lechua photography

Mar

Chiling Waterfall

By lechua 24 Comments

Categories: blogsherpa and travel malaysia

Sungai Chiling Waterfall is considered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Selangor. Located 55 km from Kuala Lumpur city, near Kuala Kubu Baru, it is a highly recommended waterfall to visit for those looking for a leisurely nature trek to a waterfall within Selangor.

With the recent hot weather, a group of us decided to make our way in 3 cars to cool off at the waterfall. After 1 ¼ hours of driving (click here for GPS coordinates and map), we arrived at our destination. The 2.5km trail includes wading through 6 river crossings before reaching the main waterfall. The trail is well marked, much of it being over flat terrain with a few muddy patches during this dry season.

DSC_0554a

an option to take the suspension bridge over the first river crossing – only 4 persons allowed at any one time on the bridge

“following the leader… the leader… the leader”

hugeeee moth

DSC_0150b

gigantic spider web…

… up close

the ant trail vs. the human trail

river & rocks

the final river crossing

arriving at the waterfall!

getting ready… …to plunge into the cool water

our star jumpers taking off

enjoying the cool water sprayyyy

chilling on the high rocks

a little girl playing with the water by the waterfall

& here goes a big hurray!

On a sidenote, here are a few points to keep in mind when visiting the Sungai Chiling Waterfall:

Our visit was during the dry and hot season. The water level in the river was up to about knee to hip level during this time; but it is known that the water level can be up to waist high with stronger currents in the rainy season.
For those carrying cameras, it is safer to keep your camera away (or in air tight sealed plastic bags) whilst crossing the rivers especially where the water is deeper. Try to keep your footing on the sand rather than the underlying rocks, as they are slippery.
Recommended to wear sandals or crocs that can withstand water and mud. Soaked trainers are not entirely comfortable and flip flops can sometimes be swept away by the current of the river.
Bring a set of clothes to change and carry it along with you from the car. The toilet/changing area is a 10 min walk from where you leave your car.
There is an entrance fee of RM1 to enter.

Mar

Ryan turns 1

By lechua 11 Comments

Categories: child portraiture and event photography

Ryan has turned 1! Some photos from his FIRST birthday celebration with his family. Happy Birthday Ryan!

DSC_0752a

DSC_0934a

DSC_0716a

DSC_0723b

delighted grandads and grandmas

DSC_0605a

ryan with mum and dad

DSC_0646small

the family picture

DSC_0811a

the fan club

DSC_0798a

exhausted… on my 1st birthday

Mar

Chap Goh Meh 2010

By lechua 32 Comments

Categories: event photography and travel malaysia

Chap Goh Meh, in Hokkien, translated as the ‘fifteenth night’ marks the last day of the 15-day Chinese New Year festival. It is also celebrated as the Chinese Valentine’s Day, where young maidens practise the tradition (supposedly originating from Penang), of throwing mandarin oranges into the water in hope that they will be found by their true love.

red lanterns lit up along the side of the lake

Last night, thousands gathered at the Taman Jaya lake in Petaling Jaya to celebrate this occasion. Lion dances followed by cultural and singing performances occupied the centre stage, after which single ladies and men performed several activities in search of finding their perfect match. Entertaining matchmaking games were also hosted, in attempt to bring together young individuals.

the Big Head Buddha getting ready to tease the lions with the fan

Orange Throwing

oranges for sale

single ladies …. as well as young men write their name and contact details on the oranges

here come the fishing bachelors

scooping out an orange from the water with an ‘improvised fishing net’

passing on the catch for safekeeping

an orange let out from a fishing net… falling into the hands of a lucky lad

Wishing Boats

wishing boats available at RM3

lighting up creative selfmade floating boats

sailing away…

Wishing Tree

writing a wish note to hang on the tree …. with some leaving their mobile number too!

couples put up their wish…

… while singles hunt for details of a potential partner

the full moon on the night of Chap Goh Meh

Feb

Gong Xi Gong Xi!

By lechua 17 Comments

Categories: child portraiture

Gong Xi Fa Cai! The past week has been a series of gatherings and reunions with family and friends. Especially with schools on holiday to celebrate Chinese New Year, this joyous festive period is particularly an enjoyable time for children – with angpows, new year clothing, fireworks, oranges, cookies and plenty of goodies. Here are some of the cheerful faces captured, from open house visiting this year.

DSC_0241a

DSC_0346a DSC_0234a DSC_0263a

DSC_0402a

DSC_1261a

Feb

Thean Hou Temple – CNY 2010

By lechua 28 Comments

Categories: blogsherpa, event photography and travel malaysia

On the morning of the 2^nd day of Chinese New Year, we decided to pay a visit to Thean Hou Temple to join in the festivity of the new year celebration. Dedicated to the Goddess Thean Hou (the Heavenly Mother), this six-tiered Chinese Buddhist Temple is one of the largest temples in South East Asia. Located on Robson Hill (off Jalan Syed Putra), not only is this temple a place of worship for Buddhists, it is also a popular venue for cultural activities and marriage registration.

DSC_0960a

During Chinese New Year, endless rows of red lanterns decorate the temple. Throughout the entire 15-day Chinese New Year celebration, Thean Hou temple hosts a variety of events including lion dance, singing concerts and other cultural events, creating a festive atmosphere that attracts hundreds of people. The grandeur of this building’s architecture of a blend of modern elements with traditional design has also contributed in establishing this temple as a tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur.

DSC_1030a

DSC_1127a

DSC_1029l

DSC_1232a DSC_1202a

lanterns galore

DSC_1082a

view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline beyond the temple

DSC_1234b

4 miniature statues stand on the roof edge

devotees offering prayers

tourists observe and follow the religious tradition

DSC_1207c

lining up to wish for good fortune and blessing for the new year ahead

DSC_1143b

reading fortune

gold bullion wishing candles

lotus wishing candles

pouring holy water over Maitreya Buddha (also known as the Laughing Buddha)

DSC_1002a

the lion dance troupe with the drum, gong…

…& cymbals

DSC_0990a

crowding around the lion to give angpow in return for mandarin orange from the lion, for good luck

For those keen on lion dance performances, there is a lion dance everday until 21st Feb (Sun) at 2pm daily. On the following weekend there is also lion dance at 2pm on 26th Feb (Fri) and 10.30am, 2pm on 27th Feb (Sat). There is a variety of night performances in the hall every evening so you may choose to experience the temple at night when the lanterns and the surrounding compound of the temple are very beautifully lit up.

DSC_1250a

last but not least… may you have a Happy Roaring Year of the Tiger!

Feb

Siem Reap – Closing Highlights

By lechua 19 Comments

Categories: blogsherpa and travel cambodia

This marks my last post for Siem Reap. Thanks to all who have been following me on this enlightening journey through Cambodia. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed sharing the stories and photos taken. Here is a closing note and quick overview of some recommended must-see attractions. If anyone’s visiting Siem Reap anytime soon, feel free to drop me a note on the places I’ve visited, during your travel itinerary planning.

There is so much more to Siem Reap besides taking in the beauty of Angkor Wat. Explore beyond and immerse yourself within the Khmer culture. The people of Cambodia have had to struggle with extreme poverty in the country as a result of a deep history of civil war and political instability. The Cambodians are humble and friendly folks and it is an eye-opener to witness and listen to personal stories of their daily struggle to meet basic needs. Several NGOs have been set up to help the current situation, and hopefully with time, there will be continuous improvement in the lifestyle of the people.

DSC_0060a DSC_0583a DSC_1106p

Here are some recommended places of interest when travelling to Siem Reap:

For must-see temples please go to: Angkor Temples Guide

For non-temple attractions, see below for a list of things to do (click on the respective links for detailed stories and photos):

Visit the floating villages of Tonle Sap lake: Chong Khneas, Kompong Phluk, Kompong Khleang
Watch skilled artisans at work at Artisans d’Angkor and the Silk Farm
Experience the morning buzz at the Old Market
Shop for souvenirs at the Angkor Night Market
Have a taste of Khmer food and local beer at Pub Street
Try out special delicacies including fried insects along the streets of Siem Reap
Make a stop at Damdek Market (local market near Kompong Khleang)
Hike up Kbal Spean, a hill with a waterfall and historical sculptures carved on the river bed

So it’s bye-bye Siem Reap… just for now at least!

DSC_0752a

catching up with technology?

Feb

Siem Reap – Children of Cambodia

By lechua 22 Comments

Categories: child portraiture and travel cambodia

Nearly half the population of Cambodia is of children under the age of 15. In Siem Reap, you are greeted by children everywhere with various expressions. Some faces light up with smiles, some remain shy. At tourist areas like the temples, the older ones surround you, selling drinks, scarfs, guide books and souvenirs.

Here is a collection of some of the photos taken of the children we met along the trip.

DSC_1540aw

at Roluos Group

DSC_0748w

at Banteay Srei

DSC_1134aw DSC_1135w

at Kompong Khleang

DSC_1568aw

at Roluos Group

DSC_0825aw

at Angkor Thom

DSC_0277aw

DSC_0313w DSC_0105sw

at Chong Khneas floating village

Feb

Razlan’s Birthday Dinner

By lechua 13 Comments

Categories: event photography

A celebration for Razlan turning 40… with close friends and family invited to a dinner party. Here are some of the photos captured from the enjoyable evening below.

DSC_0434b