After a lot of telephone calls and frantic internet checking and booking over the past 3 days, all the air tickets were finally purchased. The trouble with the much advertised low air fares was the very limited quotas available. Fares kept going up as more booking were made. Booking for 3 person is easy but with 17 it gets very tricky esp. when we try to secure the best price. In the end some ticket bought were comparatively quite expensive but averaging them out the fares are still quite reasonable. Anyway the confirmed (MAS) flight schedule is as follows:-
Thu 20/10 KL-Miri 8:30AM
Fri 21/10 Miri-Mulu 9:30AM
Sun 23/10 Mulu-Miri 12:20PM
Miri-KL 4:10PM (13 passengers)
Mon 24/10 Miri-KL 4:10PM (Sam & family)
We were informed that the Niah Cave day trip will take 7-8 hours. So that side trip is out. We are now looking at other possibility like a city tour, etc.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Shui Hu Zhuan - the tragic ending
The series finally ended after 86 episodes. Although the book is 100 chapters long, the final 20 agonizing chapters had been mercifully condensed into 6 episodes by the producer. There had been debates regarding the 2 authors associated with the book. However, it is now believed by some scholars of the classic that Shi Nai’an was actually the pseudonym for Luo Guanzhong (according to Wikipedia), so it one and the same person.
What is the moral of the story? From a historical context, it is all about filial piety, brotherhood, loyalty, righteousness and patriotism.
My take, the sworn brotherhood thing is 10 times more fanatic than what present day underground triads do (as shown in Hong Kong movies). The blind and irrevocable patriotism to the Emperor and Country is simply incomprehensible and stupidity to the nth degree. A present day equivalent will be like pledging sole allegiance to the BN government and king.
Song Jiang ruled like an autocrat with a misguided sense of self-righteousness. There was no democracy or consultation. The opinions of the rank and file were ignored. Even the simple peasants could see that capitulation to the Emperor would be the beginning of an end, but the Chinese Don Quixote was unrepentant and led his men like sacrificial lambs to a tragic and fatal end.
The series actually evoke in me a sense of disbelief and annoyance. So why bother to waste all those hours and watch it in the first place. A combination of indirect and unqualified recommendations from friends and curiosity I suppose. Well, rather than letting it simmers inside me, I decided to blog about it.
simon
What is the moral of the story? From a historical context, it is all about filial piety, brotherhood, loyalty, righteousness and patriotism.
My take, the sworn brotherhood thing is 10 times more fanatic than what present day underground triads do (as shown in Hong Kong movies). The blind and irrevocable patriotism to the Emperor and Country is simply incomprehensible and stupidity to the nth degree. A present day equivalent will be like pledging sole allegiance to the BN government and king.
Song Jiang ruled like an autocrat with a misguided sense of self-righteousness. There was no democracy or consultation. The opinions of the rank and file were ignored. Even the simple peasants could see that capitulation to the Emperor would be the beginning of an end, but the Chinese Don Quixote was unrepentant and led his men like sacrificial lambs to a tragic and fatal end.
The series actually evoke in me a sense of disbelief and annoyance. So why bother to waste all those hours and watch it in the first place. A combination of indirect and unqualified recommendations from friends and curiosity I suppose. Well, rather than letting it simmers inside me, I decided to blog about it.
simon
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Mulu Caves Trip - Update 2
We have managed to purchase all the 17 air tickets for the Miri-Mulu-Miri sector at an average price of RM146. Miri to Mulu at 9:30AM on Fri and Mulu-Miri at 12:20PM on Sun.
Tickets for Air Asia has gone up since yesterday. We are now proposing to take the 8:30AM MAS flight to Miri on Thu. If there is any objection or those with other preferred arrangement, please let us know otherwise we will go ahead and purchase the tickets tomorrow.
There are some who are still keen on the 1/2 day trip to Niah Caves.
Those who interested please confirm asap as arrangement has to be made with the local tour agency.
simon
Tickets for Air Asia has gone up since yesterday. We are now proposing to take the 8:30AM MAS flight to Miri on Thu. If there is any objection or those with other preferred arrangement, please let us know otherwise we will go ahead and purchase the tickets tomorrow.
There are some who are still keen on the 1/2 day trip to Niah Caves.
Those who interested please confirm asap as arrangement has to be made with the local tour agency.
simon
Monday, June 27, 2011
Mulu Caves Trip - Update 1
1) 17 people have confirmed for the above trip. We have started booking the MAS flight for Miri-Mulu return sector. There are only 2 flights per day from Miri-Mulu at 9:30AM and 2:00PM and return flight Mulu-Miri at 10:25AM and 12:20PM. We managed to book 9 person on the 9:30AM(fri) and return at 12:20PM(Sun). When we tried to buy the next 8 tickets on the same flight the price had increased from RM126 to RM258 return. We will try again tomorrow. Failing which, the option is to take the different flight schedule which is still at RM126 for now. The Mulu Caves tour itinerary will not be affected.
2) Please take note that the dates confirmed for the trip is from Thu 20 Oct to Sun 23 Oct. The 2N3D Mulu caves tour for Fri-Sun has been booked. We are flying in to Miri on Thu 20 Oct and staying 1 night there. The KL-Miri return flight has not been booked yet. There are 3 Air Asia flights and 4 MAS flights from KL-Miri daily. No itinerary has been fixed for 1st day in Miri. There are expressed interest to go to Niah Caves, Brunei, Miri tour, rest, etc. We are leaving it open for now. Some have also informed that they intend to fly to Miri earlier than 20 Oct for some other business.
3) For the KL-Miri return flights, I think it is best that we leave it to individuals to choose their own flights and buy their own tickets. Currently, the cheapest Air Asia ticket to Miri on Thu 20 Oct is the 7:20AM flight at RM79. Those who wish to go on that flight please confirm immediately so that we book for them while the price still stands.
simon
2) Please take note that the dates confirmed for the trip is from Thu 20 Oct to Sun 23 Oct. The 2N3D Mulu caves tour for Fri-Sun has been booked. We are flying in to Miri on Thu 20 Oct and staying 1 night there. The KL-Miri return flight has not been booked yet. There are 3 Air Asia flights and 4 MAS flights from KL-Miri daily. No itinerary has been fixed for 1st day in Miri. There are expressed interest to go to Niah Caves, Brunei, Miri tour, rest, etc. We are leaving it open for now. Some have also informed that they intend to fly to Miri earlier than 20 Oct for some other business.
3) For the KL-Miri return flights, I think it is best that we leave it to individuals to choose their own flights and buy their own tickets. Currently, the cheapest Air Asia ticket to Miri on Thu 20 Oct is the 7:20AM flight at RM79. Those who wish to go on that flight please confirm immediately so that we book for them while the price still stands.
simon
Sunday, June 26, 2011
4D3N Niah + Mulu Trip
20/10 (Thursday)
Day 01 : Arrive Miri airport, meet & greet by your guide and take the
overland transfer about 1 hr to Niah National Park. Arrive, hence by boat
across the river and trek for 1 hour to the entrance of Great Caves. Forty
thousand years ago, the Niah Great Cave sheltered human life. Here lies
the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia, along with many other relics
of prehistoric man. Today the cave is home only to bats, swiftlets and
other specially adapted forms of life. However, a few locals still venture
into the dark interior to collect guano (bird and bat droppings used as
fertifizer) and birds’s net. It is worth taking your time and walking
quietly along the way, as you may well see some of the park’s wildlife.
Colourful birds, squirrels, lizards, butterflies and all maner of unsual
insects and invertebrates are commonly seen. If you are lucky, you may see
monkeys, flying lixards and the occasional hornbill. Shortly after the
moon Cave, the plankwalk emerges into daylight and a short pathway through
the forest leads to the Painted Cave. This is the sire of the famous Niah
cave paintings and the place where the ‘death-ship’ were found. The
contents of the death-ships have since been transferred to the Sarawak
Museum, but the walk behind the fenced-off burial site. Depart Niah
National Park in the afternoon, lunch then overland transfer to Mega Hotel
for check in & overnight. (Lunch)
( MEGA HOTEL @ 4 STARS HOTEL )
21/10 (Friday)
Day 2: Depart Miri airport on MH3630 etd 0930hrs. Arrive Mulu airport,
meet your guide and transfer to Royal Mulu Resort. 1200hrs – Lunch at Sg.
Pala Restaurant. After lunch we proceed by van to Park HQ for a visit to
Deer and Lang’s Cave. We trek along the plant walk ( 3 km) through the
rainforest. Explore the largest cave passage in the world- DEER CAVE and
LANG’S CAVE. Relax at the open air observatory for an opportunity witness
the phenomenon exodus of BATS out of the caves, spiraling high overhead
and ascend to the sky where they will search for food. We then returned to
the Park and transfer to Royal Mulu Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
22/10 (Saturday)
Day 3: Breakfast. Take a morning longtail boat ride to visit Batu Bungan
Penan Settlement where you are able to purchase the local handicraft made
by the Penan tribe Go by boat to the CAVE OF THE WINDS with is tall,
slender stalagmites, then on to the source of the CLEARWATER RIVER, see
the underground river and visit the dry passage of the LADY’S CAVE. Swim
at the Clearwater Spring.Transfer to Royal Mulu Resort, free leisure the
rest of the day. Overnight at Royal Mulu Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
23/10(Sunday)
Day 4 : Free leisure until transfer to Mulu airport for your flight
departure to Miri on MH3752 etd 1220hrs. Eta Miri 1250hrs. Then take the
connecting fligth to Kuala-Lumpur at TBA hrs. (Breakfast)
Requirement for the trip: Raincoat, insect repellent, trekking shoes,
torchlight, swimming suit.
Package Price :
A) RM1039 / Pax ( Based on Twin Sharing ) / Adult
RM889 / pax / child ( 12 yrs & below )
B) RM1009 / pax ( Based on Triple Sharing ) / Adult
RM859 / pax / child ( 12 yrs & below )
The above price inclusive: Return Air Fare Miri-Mulu-Miri, 1 night stay at
Mega Hotel, 2 nights stay at Royal Mulu Resort, All transfer in Mulu, 4
show caves excursion, entry permit, Meals as stated
3Breakfast/3Lunch/2Dinner, longboat expedition and English speaking
guided tours.
Day 01 : Arrive Miri airport, meet & greet by your guide and take the
overland transfer about 1 hr to Niah National Park. Arrive, hence by boat
across the river and trek for 1 hour to the entrance of Great Caves. Forty
thousand years ago, the Niah Great Cave sheltered human life. Here lies
the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia, along with many other relics
of prehistoric man. Today the cave is home only to bats, swiftlets and
other specially adapted forms of life. However, a few locals still venture
into the dark interior to collect guano (bird and bat droppings used as
fertifizer) and birds’s net. It is worth taking your time and walking
quietly along the way, as you may well see some of the park’s wildlife.
Colourful birds, squirrels, lizards, butterflies and all maner of unsual
insects and invertebrates are commonly seen. If you are lucky, you may see
monkeys, flying lixards and the occasional hornbill. Shortly after the
moon Cave, the plankwalk emerges into daylight and a short pathway through
the forest leads to the Painted Cave. This is the sire of the famous Niah
cave paintings and the place where the ‘death-ship’ were found. The
contents of the death-ships have since been transferred to the Sarawak
Museum, but the walk behind the fenced-off burial site. Depart Niah
National Park in the afternoon, lunch then overland transfer to Mega Hotel
for check in & overnight. (Lunch)
( MEGA HOTEL @ 4 STARS HOTEL )
21/10 (Friday)
Day 2: Depart Miri airport on MH3630 etd 0930hrs. Arrive Mulu airport,
meet your guide and transfer to Royal Mulu Resort. 1200hrs – Lunch at Sg.
Pala Restaurant. After lunch we proceed by van to Park HQ for a visit to
Deer and Lang’s Cave. We trek along the plant walk ( 3 km) through the
rainforest. Explore the largest cave passage in the world- DEER CAVE and
LANG’S CAVE. Relax at the open air observatory for an opportunity witness
the phenomenon exodus of BATS out of the caves, spiraling high overhead
and ascend to the sky where they will search for food. We then returned to
the Park and transfer to Royal Mulu Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
22/10 (Saturday)
Day 3: Breakfast. Take a morning longtail boat ride to visit Batu Bungan
Penan Settlement where you are able to purchase the local handicraft made
by the Penan tribe Go by boat to the CAVE OF THE WINDS with is tall,
slender stalagmites, then on to the source of the CLEARWATER RIVER, see
the underground river and visit the dry passage of the LADY’S CAVE. Swim
at the Clearwater Spring.Transfer to Royal Mulu Resort, free leisure the
rest of the day. Overnight at Royal Mulu Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
23/10(Sunday)
Day 4 : Free leisure until transfer to Mulu airport for your flight
departure to Miri on MH3752 etd 1220hrs. Eta Miri 1250hrs. Then take the
connecting fligth to Kuala-Lumpur at TBA hrs. (Breakfast)
Requirement for the trip: Raincoat, insect repellent, trekking shoes,
torchlight, swimming suit.
Package Price :
A) RM1039 / Pax ( Based on Twin Sharing ) / Adult
RM889 / pax / child ( 12 yrs & below )
B) RM1009 / pax ( Based on Triple Sharing ) / Adult
RM859 / pax / child ( 12 yrs & below )
The above price inclusive: Return Air Fare Miri-Mulu-Miri, 1 night stay at
Mega Hotel, 2 nights stay at Royal Mulu Resort, All transfer in Mulu, 4
show caves excursion, entry permit, Meals as stated
3Breakfast/3Lunch/2Dinner, longboat expedition and English speaking
guided tours.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
PROPOSED MULU CAVES TRIP
At last Saturday’s dinner there were expressed interests on the above trip. The following is a proposal on the itinerary and an estimated cost based on some initial inquiry through the internet.
PROPOSED ITINERARY
FRI 21/10 – 7:20AM AIR ASIA FLIGHT TO MIRI
CHECK INTO HOTEL/ ETC.
SAT 22/10 - 9:30AM MAS FLIGHT TO MULU
(MEET BY TOUR GUIDE)
SUN 23/10 - SEE PROGRAM OF PACKAGE
TOUR ATTACHED
MON 24/10- 2:20PM FLIGHT FROM MULU TO MIRI
CONNECTING FLIGHT MIRI TO KL
Estimated cost for the return air tickets KL-Miri & Miri-Mulu, hotel stay in Miri and package tour in Mulu is approximately RM1,000 per person based on the current air ticket prices. All those who are interested please confirm by 30 June 2011. Also please e-mail your full name & IC Nos. for the purpose of purchasing the air tickets and other bookings.
环 球 旅 游 社 有 限 公 司
TRANSWORLD TRAVEL SERVICES SDN. BHD. (133990-H)
Office : 2.04, 2nd Floor, Wisma Pelita Tunku, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. (KKKP NO. 1171)
Tel : 085-422277 Fax : 085-415277 Website : www.twtmiri.com.my E-mail : twtmiri@po.jaring.my
3D2N Package - Mulu Caves (Royal Mulu Resort)
Day 01 Miri / Mulu – Deer Cave. Lang Cave & Bats watching
Meet & greet by our friendly guide at Mulu airport on arrival MH3630 and transfer to Royal Mulu Resort check in. Afternoon, meet at hotel lobby depart to Mulu National Park for registration. Trekking for 3km plank walk to the Deer and Lang Cave. Late afternoon, observe the million of bats flying out from the vast of the Deer Cave which will be a memorable occurrence only during the fine weather. Trekking the same plank walk to Park Headquarters and transfer back to your accommodation for overnight. Buffet Dinner will be serve at resort.
Includes: Land & River Transfer, Tour, Buffet Dinner and Accommodation
Day 02 Mulu – Wind Cave & Clearwater Cave
After breakfast, depart by long boat to Batu Bungan Penan Settlement to observe the tribe lifestyle and handicrafts on display for sale. After that proceed to Wind Cave. During the dry season or low water level, you may have to get off from the longboat to push. Have fun with the chill clear water. Continue the journey from Wind Cave by trekking about 10 minutes on plank walk to Clearwater Cave. A picnic lunch will be served at Clearwater will be served at Clearwater summer hut then later on you can enjoy swimming at Clearwater Spring. Later afternoon return to your accommodation for overnight. Buffet Dinner will be serve at resort.
Includes: Buffet Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Buffet Dinner, Tour, Land & River Transfer and Accommodation
Day 03 Mulu / Miri or Kota Kinabalu
Free at own leisure at Royal Mulu Resort till transfer to Mulu airport for your flight departure.
Activities available at own expenses : Fishing, Rock Climbing, Canopy Walk, Cycling etc.
Includes: Breakfast and Transfer
TWIN / TRIPLE
RM 640 / person
RM 850 sgl traveller
Extension Night in Mulu Resort = RM180/person
Items to bring:
Torch Light, Raincoat, Walking shoes with good grip, Slipper, Towel, Swimwear, Insect Repellent, Water Bottle, Hand Glove, and Items of personal nature.
Price includes:
02 nights Accommodation at Royal Mulu Resort, Meals: 2 Breakfast, 1 Picnic Lunch, and 2 Dinners, License Guide and Transfer in Mulu
Price excludes:
All Airfare, Park Entrance Fee RM10, Excess Luggage, Personal and Baggage Insurance.
Important Notice:
Transworld Travel Services Sdn. Bhd. Reserve the right to Amend Any Changes of Rates & Itinerary.
Air Fare (Miri / Mulu / Miri) = RM 300
simon
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Post Shui Hu Zhuan—The Work of Another Author
There are two authors for the novel Shui Hu Zhuan (SHZ). The
original novel with 80 chapters was written by Shi Nai An. This
author did not realize that his work was continued by another author
by the name Chen Chen after he passed away. Shi wrote only 80
chapters and concluded his book by the happy gathering of 108 heroes
in Liang Mountain.
However, Chen continued to write that Song Jiang was leading the
heroes to surrender to the Emperor.
Readers are mostly annoyed and disgusted to read the Post SHZ. But
in Chinese history, it was not recorded that Song Jiang surrendered to
Song Dynasty. So we can ignore the second part of the novel.
To understand why Chen wrote that kind of ending, we have to
analyse the background of Song Jiang. He was a low-ranking humble
and loyal officer in a county, unlike the other Shui Hu heroes who
were mostly rough and courageous. However, Song was very
generous and trustworthy(讲义气)， and that won him a lot of
followers as well as admiration.
As it is known to the readers that there is such a Post Shui Hu Zhuan,
the director of the TV series might just reluctantly choose such an
unhappy ending. But to the viewers, it is heart-breaking!
By: NHP
original novel with 80 chapters was written by Shi Nai An. This
author did not realize that his work was continued by another author
by the name Chen Chen after he passed away. Shi wrote only 80
chapters and concluded his book by the happy gathering of 108 heroes
in Liang Mountain.
However, Chen continued to write that Song Jiang was leading the
heroes to surrender to the Emperor.
Readers are mostly annoyed and disgusted to read the Post SHZ. But
in Chinese history, it was not recorded that Song Jiang surrendered to
Song Dynasty. So we can ignore the second part of the novel.
To understand why Chen wrote that kind of ending, we have to
analyse the background of Song Jiang. He was a low-ranking humble
and loyal officer in a county, unlike the other Shui Hu heroes who
were mostly rough and courageous. However, Song was very
generous and trustworthy(讲义气)， and that won him a lot of
followers as well as admiration.
As it is known to the readers that there is such a Post Shui Hu Zhuan,
the director of the TV series might just reluctantly choose such an
unhappy ending. But to the viewers, it is heart-breaking!
By: NHP
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Shui Hu Zhuan 水浒传 – the myth of Chinese folklore heroes
I have been following the series “All Men Are Brothers” on 8TV for the past few weeks. Had never read any versions of novel and so would not know how faithfully the made for tv series adhere to the actual story. My (misplaced) impression was that the heroes in “Water Margin” are the equivalent to Robin Hood and his band of merry men.
The earlier episodes outlining the exploits the heroes were fairly entertaining, but the developing plot in the latter chapters turns rather disturbing. I have little qualms about the other 107 heroes but Sung Jiang came across as a weak guy with dubious characters. He has no combat skill, was not smart (having to rely heavily on Wu Yong for ideas and strategy) and did not display any leadership quality. Definitely did not deserve to be their big brother. But his biggest crime to the brotherhood was his incorrigible and misguided loyalty to the corrupt government of the day. Imposing on his feudalistic idea to seek amnesty and enlistment he eventually led them down the road to capitulation.
If Chao Kai had not died and remained their leader the ending would be a very different story -one that is more befitting for a great Chinese classic novel.
simon 17.6.2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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