Travel Light and Smart while on Outbound Vacation

The lists that I recommended below are based on my actual real-life experience while on outbound vacation. The suggestions are made based on what I felt as relevant, practical and convenient for those who wish to travel light and smart especially for a long vacation.

Shirts: Bring up to six shirts in a cotton/polyester blend; two long-sleeved collared shirts, two short-sleeved shirts and two singlets to be wore in-door when you are not going anywhere.

Pants: Bring three pairs; One lightweight cotton/linen blend with modest dress codes, lightweight pants-cum-shorts with zip-off legs and a pair of jeans for outdoor outings.

Shorts: Take two pairs; one with pockets and a beach swimsuit.

Underwear: Bring five light types as they dry quicker.

One pair of shoes: Black, cozy, light, cool and a good tread pair of Sneakers

Slippers: Casual and water proofed

Socks: Two pairs

Fast-drying Towel

Hat

Light luggage bag, small daypack and small pouch bag.

A light sleeping bag/portable jolly-bed and light hammock.

Camera

Mobile-phone & charger

Swiss Army/Leatherman knife.

Tiny LED flashlight

Medical kit (Actifast, Uphamol & Yoko-Yoko)

Toiletries: Hair cream, Deodorant, Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hair Trimmer, Shaver, Scissors & Mirror

Sun-block.

Sprayed Insect Repellent.

Making a Wise Decision by Shopping Online

The existence of Internet has introduced a new way in doing transaction around the globe. Online businesses have become the epidemic of the new trend in doing business. I would consider myself as one of those who have become obsessive with the trend of purchasing goods online. Let me explain the reasons why:

Price: The price of goods offered online are much more competitive and cheaper compared to in-store goods. I have done my research based on my personal experience in purchasing online goods in comparison to in-store goods. I found that products offered online are much cheaper than in-store products of the same brands’ name. The business owner of online business has the privilege to have direct access to the manufacturer’s products. They could order the goods direct from the manufacturer once ordered by the customer. Hence, they would get decent price from the manufacturer as they do not have to deal with the middleman. In conclusion, they are able to charge the customer at lower price based on the price offered by the manufacturer.

Practicality: I figure, it has always been practical to shop online. We do not have to go out from home as we can make order at a click of a mouse. There is no worry about being trapped in traffic and spending all days looking for goods that we planned to buy. Most of my camera’s equipments and accessories are bought online. I loved the idea of not having to go out and shop from one place to another looking for things that we wanted to buy. I would rather stay at home and make up my mind on the online offer. Furthermore, the price is equally competitive as the in-store goods.

Selection: The online store has wide selection of branded items to be chosen on. They have the privilege to publish wide selection of items as they are actually helping the manufacturers to promote their products. The latest products introduced will reach the online market before introduced to the mass market. Therefore, the first customer would definitely be the online buyer. I have never regretted the online purchases that I have made as the decision is made based on comparison of similar items offered online.

If you never purchased goods online, you should give it a try. You will fell in love with the idea of making purchases online and waiting for it to be sent to you personally.

Sacrifices during Raya Korban

Hari Raya Korban is celebrated by Muslims as to mark the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim in offering his own son as sacrifice to the God. The offering was actually an ordeal by God as to test Prophet Ibrahim's loyalty and faith in Islam. The sacrifice later changed with cattles as symbol of Muslim's community devotion to Islam.

The men are grouped in smaller groups as they have to work on two big cows. The meats are cut into smaller pieces so that it would be easier to distribute later. The smell of slaughtered flesh and blood is all over the place. Not a great sight for those who couldn’t stand the smell of blood. The meat then divided equally among less fortunate folks.

The pictures are taken under the roof during broad daylight. Hence, I do not used flash during the photo-shooting as the place itself is well lit. Furthermore, I do not want to distract the men in work. I managed to capture the pose of a man  holding a butchered cow’s head by requesting nicely to him for the shot. All you need to do is a little hospitality when you wanted something from strangers.

I have lots of fun taking photographs of the ritual as I never seen the actual ‘korban’ or sacrifice's ritual being executed live by Muslims’ community. The informative images are worth shared with other communities who are not familiar with the Muslims’ cultures.

Mountain Bike Joy Ride on 'Giant'

I have finally bought a mountain bike that I long desired. Two wheels have been my passion throughout my life. During my early youth, I used to have few bicycles and motorcycles; bought by my dad that I adore so much. Even before buying the bike, I did consider buying a motorcycle as to take into consideration that I would enjoy it more. However, I determined to commit myself in buying the bicycle as I wanted something that could help me to get in shape. Maybe a bike would be more motivating rather than jogging as its demand less effort and stamina.

The bike that I bought is considered of a high-end amateur category. I believed that it is categorized based on the specifications of the bike and how light it is. Cycling is kinda new to me, so I won't elaborate further. I decided to buy not so expensive bike, but of better specifications compare to the basic entry and basically from a popular and established brand 'Giant'. I bought it, taken into consideration that I might not enjoy cycling and maybe if I do, it will be easier for me to sell back in open market or upgrade for a better model. Why bother keeping it, if others willing to buy it and why not investing in a high-end bike if you enjoyed cycling it.

 

Before committing yourself in buying a bike, do consider how serious you want to be in involving yourself with this activity. If you are uncertain of your commitment, choose the one of a moderate level but from established and well-known brands. It would be easier to sell back later as established and well-known brands are in great demand for the cycling enthusasts.

Urban-scapes

The image of the old colonial building vs. the colourful monument, which are side by side to each other created unique sight of the photo. Its symbolize the clashed of historical Western heritage vs Eastern architectural. There are many historical buildings in Kuching, which are left by the Brooke"s family before the independent of Sarawak in 1960's. They are still preserved till this day as to mark the heritage of our state, Sarawak. Do bring along your wide-angle lens as some of the buildings are extremely wide and tall to be shot with standard lens.

The cemetary is located at St Joseph's Cathedral. It is one of the oldest Christian's cemetary site in Kuching. Why taking picture of the cemetary? There has always been something unique and mysterious about the place of the dead. People scared to appreciate the beauty of the serenity grave-yards as they are bound to the custom of believing that such a place is taboo for the living. As we can see in the picture, the image of the cemetary is worth appreciated.

Ramadhan's Bazaar

The photo-shooting trip is made during the Muslim's fasting season. My friends and I went to a local Ramadhan's Bazaar at Satok area. There are lots of foods sold by the local hawkers. The market is held only during the fasting season and most of the products and foods sold are kinda rare and only can be bought and available during fasting season. The market is packed full of customers and we can always smell all sorts of food around there, from Indian to typical Malay foods. I would consider the place as a great place to be in seeking for the memorable street photos. Do bring along your wide-angle lens as you will need it most at such a place.

Later, we hang out at the street called India Street. We took some pictures of Indian's shop-owner selling spices along the street.  Then, we proceed to the waterfront to look for the 'sampan' (hired small boat) to be photographed. We are lucky as we managed to capture few beautiful images of the boat and the people going inside it. The weather is quite hazy at that time. I am lucky  as I managed to capture the dim sunset light covered by the haze at the background. We should always be aware of the weather condition before going out for photo-shooting. Otherwise, we will be wasting our time in waiting for the right moment to shoot for what we are looking for.

Rock Climbing Event

The event has become an annual event which often held at a small town called Bau which is located about 30km from Kuching, Sarawak. It is held at a local tourist site of a well-known cave called Fairy Cave. It has become the favourite site for the professional and amateur climbers, due to its challenging and undisturbed nature. I managed to capture the wider perspective of the event as to show the whole perspective of the event, which involved the existence of those curious spectators.

The hut is built near to the climbing site. It is originally used as a typical hut to shelter farmers at the paddy field. The materials are made of palm leaves and suited the purpose for the farmers to seek shelter when it is rain and have their meal after working the whole day. I managed to capture the beautiful sight of the beautiful skies at the background while the people on the verandah are busy chatting with each other.

Sports Event

The images are taken during school's sports day. The event is held annually and involved the participants of 13 to 19 years old. The event helped to develop students' interest and passion of the sports that they participated in and at the same time to enable the coaches to seek talented athletes.

The images of the fire brigade's cadets and the 200m event are captured early in the morning as to take into consideration the atmosphere and background of a mystic morning. On the other hand, the long jump's event is captured in a stormy weather when it is about to rain. Hence, it’s created a sense of dramatic to the image.

The background effects played a vital role in drawing effects to the images taken. Hence, we must always be prepared and focused in adapting dramatic and beautiful background with the images captured. Plain background tends to create dullness to the images captured.