tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53089017167625094012024-03-05T06:33:16.366-08:00HOT EdenJoin eSa in discovering & enjoying the natural and traditional Hotsprings located in exotic, heavenly spots in and around the Malay Archipelago region, especially in Malaysia. Follow me on Twitter@esaeden / Instagram@esaedeneSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-44130319986823774652010-03-21T07:01:00.000-07:002013-01-12T01:22:02.382-08:00What's HOT in Sarawak?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2Rbv8UMJIhGuZYGOrbhIj7NRDdlsDFOIBUkoS8x5mBMX2Q3C0JyNVWtDyoll_xzVM5WX02JSDTisCiJ4K5zVwb45BUb3J4rAV5CVxIEh9POjNM1XFu-4qfBN39DUq3LY7Oq-iffZn24/s1600-h/Panchor+Dayak+HOT+POOL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2Rbv8UMJIhGuZYGOrbhIj7NRDdlsDFOIBUkoS8x5mBMX2Q3C0JyNVWtDyoll_xzVM5WX02JSDTisCiJ4K5zVwb45BUb3J4rAV5CVxIEh9POjNM1XFu-4qfBN39DUq3LY7Oq-iffZn24/s320/Panchor+Dayak+HOT+POOL2.jpg" /></a></div>
So, what is really HOT in <a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/the-lovely-bones-of-niah-and-nile/"><i style="color: orange;"><b>Sarawak</b></i></a>?<br />
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The hot spring in Kampung Panchor Dayak, Serian is what really HOT in Sarawak, me think. Indeed, I believe this is the best <i style="color: orange;"><b>NATURAL</b></i> hot spring in <a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/"><i style="color: orange;"><b>Malaysia</b></i></a>.<br />
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Some of the hot spring sites I had been to look more like modern-man-made water park resorts while others look like they have been 'abandoned' and in very sorry state indeed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XVCku4vYQazg1T55ajCcamPODVXpJZ8jm2hR2N_XxG6JDLd7ADvq79hvh8IA0hQgoG2CwSrQszWLxtwFybd8NhYCGtrjidg9-UmdhWfQDgTc0ixO5a1l4-1BoDUuohF_qnn7T4b2h90/s1600-h/Panchor+Dayak+HOT+POOL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XVCku4vYQazg1T55ajCcamPODVXpJZ8jm2hR2N_XxG6JDLd7ADvq79hvh8IA0hQgoG2CwSrQszWLxtwFybd8NhYCGtrjidg9-UmdhWfQDgTc0ixO5a1l4-1BoDUuohF_qnn7T4b2h90/s200/Panchor+Dayak+HOT+POOL3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
So when I found this very basic but well maintained hot spring spot in Serian, I almost automatically fell in love with the place. Surrounded by beautiful 'nipah' <i><b>forest</b></i>, I would put Kampong Panchor Dayak hot spring in Sarawak at the top spot on the list of my favourite hot spring sites in Malaysia.<br />
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So how can one get the chance to experience the 'magic' of Kampung Panchor Dayak hot spring? Actually the place is pretty easily accessible. From Kuching town, take the Kuching/Serian Highway. It is only about an hour drive from Kuching (48 kilometres).<br />
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After passing by the small town of Tapah, watch for a roadside signboard for Kampong Panchor's direction. The hot spring is actually located only about 10" drive off the main road. In order to reach the site, one needs to pass through both tar-sealed road and also a gravel-filled one.<br />
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The Kampung Panchor Dayak hot spring is open all days to public. Nevertheless, on weekdays (Monday to Friday), visitors may need to call the caretaker via his mobile numbers. Luckily, there is a signage at the entrance showing the person's name and his numbers. So, after making the call, the caretaker will come over to open up the place for you. Easy does it:) <br />
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The hot spring pool is actually located in a forested area (a 'nipah' forest). Therefore, I would not recommend a <i style="color: orange;"><b>female</b></i> visitor to go on her own. Truth is... a place like this is best enjoyed together with family members or friends. The serene surrounding, the green scenery, the natural looking hot pool (with wooden boardwalks and no hint of concrete at all...thank god for that!)...all these and more would make the experience an 'almost-magical' one, indeed! <br />
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Magical it may be indeed... and may I add... there is also a 'mystical' twist in a <a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html"><i style="color: orange;"><b>local tale</b></i></a> of this beautiful site. The locals warned that pregnant women and ladies having PMS are NOT allowed to take bath in the hot pool. And if you were to ask me 'why'?... well... that IS the rule there. But also, according to the locals, the rule came about after an incident which occurred at another nearby hot spring site many years ago. A pregnant woman took a bath there and the water in the pool later turned cold! The locals believed the 'magic spell' was somehow 'decoded'. So... ladies... don't tell that I did not warn you.<br />
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I must say again here that I truly believe Kampung Panchor Dayak hot spring is indeed the best <i style="color: orange;"><b>NATURAL</b></i> hot spring site in Malaysia. So, if you happen to visit Sarawak, I strongly recommend you to visit this 'hot spot' of Sarawak. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh627KkSrHGbKCVQs9Hyni4REFtcKMFFW1yX9Kk84LEr2oMt3EAuBO5sCLF039zrTUqCsP5tK2vd8UxPG3I4gIAzEcDAcNN6FO9W-kwjgEAXbY5Az1k6f0STHz7KfEPeFgDMFMUnrlXmmI/s1600-h/Panchor+Dayak+HOT+POOL4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh627KkSrHGbKCVQs9Hyni4REFtcKMFFW1yX9Kk84LEr2oMt3EAuBO5sCLF039zrTUqCsP5tK2vd8UxPG3I4gIAzEcDAcNN6FO9W-kwjgEAXbY5Az1k6f0STHz7KfEPeFgDMFMUnrlXmmI/s320/Panchor+Dayak+HOT+POOL4.jpg" /></a></div>
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eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-19086515919972147332010-02-22T05:49:00.000-08:002013-01-12T01:22:39.057-08:00'Korean Hot Spring' of Hulu Langat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhvtvuh2KXP9v_6qKGJwLs4MTBYW9E_nXMblMlCWWogUVr2vbbO44FOQib6yfLUMpHTDc371wT1APVvPdrY1JUsHfdxGTu2Hl1wHbxjg2sqZxReLzQuYSFCctBDB2S3SMNdwWsdSHaOM/s1600-h/Hot+Spring+POOL+Sg+Serai+6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441067662910803314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhvtvuh2KXP9v_6qKGJwLs4MTBYW9E_nXMblMlCWWogUVr2vbbO44FOQib6yfLUMpHTDc371wT1APVvPdrY1JUsHfdxGTu2Hl1wHbxjg2sqZxReLzQuYSFCctBDB2S3SMNdwWsdSHaOM/s200/Hot+Spring+POOL+Sg+Serai+6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 167px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>This is a 'hot spot' for Koreans! For some unknown and strange reasons, almost like storylines of those 'weird' yet wonderful Korean horror films, the hot spring of Sungai Serai in Hulu Langat, Selangor seems to be a 'popular joint' for Koreans living in and around <a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #ff9966; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Kuala Lumpur</span></a>. Indeed, when I first arrived at the site, there were only a few people enjoying the hot pool... and they were all Koreans! And when I was about to leave the place later in the evening, a group of 15 overtly excited teenagers arrived. Yes, they were all Koreans too! Hmmm... is there something about this 'hot spot' that they know and we (the locals) don't?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHJa2d3TV28aSJtjpyJ8d6EHeBqLys1sn-QMfVmAb-h4D25nfub8uz6DSI-za3w_Kn-LoTVdRFMCKbtcX0uVMWYP3HIoH5K1puncQi1TDxBKoKp_3lygrmhJ6edrM-q2qSD_Cyl9UAtg/s1600-h/Hot+Spring+POOL+Sg+Serai+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441088912742765682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHJa2d3TV28aSJtjpyJ8d6EHeBqLys1sn-QMfVmAb-h4D25nfub8uz6DSI-za3w_Kn-LoTVdRFMCKbtcX0uVMWYP3HIoH5K1puncQi1TDxBKoKp_3lygrmhJ6edrM-q2qSD_Cyl9UAtg/s200/Hot+Spring+POOL+Sg+Serai+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 169px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a>Sungai Serai Hot Spring of Hulu Langat is easy to locate. There are many routes out of <a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #ff9966; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Kuala Lumpur</span></a> city that one can take in order to get to this place.<br />
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And the good thing is... it is only about 30 minutes drive from the heart of the city!<br />
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And the best thing is... it is FREE! Yup, no entrance fee whatsoever!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrvzuarsPBDzmSt8FFyspLmOMh1yZtSbHP3xVJzZ8LUf_Bf9k7r4aGNF9_xPZdSqQdEZLhipEG6gBQYx4pUJakfF_Qhh_xNn2ifc_q9a7HX_syD1xLbi0yNZGXTaQeTmI2imcB3YjtOY/s1600-h/KL+View+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441088059813438722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrvzuarsPBDzmSt8FFyspLmOMh1yZtSbHP3xVJzZ8LUf_Bf9k7r4aGNF9_xPZdSqQdEZLhipEG6gBQYx4pUJakfF_Qhh_xNn2ifc_q9a7HX_syD1xLbi0yNZGXTaQeTmI2imcB3YjtOY/s320/KL+View+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 207px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 298px;" /></a> From the city centre, I followed the Ampang Road and went all the way to Ampang Point shopping complex. From here I drove ahead until I reached the traffic light in front of Taman Kosas (on the left). I drove pass the traffic light until I reached the next one. I turned right at this traffic light junction and went to Jalan Taman Putra. I then passed by Carrefour on my right. Drove straight ahead. Then another traffic light. Here I turned left to a road that would lead to Kajang (and along the way... to a place called 'Ampang Look Out Point').<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbEUIWeor2sulbj2IYGAtb0tzcnRHSZyErEokNuqzrDGvoecRafdaN8rzpJ-e_zWaFypkM1YTzBY7hvHUFf3pgXnIXCVnWDFq6ivAELSvLPDIm_IK0XoSzrnhia0aUeW_xB4LkfmkhPs/s1600-h/Al-Ehsan+Masjid+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441087775581640178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbEUIWeor2sulbj2IYGAtb0tzcnRHSZyErEokNuqzrDGvoecRafdaN8rzpJ-e_zWaFypkM1YTzBY7hvHUFf3pgXnIXCVnWDFq6ivAELSvLPDIm_IK0XoSzrnhia0aUeW_xB4LkfmkhPs/s200/Al-Ehsan+Masjid+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 128px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 164px;" /></a>While driving up the hill, I had the opportunity of enjoying the <a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #ff9966; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">awesome</span></a> view of KL city (see photo above). And soon enough I already found myself driving down on the other side of the hill. I then came upon a T-junction. I turned right. Drove pass the 'Jamek Masjid'(on the right). Then <a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #ff9966; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Petronas</span></a> station on the left. Then another smaller masjid called 'Masjid Ehsan' (photo) on the right. Then...there it was! Right infront of this small masjid ... a signboard for 'Kolam Air Panas Sungai Serai'(Sungai Serai Hot Spring). I had finally arrived!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeie_f6ioJGJAiijObdcHjrkVS4znRUYAk0ajkTwO2TeeS9qlnRJHR9jjJCeRZwnSsGlU-dh76eERfZrESz51fPfJQw_R8HhxIwE92HPfnAK8EIpk0D8JgNfkrbRYFCv2wlDlAJa2phI/s1600-h/Sg+Serai+Hot+Spring+SIGNBOARD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441093708454409554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeie_f6ioJGJAiijObdcHjrkVS4znRUYAk0ajkTwO2TeeS9qlnRJHR9jjJCeRZwnSsGlU-dh76eERfZrESz51fPfJQw_R8HhxIwE92HPfnAK8EIpk0D8JgNfkrbRYFCv2wlDlAJa2phI/s200/Sg+Serai+Hot+Spring+SIGNBOARD.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 151px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a>Sungai Serai Hot Spring in Hulu Langat is conveniently located right by the side of a busy main road. But thanks to the many <span style="color: #ff9966; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">trees</span> planted in and around the site, bathers would somehow not get 'distracted' by sound and sight of the traffic. Indeed, I was quite surprise when I found out how 'serene' the site was despite its close proximity to the main road. I believe the bathers would enjoy a much greater experience when they visit the site at night. Less traffic and noise. The hot spring site is open daily until 10 pm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXa1WrE6pdnwSn0bo-AGOVmNOj7PsUczpFX0Ou1ok-1Bxt9OLgLCODFGLaaGMVdjXS63-wc5GqmpN9CqVGZWvLpEoH7XG0OMLI6Nl3ct8Chj_h1baYMoUCOKwmFiKemEyiLM2YyoCz5I/s1600-h/Hot+Spring+WELL+Sg+Serai+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441101415541330978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXa1WrE6pdnwSn0bo-AGOVmNOj7PsUczpFX0Ou1ok-1Bxt9OLgLCODFGLaaGMVdjXS63-wc5GqmpN9CqVGZWvLpEoH7XG0OMLI6Nl3ct8Chj_h1baYMoUCOKwmFiKemEyiLM2YyoCz5I/s200/Hot+Spring+WELL+Sg+Serai+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 109px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 161px;" /></a>Apart from the hot spring pool, the place also has a hot spring well. Located close to the pool, the well seemed to be a 'favorite' spot for the <span style="color: #ff9966; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">elderly</span> visitors, especially the <span style="color: #ff9966; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">women</span>. So, if one doesnt feel like 'dipping' his or herself in the pool, then one can still able to enjoy the hot spring by simply 'bathing' from this well. The well is also used to 'rinse' oneself after a 'dip' in the pool.<br />
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All in all, I would say that Sungai Serai Hot Spring is a nice, cosy <span style="color: #ff9966; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">'alternative'</span> outing site for dwellers of Kuala Lumpur city. It may be small in size and facilities provided are very basic indeed, but then again, I would not mind coming to this place again... and again... and again simply because it is so very convenient to go to. And I always like it hot! And...errr...yeah...I enjoy watching Korean movies:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAg6Sh-UugdqQu91PIiJOcm6rSe05GqrjBPFpWieeNLOunirA4RSQHQ1M9NrfZg848lW3iMx2y00qTawbgppskRkZg_0UipgrDYi7lMl9xgD0SBMhs-GbA6w5Yvkc1fmY_AWK9xL6zJU/s1600-h/Hot+Spring+POOL+Sg+Serai+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441104338829605570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAg6Sh-UugdqQu91PIiJOcm6rSe05GqrjBPFpWieeNLOunirA4RSQHQ1M9NrfZg848lW3iMx2y00qTawbgppskRkZg_0UipgrDYi7lMl9xgD0SBMhs-GbA6w5Yvkc1fmY_AWK9xL6zJU/s320/Hot+Spring+POOL+Sg+Serai+4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 271px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a>The 'Hot Seats' of Sungai Serai Hot Spring<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FWBg8yLlxykXc-KSeUeNJZrZa9h-ah1F5-JStLj4zUb0265QDAq-WBzth5p2LwG9f6Nyjoqv_cBlCmJqkek52e-RMdJC25DyoepojBXLkwCMiMibY3TDwTAmV2EGCqKDzcL8-rcdOZM/s1600-h/Hot+Spring+POOL+Sg+Serai+5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441104893357898002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FWBg8yLlxykXc-KSeUeNJZrZa9h-ah1F5-JStLj4zUb0265QDAq-WBzth5p2LwG9f6Nyjoqv_cBlCmJqkek52e-RMdJC25DyoepojBXLkwCMiMibY3TDwTAmV2EGCqKDzcL8-rcdOZM/s200/Hot+Spring+POOL+Sg+Serai+5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Korean couple enjoying the Hot Spring Pool. The Hot Spring Well is on the right, under the tree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gCYqJ4yjJRDdm6sPtbofiZS_z0CfMW3C7hW1HT0XiExFwHS-J92J7FQIko0XZJUsGJeCzxwUTksC-KZzAZX4w0BIb5MMliVvOjWRYAGiCT3y7W3yIOhOwTDOqwi5B6ij7jjLu2rAGAg/s1600-h/Hot+Spring+WELL+Sg+Serai+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441105724805401538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gCYqJ4yjJRDdm6sPtbofiZS_z0CfMW3C7hW1HT0XiExFwHS-J92J7FQIko0XZJUsGJeCzxwUTksC-KZzAZX4w0BIb5MMliVvOjWRYAGiCT3y7W3yIOhOwTDOqwi5B6ij7jjLu2rAGAg/s200/Hot+Spring+WELL+Sg+Serai+4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 151px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>The Hot Spring Well<br />
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eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-41734116674382174872009-12-24T22:59:00.000-08:002013-01-12T01:23:14.859-08:00Hot Soda Pool of Parbubu<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsny2KGozQg6IMiU0XVVAvjVgFyYEn2I-7CuRNKqgpI6LAUDBNlMfITzst20uJr30XgatDTpx8tPrS9BNEiveWgQQpZjcqKn6xbjOfLGop_3mrBaKD6Ra2p8lxmJ6P_gL3tdTEJISedw/s1600-h/Soda+Pool+Parbubu+1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419070745718343458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsny2KGozQg6IMiU0XVVAvjVgFyYEn2I-7CuRNKqgpI6LAUDBNlMfITzst20uJr30XgatDTpx8tPrS9BNEiveWgQQpZjcqKn6xbjOfLGop_3mrBaKD6Ra2p8lxmJ6P_gL3tdTEJISedw/s400/Soda+Pool+Parbubu+1.jpg" style="float: right; height: 215px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>Imagine... soaking yourself in a hot natural spring pool while enjoying the <b><i><a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/">awesome</a></i></b> sight of the surrounding paddy fields and <b><i>lush green mountains</i></b>. Well... an extraordinary experience some may say.</div>
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But what if I were to say that the pool mentioned actually contains gallons and gallons of 'soda' warm water. Now... that is an 'extra extra ordinary' experience, isnt it? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51m2PQQP_l4ZvJWqy5yQL9FGnY4zKUUYx9OJz5Pk8PKbixWjJXdoCeA59fDglbqeByu3GPwgbgzIgsI4PBtWbKn_uAf5guR32vX7iPof23fbBplK7_8euNp7vfoy-j8nIzUWMwKOo0TM/s1600-h/Soda+Pool+Parbubu+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419071003578022450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51m2PQQP_l4ZvJWqy5yQL9FGnY4zKUUYx9OJz5Pk8PKbixWjJXdoCeA59fDglbqeByu3GPwgbgzIgsI4PBtWbKn_uAf5guR32vX7iPof23fbBplK7_8euNp7vfoy-j8nIzUWMwKOo0TM/s320/Soda+Pool+Parbubu+2.jpg" style="float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 305px;" /></a>To put it bluntly...it is like immersing oneself in a pool filled with gallons of warm fizzy drinks. Yeah. Soaking in hot, bubbly 'Sprite' or '7 Up'!</div>
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Indeed, that is exactly what one would experience when he/she goes to Parbubu Soda Water Hot Spring in Tarutung, Sumatera Island of Indonesia.<br />
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After I landed at the Polonia International Airport of Medan, Sumatera, I quickly made my way to Medan City. The next day I took a bus to Parapat. The 176 km trip took about 4 hours.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrGXdWZoMGkBPGpZQCPVrb9D7KkWUnW9p9YKr_52KAQLfXKWltih-Hd0TN2Fkh0PMcO_PJEt2Z1xh4fy0sZlv6BCQY_t-UjL9m5aSjVOoUS5dS7GVmtPDzu5ttQcoaRfcjcXb3eBaRUg/s1600-h/Toba+Lake+View.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419076363696152386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrGXdWZoMGkBPGpZQCPVrb9D7KkWUnW9p9YKr_52KAQLfXKWltih-Hd0TN2Fkh0PMcO_PJEt2Z1xh4fy0sZlv6BCQY_t-UjL9m5aSjVOoUS5dS7GVmtPDzu5ttQcoaRfcjcXb3eBaRUg/s200/Toba+Lake+View.jpg" style="float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>Parapat is a small scenic town located at the edge of Danau Toba/Lake Toba. There are all types of accommodation available to suit one's budget. So, worry not:)</div>
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Now... Lake Toba is an awesomely well known tourist destination within the <b><i>Malay Archipelago</i></b> region and infos related to the place can be found in abundance. So I would not go into details here about this heavenly place except for some 'quickies'....</div>
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<li>Danau Toba/Lake Toba is the biggest volacnic lake in the world</li>
<li>100km long & 30km wide</li>
<li>505m maximum depth! (longer than the <b><i><a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/">Petronas Twin Towers</a></i></b>! Its like... 'diving' from top of the twin towers all the way down to the ground level...and more! Brrr...eerily deep!)</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-AXLTBoOWrqaRtGtQ6gwOPKuys3qMWOoEriOGpJRAWubqUOIxVQp1tUgIurH_VQq_GcHHbbYvEA9r6LfFgpDTNwXBr1MQKXagq9de1eaCZ9Hzv2UI5FM1KyzZOzD8kD6U1_RisMQS1U/s1600-h/Parapat+to+Samosir.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419168260649395762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-AXLTBoOWrqaRtGtQ6gwOPKuys3qMWOoEriOGpJRAWubqUOIxVQp1tUgIurH_VQq_GcHHbbYvEA9r6LfFgpDTNwXBr1MQKXagq9de1eaCZ9Hzv2UI5FM1KyzZOzD8kD6U1_RisMQS1U/s200/Parapat+to+Samosir.jpg" style="float: left; height: 147px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 191px;" /></a>Early next day I took a boat to cross the lake and landed myself at a spot called 'Tomok'. The place is actually the 'gateway' to Samosir Island.<br />
This fascinatingly beautiful island is located right in the middle of Lake Toba. With an area of 50km long and 15km wide, Samosir Island is actually about the size of Singapore! Samosir is also the heartland of 'Batak' people and their culture.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpb6Yrs2MnpMcJqBO4jZjuR7N8QtP1mz8Ze4IyNhioBnPs5rCExW4rbt9pWX-9fu6EuEBQyn47cFMEA5oMI8OpPJXBDTnV6dPhxoceTV3jmubaVrdM04exSTTxJp4Kn8bxKtREgtLxPM/s1600-h/Minang+Hse+on+Samosir.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419172300006730882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpb6Yrs2MnpMcJqBO4jZjuR7N8QtP1mz8Ze4IyNhioBnPs5rCExW4rbt9pWX-9fu6EuEBQyn47cFMEA5oMI8OpPJXBDTnV6dPhxoceTV3jmubaVrdM04exSTTxJp4Kn8bxKtREgtLxPM/s200/Minang+Hse+on+Samosir.jpg" style="float: right; height: 164px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 160px;" /></a>Done with Lake Toba, Samosir and other popular 'touristy' spots of the area, I then decided it was time for me to move on. I was thinking of the 'soda' hot spring of Parbubu.<br />
In order to reach Parbubu from Parapat, one needs to take the road that leads to Padang Sidempuan via a small town called Tarutung. Tarutung is actually some sort of a 'transit' town for people traveling through Medan, Parapat and Padang. <br />
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From Tarutung one can take the Public Transport (called 'mikrolet') to go to Parbubu. It is only a 15" drive from Tarutung town centre and the 'soda' hot pool is located by the road side. Surpringly, one will find that the entrance to the pool is actually for... FREE! Yeah, quite hard to believe but then again this is due to the fact that the site is used as a common pool for locals to take a bath.<br />
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Parbubu 'Soda' Hot Spring is truly a <b><i>unique</i></b> bathing site. The warm water of the pool really does taste like soda water! But please be cautious as not to actually try to 'gulp down' or drink the water. This may make you feel 'sick', especially in the areas around the eyes and nose.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcjmPzrjCXtxpfoiJvHvi0lJ1Q8QQo3gv6f9dJM74G4CKMjK6yWlRcTESKrJ6kmLMx_8HJXBkjpeHH780JmfcBdsHxUF86mjcRROrvg4N-E-gSonYt4M_RY-eHVHPsd0nOfFr6luPIsA/s1600-h/Soda+Pool+Parbubu+3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419182077390482274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcjmPzrjCXtxpfoiJvHvi0lJ1Q8QQo3gv6f9dJM74G4CKMjK6yWlRcTESKrJ6kmLMx_8HJXBkjpeHH780JmfcBdsHxUF86mjcRROrvg4N-E-gSonYt4M_RY-eHVHPsd0nOfFr6luPIsA/s400/Soda+Pool+Parbubu+3.jpg" style="float: right; height: 179px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 315px;" /></a>And also, as advised by the locals...please,please refrain yourself from saying any bad words while bathing! If you may ask me why is that so and what will happen if one to ignore the advise... wellll...let's just say that ... after done with Parbubu, one would later be on the road again to head back to where one comes from. And that presumably would be a one hell of a looong journey. Along the way...many 'things' or possibilities can happen... so... 'watch' your words. <br />
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But then again... the experience of soaking and indulging oneself in the hot 'soda' water while enjoying the beautiful view of the paddy fields and the green hills is truly a remarkable experience one should not try to miss. Even, when one has to 'zipped-up' his/her mouth all the way while soaking in that bubbly-good-feeling hot soda water of Parbubu! Enjoy!</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419185383604184130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBZx1QfnKfVYK1XdXi4snPu_upiKrCLXlQDCDmzHkX8z9wsqvh7RnEqYgu7Ex7hO1cT6EtZESuJFOTb8bn1yEpUIrcb2e4krnjdXkxYSO8DU8hxQ2LK2hB2cgFWMP71qJcLwla-nJFP0/s400/Soda+Pool+Parbubu+4.jpg" style="display: block; height: 270px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 357px;" /> eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-21674054321447798952009-10-20T07:08:00.000-07:002013-01-12T01:24:37.446-08:00Hot Eden of the Philippines<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx97FH6MxXji6ujWCUU2fyO_lvznOj3tMvVbbyp5II5v7TAPaiuoyZugcxciVK1I0Q_Z5v_5YSNxmD5hIN-fQNQhxjGbWnd9M03JSnRo2PO3t2Sdwxr03yKjuKyiHjnc_IP1zJI2CkXo/s1600-h/Road+to+Baguio+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394685851961233730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx97FH6MxXji6ujWCUU2fyO_lvznOj3tMvVbbyp5II5v7TAPaiuoyZugcxciVK1I0Q_Z5v_5YSNxmD5hIN-fQNQhxjGbWnd9M03JSnRo2PO3t2Sdwxr03yKjuKyiHjnc_IP1zJI2CkXo/s320/Road+to+Baguio+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 175px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 273px;" /></a>When my Filipino friend, Jo, suggested that I should visit the <span style="font-weight: bold;">'Eden'</span> of the Philippine (while we were busy doing our 'window shopping' in a crowded mall in Makati, Manila) I thought he meant a place not far from the city. Indeed, when I asked him how far his <span style="font-weight: bold;">'eden'</span> was, he quickly (and cheekily) answered "... oh... only a few hours away". So, before noon on the next day, I found myself already seated comfortably beside Jo in an air-conditioned bus heading to a place called 'Baguio'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GkBKGnn-hzbH6b32_ws8Bm-COJkYFaMkzdfzEEPqp-plIlEGJJ8J9-QFQDdRIOmchYOFl4ZGu5TFeTAUNIPeBPd-MIWDpYwWO7RGKl5CQRSGNGL7zTP0WgE7gwjEjKuDLsMfOZIOw-E/s1600-h/BAGUIO.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394686723293266482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GkBKGnn-hzbH6b32_ws8Bm-COJkYFaMkzdfzEEPqp-plIlEGJJ8J9-QFQDdRIOmchYOFl4ZGu5TFeTAUNIPeBPd-MIWDpYwWO7RGKl5CQRSGNGL7zTP0WgE7gwjEjKuDLsMfOZIOw-E/s320/BAGUIO.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 179px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 265px;" /></a><br />
It turned out that Baguio was a place situated at an altitude of 1,500m above the sea level... about 250km from Manila... and the trip actually took almost 6 long hours! Of course, Jo had 'tricked' me into agreeing to go to Baguio... but the truth is... I could not have thanked him enough for that. Baguio turned out to be a very <a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">unique place</span></a> indeed!<br />
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Access to this fabled Mountain City took us through spectacular winding roads. Hair-raising experience it was indeed, but then again, the Kennon (zig-zag) Road showcased a breathtaking view of the mighty Cordillera mountain chain. Labeled as the Philippine's 'Summer City, Baguio is also often referred as the 'City of Pines'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxFM7tTjrNb3Ym1Bjd_LIa3ji_cfciWze0TOP7aFtz2DnGsFm1RtUMvaKRgk0Ud-CuURYysMXzAEvDgkLCmwEY8LNNyl_fhzxyT7DkUnNY9xa3WAuJVE7kSYSn2se0htTdAAJSMg1PEU/s1600-h/BAGUIO+with+Jo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394695849000208418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxFM7tTjrNb3Ym1Bjd_LIa3ji_cfciWze0TOP7aFtz2DnGsFm1RtUMvaKRgk0Ud-CuURYysMXzAEvDgkLCmwEY8LNNyl_fhzxyT7DkUnNY9xa3WAuJVE7kSYSn2se0htTdAAJSMg1PEU/s320/BAGUIO+with+Jo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>During my stay in Baguio, the temperature rarely rose above 25 degree C and at night it was really freezing cold! . So, it was not surprising to know that this beautiful place is a favourite among the locals for its cool, refreshing climate and spectacular scenery.<br />
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Baguio also served as the commercial and industrial heart of the highlands region. I was truly amazed to see offers of dazzling array of <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">native arts, crafts</span> and mountain foods when I browsed the markets in Baguio.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqVhztGMNd6SutaoWUAfYwFIf2KJ1Ws6crI878fQ_baPsKMohkAG_T848n7pvUKoPkSEq7nCjhqecBSnDmDUivYWC7NvLjwX4f9DkPVVRYjR90jNABSDXGntio4-s12AMa7HZH9x6Wnk/s1600-h/Burnham+Park+BAGUIO.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394699398493630834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqVhztGMNd6SutaoWUAfYwFIf2KJ1Ws6crI878fQ_baPsKMohkAG_T848n7pvUKoPkSEq7nCjhqecBSnDmDUivYWC7NvLjwX4f9DkPVVRYjR90jNABSDXGntio4-s12AMa7HZH9x6Wnk/s200/Burnham+Park+BAGUIO.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 120px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 178px;" /></a>There were many attractions in Baguio, such as Burnham Park, Botanical Garden, Session Road or City Market... just to name a few. But the most famous 'crowd-drawer' to this city is the Baguio Flower Festival, or better known locally as 'Panabenga'. Unfortunately, it is held only once a year and that happens to be in the month of February. And no, it was not in February when I visited Baguio. Talk about 'wrong timing':(<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaX_ALPIFPpHO74y4CLx8SOdoHjeAVKFfAA4tJEbG3bbMzhC2U8nlLiWP9QQXuzMZaTiVoTxmtWrIKdDb2pyKZipJbJQ6LYGn7h1m3Y6TrdYzlYlB-CnigIkPt1uaJtk5BPZ11aWl7zc/s1600-h/Flower+Festival+BAGUIO.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394701852584949778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaX_ALPIFPpHO74y4CLx8SOdoHjeAVKFfAA4tJEbG3bbMzhC2U8nlLiWP9QQXuzMZaTiVoTxmtWrIKdDb2pyKZipJbJQ6LYGn7h1m3Y6TrdYzlYlB-CnigIkPt1uaJtk5BPZ11aWl7zc/s200/Flower+Festival+BAGUIO.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 109px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 163px;" /></a>But... there was actually another surprise waiting for me at Baguio. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">'Eden'</span> that my good friend Jo talked about was not actually referring to Baguio City itself. Indeed, he was actually referring to another place called 'Asin'. Now... this 'Asin' place, according to Jo, was 'very near' to Baguio. Another trick? Again? And it was just a 45" ride from the city. And we could take a 'jeepney' to go to this 'eden'. Oh, really?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSZzIADaPshWkH-YTVQQK0k7y8LkOjax37V5NrCYYOjslWN_7cASHLYp6ohYfMsO5ZyKU_RoXqcgFVj0dr0gY7O7cfpdZ8lz0wz6aiVnVMZvIjv4VqAEV6qohfNUNVeAsLEOeHd_ZXRU/s1600-h/Highway+to+Heaven.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394704135556607906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSZzIADaPshWkH-YTVQQK0k7y8LkOjax37V5NrCYYOjslWN_7cASHLYp6ohYfMsO5ZyKU_RoXqcgFVj0dr0gY7O7cfpdZ8lz0wz6aiVnVMZvIjv4VqAEV6qohfNUNVeAsLEOeHd_ZXRU/s200/Highway+to+Heaven.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 112px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 178px;" /></a>Well... this time around it turned out to be true. Jo was not pulling my legs. Indeed, Asin was located only 16km away from Baguio. The place was located in a town called Tuba in Benguet (just outside of Baguio's city limits). The spot was actually resided between mountains and at a lower altitude (290m above sea level). Naturally, the weather here was more 'warm' but without too much of humidity.<br />
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Asin was actually a 'complex' of several old and new resorts. The sulfuric water of the hot springs came from the underground vents deep in the mountains and foothills of the southern Cordillera. The Asin Hot Springs complex caters to all sorts of expectations and budgets. So, you would find accommodation with rates as low as Php 800 right to as high as Php2,000. Even the entrance fees to the pools are varied with a range starting from Php80 right to Php100 for days and night swimming.<br />
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Now... why would my friend Jo referred Asin as the 'Hot <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Eden</span> of the Philippines'? Well... you may find/see the answer from the photos below...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WBkmtpxnn8KVY10vcy6l1vLNr6WzDBx60V0OvpmJBgJ67B8SGjKpdmVp62XxQrZGYAkHKLVmStVsbxqws3mnDf3rIFBY7pk8xT0pT9AufBQyjC1vs6WLzLRnmVo_unJP-hY4ujLODSE/s1600-h/Bridge+ASIN.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394709266469222018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WBkmtpxnn8KVY10vcy6l1vLNr6WzDBx60V0OvpmJBgJ67B8SGjKpdmVp62XxQrZGYAkHKLVmStVsbxqws3mnDf3rIFBY7pk8xT0pT9AufBQyjC1vs6WLzLRnmVo_unJP-hY4ujLODSE/s400/Bridge+ASIN.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 151px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 201px;" /></a> <br />
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A bridge in Asin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NwaoyQdgzfQbN7RG9VS6ZNug0PTrnnQncUXH41jK_7NLSeMdxSaJwj9qxp_OvGyE8WWChDHQdXVw7Yog73orFECOi9GyAn06QmBjjgXIhwjnLd9P63K0UQ_k9vgxpYE3sPQ8Oz6XZHs/s1600-h/ASIN+spring+resort.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394709818357322898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NwaoyQdgzfQbN7RG9VS6ZNug0PTrnnQncUXH41jK_7NLSeMdxSaJwj9qxp_OvGyE8WWChDHQdXVw7Yog73orFECOi9GyAn06QmBjjgXIhwjnLd9P63K0UQ_k9vgxpYE3sPQ8Oz6XZHs/s400/ASIN+spring+resort.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 358px;" /></a>Asin Hot Spring<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5P4BAvvmzCNM2dPBjfB3gdtI6ap_0qUctY5mX_vgICzKsO2Y23Ygf2m6vOUTfuHkBnP7mxnQaAUznYEYCTdWt2u9dItvzCyza0xielsYbcx6gNBgbNuDFvtyi1BjhEO86HrgIXSpuzc/s1600-h/ASIN+spring+resort+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394710511350977010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5P4BAvvmzCNM2dPBjfB3gdtI6ap_0qUctY5mX_vgICzKsO2Y23Ygf2m6vOUTfuHkBnP7mxnQaAUznYEYCTdWt2u9dItvzCyza0xielsYbcx6gNBgbNuDFvtyi1BjhEO86HrgIXSpuzc/s400/ASIN+spring+resort+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 358px;" /></a><br />
Kids Corner @ Asin Hot Spring<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i_R2TLYs2vAwUSryQkPka9rSasyRUbb7CrQniGHHi8c4PIvoqIxV-3TVZGVjqNCmfb-Wxr3cALHfYjLFOtrmM87TcPf6kgvpBpV4syOwfh4UnK24ONZF5jBlhsx2Ql-OOcXJCpi9Slg/s1600-h/Kids+Corner+of+ASIN+spring+resort.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394711019499907090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i_R2TLYs2vAwUSryQkPka9rSasyRUbb7CrQniGHHi8c4PIvoqIxV-3TVZGVjqNCmfb-Wxr3cALHfYjLFOtrmM87TcPf6kgvpBpV4syOwfh4UnK24ONZF5jBlhsx2Ql-OOcXJCpi9Slg/s320/Kids+Corner+of+ASIN+spring+resort.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Another view of Asin Hot Spring<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFo6KD1NwBSgKsjRUIgFIzE3ZxZwDEYAE06aKpSDRFDiVGgRSabKR4dUVE3f5Tt-J4iy0hAr1C5lC0GXfbAgFsiOAK9e8HmrFkxfyyotXnZ3VvhigQi1hOy2hd09bun_8Pn72KmYQ2a48/s1600-h/ASIN+spring+pool+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394717156135145490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFo6KD1NwBSgKsjRUIgFIzE3ZxZwDEYAE06aKpSDRFDiVGgRSabKR4dUVE3f5Tt-J4iy0hAr1C5lC0GXfbAgFsiOAK9e8HmrFkxfyyotXnZ3VvhigQi1hOy2hd09bun_8Pn72KmYQ2a48/s400/ASIN+spring+pool+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 358px;" /></a></div>
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Now... after spending 3 nights and 4 days in Baguio... I was getting restless thinking of that long, long trip back to Manila. And, ohhh... those winding roads again:(<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHf7-9KaDF2HiP-Kf_-zXiAD7z8F6zyv6-xG3DbbXwelc42y7u5o-QICLCDjaEUY9lyotpIhxTbhtuCzjnnOzJZcOCSigdVFaafDR3nuw3ADOdW1sLQTtzCyozhw0ho0TinlApqNBER0/s1600-h/Plane+BAGUIO.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394720974403795666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHf7-9KaDF2HiP-Kf_-zXiAD7z8F6zyv6-xG3DbbXwelc42y7u5o-QICLCDjaEUY9lyotpIhxTbhtuCzjnnOzJZcOCSigdVFaafDR3nuw3ADOdW1sLQTtzCyozhw0ho0TinlApqNBER0/s200/Plane+BAGUIO.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 173px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 237px;" /></a>Luckily, thanks to Jo(... again), in his effort of somehow saying 'sorry' to me for playing a 'cruel' prank at the beginning of this trip, he 'offered' to take both of us back to the city by taking... a plane! And what a brilliant idea that was!<br />
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All the flights leaving Baguio only in the morning. This is due to the visibility which normally would approach almost to zero in the afternoon. The fog starts to move in and cover most of the area surrounding the airport.<br />
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Loakan Airport, Baguio is located only 20" drive from the city. Oh yeah... only propeller driven aircraft is available. So... hang on tight to your seat...</div>
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eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-71135983215906343452009-08-10T06:48:00.000-07:002011-01-03T00:27:49.128-08:00SELAYANG Threesome<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1LU1NoaBa1IsxqoSn-R7dr3J1-_u2NOKxOtHgGtZ5FJQJGLaxbFLklOaYU0d1ndpKGZa3auwxoDKhbm6p-kIwYjn5iGWzuO2p3w8SKyI8AecfiJExLu9aypw5w2XsKRyq4Y4pEDY5nQ/s1600-h/Selayang+Spring+Pool+1+UNDER+TREE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368332089077504962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1LU1NoaBa1IsxqoSn-R7dr3J1-_u2NOKxOtHgGtZ5FJQJGLaxbFLklOaYU0d1ndpKGZa3auwxoDKhbm6p-kIwYjn5iGWzuO2p3w8SKyI8AecfiJExLu9aypw5w2XsKRyq4Y4pEDY5nQ/s320/Selayang+Spring+Pool+1+UNDER+TREE.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 183px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 308px;" /></a>Lying under the shades of cooling trees... looking at the bright sky which is filled with various shape of clouds moving about above the head... feeling the gentle touch of the late afternoon breeze... while having your legs soaked in a wonderful, warm water of <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc6600;">natura</span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://www.edenintheeast.com/">l</a></span></i></b> hot spring pond. How does that make you feel? Relaxing? <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc6600;">Rejuvenating</span></i></b>? And what if I were to tell you that the place where you can actually experience this is located only about 20km away from <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/">Kuala Lumpur</a></span></i></b> city? Welcome to Selayang Natural Hot Spring.<br />
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<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368334491007238930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMdmeYxHUmRR_HGQaM7msU3Z6maSjoxyziyu1D3MUQIGib_qBiUfDhgSMvSUKigipFb8RNEjtYvNTU6ykxnnMV8L80gyt0sWlXyJL5QN0zJadk1TcFe91g7Q0iJn7LBWwjKRiyP2aowg/s320/Selayang+Spring.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 128px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 162px;" />And how can get yourself to this place? Its pretty easy actually. You can travel along Jalan Ipoh towards Rawang town. After you have passed the 'Pasar Borong Selayang' (Selayang Wholesale Market) on your right, continue traveling until you approach the KIA Service Centre. From </div><div>here, take note of a signboard on your left just before approaching the flyover leading to Bandar Baru Selayang (Selayang New Town). You are almost there. The hot spring is just about 20 metres away from the main road. Another useful landmark for you is the Selayang Hospital. The hot spring is located about 2 km north of the hospital.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368337258684947906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgML1lnsBUhBl-a7unIJ53p_mcJWiE6g8wnz8VTO3Zzkc7tUGTZPcp8ZJz0y1fU9ET32C2Fr7EQnOXnFVrxcNU7_PH-MZADdq22DOehg4RHciFpKWIypfeWnugyEwwJIbHtQHVqMmGkRDI/s320/Selayang+Spring+Pool+1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 179px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 270px;" /></div><div>Selayang Hot Spring has been around for about 10 years but realtively 'unknown' to many people until last year </div><div>when it was 'upgraded'. A new signboard has also been erected at the slip road leading to the site. The entrance fee is RM2 per vehicle.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The spring site has also now been provided with proper washrooms and even the ground is cemented. There is also ample parking space available. And if you feel hungry or need to quench your thirst, there are a few kiosks selling food & beverages located at the side of the area.</div><div><br />
</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368339620697074930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkAMCB_74DSCFFA7dP5vFRl5bhWZpjPExQJrs6VUzMDFMfbmGgEobnPZSFKkuut8PacGa3MKoaKrKjBCxEDrizzE62P6nnv-TetPlANNdk-fmYuLoNEraMFen2QzkybGTbaJMkv01wYE/s200/Selayang+Spring+Old+Men.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 167px;" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">To be honest with you, in general, Selayang Hot Spring has 'nothing to shout about' ... really. But then again, people from all over Kuala</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Lumpur come here to fetch the water and some even bring home to</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">their elderly parents! The water is believed to have healing properties and could cure some <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc6600;">skin or aching feet</span></i></b>. But most interestingly, the locals claimed that the water can actually remain hot for as long as for 6 hours even after they were brought back home! Must be <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/">awesomely</a></span></i></b> hot!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">And while you are there, you can see all sort of antics and interesting behaviour of some of the bathers. Some of them can be downright funny though...but then again...of course...they have own reasons for behaving in such peculiar manners:)</span></span></div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368341995099235490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43-09dUIxTVIjlre6hkqUTHRot9PUkykzfFwZYvO35uZHuGul4qgOidjfe8ZJIsoNHmihqdeiPDpE3Ph2gPWpFIETk3s8-qOlgmS048eFcWaSPBzAuenKk-WIyuhv1biKtP-O-kWURrU/s320/Selayang+Spring+Pool+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 181px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 270px;" /></span></span></span></div><div>By the way, there are actually 3 different pools in this area. The first 3 pictures above were taken at the <b>1st </b></div><div><b>pool</b>. This is actually the hottest of all! Only the brave & </div><div>those with really, really 'thick skin' would dare to dip in their feet into this pool:) Bubbles and steam can be seen rising from this turquoise colored pool. There is also a faint smell of sulfur detected at the site.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The <b>2nd pool</b> (picture above on the left) is shallower and also less hot compared to the 1st one. The water looks a bit 'musky' but still has the same 'turquoise' color. </div><div><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368344634357876130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRILlhilsaOJ5L4E0Pb2c0TN3ab5jKEqjO8W0J4O9-BTf5enipLcvkHRL2i6iFI-uvPhUPiZ7FTfGzEcT0clpbBr20RBkBNcisIQKdjMyGVUsid5MoiVJ5fpGKvD0UlTTIrnGT6K3MWpA/s320/Selayang+Spring+Pool+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 183px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 300px;" /><br />
<div>The picture on the right shows the <b>3rd pool</b>. This is actually the favourite pool of the visitors. Eventhough the water in the pool looks really</div><div>muddy but strangely enough it seems that the crowd love to flock to this particular one. As with the 2nd pool, this is also a shallow pool.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Just as a gentle reminder to you, the very 1st pool that I've mentioned above is actually considered by many as a 'dangerous pool'. Indeed, several cases of drowning have been reported related to the said pool! So I guess, if you intend to venture out to this place, just bear on mind to be a little bit extra cautious and have a safe fun. And talking about 'fun', I remember that I could'nt stopped laughing when I read what was written on a signboard placed on the site....</div><div><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368348872493618946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTABlLEDLLEFA8yjhNv4_PEscPSwtTuYgoC-hW_CGpjLsuLy3vGS_gw7DNis4OZ5RUv0iI9UP2JZTE8X0SUtBaR87XY4-xhhr-CMF2AOzPabZuvJ4MvL5uRe7ccv5lEuFW5CujNzaRE4/s400/Selayang+Spring+Signage.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 227px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 302px;" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Loosely translated: </div><div style="text-align: center;">Please Take Note: To all visitors, kindly adhere to these guidelines</div><div style="text-align: center;">- do not place your feet in the pool</div><div style="text-align: center;">- do not wash clothings in the pool</div><div style="text-align: center;">- <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">do not wear <i>underwear</i> while bathing!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div></div></div>eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-85779951871576577502009-06-29T07:58:00.000-07:002011-01-03T00:27:06.975-08:00HOT In The City<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlMuVf8P98Dum5aruAKpcCe0F4YKAbxN7VEwquTXTcRPlpawChrx0qfknyLjLFkYnCf8aQ2wqzI8_i2gIAXChzmiMiKLgrkaFnyoWSmHZmqqiwHiXIu1hwB4hbs9TWS-XwWpTpeU3ofM/s1600-h/Wavy+Pool+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352765523526292370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlMuVf8P98Dum5aruAKpcCe0F4YKAbxN7VEwquTXTcRPlpawChrx0qfknyLjLFkYnCf8aQ2wqzI8_i2gIAXChzmiMiKLgrkaFnyoWSmHZmqqiwHiXIu1hwB4hbs9TWS-XwWpTpeU3ofM/s320/Wavy+Pool+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 166px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 248px;" /></a>That's right, you can get 'hot' even without leaving the city! Located right in the middle of the city (welll...almost. It is about 6km from the heart of <a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/">Kuala Lumpur</a> city), this used to be a very, very popular spot for getting 'hot & steamy in the city' back in the 60's & 70's! Wow! Talk about 'hot spot' retro style:)<br />
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The place I'm referring to is no other than the Setapak Hot Spring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhhbGIrzm1rN9R372glEJqYa54F3C1_tuDXSlz3xmDmXwyaeN5uFqrAqtnDiDniU2rf8xORdkiwZOIra6zL19KJpc53FJsoaDDU4q0A96LWZ125zJNKu1YDJY5ovYFrCdsGCodY59mCU/s1600-h/2+Spring+Oulets.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352764572353032690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhhbGIrzm1rN9R372glEJqYa54F3C1_tuDXSlz3xmDmXwyaeN5uFqrAqtnDiDniU2rf8xORdkiwZOIra6zL19KJpc53FJsoaDDU4q0A96LWZ125zJNKu1YDJY5ovYFrCdsGCodY59mCU/s200/2+Spring+Oulets.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 135px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 179px;" /></a>Back in those days, Setapak Hot Spring was indeed <span style="font-style: italic;">the</span> centre of the <a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/">community of the area</a>! People living nearby would gather at this 15' wide natural thermal pool each morning to either wash their clothes (!) or just simply take bath. And now... in this present time...the place is not as popular as it was before. Indeed, not many people living in KL even know that the city has its very own <i><b>natural</b></i> hot spring spot. Nevertheless, this hot spring site still remain as one of the favourite places in the city for those <span style="font-style: italic;">'faithful and in the know'</span> who still loyally flock to the spot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKks1F5PZCeY1KHIuk03l6NSDTYkyjZ8Z8fpakpFHzv68WLoXHOIUy634r12WoCkN0z3F_QcfG2a0XYMzs0fRoASUaLt-OqLvjr5hiUjiHTtPq4vSzweM6f3P5sxfsVT-KOVQf0KPrchg/s1600-h/Foot+Soaking+Pool.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352765139545713810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKks1F5PZCeY1KHIuk03l6NSDTYkyjZ8Z8fpakpFHzv68WLoXHOIUy634r12WoCkN0z3F_QcfG2a0XYMzs0fRoASUaLt-OqLvjr5hiUjiHTtPq4vSzweM6f3P5sxfsVT-KOVQf0KPrchg/s320/Foot+Soaking+Pool.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 221px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>I went to check out the place recently. It was pretty easy to locate the site. I took the Jalan Pahang route and went all the way to Setapak via Jalan Genting Kelang. Setapak Hot Spring is located about 1/2 km from the junction of Jalan Genting Kelang and Jalan Air Panas. And to make things easier, it is actually located within the compound of a residential building which is aptly named 'Resource Spring Apartment'. Parking space is available on the road shoulder... or you might even want to ask the friendly guards if they could allow you to park in the apartment's compound.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6nRWQN0eyCLiCOTAWFan9fKSH_tlL7fFSSzVujeLgb33xNAh-Zx4H2_qSfgLL2WMdW9kl2U7ldea6x3Vii0j9LvwjhSFqj_Dx38DTu5nql6VA3aGtHQSKYfGqwjMBirn36v8yyhyphenhyphenD_k/s1600-h/Wavy+Pool+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352764389997535378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6nRWQN0eyCLiCOTAWFan9fKSH_tlL7fFSSzVujeLgb33xNAh-Zx4H2_qSfgLL2WMdW9kl2U7ldea6x3Vii0j9LvwjhSFqj_Dx38DTu5nql6VA3aGtHQSKYfGqwjMBirn36v8yyhyphenhyphenD_k/s320/Wavy+Pool+4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 271px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>The entrance fee is only for RM1, and that would even entitled you for a 'timba' (through used for scooping water). You see, no one is allowed to jump into the pool. Or swim in any part of the 'wavy pool' area. And to be honest with you, I don't think anyone would even dare to do such things. The water is piping hot! And... the water is believed to be even HOTTER during rainy season and also between the months of January until April. Don't ask me why....?<br />
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So, the 'timba' can be used to collect or scoop up the water from the pool. Oh yeah, by the way, you need to return the 'timba' before leaving the place, OK:))<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmdCfAMGcSl_7JsTeg-t1A7ynUDE4rK6ZpccClBec9-zXXprK2kHxu9OB5ysK4QTOWvcuHkMhp5oWJv51vVWaM3yPKDxhrs5STxz__A9WtM7O7FsmzrlZvq8TKB3Z7sm1Pg_EiM1cjG8/s1600-h/Entrance+to+Bath+Cubicles.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352765827150468738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmdCfAMGcSl_7JsTeg-t1A7ynUDE4rK6ZpccClBec9-zXXprK2kHxu9OB5ysK4QTOWvcuHkMhp5oWJv51vVWaM3yPKDxhrs5STxz__A9WtM7O7FsmzrlZvq8TKB3Z7sm1Pg_EiM1cjG8/s200/Entrance+to+Bath+Cubicles.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 130px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>Setapak Hot Spring is opened everyday from 7am - 7pm.<br />
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The site is generally comprises of 4 different zones:<br />
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1) The 'wavy pool' area<br />
2) The 'spring outlets' area<br />
3) Foot Soaking area<br />
4) Bath Cubicles<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXfdM1xz4QZS9NSEmeiEv0T1cqTH9C9yUIkCSppcxU9q4aKNFdU_TL4VYuqPRqXkkz4eZ8_yDaEIHw_9BCL6QjBdDBxwrh2jly4y-Lsd6MvOcrh1Q5FfXSTKLvMBlyLAcH94UcFJ31dM/s1600-h/Deep+End+of+Wavy+Pool.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352766127153379938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXfdM1xz4QZS9NSEmeiEv0T1cqTH9C9yUIkCSppcxU9q4aKNFdU_TL4VYuqPRqXkkz4eZ8_yDaEIHw_9BCL6QjBdDBxwrh2jly4y-Lsd6MvOcrh1Q5FfXSTKLvMBlyLAcH94UcFJ31dM/s200/Deep+End+of+Wavy+Pool.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 85px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>To be honest with you, I was very disappointed with the condition of the Bath Cubicles area. The less said here is the better.<br />
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Anyway, I would recommend you to enjoy your 'hot-dipping-and-soaking' activities restricted only to those 3 areas (wavy pool, spring outlet & foot soaking areas). Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqJOsj43DUTuZjDCwhYmfPsEkq8JQHpMm3c_1WBa1okgGSiYD4LPy8eyNda4oZoyKd_GE4-2sm4A23WTCEwbDWkeV_g5T8r0qKFJRMTBSegK-XjdvIGI-l8JJ6I8dfhNGe5vq3N9UNys/s1600-h/Foot+Soaking.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352766423918729906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqJOsj43DUTuZjDCwhYmfPsEkq8JQHpMm3c_1WBa1okgGSiYD4LPy8eyNda4oZoyKd_GE4-2sm4A23WTCEwbDWkeV_g5T8r0qKFJRMTBSegK-XjdvIGI-l8JJ6I8dfhNGe5vq3N9UNys/s200/Foot+Soaking.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 148px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLsjziXflgChSDsyjo31jvPuIkFdLP1GJwXq0VgNp7sb0i0YzHNJUczK8gbjVlalEjc0qGmJzYHTHJisee-57OP7AuWezlcQ_Zog7aAJNUwjnhey7UC3e2mo_L_VBl89Bvc3lO1C12B0/s1600-h/Spring+Outlet.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352766809628907026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLsjziXflgChSDsyjo31jvPuIkFdLP1GJwXq0VgNp7sb0i0YzHNJUczK8gbjVlalEjc0qGmJzYHTHJisee-57OP7AuWezlcQ_Zog7aAJNUwjnhey7UC3e2mo_L_VBl89Bvc3lO1C12B0/s320/Spring+Outlet.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 167px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 220px;" /></a>eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-78680130952303683972009-06-01T08:38:00.001-07:002011-01-03T00:26:25.125-08:00HOT Kerling<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueFZEJtHbfe8A3iDyJDrsfAXjViCG5Dg73INcm0zdwGFDNaB6SsFlCE8tGLN3MLrVVSMDhoVknfa65994xwc0-EAuJKo60V0Iom1WWlGRl4QIGx03koBjIfmz7X-IDNlj0bCSEv5CSQE/s1600-h/KerlingHotSpring+Pool.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342384276634681858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueFZEJtHbfe8A3iDyJDrsfAXjViCG5Dg73INcm0zdwGFDNaB6SsFlCE8tGLN3MLrVVSMDhoVknfa65994xwc0-EAuJKo60V0Iom1WWlGRl4QIGx03koBjIfmz7X-IDNlj0bCSEv5CSQE/s320/KerlingHotSpring+Pool.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 226px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>Kerling Hot Spring is a spot that has not been greatly advertised. Thus, if you do not keep your eye on the signboards along the way to the place, you could have easily missed this little-known 'hidden-gem' located not far from <a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/">KL city</a>.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>But then again, mind you, it is not that a pleasant ride all the way to this <i><b>beautiful 'eden'</b></i>. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Well... first of all, the place is actually located some kilometres away on the northern side of Batang Kali town. I dont know about you, but I am not familiar at all with this part of the city. So for me, even to reach Batang Kali town from KL itself was already some sort of a <a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/">'mini-adventure'</a> on its own!</div><div><br />
<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342384492478101954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFfQEO6wJZyLTJ5fySXgkgYCjSEgT24WHkFAF9A4dAoeJmwiFO9DTBZ1sF-ys9tm0ezERLfVsi92r1j3xd371EpXQlROJyAfqKmzV2YPTvCLg-gt3BBuYzfblmJm5tfWBSsWYup88Srs/s320/Bridge@KerlingHotSpring.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 173px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 297px;" /></div><div>After you have reached Batang Kali town, go all the way to a place called 'New Village'. Then, continue along... the place is located approximately 2 km from the 'New Village'. After you leave the housing area, you will soon notice that the paved road has changed into a 'dirty road'(unpaved). This means that you are already off the beaten track. You might want to slow down a bit here because the 'road' is laid with tons of loose gravel and stones. Mind your tyres!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342384772974721618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7nKg4eThV7AbFG9PWI1GpZgW6X68bmBO8hznFvQQkyU60ycbhQTHZ7xbOMN051Pki5ny9jxs1VsbwuX2mRwO9qVhLOj284G1bPPK44Le-6jjLWSwSbhsV8pWoxvfCo7AFmEVmHOqOTQ/s320/KerlingHotSpring+Pool+Close+Up.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 243px;" /><br />
<div>Nevertheless, as you make your way along this unpaved stretch of road, you might have the chance to observe some farmers and workers go about their routines in the rubber plantation areas. </div><div><br />
</div><div>And watch out for the trucks! Yes, timber trucks carrying huge logs use the same dirty road you are taking now. So be careful. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Soon after that, you will find yourself driving on a paved road again! Yeahhhh... strange, but dont ask me why and how? Anyway, from here on you will realise that you are actually driving along or parallel to a small beautiful clear water stream. That is actually Kerling River. Well... that means you are almost there!</div><div><br />
</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342385367146555474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuF318MUGbkCKyHziVo3jQ5C3MuNyKwvcbEUvtgYOP4-FVNboPy-FwsL4Wc5UqzOQkCVKk9sCgUgdUmUCQ8CuWkzA0Do3otPaFFyjvy4nPSfo4pcWlF_SFzMuJxe3d9OoZDBe3v5vwtM/s320/Kerling+Clear+Stream.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 283px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 291px;" /></div><div>Some quick facts about the Kerling Hot Spring....</div><div><br />
</div><div>- water temperature: approximately 104C!</div><div>- yessssaaa... very HOT indeed</div><div>- infact, it is claimed that Kerling Hot Spring is the ... listen to this... the 5th hottest in the WORLD!</div><div>- even the rocks are almost too hot to touch...ouch!</div><div>- frequently, you can see steam rise off the surface of the water</div><div>- and there is slight smell of sulphur</div><div>- the main pond is a mix of colors... with green from the algae & shades of brown from the minerals</div><div>- a 'slim' concrete walkway/bridge gives access to the main source of the spring(the main pond)</div><div><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342385653321710802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEQVcl9OskaR7cPxT127Pj_Y2TTdO91uH9WQCag_OXk1k59oFCH6bEpbmt-iUke0mXR8VsvQ3bFInxPJUqum9nnFRZSgBqVQUUsJj5dHmJ0Z5ErMo120rYefUKElctc3mj7cYddV3dQ0/s320/Kerling+Stream.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 251px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 287px;" /><br />
<div>Within a stone-throw away distance from the hot spring pond is a stream which is deep enough for you to jump in for a quick cooling plunge. Indeed, that would be the best way to enjoy hot spring!</div><div><br />
</div><div>First dip yourself in the cool stream, then come out of it and go the hot pond and immerse your body in it. Stay for in the pond for at least 10 minutes. Then jump into the stream again. And continue the cyle until you feel so, very, very <i><b>refreshed and rejuvenated</b></i>. But then maybe.... these kind of acts are not really meant for those with heart related problems. So, you've been warned. Dont do it unless you are really fit, wokay?</div><div><br />
</div></div>eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-4400799262039640032009-04-23T08:24:00.000-07:002011-01-03T00:25:36.908-08:00HOT in KL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKsTuMgkAxZzpwTl_kyBoNFC0dKmDCorIilBxfwbp7UGejjyMjq99QUPdjVfw2lFa_ax9CS6smbRkG4Z4q1n28lzNTDcF7MhViFOc0kkf0JK2LZRKN_T_wYG7VTNC5L9Xm-uAwNbzyr0/s1600-h/Hulu+Tamu+Pool+2-A.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327920992430845442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKsTuMgkAxZzpwTl_kyBoNFC0dKmDCorIilBxfwbp7UGejjyMjq99QUPdjVfw2lFa_ax9CS6smbRkG4Z4q1n28lzNTDcF7MhViFOc0kkf0JK2LZRKN_T_wYG7VTNC5L9Xm-uAwNbzyr0/s320/Hulu+Tamu+Pool+2-A.jpg" style="float: right; height: 55px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 119px;" /></a>Wanna get 'hot' but dont want to go that far away from <a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/">KL city</a>? Not to worry. There are actually a few 'hot spots' that you can reach within 1/2 hour to an hour from KL. One of them is Hulu Tamu <i><b>natural</b></i> hot spring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwCWnFYI_u09BztKD1S51GQeQnAQfaqPiuvQpcTf0R_kE9EtCbZvA07s9-9IaDhJKT9mOftXjzFnk8CfKpUkbpDaz9bjdzOBkmPaNDj5wQoDE3qep7GhTJQQtqIR-9JR8Loyg9mTPc2k/s1600-h/Hulu+Tamu+Hot+Spring+Area.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327923453830090482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwCWnFYI_u09BztKD1S51GQeQnAQfaqPiuvQpcTf0R_kE9EtCbZvA07s9-9IaDhJKT9mOftXjzFnk8CfKpUkbpDaz9bjdzOBkmPaNDj5wQoDE3qep7GhTJQQtqIR-9JR8Loyg9mTPc2k/s320/Hulu+Tamu+Hot+Spring+Area.jpg" style="float: left; height: 73px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 106px;" /></a>Where exactly is this Hulu Tamu place...? Well first of all it is located in the Hulu Selangor district. There are a number of ways on how you can reach the place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5cR4427DPwkusXU4vDaRfBpZbDhc8WC2U5PTSs0ghZZJtTPO2VpXs8rcy7wmLsa0yCQRZu77Kpx76XDDWCpB1stBCWgNe09v0fcv7tKESIeicDB-1iY89yOSP-ss_lX2ZnRdKFRYvZM/s1600-h/Hulu+Tamu+Pool+2-B.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327923856329728626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5cR4427DPwkusXU4vDaRfBpZbDhc8WC2U5PTSs0ghZZJtTPO2VpXs8rcy7wmLsa0yCQRZu77Kpx76XDDWCpB1stBCWgNe09v0fcv7tKESIeicDB-1iY89yOSP-ss_lX2ZnRdKFRYvZM/s320/Hulu+Tamu+Pool+2-B.jpg" style="float: right; height: 54px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 69px;" /></a>Nevertheless, you may want to try out this route:<br />
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First of all, head on to Batang Kali town. At the traffic light junction in Batang Kali, turn to the road that leads to Genting Highland. The Hulu Tamu hot spring is located about 7 km from this traffic light junction. After passing a residential area called 'Ligamas', turn to left at the 1st junction you see. The 'Kampung Sungai Masin' signboard will then come into your view. Keep on driving.<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327933524270754594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJwNb3XsDA2dhjUfV1emfpdOaTzTpfON6v9cdIV_hu8FZIEYPQfa0guGQoNdGeQzp8UUBUVSB4tvTBhrylDKRrhFmNlZRRXGiGe0dGwjxKPoWskoXIoWjIuYxuKlLo-ExIbSxvekcMA8/s320/Hulu+Tamu+Scenario.jpg" style="display: block; height: 124px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /> This will take you through some <i><b><a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/">traditional villages</a></b></i> as well as rubber and oil palm plantations. Nice view, fresh air, friendly people... what more could you ask for?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3j94JwqbnkT0_6eWloMYZzoIgq3JthuFeiccru80aTTn3Cv_qjm985Xo5JcwUTvLuJLoo4NfJKauyKJOgoLpOo5Z91SEwUPq8YdU2Y7G9vqLHIy94MGREVfCbXZWn4Y1fM5OlcAvfM1c/s1600-h/Signboard+Hulu+Tamu.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327918510693313794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3j94JwqbnkT0_6eWloMYZzoIgq3JthuFeiccru80aTTn3Cv_qjm985Xo5JcwUTvLuJLoo4NfJKauyKJOgoLpOo5Z91SEwUPq8YdU2Y7G9vqLHIy94MGREVfCbXZWn4Y1fM5OlcAvfM1c/s320/Signboard+Hulu+Tamu.jpg" style="float: left; height: 69px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></a>Not long after that you will be able to see the 'Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor' signboard placed strategically right infront of you. <br />
The signboard gives the direction pointing to your destination... the Hulu Tamu natural hot spring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRB2wa3c2HHvKapsX1sX-9MuTmVHZl07Jig646tdtk0fvbAtvCGfOFM7xDqnjAwFTM3sTM6-F3wb6Bnjs0yWSaquJwmro_qA1zxHodgTjf7w7aoj0raVxW19b-HfsY-8VrJXkrF8R4AuI/s1600-h/Hulu+Tamu+Pools.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327918208216102610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRB2wa3c2HHvKapsX1sX-9MuTmVHZl07Jig646tdtk0fvbAtvCGfOFM7xDqnjAwFTM3sTM6-F3wb6Bnjs0yWSaquJwmro_qA1zxHodgTjf7w7aoj0raVxW19b-HfsY-8VrJXkrF8R4AuI/s320/Hulu+Tamu+Pools.jpg" style="float: right; height: 151px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 220px;" /></a>There are only 2 pools built in the area.<br />
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And, yes... they do look a bit 'old' and somehow as if they have been 'abandoned'. Indeed, some visitors may find that they do look a bit 'eerie'... hmmm. I leave the rest to your own 'creative imagination'...<br />
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Anyway, about those 2 pools - one has 'not-so-piping-hot' spring water in it, while the other one is much more hotter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff6BffTtVQbXXKE4oQaRL-lwqMidv5V7ag1-VKkl_q9XkYRt8SdoY6iVMJjHvBoWfAMTnVj0DIcWO52LM0rLc6hxV5MYw_o-6mPZLEDDnt6Pp_ueP2LYiRDnXpZALumY_P9I3oKC9zbQ/s1600-h/Feet+Dippin+%40+Hulu+Tamu.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327921700149263122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff6BffTtVQbXXKE4oQaRL-lwqMidv5V7ag1-VKkl_q9XkYRt8SdoY6iVMJjHvBoWfAMTnVj0DIcWO52LM0rLc6hxV5MYw_o-6mPZLEDDnt6Pp_ueP2LYiRDnXpZALumY_P9I3oKC9zbQ/s320/Feet+Dippin+%40+Hulu+Tamu.jpg" style="float: left; height: 84px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 145px;" /></a>Or, if you dont want to take the trouble of changing & getting yourself wet... you can always do the 'skinny dipping' thingy. Ooops. I mean 'feet dipping'.<br />
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Any which way you choose, the natural hot spring would definitely make you feel <i><b>rejuvenated, de-stressed and relaxed</b></i>. Enjoy!<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327925384073615026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITURduCYWzb-W56pjwZY8IamE4Hz6jxlk7wnSlqILL2FSXgl5Z48DzHpkItCBe0Or44bS2K-RDJAR-4lDtM2PAZ4QMvmEl1zMn61RxUPkXlj3Sej3LK_i9pEIb9lNrSMT7vn-s-qdQHs/s320/Hulu+Tamu+Pool+1-B.jpg" style="display: block; height: 155px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 191px;" />eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-34247346211148598012009-02-19T02:31:00.000-08:002011-01-03T00:24:54.592-08:00Turkish Delights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHM2-214YxdyzJb_YyY0wz0Ca9Wo8fwslwlbDvqjbixXkF26cT65QmElfMcSFeYdTVW6sejN2wwG_Gcm4sPOLrUW6LqatD7yA28YNYABYA4F8iBBebCeTPBMj2RGCR_fmHsbDpikbBFs/s1600-h/PAMUKKALE+cotton+in+the+air.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319640347470384258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHM2-214YxdyzJb_YyY0wz0Ca9Wo8fwslwlbDvqjbixXkF26cT65QmElfMcSFeYdTVW6sejN2wwG_Gcm4sPOLrUW6LqatD7yA28YNYABYA4F8iBBebCeTPBMj2RGCR_fmHsbDpikbBFs/s320/PAMUKKALE+cotton+in+the+air.jpg" style="float: right; height: 159px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 213px;" /></a><br />
<div><div><div><div><div>Lets try something different this time. A different location in a different region and ... an experience that was oh sooo, sooo very delightfully amazing that I feel the need to include it in this site which I normally dedicate to places of interest found in the <i><b>Malay Archipelago</b></i> region only. Yup, as the title suggests, I want to share with you the heavenly experience of immersing in the warm, calm pools... lounging like a seal in the middle of the night... enjoying the mesmerising view of the twinkling lights of a small town below and the sparkling bright stars above... in a place known locally as the 'Cotton Castle'... or famously known as 'Pamukkale' located in Turkey.</div><div><div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnMx-7umloJ5haw6GVoUHyOzPki_xJrA3u3VsLjR35U-SQBLO3jM_CMZd1sjbGpbd_fG50kTHnmQXLRvoive8OZqaQtoWT6ut6MXIIJHcZP4bIFFtSD9jLRC3NDQij5CIAmvasVJ-2LM/s1600-h/Sunset+Pamukale.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304478418815897602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnMx-7umloJ5haw6GVoUHyOzPki_xJrA3u3VsLjR35U-SQBLO3jM_CMZd1sjbGpbd_fG50kTHnmQXLRvoive8OZqaQtoWT6ut6MXIIJHcZP4bIFFtSD9jLRC3NDQij5CIAmvasVJ-2LM/s320/Sunset+Pamukale.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 126px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a>I took a bus from Istanbul to a small lovely sea-side town called Izmir. 2 days later I wanted to continue my journey to Antalya, a popular sea-side resort town. That was when I found out about this fantastic and unique hot-spring spot which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site back in 1998. Almost instantly I made some slight changes to my trip plan - It then became a trip to Antalya via Pamukkale! And I thanked God for that last-minute-change-of-mind:)</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319357027157173266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWNu2oHIy5pGjmxwQUmfnSZbUNyJg7PH4HduG2pEeP3IPhq6-aoCqD9VunbmKZKU_emNQOhxXJyu4j8LPUmXmpJkXtDrIum5p6gOKfiHNRwtqrDiI6tHgNBq27o5R7xypPpt52P1YLlo/s320/BUSFrens.jpg" style="float: left; height: 174px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 219px;" />The bus trip to the little village of Pamukkale ( located on the western side of Turkey and in the Denizil Province) was itself a very interesting experience for me. I met some 'fast- but-nice-friends' on the bus. I enjoyed the view of beautiful and captivating scenery along the trip. But on top of everything, upon approaching the Denizili village ( a town closest to Pamukkale), my heart beats started to pound so heavily when I saw the glimpse of 'Cotton Castle' from afar. It was truly one of the most <i><a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/">AWESOME</a></i> sight I had ever encountered in my whole life!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8HG8SH4Zs2U1oqT5iDsjASS9yqmwEWf8V8T-qv0cheI5MymNk_m0jhG7kjCzmF7Kay736pvSRW_NgFqXdfvjH6feff3eIupqvCsB2Js41qkbyvbgwnLQR57eEAn8gtaSdDowhyphenhyphencO_KM/s1600-h/PAMUKKALE+terrace.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiP1O0goc60lrtNonXZNITfbi0KaS4uKbETkJ4fX-qT9T0Qfn4yvAesFHjtHHdD9KSYZcL7oyl9Lyds0O0aMyUK7PlSuMv3s0jk8RJ8eV-GYOqvt0GUhc_R_0C4SAo6JSAnDkTZdcycE/s1600-h/Pamukale+From+Far.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304479519209296290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiP1O0goc60lrtNonXZNITfbi0KaS4uKbETkJ4fX-qT9T0Qfn4yvAesFHjtHHdD9KSYZcL7oyl9Lyds0O0aMyUK7PlSuMv3s0jk8RJ8eV-GYOqvt0GUhc_R_0C4SAo6JSAnDkTZdcycE/s320/Pamukale+From+Far.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 132px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 194px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319356009318485970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OFBBId-xTZMaMA2Bj6iDN7gzx0RVCeLfpbl6gh7f0DgbWeKaX6uxUjqRHhH1l5EBZDznUroce74oOHmWF_WvBnXFqO8IDBehtMMAhLkBsYJoKZepKecPjNt_l3c6MWMWdg1tLk7fH48/s320/PAMUKKALE+terrace.jpg" style="display: block; height: 160px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></div>First, I saw a rock platform which was about 100m high rising up suddenly, out of nowhere, from the plain. A white,<i><b> <a href="http://pettport.blogspot.com/">mega, tall 'tower'</a></b></i> in the middle of nowhere. It looked like something which was done of snow...or cloud...or cotton(then I understood why they called it such). It was really something which should be seen to be believed! No amount of photos or videos could do justice to the actual sight of the phenomenon.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w-63eQFUZgs8v8ky5s-SW8YSF5h_lMFsDNdvXy8Mo97DVypnxtQ5MTc3t_Tm7BsEKWtJwIEmtwQeetaxS3cWjcAxUP_60w3-fsBORP40woBqRgQPYj2sS1VOMuGruVn1rlqq4A3ljxw/s1600-h/Tourists+@+Pamukkale.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304480365053688562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w-63eQFUZgs8v8ky5s-SW8YSF5h_lMFsDNdvXy8Mo97DVypnxtQ5MTc3t_Tm7BsEKWtJwIEmtwQeetaxS3cWjcAxUP_60w3-fsBORP40woBqRgQPYj2sS1VOMuGruVn1rlqq4A3ljxw/s320/Tourists+@+Pamukkale.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 247px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><br />
<div></div><div>As the bus approached nearer to Pamukkale,<br />
<div>I soon began to see that it looked or resembled more like frozen waterfall instead.</div><div></div><div>I was getting so excited already. Couldnt wait to climb up that white-cotton hill and take a closer look at this 'out-of-the-world' phenomenon.</div><div>Pamukkale village had many small hotels and 'pensions'. Indeed, at the foot of that 'Cotton in the Air' hill, there were numerous budget hotels, restaurants and such services as shops and bus ticket offices. And, not surprisingly, many of these small hotels had their very own small and warm mineral water pools! After hurriedly checking into one of the pensions (the one I chose was indeed very 'cute' looking, homely, clean and friendly small home which had been turned into a budget residence) , I started 'marching' up onto the 'cotton' hill.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHOJjHxTLFb1Vou3Oaa_jPBgBtY8ytTG2HITNsn14bkBmarWq_JSThYRCEsJ9QB5Qr1l9sNwUnyQiK3dRFKZa4lbn8SxfyR7_whS2mmA8k51Jrne8qwXz8toQsy7qU0fxPfU1C3P5UWM/s1600-h/Me+%40+PAMUKKALE+terrace2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319639988177033314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHOJjHxTLFb1Vou3Oaa_jPBgBtY8ytTG2HITNsn14bkBmarWq_JSThYRCEsJ9QB5Qr1l9sNwUnyQiK3dRFKZa4lbn8SxfyR7_whS2mmA8k51Jrne8qwXz8toQsy7qU0fxPfU1C3P5UWM/s320/Me+%40+PAMUKKALE+terrace2.jpg" style="float: right; height: 160px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 213px;" /></a></div><div><br />
It turned out that the slopes of the hill, which from a far looked like a white speck, were covered with large number of pools and terraces. The hill was a pristine sparkling white! And the pools of water a serene green, or blue, or... what color was that? The water could change color, indeed! How unbelievablely amazing! I was later informed the color of the water change in accordance with changes of the solar light that illuminates them. At times the water looked white, others looked blue or green. Whateverrrr. The only thing I remember was that the effect was SURPRISING!</div><div><div><div><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319345083218289826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGML2zIuiS1ltkGkGr8T299nVXdMw8-W4g4urbnAmD_ViSuFw9UAwK6HXgiVU8I5FP0Nx8FUq0gA0UqkfAV1jgiyWhAE1dA67QIiQZqICArmEhCkRmm2To4uOqK0ZjlS2hrQwro-JvBQ/s320/Me+in+PAMUKKALE+pool.jpg" style="float: left; height: 227px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Later... much, much later that night... I climbed up the hill again. It was almost at the end of a summer season and fall was approaching fast in Turkey at that time, so it was a bit cold but not that kind of 'freezing-cold'. Just nice. And the water in the pools was comfortably warm. So when I finally dipped my whole body into the pool... the feeling was... unspeakably enjoyable!<br />
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</div></div><div>Sitting quietly in the pool...watching the flickering lights coming from Pamukkale Village down below... feasting my eyes on the thousand twinkling stars in the clear sky above... i thought I had died and went to Heaven!</div><div><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304482402537513586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK4oEh-e_T8YXwBRtdr8s2V1JWmt1Wa2Qj2kUwzxJ-YL5Q7f95R1LVY6RBQaLb6-Z3B-dEBmpxk_h9B88sZmrkdvxkxqb7cvNIwXUQIMNqSYMKtoEBk5k1Zv0wBsAiHO8IE-vgEGJ-iY/s320/Village+View+Frm+Pamukale.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 108px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319355373775699794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu7piS1JUN_BNoBoljIYeJticOYy8sUAo9fPPO1jSNr9AcMUUgYkuMWMvrSYP9AcF1aDWPMspNR2TAhVKAPsL4U-ueOrLDhueAccLsCNJS8Fex6mRNFJRgzXG1YpNdTdTyYjnr2yn0Vg/s320/Sacred+Pool+of+Pamukkale.jpg" style="float: right; height: 152px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 247px;" /></div><br />
<div><div style="text-align: left;">No wonder then this 'cotton-in-the-air' hill has been a <i><b>SPA</b></i> since the Romans era. Indeed, the Romans had built the 'Hierapolis' (somesort like a spa resort of the ancient time) right on this very hill, and the 'Sacred Pool' - one of the spa pools they built - is still very much there, littered with marble colums from the Roman Temple of Apollo. How grand!<br />
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</div></div><div>I finally continued my journey to Antalya TWO DAYS later (initially I planned to stay only for a night in Pamukkale...but then again... phewwwww...just look at the pictures... it was not easy at all for me to leave that <i><b>heavenly 'eden'</b></i>). From Antalya, I continued to Ankara. And on my last leg of the journey, I decided to ride a train from Ankara all the way back toIstanbul.</div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">IZMIR</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AEGxc9tGR9wP6U8Gz3oOgqhUq3mKRndRPvL9uPIc25XlV76YROLFOjRehpq76zYgImjYmR9kYpMvsdKh0Clf1rFKQVv7lzg-hbbDXyAL6L7g9qpOYLs5RIPUEBbqFO4eV3bfphoXvvQ/s1600-h/Izmir.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304486004943452178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AEGxc9tGR9wP6U8Gz3oOgqhUq3mKRndRPvL9uPIc25XlV76YROLFOjRehpq76zYgImjYmR9kYpMvsdKh0Clf1rFKQVv7lzg-hbbDXyAL6L7g9qpOYLs5RIPUEBbqFO4eV3bfphoXvvQ/s320/Izmir.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 157px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 248px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDlgGmyFSRfVOkew5Dgw_Vpgj-swHD2zseCYoJydB8Jv7-Zhl0svO1Yw_2mJsWAfO8xiS5uKADrvgpkCwx2kqx5Ug8_knFrop4MTVaqAnCJ4yE3Y-gPy5HWd6mAnd72FiqOzxZDRlXEg/s1600-h/Izmir+Hilltop.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304486396507149426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDlgGmyFSRfVOkew5Dgw_Vpgj-swHD2zseCYoJydB8Jv7-Zhl0svO1Yw_2mJsWAfO8xiS5uKADrvgpkCwx2kqx5Ug8_knFrop4MTVaqAnCJ4yE3Y-gPy5HWd6mAnd72FiqOzxZDRlXEg/s320/Izmir+Hilltop.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 163px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 247px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande; font-style: italic;">ANTALYA</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihShGAFDJPK9JhAkKgj7SlKZcT1ZXucOJ1ir6XhguNZYauFeJoI5lGosfkxFO1qjGxRMjYVb2ME9_-GlEzAmAgaxs_5PLZp1-50NK2pvtVYhTIyHy1IJrt6j1mdAn4SuOiFQYBBpmJXNM/s1600-h/Konyaalti+Beach,+ANTALYA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304487001097807538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihShGAFDJPK9JhAkKgj7SlKZcT1ZXucOJ1ir6XhguNZYauFeJoI5lGosfkxFO1qjGxRMjYVb2ME9_-GlEzAmAgaxs_5PLZp1-50NK2pvtVYhTIyHy1IJrt6j1mdAn4SuOiFQYBBpmJXNM/s320/Konyaalti+Beach,+ANTALYA.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 171px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 242px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande; font-style: italic;">ANKARA</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRdrK0u3vtXJUvEZtdpZ69g_BSBJOQhxo_13rzj7KmAr1h6hJRQxs2x8gPcaOtbvpt6vwGfN7aeL0VNDipdsSUD41-OTjiKx9-1dKWYjAKX2CqOVC0_saY42Jxs_TvwYamhhVvP5zmYY/s1600-h/ANKARA+frm+Far.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304488125030756882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRdrK0u3vtXJUvEZtdpZ69g_BSBJOQhxo_13rzj7KmAr1h6hJRQxs2x8gPcaOtbvpt6vwGfN7aeL0VNDipdsSUD41-OTjiKx9-1dKWYjAKX2CqOVC0_saY42Jxs_TvwYamhhVvP5zmYY/s320/ANKARA+frm+Far.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 112px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<div style="color: #663366; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Me enjoying 'Turkish Delights'...</span></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319351097823888130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJEiWBMvjAAWSt2mZbGUkUQ8K2yNATw2TV8eZSMsmfjym9gxBPaISWuln3Sq50hj5MkOeNP7UDCtHRf_XoirImI3zoNzuy7WdGeWapY8Tcqkm49YHsNj9kY1IhFUZ0EZ5jzMDfm0wnr8/s320/BRIDGEBhosporous.jpg" style="display: block; height: 147px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319348394990213586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vmKUzPG0iR2mhswl_UvdENadXYBS1wfLY8PlIOY5LGsF0_gL4VLOwuDZyHx_4_7Di3PL5-bbjm8pXHUHRODWM-db6kXrn4Mk94fRHB2RmlcqxAHU6R7GLolpfWi2iuavz6Si-mBxb5A/s320/BLUmasjidBENCH.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 284px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: right; width: 320px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319350065401491266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirf-V5_jWiLLShPZKqkWtZeULyCdDzZqUoBtrwCkDoHwppy4S8C0c1B9bogp3RbkiOcZIu7VBw6H9s8t5qHymodsqRMHgnMXJqM82e1k2S_I-xGmzgFdZyuaPHuEL2hn0wS_ecfc3PkSM/s320/AYASOFYAmasjid.jpg" style="display: block; height: 281px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-67798007222283976632008-12-29T08:15:00.000-08:002011-01-03T00:23:44.184-08:00HOT in Bandung<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZW1eiIQfEF9ztUopDYdn7RkbyDV3FthM_cxiB-wa5uzccTGDNTDu9gnwoQR6u1yWKCtrPMGtxhQlICN2DRruHLaEtqF1JUfhLyX8LPX7Y6LoXnIMcethDxlJ63BRMNMzsOFYuZiaH6_4/s1600-h/Pancur+Air+Panas+Siater.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285262678307586594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZW1eiIQfEF9ztUopDYdn7RkbyDV3FthM_cxiB-wa5uzccTGDNTDu9gnwoQR6u1yWKCtrPMGtxhQlICN2DRruHLaEtqF1JUfhLyX8LPX7Y6LoXnIMcethDxlJ63BRMNMzsOFYuZiaH6_4/s320/Pancur+Air+Panas+Siater.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 166px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>No... not that 'kind' of hot:) I'm talking about the beautiful natural hot-spring located at the foot of Mount <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tangkuban</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Perahu</span></span> in the region of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Subang</span></span> Mountain Range in Bandung.<br />
<br />
As usual, I did not opt for any package tour or hired a guide. Instead, after some reading from the brochures and Internet, I took an '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">angkut</span>'-some kind of a modified pick-up truck which is used to carry passengers (Bandung's version of a mini bus, if you may call it...) to the city's Terminal Station. From there I hopped on to another '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">angkut</span>' which is bound to go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Subang</span> via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lembang</span>. The '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">angkut</span>' then dropped me at the entrance to Mount <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Tangkuban</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Perahu</span></span>. The whole trip took about 1 hour 30 minutes and cost me only RP8000.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Note: '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Angkut</span>' literally means 'carry'. This is another aspect of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Bahasa</span> Indonesia which I truly love. Practical, unpretentious and it does not even bother to '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">glossify</span>' words in order to make them sound good or proper or even 'politically correct'. Awesome:)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7m7PKKupcCTn3yNx7qPyT8QH3cDQdpnAO9CrZRVj1sHHivQjOEjbZAP5wYGX_IYgRd95Yaby7oFylyU8T9uNXX1NEsOcEW8olOv_QRhSvBODSKsf9JpxD5YJJrbA8nceWPyVTyefyzo8/s1600-h/Me+@+Tea+Plantation,+Tangkuban+Prahu,+Bandong.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285258378643667778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7m7PKKupcCTn3yNx7qPyT8QH3cDQdpnAO9CrZRVj1sHHivQjOEjbZAP5wYGX_IYgRd95Yaby7oFylyU8T9uNXX1NEsOcEW8olOv_QRhSvBODSKsf9JpxD5YJJrbA8nceWPyVTyefyzo8/s320/Me+@+Tea+Plantation,+Tangkuban+Prahu,+Bandong.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>And what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">da</span></span> ya know... the place was closed for the day due to safety reason! Apparently there had been some minor 'seismic movements' around the area of an active crater called '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bomas</span>'. So, naturally the officials did what there were supposed to do: closed the place and chased visitors away from the area. I was so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">dissappointed</span>, devastated!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qs5aDWKGwOv2Fju680oiYXImMzi35_HEV-8YhznrJ6GpolDLg_zxRBXqxRwunt0Uaah56h9veEn-azA6rEy1-TsdTL9lZ0h1DwF8DBTl_hHS2U9-UQHNF4YybYSyK6OYR2MsuCMzuIA/s1600-h/Tea+Plantation+@+Tangkuban+Prahu,+Bandong.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285259069831930770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qs5aDWKGwOv2Fju680oiYXImMzi35_HEV-8YhznrJ6GpolDLg_zxRBXqxRwunt0Uaah56h9veEn-azA6rEy1-TsdTL9lZ0h1DwF8DBTl_hHS2U9-UQHNF4YybYSyK6OYR2MsuCMzuIA/s320/Tea+Plantation+@+Tangkuban+Prahu,+Bandong.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 127px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>Well... me and my bright idea:(<br />
In order to 'cool down' and console my sorry self, I decided to hang around at a nearby '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">warung</span>' (kiosk) and had a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">few</span></span> cups of '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kapal</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Api</span>' <i style="color: orange;"><b>coffee</b></i>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Hmmm</span>... they were so yummy!<br />
<br />
But wait... my disappointment did not last that long though. I was later approached by one local who 'whispered' to me that he was willing to take me on his motorbike all the way to the mouth of the volcano(... of course for a price).</div><div><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285260655575107874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehZ4q3g8ZM4Nv-hsYkCU2R8IT9Qn0S1fzDa6ieLo20sRR2atjyyxNCPqZxdjOiEYPCcqP3h7dTuHO-FdwwzUt9CHfOInnKLOW6c156YqxoUfns7Tg9gmZt8lU340SYP_kkvpxT8RoMVg/s320/Hot+Waterfall.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 280px;" />And did I take his offer? You bet I did! And what a ride that was! I would tell you more about that 'little adventure' of mine at Mount <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Tangkuban</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Perahu</span></span> in another post. Now, let me continue with my story of 'getting hot' at the foot of Mount <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Tangkuban</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Perahu</span></span>.</div><div><br />
</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285259545257990898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-6TdA0wjF5kNd0hoMseZ1_0qxx76KrTB5wD_aDO30SmbpMjGkP4zTmI5komxQTqT5oUzOpw7P6s4vP83WqNaPVczleB0vTL9NRE6q4zZdlckwVlSBgfLmI-VI4SfgBCoCb3-Y653Tas/s320/Me+@+HotSpring,+Tangkuban+Prahu,+Bandong+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 276px;" />After I came down from the volcano crater, my local biker/guide/saviour offered to take me for a sight-seeing at the nearby <i><b>tea</b></i> plantation. And would finally drop me at '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Taman</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Wisata</span></span> Air <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Panas</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Alam</span></span> Sari <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Ater</span></span>' (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Ciater</span></span> Natural Hot Spring Park) - without any additional charges. All inclusive, said my local biker/guide/saviour! Well... that kind of 'kind' offer doesn't come that often, does it? I gladly accepted his 'generous' offer:)</div><div><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285258784114767746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0II8G9xdBVfG0KVkpbWuXcctb-jM9NK7M4O_dgu_761owntBo9bHbHHqYMmNgsNk_SSOifcmlOsk-KGNT-pAZnZIbgDdNtLY8NlBl6onKmshyp01mMmlq37KpYwuEJFrahwf3Kx_CzXk/s320/Kebun+Teh.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 79px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />Anyway, the short trip to the natural hot spring via the <a href="http://site.edenintheeast.com/design/3090/index.asp?pageid=44824&AccId=2986"><i style="background-color: orange;"><b></b></i></a><i style="color: orange;"><b>tea</b></i> estates was truly amazing! The view was superbly fantastic! And when I finally arrived at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Siater</span></span> Hot Spring, I could not wait any longer to jump into those very 'inviting' looking hot pools! The entrance fee: RP9000<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3xljK6kqCHFXVf72dcf2v0uus69TV0T9XbYKCZYeW4rI9TtaE_Q0YgqeW9MKqb4PiGSAeh5UjiO_nGB2AVKh0JiThOlFloQsOh0J48pBT8i4AVPHgUABpa3D9ItQqQmUh9rAigFq8uE/s1600-h/HotSpring+Pool,+Tangkuban+Prahu,Bandong.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285261132460158274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3xljK6kqCHFXVf72dcf2v0uus69TV0T9XbYKCZYeW4rI9TtaE_Q0YgqeW9MKqb4PiGSAeh5UjiO_nGB2AVKh0JiThOlFloQsOh0J48pBT8i4AVPHgUABpa3D9ItQqQmUh9rAigFq8uE/s320/HotSpring+Pool,+Tangkuban+Prahu,Bandong.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 242px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>I was told that the pools at this resort were probably the BEST of all the hot spring pools around Bandung (yes, there are a few others <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">scattered</span> all around the region). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Siater</span></span> Resort has actually pools in which you can either just sit around and soak your tired feet or swim. These pools were fed by hot mineral springs which were created by the heat of the nearby volcanoes. All in all, the size of the park was about 5 hectares. Besides the pools, it also offered accommodation, restaurants, playground, shower & changing rooms and also lockable cubicles.</div><div><br />
</div><div>At the end of the day, I walked out of hot-spring park feeling very<i><b> fresh, rejuve<span style="background-color: orange;"></span>nated</b></i> and satisfied. And then, as if in 'cue' from ' some heavenly conspiracy' in ruining the beautiful day that I had till that moment... I was told that I had to walk for some distance in order to catch an 'angkut' to take me back to Bandung. Well... surprise, surprise! I did not complain at all.<br />
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Truth is, the cool mountain air in the area had such a</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285262194012208946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyay5-0FOvmsgHPE-xVDEZMuSI1_WrO-1o-Y5zsm_JXXWRcZHCUPoEZjJNAltpjXppds4ljOs_zaFeNa_nZYrPuOEn4WCfgRVYROrUmsvQJT2f5ZUyotKy9-ySWHAsPr5ojFUxBUh3lA/s320/Me+@+HotSpring,+Tangkuban+Prahu,+Bandong.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 282px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /><br />
<div>special effect on me. Thus, I then enjoyed a truly nice 'leisurely' evening walk through a small village and upon reaching the end of the village, a sardine-packed 'angkut' was already waiting for its last passenger to board... ME!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Unfortunately, the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">angkut</span>' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">didnt</span> go all the way to Bandung! Instead its last stop was at a place called '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Lendeng</span>'. And from there I had to take another '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">angkut</span>' to bring me back to the city. At the end of the day, I had enough of '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">angkut</span>' experiences that I was so tired and felt like I need to be '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">angkut</span>' to my bed in the hotel:)))</div>eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-65717017909914202902008-11-16T01:54:00.000-08:002011-01-03T00:22:46.347-08:00KLAH Hot Spring... simply the BEST!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xvgd-G_NwELvHM-oBbyxz4doOhx1QFHfcPNz7AdDjOgr3DkXkaBB-vELq4jAoU1EuSfcOgXu_A9aTYQDPvZxXr16S1vtDRU-cqA2svLBHFW5H1_F58jnGEocq7_JzZ9AoNGqAt5TXVw/s1600-h/Klah+Hot+Pool2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269205433950837970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xvgd-G_NwELvHM-oBbyxz4doOhx1QFHfcPNz7AdDjOgr3DkXkaBB-vELq4jAoU1EuSfcOgXu_A9aTYQDPvZxXr16S1vtDRU-cqA2svLBHFW5H1_F58jnGEocq7_JzZ9AoNGqAt5TXVw/s320/Klah+Hot+Pool2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 154px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 174px;" /></a>I believe this is the BEST natural hot-spring complex in Malaysia! The place is <span style="font-style: italic;">really,really very clean and well kept</span>. It is also a very 'friendly' place for children, elderly and handicapped people. But, most of all... I truly admire & love its lush and shady green surroundings. A modern hot-spring park located right in the middle of mesmerising and <span style="color: orange;">exotic</span> <span style="color: orange;">rainforest</span> surroundings! I could not have asked for more....:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Z-o-9H4b73NlFd0Tuw4V2E7Zrf_WsmnlhE21y9gfiR3pQcqmHVcIEQfBHKarXndxbmklvldlte96w8NiLxz94kCRMrKsHs3hPWw8IHHNYYSe3hlkguRRImtgWs0Qjcaa3R2jn2DKg04/s1600-h/Klah+Jungle+Walk.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269206205412529954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Z-o-9H4b73NlFd0Tuw4V2E7Zrf_WsmnlhE21y9gfiR3pQcqmHVcIEQfBHKarXndxbmklvldlte96w8NiLxz94kCRMrKsHs3hPWw8IHHNYYSe3hlkguRRImtgWs0Qjcaa3R2jn2DKg04/s320/Klah+Jungle+Walk.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 155px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 179px;" /></a> Its pretty easy to get to this place. I took the PLUS highway (north-bound) out of KL city and enjoyed my long-distance drive by feasting my eyes on the beautiful view of the Titiwangsa mountain range. I later took the Sungkai Exit and from there on one could easily follow the numerous signboards placed on the roadside leading all the way to the resort. Not that far really (from the Sungkai Exit)... it took me only about half an hour to reach the main entrance of the hot-spring complex. Along the way one could observe the 'laid-back' life style of a <a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/" style="color: orange; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: orange;">typical 'kampung'(village)</span></a>. Phewww... what a contrast to the one that one normally see in a city like KL...<br />
<br />
I pai<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3iGVRrvGSG4wOzT78hScxxYDjkrl5BjPOBa62JcuKcySdW2PCxU5t6Juu1YJGgoPp6Z0gDN9o_5-zZvyqb4yPfbl7Cv4AkUquOzYBvpRYDIPfJU4uibGKjqEhMFi8C11e8hn_LmPHYg/s1600-h/KelahTree.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269209767577944770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3iGVRrvGSG4wOzT78hScxxYDjkrl5BjPOBa62JcuKcySdW2PCxU5t6Juu1YJGgoPp6Z0gDN9o_5-zZvyqb4yPfbl7Cv4AkUquOzYBvpRYDIPfJU4uibGKjqEhMFi8C11e8hn_LmPHYg/s320/KelahTree.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 119px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 152px;" /></a>d RM5 for the entrance fee(normal price for adult). My mom, who was almost 80 years <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaD_Q5ao6IlZ7lIn_CwRssPJu_3UACCTYpWfNjGPQY5wBMuHTX9Gi7tlF57txNnQ7r9DIbVb4XUnyKxAgN0oJkYj9kOGqN_MWSfeXH-3pBhMRA2jALj-5K_WFZ1qYZz7uiOgHkFYqGQI/s1600-h/Klah+Private+Hot+Pool.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269211314895251138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaD_Q5ao6IlZ7lIn_CwRssPJu_3UACCTYpWfNjGPQY5wBMuHTX9Gi7tlF57txNnQ7r9DIbVb4XUnyKxAgN0oJkYj9kOGqN_MWSfeXH-3pBhMRA2jALj-5K_WFZ1qYZz7uiOgHkFYqGQI/s320/Klah+Private+Hot+Pool.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 109px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 123px;" /></a>at the time, was charged a bit less - only RM4. The management actually gives special privileges (ticket price) for <i style="color: orange;"><b>senior citizen</b></i> and children. So my niece who was only 9 years old was charged for RM3. And they even give an extra discount for handicapped children - only RM1! And it is FREE entrance for kids under 2 years old. Very thoughtful indeed. I was already feeling very good about the whole thing before I even had the chance to step into the pool!<br />
<br />
But then again, before I could do anything else, my mom and my niece had already started complaining of wanting to get something to eat and drink. Welll... mind you... its not always <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> fun <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3ePxmaptudVOND3qJmM_uW6snIv8SHLJuJcp8DQjVU-hbyjMjZMueZzEDmBhTdSjBOeGy0YpT5HXcqy68jaJ1aYGTIs96IaTXdKxkvDGlCMHezIQnISHvYN9zQIq0vHyvaj0sznrLa4/s1600-h/Klah+Cafe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269207148334670898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3ePxmaptudVOND3qJmM_uW6snIv8SHLJuJcp8DQjVU-hbyjMjZMueZzEDmBhTdSjBOeGy0YpT5HXcqy68jaJ1aYGTIs96IaTXdKxkvDGlCMHezIQnISHvYN9zQIq0vHyvaj0sznrLa4/s320/Klah+Cafe.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 86px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 128px;" /></a>travelling with elderly people and small kids. Especially if they decide to 'gang-up' on you! They are THE boss:) Luckily, we found a nice small cafeteria not far from the parking lot. Actually its more like a 'mini' food-court, really. There were at least 4 different stalls managed by different operators selling varieties of f&b. There was even one small gift shop! I was impressed even more...<br />
<br />
Wh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1jj4vy6CS4TDX54pJCaV9YV_5ZDi9ILSKQiI59yVb5RNzZlT5sBaexs4_emAoWLRFo0C5na74UU5I-T4XH4HTwhPqLaNx7wJgJiFzVoJTwj7UzfX_eEly5I1eRuigiTQ6a-uLMLNwJQ/s1600-h/Klah+Hot+Pool.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269207716404872418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1jj4vy6CS4TDX54pJCaV9YV_5ZDi9ILSKQiI59yVb5RNzZlT5sBaexs4_emAoWLRFo0C5na74UU5I-T4XH4HTwhPqLaNx7wJgJiFzVoJTwj7UzfX_eEly5I1eRuigiTQ6a-uLMLNwJQ/s320/Klah+Hot+Pool.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 88px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 124px;" /></a>en both my 'babies' were stuffed and happy, then we began to proceed to the pool. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw3D1pP4NLggg5NSzTgf0-CL6RckIun7Ey394Z0b_3-0XpS1AEpInSSZrbzcPbq3kuUKcEEAAo7hNgaPpzh6aDwcIzStDuz91_IYLAUBfn4zjTYrV5fe9h3sI_1by_xdtXJ-Jk40kGng/s1600-h/Klah5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269211997468749298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw3D1pP4NLggg5NSzTgf0-CL6RckIun7Ey394Z0b_3-0XpS1AEpInSSZrbzcPbq3kuUKcEEAAo7hNgaPpzh6aDwcIzStDuz91_IYLAUBfn4zjTYrV5fe9h3sI_1by_xdtXJ-Jk40kGng/s320/Klah5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 86px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 124px;" /></a>My oh my.... it was just truly amazing! A huge pool surrounded by shady, tall, matured trees. One could also enjoy the beautiful background of scenic tropical hills and jungle. Don't believe me...? Look at these pictures:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_4LFQ7t7FlajcFbkY2XmcS85uwvicaTL9vp-9I5ldjecqf7AEFenRrXZG8pC80JtVYEjSqqvQ5vj4BRV47jWLvxOKJ9t4-wtNowG5-pprxib-dtbdbNWFXGJYrU36by3254GzUjkyV4/s1600-h/Mom&Me@Cendawan+KELAH.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269208182319674754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_4LFQ7t7FlajcFbkY2XmcS85uwvicaTL9vp-9I5ldjecqf7AEFenRrXZG8pC80JtVYEjSqqvQ5vj4BRV47jWLvxOKJ9t4-wtNowG5-pprxib-dtbdbNWFXGJYrU36by3254GzUjkyV4/s320/Mom&Me@Cendawan+KELAH.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 117px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 186px;" /></a> I must say that I had no complain whatsoever with the facilities and amenities provided at this place. And, as I had mentioned earlier... the cleanliness of the place in general, and the changing rooms/toilets in particular was very satisfying. I really, really hope that they would maintain it that way for a very, very long time to come....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dmB_2Q4NZ1njXhbCFKyhDX14iU0qcZF1ifhwku9wHJghkBiwBLbgnLxAGsxrocJ6QQ7M0LvAWJVB_wBIdx6Ca4rGC37LZ_nUwnMZ4UGI56iy74ZdtjkuPfTXlrCJCZhyphenhyphenWlYSKZfPVHc/s1600-h/Klah+Cool+Pool.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269209015726985858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dmB_2Q4NZ1njXhbCFKyhDX14iU0qcZF1ifhwku9wHJghkBiwBLbgnLxAGsxrocJ6QQ7M0LvAWJVB_wBIdx6Ca4rGC37LZ_nUwnMZ4UGI56iy74ZdtjkuPfTXlrCJCZhyphenhyphenWlYSKZfPVHc/s320/Klah+Cool+Pool.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 148px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 197px;" /></a>After almost half-day spent at the Hot Pool, we then ventured to the other side of the resort. The Cool Pool. 'Strangely' designed (a giant squid and all...) but nevertheless still an impressive sight to see. I guess children & young ones (and those 'young ' at heart too) would really love this place, as proven by my niece who was so extremely awed by the sight of the 'squid' and I guess I don't have to tell you that she ended up jumping into the pool at no time at all!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvYtjCff4Qp6khvW8HO5WhV18XohOA7TUIU4ItoXHY-J_SRnD6bEZVjAJXX1G0id1ms9tDAAcPbxCITa36Pwa-rDMczmpXkVyHvKlAr3Yxn3QAELfh_YCGmDoIgFrxjqUN1QA7CMO-8w/s1600-h/Mom+@+KELAH.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269212936771759426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvYtjCff4Qp6khvW8HO5WhV18XohOA7TUIU4ItoXHY-J_SRnD6bEZVjAJXX1G0id1ms9tDAAcPbxCITa36Pwa-rDMczmpXkVyHvKlAr3Yxn3QAELfh_YCGmDoIgFrxjqUN1QA7CMO-8w/s320/Mom+@+KELAH.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 104px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 208px;" /></a>Honestly speaking, I like the place very much. Indeed, I actually went back there again, twice, after that very first trip! To me, Klah Hot Spring <span style="font-weight: bold;">IS</span> the best (of its kind) in <span style="color: orange;">Malaysia</span>. Otherwise, you could always advice me on other places (in Malaysia) which you think could overtake the top-spot placing of this wonderful hot-spring resort on my list...?eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-29257795078991903762008-10-07T08:03:00.000-07:002011-01-03T00:22:04.286-08:00KRABI's Hidden 'Twin-Jewels'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDqq_XVVFaVNgyvAoNb-GZqwFhRnEkAE8cqvaQbiyRYZBph8ZLNqtKY_ifbQViEuNR9K2HFZvltiDkY0_nolAOxSWYSeitW_F4ai_gmRHIUkb7dk6y9IKBXjKEEcIquVR0GLE5Q8Nj1k/s1600-h/Emerald+Pool,+KRABI-add3ENHC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254443581962180546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDqq_XVVFaVNgyvAoNb-GZqwFhRnEkAE8cqvaQbiyRYZBph8ZLNqtKY_ifbQViEuNR9K2HFZvltiDkY0_nolAOxSWYSeitW_F4ai_gmRHIUkb7dk6y9IKBXjKEEcIquVR0GLE5Q8Nj1k/s320/Emerald+Pool,+KRABI-add3ENHC.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" /></a>Normally when someone talks about Krabi (Thailand), he or she would normally mention the beautiful beaches of Ao Nang, the <i style="color: orange;"><b>exotic</b></i> nearby islands or even the <a href="http://awesomearchipelago.wordpress.com/" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: orange;">serene and laid-back town</span></a> of Krabi itself. <br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Not many would speak of the rarely-talked about 'twin-jewels' of Krabi: the natural hot spring & the emerald pool of Klong Thom. And even rarer to hear of anyone who rides a bicycle to go those two places. And yet, I did exactly just that!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>I started my 'little-adventure' by taking a 'mini-bus' from Krabi town to the Krabi Bus Terminal. A short trip of about 15 minutes (for 30 Bhat). From there, I took a bus that was destined to go to Trang. About 45 minutes later I got down at a small town called Nam Phrong. The bus ride-</div><div>50 Bhat.</div><div><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254443875385052594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSdjzcdwMwsqUNfeXNdrEjsy8QMdZfOkTxk9PBbO7XatGAA7FZt5F9oT5ETBicmwD1X6JeRbRuuinx5zLdIZzi8S7UAEjNvyrj-bS2ec1mzDLUzNtQAw_7_v6ozW1_DrOo6EZ2TIRYI8/s320/Emerald+Pool,+KRABI4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" /><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>It was from this small town that I cycled, 10 km altogether, all the way to .... a junction that would lead me to the Emerald Pool! And from the junction, that would be another 7 km of cycling over hills & slopes!!! So, I decided to leave my bicycle at a small shop by the junction and then looked for, found and paid a local boy to take me to the pool on his motorbike! Cost me another 50 Bhat:)</div><div><br />
</div><div>And as the pool itself... well... just look at these pictures. Also please try to watch the short videos. Upon reaching the pool... I was ... actually... hmmm... speechless, mesmerised! The Emerald Pool was truly a 'hidden jewel' of Krabi. Oh yes, the entrance fee to this '<span style="color: orange;">Eden</span> of Krabi' is only for 20 Bhat! </div><div><br />
</div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyK8P4Fffu-TGOjRZqIADPHufdnTFPusyQBXJgXxi1c7JcY4XSfk5j87HuHaOUVZ22jIK2FpqTkOe8F2n1CtQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br />
A young couple from Haadyai were kind enough to gave me a lift in their car on the way out and dropped me at the shop. I collected my bike and started to ride to the other pool- the natural hot spring pool. It was for another 8 km from the junction.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The hot-spring was really some sort of a <span style="color: orange;">nature</span>'s own hot-tub jacuzzis! The pleasantly-hot water actually comes from thermal springs originating underground.</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255918351691465570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69V9-mHwY12YVx_azsZyJiLGOYm5GU_X07zYeM3I8S8-UVBTkAO_27mRAwFuxRB6jPHUOBUp7DcUAsckg0B0kNljNSgX4mrOQ5PGldZ_hhkMhURRRS3EM1Oxr3yS6BNTztokXLjg7sl0/s320/Hot+Spring,+KRABI-add3ENHC.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" /><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254446634062436562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGhafnOuAJ3FIwbsbORJlg5jm4pxJWSEwEHhhyphenhyphenrzNrk4ki6aajK76tbMyuBMuQCjbYaqdutJenbGkUYiGa3wCqPQ2BnP42K0hE0ld_kT6wlZakW7zb5-cyQYboK5flNZB8L3WrsK2sNM/s320/Hot+Spring,+KRABI-add2ENHC.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255920385742661410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC3X2dl9S_85CRe-WulMu0_-i0zfHfsYc7nQJohTWbkMFtPk6fwJ__h9snH19xCZ0Ub27yjfPvtCb83wbjL_PYjmQ53i-wFGnQVz0WlGN9oxMeF3CmtFCuWBwIo851LKdZWCymBo_iP0/s320/Hot+Spring,+KRABI.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" /><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The water flows out and fills the naturally, hollowed-out 'bath-tubs' in the smooth stone. </div><div>By simply lazing in the hot water up to my chin, watching the clouds go by, enjoying the green and shady trees surrounding the pool... it had certainly made me feel that I had truly found the 'hidden-jewel' of Krabi!</div><div><br />
</div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxzg3cgsjq8c-VPmujIrJLqjTH7CidEG_YXuSZziQhUaask_t8jpltOuL3buyj2_3xdJVM4YuXZXW4flpdqBA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br />
</div><div>And then... the ride back to Nam Phrong town! 10 km to go, all over again. Now... why in the world did I choose to cycle instead of joining a 'package-tour' like everybody else?</div></div>eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-27703266913314801852008-09-06T08:44:00.000-07:002011-01-03T00:21:20.355-08:00'Gadek' WHAT?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKjO8qRmBG06Umi9OlYTe0366vUdT-EwT61GgEXl_TKTGh34JBsbMC4f3AeqQlK8vh7jonktYss4MMd4vxZR6XhTXXK0OyED3Vo3XHfMju9RuP4f3QpVugCjxMdEfK5ZJYZ4_yoCes-g/s1600-h/GadekView2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242947584698912098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKjO8qRmBG06Umi9OlYTe0366vUdT-EwT61GgEXl_TKTGh34JBsbMC4f3AeqQlK8vh7jonktYss4MMd4vxZR6XhTXXK0OyED3Vo3XHfMju9RuP4f3QpVugCjxMdEfK5ZJYZ4_yoCes-g/s320/GadekView2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" /></a><br />
Hang Tuah, Hang Li Poh, A Famosa, 'Chencalok', 'Asam Pedas'... all these always remind me of Melaka. But, when I first heard of 'Kg. Gadek'... I was totally lost! Didn't quite know what or how to relate this 'cute'-sounding name of a place with anything or everything to do with Melaka. Then, I was told that it is a very good place for enjoying a 'therapeutic' dip in a very, very hot <i style="color: orange;"><b>natural</b></i> spring pool. Wah! Another hot-spring spot with a 'cute' name like that? ... that I must go & check it out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdGcmbfbEPvjyoDGIH3ENDUneBR54x2F7yHV-VrjZGTFJUMfNXnBAr99VjwHPZAMLfShflIz6N5bh91J_GopVhuM-gweI6_o7-5vJYuf0wJ9H_YP0Z9IpcHmN1hXSmpqVvtKoAlgAU8w/s1600-h/GadekView.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242947851425403650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdGcmbfbEPvjyoDGIH3ENDUneBR54x2F7yHV-VrjZGTFJUMfNXnBAr99VjwHPZAMLfShflIz6N5bh91J_GopVhuM-gweI6_o7-5vJYuf0wJ9H_YP0Z9IpcHmN1hXSmpqVvtKoAlgAU8w/s320/GadekView.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 163px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Gadek Hot Spring is 30km from <i><b><span style="color: orange;">Melaka</span></b></i> city. It is actually situated in the Alor Gajah district and indeed is only 5" away (driving) from Alor Gajah town. Its really quite easy to locate the Gadek Hot Spring complex. There are many signboards leading to the place along the way... just keep your eyes wide open:) And enjoy the scenery... typical Melaka villages, <i style="color: orange;"><b>lush greenery</b></i>, friendly people... and oops! Be careful with those chickens... goats... cows... and small children playing by the road side.<br />
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I later found out that the hot spring complex was .... just the way i like it! No 'water-theme-park' ambiance, surrounded by greenery, clean toilets/shower rooms... and more importantly... it was only RM2 for an adult to enter the place! And only RM1 for children.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxLP34IWB20KHYcBdamHdku-1hYuF3VKKR59tV65ugElQfdOGKVLD2uNj_8CEFFM36zMnHPQLNHBj8XkiWBKQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
I would say that the place was actually a 'semi' <i style="color: orange;"><b>traditional</b></i> hot spring complex. There were 2 main pools. One was 'just nice' hot and it was big and deep enough that you can actually swim in it. The other one was 'quite but bearable' hot. I preferred this one, of course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UsLDdN6AKx2c8Ur8v0tvUO5W2KgZxORWI6wxYKhtvNhuweOwwKe_Po9sDU02hj1fjqZzuf2NeAkL1K6PWQIzP0oruWMLX6AxskWWICWLBr04LwctB256r87D-jtJ6lLAlGrpAyY7cyQ/s1600-h/Gadek.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242948447893872002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UsLDdN6AKx2c8Ur8v0tvUO5W2KgZxORWI6wxYKhtvNhuweOwwKe_Po9sDU02hj1fjqZzuf2NeAkL1K6PWQIzP0oruWMLX6AxskWWICWLBr04LwctB256r87D-jtJ6lLAlGrpAyY7cyQ/s320/Gadek.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 153px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 212px;" /></a>But... there were another 4 more 'hot-tubs' located close to the changing room building. And these were my favorites. Each of these 'tubs' was big enough to accommodate a maximum of 4 average size adults. I guess they are very ideal for a family kind of 'hot-dipping-session' activity. The temperature of the hot spring water in each of these tubs was different! They ranged from... 'very-nice-that-i-want-to-dip in-for-as long as possible' to 'WHOA!-its sizzling hot-that-i-would-just-soak my feet-for awhile-only'! So... you choose:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKA8xFqJGThgFRE5MC9kUp_vW7KFwoV9_kQlJmkb9WNJ6Y-ZwG5HNSYaus-JEvi65_H1-FQKf26U8Y-f5Sck3h6m_lAW3faCXA3jqkiaQkXWCYTmUxFYl5T0smqefBs65hhVGXE3xGPhs/s1600-h/Gadek2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242949735725611938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKA8xFqJGThgFRE5MC9kUp_vW7KFwoV9_kQlJmkb9WNJ6Y-ZwG5HNSYaus-JEvi65_H1-FQKf26U8Y-f5Sck3h6m_lAW3faCXA3jqkiaQkXWCYTmUxFYl5T0smqefBs65hhVGXE3xGPhs/s320/Gadek2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 190px;" /></a>I was told that this place is frequented by visitors from far and wide. Infact, it seems that it is also very popular with Singaporean tourists. Some believe that the hot spring has strong healing elements and it is good for those seeking therapeutic cure for <i style="color: orange;"><b>skin ailments</b></i>. Well... I dont know about that, but one thing for sure, I truly enjoyed dipping myself in one of those 4 tubs. Which one of those 4? Hmmm...., definitely not the 'WHOA!-its sizzling hot-that-i-would-just-soak my feet-for awhile-only':))eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-34135921692299324482008-08-27T08:32:00.000-07:002008-11-16T22:07:00.100-08:00Its...SPICY HOT!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZOT_wOku8GJ-Ulyyvu3HnQWpVJRQzOkVz2aPXmYRfqWgXnSV4bAGQzlCfu2lxItDlkCtDZeB0pxMF8_yLGLzyuG2NCNvNDgvXeuKfiwqt98EXOISPuT9nnsLOF6N9b8aOz0jNap6yac/s1600-h/Me@Pedas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZOT_wOku8GJ-Ulyyvu3HnQWpVJRQzOkVz2aPXmYRfqWgXnSV4bAGQzlCfu2lxItDlkCtDZeB0pxMF8_yLGLzyuG2NCNvNDgvXeuKfiwqt98EXOISPuT9nnsLOF6N9b8aOz0jNap6yac/s320/Me@Pedas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239233189524857682" border="0" /></a>Pedas Hot Spring Park is a world-apart from the one that I went to in Bentong. Of course - it is not a free park - as an adult you need to pay RM8 to enter the place. And RM5 for kids. Hence, I'm not surprise to find that the place was actually cleaner and well-kept in comparison to the one in Bentong. And also I believe, it is a very, very safe place for all ages.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7yQHfBBbggKMebRGF20UDeNSyEjgg1UOHQMXxewAIeJnW89M_RZDHS0zQiVzhzU7Qz60B9QzC5e2KGPr7M0fPxM64TfglNcsYbD8O4Yv6FZOnT9Mvsd51nvrEZLKjiYREN_BzSalOUA/s1600-h/CANOPY+pedas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7yQHfBBbggKMebRGF20UDeNSyEjgg1UOHQMXxewAIeJnW89M_RZDHS0zQiVzhzU7Qz60B9QzC5e2KGPr7M0fPxM64TfglNcsYbD8O4Yv6FZOnT9Mvsd51nvrEZLKjiYREN_BzSalOUA/s320/CANOPY+pedas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239233461488960530" border="0" /></a>Somehow, someway... the place made me feel like as if I was at an ordinary water-park! Except for the fact that the water in the pools was hot. Indeed, the place has all those usual things that you may find at an ordinary water-park...the slides, big pools, plenty of changing/shower rooms, a small kiosk selling f&b, staff going around doing their chores etc etc. And, off course, unlike those 'pools' in Bentong Hot-Spring, the ones here were all properly done/built... bricks, cement, tiles and all. No, you definitely would not find those 'slimy-greeny-thingy' lying down at the bottom of the pool! Happy?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcbAPfE4MecAGNn_Umav9_FxMRbqvLQt4YYBdlCN3vWv87zpA11WGUbN__VsNXEHKUA3-wuQJWGem0B8tLfVtl8DXNSvxeP-FWmX-rfwcey-a5GDfrxcvWdCfWrQQgy0Yon_5mIKOyDw/s1600-h/Mom@Pedas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcbAPfE4MecAGNn_Umav9_FxMRbqvLQt4YYBdlCN3vWv87zpA11WGUbN__VsNXEHKUA3-wuQJWGem0B8tLfVtl8DXNSvxeP-FWmX-rfwcey-a5GDfrxcvWdCfWrQQgy0Yon_5mIKOyDw/s320/Mom@Pedas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239234041354963458" border="0" /></a>Having said all that, I actually ended up spending the rest of the day only at ONE pool - the 'jacuzzi'-type-pool. This one is the very first pool you will see after entering the main gate of the park. . And I truly enjoyed it! Even my mom, who was a bit worried at first that she might got 'swept' away by those 'burbling' water, after much persuasion, eventually agreed to 'dip' herself into the pool and only got out of it almost an hour later!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVftE4idLqGXSqUB9rF9K7q1r5tznW_nP2lA7naZqvlPqTAa4gfN3RqgCE0JRFfemG06nsTmZHi3s5f5q-1chBJz8GgheRK6NDw-Behvr4knJNzTEcuWajF4wdqp7mmQ0XRIoTzhnuEE/s1600-h/PedasHotPool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVftE4idLqGXSqUB9rF9K7q1r5tznW_nP2lA7naZqvlPqTAa4gfN3RqgCE0JRFfemG06nsTmZHi3s5f5q-1chBJz8GgheRK6NDw-Behvr4knJNzTEcuWajF4wdqp7mmQ0XRIoTzhnuEE/s320/PedasHotPool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239235302143416066" border="0" /></a><br />The place is only an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur city. I took the North-South Highway/PLUS and took the Pedas-Linggi Exit. You could also take the Senawang Exit. It is actually only 13km away from Seremban town. From Seremban, you could also reach the place by taking the old trunk road to Tampin.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OpQ7AkGnQKara2TvID7UzlFouVEQRYmPDF9GrVCcv2q-k7fPyqQU42rxlJdOwtL4zu2fVNqvtdcjW-jGjDMsqYFSjA9FcsM-OZ03tYnMrWdLdpndtXQ9CXfuJ-2DRPe00Di2-d3ULho/s1600-h/PedasSPApool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OpQ7AkGnQKara2TvID7UzlFouVEQRYmPDF9GrVCcv2q-k7fPyqQU42rxlJdOwtL4zu2fVNqvtdcjW-jGjDMsqYFSjA9FcsM-OZ03tYnMrWdLdpndtXQ9CXfuJ-2DRPe00Di2-d3ULho/s320/PedasSPApool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239235810087145954" border="0" /></a><br />Would I go to this place again in the near future? Why not? As far as I know, this is the only proper-paying- natural hot water- cum- water park nearest to Kuala Lumpur. And as I've said earlier.... I love that jacuzzi-hot-water-pool. And yes... no greeny-slimy-thingy!<br /><br />p/s: 'Spicy' in Malay is 'Pedas'. Same as the word 'Hot'... it can also means 'spicy' in Malay...eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308901716762509401.post-89296756631043074892008-08-18T00:34:00.000-07:002011-01-03T00:20:09.837-08:00Yeah....its HOT, naturally!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFbiXPD4pHw3cXHz4wNQWjeJvalXijtmnhZrFXM_cIVTEKGqNJWhtTN-VbyqItqJwa0sPZ70psTrSLWDXzyUk5mhny03128oOHaKSgrIlwRl14oWnrqALn0BhgXRAfJAcZBV5xFz5rbc/s1600-h/Bentong8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235791325351119730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFbiXPD4pHw3cXHz4wNQWjeJvalXijtmnhZrFXM_cIVTEKGqNJWhtTN-VbyqItqJwa0sPZ70psTrSLWDXzyUk5mhny03128oOHaKSgrIlwRl14oWnrqALn0BhgXRAfJAcZBV5xFz5rbc/s320/Bentong8.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> Bentong Hot Spring may not be as popular as the other better known & more commercially 'hyped' hot spring spots in <i style="color: orange;"><b><span style="color: orange;">Malaysia</span></b></i>. And I am truly thankful for that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtWnhSeniDZhn__86oYn-yfOCrU96xKQglnlBNRhD6YaPxb9FVroIPB2F8trrilzcL5TgC1SyeiJJ2oX9tQ5l74sdKEztLKhCBYY_MXHuaBYlZfmaV2NnDlzsSZHiXP0w0G7Ets1krBY/s1600-h/Bentong2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235791618746927234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtWnhSeniDZhn__86oYn-yfOCrU96xKQglnlBNRhD6YaPxb9FVroIPB2F8trrilzcL5TgC1SyeiJJ2oX9tQ5l74sdKEztLKhCBYY_MXHuaBYlZfmaV2NnDlzsSZHiXP0w0G7Ets1krBY/s320/Bentong2.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a><br />
<div><div><div><div><br />
<div><div><div><div></div><div>The place obviously has very much less crowd (infact it is almost deserted if you were to visit it on any of the working days... except for a few tired and very friendly lorry drivers - they are very chatty and more than eager to share their driving experiences with me!) compared to the others of its kind.</div></div><br />
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<div><div align="left">The place is very serene and green. <i style="color: orange;"><b><span style="color: orange;">Very lush, very green ... very</span> <span style="color: orange;">'Eden' indeed</span></b></i>. All sorts of trees of those <i style="color: orange;"><b><span style="color: orange;">rainforest</span> <span style="color: orange;">types</span></b></i> could be seen around this place. And the best thing I like about this hot spring pool is that the bottom part of the pool is not covered by cement! So, you could actually step on to the original ground (can be a bit 'yucky' actually....those slimey and greenish weeds </div><div align="left">and algae). </div><br />
<div align="left"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDS42Bm3CvTUd9xPd-CO0dfimtlO887w2_0IC2n7sSwWxJ5drI2wSpzItCUhx4YJQop7hmtYXd_d-XGo3CK2M3yHWFUIzRmGUo-27QK73WYKA2wtVJf-kh9cXytdpRpIwjC0J4-8mOiM4/s1600-h/Bentong6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="187" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235783751280690290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDS42Bm3CvTUd9xPd-CO0dfimtlO887w2_0IC2n7sSwWxJ5drI2wSpzItCUhx4YJQop7hmtYXd_d-XGo3CK2M3yHWFUIzRmGUo-27QK73WYKA2wtVJf-kh9cXytdpRpIwjC0J4-8mOiM4/s320/Bentong6.jpg" style="float: left; height: 195px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 283px;" width="283" /></a> <br />
<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf13Rtb4CtRGud7gWj8HrqJ8Bz9L_barANkuOUyYmbrYr8WPpP6EdBCMctPk9DPe1QOYkAgZrj-Xcizh2ys8XJNz-kAjidBiHjnxXobrrZA3lDwQ_AShS10wFt19Eqi3YBROYdn8cKjY0/s1600-h/Bentong6.jpg"></a></div><div align="left">There are actually 2 separate pools located at this spot. The main one, which is the bigger one, looks like a normal giant swimming pool from the outside. Because of its size, you can really enjoy swimming in it. But children, elderly or anyone who doesnt swim well should be more cautious. Some parts of the pool are quite deep and can be dangerous for those group of people I had mentioned earlier. Oh yeah... and those 'slimey greeny thingy' at the bottom of the pool. Hmmm... I'm alright with it because I didnt allow my feet to touch the ground:)</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9eZy1cqLyo6lZntey3I5DlF7V4S5GHd6_odU1IcIjAYqwBwHD5glwuWu33UmFhwDpMZP5TUy7EtfivPIAFmQC8yHNyejwxOfDFNgv5AMN1pXRATaQqZPiA-KvOiSaew4hkml09sq3ko/s1600-h/Bentong7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235778000154073922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9eZy1cqLyo6lZntey3I5DlF7V4S5GHd6_odU1IcIjAYqwBwHD5glwuWu33UmFhwDpMZP5TUy7EtfivPIAFmQC8yHNyejwxOfDFNgv5AMN1pXRATaQqZPiA-KvOiSaew4hkml09sq3ko/s320/Bentong7.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div><div>And the other one, which is smaller in size, is located just beside the main pool. It looks more like a pond rather than a proper hot-spring pool. It is also surrounded by many matured, green and very shady trees. And there are no 'brick' & cement walls surrounding this small pool (except for the part where it shares a 'wall' with the bigger one). It is also 'hotter'. It sure is a very pleasant <i style="color: orange;"><b>natural way of shedding unwanted fat</b></i> off my waist. But then, it is a bit hot that I could not really stay 'inside' the pool more than 15 minutes at a time. Infact, this pond is actually <i>the</i> main source of the hot-spring water in the main pool. Nevertheless, I prefer this one better than the main pool.</div><div></div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47mfD9EfKCdJ-umLl6cQDB_cgl8z5NQQAZaox2xsFONuVJJ2qcRHCfzjBeO4DtbETAxnHPnDPyxK2xAJrG11YZvs8LPKOP1Eef7-SFLkpeYPbItrsxu5rv_66F0PSyC0z4K36F0NQeFI/s1600-h/Bentong.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235785182597624338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47mfD9EfKCdJ-umLl6cQDB_cgl8z5NQQAZaox2xsFONuVJJ2qcRHCfzjBeO4DtbETAxnHPnDPyxK2xAJrG11YZvs8LPKOP1Eef7-SFLkpeYPbItrsxu5rv_66F0PSyC0z4K36F0NQeFI/s320/Bentong.jpg" style="float: right; height: 182px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 283px;" width="283" /></a></div><br />
<div></div><div>Across the road, there is a hanging bridge crossing over a small stream... typical scene in small villages in the <i style="color: orange;"><b><span style="color: orange;">Malay</span> <span style="color: orange;">Archipelago</span></b></i> region. The stream is actually a good way of 'cooling' yourself after a nice 'hot-dip' in the pool. And I did exactly that. The water from the stream is cooling enough to make me wanted to jump back into the hot-spring pool! Yeah... you guessed it right:) For the whole day, I ended up making alternating rounds of dipping in the main pool, followed by the hot-pond and then off to the stream! And what a day it was:)<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEAfKFByv396281QhZ34Q-Y7IgjOsFnACwZr8S9EZpPADsiv4H4_y2uvczlSjkaDh9vv_y6SIWV2nSKG9OgzYbwMRnA8gsm723Pdnj-ue6G6SqSo8oHHtWvgaQYy-AvQLzVEyjwla0ZY/s1600-h/Bentong9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235777580072194258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEAfKFByv396281QhZ34Q-Y7IgjOsFnACwZr8S9EZpPADsiv4H4_y2uvczlSjkaDh9vv_y6SIWV2nSKG9OgzYbwMRnA8gsm723Pdnj-ue6G6SqSo8oHHtWvgaQYy-AvQLzVEyjwla0ZY/s320/Bentong9.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdNwEvRvzeLeEegLaLs003TPiACHLKolvFWZbUZP1-NXIQBPJ6WiByyU5jNF_KRVZJxru3RPij0xlzTGUoLTU7yiizcpoEfeqwbQLJJa5P7nDe1Ff7_5xOYaU24Gz2Z8miEGHRYNKmgk/s1600-h/Bentong10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235777800955961922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdNwEvRvzeLeEegLaLs003TPiACHLKolvFWZbUZP1-NXIQBPJ6WiByyU5jNF_KRVZJxru3RPij0xlzTGUoLTU7yiizcpoEfeqwbQLJJa5P7nDe1Ff7_5xOYaU24Gz2Z8miEGHRYNKmgk/s320/Bentong10.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<div>Sad to say, as with many other 'free-public-recreational' areas (yeah... its FREE! - no entrance charges) in and around Malaysia... the facilities found at this place are in a very, very sorry state. Not only the changing rooms/toilets are dirty & unkempt, they are quite scary too. The buildings are (there are 2 separate buildings meant for the purpose) all surrounded by tall bushes. Errr... my worst nightmare would be to step into a toilet cubicle to do my thing and found some slithery 'friend' crawling in to say 'Hi-sssss' to me! Brrrrrrr....</div><br />
<div>But then again, I did truly enjoy spending my day at this hot-spring pool. And I definitely would go back there again soon. I love driving to this place. It is only 45 minutes drive frm KL. And there are only 2 tolls along the way...which eventually cost me only about RM10 for one-way.</div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiecK5fYZOmABxfSm8VcafqgaGVcV2zTOiJSuZi_nym-KJpHIxu9EQICJvPvnwLbnwmtJS0rNDW7A0avrC1YsB8gZLpdwE5EyRlc-xmlcab6cGHU9cKb-oQP3S2kUp7WtT7bODXCvXGA/s1600-h/Bentong3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="147" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235778362542127266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiecK5fYZOmABxfSm8VcafqgaGVcV2zTOiJSuZi_nym-KJpHIxu9EQICJvPvnwLbnwmtJS0rNDW7A0avrC1YsB8gZLpdwE5EyRlc-xmlcab6cGHU9cKb-oQP3S2kUp7WtT7bODXCvXGA/s320/Bentong3.jpg" style="float: left; height: 170px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 174px;" width="283" /></a></div><div>And you know what.... on the way home, I took the <i>old</i> Bentong-KL road all the way back to the city! It was FUN-tastic! Those century-old trees lining on both sides of the road. Those monkeys that went berserk every time they saw a vehicle approaching (there were lots and lots of them playing by the road-side). Those streams flowing down below. And most importatly.... try to do this.... switch off the radio....switch off the aircond...wind down the windows... and <i>LISTEN.</i> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>eSahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11516572014096339772noreply@blogger.com0