Attractions in Putrajaya: Sky Rides Festivals Park

by Cleffairy // May 7, 2015 // 1 Comment

Did you have a favourite movie when you were a child? I have a few. Apart from Lois&Clark The New Adventures of Superman, the one that inspired me to be a writer today, I have a few more favourite movies that made quite an impression on me as a child. One of them is ‘The Chipmunks Adventure’. Basically the movie is about a bunch of chipmunks going around the world in a hot air balloon. I watched that movie over and over again as a child. Great movie. It showed the adventures of the chipmunks, where they go to different places, different continents with the hot air balloon. Since then, I always dreamed of going around the world in one.

I’m all grown up now. Although going around the world in a hot air balloon seems like a rather farfetched dream, it became a reality to me last week. Well, almost. I may not be able fly around the world in a hot air balloon, but I now could ride in one.

There’s this new attraction in Putrajaya where you can ride a tethered helium balloon. It won’t exactly bring you to travel all around the world, but it will enable you to get a fantastic view of Putrajaya from above.

Here’s introducing the Sky Rides Festivals Park.

Tourism and Culture Minister Mohamed Nazri Aziz said the theme park has been elevated to the country’s new top tourism destination for the Malaysia Year of Festivals (MyFEST) 2015 initiative.

The park’s main attraction is the Skyrides Balloon, touted as Malaysia’s first and largest tethered balloon ride, which will lift visitors to a height of 120m, offering an unprecedented view of Putrajaya and its surrounding areas. As a new attraction in Malaysia, SkyRides Balloon is set to entice foreign tourists to visit Malaysia to experience the thrilling ride, which is built over water.

My family and I managed to get a ride on it and the experience was absolutely breathtaking. Here is a picture of our balloon from below during takeoff. My son and I loves it so much and we would ride on it again in a heart beat if we were given another opportunity for it.

Putrajaya at night from above. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

This picture was taken while we were riding in the balloon. One of my favourite shot. 🙂

Other interesting activities at the park include SkyWarrior Rainforest Challenge. An obstacle course that is wonderful for team building activities.

The place is also very children friendly. There is SkyKids area for little children to play indoors.

And also outdoor, where there is plenty of inflatable playground awaits.

SkyDemo, on the other hand is great for art and crafts enthusiast. Arts and crafts demo is done here daily and apart from learning how to make traditional crafts here, you can also buy souvenirs and bring all the memories home.

Another thing that is worth mentioning in the park is the Sky Cruise, where you can ride on a boat and cruise along the Putrajaya lake. Here’s the gondola-like boat you can ride. This one is known as the ‘Dondang Sayang’ boat. Apart from the Dondang Sayang, there is also the Kelah. You may read about my experience aboard that one HERE.

The Sky Rides Festivals Park implemented quite an interesting concept where there is things to do by all three Land, Lake and Sky and there is something for everyone in the family. It is really a one of a kind fun filled theme park and do give it a visit soon if you are looking for some great bonding time with your loved ones.

The theme park is located at Presint 2, Putrajaya. The landmark for it is the Monument Alaf Baru.

Wings of KKB 2015 Gala Dinner at Awana Resort Hotel Genting

by Cleffairy // May 6, 2015 // 2 Comments

After a long day trekking and birdwatching, it’s time for a rather glamorous night. There was this Wings of KKB 2015 Gala dinner to celebrate all the bird racers and bird watchers who came for the event from all over the world. Naturally, as a member of the media, we were invited to enjoy the night too, and so after getting my son and husband out from the pool, we quickly took a bath and get dressed before heading over to Kenyalang Hall where the scrumptious buffet spread awaits us.

After the welcoming speech from the emcee and representative from MDHS and Resort World Genting, there’s also the launching of a coffee table book that night. I did not have the opportunity to have a look at the book yet, though. Such misfortune. It looks pretty interesting with all the birds and attractions around Selangor in it.

Apart from the generous buffet spread, there is performances from various artists throughout the night, hailing from Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore. Here’s The Recycle Band performing their numbers. It is interesting to note that all their musical instruments are pretty much extraordinary. They are all 100% made from recycled materials.

There was also traditional dance performance that night. The ‘Tari Piring’ (literally translated as the dance of the plates). It is a dramatic dance from Minangkabau where dancers used plates to perform their mesmerizing dance. The dance showcases an exceptional feature of placing porcelain or ceramic plates on both open palms of dancers as they perform fast and vibrant choreographies that involve the swaying of plates to every direction and even turning them upside down with their palms turned down. Amazingly, whatever energetic moves the dancers make, the plates continue to stick as if glued to their palms.

It was indeed an entertaining night. Here’s one for the album. Spot me in there? 😛 Special mention of gratitude for my sponsors: My outfit for the night was by H&M, shoes from XES, accessories by Chameleon and last but not least, my contact lenses was from Freshlook and make up was sponsored by L’oreal Paris Malaysia. Thanks for making me look fabulous and thanks to Resort World Genting for having us in Awana Resort Hotel that weekend for Wings of KKB 2015.

Awana Resort Hotel, Genting Highlands

by Cleffairy // May 6, 2015 // No Comments

Hunting for birds… I mean birdwatching is not easy, especially when the weather was pretty much scorching hot. I ended up drenched in my own sweat by evening, so I was glad when the day draws it’s curtain and it’s time for us us to retreat to Awana Resort Genting Highlands. It means I can finally take a bath and put my feet up for a rest. Awana Resorts Genting was the last checkpoint for the Wings of KKB 2015: Selangor Bird Race, and words has it that the area around Awana is a home to a lot of rare birds.

We arrived at the lobby and the good folks from MDHS and Tourism Malaysia Selangor welcomes us and briefed us about the program that night, which was the gala dinner.

Awana Resort Genting is the accommodation sponsor for Wings of KKB 2015: Selangor Bird Race. It is a family friendly hotel situated 4km before the peak of Genting Highlands at Gohtong Jaya, a short distance after the town roundabout. The resort provides accommodation in 413 family rooms, split between a pagoda tower and condominium blocks below that houses studio apartment units. The resort’s spacious land area provides for a wide range of recreational facilities that include an 18-hole golf course, team building circuit, swimming pools and sports courts. A grand ballroom and 16 function halls of various sizes provide space for events and conventions, while there are five food & beverage outlets. A free shuttle service is provided to the peak at scheduled times during the day.

My family and I were given a suite with two Queen sized bed and a bathroom ensuite. As a family travel activist, we usually don’t fuss much on accommodations. I for one is fine with two single beds; where I usually share one with my husband. Ahem…I love to cuddle while sleeping and I kinda dont like big beds as I tend to get ‘lost’ in big beds. 😛 Our son on the other hand, sleeps on one bed on his own but we were really pleased nevertheless when we were given such a spacious room to stay for the night.

Toilet was squeaky clean.

Regular sized bathtub. Not big enough for some water play activities but it was good enough for us. Functional for families.

Living room. With small section for coffee or some short chit chat.

Unlike the First World Hotel Genting, where only ceiling fans are available in each rooms for air ventilation purposes, Awana Resorts provides both fan and air conditioner for guests’ pleasure. I suppose it got something to do with the altitude and temperature. The temperature is not that cold in Awana Resorts in comparison to First World Hotel or Genting Grand, hence air conditioner is needed for those sunny days.

We were given smoker friendly room, by the way. Guests is allowed to smoke at the balcony. Something that pleases my smoker husband immensely, I reckon.

It’s time for some for some R&R before the gala night, but we were terribly famished and before I could even finished watching movie, my boys decided to drag me from the bed and head over to the poolside cafe to get something to eat.

Not wanting to spoil our appetite for dinner, we just shared this by the poolside cafe. A cuppa milk tea with Chocolate Cheese Brownie.

Initially I find it rather ridiculous to have an outdoor swimming pool in highlands area such as Awana Resorts as it can be quite cold outside but I discovered that the outdoor swimming pool is one of the main attractions in the resorts apart from their birdwatching area and their golf course.

The swimming pool is equipped with heaters. Which means the water is not cold at all and in fact, is warm to swim in even in cold temperature.

My boys had a go at the pool.But despite being a swimmer, I wasn’t really interested in jumping in after such a busy day.

I rather put my feet up and have a rest I instead.

Apart from their heated outdoor swimming pool, they also have beautiful, serene gardens around where you can take a walk or just sit back and enjoy the sceneries. Or take a selfie or two as well.

There is also fishponds around but you are not allowed to feed the fishes.

Overall, our stay in the hotel is a pleasant one and hopefully we would be able to stay there again some time soon in the future for our short weekend getaways. It is definitely much more refreshing and relaxing than First World Hotel and Genting Grand Hotel that accommodates more gamblers than eco-tourists and families who are getting some R&R.

For more information and room rates on this hotel, you may check out this link: https://www.gentinghighlands.info/awana-resort.htm

Wings of KKB 2015: Selangor Bird Race

by Cleffairy // May 5, 2015 // No Comments

Have you ever gone birdwatching before? Well, it is an embarrassing thing to admit but the closest thing to birdwatching I’ve ever done is probably watch my son playing the well-famed ‘Angry Birds’ game on the dastardly iPad. He is pretty good at the game. In fact, he cleared all the stages, unlike his mother who is terrible with the game. You see, I don’t really have much patience with such games and I usually give up after second or third stage.

Although most modern parents worship the tablets as the most powerful babysitter, I never did rely on it to keep my son occupied. In fact, he is only allowed to use it occasionally to browse the net and watch YouTube. I believe in raising my son the old fashion way and I believe exposures to outdoor activities is a great way to broaden his knowledge. And so, when my family and I was invited by Tourism Malaysia Selangor to cover for the Wings of KKB 2015: Selangor Birdrace event, I said yes and dragged the boy along.

It’s time for the boy to see some REAL angry birds, and non angry ones too, of course. No pun intended. 😛

All geared up for the long day ahead. T-shirt was courtesy of Tourism Malaysia back in 2013 while the cap was from Tourism Malaysia Selangor before departure. Quite a mismatch if you look at the colour but hey, there is no fashion police around and the swags protects me from the glaring sun! My son and husband had similar ones too. And oh, a special mention for my sponsor Alfio Raldo for the sunglasses and Happikiddo for wetwipes and sunscreen supplies for our family travel activities.

These people are from Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor (MDHS). They were responsible for media coordination that day, and upon arrival to Kuala Kubu Bharu, we were briefed on what the bird race is all about.

The bird race was organised by MDHS in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2015 and supported by Tourism Malaysia, hoping to cultivate the appreciation of nature, especially among schoolchildren. The participants of this birdrace had to identify as many bird species native to the area as possible. This is probably the only birdrace in the country which requires the participants to move from one altitude to another altitude to identify different species of birds.

There are 10 checkpoints, starting from KKB town, past the Kalumpang hot springs and ending at the Genting Highlands Awana Resort.

Tourists often mistaken Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) as a sleepy and a boring town in Selangor, but the town located 70 km from the capital of Kuala Lumpur reveals a history that is both enriching and charming and makes a very suitable destination for an educational R&R with your loved ones. Beautiful sight, isn’t it? There is a story behind the clock tower, but I’ll save it for next time. 😉

Here’s us, moving from one checkpoint to another and trying to spot birds along the way. Trekking was by foot and was rather challenging for those who are usually couch potatoes. Fortunately, my son is a tough cookie and no complaints whatsoever was heard except for not being able to see birds easily. 😛

Participants from high school category, getting their papers validated at the first check point. It is quite a sight, to be able to observe the participants as the event progresses. Among the categories contested was Schools and Open category, but this year the two categories have been added to boost the program. These categories are universities / colleges and Photography and Mini Explorace for primary and secondary school students. The event also requires participants to identify the name of the birds, use leaves to make a flute to call and lure the birds, organize ‘puzzle’ where they have to find the pieces of the puzzle in the surrounding area in advance and more.

It takes a lot of patience to spot birds, but we did managed to spot a few rare ones.

Prize giving ceremony for the school category was done on the first day after the flag off for open category which started one the second day.

Being someone who cafehop and window shopping more than participate in such activities, I find the bird race was not only recreational but educational as well, and parents should consider allowing their children to participate in events such as this one instead of locking them up in tuition centres on weekends. I had fun during the bird race and my son enjoyed it very much too.

There is something for everyone to be honest, and great for a family get together and bonding time. If you are not into trekking or not patient enough for birdwatching activities you may still want to be there as there is plenty of side events going on too such as colouring contest, bazaar and mini food fair. So yes, if you missed this fabulously educational event this year, do make sure you don’t miss it next year.

For more information on the Wings of KKB program, hop over to www.mdhs.gov.my, or https://wingsofkkb.blogspot.com.

Next up: A weekend getaway at Awana Resort Hotel, Genting.

Enjoy the Luxury of Traveling with The Entertainer’s Hot Summer Nights

by Cleffairy // May 5, 2015 // No Comments

The Entertainer, a Dubai-based international company offering a portfolio of worldwide ‘buy one get one free’ incentives, has launched its annual ‘Hot Summer Nights’ hotel promotion, offering customers the opportunity to enjoy their holiday for longer with amazing hotel offers.

Founded in 2001 by Donna Benton, the Entertainer provides buy one get one free incentive offers from well-known dining, leisure, entertainment, beauty and hotel brands across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. Packaged together and published as both market-specific books and an award-winning smartphone App, the Entertainer has enjoyed phenomenal growth by virtue of a strong partner network, a burgeoning corporate loyalty business and a broad base of delighted customers. Today, the Entertainer offers 50 products across 42 destinations in 17 countries.

Over 90 leading hotel partners are providing unbeatable value exclusively to Entertainer Members by extending their buy one night get one free offers in the Entertainer Travel to cover multiple night stays. From the 1st May to 31st August 2015, Entertainer Members can book one night, get one free; book two nights, get two free or even book three nights and get three free. Depending on the hotel selected and length of stay Entertainer Members could save up to $2,500!

The ‘Hot Summer Nights’ promotion features an amazing selection of hotels and resorts throughout the Middle East, Asia and Indian Ocean. Destinations include: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the Maldives.

Some of the participating partners include Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Oman, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Fairmont The Palm in Dubai, Banyan Tree Phuket, Conrad Hong Kong, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in the Maldives, plus many more.

All Entertainer Members who have purchased a 2015 Entertainer product are able to redeem a ‘Hot Summer Nights’ offer. To become an Entertainer Member, simply purchase any of the Entertainer 2015 products. Those who purchase a book in-store must register online to become a Member. Those who purchase online or through the App are automatically registered as an Entertainer Member. For more information, visit www.theentertainerme.com/hotsummernights.

Launching of Yuna’s New Single at Coffee Planet, Quill City Mall

by Cleffairy // May 5, 2015 // No Comments

Do you know the lady who is wearing the turban? She is Malaysia’s multi award-winning songstress Yunalis Mat Zara’ai, more popularly known as Yuna has released her first Malay album that features some exciting new soundtracks as well as some ever green favourites. I’m a huge fan of hers ever since I heard her song ‘Terukir Di Bintang’ a few years back while I was in the bus with my Sahabat Media friends. We were heading to Perak if I’m not mistaken and I shamelessly sang the song off key and even uploaded it into my YouTube. I became somewhat a joke because I sang it terribly off key, but I’m sure Yuna wouldn’t mind that. 😉

Yuna; who is a Malaysian household favourite has had two very successful programs debuted on E!, with the first E! News Asia Special: Yuna and the E! Music Special: Yuna under her belt.

The launch of Yuna’s first all Malay album in conjunction with the official opening of Coffee Planet took place in Coffee Planet Quill City Mall, followed by an amazing live performance by Yuna herself. I’ve blogged about Coffee Planet in March 😉 and guess what? They are now offering franchising opportunities to interested parties, by the way. So look them up if you want here at this blog post : Coffee Planet, Quill City Mall – https://cleffairy.com/coffee-planet/

Here’s Yuna performing some songs from her new single. The songstress sounded wonderful in her MV and even more so performing live. There was also a meet and greet session the other day during both the launching of Coffee Planet and her single, and I’m so glad to be able to watch her performance live and definitely going to play her songs repeatedly in the car as I travel. 😉

Avenue K Fashion Carnival

by Cleffairy // April 30, 2015 // No Comments

Forget the mundane catwalks normally seen at shopping malls, Fashionably AK highlights fashion this year with a feel good carnival celebrating the art of looking good and feeling great featuring the best of AK’s fashion tennats including Muji, MIDI, Femme Fatale, The Mod House, ID by Rufffey, Leather Avenue, FOS, Cosas United, Crocs, B.O.B. by Afdlin Shauki and Modani.

Avenue K will be presenting their second year of Fashionably AK this May where fashion meets fun in a carnival of style and chic attitude. Get your fortune read by a palm reader, take a cute photo at the photo booth and play Kiss & Tell or Pinball. Look out for the clowns, acrobats and street performers too!

Shoppers will be treated to a daily redemption between 11 am – 9 pm, where a spend of RM50 and above will allow them a chance at the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to win instant prizes ranging from Jimmy Choo miniature fragrance sets, beauty treatment vouchers and AK cash vouchers to powerbanks, monopods plus fashion and dining vouchers galore.

In keeping with AK’s generous tradition, shoppers who spend RM300 and above between 12 – 23rd May will also qualify for the Weekend Lucky Draws happening at the ground floor at 5 pm on the 16th, 17th and 23rd of May with the Grand Lucky Draw taking place on Sunday, the 24th of May.

For more info please visit:
www.avenue.com.my

Parents Day at Quill City Mall

by Cleffairy // April 30, 2015 // No Comments

Every moment spent with the family are precious ones, and this May, Quill City Mall is celebrating Parents’ Day with a special campaign aptly titled “Mom + Dad = Me”; a celebration for kids to enjoy their most important moments with their beloved Mom and Dad at Quill City Mall.

From 1 May – 21 June, several activities will be held for shoppers to win great prizes. The Lucky Dip allows shoppers who spend RM200 in a maximum of two receipts to redeem a voucher in any of the retail outlets (except AEON) in Quill City Mall.

Or participate in the Facebook contest – just submit a family picture following the theme “Mom + Dad = Me”, with a short expression of love for your parents. The entry with the most creative message will stand a chance to win A Day Out at Quill City Mall, with an exciting itinerary of shopping and pampering sessions for the whole family, plus a free movie at GSC!

Kids should not miss the opportunity to join Occubite in decorating the perfect muffin for your parents, and, to make sure everyone is healthy and happy, bring Mom and Dad for a free health consultation organised by Mediviron. It’s all happening at Quill City Mall.

For more information on the above events, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/quillcity or enquire our concierge desk at 03-2603 1111.

National Eczema Awareness Month 2015

by Cleffairy // April 30, 2015 // No Comments

Research has shown that atopic eczema is caused by a dynamic interaction between genetic and environmental factors. But Malaysians in general tend to try improper and traditional treatment for atopic eczema, an inflammatory, relapsing, non-contagious and itchy skin disorder.

This is caused by much misinformation and so many people offering cure-all solutions for eczema in Malaysia.

Therefore, a nationwide public education initiative has been designed to empower caregivers and patients on the importance of proper and proactive management of eczema in conjunction of National Eczema Awareness Month 2015. Meet Nezam and Claire. A mascot for National Eczema Awareness Month 2015. In the middle of the banner is the guide to caring for eczema patience.

A Q&A session conjunction with the National Eczema Awareness Month 2015.

The incidence of atopic eczema in Malaysia affects as many as two out of every 10 people in urbanised communities.Atopic eczema can appear at any age and it is common in children and young adults.

The experts believes that a well-integrated and medically-monitored care plan will allow people with eczema to lead a comfortable life even if the skin disorder is currently incurable. Hence, Atopiclair is introduced.
Atopiclair is a unique, clinically proven, non-steroidal treatment that can be used during flare and remission phases of atopic dermatitis (eczema). It is steroid-free, scent-free and paraben-free, safe even for infants* and relieves itching, burning and pain associated with the skin condition. It prevents loss of skin moisture for up to 72 hours and offers longer lasting hydration by restoring your child’s natural skin oils, easing their discomfort and protecting your child from future flare-ups so they can have better fun.

Atopiclair can be obtained in leading pharmacies in Malaysia and right now, with each purchases of Atopiclair lotions from CARiNG Pharmacy outlets, you will be contributing to the fund raising campaign for the Eczema Kidz Club HKL.

For more information on how to manage eczema at large, you may check out this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/eczemakidzclub . The page serves as a platform to educate and disseminate information about Eczema to the public.

MyFest Selangor 2015: Nasi Ambeng Festival 2015 at Banghuris Homestay

by Cleffairy // April 27, 2015 // No Comments

After spending a whole day at Banghuris Homestay, playing kampung girl and checking out interesting places and playing traditional games with the kampung boys, it’s finally time for the main event that everyone has been anticipating, the Nasi Ambeng Festival 2015. The event was held at night, at about 8.30 pm after the Maghrib prayers. Everyone, both locals, tourists and media representatives alike gathers at the event place, the Banghuris Homestay Community Hall.

Part of the crowd at the Nasi Ambeng Festival 2015 organized by JKKN that night, awaiting the event to be officiated before enjoying the Nasi Ambeng served.

The festival kicks off with some Javanese dance performance.

Interesting dance. This dance is known as Tarian Kuda Kepang or in Javanese, it is called the Tarian Kuda Lumping. It is a traditional Javanese warrior dance
depicting a group of horsemen. Dancers “ride” horses made from woven bamboo and decorated with colorful paints and cloth. Generally, the dance portrays troops riding horses, but another type of Kuda Lumping performance also incorporates trances and magic tricks. When the “possessed” dancer is performing the dance in trance conditions, he can display unusual abilities, such as eating glass and resistance to the effects of whipping or hot coals. Although the dance is native to Java, Indonesia, it also performed by Javanese communities in Suriname, Malaysia and Singapore. It was indeed an experience to be able to watch this dance performance. To me, it is almost a forgotten art and something you don’t see often.

After the dance and the officiating ceremony, it was time to tuck in. Sorry no photo of the officiating ceremony for the festival. The crowd was super crazy and I couldn’t get through) Here’s a photo of the Javanese dancers with a tray of Nasi Ambeng, though. Taken after the officiating ceremony for Nasi Ambeng Festival 2015.

Nasi Ambeng is a fragrant rice dish consisting plain white rice prepared with chicken curry or chicken cooked in soy sauce, vegetables, fried noodles, some salted fish, fried coconut flesh, and so on. It is a popular Javanese cuisine, especially in every Javanese-Malay communities in Malaysian states of Selangor and Johor and also in Java, Indonesia. It is served during the festivities or weddings and served in a tray and enjoyed together in a tray by four to five people.

And guess what? I feasted on the Nasi Ambeng the way it was meant to be; with my husband and four more people sharing with us. Here’s Ms. Natasha and Ms.Razimah from Tourism Malaysia Selangor, enjoying our tray of Nasi Ambeng. Living in the city, we have our own dining etiquette where we are usually expected to use the cutleries whenever we dig in to our food, and therefore, everyone was feeling a little apprehensive and shy to have our food the traditional way, which was use our fingers to eat, but half way eating, we decided to just go for it, and believe me, the food tasted much better when we used our fingers to eat our share of Nasi Ambeng.

It was indeed an unforgettable experience. I missed the festival last year but I’m glad to be able to experience it this year, and here’s hoping to be able to make a trip to Banghuris Homestay for Nasi Ambeng Festival every year as an annual family event. Cultures like this should be introduced and taught to the younger generations so that it will not be lost in the unstoppably rapid modernization.

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