Sunday, November 27, 2011

Amcorp Mall Flea Market

The Amcorp Mall was opened in December 2007 in Petaling Jaya and is located just opposite the Taman Jaya LRT Station.

Amcorp Mall was once famous and crowded shopping centre. However, it started to lose its charm with the emergence of other newer malls such as 1 Utama, Mid Valley, The Gardens and Sunway Pyramid, this mall is practically deserted on weekdays.

The biggest draw to the crowd is the flea market on weekends. Compared to other larger and bigger shopping malls, one may not find Amcorp Mall interesting but for those who loved antiques and collectibles, this mall is definitely a must visit.

 The flea market here is Malaysia's oldest (since 1997) and most worth visiting flea market with more than 300 stalls open up indoor every Saturday and Sunday

 
 
 
Located on Lower Ground Level, this retail stalls sells wide array of collectibles such as coins, currency notes, pictures and stamps.

Even old songs can be sourced here. It definitely brings out the pasar malam feel although in a more comfortable environment.

Almost one every floor, one can notice a small number of stalls selling antiques and collectibles. I was even surprised to see some MASK toys from the 1987 on sell here from the Split Seconds Series such as Dynamo, Afterburner and Wolfbeast.

 
 
Another attraction here is the toy stores located on the 3rd floor. There are so many Transformers toys to see and purchase from G1 to the Masterpiece series.

The Transformers toys here are generally cheaper by RM 30-40 compare to the other toy stores in KL. I will definitely make a few trips here for some of the Masterpiece series.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Pulau Payar

 
Pulau Payar is a marine park situated some 35km south of Langkawi Island. Due to its nature as sheltered water, the island is ideal for snorkeling, diving and swimming.

 
The catamaran services operated by Langkawi Coral took some 50 minutes to reach the island from Kuah Jetty. Usually it will departs from the jetty in the morning around 11am and anchor nearby the island roughly at 12pm before making a return trip at 4pm.

 
 
Fishes and sharks can be swimming at the island water. Snorkeling is the best way to get close and personal with those marine creatures. Since this is a marine park, there will be a fine of RM 20, 000 imposed to anyone who try to feed the fishes or even bring back any souvenirs from this pristine island.

Small crabs can also be spotted among the rocks on the island. I heard some visitors saw some small snakes among the bushes too.

 
 
It is such a relaxing stroll around the island, enjoying the sea breeze and admiring the beauty of mother nature. Food and drinks are not sold on the island but lunch is usually included in the package trip to this island by the boat operator.

I would die for a bottle of beer but the boat operator charge some RM5 for a can of beer. Still consider cheap though compare to other places in Malaysia.

 
Pulau Payar offers a few stretch of sandy beaches. It is definitely a good place to get your skin tanned here. There is no fresh water supply on this island. Salt water is mainly used for in the bathroom and toilet.

Other side activity besides scuba diving and snorkeling is jungle tracking by negotiating some 183 steps to view the surrounding island. I reckon it only takes 10-15 minutes to reach the top.

This is definitely a worthwhile trip and I strongly recommend it to anyone who come to Langkawi Island. I would rate it better than the Manukan Island in Kota Kinabalu.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Seven Wells Waterfall

Seven Wells is a geological marvel in Langkawi Island. The waterfalls is so named because its cascading waters is broken by a series of seven pools.

 
The waterfall is located about 1km away from Oriental Village or for those who fancy some workout, it will take a 2 hours hike from the peak of Mount Mat Chincang.

 
The lush green forest that surrounds the waterfall adds a mystical touch to the natural splendour.

 
Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the waterfall to bathe and frolic.

 
It is sad to see most of the facilities here are out of commission as I notice the changing room and toilet are in dilapidated condition and closed for repair/renovation.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Langkawi Cable Car & Skybridge

No visit to Langkawi will be complete if one did not take the cable car ride to the top of Mount Mat Chincang.

 
The cable car ride is thrilling and scary for those who fear height. One way or another, one will be rewarded with a scenic ride on it.

 
En route to the peak, the Skybridge, which is the pride of Langkawi stood proudly the midst of the protected mother nature.

Skybridge is an engineering feat and is built on top of the Mount Mat Chincang.

 
The bridge is suspended from a 82m high single pylon and the whole curve bridge structure is supported from a single point, which is the top of the pylon.

 
 
Although the cable car will make a brief stop at the middle station (65m above sea level) for those who want to alight there, one can stay inside the cab which will proceed its journey to the top station.

 
 
 
There are 2 main viewing platforms at the top station and they offers a magnificent view. The temperature here is about 1 - 2 degree Celcius cooler from the base.

From this vantage point (70m above sea level), one can see Padang Matsirat, Chenang beach, Oriental Village, Kok beach, Telaga Harbour Park and Mutiara Burau Bay.

Ko Tarutao. For those who still remember the reality TV Show, Survivor Thailand, this is where the contestants outplay, outwit and outlast each other.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Oriental Village Langkawi

The gateway to Mat Chincang Mountain starts at Oriental Village which also houses the cable car station.

 
Although most visitors came to Oriental Village for the cable car ride, this place has more to offer than meet the eyes.

 
 
 
 
 
The Oriental Village in the Burau Bay in Langkawi is regarded as the largest outdoor lifestyle mall in the northern region.The village offers a variety food & beverage outlets, souvenir & retails stores, galleries, hotels and spas. Its quaint surrounding make it ideal for a relaxing stroll while enjoying the crisp cool air.

 
The cable car management has a new tagline this year "Welcome to Paradise". The cable car ticket will cost RM30 for adult and RM 20 for children. There will be a long queue during the weekends and public holiday. For some reason, bottled water is not allowed in.

The cable car system is designed and made in Switzerland. Its cab only fit a maximum of 6 people (480kg) and appear to be smaller than the Genting's cab.

The journey to the top of the mountain (700m above sea level) will take about 15 minutes and will bring the visitor to a breathtaking view of Langkawi Island and its surrounding. For those who are more adventurous, one can take the 2 hours arduous jungle trail (free of charge) to reach the peak.