Wishing you Happy 2008 New Year

Merry Xmas and Happy 2008 New Year

May I wish Merry Xmas and Happy 2008 New Year to All of You!

A wild plant seen at countryside, near to rocks at a river from today's trekk. Do not ask me what it is.

Walk on a Curve

1st timer to walk across this curved bridge will probably be in fear and trembling mode. As can be seen here, this 2nd timer still feels tense and fear, as the veins in the arms show very tight grip to the side.

Because you will look down more than 40 feet below and all rocks down there, if you fall. Fatal it can be.

All for the Xmas spirit and trekk.

The bridge is made purely of bamboo with wire cables to hang onto tree trunks at each end. As you walk, the curve will sway, sag, move and vibrate. Only 2 sticks of bamboo to hold your feet.

A fun way for training.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2008 New Year to all.

My old 35mm film camera

After university, I could affford this Olympus OM-2 film 35mm format camera. It had aperture-mode. Used it for prints and Kodachrome slides.

But, it was expensive and after a short while, everything stopped. Since then, this device collects dust and is a collection item. Full metal body and compact SLR.

30m high Waterfall #2

Sun shines at 3pm and basking in cool water and sunshine is a blissful moment.

Oui! We love our Rivers!

Merci, we love our Rivers! For clean unpolluted drinking water, washing and transport mode.

I believe I can fly...

Some people call Sibu the 'swan city', but here is a goose ready to fly. Hello Duckie!

Bird's eye view : Sibu before it floods

A corner of Sibu's Gateway in east direction. Nice place? Today it is under flood menace.

30m high waterfall

Imagine...your wedding photography shot at this location. Why not? Nobody did it before!

1+1=2

Training extremely hard for Mt Kinabalu summit quest - photobugs A and J. :)

Gateway to Sibu

Early mornig view from the east direction.

Name in chinese and bahasa, means Gateway to Sibu in english?

Fishermen's condominium...?

Fishing boats alongside the Sarawak River and decorating a condominium skyline.

Telaga Air - beach front

Beach front at Telaga Air, across the river from the village. Reached by boat.

Waterfront at night

Just before the sharp bend around the corner. It is a good turn.

The old temple at the tip of the bend, turn left only. Temple sits on surrounding walls.

Yesterday... (Fishing at Pulau Babi, Sibu)

Fishing leisurely and basking in evening shine bliss of sunset in Sibu's Rajang River.

Yesterday(Beatles), All my troubles seemed so far away, Now it looks as though they're here to stay, Oh, I believe in yesterday...

Window on Sibu

Sibu. My birth place. A town of hardworking people. The New 'Foochow' or Fuzhou.

Sarawak, Land of Hornbill

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend [Carole King:Tapestry]

Outdoor Photography #4 -Scene #2

Evening view at upcountry mountains, flamed clouds, white clouds, blue sky, dark clouds. Mountain silhouette. Breathe the crisp country air.

Sibu #4 - 'Ballet' Dancing Trees

It appears enticing as the silhouette against the evening sunset makes it interesting and a lovely sight, and it looks a little like Ballet dance posture with the branches folding outward...Play a little music, do a little ballet dance routine and we have a show...(imagination & fantasy).

YRSBTM #1: Portrait #5

'I have a Dream...,' Martin Lurther King Jr. AND, Cor :"Yes, I do!"

Outdoor Photography #3 - Scene #2

Bath in the natural stream, washing away fatigue and tiredness. Refresh.

A Tribute to all my teachers (Sibu)

They who taught me since Transition Class to Form 5. I salute each of them.

Outdoor Photography #4 -Scene #1

I call it Orphaned Branch, as the main tree has gone and there seems to be no 'parent' to this child. It starts to branch out on its own, making its own living in this part of world. How long can it survive on its own?

When I see this branch, I start to imagine things and think of how nice things can be. It has a bright future, let us hope for that. It is the unique perfect angle to reach out, almost at 45 degrees, that this branch's geometry catches my attention. The foilage and leaves going upwards and inward, making me feel it has very much balanced its growth.

Outdoor Photography #3 - Scene #1

Natural rocks and water after late afternoon heavy rain, in tropical rainforest environment.

Petra Jaya State Mosque #2

Domed roof of State Mosque. Small white dome is Kuching City North Hall building.

YRSBTM #1: Portrait #4

Forgot my hair pin. Today is 'Let My Hair Down' carefree time, free style.

Sibu #3 - Pagoda landmark

The Pagoda at the popularly known Tua Pek Kong temple.

YRSBTM #1: Portrait #3

#3 of series. Concentration, deep thoughts, engrossed, eyes lowered.

YRSBTM #1: Portrait #2

#2 of series : close-up, tacit smile, eye glaze, expression, coy, shy, skin tone.

YRSBTM #1: Portrait #1

#1 of a series of portrait for this model that I will post here, I hope you like it. Taken candid outdoors at natural countryside nearby a natural stream.
(YRSBTM : You Are So Beautiful To Me)

Ms J #2 - baptised in river?

Ths little girl seems to be holding up her hand and performing baptisim ceremony on Ms J, who is enjoying her favorite float style in the river (or sea if she goes to beach) at Kpg Mongkos.

Sibu #2 - Sungai Merah Heritage Walk

Sungai Merah means Red River. Many years ago, this river water was dark red due to the roots of mangrove and other plants along the riverbanks. The history of Sungai Merah can be traced back to 1900 when pioneer from China called Wong Nai Siong brought groups of young men and women in boats to arrive here for first settlement. See history link History

Over the last few years, most of the 2-storey wooden shops built during the 1900s era were either burnt down by fire and rebuilt, or replaced by new ones. Thank you for visiting, drop your comments below.

You Are So Beautiful To Me #1

The above are 2 component photos (experimental) taken and cut/paste zigsaw-style to form an image. Portrait is really very challenging photography that needs fine details and attention to expression, posture and mood. Lighting plays very important role. The theme of this post is...

You Are So Beautiful To Me - 1 (version by Joe Cocker 1974 Album, lyrics below).

You are so beautiful To me
You are so beautiful To me
Can't you see
You're everything I hoped for
You're everything I need
You are so beautiful To me


You are so wonderful To me
You are so wonderful To me
Can't you see
You're everything I hoped for
You're everything I need
You are so wonderful To me


You are so beautiful To me
You are so beautiful To me
Can't you see
You're everything I hoped for
You're everything I need
You are so beautiful To me

Petra Jaya State Mosque #1

Petra Jaya State Mosque was built in 1990 and extended a few years later. It supplements the old mosque at old part of Kuching near Brooke Dockyard. The mosque is constructed of precast concrete arches with a timber framed dome clad by the blue pattern roof as shown in the photo. (To see enlarged photo, Click right mouse over the photo above).

Please generously give your views by clicking the COMMENT icon below.

Sibu #1 - a nostalgic town

This opening pattern looks like the Chinese word for meaning 'spring' and I find it fitting to take a shot through the light. The effect comes out quite mysterious, and most people will not be able to recognize the place, without very deep searching and collection of the mind.

The large old tree is highlighted, to give nostalgia, it must be very historical tree to be preserved and left in this beautification environment. In the early mornings and evenings, this is very popular place for residents.


It happens to be a night with moonlight. I received a call from Kuching friend to go out for photography around 9pm, but as I was in Sibu, I decided to shoot the moon in Sibu backdrop, and along my way to town, dropped by Premier Hotel to shoot its night facade from the side view.

The moon is at the top of the building (where King Kong likes the moon amidst NYC's twin World Trade Center, reminds him of home sweet home).


A drive during sunset hours, along the Rajang River. This part of town is the old wharf, used to be the only place for express boats to load and unload passengers, also as go-down for goods. In old days, it is one of the busiest spot in Sibu, in fact, one of the livelihood of Sibu business. Travelers from rural villages come and go through this area, as the only means to get around Rajang Basin area is by river. The Rajang is the longest river in Malaysia.

I find the sunlight very warm falling on the banks of the River and keep this scene for remembrance. It has changed a lot. The river is now muddy, no longer like the 70s when it is clear and you could see fish swimming around. Sibu has remained a friendly and closely clustered town since the pioneers discovered this riverine settlement.


On the other bank of Igan River, shipbuilding yards spring up. The water and tide has advantage to the berth and launch of boats through conventional slipways. As the sun lowers, the shipyard workers return home by taking ferry boats to this side of the river. Igan River is part of tributary to Rajang River, and it is part of Sibu west. Mostly Chinese villagers carry out farming and agriculture activities along the west of Sibu.

Ms J #1- short and sassy wet look

What do you think, Ms J as a fashion model? 2007 hairstyle ready to attend a grand function with a good evening gown? This is Ms J at the local village stream on one early morning, refreshing herself after one tired day and night. The eyes are telling something but how do you guess what it is?

Will you believe that this girl trekked and climbed Mt Kinabalu summit successfully, not once but twice? She is down-to-earth, friendly and warm. She is avid photographer and trekker.When she has SLR camera in her hands, her mind will solely be on her objects and photo-shooting for a long while -your presence may be ignored. (published with permission from Ms J)

A beautiful young girl #1

A young beautiful girl looking like an angel, deeply engrossed in her moment, in front of 40th anniversary of St Jude parish catholic church at a local kampung village. She is joining thousands of local christians to celebrate the event. (Outdoor night portrait with built-in flash f5.6, 1/60s, ISO100, 95mm.)

Lundu/Sematan #2

(1) Pandan Beach -Lundu. Once sea tide rising up, this stream cannot be crossed on foot, soon the water level will cover up the whole sandy beach and over the rocks, approximately 3-4m high. Pandan beach is spotted with rock outcrops along part of the bay and this makes the landscape very attractive not only to visitors, but to marine life.

The moment you park the car and step out into the beach, you can feel the sea breeze, and it is always fun to dip into the clear blue/green water for a swim or game play. There is facility to shower and shelter for food/snacks or picnic areas for BBQ, tent camping if you DIY. But there may be sand flies on certain days.

After the Kayan Bridge is open, cars flock to Lundu/Sematan not only just at weekends, but week days too. Half day trip is sufficient for people in a rush. Pandan Beach - a great place for relaxation or getaway.
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(2) Sematan Bazaar, half hour drive from Lundu. The row of shops along seafront is facing this view, looking across the South China Sea. At the western part of town, this bay corner scene is quiet. The other corner is a long concrete jetty where boats moored, and further out into the sea is a natural sandbar island overgrown with mangrove trees. During low tide, you may walk quite far out.

Sematan's mainly fishing and agriculture farming activities remain same for years. Some logging and timber business now dwindled off.

Few years ago, I had a chance to take a 2-hour boat ride with friends from Sematan to Kpg Telok Melanau and stayed a night there in village. Next day, took the boat to Tg Datu, the western most tip of Sarawak, where the beach sand is white in color and coral reefs plentiful with colorful fish swarming around. Snorkling and swimming around the corals is a joy, with fish around you.

I spent 2 nights there, DIY food and drinks. On 2nd day, walked many hours on foot along the beach or rocky coastline, back to Kpg Telok Melanau just for the fun and exericse, then walked back to Tg Datu.

On 3rd day, the boatman came, and that was another boat ride to Sematan in afternoon around 4pm. Along the ride, dolphins and flying fish (yes, flying fish that you see in movies, with fins and sharp long nose) came alongside the boat for about 1 hour to showcase flying display and jumping out of water. That was a beautiful ride. By the time the boat landed at Sematan, it was evening and darkness fell, and end of that adventure trip.

Lundu/Sematan #1

This is part view of Lundu bazaar. There is Gading National Park just minutes from here, and Siar/Pandan beaches at 4/5km away. A great place for holidays and weekends.


Sample a taste of Lundu and seaside beaches. This is low tide and idyllic view of Pandan beach.


One of my favorite spot of Pandan beach. The lush green, then sandy beach, blue/green water and far end is the covered hill forming the bay protection.

A gate at one of the sea side resorts. Overnight stay is more relaxed and seafood is plentiful and cheap.


A good sunny day, get yourself ready for a swim or walk along the beach. Or just simply gaze into the horizon.


Mangrove tree stems exposed during low tide. These plants protect the coastline and helps growth of marine life.