Fun and Adventure In Sinai

For thousands of years the Sinai peninsula has been a major region for religious pilgrimages. To that extent one could say that tourism is nothing new to the area. In the last few decades, however, the shape of tourism has considerably changed as millions have come for the spectacular dive sites that dot the region. Around the diving culture, a whole new industry has flourished to meet the growing demands of tourists, divers and non-divers alike.

Camel Trekking

Horseback Riding

Now when you visit the Sinai you have a choice from a variety of activities. In addition to watersports like swimming, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing, paddleboating, jetskiing, and fishing, numerous on-land activities have become available. You can arrange to take a safari around the marvelous geographical and ecological features of the region. Birders will be particularly pleased by the variety and uniqueness of the endemic species. As well, many of the local hotels and sports centers host games and sports, such as aerobics, bowling, tennis, golf, and bicycling. And finally, a not-to-be-missed opportunity in the Sinai are the tours on horseback and camelback.

Jeep Treks

Windsurfing

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Malaysia: The state of Kelantan

The state of Kelantan is known as the ‘cradle of Malay culture’ for having an overwhelming population of Malays (93 percent) and the rest made up of Chinese, Indians and Thai. The Kelantanese have preserved their customs, traditions and cultures well over the years. Some of their most memorable activities are flying giant ‘Wau’ kites and playing ‘Gasing’, a game of spinning tops.

History dates the origin of Kelantan from the ascension of a Thai prince Long Yunus to the throne. The state then went through Thai and British influences before becoming part of Malaysia in 1957. The name ‘Kelantan’ means ‘Land of Lightning’ evident by the many thunderstorms that rock the state each year.

While the economy of Kelantan is based on agriculture such as rice, rubber and tobacco, the state is much more famous for their Malay handicrafts which include ‘Batik’, a silky garment woven with intricate patterns, ‘kain songket’, a cloth made from gold and silver thread, mats, silverware, paintings and wood carvings.

Tourism is a growing industry as more and more people flock to see the rich Malay culture that is inherent in the lifestyles of Kelantan’s people. A trip here will surely absorb you into the knowledge of Malay culture and traditions in Malaysia.

Economy

The state's economy is predominantly agrarian with paddy, rubber and tobacco as cash crops. Fishing along its coastline and livestock-rearing are also two important contributors to the economy. Other economic activities are cottage industries, like batik painting, woodcarving and songket-weaving. As mentioned earlier, tourism is fast emerging as a major money-spinner.

Food

Kelantan's unique cuisine has produced delicious dishes such as Ayam Percik, Nasi Kerabu and Nasi Dagang. Ayam Percik is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. This barbecued chicken marinated with spicy coconut gravy is truly mouth-watering.

Nasi Kerabu is a tasty rice-based dish, served with coconut milk, flaked fish, desiccated coconut and a variety of herbs and sauces, while everyone's favourite Nasi Dagang is actually a type of rice with a brownish tinge steamed to perfection with coconut milk and served with rich fish gravy.

Kota Bahru abounds with restaurants and food stalls, and hawkers with their tasty snacks can be found almost anywhere. Visitors looking for an outdoor Malaysian dining experience in the evening should not miss the food stalls open from 6pm to midnight at Padang Bas, in the town centre.

Geography & Climate

Covering a total of 14,922 sq. km, Kelantan is rich with lush green forests. Its climate is tropical monsoon, with a stable temperature within the range of 21°C to 32°C.

From January through April, expect dry and warm weather with consistently high humidity on the lowlands ranging from 82-86 percent. Kelantan's average yearly rainfall falls between 2,032 mm to 2,540 mm, with the wettest months being from November through January.

Town & Districts

Kelantan's capital is Kota Bharu, performing all the administrative duties over the state. Kelantan is divided into 10 main districts, which are called Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, Tumpat, Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Kuala Krai, Machang, Tanah Merah, Jeli and Gua Musang.

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Kuala Lumpur History

KUALA LUMPUR.MALAYSIA

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia is located within the heart of Selangor state. It is bordered by mountainous ranges on all sides except in the East, which is why Kuala Lumpur and its adjoining areas are called the 'Klang Valley'.

Its name literally means 'muddy capital' in Malay, because of its establishment in the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. It was previously part of Selangor until 1971, when it separated to form Malaysia's capital under the Federal Government.

Environment

Kuala Lumpur has a hot and humid climate, but provides a consistent weather throughout most of the year. The months leading into the end of the year are generally the wettest as the rainy season casts its spell. Occasionally, parts of Kuala Lumpur do suffer from flash floods due to torrential rains, but this is the only natural hazard that beleaguers Kuala Lumpur. From time to time, forest fires in the neighbouring country of Sumatra in the West cause a phenomenon called the 'haze' in Kuala Lumpur, enveloping the city skyline in thick, dusty air.

History

Kuala Lumpur began life in 1857. It was then that a member of Selangor's royal family, Raja Abdullah, decided to open up an area in the Klang Valley for tin prospectors. Miners from China soon arrived and despite pestilence that killed a large number of them, the Chinese miners thrived, attracting merchants and businesses. The commercial area of tin trading was located in the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers and it was here that Kuala Lumpur was established.

Gangs of Kuala Lumpur

It was also during this time that gang warfare was at its peak. It erupted into a civil war between the two main Chinese gangs, the Hai San and Ghee Hin, of which the former that Yap Ah Loy was a member. Eventually, the Hai San won, and Yap Ah Loy then rebuilt the devastated town and repopulated it with more Chinese miners. He also brought in Malay farmers to settle near Kuala Lumpur to provide food for the miners. Under his leadership, Yah Ah Loy established Kuala Lumpur's first school and a shelter for the homeless, besides building up commercial activities. After a massive fire in 1881, Yah Ah Loy replaced traditional attap houses with brick and tile as a safety precaution.

After his death, Frank Swettenham the British Resident of Selangor, took over the helm of duties and continued to prosper Kuala Lumpur until World War II. During the war, the Japanese occupied the city but they eventually surrendered in 1945 to the British after their loss in the War.

The City Today

In 1957, Malaysia gained independence from the British and it was announced and declared in Kuala Lumpur, making it a historically-significant city. Finally in 1974, Kuala Lumpur was formally removed from the jurisdiction of Selangor state and made into a Federal Territory, as Malaysia's booming economic capital. Over time, Kuala Lumpur has progressed into becoming one of Southeast Asia's most prominent, modern and sophisticated cities, attracting visitors from the across the world.

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10th Annual Royal Langkawi International Regatta

Race Day 1 10th January 2012
By Beth Liggett

Welcome to all racers and participants to the 10th Annual Royal Langkawi International Regatta! An overcast morning greeted the racers as they headed out on the waters of Bass Harbor ready to begin the first series of races for the Regatta. Winds were about 8 Knots from the ENE at that point. The capable crew members of the Marine Police Boat #PA53 had anchored and had the Race Committee on station at 9am.



The Racing Class boats were cleanly away at 9:30 as were all the subsequent racing classes. Indeed, there were no dramas on the start line for any of Race #1starts. MY TOY (Henning Lenz) was the last boat over the line! A slight increase in the wind from same direction took the sailors up to windward toward a threat of rain showers that didn't thankfully materialize. There were 32 yachts participating today in 7 different racing classes.

JELIK 2 (Frank Pong) was the first to finish in the Racing Class for the first race as well as the following races for his class.


First place winners for Race #1 were:

    HOOLIGAN (Marcus Blackmoore) – Racing Class
    MATA HARI (Vincent Chan) – IRC 1
    SKANDIA EOW (Stuart Williamson) – IRC 2
    ATM ( Mohd. Masyuri B. Rahmat) – Sports boats
    FANTASIA (Andrew Stransky) – Multihull
    HAFFIMAN(Morten Ringvold) – Club Cruising
    MY TOY (Henning Lenz) – Ocean Rover




The most interesting finish occurred when RASCAL ( Gavin Welman) came to the wrong side of the Start Boat, had to reach up to cross the line in the wrong direction before squaring away and making a proper finish at the line!

The racing course is spread out over a 2 and a half mile section of the harbor, so it is hard to see what is going on at the far ends. Most exciting events are apt to happen during a start or finish however.

The IRC-2 class had a very close start for race 2, and in the Ocean Rover class, MY TOY managed to make a start 1 minute too early and had to return and make another try at it. Despite that, MY TOY to pull off a first to finish in the race! There were 2 boats over the line early in the Racing Class for their Third race causing individual recalls for URANUS (Malaysian Navy/ Ishak Jab) and UTARID (Malaysian Navy/Mohamad Razali Mansor) Both these boats were newly launched in December.


The most dramatic moment of the day – for spectators, not the racing team – came during race #3. The race Committee was conducting a start for some classes while race #2 for the Racing Class was finishing. Two multihulls sped out to windward crossing in front of HI FI (Neil Pryde). HI FI hardened up on the wind which put extra strain on the big spinnaker it was flying. Just as HI FI came abeam of the Start Boat and seconds away from the finish line, the big kite blew apart!

By 1:30 in the afternoon all the racers had finished for all classes and were headed back to the Yacht Club. Great day on the water! See you al.

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