Tag: Singapore

Other Activities for my Malaysia Trip?

In the middle of March (just over 3 weeks from now) I head off to Malaysia to watch the 2015 Petronas Malaysian Formula1 Grand Prix.  But with a couple of days in the itinerary spare I figure I’ll do some other stuff. We all know that I’m heading to Penang and Johor Bahru during the trip, so naturally Legoland is on the cards but what else could I be doing?

Target Activities in and around Malaysia

  • Petronas Towers – I’ve been to Kuala Lumpur something like 4 times and never been up the Petronas Towers, unfortunately the Online Booking System is offline due to the impending implementation of GST in Malaysia.
    Petronas Towers
    Petronas Towers

    I can’t wait to have some pics from the Skybridge!

    Petronas Towers
    Petronas Towers
  • Singapore – When in Johor Bahru it would be silly to not “hop” the border and count around Singapore.  It’s also essential to one of my other plans!
    Singapore by Night
    Singapore by Night

    Singapore by Night
    Singapore by Night
  • PANDAS – By now you’ll have read the Panda Story and by travelling to Singapore  Zoo River Safari and Malaysias Zoo Negara I have the opportunity to take my Panda Tally to from 4 (Hong Kong 2012) to a massive 8!  That means 8/49 Pandas out of China spotted!
  • Monkey Beach – It’s in Penang and not far from Georgetown where I’ll be staying. It’s got lots of these guys, and I’m not the greatest fan of them, but it’s also an opportunity to tick off a “No Reservations” location.

     

  • Royal Malaysian Airforce Museum – This is apparently by many reviews to be considered a fairly rough and ready affair but I’m still keen to take a look.

    RMAF Museum
    RMAF Museum
  • Mall Crawling – Visit the 4th, 8th, 11th, 19th, 40th and 56th largest Malls in the world (Australias biggest ranks at around 70th) – Yes I’ve already been to the 8th and 19th largest before)

My Panda Story

Pandas I have seen previously: 2 (Ying Ying & Le Le)
Pandas I will see next: 6 (Xing Xing, Liang Liang, Kai Kai, Jia Jia, Wang Wang & Funi)

That will take my tally to 8/49 of the Pandas living outside of China – and perhaps 0.4% of all Pandas in existence (based on middle estimates of Panda population).

Giant Panda & Why I like them…

“Pandas, mate why are you so fascinated by Pandas?” I get asked this all the time (well ok I’ve been asked once), and I thought I’d explain.

I was born in 1975, by the time the early 1980’s rolled around I was old enough to watch and understand the documentaries on the fate of Pandas in the wild. At the time Pandas in captivity wasn’t really a “done thing” and in the wild they were “rare”. The WWF (Not the Wrestling mob) had kicked conservation efforts in gear and raised the profile of the Panda and so this young impressionable kid in Sawtell/Toormina thought he’d never see a live Panda, ever. 

For me the ability to see a real live Panda (even if in captivity) represents in one tiny way just how life can change, and just how things we thought we’d never do/see can still happen.

The Pandas for me also serve as a reminder to take the opportunity to do things when the opportunity arises, to do while I can, not complain when I can no longer.

So yes that’s the Panda story.

Giant Panda I have seen:

2012 – Ocean Park Hong Kong.  I’m fairly sure I trekked the whole park but I only recall seeing two Panda despite there being supposedly 4 in the Park.  I will have to check the pictures more carefully to ensure I’m not missing any!