Chapter 68 - Top 3 MUST DO things in Sekinchan, Selangor

Ever think of what to do during weekends? Does not fancy to travel far yet wanting to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Take a deep breath and head over to Sekinchan, Selangor as you will be amazed with the beautiful scenery of greenies.

Top 3 things that one can do in Sekinchan are:

1. Have a photo shoot session, be it with your loved ones, your favorite car or your portrait-self

It's time to change your profile picture in Facebook now! Rather than having your profile photo to be associated with the high-rise buildings or beaches, why don't have a profile picture with a natural green background that brings calmness and serenity to your followers? You can have a long list of different poses to be taken on that day without worrying that someone might know you. Just be sure that you are willing to stand under the hot sun because it can certainly makes you sweat like a bull!

2. Wind down your car window and take random turns in Sekinchan village

I know this sounds crazy especially when you need to burn your car fuel just for the sake of inhaling the fresh air in Sekinchan. Believe me or not, this experience is truly worthwhile. As you free your mind in such a peaceful environment, you will eventually enjoy the beauty of the nature. The mango trees are rather short (in height) in Sekinchan, buildings are randomly built on the paddy field, the paddies are freeing themselves according to the wind direction and many more.

3. Put on your tourist cap!
Although you are a Malaysian, you can sometimes enjoy being a tourist at a place which you are not familiar. Take this chance to visit the paddy museum - admission fee is just RM 5.00 and you get a small pack of Sekinchan rice. Besides that, you are exposed to how people harvest the paddy at olden days without any machines or technology. In the museum itself, there are many classic and antique equipment that are certainly an eye-opener for all.

Other than that, if you have time, you can visit the nearest beaches or probably, fill your tummy with some of Sekinchan dishes. While I did not have the opportunity to dine at one of the famous restaurants, I managed to try out the "Shark Porridge" - not bad after all but it's not something that I would recommend though the price is rather reasonable. Bear in mind that the restaurants close at about 3pm so head on to Sekinchan as early as you could to be the first few to have their fresh seafood.

Sekinchan is definitely one of the must-visit places in Klang Valley; at least, a short getaway from feasting your eyes on the bricks and mortars.  Leave your stress and tension in Sekinchan and walk home with an energetic soul and a positive mind.

Regards,
Foodiestravel

Chapter 29 - War Museum @ Penang

Would you dare to visit the War Museum in Penang? Apparently, it has been listed as one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Sites in Asia by the National Geographic Channel besides from the abandoned Tak Tak School in Hong Kong, Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan and an abandoned hospital at the Clark Air Base in Phillipines.    

Locally known as Bukit Hantu or Ghost Hill, not many dare to intrude this place for fear of its reputation as a place of haunting by ghost of dead soldiers - quite creepy if you choose to go alone, hence I would advise you to go with a group of friends. After I had been to this place, I am quite certain that the elder generation would definitely feel the big impact, knowing how Japanese had treated them before this - even so, this museum would definitely relive every single of your moments if you happen to stay at the War Era.                                  

                     

Let the history to begin - in 1930, a formidable fortress was built by the British army atop Bukit Maung, to protect the island from the enemy. It was at some point, Bukit Maung fell during an attack in which the Japanese army approached from inland, rather than from sea and from that day onwards, the fortress had transformed into a Japanese army base. This was where the dark history began, filled with narrations of how prisoners were tortured, ladies were the answer to fulfill their sex desires and etc. 

I must say that it was a big fortress, completed with underground military tunnels and ventilation shafts, ammunition bunkers, canon firing bays, logistic centre, sleeping quarters, first aid rooms, cook houses and etc. The fortress was then converted by a local Penangite, Johari Shafie after so many years of abandonment.

Was kinda taken aback when we toured around and I could feel the sorrowness and sadness - see below some pictures and I really hope that you can take this opportunity to revisit our history again.

War is never a solution but it leads to hatred and revenge.

Address : No. Lot 1350 Mukim 12, Batu Maung, Daerah Barat Daya, 11960 Pulau Pinang

Opening hour : 9.00am to 6.00pm daily

Entrance fee : RM 15 (for Malaysian)