iPlay @ Penang, Batu Feringghi

Penang (as known as Pulau Pinang) is an island of Peninsular Malaysia. It's has a lot beautiful beachers. It also rich with multicultural history. Penang is Malaysia's food paradise as well. But for this time, I only going blog about sunrise.  

As usual, I celebrated Chinese New Year with my family in Penang. I managed to sneak out to catch sunrise at Batu Ferringhi before the celebration started.

It took approximately 30 mins car ride from Georgetown to here. The sunrise time at Bat Ferringhi is around 730am. Early bird catches the sunrise and I'm one of them!

  

Beautiful sunrise in orange. 

The gentle ocean waves. 

The beach where i catch these photo.

The last photo is taken from Gurney drive. The sun was already rise up so high.

I like the sun reflection on the sea. 

iPlay @ Tanjung Aru, Sabah

Yeah! It's time to take a break with my beloved family member. It been a while since our last staycation at Langkawi Island. This time, my family and I decided to spend three days two night at Tanjuang Aru, Sabah.

We are not here for thrilling or adventure activities (i.e. hiking, water rafting, jungle trekking) the most of the visitors usually do in Kota Kinabalu. We wanted a relax staycation which is suitable for my parents. After searching around the accomodation in Kota Kinabalu, we found that Shangri-la, Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is a perfect choice for us. The journey from Kota Kinabalu airport to the hotel is about 15 minutes. 

The view from hotel room balcony.

Thanks for the windy sunshine day.

My parents mesmerized by the view and sea breeze.

Watching sunset is a "must do" activity for us!

We headed down to the beach to get a good spot for watching the sunset. Relaxing at the beach chair while waiting for the sunset. 

Somewhere, over the rainbow

Nice place to watch sun goes down. 

My favourite colour - Sunset. 

We are happy to stay at this hotel. We were surrounded by charming scenery - green garden and sea. We had good foods too. My family and i definitely missing this place. We probably will check out Shangri-la's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa which is approximately 45 minutes away from the airport. 

iPay @ Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2015, Putrajaya

The 7th International Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta 2015 takes place in Putrajaya from 12th-15th March. Let me begin with a brief introduction on this event. This event first took place in 2009, and has fast become one of the most famous events in Malaysia. Every year, selected balloonists from all over the world are invited to Putrajaya to fly their amazing balloons for all to see.

There will be many colourful balloons from 13 countries, including the USA, Germany, Netherlands, France and more.  This event is expected to attract 300,000 visitors this year. Of course, I’m one of them. 

It's started around 7am. I still able to see the preparation before balloons fly high.

Keep it up! Grow bigger! 

Opps. Getting pack here as balloons are growing! 

Loading... ... 98%. Yeah! They are getting ready to fly. 

Balloons are not launched at the same time but one by one. Everyone is so excited when seeing colourful balloons in unique shapes. 

They are able to fly higher than plane! 

I'm Mr Bald from USA

Obviously, this is by Korea.

Special but scary balloon. :D

I bring along my favourite bunny to take part in this attractive and colourful event too. 

"Hello"

Hot air balloons decorate the sky in Putrajaya

Not limited morning activity, The Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta's highlights include the Night Glow with firework Show, an audio visual display of lights, music and balloons. It is definitely a fun event for the family.

This year, another Hot Air Balloon Fiesta held in Penang on last month too! This would be annual event in Penang. So if you miss out this round, no worries. You may either join Penang Fiesta or Putrajaya by next year! I probably still attend Night glow next year.

iPlay @ Thaipusam, Penang

Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival held during the full moon, in the tenth month of the Hindu calendar. Thaipusam fell on the 3^rdof Feb this year. Devotees gave thanks to Lord Murugan, son of Shiva on Thaipusam.

Thaipusam was grandly celebrated in Malaysia,although the Indian community in Malaysia is the smallest of the three main races; it comprises about 8% of the population. Thaipusam is not only celebrated by the Indian community but all Malaysians, including me!

A team of devotees walked for 100km bare foot from Alor Setar to Penang to celebrate the Thaipusam. *salute*.I took a flight to Penang to join in this colourful celebration.

There are a few groups of Indians that were making merry playing music and singing traditional songs. Stalls were set up along the streets to provide refreshments to the devotees. There were a lot of activities while waiting for Lord Murugan to pass by.  

Other than Malaysians, tourists celebrated Thaipusam by wearing Saris. 

Stall that is nicely decorated with flowers by Intel.

Happy feet.

Praying ceremony while Lord Muruganis walking here.

Forehead marking for the public. It means blessings. 

“Kavadi” carry containers containing milk as an offering to Lord Murugan. 

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Millions of old coconuts are ready to be smashed on the streets before Lord Muruganpasses by as a form of thanksgiving.  It’s also symbolises the breaking of one’s ego to reveal the purity inside. 

Around 11pm, Lord Murugan finally arrives at the waterfall garden on a 120 year old chariot, pulled by 2 holy cows.

I make a wish, silently.