Travel: Pulong Tau National Park (Day 2)

My first site assessment begins today. I need to find a suitable place inside the park or adjacent to the park boundary. It is a bit challenging for me because I need to make sure this site is close (~5m) to any water sources, and flat area.  

The first site that I went is a rocky stream near one of the villager’s farm. It is a nice place because of the accessibility and it has open and falt area. However, it is near the farm and the rocky stream has one side intact forest and the other side is this villager’s farm. So, it is a disturbed areas. One of the main concerns is the safety of the weather station which I will establish. While we were there, i got a chance to look around the farm. Uncle Lian grow a lot of fruit trees and vegetables. 

Capturing memories under the fruiting ‘jambu air’. 

On the way back, we saw a snake on the branch. I thought it was a vine but, as I walk closer and saw the head, only then I recognised it was a snake. 

Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla prasina)

Around 3pm, I went to conduct a site assessment at a different location. This time, I went with three young and energetic Wildlife Guardian Ranger (WGR). Oh my! They walked so fast and I keep on reminding them that they need to wait for me. I walked very slow due to my lack of fitness.

With Luis, Lian, and Gideon.

These is a few of our observations along the trail and when we did an hour and half of frogging. 

White-lipped Stream Frog (Hylarana megalonesa) ?????
I am not 100% confident with my identification.

Nishikawa’s Large-eyed Litter Frog
(Leptobrachium kantonishikawai)

Moses

It was a good experienced today although I think my left feet doing its thing again. I do hope it will not get worse tomorrow. I also get bitten by three leeches. 

Will continue my site assessment again tomorrow. Till then!

Travel: Pulong Tau National Park (Day 1)

 *Disclaimer: Note that my writing in this blog will have a lot of grammatical error because I have decided not to use any apps to assist me here. This is purely just the level of my English at this point of time. I wish to keepo improve my writing skills as I write here. 

Photo source: ITTO Project Document

I am going to Pulong Tau National Park for seven days and I am excited. I am thrilled to discover what new adventure awaits me at this new place. I never been to this park and not even Bario - the Kelabit Highlands - which is a famous tourist destination in Sarawak. I want to see the people, the place, and of course what animals and plants are living in this most interior parts of Sarawak. 

This trip is for one of the project that I manage at my work. This project gave me a chance to explore at least three new Sarawak’s Totally Protected Areas: Pulong Tau NP, Maludam NP, and Tun Ahmad Zaidi Nature Reserve. 

Today, I will fly to Bario via Miri and will transit Marudi. I fly from Kuching yesterday afternoon and overnight in Miri. I missed direct flight at noon because it was sold out so quickly. But, I am glad that I could get one so I can proceed with my trip. I am blessed to have my friend Fen this time because I have no idea how to plan trip rto this park. She helps me a lot with my arrangements especially with logistics. She have been working in this park for almost two years now. She knows every corner of the are. So, I learned a lot and can visualize a little bit how the areas looks like. 

I am writing this entry while waiting for my flight to Marudi and then Bario later. I am going onboard now. I will update again once I get my internet connections. Wish me luck and pray that my trip will be smooth and all is well. Till; then! 

Kuching Street Photography Outing (SSPKuching)

I took photos whenever i walk in the forest or when i went to a new places. But I never participate in photo hunt or outings with photographers except during my work in the forest. My brother involved in photography and he will coming to Kuching city for this Street Photography Outing for two days session with his fellows photographer's friends in two places which is Kuching Waterfront and Serikin Weekend Market, Bau. He allows me to participate and he borrowed me his Nikon DSLR camera (I am sorry, i don't know the model, i just use it for this two days).

On the first day at the Kuching Waterfront, we have a short briefing by my brother John Ragai and Mr. Bakir Bujang before we proceed with our photo hunt around 9am. We were dispersed in a few small groups and walking along the streets near Kuching Waterfront. Here is two photos that i took using my Samsung Note 3 smartphone.

This is my first shot using my Samsung Note 3

Capture my brother in action at the Bishop Gate also using my Samsung Note 3

On the second day, we leave Kuching as early as 7.30am after taking breakfast at Mile 3 together with Damien Pino and his sister, Veron Sebastian. We arrived there quite early but there already many vehicles and people are amazingly early visit this bazaar.

The very first thing that attracts me when we arrived there was this big "baruk" (looks like gazebo to me though!).

The Bidayuh's baruk is built at the entrace to this bazaar.

After we taking group photo and a short briefing by Mr. John, we dispersed and start to capture interesting moments and everything else. As i am new to my brother Nikon DSLR camera, i just click the button.. Ha ha ha.. Quite interesting though to walk slowly and observed what is happening around me. I usually did this when i am doing wildlife survey in the forest especially with the birds. But now i am working among the crowds and doing my observation. I feel insecure.. LOL

Our group photo at Serikin Weekend Market, Bau. Photo credit to John Ragai

So, here is the three shots that i kindda like it among all others unsuccessful photos that i took. Even though it is not so good but i love what i capture in these three photos. These people gestures reminds me of something in life.

A little girl with this rattan chair and see her smiling face.
JOY! 

The lady and that gent is looking at different things and see the expression on their faces.
EXCITEMENT & CURIOSITY.

It is not easy to sell sweet oranges, perhaps and this girl scribbles something on the piece of cardboard.
THINKING!

So, to end our trip we stop by at the Fairy Cave and just did a short caving with my brother and sister-in-law. I was saying, From the Street to the Nature!

Fairy Cave, Bau, Sarawak

It was quite an interesting weekend exploring places that i never been to. I am satisfied with this new experiences with my brother and sister-in-law. Besides, i met new circles of people and make new friends. Thanks to my brother for this great opportunity.

---

Newbie Street Photographer,

Little Rose

New Year Resolutions #1 - Red Riding Hood

First of all, it's not too late to wish my fellow family and friends...

GONG XI FA CAI!!!!

XIN NIAN KUAI LE!!!!

May the year of Horse brings more good health, wealth and happiness in your life! Blessings from above!

My #1 resolution in my list achieved. I pick up my Red Riding Hood on 30th Jan 2014 and with a very good register number. I am proud of myself. With help and support from family and friends, i make up my mind. Wise decision? Yes i think i am. 

The Red Riding Hood is at his service and we are ready to ride to the bush! Ha ha ha ha.. 

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Red Riding Hood,

Little Rose

I Received an Email from Contact Me Form

I never really take it seriously when people send me feedback using Contact Me Form in my blog. Why? Because usually i get all the crappy and spamming things. Then, it is not worth it for me to consider if the person that contact me is seriously meant what they want or just one of the stupid spammers. Somehow, this #6 person that contact me give me a little bit of attractions. Here i share what she wants:

Subject : Article Idea!

Good afternoon, 
I’m reaching out to you because of your work with your blog (I love the name!). My name is Kendra Thornton and I'm 40 and a mother of 3. Before being promoted to the full time position of mom, I was the former Orbitz Director of Communications where I was able to travel a great deal. I now live in Chicago with my family, where they are my number one priority in everyday life. 
I am currently working on a project where I am sharing my favorite things to do in one of my favorite places to travel, Las Vegas. I am looking to collaborate with other bloggers to see where their favorite place to travel is and what they like to do there. I want to know what your favorite things are, and learn more about the culture of your favorite places to travel to. We would work together to discuss and create an article about each of our “favorite destinations”. I think this piece could be really fun and something that your readers would really enjoy! I would love to work on a collaborative piece with you and get to know you and the hidden gems of where you like to travel! Please let me know if you’re interested! 
I am excited to hear from you! 

Kendra

If you received this type of email, what will you do? Actually i ignore it for about 11 days already because i am scared of spammers but then today i suddenly came across this email again when i check my email. I was thinking to search for this lady. What did i found?

1) Thornton Public Relations  - Reading this site, seems to be she is real. Perhaps she is. But it is not convincing enough. I search for more and i found other bloggers that experienced the same things as mine.

2) Crazy Messy Beautiful - The owner of this blog make Kendra as her guest blogger which give her tips on travelling with kids. Sounds like she is really doing this thing. I am satisfied so search for more bloggers.

3) Coming Home Blog - In this blog, the onwer also post almost the same post as the #2 blogger. It is about travelling tips. Ok! I got it now. And finally i found this one.

4) A Mom On the Go - Also post the same thing. So means that, Kendra is who she is that she told me in her email.

After that last search, i sent her an email. Looking forward for what article that we can work together on the favourite destinations.

P.s: It is worth it to find more information about who we are connected on the net, We never know that we will came across bad people. Somehow, Kendra sounds like nice lady!

Suspicious, 
Little Rose

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ UPDATE 28.01.2014 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kendra replied to my email and we will work out on this article. 

Hey Rose, Thank you for the response, I'm so glad you're interested! Let me give you a rundown of how I envision this working. What I plan on doing is collaborating with a very select few bloggers, on a one-on-one basis, to create a joint post where we each discuss our favorite places to travel to. What each of us includes in our write-ups is completely up to us. Then, after we have both contributed, I'd like to share it on your blog and also from my twitter account, ideally driving more traffic to the post and to your site. Let me know what you think!

So, i got work to do. Create a good post about my favourite destinations for travel. *EXCITED*

Craziness

Suddenly i feel so motivated to do something crazy this year. Something that sounds very impossible for those who know me. I already have a few plan in my head but i am not sure if i have courage to do so. I've been searching all over the internet looking for some information about travel, volunteers opportunity, looking for a retreat places, check the air ticket, looking for sites to raise fund etc etc etc...

I have not enough money so i need to have a budgeted plan and if there is an opportunity, i must raise fund to make this crazy dream of mine come true.

It doesn't matter which road i choose as long as i can keep my happy
SMILE on my face!!! Cheers!!... 

Still Planning, 

Little Rose

Pilgrimage to Medan ~ Day 4

The trip is nearly end. I am sure i will miss this place very much because it has been a great journey for the past three days. Even though we did not have enough sleep and rest but still it is a great journey for me to discover new place and meeting strangers along the way.

I capture this photo just before we leave the Samosir Island. Amazing right?

I am glad that i decided to joined this pilgrimage trip. On this last day we were drive back to Medan City. However, just before reach the city, we went to Pertapaan Putri Karmel, Medan. However, just before we leave the island, i manage to took photo with the resort staff. He using their uniform and it is quite unique because, no matter how plain it is, the side of the cloth still have batik pattern. The batik is actually brought in from Java and they sale quite cheap in Medan.

I forgot to ask his name but he is local. The Batak Toba people. 

Not to forget capturing myself with a friend that i just met during this trip, Jack. Ha ha ha.. This is so funny because, the name came out from our new friend, the tourist guide after they get my name, Rose. So, this is just for fun. Jack and Rose, not on the Titanic ship but only on a small ship called Toledo Inn (own by the resort where we stayed). Hi hi hi hi...

Jack, jangan ko marah sana ah coz kasi masuk gambar ko dalam blog sya..

We left the Samosir Island and i promised to come back again because i still did not have a chance to discover more about this place. Quite unique people i may say.

Practical student, Ms. Purnama. She is born during the full moon. That is
how she gets her name from her parents. 

We stop at Siantar to shop some local delicacies made from peanuts. Waaaa.. the snacks really delicious, i tried all of them and manage to bought only three boxes. I run out of my rupiah. But i am proud of myself that i can control from being so greedy. :-)

The food factory and shop with a very catchy names of their products. 

Really shop till you drop because no more money in the pocket... Wahahahaha.. Okay, we visit Putri Karmel just before we reach Medan City. Aunt Regina asks me to do the reading for the daily mass that we will celebrate at St. Yoseph Chapel. I really wanted to tell her that i never do this before. I am afraid i can't. But somehow, the voice deep inside my heart telling me to, JUST DO IT, ROSE. Along the way to the chapel i pray in my heart asking courage from the Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit guide me and deliver God holy word to our fellow pilgrimage members.

In front of the chapel at Pertapaan Putri Karmel, Medan.

Thanks be to God that i read the Word of God without any problem. The words smoothly come out from my mouth and i feel peace inside my heart and i am glad that i say YES to Aunt Regina to do this reading. It is His plan.

The chapel is just like the one at Kaingaran, Tambunan. 

---

Never resist God's plan,

Little Rose

Pilgrimage to Medan ~ Day 3

On the 3rd day we leave Sinabung Hills to another part of Medan. We will be on an island on the island, and that for sure the famous Samosir Island inside the Toba Lake. Yai!!! I am super excited because at last i can see it with my own eyes. With the elevation 1000++ meter above sea leave, aren't its amazing and interesting to be there?..  



Sinabung Hills Resort compound early in the morning. 

The sculpture that "attract" my friend very much at Sinabung Hills Resort :-)

Sapiso-Piso Waterfall, the water flow into Toba Lake.

View of Toba Lake from the SaPiso-Piso Waterfall.

Stop by at Simarjarunjung to taste the famous ginger tea.

Now we are on the boat heading to Kg. Tomok on Samosir Island.
These kids (Batak Toba) making money by singing and entertain us.

Samosir Island, that is where we are heading. Kg Tomok is first stop.
Later we stay at Toledo Inn, Tuk Tuk Village also on Samosir Island.

We visit the memorial tomb of the king of Kg. Tomok. 

The Batak Toba kids playing bicylce in front of our chalet at Toledo Inn.
Horasss!!!!

Nice view isn't it?..!

During our dinner that night, the owner of the Toledo Inn
was with us. She is 90 years old and she still look great!

Leave you with one of my fav photo of myself at Sinabung Hills Resort!
(Mau juga pi letak gambar sendiri bergaya ni!!)

Hope you enjoy with all the photos and a little brief about whereabout i visit on our 3rd day in Medan! I am sure seeing lots of beautiful photos and scenery i share, you wanna visit Medan. Book a ticket and you can fly to Medan via KL. Air Asia is availabe. :-)

---

Enjoying the trip,

Little Rose



Pilgrimage to Medan ~ Day 2

Early in the morning of 2nd day we left to Berastagi. I did not know that this place is so far away from Medan town. We stop at two places before we reach Sinabung Hills, Berastagi.

The family members of the couple dress in a beautiful kebaya

That morning, there is a wedding reception held in the hall of Garuda Plaza Hotel and i was fascinated by the blink-blink 'kebaya' they were wearing. I did not manage to capture the couples photo but i took a photo with one of the family members. She is a Batak lady and she is beautiful.

Bakso, my Lunch!

Our first pit stop was a mall in Medan town. I will never forget this day because my friend and i was having a misunderstanding about time. Before we left the bus we were so sure that all of us need to get back to the bus at 1.30pm. After having our lunch we were separated from our group and walking around the mall until it's 1.15pm. Suddenly our tourist guide, Pak Adi found us and told us that we are almost 45 minutes left behind the first bus. Errrrkkkk!!!! What time do we suppose to gather? He told us, we suppose to be back to the bus at 12.30pm. Argghhhh!!!!... It's Indonesian language says "Jumpa balik jam setengah satu" means that 12.30pm. But we are so sure we were told "Jam satu setengah..". Lucky that not every people in our group complain about us. Yuhuuuu.. we are on Pilgrimage Trip, no judging others.. :-D

The famous "Kek Lapis"

That noon is my duty to lead the Rosary Prayer and i am super guilty for making the whole group late. Not feeling so good about it and i was telling everyone, we are so sorry for our mistake. After we finish our Rosary Prayer, our tourist guide tell us a story about the famous food home made from Medan. It is a famous gift from Medan Kuih Lapis Legit and Bika Ambon. Both taste delicious but i did not bought it.

Nanda the practical SMA student

The tourist guide assistant (SMA practical student), distribute the Kek Lapis for all of us to taste it. I think quite a lot of aunts and uncles bought it as a souvenir specialty of Medan.    

The traffic

The road to Berastagi is quite busy. Even though it's Sunday the traffic is quite pack though. A lot of motorcyclist did not wear safety helmet and almost everywhere not only in the rural area. No mater how bad the traffic jam is, i did not see any police traffic on the road. Sometime, a volunteer will stand in the middle of the road and help clear the packed traffic.

Eating durians in Medan

Our 2nd stop was at Pondok Durian Ula Lupa. I am not sure the price because i did not eat any. I just watched the other friends eating durian. A lot of durians.

Sinabung Hills Resort, Berastagi

At last we arrive at Sinabung Hills Resort, Berastagi about 5pm and we celebrate our daily mass at Sinabung Hills Resort. Just before the mass, our spiritual director found out that they did not brought wine for the Holy Mass. It was lucky that not far from this resort there is a Catholic Church, Santo Francis Dari Asisi Church. They get the wine from the church rector, an Europe Priest (not sure from which country). Praise the Lord that we can celebrate our Holy Mass at 6.30pm that day. After mass we had our dinner and then rest and sleep because we will have another long journey to Danau Toba on the next day!

---

Praising Lord, 

Little Rose

Pilgrimage to Medan ~ Day 1

I am excited! For sure i am excited because this is my first time travel to Indonesia. Deep inside my heart i pray to God that i will experienced something interesting and the most important one is FINDING HIM while i am on this trip. Actually this is not an ordinary trip but a pilgrimage trip with almost 70 other participants from different parts of Sabah; Kudat, Kota Marudu, Sipitang, Keningau, Tambunan and Penampang. It was planned a year ago and praise be to God that we made it on 7th until 11th September. This trip was organized by D' Seven Travel and Tours and we were assisted by two spiritual director, Fr. Boni and Fr. Bona from Keningau Diocese.

Aerial photo of Medan town. The airport. 

We use two different flights from KK to KL and then from KL to Medan. As we arrived at Medan Airport, hmmm... it not that big though. I think it is just as big as Terminal 2 KKIA. There was a funny thing happen at the immigration when the officer look at my face a few times trying to compare my face in my passport and the one that standing in front of him. Maybe he get confused because photo inside my passport is different from how i look like that time. I left him with a smile and a thank you.

Medan Airport

There were two "parawisata" bus waiting for us and a Javanese tourist guide, assist us to our bus. We were check in to our hotel for that night, Hotel Garuda Plaza, Medan before we leaving to the church for our first mass in Medan. I double excited even though i am not sure how the church will be look alike. But still i am super duper excited. 

Graha Bonda Maria Annai Velangkanni, Tanjung Selamat, Medan

Ain't you amazed by the look of this church? Me? My heart is full of joy when we were there. I can not really explain and describe it in words but i feel the presence of Jesus anywhere we walk around that church that evening. We were lucky to be there because actually at 6.30pm that day is the Holy Mass for the Birthday Celebration of Mother Mary. Please visit the church blog to find more info about this beautiful church: Marian Shrine of Annai Velangkanni. 

Here is more of the Church photos that i took:

The close up of the entrance to the church.

Shrine Rector Fr. James Bharataputra SJ share with us about the church.

The Bible that did not burnt during the fire. 

Lowering the flag after the Holy Mass.

Blessing and burning the petition at the end of the celebration for the day.

My prayer to Mother Mary that she help me to pray to
her son to answer my prayer and me become a better
daughter to her and mothers in this world. Amen. 

~ To be Continue to Day 2

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Blessed Child,

Little Rose