For five years I have been flying home and each time when the plane touches down I look forward to walking the ‘halls’ of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). As crazy as it sounds, KLIA is actually a beautiful airport. It is clean, new and has enough capacity that one does not feel too congested when there are countless passengers traveling. The air train ride is what I would describe as serene especially if you enjoy the grey landscape and green beyond. Personally, I enjoy the view. In spite of the ride and view, the highlight is when I am walking in anticipation towards the immigration air gate. Having gone through countless stringent immigration checks in a foreign country even though a resident, really strike a cord in me that I am nevertheless a visitor. To be able to walk towards the line that describes ‘Malaysian Passport’ and NOT ‘Foreign Passport’ on the other hand, conveyed that I was truly home in my birth country.
Hence, what do I do when I am home? Honestly reuniting with my family is not the only event I have in mind. No snow, cold weather, work and unwanted phone calls for three weeks! Additionally, I was going to eat Malaysian food, enjoy the hot weather, humidity and friends. Topping it all off is going back to my hometown Taiping and see to a few fun filled activities.
Taiping is a town in the state of Perak, Malaysia the largest town in Perak after Ipoh (Perak’s state capital). Situated on a plain to the west of the Bintang Mountains with Alor Setar lying to the north-west and Ipoh to the south-east, it comprises of the following areas.
Hence, what do I do when I am home? Honestly reuniting with my family is not the only event I have in mind. No snow, cold weather, work and unwanted phone calls for three weeks! Additionally, I was going to eat Malaysian food, enjoy the hot weather, humidity and friends. Topping it all off is going back to my hometown Taiping and see to a few fun filled activities.
Taiping is a town in the state of Perak, Malaysia the largest town in Perak after Ipoh (Perak’s state capital). Situated on a plain to the west of the Bintang Mountains with Alor Setar lying to the north-west and Ipoh to the south-east, it comprises of the following areas.
Map of Taiping town
The average annual rainfall is about 4000 mm thus, boasting an impressive collection of flora and century-old rain trees.
Forest Floor at the foot of Bukit Larut (formerly known as Maxwell Hill)
Man and Tree
Primates on the prowl
With such heavy rainfall, Taiping is also blessed with waterfalls. Thus, a few young ones and my dad made a trip to one of the waterfalls in Taiping and had a splashing great time. The organizer me that is, stricken with flu had a difficult time getting out of bed for the trip. 'Thanks' to my young cousins' pestering, I made it to the waterfall with a towel in one hand and tissues on the other.
The Organizer
The walk to the waterfalls 1
The walk to the waterfalls 2
The waterfall with Kelvin & John
Crazy splashing... 
All Together Now......
(clockwise from top: Dad, Melissa, Organizer, John, Kelvin, Rachael, Michelle)
Once there, it was hard to leave. Our only motivation to get out of the waters was the reunion feasts waiting for us at home. Nonetheless, if the waterfall is not your scene, there is always the Taiping Lake Gardens, Zoo with a Night Safari, Bukit Larut, Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, food glorious food……..
For more pictures, please visit http://rhys31.multiply.com/photos/album/12/Taiping_CNY_2008_The_Waterfalls
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