Thursday, February 28, 2008

Tampaksiring

The hallowed spring of Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring dates from legendary times. In popular folklore, it was made by lndra when he pierced the earth to create a spring of amerta, the elixir of immortality, with which he revived his forces who were poisoned by Mayadanawa.


The holy spring which bubbles up in the inner courtyard of the Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring is believed to have magic curative powers, and throngs of people visit the special bathing pools where clear cool water spouts from mossy walls. Legend has it that the God Indra created the spring, piercing the ground in search of holy water.






Goa Gajah Temple

Goa Gajah, the famous cave entrance is elaborately carved. Inside the cave is a statue of the Hindu character Ganesh (Ganesa) - half elephant, half boy - from which the temple gets its name.




Barung dance

Barung dance - a cultural dance abt love, jelousy, power struggle, black magic and immortality. Its quite fun and at the same time weird too. Wish i had my flash back then as it was almost impossible to shoot anything from the distance we were sitting.
Barung Dance- pictures taken after performance.











Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Langkawi

On journey to langkawi 450 KM from Kuala Lumpur.

The name "Langkawi" is believed to be related to the kingdom of Langkasuka, centred in modern-day Kedah. The historical record is sparse, but a Chinese Liang Dynasty record (c. 500 AD) refers to the kingdom of "Langgasu" as being founded in the 1st century AD. 'Langkawi' mean's Eagle Island, it may be noted, and indeed there is a great abundance of eagles in the area. In Kuah, there is an eagle monument in Eagle Square which commemorates the origin of Langkawi's name.
Langkawi is also the site of the Mahsuri legend. The legend speaks of a young woman who was accused of adultery and was executed by the public despite her pleading innocence. Mahsuri, before her death, made a curse on the island for seven generations of bad luck. Langkawi eventually came under the influence of the Sultanate of Kedah, but Kedah was conquered in 1821 by Siam and Langkawi along with it. The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred power to the British, who held the state until independence, except for a brief period of Thai rule under the Japanese occupation of Malaya during World War II. Thai influences remain visible in the culture and food of Langkawi, while Thai language is still understood by many on the island.

View at Cable car station, there many shop you can acctually do your shopping.



The Cable Car - system is the latest tourist attraction for Langkawi and is located at the Oriental Village, a theme shopping centre housed in 30’s individually designed buildings showcasing Malaysian and Oriental architecture.
The attraction located on the southwestern coast of the main island of Langkawi, is just a 30 minutes drive from Kuah town and 15 minutes drive from Langkawi International Airport.




Dataran Helang - This is a place where the largest eagle which is the symbol of Langkawi rest. Its a cool place for people to relax , take some air and look at the nice scenery of the sea. And watching the ferry coming in and out at Jetty Kuah