white sands. It's a great place for the beach lovers and swimmers. There is a stall that offers banana boating, jet skis, and also beer and some snacks. We were overly excited seeing the clear bluest pastel beautiful colors of the cool seawater. The best ever place for swimming and photography. It was hot too as the sun was at its height. I couldn't stand too much sun, hence spending myself away from the beach and look after the food that easily get stolen by the island monkeys. We enjoyed the hotel food at this place, all 8 of us finished everything that we packed in the morning.

Tourist are advised to get or arrange your snorkel gears if you love snorkeling. This is an excellent snorkeling spot. I was overly excited being able to touch the softest sands and the cool water that welcome me to the island. Mostly people swam closer to the snorkeling spot as they get to see lots of fish and colorful marine life. Sometimes due to the passing boats the water gets murky and the water visibility could drop to a meter or so. The island is an excellent place to relax. We spent about an hour here where the boys all swam happily. As for me, after a tiring day under the scorching sun, I just want to lounge and relax at the spot that I found under the many shady trees and was enjoying the views as the gentle breeze flows. Before we depart, I took a stroll along the old pier at the island.

Just look at the clear water and the soft sands, you will definitely in love with this beach

I would suggest that you bring your own food and beach blanket if you plan to make a picnic here. Note that there are plenty of monkeys around who will be constantly targeting your food. So be careful and do not go near them or instigate them in any way. The monkeys often pull the rubbish out of the beans and make the area quite dirty. Due to heavy tourist flow, the island and the beach can get quite crowded at times. After about an hour at Pulau Beras Basah, you will head back to the Teluk Baru Jetty and then back to the hotel, feeling exhausted.

Please take note that per person rate for the Island Hopping tour varies from RM35 to RM50 depending on the season and also depending on the tour operator. If you book through your hotel, the rates are likely to be higher. The travel stalls in Pantai Cenang area are the cheapest. You will find plenty of them along the road Jalan Pantai Cenang. Usually hotel transfers in a mini van are included as part of the rate, provided you are put up in a nearby hotel like in Pantai Tengah or Cenang. But do verify this before booking. Or alternatively you can directly go down to Teluk Baru Jetty at the southern end of Pantai Tengah and book the tour with a boat operator directly. If you are in a group of 8 or more, you can book a full boat and the per person rate would turn out to be cheaper, like we did.

Remarks: Source of reference from local tour websites.