Hiking Days #0006

It has been awhile since I last step foot into Bkt Putih (3 weeks to be exact) and many people already telling me there is other entrance.

I won't reveal the entrances, but it was great to get back into this hill.

The entrance I used has a small walking distance, the parking is avail just on the main road.



Time was 7.30 AM and weather was rather ok as it rained yesterday.


Track starts on an uphill manner, rubber trees can be spotted


No signs of water after 15 mins hiking, weather was extremely nice cold & windy.


It was a great feeling as the track gets a little tough


There is so many logs here calling you to take a rest, but I didn't stop.


Then I bumped into some pretty girls just going for a morning walk, but when I looked up.. this is even more beautiful on a sunday morning.
Thing is I was not able to capture her picture.

As I arrived to a junction, there were 2 options:
1) Level 3
2) Level 6

Senior-Tze says to try Level 3 as Level 6 was very easy.

Then from far, that log looks like a wild boar.


Finally, a small river. From here I manage to go on... and reach Level 3

I met a bunch of people wondering & deciding where to go.

As Mama-Tze came along, we decided to go Level 6 as many hikers advice it is safe and less steep. Well, route condition was like a walk in the park. So I started to jog on my way to Level 4 and 5. Then I was so excited to read this sign:

Too bad today no one is interested to go with me


Here is the list of people to call for SOS in Bukit Putih


From Lvl 6 towards the entrance, it takes about 45mins.

Overall it took me 2Hours from Entrance > Lvl 3 > Lvl 4 > Lvl 5 > Lvl 6 > Entrance

I was feeling great, people don't dare to asked me how long the distance as my sweating effect seems to worried them.

1.5cc Car Review : Toyota Vios

Toyota in Malaysia has been known as a reliable car since 1980s. My Mom brought her 1st Toyota which is a Vios in 2005. This car was used mostly by my parents and brother. When I sold off un-faithful car, they handed down the car for me to look after (or the other way round) but mostly I just used it to work.

2003 version of Toyota Vios was market in Malaysia as a 1.5cc Dohc VVTi FWD car. It fit perfectly for 4... 5 as what the car registration said. This model is the 1st Generation of Vios which is market mainly as the first car for a small family / youth drivers. I remembered UMW Toyota Malaysia uses Ms Britney Spears to market this car. Around the world this car has different engine and variant specs from 1.5cc 1NZ-FE engine, 1.3cc 2NZ-FE engine and some said there was a 1.0cc too. The 1.5cc has a 40 Litre of storage on petrol and could run average 550km until it goes to the last line on the petrol blinking indicator. Bare in mind this car still run on the 1.5 year old 15" Goodyear NCT5 tyres.

2006 Toyota has face-lifted the 1st generation of Vios but from far they both looks the same on the outside but rather enchanced some of the interior. Owners now can rest their arm on a plastic arm rest right above the hand-brake. Yet comparing to these 2 models, some customers still prefer the 2003 Vios looks mainly because it was simple and adorable?

Anyway it still performs same as the 1st Vios.

End of 2007 UMW Toyota took in the Belta (Japan) to replace Vios, you can read more about that in Paul's blog. M'sia 2nd Generation of Vios share parts with Yaris, but Toyota did a great job in creating the Vios more towards functionality design.

I manage to test out the G-Spec and found it rather noisy as the muffler is underneath the driver seat but overall its has the same engine performance and a slightly bigger interior compare to the 1st generation Vios. One of the main features available in all the 2008 Specs:
ABS , EBD & BA
"The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to prevent wheel lock-up when braking on slippery roads, while the Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) applies optimum braking power to each wheel. Further control is in your possession with the Brake Assist (BA) that works to give you significant reduction in braking distance."

Toyota uses their gearbox SUPER ECT to match with the engine, this is to reduce the maintainance cost as to compare to SUPER CVT-i which i believe runs on timing belt. Honda City owners do know how high maintenance the 7-Speed CVT gearbox is.

SOME-SAYS that is the reason why the new VIOS is more fuel efficient. Too bad the STIG [topgear] have not the chance to test out this car, well I would expect him saying only this ".... ... ...... .... .... .... .. (with some hand gesture)... ". SOME-SAYS the new version has a lag of acceleration power as compare to the 1st version.

July 2008 Vios J-Spec was launch and it has all the basic accessories that needed in a car, but if compare to E-Spec you will found out NO signal light on the side mirrors, electronic mirror control, fog lamp, sport rims, AIRBAGs, mp3 player, some colored interior plastics... you will then found out more as you sit into the other specs. Even the safety-feature seatbelts will be different. However 1 thing I found out, the J-Spec has the same black interior with S-Spec. Guys like me do prefer black interior being easy to maintain.

J-Spec was market for people whom are looking for a cheap reliable new Toyota at the price around RM70k-74k. Senior-Tze always bug me to buy this version mainly due to the reason of "RMs". I took my parents on a test drive on the Manual J-Spec around the hill roads of Cheras.
Gear shift and driving experience is quite the same as the Perodua Myvi / Nauticar. It has the ability to go uphill smoothly with 4 adults and was quite smooth on a short 80Km speed drive. Front and Rear cabin space was even better as compare to the 2003 version, but Senior-Tze head just nicely fit.. not my brother whom is slightly taller.

THEN AGAIN...
Honda City on the other will stop production by Oct'08 and will continue to focus on the 2009 Model. Price may be estimated around RM83~89K with just i-Vtec SOHC FWD without the 7-Speed CVT-gearbox. Varies website has been posting the spy shots, rumours has it will launch in Thailand and India soon.

Nissan has Latio 1.6cc, Chevrolet has Aveo 1.4cc. Proton could complete IF they were to come out with a reliable 1.4cc Dohc Campro FWD setup SAGA with 4 reliable power windows & reliable accessories?

*pictures taken from: autoworld / toyota / thai website

Hiking Days #0005

I have been hiking on another locations since Bukit Putih entrance was closed.

I have no idea what this place is called, but the entrance is near towards Ketumbar Condo. in Cheras. It will link to Bukit Putih too, if you do have the time and effort to find the way.

This is my first time hiking on this hill with my dad, as newcomers we tend to ask around which normal route should we take.


Parking is extremely huge, on weekends you need to pay RM1 per vehicle.

Track is normal, but a rather long one. Right about 45mins from the starting point towards the Level 4. Gym area. This hill has a dry track, not much water as compare to Bkt Putih. I went with my Dad 2 times, both taking a different route. Track is slippery if you are coming down on a dry day.


The track is not very challenging, it has a 15mins tough climb to Level 4.


Senior-tze was able to get some good sweats


Weather is rather humid, not much wind. On this hill, you can see Petronas Twins Tower clearly.

There is also a place to stop, its called Lvl 3 Scene Station, you can see part of PJ and KL on a clear fine day.

This is towards Cheras and Selangor, do you notice that Menara TM?


This particular picture is a keeper and also part of this hill challenge.

The man in the picture is actually a "Chee Cheong Fun" seller at a nearby morning Market. I manage to bump into him after breakfast.

Things I notice on this hill, there are many people bringing their dogs. I also bump into many elder people trying to keep the place keen by clearing the rubbish they saw on their daily hiking experience.

So people living in Malaysia, be considerate! It takes ages to come out with such beautiful nature, it takes 1 fire to burn it down.

Hiking Days #0005 Prepost

I have found a new hiking place, will blog about this before sunday.

But great news, I found another entrance to Bukit Putih and its darn near my house.

Got Zap

Today I got zap, the PC and Speakers unable to turn on.

The PC power cable has a fuse in it, and just requires a replacement HOWEVER..
there goes my faithful Altec Lansing ACS 45. It was going to be the next history is the making if it runs another 10 more years.

Fraud: Canon / GSC 2 for 1 Cinema Card

Last weekend, I visited the Pikom Aug'08 KLCC PC Fair. It was a short after work trip, I was there to grab some deals and do some personal purchase research.

There were some good deals and free stuffs, ofcoz this will make our Malaysian Consumers more eager to go as the recent increase of the "2008-malaysian-daily-life-expenses"! There was a promotion by CANON.. not too sure if this is the same goes to Pikom Penang PC Fair, Pahang and also Perak. If you were to purchase above RM50, you are entitle to get ...
"Canon / GSC 2 for 1 Cinema Card"
What this card does is actually entitle you to purchase 2 movie ticket at the price of 1 for those movie with "*" mark on them, but there are also terms and conditions which u can find here. Which is basically has the same clause printed on the back of those card given. I will upload that picture later.

" Terms & Conditions:
1. Upon presentation of this card, the bearer is entitled to the purchase of two tickets for the price of one
2. This offer is only valid for asterisk films as nomonated by participating cinemas - see www.gsc2for1.com for the list of asterisk films titles and participating cinemas.
3. The Canon 2 for 1 Cinema card can only be used once per day and is valid until 15/11/2008
4. Not valid with other GSC offers, promotions, film festivals, gold Class, Premiere Class and Twin Seats
5. Only original cards are accept and NO photocopies will be accepted
6. This card is not exchangeable
7. Original card is to be presented at cinema box office counter
8. Free Cinema ticket must be used for the same screening of the paid ticket
9. Paid ticket is based on normal prevailing price
10. Redemption of ticket is subject to availability of seats
11. This card may not be used to reserve or purchase tickets by telephone, online or via WAP
12. Film classification rules apply and identification may be required
13. The cinema manager's decision is final and standard cinema rules apply
14. The holder of this card is not entitled to any preferential right over other cinema patrons
15. Canon is not liable for any loss suffered by customers when using this cinema card
16. Any disputes between customers and GSC pertaining to the use of the cinema card are strictly between the customer and GSC only
17. This promotion is administered on behalf of the promoter Golden Screen Cinemas
This card is only valid on selected films. For more details, please visit www.gsc2for1.com "

So I was thinking to pick a movie which is mark "*" on GSC website, something to enjoy with my girlfriend after a long week of hectic work. When I went to the counter of GSC MidValley Cinema today, the supervisor quickly inform me you are not able to use the card. They were inform by GSC HQ to stop this promotion. I told them the card stated expiry date of 11 Nov 2008, all the GSC staff can advice me was to get back to Canon or the relevant party which issue me this card!

Then there was a terms and condition #16 Any disputes between customers and GSC pertaining to the use of the cinema card is strictly between the customer and GSC only

So when I browse the website provided...
"This promotion is administered on behalf of the promoter GSC Golden Screen Cinemas by TLC Marketing plc, 54 Baker Street, London W1U 7BU"

Another TLC Marketing again! Wow is this company bankrupted or something? This is the same company which is not calling me to arrange for the 2008 Gatsby WorldWide Holiday which I won early this year.

Hiking Days #0004

Been hiking mostly in Bukit Putih if you really follows my hiking post #0001, it all started since 2007.

I know the 1st post is full of words, but hence it is a good reading material before bed-time? Anyway this is a follow up on more on Bukit Putih from Level 0 to Level 3 via the "Normal" Route up and "Novice" Route down.

31 July 2007 | 13.20 - solo hiking with my old Panasonic Digital Camera


Picture taken quite dark, temperature was about 32'Celsius


Ants by the size of a thumb, please don't step on them


Level 0 towards Level 1, the track condition is rather easy uphill and downhill


New man-build-bridge & the old, this was build last weekend at the Level 1 by the waterfall river.


Level 1 towards Level 2 is all uphill, take a rest if you really can't go on.
Seen here are 2 elder couples taking their afternoon climb.


Some people can run out of air by forcing themselves, you can see how uphill from my standing point.


Looking down from Level 2, be very careful if you take this route down.
Be even more careful if the track condition is wet.


If you don't know how to read Chinese like I do, I believe this sign says use the route on the left as the upcoming tree predicted to fall.


Hiking at this time is rather humid, the best time is early in the morning.
That afternoon wind was very dry.


Between Level 2 towards Level 3, you will see this long log.
Recommended: Lying on this log is very relaxing!


This proves you have reached Level 3, route towards Level 4, 5, The Waterfall and 6 will be a like a walk in the park from here.


Signs like these will be posted mostly every Level, make sure you take the information down. You never knows when you might need it.


From Level 3 down to Level 1, I was running downhill. Reason being was I encounter some enthusiast women which scream every once in a while. I'm not sure the reason to their action, probably wants to be in touch with mother nature? Anyway, it is advisable not to make loud noises when you are in any forest.


This route I took downhill is rather easy, but at one point you will face this!


There is another side of the small river by the waterfall at level 1, also recommended to take a rest here and enjoy the river breeze.


This will be me, seriously enjoying that moment. Thanks to GATSBY, my hair still in style!


There are ropes for you to hold onto, please use them wisely.
So this is quite the end of my hiking to-and-flow from Level 0-3.

There are 2 stalls that sells fruits, food and drinks (they have Tong Sui) by the entrance.
There is also a small pond, you can relax there like them:


This trip took me only 1H 05M. My dad can do it in 45Mins with his 38" Tummy.

Gentle reminder, please do not throw your rubbish everywhere in the reserve forest!
MUST keep the environment clean! You start the trend, someone will follow.

UPDATES: Heard from friends, the Bukit Putih is not open to the public until further notice. This may due to the ample parking space available, some people tend to park by the resident houses. Those who are coming to Bkt. Putih should park near towards the football field which is infront of the Magnolia Ice Cream shop-lots. It is just 10mins walking distance to the entrance.

Finding a car ... part 2

I am currently driving my mom's Toyota Vios 2005 MK1 and fuel consumption seems to be O.K.! Full tank which is 40Litres which makes it RM108.00 (Rm 2.7 per litre) and it runs until 550Km in the city condition. Bare in mind, the tyres are quite worn @ 1.5 years old.



I read the NST Cars, Bikes & Trucks once tested the new VIOS can go to-and-flow from KL-Tanjung Malim at RM20.00 (RM 1.97 per litre) then. Basically these 2 models run at the same engine, shouldn't be much different.

Wonder if the next Honda City which may only have 1.5cc i-Vtec SOHC with 120hp would perform? My Dad still suggest me to purchase a VIOS as TOYOTA is known for its reliability but I tested the 2008 VIOS G Spec and found the interior rather budget-built as compare to the Vios 2005 Model.



Well today is my off-day, probably will test again later in the noon. This time I bring my Mom, see what a women has to say about cars.

Hiking Days #0003

Out of un-notice... I happens to form a group of friends to go hiking with. But this group of friends happen to be all-girls-group. >:) Wonderful isn't it? Well there is a guy which always m.i.a. as he needs to be with soon-2-be-wife.



Anyway most of them are my girlfriend's mates, these group of people will have a very long chat after the hiking session which is great. It leaves me some personal time to do my personal stuffs like taking a sunday nap.

Well Lisa came with me to hike Bukit Putih (AH PEK SAN) up till to LEVEL 3. She has the stamina to go on to level 3 without any problem. So guess she has no problem going to K.Kinabalu end of this August.

Finding a car

I am currently looking to purchase a 1.5cc reliable car .This are the list of cars which is Malaysian market has to offer.

My current list:
Toyota Vios 1.5cc VVT-i DOHC (Spec - S/G/E/J) [RM79K-RM89K]

Honda City 1.5cc iDSI SOHC i-DSI / Vtec SOHC VTEC [RM84-RM88K]
*this model will stop production on OCT'08, replacement model will be available 2009 Q1 rumours only i-Vtec engines were to be available.

Other availables:
Chevrolet Aveo Northback 1.4cc E-TEC II DOHC [NA]

Proton Saga 1.3cc Campro DOHC [RM31k-RM40K]

Proton GEN2 1.3cc Campro DOHC
*think this model is obsolete since Proton SAGA came along

Skoka Fabia 1.4cc DOHC [NA]

Suzuki Swift 1.5cc VVT-i DOHC [NA]

Perodua Myvi 1.3cc DVVT DOHC [RM41-RM49K]

list still goes on..

Hiking Days #0002

Hiking trial at Bukit Putih seems to be a little tough compare to 6 months ago mainly due to the mother-nature. This coming saturday I will be bringing a old friend Lisa to hiking, she is preparing before end of august for Mount K.K. Yes, this time she wants to reach the top again and shout "Merdeka"! Too bad I can't go with you, thou I had still loads of leave that needs to be taken before end of Sept'08.

Just a moment ago, I was arranging some old pictures that we took last year Mount K.K. trip. It brings you back as if it just happen yesterday.

Car-less?

Well I owned a Hyundai Atos 2003, recently just sold it off as it was a burden to maintain a korean-malaysian built junk. It has no second hand market value and the parts are so darn expensive it sum up to own a VIOS / CITY which is more reliable.

Anyway I am now without a car, the new Proton SAGA 1.3cc Dohc Campro would be a reasonable car to purchase at a budget of RM39K BUT... current models have a defect of the engine keep sipping the engine oil. Wonder why local-built products are worst than the China built products? Perodua is better, but then it's still have its disadvantage. These 2 car company's are just completing with themselves, not Asian, not the world.

Its a dilemma to purchase a car in malaysia if you don't have the budget of RM150K. Moreover the commuters in the city is not perfectly maintained in the sense of operations and services.

Cheap & Reliable Mobile Phone

It has been 2 years 6 months since I last purchase a new phone for myself. SE-K750i is old, she is giving up as the battery like span can only last a day or 2. The reception she is providing is so weak, and it hurts my ears everytime using her. Her plastic and metal casing is failing apart, the joystick which provides me so much pleasure is no longer function as it used to. She is giving me signs to get a new phone.

What should I be getting? I only had an extra RM300 this month, SE-W350i just launch with price tag of RM799. I am just looking for a normal-functional phone. A fancy PDA would be great, but I only have the budget at the end of the 2008. That is if I am still single.

Delayed April Post

I was on holiday in April 2008. That was a light budget HK & Macau trip, but I enjoyed like a teenage boy with half-a-dozen can of beers. I drank beers and had pork like nobody's business.
M'sia is a country with Muslim as the main race, therefore HALAL food are mostly served, you don't get pork in major fast food restaurants. When I am out of Malaysia, I prefer to eat something that is not served in Malaysia! I dropped by to say hi to my HK friends, I shopped, I pretty much enjoyed the trip.. and also it was our first overseas trip together.

Macau Pork Chop (Curried) Sandwich

When we landed back to Malaysia, I gain.... weight

Update: I now know how to link dropshots to my blog.

Macao Famous Pork Chop Sandwich


Macao Portuguese Egg Tart & Bird Nest Tart


Pork Chop Noodles


HK Polo Bun (Smashed)


HK "SaiGon" DIM SUM


HK Famous Breakfast TYPE A


HK Hot Pot Chicken & Fish Rice


HK Oyster Egg Pan-Cake


type of drinks I consume


Deserts for Emelyn


Wan Tan Noodle

2008 Gatsby WorldWide Holiday #02

Its been a hectic months of work, but yesterday's work took my last passion to work away. I need a holiday!

To update my readers (assume I had some) that the places I choose as listed below:
1) Indonesia, Bali
2) Thailand, Phuket
3) Malaysia, Pulau Tioman

The Agent will then arrange which ever 1 for me within 30days after the date of submit-ion. But let me tell you what I've encounter so far...

I submitted it on the last week of May'08 as the terms stated. However when I tried to call the company (TLC World For Free) which is taking care of this holiday promotion rather have disappeared from the surface of the EARTH! So I called up GATSBY's person's in charged, the lady will follow up for me by submitting the forms to them. So now GATSBY has my documents, the TLC company has not called. May this be just another spam? I still wish I won the "watch"

June Delay Blog

June 2008 was a short Holiday in Indonesia, Medan. It's more like a short break and to attend a friend's wedding. This time around I was there with Even, we shared a room in a budget hotel. It had a budget toilet too.

Congratulations Mr. Micheal & Mrs. Rovita "QiQi" Yoko



Ms. Evan Lai, Beautiful Bride, Me

previously: there was an error trying to link the pictures to this blog entry

www.dropshots.com/alvinlimkt *please send an email to "alvinlimkt@hotmail.com" for password check out the blurry-professional-pictures

Charity

There is times where things are un-predictable happens. My heart goes out to those whom are in China & Myanmar

Some people are just taking advantages upon this kind of senario, they tend to setup fund raising charity drive and not channelling all of it to the people in need. Therefore everyone please becareful on where ur money is going to. Contribute it to the right medium!

I will be contributing very little cash this month... (M'sia requires u to pay so many things to stay alive). I will be going to Soka Gakai to send my prayers and also do wat ever I can to help out. Every little counts, imagine everyone gives just RM5... a family of 5 already had RM25 and if everyone in the neighbourhood has a family of 5... u do the math.

Some people I knew dont bother as this does not happens to them or anyone they knew, if u were at the place, if you were one of the victim... if there is no one on earth would put up charity or even help u in every possible way to keep u alive... will that be your excuse to die?

April 2008

It was been a more of a traveling food trip and then stitching back the saving in my wallet.

Will let u know more later on MAY but at this time.. need to get more sleep. Foot-sal and hiking has been the key sport on April and May.

Oh btw, happy labour day...

where as to YenYen & Mr. Gan, welcome to parenthood!