Malaysia Asia

Recent News

• Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 Video Reviews
  This special edition article showcases the Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 in a series of videos by Adrian Lunsong, a Level 9 Google Local Guide from Malaysia.Adrian is also a first-time visitor to Miri and the Borneo Jazz Festival; therefore, it is my pleasure to feature him in my article, as his videos are simply amazing.Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 Video ReviewsAdrian Lunsong is a passionate Local Guide who has been actively contributing to Google Maps for quite a long time. He runs his own YouTube channel, Go Loco Podcast, an unofficial Local Guides podcast.In June of 2022, I had the pleasure of meeting Adrian Lunsung on a special media trip to Kuching and Miri, and speaking to him, I was shocked to find out that it was his first time in Miri.Throughout our Guiding Start program, we explored several tourist destinations and local food places where we were updating Google Maps with the latest photos and reviews to help visitors.Part of our exploration took us to several beautiful temples and even local markets. But the highlight, of course, was in the late afternoons and evenings for the Borneo Jazz Festival in Miri, Sarawak.Below, I will share a series of videos by Adrian Lunsong during our Guiding Stars program.Walkthrough of Borneo Jazz Festival Venue at Cococabana, MiriBorneo Jazz Festival 2022 Video Part 1Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 Video Part  2 This year's event saw quite a bit of fusion jazz at the Borneo Jazz Festival, trying to break the conventional jazz theme. The objective was to get a different music market to visit the event.As some may already know, traditional jazz is beautiful, but during an event or festival, there needs to be a little more excitement for the audience, young and old.The venue was changed in 2018 to Cococabana at the Miri Seahorse and Esplanade from the previous location of the Parkcity Everly Hotel.Miri has been home to the festival for more than 10 years now, and it still is one of the calendar events for the resort city as it attracts jazz music lovers from the region.If you want to learn more about this event in Miri, you can read my article about the Borneo Jazz Festival, all you need to know.And the next Borneo Jazz Festival 2023 will be held from 7-9 July at Cococabana Miri, Sarawak. ConclusionYou can subscribe to Adrian Lunsong's Go Loco Podcast YouTube Channel and find him on Twitter and Instagram.If you are active on Google Guides, you can also connect with Adrian Lunsong and me, David Hogan Jr, as we are both actively contributing daily.I hope you enjoyed this series of Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 video reviews by Adrian Lunsong and that you make it to the next festival in 2023.
  Monday 28th of November 2022 06:10:00 AM
• Mount Kinabalu Climbing Permit and Entrance Fees for 2023
  For those planning to visit Sabah, you should note the Mount Kinabalu climbing permit and entrance fees for 2023.This was announced in early November 2022 as the news had gone viral on social media. Sabah Tourism Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin confirmed the new Kinabalu Park entrance fees.Mount Kinabalu Climbing Permit and Entrance Fees for 2023With rising living costs and wages for workers, it was mentioned that the price increase was unavoidable in the last couple of years. There have been rumours about the increase, and it's now happening.Most locals will complain that the prices are too high, but for the visiting foreigners and the weak Malaysian Ringgit, the price is quite cheap compared to climbing other well-known mountains.As always, many will complain about the price increase, but over time, this matter will be forgotten, and people will still climb this mountain in the Kinabalu National Park.According to the Sabah Tourism Minister, all Sabah Parks will also see an increase in entrance fees by May 2023.The new prices were announced in November 2022.Mount Kinabalu Climbing Permit for 2023Foreign Adult Climbers - RM400Foreign Children Climbers - RM200Local Adult Climbers - RM100Local Children Climbers - RM50Mountain Guide (Up to 5 pax per guide) - RM350Kinabalu National Park Entrance Ticket Fees 2023Foreign Adults - RM50Foreign Kids - RM35Local Adults - RM10Local Kids - RM5For those leisure visitors to the park, please note the above prices for 2023. Even if you are there to do birdwatching at Kinabalu Park, you still need to pay the entrance price.Please visit the Sabah Parks website, as they have detailed information about all the parks they manage, including the Kinabalu National Park.If you want to find out about the porter fees, how high some of the peaks are, and even climbing insurance, it's all there.  Sabah Parks manages;Kinabalu ParkTunku Abdul Rahman ParkCrocker Range ParkTawau Hills ParkTurtle Islands ParkPulau Tiga ParkTun Sakaran Marine ParkSipadan Island ParkTun Mustapha ParkThe Earthquake Memorial at Mount Kinabalu National Park.ConclusionFor the record, back in 2007, the total price to climb Mont Kinabalu was a mere RM600 per person. This included the climbing fees, porter, entrance fees and so on.Then in 2016, it was priced at around RM1,500, and in 2019, it was around RM2000. For 2023, I am still taking a wild guess, as it could end up being about RM2,500 for everything.Just take a look at the old prices in the photo below;The old Mount Kinabalu climbing permit fees from 2011.The 2023 prices for climbing Mt Kinabalu.You can get more information about the new Mount Kinabalu climbing permit and entrance fees and ask them if you have other questions.For those visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Kinabalu, take note that you can no longer drive into the area. Also, the Kinabalu National Park is one of the 10 natural wonders of Malaysia.
  Tuesday 8th of November 2022 06:08:00 AM
• Huawei Mate 50 Pro Review in Malaysia
  This is a Huawei Mate 50 Pro review in Malaysia based on the actual usage of the new flagship smartphone to be launched in early November 2022.I was one of the lucky people to get the test unit, and I took it to Sandakan in Sabah to test out the capabilities of the smartphone.Huawei Mate 50 Pro Review MalaysiaI started using the Huawei Mate 50 Pro on the 14th of October, where I explored Kuala Lumpur first, and then I headed to Sandakan in Sabah to further test the smartphone.My primary mission was to attend the unique Borneo Bird Festival, which takes place at Sepilok's Rainforest Discovery Centre or RDC, just outside Sandakan.A typical morning scene at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sabah.Therefore, I took the opportunity to explore Sandakan city first before heading to the RDC and exploring the beautiful rainforest of the Sepilok-Kabali Forest Reserve.And just to add, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is currently the talk of the town among smartphone photographers due to the new technology incorporated with the camera system.But I won't bore you with the technical aspects of the smartphone. I will get straight to the basics and show you the photos to let you decide how amazing the results are.I use the 'Orange' colour Huawei Mate 50 Pro for my smartphone photography.Again, my style of taking smartphone photography is straightforward as I do not use the 'Pro Mode' on the smartphone.I prefer to use the normal mode, which most people will use, and as you already know, most people are not professional photographers. So, this review is based on the ordinary person's usage.The photos I share below are also all not edited at all. I just resized them to fit for web use, also showing you that I did not manipulate the photos in any way.All photos are randomly arranged with descriptions in the captions below; enjoy.The Sandakan Harbour Mall was photographed in wide-angle mode on the Mate 50 Pro during the day.Wide angle mode at night on the Mate 50Pro, without night mode, and the results are amazing.Testing the natural bokeh on the Huawei Mate 50 Pro at a local temple in Sandakan.Super Macro of a local Sandakan noodle dish.3-4 cm super macro shots of the beautiful Lantern Bugs at the RDC in Sepilok, Sabah.The steel skywalk at the RDC in Sepilok, taken on the wide angle mode of the Mate 50 Pro.While photographing St Michael's Church in Sandakan, a beautiful halo appeared around the sun.Mulan, a 12-year-old Orangutan, poses about 3 metres from me. I took this with the normal mode.I couldn't help but test the aperture more on the orangutan and the security staff.Photographed with the Super Macro Mode on the Mate 50 Pro.I'm a huge local street foodie, so here's a close-up of the famous UFO tarts in Sandakan, Sabah.A 2.5cm close macro shot of a rather odd-looking lilac-coloured flower at the RDC in Sabah.This is a very rare find for me, a Tree Crab that lives in dead stumps of trees in the rainforest.The photos I took above with normal, wide or super macro modes. You can visit the official website for the full specifications of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro.You can also check my other Malaysia smartphone reviews I have been doing over the years; they are all non-complicated and easy to understand.I will also be doing a Huawei Mate 50 Pro camera zoom test review where I shoot the same image in multiple focal lengths of the camera system.A dedicated Huawei Mate 50 Pro super macro review was also done in mid-October 2022 to showcase the capabilities of the smartphone camera system.The Orange coloured Mate 50 Pro after my unboxing session.ConclusionOverall, I am very impressed with the Artificial Intelligence (AI) of the Mate 50 Pro as it has improved so much from other brands. To me, the most important in smartphone photography is the realistic colours of the photos.Some brands tend to overdo it on the compensation, which is when computational photography gets unrealistic. Huawei has learned that, and they now have a nice balance in the final results of photos.I am still testing the Huawei Mate 50 Pro for everyday use, but I still need to do more macro and night photography with interesting conditions.Fear not, as I will be back to share more articles about my findings, and I hope you enjoyed my Huawei Mate 50 Pro review in Malaysia.
  Tuesday 1st of November 2022 09:24:00 AM
• Galaxy Z Fold4 Photography at Sarawak UNESCO Caves
  One of the things that I have always wanted to do with a smartphone is take it into one of the caves of Malaysia and try some smartphone photography. Well, my wish came true as I managed to try the Galaxy Z Fold4 Photography at Sarawak UNESCO Caves of Mulu National Park and Niah National Park in September 2022.Galaxy Z Fold4 Photography at Sarawak UNESCO CavesFirst, the Galaxy Z Fold4 has been known to be a business phone due to the folding screen, and no one imagined that it was also packed with a powerful camera system.I love challenges, and when I was told I had an exhibition spot at the Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2022, I wanted to make it count and be remembered as it was my first solo photography exhibition.My first smartphone photography exhibition was at Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2022.I've always wanted to exhibit my photography, and in recent years, I have been toying around with several phones for my smartphone photography in Malaysia.Yes, you heard that, and smartphone photography is here to stay, no matter how you look at it, so I've had a significant headstart from the early days of the Galaxy Note 1 (Nov 2011).Back to the Galaxy Z Fold4 review - I booked a trip to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia, the Niah National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, both in Sarawak. I spent five days at both national parks using my Galaxy Z Fold4 to capture as many photos as possible, ranging from landscape, macro and, finally, low light cave photography.What is low-light cave photography? If you have been inside a cave, you would know that it is one of the most challenging places to take photography. Regardless if you use a DSLR, Mirrorless or a smartphone.Therefore, I tested myself to see if this could be achieved when several people told me that it would probably not turn out nice; well, the photos are below.A closeup of my prints at the exhibition. The soft copies are featured in this article below.Low-light Photography with the Galaxy Z Fold4The photos below will be placed by the names of the caves, and each of the pictures was taken with the Galaxy Z Fold4 and minimally edited before printing on photo paper for my exhibition.These are the original soft copies which I have resized for this article. Note my name, number and camera used to photograph.Note: Please click on the photos to see the full-size image.Deer Cave at Mulu National Park in SarawakThe following four photos are taken inside the Gunung Mulu National Park Deer Cave. Please note that I used the Galaxy Z Fold4 Smartphone for all my photos below.The Deer Cave is one of the hero caves of the national park and is probably one of the most visited caves in Malaysia.If you have never been to this part of Malaysia, I highly recommend you do it, especially if you love the outdoors, caves and plain nature.Water falls from the main cave chamber, which is estimated to be around 100 meters high.As you exit the main cave chamber, you will pass several waterfalls from the cave ceiling.The Sarawak Chamber is the largest cave chamber in the world, inside the Deer Cave.Inside the Sarawak Chamber, can you spot the person wearing blue in the photo?Clearwater Cave at Mulu National Park in SarawakThe Clearwater Cave is one of the most beautiful caves I have visited because a fast-flowing river about 10 meters wide runs inside the cave system at the Mulu National Park.To get here, one must climb up 200 steps and slowly descend until one arrives at the Clearwater River. The following photos show the river system of the caves, taken with the Galaxy Z Fold4 in night mode.Clearwater Cave is also known to be the 9th longest cave in the world, and even I just found out about this.Entering the Clearwater Cave from the top. Notice the person in the photo and the bridge on top.The subterranean river runs at the bottom of the cave.Clearwater Cave's subterranean river is about 10 meters wide. This was photographed with my smartphone placed on the bridge for 7 seconds.Another interesting view of the cave river. Photographed handheld for 7 seconds.Wind Cave at Mulu National ParkBelow are four photos taken inside the Wind Cave near the Clearwater Cave system at the Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak.As the name says, when you reach certain parts of the cave, you feed a strong gust of cold wind that makes your hair stand. It's a wonder how the wind travels in the caves.The wind Cave at Mulu tends to feature some of the best stalactites and stalagmites I have seen in this part of the world.For some reason, I found my old article on the Wind Cave at Mulu Park from 2009; therefore, you can see some of my old photos of the caves taken back then.Stalactites and stalagmites joined over millions of years, some of them 10 meters tall.The walkways inside the Lang Cave are cleverly planned, where you make a loop and exit.Various angles of the stalactites and stalagmites provide exciting photography opportunities.The walkways in the cave often look like an Indiana Jones movie set.Lang Cave at Mulu National ParkThe Lang Cave is probably one of the most beautiful caves in terms of unique formations, stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years.And the fact that lights are used carefully to highlight them makes them even more beautiful to photograph.The reverse view cave mouth of Lang Cave at Mulu Park.Water droplets on a stalactite were photographed handheld in normal mode with a seven-second delay.Unique stalactite formation looking like alien, photographed handheld on normal mode.Different tones and highlights are photographed in normal mode.Water streaking down a stalactite and photographed in night mode on the Galaxy Z Fold4.Niah Caves at Niah National Park in SarawakThe Niah Caves are also being selected as another UNESCO World Heritage Site for Sarawak, located about an hour's drive from Miri.This stand-alone cave is also spectacular, namely the amazing cave mouth and the fact that one of the oldest living remains of a prehistoric man in this region was found here.You can do a further reading from my 2015 article on Niah Caves in Sarawak, as I went there unexpected on a quick 2-hour trip.The main cave entrance at Niah is seen from inside the mouth.A glimpse of the Trader Cave at Niah. Notice the red dot in the centre, which is a person.Niah Cave exit, taken on a reverse angle with the Galaxy Z Fold4.Inside Niah, a cave opening is seen at the top.In total, there are 21 photos taken inside the five caves of Niah and Mulu National Park, all photographed with the Galaxy Z Fold4 smartphone.Each of the photos you see here has also been printed on photo paper and in 18 x 12-inch size and will be displayed at the Sarawak Tourism Board office in Kuching, Sarawak.The fact that smartphone technology has improved in recent years shows that low-light photography is not a problem, especially when using one of the newer smartphones.My objective was to challenge myself to capture photos inside the caves without a tripod and see how well the smartphone performed. And to my surprise, I was very impressed with the outcome.Most people will review or use their smartphones to do portrait, landscape or other street photography, but those are a dime a dozen, and every other person seems to want to do that.Hence my unique choice to feature cave photography in Malaysia, which no one would think of; by now, I have set the benchmark so high that my next project will be even more challenging.And for the record, I have been visiting many caves around Malaysia in the last 15 years and also wrote an article about 8 caves to visit in Sabah and Sarawak in 2010.That's me, David Hogan Jr, a smartphone photographer from Malaysia.ConclusionThere you go, my actual photos taken with the Galaxy Z Fold4 Smartphone, and each of the images above was exhibited at the Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2022 from 23-25 September.Again, thank everyone who came and supported my first solo photography exhibition. Just so you know, my topic for the next photo exhibition will be much more challenging.And once again, the photos you see above were taken with a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 smartphone and at two UNESCO national parks in Sarawak, Malaysia.
  Wednesday 12th of October 2022 01:10:00 PM
• Penang Floral Festival History Archive
  This article features all the Penang Floral Festival history archives that have taken place since 1990. There was not much information available; therefore, I took the initiative to compile the info here.As Penang is one of the most visited states in Malaysia for tourism, the botanical gardens are also one of the popular places to visit.Penang Floral Festival History ArchiveKnown in Malay as Pesta Bunga Penang, it was also taken to an international level by renaming this the Penang International Flora Festival.However, in recent years, there has not been much publicity shared. One of the reasons could be that this entire horticulture event focused more on orchids and bonsai plants, where people wanted a well-balanced exhibition.The scene at one of the Penang Flower Festivals.However, the organisers have always been neutral and offered a bit of everything for all visitors. There has been international participation from countries in the Southeast Asia region.How long has the Penang Flower Festival been around?The Penang Flower Festival has been done since 1990, which is a very long time for a horticulture exhibition or festival.The only difference is that it was never given good media coverage throughout the years, and in selected years, Tourism Malaysia would include it in the tourism calendar.I've personally been giving Royal Floria Putrajaya good coverage for many years now. Hopefully, someone from Penang will see my contribution and invite me to do media coverage for Penang.My research and work over the years have given many ordinary people a better understanding of several horticulture events held around Malaysia.The 2015 Penang Floral Fest. Penang Flora Festival in YearsBelow is a list of years that the flower event took place, but there is not enough information before 2003. But at least we know how long this event has been happening.Penang Flora Festival 1990 to 1999 - No informationPenang Flora Festival 2000 -Penang Flora Festival 2001 -Penang Flora Festival 2002 - Penang Floral Festival 2003 - June, Theme: In Harmony with NaturePenang Flora Festival 2004 - Penang Flora Festival 2005 - 29 May - 5 June, Theme: Penang in BloomPenang Floral Festival 2006 - 28 May - 4 June, Theme: Penang in BloomPenang Floral Festival 2007 - 27 May -3 June, 17th anniversaryPenang Floral Festival 2008 - 29 Nov - 7 Dec, Theme: Floral FantasyPenang Floral Festival 2009 - 31 May - 7 JunePenang Floral Festival 2010 - 11-19 DecPenang Floral Festival 2011 - 28 May - 5 JunePenang Floral Festival 2012 - 3-10 June, Theme: Penang Floral Festival 2013 - 2-9 June 2013, Theme Penang Floral ParadisePenang Floral Festival 2014 - 2 - 8 JunePenang Floral Festival 2015 - 30 May - 7 JunePenang  Floral Festival 2016 - 28 May - 5 JunePenang Floral Festival 2017 - 1-7 Aug No InfoPenang Floral Festival 2018 - 18-26 AugustPenang Orchid Show 2019 - 11-18 AugustPenang Floral Festival 2020 - No Event Because of Covid 19Penang Floral Festival 2021 - No Event Because of Covid 19Penang Floral Festival 2022 - No Event (Reason Unknown)Penang  Floral Festival 2012 Poster.For those who want to know more about the other floral festivals in Malaysia, you can also read about Royal Floria Putrajaya, which I do a lot of coverage on.The next event is scheduled from the end of August till the first week of September at Putrajaya.ConclusionThere you have it, a complete list of the Penang Floral Festival history archive I have compiled and shared here for everyone.For the organisers, please contact me with any additional information missing from the above, and I will gladly edit it. Also, please contact me for any coverage of upcoming events related to horticulture.
  Thursday 25th of August 2022 07:22:00 AM
• Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
  The Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is probably one of the wildest and most unique building fronts I have ever come across in my travels.On my recent trip to Tokyo, I spent some time exploring Harajuku and walking around the intersection of Omotesando and Harajuku; I bumped into this futuristic place by chance.Tokyu Plaza Omotesando HarajukuHowever, this unique building facade is nothing new as it was initially opened back in 2012 and, over the years, has impressed many people.The overview of the entrance with a packed crowd of people walking by.The unique kaleidoscopic escalator tunnel is made from various tilted mirror-polished stainless-steel panels and acts as a gateway transition into the building.Visitors who walk in will be mesmerized by the sheer effect of the multiple mirror images seen from all angles, and when you exit, you will experience the ultimate effect, as seen in the main photo.The unique architectural design is also done by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP and Takenaka Corporation of Japan.Notice where visitors stand at the top of the escalator and pose in the middle.Tourists taking time to pose at the Insta-famous Glass Entrance of Harajuku.Harajuku Glass Building Photo EthicsAs always, there are some ethics to be practised here, as when I came on a weekend, there was a short line of Instagrammers and TikTokers waiting at the top of the escalator.This means that you need to take your turn to get that photo, and please do not take more than a couple of minutes because other people are waiting as well.This has already become one of the must-take photos of Harajuku; therefore, please practice ethics when you are here.If you cannot wait, just head up the escalator, then turn around and head back down, taking photos as you go down. Remember not to obstruct anyone when taking pictures.I know that some Instagrammers or TikTokers will take forever to get that shot, so if you are one of them, please have a conscious.Where is the Harajuku Kaleidoscopic Glass Building?From the main Harajuku Station, it only takes about six to seven minutes to walk there, and this is on an average day without the crowds.On weekends, it could take up to ten minutes to walk if you do not get distracted by the many interesting shops along the way.If you walk through Takeshita Street, just head to the end, and when you exit, turn right and walk to the main Meiji-dori Avenue junction.Directions from the main Harajuku Station.ConclusionYou can also read my other articles about Japan if you want to see where I went, what I ate and what I did when I visited.The next time you visit Harajuku, walk to Jingumae Crossing to see this incredible art marvel that is bound to impress you.And get your camera or smartphone ready as the photos from Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku are guaranteed to be Instagram, TikTok, Twitter or Facebook friendly!
  Wednesday 24th of August 2022 05:19:00 AM
• Top Hospitals in Kuching for Medical Tourism
  This is a list of the top hospitals in Kuching for medical tourism, done in 2022 after the Covid19 pandemic.This list will share some basic information for anyone interested in medical tourism in Kuching, and you can click on the individual private hospitals for more info.Top Hospitals in Kuching for Medical TourismAs Kuching is considered relatively new in medical or health tourism, the main market is no other than Indonesia, namely the cities of Kalimantan.Private facilities have opened up over the last 10 years in Kuching, where some of Malaysia?s top hospitals have branches in Sarawak.Below are the top hospitals for medical tourism in Kuching in no order;KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital.KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital - Also known as the Kuching Specialist Hospital, it is the 12th hospital under the flagship of KPJ Healthcare Bhd, the largest healthcare group in Malaysia and the South East Asia Region.Specialities at KPJ Kuching include:Accident & EmergencyAnaesthesia & Critical careCardiology (including Pediatric)Cardiothoracic SurgeryDental (Retorative & Endodontic)Ear, Nose & ThroatDermatology & AllergyEndocrinologyGastroenterologyGeneral, Laparoscopic, Colorectal & Hepatobiliary SurgeryGynaecologyOncologyInfectious DiseasesInternal MedicineNephrologyNeurologyNeurosurgeryNuclear Medicine & CTOrthopaedic, Spine & Arthroplasty SurgeryPaediatricsPathologyPlastic Surgery & Reconstructive SurgeryPsychiatryRadiology & Diagnostic ImagingRespiratory MedicineSleep DisordersSports Medicine & SurgeryUrology & Men?s HealthVascular & Endovascular SurgeryKPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital InformationAddress: Lot 18807, Block 11 Muara Tebas Land District, Jalan Stutong, 93350 KuchingPhone: 082-365 777Website: KPJ KuchingTimberland Medical Centre in Kuching.Timberland Medical Centre - TMC is a private hospital that has been in operation since 1994 and is one of the oldest private hospitals in Kuching, with over 20 medical specialities.Specialities at Timberland Medical Centre include:Accident & EmergencyAnaesthesia & Critical careCardiologyEar, Nose & ThroatDermatologyEndocrinologyGastroenterologyGeneral, Laparoscopic, Colorectal & Hepatobiliary SurgeryGeriatricsHaemotologyInternal MedicineNephrologyNeurologyNeurosurgeryNuclear Medicine & MRI/CTObstetrics & GynaecologyOncologyOphthalmologyPaediatrics; PathologyPlastic & Reconstructive SurgeryPsychiatry, Radiology & Diagnostic ImagingRespiratory MedicineRheumatologySports Medicine & SurgeryUrology & Men?s HealthTimberland Medical Centre InformationAddress: 5164-5165, Block 16 KLCD 2 1/2 Mile, Rock Road, Taman Timberland, 93250 KuchingPhone: 082-234 466Website: Timberland Medical CentreBorneo Medical Centre in Kuching.Borneo Medical Centre - This private hospital is an 80-bed, tertiary-level private medical centre. It is equipped with modern medical technology and a talented and dynamic team of health care professionals, all dedicated to the continued wellbeing of the people.Specialities at Borneo Medical Centre include:Accident & EmergencyAnaesthesia & Critical care & ThroatDermatologyEndocrinologyGastroenterologyGeneral, Laparoscopic, Colorectal & Hepatobiliary SurgeryHaematologyInternal MedicineNuclear Medicine & PET/CTObstetrics & GynaecologyOncologyOphthalmology & Lasik SurgeryOrthopaedic, Spine & Arthroplasty SurgeryPaediatricsPlastic SurgeryPsychiatryRadiologyRespiratory MedicineRheumatologyUrology & Men?s HealthVascular & Endovascular SurgeryBorneo Medical Centre InformationAddress: Lot 10992, Section 64 KTLD, Jalan, Tun Jugah, 93350 KuchingPhone: 082-507 333Website: Borneo Medical CentreNormah Medical Centre in Kuching.Normah Medical Specialist Centre - Normah created history to be the first private hospital established in Sarawak. It was officially opened on 11 August 1988 and is a not-for-profit hospital. In June 2003, Normah opened its first Information Centre in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is the first Information Centre set up by Normah outside Sarawak.Specialities at Normah Medical Specialist Centre include:Accident & EmergencyAnaesthesia & Critical careCardiologyCardiothoracic SurgeryDentalEar, Nose & ThroatGastroenterologyGeneral, Laparoscopic, Colorectal & Hepatobiliary SurgeryHaemotologyInternal MedicineNephrologyNeurologyOccupational HealthObstetrics & GynaecologyOncologyOphthalmologyOral & Maxillofacial SurgeryOrthopaedic, Spine & Arthroplasty SurgeryPathologyPsychiatry, Radiology & Diagnostic ImagingRespiratory MedicineRheumatologyUrology & Men?s HealthNormah Medical Specialist Centre InformationAddress: Lot 937, Section 30 KTLD, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakub, Petra Jaya, 93050 KuchingPhone: 082-440 055Website: Normah Medical CentreKuching is one of the leading cities for medical tourism in Borneo.ConclusionI have been writing about tourism for the last 15 years and have also covered some articles on medical tourism in Malaysia. One of my recent articles covers the top hospitals in Kota Kinabalu for medical tourism.In the last five years, health tourism in Sarawak has grown exponentially, with more Indonesias visiting from Kalimantan, due mainly to the flight connectivity into Kuching and Miri.I hope this article about the Top Hospitals in Kuching for Medical Tourism provides relative information as done in 2022, making it up to date and relevant. Especially after the Covid 19 pandemic.
  Tuesday 16th of August 2022 09:13:00 AM
• Top Hospitals in Kota Kinabalu for Medical Tourism
  This is a list of top hospitals in Kota Kinabalu for medical tourism as the North Borneo state is now considering including this as part of health tourism.Medical tourism in Sabah is still something new as the state has never ventured deep into this genre, and now, with more flight connectivity to Indonesia, the potential is there.Top Hospitals in Kota Kinabalu for Medical TourismWhile those planning to research medical tourism in Malaysia, many Indonesians will consider Sabah and Sarawak as medical tourism destinations due to the proximity to Kalimantan.As Sabah is considered one of the new players in medical tourism or health tourism, several modern medical facilities have slowly been operating in the capital over the last ten years.Therefore, this list will highlight some of the top hospitals in KK for medical tourism and is in no particular order.Sabah recently announced that they are targeting health and medical tourist from Indonesia with the current flight connectivities.Gleneagles Hospital in  Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.1. Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital - A private hospital in the city of KK or Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and offers medical services that include cardiac care, brain and nerve, orthopaedic and spine, women and children care.Address: Riverson@Sembulan, Block A-1,Lorong Riverson@Sembulan, Off Coastal Highway,88100 Kota Kinabalu, SabahWebsite: Gleneagles Kota KinabaluKPJ Hospital in Kota Kinabalu.2. KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital - A well-known private hospital in Kota Kinabalu built in 2012 and started operating in 2014 with 245 beds. This hospital, formerly known as Sabah Medical Centre or SMC, is a household name among local Sabahans.Address: Lot No.2 Off,Jalan Damai, Luyang Commercial Centre,88300 Kota KinabaluWebsite: KPJ SabahJesselton Medical Centre in KK.3. Jesselton Medical Centre - Originally established in 2009, it was first a Maternity and Child Hospital and developed over the years into "a one-stop" tertiary centre of international standards. Jesselton Medical Centre has 23 consultant rooms and 72 beds, of which 59 consisted of 16 single rooms and 21 double rooms, 6 intensive Care beds and 7 delivery suites.Address: Jalan Metro 2, Off,Jalan Tuaran, Jalan Bunga Ulam Raja,88300 Kota KinabaluWebsite: Jesselton Medical CentreRafflesia Medical Centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.4. Rafflesia Medical Centre - Popularly known as RMC, this medical facility currently has wards with 19 beds and more to be added to the next expansion plan. Strategically located within easy reach, RMC offers a variety of clinical specialities ranging from obstetrics and orthopaedics to surgeries to meet the public's medical needs at affordable prices.Address: Lot 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Millennium Commercial Centre,Jln Lintas, Kepayan, 88200 PenampangWebsite: Rafflesia Medical CentreConclusionYou can also read my other article on medical tourism in Malaysia, as I have highlighted the pros and cons for anyone interested.The four leading medical tourism hospitals in Kota Kinabalu above cater to international medical tourists, and I hope to see more medical facilities opening up in the coming years.And these are currently the top hospitals in Kota Kinabalu for medical tourism or health tourism as of 2022.
  Sunday 14th of August 2022 03:05:00 AM
• Sabah Targets Health Medical Tourists from Indonesia
  In an exciting move, the Sabah government is ready to cooperate to open flight routes to Indonesia through Batik Air to develop the state as a health tourism destination.State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the flight routes to Indonesia include Pontianak, Balikpapan in Kalimantan.Sabah Targets Health Medical Tourists from IndonesiaHe hoped that the flight routes would be realised shortly because they were also one of the essential factors in attracting visitors from neighbouring countries to Sabah.He also mentioned that it was the right time for Sabah to target health tourism by promoting the latest facilities offered by (Sabah) hospitals, especially to the Indonesian market.Datuk Jafry held a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air, Captain Mushafiz Mustafa Bakri, general manager Muhammad Ariff Abdul Aziz and some Batik Air Kuala Lumpur staff.Jafry also said that the value chain and the health tourism industry, it will definitely open up opportunities for tourists to explore tourist locations with the 'natural healing' concept in Sabah.He added that Sabah should take full advantage of the current health tourism trend since every medical tourist has the potential to spend more than ordinary tourists.ConclusionCurrently, several hospitals are found all over the city, and here is a list of top hospitals for medical tourism in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.This is probably why Sabah targets health and medical tourists from Indonesia. Facilities are there, and they must provide proper infrastructure for medical tourism in Sabah.
  Friday 12th of August 2022 12:22:00 PM
• Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 Price in Malaysia
  Since Samsung launched the latest Z series foldable smartphones worldwide on August 10 2022, many have been curious about the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 price in Malaysia.You should also know that these are the fourth generation foldable phones from Samsung and are highly sought after by many. The launching of new Galaxy Z Flip4 and Fold4 foldable phones were unveiled during the August 10 Galaxy Unpacked event.Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 Price in MalaysiaIt is a no-brainer that the fourth generation foldable smartphones are not cheap as many improvements have been made over the last few years.Smartphones are no longer under the under RM1,000 category unless you are a super beginner and just need a phone for messages and calls only.Mid-range and high-range smartphones cost anywhere from RM2,000 to RM10,000, depending on the brand and the specifications.Anyway, Samsung is one of the leading smartphone brands worldwide and has invested quite a bit into its technology, resulting in some pretty amazing smartphones over the years.You should also know that I have been a day-one Samsung user since the early days of the Samsung Galaxy Note 1, and I am currently using the Galaxy S22.So, without any other writing drama, below is the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 Price in Malaysia;Galaxy Z Flip4, Fold4 and Galaxy Buds2 Prices in Malaysia.Please visit the official Samsung Malaysia website for more information, videos, and special promotions. You can also buy the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Fold4 smartphones from there.As I have been actively using Samsung smartphones for years now, you can also read some of my Samsung smartphone reviews which I have done.I also have other smartphone reviews on my lifestyle blog, David Explores, which features more general reviews and news about smartphones in Malaysia.Galaxy Z Fold4 and Flip4.Galaxy Z Fold4 and its additional accessories.ConclusionNow that you have seen the list of prices, it is only when you want to upgrade to the new foldable phones by Samsung.On the other hand, many will wait for the Malaysian telco companies to start their contract promotion for new phones. Again, these are the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 price in Malaysia.
  Thursday 11th of August 2022 04:54:00 AM
• Floria Putrajaya 2022
  Great news for horticulture fans as Floria Putrajaya 2022 is back this year after a two-year hiatus from the Covid19 pandemic. This event is also known as Floria DiRaja Putrajaya 2022.For those who have been overnight gardens or plant lovers because of the Covid19 lockdowns, this is the one show in Malaysia that you should be attending.Floria Putrajaya 2022This major flower and garden exhibition is now known as Royal Floria 2022 and is a yearly event in the heart of Putrajaya that is held for almost a week, with the theme - Floria Hebat, or Fantastic Floria.The official flower for this year's festival is the internationally and locally loved Orchid, which visitors will see all over the event.One of the floral displays by DBKL.It also takes place during the week of Merdeka or the Malaysia Independence week, which falls at the end of August. This year's Royal Floria 2022 is from 29 August till 4 September.As I have been a plant and garden lover for over 30 years, this horticulture event is something I never miss yearly.In a nutshell, this entire event revolves around flowers, plants and gardens, so if you are a fan, this event is worth exploring.The official poster.Flower lovers can expect favourites such as Bonsai, Bromeliad, Chrysanthemum, Hibiscus, Heliconia, Rose, Bougainvillea, Begonia, and Lilies.And if you are also new to this, meaning you only started plants and gardens since Covid 19, you may want to read this article about the complete guide to Royal Floria Putrajaya.The last Royal Floria 2019 saw over 1,000,000 people attending, and the event featured 61 showcase garden lots with 43 international participants from 23 countries.For this year's Floria DiRaja Putrajaya 2022, the organisers expect a minimum of 500,000 visitors. There will also be over 400,000 flowers and plants on display, which includes 10,000 orchids.One of the mesmerising flower creations at the last Royal Floria.International Participants for Royal Floria 2022This year, the organisers will receive international participation from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Germany and New Zealand.They will showcase some of their creations in the special air-conditioned tents with unique and exciting floral designs.Unique Areas not to Miss at Floria 2022There are several exciting and specially created areas using flowers that visitors should not miss, and they include;Red Karoemt or Sky Walk Gemerlapan FloriaClock MeadowWall of OrchidsGlow in the Dark ParkFloral PavilionVIP Orchid ShowVisitors taking photos with some of the flower displays.Contest for Royal Floria 2022As always, there will be numerous contests taking place throughout the event, and those interested may check out some of the contests below;Terrarium ContestOrchid ContestInternational ContestPhotography ContestSocial Media ContestFor the latest up-to-date information, I recommend you follow the Royal Floria Facebook Page as they are now very active in updating information.Visitors taking photos at night.Quick FAQWhen is Floria Putrajaya 2022? Floria Putrajaya is happening from 29 August to 4 September.Where is Floria Putrajaya? The flower and horticulture show takes place at Presint 4 of Putrajaya.How to Go to Floria Putrajaya? The best way is to self-drive here and to use Waze of Google Maps to search for Anjung  Floria.Tickets for Royal Floria 2022 - You can also purchase your tickets online from the official Royal Floria Website. You can pay with online banking or credit/debit cards. The ticket prices are;MyKad Adult - RM15.00MyKad Child (7-12) - RM5.00MyKad Child (Under 6) / OKU - FreeNon-MalaysiansAdult - RM100.00Child (7-12) / Senior Above 60 - RM50.00Child (Under 6) / OKU - RM30.00Additional InformationFor the record, I also run a hobbyist Malaysia Plants website and blog, focusing mainly on some of the rare jungle ferns and plants. But it's not super active as I would like it to be.The Penang Floral Festival started in 2015, but I never did explore this northern horticulture event.An orchid vendor at the Floria Bazaar.Past Floria Putrajaya EventsBelow is a breakdown of the past events that have taken place in Putrajaya, each with the theme of flowers.Royal Floria Putrajaya 2021 - Cancelled because of Covid 19Royal Floria Putrajaya 2020 - Cancelled because of Covid 19Royal Floria Putrajaya 2019 - Mother of All Gardens, Orchids, and BonsaiRoyal Putrajaya Floria 2018 - 10 Wonders of Floria, every theme flower from the last 9 yearsRoyal Putrajaya Floria 2017 - There was no event this yearRoyal Putrajaya Floria 2016 - Chrysanthemum ThemeRoyal Putrajaya Floria 2015 - Lily ThemeFloria Putrajaya 2014 - Begonia ThemeFloria Putrajaya 2013 - Orchid Theme (Orkid)Putrajaya Floria 2012 - Flower Paper Theme (Bunga Kertas)Putrajaya Floria 2011 - Rose Theme Floria Putrajaya 2010 - Heliconia ThemeFloria Putrajaya 2009 - Orchid Theme (Orkid)Floria Putrajaya 2008 - There was no event for this yearFloria Putrajaya Flower and Garden Exhibition 2007 - Hibiscus ThemeConclusionI honestly cannot wait for Floria Putrajaya 2022 because I've been yearning to see what has been cooked up for the last two years of the Covid19 pandemic.I am very sure many plants and garden lovers like me have also been waiting for this event to happen, and it probably will be a full house when it does open.
  Tuesday 9th of August 2022 06:01:00 AM
• Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2022
  The Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2022 is back again this September and will be held at the Viva Shopping Mall in KL city.For photographers, KLPF is the biggest and largest photography exhibition and festival in the country, which attract all kinds of photographers and visitors alike.Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2022The last Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2021 was held on a last-minute arrangement after the Malaysian government decided to open the borders and loosen the SOPs for the Civid19 pandemic.Because of this arrangement, the organisers decided to go ahead but make it a hybrid format event where it was live-streamed on their official Facebook channel.During the event, they also had various talk sessions with renowned photographers and industry players via the Zoom platform.For KLPF2021, a similar concept will also be done, and a little more focus will be put on the actual event at Viva Shopping Mall.Exhibition booths for photographers.Who is Participating in KLPF 2022?While many assume this is just a photographer's gathering, you will be surprised to see who participates at the event.We will see tourism boards, NGOs, camera shops, and camera and photography brands participating. Several photographic societies and clubs are also on the list.And there are even some overseas companies that also take part in promoting various photography-related tourism activities. Some schools also take part as exhibitors.Smartphone brands are also no strangers to the event, as over the years, notable brands have made their presence at KLPF.What KLPF 2021 looked like just after the borders opened.When is KLPF 2022?This year, KLPF 2022 will take place from 23-25 September 2022. It will be from Friday, Saturday and Sunday and at the main centre court area of the mall.Where is Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival?The KLPF event will occur in Kuala Lumpur and at Viva Shopping Mall, Jalan Cheras. This has been the official venue for the last few years since it was held at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre.How to go to Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival?No train stations are located around Viva Shopping Mall; therefore, those taking public transport may have to take a taxi or ride-hailing service to get here. Just use Viva Shopping Mall. Those driving, just use Waze or Google Maps and head to Viva Shopping Mall.Viva Shopping Mall AddressLG, 85, Jln Loke Yew,Taman Miharja, 55200 Kuala Lumpur,Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala LumpurFor more information, please visit the KLPF website as they have everything you need to know, including the layout plan, vendors and participants and also the program for the weekend.Visitors viewing some photography at KLPF 2021.ConclusionThis year, the Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2022 will also be a hybrid format where the event will be live-streamed via Facebook. This is done for those who cannot attend and those who are out of Kuala Lumpur or Malaysia.
  Sunday 7th of August 2022 09:38:00 AM
• Lankayan Island in Sabah
  Lankayan Island in Sabah is probably one of the most beautiful islands I have visited in my travels to Borneo over the last 10 years.While there is only one resort here, Pulau Lankayan island is an excellent place for honeymooners or those wanting a secluded island getaway.Lankayan Island in SabahMy review of this island is quite basic; therefore, I will not bore you with all the text and so on and get straight to the point by showing you photos of this incredible island.As my experience here was over five years ago, I was informed that over-water bungalows or chalets are now available. And there is also a new structure that was built along the way to the main restaurant building.There is only one resort on the island, the Lankayan Island Dive Resort, and all the chalets are sea-facing on this 2.5-hectare island.When you walk around the island, it only takes you less than 20 minutes to complete one circle. And from any point of the island, you cannot see the mainland or any other island in the distance.Lankayan is well-known as a scuba diving island as they have some of the best dive sites in Sabah. Many divers come here to experience some incredible underwater adventures.The island is well-equipped for divers as the resort is known as the Lankayan Island Dive Resort. They have dive masters, a proper dive set up and caters to open water and advanced scuba divers.Photos of Lankayan IslandThe main jetty walkway to the resort.Some of the sea-facing chalets.A turtle hatchery is on the island as well.Many people claim this as the Maldives of Malaysia.One of the decks that stretch out into the sea.Sea-facing chalets at Lankayan Island.The room is perfect for couples.How to go to Lankayan Island?In general, there is only one way: via speed boat. And in general, it takes approximately 90-minutes to get here from Sandakan on the east coast of Sabah.For any further inquiries or bookings, please visit the official Lankayan Island Dive Resort website, as they have all the needed information.Sabahan company Pulau Sipadan Resort and Tours own the property, and they are the only resort on Lankayan Island in Sabah.ConclusionI have to conclude that Lankayan Island is lovely and perfect for just about anyone. This could be your honeymoon destination if you are a newly married couple.And for couples seeking a romantic getaway to Sabah's islands, Pulau Lankayan is definitely one place to consider.For me, it has been years since I last came here and perhaps, I should make another trip, maybe this time for birdwatching at Lankayan Island.
  Thursday 4th of August 2022 12:54:00 PM
• teamLab Lalaport Exhibition Review
  This August in Kuala Lumpur, the world-famous teamLab Resonating Microcosms exhibition will be held at Lalaport BBCC for four months.The teamLab Lalaport exhibition review was done three days before the event opened up to the public as once it goes live, thousands of people will be heading here as the entrance is free.teamLab Lalaport Exhibition ReviewThe fantastic lighting extravaganza is titled TeamLab's Resonating Microcosms - Liquified Light Color, Sunrise And Sunset installation and is best visited after sunset. However, do expect large crowds of people to come here.Because of the mesmerising light effects, the event will attract all walks of light as it is easily Instagrammable, TikTokable or shared on various social media platforms.The free event at Lalaport BBCC titled Resonating MicrocosmsThere will be two (2) main exhibitions on display here, which are;1. Resonating Microcosms - Liquified Light Color, Sunrise2. Sunset and Resonating TreesThe main attraction is Resonating Microcosms which will feature unique ovoids (egg-shaped sculptures) and an art space that changes through the presence of people and the natural environment.The second one is Sunset and Resonating Trees, where each tree shines brightly, and the light of each tree is autonomous, slowly blinking.Resonating Trees is a second light display at Lalaport BBCC.With both happening simultaneously, Lalaport's rooftop garden will be transformed into a magical landscape of ovoid sculptures that glow dreamily in multi-colours against the night sky.Resonating Microcosms is an interactive digital installation that experiments with the concept of colour, and each of the ovoids can change into a total of 57 colours of liquified light.When is teamLab Resonating Microcosms?This unique light show will take place from Aug 4 to Nov 30, 2022, and is a free event. This means anyone can visit this exhibition any number of times they want.Where is teamLab Resonating Microcosms Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur?The light and art event is held on the fourth floor of Lalaport BBCC Kuala Lumpur, the latest shopping mall to open in the city.It is also held on the fourth floor of Lalaport Shopping Mall, an open-aired outdoor area connected to the massive food court and several other unique retail shops.The impressive light display will be at Lalaport BBCC. Photo from teamLab.More Information about teamLab Exhibition  Date: Aug 4 to Nov 30, 2022Venue: 4th Floor, Lalaport BBCC, Kuala LumpurTime: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PMAdmission: FreeWebsite: teamLabThis will be the second time teamLab is having an exhibition in Malaysia. In 2014, they presented the MoonLab Sketch Aquarium children's interactive digital game at Aquaria KLCC.Map to LalaportConclusionFor those curious, just make your way there anytime after sunset to experience this incredible light show. I suggest you visit on a weekday versus a weekend to avoid the large crowds.This is one of the free events you can visit for tourists coming into Malaysia after a two-year international border lockdown.This teamLab Lalaport exhibition review was done on Aug 1 after a special media preview of the event, before it opens on the 4th of August.
  Monday 1st of August 2022 06:47:00 AM
• Malaysia FujiFilm XF 150-600mm Review
  This is my inaugural review of a camera lens, and I have honestly never done an article on this before. Therefore, my Malaysia FujiFilm XF 150-600mm review is here.Again, I have always been a DSLR user from the early days, and only in November of 2021 did I decide to make that crucial switch to a mirrorless FujiFilm camera.Malaysia FujiFilm XF 150-600mm ReviewIt has been around eight months since I was using the FujiFilm X-S10, and when I got it, I started with the FUJINON XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS.On top of that, I also got the FUJINON XF70-300mm f4-5.6 R LM OIS WR and the mighty FUJINON XF2X TC WR. All of this is just to compliment my set-up.I was using the mirrorless system mainly for my bird photography, but not that I am a professional, just a casual user in Malaysia.Therefore, after using the 70-300mm with the x2 TC, I needed more focal length, so in July 2022, I made another massive change for the FujiFilm XF 150-600mm.Unboxing the Fujifilm 150-600mm lens.The Fujinon 150-600mm owner's manual and Hoya UX II Filter.After removing the plastic wrapping.Close up of the 150-600 lens.Receiving it on the 12th of July, I couldn't wait to test it out, but due to work, I prolonged the desire to take a day off just for this. I put the FujiFilm XF 150-600mm box next to my work table and continued working.I only managed to go out on the 15th of July at about 8.30 PM to see the super full moon rising. Immediately, I remembered that I wanted to test the lens and set it up as fast as possible.First Test Photos with the FujiFilm 150-600mm LensBelow are random photos taken using the zoom lens and with the X2 TC.The first test shot using the 150-600 with max zoom and unedited.I then used an X2 TC with the 150-600mm lens, which was the full zoom.A cropped Full Super Moon shot with the Fujifilm 150-600mm lens.Cropping even closer to reveal the details of the Super Moon craters.ConclusionI will be testing the lens out this weekend at the Fraser's Hill International Bird Race 2022, as I will be there covering the event for my birding website.Once I am back and have time, I will create another article to share more photos and feedback on the Malaysia FujiFilm XF 150-600mm review that I will do.
  Tuesday 19th of July 2022 12:35:00 PM
• Miri in Photos with the Huawei P50
  Miri is located in the northern part of Sarawak and is often overlooked by many people; hence here is an article about Miri in photos with the Huawei P50 smartphone.I visited this coastal resort city in mid of June to attend the Borneo Jazz Festival 2022, which took place at Coco Cabana, located at Marina Bay, just by the town.Miri in Photos with the Huawei P50While the jazz festival takes place yearly in this beautiful bay area at night, I took the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings with my Huawei P50, hoping to capture moments that will be remembered.The Grand Old Lady, Miri's 1st oil well, is restored and placed at Canada Hill.I often use a smartphone for my travel photography; this has been a habit since 10 years ago when I began to explore the world of smartphones. While some may know, many do not understand how tedious smartphones were back then.Nowadays, technology has caught up so fast that smartphones will soon replace cameras, as point-and-shoot cameras are slowly becoming obsolete.For your additional information, this article is created based on an everyday user experience; therefore, you will not see a lot of technical jargon, like f-stop, 1/800, f2.8 and so on.I like to keep my reviews and articles user-friendly so everyone can enjoy reading them and seeing the photography results. There are already a ton of technical reviews out there.While exploring Miri, I travel with my mirrorless, and Huawei P50 and below are random photos taken throughout my weekend exploring this beautiful city.For the Huawei P50 photos featured here, I resized them and mildly edited them for web viewing. The images here are all taken with the ultra-wide camera.The Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 inside Coco Cabana, Miri.Some beautiful photography angles at one of the temples in Miri.A local Mirian selling many types of fried noodles at Pasar Malam Saberkas.The myriad colours of drinks are being sold at Saberkas Night Market.The Lian Hua San Ching Tien Temple in Miri.Front view of the Lian Hua San Ching Tien Temple.The beautiful Hai Long Si Temple.Miri city view from Canada Hill.The Miri Esplanade area.Inside Miri Handicraft Market.Looking up inside a temple.Inside the Saberkas Night Market.A famous street art painting in Miri.Miris offers some beautiful temple photography.One of the scenes was at a local fish seller at Emart in Miri.They call this place 'Rumah Asap' or Smoke House in Miri.During my Miri Photowalk, I stopped at the Miri Esplanade for this photo.I also did another article in Kuching in early June and featured the Rainforest World Music Festival 2022 in photos with the Huawei P50.For more information about this flagship smartphone, you can visit the main Huawei Malaysia website.ConclusionMiri is genuinely one of the unvisited cities that are often overlooked by tourists, local and foreign. However, whenever I have the opportunity, I will make it a point to visit here for a few days. I've come here numerous times in the last 10 years, most of the time visiting national parks and nature reserves, Once in a way, I will try to come here to do birdwatching at Kuala Baram Wetlands or just to explore the laid-back lifestyle of Miri city.On several occasions, I have done transit stopovers on route to places like Bario and Ba'kelalan in the highlands of Sarawak.Maybe on my next adventure, I will have the opportunity to do more smartphone photography with the Huawei P50 Pro? Finally, I hope you enjoyed this particular series of Miri photos with the Huawei P50 smartphone.
  Monday 11th of July 2022 08:58:00 AM
• Air Busan, Jeju Air & Jin Air to Fly to Sabah
  Korea is poised to become a pivotal contributor to Sabah?s visitor arrivals with the resumption of several Korean airlines with direct flights from Seoul to Kota Kinabalu.Air Busan, Jeju Air & Jin Air to Fly to SabahAir Busan is the second Korean-based low-cost airline to resume direct flights from the Korean Capital to Kota Kinabalu post-Covid-19 pandemic after Jin Air on 26 May.The third airline Jeju Air is expected will restart direct flights to Sabah on 29 June. For the time being, all three airlines will depart via Incheon.Passengers arriving in Kota Kinabalu from Korea. Photo TheStar.The Air Busan BX 767 flight from Incheon International Airport with 196 passengers on board arrived at the KKIA at about 2310 and was greeted with a water cannon salute.Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai was on hand to greet the passengers, all Korean tourists.Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman and KKIA Senior Airport Manager Sunif Naiman were also present to distribute welcome souvenirs courtesy of Sabah Tourism.Korean tourists arriving at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Photo NST.Joniston Bangkuai said;?With the arrival of Korean airlines in Sabah, we are seeing a slight improvement in Korean arrivals. Koreans? willingness and confidence to return to Sabah is a great indication for us.?While we want to promote Sabah to international visitors, we also want to encourage locals to take advantage of this direct flight and explore Korea.?Air Busan passengers arrive in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Photo by Daily Express.Conclusion Air Busan currently operates two weekly flights to Kota Kinabalu on Tuesdays and Fridays, while Jeju Air is expected to restart direct flights to Sabah on 29 June 2022. For the time being, all three airlines will depart via Incheon in South Korea.Joniston and Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman visited Seoul in early May to meet with airlines in Korea along with top officials from Jin Air, Air Busan and Jeju Air. They also discussed Mode Tour and Hana Tour with top Korean travel companies.
  Monday 11th of July 2022 02:45:00 AM
• PIA restarts Lahore to Kuala Lumpur flights in 2022
  Good news as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed Lahore-Kuala Lumpur flight operations due to the ease in the Covid-induced restrictions.The first flight departed from Lahore for Kuala Lumpur earlier today, PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan said in a recent news release at the end of June 2022.PIA restarts Lahore to Kuala Lumpur flights in 2022The national flag carrier also celebrated the resumption of aviation, and a simple ceremony was held at Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore.Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique felicitated the PIA team and said the national flag carrier consistently increased its network for customer convenience.Earlier, Pakistan Airlines resumed operating two weekly flights from Islamabad to the capital of Malaysia. The airline has also gradually increased the number of its domestic and international flights.You can also visit the Pakistan Airlines Malaysia website with the latest updates for more information.
  Saturday 9th of July 2022 05:40:00 AM
• Rainforest World Music Festival 2022 in Pictures with Huawei P50
  In June 2022, I attended Malaysia's most famous music festival and had the opportunity to showcase the Rainforest World Music Festival 2022 in pictures with a Huawei P50 smartphone.Since 2013, I have been actively documenting and photographing most of my travels and events using smartphones and, over the years, have seen so many technology changes.This time, I am trying out the Huawei P50 as my camera since the technology has been so advanced; it is getting better for general photography.Rainforest World Music Festival 2022 in Pictures with Huawei P50The Rainforest World Music Festival, or RWMF in short, is now in its 25th year and is Malaysia's iconic world-class music event. It is also held at the award-winning Sarawak Cultural Village or SCV out of Kuching.The RWMF attracts music lovers worldwide and is recognised as one of the most unique music festivals worldwide.The main merchandise booth at the RWMF grounds.Musicians from around the globe are invited to participate and showcase their local ethnic music in natural or mixed formats where they blend modern and ethnic music for their performances.Often, traditional and native attire accompanies the musicians that take the main open-aired stage at the cultural village, and the festival runs for three days here in Santubong, Sarawak.As I have been attending the RWMF for over 10 years, photographing and writing about it, I saw an opportunity to test out the Huawei P50 for some casual photography day and night here.Take note that I never over-edit my photos, and the RWMF pictures you see are just resized and very lightly edited for web view.Below are some of the Huawei P50 photos taken by me during the recent Rainforest World Music Festival 2022;A wooden sign for the Sarawak Cultural Village.Various ethnic people of Sarawak in full costume, posing by the main stage of RWMF.Some of the beautiful RWMF merchandise was being sold at the event.Various ethnic tribes from Sarawak posing with the Sape music instrument.Visitors enjoy some free time at the cultural village.An Intermediate Egret was spotted around the quiet area of the cultural village.Huawei P50 Ultra-wide Night Mode PhotosBelow are some photos which were taken using the Ultra-wide and Night mode function of the Huawei P50 smartphone.The main stage of the RWMF.Alena Murang performs on stage.One of the bands performing on the main stage.The massive crowd during the festival.Another angle of the enormous crowd.Festival-goers were photographed from the photography pit of the RWMF.Visitors light up their lighters and smartphones during one of the performances.Low angle shot of a traditional Bidayuh Bridge at the Sarawak Cultural Village.One of the unique ethnic vendors at the RWMF Craft Bazaar.Stunning wood sculptures are seen at the Sarawak Cultural Village.The main lake at the Sarawak Cultural Village.Visitors try crossing the traditional Bidayuh Bamboo Bridge.The massive food bazaar at the RWMF.More about the Huawei P50You can visit the official Huawei Malaysia website for more information about the Huawei P50 and purchase it there.I have also done several reviews for the Huawei P50, which include moon photography and night photography in Kuching.Me posing by the RWMF 2022 signage outside the cultural village. Taken with Huawei P50.ConclusionThis event was the 25th Anniversary of the RWMF, and after two years of Covid 19 lockdowns, many locals were eager to attend the festival, hence the excellent turnout.I hope you enjoyed reading this and seeing the photos taken during the festival. I also hope you will take the opportunity to attend the next Rainforest World Music Festival 2023, from 16-18 June 2023.This concludes my article on the Rainforest World Music Festival 2022 in pictures with a Huawei P50 smartphone. Do follow me on my social media channels under the name MalaysiaAsia.
  Thursday 7th of July 2022 08:10:00 AM
• Moon Photography with Huawei P50
  I have been photographing the moon for as long as I can remember, and since the dawn of the telephoto lenses on smartphones, it has become even more enjoyable.When I received my smartphone, one of the first things I couldn't wait to do was explore some moon photography with the Huawei P50 smartphone.Moon Photography with Huawei P50To be honest, I am still testing this new flagship unit from Huawei, and below are just some test shots I did when I got my P50 at the end of May 2022. Again, I want to stress that I used the entry-level model, not the P50 Pro.The initial test photo of the super moon. This photo is also edited.Also, I want to disclose below that there are two photos shown, the first one taking the moon picture with 75 x zoom on the telephoto, and you can see the natural outcome of the image.The following moon photo is the same, just that I did minor touch-ups on photoshop to decrease the contrast, lighten it a little and sharpen it a little.Original moon photo, not edited, just cropped.After some basic editing on photoshop, the moon photo looks a little better.ConclusionWell, I'm still exploring this function to understand why the AI behaves oddly and where it should compensate by lessening the glow around the moon.Perhaps it is just the P50 that does not allow the full features and functions of moon photography or astrophotography. I've been an avid smartphone user for all my travels, and with standard flagship units, it is hard to determine how well they perform.Maybe one day, I will have the opportunity to test the Huawei P50 Pro for my travel photography versus just the standard units. And I am pretty sure you can see from the images above that something is lacking in the pictures taken.I also did a previous article for some night photography with the Huawei P50 in Kuching, Sarawak, just a few weeks back when I visited for the Rainforest World Music Festival 2022.Let me see the next moon photo opportunity I get, and I will try it once more. Meanwhile, has anyone explored taking moon photography with Huawei P50? If so, please share your experience.
  Tuesday 28th of June 2022 04:25:00 AM
• Kuching Night Photography with Huawei P50
  Ever since I focused on smartphone photography in the last 10 years, I have practically enjoyed it, and this time, in June 2022, I tried some Kuching night photography with the Huawei P50.I never really did understand much about smartphone artificial intelligence (AI) as it is a well-kept secret for the manufacturer, and you only read and hear what they tell you. So, here is my review of the Huawei P50 with some night photography in Kuching, Sarawak.Kuching Night Photography with Huawei P50Overall, I am a brand new Huawei user as I have never tried it before, plus a number of my friends have been using it for several years now and have been raving about it.Therefore, I took the initiative to try something different and brought the Huawei P50 to Sarawak in June as I was attending the 25th Anniversary of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2022 here.On that, I will also be sharing photos taken with the P50 during the music festival, which was held for three days at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong.But, before that, I arrived a few days earlier in Kuching as I wanted to test out the P50 around some of Kuching's impressive landmarks in the city area.One of the well-known landmarks is the Darul Hana Bridge and the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri) or DUN building across the Sarawak River. Both are lit up nightly, making them perfect candidates for night photography.Another highlight here is the dancing fountain which goes on several times nightly, if I am not mistaken, around 2-3 times a night. This show is quite interesting to catch and photograph.Huawei P50 uses Leica lenses, 50 MP f/1.8, 13 MP Ultra-wide f/2.2 and 12 MP Telephoto f/3.4.Night Photography with Huawei P50First of all, you may be asking - What is Dual-Matrix? It is when the camera hardware takes advantage of the impressive image processing engine that the integration of the camera hardware with the HUAWEI XD Optics result in brighter high-resolution images, shots with more light taken in, and cleaner with more details.Next, most photos are taken in a 4:3 or fullscreen aspect ratio on the P50, as you can choose which mode you prefer. If you wanted a slightly wider angle, you should put it in a 4:3 aspect ratio.All the photos here are not edited at all. They are just resized for web use and auto-compressed by the blog for easy loading. Overall, you should see the photos as-is and not manipulated or heavily edited.I am not a huge fan of Lightroom and other photo-enhancing software because a famous photographer once told me that the less you edit a photo, the more a true photographer you are.It's all in the composition, settings and timing, which results in photographs that do not require editing. It shows how confident the photographer is, whether it is a DSLR, Mirrorless or even a smartphone camera.Anyway, you can judge my night photography in Kuching taken with the Huawei P50. Again, this is not the Huawei P50 Pro and just the flagship Huawei P50.Darul Hana Bridge at the curved section. Photographed in 4:3 and night mode handheld 4 secs.DUN and Darul Hana Bridge was photographed in full screen and night mode on the P50.One of the old trees at the Waterfront. Photographed in 4:3 with night mode.DUN Building across the Sarawak River in Kuching. Night Mode, 4:3 crop.Kuching Floating Mosque by the Sarawak River. Photographed from Darul Hana Bridge.A view of the Kuching Waterfront from the Darul Hana Bridge in Kuching. 4:3 crop, night mode.General InformationSmartphone: Huawei P50Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching, SarawakDate: 16th June 2022For more info, visit Huawei MalaysiaFor your added information, this is the first major phone series to be launched by Huawei's own EMUI 12, the company's branded mobile operating system.This cleverly pairs Huawei's typically well-specced cameras and hardware, including Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 888 processor in some models.ConclusionOverall, I found that if you continuously keep taking photos, the P50 tends to get a little hot in the top portion of the smartphone. But sometimes, the moment requires you to snap away, which is normal for me.The Huawei P50's size is sleek and a little smaller than my previous smartphone; hence storing it in my pocket was easy and was not too bulky.I am still testing the unit and will do another article in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed the pictures here from my Kuching night photography with Huawei P50.
  Wednesday 22nd of June 2022 01:09:00 PM
• Home Care vs Nursing Homes in Malaysia: Making the Best Decision
  Home Care vs Nursing Homes in Malaysia: Making the Best DecisionChoosing between home care and nursing homes is never easy for family caregivers. Many questions and concerns go into making these big decisions; quality of care and cost are some of the main factors to consider.Most family caregivers would want their loved ones to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, while others may opt for 24/7 access to medical care and services that nursing home facilities offer.We?ve put together some thoughts below to help you feel less overwhelmed and better informed in making the best decision for your loved one.What type of help do you need?Deciding the type of care your loved one needs is essential before choosing between home care and a nursing home. Start with the three questions below ?your answers will help ease decision-making.Do you need someone to help around the house and assist with daily activities such as medication reminders, meal preparation, personal grooming and companionship?Does your loved one require palliative care or specialised medical assistance?Do you need care for a couple of hours a day or 24/7 for your senior loved ones when you are away?The questions above form a starting point for drawing the scope of care your loved one needs. If you answered yes to any of these questions, read more about the advantages and drawbacks of home care and nursing homes.Care in the comfort of your homePopularly known as the more convenient option, home care is gaining traction fast in Malaysia. Homage offers the services of nurses, caregivers and medically trained professionals on a full-time or part-time basis at reasonable pricing.Ideal for family caregivers who need respite from time to time, home care provides the flexibility of care services that can start from as short as an hour at a time. The scope of care services can range from dispensing medication and meal preparation to palliative care and tube feeding.Your loved one would receive personalised, expert care from a care professional (also known as a ?Care Pro?) in the comfort of your own home. These Care Pros are familiar with a range of mobility and medical conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer?s disease stages.It would be wise to establish a care plan that is tailored to the likes, dislikes and personality of your loved one. This could even include looking at photo albums, listening to music or reading out loud.If possible, get to know the Care Pro that would be looking after your loved one. This is important to ensure that your loved one is comfortable with the person taking care of them.Day care centres ? an alternative solutionIdeal for family caregivers who are employed full-time or simply as a means to take a break from caregiving duties, daycare centres are a great alternative. Day care centres in Malaysia, such as Rumah Alzheimer?s Day Care Centre (PJACC), provide programmes that incorporate cognitive, physical, social and sensory stimulation for dementia patients.Their program aims to help your loved ones feel happy and fulfilled while diverting them from negative thoughts that trigger anxiety and despair.The current Dementia Therapeutic Daycare Centre in Ipoh also offers cognitive rehabilitation for persons with dementia and training for family caregivers.Photo Credit: Caring With You Dementia Centre, Kuala LumpurWhen to opt for a nursing homeIf you have reached the point where you cannot provide or facilitate the care that your loved one needs, it may be worth considering long-term professional care. Feeling a sense of guilt? It is natural to feel unsure, confused, or even guilty but remember?you are acting in the best interests of your loved one to receive the care they need to live well.Commonly perceived as long-term care, nursing homes offer similar services as home care providers but with additional benefits. These benefits include 24/7 on-site support from registered nurses or medical practitioners, transportation for doctor?s appointments, and group activities with other residents.Compared to home care, nursing homes can be costly and may lack the flexibility of a tailored care plan. Your loved one would be living away from home with other residents, following the same daily schedule. It can take time for your loved one (and yourself) to adjust and embrace the new environment and change their way of living.Considering the turmoil of emotions that come with having to opt for a nursing home, it is worth exploring all other options beforehand. Talk to other family caregivers who are going through the same struggle?it may help to hear how they have dealt with this challenging situation.Tip: It is highly recommended to visit selected nursing homes before making a choice. Ask questions to determine the quality of their care services, frequency of activities and general perception from other residents.Maintaining the best quality of lifeAfter considering all the options, it comes down to ensuring the quality of life for your loved one. We hope the pointers above paint a clearer picture of deciding between home care and nursing homes. Curious to hear what other caregivers think? Weigh in on the discussion in the Project We Forgot Dementia Community on Facebook.Choosing Homage for Your Loved Ones? CareNeed caregiving support but prefer your loved one to age at home? With Homage, Care Professionals can provide companionship, nursing care, night caregiving and home therapy to keep your loved ones healthy and active.Chat with a Care Advisor at 016-2992188 or email at malaysia@homage.co. Homage is currently available in:Kuala LumpurMost parts of SelangorIpoh, PerakKulim & Sungai Petani, KedahJohor Bahru and surrounding regionsKota KinabaluKuchingHomage is a personal healthcare solution that connects caregivers, nurses and therapists with seniors that need on-demand holistic home care in their own homes, allowing them to recover and age with grace, control and dignity. You can find Homage Malaysia on Facebook and on Instagram.
  Monday 13th of June 2022 04:41:00 AM
• Huawei P50 Review for Macro Photography
   I have always wanted to explore smartphone photography with the much-talked-about Huawei smartphone and finally had the opportunity. Here is my inaugural Huawei P50 review for macro photography.Over the last 12 years since I started using the iPhone 1 in June 2010, I have been an avid smartphone photographer, taking various phones all over Malaysia and worldwide on my trips. In most cases, I use my smartphone to capture moments, and it has not stopped.Huawei P50 Review for Macro PhotographyDue to the Covid19 pandemic, there was no leisure travel for many people, including me, and we were confined to our homes and our state. Only when the government opened state borders people begin to slowly explore out of their comfort zones.By May of 2022, all borders were opened, and more people started to travel out of state and country. However, I am still sceptical about international travel; therefore, I chose to explore locally. But I did take the opportunity to visit several parks in Selangor for my smartphone photography.This was when I took the Huawei P50 to do some macro photography at nearby TTDI Park in Taman Tun, Kuala Lumpur.The P50 is the entry-level version with three rear cameras.As you know, I am not one of those reviewers who just ramble on about technical specifications, aperture, speed, f-stops, etc. I am sure you've come across those kinds of reviews.I mean, there are already many people out there who think they are a 'Camera or Smartphone Guru'. Still, in all honesty, I am just an average photographer and blogger who shares experiences with ordinary everyday people.So, below are various random macro photography taken with the Huawei P50 and not edited for this review. I just resized the photos and added my watermark; that is all.Dragonfly macro photo from around 3-4 cm away.Macro of a dragonfly, handheld at about 3 cm away.Macro photos of some ants eating something on a leaf.Slightly wider macro hot of a hibiscus flower.Macro of some miniature fruiting flower bud.Macro of a tiny grasshopper on a leaf. Notice the leaf details.A macro photo of some flower stamens.How Easy is it to take Macro Photography with Huawei P50? For your information, the Huawei P50 is the entry-level flagship model with three rear cameras: a 50MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 13MP ultra-wide camera.To be honest, the P50 has made it so simple for macro photography, and anyone can do this. It's basically four simple steps;Point at the subjectGet closer to the subjectKeep hands steadyPhotographThere is a little skill involved, where you need to find a suitable composition, and this can be done easily by moving around the subject to get the best composure.Remember to press on the focus area and then only snap the photo. I recommend you take several pictures of the subject just to ensure you get a sharp shot. Below is a failed attempt for a macro shot.Randomly taking macro photos can result in blur images like the above.Then, holding the smartphone steady to photograph also requires some steady hands. Otherwise, you can use a small tripod or monopod to rest the camera for your macro shot.Below is a compilation of three photos taken as different focal points using the zoom mode on the Huawei P50. Notice the standard photo on the left, half zoom in the middle and full zoom on the right.The zoom on the Huawei P50 is in three different modes.How much is the Huawei P50 in Malaysia?While many may think the price is similar to other brands, you will be surprised that the Huawei P50 price in Malaysia is much lower than expected.While you can get it directly from the Huawei Malaysia website, you can also visit the local Telco outlets, as they are selling this flagship model.The Huawei P50 smartphone that I use.ConclusionIf you want to know a little more about this new smartphone, you can read my Huawei P50 unboxing article I did in May 2022.I am also visiting Sarawak for the Rainforest World Music Festival 2022 from 17-19 June, and I will be using the Huawei P50 for photography.I took this ultra-wide Petronas Twin Tower shot from the KLCC Park with my Huawei P50.The following week from 24-26 June, I will visit Miri in Sarawak for the Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 and continue using the Huawei P50 for indoor and outdoor photography.I hope you enjoyed my simple Huawei P50 review for macro photography and that you also look forward to my upcoming review for the music festivals I will attend.
  Sunday 12th of June 2022 06:25:00 AM
• Weirdest and Strangest Onsen in Japan
  Many of us are familiar with the Japanese Onsen or hot springs, found extensively all over Japan. They can be experienced in snow-capped mountains, forests, the seaside, and city areas.The Onsen is also one of the must-try experiences for anyone visiting Japan, and you can choose one based on your budget.Onsens or hot springs date back hundreds of years when local Japanese used them for baths and mainly for health purposes due to the mineral-rich properties of the waters produced by the hot springs.There are over a few thousand Onsen found all over Japan, but some of them tend to stand out due to their uniqueness, and here is the weirdest and strangest Onsen in Japan.Weirdest and Strangest Onsen in JapanJapanese Onsen is highly popular among locals and foreigners.A unique Japanese Onsen is found at the Yunessun Spa Resort, located in the Hakone district of Japan. This place is also not too far from the capital of Tokyo, which is southwest and is a two-hour train ride to experience Japan?s weirdest Onsen.Yunessun Spa Resort is a highly popular destination for many local Japanese and foreigners, mainly because this resort operates as an Onsen and a fully serviced resort that is also branded as a Hot Spring Paradise.The Yunessun Onsen Spa & Resort in Hakone, Kanagawa.The place offers a mini water park, outdoor swimming pools, themed indoor pools, outdoor spas, scenic landscapes and the main attraction - The unique flavoured Onsen.In total, there are 23 hot spring baths found at Yunessun. Among the unique Onsen here, they have four mind-blowing types and are a must-try for anyone visiting.These unique Onsen are known as beautifying baths that have properties to help with skin complexion.For serious hard core coffee lovers, a strange coffee onsen is just for you.Coffee OnsenKnown as the first of its kind in Japan, the Coffee Onsen comprises coarse coffee brewed in the low temperatures of hot spring water.People bathe here for the extraordinary healing properties of fatigue and skin beautification, which means that many women are seen at this coffee onsen.Photos of the Coffee Onsen from the Yunessun website.Coffee is added three times daily to the Onsen, which is at 9.30 AM, 12.30 PM, and 3.30 PM and the coffee is provided by M.M.C Mitsumoto Coffee of Japan.So if you are up for a Coffee Onsen for beautifying your skin, this is the hot spring to go to, and you are reminded not to drink the coffee water here.The weird red wine Onsen with a large bottle pouring wine into the hot spring. Photo Pamso on Flickr.Red Wine OnsenWine baths have been known from the ancient Egyptian days of Cleopatra when it was known to rejuvenate the skin, and now you too can do this at Yunessun by soaking yourself at the unique Red Wine Onsen here. The wine that is used in this hot spring is also the famous Hakone Red Wine.Inside the indoor wine onsen photos from the Yunessun Spa.There is two wine onsen found here, one indoor and one outdoors, and it is highly popular from Spring to Autumn. A super-sized 3.6-meter red wine bottle is fixed next to the Onsen and is seen pouring wine into the hot spring.Occasionally, the staff will pour red wine from a bottle into the hot spring, and often plastic cups are provided for guests to take some of the red wine and drink it.The wine is added three times a day at 10.00 AM, 1.30 PM and 4.00 PM. Again, you are reminded not to drink the Onsen water here.A couple enjoying the Sake Onsen at Yunessun.Sake OnsenTruly Japanese, the Sake Onsen is highly popular among the locals due to the said properties of removing age spots and freckles from the skin, as the Sake minimizes the production of melanin. Sake is also said to help boost the immune system and prevent specific allergies.Some advice is not to submerge your head into the Sake or swim in it as the sake water will sting your eyes. The trick here is to just sit in the tub and enjoy the sake water. It is not fully 100% sake but diluted with normal hot spring water, but you can still taste the Sake.The unique Green Tea Onsen at Yunessun. Photo Pamso on Flickr.Green Tea OnsenGreen tea has been known to beautify skin, boost skin health and immune system, and improve blood circulation, hence this unique Japanese green tea or Ocha Onsen.The colour of the hot spring is vividly green, and the water is set at 42 degrees centigrade, making this Onsen one of the prevalent ones.The green tea leaves are plucked from the Tanzawa and Hakone Mountains, where they are grown. Green tea is also known to contain antioxidants called catechins that protect cells and also keep skin looking younger. This Onsen is also an outdoor type and is highly popular in winter.Kids enjoying themselves at the chocolate bath in Yunessun.Other Strange Onsen at YunessunWell, there are more types of Onsen and baths found here, including a Syrup Onsen bath, Chocolate Onsen, and Orange Peel Onsen, just to name a few.At the end of the day, this unique hot spring resort will provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience, where you will be taking photos and sharing them on your social media.The place is worth a visit and can be done solo, even as a family or group travel. You can spend at least a day or two here and visit some beautiful sightseeing spots around Hakone.Tattoo?s on people must be covered up, or you will not be allowed at the Onsen.Rules for using the OnsenAll over Japan, there are some strict rules for Onsen usage, which vary at different Onsen all over the country. One of the most stringent rules is the no tattoo ruling, where many Onsen does not allow those with tattoos to utilize them.However, these can be overcome by covering up with a surfing type half-body suit or rash guard so that your tattoo is not visible. If you have a tattoo, please ensure it is covered up before entering any public Onsen. Private Onsen is different, where you can go stark naked if you like.If you disobey the rules, the staff will simply ask you to leave the Onsen, which would ruin your day, so it is best to always check on the Onsen rules before you book or visit one. This applies to almost all Onsen throughout Japan.However, a handful of Onsen will allow tattooed people in, but you need to look for them if you are heavily tattooed.Map showing where Yunessun Onsen is located.Where Is Yunessun Onsen?Yunessun Onsen Spa and Resort is located in the Hakone district of Kanagawa in, Japan. It is also in the southwest area of Tokyo, and to get here, there are train services which take one and a half to two hours from Tokyo City.The fastest way is by taking the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Odawara and then taking the bus from Odawara Station to the Yunessanzen Bus Stop, which takes another 35 minutes. Once you reach the stop, you can just walk for one minute to the Onsen.Here are some directions to Yunessun from Tokyo. Image from Yunessun website.For foreigners wanting to travel here, you can take the train service, as this would be the most accessible mode of transport to get here. You can take the trains directly from the Haneda and Narita Airports in Tokyo.Otherwise, you can also rent a car and self-drive here from Tokyo, which will take around one hour and forty-five minutes. This way, you can experience the local towns and a scenic journey here.The indoor public pool at Yunessun Resort and Spa.Hakone Kowakien Yunessun AddressAddress: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken 250-0407 JapanTel from Japan: 0460-82-4126Tel from abroad: +81 460-82-4126Website: Yunessun Onsen ResortConclusionIf you have wanted to experience the Onsen in Japan, you now have the opportunity to go one step further and try some of the weirdest and strangest Onsen in Japan.This article is created for anyone planning to visit Japan after the country opened up in June 2022, since locking down during Covid 19.
  Thursday 9th of June 2022 11:54:00 AM
• Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 Virtual Tickets Open For Sale
  Sales for virtual tickets to the Borneo Jazz festival 2022 are now open at the festival?s official website jazzborneo.com!Themed ?Jazz in The Jungle?, the 17th edition Borneo Jazz Festival will be held from 24 to 26 June 2022 in a hybrid format with the physical concert at Coco Cabana, Miri, to reach out to the greater jazz-loving community worldwide.Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 Virtual Tickets Open For SaleBorneo Jazz will be joined by an international community of jazz artists, rappers and DJs from France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Hungary, USA, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and China, not to mention the best names in Malaysian jazz.Music lovers can look forward to performances from DJ Estephe, Alemay Fernandez, Richard Jackson, Masia One, Afro Asia, Asiabeat, Steve Thornton, Matti Klein Soul Trio, Bunga and many more!For those who want to buy Borneo Jazz Virtual Tickets, they are priced at RM25 per viewing block ? approximately an hour segmented into your favourite performers.For more information on the virtual slots, fans can check out BJ?s official website for updates on performances.Some of the performers for the jazz festival in Miri.Actual Event Ticket PricesThose attending the physical concerts can purchase BJ tickets starting now from the official Borneo Jazz site.For the public category;1 Day Pass is priced at RM128 per ticket2 Day Pass is RM228 per ticket3 Day Pass is RM338 per ticketAs for students and senior citizens;1 Day Pass is priced at RM88 per ticket2 Day Pass is RM128 per ticket3 Day Pass is RM188 per ticketThe venue for the Borneo Jazz Festival 2022.ConclusionThis is a must-attend music event if you are a fan of jazz music, as it is currently the premier jazz festival in Malaysia. You can also read more information on the Borneo Jazz Festival 2022.
  Tuesday 31st of May 2022 08:14:00 AM

Malaysia Asia Stats