Outliers: Persevere and Adapt to Change

Moral of the story of  a chef in a hawker center: Persevere and Adapt to Change.

Success comes slow but will surely be sweet.

Mumbai Dhoby Ghaut

Gulung Tikar Gawai

On 22 June 2019, I visited a closing ceremony for Gawai called Gulung Tikar and it is a massive events sponsored by a company to all the village folks around the vicinity.

The event was held in Ulu Sebauh with invitation extended to the ministers and politicians parties.

This is the menu for the local Iban Delicacy

there are around 25 houses in the longhouse and we visited a few of them and every time we entered a house, it is mandatory to drink the rice wine (tuak) and each tuak has different taste. Some even told me there are fruit flavored tuak.

There is a artificial tree and the closing of Gawai is marked by warrior dance with music for the people to use a knife to remove the tree and leaves slowly.

Snacks and food is provided and people sit around the hallway (Ruai) and have meal in a circle

Towards the end of the night, people would drink, dance and drunk.

It is a worthwhile experience to enjoy and I'm glad to experience it - the amazing culture experience.

Sydney

On 10 Nov 2017, My sister and I went for a 5 nights trip to Sydney, visiting the city area.

The WILDLIFE Sydney located at Darling Harbour Zoo with amazing penguin tip-toing towards meat at the mirror.

Amazing sunset shoot at the Sydney Tower Eye, It is an amazing view of the city.

Tasted Crocodile Meat (1st time ever in my life). It is tender, tastes like chicken (aroma), less juicy and well first time for everything.

we also walked around the Shelly Beach area around Manly. There is an escarpment of water adjacent to the South Pacific Ocean

One thing amazing about marts in Sydney is that there is a section for fruits that does not meet quality control but still edible left at a section and it is free for all to take.

We joined a free guided tour who wears iconic green shirts. You can tip them according to your choice after the end of the tour. All are within walking path and the guides shows you the crooks and crannies of some part of Sydney. This particular guides has a degree on architecture and he gives a wonderful tour on the Sydney. I would vouch and recommend this tour for those going to Sydney.

We saw this green building near University Technology of Sydney

Sydney Fish Market, as good as it may seemed, I was shocked that most stalls are operated by Chinese. It is always jam packed and the seafood is amazing, i remembered we stand eating until we found a seat.

Nearby Darling Harbour is the hardrock cafe with such signage at the entrance.

Night View of Hyde Park from Sydney Tour Eye

Next, we went to Blue Mountains National Park. It is away from the town so we took a train. There are many routes of hiking and the most famous would be the Three Sister. We also went to a waterfall trail 

El-Alamein Fountain with direction and distances of countries. It was built for WWII memorial.

Amazing rock cutting and coastal pathways along Bondi beach with many routes to take as well. This breathtaking scenes is why I think Sydney is so famous for tourists and leisure for locals. 

This eye opening city impressed me in many ways and makes me believe and understand why people want to live in this city and apply for a PR here. It was wonderful amenities, food, scenic beaches, chill environment, and minimum wages policy. 

Penang / Pulau Pinang

My family and I went to Penang on 17 Dec 2017 and stayed at Hotel Continental Penang for 3 nights. We made the booking via Traveloka. Breakfast was reasonable for the price we have paid.

We went to this Chow Jetty (there are many Jetty walk but this is the most famous). There are shops along the walkways selling souvenirs and handicraft. At the end of the walkway is a temple overlooking the harbour and Penang Straits.

Many old streets are preserved and changed to shops to sell items and promote tourism business. Hence, the Georgetown area is gazatted under UNESCO Culture Heritage. Lots of people from all over the world comes and enjoy the food and scenic views. The place also booms from global spread of reputation and economical travels for tourists.

We went to Kek Lo Si temple and took this photo from the top. it is situated at the hillside. We also enjoyed local dishes at the foot of the hill - Ayer Itam. there are lots of tourist bus while we took our Grab here. 

Here, People are queuing for Penang Laksa. Apparently they claimed that Ayer Itam is one of the originals. I'm not sure.

 

We then went to Snake Temple. (It is located nearer to Airport and away from Town). There are actually lots of temple in Penang. This particular is special as you can see dark green snakes at the top right of the attar. 

We left the place a a happy ending note, having experienced the food, culture and local view of Penang. It is place many would visit, so there are many information in the internet. I advise people to do their own sight seeing instead of following tours.

Mukah

On 18 May 2018, I decided to go or Mukah trip with a friend. We used the coastal road and cross jabatan Kuala Tatau. It has saved the time to travelling to Mukah by few hours. As Mukah I located by the coast, using the inner road of Selangau would have cost many hours.  Upon nearing Muah, you will see the iconic yellow coloured bridge

There are some stalls selling local fruits and products and I saw a different coloured Banana. ( Do drop down in a comment if you know what’s that) 

We went to Lamin Dana, a Melanau Longhouse that showcase the artifacts and also serves as a homestay. You do have to pay a fee to enter for visit. There is a craving by Digi gifted to the longhouse owner.

You can see this wood Kayu Nibong which is sturdy and spiky thorn removed by soaking under water and removed using knife. This base wood can last hundred years and sustain loads.

We had a lunch at Riverside Restaurant, while overlooking Sungai Gigis flowing into the South China Sea. Mukah is famous for its seafood but we ordered normal dishes. The jellyfish Midin is a special icon dish. We walked around the old town and then visited the market. 

There is an icon of Prawn statue in town to symbolize the seafood industry. You can notice a tall chimney, which was once a Sago factory leftover, remains. Mukah is famous for Sago related and derivated products and you should try some 

Before we drove back to Bintulu, we circled around Balingian town, it is much smaller than Mukah and we drove back. The one way trip by car took 4 hours. Overall, it is worth the experience and wonderful journey that I enjoyed.