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.

Suria KLCC, A shopping complex like you're never seen before!

An amazing shopping complex. This is where you can shop till you drop. All the major international brands are all here if you budget allow. Oh they have a fountain and light show every night just to draw in the crowd. It's best to see it from above in the food court area or if you lucky higher than that.

I'm in George Town Penang right now and try to get my head around the area. Penang is listed on the UNISCO World Heritage site. Some of it anyway. I'm staying in Love Lane which is a backpacker main lane. It takes a while to get use to any city. There so much to photograph here especially if you into architectures and old buildings. And Penang is famous for its foods as well. So I'm in luck.

Goodbye KL Here Comes Penang, Malaysia 2017

Last day in KL. I'm catching a bus early to Penang which is roughly 4-5 hours bus drive. It is a common bus route and the price is quite cheap. If you are a foodies then Penang is the place to be apparently.

Also today also Valentine's Day right? Oh well Penang is my Valentine. I love KL but I have a new lover now sorry KL. Have to catch you next time. So far I have been in KL for 7 days. Feel like I can get to any tourist hot spots now. I have set out to photograph all the places I wanted to photograph and still have time to enjoy it. 

So my trip to KL is accomplished. I'm not sure when I'll be back to KL to photograph her again but you still be in my heart no matter what KL. Goodbye KL and bring on Penang.

KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 2017

My guide to navigate the streets of KL. From my hotel window I could see it so when it comes to go somewhere I just use this as a rough guide. I haven't been to the top as yet. Apparently the view from there is beautiful. But they over charge tourists for the admission fee. I'm a backpacker right now not a flashpacker.

So I'll skip it this time, but if you have the chance go up and have a look. Sunset please and the place I think open till 10pm everyday. Funny how KL working hours, 10am to 10pm. I just got use to the time now and I'm ready to leave KL. Also I think I got a hang of the public transport system here as well. 

Petronas Twin Tower Sunrise, KL Malaysia 2017

The first on my bucket list to do in KL Malaysia was to capture this landmark that makes KL famous all over the world. If you go to KL the locals are very proud of the tower. And so should they. It is a architecture marvel especially during sunrise or sunset.

I was there for both occasions, for sunrise there was no crowd at all. So my suggestion is for you to enjoy the place at sunrise by yourself. Then enjoy it again at sunset just to round up your day with the crowd. 

Yes I have to woke up early and walk, I am still on Sydney time so it wasn't too hard. But finding the place in KL streets at night was fun. It took me at least 45 minutes to walk there but it's worth it right? If you can't walk then take a taxi or if you lucky then book your hotel close by the attractions then it's only 5-10 minutes walk. But I am on a budget right now so just a bit of exercise in the morning doesn't hurt. 

I'll post more photos of this attractions tomorrow with a few perspective that you might not seen before. There's a reason why people have camera and there's why there are photographers. Some people take photos but how good is their eyes for good photography is another debate altogether. 

The reason why I took up photography was I was a phone shooter before when I was on a big trip to Vietnam. But didn't have much interesting photos to share. I went home and borrow my sister camera and start teaching myself how to photograph. I started on a Canon EOS 7D, wow that was 5 years ago which was my last overseas trip.

This is the Year of the Roosters, NU Sentral KL Malaysia 2017

I was born in the year of the Rooster. The traits of a Rooster in Chinese horoscope is determine, hardworking, persistence and ofcourse like to wake up early to called the morning. But more importantly they love to travel. I just make up the last one.

The best thing about shopping complex like the one in show above is the air conditioning. Especially with the heat and humidity of KL. I usually photograph the one that I want for the day and around midday local time I start to head to the mall for some relief or go back to the hotel and rest. Edit some photos, exchange social media and update the blog. 

The Chinese community control most of the commerce in KL and Malyasia. There's so many shopping complexes like this one that you will find one in all the major attractions. The one that I like is below the Petronas Twin Tower. This is where you find recognisable world brands that you find in any big cities. And yest they have great decorations as well.

The NU Sentral locate convenience right off the main train hub of KL. So if you just got off the train from the International Airport then you could actually go shopping straight away and fill up those suitcases. I'm on a budget so no much shopping for me on this trip. :)

Thaibusam Batu Caves, KL Malaysia 2017

I didn't know about this event when I was in Sydney. I read about it on the plane and I though great I must visit the temple for this event. It's amazing. Some people went along way to showcase their beliefs. It was a privileged to have witnessed it. Some of the stuff were too graphics so I won't show it here on my blog. But definitely go the KL in Thaibusam which around this time every year I think. 

My tip is get there early as the heat and the crowd will be more tolerable. Train is best option but there is a big rush to get back. The organisers don't seem to know how to handle big crowd so be warned.

The view from the top of the stairs up the cave is amazing but I wasn't not there to really enjoy it. I have to come back another time when the place is more peaceful. But if you into the festivity then Thaibusam is a must do in your bucket list. I have two tick off in one day. Amazing!

Chinatown Kuala Lumpur Jalan Petaling, Malaysia 2017

First time posting something up for 2017. Happy New Year and a VERY Happy Chinese New Year. The festive is still strong in Asia even though the New Year has passed for over a week. I'm guess the Chinese celebrate the whole month not just the first day or three days. Guess what? I'm posting this from my hotel right above Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur or KL as the local like to call it.

I've been in KL for 2 days actually less than that, the first day just a transfer from Sydney to KL that took up the whole day. The photo above were when I woke up to Sydney, Australia time and was ready to work. Funny how your body clock work. It's look like I be posting up more beautiful photos for you guys from abroad. 

I have a shot list of the photos I want from the city. But nothing concrete as I want to open up the opportunity for something unexpected and sometime surprising things to happen. You just couldn't rely all of your planning on Lonely Planet right and some Youtubers. I did my research before I bought my ticket to KL and Malaysia. Any just a short update and Happy New Year once again.