The Land of Traffic Lights

Last weekend, we went on a trip to the land (well, actually a town) of traffic lights! Traffic lights?! Well, we were in Kuantan for a 3-day holiday, on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. We were informed that when we reach the other 'end' of the road where there are lots (and by that I mean like almost every few kilometers) of traffic lights we would have reached Kuantan. And yes, we can testify to that! It is true. :( But at least we know we have arrived after about 3 hours or so driving.

Anyway, besides being 'awed' by the numerous traffic lights, the resort where we stayed in, called "Swiss Garden Resort & Spa", is indeed a well equipped and well maintained hotel. The usual facilities were there and we enjoyed the very relaxing atmosphere at the resort. During the three days that we were there in Kuantan, it rained (drizzled actually) only on the morning of the second day. So we had very good weather otherwise.

















The view of the reception area at night. It has very nice architecture and play of lights at the resort. IMHO, I think it is very well designed, reflecting a peaceful yet majestic ambiance.

From our room, we had a great view of the swimming pool and the South China Sea. Being on the highest floor (4th floor) we could scout out what goes on down below.


















The view of the the two pools and the South China Sea on the horizon.

















View of the resort from our breakfast area.

















The little round pool above is the open air jacuzzi, almost in between the free form pool and the kids pool.

At night, the poolside is turned into a nice BBQ dinner place. The hotel is also by the beach where the sand is 'white' and fine. The kids loved the beach. Whilst the kids played on the sandy beach, Daddy took a nap on the beach chair under the shade of the trees on a breezy afternoon. Mummy, Grandpa and Grandma went to the spa to get their bodies pampered. Although we did not go into the sea as the sun was always blazing hot, the water looked very nice. We spent more time in the swimming pool (where there was some shade from the palm trees and the pool bar) than anywhere else.


















Kuantan beach... lovely isn't it?

















The kids enjoying the sand on the beach.


Pool time...



































Josh learning how to swim... kick, kick, kick.


















Jess enjoying the water.

















Mummy giving Josh and Jess a ride on her back.

We also ventured to a waterfall nearby Kuantan, called Pancing Waterfall. The drive there from the resort was about 45mins. It was a very pleasant place to be to see medium sized waterfalls. There were also big rocks around and the sand around the area was very course. The water/pool was shallow enough to walk/wade in. The kids enjoyed the place a lot. It was also a nice place to try out some shots with my Canon DSLR camera.


















The waterfalls.



















Used a slower shutter speed to get this effect...


















Look at the coarse sand. A bit prickly to walk on, but fun to play with!


















On the way back to KL, we stopped by an elephant rehabilitation centre (Kuala Gandah Elephant Centre) near to a town called Lanchang. When we drove to Kuantan, we saw signs of the place and told ourselves to drop by on our way home. It is basically a small sanctuary for a few elephants to raise awareness to the public on how precious these 'giants' are. You can read more about it by following this URL Kuala Gandah Elephant Centre.


















This is the main reception office of the centre.

















There were not many elephants there but it was nice to see some wild life to end the trip. Let me warn you that if you intend to visit this place, the place reeks of 'natural' smells! :D

So our holiday to the east cost ended with a visit to Jumbo (or a few Jumbos actually).
Josh was happy... so was Jess!

A Concert

Last Saturday, Joshua and Amanda's school had a concert cum graduation day .. the graduation day was for the older kids (6-year old). We were all very impressed by our son's dance entitled "Scottish March" where he was all dressed up in a 'scottish' way (see the pics). He looked so cute! He has been practising this dance with Mummy at home but it was only during the concert that we saw how grand the dance was!

















(They gelled up his hair and put a little make-up on him!)

Amanda on the other hand did the twist. Most entertaining as they have such diverse movements! Remember these are 5 year olds! It was really hard work and all the teachers who helped the kids danced did very well! Remember these are not dance teachers!


















I think all parents who were there felt very happy and satisfied with their children's performance. Oh, on top of the performance, Joshua was also awarded the Best Improvement Award for his class. Hallelujah!

























Well done Josh and Amanda!
And 'kudos' to the teachers too!