The year of 2014 is certainly one of the best and most memorable chapters in the pages of my JOURNEY in life. I was able to visit numerous places for the first time, including some of the best places in MALAYSIA.
Please allow me to share with you my JOURNEY in MALAYSIA especially the EXCITEMENT and the LESSONS for 19 days and 18 nights.
Please allow me to share with you my JOURNEY in MALAYSIA especially the EXCITEMENT and the LESSONS for 19 days and 18 nights.
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| @KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT |
The answers to my prayers and the realization of a dream to visit MALAYSIA (and to finally witness the remarkable PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS) came when I was selected as one of the two privileged individuals from the Philippines to attend a course in MALAYSIA.
The selection process for the course was actually a challenging one and entailed considerable effort, and time. The tedious process is composed of English Proficiency Test (ALCPT), Panel Interview, Comprehensive Medical Examinations, and processing of numerous clearances and requirements.
But all the sacrifices were compensated when we finally arrived at the KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KLIA) on April 13, 2014 (Sunday).
The day that I would never forget for the rest of my life.
The day that I would never forget for the rest of my life.
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| delicious peanuts served on board MALAYSIAN AIRLINES |
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| while on flight from PHILIPPINES to MALAYSIA |
The flight from the NAIA (PHILIPPINES) to KLIA (MALAYSIA) was almost 4 hours. It was around 12 noon when we arrived at KLIA.
After exchanging our Dollars with Malaysian Ringgit or RM (the Malaysian Currency), we had our first meal in Malaysia at the BURGER KING. The most convenient way for us during that time. We were already excited to reach our precious destination, the MALAYSIAN PEACEKEEPING CENTER or MPC.
After that quick burger meal, we took a cab from KLIA going to MPC in Port Dickson.
After exchanging our Dollars with Malaysian Ringgit or RM (the Malaysian Currency), we had our first meal in Malaysia at the BURGER KING. The most convenient way for us during that time. We were already excited to reach our precious destination, the MALAYSIAN PEACEKEEPING CENTER or MPC.
After that quick burger meal, we took a cab from KLIA going to MPC in Port Dickson.
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| The RM or Malaysian Ringgit (1 Ringgit is equivalent to about 14 pesos) |
After travelling for about an hour and a half, we were welcomed by the duty personnel at MPC. We were the earliest course participants to arrive according to the duty personnel.
He courteously accompanied us to our billeting area.
He courteously accompanied us to our billeting area.
My eyes were continuously scanning the environment while a lady in the reception area of the ACCOMMODATION BUILDING was handing the room keys to me.
I was totally amazed with the cleanliness and orderliness of the surroundings especially by the creative and intricate design of the ACCOMMODATION BUILDING.
Excitement continuously went up as we were proceeding to my assigned room at the fourth floor, not utilizing the stairs but with an elevator!
When we finally entered my designated room, I felt just like winning a trip to a first class destination!
It was certainly a rewarding feeling to be provided with a comfortable place to stay for 19 days and 18 nights.
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| MY COMFORTABLE ROOM!!! |
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| @ Malaysian Peacekeeping Center |
After we settled our things and prepared our uniform for the class the following day, we decided to explore the nearby areas with the help of some directional instructions from the gate guards.
We went to a sari-sari store and a canteen and have another burger, the AYAM BURGER. AYAM, which means chicken in BAHASA, is one of the few BAHASA words that we learned that very first day in Malaysia.
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AYAM (chicken) Burger, our first meal in PORT DICKSON
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| First day @ Malaysian Peacekeeping Center. |
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| a superb view from the window/terrace of my room at the accommodation building at MPC |
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@ MPC Banquet Hall together
with classmates from NEPAL and SRI LANKA
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| BANQUET HALL, MALAYSIAN PEACEKEEPING CENTER |
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| usual bike ride after class exploring PORT DICKSON |
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| Exploring the downtown of PORT DICKSON together with classmates from NEPAL |
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| Enjoying the immediate environs of the MPC |
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| @TANJUNG TUAN LIGHTHOUSE in PORT DICKSON, just a bike ride away from MPC |
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One of the beautiful beaches in PORT DICKSON,
just a bike ride away from MPC
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| KAMPONG, my favorite food in MALAYSIA |
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| TEH TARIK, try it when in Malaysia and be amazed how it is being prepared |
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breakfast at the MPC Banquet Hall...
one of the earliest birds, excited for the trip to MELAKA |
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| @ MELAKA CITY |
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| This colorful bike is being used during the tour to the different tourist destinations within Melaka City for 10 Ringgit (about 140 pesos) per person |
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| The MENARA SARING TOWER, the most visible landmark in MELAKA CITY |
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try the exciting ride at the
MENARA SARING TOWER
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Great architectural design at the entrance way of the
MENARA SARING TOWER
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| Enjoying interesting destinations at MELAKA CITY together with classmates from SRI LANKA and NEPAL
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| @ MELAKA CENTRAL BUS TERMINAL together with classmate from SRI LANKA after we reserved tickets for our trip the following day from MELAKA to SEREMBAN (It is advisable to get bus ticket in advance according to classmates from Malaysia) |
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| together with some classmates during the trip to MELAKA CITY |
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| MELAKA CITY AT NIGHT |
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| @ANT BAR in MELAKA together with another Filipino, and classmates from SRI LANKA and NEPAL |
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| certainly, we had SWEET remarkable moments in ANT BAR... |
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| inside the MENARA SARING TOWER Enjoying the full top view of MELAKA City
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| Midnight snack @ MCDO, MELAKA CITY
The following day, we took a bus from MELAKA CENTRAL to SEREMBAN. Then took another bus from SEREMBAN to PORT DICKSON, then finally a taxi from PORT DICKSON to the Malaysian Peacekeeping Center. Fulfilled and rested, we consumed the rest of the day preparing for another week at the classroom. When we arrived at the MPC, almost all of our classmates said that they regretted that they did not go with us when we stayed longer in MELAKA. We told them that they missed the nightlife in MELAKA, a chance that may never come for them. Unlike for the 4 of us, we shared unforgettable moments in the historical city, a once in a lifetime opportunity that we will be bringing with us as long as our hearts beat and as far as our minds think.
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| My co-backpackers while we were strolling around MELAKA after spending the night there. |
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| Another tourist attraction at MELAKA |
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@ MELAKA CENTRAL BUS TERMINAL looking for something to eat for breakfast before the trip
going to SEREMBAN
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| Different types of bread in Malaysia |
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| @ MELAKA CENTRAL BUS TERMINAL while waiting for the bus during our trip to SEREMBAN |
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@ SEREMBAN BUS TERMINAL after arriving from MELAKA, heading to board another bus going to
PORT DICKSON
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| Back to our "HOME" the MPC...this covered walk lead us to accommodation room waiting to comfort and recharge our weary bodies |
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| Back to my wonderful room... in HEAVEN once again!!! |
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@ Putrajaya City,
the "HEART" of the Malaysian Government
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| Unforgettable moments at Putrajaya City |
...and finally we arrived at our remarkable destination, KUALA LUMPUR CITY!!! the home of the amazing PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS. We explored KL extensively. But unlike in MELAKA City, the 4 of us went back with the bus to MPC during that day. This time our classmates were the ones who stayed for a night in KL. It is their time to SHINE, to share remarkable moments away from our "HOME" in Malaysia...away from our comfortable rooms in the ACCOMMODATION BUILDING at the MPC in Port Dickson.
One of the best things to buy in KL or in any parts of Malaysia are ELECTRONIC GADGETS because they are cheaper in price but same quality of what we have in the Philippines. Clothes and slippers are also cheaper in price. But what I appreciate much in Malaysia are the VERY HIGH prices of SIN PRODUCTS such as CIGARETTES and LIQUORS, the presence of "NO SMOKING" signages everywhere and the GRAPHICS WARNING in CIGARETTE PACKAGING leading to clean surroundings and less polluted environment.
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| @ underground passageway going to a mall under PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS |
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@PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS in Kuala Lumpur City
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| Finally, the amazing PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS |
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| @ the vicinity of the PAVILION Mall, |
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| @ KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTER |
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| Savoring the amazing KUALA LUMPUR CITY |
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| The PAVILION MALL in KUALA LUMPUR CITY |
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| Strolling inside the Mall |
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| @ "PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS" |
two of my backpacker buddies...
still my buddies in exploring KL
The best among that journey aside from successfully completing the course
(UNITED NATION STAFF OFFICER COURSE)
is
(UNITED NATION STAFF OFFICER COURSE)
is
to be able to meet new friends from other countries especially those who became our best friends. We were lucky also because our classmates from Malaysia are very accommodating showing us around PORT DICKSON and SEREMBAN using their personal vehicles and brought us to places where to dine, experienced and tasted numerous Malaysian food (my favorite is KAMPONG) and most importantly, they shared with us their way of life. The memories will never fade. The moments shared will forever linger in our hearts.
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savoring our last stroll @ Port Dickson...
walking away with heavy hearts...
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| our last night in Malaysia together with another Filipino and a classmate from SRI LANKA, whose nickname is coincidentally LANKA, who became our very dear friend. In order for us to continuously keep in touch, I created a FACEBOOK GROUP for our class... |
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| LAST BREAKFAST in MALAYSIA... LAST MEAL @ MALAYSIAN PEACEKEEPING CENTER |
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All my bags were packed but I was not ready to go!
I did not want to leave a WONDERFUL PLACE!!!
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perfect view outside the
KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT...
time to say GOODBYE to this PARADISE where we remarkably enjoyed for 19 days and 18 nights...
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THANK YOU
MALAYSIAN PEACEKEEPING CENTER for EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION
AND SUPERB EXPERIENCES!!!
I WILL NEVER FORGET
MALAYSIAN PEACEKEEPING CENTER
AND MALAYSIA
...TERIMA KASIH
FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS...
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