Monday 17 September 2018

Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve

Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve, Jalan Merbah 10/1, Seksyen 10 Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia



Just last weekend, BFF and I were taking a stroll in the Kota Damansara Community Forest  (KDCF) Reserve, a place we recently discovered from the many articles that popped up on Facebook. We love doing hikes and stuff but only once in a while have the luxury of time to meet up and take a stroll. A lot of these amazing hiking spots are quite a drive away and that meant that I had to rely on friends, not many are nature enthusiast, sadly!

Thankfully, KDCF is simply under 30 minutes away drive, we were actually surprise such a hiking spot can be found so close in the city! And it is so beautiful!



The lake, whether man made of natural, is the first thing that greeted us. While this lake may appear just like any other lakes in Malaysia, I find it enchanting. There are dead trunks sticking out in the water (mangrove-kinda species, maybe!) and it somewhat remind me of the photos I've seen of Aoi Ike, the Blue Lake of Hokkaido. Because it isn't blue, I call this the Malaysia's version of Green Lake LOL!





IDK why but just feel like posting this 'iconic' tree twice.



After tons of photos by the lake, we are finally ready to do some hike! The trails were wide enough for one to walk comfortably and there are more even trails for bikes if you love mountain (or in this case, bukit) biking. The trails were well taken care of, we came across a guy, not sure volunteer or part of this KDCF community member, clearing the pathways from fallen leaves. Apparently, there are even "Community Dogs" cared by the KDCF Society. Pretty cool!

Only after our walk along the shorter Salleh Trail did we discovered there were multiple longer trails leading around KDCF. We decided to venture Temuan Trail then the Sahabat Trail and back via Serenity Trail.







At times, I was creeped out by how quiet and eerie the trails can get. Though every now and then, you hear the sound of traffic and the distant azan which was comforting. Reminds me that civilization isn't far away hahahaha. That was another reason why I chose this spot _ my goal was to reached the peak which overlooks Kota Damansara. I think it is really cool how you can have a view the city from the peak. 

Unfortunately for us, that didn't happen. We found warnings and even "No Entry" tapes at one of the trail leading to the peak. I do think it is still possible to get up there since you can opt to take the Unity Peak trail but since we already took quite a detour from the start which meant having spent hours in KDCF, we were tired.




~♡~

After the mini escapade, it dawned to me how I miss being with nature and I really, really, really wanna do this more often! This will be like the caption for my very first photo in this post hahahaha.

Of course, I've been to Shah Alam Botanical Garden and Cameron Highlands this year and Putrajaya last year but I really wish I can do this more often! I haven't been on any islands in the East Cost of Malaysia such as Redang, Tioman and Perhentian Islands! *sigh* Anyways, I came up with a list of parks, forest reserves where I want to hike and even islands I want to explore #goals

Friday 7 September 2018

Double Tree by Hilton, Malacca



The day after Bon Odori, I woke up early and took the bus ride chartered by my company to Malacca. We were there for our company's team building and annual dinner. This year, we had the event in Double Tree by Hilton in Malacca, a change from our usual rendezvous in Lexis Hibiscus, Port Dickson. Our rooms are lovely, albeit without the personal swimming pool (or dipping pool as I call it).


This is the view from my room~



Aside from the activities that was held, the other main thing about this place is the food!!! I find the selection is wide here and everything taste so good! Most of our meals were held near the ballroom otherwise they're in the makan kitchen.



Our breakfast upon arrival~~




We spent most of the day occupied with activities hosted by the organizers. While I heard the hotel is not too far from the touristy attractions in Malacca, we didn't get much time for ourselves. After all it is my company's team building event. Later that evening was when the most anticipated event, the annual dinner.





After some speeches by our VIPs followed by very juicy musical performance later that evening, it was time for another feast.



My friend's plate. She was so hungry that she piled everything up lol.



Dessert, such guilty pleasures!



This is melon sago, my favorite!



Breakfast on the second and last day at Double Tree by Hilton. Again, there are quite a huge selection _ Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes, all of which are really good.




This is my breakfast which is just a lil' bit of everything since I was still feeling stuffed from the meal from the night before. Don't have photo but I also had omelette which the staff prepared right on the spot and it tasted just right.



What did I tell you about dessert?


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