BIG Five-OH!

Earlier this week, Orient dealer Johnny Teo led a steady stream of well-wishers to remind me that I have reached an important milestone of my life.  His daughter Sheryl baked a butter cake while Mrs Teo personally delivered these home made longevity rice-cakes to me. 

Anthony and Kim made me feel 'Rich and Good'.

William and Shuen filled me with lots of 'hot air'.

Celebrating with friends, colleagues and William Chung (born 22nd July 1963) on Saturday with cake provided by Yang Rong.

Spending quality time on Sunday with family, siblings and feeling young with these youthful people.

Ex-colleague Sherwyn ensures that I would stay healthy by giving me this floral hamper packed with energy-boosting goodies.

I am thankful for joy and happiness that life has given me. Most importantly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing this special moment with me.

MEGA FAM 2013 - Nearby Ipoh

Our fellow FAM participant, Thomas Cheng, fell ill when we were travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.  He was treated at KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital where he stayed there for a night.

Thomas (blue shirt) was well enough by the next day to join us for a visit to the pomelo farm and various attractions outside Ipoh.

We were given a guided tour at the Lost World of Tambun – a family theme park that needs no further introduction.

Located next to this highly popular attraction is the ultra premium Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat – an award-winning resort which is built amid caves, waterfalls, hot springs and natural reserve.

For those seeking upmarket wellness treatments, Colon Hydrotherapy is available within the resort.

Most treatments are carried out in specially appointed private rooms and here’s a look at the Antioxidant Restoration Therapy room.

It is hard to imagine that some of the luxury features such as the Steam Cave, the Meditation Cave and Jeff’s Cellar were built within the caves of this exclusive resort.  It is even harder to imagine that these caves were once a holding area for the Japanese soldiers during the war.  The writing found on this cave wall is a case in point.

Caves that are open to the public can be found under the ranges of limestone hills surrounding Ipoh.  Unlike most that are commonly used for religious purposes, Gua Tempurung is a highly recommended attraction for those who are fit and able-bodied.  One only needs to climb 640 well-paved steps to get to the top of the cave.   Admission fee starts from RM6 for adult and an accompanying guide will be provided to enrich your experience.

Here’s a final group photo before we board the plane at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.  The Hyundai Starex (the white MPV in the background) that ferried us for our tour in Ipoh was spacious and comfortable.

Lastly, on behalf of my fellow FAM participants from Singapore, I would like to thank Tourism Malaysia for the warm hospitality during our stay in Malaysia, Truly Asia.

MEGA FAM 2013 - Ipoh City

The Mega Sale is a nation-wide event and, hence, Tourism Malaysia designated overseas FAM participants to various part of the country for better outreach.  The Singapore contingent left Kuala Lumpur via ETS (Electric Train System - a very pleasant ride) for the post event tours in Ipoh.

Opposite the railway station, we were greeted by a rainbow above the Town Hall Building.

Even a quick handphone shot of the HSBC Building could reveal the Ipoh’s rich colonial influence.

Many will feel nostalgic when visiting any one of the coffee shops found in the city that withstood the test of time. 

White coffee is a must-try while in Ipoh and it will go well with freshly baked egg tarts from Nam Heong.

For those who wish to try the tauge-ayam (bean sprout chicken) or shop for locally produced tit-bits, head down to Gerbang Malam.

It was very timely for us to visit Kong Heng Restaurant as it was featured in Sydney Morning Herald just 2 days ago. The article can be viewed at http://www.smh.com.au/travel/-2ozo0.html 

The owner strictly adhered to the 3-R principle (Recycle, Reuse and Renew) when he converted the upper floors of the restaurant into a hotel.

Our accommodation was at Kinta Riverfront Hotel – next to a river where tin ore was discovered.  The riverside has now been cleverly beautified into an attractive recreational area.

It is evidently clear that the recent efforts by both the government and the private sector have been very successful in the transformation of city.  Hence, it is no surprise that I am now planning my return visit to Ipoh.