19 Dec 2009 - After an hour transit at Kuala Lumpur, we reached Bandaranaike International Airport in Negombo at 1010hrs. A 3-wheeler (or more commonly known as tuk-tuk) cost us around Rs2,500 to Juliana Hotel in Colombo.
Little did we know that Juliana Hotel was a popular place for “night activities” with the locals. But the hotel was more than decent and look not a little bit dodgy. And fortunately, there wasnt any unpleasant encounters. After venturing around the area, we met up with Sarindar and wife for dinner. Discussed with them if our route planned around Sri Lanka was a doable trip. He agreed with a tour agent whom had advised us earlier at the airport that we should do a reversed route as what we had planned.
And so we head off to Kandy the next morning to visit the ancient ruins and temples, followed by the cool hill areas and end our trip along the southern coast to enjoy the sun, sand and the sea…
Click here to view photos of Colombo.
Note:
Exchange rate at Bandaranaike airport: SGD$1 = LKR Rs78
Exchange rate according to xe.com: SGD$1 = LKR Rs82
Juliana Hotel: Rs3,500/night
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19 Dec 09 - Woke up in the wee hours to catch our flight at 0705hrs. Met up with Z and Sue at the airport. Even though they were going in a different direction - Cambodia, they had an adeventure of their own. Farah and I, we were heading to Colombo where we spent our next 14 days venturing three-quarter of the island.
We were on the move almost every other day. From Colombo to Kandy to Dambulla to Sigiriya to Adam’s Peak to Nuwara Eliya to Yala National Park to Mirissa to Galle Fort and back to Colombo… all done in 14 days. Even though it was a tiring holiday, certainly it was a memorable one.
I’m in the midst selecting the thousands of photos taken to have them put in the gallery section here. Hopefully, all will be up soon..
After learning how to create tilt-shift effects using photoshop, I was determined to get my hands on the real thing… the TL (tilt-shift) lens. A friend recommended a place where I could rent lenses and the next thing I knew I was out shooting at Kent Ridge Park for hours.
Kent Ridge
It was more than three years ago when I finally striked off Mulu National Park from my list of must-visit places. Mulu NP is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which boast the world’s biggest natural enclosed cave - Sarawak Chamber. It is 700m long, 396m wide and at least 70m high. It is said that it can fit up to 10 jumbo-jets in it.
We departed on Christmas day in 2005 via AirAsia. Once we touched down at Miri, and breathe the air of borneo, we knew we are in for an adventure!
Walking the headhunter’s trail is a leechy and muddy experience. Especially when it’s done during the monsoon season. The trail follows the route taken by Kayan headhunting parties (long long time ago) who paddled up the Melinau River to the Melinau Gorge. They then dragged their longboats through the forest for 3 km until they reached the banks of the Terikan River, where they launched headhunting raids against the people of the Limbang area.
The first part is a flat beaten trek of 8km to Camp 5. It’s a relatively easy trek with few rivers to cross and leeches to avoid. Once in camp 5, we rest for the night with totally zero existence of light. It was pitch black when it’s time for bed.
The 2nd day we climbed Mt Api to view the Pinnacles but didn’t made it to the view point. Our ranger didn’t allow anyone to continue the climb because of heavy rain. So we continue our way to an Iban Longhouse the day after. After 4hrs of trekking and 2hrs of boat ride, we reached the longhouse, which is full with cultural folklore…
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All photos are taken by azhar, nurah and faisal.
