Tag: lifestyle

Hiking 2.0

Matsuda MashimaruLeave a comment

We made a pact to have at least one adventurous hiking trip every year, no excuses, just a bunch of us pretending to be outdoorsy for a weekend.

We’re not hardcore hikers by any stretch; we hike for the snacks, the laughs, and that glorious moment at the peak when we can finally say, “Yeah! Totally worth it!” (and later goofing around with our limping legs for days). This year marks my second time organising our annual hiking trip with a bunch of thrill seekers, but not ‘physically fit’ best friends.

This time around, I decided to spice things up for our 5-day, 4-night adventure. One mountain? Too easy. I told the team, “We’ve got five days gais, let’s make our legs regret it!” So, we set our sights on 2 mountains around Gerik, Perak, and another one at Baling, Kedah.

(Click each link ⬆️ for more stories)

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Trying on Street Photography

Matsuda MashimaruLeave a comment

Have you tried Street Photography before?

As a photographer who loves photographing places and moments, I find this genre challenging. It is not about snapping random photos while walking on a busy street in Bangkok but you require more of the “art of seeing” skill here. Before, I had the impression any photo captured on the street could be categorised as a street photo. Of course, there is no right or wrong technique for capturing street moments. Some argue that a street photo needs to have distinguished criteria or techniques to qualify as a REAL street photo.

Whatever the technique is, the best street photo is the one that tells stories.

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Hiking Gunung Fakir Terbang

Matsuda Mashimaru2 Comments

Gunung Fakir Terbang is located at Tasik Pedu, Padang Terap, Kedah.

It sits next to the Malaysia and Thailand border. You will witness a golden panorama view of Pedu Lake during sunset on Malaysia’s side and a gorgeous view of the green forestry landscape of the Yala province of Thailand during sunrise. The easiest entrance to the trail is through the Mutiara Tasik Pedu main gate. Mutiara Tasik Pedu Resort has long ago closed for business (closed in 2010) but the landowner is still actively guarding the area.

  • Location: Gunung Fakir Terbang, Mutiara Pedu Lake, Tasik Pedu, Kedah (570 meter)
  • How to go: Waze for “Seri Mahawangsa Boathouse” or “Gate Mutiara”, Tasik Pedu
  • Attraction: Thailand and Malaysia border. Panorama view of Tasik Pedu during sunset
  • Difficulty: Moderate hike
  • Distance out and back: ~ 4 km
  • Time spent: half-day trip
  • Caution: Kutu babi/ tick and leeches during the rainy season
  • Tips: Gorgeous view during sunset and sunrise. Discuss with your guide how to maximize your experience while hiking the mountain
  • Leech level: Minimal during the dry season
  • Entrance Fee: No
  • Require Permit: Yes
  • Local Guide: Abang Long Naser 019-506 8667
  • Hiking date: 27 January 2024
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Hiking Bukit Chabang

Matsuda Mashimaru1 Comment

When you are in Perlis, please check out the lookout area of Wang Kelian Viewpoint. The entrance fee is RM2 and RM3 for the budgie ride. From the Wang Kelian lookout area, you could easily spot the Bukit Chabang and Timah Tasoh Lake.

Bukit Chabang is located at Padang Besar, Perlis near Timah Tasoh Lake.

Tbh just like Bukit Kodiang, Bukit Chabang is not for hiking but for rock climbing activities. It is only 248 meters in height but the panoramic view of the surrounding area of Timah Tasoh Dam and of the agricultural landscape is a view that you should not miss. The best time to view the surrounding area from the peak (for me) is during sunset while facing Timah Tasoh Lake.

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Hiking Bukit Kodiang

Matsuda Mashimaru1 Comment

I first saw this place on Instagram, posted by my fellow photographer friend.

The view of the flat agricultural landscape during sunrise and sunset from the peak of Bukit Kodiang is gorgeous. A chunk of a giant limestone sits in the middle of acres and acres of paddy fields in Kodiang, Kedah. This small hill is popularly known as Bukit Mok Cun, named after a famous local TV series ‘Mok Cun’.

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