A step into the land of gems

Last June end, I was given an opportunity to attend a workshop in Sri Lanka. It was a four-day trip. So I didn't have all the time needed to explore the country. Nevertheless, that short trip was an eye-opener to Malaysian like me. I first landed in Colombo early morning (there's a 2-hour difference between Sri Lanka and Malaysia).

First impression after landed: coconut trees a plenty; at least u can see them lining outside the airport. Came the immigration checking counter. I was hinted by the officer for 30-day visa if I add some tips. Well, if one doesn't know, he may think that's a bargain. But the fact is everyone is entitled a 30-day visa upon entry. So there was a delay at the counter as the officer was expecting some tips. Sorry, no tips from me. Their airport is not that gorgeous as compared with KLIA or HKIA or Changi. Probably the size of Penang airport. Step outside of the airport and it was a different world. I was then took a three-hour journey to Kandy, a town sits on a highland. No chance to see Colombo.

Their taxi is a typical tuk-tuk. It's pretty interesting to see how the locals drive. Honking is used to warn people that you are approaching. There are more Perodua than Proton there too. Apparently, our national prides are exported there. And so the journey to the highland continued.

Comments

Kaoshiung

I haven't finished recounting my journey in Sweden and Japan; I returned from Taiwan just two weeks ago. Here's a brief account of my recent visit there (although I still have unfinished tale from last year trip to Taiwan). My first stop was Kaoshiung. Spent a day and a half in the town, then I travelled to Tainan for a weekend symposium. I ended my journey in Taipei for another short hike. The weather in Kaohsiung was quite hot, comparatively. It's not my favorite weather for traveling. Perhaps I arrived there too early; had I come a few days later, the temperature would have been cooler. Since day time was hot, it would be wise to visit Pier 2 area during evening or night. Not many people / tourists in this town. It looked quiet. The next day, I took a ferry to Cijin. The ride was short, about 5 minutes. Cijin Island is a fisherman's village. On the opposite side of the island, there's a beach. It was serene but scorching, to the extent that I couldn't walk m

Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain)

If Yangmingshan is too far or too adventurous for you, try Xiang Shan (literally means Elephant Mountain) which is right in the city. The place is accessible by MRT. Just get out from Xiangshan MRT station, walk towards the park and you will be at the entrance in no time. Follow the signpost along the way. Be prepared for a series of steep stairway. At the stop uphill, you can get the closest view of 101 Tower. The starting point of Xiangshan All uphill climb Stairway to the top If you see this, you have arrived at the viewpoint Taipei 101 Tower View along the way Benches Posting as a sign of achievement Night view of 101

Qixingshan trail

Had a chance to visit Taiwan again in last November. It was an invitation to attend a symposium in Taichung. So I decided to take a few days to explore Taipei before the conference. But this round I opted for hiking experience. Thus, the search for easy access of hiking venues around Taipei city. One particular blog has provided most of the useful information for my trip: www.nickkembel.com. I picked Qixingshan trail in Yangmingshan National Park as my first choice for the hiking. It's easily accessible with moderate difficulty level of the hiking route. To get to Yangmingshan, one can opt for the public transport right below Jiantan MRT station. The Taipei Performing Arts Center is just opposite the bus stop areas. I took the S15 mini bus which is bound for Lengshuikeng. Waited a few minutes, the bus came. There were many locals heading to the national park on that day. So I had to stand for almost the entire journey. Got off at Lengshuikeng Visitor Center (which is the last two s

Life, Travel, GRACE

Search This Blog