The Late King of Thailand Cremation Ceremony

Was in Bangkok for the Late King Cremation Ceremony. Initially I was planning to go to a province just 3 hours away from Bangkok. I didn't know about the event and there were many road closure and public service disruption during the event.

People from all over Thailand was in Bangkok to witness the event. If you watched the news around that time then you probably knew people were camping on the streets to get a better view around the Royal Palace. 

I was looking for accommodation around Khaosan Rd but five places that I visited they all said booked out for the days. First time I experienced such situations in low season in Bangkok. Usually I just rock up to the place and I can find a dorm room to stay for the night. But no luck during the event.



People were wearing black everywhere in Bangkok and it really show how respectful the Thai people to the Late King. How many Kings and Queens in the world have the same respect from the people? It was an experienced that unique when you travel, to see the streets of Bangkok empty during peak hours is once in life time experienced. 

Wat Mahathat Ayuttaya Thailand 2017

Revisit the ruins of Ayuttuya once again and things were slightly different. I went to Ayuttaya when it was the dry season and everything was yellow I meant the grass. Time I felt like it was a well organise garden with old temples ruin around the island.

I didn't get the chance to cruise the Island as the water was too high and the small boat could not dock on some of the temples so they cancelled the trip and refund my money. But on this trip I got to see familiar Thai faces and they recognised me from my last visit. I preferred Ayuttaya over Bangkok anytime of the day.

Also this trip I discovered a vegetarian restaurant and I loved it. Walking distance to where I was staying which was a youth hostel as I was on a budget. Love to go back and stay here but there's so many place in Thailand that I haven't discovered yet like the southern islands made famous by the big Hollywood movies. So next time maybe, it too touristy for my liking that's all. 

Life on the Tonle Sap, Cambodia 2017

On this trip to South East Asia my goal was to see the Angkor Wat ruins. I was disappointed but the journey from Siem Reap on a old crowded metal boat was worth it. Yes it was hot and humid but this is Asia. 

The journey took six and half hours during the wet season and I have read it could take up to 12 hours during the dry season. Good luck if you took the boat during the dry season. Only adventurous people make the journey by boat once. Crazy people will do it more than once. :)

Cat Ba Island Vietnam Timelapse

Spend a few days relaxing in this peaceful island. Get here before the mass know about it and it won't be so peaceful. It's an effort to get though but many tour operators can get you to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi Old Quarter.

Cat Ba Vietnam 2017

Cat Ba Island is this heaven on Earth? So far in my travel there are many places that are truly breath taking and Cat Ba Island is one of those places. I woke up for the sunrise but happens that the moon was full so I didn't miss this kind of opportunity. Enjoy!

Vietnam Independence Day 2017

First time I've visited Hanoi even though I have been to Vietnam two times in my life and basically lived in the South for 10 years. I still very young when my family immigrated to Australia so the North of Vietnam was still a strange place for me.

The last time I visit Vietnam for pleasure was five years ago. A lot has changed and certainly my photography skills has improved over the years. I was a phone photographer the last time visited Vietnam. A German backpacker inspired me to travel. First I travelled around Australia my adopted country and now exploring the North of Vietnam the country I was born.

I didn't know about the Vietnam Independence Day on the 2nd of September from French Colonial ruled. I certainly not aware of Vietnam history that for sure. I knew the battle of Diem Bien Phu that changed the history of modern day Vietnam and ofcourse the Vietnam War. I'm not good with the details. 

Anyway got off the plane from Ho Chi Minh City and I went straight to the Old Quarter of Hanoi as I knew I could find affortable accomodations and all the major attractions are all in easy walking. The Hoan Kiem Lake was one of those attractions. Still haven't got my bearings yet, so I went in grabbed a simcard so Google Map can show me around town. End up heading to the lake and I found the Vietnam Independence Day Parade. Certainly Hanoi gave me a great welcome reception.

Animated GIF with couple enjoying the garden

This was a time lapse piece I did while during the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival. There were too many people there and I though to myself "I could not photograph the Cherry blossom but the people watching the blossom could be very interesting." So I pull out my tripod and simply enjoy the atmosphere of the whole festival. 

I did get the photographs of the cherry blossom but before the festival. Local knowledge play a big part. Tips just photograph the cherry festival at Auburn Botanical Gardens before the festival begins. Usually the blossom is at their best anyway. The organiser usually stuff up the timing of the festival anyway. So better enjoy it before the mass start to roll in the garden.

Animated Cherry Blossom with Bee

I haven't done any animated GIF file for awhile. I'm a bit rusty on it. Some skills you need to practice everyday otherwise you'll lose it. I could do more time lapse piece on a GIF file so it plays forever for you guys. Something fun to play with and by the way you could do it in Photoshop. It's easy if you watch the right tutorials on Youtube.

Sydney's Cherry Festival

Just in case anyone has missed out on this year Cherry Festival. Here a short but sweet time lapse video of the event. The closed-up shot was captured a few days before the festival.

Twilight by the Bridge, Sydney Australia 2017

I still remember driving past on this bridge nearly everyday for uni. I wasn't into photography then so not even a though of stop by and have a look. There are many changes since those days that I drove with many apartments along the bank of of the river which makes for good photography with the reflections of the light onto the water. Better enjoy things as they are and live for the moment.

Sure the Harbour Bridge was the main attractions in Sydney but other bridges connecting the people and culture. I still remember the days when I passed this bridge in the morning, crossed the Harbour Bridge in the afternoon and returned home from ANZAC bridge. 

I have taken many photos of the Harbour Bridge but not the ANZAC bridge which could be my next subject if i happened to be in the area. So the trilogy of bridges and my university days stay in my memory forever.

Dee Why, Sydney Australia

Just needed some sea water for my science experiment and I came to this place. Also lost a camera due to a freakish wave. Oh well this photo was one of the last from that camera. Now I have an excuse to buy another camera. This was my backup I bought second hand a few years ago. It did it job in my opinion but unfortunately it's not weather sealed. 

Revisiting Cockatoo Island, Sydney Australia 2017

Every time I visit Cockatoo Island I am always overwhelm by the whole experiences. Firstly I took the ferry to get there and that was an experiences in itself. The view of Sydney from the ferry is amazing. It's worldwide famous with the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline shining out in the blue Sydney's sky.

But for photography wise a blue sky on a sunny day is not great for photography. I simply enjoy the view as a tourist in Sydney. I'm not sharing any of those photos I took during my trip to Cockatoo Island.

In this post I share with you one of my favourite and unknown to many locals and tourists alike is Cockatoo Island. There's no sandy beach but what it lacks in natural activities it makes up for man made artifacts that you spend easily a few days exploring it. A day trip is a bit rush in my opinion. I have visit the island probably 6-7 times and each time I have something different to photograph. 

On your next trip to Sydney, make sure you spend at least one day at Cockatoo Island. And if you're into photography as well then this should be high on you list of things to see and do in Sydney. Perfect place to do HDR photography and don't forget to bring a tripod, I recommend a table top tripod if you're on vacation. 

New Look Darling Harbour, I'm in Love Again!

I haven't been back to Darling Harbour for a few months and they have completed the Convention and Exhibition Centre. I was studying at the building behind the construction site and all I saw was ugly construction site. I'm in love again once again to Darling Harbour.

Ship Wrecked of Homebush Bay

A less well known place to photo is the ship wrecked of Homebush Bay. It's pretty close to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Stadium. You could take the ferry there and explore this area of Sydney. Many apartments have sprung up during the years but it is still a pretty peaceful site to wonder around.

Wat Arun "The Temple of Dawn" Bangkok, Thailand 2017

A beautiful temple right on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. It's one of the best know temple in Bangkok and unfortunately when I was there they have a renovation to the main chedi/dome. So there was scaffolding everywhere. 

I walk around the temple a few times to get the best shot and blocked out the scaffolding. You just have to imagine how beautiful the temple at sunrise. I didn't get to see the temple at sunrise but definitely my next trip to Bangkok I will put it up on my to do list. There's a reason why it called "The Temple of Dawn" by the locals right?

Cruising The River of Kings, Bangkok Thailand 2017

The great thing about travel is you get to see different culture and ofcourse buildings. I shot this while on a touring ship in the River of Kings, the Chao Phraya Touring Boat. I highly recommended it if you want to see the life around this famous river. 

Get the hop on, hop off option which is roughly $10 Australian dollar a bargain in my opinion. I went on the public boat the first time I was using the boat and I could not get a breathing room. Big mistake for visitors to Bangkok. As you could imagine I did not have the chance to photograph anything.

During my time in Bangkok I managed to use this service a few times which I am still processing some of the photos up till now. So a memory still lingers on and I wish I could be back to Bangkok already.

Testing out my new 600mm lens at the Royal Botanical Gardens

I've have just acquired a super telephoto lens, the 300-600mm lens which I could have shots like the photo above. One of the reason I have switched from Canon to M43 format because of the light lens option with the M43 system. I could hold the 300-600 one hand all day and didn't feel any weight pressure on my body. Try that with you full frame format system.

Wat Traimit Bangkok Thailand 2017

A very interesting decorations on top of the bell in the Wat Traimit Temple. Lots of people have missed but not with a photographer eyes. Sure people were spell bound by the majestic statue of the Golden Buddha and the view on top of the temple. But look further and you will come back with interesting photos.

Outback Bar, Northern Territory Australia 2016

Still haven't share the photos that I took last year to Queensland and Northern Territory. It certainly brought back a few memories. With the bar in photo this was in the middle of Australia. Roughly middle of nowhere, great to have a drink hey?

Double Exposure in QVB, Sydney Australia 2016

Shot this awhile back and I though I share it now. Something you don't see everyday. A double exposure is one of the oldest trick in photography if you have the camera to do it.

Night Noodle Market 2016

This was last year. I didn't want to photograph people eating. So I had to be creative. Enjoy!

Gayndah Fruit Pickers, QLD Australia 2017

After six weeks away to SE Asia I have to work somehow right? Not everyone is lucky enough to have the funds to travel the world. Initially my plan was to to travel for 2 months but ran out of fund in Chiangmai. I could have gone further but I will live very poorly. I'm an Aussie, we work hard and play even harder. 

So back to Sydney for one week to see family and friends then back to work picking imperials mandarins. It was a long season and I managed to saved enough to continue my trip in Indochina. I'm back home in Sydney as I want to spend sometime with family. This year so far I have travel away from home than lived in it. When you travel the things you will miss most is family and the comfort meals that only family can provide. 

Planning my next adventure already. So this year will be my travelling year. Thinking of going to Vietnam first then resume the trip in Laos and Cambodia. The return ticket is scheduled in Bangkok.

Petronas Twin Tower, KL Malaysia 2017

Spent a few nights at this lovely location. In my opinion the Petronas Twin tower at night could be comparable to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I haven't been to Paris myself as yet but it certainly one of the architecture marvel in Asia. Best to view it lying down. Bring a sarong. 

Penang Sunset, Malaysia 2017

I've missed the city already. The foods were wonderful and basically just do nothing and enjoy a wonderful holiday. Me and my camera and the World Heritage George Town for me to photograph. What more could a photographer want?

Oh beside me was the famous hotel forgotten the name unfortunately but it was once the longest stretch of waterfront hotel in the world. I didn't stay there but with the sunrise and sunset like this and the walkways were open for the public. Everyone could get a piece of history. basically for free if you make an effort.

Pattaya City, Thailand 2017

An interesting city for single guys. I was one of that people. There were so many tourists especially the bus load of Chinese tourists at night that the walking street become a Chinatown. Go after 11pm and you will see many nationalities just as curios as I was with Pattaya.

Hmong Villager, Chiangmai Thailand 2017

When I was planning my trip to SE Asia one of the people that I wanted to photograph was the minority mountain people. This was a Hmong villagers, she was doing some traditional textile. It was fascinating that some people still do the same textile techniques in our modern machinery. 

Also this was the village that used to grow poppies but the late Thai King has influences the villagers and they have abolished their practices. Nowadays tourism is their source of income. The textile is very unique in the region and it's a great souvenir for your memory.

Naphaholphumisiri, Chiangmai Thailand 2017

I was researching some photos of Chiangmai and this temple up in the mountains came up. I asking my Thai friends where was it and she said it was two hours drive away. I was very disappointed as I know I couldn't get the right light from where I was staying which was Chiangmai City. 

Oh well book the tour to see it anyway just to be a tourist for a change. But I'll be back for when I have the right time and equipment to camp next to the mountains so I could get up for the sunrise. Something to look forward, sometime you have to miss some shots so it could go on you to do list for that particular place you visit. A goal to look forward to and that's a good thing to keep you alive and enjoy photography and ofcourse travel.

Preceding Caterpillar, Thailand 2017

Went on a day tour to see a few tourist attractions and I should have prepared for the journey as the weather changed dramatically in Thailand highest mountains. Don Inthathon National Park is Thailand highest mountain and basically it translated to one big mountain. 

I was in Thailand during the dry season and everything I saw there was dried and yellow, until I went up to the "Big Mountain". It was 30 degree to 10 degree up there. When I stepped out of the minivan I was nearly froze. I only bought one jumper with me and that was when I should have used it.

So if you want to experiences a different side of Thailand then head to the mountains. But please prepared yourselves. Chiangmai is known for it nature and nature activities but on this particular trip I was want to experiences the culture and religious side  of Thailand. So many temples I have visited. Maybe next time for for nature type of adventures for me and ofcourse well prepared for that also.

Chiangmai From Doi Suthep Lookout, Thailand 2017

The famous view from Doi Suthep overlooking the city of Chiangmai. Not as impressive as there wasn't too many high rise buildings in Chiangmai compare to Bangkok. If you've been to the many rooftop bars in Bangkok then you be disappointed with the view.

However Chiangmai make up for the lack of skylines with the winding road trip to the mountains and the temples on top. Plus the bonus of the view from the top if you could climb the stairs or there's a lift up. How thoughtful are the Thais?

The Golden Jedi on top of Doi Suthep is famous in Thailand and you need a guide to explains the design and back story behind why the temple was built at this particular site. I knew it but I'll spoil it for you if I told you now hey? Get a guide and make the trip during sunset. It's easier in the late afternoon and night time to climb those 300 odds steps to the top. Enjoy!

Four Monks, Chiangmai Thailand 2017

To see a spiritual side of Thai culture you have to get up early and head to the streets where the monks are out for their daily alps. You will see normal men and women offerings to the monks for the karma merits. Why would do they such a thing? It was in the Buddha teachings. You have to ask the monks for those teachings 

They are the keeper of the Buddha teachings. If you have a chance to hear one of the Dharma talks then I suggest you go and listen to it. And maybe during the Q&A you might want to raise the question to them. 

Cruising Ayuattaya, Thailand 2017

This shot was taken in a crossed between two rivers. Ayuttaya was selected because it was a natural island with three rivers joint together. It was a fascinating experiences to cruise around the island during sunset. A real Thai experiences I must added.

Chiangmai By Night, Thailand 2017

Great thing about Chiangmai was it old city square. There's so much happening with pubs and clubs within the square that you could spend days exploring. I was in Chiangmai for seven days to explore the numerous temples within the square. But after day time exploring there were great things to do at night if you knew where to go.

Eight Dragons, Chiangmai Thailand 2017

The great things about Thailand were so  many temples to explore. This was on of those temples inside the old square. I really like the architecture of the roofs and it colours. Apparently it means to represents the three jewels in Buddhism, The Buddha, Sutra and the Sangha. The colour of the roof I mean, just like to clarify that for those non-Buddhists out there.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Chiangmai Thailand 2017

I booked this tour to see the temples at night and I knew the view from there was good. Unfortunately due to the traffic I was picked up half an hour late and just that time period I have missed out on  a good photo opportunity. Oh well I promised myself to come back to Chiangmai one day to capture it again.

The stairs going to up the top of the temple at night time was not so bad after all. I'm glad I did the tour at night and there was no tourists at all. The view from the top to Chiangmai city was okay but I've been to Penang Hill in Malaysia and the view was similar but with Penang Hill there was the bridges  and ocean in the background so it was a better photo. As least when you travel to get to compare places.

Thailand Street Foods 2017

Sure there were restaurants but to fully emerge yourself in any culture you have to eat what the locals eat. Thailand street foods are famous the world over but this cart was desert. I've save the exotic stuff for you to see when you're in Thailand. 

Wat Si Chum "The Preaching Buddha" Sukhothai, Thailand 2017

One of the famous Buddha statue in Thailand but few tourists know about the place. You definitely need a guide to show you around if you want to truly understand the historical significant of the Sukhothai.

I was staying in a local guesthouse and the owner was very friendly, she was very keen and proud of Sukhothai and its history. I didn't know a few places until I have spoken to her. Certainly a worthwhile destination to stick around for awhile to explore it fully. 

I only stayed for two nights from a recommendatin from an expat but certainly you need at least 3 nights here to explore it fullly. Oh well I guess I have to come back to it one day to exlore it again. But certainly the photos that I wanted from the location I have got from my research of other people photos on the Internet.

Sukhothai in B&W, Thailand 2017

I haven't post any B&W photos lately on my blog so why not today just something different. Not much to say today I'm very jaded from work and finger cross I have a fat paycheck tomorrow. I need it after 6 weeks oversea and basically just burning money. And ofcouse lots of photos to share as the price. :)

Sukhothai Reflections, Thailand 2017

After 7 hours on the bus the last thing you want to do was to explore the tourist attractions but I'm a photographer. I couldn't missed out on the good light during sunset. I knew Sukhothai Historical Park was close by to where I was staying but you still need to get out the hotel/guesthouse in my case to explore you surroundings.

I knew the main temples complex was closed and I didn't want to waste my money just for the sunset shot. So I was exploring the the small town on my foot. It was pretty long way from where this was taken on foot that was. 

The next day I explored the place for more fully with a rented bike. A great way to explore this vast and interesting place. Especially if you were a Buddhist like myself. So much history to explore and so many temples and Buddha statues to capture. 

Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand 2017

When I first arrived in Thailand I wanted to explore the many temples in Bangkok as I knew  from my research that I temple that I really wanted visit was Wat Pho with the reclining Buddha. That was ticked then I knew about the old capital of Bangkok which was Ayuttaya. So I went there as well. But I have missed out on Sukhothai which another Thailand old capital.

After I went up to Chiangmai yet for more temples, I came back to Sukhothai to explored it on bike. Yes there was not many traffic as crazy as Bangkok so I felt safe to ride a bike to explore the historical park faster.

I was exploring it during the day but I knew I have to came back for the sunset. As you can see from the photo. The soft light really makes the place feel magical, and it was. Sure people have been to Angkor Wat and Myanmar Bagan temples and they reckon it's better. I haven't been to those places myself so I couldn't compare but in time I explore those wonderful sites and tell you my opinion.

I'm back home in Australia updating my blog but from a different State. I'm working as a fruit picker in Queensland and I'll get back to SE Asia for more wondering lust. Hopefully I could stay in SE for 2 months this time. My initial plan was 2 months but cut short because of finance. 

I was talking to other backpackers and SE Asia is not cheap to travel anymore. Yes 20 years ago you could stay in SE and live like a king or Queen but the development have caught up to the West and things could be roughly the same as in your own country with better foods that all. 

Cruising Ayuttaya Island, Thailand 2017

You could not find scene like this in Bangkok. This was Ayuttaya just 50km from Bangkok. In my previous post I said I preferred this place over Bangkok. A picture tell a thousand words right? There was space especially personal space. With the crowded public transport system in Bangkok Ayuttaya was a paradise for me. A great escapes even for city man like myself.

I want a real Thai experiences and I first experiences it here in Ayuttaya. The moment I stepped down from the train to Ayuttaya I had a wonderful experiences. I had vegetarian foods in Bangkok but it was over price and came to Ayuttaya the foods was better and half the price of Bangkok.

The people didn't try to rib me off and very helpful for tourist like myself. Have a smile on your face and you will greet back the same. There a reason Thailand was called the land of a million smiles right? Do yourselves a favour and get to Ayuttaya on your next Thailand trip. 

Sure there are the southern islands where you do nothing but laying on the beach and soak in the sunshine. But I came from Sydney Australia, there's no shortage of beautiful and exclusive beach for me to enjoy. So I have skipped the islands of Thailand on this particular trip.

Ayuttaya The Lost Buddhist Kingdom Thailand 2017

Spent 3 nights here and I preferred here over Bangkok. You're going to get a real Thai experiences with culture and people. And way cheaper than Bangkok. And as a travelling visual artist, a dream destination.

When I visited here why I know Thailand is a dream holiday destination for people worldwide. The people were friendly and very helpful. The foods were wonderful and with Ayuttaya Historical site you get to visit many wonderful temples. I think during this trip so far I have visits over 50 temples and Thailand was a great destination for that.

As a Buddhist myself and see how the people practised Buddhism really drove home how proud I am to be a Buddhist. I have read many books on Buddhism and The Buddha teachings, the sutras came to life when I visited Thailand. Especially if you woke up early where the Monks came out for the morning alms ritual. 

Bangkok Peak Hour, Bangkok Thailand 2017

Many tourists first think of Bangkok they though of the foods, shopping and the infamous red light districts. But after experienced all of that you glad you get out of Bangkok. It was a hectic city where if you there for those reasons above then you could have a wonderful time there. 

For me personally I preferred Ayuttaya, just an hour drive away from Bangkok. Sure you can't shop till you drop but there's culture and a real Thai experiences. I have spoken to many travellers during my travels around Thailand and they preferred other cities and town rather than Bangkok. 

My recommendations for you if you going to visit the city of light is to experience it only it for a few days. Do your shopping and your temples visits and ofcourse the red light districts then end somewhere else. You're glad you did. 

It's a culture shock for any people that never experience a big city. It could be overwelming sometime. But I got around okay with less confort I must added with the heat and the crowded public transport system. Then I'm from Sydney Australia, we still have traffic jams and sometime overcrowded public transportation. Nothing in this world is perfect is it?

Wat Pho, Bangkok Thailand

Couldn't get the whole statue in one shot. It was too big and the crowd was big. So only a glimpsed of the famous reclining Buddha for you. Apparently this was one the Buddha you have to see in your life if your a Buddhist. It's bold and wonderful.

You have to go and visit Bangkok to get the whole Buddha. I must warn you that you have to fight the crowd to get a good shot. But patience is the key. The crowd will move on and you have your shot.

I watched the BBC documentary about Buddhism and they recommend 7 temples that every Buddhists should visits. So a ticked for me here. Six more to go and mainly in Asia and one in America. It's modern Buddhism.

Clan Jetty, George Town Penang Malaysia 2017

Clan Jetty is still remains as it was over 100 years ago. Mainly by immigrants Chinese who settled here years ago. It's a very interesting place to photograph. I just sat at the jetty and enjoy the sunset. As someone told me to see a sunset is a privileged. I have so many of that in my life. I'm very lucky man am I? 

It's an effort to find the place. So look in your guide map of George Town and make sure you come here around sunset or sunrise. That's when the best light and the sky could turn on a show just for you. 

Penang Hill, Penang Malaysia 2017

I'm posting some of the photo from Malaysia even though I'm in Bangkok right now. I bought a big SD card in Penang. I"m still haven't filled out the card as yet and it has all the photos from Bangkok. I post more photos so Bangkok when I have fill it up. 

Anyway Penang Hill was amazing site at sunset and twilight hours. I was there two times just to experience it all. Both time missing the sunset. Not because I was late but the train run that you catch to go up the hill run on time. I think half an hour. I timed myself for the sunset but when I got there I have to wait for the train.

I did a few selfies when I was up there as well. Just for those Facebook shots that people seem to enjoy these days. I had a beer up there just to round up the trip. Ofcourse after I have finished with the photos. 

Penang Sunrise, Malaysia 2017

A wonderful walk along the harbour of Georgetown where old trading ships used to roam this water. The reminiscences of the area still linger on if you have a great sense of imaginations. Imagine all the steaming boat in the late 1800s and early 1900s with the cargo full of spices from South East Asia. All heading to Europe. How things have change since then and just within one century.

All the local seamens, mostly from Mainland China with the Manchu Imperial wick running around loading and unloading the cargo. It must have been a wonderful site. Life would have been tough back then with the lifespan of people less than 50 years young. 

That's a wonderful things about travelling as you learn more about the history of the area you visited. It's better than reading the best book on travelling. It simply best to experiences it yourself. That's why I have met so many people with this travelling bugs. And it's hard to get rid of, but why would you?

Malaysia a unique blended.

I'm round up my trip to Malaysia today with the trip back to KL before boarding my flight to Bangkok. That's when my real trip to South East Asia begins. On this trip I really want to go to Buddhist Temples from around the world. Especially the Southern Branch of Buddhism. 

As a Buddhist this trip has special meanings to me not just another holiday. As I go through the temples and know what those signs and symbols means. Anyway I was surprised that there were so many temples around Malaysia even though the majority of the population are Muslims. 

The national flower of Malaysia is the Hisbicus a beautiful tropical flower. Where three instinct cultural share a common ground. Living in harmony with nature and with each others. Other countries should look at Malaysia for leadership in this regard.

Malaysia is a worthwhile visit destination if you want to witness the diversity of cultures living in harmony with each other. And ofcourse the foods and the vast historical perspective on the world spices trading route of the past. Step back in time with George Town, Penang and you never though you even in Malaysia.

There's also the Malacca which on this trip I have passed as Malaysia was not on the big list for me to do this trip. Also the beautiful and unspoiled natural beauty of Langkawi for those nature lovers as well. And that just in the Malay Peninsula, so much to do and see and yet so little time.

Georgetown Penang, Malaysia 2017

Georgetown is a very interesting town to photograph if you into old architecture buildings. I stayed right in the heart of it and basically when I walked out I step back in history. The doors in this photo are just one, there's so many unique main doors like the one in the photo that you could actually filled you memory card with just doors.

Also there are temples from Chinese to Hindu scatter around all over the world heritage area. It probably takes you a few days to walk the whole area. I say 4 days just to give you four directions to tackle. I usually don't take photos around midday sun. So a few hours each day to photograph. Also great with the weather as the heat and humanity can get to you in SE Asia. 

National Mosque, KL Malaysia 2017

I was looking for the Merkeka Square where all the historical buildings were for a few days. Finally I knew the way to get there and it was so closed to where I was staying that it was easy to get up early for the soft light shots.

KL Speedster Malaysia 2017

What more interesting things about taking photo of historical places and architecture is taking photo of the people on the street in their environments. This shot was taking after I was through with taking architecture photography.

I have to keep myself entertain while I have a camera in my hand. Try to do that with you Iphone photographers out there? Photography is a craft okay, so learn it with proper tool. I was a phone shooter before learning how to take good photos while overseas. Never again do I make that mistake again.

Thean Hou Chinese Temple, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 2017

An amazing price to have if you into Chinese architecture building. It was an effort for me to get to this place as I was using public transportation and walked there for 30 minutes. There was a small climb to the temple otherwise the walk was tolerable in the KL heat.

This was a travel photograph not a true photography as I taken this photos pretty close to midday sun which is horrible for photography. When you travel that's the best you could do then take the photo anyway. It's part of your memory.

The view from the 3rd floor back to KL downtown really makes the trip worth your time. As for the temple itself? The photo said it all isn't it? One funny thing I've found out was the temple also a wedding celebrate. There were young Chinese Malay couples getting get the legal certificate done at the temple. Most of the brides wore white dress which I would weird. I guess the want to contrast with the temple.