Author Archives: Lesley Tan

Surprises at Sentosa

23rd September, 2016 | Article By Lesley Tan

ActivitiesAttractionsFamily TravelResortsTheme Parks

A great part of Singapore is the marvelous island of Sentosa. There is just so much there for the whole family! There is Universal Studios, a fabulous day out for anyone who is interested in movies at Resorts World Sentosa. There is also a casino on the Sentosa side and one on the Singapore island side. In fact there is so much to do on the island it is difficult to know where to head for first! A few years ago we witnessed the construction of flying with iFly in a wind tunnel, which I have experienced before in Malaysia, not to be missed.

If you have ever wanted to try Segway travelling then this is the place. There are lessons on how to balance and then you are off. You can then take a Segway group tour of some of Sentosa’s attractions.

There are loads of beautiful beaches and bars and The LUGE! If you are brave enough you can whizz down the Luge Track. The Skyline Sentosa Luge is a great attraction suitable for all ages. The Luge is a unique wheeled gravity ride giving riders full control over their descent on a Luge track. Once is Never Enough so there are packages for more rides.

You can hire a bicycle, relax with a drink, have a meal and stay over in a hotel if you find that one day is not enough.

There is Fort Siloso, Madam Tussard’s, Hard Rock Café, Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom and you can even climb up The Merlion and take in the fabulous views for miles around!

The only way you will really get to know the full extent of what Sentosa Island has to offer is to actually visit this special place.

Access is available by road, ferry or cable car from Singapore main island.

Golden Mookata Bar-B-Q Steamboat

14th September, 2016 | Article By Lesley Tan

Food and DrinkRestaurants

Yesterday evening our family treated ourselves to a different kind of ‘steamboat’ – Mookata Bar B Q,  right here in Marina Bay, Miri, Malaysia.

This place is so popular we had to book, and that was easily done through their Facebook page!

Parking is easy and free for the moment as Marina Bay is a new area and parking fees have not yet been implemented.

The first plate will arrive after you have sat down and it is filled with a delicious array of what is on offer for you to choose from.  After this plate is finished you are allowed to eat as much as you like, but unnecessary wasted will be charged, which is only right.

The staff are friendly, keep the soup topped up and are always around to help if you need it.

When you have finished cooking your food in the soup, or cooking it on the BBQ middle section, you have choices of ice-cream, cake, puddings, jellies and fresh fruit to finish off with. Soft drinks and lager are also served.

We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and will be returning.

Alnwick Antics via Alnmouth

| Article By Lesley Tan

Day TripsFamily DaysFunHistoric BldgsThings to do

This summer we decided to visit somewhere we had not visited before. We asked where our son would like to visit and he said Alnwick! Well, we HAD been there, many years ago when he was small, but we only stood outside the castle and took photos.

So I made plans to get there, not so straight forward without a car as Alnwick has no railway station, and the bus would take up a lot of our time, so we decided to get the train to nearby Alnmouth and then a local bus into Alnwick.

We packed a picnic and set off on this bright and sunny day. When we arrived at Alnmouth Station we took a walk down to the pretty seaside village and took a few photos. It is a small village with quite a few pubs, a small grocers and some hotels.

As we were about to get ready to take the bus to Alnwick I noticed a sign on a hotel/pub saying “Haunted Hotel”. This was very exciting for our son as he is very interested in ‘haunted’ places and this one apparently has a reputation of being VERY haunted! So we took more photos.

After boarding the bus to Alnwick we had an interesting top deck ride and then got off in Alnwick itself. The castle is a short walk from the bus station. There is actually a lot more to see in the area including the famous Alnwick Gardens, but we did not have enough time, so decided to just visit Alnwick Castle and do Alnwick Gardens another time.

The castle is big and we were not disappointed when we got inside as there was a Knights Quest where you can get dressed up and Slay The Dragon, or throw rats at your dad in the stocks. You can even sit on a throne and pretend you are royalty. There are displays of weapons of the Knights era and there are polystyrene swords for you to practice killing dummy soldiers. There was so much more too. My son loved it!

We moved on to Dragon Quest which is a bit scary with loads of ghoulish sounds and great effects in the Northumberland Dragon’s Lair. We all loved this too.

Inside the medieval walls of Alnwick Castle are the State Rooms which are magnificent. The artwork and sheer luxury of it all stunned us. We only wished we had time to stay longer, unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos.

There is so much more to see in Alnwick Castle, a really great day out for all the family! We will certainly go back to visit the castle again one day. And the Alnwick Gardens? Yes! Next trip!

Cullercoats Harbour Day

25th July, 2016 | Article By Lesley Tan

BeachesEventsFestivalsFunLeisure

Cullercoats Harbour Day.

Saturday, 16th July, was Harbour Day for Cullercoats, a small traditional fishing village with a very quaint little harbour.

This annual festival is hosted by the RNLI and brings people and families from all over the north of England, and sometimes from even further afield, to take part in the many activities, games or to just simply have a picnic on the beach and a swim in the sea. The RNLI depends heavily on the public for funding and this is one of the ways money is raised.

On this day the public are invited to actually get on board the lifeboats and take a look around. They also have displays from the lifeboats themselves: a helicopter winching someone down and up as they demonstrate a sea rescue, paddle boarding, cliff rescues, raffles, a tea-room, ice cream stalls and even frying kippers!

It was a beautiful sunny day and everyone seemed like they were having fun. I would certainly encourage others to attend next year’s event. Apart from anything else, it is a great day out for the whole family!

Crossing The Tyne Festival 2017

17th July, 2016 | Article By Lesley Tan

EntertainmentEventsFestivalsMusicVenues

This 3rd year was the BEST year yet for Crossing The Tyne Festival. There were performers in and around North and South Shields, Newcastle and Gateshead, around the River Tyne area of the North East of England. They “Crossed” The Tyne via the Shields Ferry and performed in venues on the “other” side of the river. Performers also did gigs on the actual Shields Ferry as it transported people across The Tyne – hosted by the talented Ray Rowley. One crossing was for each group of performers.

All events were free with monies collected in Charity Buckets donated to the very deserving cause: – Oxfam via Oxjam

South Shields was alive with the sound of music from the ferry and four nearby venues: The Word, The Alum Ale House, The Customs House and The Steamboat.  Many people were seen walking around with guitars, all smiling and chatting to everyone. A very happy atmosphere and the weather was great too!

On the North Shields side venues such as The Bell and Bucket, The Old Low Lights Tavern, Old Low Light Heritage Centre – The Net, The Quay Taphouse and The Magnesia Bank were also hosting various events. This went on from around midday to around 5pm (and well into the small hours in one or two places) with everyone in a musical party mood!

Some of the venues were “Turn Up And Play”, there was also a Ukelele Hub, Folk Music, Rock, Poetry Readings, Indie, Jazz,  and a lot of other genres too. There was something for everyone to enjoy and Family Friendly too.

Further up The Tyne, Newcastle and Gateshead venues like Trillians, The Bridge, The Newcastle City Castle (a real ancient castle with a fabulous atmosphere), The Central Bar, Arch 16, Prohibition Bar, Riverbeat and the Railway Club were popular venues.

Admin and some of the many helpers for the fest this year:  Jan Buglass, Derrin Atkins, Liz Panton, Lesley Tan, Ray Rowley, Wayne Bordoli, and a whole host of others all lead by ‘Festival Creator’ Steve Willis. On the Oxjam side, Michael El J Jax and many more lead by Stephen ‘Oxjam’ Ferrell of Nova Radio North East.

In the evening there was a ticketed ‘musical party’ on the Shields Ferry. It left South Shields, went up to Newcastle (the Millennium Bridge was raised and lowered for this) and back down again. The party was extremely well attended by the performers themselves and the public. The ‘Live’ music was lead by the excellent Chloe Chadwick and ‘friends’ (loads of fabulous local CROSSING musicians) and Hollie Cavanagh (DJ Hollie Disco-Dollie) Vinyl DJ. This ‘after-party’ ended with almost every performer ‘jamming’ together. Fantastic! A night to remember!

Next year’s Crossing The Tyne Festival is set for 25th August and was highlighted on Sunday 10th September, 2017 when past performers of the Crossing The Tyne Festival turned up at Harton Quay, close to South Shields ferry terminal, to entertain the thousands of people lining up to CROSS the Tyne to see the Great North Run 2017. As some people waiting for the ferry had to line up for quite a long time, they were kept entertained by the great music. This event was also highlighted by the Red Arrows flying over the North East of England. What a great sight and a great place to live!

Crossing The Tyne Festival is one of the best free festivals around, I will certainly be there next year!

Photos by Wayne Bordoli, Darren Turner and Lesley Tan

Malaysian Food – Shrimps (Hae-b)

8th June, 2016 | Article By Lesley Tan

AttractionsFood and DrinkLocal LifeTravelWeather

Malaysia is famous for its many delicious and different kinds of food.  When you visit Malaysia you are really spoilt for choice. Shrimp is one ingredient which is used in many Malaysian dishes and the traditional process from catching the shrimp to the finished product is a great sight to see and a great attraction for tourists. It is also the livelihood for many Malaysians.

Popular among all races in Malaysia is food cooked with “hae-b” which produces a great aroma and is fresh and delicious in taste. It is also recognized as one of the Malaysia’s top products. Grade A “hae-b” now costs nearly RM100 per kg. If you are interested in the ways of other cultures then I am sure this will be of great interest to you!

This is a simple pictorial introduction on the process of “hae-b” making. Hae-b” (in Chinese) or “Sesar” or “Kupas” (in Melanau), is the term for the drying-out of shrimps.

After the fishermen have caught the shrimps, they are transferred to the area where they will be processed.  Next the important cleansing process begins. After cleansing, a very slow, time-consuming but patient step then follows, the delicate arranging of the shrimps to get the maximum benefits from the drying process. These meticulously arranged shrimps will then be transferred to the Smoking Room for the long hot hours of the smoking process. The final step is the drying of the shrimps under the hot Malaysian sunshine!

By the way, the wonderful Malaysian hot and sunny weather is another reason to visit Malaysia.

Photos
Pic 1 – Transferring the fresh shrimps
Pics 2/ 3 – Cleansing the shrimps
Pics 4-7 – Slow and patient arranging of the shrimps
Pics 8-10 – Long hot hours in the smoking room (smoking the shrimp meat before putting out to dry under the sun )
Pics 11/12 – Final step! Drying the shrimps under the sun.

Photos by Tong Teck Ping and Chang Yi (Fishing Net)

Tynemouth Station and Market

31st May, 2016 | Article By Lesley Tan

AttractionsLeisureMarketsShoppingTravel

I live within walking distance of Tynemouth Metro Station. It is very convenient as it is part of a loop line to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. You may travel in both directions from Tynemouth and end up in Newcastle and many other interesting places.

As well as a Metro station, Tynemouth Station is also host to a Weekend Market which is visited by many people on most Saturdays and Sundays.

There are many different kinds of traders, second-hand goods, food, books, photography, clothing, fruit and vegetable sellers, exotic foods, ice-cream, old furniture and flowers to name but a few!

I love to go there and wander around, if you feel hungry or thirsty, there are also stalls where you can have a bacon bun and a cup of tea at a very reasonable price. In fact the whole station offers very reasonably priced goods. There are also a couple of restaurants and sometimes the station holds different kinds of activities and attractions such as traditional craft work and choirs.

Tynemouth Station in one of the oldest stations in the North East and a Grade 2 Listed Building which first opened in 1882 so its architecture is impressive!

If you are in the North East of England, why don’t you give it a visit? You can hop off the Metro and the stalls are right in front of you, then hop back on when it is time to leave. There are also some wonderful beaches 5 to 10 mins walk away.

Natural beauty of Cyprus

25th May, 2016 | Article By Lesley Tan

NaturePhotographySceneryTravelWildlife

I think there are many people in this world who have heard of Cyprus as a great holiday destination and even a great place to live, with a nice, usually warm, climate. But it seems that the latest trend is to book into an all-inclusive resort where you spend most of your holiday sitting round the pool and eating, drinking and partying the night away, without ever seeing the REAL Cyprus.

Costas Constantinou, of Cyprus, takes great pleasure in going round his beautiful island with his camera, taking beautiful shots of the scenery, sunsets, birds, the underwater world, flowers and anything else which catches his eye!

The Cyprus most people think of is usually the beaches, hotels and quaint towns, but there is so much more. Take a tour around Costas’ Cyprus and I am sure you will want to visit and indeed return, time and again.

Photography by Costas Constantinou.

Best of Borneo

23rd May, 2016 | Article By Lesley Tan

Local LifeNaturePhotographySceneryTravel

Sarawak in Borneo has many great attractions including its diverse culture, flora, fauna and scenery.

If you love nature then you will LOVE Borneo!

Excellent award winning photographer, Tong Teck Ping of Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia,  spends most of his free time going around with his trusty camera, taking shots of his beautiful homeland. He very artistically captures detailed shots of insects, river life, flowers, the many colours of the skies and the local population in their everyday activities, to name but a few.

We have the hot and humid climate here to make the jungles and kampongs (villages) and towns a hive of activity, with beautiful blooms, insects and other wildlife.

These photos are just a taster to show you some of the magnificent sights awaiting you here in Sarawak, Borneo.

Why don’t you have a holiday with a difference this year and book a vacation here in Malaysia? Pack your camera and suitcase and pay us a visit! You will not regret it!

Photos by Tong Teck Ping

Thoroughly Modern Miri

20th April, 2016 | Article By Lesley Tan

ActivitiesAttractionsFamily TravelFood and DrinkTravel

Miri is truly a great city and it is not too big, so very easy to walk around. Lately there have been a few changes. Land reclaimed from the sea, a new river mouth and new condominiums and shopping centres with loads of new restaurants. There is also Miri Marina in Marina Bay! Recently we have had the opening of the very nice Pullman Hotel.

Miri in Sarawak is situated near to Brunei on the island of Borneo. It is a haven for food lovers! There is just so much choice. You can try Local Malay, Chinese, Indian and Sarawakian food, Western, Japanese, Italian restaurants and a whole lot more. There are also many street stalls which sell delicious local delights which are cooked before your eyes!

You can do some jungle trekking and visit some of the oldest cave systems in the world, Mulu or Batu Niah. If you time your visit to Mulu properly you can witness the spectacle of seemingly thousands of bats streaming out of the caves. Or, you can visit the Miri Petroleum Museum, the Grand Old Lady (Oil Platform – the first oil well to drill here in Miri), or have a great time browsing for super bargains in some of the many shopping malls. How about a visit to Miri Crocodile Farm and see many different species of local wildlife, as well as watch the crocodiles being fed? Well, the list is endless, we have Country and Jazz Festivals, we celebrate Chinese New Year, Gawaii (Harvest Festival), Deepavali (Festival of Lights), Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Muslim Celebration) and much more! We have a newly created Piasau Nature Reserve (previously Piasau Camp)  in which Hornbills of Sarawak can be sighted, many parks and the protected Sarawak Rainforest National Park. The sunsets in Miri are also out of this world!

If you are planning a trip to Asia, please do not forget about Miri in Sarawak.

Why don’t you take a look at my Web Page?

www.mirioiltown.com

Photos by Lesley Tan, Jeff Fotografia and Danny Geofry