Mak yong going in modern version

KOTA BARU: Traditional drumbeats are all Rohani Mat Zain need to ease into her role as a prima donna in a mak yong performance.

She connects naturally to the traditional Malay stage art combining dance and drama, as she has been involved in it for the past 41 years.

Rohani, 56, is also an authority on mak yong besides being one of its last few practitioners.


She said appreciation for the art had been waning with the shifting tastes of modern audiences.

In the past, she said a mak yong performance would be staged up to five consecutive nights before a story reached its ending.

Then, she said, every movement and sequence of the play was interspersed with a rendition of songs in the story-telling.


"Now, our public shows are restricted to only two hours. We have to cut down much of the singing segments to suit the audience's taste."

Rohani said the modern version had to be abridged as the audience could not appreciate the singing repertoire any more.

"But, I make it a rule to keep mak yong as genuine as possible even if the play is much shorter," she said at her home in Pengkalan Chepa, here.


Rohani, who runs the Warisan Sri Temenggong Mak Yong troupe, admitted that the shortened version was unsatisfying for someone like her.

"We now produce mak yong shows which we can sell to a wider audience," she said, adding that she had been invited to perform in London, Singapore and Bangkok, besides staging shows around the country except in Kelantan.

Even then, she said her troupe was only booked between four and five times a year. She said the ban by the Pas-led state government on public performances of mak yong in 1991 was the first blow to the art form.

"It was a sad moment for me but I just keep on practising my art despite the restriction," she said.

She added that she was willing to modify mak yong to comply with state regulations such as using an all-female ensemble, including the musicians.

She noted that the central issue for the ban came from the belief that there were unIslamic practices such as making offerings to spirits and incantation rituals before a mak yong was performed.

"It was maybe true in the past. But, now our troupe says a doa (prayer) before we start every performance."

Despite all the odds, Rohani said she was quite happy that all her four children had learnt to perform mak yong.

She said her youngest daughter, Nur Qur Ain Saari, 24, was sometimes given the opportunity to be the lead character in a mak yong production.

"My nieces and nephews have also shown a strong interest as they will join our troupe's rehearsals."

Rohani, who has five grandchildren, said she was also grooming 27 trainees under a programme organised by the state Arts, Culture and Heritage Department.

She added that she had also been appointed a trainer to teach basic mak yong knowledge to pupils from Year One to Six at SK Long Ghaffar here.

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/14nim/Article

Grandma keeps mak yong going in modern version

TIMELESS ELEGANCE: Mak Yong performer Nur Qur Ain Saari striking a pose; the gracefulness of the ancient dance drama. She was trained by her mother, Mak Yong authority Rohani Mat Zain. Read more

Why to Holiday in Malaysia

Malaysia has continued quickly shooting up as a worldwide tourist destination, thanks to its cosmopolitan, cultural, historical and inherent assets. It can satisfy the force of any visitor, and properties remain on singing paeans right about such a mesmerizing earth when properties return. It has so still to offer, overly the visitors stay on collecting the gifts, that never end. So is not it basic consequently why to retreat in Malaysia?

Cosmopolitan Tourism

Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur is able to fashion for a fulfilling have for a visitor aspiring for cosmopolitan tourism. This sprawling city has all a tourist wishes: intriguing sightseeing, fabulous shopping, rollicking nightlife, gleaming skyscrapers, and multi-cuisine dining. Long history of the city ensures so it has a slew of intriguing real estate to visit. Kuala Lumpur has an array of gleaming malls to satisfy tourists when it comes to shopping.

The city has loads of residences at which you can enjoy understanding shopping too. As for the nightlife, Kuala Lumpur has structures that are vibrant among activities all night. The city has a large amount of of neck-breaking skyscrapers, the queen of that are the Petronas Twin Towers. The city has an array of restaurants submiting tastes according to all portions of the world.

Cultural Enthusiast

Centuries of cultural fusion undergo transfered Malaysia magnetic as a cultural destination. Malaysia has been heard persuaded by different cultures, that much Arab nations, China and India. Chinese opera, Indian dance, and Malay martial arts are popular cultural activities. Unique arts and traditions distinguish Sabah and Sarawak according to the rest of Malaysia.

Conventional art forms of a large amount of cultures are practiced in Malaysia, multiple importantly in the districts of dance and performance art. Popular traditional activities are Bunga Malai (Garland Making), Wayang Kulit (Shadow Play), Bergendang (Drumming), Maggagong (Gong Ensembles), Silat (The Malay Art of Self defense) and Sumpit (Blow Pipe).

Historical Attractions

Monuments notify the story of the times. Petronas Twin Towers symbolize the rapid progress of the nation additonally Sultan Abdul Samad building, a colonial structure, is appreciate for its design. Leaning Clock Tower is the local version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Istana Negara along Jalan Istana is a must-see when in Kuala Lumpur. If you are fond of architecture, a visit to Malaysia can be a fulfilling one. Mosques, churches, temples, statues, towers and palaces are interspersed all throughout the country.

Malaysia as well has the majority of intriguing museums. Muzium Negara persists in the visitors intrigued amidst its keepsakes plus flora and fauna, culture and people, weaponry and the arts. Other well&wshyp;known museums of the earth are Seri Menanti Museum (Negri Sembilan), Sultan Alam Shah Museum (Selangor), Taiping Museum (Perak), State Warrior Museum (Pahang) and the Sabah Museum.

Natural Attractions

Nature has blessed Malaysia investing in so most gems. Unspoilt beaches, azure waters, and cajoling waves are few characteristics of Malaysian islands, famed as tropical paradise. You could easily enjoy a great deal of water sports in Malaysia. Pulau Tioman (Pahang), Pulau Redang (Terengganu) and Pulau Rawa (Johor) are popular structures for scuba diving and snorkelling. Pulau Langkawi is renowned for its mesmerizing beaches.

Apart on these types of islands, Malaysia has a slew of lakes at which you may enjoy fulfilling holidays. For cool vacations, you serves to visit highland resorts. Popular highland resorts are Fraser's Hill, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Maxwell Hill. You will enjoy bundle sports at Gunung Kinabalu, biggest hit top in Southeast Asia, as immensely as Gunung Tahan (Pahang), Gunung Ledang (Johor), Gunung Mulu (Sarawak) and Gunung Jerai (Kedah). Exploring caves in these types of mountains are able to find you a sense of adventure.

Tuaran Crocodile Farm ( Sabah Malaysia )

The Tuaran Crocodile Farm is by far the largest croc farm in Sabah, it is estimated that there are about 1,000 crocodiles being kept there. Here, visitors may experience the adventures of these crocodiles and watch exciting crocodile shows which are shown daily.

The crocodile farm is situated at Kg. Lok Batik, Jalan Sulaman Highway Tuaran and is open daily from 8.30a.m to 5.30p.m.

Activities & Tariffs
Entrance fees for Malaysian visitors are RM10 for adults and RM5 for children (4 to 12 years old). Foreign visitors (non-Malaysians) are charged RM15 for adults and RM10 for children (4 to 12 years old).

Visitors can observe are the crocodile feeding sessions which are scheduled at 9a.m, 10.30a.m, 12 noon, 12.45p.m, 1.30p.m, 2.15p.m, 4.15p.m, and 4.45p.m daily.

Other than that, crocodile shows are held at 11a.m and 3p.m Monday to Saturday, and 11a.m, 1p.m and 3p.m on Sundays and public holidays.

Visitors are also welcomed to watch cultural shows at 11.30a.m and 3.30p.m Monday to Saturday, and 11.30a.m, 1.30p.m and 3.30p.m on Sunday and public holidays.

Getting There
To get there, visitors can take a bus to Tuaran from Kota Kinabalu; journey from Kota Kinabalu to Tuaran takes about 40 minutes.

From Tuaran, visitors need to take another bus to Kg. Laya-Laya. Bus fare from Kota Kinabalu to Tuaran cost RM4.00, while bus fare from Tuaran to Kg. Laya-Laya is RM1.50.

Further Information:
Kg Lok Batik, Jalan Sulaman Highway
P.O.BOX 65,
89208 Tuaran
Tel: 088 793 376/793 377
Fax:088 793623

Langkawi, Malaysia Factsheet

LOCATION

Almost 20 mls off the coast of Malaysia's mainland peninsula and the port of Kuala Perlis in the extreme NW of the country. A similar distance from S Thailand on the edge of its territorial waters. Telephone IDD code from UK: 4 Position: The largest and most densely populated of a 104-island archipelago.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Langkawi is a tropical island with a largely unspoilt heartland characterised by virgin jungle, mangrove swamps, rocky outcrops and cascading waterfalls. Originally an area of fishing, coconut and rubber plantations, the island was awarded duty-free status in 1987.

This successfully attracted various businesses and burgeoning international tourism, facilitated by the construction of a sizeable airport on the W coast capable of handling jets. On the SE corner lies the capital, Kuah, a small predominantly low-rise unsophisticated town boasting a couple of small shopping centres, a handful of hotels and a waterfront dominated by the island's only ferry terminal.

MARKET

For those seeking unspoilt, often deserted beaches and extensive water sports, who are content with a relatively (thus far) unsophisticated infrastructure.

ACCOMMODATION

Predominantly first-class self-contained resort-style complexes beside their own private, or at least secluded, beaches dotted all round the coast. Several simpler hotels and hostels for the budget-conscious and less affluent backpackers. Many of the latter camp on the numerous public beaches.

BEACHES

Some of the world's most idyllic, secluded and photogenic stretches of soft white sand fringed by tall palms and virgin jungle.

Many of the best bays are already occupied and maintained by the major resort-style properties. Water sports is one of the principal attractions with windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, catamarans and snorkelling the most popular pursuits. NB: some beaches have banned motorised fun to protect coral reefs.

SHOPPING

Duty-free status means that Kuah and some hotel emporia can offer significantly cheaper designer fashions, perfumes and electronic goods. Choice is not particularly wide, but visitors do not generally come here to bargain hunt.

Traditional batiks, pewter and local jewellery are the normal souvenirs.

ENTERTAINMENT

Daytime: centred on the individual hotels for beach relaxation or an energetic array of water sports and leisure activities. See excursions.

NIGHT LIFE

Generally low-key and confined to the hotel complexes, some of which provide regular live music and unsophisticated discos.

EATING OUT

Not a great deal of sophistication outside the hotels. Kuah has a couple of international fast-food chains and a selection of very affordable Chinese, Malay, Indian and Thai restaurants with seafood in abundance.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There is no island-wide bus service. Taxis and hotel minibuses provide affordable transportation and many offer reasonable half- or full-day hire charged by the hour for local excursions.

Regular ferries and hydrofoils to Kuala Perlis on the mainland (approx 1 hour) and Penang (approx 2 hours). Daily flights to the capital, Kuala Lumpur (1 hour).

LOCAL EXECURSION

Sea fishing; jungle trekking; waterfalls; pewter factories and plantation tours. Crocodile farm. Numerous boat charters for round-island tours and island hopping.

Source : GoArticles.com

Borneo Adventure Vacation - Conquering Mount Kinabalu Via The Mesilau Summit Trail

By: Rich Adz

If you are visiting Borneo for an adventure vacation, then conquering the mystical Mount Kinabalu is not really an option - it is 'the' priority.

The mystical Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia, is strategically located at the Kinabalu National Park, a designated World Heritage Site. Kinabalu National Park is just about two hours drive from the city of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Mount Kinabalu, which stood at around 4,095 meters above sea level, is an icon for Sabah as well as for Malaysia tourism. Therefore, it is of no surprise that every year, thousands flocked to climb or rather, trek up the mountain. Although the traditional route up Mount Kinabalu is via the Kinabalu Summit Trail at Kinabalu National Park, there is an alternative route on the other side of Mount Kinabalu called the Mesilau Summit Trail, a newer and more challenging route. This trail is definitely one for those who are more adventurous to consider seriously.

The Mesilau Summit Trail at the Mesilau Nature Park on the Mesilau plateau is about 30 minutes by road away from Kinabalu National Park or about 108 km from Kota Kinabalu.

It is advisable to stay a night at Mesilau before starting your ascent up Mount Kinabalu as the journey from Kota Kinabalu will likely to leave you rather exhausted. Take a rest and acclimatize with the higher altitude at the eco-friendly Mesilau Nature Resort, which is nestled amongst the trees at the foot of the mountain at about 2,000 metres above sea level within the Park. The resort has a total of 22 lodges and 96 resthouse beds.

As for the climb up to Mount Kinabalu, the Mesilau Summit Trail is definitely more rugged, about 1.5km further than the trail from Timpohon Gate at Kinabalu National Park. But it offers more opportunities for viewing flora and fauna. The Mesilau route is still relatively new, but some shelters and toilets have been built along the trail for the convenience of trekkers. The route is also less crowded than the old summit trail. You won't bank into many mountain climbers on the way up.

The first ascent of the Mesilau Trail does involve a climb up, then a drop into the Mesilau valley, and then another ascent to regain the lost height. You will get to see both the Kinabalu and Mesilau routes at higher ground. The trail is also more "jungle" than the traditional Kinabalu Summit Trail. When trekking uphill, it is fortunate that the trail is well laid with steps cut into the earth and thus, making walking easy.

Layang-layang (Place of Swallows) is where the Mesilau Trail meets the Kinabalu Summit Trail at 2,740m. From there onwards, you will notice that the vegetation zone is like a forest of bent and twisted silvery-grey trunks with peeling bark.

A short hike after the sixth shelter, you will reach the mid-summit (i.e., Laban Rata). Conservatively, it should take a normal fit person an average 6-7 hours to reach Laban Rata, where you will be required to stay a night at Laban Rata Resthouse or at other nearby accommodations (i.e., Mountain Huts and VIP Lodge). From there, the second and more grueling ascent will follow the traditional route all the way to the summit (i.e., Low's Peak), which will start early morning the next day at around 2 am to 3 am

The ascent should normally take a few hours but it is much more challenging than the initial ascent as the trail gets more tiring with each step up the slope as the air gets thinner and thinner. On top of this, you have to battle the freezing cold temperature (sometimes below zero degrees Celsius). If its rains and windy, it will be doubly challenging.

But once you get to the summit and catch the truly magnificent glimpse of the sunrise, you would have forgotten the tough climb. You will feel on top of the world looking down at the tiny villages and small islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.

For those who had climbed Mount Kinabalu before via the Kinabalu Summit Trail or for those who are searching for a more challenging trek, the Mesilau Summit Trail definitely offers a fuller Mount Kinabalu climbing and adventure vacation experience. To quote an avid climber: "You have not truly conquered Mount Kinabalu if you have not conquer it from both sides of the mountain".