Travelogue around Asia Pacific Part II

Songkhla -  We arranged for the same driver to take us to Songkhla Lake , Thailand’s largest natural lake. Also known as Thale Sap Songkhla , the lake spans several provinces and offers a serene, picturesque escape from the city’s energy.   Along the way, we stop for a nice good Thai-Chinese timsum breakfast. Donny wanted to stop at his Buddhist temple to pray and he set off a huge firecrackers the largest amongst many tourist that were there.  This temple sits high up on the mountain and the view was spectacular. The worker setting up the rolls of firecracker Donny setting it off - It was so loud ! Samila Beach -  The viewpoint with beautiful scenery, with a mermaid statue sitting on the rocks, called the "Golden Mermaid". The golden mermaid was created according to an ancient Thai novel. It is considered to be the symbol of Songkhla located at the end of the Samila Peninsula.  Legends of the cat and mouse Songkhla Lake is serene and charming. Even thoug...

 Hatyai - Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Hatyai is an adventure in itself, but doing it aboard Malaysia’s Electric Train Service (ETS) adds an extra layer of comfort and excitement. With speeds reaching 140 km/h, the ETS offers a smooth, efficient, and scenic journey, making it one of the best ways to reach Thailand’s southern city from Malaysia.  A journey of 5hrs and 30 minutes in first class. Donny and me in first class seats Our trip began at Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Malaysia’s main transportation hub. Boarding the ETS was a breeze, with its modern, well-maintained coaches and comfortable seating. As the train sped northward, we enjoyed panoramic views of lush greenery, small towns, and distant mountains—a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of city life. Donny arranged for a Thai driver to pick us up from Padang Besar, our journey to Hatyai became even more seamless.   Welcome to Hatyai: A Vibrant Thai City Hatyai is a bustling city in southern Thaila...

 Singapore - I started my walking hike at 8:30am and only came back home at 11:30am - 3hrs of walking.  Started my walk to Hougang HDB estate and is the largest housing estate based on land area.  In the Hokkien and Teochew name meaning "river's end", as Hougang is located upstream or at the back of Sungei Serangoon.  Lots of trees around this Hougang estate.   I found many churches and other faiths all within close proximity to each other. Church of the Nativity The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Mary, the oldest place of worship in the area and a national monument featured on the heritage tour. It continues to provide religious services in Teochew today.   For breakfast, I had typically Teochew dish Teochew soon kueh - steam turnip and bamboo shoot dumplings.  Png Kueh comes in red and white types which is actually glutinous rice filling where the skin as sticky and tender.  The filling comes with  mushroom, peanuts an...