lundu`s treat at the retreat • ramadan food bazaar
Transcription
lundu`s treat at the retreat • ramadan food bazaar
ISSN 1823-9625 Endorsed by Ministry Of Urban Development & Tourism Sarawak Sarawak Tourism Board VOL.2 OCT-DEC 2006 Also LUNDU’S TREAT AT THE RETREAT RAMADAN FOOD BAZAAR SARAWAK INTER-CULTURAL MOON CAKE FESTIVAL PERMAI RAINFOREST RESORT RUBY THE GIFTS SPECIALIST DINING WITH YOUR HOST IN SARAWAK • • • • • • Welcome to Sarawak! Festivals are an integral part of the people of Sarawak and with the multi ethnic diversity present here, joyous celebrations are part and parcel of the harmonious lifestyle enjoyed by all. The Open-house concept celebrations as practised here means that everyone of any race and religion can join in the celebration by visiting friends and relatives during these festivities which usually include specially prepared food for such occasions. At this point I would like to wish all Muslims in the country “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri” which will be celebrated in October and also “Merry Christmas” to Christians who will be celebrating Christmas in December. During these occasions, it is customary to see the beautiful decorations on houses, especially the Malay kampungs where an array of colourful lightings with the traditional oil lamps lining the walkways to the individual homes. Similarly, the churches and homes of Christians get a touch of the holiday spirit with heavily laden Christmas tree surrounded by boxes of presents on the floor. Visitors should make it a point to experience these joyous occasions while in the city by paying a visit to friends who are celebrating these festivals. In this second issue of Kuching Talk it should be mentioned that the City magazine has really gone international with its distribution to major cities around the world via Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge in Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, London & Frankfurt where it will be displayed for pick up and viewing. This exposure is great news for the state, especially for its tourism industry which needs all the promotional publicity it can get. With the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 now active at major centres around the world, it is timely that a City magazine like Kuching Talk is poised to extend further the tourism activities of the state and the city. In addition, the expected influx of foreign tourists is expected to further generate greater interest in the state and as Kuching is the main gateway, a City magazine is always a good and impressive introduction for first timers to the city. I would like to thank the publisher for giving me this opportunity to promote the state to the world and it is heartening to note that a private enterprise like Kuching Talk has been innovative and creative enough to produce it. The tourism and travel-related industry need to realise the burden of such an undertaking as this and ensure its success as it augurs well for the industry in the long run. As such I urge these entrepreneurs to join in the promotion of the City magazine in contributions of articles and also sponsorship which will boost the content and also readership. Over time, it is even possible for Kuching Talk to be published more frequently as the support and enthusiasm for it increases and becomes the city’s leading magazine. Hon. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh Minister for Urban Development & Tourism / Finance II 2 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 Rafflesia can be found at Gunung Gading, Lundu Contents What’s in this issue . . . 4 18 ResortTalk Lundu’s Treat The Retreat @ Siar Altogether A Different World Complete Beauty & Fitness Care Permai Rainforest Resort 7 20 LocalTalk Handicrafts for Every Occasion Sarawak Inter-Cultural Moon Cake Festival Dining with Your Host in Sarawak Agensi Penera ShoppingTalk Ruby The Gifts Specialist ju Kraf Malay sia Cocoon Fashion is Bold and Distinctive The RETREAT @ SIA R CMS Property Development 14 LocalityMap 16 RMBTalk SpiceTalk Pepper Marketing Assurance Of Quality Pepper For all Your Needs Diversity In The Grain Of Life Ramadan Food Bazaar 12 BeautyTalk 21 AbsoluteEssentials &What’sOn 23 PlacesOfWorship 25 HousingTalk RIVERIA A Place To Call Home Bandar Baru Samariang: My Home, My Community, Right Now For Books, Magazines, Stationeries, Gifts & More! Movie, VCD & CD Review 10 COCOON Crossway Bookstore SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED To Advertise In This Publication Call 6 082 427423 13 20 9 Kuching Talk is published by Bumi Serasi. The contents of the magazine may not be reprinted or reproduced without prior written permission. The publisher is not liable for statements made and opinions expressed in the publication. Write to us at Kuching Talk, 242E, Lorong 3, Jalan Green, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: 6 082 427423/238968, Fax: 6 082 235152, email: [email protected] Editor-In-Chief Ivy Pan Editor Yahya M Iskandar Public Relations Christina Mamora Marketing Ivy Pan Contributors S I Ten, Yahya M Iskandar, Letitia Samuel, M Goh, Stanley D Design and Art Direction Steven Yap Photography Azariah Umar Front Cover Image Communications and Public Affairs, Sarawak Forestry Corporation. The next issue of Kuching Talk is out in January 2007. 7 12 25 Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 3 ResortTalk Lundu’s Treat The Retreat @ Siar L undu is about as far west as any one can go in East Malaysia. After Lundu, there’s the bazaar of Sematan, a village or two, and then sand, boulders and itinerant turtles right up to the corner of Borneo, Tanjung Datu. The attraction here is the sea itself, for swimming, diving and playing. There’s fresh seafood when the boats come in, crabs crawl on the rocks, and there’s a lively ikan pusu (anchovy) industry. Gunung Gading National Park is located a mere stone’s throw away from Lundu town. The park is the home to numerous rare floras including the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia tuan-mudae. At full bloom this giant flower stretches nearly one meter in width. The Rafflesia has no specific season, taking nine months to By Yahya M Iskandar mature and flowering for only 4 or 5 days before dying. What’s more, the wide, clean sands of Sematan beach, half an hour’s drive from Lundu, are also popular. Today the hobby fishermen are heading for Sematan, eager to catch the barramundi introduced by the Agriculture Department. Check out The Retreat @ Siar, where your day’s adventure begins and ends. Sand, sun and sea await the adventurous traveller. Its Lundu’s best kept secret! How to get there? Lundu is just 1 hour drive from Kuching. From Lundu, it is another 15 minutes along paved roads and lush scenery. Full range of public service and amneties, including Banks, Hospitals, and Seafood Restaurants are available in Lundu town. 4 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 ResortTalk Nestled amid lush tropical greenery is this breathtaking resort. Situated 80 km from Kuching, this holiday haven is a mere hour drive away. What’s more the crystal clear waters of Siar Beach are just a hop, skip and jump from The Retreat’s doorstep. The moment that you walk through the door, you will experience all the comforts that this seaside retreat has to offer. Everything from the cosy interior to the beachside vistas will surely delight you. This serene, sheltered enclave is also a low-key place where you can relax and unwind. Enjoy swimming, sumptuous meals and wonderful hospitality. When it comes to accommodation, there is a nice mix of hostels, deluxe/superior rooms and two bedroom penthouse suites to suit all family or group requirements. Cafe Rafflesia serves both local and western cuisine. There’s also BBQ at the poolside. It’s Lundu’s only swimming pool and boasts a wonderful water fixture. The little ones won’t be left out as they can enjoy the wading pool with built-in waterfall. Unwind at the Lobby Bar, or try your hand at Karaoke and dance the night away. Those needing to catch the latest sports events live can do so via satellite TV. Take a break that you deserve! Get away to the tranquil beach community of Lundu; a friendly area where visitors will feel a genuine sense of welcome from any of the locals that they should chance to meet. It’s like stepping out of the city straight into a radiant embrace with the sun, sea and sand waiting in attendance. The Retreat is ideal for everything from family reunions, small weddings, to romantic getaways for two. Lodging and conference facilities can accommodate up to 200 people. The Retreat is an ideal destination for corporate events and training as well as individuals seeking a weekend getaway. For reservations, kindly contact: Union Yes Retreat & Training Centre is owned & managed by Sarawak Bank Employees’ Union Sarawak Bank Employees’ Union 2nd Floor, Lot 79, Block B, Queen’s Court, King’s Centre, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: 6 082 453027 Fax: 6 082 461829 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sbeu.org.my Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 5 ResortTalk Permai Rainforest Resort P ermai Rainforest Resort is the latest up-and-coming place in Kuching. Or rather just outside of Kuching. The last property on the Santubong Peninsula, it’s a resort like no other in Sarawak and possibly Malaysia. Built by the sea at the foot of a mountain that is forested from sea to summit and teeming with wildlife it is a fantastic place to spend a weekend or as some do, a whole week. Recently renovated, Permai Rainforest Resort is the only place in Malaysia providing unique accommodation in the form of Treehouses. These Treehouses are not actually built in trees but at the same height as the tree canopy, right by the waters edge. The experience it offers in unmatched. To go to sleep at night and wake in the morning to the sounds of the sea upon the shore and the birds and squirrels in the surroundings trees is hard to beat. The Treehouses sleep two persons and provide all the creature comforts such as aircon, hot showers, fans, coffee making facilities, a dressing table and a balcony facing the sea. Permai also has cabins and these sleep 6 to 10 people. These lack aircon, but are equipped with fans and mosquito netting, as they are built under the trees and are well shaded. So if you keep your windows open the daily heat should be no problem. The cabins also have hot showers and coffee making facilities and large verandahs where you can sit with friends, talk and play cards. The other great thing about Permai Rainforest Resort is that there are plenty of things to do. There are 2 beaches at Permai. The smaller of the 2 has fine light coloured sand and is secluded, a great place to sunbathe. The resort also has a Jungle Pool which is filled by water running down from a stream from out of the forest. The water is always cool and a perfect way to cool down after being on the beach. 6 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 Kayaking is another option at Permai. Its plastic kayaks are unsinkable and require no experience or training to use and the Santubong Peninsula has a beautiful coastline. For those with a sense of adventure and love for beauty, try the day kayaking trip or the serene night kayaking trip. Both are guided by experienced instructors. The High Ropes Course is another top attraction at Permai. An adventure course that requires great skill, determination and courage. It is not to be missed especially the finale which ends with a flying fox. What a thrill! There are also boat trips that run from Permai to Satang Island, Bako, to watch dolphins or the very popular evening mangrove cruise where you get the chance to see crocodiles, proboscis monkeys and firefly filled trees in the serenity of the mangrove swamp. One thing that must not be missed at Permai is dinner at sunset in the Rainforest Café. With its setting overlooking the sea and the sunset its good food and open wood concept it offers you the perfect way to end the day. The food is sumptuous and the menu is a mix of local and western dishes, even including banana pancakes at breakfast. Permai Rainforest Resort a great place to spend a weekend or a week for a romantic time with your spouse or fun with your friends. For further information, please contact: Teluk Penyu, The Santubong Peninsula, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: 6 082 846487 Fax: 6 082 846486 Email: [email protected] Website: www.permairainforest.com Managed by Damai Rainforest Resort Sdn. Bhd. (Company No. 83086-P) LocalTalk Handicrafts for every occasion Kraftangan Malaysia (Sarawak) showcases new range of products By SI Ten A uthentic Sarawak handicrafts are often hard to distinguish from the numerous imitation products in the market today. Prices are another concern too as imported products of inferior quality usually out sell local ones. For the discerning customer though, there is always Kraftangan Malaysia (Sarawak). That’s the place to sample some of the local handicrafts sourced from seven main areas in the state. This is a project they are developing based on the “One District One Industry” concept. Their products include baskets, bags, mats, and sarongs, which have been woven with intricate designs, as well as bamboo and rattan baskets, screens and ceramic beads. The designs are interesting too, and come from far as Lawas in the northern part of the State, Kapit along the Rejang River, Mukah on the coast, Serian in the interior, Sarikei and Belawai. These are places where skilled folk are still producing such items. “Since 2002 we have identified these kampungs (villages) and selected them to produce these specialized items and each of them are experts in their particular fields,” explained the Director of Kraftangan Malaysia (Sarawak). “We do have a strong demand for these products in Peninsula Malaysia and more recently from places like Hong Kong and Japan. Unlike imported cheaper imitations, these products are closely supervised at the production stage to ensure quality and also for the art form to be preserved by encouraging other members of the kampung to participate in the venture”. Over time more products will be made available as the market for them i m p ro v e a n d w h e n production is able to meet the expected demand from a growing tourism market. The multi-ethnic diversity of Sarawak is the catalyst that will help propel a greater range of handicrafts in the near future, while ensuring that the skills and craftsmanship will continue to be preserved. Exhibition Room is open for public from 8.00am to 5.00pm on working days. For further information, please contact: Agensi Peneraju Kraf Malaysia Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia Cawangan Sarawak Lot 3057, Blok 18, Daerah Salak, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, Peti Surat 2720, 93754 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: 6 082 444205 Fax: 6 082 440003 Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 7 LocalTalk Moon Cake Sarawak Inter-Cultural Moon Cake L Festival anterns of all shapes, sizes and colours line up along Carpenter Street, Ewe Hai Street, Bishopgate Street and Sarawak Tourism Complex, the main venues for the annual Inter-Cultural Moon Cake Festival from 30 September to 6th October 2006. Traditionally an age-old Chinese festival for post harvest celebration with generous servings of delicious moon cakes, the event here has become much grander with the participation of the Malay community from across the Sarawak river. With fashion shows, modern dancing, martial arts demonstration, activities for children apart from the display of festive food from the Chinese and Malay communities, this is a must see event for everyone and a chance to experience exotic food made especially for such occasions. The location at one of the oldest sections of the City is just the perfect setting for an evening of fun, joy and merry making. Building on this age-old friendship, the two communities have also seen tremendous growth on either side of the river; modern roads and public transportation and communication facilities, as well as the sampans or water taxis plying the river provide easier access now. To nurture this harmonious bond, the cultural mooncake festival is an event intended to bring together the younger generations to get to know about each other better. Now, everyone, especially tourists and those from outside the state, can participate in the celebration. A prime place to visit would be the Ramadan Bazaar at Wayang Street where only specially prepared food for the Muslim Holy fasting month awaits you! The Sarawak Inter-Cultural Moon Cake Festival is now part of the state’s tourism promotional event; last year over 20,000 people attended this auspicious celebration. Jointly organized by the Chinese communities and Clan Associations of Carpenter Street and their Malay counter parts from across the river in Pantai Damai, the event is a showcase of what mutual understanding and cooperation between different people can achieve and providing the avenue for greater cohesiveness and tolerance among different races. In fact, traditionally, Carpenter Street and its surrounding area was the main meeting place for the Chinese traders and Malay communities from across the river to trade, intermingle and interact with one another. For further information, please contact: Sarawak Tourism Board at 6 082 423600 or visit our website www.sarawaktourism.com 8 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 According to the Chinese Lunar calendar, this mid autumn festival falls on the season of clear skies and bright moonlight. This is the perfect time for making new friends and acquainting with old ones. Make a bee line to the celebration; this is one event that is buzzing with excitement and festivities of different ethnic origins, all join together for a grand celebration. LocalTalk Ramadan Food Bazaar A bonanza of exotic and exciting food experience F or Muslims around the world, Ramadan is the Holy Month that calls for fasting from dawn to dusk. This year, it falls on the last week of September. For first time visitors here, this is surprisingly also the month when you are most likely to find enticing and exotic dishes of every kind on display in the bazaars that spring up around the city. Remember though that this extravaganza only lasts a month, so make sure that you savour some of these delicious and tempting food! Around Kuching City North, there will be three main Ramadan bazaars at Jalan Satok, Samarak and Sukma Ria. About 370 stalls selling everything from hot curry to BBQ chicken and fish, satay, lemang and assortment of colourful cakes and cookies of all shapes and sizes! There are also drink stalls amid the usual parade of burger stalls and the must-try ikan penggang Terubok. The peak times are from 3pm to 6pm. Housewives and businessmen jostle around the stalls looking for something new to bring home to their families during the fasting break at dusk. However, opening hours are from 1pm to 7pm daily. Amongst the huge crowd of people at these bazaars are mainly city folks and foreign visitors who also join in the celebration of tasting new recipes in a lively market. Whether you are buying something or not, the fun is just walking around these stalls and looking at their savoury fares. More often than not, the majority of visitors will come out carrying bags of goodies home! More importantly, this is also an opportunity for many lower income groups to earn extra cash for the coming Hari Raya celebrations as the stalls are mostly operated by these group of people. Ramadan A few precautions should be taken for those who are planning to visit these bazaars; bring just enough cash as pick pockets may be prowling around in the crowded environment. Also ensure that children are closely supervised when moving around the stalls, use caps, hats for shielding from the sun and wear light clothing as it can be hot under the tents. Most importantly, though, try not to eat while moving around the stalls as it is disrespectful to those who are fasting. For further information, please contact: Kuching North City Council (DBKU) Enforcement Division (Licensing Unit) | Bangunan Al-Idrus, Commercial Centre, Jalan Satok, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: 6 082 234654 Fax: 6 082 239853 Website: www.dbku.gov.my Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 9 LocalTalk Selamat Datang! With the widest range of choice hotels and resorts to choose from, famed tourists spots and grand shopping havens, Tourism & Leisure Division of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation certainly caters to all your needs when visiting Sarawak. Enjoy yourself in this tranquil land of ours! Dining with Your Host In Sarawak Top Spot Food Court (Taman Kereta) – Kuching’s Seafood Paradise Food is served! After a day of shopping complimented by an equally enthusiastic range of cooking styles; stir fried to soup, spicy and hot to mild and sweet, steamed to source up delights. While waiting for the dishes to arrive, take time to view the city’s evening glow from the spot. The opening hours are from 6 pm daily. Only Halal food is served. For further inquiries, please call 6 082 238730. and sightseeing around the City, dinner is served at Top Spot, the open-air seafood haven atop the multi-storey car park. Here 20 outlets serving fresh fruits to BBQ crabs and whole range of mouthwatering seafood awaits your order and you can actually choose your favourites! The varieties of seafood choices are Kuching Waterfront – The People Place Where adventure and culture meet! called locally) take people across the river This is definitely Kuching City’s landmark and showpiece; a one kilometre stretch of development along the Sarawak river right in the heart of the city. It is a leisure and recreation point where locals and tourists alike converge as it has something for everyone – playgrounds to musical fountain, museum to viewing platforms, mini-amphitheatre to waterfront square and a host of food and beverages outlets to a bazaar for handicraft and souvenirs. Here too, are where the water taxis (sampans or tambangs as they are at their leisurely pace or board the river cruise for a short trip up the river. Rest your tired feet at the dining places where western and local dishes are offered. Your choices include Alfresco dining to casual ones, indoors to outdoors and even some on pushcarts. Whatever you do, this is one place you should never miss for taking pictures of your trip to Kuching. For further inquiries, please call 6 082 426093. Sarawak Cultural Village – Ethnic Inspiration Sarawak Cultural Village offers a wide range of local delicacies served in an authentic traditional setting. Experience ethnic specialties like manok pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo and served in banana stem), umai umai (slivers of marinated raw fish), and the famed laksa Sarawak (vermicelli noodles in a rich broth). Other choice cuisine include Daging Masak Lada Hitam (beef in black pepper sauce), Ikan Assam Pedas with Terong Dayak (traditional fish stew), Midin Belacan (fern served with prawn paste), and Labu Masak Lemak (pumpkin served with coconut milk). For appetizers, there are ulam (local salad), acar (pickles), sambal belacan (spicy prawn paste) and tempoyak (preserved 10 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 durian) to choose from. The adventurous eater can even try roasted ulat molong (sago worms), which is claimed to be good for the complexion. Upon request, patrons can also have barbecued meals. The Restaurant Budaya Sarawak is the place to go for a great dining experience. It can cater for 250 patrons. Those wanting a more traditional setting can have their meals at the Iban, Bidayuh, Orange Ulu and Malay Town houses. This is an ideal setting for theme parties and get-togethers for smaller groups. Being the centre of ethnic food in Kuching, rest assured that all types of local delicacies are available, and can be cooked to your taste. For further inquiries, please call 6 082 846411. LocalTalk Treez – Tantalisingly Refreshing If you’re looking for a special place to have dinner, then head on down to Treez, an elegant restaurant serving favourite Malaysian cuisine at the Holiday Inn Resort Damai Beach. Located on a hill slope overlooking the South China Sea with a relaxing view of the legendary Mount Santubong, Treez exudes an easy-going attitude. And what better way to enjoy the scenery then while dining on a gastronomy of Malaysian favourites such as roti jala (plain dough served with curry), rojak sotong (steamed morning glory, squid with sweet shrimp paste) and even Malaysian’s version of sushi, umai ikan which is a dish of marinated raw fish fillet with lemon sauce. As for the main course you are spoilt for choice. Included in the menu are a wide selection such as midin belachan as well as West Malaysian delicacies such as mee rebus (yellow noodles with beansprouts and curry gravy), mee siam (fried vermicelli with fermented soya bean and spicy gravy), and the restaurant’s signature dish, ekor asam pedas (spicy and sour oxtail broth served with rice), which was even featured in TV3’s popular television programme, “Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan”. Food at Treez are mildly spiced and specially prepared to cater for guests at the resort that are not accustomed to Malaysia’s spicy dishes. However, for those who like their dishes spicy, the chef is more than happy to oblige. The restaurant has also included in its menu, “Makan Hidang”, a traditional Malay custom, whereby guests can choose from their choices of one appetiser, soup, four main dishes, and a dessert for guests of four pax or more at only RM30++ per person. To stay true to the restaurant’s new tag line, “Where dining is entertaining”, be entertained by an eclectic fusion of local and foreign music performed by the resort’s resident band. Finally, to cap off the evening, local desserts such as lychee kang, apam balik, or sago gula Melaka are bound to be a delight for guests before they head on back to their rooms at the resort or enjoy the relaxing journey back to Kuching. Treez is certainly a breath of fresh air with the restaurant’s combination of delicious Malaysian food, friendly service and enjoyable entertainment set in a relaxing homely ambience. For further inquiries, please call 6 082 846999. Arts&Craft @ Sarakraf Sarakraf Pavilion Background The Sarakraf Pavilion was set up with the aim of creating an iconic Sarawak site in the city centre, with the intention of preserving and documenting the dying tradition of the authentic Sarawak arts and craft. Visitors to the centre will be able to witness first-hand these authentic Sarawak craft making tradition and at the same time learn about the unique blend of crafts, culture, music and snack foods, that help enhance the rich heritage of the State. Sarakraf’s main focus is to promote authentic Sarawak craft making tradition through the various in-house Sarawak handicraft demonstration sessions and to conduct arts and craft related courses organised in-house for tourists and locals. Many might not know that Sarakraf Sdn. Bhd. is offering Arts and Craft related courses at the Sarakraf Pavilion to students and visitors to the place. Among the interesting courses available are ceramic colouring, batik colouring, bead work, bamboo weaving, Marik Empang, cultural dance and Chinese calligraphy. To make things more interesting, Sarakraf also offers attractive packages for the courses. The courses are available from Monday to Sunday, and are divided into two sessions 9am to 12noon and 2pm to 5pm. For further inquiries, please call 6 082 234655. SEDC’s Tourism & Leisure Division For further information, please contact: Sarawak Economic Development Corporation Tingkat 6-11, Menara SEDC, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93902 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: 6 082 416777 Website: www.sedc.com.my Visitors to the Pavilion can browse through the outlet for a unique range of handicrafts and souvenir items intricately crafted, and serving as a wonderful reminder of one’s visit to the Pavilion. Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 11 ShoppingTalk RUBY g{x z|yàá áÑxv|tÄ|áà j hy not surprise your loved ones and special friends with some fancy gifts this Raya and Christmas from Ruby’s Gift Shop. This beautifully decorated shop is full of gift ideas for the home, office and certainly individuals, him and hers spread over two floors of display space. Needless to say some of these items are one of a kind, specially imported and handcrafted. Look at your loved one’s face light up when you give her one of the exquisite jewellery necklaces or rings from Thailand and France! The choice between pearls and precious stones will always be a tough decision but either one will make her the envy of others in any social gathering. Open on Weekdays: 10.00am – 6.00pm Saturday: 10.00am – 4.30pm Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays Tel us at: 082-237127 No. 3, Lot 2972, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, Bormill Estate, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: 6 082 237127 Fax: 6 082 247127 email: [email protected] 12 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 For the home or office, a silver plated picture frame of the highest quality stands out on any table and definitely becomes the focus of attention. The ambience of the room is further accentuated with vintage perfume bottles from India, each a pleasure to experience on its own. With thoughts of Raya and Christmas gifts, try the candle flower rings and other decor pieces that you will not find anywhere else in town. Your choice of gifts from Ruby’s is your assurance that loved ones and friends will marvel at the quality and novelty of these gifts. At Ruby’s there is something for everyone; the difficult part is getting the right one! ShoppingTalk New arrival of dresses, blouses and skirts by Singapore designers Exclu s shirt ive men s s col lecti ’ linen on from Accessories , Singapore a re India, Ko and Bali. Fashion is bold and distinctive Refreshingly bold and colourful, feminine and individualistic – these are the exotic collections of youthful fabrics at Cocoon’s Individual Expression. Combining traditional fabrics remixed with modern romantic styles, the contemporary fashion is an expression of today’s city lifestyle; strikingly vibrant with cutting-edge finishing add to the distinctive variety of dresses, skirts, blouses, pants and jackets found here. Check out the fine embroideries and hand stitches work on these individual pieces with patchwork and exotic prints that stand them out from the crowd; make no mistake, they are passionate and daring, expressive and adventurous. Add your own touch of accessories to these pieces and wow! you’ve a new wave of fashion design for the world. Why look ordinary and follow others when you can be totally different from the rest of the youthful crowd? Try out Naked Cloth, the fashion line for refined, colourful and wholesome men’s wear at Cocoon. Totally casual and relaxing, the new urban styles are indicative of the innate desires to feel closer to nature with a sense of freedom and movement. The Naked Cloth collections use natural fabrics like cotton, crispy linens, lustrous silks, batiks, ikats and saris in shades of beiges, sky blues, leafy greens and floral pastels, with strong ethnic influences for that exotic look. Fine finishing touches are extremely important for comfortable wear and wash, qualities which are clearly emphasized in each of the shirts and pants. Fittingly they are meant for the TNC man with an appreciation for arts and cultures, unconventional in thoughts and daring to be uniquely different! Located at level 3, Lot 308-309, Tun Jugah, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: 6 082 232822 Email: [email protected] Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 13 SRB Chung Hua No. 4 N BA DR Poliklinik Radio Television Malaysia 1 Police Station 2 Civic Centre Sarawak Club LA 3 N ps Police Tourist Booth W OU L N BUD V O ES E R JA L A Planetarium GA St. Thomas’s School CD A N J A L M JA AYA L W H H Kong Temple J A L A N N BU A I H Kua Ning Temple H H J Crossway H B A N HO CK Hindu Temple N ALA H H Malaysia Airlines Top Spot Food Court King A N U N G P A D E HUI JA L A N TA N S R I O N G K E H (JALAN CENTRAL BARAT) TA T H MA N L A J A Scoops T 4 N Sarawak H RA HM RO AN Centrepoint DUL Plaza Shopping AT E R F Centre AB Crowne CAT N Museum U Statue T Plaza H N Riverside Tun Jugah JALA Kuching Wisma H Tua Pek Ting Pek Kuching High’s School H H Chinese G Kampung Boyan Khatuistiwa Riverbank Suite Police Museum Fort Margherita Medan Pelita H Chung Hua No. 1 School Red Crescent Building H St. Mary’s School Hong San Si Temple ASA N 20 2 0 AW CARPENTER STREET St. Thomas Church AN RESERVOIR PARK Amphitheatre Aquarium Sarawak Museum St. Joseph Church JA L JA K G U Siang Ti Souve A M C nir H Temple s S BIE IN ho R General Post Office Kuching L A N JA H Plaza Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites Heroes’ Monument St. Theresa’s School Islamic Museum St. Joseph’s School Intan U D D IN Land & Survey Divisional Office JA LA C Residen Office Yayasan Sikh Temple Sarawak B Dewan Tun Abdul Razak Muzeum D Electra House UH M A RK Telekom Malaysia JA L AN SAT OK L E Sarawak Tourism Complex US Square Tower M BA G PF YL JALAN PISANG JA L A N N A N AS H A State & DBKU Library H H Hopoh Shopping Centre Bank Islamic Negara Syariah Garden Court Police Contingent HQ Chung Hua School J IB A N D AT U K A Mirama JA L Divisional Mosque A BOL AH Open Air Market India Mosque INDIA STREET PEDESTRIAN MALL CK RA N LA B A R ET Wet Market E JAL AN GAM BI R I A H A W A K J TA JI HA N AL A A N G BA N O H T UR CO R R A M L E E J A L A N P M ADA ER N DE G AJ KA TU AN JA L JA L AN G EN OP R R E PL M TE I AN TI Kuching Area H Pasar Tamu JALAN RUBBE R SUNDAY MARKET JA L A N SAT O K Wisma Satok JA L A N K U L AS A JALA N PALM R I EB G H A J I O P EN G J A L A N T UN AB AN EB E R JA LA N C T EN JALAN JA M N TI LA L EL AB LI UR JA L A N RA Air Asia CAT Statue EL S Police Station Kampung Gersik St. Peter’s Church Fire Station CAT Statue J A L A J N AL PE TA D A T U K Card Centre J A L A N A Business A N G W I L L I A M Police Station N T A JA Kuching South City Council (MBKS) JUBILEE RECREATION GROUND Dewan Masyarakat LA H O N SE H MBKS Swimming Pool KA M A Hockey Stadium C H E N G JAL AN PAD UNG AN N K Chung Hua No. 3 School AN Wet Market & Hawker Centre H JA LA N DATU DU L RA HIM Crowne Square K AB AN G AB Hock Lee Centre Kampung Semarang LocalityMap R I V E R Kampung Panglima Seman Lama S A R A W A K Kampung Surabaya M V N Orchid Garden A Astana OKS C RO S E K EO NC H JA LA N SO NG TH IA NG LEB U H W AYA J L JA G N N B U D AYA AN IM P LA HAN K N O SH DE UH K PA R AMA N T ALA N AN JAL LA S HO J A U S JA N AN L JA L OC A N O N F L JA L JALA A A A G N D N E U DU P G K PA LA IN B KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 JA 14 L JA D W N A DE Sarawak Craft Council Visitors’ Information Centre Sarawak Tourism Federation Tourism Malaysia Office Sarawak Tourism Board Sarawak Tourism Board 082-423600 MAS Office 082-244144 / 246622 Air Asia 082-283222 KCH International Airport 082-454255 / 454242 Immigration Dept. 082-245661 / 230280 Custom 082-333133 Taxi Service 082-480000 / 341818 Police Station 082-245522 / 999 / 241222 Traffic Police 082-241133 JPJ 082-258811 / 628700 DBKU 082-446688 MBKS 082-238080 / 242311 Telekom 082-429191 / 255994 Post Office 082-244141 / 339937 Normah Medical Centre 082-440055 General Hospital 082-230689 / 257855 Padawan Council 082-615566 SESCO 082-333111 Kuching Water Board 082-240371 BOMBA (Fire Brigade) 082-241033 / 994 / 417712 Rescue 911 082-256685 JKR 082-203100 OTHER ENQUIRIES (KUCHING) Shopping Complex Taxi Station Petra Jaya Transport Chin Lian Long Sarawak Transport Co. Station Kuching Matang Transport Shop House / Office Food Outlet / Restaurant / Entertainment Outlet To Matang To Stampin, BDC & Airport d r Roa CENTRAL LAND asho ad k Ro Roc Beauty Works ip M NM ATA NG To Serian JA Tiang’s Cafe Police Station LA N RA K JA LA N To Satok & Kuching MAONG MARKET Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Rahman Bridge S A EM Bulatan Datu Temenggong Abang Kipali bin Abang Akip JAL A T UN JA N UL LA D AB JALAN SATOK JALAN KULAS Batu Kawah Road IS A HM N TA RA AN Normah Medical Centre Bulatan Datu Haji Mohammad bin Salleh DBKU (Cat Museum) (MJC New Township) BATU KAWAH NEW TOWNSHIP To Kuching Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 15 Wa Blessed Sacrement Church RH Plaza BDC Kampung Panglima Seman Lama K To Kota Samarahan Airport Road To Kota Samarahan Friendship Garden TABUAN HEIGHTS Methodist Church King Centre To Pending &Kuching Police Station TABUAN JAYA COMMERCIAL CENTRE Buddist Temple Tu Simpang Tiga Road Jalan Upland Kuching 2nd Bridge (Tanah Puteh) Bulatan Perpaduan To Kota Samarahan Urat Mata Road Tun Jugah Road TABUAN HEIGHTS Kampung Pulo Hilir R I V E R Kampung Semarang To 3rd Mile & Batu Kawa S A R A W A K Kampung Surabaya To Hui Sing, 3rd Mile & Batu Kawa Lorong BDC t e r f r o nt Kampung Boyan Tabuan Jaya & BDC Area To Airport hin To 7 Mile Ku c Fort Margherita Orchid Police Garden Museum Kampung Gersik Kuching Court Bulatan D P Abang Hj. Abdillah JALAN BAK O Stadium Sarawak Bulatan Datu Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Taha Stadium Perpaduan SESCO Dewan Undangan Negeri Baitul Makmur Building Sarawak State Library Astana State Jamek Mosque Kraftangan Malaysia Stadium Negeri d Batu Kawah Area Buddist Temple Sher To Kuching a Road Buddist Temple Laksaman To Kuching & Tabuan Jaya Hotel / Motel Penrisen Road H Keretapi Road JA LA N SE M AR IAN G To Santubong, Damai Beach To Bau, Sematan & Lundu LEGENDS ad oa kR Rock R o i se n R oad Pen r A Datuk Stephen Yong Road MA DE N LA JA Petra Jaya Area Stutong Road A BDU L RA HM AN JA LA N TU N Song Road AN Wan Alwi bin Tengku Ibrahim Road IS T To Kuching AN To Pending L JA g aza nR RMBTalk For Books, Magazines, Stationeries, Gifts & More! The Festive Seasons are just around the corner! Check out our wide range of book titles and gift items that will make great gifts for the festive seasons. Not sure what to get? Then purchase our gift certificates and take the stress out of buying a gift! Our recommendation - Hari Raya Gifts Arch Collection Islamic Khat Frames Islamic books, Quran & we provide free gift wrapping service. Our recommendation - Christmas Gifts Arch Collection Heritage Series Frames General Title Books - Cookery, Decor... Ground & 1st Floor, Lot 234, Jalan Haji Taha, 93748 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: 6 082 416606 / 429157 Fax: 6 082 237952 Email: [email protected] Website: www.my-bookstore.com.my 16 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 TA H A LA N JI Hopoh Shopping Centre R A M L E E KASKA Library J A L A N Make My Bookstore Your Bookstore H A JA End of another School Year! Don’t forget to use our Book Reservation Service. Just send in your school booklist and we’ll have your books ready for pick up in the new year! Bank Negara Syariah Islamic Court Garden JA L AN SAT OK Radio Television Malaysia RMBTalk Tuesday | Ladies Day, Ticket only RM6 (not applicable for male and public holiday) Wednesday | Movie Day, Ticket only RM5 / RM6 (not applicable for movie marked (“) and public holiday) 082-234 077 *All booked tickets must be collected 45 min before show times. VCD REVIEW (KOREAN MOVIE) FILMREVIEW Director: Oliver Stone Cast: Nicolas Cage, Micheal Pena Genre: Drama Rated: PG-13 On Cineplex: October 2006 This is the true story of Will Jimeno and John Mcloughlin, two Port Authority police officers who rushed into the burning World Trade Centre on 9/11 to help rescue people, but became trapped themselves when the tower collapsed. A race against time ensues to free them before their air runs out. LES FORMIDABLES Director: Jo Min Ho Cast: Park Joong Hoon, Cheon Jeong Myeong, Yoo In Yeong, Choi Chang Min Director: Martin Campbell Cast: Daniel Craign, John Cleese & Judi Dench Genre: Action Adventure Rated: PG-13 On Cineplex: November 2006 Su-hyun wants to leave the syndicate and opens a small restaurant. Helping his life-long friend from an orphanage, he gets arrested for a murder that he didn’t commit. Thus he must try to catch the real killer. The tale examines James Bond’s formative years and how he developed his penchant for Aston Martins, Martinis and beautiful women. Director: Andrew Davis Cast: Kevin Costner, Ashton Kuhter, Neal McDonough Genre: Action Adventure Rated: PG-13 On Cineplex: November 2006 After losing his crew in a fatal crash, legendary Rescue Swimmer, Ben Randall, is sent to teach at “A” School, an elite training program for Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. Wrestling with the loss of his crew members, he throws himself into teaching the program upside down with his unorthodox training methods. While there, he encounters a young, cocky swim champ, Jake Fischer. Director: Stefen Fangmeier Cast: Edward Speleers, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Guillory, Robert Carlyle, Djimon Hounsou, Garrett Hedlund, Joss Stone and John Malkovich Genre: Action / Family Rated: PG-13 On Cineplex: December 2006 EP Title: Waiting For You Artist: The Drives Music Genre: Borneo Indie Language: English EP Title: SLAP! 2ND DEMO EP Artist: SLAP! Music Genre: POP ROCK Language: Mandarin & English www.wretch.cc/blog/slaprockband EP Title: Dream Machine Artist: Dream Machine Music Genre: Nu-Metal, Rapcore Language: Sarawak Hokkien, Mandarin Director: Han Ji Seong Cast: Gam Woo Seong, Son Ye Jin, Gong Hyeong Jin, Lee Jin Wook, Oh Yoon Ah Episodes: 16 This is the story of two ordinary people who meet and fall in love, marry and divorce, but are unable to move on from that point, because their love did not end when they separated. Eun-Ho (Son Ye-Jin) and Dong-Jin (Gam Woo-Seong) meet one day at the bookstore where he works. A boy named Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest. At first, he thinks it’s a lucky discovery, something that will bring meat to his poor family for the winter. Instead, it brings a dragon hatchling, and Eragon is soon thrust into a world of magic and power through which he and the dragon must navigate. Local Artistes ALONE IN LOVE Award: - 2003 Sarawak Chinese Band Open 2nd Runner Up - 2004 Sarawak Chinese Band Open Champion - 2005 Malaysia Chinese Band Open Kuala Lumpur Zone Champion - 2005 Malaysia Chinese Band Open 1st Runner Up EP Title: Things We Wanted to Say Artist: Chakwau Cyndrome Music Genre: Rock/Metal/ Grunge/Alternative Language: English http://k.1asphost.com/under1label/default.asp www.myspace.com/chakwaucyndrome - Rockacola.com (Taiwan) No.1 of April 2005 - i-band.net (Malaysia) No.1 of May 2005 - “The Legend Of The Red Curse” movie soundtrack Lot 2/3/4/5, LG, Medan Pelita Building, Leboh Temple/Wayang, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Hotline: 6 016 8858845 / 016 8881220 Email: [email protected] Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 17 BeautyTalk Soothing warm hands, the fragrance of aromatic oils and the vast open mountains of the Santubong. Nowhere does paradise come closer than it does here. Ledang Spa It’s the experience that counts. Come experience the invigorating, refreshing and beauty secrets of Sarawak’s finest. Urutan Gamelan / Aromatherapy Massage Panca Indera Hand & Foot Reflexology Leka-Leka Anti-Stress Package • • • • • • • • • • • • Aromatherapy refreshing massage treatment Zip-up sauna steam bath treatment Anti-oxidant herbal drink 90 minutes 60 minutes Andam Santubong Facial Treatment • • • • • Hand and foot soak Hand and foot scrub Hand and foot massage treatment Anti-oxidant herbal drink Ikal Mayang Hair & Scalp Treatment Facial cleansing massage treatment Facial scrub treatment Facial mask treatment Facial toning treatment Anti-oxidant herbal drink • • • • 60 minutes Head and shoulders massage treatment Herbal paste application Herbal hair wash & conditioning treatment Anti-oxidant herbal drink 60 minutes Ledang Purba / Ancient Massage Rendaman Kuntum / Traditional Herbal Sitz Bath • • • • • • • Head-to-toe ancient massage treatment Zip-up sauna steam bath treatment Anti-oxidant herbal drink 120 minutes Ukup Mawar / Scented Sauna Steam Bath • • • • • Herbal skin scrub treatment Oil application Scented sauna steam bath treatment Head and shoulders massage treatment Anti-oxidant herbal drink 90 minutes Oil application Herbal sitz bath treatment Head and shoulders massage treatment Anti-oxidant herbal drink 40 minutes Diang Suri / Traditional Dry Feminine Steam Bath • • • • Oil application Dry feminine steam bath treatment Head and shoulders massage treatment Anti-oxidant herbal drink 60 minutes Aromatherapy refreshing massage treatment Zip-up sauna steam bath treatment Herbal skin scrub treatment Jacuzzi herbal bath treatment Anti-oxidant herbal drink 150 minutes Taming Sari Treatment For Men • • • • • • Ancient herbal oil massage Herbal hair roots treatment Herbal roots facial and body scrub Herbal spices bath Herbal oil steam bath Herbal roots drink 180 minutes Rahsia Puteri Ledang / Royal Secrets Of Ledang • • • • • • • A thousand flowers herbal oil massage Beautiful hair and healthy scalp treatment Facial cleansing massage A thousand flowers milk herbal scrub A thousand flowers milk herbal bath A thousand flowers body steaming treatment A thousand flowers herbal drink 180 minutes By RHR SPA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SDN BHD ( Co. No. 594919-K ) Block 13, Room 1307-1312 Hilltop Suite Holiday Inn Resort Damai Beach • Teluk Bandung, Santubong, P.O. Box 2870, Kuching, Sarawak. Tel/Fax: 082-846 818 or 082-846 999 ext. 1311 / 1312 18 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 BeautyTalk Beauty Works is a one-stop health, fitness and beauty centre exclusively for women. It provides a unique facility that gives women the opportunity to workout in their own privacy at a clean, luxurious and well-maintained environment. In addition to physical well being, we also provide a wide variety of beauty and relaxation treatments. Complete Beauty & Fitness Care Sportswear Corner Sportswear suitable for gym, aerobics and different sports imported from Australia are also available at our centre. This sportswear is of the latest trend and fashion. Fitness Facilities & Service Our facilities include state-of-the art gym equipments such as treadmills, cross-trainers, steppers, bicycles, and weight stations. We also have group fitness classes conducted by our well trained instructors. Our centre also provides lockers, steam-room and showers for the members. Free regular fat test, dietary advice and fitness program will be conducted by our gym instructor. Our Group Fitness Classes includes Ashtanga Yoga, Pilates, Body Shaping, Hi-Lo Dance Groove, Cardio Works, Slide & Sculpt and Stepworks. Belly Dance Class Experience the true ancient belly dance to lose weight and sculpt your body. Taught by professional and qualified instructor. For more details on next intake, please call us or visit us. Made from the highest quality fabric tactel/lycra/ cotton/supplex to absorb sweat and dry out fast, our latest gymwear from Australia such as Bella Bustiere, Rockwear, Running Bare, & Smac are available at our sports corner. Beauty Salon OPI Nail Color – from USA Decleor – The Aroma-Skincare Specialist For over 20 years, OPI has created award winning nail polish and nail care products. Known for its rich color selection, durability and staying power, OPI knock-out collections for nails are always fresh, sexy and up to date. It is used by many of the top salons in the world and is perfect for both natural and acrylic nails. Discover the world of essential oil at Beauty Works Salon, offering the most extensive and comprehensive treatments from Head To Toe. Decleor Essential Oils are true concentrates of 100% pure, 100% natural, 100% active and preservative free. Each of these oils, which penetrate right to the heart of the skin, act as a booster whenever it is used with a phytocosmetic treatment (cream or gel). Decleor stands out by its holistic approach to beauty – perfectly demonstrated in the exclusive treatments available at spas. • • Decleor Facial Treatment Decleor Spa Treatment For a customized hand and nail care regiment designed to meet your specific need, we offer: • OPI deluxe manicure • OPI deluxe pedicure Other Treatments Aroma Foot Massage | Upperlip Wax | Underarm Wax | Arm Wax | Bikini Wax | Leg Wax For more information on how to join Beauty Works, please contact us at: 2nd Floor, No 250-251 (Lot 2479), Central Park Commercial Center, 3rd Mile, 93200 Kuching. Tel: 6 082 231232 / 230332, Fax: 6 082 230232. Business hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 8.30 pm, Weekends and Public Holidays 8.30 am – 6.00 pm. Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 19 SpiceTalk Pepper Marketing Board Assurance of quality pepper for all your needs The Pepper Marketing Board is entrusted to deliver the best quality Sarawak Pepper (trade name for pepper from Malaysia) in the form of whole, ground and value-added pepper as well as other pepper products. Established in 1972, the Board is tasked to regulate, promote, manage, control and improve the marketing of Sarawak Pepper so as to develop a modern, efficient and competitive pepper industry. Sarawak Pepper has certainly spiced up the world with its blend of high quality pepper and with the introduction of numerous pepper flavoured products like Pepper Sweets, Pepper Candy, Pepper Sauce and Pepper Flavoured Prawn Crackers. Through these creative processes, the livelihood of more than 60,000 farming families in mostly rural areas are uplifted too as pepper provides them a dependable income. Sarawak Pepper is not just a brand; it is your assurance of quality. For samples and further information, please contact: Pepper Marketing Board Malaysia Lot 1115, Jalan Utama, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: 6 082 331811 Fax: 6 082 336877 / 342690 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sarawakpepper.gov.my Diversity in The Grain of Life Bario Rice or Adan Rice as it is sometimes known is grown in the cool climate of Kelabit Highlands at 1,200 meters above sea level. Bario Rice is a traditional tall rice variety planted once a year. Bario Rice has long been regarded as the best local rice and sought after in Sarawak. The reason for this is simple - fresh and cool mountain streams water the Bario paddy fields, rich soil in the valley and the cool climate contribute to the unique taste of Bario Rice. It is further nurtured, harvested and selected by the caring hands of the Kelabits before sun drying the paddy naturally. As every Bario Rice aficionados would profess, it is an eating experience you’ll never forget. At the international level, Bario Rice was awarded the Slow Food Presidia based in Florence, Italy Packed and distributed by: Liansin Trading Sdn Bhd Lot 2041, Section 66, Jalan Kisar, Bintawa Industrial Estate, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia No. tel: 6 082 333555 No. fax: 6 082 335599 IKHLAS Nang Biris is brand for Biris Rice, a local variety for generations. When cooked, Biris Rice is soft and has a slight fragrance especially for newly harvested crop. It is suitable for all kinds of cooking. Grown and harvested traditionally by hands and sun dried to meet the health conscious consumers’ needs. JUNGLE RIMBA is a brand line for Sarawak coloured rice, which are of traditional varieties. These paddy are grown by the various ethnic groups of Sarawak and have hundreds of varieties to suit their discerning taste. This practice promotes the biodiversity of paddy in Sarawak, which enable us to enjoy the heritage of the hundreds of traditional rice varieties to this day. JUNGLE RIMBA consists of two coloured rice namely Red Rice and Deep Purple Rice (locally known as Black Rice) which has unique taste and natural texture. Its high nutrition contents and wholesomeness is good for the whole family. Packed and distributed by: Fieldmart Sdn. Bhd. Lot 775, Block No. 8 MTLD, Demak Laut Industrial Park, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia No. tel: 6 082 432252 No. fax: 6 082 433352 BERAS CORPORATION SDN BHD (480493-H) No. 96-M, Lot 2654-2656, Block 195, KNLD, Jalan Green, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: 6 082 243002 / 245002 / 248002 • Fax: 6 082 234000 • Website: www.bernas.com.my [ A member of BERNAS Group of Companies ] 20 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 AbsoluteEssentials Sarawak Tropical Fruits Sarawak is a paradise for tropical fruit lovers. Traditional favourites are the durian, mangosteen and rambutan. Durians are affectionately known as the “king of fruits.” It has an extremely pungent smell but beneath its thick thorny exterior lies the most delicious of pulps. The mangosteen is considered by locals as a choice tropical fruit. Durians are seen as “heaty” for the body, while mangosteens are considered “cooling”. Its delicate pulp is very sweet. Rambutans are hairy fruits with a fleshy and very juicy pulp. Fruit aficionados will be delighted to discover a wide variety of choices that also include the exotic-looking Dragon Fruit, Honeydew and Pineapple. Remember, fruits provide many of the essential vitamins and nutrients for a healthy lifestyle. Young or old, fruits are nature’s natural food supplement. Make it your daily deit today! For more information on FAMA’s events & promotions contact the Promotions Unit of: FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MARKETING AUTHORITY (FAMA) Lot 6C, D, E, Wisma Haji Suaidi, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub, Petra Jaya 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: 6 082 422 578 / 414 744 | Fax: 6 082 244 551 | www.famaxchange.org Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 21 AbsoluteEssentials&What’sOn SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 30 Sept – 23 Oct Bazaar Ramadan Bazaars selling varieties of local Malay food & cakes ( Kuching ) 30 Sept – 6 Oct Sarawak Inter-Cultural Mooncake Festival ( Carpenter Street, Kuching ) Sarawak Laksa Paste NOVEMBER 2006 3 – 5 Nov Sarawak Tatoo Convention ( Sarawak Tourism Complex, Kuching ) 22 – 24 Nov International Media & Evironment Summit ( Kuching ) for enquiries / order: Call/Fax us: 6 082 450839 H/P: 013-808 9747 / 826 3137 DECEMBER 2006 17 – 20 Dec 2nd Regional Workshop Computational Fluid Dynamics ( Kuching ) Note: Event dates are subject to change without prior notice For further enquiries, please contact: DBKU (Tel: 082-446688) • MBKS (Tel: 082-242311 ) • STB (Tel: 082-423600) Also available: Sambal Belacan & Homemade Yogurt First Sambal Sdn Bhd Sublot No. 23, Lots 270-282, Block 36, MTLD, Jalan Penrissen Batu 9 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia email: [email protected] | website: www.sambalsatu.com Home-made Gelato Banana flambé Crépes Waffles Coffee Sangria and many more . . . FAMILY PLUS PLAN FAMILY PLUS 50 Between family lines FREE voice calls, SMS and video calls Nationwide calls (per min) SMS (per SMS) Monthly commitment fee Maxis to Maxis Maxis to other operators Maxis to Maxis Maxis to other operators 15 sen 20 sen 5 sen 15 sen NOTE: • Voice calls are FREE up to 1200 Minutes • SMS is FREE up to 2000 SMS • Family Plus is a Supplementary Line • Terms & conditions apply RM50 Eritel Telecommunications Co Gelato Sandwich Malaysian Mobile Services Sdn. Bhd. (73315-V) Enjoy all these with your family by signing them up for the Family Plus Plan. Just visit any of our Maxis Centres or Maxis Authorised Service Agents (MASA) or call our Customer Care Consultants at 03-7492 2123 or 1800 82 1000. Comfort Food at Lot 10, Level 1, Block H (Opposite Hilton Kuching) Taman Sri Sarawak Mall, Jalan Borneo 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: 6 082 255337 No 234 Central Park Commercial Centre, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: 6 082 255522 Fax: 6 082 233223 Books, Music, Gifts, Bibles, Cards and More ... Crossway Bookstore Lot 244, 1st Floor, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: 6 082 231400 Fax: 6 082 234711 Website: www.crossway.com.my 22 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 PlacesOfWorship THE KUCHING MOSQUE T his is one landmark that you simply can’t miss when in the City; its distinctive golden domes and minarets dominate the old section of the City, just by the riverside. To have a grand view you need to take a boat ride on the river during the evening when the setting sun gives it a particularly striking glow! The mosque was built in 1968, in place of an earlier wooden mosque which had been there since 1852. Originally it was the state’s mosque until the new one was built in Petra Jaya and since then it has been called Kuching Mosque. Though much smaller in comparison to the new state mosque, this place still holds many fond memories for City folks as it was the most outstanding building in that part of the City. Today it still serves as a place for Muslim worshippers and continues to attract visitors who always make it a point to take a closer look inside. As is the custom of all mosques, visitors must remove their footwear before entering the premise and nonMuslims are not permitted into the building during times of prayers. HONG SAN SI TEMPLE T his temple, located along Wayang Street, next to the Kuching Waterfront, attracts over 100,000 visitors annually; some to offer prayers and some to just marvel at the splendid stone and wooden carvings all over the temple. From the roof down to the walls and pillars, beautiful engraving works are on display and gaily coloured; this could even rightly be called the Temple of Dragons‚ as literally there must be hundreds of such carvings and depictions all over! The main entrance has two dragon engraved pillars and huge doors also decorated with carved figures. Worshippers can buy joss sticks and other items for worship inside; where part of the roof is purposely left open on either side for ventilation and lighting. The sunshine is also important for the tortoise enclosures on either side of the walls where the animals are presented as offerings. Proceeding on to the main altar which is spread across the entire wall, this is the most spectacular part of the temple. The entire wall is a piece of art with exquisitely crafted dragon, phoenix and other mythical animals as well as figurines of worship. A side entrance on the left of the main door is reserved for worshippers of Avolokitsevara or locally known as Guan Yin, a Goddess. Based on record, the temple has been at the site since 1848, with three major renovations in between, in 1897, 1985 and 2002 which is the present facade. The main festivals at the temple are scheduled on the 22nd day of the 2nd Moon which includes night time processions and opera while the other dates are 19day of the 4th Moon, 20th day of the 4th Moon and 19th day of the 6th Moon and 22nd day of the 8th Moon where Chinese operas are staged. Due to its historical and cultural significance, the building has been declared a historical building under the Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993. ST. THOMAS’S CATHEDRAL I n Kuching the St. Thomas’s Cathedral is just next to the General Post Office, right in front of the Padang Merdeka. Like the colonial styled architecture of the Post Office building, this historical site is one of the enduring sights for city folks. The present Cathedral was completed in 1954, a year after the first foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. The original building was a wooden structure built in 1851 by Reverend Francis Thomas McDougall in the then jungle covered hills on the outskirts of the riverine town. The road next to the Cathedral has been named Jalan McDougall in honour of his contributions to the society. As one of the buildings situated in between the Post Office and the Sarawak Museum, the Cathedral is also one of the most frequently visited sites in the City. The outer facade is a wide staircase leading to the main entrance which is made up of a wide covered open space. On either side of the Cathedral are covered passage ways with white pillars which are reminiscent of colonial style buildings. Stepping inside the main hall, one is immediately impressed by the high roof structure of the building which makes it a cool place and also emphasizing the largeness of the building. The mass services are conducted in English, Chinese and Bahasa Malaysia and each session can accommodate more than 400 worshippers. Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 23 24 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 HousingTalk A place to call home By S I Ten [ ome is where the heart is and The Riveria, Kuching’s latest residential address, is just the place for beautiful, comfortable and peaceful living homes. Covering more than 100 acres of prime land near the confluence of Sungai Kuap and Sungai Merdang in Kota Samarahan, Riveria provides ample green space as well as a splendid panoramic view of the two rivers. This idyllic location amidst an environment of serene and calm ambience is surprisingly within convenient travelling distance to the city centre and minutes to major shopping centres. Riveria is truly a unique venue of fine city living without the hustle and bustle of a cramped city lifestyle. Among the properties available at the exclusive Riveria is the Allamanda design double storey semi-detached houses with its modern and refreshing design concept. unique features such as elegant timber design glass entrance door, four bedrooms, spacious living and dining area with sliding door at the side and a laminated timber flooring for the bedrooms and staircase on the first floor. With its price ranging from RM325,888 onwards, the adequate space from both the land size and good frontage provides buyers with no qualms for future renovations as well as the perfect compound for stylish landscaping, a trend in today’s society. For further details or enquiries on the Allamanda and other available properties at the Riveria, do visit Naim’s Sales Office cum showroom at the ground floor of Wisma Naim at Rock Road or contact the sales staff at 082-422001 or 019-8566738. The Allamanda design houses also comes with a generous and spacious land size of from 8.67 points onwards equipped with Developer License No: L0801/KP/HD/9/57 Advertising & Sales Permit No: P0767/KP/HD/9/57 ‘The information, perspective drawing, plans & specifications contains in this leaflet / advertisement are subject to amendment as may be required by the authorities or the project consultants and cannot form part of an offer or contract. Whilst every care has been taken in providing this information, the developer cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies.’ Ground Floor, Wisma Naim, Lot 2679, Jalan Rock, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia. Tel: 6 082 422001 / 422236 Fax: 6 082 412001 email: [email protected] wedsite: www.naimcendera.com Oct-Dec2006KuchingTalk 25 26 KuchingTalkOct-Dec2006 The Famous in Town TIANG’S CAFE No. 22, Lot 2354, Block 10 KCLD, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel/Fax: 6 082 450839 | Email: [email protected] Website: www.sambalsatu.com Open everyday: 7.00am – 1.30pm Off day: Every 2nd last friday of the month ( Sole Distributor for Barrett’s Sarawak Laksa Paste ) SADDAD COURT FOOD GARDEN & RESTAURANT Lot 216, Jalan Kulas, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: 6 082 415577 / 415578 / 415579 Fax: 6 082 424580 | Email: [email protected] Open everyday: 7.00 am – 12.00 midnight ( Food & Beverages Catering & Wedding Packages ... etc ) 10 10 A.M. TODAY A.M. TOMORROW Pulau Payar, Kedah Feringhi Beach, Penang A’ Famosa Water World, Melaka Rekindle that loving moments. Take your family for a breakaway anywhere in Malaysia. Explore the many treasures of our nation with your loved ones. Go out and have some fun for any day is a good day to rekindle the love you have for them. For further information, please call Tourism Infoline: 1-300-88-5050 or visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my