Picture 1: Christmas Lunch

A senior citizen enjoying her packet of Christmas lunch given by the organizers. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Three days ago (Sunday, 27th December 2009), I traveled back to Kuala Lumpur (KL) to search for another inspiration.

I needed to do something that stands out, something different, something that NOT every other blogger there is doing. It was not that easy as I first expected. Interestingly, the latest idea just came to me like that!

Picture 2: Guess What?

Can you guess, what is going on in this picture? Are they bargaining the price? Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 3: The Street Magician

Nope! Here comes our very own David Blaine - the Central Market street magician :) Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 4: We Can Dance

Subtle, graceful and beautiful. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 5: We Can Also Sing

The talented native singers belted out string of brilliant performances. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Traditional Christmas Song. Video recorded with my hand phone.

I was walking along Central Market. At first, I wanted to interview some street buskers and workers over there. Halfway doing that, I was distracted by something loud!! I heard 'live' Christmas songs from the open car park at Central Market. I quickened my pace, anxious to reach the crowded car park.

The management of Central Market has jointly organized Christmas Day 2009 Open House with some NGOs and Church groups in Klang Valley. WOW! I was impressed! This will be my first visit to a public open house in a shopping complex. I was jumping for joy! After hours of searching, I finally found it. 'Christmas Day Open House for 1 Malaysia' - What a great idea! HIP! HIP! HOORAY!

It was a cloudy day with occasional rain drops. The gloomy weather failed to deter Malaysians from all walks of life to celebrate Christmas together. I saw Malay, Chinese, Indian, Punjabi, Eurasians and even foreign workers at the open house. This is a very effective and proactive way to bring Malaysians from all walks of life, religion and creed together as one.

Picture 6: Sharing is Caring

Christmas is and was a day of unconditional giving and sharing. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 7: Under Control

A moment of chaos. This man (in green shirt) was trying to calm down the crowd. There were some pushing and mad rush to get Christmas goodies bag and lunch. I was shocked to see some senior citizens squeezed out! Luckily, everything was under control...15 minutes later. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 8: Thank You!

A man expressing his gratitude towards warm - hearted contributors for their kind donations. Generosity is natural for kindhearted people. We need more people in this world who are kindhearted and charitably inclined. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 9: A Hearty Lunch

Hundreds of Malaysians sat down to hearty Christmas lunches thanks to the work of charities helped by tireless volunteers. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 10: We Are 1 Malaysia

This is what 1 Malaysia is all about - Sharing special and joyous moments with everyone. The spirit of unity in diversity is timeless. It gels us together as Malaysians regardless of race and religion. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

It was a simple Christmas Day Open House. But the crowds LOVE IT! The event was filled with laughter and happiness! The Central Market was bustling with people from all walks of life on the Sunday afternoon. Both the young and old, families and friends were spotted mingling with one another. It may be a typical scene in Malaysia but they were all present to celebrate Christmas regardless of race and religion. That's really AWESOME! You don't see this very often in KL.

Firstly, I visited the Christmas booth located along the main entrance of Central Market. Visitors were encouraged to play interesting games such as hoops on bottle neck and ping pong maze. It's a vibrant and festive mood of merrymaking. The organizers did a fantastic job of putting together a really polished event. The best event of the day is the distribution of food and hampers to general public, senior citizens and underprivileged groups. I was waiting eagerly for this event. I wanted to snap some pictures to share with my readers.

Picture 11: A Mesmerizing Performance

A choir group from Philippine performing some beautiful, soothing and pleasant Christmas song. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 12: A Joyous Performance

Christmas choir performance. What an absolute joy to hear this choir sing their hearts out! Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 13: Indie Christmas Rock 'n Roll

Christmas Indie Rock Band. This young chap is a cool and terrific singer. The crowd loves him! Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 14: Emcee, You Are The Man!

The talented emcee. He really knows how to hold a crowd. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

At the beginning, the food distribution was chaotic! People were pushing and cutting queue just to get to the front line. It was getting uglier by the minute. OMG! I was shocked to see old citizens squeezed like sardines. Luckily, the organizers managed to calm down the crowd. I also shouted at the top of my lung. I said "People! The food is enough for all of you! Please do not push! Make two lines and we'll resume with the food distribution".

Thank God! Our wonderful Malaysians listened to our plea and start lining up. I did not expect to be the hero of the day. But, I'm glad the situation worked out the way it did for both parties.

At one point when the food was being distributed, I almost cried. I did not expect to see underprivileged Malaysians lining up for free food. It was surreal for me. It made me want to help out more and be a better person. Later, I approached one of the organizers and voiced out my intention to help out in future projects.

Picture 15: Make Me Gorgeous

Christmas makeover. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 16: Malaysia, Truly Asia

It was a definite crowd puller as the event saw a tremendous turnout of a sea of hundreds of locals and tourists who packed the car park at the Central Market. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

Picture 17: It's Game Time!

There is no better time to observe happiness and laughter than during the Christmas holiday season. A man was throwing hoop on the bottles. Picture taken at Central Market, KL with my Nikon D60 (27th December 2009).

After that, I walked to the stage to check out the Christmas performance from local Church groups. There were plenty of Malaysians sitting down enjoying the Christmas performance. I was granted a VIP access to the podium to cover this event. The person in charge gave his permission even though I'm not a reporter. I spent almost two hours documenting the Christmas show with my hand phone and Nikon D60 camera.

I've covered the following 5 events:

  1. Christmas rock band by 1 Malaysia youth (An amazing indie band performing 'live' Christmas song - a great hit among fans and spectators!)
  2. Christmas traditional sing and dance (The graceful native dancers enthralling the audience with their beautiful performance)
  3. Christmas clown and puppet show (An imaginative and entertaining performance - the kids loved it!)
  4. Christmas choir (The audience was enthralled by the performance of this choir which contained the ‘cream’ of talent from a variety of choirs)
  5. Christmas road side magic show (A fun filled magical entertainment for children of all ages and even the whole family)

It has been such a wonderful experience to join a colorful Christmas Open House. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me! The presence of hundreds of people from all walks of life signify the true 1 Malaysia spirit envisioned by our beloved PM Najib. This event is a celebration of peace, joy and harmony among all Malaysians. Well done Malaysians!

Christmas For 1 Malaysia - Slide show


Central Market - Getting There:

Due to its location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Central Market is well served by public transport. It is located along Jalan Benteng off Jalan Hang Kasturi, near the Klang Bus Stand. If you walk from the bus stand, it will take around 5 minutes to reach there.

There are taxi stands and bus-stands (serviced by Metrobus) located at the front (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock) and the side (Leboh Pasar Besar and Jalan Silang).

In addition, the PUTRA LRT Pasar Seni Station, STAR LRT stations and the commuter trains are located just a short walk away.

Central Market - Contact Info:

Central Market Sdn Bhd (643213-W)
No. 10, 1st-3rd floor,
Jalan Hang Kasturi,
50050 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 1300-22-8688
Fax: (6) 03-2032 2399
Email: info@centralmarket.com.my

Central Market - Google Maps:


View Larger Map

Last updated December 25th, 2010(12:34 p.m.)

What is Christmas?


It's Christmas today. Weeeeeeee!!! My cartoon doodle :)

Christmas or Christmas Day is a public holiday and is celebrated by Christians throughout Malaysia. It is celebrated on December 25th to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of greeting cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, garlands and nativity scenes.


Who is Santa Claus?


It's Christmas party time!! My cartoon doodle :)

According to Wikipedia, Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas/Sinterklaas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or simply "Santa", is a legendary figure who, in many Western cultures, brings gifts to the homes of the good children during the late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve, December 24. Source: WIKIPEDIA

Santa Claus lives with his wife Mrs. Claus, a countless number of magical elves, and eight or nine flying reindeer. He accomplishes this feat with the aid of the elves who make the toys in the workshop and the reindeer who pull his sleigh.


MYLO....How Do You Celebrate Christmas?

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year. May your world be filled with warmth, joy and good cheer. My cartoon doodle :)

I'm a Buddhist, and I LOVE Christmas. Christmas is a time of joy and forgiveness, a time for family and friends. Usually, I tag along with my Christian friends to enjoy a scrumptious Christmas Eve dinner. The food is really good and tasty. I like roast turkey, Christmas pudding, gingerbread and mince pie. OOOH, YUMMY!

After the dinner, my friends would invite me for a Christmas church gathering. The festivities are topped off with the much-anticipated Nativity play, hymns, carols and spirited choir. It brings back good old memories of singing at the kindergarten by singing some of these beautiful Christmas songs. In Kuala Lumpur, it is common to see people with different religious beliefs attending these church gatherings, to observe and soak in the festive spirit.

On the first day of Christmas, I'll visit my Christian friends open house. The open house idea was first mooted in 1971, by the then Prime Minister Tun Abd Razak bin Hussein Al-Haj who threw open the doors of his abode during the Hari Raya celebrations. This unique practice makes the celebration of Christmas more meaningful, more in line with the spirit 1 Malaysia.

My New Year Goals & Wishes:

  • Travel to India, China and Lhasa, Tibet

Top 10 Christmas Trivia & Fun Facts:


  1. How much trash is generated annually from the gift wrap and shopping bags? 4,000,000 Tons!! (Note: 1 short ton = 907.18474 kilograms)
  2. Germany made the first artificial Christmas trees. They were made of goose feathers and dyed green.
  3. More diamonds are sold around Christmas than any other time of the year.
  4. Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
  5. Christmas trees are edible. The needles on pines, spruces and firs are actually a good source of Vitamin C and the pine cones are a good source of nutrition. So forget about the orange juice and go munch on your Christmas tree.
  6. If you received all of the gifts in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," you would receive 364 gifts.
  7. The Nutcracker" is the most famous Christmas ballet..
  8. In Mexico, wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve is said to bring new love in the upcoming year.
  9. In the Ukraine, if you find a spider web in the house on Christmas morning, it is believed to be a harbinger of good luck!
  10. Jingle Bells" was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs

PM Najib's Christmas Message


"Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!" Manjit
"圣诞快乐!" Ah Liang
"Selamat Hari Natal" Salmah
My cartoon doodle :)

"As the end of another year draws closer, Christmas is once again upon us, offering yet another opportunity for many to unwind amidst the comfort of family, friends and neighbours.

This festive season, as enjoyable as it is, can produce excesses, even in these financially less liberating times. I believe that for Christians, this season marks a time to spread goodwill and cheer, particularly among the less fortunate. I hope that regardless of faith, all Malaysians can demonstrate our sense of generosity and compassion by extending it to those in need of it most, from the infirm and poor to our ever-present emergency services.

In this spirit of generosity, we ought also to demonstrate kindness towards our natural environment. A greener Christmas can be had, for example, by passing on unwanted gifts, packaging presents in recycled wrapping paper and using Christmas lights sparingly.

Finally, I wish to emphasise the opportunity to reach out to other members of the community. Like Hari Raya before it, why not use the occasion to bring together guests from different backgrounds under one roof?

On this note, I wish all celebrating this most special day a joyous, peaceful and harmonious Christmas." by PM Najib



National Christmas Day 2009

Venue: Padang Merdeka, Jalan Padang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
(29th December 2009 - Tuesday)

A wide array of attractive and delicious tropical fruits. Clockwise: Pomegranates and mangos in Bazaar Baru Chow Kit, rambutans in KL Wholesale Market and Chestnuts in KL Chinatown. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60

What do Malaysians and tourists like about Kuala Lumpur (KL)? It's a simple one word answer - FOOD! KL food is a melting pot of fine cuisine. It comes as no surprise as we are unique in Malaysia because of our diverse culture. Our 1 Malaysia food offers an endless choice of exotic flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy bistro style dining, a sophisticated night out in a five star restaurant, or prefer a friendlier mamak experience, KL has it all.

I am a simple guy with simple needs. On weekends, I usually invite my friends to have a hearty meal at mamak stalls. It's cheap and I LOVE the vibrant atmosphere. Best of all? It is an informal and refreshing way to enjoy good company and friends. Mamak stalls are a true multi-racial melting pot, this is a place where everybody meets for a snack or a drink with friends, breakfast or just watching live football match at night.

Whenever I travel to KL, I always make it a point to find the best food in town. By far, I've tasted fiery and delicious Indian food in Brickfields, oriental Chinese delicacies in KL Chinatown and authentic Malay dishes at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

Clockwise: Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa, Ketupat & Grilled Fish. Pictures taken in Kampung Baru with my Nikon D60.

Four days ago (19th December 2009), En. Azlan (company senior associate) invited me for a free lunch at Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa, Kampung Baru. KL has a collection of terrific eateries. Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa is one of them. I've wanted to try this eatery since it opened years ago as I heard many positive reviews about it. There are 10 staff members in my department. Four opted to 'balik rumah' (return home). So, the seven of us drove to Kampung Baru. We anticipated traffic jams on Saturday afternoon. Luckily, it turned out to be a smooth 30 minutes drive from our office.

I was expecting a 5-star restaurant. Upon arrival, I saw a roadside medium-sized stall with some table and chairs. That's interesting! There's a long line of customers queuing up to buy the famous nasi lemak. The food must be AMAZINGLY GOOD & TASTY!!!

I requested En. Azlan to order a plate for me (since he is a loyal customer). In the meantime, I obtained permission to snap some pictures. I was granted special access to take pictures of the eatery. OH YEAH! I stood there for 5 minutes observing the workers.

The lady helpers were busy scooping rice, meat, kacang (peanuts), ikan bilis (fried anchovies) and sambal (chilli based condiment). They greet customers with a smile and give them excellent service all the time. I was impressed! A relaxed customer is a generous customer.

Eight minutes later, En. Azlan got me a big plate of nasi lemak with extra egg, big chunks of meat (beef lungs & squids) and a generous dollop of sambal. He looked at me and uttered loudly "Loke! Stop blogging for a moment! It's time to EAT!" OMG! The customers stared at us. LOL! I smiled sheepishly. The nasi lemak is definitely 'enak', 'lazat' and delicious!

Clockwise: Keropok lekor in Kampung Baru, Murtabak in Bazaar Baru Chow Kit & Roti Sardin in Kampung Baru. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60.

This is my first trip to Kampung Baru. I am really thankful to En. Azlan for inviting us. After the lunch, I decided to stay back. I wanted to explore the food in Kg. Baru. The plate of nasi lemak has inspired me to write another article. I named this article as 'Jalan-Jalan, Cari Makan'.

Along the way, I smelled something good - a combination of grilled meat and spices. I followed the smell directly to a cozy restaurant. A young man was making 'ikan bakar' (grilled fish). He was pouring droplets of peanut oil onto the fish. At the same time, he was flipping the fish with his right hand - to ensure the fish were cooked to perfection. The taste, smell and sight trigger an uncontrollable craving. I ordered a small piece of 'ikan bakar'. It was heavenly delicious. The texture of the meat is soft and juicy. In addition, the 'cili sambal' is AWESOME! Check out my YouTube video below:

Ikan Bakar Kampung Baru. Captured with my hand phone camera.

"What is the BEST time to taste authentic Malay food in KL?" you might ask. Visit us during the annual Ramadan Bazaar. It is only during the holy month of Ramadan that you will find the Ramadan Bazaar. Three months ago, I've visited the Ramadan Bazaar in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Masjid India. I've tasted great delights such as 'ikan bakar', rendang daging (hollowed bamboo rice with curried meat), Malay 'kuih' (sweet cakes) and many more.

This bazaar is an extravaganza not to be missed by overseas visitors and locals. Every year, Malaysians from all walks of life look forward to the fasting month of Ramadan. Everywhere you go, you'll see Malaysians regardless of race and religion visiting the Bazaar for their favorite food. You can find Ramadan bazaar in KL, Putrajaya, Labuan and all other cities in Malaysia.

Indian sweets and a roti canai maker. Pictures taken at Jalan Tun Sambanthan and KL Sentral in Brickfields with my Nikon D60.

Other than that, I've explored Jalan Tun Sambanthan in Brickfields to taste YUMMYLICIOUS Indian food. Brickfields is a gem on the elegant city. It's not much to look at on the outside - but once through the door, you are transported to an amazing array of Indian food. These simple restaurants capitalize on a simple-is-the-best philosophy, dishing out the most flavorful ingredients in a fast but fresh manner. 8 out of 10 Indian restaurants are packed with KL-lites waiting to savor great Indian delicacies!

I've tasted thosai, Indian sweets and curries. The sweet and spicy Indian flavors are tantalizing. In my humblest opinion, Indian curries are the BEST! Even better than my mom's homemade chicken curry.

The best time to visit Brickfields (KL Little India) is during the month long celebration of Diwali/Deepavali - Festival of Lights. Remember to check out the annual Deepavali Carnival held at KL Sentral. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with the array of tasty Indian dishes served for the Diwali Carnival. Indian food is delicious and varied, but you must try the colorful sweets such as Adhirasam, Halwa, Gulab Jamun, Burfi and Laddu. You'll enjoy this light and delicious dessert.

Clockwise: Chinese Sausages, Yau Char Kway' 油炸鬼 (Chinese doughnut) and grilled chicken. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60.

What about Chinese food? Malaysian Chinese food is derived from mainland Chinese cuisine but has been influenced by local ingredients and dishes from other cultures though it remains distinctly Chinese. You can always visit our street hawkers to get a plate of Char Kuey Teow or Yong Tao Foo. In KL, there are two places to eat delicious Chinese food - KL Chinatown in Petaling Street and Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang.

I've tasted the BEST Assam Laksa, Yong Tao Foo and Longan drink in KL Chinatown. These stalls had lined the city's streets for nearly four decades. The recipes have been passed down from generations and are traditional secret recipes that are not found in anywhere else. The quality and taste is TOP NOTCH! KL Chinatown is definitely a gastronomic haven.

Jalan Alor is partially hidden at the back of Bukit Bintang. I LOVE the 'chap fan' (economy rice) and 'Yau Char Kway' 油炸鬼 (Chinese doughnut). The food is a bit pricey by KL standard. But rest assured, you get delicious food in return.

Looking for fresh ingredients? Get it all in KL Wholesale Market and Bazaar Baru Chow Kit. Clockwise: Salted Fish, Peeled pineapples & fresh limes. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60.

I truly enjoy my 'Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan' adventure in KL. This is not a one day 'jalan-jalan' trip. It's a year long discovery to find the best food in KL. Our Malaysian food is the best in Asia; it has the most variety and the best quality. My journey will not stop here. There are still plenty of places to explore. KL is definitely a haven for anyone who simply enjoys delicious food.

Last updated 17th March 2010 (8:16 p.m.)

Food Extravaganza - Slide show created with Photo Flash Maker Pro

Kampung Baru - Getting There:

  1. Take Putra LRT (e.g. from KLCC) to Kampung Baru station
  2. Take Monorail to Medan Tuanku station (5min walk from there)
  3. 30 minutes walk from Bukit Bintang

Kampung Baru - Google Maps:


Great Places to Eat in KL:

  1. KL Chinatown
  2. Jalan Alor Bukit Bintang
  3. Kampung Baru
  4. Brickfields
  5. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Read More/Useful Links:

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_cuisine (Wikipedia Article)
  2. http://www.vkeong.com/ (Malaysia Number 1 Food Blog)
  3. http://tinyurl.com/ycwdoxg (My Journey to Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang)
  4. http://tinyurl.com/y89j47c (My Journey to KL Chinatown, Petaling Street)
  5. http://tinyurl.com/ykafycd (My Trip to Ramadan Bazaar)

Clockwise: The mangosteen hawker, fresh veggies and meat. Pictures taken in Bazaar Baru Chow Kit with my Nikon D60 (19th December 2009)

When I was a teenager, I rely on public buses to travel to Kota Raya and Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur (KL). The buses go through Chow Kit area. In those days, I've always wanted to explore Chow Kit. But, I've heard way too much about this place. Over the years, Jalan Chow Kit has become famous for all the wrong reasons. It was infamously known for prostitution and also a haven for drug addicts and petty thefts.

So, I was kind of freak out after hearing all that. The conscious urge to avoid becomes difficult to ignore. Two days ago (19th December 2009), I braved the 'treacherous' streets to see the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. It was my second trip in years!

According to Wikipedia, Chow Kit is a sub-district in central KL, Malaysia. It is located around Jalan Chow Kit (Chow Kit Road) and is enclosed by the parallel streets of Jalan Raja Laut and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. It is named after the tin miner and municipal councilor Loke Chow Kit. Today the area features a large Indonesian community, and more recently, a small African community. It has a daily wet market known as Bazaar Baru Chow Kit which is arguably the largest wet market in Kuala Lumpur. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chow_Kit

Clockwise: Anchovies, tempe and fresh tomatoes. Pictures taken in Bazaar Baru Chow Kit with my Nikon D60 (19th December 2009)

I believe Bazaar Baru Chow Kit is the best hidden gem in the city. This market is not visible from the main street. You have to walk into the bazaar to locate the stalls. It is amazingly HUGE! The shops and hawker stalls are all over the place. You need to check this place out!

I felt very safe knowing that the police were on every corner watching (the police station is located right in the middle of the market). Nowadays, Chow Kit is cleaner. On that day I saw Alam Flora contractors and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) workers sprucing up the market and its surrounding area.

Malaysia’s unique history of peaceful diversity is visible in Chow Kit. The largest Sikh temple in Southeast Asia is located right in the middle of Chow Kit! The temple is known as Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa Sikh Temple. It is a spiritual home to KL′s 75,000 Sikhs. This grand Sikh temple is a familiar sight to those who make their way to the market nearby.

Cheerful young helpers. Pictures taken in Bazaar Baru Chow Kit with my Nikon D60 (19th December 2009)

In addition, I saw a Chinese temple and a mosque. That's really AWESOME! I did not expect to see that in Chow Kit. This place illustrates a history of peaceful religious co-existence and cultural exchange among the followers of the great faiths of Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism.

Next, I walked into the maze of Bazaar Baru Chow Kit. The market is a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances. What better smell is there than fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers? This bustling market is the epitome of the many lively and exciting markets in KL with its effervescent atmosphere. I really LOVE the experience. It's so busy and hectic!

Hawkers would shout trying to attract crowds, attention and possible customers (check out the YouTube video below). You can hear them shouting:

"Duku Langsat!! MURAH! MURAH! 1 kg = RM 3"
(Translation: Get your duku langsat! It's CHEAP! Only RM 3 per kg").

Believe it or not?! You can get the cheapest local goods and produce such as fruits, vegetables, tofu, spices, meat and fish in Chow Kit. Absolute freshness and quality direct from wholesale market. The traders themselves encourage you to try their fruit, to prove it's the best in the market.

Clockwise: Small tangerines, En. Sulong the petai hawker and 'buah salak' a.k.a snake fruit. Pictures taken in Bazaar Baru Chow Kit with my Nikon D60 (19th December 2009)

Along the way, I met some wonderful hawkers. These workers are cheerful, friendly and approachable. I had a wonderful chat with En. Sulong - the street hawker. He was peddling petai (translation: stink beans).

En. Sulong has been selling petai and veggies for almost 15 years. He usually harvests the petai from his kampung. He makes a meager income but he is a happy man. According to him, halal food should come from halal income. Later, I asked his permission for some portrait shots. He obliged immediately.

After that, I stumbled upon the egg seller, mangosteen hawker and 'ikan masin' (translation: salted fish) trader. It was an amazing experience meeting the real people on the street. These are the hardworking and dedicated Malaysians who contribute to our economic growth. It was great talking with them.

Clockwise: The hardworking Malaysians, Pick your fresh fruits. Pictures taken in Bazaar Baru Chow Kit with my Nikon D60 (19th December 2009)

Overall, Bazaar Baru Chow Kit is a wholesome market. This traditional market has everything under one roof - veggie, meat and fruits. It's cheap, fresh and delicious. Most importantly, we are dealing with a bunch of courteous hawkers. Their combined and concerted efforts were a true reflection of Malaysian hospitality and kindness.

I've found Bazaar Baru Chow Kit to be the most pleasurable and colorful trip I've ever done. Tourist will LOVE our Chow Kit experience. I've met a couple of backpackers along the way. Our foreign visitors were equally impressed and gave their big thumbs ups. Tourism Malaysia needs to market this hidden jewel to our prospective visitors. The Chow Kit experience is a precious marketing tool for Malaysia.

Bazaar Baru Chow Kit - Getting There:

By Bus
Buses and taxis are aplenty to bring you here.

By Monorail
Alternatively, the market can also be reached by the KL Monorail easily. You'll get off the monorail at the station "Chow Kit" and you walk back for about 100 metres at the left side of the road

Note: Bazaar Baru Chow Kit opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bazaar Baru Chow Kit - Google Maps:


Bazaar Baru Chow Kit - Thing To Do/See:

  1. Largest wet market in KL (Get the cheapest fruits, veggies & meat)
  2. Largest Sikh temple in Southeast Asia - Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa Sikh Temple
  3. Traditional shophouses

Bazaar Baru Chow Kit - Read More:

  1. http://tinyurl.com/ye79no4 (A little Amritsar in the city)
  2. http://www.malaysiasite.nl/chowkiteng.htm (All About Chow Kit)
Bazaar Baru Chow Kit - Slide show:


Bazaar Baru Chow Kit - My YouTube Video:

Video recoded with my hand phone (19th December 2009)

I Found My Green Inspiration in Kuala Lumpur

Posted by shloke 18 December 2009 9 comments

A beautiful collection of floras in KL Lake Gardens. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60

Lately, our beloved PM Najib has been stressing a lot about finding ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions. According to TheStar paper (15th December 2009), Malaysia has been ranked 50th by Germanwatch - a non-governmental organisation which monitors countries on their initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions and implement good climate policies - an improvement from last year’s 52nd position. Source: TheStar

I did some further research on this report and uncovered some eye-catching statistics. I was shocked because Malaysia was rated as VERY POOR in handling our greenhouse gas emissions. Believe it or not! We were grouped together with China - the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter. Click this screenshot to learn more:

Source: Climate Change Performance Index 2010 (PDF File: 2.4MB)

Developing nations including Malaysia and Indonesia must do more to cut emissions. Our government must set a national target to cut greenhouse gas emissions ASAP! Latest News (18th December 2009): Malaysia is adopting a voluntary national reduction indicator of up to 40% in terms of GDP emission intensity by 2020 compared with 2005 levels. Source: TheStar.

Many city folks and urban dwellers are scratching their heads. More and more people are wondering how they can do their part to reduce greenhouse gas. One week ago, I've spoken to my senior colleagues about this issue. One of them suggested a visit to KL Lake Gardens to get some green ideas. That's fabulous!

Last weekend, I decided to shelve my scheduled plans and paid a full day visit to KL Lake Gardens. I wanted to see the green development and hope to get some ideas on ways to lower down our carbon emissions. It was a fruitful trip. Remember to read the whole article.

KL Lake Gardens is also known as Taman Tasik Perdana (Perdana Lake Garden). It was officially opened on 1st May 1975 by the second Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Haji Abdul Razak Hussein. The park has an area of approximately 92 hectares.

The attractions that has been developed for public use includes:

  1. Orchid Garden
  2. Hibiscus Garden
  3. KL Butterfly Park
  4. KL Bird Park
  5. Deer Park
  6. Boathouse

The winged beauties in KL Butterfly Park. Pictures taken in KL Butterfly Park with my Nikon D60.

I parked my car at National Museum in Jalan Damansara, KL. Next, I walked across the overhead bridge from National Museum to Lake Gardens. It was a refreshing walk. Along the way, I stumbled upon a group of happy tourists. A smiling face is a reflection of a relaxed mind. Our foreign friends LOVE the green attractions in KL Lake Gardens.

At first, I visited KL Butterfly Park. Finding the place is not difficult as informative signboards are placed at strategic locations. Upon entering the park, I saw loads of winged creatures (butterflies) flying around. The butterfly park is a huge man-made indoor garden with big trees, flowering plants and turtle ponds. Visitors are allowed to pour droplets of sweet sugary solution on the feeding station. In less than a minute, more than 20 butterflies flocked the station. It was a feeding frenzy. A wonderful opportunity to capture these unique creatures with my camera.

After that, I checked out the collection of insects. I saw skinny stick insects, cute dung beetles, scary tarantula and poisonous scorpions. These 'live' exhibits are AMAZING! Definitely an eye-opener for visitors. The park management did a wonderful job by putting up fun and amazing facts next to the exhibits. Another plus point is the souvenir store that is chocked full of unique butterfly and insect themed gifts.

Yellow, purple and orange orchids. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60

Next, I visited KL Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens. The two gardens are located side by side. Entrance is free of charge. I was mesmerized by the vast collection of orchids. The Orchid Garden houses about 3,000 orchid species from around the world, with 800 species from Malaysia alone. So many colors, shapes and sizes. I love the smell of these flowers! The smell makes everyone enjoy walking around them and they bring a sort of cheerfulness to the atmosphere. I'm one of the guys who fell in LOVE with the floral beauties. LOL!

Along the way, I stumbled upon row of shops selling orchids. WOW! The shops were packed like sardines! The plants are cheap and beautiful. You can get a big pot of orchid plant for a mere RM4. My mum loves orchid. So, I bought two beautiful pots of orchids.

Clockwise: A rose-like hibiscus, a hibiscus bud and the famous clam-shaped gigantic hibiscus. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60.

Then, I visited the hibiscus garden. The five-petaled hibiscus is Malaysia's national flower. This garden showcases more than 2,000 varieties of hibiscuses. Inside the garden, there is a building that houses the displays of different hibiscus species, hibiscus-related products and handicrafts. Remember to check out the clam-shaped hibiscus. This gigantic species is a MUST-SEE attraction. The pink colored flower is as big as my face!

Lastly, I walked 400 m to KL Bird Park. An adult ticket cost RM15. It is quite pricey by Malaysian standard. Our KL Bird Park is listed in TripAdvisor as the TOP 2 must-see attraction in KL. Source: TripAdvisor. I've read countless good reviews from travelers. So, I had high expectations.

KL Bird Park is one of the world's largest free-flight walk-in aviary. It has approximately 800 birds of 60 local and foreign species living together as a perfectly balanced community in a semi-natural, man-made environment. I was impressed seeing birds flying and walking freely in the park.

The best part of the park is that you can get very close to the beautiful birds (including the magnificent peacocks and milky storks) in the aviary - the birds are simply walking around you. That's really AWESOME! I spent two hours exploring the flamingo pond, hornbill park, world of parrots, bird gallery and exhibition centre (egg incubation room and nursery).

Clockwise: A newborn chick, feeding frenzy, a beautiful peacock & a hungry pigeon. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60.

I Was Inspired To Fight Global Warming & Green House Gases

Overall, I had a superb time discovering the green beauty in KL Lake Gardens. I LOVE the lush gardens, breathtaking views, quiet, secluded and most of all relaxing atmosphere. A nature lover's and birder's paradise!

In addition, I saw big trees all over the lake. It's a peaceful and serene place... far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. I did not expect KL to be so beautiful and vivid.

Greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem. As populations expand and lifestyles change, we must keep Malaysia in good condition so that future generations will have the same natural resources that we have. This trip has inspired me to make small and big changes as much as I can to lower down our green gashouse emissions.

One of the best way to lower our carbon footprint is to help the environment by planting trees which absorb CO2 (Carbon Dioxide). Trees absorb carbon dioxide out of the air and produce oxygen as a by-product. Planting trees is a way for people to offset the damage done by their carbon foot print.

Do you know?

  1. An average person produces 26 tons of CO2 per year.
  2. 6 matured trees can absorb 1 ton of CO2

So, I proposed this brilliant idea to my HR and Community Department during one of our quality meeting. It was discussed and accepted unanimously. We're going to have our very first tree planting campaign. Our main objective is greening our HQ and surrounding area by planting trees. We nicknamed the project "Rising Green".

Believe me. Small changes at home and office make a big difference in climate change efforts. So, wait no more. Start greening. NOW!




KL Lake Gardens - Getting There:

KL HOP-ON HOP OFF (BUS)

This is the most comprehensive way to experience the magic of Kuala Lumpur. Not only does it cover all major attractions, the tour also includes key shopping centres in the city. KLCC, Twin Tower, Bintang Walk, Merdeka Square, KL Tower, KL Sentral, Lake Garden, Petaling Street, Jamek Mosque, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, St. Mary’s Cathedral. Over 42 major sights and attractions.

Trains, Light Rail Transit systems, Monorails

KL is pretty well connected with relatively cheap and easy way of travelling around.

KL Lake Gardens - Google Maps:


KL Lake Gardens - Things To Do/See:

  1. Orchid Garden
  2. Hibiscus Garden
  3. KL Butterfly Park
  4. KL Bird Park
  5. Deer Park
  6. Boathouse

Green Inspiration - Read More/Useful Link:

  1. http://tinyurl.com/yl95lj6 (KL A Bit Greener Now - TheStar Article)
  2. http://www.germanwatch.org/klima/ccpi2010.pdf (Climate Change Performance Index 2010)
  3. http://tinyurl.com/ywzsep (TripAdvisor Reviews on KL Bird Park)
  4. http://www.klbirdpark.com/ (Official Portal of KL Bird Park)
  5. http://tinyurl.com/ydcnxr6 (Malaysia aims for 40% cut in carbon - TheStar)
  6. http://tinyurl.com/yf462ly (CLIMATE CHANGE: Copenhagen Talks Create Hardly a Ripple in Malaysia, Article from IPS News Agency)

A 365 Days Project In The Making

Posted by shloke 16 December 2009 5 comments

I started documenting the beauty of Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Putrajaya since November last year. As of December 2009, I've explored 30 places of interest in KL and 5 places in Putrajaya.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, IS Malaysia, and probably the greatest city in the world. There is so much to see here, so many places to visit, so many things to do. During my one year journey, I've discovered a melting pot of of different cultures with great food, amazing people and superb entertainment. No city invites the heart to come to life as KL does. Arrival in KL is an experience in living.

"What about Putrajaya?" you might ask. Well, I fall in LOVE with Putrajaya when I first I visited the place in October 2009. So far, I had made three trips back to Putrajaya. The majestic buildings blended perfectly with the green parks and garden. A well executed intelligent city that stands tall among the great.

During the last several weekends, I've managed to sort out all my photos according to theme and location. Believe it or not?! I've captured more than 3 500 pictures of KL and Putrajaya.

The Beauty of KL & Putrajaya - Behind My Camera


Slideshow created with Photo Flash Maker Pro (Please ignore the watermark)

These pictures brought back loads of wonderful memories, joy and laughter. I remember the great time I had in KL and Putrajaya - meeting total strangers, chatting with them and sharing common interests.

Today (16th December 2009), it's been exactly one year since I started my solo exploration to discover the two cities. I like to share with you my pictures of KL and Putrajaya. This is a collection of the 35 best pieces from my photo blog, spanning 365 days of work. I captured all these using my Nikon D60 DSLR camera.

This 365 days project is not the end, but only the beginning. I'll continue to discover more hidden gems in these wonderful cities. Thank you and enjoy.

  1. Fern Leaves, Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve
  2. Mangosteens, Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang
  3. Indian Sari, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields
  4. Jackfruit Peeler, Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang
  5. Oranges, Chinatown, Petaling Street
  6. Dropped Dead, Hibiscus Park, KL Lake Garden
  7. Hibiscus, Hibiscus Park, KL Lake Garden
  8. Overhead Bridge, Puduraya Bus Station
  9. Persimmon, KL Wholesale Market
  10. Newborn Chick, KL Bird Park
  11. Ketupat/Malay Rice Dumplings, Bazaar Ramadan, Jalan TAR
  12. Geese, Putrajaya Wetland
  13. The 'Green Man', Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve
  14. Green Veins, Hibiscus Park, KL Lake Garden
  15. Christmas Deco, Pavilion, Bukit Bintang
  16. Gulab Jamun, KL Sentral, Brickfields
  17. Sze Ngan Chye's Roast Duck, Chinatown, Petaling Street
  18. Growing, Hibiscus Park, KL Lake Garden
  19. Peria/Bitter Gourd, KL Wholesale Market
  20. The War General, God of War Temple, Petaling Street
  21. Rambutans, Chow Kit New Bazaar
  22. Red Heart, Orchid Park, KL Lake Garden
  23. Green Bones, Putrajaya Wetlands
  24. Green Wings, Hibiscus Park, KL Lake Garden
  25. The Floral Fingers, Putrajaya Botanical Park
  26. Sand Roast Chestnuts, Chinatown, Petaling Street
  27. Pre-War Building, Jalan Pudu
  28. Green Blades, Putrajaya Botanical Park
  29. Murtabak Man, Chow Kit New Bazaar
  30. Backlit Leaf, Putrajaya Botanical Park
  31. Man & Ape, KL Floral Festival, Lake Garden
  32. Green Glow, KL Lake Garden
  33. Gigantic Bird's-Nest Fern, Putrajaya Botanical Park
  34. Bend It Like MYLO, Putrajaya Wetlands
  35. The Bottles, Royal Selangor Pewter

Picture 1: The Pudu Bridge

The pedestrian overhead bridge linking Puduraya to the restaurants across the road. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

"What is so special about Pudu Town?" you might ask. For most people, Pudu is considered one of the busiest town in KL. At night, people fear walking alone in Pudu due to widespread news of street thieves and petty thefts. According to the Malay Mail paper dated 6th July 2009 "NOBODY takes an after-dark stroll down the streets around Jalan Pudu without a heart-pounding fear of being robbed. We can now add another street to this list of unsafe places". Source: Malay Mail

Well, I wanted to see more than that. I asked myself "What does Pudu have in store for Malaysians like me?" So, I started my exploration with a different outlook of Pudu. In Pudu town, we have two historic landmarks:

  1. Puduraya Bus Station
  2. Pudu Jail
  3. Pudu Wet Market (one of the largest in KL)

Each landmark has its own story to tell. I wish to explore the deeper side of these places and find out the latest development.

Picture 2: Puduraya Bus Station

The Puduraya bus station. I was standing in the middle of the road. It was really dangerous. I could get knocked down by traffic from both sides! Glad I took the risk. It's a nice picture. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

The day before the trip, I was having sleepless night. I can’t stop myself from thinking and planning. My big trip is coming up! The next morning, I woke up early. I boarded a Metrobus from Jalan Ipoh to Central Market in Kuala Lumpur (KL). After that, I walked 500 m all the way to Puduraya bus station. I felt safe knowing that our police personnel were making their daily rounds. In addition, RTD officers (Road Transport Department) and traffic police were on duty ensuring smooth traffic flow along Jalan Pudu.

I spent almost one hour finding the best location to snap pictures of Puduraya building. The building is pretty much the same. The exterior of the building was recently given a new coat of paint. According to Wikipedia: The Puduraya station (Malay: Hentian Puduraya) is the main bus station terminus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was opened in 1976 by the late former Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn. Long-distance buses arrive and leave from Puduraya for all over Peninsular Malaysia, and also Thailand and Singapore. Source: Wikipedia

Picture 3: Maybank Tower

The Maybank Tower (Malay: Menara Maybank). Before the construction of the Petronas Twin Towers in 1995, the Maybank Tower was the tallest building in Kuala Lumpur, with a height of 244 metres, nearly half the height of Petronas Twin Towers. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 4 - The Buildings

Spectacular pre-war buildings in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. I was standing at the overhead bridge to capture this shot. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

It was a wonderful morning with blue mackerel sky. I had a great day snapping pictures. Halfway, an express bus driver was honking at me. I looked at him and he gestured back to me. He opened the bus door and asked me to hop in. At first, I was a little hesitant to accept his offer. I do not want to be another kidnap victim. But the driver and his assistant look friendly to me. So, I climbed up the bus. He spoke to me in English.

He asked:
"How much is your camera?"

I answered:
"RM 2 500"

He asked again:
"You from Japan?"

I answered:
"NO! I'm a Malaysian"

He added:
"Your face and spectacle....you really look like Japanese!"

Well, I'm not surprised. This is the fifth time people look at me as a young Japanese traveler. LOL! We had a nice friendly chat. I told him I was finding the best possible location to take my pictures. I showed them the pictures I've taken earlier. The two men exclaimed together "FU-YOH!" That’s a nice start for me! I bid them goodbye and walked into the Puduraya station.

Picture 5: Jalan Pudu

The famous 'Jalan Pudu' (translation: Pudu Road). I started my walking trip from Central Market to Puduraya bus station and all the way to Pudu Jail. A three hours historic trip. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 6: The Vibrant City

Visitors travelling on buses and taxis around KL are bound to pass this busy Jalan Pudu, and thereby, glimpse of Petaling Street, Puduraya and Pudu Jail.

The bus station was busy as usual. Lots of passengers were waiting for their respective buses. I explored the food stalls, mini convenient stores and the departure halls at the basement. Well, Puduraya looks pretty much the same as it was yesterday. The waiting area has been modernized with better lighting, equipped with LCD TV and spacious waiting area. In addition, new orange colored signage were set up to provide basic information about platform, destination and bus number. Really helpful for tourists and first time travelers.

Other than that, I saw the usual 'kutu rayau' (translation: tickets tout) scouting for potential victims. Most of them were carrying walkie talkie. I ignored them. Moments later, I was surrounded by three mean looking 'kutu rayau'. These fellas were asking all sorts of questions about me and my camera. I tried to explain to them that I'm not a reporter. I’m just looking for some photo opportunities for my blog article.

Sadly, things get worse before they get better. Two uniformed guards came and asked me not to take anymore pictures. WHAT A BUMMER! Again, I tried to explain to them...but in vain. At one point, I was a bit scared surrounded with these burly people. So, I decided to walk away. I was truly disappointed.

Picture 7: Pre-War Building

A pre-war building renovated into a backpacker hostel. According to statistics available, the total of pre-war buildings in KL is only 2,500. And even so, the numbers are falling fast. DBKL and FT Ministry need to do more to protect these national heritage! Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 8: Monorial Highway

The Monorial Highway :) I was standing right beneath the tracks. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 9: Swiss Garden Hotel

The 4-Star Swiss Garden Hotel in Jalan Pudu (built in 1993). It is one of the superior hotels in KL boasting a relaxing stay for both business and leisure travellers alike. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

From Puduraya, I walked almost 1 km to Pudu Jail. Along the way, I stumbled upon the unfinished Plaza Rakyat project. WOW! This RM 1.4 billion project has been abandoned for almost 15 years! Unfinished concrete slabs and steel bars are visible from afar. What an eyesore! But, I guess things will get better from now. Our Federal Territories (FT) Minister has taken a proactive approach on this matter. Recently, I stumbled upon Raja Nong Chik's (FT Minster) blog article about this problem. Here is the Q&A between our minister with StarMetro. Source: RNC (YB Raja Nong Chik's Blog)


Picture 10: The Flats

The one and only low cost flats in Jalan Pudu (opposite Swiss Garden Hotel). Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 11: Urban KL

The face of urban KL - a harmonious blend of modern and traditional buildings. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 12: The Gigantic Signboard

A gigantic pedestrian signboard in front of Pudu Jail. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

After that, I saw the one and only full-fledged hospital in Jalan Pudu a.k.a. Tung Shin Hospital. This hospital is previously known as Pooi Shin Thong, was founded in 1881 by Kapitan Cina Yap Kwan Seng, to provide traditional medical care for patients. Initially it was situated at Jalan Sultan, KL. In 1894 it was converted into a non-profit organization and its name was changed to Tung Shin Hospital. The hospital was then shifted to the present address. A bold expansion program for the Western Medical Department was initiated in 1985 and completed in 1989. This 10-storey block with a total built up area of 240,000 square feet has a bed capacity of 250.

Finally, I reached the busiest crossroad in KL. The weekend traffic was getting heavier by the minute. I was walking all the way from Puduraya bus station to Pudu Jail. Initially, I enjoyed this walking trip. But, the volume of traffic and the amount of Carbon Dioxide released from the vehicles were unbearable! Some buses were releasing thick black fumes from the exhaust pipe. OMG! This is no good for our fragile environment. RTD needs to do more - especially conducting spot checks to determine the level of toxic fumes released by our public vehicles. Our PM Najib has been talking a lot about cutting green gashouse gas emissions and greening Malaysia. So please take immediate action before it’s too late!

Picture 13: Tung Shin Hospital

Tung Shin Hospital. This hospital is previously known as Pooi Shin Thong, was founded in 1881 by Kapitan Cina Yap Kwan Seng, to provide traditional medical care for patients. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 14: Plaza Rakyat

The unfinished project of Plaza Rakyat. A 15 years project in the making. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 15: Royal Malaysian Police KL Headquarters

The Royal Malaysian Police Kuala Lumpur Contingent Headquarters (RMP). Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

At the busy crossroad, I saw the faint blue and white building of 'Ibu Pejabat Polis Bukit Aman (translation: The Royal Malaysian Police Kuala Lumpur Contingent Headquarters). Also, I was standing right beneath the KL Monorial tracks. The Pudu station is just 500 m away.

After crossing the busy road, I finally reached Pudu Jail. At first, I walked to the main entrance of the jail. I was hoping to obtain some kind of permission to enter the prison for some exclusive shots. Unfortunately, the big wooden doors were locked. No guard in sight. So, I walked along the famous walls of Pudu Jail. The four walls of Pudu Jail were painted entirely by the prisoners who used over 2000 litre of paint to accomplish the task. The murals entitled the inmates to won a place in the Guinness Book of Records for painting the world's longest mural along the prison walls.

Picture 16: The Wall of Pudu Jail

The chipping and peeling wall of Pudu Jail. Vandalism and lack of preservation has eroded the four walls. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 17: Pudu Jail - Watch Tower 1

A pile of rubble at the back of Pudu Jail. According to NST paper, demolition of parts of Pudu Prison began earlier last month for a road expansion and tunnel project to ease traffic congestion in the area. Once the tunnel road is completed, motorists will be able to bypass the busy crossroads next to the prison. Source: NST Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 18: Pudu Jail - Watch Tower 2

In 1970s, watch towers were built to a vernacular style with jagged edges and pointed roofs called the Minangkabau on the east and west prison walls. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

It was sad. The paintings were peeling and chipping away. In addition, parts of the concrete walls has broken off due to vandalism and lack of preservation. I also saw some strange looking graffiti on the walls. Interestingly, our Pudu Jail is not that big after all. I explored the entire four walls in less than 40 minutes. Also, I saw massive construction machinery at the back of the jail. The entrance is blocked. I guess some kind of renovation works are going on. But I was wrong! The jail is being demolish to make way for a new tunnel and road expansion. WOW! What a waste!

Overall, it was an insightful and memorable trip. This is my very first walking tour from Puduraya to Pudu Jail. I truly enjoyed the entire experience. Savvy travelers from abroad would LOVE to have similar guided trips. This little town in the heart of KL is definitely rich in history and deserves better attention.

Picture 19: Pudu Jail - Watch Tower 3

Graffiti and vandalism. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Picture 20: The Longest Mural

Pudu Jail's unique X-shaped main building hid behind a 384m wall that prominently featured a mural, on display along Jalan Pudu. Picture taken with my Nikon D60 (12th December 2009)

Last updated 21st June 2010 (1:51 a.m.)

Pudu Town - Getting There:

You can get to Pudu by taking the Star LRT to Plaza Rakyat station. It is also within walking distance from KL Chinatown (100 meters).

Pudu Town - Google Maps:


View Larger Map

Pudu Jail (Pudu Prison) - The Demolition Has Begun (YouTube Video):

Staronline.TV visited the last night of the jail

Pudu Town - Things To Do/See:

  1. Puduraya Bus Station
  2. Pudu Jail
  3. Pudu Market

Pudu Town - Read More/Useful Links:

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puduraya (Wikipedia Article About Puduraya)
  2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pudu_Prison (Wikipedia Article About Pudu Jail)
  3. http://tinyurl.com/ydoa4l9 (Download Pudu Jail Conservation Statement)
  4. http://tinyurl.com/y8nl7bb (Pudu Prison makes way for traffic - NST paper article)
  5. http://rajanongchik.com/?p=354 (YB Dato' Raja Nong Chik Q&A About Plaza Rakyat)
  6. http://www.thenutgraph.com/remembering-pudu-jail (Remembering Pudu Jail)
  7. http://tinyurl.com/29fcpky (Pudu jail wall to be demolished Monday, TheStar)

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shloke
Traveling & photography are the most rewarding & enriching experiences in my life. Photography is all about discovery, enjoying myself, having adventure, learning people & nature. The greatest experience for me is the connection I felt with NATURE. If you haven’t seen Malaysia, you haven’t seen the world! My photography works are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported.
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