Forest Research Institute of Malaysia: FRIM are looking for Volunteers!

 


All you plant lovers out there who have some spare time on your hands are very much in luck!!

If you are interested in:

• Volunteering whilst working outdoors
• Learning about the diversity of native plants in Malaysia
• Be part of conserving one of the most beautiful parks in KL
• Learning how to conserve, propagate and maintain tropical plants
• Planting trees
• Meet some like-minded people who care for the planet...........

Then FRIM is where you want to be!






They are currently looking for volunteers for short term or long term conservation projects.
If you only have an hour per week to spare or you can come more often does not matter. The more the merrier!







For more information please contact NORSHAM SUHAINA BINTI YAAKOB who works in the research department at FRIM.

Her contact details are:

Email:  norsham@frim.gov.my
T : 603-62797000  (extn:7246)
F : 603 62731314


Address:

Forest Research Institute
Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Website:  www.frim.gov.my

Chinese Medicine and Blind Masseurs in Kuala Lumpur!

I sometimes write about odd and different things that you can try out in Kuala Lumpur and here are two more examples:

Asia is generally known for it's talent in creating beautiful spas and providing wonderful and health beneficial massages. To get a massage with a difference why not check out the:

 Blind Master Massage Centre.

Hours are: 09.00 to 20.30
17A, Jalan Tun Sambathan 4,
A bit further on from the YMCA and 7 Eleven
Tel: 03-2273 0188, 03-2273 0189
Closest LRT/Monorail = KL Sentral
Massages and reflexology.
All masseurs are blind!


For an experience of traditional Chinese Medicine you can ask for:

Soon Yih Chian
62 Jalan Tun Perak
Tel: 03-2078 2857
Nearest Lrt: Masjid Jamek.

Soon Yih Chian is in an old and simple chinese herbal shop in the Masjid Jamek area.
Her consultations are free.
You simply pay for what ever herbs she recommends to you after the consultation.
You are not obliged to buy any medicine, so you can relax and enjoy the difference of being consultated in a traditional chinese manner.

Enjoy!

Art Gallery Kuala Lumpur, Petronas Gallery

A great photographic exhibition is currently on in the Petronas Gallery in the KLCC petronas twin towers.
A must see, you will be moved and amazed by the stories the photos tell.
The exhibition is is not only great,  it is free!!

This current exhibition ends on the 26th of June 2013.

More information here:
Petronas Gallery

Make Friends and have fun in Kuala Lumpur!

Most expats can make moving from country to country look quite easy and fun! Yet there are a great number out there who are quite bored, lonely and desperate for friends!
Many are not aware, that Kuala Lumpur has quite a lot of activities going on where they can:

1. Meet new people
2. Make some great friends
3. Have fun
4. Discover something new.

So here is a short list of some of the activities over the next 2 months where expats and locals alike can connect:

Canada Rocks Celebration on 11th May 2013
Jewellery Bazaar on 16th May 2013
More info here:       Canadians in KL







Manza Welcome Tea: 9th May and every 2nd Thursday of the Month
Manza Dinner Club: 11th May and every 2nd Saturday of the Month
Manza Ball: 18th May 2013
KL Orientation tour : 27th May 2013

More info here: Antipodeans in KL



PJ Laugh Fest with Comedy Galore:  15th May to 9th June
Andrea Bocelli in KL: 5th May

More info here:   Expatriatelifestyle

Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

Very educational and a must see if you wish to learn more about the history of the Malaysian flag, the influences of the Islamic world on our modern day and of course to see some wondeful miniatures of the world's most impressive and beautiful mosques. A nice way to spend one afternoon would be to visit the nearby bird park, the National Mosque and the Islamic arts museum and then enjoy a high noon tea at the newly opened Majestic Hotel.

 

 

For more information on the Museum have a look here:
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Batu Caves and Thaipusam

Once a year, at the beginning of the year (date changes every year) there is a very intriguing festival called Thaipusam. Celebrated by the Malaysian Indians, the main place to go witness the activity is Batu Caves (just outside KL) and Sri Mahamariamman Temple near Central Market/Pasar Seni.

Brickfields near KL Sentral on the other hand has minimal festivities, and many tourists are often disappointed as they mistakingly expect this area to be the main focal point on this day. There may be other festivities all around KL (e.g: Gombak, Masjid Jamek ) but your best bet is really Batu Caves.

Visit this Link if you wish to understand more about this celebration.

Wikipedia: Thaipusam

Have a look at the photos below to give you a better idea of what to expect.

Batu caves with the world's tallest statue of Murugan.

 

Monkeys at Batu Caves: they get cheekier every year.

 

Australia Bushfire Appeal in Kuala Lumpur.

If you wish to attend and partake in the fundraising appeal to help raise some money for the assistance of all who are suffering the Australian bushfires, you can at   KLCC convention centre on Thursday, the 31st of January 2013.


Please find more details below as quoted from the official flier:

"Australia is battling scores of bushfires following a spell of record breaking hot weather.

Thousands of residents across South East Australia have been displaced as a result of the

devastating bushfires with many losing their homes. Many of us have seen the heartbreaking images on television and there is an immediate need for assistace ro the affected people. The Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC), together with the Malaysia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (MNZCC), the Malaysia Canada Business Chamber (MCBC) and American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) have decided to do our part in helping the victims by organizing the "Australia Bushfire Appeal" fundraising event.

 

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?

Join us at the Australia Bushfire Appeal Fundraising on:

Thursday, 31st January 2013:     6.00pm to 9.00pm

 

Venue:              Banquet Hall, Level 3, KL Convention Centre
Reg. Fees:        RM100 per person

 

All proceeds collected at the event, including registration fees will be channeled to said fund.

Please RSVP your attendance by Friday, 25th January 2013.

 

Australia Bushfire Appeal Fundraising & Networking: Thursday, 31st January 2013.

Reservations by fax: +60 37960 9489 or

Email: mabc@mabc.org.my "

New Majestic Hotel KL

The wonderfully refurbished Majestic Hotel is now open! Colonial in style and opposite the old Railway station, it brings a nice touch to the area. You can spend a nice afternoon visiting the National Mosque (Masjid Negara), the Islamic Arts Museum and then walk to the Majestic Hotel for afternoon tea.

For more information: Majestic Hotel

 

Afternoon tea

Cruise Tasik Putra Jaya and Floating Pink Mosque in KL.

A nice way to spend the afternoon in Kuala Lumpur is to cruise past all the sites in Putra Jaya.
Cruise Tasik runs a regular boat service that costs 50RM per adult. There are discounts for students, my second home visa holders, mykad holders etc

It is a 45 minute boat ride with a tour guide explaining the facts and statitistics of all the major sights.

Of course the beautiful pink mosque: Masjid Putra floating on the Putra Lake, cannot be missed and the boat leaves from the dock next to this wonderful Mosque.

To get to Putra Jaya, you can take the train from KL Sentral. Putra Jaya is situated between Kuala Lumpur and the International Airport.

If you have a large group of 12 or more you can hire the cruise boat for lunch or dinner & drinks.
More details on their website below:

www.cruistasikputrajaya.com

Fish spa therapy in Kuala Lumpur.

If you haven't tried this yet you must-it is such a good laugh!!
It will be a foot massage that you will never forget! How does it work?
Different sizes of fish tickle and massage your feet by nibbling away at them. Don't worry it doesn't hurt but it will really get you screaming with uncontrollable laughter!
There is no describing the sensation- you just have to give it a go!!

Where in KL can you go and experience this?
There are several places and I have mentioned 2 of them below:

Central market, Pasar Seni, ground floor has one Fish Spa which is inexpensive and simple. Here you will find 2 sizes of fish as well as a hand spa (fish nibble your fingers!!)

The Pavillion Mall (Near Mono Rail Bukit Bintang) has a more expensive Fish Spa which offers other massages as well. Have a look at their website here:http://www.kenko.com.sg/

Enjoy!

Central Market, Pasar Seni in Kuala Lumpur.

Central Market is the closest thing in Kuala Lumpur to Chakutchat Market in Bangkok though you cannot compare the two really! Chakutchat is huge and full of bargains galore. Central Market is smaller and more pricey in comparison but it is the best alternative in KL to the mega malls with only branded, designer goods.
If you are looking for some Batik to take home have a look in Central Market and at the Batik Store at Bukit Nanas.
See link below for details.
Batik at Bukit Nanas

National Science Centre, Pusat Sains Negara in Kuala Lumpur

A great outing for kids and adults alike is the National Science Centre in Bukit Kiara.
A magnificent glass domed building, with dinosaur shaped plants outside, a swimming pool area and lots of fun scientific tangibles inside. Not known to many but there is also a mini aquarium. Admission price for adults is 6rm as of April 2012. More information can be found here:
Science Centre Kuala Lumpur

Cleaning of the exterior glass is a mammoth task!

Mini Aquarium tunnel with freshwater fish.

Different view of a freshwater Sting Ray!

Educational view of an oil Rig.

Aung San Suu Kyi on the wall of Nobel Peace Prize winners.