1) Tambunan
2) Penampang
3) Papar
4) Pitas
5) Kunak
6) Jesselton
7) Tawau
8) Beaufort
9) Tuaran
10) Tambunan
11) Bukit Bendera
12) Sandakan
13) Sandakan
14) Sandakan
15) Sandakan
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Saturday, February 21, 2015
12 Things You Don't Know About Kelantan
1. It has its own unique Malay dialect
Every region in Malaysia has its own variety of the Malay language. However, there is no denying that the Kelantanese dialect is the most divergent variety of the language. This is probably because the Kelantan-Pattani region is isolated from the rest of the Malay world by mountains and rivers.
Source: http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahasa_Melayu_Kelantan
2. It has its own currency
Issued by the state government, this currency is said to be in line with the Islamic gold dinar concept. However, the federal government denies its use for legal tender, stating the Ringgit Malaysia is the only legal tender currency in Kelantan and Malaysia as a whole. At the moment, the currency is most predominately used for Zakat payment and marriage dowry.
Source: http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20100814-232042.html
3. It has the largest Malay population in the country
Kelantan is part of the conservative Malay heartland, with over 95% of the state's population being Malays. It is often considered the cradle of Malay culture, preserving rich local traditions like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird singing, Batik making, Songket weaving and silver crafts manufacturing.
4. It is home to one the longest Sleeping Buddha statues in the world
Found in Wat Photivihan, a Buddhist temple in the Tumpat district, this statue is 40 meters in length. The temple is a mainly Thai temple, which is evident from its name, architecture and the majority of its devotees.
Source: http://travelinkelantan.blogspot.com/2008/08/place-of-interest-sleeping-buddha.html
5. It is the largest producer of teachers
Which is why it is so hard for Kelantanese teachers to be transferred back to their home state. With about 60 000 fresh graduates every year, a large portion of them are serving outside the state.
Source: http://www2.hmetro.com.my/articles/Kelantanpengeluarguruterbesar/Article/
6. It has the lowest unemployment rate in the country
The Department of Statistics revealed that the unemployment rate in Kelantan is the lowest in Malaysia with only 2.2 % compared to the national rate of 4.0%.
7. It has the most non-Chinese learners of Mandarin in the country
Following in the footsteps of former Chief Minister, the late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who sent five of his grandchildren to Chinese medium schools, many citizens of this Malay-majority state are sending their children to such schools themselves.
8. Most of its signboards are in both Roman and Jawi scripts
The Kelantan state government has enforced local authorities to enforce the use of the Jawi in not only signboards but also in official reports.
Source: http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2008&dt=1118&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_06.htm
9. Its ad billboards feature female models and celebrities wearing the headscarf
While advertisement agencies might use the exact same billboards for a specific product in different parts of Malaysia, they are also obligated to make different ones exclusively for Kelantan. In accodring to the state's laws, the billboards there can only feature women in the headscarf.
10. It has the largest number of AIDS and HIV patients in the country
Statistics from the Ministry of Health show that for every 100 000 citizens, 29 out of them have the disease. This is highter than the average rate for the whole of Malaysia, which is 13 for every 100 000 citizens.
Source: http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0916&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Dalam_Negeri&pg=dn_08.htm11. It tops the list of local pornographic website visitors
In 2014, a porn website called Pornhub revealed that Kelantan's capital, Kota Bharu spends the most time on to its website, losing to another east coast city, Kuala Terengganu. The average time spent browsing pornography in these cities were higher than the average time for the whole of Malaysia itself.
Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/12/16/Malaysia-porn-stats-east-global/
12. It has the most polygamists in the country
The high number of registrations for polygamy is probably due to flexibility in terms of polygamy laws in the state.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Twelve Unusual Places To Visit in Penang
You have probably visited Penang's many cultural enclaves, shopping malls, beaches, hawker centres and other famous attractions countless of times. The Orient of the East has a lot more to offer. Here are ten offbeat places in Prince of Wales Island to visit.
1) A colonial mansion
2) The Jewish cemetery
3) The most beautiful KFC
This KFC restaurant is probably the most beautiful in Malaysia, and perhaps the world. It used to the mansion of Lim Cheng Teik, who became the youngest Municipal Commissioner in history. This former mansion was designed by architect Henry Alfred Neubronner:
4) Jerejak Island
This 362 hectare island south-east of Penang is a former leper asylum. It can be accessed today
via ferry from Bayan Lepas. There is a memorial dedicated to two Imperial Russian Navy crew members who died during the Battle of Penang. In the 70s, a maximum security prison was set up here, earning the island the title Alcatraz of Malaysia.
5) A Northern Indian temple
Almost all Hindu temples in Penang cater for Tamil-speaking congregation and feature South Indian architecture. Unlike them, the Sri Kunj Bihari Mandir along Penang Road is probably the only Northern Indian Hindu temple in the state. Built in 1833 for settlers from Bihar, the temple still caters to Hindi-speaking devotees of Punjabi, Gujarat, Sindhi, Bengali and Bhaiya communities.
6) A turtle sanctuary
When people thing of turtle preservation, Terengganu comes to mind. However, Penang also has its own lesser known turtle sanctuary at Keranchut Beach. Green Sea Turtles can be seen here from April and August, while Olive Ridley Turtles come here sometime between September to February. The sanctuary keeps hatched turtles until they are mature enough to be released into the wild.
7) A canopy walkway
Penang is not all food and culture. There is a National Park, which is the smallest in the world but can still house a 250 metre long canopy walkway. At a height of 15 metres, you can look down on the various preserved flora and fauna the rainforest has to offer at a bird's eye view.
8) An interactive museum
Since Malaysians love taking and posing for pictures, it is a surprise this is not yet what Maddame Tussauds is for London. Apart from posing with 3D murals and trick artwork, visitors can learn about Penang's history and diversity from its various exhibits.
9) A statue of a British monarch
Queen Victoria Memorial Statue was built by the local Chinese three decades after he passing as they considered themselves the her subjects back in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Other places in Penang such as Victoria Green field, Victoria Street, Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Victoria Peer, Victoria Inn, Queensbay and Victoria Road are also named after the Queen.
10) A haunted hill
Often featured on many Asia's top 10 scariest places lists, Ghost Hill has a War Museum that is the sight of many apparitions over the years. Built by the British in the 1930s as a military fortress, it fell to the Japanese during World War II. The hill was then made a prisoner camp where countless people were tortured and even beheaded.
Located on Level 5 of KOMTAR, the Jurassic Research Centre is home to over 200 life-sized dinosaur replicas. Although they may not be living breathing creatures like in the Spielberg movies, these replicas can still move and even roar. This centre is not just for Malaysians to indulge their camerawork, but there is lots to learn through the indoor exhibits as well.
12) Malaysia's highest glass skywalk
Also located in KOMTAR, the sixth highest building in Malaysia, The Rainbow Skywalk can be found 68 floors and one kilometer above ground level. KOMTAR was originally only 65 levels high but the additional three levels were added specially for this skywalk.
11) A Jurassic park
Located on Level 5 of KOMTAR, the Jurassic Research Centre is home to over 200 life-sized dinosaur replicas. Although they may not be living breathing creatures like in the Spielberg movies, these replicas can still move and even roar. This centre is not just for Malaysians to indulge their camerawork, but there is lots to learn through the indoor exhibits as well.
12) Malaysia's highest glass skywalk
Also located in KOMTAR, the sixth highest building in Malaysia, The Rainbow Skywalk can be found 68 floors and one kilometer above ground level. KOMTAR was originally only 65 levels high but the additional three levels were added specially for this skywalk.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Ten Unusual Places To Visit in Kuala Lumpur
Everyone knows about the Twin Towers, the KL Tower, the famous museums, the iconic religious sites, the popular malls and cultural landmarks. Kuala Lumpur is a city rich in history and even when you think you have seen and experienced everything our capital has to offer, it still finds a way to surprise you. Here is a list of Ten Unusual Places To Visit in Kuala Lumpur.
1) Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve
Yes, right in the middle of the cosmopolitan city is this 11 hectare rainforest preserve, one of the smallest in the world. Hike across its wooden bridges and you can see wild animals such as monkeys and all kinds of birds. Trees are also labelled so they can be easily recognized. Just outside the forest, there is an orchid plantation, nature centre, herb garden, botanical garden, jogging trail and much more.
2) Gothic church
Gothic churches are no longer just native to Europe and America. We have one right here in the capital. Built during the colonial period, the Church of Holy Rosary has every Gothic feature in the book such as beautifully crafted stained windows that depict Biblical stories, a tall steeple and plaster vaulting.
3) A traditional village in the middle of the city
Sprawling over almost a 250 acres, Kampung Baru is a traditional Malay village in the middle of the modern city. Here, you will find traditional Malay wooden houses with their little orchards and farms set against the backdrop of the city's skyscrapers.
4) Smallest Hindu temple
Fondly known as Pudu Pillayar or Court Hill Vinayagar Temple, this Ganesha temple is probably not as well known as the more bigger Hindu temples in the city. However, it is built on a three adjoining cornered slope, which is very auspicious. Despite its popularity among devotees, the temple cannot be renovated due to its close proximity to other large buildings in the area.
5) Coconut trees in the city
The only place where you can find coconuts in the city centre is in the grounds of the Jamek Mosque, one of the oldest in the city.
6) A piece of Mecca
You can see the 1964 Keswa, the door curtain of the Ka’aba which is changed every year displayed at the Islamic Arts Museum Kuala Lumpur.
7) Dine in the dark
Here is one of the few restaurants in the world where you can enjoy a one of a kind dining experience made up of a four-course dinner. The staff consists of visually impaired individuals
8) Hidden hot spring
Located along a road aptly named Jalan Air Panas in the suburbs of Setapak, the hot spring is opened to the public with an entrance fee of just RM1.
9) The underground shopping mall
Merdeka Square is famous for its historical significance as well as the Moorish-looking Sultan Abdul Samad Building that contrasts the nearby Tudor-styled Selangor Club. Not known to many, Merdeka Square Plaza, one of the capital's many malls, is found below the former cricket field.
10) The remains of a colonial prison
Contrary to popular belief, the historical Pudu Jail was not completely demolished. You can still see its iconic arched gateway facade, although its walls that once had the longest mural in the world is gone along with the main building.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Top 10 Tamil Movies of 2014
Following the end of my undergraduate studies in June, I have been spending the second half of the year catching up with all sorts of movies, so much so that I could make my own Top 10 list. Just so you know, this list is purely based on my own thoughts and not box office collections and professional critics' opinions. So let's get kicking.
12) Vadacurry
It is evident from the first few scenes itself that this is from a Venkat Prabhu school of film. He not only stars in it, but was the mentor to the director. Jai carries most of the scenes on his shoulder, branding himself as a comedic actor after the success of movies like Goa and Raja Rani. This movie also proves you do not need necessarily need Santhanam to provide comic relief in an out and out comedy film that does not require a separate comedy track. RJ Balaji does a good job in this position, or perhaps even better as his comedic timing goes straight to the punch without the Santhanam-esque long-winded dialogues that leave subtitle writers annoyed. Everything invites laughter in this film, even the villains who are not really big time criminals are amusing. Songs are pretty decent as well, although the ending could have been better by having a slightly more menacing criminal behind the whole plot.
11) Velaiyilla Pattathari
This film's trailer made it appear like an out and out typical Masala commercial entertainer with its punch dialogues, boy-next-door heroism, folk songs and family sentiments However, it is more than just that. It is also a poignant coming-of-age story. Dhanush plays a similar role as he did in Polladhavan (2007), Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008) and Padikkadavan (2009). However, the presence of a formidable villain makes for an interesting David versus Goliath element. Though the film is racy and borderline predictable, it boldly tackles an issue most cinema goers today face - a jobless young graduate waiting for his big break. Though this is only his début, director Velraj proves he can tell a good story with a strong social message while still mixing in some commercial elements.
10) Mundasupatti
Set in a 1980s fictional village in South India called Mundasupatti, the film depicts an entire village of highly superstitious and uneducated people who believe bad luck will befall them if they are photographed. This film makes fun of organized religion and superstition in a way that is not too in-your-face, which saved it from controversy. This could have the been as good as another satire film that came out this year, Vaayai Moodi Pesavum. However, where it falls short of critiquing society, it makes up in the comedy department.
9) Thegidi
Ashok Selvan is like the urban, yuppie version of Vijay Sethupathi. Both make new age Tamil movies that are more artsy than commercial but still fare well at the box office. They were together in a movie in fact - last year's blockbuster Sodhu Kavum, where Vijay was the literal and figurative crazy one of the group while Ashok was the more mature and educated one. Also, Ashok played the main character in last year's Pizza 2, which is a spiritual sequel to the Vijay starer Pizza. Thegidi appears to be low budget but it still boosts a decent story, dealing with private investigating. Unlike most mainstream Tamil films that deal with blue collar crimes, this film deals with a different form of crime that we all perhaps take for granted. Also prepare yourself for the big twist at the end, which is nowhere near Pizza 2's twist, but still a decent attempt.
8) Cuckoo
This romantic drama staring Attakati Dinesh and Malavika Nair each in a role of a lifetime revolves around two visually-challenged young people who fall in love with one another. What makes this film absolutely refreshing is the fact that it does not depict the visually-impaired in an overtly sympathetic way like what you would expect from a regular artsy Tamil film. Instead, they are shown as normal everyday members of society. The hero is a singer for a band that performs at various functions, while the heroine is a trainee teacher in the midst of her teaching practice. There are many light, funny moments, and also overly melodramatic ones like the ending. This film could have been much better though, but since it the director's debut, we can give him a pass.
7) Kochadaiiyaan
Thank our lucky stars that this film had the Superstar in it, or it might not have even taken off. The animation is unfortunately mediocre, but the movie is saved by the KS Ravikumar's engaging story and dialogues, and of course, AR Rahman's brilliant soundtrack. Thankfully this movie does not have the usual hero-worshiping dialogue that most big starers have, though the opening song does incorporate elements of it, which we can look pass thanks the beautiful accompanying music. It is difficult to understand why this had to be a motion-capture film when it could have simply been a regular animation one. You cannot really feel the 'motion' captured from the actors' performance with their animated versions looking so stiff. Perhaps its a good starter that will go on to be well developed in the future.
6) Vaayai Moodi Pesavum
This is a satirical film that might not have worked in mainstream cinema. The second half of the film seems like a silent movie, which actually works very well. It still manages to be funny and engaging despite the lack of dialogue. The film pokes fun at many aspects of Tamil Nadu's political and social environment today - like the manipulative media, corrupt politicians, hero worship, alcoholics and of course, our excessive use of speech. Just like how the director, Balaji Mohan reinvented the Tamil rom-com genre in his debut, he introduces a completely new concept yet again added with his own style of story-telling, making the movie not just a thought-provoking piece of film but an enjoyable
one.
5) Pisasu
This film was wrongly promoted as a horror film. It is more of a ghost film which fits into the genre of psychological thriller. There are still some genuinely scary scenes, which has been executed differently by avoiding the usual blood and gore, thus destroying a few clichés along the way. It has Mysskin's name all over it with his signature camera angles, slow paced scenes, and villains who are not really evil. His obsession with all things morbid truly fits this kind of genre, as it makes for a well-made edge-of-the-seat psychological thriller. Although the big revelation during the second half of the film renders the film less than suspenseful, the climax makes up for this.
4) Madras
Though this film still maintains all the commercial elements needed in order for a film of this genre to succeed, it does not compromise with the social reality of its setting. This is unarguably Karthi's best movie in recent times, though he does seem to stick out like a sore thumb not just as the movie star member among a group of mostly newcomers, but as a bit too chic and mature for a lower middle class young man. This revenge drama is about two friends from north Madras who despite being the most educated in their clique, end up being lured into the midst of a bloody gang war of political rivalry and betrayal which comes with living in a neighbourhood like theirs. Though the basic premise is not completely original, director Ranjith's screenplay and character development keeps us engaged throughout the film.
3) Arima Nambi
This is a a very well-crafted urban conspiracy thriller. The suspense scenes are genuinely nail-biting thanks to the racy plot. It is hard to believe this is a debut film for the director, especially with such clever writing, excellent direction and cool camera works. This film is a rare gem in a rarely explored genre in Tamil cinema. The villain, who only comes in the second half, is truly menacing and power-greedy. Most of the high-tech talk spoken in this film is believable enough to make the movie appear as realistic as possible. The only problem with this movie is one song scene towards the end of the film that just stands out like a sore thumb.
2) Naan Sigappu Manithan
This movie came as quite a shock as it comes from the same guy that gave us the usual run-of-the-mill Tamil films like Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai (2010), Samar (2013). It is truly refreshing to see Vishal reinventing himself as a true actor and slowly shedding his 'mass hero' image. In this movie, he plays Indhiran, a boy next door who is not a looser but an excellent student, who hangs out with his friends at a cafe instead of a bar. The narcolepsy aspect of the story is an actual part of the whole film, just like how split personality is part of Anniyan, and not just a sickness that the hero happens to have. This illness has a major role in how the entire story plays out.
1) Jigarthanda
After a stunning debut through Pizza (2012), Karthik Subbaraj has proven himself as an auteur for Tamil cinema with his this comedy cum gangster film. In this genre-defining film, we see a raw and gritty gangster film that is as comical as it is violent. The film is packed with a series of twists and turns that keep audiences at the edge of their seats. The structure of the film is very unconventional that some might not be able to stomach the sudden change in genre after the intermission, although those who have come to like Karthik's earlier attempt of a twist in Pizza might actually appreciate the uniqueness that he is trying here. Bobby Simha truly stuns us with a career-defining performance here after having played a dummy in Sodhu Kavvum (2013) and a comical villain in Neram (2013). Moviegoers can definitely expect more from both him and the director in the future.
Honourable Mentions:
1) Sarabham
2) Kaviya Thalaivan
3) Kaththi
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