Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅寺

Cultivation Center
ground floor: book fair
1st floor: auditorium
2nd floor: exhibition
(this round is about meditation 禅)

amitabah

2010 year Chinese New Year, we visited Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅寺. We reached there about 8pm and got to park my car far away because there were many people.

bb liked seeing lanterns

amitabah

Orchids

释迦佛: 释迦佛: 世尊出生就一手指天一手指地，周行七步，自言天上天下唯我独尊

Tiger year 虎年

BB looking his lucky chinese zodiac : Cow / Ox

Simple Elegant!

I was interested by a speaker talking about meditation 禅 that links to our daily life... very interesting although I heard it before, maybe it purified my heard again :p because people is easily get lost in the daily life!

There was a book fair at the exhibition center. In the book fair, we were asked to draw a message from a basket:

Here are the message:

站在半路，比走到目标更辛苦
Standing in the middle of the road is more strenuous than reaching ones destination
(master Cheng Yen Jingsi Aphorisms)

我们最大的敌人不是别人， 可能是自己
Our greatest enemy is not others but more likely ourselves
(master Cheng Yen Jingsi Aphorisms)


It really clear out my doubts and reassure my decision to complete my phd study in Singapore. I got to be bold to face it regardless of challenges, difficulties and loneliness since standing in the middle of the road is more strenuous than reaching ones destination. I really gained a lot of the visit!

The main entrance to the temple

A performance stage was just finished
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Floor plan of Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅寺

How to get to Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅寺 @ Jenjarom 仁嘉隆??

The above figure shown the clear direction/map to Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅寺 @ Jenjarom 仁嘉隆. It is located near to Klang.

親近大自然：漫山遍野的茅草啊！

Taken from: 星洲日報／快樂星期天‧文：林悅‧2009.05.17
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烈日當空，我喘著氣走在上山的小徑上，汗流浹背。那陡峭的泥路，阻礙著我前進的速度，有時候還迫使我不得不手腳並用爬上高處。老遠跑來這裡，為的是甚麼呢？你聽了一定笑——就為了看茅草！

對啊，就為了看漫山遍野的茅草！

我身邊有朋友是“花癡”，為了尋花、賞花，不惜舟車勞頓，非找到看花的目的地不可。“花癡”每一次吐出“漫山遍野的花啊”這句話時，總是充滿感動，並陶醉在自己的浪漫遐想中。

“漫山遍野”，仿佛有巨大的渲染力，叫人一聽，就浮想翩翩。想想，整座山頭被某種植物和色彩覆蓋，能不撼人嗎？

老早就聽說武來岸有座茅草山（正確名稱是武來岸山，但別名茅草山更富盛名），山頭長滿了隨風搖曳的茅草，蔚為奇觀。我不是“花癡”，我願意為看茅草而走一趟。

入口在油棕園

出發那一天，天氣好得不得了。雲朵分明，天空湛藍，連影子都被照射得分外清晰。

我從吉隆坡開車，取蕉賴／加影大道走，然後轉進士毛月方向，跟著Broga的指示牌，大約1小時，就到了武來岸。

這是一個很小的鎮，位於森美蘭和雪蘭莪之間。先是找了一家熟食檔，叫了一碗咖喱面，再加一杯煎堆飲料。大熱天，充滿碎冰的煎堆，真是好味，喝個見底還意猶未盡。

向幹活的年輕美眉打聽茅草山在哪裡，她指出方向，原來必須回頭走出大街，直到看見一家兔莊就可停車了。而茅草山的進口，就在兔莊對面的油棕園。

跟著她的指示，我輕易找到了兔莊，也發現對面的油棕園，以及清晰的路徑。

沿著泥路深入油棕園，陰沉的環境讓人感覺一絲不安，但短短的一段路之後，就走到了油棕園的盡頭，看見了岔路。我選擇了往高處去的那條，那是正確的。擺脫陰沉的油棕園，我處在了陽光暴曬下的環境，偶爾有樹陰，卻蚊子特多。那段期間武來岸染上基孔肯雅症的人共有4人，而我被無處不在的蚊子叮咬，還真是有點冒險。

路徑一直很明顯，雖然有的地段還蠻陡峭，但基本上不難走，充其量是行山，不是爬山。



在還未抵達山頂之前，綠茵的樹木和植物，以及嬌艷的花朵隨路可見，但等到茅草開始出現之後，就再也沒有樹木可遮蔭了。大片的山頭，頂著大藍天，開闊無比，而綠樹則慢慢退到腳下，必須以俯視的角度觀望了。

春風吹又生

茅草開始多了起來，在路徑兩旁，在山崖邊，最後是一大片地出現。這種根系不易根除的植物，生長力特強，一但蔓延開來，就瘋長似地攻占土地，它那頂部的白色的穗狀花，像棉花般，彎彎的，輕盈如雲，風一吹，一同順著一個方向擺去，搖曳出詩意。

密集相連的茅草，白茫茫成海，那是溫柔的花海，更像是一副渲染了白紙的水彩畫。茅草沒有鮮艷的色彩，它一身素淡，簡樸平實，一如它的身份，是草芥，不是瑰寶，更多時候，它只會惹人厭，就因為它生長的速度，實在太快了。

“斬草不除根，春風吹又生。”正好是茅草的比喻。

從山上往下看，油棕園平靜地徜徉在陽光下，山坡一層接一層，可看見游人慢慢從樹陰走了出來，穿梭在茅草之間，緩慢登高。他們帶著相機、水和歡樂，趁週末的到來一同去郊游，不起眼的茅草，就因為游人的口耳相傳，美名傳播出去，像我這樣慕名而來的游人，其實不算少。茅草，如此平凡的植物，因此有了不同的價值。美景，其實還真不一定要多壯闊或璀璨，只要懂得品味，我們周邊的好山好水，也有獨特的氣質與個性。

絡繹不絕的游人

前來茅草山的人，一是大清早就登高看日出，一是前來看日落的。我是午後才來的，當準備要下山的時候，正是太陽斜射，照射出一片金黃光芒的時刻。

那真是美麗的時刻，山坡、樹林、茅草，全都浸淫在亮錚錚的金光中，乍看之下，茅草變成了稻穗，垂著頭，一道美麗的弧線附上了邊緣光，如此細，如此亮眼。

一面下山，一面忍不住回頭望，那漫山遍野的茅草，逐漸隱退，我再次走進了綠茵的叢林，向地面貼近。而這個時候，還有人陸續的前來，與我持相反的方向而去。我與樂融融有說有笑的家庭成員擦肩而過，做爸爸的那個手裡抱著孩子，他還叫孩子跟我說“哈羅，姐姐”；還有其他上山的人，是一幫朋友，他們搬了食物和帳篷，準備在山上過夜。

茅草山，原來這麼受歡迎。

那天，我帶著發燙的身體離開茅草山，一回到家，迫不及待地處理之前拍攝的照片，在黑夜中，一盞暈黃燈光照明之下，我再次看見連片的茅草，發出柔光，如此淡雅，如此樸實，卻瘋狂地霸佔了整個山頭，既蠻橫，又美麗。

如何前往：
朝士毛月（Semenyih）去，進入市區之後（Jalan Semenyih），留意Broga（武來岸）指示牌，在Petronas油站前的紅綠燈轉入Broga。一段路之後，會看見Nottingham大學出現在左手邊。再往前走3公里，東亞兔莊出現在右手邊，對面是油棕園，那即是茅草山的入口。

認識白矛（茅草）：
學名：Imperata cylindrica（L.）Beauv.
科名：禾本科（Poaceae）
俗名：茅草、絲茅、茅柴、地筋。
莖：地下莖發達，長而多節，地上部莖直立，簇生。
葉：葉片狹長，呈線狀，葉緣粗糙。
花：總狀花序聚集成緊縮的圓錐花序。
果：披針形的穎果，1有白色絹毛。
鑑定特徵：草本，發達的黃白色地下莖及白色穗狀花序。
分布：低海拔至平地的向陽開闊地、海濱、田埂等
用途：藥用、建築材料。
星洲日報／快樂星期天‧文：林悅‧2009.05.17

Kuala Gandah: Elephant Santuary

Kuala Gandah: Elephant ride!

If you like to take a ride on a real elephant, then you cant miss the elephant santuary located at Kuala Gandah. It can be reached by taking Karak Expressway from Kuala Lumpur (the same highway to Genting). Pay a toll in Gombak toll and another toll in Bentong. After that, drive along with East Coast Expressway and take an exit to Lanchang. Then take a right turn right after the toll. After that, follow the signboard to Kuala Gandah, which is located at remote area. It approximately takes about 2 hours plus drive from KL. The map below provides the direction/guidance to Kuala Gandah.

View Larger Map

There are few activities in this elephant santuary.

• feeding elephant with fruit in a close distance.
• Take an elephant ride on ground
• Take an elephant ride on river
• bath with elephant
• visit elephant museum

Elephant feeding (fruits are provided)

elephant riding

This is the first time I ride on an elephant

Ride on elephant across river and bath with it

The most especial event is riding on elephant on river. Why? take a look on the youtube below from someone:

You will get completely wet. Therefore make sure you bring extra cloths to change.

Have fun :)

2男女困茅草山30小時 (lost in Broga Hill)

其中一只跟失蹤者一起上山的黑狗，過后竟然自行走下山，跳上主人的車休息。（圖：星洲日報）

taken from http://www.sinchew-i.com

2 hikers lost in Broga Hill

（雪蘭莪‧加影）一對份屬上司與下屬關係的華裔男女，週六（7月11日）早上攜5隻狗兒登爬武來岸茅草山後迷途失蹤；兩人受困山上逾30個小時，過了漫長一夜後，今日（週日，7月12日）下午終被搜尋隊伍發現，處境安全。

這座位於武來岸打侖新村的茅草山在當地非常出名，有許多外地人慕名而來，據悉，這次是首次發生登山者失蹤事件。此山共有2個出口，一處是出雪州森林，另一個出口在森州地區。

警方及民防部隊等單位於週六晚上11時許，接獲失蹤者家人的投報後，趕到現場展開尋人行動。

一度失蹤的黃繡燕（26歲）來自沙登怡觀園，職業是會計，她近年來愛上登山，最近曾到茅草山開辟新的登山路；與她一同失蹤的50歲林姓男子，相信是她的上司。

據瞭解，林姓男子是蕉賴某登山協會的資深會員，他性格較內向，只喜歡少數人登山。搜尋隊伍週六晚上在新村通往茅草山的路口，發現他的豐田HILUX四驅車。

週日早上有一名來自登山協會的男子，聽聞林姓男子失蹤後，也進山協助尋人。

負責搜尋行動的蘇谷警曹表示，女方於週日早上10時許已撥電向男友報平安了，男方過後也已聯絡搜尋隊伍，並形容兩人身處的位置。

他說，失蹤者聲稱被竹林及椰樹圍繞，於是搜尋隊伍向當地的原住民瞭解，得悉類似環境共有3處，馬上派出35名搜尋人員及數名熟悉山上環境的原住民，一起上山救人。

“首批搜尋隊伍進山後，通報指在遠處發現兩人的蹤影，但尚未把他們帶出來。”

由於兩人都沒帶指南針，因此搜救人員須費一番功夫才能把他們引領到會合地點，至下午截稿時間為止，他們還未從山裡走出。

Deuter Hiking Backpack @ Metro Plaza Kajang

a wide variety of hiking backpacks

I was looking for a hiking bag. I planed to use it for travelling and hiking purposes. I recalled that Metro Plaza Kajang had a hiking accessory shop on the top floor, near to GSC cinema area. The shop name was Evergreen Adventure (03-8734 7318). Beside hiking bag, the shop also sold tent, head light, sleeping bag, and all sorts of hiking accesories could be found over here.

Deuter: Futura 50 series

My new Deuter backpack

I initially planned to buy a red colour Deuter backpack that only costed me around RM250 but it was an old model. Furthermore its size was only 40 litres.

After discussion and comparision, I decided to buy a new arrival bag with branded name - Deuter. The lattest feature was with "zero" word, which was extremely light weight as compared to those backpacks without zero. Therefore it costed me RM350. It was the most expensive bag I had ever bought. The bag was 50 litres, allowing me to carry a lot of stuff.

Green color bag with Deuter Brand

Frankly speaking, I was not keen on the green color but it was the only color for this models. The saler said that these bags had 3 colors but all sold out already. So no choice...

Rear view: with aircomfort back system

aircomfort back system

Futura Zero: super light weight + 50 litres

The details of the bag as below (source) :

Style:	44587
Volume:	3050 cubic inches (50 litres)
Torso:	16-21 inches
Weight:	3 lbs. 5 oz. (1650g)
Dimensions (HxWxD):	28 x 13 x 9 inches

View Larger Map

Broga Hill @ Semenyih (茅草山 @ 士毛月)

Panoramic view of Broga Hill

(click image to enlarge)

Broga has a famous hiking place, which is called Broga Hill (Bukit Lalang / 茅草山 ). It is located not very far away from the University of Nottingham, at between the university and broga town centre. The entrance of Broga Hill is quite obscure and not easily spotted because it did not have any signboard. A good way to identify the entrance is by searching for Rabbit Fun Land (www.earcsb.com) as shown in the image below:

The Broga Hill entrance is opposite to Rabbit Fun Land (www.earcsb.com)

Rabbits @ Rabbit Fun Land

The broga entrance is directly opposite of it. The other method, in case the rabbit fun land has shifted away somewhere, the entrance can be known by looking at this milestone which is situated near to rabbit fun land:

Milestone indicates 1km from Broga town

I have added Broga Hill (Bukit Lalang / 茅草山 ) icons on google map. You are freely to check on the Broga Hill exact location.

Guide / Map to Broga Hill (click on the icons to see the details)


View Broga Hill Direction in a larger map
Just added the above Google Map to Broga Hill. (24 Jan 2010)
(click on the green mountain icon to see picture)

Click here to: Direction / Map to Semenyih, giving a clear directions & options to Semenyih Town.

16 Nov morning, I planned to hike Broga Hill with my wife and my family. It had been years that I did not come to this place since secondary school, maybe due to my laziness or too many excuses. In fact, I did not remember the entrance but luckily I managed get information from internet. Early in the morning, we embarked from my home town, Semenyih (see my blog about Semenyih) to Broga Hill. It took me about 10 minutes drive to the entrance. Hmm, to conquer this little Broga Hill was not a challenge to me after I had hiked Bukit Tabur/Bukit Melawati (see my blog about Bukit Tabur experience) last two weeks.

Broga Hill Entrance is facing to Rabbit Fun Land

I parked my car besides the road and walked toward to the entrance. Normally hikers will park their cars near to the entrance as shown in figure below.

Broga Hill Palm Oil Parking Lots

The main entrance was a vast palm oil estate. Palm oil trees were in abundance over there. If you hike at evening time, there will be billions of famished mosquitoes biting you. As a result, we did not come across this miserable scenario. Furthermore, air was fresh when hiking in the morning.

Palm oil trees along with a trail (pretty flat)

Transition from palm oil estate to rubber tree estate
(take the left direction to lemon grass area)

We took about 10 minutes walk and reached to rubber tree estate. We did not take the route to the rubber tree estate but we just passed by it. Right after this, we saw a vast land planted with lemon grass "香茅". Previously there were no such plants over here. Perhaps, the plants had high profit margin, according to my mom. We just followed the small uphill trail to reach to forest trail. Do not take the main trail which is flat.

Hill slope is full with lemon grass 香茅. Follow this small hill trail

The view from uphill point- a vast of lemon grass

After this, it was a forest trail. It did not have very steep slope. Along the trail, there were several landslide areas, so be cautious.

Forest Trail

Several landslide areas. Be cautious

small bridge?

about to reach to the peak!

After passing the forest area, we reached to an area with plentiful of long grasses, which was known as Lalang in Malay. We had to wade throught these long grasses. These grasses were extremely tall and long. Some could reach more than 150cm height. This path was steeper as compared to the previous trail. Furthermore, the uphill trail was a bit slippery, covered with sands...(during descent)

Long grass (Lalang) trail

Grass trail with wide landscape background

After tiring trudge, we finally arrived a small flat place with few giant rocks. Then my mother immediately lay down on a giant rocks, taking a short nap. She was exhausted and out of breath. She was almost half death, losing all her stamina. She did not hike any hill before this and this trip was her first hiking experience. Furthermore she seldom did exercise at home. While waiting, we took some photos..

My mom was half death, lying on the rock (not yet reaching the peak)
(I hope my mom will not get angry when seeing this photo on blog)

Could you see the University of Nottingham?

Over there, the University of Nottingham Malaysia main campus could be clearly seen. I noticed that the university was surrounded by palm oil trees, providing calm and tranquil study environment. Besides the university, we also spotted Taman Pelangi Semenyih, new police station, Bandar Rinching, Semenyih town, and broga town area.

Closer Look of The University of Nottingham

take some photo while waiting for my mom

taking photo with Broga town area

After the short nap, my mother was "fully" recharged. We encouraged her to continue the journey because the peak was just about to arrive. Ganbatte ne!

Broga Hill View with Lalang

All members with Broga Hill

Finally, we arrived on the Broga Hill peak (1st station). We were thrilled to see the fascinating and spectacular view! We could see almost 360 degree view. There was a Malaysia flag, making the place for photo takers. We took several shots with the flag!!

victory sign!

My brother and I

Conquered Broga Hill

Tasting her fruitful victory

Yes! I was on top of the world!

the University of Nottingham

What are the reasons to have these long grasses that cover the whole peaks? It is because the underneath are big rocks. Therefore these rocks prevent large plants to grow near to the peaks. Only "Lalang" or 茅草 grasses can be grown in such area with thin soil surface. These grasses are actually making this hill so special and unique.

Broga hill covered with "Lalang" or 茅草 grasses

on the way to the other peak

After some rest at the peak, we started to descend and return back. We did not continue to the other peaks since my mother was tired. Furthermore the weather was hot and sunny.

victory sign (coming down from the peak)


Long grass trail with rocks

Along the Broga Hill trail, several plants can be found:

Tall "Lalang" grass

Lalang grass

Lalang grass?

what is this?

Flower



Paku-pakis with insect (could u spot it?)

Little palm oil tree

After the hike, we drove to Chia Kee Restaurant in Kampung Baru Semenyih to savour Pan Mee 板面 for our breakfast. The Pan Mee was quite famous in Semenyih since I was born.

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Bukit Tabur / Bukit Melawati:
Another great place to hike in Kuala Lumpur


You may click the links below:

• Bukit Tabur / Bukit Melawati @ Klang Gate part I
• Bukit Tabur / Bukit Melawati @ Klang Gate part II

Panoramic view of Bukit Tabur (click on image to enlarge)

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Semenyih links:

• About Semenyih
• Direction / Map to Semenyih
• Direction to Nirvana Memorial Park Semenyih
• Semenyih Pan Mee / Mee Hoon Kuih 士毛月板面
  
• Semenyih: Yap Choon Kwai Kon Loh Mee 干捞面
  
• Semenyih Taufu & Udang (beancurd & prawn fritters)

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• Ampang Look Out Point: Spectacular KL Night View

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• Want to challenge your IQ? Click here