Food/Travel, Uncategorized

Explore Sabak Bernam, Selangor in 2 Days

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Sabak Bernam is a district in Selangor that is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and rich agricultural heritage. It is a popular destination for domestic tourists looking to experience the local culture and beauty of Selangor. If you are planning a trip there, this travel guide will offer you a mix of cultural and natural attractions of the district, as well as opportunities to relax in unique accommodation and enjoy the local cuisines.

Attractions in Sabak Bernam

Sabak Bernam is home to many interesting locations that are waiting to be discovered, from picturesque paddy fields to outdoor activities and cultural experiences. It is a perfect destination for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure!

Paddy Gallery Sekinchan
Take a visit to the Paddy Gallery Sekinchan and learn about the history and culture of rice farming in the town. Celebrating the town’s rich agricultural heritage, this gallery features exhibits on rice farming process as well as interactive displays for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can also learn about the different types of rice, and see traditional rice-planting tools and equipment. The gallery itself has a great view of the paddy field and great spot for taking photos. At the end of the tour, visitors may purchase locally processed rice and snacks at their souvenir shop and try their brown rice cendol for a refreshing hit!

Ah Ma House, Sekinchan

Ah Ma House, also known as “grandma’s house” is a shop located on the outskirts of Sekinchan, offers a unique and nostalgic experience for visitors. The shop is fully decorated with vintage and traditional furniture and appliances which are actual artifacts since the 50s.

The shop offers authentic kuih kapit (egg waffle) along with other traditional Malaysian local snacks, biscuits and dessert. Ah Ma House places emphasis on the quality of their products by making and selling them fresh from the oven.

Kelip-Kelip Sungai Panjang, Sungai Besar

Sungai Panjang Firefly Conservation Centre is among the must-explore locations for those who want to enjoy the wonders of nature. Their large presence in the area makes Sungai Panjang one of the main firefly sanctuaries in Selangor and opens opportunities for locals to offer boat tours for visitors to sail the river and witness the light display. Opens from 8pm till 10pm every day, this sanctuary is a unique and magical experience for visitors of all ages.

Where To Eat in Sabak Bernam

Sabak Bernam offers a variety of local and international dishes to try after a day of sightseeing, including traditional delicacies. To truly replenish yourself after a long day, sampling the diverse range of flavours from the selection of restaurants in Sabak Bernam such as Restoran Lembah Bernam, Hay! Cafe and Dapo Puteh would be a perfect way to end the day!

Restoran Nam Tai, Sungai Besar

Located in Sungai Besar, Restoran Nam Tai is a legendary kopitiam that has operated for decades. This restaurant serves simple yet delicious breakfasts all day consisting of coffee, fried bread with kaya and a local favourite, Nasi Lemak. With the aesthetic of 50s Malaysian kopitiam, this place is a must-visit!

Warung Pisang Goreng Tebuk Pulai, Sungai Besar

This warung is a great place to stop by for some light snacks before you continue touring Sabak Bernam. They serve a variety of traditional kuih and small bites for you to truly experience the local culture. Some of the famous food served here include pisang goreng (banana fritters), kuih kemboja, and a Javanese specialty called punten nasi sambal bilis.

Yu Yu Ice, Pekan Sabak Bernam

Don’t forget to stop by Yu Yu Ice for a refreshing break as you enjoy their selection of finely blended ice of different flavours that you can mix and match! Located at Pekan Sabak Bernam, this stall has operated for over a decade and you can choose flavours like pineapple, asam boi, corn and red bean to cool down on a hot day.

Where To Stay in Sabak Bernam

Make the most of your two-day trip to Sabak Bernam by choosing from a variety of unique accommodation options offered in Sabak Bernam including Farm Ville Cafe & Homestay that fit different budgets and preferences. These options are conveniently situated near popular attractions, allowing you to easily find the ideal place to stay and relax during your trip.

Triangle Farm Cottage House, Sekinchan

The Triangle Farm Cottage House is a unique homestay located in the middle of a paddy field in Sekinchan. It offers an affordable one-night stay and is suitable for families, as it has amenities such as a giant inflatable pool, karaoke and gaming room and bicycles renting to explore the surrounding paddy fields.

Villa Chee Sekinchan

Villa Chee Sekinchan is a secluded resort nestled amidst picturesque paddy fields in the remote area of Sekinchan. They offer a range of room options to accommodate different group sizes and budgets, all of which are air-conditioned. Guests can also take advantage of the resort’s facilities, such as the swimming pool, jungle gym, and an on-site restaurant, Seafood D’Bendang which serves delicious fresh seafood. With its Instagram-worthy surroundings, Villa Chee Sekinchan is an ideal destination for a holiday getaway.

Nazbell Cottage, Sungai Besar

Nazbell Cottage, is a homestay located in Sungai Besar that offers guests a unique local experience. You can enjoy traditional local cuisine, take ATV rides and cycle through the paddy fields. Additionally, Sungai Panjang Agro Tourism offers guests the opportunity to participate in agricultural activities, such as vegetable picking at the farm, and visit small businesses to see product manufacturing processes.

When you plan your visit to Sabak Bernam, make sure to include these locations in your itinerary to fully experience the town’s agrotourism and local culture. For more travel inspiration to Selangor, visit Tourism Selangor’s official website, www.selangor.travel, or follow Tourism Selangor’s official social media accounts; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Tourism Selangor’s YouTube channel. #PusingSelangorDulu!

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Best Places to Visit in Singapore and Malaysia

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Singapore as well as Malaysia both are the beautiful and vibrant country with a lot to offer travelers. From its stunning architecture to its world-class attractions and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the city-state. From its colonial past to its modern, cosmopolitan present, Singapore has an incredible array of places to explore and experience. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience, a night out on the town, or an outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone in Singapore. One of the top places to visit in Singapore is the iconic Marina Bay Sands. This luxury resort features a stunning rooftop infinity pool with incredible views of the city skyline, as well as a variety of high-end boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and a casino. For a more cultural experience, the National Museum of Singapore is a must-see. This museum showcases the country’s history and culture through its art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Other top places to visit in Singapore include the Gardens by the Bay, which features an impressive variety of plants and flowers, as well as stunning modern architecture; Chinatown, where you can find unique shops and delicious cuisine; Little India, which offers a glimpse into the vibrant culture of India; and Universal Studios Singapore

Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo is the largest wildlife park in Singapore and one of the most popular tourist attractions. It houses over 2,800 animals of over 300 species in their natural habitats. Visitors can see animals ranging from the majestic tigers and elephants, to rare species like the red panda and the white-bellied sea eagle. Singapore Zoo tickets are available for purchase online or at the ticketing counter. On arrival, visitors can purchase single-day tickets or multi-day passes that allow them to come and go as they please. Visitors can also opt for guided tours or special experiences such as the Night Safari or the River Safari. Singapore Zoo is renowned for its conservation efforts, and a portion of ticket sales go towards the conservation and protection of endangered species. Furthermore, the zoo works closely with the Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund to ensure that the animals get the best possible care. Visitors to the Singapore Zoo can expect to see a variety of wildlife, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy educational programs. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a unique adventure, the Singapore Zoo is a must-see destination.

Singapore Cable Car

The Singapore Cable Car is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city-state. This cable car system stretches across the city, allowing passengers to take in the amazing views of the cityscape and its iconic landmarks while they travel. With a total distance of 5.7km, the cable car system is the longest in the world, and provides visitors with an unforgettable experience. The Singapore Cable Car is a great way to explore the city from a unique perspective, and tickets are available for purchase online. Tickets can be purchased for single-ride or for multiple rides, and there are also packages available for those who want to ride the cable car multiple times. A single-ride ticket gives passengers access to the cable car for one journey, while a multi-ride ticket allows guests to take multiple trips. When purchasing Singapore Cable Car tickets, it is important to note that they are non-refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or promotions. It is also important to take into account the fact that the cable car system is closed on certain days due to maintenance and safety reasons.

Aquaria KLCC Malaysia

Over 5,000 aquatic and terrestrial animals call the world-class oceanarium Aquaria KLCC in the center of Kuala Lumpur home. The aquarium, which offers a place for visitors to get up close and personal with hundreds of vividly coloured fish, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea turtles, and other unique sea creatures and it is rated as one of the top five aquariums in Asia.So book now Aquaria KLCC tickets and enjoy the ideal for a fun family day out or perhaps a romantic date location!. Aquaria KLCC is situated at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and may be reached by a short underground pedestrian tunnel walk in 5 to 10 minutes from Suria KLCC. If you’re driving, you can choose to park at Suria KLCC and then stroll across (find your way to the walkway by locating the Maybank located on the Concourse Level).

KL Tower

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, there is a communications tower called Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower). The Tower, a 421-meter-tall building with a 276-meter-long observation deck, offers one of the most impressive views in the city. The KL Tower skybox offers a unique perspective of the city from a panoramic vantage point that will help you understand the entire city at all times and give you a full 360-degree view experience. You can see Kuala Lumpur and all of its well-known sights from the KL Tower Skydeck as you ascend and enter it because of its breathtaking height above the ground. Menara Tower was constructed with the intention of representing humankind’s pursuit of perfection in life. With Arabic dialogues, Islamic tile work, and classic Islamic decorative and abstract forms, the tower’s architecture reflects Malaysia’s vibrant Islamic heritage.

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Fun Mermaiding Experience at Onshore Mermaid Carnival 2022

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Ever since I became a scuba diver, I’ve always been curious on other diving/swimming discipline apart from recreational scuba diving; eg- freediving and mermaiding. I’ve been wanting to learn more about it but keep putting it off cuz I’m the sort of person who likes being accompanied when I’m trying new things, and my circle of friends and scuba buddies aren’t exactly keen on both freediving or mermaiding. Granted, I dive mostly in limited vis and most of my regular scuba buddies are those of opposite sex and they kinda have a misconceptions that mermaiding is just a girlish thing and real men have no business of participating.

But when I saw that Onshore Mermaid was organising a somewhat open day event, and is allowing the public an access to the event to find out what mermaiding is all about, I decided that enough is enough.

It’s time for me to move forward and go find out more about this interesting diving discipline, with or without buddies.

And so I went to the Onshore Mermaid Carnival and had a blast learning how to be a mermaid with my husband and son. Yeaaaaa…Back in 2019 I dragged my husband to go discover scuba with me…fast forward to 2022 I dragged him to try mermaid with me.

So, what’s mermaiding is all about? Well, simply put, mermaiding is where you don a monofin/mermaid tail and swim or dive underwater with it. It’s a form of sport that incorporates both swimming and freediving in an artistic way, and it gives you freedom to express yourselves underwater.

If you think that mermaiding is only for women, and only those with supermodel type of body shape, then you are terribly wrong. On the contrary, it promotes body positivity where you are encouraged to self love and embrace your body shape and feel good about it. It is also not gender biased-totally the opposite, actually. There are many merman out there, and trust me, there are alot of mermaid instructors out there who are actually men. Yes. Majority of the mermen are out there are straight, and most are happily married with kids in tow.

To be honest, I have no idea why people think this is a sissy sport just because most lady mermaids tend to doll up and look beautifully presentable . It’s a sport that requires high level of fitness and strength, I kid you not. It takes alot of stamina to swim like a mermaid. Swimming with a monofin is definitely not an easy feat.

Anyway, enough babbling. Let’s get back to the Onshore Mermaid Carnival event. We were treated to a real underwater carnival where certified SSI mermaids from all walks of life performed their moves underwater.

Although we didn’t signed up for the full Try Mermaid course during the carnival, but there’s activity session and we were taught how to swim, water thread and learn how to do the mermaid wave-kinda swim like a dolphin. All done in a 5 meters deep pool. Okay, as a scuba diver I’d say a 5m pool is very shallow but when you take away all the scuba gears from me, it’s kinda very scary for me. I keep imagining…gosh, it’s 5m deep and I wont be able to breathe down there. (Obviously I also don’t have basic freediving skills)

We’re supposed to submerge ourselves in the pool as well but I kinda failed that part cuz I keep floating up. But I was told it’s okay, cuz it takes repetitive practice to do that.

I got to say that it’s totally different thing from scuba, swimming or even freediving. It kinda train your cardio and your core, and I’m surprised it uses some muscles that I’ve never used before. Similar to Taichi and Taichi weapons, I learned that the strength for mermaid movements also comes from the waist. That said, I feel my back kinda had a good stretchy relief.

Here’s sharing with you a picture with our SSI Mermaid Instructor, Carmen. She was the one in charge of us that day. She’s a really lovely lady and a very patient instructor. God knows that yours truly isn’t the easiest student to teach.

I had so much fun during the event that now I’m scheming to at least go for the full SSI Try Mermaid course with the hubs and kid. We’ll see how it goes.

Similar to scuba and freediving, there’s alot of levels in SSI Mermaid too, and like scuba diving, you’re only encourage to go further if you’re comfortable in advancing to the next level, so there’s no forced commitment there.

I got to say that thanks to the Onshore Mermaid Carnival, at least now my husband don’t think that mermaiding is such a girlish sport anymore cuz of the skills you need to perform when you’re mermaiding is not exactly easy to master and kinda takes lotsa stamina.😂

Last but not least, if you’re already a SSI student but not a mermaid, check out your MySSI apps, you can get the Try Mermaid manual for free. Onshore Mermaid is under SSI umbrella- (Scuba Schools International). Contact them HERE if you you’re interested to find out more about SSI Mermaid.

Disclaimer: Pictures credit to Onshore Mermaid official event photographers:
Ben (Bee Scuba) , Daniel, Loke Ee, Federick, Hungzhan, Latip

Note: Special thanks to mermaid instructor Amy Cheng and Carmen Hui for making everything a pleasant experience.

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Top Hotels in Selangor For A Romantic Getaway

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Some couples like to relax, some prefer adventurous activities. Whether you and your spouse desire an exciting adventure, a private romantic vacation, or unsurpassed luxury, you will find it at these top hotels for your honeymoon getaway in Selangor.

CYBERVIEW RESORT & SPA, SEPANG

Plan your honeymoon at Cyberview Resort & Spa, a 5-star boutique resort that features top-notch quality service and excellent hospitality. This paradise in Sepang is surrounded by palm trees, tropical gardens along with cosy chalets, suites and bungalows. Perfect for honeymoon goers, there is also an exclusive honeymoon suite with a beautiful garden view and jacuzzi tubs. Have a romantic dinner under the stars at the resort’s Bistro Cascata with Italian fusion dishes or relax by the pool at the Chillax Pool Bar to end your day.

MOVENPICK HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTRE KLIA, SEPANG

Located at Sepang, Movenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA is the perfect hotel to stay for your honeymoon. Be amazed with the unique geometric architecture surrounded by relaxing blue pools and palm trees. Then enjoy yourselves in the afternoon with complimentary Movenpick’s signature, Chocolate Hour, where you indulge in the most exquisite chocolate desserts, from truffles to chocolate fountain. Celebrate a sweeter honeymoon at Movenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA.

SUNWAY RESORT HOTEL, PETALING

If you and your partner crave for more activities for your honeymoon, plan your stay at Sunway Resort Hotel. Located at Subang Jaya, Petaling, this city-based resort offers more than just luxurious accommodation and service. Choices of rooms from villas with private pool to elevated club suites with a personal butler will surely provide you an amazing experience. Pumping your adrenaline with thrilling activities at the iconic Sunway Lagoon theme park, which is just a walk away from the resort or shop for your favourite brands at Sunway Pyramid mall nearby. Unwind yourselves with soothing treatments at the resort’s Balinese-inspired spa to end your day.

ESPIRA KINRARA, PETALING

Espira Kinrara resort offers a more affordable stay yet provides wonderful facilities and service. Located at Puchong in the Petaling district, this resort is perfect for those on a budget honeymoon. With an outdoor pool just right outside your room, couples can immediately splash away or relax on the lounge chair together. This serene resort is also surrounded by lush flora creating the perfect sanctuary for your honeymoon getaway. Dine in at the resort’s restaurant; Biru and enjoy a delicious buffet or try tasty Malaysian dishes from their ala carte menu.

THE SAUJANA HOTEL KL, PETALING

Located at Subang Jaya and just a few minutes from Subang Airport, The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur is an excellent choice for your honeymoon. This resort offers different types of accommodation with a beautiful garden, lake or golf course view, and a spa to pamper yourself and your loved one, making it the perfect romantic place to stay. Dine-in in the comfort of your privacy with the hotel’s 24-hour in-room service that celebrates the diversity of Malaysian cuisines. Relax or swim with your loved one at their 36-metre pool surrounded by scenic greeneries.

AMVERTON COVE GOLF & ISLAND RESORT, KUALA LANGAT

Amverton Cove Golf & Island Resort is the perfect stay for newlyweds this honeymoon season. Located at Pulau Carey, this resort offers a wide selection of stylish rooms, villas and even lakefront chalets to provide relaxing accommodations for couples. Enjoy the amenities available at the resort, including a swimming pool, game rooms, spa and fitness centre. This resort also has outdoor amenities like flying fox, ATV rides, paragliding, and water sports to meet the thrill-seeking needs of more daring couples. The high-quality service and facilities at the resort will make your honeymoon an awesome one.

These are some of the top hotels for honeymoons in Selangor, whether you desire a relaxing break, a city escape, or exciting activities! Enjoy a memorable honeymoon by taking advantage of the beauties in Selangor. For more travel inspiration to Selangor, visit Tourism Selangor’s official website, www.selangor.travel, or follow Tourism Selangor’s official social media accounts; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Tourism Selangor’s YouTube channel. #PusingSelangorDulu!

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20 Must Visit Geosites in the Districts of Gombak and Hulu Langat

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The state of Selangor was recently recognised as the first recipient of the National Geopark for the Gombak Hulu Langat Geopark Project. This project involves 20 geosites in the districts of Gombak and Hulu Langat. The results of this recognition have been announced through a meeting of the National Geopark committee, chaired by Dato’ Haji Rosli bin Isa, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA).

The Gombak-Hulu Langat (GHL) Geopark project covers 112,955 square kilometres with geological significance in addition to the longest quartz in Southeast Asia, mountainous landscapes and the formation of several inland basins at the selected geosites. This National Geopark recognition is the seventh after Kinta Valley and Lenggong Geopark in Perak, Jerai Geopark in Kedah, Kinabalu Geopark in Sabah, Labuan Geopark in Labuan and Sarawak Delta Geopark in Sarawak.
According to Mr. Azrul Shah Mohamad, the Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor, as the official tourism promotion agency of the state of Selangor, Tourism Selangor remains active in promoting the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark Project through various efforts. Among them is the collaboration that has been held at the World Travel Market, London, with the British Geology Survey and National Geographic Traveler UK, continuous promotion on social media, as well as public sharing in several series of the Jelajah Selangor Penyayang.

Here are some of the recognised location of the Geopark.

Air Panas Sungai Tua

Air Panas Selayang

Air Terjun Kanching

Batu Arang

Batu Caves

Bukit Takun

Gunung Nuang

Permata Kuarza

Tasik Biru

The recognition of Geopark to the State of Selangor is an achievement for the country, especially the state government and local authorities, in preserving nature’s sustainability and managing areas with geological value. This is in line with the goals of the National Development Plan and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals under the United Nations (UN).
Y. Bhg. Dato’ Haji Rosli bin Isa, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA), in a statement said, the Ministry is confident that close cooperation can ensure the Geopark is well maintained and welcomes any form of cooperation in areas of geological importance for the purpose of scientific research, education, economical generation of the community surrounding and sustainable development.

Geo-tourism in geosites is one of the tourism segmentations focused in the state of Selangor for the year 2023, where tourists have the opportunity to visit a Geosite area to enjoy the national geological heritage, culture and livelihood of the local geo-community. This is in line with the Selangor state tourism campaign, Splendid Selangor, Take Me Anywhere which focuses on the international market.

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Have a Wang-Derful Christmas at Sungei Wang Plaza

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Come and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as Sungei Wang Plaza brings you a winter castle-themed ‘Frosty Wang-derland’
experience from 1st to 26th of December 2022.

From merry Wang-derland activities, contests and performances to a bustling Christmas market and jolly gift redemptions, there is certainly much to explore this festive season at Sungei Wang Plaza.

“After 2 years, we are overjoyed that our year-end festivities are back in full swing. In continuation to our 45th Year Anniversary milestone, we are thrilled to welcome shoppers with
a ‘Wang-derful’ Christmas celebration featuring a whole range of exciting activities lined up to usher the magical holiday season filled with fun and cheer,” said Mr Ng Yih Chen, Chairman of Sungei Wang Plaza.
Inspired by elements from an ancestral village, the mall has been transformed to usher the
holiday season with bright Christmas trees, glittering festive lights and decorative garlands.

Be greeted by a towering frosted castle decorated with mirrored glass ornaments, standing tall in the Centre Court of Sungei Wang Plaza.

Snap photos and create lasting memories at the various insta-worthy corners featuring snow-covered trees measuring 18-feet, cobbled
pavements and a jolly snowman.

On 6th of December 2022, Sungei Wang Plaza launched it’s campaign Frosty Wang-derland together with kids from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim Mary, Kuala Lumour under Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia. The launch was graced by Tengku Datin Paduka Setia Zatashah,
Chairman of Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia & Mr Ng Yih Chen, Chairman of Sungei Wang Plaza both VIPs completed the hanging Christmas ornaments on the 18 – feet Christmas tree situated next to the majestic ancestral castle located at the Centre Court as part of the launch ceremony.

The appearance of Santa and Santarina filled the atmosphere with joy and happiness by handing out chocolate and candies to everyone.

Wang-derful Happenings

Shop to your heart’s delight at the Christmas Arts & Crafts Market in the Centre Court which offers a huge selection of unique gifts and merchandise while the little ones are kept entertained at a mini playland right next to the market in the concourse. Do not miss the Bundle
Expo from 24th to 26th December at Level 6 where vintage, pre-loved and rare collectible items will be on sale. Whether you have been naughty or nice this year, be sure to catch Santa and Santarina on their walkabouts on 6th, 24th & 26th December at 2pm and 17th December 2022 at 12.00pm to whisper Christmas wishes in their ears.

Not to forget, calling all Swifties! Sungei Wang Plaza is going ‘Back to December’ with Swiftmas Season on 11th December from 2.00pm to 4.00pm (1st session) and 7.00pm to
9.00pm (2nd session) with a special Taylor Swift Christmas Listening Party! As for Beliebers, a special Bieber Holiday Season awaits you on 17th December from 12.00pm to 4.00pm, so be sure to mark your calendars for an unforgettable day under the ‘Mistletoe’. Also, get inspired and empowered by the Women in Education Industry special on 18th December from 10.00am
– 2.00pm .

Wang-derful Contests

Unleash your creativity and win attractive prizes when you participate in the Wang-derland contests happening all month! On 3rd December at 11.00am, showcase your unique talents at the Asia Talents Search Audition or dress to impress in your most joyful festive outfit for the
Santa & Friends Costume Competition on 10th December at 11.00am. For artsy ones, a Colouring Contest by Global Art will be held on 18th December at 11.00am while aspiring
singers can challenge their singing prowess at the Christmas Game Challenge by LoudSpeaker Malaysia on 24th December at 2.30pm.

Wang-derful Performances

Cheerful tunes of Christmas carols will fill the air and warm the soul on 6th December at 2.00pm as Acapella Carolling takes the stage, followed by A Christmas Kids Cabaret on 18th December at 4.00pm.

Wang-derful Redemption

Enticing festive redemptions awaits you when you shop at Sungei Wang Plaza! Redeem an exclusive soft comfort pillow when you spend a minimum of RM238 in a maximum of TWO (2) receipts and free parking for 2 hours with a minimum spend of RM50 & above in a maximum of
TWO (2) accumulated receipts.

For more information, visit Sungei Wang Plaza’s website at www.sungeiwang.com

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A Penny For Your Thoughts, Beauty/Healthcare, Diving, Uncategorized

SSI React Right – CPR, First Aid, AED and Oxygen Administrator Training

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I planned to go for a movie with my son today, since it’s public holiday and all that and I have nothing better to do. You know, Wakanda Forever has been showing in the cinema for awhile and I’ve been wanting to watch it. But in the end, instead of going to the cinema to watch Wakanda Forever, I opted to do something else; which is attend the SSI React Right organized by KAIA Underwater Academy.

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course for both divers and non divers alike. It provides us with the training and knowledge we need in order to act as a first responder in a real life medical emergency.

Although I’m already a Basic Life Support Provider, it’s been awhile since I get to practice my skills, so this is a good opportunity to refresh and review my knowledge, with a real doctor as and real medical assistants, no less.

Here’s sharing with you pictures taken in class today with Dr. Syakir Halek. Learning with him is awesome, as he’s not only a doctor, but a scuba diver as well- so it’s easy to ask questions about medical emergencies that’s caused by diving accidents.

Throughout the program, participants were taught primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. Apart from that, we were also taught how to use Automated External Defibrillator (AED)as well as oxygen administration in diving emergencies.

Dr. Syakir Halek demonstrating how to assess emergency situation before proceeding with CPR demonstration.

Participants were shown how to use Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during emergency.

We’re being taught how to deal with choking victims.

First aid portion of SSI React Right course. Here we were shown how to give first aid and treat minor injuries.

The academic session encouraged active participations, so it’s really a lot of fun.

And watching my classmates in action during practical training session definitely beats watching Wakanda Forever.

Yours truly during the CPR hands on session.

My instructor Dr. Syakir Halek evaluating my performance during the CPR practical session. This is not easy to pass, because instead of the old mannequin, they’re using state of art mannequin with build-in detector on your CPR quality. The mannequin is synced with a smart device apps that will give you the rating for your performance- on whether you did your chest compression and rescue breaths correctly or not. If you didn’t perform correctly, then you will be need to repeat the entire CPR sequence all over until you get it right.

My instructor Suhaimi Salleh demonstrating how to administer oxygen.

Unlike other first aid/ Emergency First Responder (EFR)/ Basic Life Support(BLS)courses out there where they only offers only first aid, CPR and AED training, SSI React Right course offers an added value where Oxygen Administrator training is also included.

All SSI React Right participants are required to demonstrate how to administer oxygen during medical/diving emergencies as well, so at the end of the day, you will not just be a qualified emergency first responder, but a qualified oxygen administrator as well.

Here’s a picture of my classmate being funny after demonstrating how to administer oxygen during emergency.

So did I managed to pass? Yes, thankfully, I did, despite of the high standards. Although I think there’s room for improvements on my CPR and first aid skills, but I managed to pass. Thank God for that.

One thing I like about continuing my education with SSI is that it gives me instant gratification -where I don’t have to wait for a couple of days, weeks or even months long to see my certification being issued. Waiting is not my forte. I’ve never been such a patient person, so having to wait for the fruit of my hard work is such a turnoff.

With SSI, as long as you’ve completed your courses to your instructor’s satisfaction, they will immediately certify you and you can see your certs in your MySSI apps. It feels really rewarding, and in many ways, this encouraged me to keep learning.

One for the album. Here’s all the people who made my learning experience a lot of fun.

Thank you fellow instructors and KAIA Underwater Academy for the knowledge. You guys are awesome!

SSI React Right course is open to both divers and non-divers alike as well as Divepros who are interested to be React Right instructors.

If you’d like to learn basic first aid skills, I’d say go for this one, considering it is also inclusive of Oxygen Administration training. Group and corporate training can also be arranged at special rate.

For further inquiries or to sign up for the course you may contact KAIA Underwater Academy at:

010-4307230 or 019-9191981

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DECIBEL- Maximum Noise, Maximum Disaster

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Title : Decibel
Release date: 1 Dec 2022
Genre : Terror, Action, Disaster
Language : Korean
Subtitles : BM, English, Chinese

Duration : 110 min
Reach a certain DECIBEL and bombs will explode! Former Commander Kang Do-Young is revered as a national hero for saving many of his men in a submarine accident. One day, he receives a cryptic phone call informing him that a sound-sensitive explosive has been planted at a soccer stadium. When the crowd noise reaches a certain decibel, a bomb will be activated. In the nick of time, Commander Kang saves innocent lives but the terrorist remains intent on inflicting further casualties, including his wife and daughter. Now he must race against the clock to track down the terrorist and save his family. Amid this impossible task, dark secrets the Commander left buried in the sea resurface.
Kim Rae Won plays the former navy commander, while Lee Jong Suk takes the part of the bomb maker. Cha Eun Woo portrays a navy officer who specializes in sound detection.

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Diving, Food/Travel, Uncategorized

My SSI Diver Stress &Rescue Experience with KAIA Underwater Academy

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So, I’ve been diving quite awhile, and I decided that it’s time to further upgrade myself as a scuba diver by signing up for SSI Diver Stress &Rescue. I wanted to be not only a better diver, but a better buddy as well. You see, the more I dive, the more I feel like I’m insufficient. I feel that skill upgrade is a necessity if I were to keep diving; even more so if I were to continue diving in challenging sites that’s nothing like an aquarium-holiday environment. Self preservation and keeping my buddies safe throughout my dives is a priority. To me diving is not just for fun, but comes with great responsibility.

To cut the long story short, I signed up for SSI Diver Stress &Rescue with KAIA Underwater Academy. Mr.Suhaimi Salleh was my instructor. I’ve already done 4 specialties with KAIA Underwater Academy and the experience was excellent.

KAIA Underwater Academy provides fuss-free environment for students where you have the option to attend academic sessions online. Exam and knowledge review is done efficiently via online apps as well.

Learning with them is really flexible and my classes with them are usually private- aside from my husband who signed up for the same course and attend all classes with me, my courses with them were practically a one- to- one session with my instructor; which is great, cuz I’m quite a slow learner and it’s very student focused. I wouldn’t be able to benefit otherwise.

Anyway, here’s sharing my experience while taking SSI Diver Stress &Rescue.

SSI Diver Stress &Rescue is by far not only the most challenging but also the most fun and rewarding diving course I’ve ever signed up for. To complete the course, candidates are required to complete 4 parts of the course; first aid& CPR or SSI React Right course, academic session, confined water session as well as open water session. I was exempted from the first aid/first responder and CPR part as I was already a Basic Life Support Provider when I signed up for the course.

Like I mentioned earlier, the academic portion of the course was done online via apps and via zoom.

In the zoom classroom with my instructor, Mr. Suhaimi Salleh.

The real fun begins during confined water in the pool.

Here, we were taught how to self-rescue. Yes, people. It’s a misconception that Rescue Diver course only teaches you to save other divers. Of course, that’s true too, but rescue course basically teaches this; ‘Me before you’. It teaches self preservation where you learn how to take care of yourself first before taking care of others or saving others. All the skills are first taught in confined water environment first before proceeding into open water.

Part of self-rescue skills being performed; regulator recovery, remove and replace BCD on surface and underwater, no mask swim, one fin swim, breathing through free-flow regulator etc. This is all about managing problems underwater.

We were also given plenty of scenarios to work on; eg: Rescuing other divers- tired diver tow, unconscious diver, uncooperative/panic diver rescue. This is the most fun part of the course if you ask me, cuz our ‘victim’ are usually Drama Kings or Drama Queens whose acting are terribly exaggerating. It’s hard to hold back laughter. But still, these ‘victims’ are not to be underestimated as they are on a mission to give you troubles as you perform the skills, and you need to be able to remain calm and perform well regardless of the stress they put on you.

SSI Diver Stress &Rescue candidates are required to perform skills in the open water as well, so I opted to do it at the lake that I usually frequent for my weekend fundives. My open water sessions were held at Bandar Saujana Putra Lake and it kicks off with briefing on what skills we would perform, and what scenarios we would have to go through before passing the course.

Now, diving there for fun is one thing. Diving there while performing skills for certification is another thing altogether.

It’s very challenging because the visibility at this dive site can be really nasty. Regardless of the time of the day you dive, it’s always dark in there. It’s always like a night dive.

On good days, it’s usually just 2m Vis max. On bad days, it can be just about 1m, with loads of sediments floating around.

The SSI Diver Stress &Rescue Course is very challenging, and I did not think I did very well in certain areas.

I had to repeat some skills before my instructor was satisfied to earn my certification, but at the end of the day, I managed with my instructor’s patience and guidance. And I am truly grateful for that. There are room for improvements and I intend to practice the skills, so more weekend training sessions for me, I guess.

So what did I gained throughout the entire course? Well, there’s a lot, but gaining confidence as a diver and improving my diving skills tops the list. Apart from that, it helps in increasing awareness of diver safety, and I’ve learned how to prevent & manage problems underwater.

Earned my Master Diver recognition from SSI after completing the SSI Diver Stress &Rescue course. A yay to that.

If you ask me whether or not Rescue Diver course is worth taking, I’d definitely say yes. It is by far the most rewarding course in SSI that I’ve ever signed up for. So yes…if you’re a scuba diver and thinking of upgrading your skills by taking Rescue Diver course, just go for it. It will without a doubt benefit you as a diver in the long run.

Pictures credit to Ms. Syahnaz Adila from KAIA Underwater Academy.

Thank you to my instructor Mr.Suhaimi Salleh and KAIA Underwater Academy for everything. I certainly look forward to continuing my education with you again in the near future.

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Uncategorized

Diving at UMT Christmas Ghost Wreck with Big Blue World DC

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Dive site: UMT Christmas Ghost Wreck
Location: Terengganu, Malaysia
Dive guide: Figo from Big Blue World DC

This divesite is located somewhere near Bidong Island, Terengganu. I’m not sure the exact coordinates of this dive site, though, but I promise to update the exact location once I found out about it.

I have always wanted to see sunken ship wrecks, and this time, I was privileged enough to see not only one, but two of them at the same dive site.

There are two shipwrecks at this dive site and the ships were sunk at about 24-26m. According to our boatman, the ships were sunk by UMT back in 2020 so that it can be a home to the marine lives down there.

I was abit nervous about the strong current during this dive and was watching my NDL closely. I’ve done 2 dives prior to this dive and I was diving conservative this time. I didn’t want to hit my NDL as it would be nasty if I have to perform a deco stop before ending the dive cuz my air wouldn’t be enough to complete my deco stop obligation on top of the safety stop at 5m since this is already a deep dive to begin with and air consumption is definitely alot more than my previous dive, which was a drift dive. I heard divecoms beeping from other divers in the group, but I’m glad mine didn’t til the end of the dive, despite ending the dive with just 50 bar of air to spare.

The vis was excellent. I can see the entire ship, but there’s no penetration cuz I’m not a trained wreck diver and I didn’t really explore at the bottom side of it. I tried to just maintain my depth at 22m and explored the ship from that depth, but even at 22m and above, the wrecks are mesmerising. It has become a habitat to all sorts of marine creatures and schooling fishes can be seen swimming around.

The ships has also become somewhat a home for beautiful white corals. I’m no coral expert, so I’m not sure what these white corals are called, so I’d appreciate if any of you out there can ID it for me. All I know is that the wrecks gives somewhat a wintry and Christmassy feel, with snow white corals everywhere on the wrecks around alongside with the strong current and cold temperature.

I’ve seen wrecks at other sites before, but not as big and as beautiful as this one. Hopefully this will not be my last shipwreck. 🙏

Things divers should take note about this dive site:

-Strong current, so it requires strong swimmer and divers with a sense of adventure

– Due to the depth of the shipwrecks, this dive site is recommended only for Advance Open Water level and above

-There’s thermocline over here and warm temperature can changed from warm to cold drastically, so be sure to suit up well if you’re to explore this place.

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