Zara Aluwi of Kuala Lumpur MALAYSIA

16. Featured Traveller 

Zara Aluwi

Novel Writer : Traveller

(Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA)

                               

“Every page is your travel home page”

I'd like to thank Zara for agreeing to be featured in our travel blog although she thinks that she is too old for this. I am posting it anyway, as I find her story very interesting.

Zara loves travelling so much that she would visit more travel destinations and write a manuscript about her experiences. So far, she has travelled to several Asian countries like Hong Kong & China, Macau, Thailand and Singapore. 

New Zealand is her latest and her favourite destination. "Love you New Zealand (Queenstown) thousand times", she says. She plans to visit European countries, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Egypt and India whenever possible.  

When Zara travels, she prefer to drive her own car for local trips but fly with her favourite AirAsia for foreign destinations.  She does not need a lot of money flying with this airline as she gets the best deal by comparing offers from different travel agencies. 

I agree with her on this travel plan. The only difference is that I compare deals and do it online. This is a good tip, fellow travellers.

Flag of Malaysia

Zara finds satisfaction writing out her travel experiences and she believes that sharing is a plus point when people actually like it. 

Seeing places with her own eyes leaves an impression that will live with her forever. 

Zara has one request to whoever read this blog and I quote, "If you are going to travel anywhere, do you mind sending me postcards from wherever you will be?  I think it would be nice to actually get postcards from someone who is travelling, not only from those who's living there".  

This writer will definitely be the first one to respond to her request.  If you want to add your postcard to her collection, send her an email. I am sure Zara will appreciate it.

Zara have these exciting travels to tell.  Please read on.....

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Hello everyone. I am Zara Aluwi. A single mum from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  I always travelled with my two sons.  They always travel with a laptop and a camera, working wherever they can find coffee and WiFi.  Me… I did my work at home, I want to enjoy my time.

My most valuable times of my past are spent in either dreaming or roaming.  Reading lots of travel experiences from others is one of my favourite things. I haven't had the chance to go travelling to foreign countries until I reach 50’s. 

Travelling to new destinations is a thrilling experience. I like sharing my travel experience to people and sharing my photos, videos about my trip. 

NEW ZEALAND

Canyon swing ~ The most precious experience of all

Canyon Swing

Shotover Canyon Swing is the world's highest swing! And believe me, I can do it.  I did the backwards on ‘The Chair’.

The jump platform is on the edge of a cliff 109m/360ft above the Shotover River.  Once 'depart' the platform you will freefall 60m/200ft down into the canyon until the ropes smoothly pendulum into a giant 200m arc at approximately 150kph then winch me back up to the platform.

‘The Chair’  is really awesome! You just got to experience it yourself to know about it.  The 10 main jump styles (and their scary factor out of a possible 5 *'s)

The Cutaway *
Forwards Jump ***
Pin Drop *****
Backwards Jump *****
The Chair ***
Flips ***
Osama Bin Laden *****
Indian Rope Trick *****
The Elvis Cutaway *****

Gimp Boy goes to Hollywood *****

Bungee jumping – Yes! That’s the word that I cried out as I threw myself down

Bungee Jumping

I will never forget, me doing the world’s oldest bungee challenge at Aj Hackett Bungy Jumping, Kawarau Bridge home to the original 43 metre Bungee jump.  I did it!

My first ever bungee jump at the most awesome highest at 43 metre in New Zealand.   It’s safe, I swear… I checked with the management before I did the jumping.  Tell you…I have high blood.  I strongly recommend that nothing to fear with bungee jumping even if you have a serious fear of heights.

Yes! We're ready at the count of go!  My son, Zaid and me jumped off the platform.  We did the tandem jumping style. This is my most unforgettable extreme challenge.  I scream, of course!  All the way down.  I enjoy the free fall and I can feel my blood gushing down as I turned upside down.

So I have proved… old age does not mean you can’t do it!

Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Jet Boat Ride

The Shotover Jet Boat Rides, is more "concentrated".

It starts in the Shotover river and is all about zooming about the rocks and near the cliff edges.  The spectacular ride of the 'Big Red Jet Boat' really is breathtaking, exhilarating full 360-degree spins.  It was amazing.

No visit to Queenstown is complete without riding the 'World's most exciting Jet Boat'.

I really have an awesome adventure in the South Island in New Zealand. I've been there for 6 days and now I can say that New Zealand is the best. I love the amazing mountainous scenery, beautiful lakes and lovely people. I have marvellous adventures and great experience, nothing is a waste of time!

HONG KONG

Disneyland Hong Kong

Hong Kong Disneyland

Actually, our first trip to Hong Kong was the starting point of me and my family travelling to foreign countries.

One of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong for family is Hong Kong Disneyland.  A fun way to enjoy breathtaking view of Hong Kong is The Avenue of Stars.  It's located along the waterfront of the Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui (on the Kowloon side).  It's also a perfect location to walk at night and catch the Symphony of Lights show.  This synchronized light and laser multimedia show runs everyday at 8PM for 10 minutes.

Martial artist and movie star Bruce Lee's sculpture 

The Avenue of Stars

Statue of Bruce Lee

Although born in the United States, it was here that Lee made the movies ~ among them are Big Boss and Fist of Fury ~ that created his legend.  He is so popular! Yeah, I wanted to take family photos.... but OMG too many scrambled at him and I do not have the patience to wait for everyone to finish.

Taking photo with William Shakespeare

Visiting William Shakespeare

Madame Tussauds, wax museum in Hong Kong is located at the Peak.

It is one of the famous Asian tourist attractions.  It takes about 15 minutes to reach the exhibition uphill from Central.  You can easily reach the hill by bus, minibus, or by Peak Tram.  Guest is not allowed to take personal photos for Jackie Chan's wax figure. They have their own professional photo service.

This is the place for hug and kiss Brad Pitt and David Beckham without being slapped by Angelina Jolie and Victoria.  Oh! it's lovely...  I can take photographs with Jacky Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Barack Obama, Lady Diana, George Bush Jr., etc. etc.  

I like the 'Scream' room. I had sweet momentum and that "romantic" scenes I have put in my coming manuscript.

CHINA

SHENZHEN - China Folk Culture Villages

China Folk Culture Villages

If you don't mind replicas, this is a good place to visit and understand China ethnic.  Visiting the whole China is something  difficult to do.

Here, you can take a peek on some of the places and cultures spread around China. The Folk Culture Village is an excellent way to see and experience the 56 different ethnic groups and how they live.  The first spot in the village, you will see Mr. Liu Qipei at work on a silhouette paper cutting.  He could cut the likeness of a person, freehand.

GUANGZHOU - Jiao ChongXi Yu Mosque

Jiao Chong Xi Yu Mosque

This historical relic was awarded by Guanxu Emperor of Qing Dynasty in 1901.  Opposite the mosque we stopped and have our dinner early at one of the Muslim restaurants.

After dinner we had circus show at Chimelong International Circus, the largest permanent circus in the world.  We have to get our dinner early, because the circus performance starts at 7.30 pm.

We have our amazing time there and met some great people on this trip.

MACAU - These are real men ~ not statue

Real Men in Macau

In Macau, we hired a car plus a tourist guide to get around and see the attractions.  

We stopped at Venetian Casino, the world's largest casino. In the upper floor of The Venetian Casino-Macau, they have a scale replica of Venice, complete with bridges, grand canals, gondolas and permanent blue skies plus the 500 shops.  We did not enter the casino.

The power of walking

The Power of Walking

Some says fast walking in your old age is a sign you will live a long life.

I noticed the people of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macau City has a culture of walking fast.  Even the folks walk fast-paced and with a mission. I presume.  They walk three times faster than us. I love seeing them as if they were running away from something.

Found ourselves walking very slow, most of the passengers already made their way to the ferry.  So we were running in panic and we almost missed the ferry.

 

THAILAND

Phuket  - Promthep Cape, Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach

Promthep Cape is Phuket's most best places in the world, and many tourists and locals come here for views and to enjoy the sunset.

It is located between Rawai and Nai Harn.  Not only splendid views await you at Promthep Cape, but fresh air too.  Poor thing... we reached Promthep at noon and not in time to watch the sunset.

From Promthep Cape viewpoint, we can see the powdery white sands and clear blue waters of Nai Harn beach. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket, with plenty of local restaurants.

Phuket - Chalong Temples

Chalong Temples

Wats or temples are among the most important symbols of Thailand, partly because the majority of Thais are Buddhist. The name 'Chalong' means 'to celebrate' or 'festival' in Thai.

There is so much to see and do in Phuket.

Some of the funniest experienced in Phuket is walking through the Bangla Streets.  I thought, it’s a night market where we can do shopping.   Wah! That was really happening!  The atmosphere is vibrant.  The local says Bangla Street is an absolute tourist nightlife! 

We are not interested with lady boys or sexy girls who dance pole dancing with their g-strings or bras. We want shopping! But stranded in a wrong place.

MALAYSIA

Sabah, Malaysia ~ Fish spa, Luanti

Fish Spa, Luanti

Luanti Fish massage is one of the tourism destinations located in Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia.

In the Local Kadazandusun dialect, ‘tagal’ means ‘no fishing’, and the main purpose of the ‘tagal’ is to preserve the environment as well as the ecosystem to benefit the future generation. ‘Ikan Pelian’ or Malaysian Masheer comes from the family of Cyprinidae.

These fishes are specifically trained by the villagers to perform the healing massage activities. The fishes nibbling off our dead skin is deemed to have a curative effect on those who suffers from psoriasis.

Come to Luanti, Sabah for fish massages and enjoy fishes nibbling.

Perak, Malaysia ~ Orang Utan Island-Bukit Merah Lake Town

Orang Utan at Bukit Merah Lake Town

When people mention Bukit Merah, this is what they have in mind…the Water Park and Orang Utan. 

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort is the world’s first and only 5-acre rehabilitation, conservation and breeding sanctuary where orang utans roam free. We had our family day here. Visitors can experience the wonders of the lake cruise or enjoy the exciting activities and water slide rides at the Bukit Merah Laketown Waterpark.   Here is my first try on water slide rides.

Just imagine… I’m crazy at the age of 50’s! 

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, New Zealand was my second try.  But take my word…  that was an amazing time.

Zara is a novel writer.

For more information about her writings, you may contact her in any of the following:

Facebook: zara aluwi

Email:  yzara1085@yahoo.com

From the desk of: 

Freddie Miranda

A blogger and a Canada-based freelance writer. He shares the value of his travel experiences and discoveries with his friends and fellow travellers. Share your passion, join and visit him. Send a message @ fromatravellersdesk(at)gmail(dot)com.

* * * * *

Are you a traveller who would like to share your travel story with our blog and our readers?  Then, I'd love to hear from you! 

Please email me at fromatravellersdesk@gmail.com

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They all have been travelling for many years and I can guarantee that all of them have travel tips that all of us can learn and benefit from.  I have to thank all other fellow travellers who have responded to my invite.  I will definitely publish your stories as soon as I have completed the details.