3rd Putrajaya International Air Balloon Fiesta

The annual Putrajaya International Air Balloon was held last week at Putrajaya Precinct 2. This year event was much bigger with 29 balloons flying.

I meant to be here everyday to catch all the balloons it got to offer. Unfortunately, a series of events (include a hangover on Saturday morning) kept me occupied until the last day of the fiesta.

To Inflate the balloons, the processes involve a few people skillfully operate the burner and blower to filled out the balloons with hot air.

It was a beautiful sight when the balloons were erected and launched off the ground

This was a moment to be remembered when the sky was filled with the colourful air balloons.

I was a bit disappointed again this year as for the 2nd consecutive year I missed out on seeing the Darth Vader air balloon. Better luck next year.

There was also this Doraemon balloon which I had high hope to see this year but did not materialized.

The site was virtually filled to the brim and many side events were made available to keep the visitors busy when the main event had not start.

Prince Triple Threat Scream

The Prince Triple Threat Scream badminton racket is more or less the sister racket to Prince Synergy as they almost have the same specification and price tag.

This racket was originally sold at RM 169 but was given a 30% discount. They even threw me a badminton bag with the purchase.

As mentioned earlier, it shared the same specification with Prince Synergy racket in term of weight (86g), balance, string pattern and recommended tension (25lbs). The only difference is the characteristic of its shaft (medium stiffness).

Some of its features documented around its frame is the titanium tungsten carbon located around 2 and 1o o'clock of the frame. The manufacturer claims the advanced carbon technology is for ultimate power and control for the player.

Triple Threat is a unique balanced weighting system that focus exclusive material in 3 critical racket points: 10 & 2 o'clock and at the bottom of the frame, resulting in perfect balance and stability in the game.

The Triple Threat Scream definitely feel lighter than Synergy even though they weight the same.

Triple Threat Scream has a thinner frame head compare to Synergy which result in less power when performing smashes.

Even though it was strung with the same string and tension as the Synergy, Triple Threat Scream definitely has a character of its own. It suits a control player who is focusing on accurate shot and shuttle control.

It is not my favourite racket as I usually used it when I am almost drained. It still a decent racket though for normal play.

Teratak Riverview

Teratak Riverview is a secluded place, located between the State of Perak and Selangor in Tanjung Malim. This is the perfect place for those who prefer to get closer with mother nature.

The main attraction here will be the cool refreshing Bernam River which also act as the border for the state of Selangor and Perak.

The place is divided into 2 parts (chalet and the camping site) and connected via the suspension bridge unless one is willing to wade the river to get across to the other side.

The camping site and the dorm room is located on the Perak side. I'ts very hard to receive a telephone line here unless one try to make a call from the edge of the suspension bridge where there might be a weak signal on the mobile phone.

For those who opt for a more comfortable stay, the chalets are available on the Selangor side. However, there are some health concerns too while staying in the chalets as the ever present lizards at the ceiling with their droppings while you were sleeping.

Walking down through the river, I notice this damaged structure. It appears like a bridge which once connects Perak and Selangor back during the colonial era and destroyed during the Japanese occupational period.

With the secondary forest as the background, Teratak Riverview is a perfect place for team building event .

I get a chance to play my very first paint ball here. I got shot pretty bad with some bruises at the abdomen and thigh area. I actually use the rubbish bin lid seen here as a shield during my battle with the more formidable team inside the woods.

Empire Shopping Gallery

The Empire Shopping Gallery is the latest shopping mall in Subang Jaya. It has been operational for a few months already when I recently made my visit here.

The mall is located beside the aging Subang Parade. To reach here by public transport, alight at Subang Jaya KTM station or take a Rapid KL bus from Kelana Jaya Station.

This brand new mall gives a refreshing and different feeling from the adjacent Subang Parade. I believe The Empire kind of complement the existing Subang Parade by offering more mid-range branded clothes to cater the Subang Jaya residents.

It has spacious walkway and concourse with nice soothing lighting to enhance the shopping experience. I would rate it as a medium sized mall by KL standard.

This spiraling structure here is the unique feature for Empire Shopping Gallery. It was recorded on The Malaysia Book of Records as the tallest indoor spiral tube slide at the height of 21m and 50m in length.

The spiral tube slide is operated and managed by LeX. They charge RM12 for single entry and RM45 for group package (5 person)