Sultan Abdul Samad Building

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur is one of the most well known landmarks in the city. The construction of this building started in 1893 and was completed in 1896. Initially the building was designed to house the colonial State Government of Selangor but when it was completed, it housed the entire Federated Malay States (FMS) admninistration.

Many historical events had been held in front of this building. Among them was the declaration of independence of Malaysia (Malaya then) on 31 August, 1957 and the lowering of the Union Jack Flag. On 1st January 1982, the clock tower became the venue for another historic event when the time between West Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore were standardized.

Since 1972, this historical building has housed the High Court and renovation work were carried out in 1978. Although this building is a century old, it still retains an imposing presence in Kuala Lumpur. Today, this building is the focus of thousands of Malaysian from all walks of life to gather in front of the building to user in every New Year on the stroke.

Little Caliph Sports Day 2008

Held in Shah Alam Mini Stadium, the joy of childhood came forth in bright colors and spirited display. Little Caliph kindergarten kids from Kota Damansara, Setia Alam, TTDI Jaya, Damai and Shah Alam Platinum showed their mettle from pom pom splendour to competitive telematches.

Click on picture to see the full view.

Click here to see more Little Caliph pictures on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26218316@N04/sets/72157606829111327/

Malaysian International Fireworks Competition 2008

A few pics to share during Putrajaya fireworks competition featuring China last Saturday with the theme “How the Milky Way was created”. Managed to get a spot at the PICC bridge waterfront and captured some lighting reflections on the surface of the lake. Canada is up next on Aug 20th.

Carisbrook's Inter-school Rugby

Last weekend, my son's boarding school hosted the annual 10-a-side Rugy tournament. Notable names were premier rugby-playing boarding schools (SM Sains S'ngor, SDAR, Sek Sukan Bkt Jalil, Sekolah Alam Shah etc) and premier daily schools like Victoria Institution, St Johns and International School.

These guys sure have guts and determination, albeit cuts and bruises which all add spice to the game they love. SM Sains Selangor Team A came out tops.

An evening at KLIA

Arrived KLIA from Kota Bharu. Decided to break the monotony of the routine travellers's path when passing thru KLIA - disembark plane - walk to baggage carousel - buy airport taxi ticket - wait for taxi Syndrome; and detoured outside KLIA. I waited for the golden hour just before and after sunset. The moon was up early and added another dimension to the pics below.

#1: From the lookout point which provided interesting reflections on the marble tiles surface



#2: The red streaks of light are from the brake lights of vehicles disembarking passengers during the 30 seconds exposure at F18, ISO 50. Was sitting crosslegged on the side pavement with my camera perching on a small tripod when a security guard creeped from behind and peeped onto my camera's LCD screen. He advised to move quickly along; which I obliged after negotiating to take this one last shot.

#2:



#3: The archs, in my mind, are the most uplifting part of KLIA's architecture

The spirit of Kota Bharu

At the Siti Khadijah market, you'll be spoilt for choice on fresh produce, kain batik, handicrafts, scarves, colorful songkets, local delicacies and more. With its unique skylight dome and circular market area surrounded by scallop-like pillars and archs, Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah is the most photographed market in the country. This place is a visual delight and a favourite photography subject in Kota Bharu. Located in the heart of Kota Bharu, it used to be known as Pasar Buluh Kubu. The market is particularly unique because most traders at the market are women, hence the market name (which is the name of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w esteemed wife)






Outside the Siti Khadijah market, the men operate trishaws to ferry the weary shoppers and curious tourists around town. In the heat of afternoon, these hardy folks take a break and, I suppose, reminisce...

Kelantan Kite Festival

During a recent trip to Kota Bharu, I took the opportunity to visit Pantai Seri Tujuh, Tumpat for the annual five-day kite festival. This event takes place after the end of the padi harvest season in May each year. At this time, too, the northeast monsoon provides favourable winds that set the perfect stage for the event. The competition is held just a few minutes outside Tumpat on the Beach of Seven Lagoons, or Pantai Seri Tujuh. A popular spot for beach-goers and picnickers, this South China Sea- fronting beach has glassy waters sheltered by a long stretch of lagoon.

The beach has been the venue for the `Kelantan International Kite Festival' since 1983, and boasts of a recreational area with complete public facilities. It has chalets for rent, food stalls, handicraft/souvenir shops, public toilets, a children's playground, a mosque, a floating restaurant, multi-purpose halls, a museum, a boat gallery and a camping ground. Future development plans include the building of a herbal spa, a jetty and more chalets.

And it's not just the locals who pit their skills at kite flying. Since its inception, the international event has seen participation from countries such as Germany, the United States, Britain, France, Australia, Netherlands, Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei. Here is where visitors to Tumpat are able to see the glorious wau that are handmade in local tradition through skills passed down from one generation to another.

The competition itself has 11 types of kites competing in three competition categories of local, national and international levels. The festival also features an expo and sales carnival, a fishing competition, cultural performances, water sports and many others.