Sunset in Morib Beach

Morib Beach is located at the at the southern end of the Selangor State and it take approximately 1 1/2 hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur.



For history lovers, Morib is also home to a wealth of historical sites. There are the ruins of old government buildings and the royal graves at Jugra, including an abandoned palace from the 1800's.



Allied Forces also landed on this stretch of beach in September 1945, marking the end of the Japanese Army's occupation in Malaya.




tags : Sunset Morib Beach Selangor Malaysia

Superman Return after 19 years

Superman Returns a 2 hour and 30 minutes movie directed by Bryan Singer will come to Malaysia on 29th of June 2006, is receiving knock-out first reviews from critics, with newcomer Brandon Routh tipped to win over audiences as the latest crime-fighting "Man of Steel."

According to the latest news from Reuters,Hollywood's two trade newspapers, Daily Variety and Hollywood Reporter, gave the movie strong reviews, with The Reporter describing it as "a heartfelt Superman movie that plays to a broad audience thanks to an emotionally troubled Man of Steel."

Daily Variety critic Todd McCarthy said director Bryan Singer had imprinted the Warner Bros. movie with its own personality. "'Superman Returns' is never self-consciously hip, ironic, post-modern or camp. To the contrary, it's quite sincere, with an artistic elegance," he said.

Routh won praise for his apparent effortlessness - with his resemblance to Superman predecessor, the late Christopher Reeve, not going unnoticed. The movie's plot has Superman returning to Earth following a mysterious absence of several years. Back home, an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all while the superhero's great love, Lois Lane ( Kate Bosworth), has moved on - or has she?



Newsweek said Singer, who left the popular "X-Men" franchise to make "Superman Returns," did the right thing from the start of "this gorgeously crafted epic" by showing respect for the most foursquare comic superheroes of them all. The magazine added that "Routh may or may not be a real actor, but he effortlessly lays claim to the iconic role, just as Reeve did. Indeed, he virtually duplicates Reeve in the way he plays Kent as a diffident, awkward Midwestern colt."

"Next to Singer's champagne, most recent superhero adventure movies are barely sparkling cider." Time magazine said Singer and writers Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris had revived and revised the story's premise. "The result is an action adventure that's as thrilling for what it means as for what is shows,"

Time said. The film is Superman's first big-screen appearance since the 1987 movie "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" starring Reeve. Warner Bros. is a unit of Time Warner Inc.


tags : Superman Return

World Heritage Site - Kyoto Kiyomizudera (Pure Water Temple [清水寺])

Nio-mon Gate (The main entrance to the Kiyomizudera)

Kiyomizu-dera (or Kiyomizudera, 清水寺) means Pure Water Temple in english, is a temple located in Kyoto,Japan. It possess one of the best known sights of the Kyoto city.


A city view from the Kiyomizudera


Sakura flower in Kiyomizudera

According to the legend, the kiyomizu is a small temple which was established in 657 by monk Dosho from China.It is said that the Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple) was founded in 798 by the monk Enchin through the patronage of the warrior Tamuramaro.


A view of Kiyomizudera

Tamuramaro at that time is a Grand General, Japan’s first military leader, came to this area for hunting deer. Those days, everyone believe that consuming deer blood had a good effect on easing childbirth, so Tamuramaro used to hunt deer for his wife. Enchin, however, condemned the general for killing animals, and Tamuramaro repented for his sin by building Kiyomizu-dera and dedicating it to Enchin the monk.


A view of Kiyomizudera

There were several big fires over the centuries in Kiyomizu Temple, destroying almost all the buildings. In 1633, Tokugawa Iemitsu, a very famous shogun, restore most of the architecture and artwork of the temple.


The famous Kiyomizudera Main Stage

Kiyomizu Temple is famous for its very tall Main Stage where it was constructed using 139 pillars and 90 crossbeams.The best part is that the whole temple is constructed without using any nails and can withstand a powerful earthquakes. It is said that those who survive from jumping down off the stage of Kiyomizu, their wish will be granted.


The famous Kiyomizudera Main Stage

Out of 234 jumps, 85.4 percent of them are survived,though the practice is now prohibited.It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Japanese government has designated it as Japan's Important Cultural Property and national treasures.


The Otowa Waterfall

Beneath the main hall is the waterfall Otowa-no-taki, where three channels of water drop into a pond. Each of the channel represent wisdom , longevity and matchmaking.Visitors to the temple normally will que up and drink the water, which is believed can have the therapeutic effect if drink in the metal cups.However, if we drink from all of the 3 channels,the good effects will be lost thus teach us not to be greedy.


The Love Stone

The temple complex contains several other shrines, notably Jishu-jinja, decidated to Okuninushino-Mikoto, a god of love and "good matches". Jishu-jinja possesses a pair of "love stones" placed 18 metres apart, which lonely visitors attempt to walk between with their eyes closed. Success in reaching the other stone with the eyes closed, is taken as a presage that the pilgrim will find love.


Make wish?Anyone interested?

One can be assisted in the crossing, where it will mean that an intermediary will be needed.
The complex also includes all the fixtures of a popular temple, being one of the most visited attractions of the city where there are some hawkers offering various talismans, incense, o-mikuji [御御籤, 御神籤, or おみくじ] (paper fortunes ranging from "great fortune" to "great ill") and ema [絵馬] (a small wooden plaque for writing prayers or wishes) abound.


ema [絵馬] (a small wooden plaque for writing prayers or wishes)

Koyasu Pagoda is named after an image which it contains of the Koyasu Kannon. Koyasu means “an easy childbirth,” and it is said that if a pregnant woman can reach here, she can have her baby safely deliver.


Koyasu Pagoda

Zuigudo, takes its name from its principal image of worship Daizuigu Bosatsu. Daizuigu Bosatsu is the mother of Buddha. Buddhism originated in India, and Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language that is the language of its classic literature. In this hall, there is nothing except for a stone on which is written the word “womb” in Sanskrit. We cannot see anything else because it is very, very dark. This reminds us of the womb of a mother. It is said that the Daizuigu Bosatsu can grant our wish, whatever it may be, so we make our wish here while circling the stone.


Zuigudo


tags : Kyoto Kiyomizudera Pure Water Temple World Heritage Site 清水寺 Japanese National Cultural Treasure

World Heritage Site - Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Gembaku Dome [原爆ドーム])

Hiroshima Peace Memorial, called Gembaku Dome (原爆ドーム), the Atomic Bomb Dome, or the A-Bomb Dome by the Japanese is an UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Hiroshima, Japan.



The building was originally designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel. It was completed in April 1915, and the new building was named the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition (HMI).


This is the Memorial Tower To the Mobilized Students where during the Pacific War, students were mobilized for labor service to increase production and for the demolition of buildings. Among them some 6,000 were killed in the atomic bombing.


It was formally opened to the public in August that year. In 1921 the name was changed to the Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall, and again in 1933 to the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The hall is used to promote Hiroshima’s regional products and cultural activity.


This is the Peace Flame at the center of the pond, its base representing outstretched hands.The flame was lit by clerics of many faiths, and will be extinguished when the last nuclear bomb is destroyed.


At 8.15 am 6 August 1945, an American B29 bomber dropped an atomic bomb, the first atomic bombing in human history.The bomb exploded almost directly above the building (the hypocenter with estimation that the shock wave from the bomb will create 35 tonnes per square meter pressure was 160 meters / 490 feet away), and it was the closest structure to withstand the explosion. It was one of the few buildings left standing within 2 kilometer (1.25 mile) radius from the explosion and has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing.


The Memorial Cenotaph is the central monument to honor and console the souls of the victims of the A-bombing. It stands close to the exact center of Peace Memorial Park and was unveiled on August 6, 1952. The design evokes the primitive shelters provided to earthenware dolls buried in ancient burial mounds during the Kofun period (third to seventh century). The concrete structure was resurfaced with granite in March 1985.


It now serves as the reminder of nuclear devastation and as a symbol of hope for world peace and elimination of all nuclear weapons.


This is the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims


After the city was destroyed, it was said that nothing would grow there for decades. But when a tree nearby, began to show signs of life after the blast, it gave great hope and inspiration to the survivors.


This is the Children's Peace Monument, also known as the Tower of the Paper Cranes.



This monument was inspired by Sadako Sasaki, a vivacious young girl struck down by radiation aftereffects. Sadako who is 2 years old at the time of the bombing, was one of many children who developed leukemia about ten years later. On top of the concrete tower stands the bronze statue of a young girl holding over her head a huge paper crane symbolizing the hope of all children for a peaceful future.



Thousands of origami peace cranes brought to the park by schoolchildren from Japan and throughout the world every year.



The cranes remember the story of Sadako Sasaki, a childhood a-bomb survivor, who died of leukemia in 1955.While hospitalized, her closest friend reminded her of the Japanese legend that if she folded a thousand paper cranes, the gods might grant her wish to be well again. With hope and determination, Sadako began folding, but she did not survive long enough to finish 1,000 cranes.

Some of the places nearby that i missed are the Memorial for the Korean who died in the atomic bombing where many people were brought to Japan as forced laborers before and during World War II. A number of them were in Hiroshima at the time of the blast , A-bomb Memorial Mound and Peace Bell .


tags : Hiroshima Peace Memorial World Heritage Site Atomic Bomb Dome A-Bomb Dome Gembaku Dome 原爆ドーム

World Heritage Site - Todaiji Temple

Todaiji (東大寺) means "A Large Temple To The East (Of The Capital" is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara.



Todaiji was constructed in the year of 747AD and completed in 752AD , is the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan.



Not only is Todaiji housing Japan's largest Buddha statue (Daibutsu) with 15 meters (49 feet) in height, but it is also the world's largest wooden building with 48 meters (157 feet) in height, even though the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple's size.





Todaiji is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Japanese government has designated it as Treasure House of the World.







tags : Nara Todaiji Temple World Heritage Site Japanese National Cultural Treasure

World Heritage Site - Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)

Miyajima (宮島町; -cho) was a town located on Itsukushima Island (sometimes referred to as Miyajima Island) in Saeki District, Hiroshima, Japan. On November 3, 2005, it was amalgamated into nearby Hatsukaichi City.

To give birth, to die or to be buried were forbidden on this island. Even logging is also forbidden, leaving the island covered by the virgin forest, and providing a habitat for thousand of bird species and the tame deer which are allowed to roam freely.

There are still no hospitals or cemeteries on the island. Miyajima is one of the Japan's most scenic sites, so if you are visiting Hiroshima, take a day to visit Miyajima, too. It takes about 30 minutes from Hiroshima to Miyajima-guchi by a JR local train and 10 minutes from Miyajima-guchi to Miyajima by ferry.



You can see the red dramatic large gate (torii) , which guards Itsukushima Shrine on the ferry. The gate has existed since 1168 though the present one was built in 1875. The gate built with camphor wood with the diameter of a pole measured at about 13 feet and the height of the torii is about 52 feet. It was built in a four-legged (yotsu-ashi) style to provide additional stability.

The gate only appears to be floating at high tide, when the tide is low, the gate is surrounded by mud and can be accessed on foot from the island. It is common practice for visitors to place coins in the cracks of the gate’s leg and make a wish. Gathering shellfish nearby the gate is also popular at low tide. At night, powerful lights on the shore illuminate the gate perfectly.



The Itsukushima shrine is dedicated to three princesses: Ichikishima-hime, Tagori-hime, and Tagitus-hime and the shrine dates back to the 6th century. Then, one of Japan's most powerful men (warlord), Taira no Kiyomori, rebuilt the shrine in 12th century. The shrine has been in its present form since 1168. Walking on the walkways between the buildings is an interesting experience. There is the Japan's oldest Noh theater in the shrine. Also, bugaku (ancient music and dance), which was introduced to Miyajima by Kiyomori, is staged.



On September 5, 2004, the shrine was severely damaged by Typhoon #18. The boardwalks and roof were partially destroyed, leading to its temporary closure. Though now reopened to the public, as of 2006 work is still ongoing to repair the damage.



It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Japanese government has designated it as Japan's Important Cultural Property and national treasures.



There is also a cable car from near the town, which runs almost to the top of Mount Misen, the highest point of Itsukushima island. At Mount Misen station of the cable car, you can sometimes watch monkeys running around freely.


tags : Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine World Heritage Site Japanese National Cultural Treasure

World Heritage Site - Himeji Castle

Himeiji is best known for its majestic castle, located in the city center and considered the best surviving feudal castle in Japan. It is also known as Shirasagi-jo (White Heron Castle) because of the resemblance of its white-plastered walls to the bird's silhouette.

It is about 370 years since Himeji Castle was constructed in its present shape. This is the only excellent castle which architecturally represents Japanese culture and, at the same time, has handed down its original design at the time of construction.



It is one of the oldest surviving structures from medieval Japan, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Japanese National Cultural Treasure. Along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle, it is one of Japan's "Three Famous Castles", and is the most visited castle in Japan.

Situated on a 45m-high hill, the building was started in the mid-14th century, expanded by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi and completed in 1609 by daimyo (baron) Ikeda Terumasa, a supporter of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.



It was second only to Osaka Castle in size. It is made up of a 5-story donjon (main keep), three 3-story donjon and a series of interconnecting passageways. The main compound is surrounded by three rings of outer compounds.

The grounds have been designated as a Historic Site and the castle itself as a National Treasure. The Shirasagi-jo is a classic example of Japanese castle design, with an almost impenetrable defense system. But it was built at the beginning of the peaceful Edo Period (1600~1868) and was never actually attacked. It was used as an administrative center and symbol of power.



The Kurosawa Akira film Ran includes scenes where a castle is under attack and gives some idea of the inside of one of these fortresses. Enkyoji temple at the summit of Mt. Shosha on the outskirts of the city attracts visitors and has a good view of the city below.



tags : Himeji Castle World Heritage Site Japanese National Cultural Treasure

Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park

The Butterfly Park houses more than 6,000 butterflies from 120 exotic species and it is the world largest butterfly park in the world.



The park is an imitation of the butterfly's natural habitat. It includes more than 15,000 plants from 100 species that has been painstakingly landscaped to resemble a Malaysian rainforest atmosphere.



Contributing to the Butterfly Park's beautiful landscape is a uniquely designed hydro-pond built with a limestone path right in the centre. Surrounding this hydro-pond is a gazebo, commanding a breathtaking view.



There is a nursery and breeding area for the butterflies. The park includes both preserved and live specimens, totaling 1,230 species in all. Facilities include an informative insect museum.

There is also a souvenir shop near the exit selling lots of local handicrafts and framed butterflies,beetles,scorpions,flowers and insects.



More photos at Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park here

Butterfly Park Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Cenderawasih
Kuala Lumpur
50480, MALAYSIA
Telephone : +603 2693 4799

Open: 9am - 6pm (Daily)
Admission with Malaysia MYKad : RM5 (Adults), RM1 (Children)
Admission without Malaysia MYKad : RM15 (Adults)


tags : Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park