Yo people!

It was 10.15 am when finally the bus I'm on decided to make a move. I chose the seat next to a Malay lady. Always chose seats next to females when going on a long distance journey. Then you'll be able to sit in peace. With males, you never know that you're sitting next to a sexual pervert.

Was glad about sitting next to her. The air was stuffy and the smell of perspiration could make one nauseaous. The lady's perfume was a life saviour.

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. The weather was neither rainy nor sunny. Just right. My mind drifted off and was contemplating on how once again how crazy I've becomed. I was on my lightning-decision, crazy scheme again. Had I becomed a compulsive traveller? Hope not.

In two hours time, I'll be arriving in the town of Kuala Selangor. And guess what (some of you might have already known)? I was going there on my own! [Invited Ching Ching and Gui on the morning itself but I know they'll definitely ain't able to make it]. I had always wanted to visit the Kuala Selangor Nature Park ever since I saw the Kuala Selangor bus which was easily visible at Puduraya. Anyhow, the desire to visit wasn't strong enough until now. Remember the Labour day holidays? I wrote about planning on going to somewhere on my own - well, this is the place... The lightning decision was due to the fact that I was extremely bored and the thought of not going anywhere this weekend would kill me. I was afraid I'll get moody the next day. Apologies to EC for going to this place on my own first. Not to worry, I'll be happy to go a second or third (whatever number) time.

The scenery along the journey ain't nothing to rave about. You'll see oil palm plantations everywhere. The villages are aplenty. There came a point when a stretch of plantations and houses were somehow flooded with muddy water. I wondered why they had built their houses or planted the trees at such a low level area. The answer was realized later on.

It was sad to see that all along the road, bits and pieces of rubbish were thrown indiscriminately. I was practically counting the number of aluminium cans (a habit of mine) along the road. However, I was happily surprised when I spotted a kingfisher perched on top of a reflector stand on the side of the road. It has been years since I saw a real life kingfisher, the last time, when I was quite young during primary school where there was a pond not far from my house which was a sanctuary to a number of birds and monkeys. Unfortunately, that pond has disappeared (covered) because of housing development. I wonder where all the creatures have migrated to.

At about 12pm, I've come to the town of Kuala Selangor. I had no idea where the nature park was. I needed to hurry because I estimated that I only have 2 to 3 hours there. I needed to get back home early (oh by the way, nobody knew I was going there except when I told Ching Ching and Gui this morning). Okay, okay... so I've sinned again this week. Heck, I sin every week. My parents will kill me if they know this, so between you and me, let's keep it hush-hush okay?!

I walked aimlessly. At first, I was walking away from my designated place because I thought I spotted an inquiries signboard somewhere out of town. Anyway, I realized that I was wrong from the signboards on the road. It was a quiet and peaceful town. I did not want to ask for directions yet because I wanted to give it a shot on my own and I also knew that the park was very near because I could see the Bukit Melawati lighthouse from where I was standing. The lighthouse overlooks the park and so I was definitely near it.

Decided to walk towards the lighthouse. To my delight, at the foothill, there was a big signboard of Kuala Selangor Nature Park. I was just at the entrance to the park and to the lighthouse. After inquiring a shopkeeper, I found out that I was at the correct sport for the information centre. Unfortunately it was new and not in service yet.

There was a tram service going up Bukit Melawati. At this time, the tram service was in its promotion series, so it was free! I decided to go for the Bukit Melawati instead and proceeded to wait for the tram.

Unfortunately, by the time the tram arrived, there were quite a number of people wanting to get on it. Being alone, aiya... give chance to other people lah - those with family and children and those couples lah...

So, switch to Nature Park first.

I'm not really a bird enthusiast but I'd love to take a look at a wetlands sanctuary. Unfortunately they had run out of maps and adding to that, I forgot to bring my pen - there was a map signboard after entering the park (entrance fee - RM 2.00). Anyhow, what the heck - simply jalan-jalan loh since sudah sampai. At first, I felt a bit awkward walking alone in the "forest". There weren't any people around until further on. It felt sorta creepy because you'd hear strange sounds here and there - rustles of leaves, insects, birds, branches crackling, etc. After a while, I was pretty much at home. Saw a monitor lizard (small one) passing right in front of me. Shucks, I didn't have my camera ready. Further up front, there was a monkey approaching. I walked cautiously, camera in one hand. Got a shapshot of the monkey sitting on a bench. Unfortunately I didn't bring my brother's camera (didn't want to wake him up this morning) which had zoom lens.

Reached a bird-watching tower was already occupied by a couple. Took some pictures but didn't spot any birds from there. It was quite a huge area. I wouldn't really recommend for people who expect a lot from here. One has to be real patient or a keen bird-watcher to do this stuff. Other than that you don't really see much.

I left the park feeling quite satisfied. You know the saying - been there done that. Well, for me - mission accomplished. Next - the Bukit Melawati fort nearby.

The thing I like about this place is everything is near and easily accessible. There was a long staircase leading up to the lighthouse. Hey, managed to climb all the way without stopping.... At the top, I tell ya... it was a great reward waiting for me... As I looked out from the hill, the view was simply awesome. Beautiful. I could see the Straits of Malacca from afar. I could see the beautiful coastline of Kuala Selangor. I could see the whole of Kuala Selangor Nature Park. I was leaning beside a cannon trying to get a good snapshot. It felt real good. Maybe I exaggerate on the view because I do love to watch the ocean. Oh yeah, it's here I realized about the villages with muddy waters - they live near the coastal area.

By 2pm, I was boarding the bus back to Puduraya. Real satisfied - I can strike off one item on my "to do list".

Ew.. long story. Actually, can still write about the bus rides but I guess they're a bit typical. I'm also at the moment getting quite tired and sleepy already.

Before I go off, just want to mention I managed to catch Good Will Hunting finally with Wen Szu. Loved it. You know, those "feel-good" movies. This is one. I think it's rather sweet of how Robin William's character defines love. I love all the quirky and intelligent conversations between the two main characters. EC, you'll love this one. Also, the move to watch this movie was also like a lightning decision (actually lightning move). I overslept on Saturday (slept at 3.00pm coming back from work) - woke up at 6.15pm and tried to catch the 6.45pm show! Needless to say, we were late - 10 minutes.

And finally a bit on the symposium I went to on Thursday whereby I don't have to work on that day. What have I remembered from that day? Well, the good food, the nice feeling of not working.... that's it! The talks were on electronic busines which we know a bit more or less. Anyway, they're promoting IBM and Lotus products lah... and since Samsung is using Hewlett Packard servers, we were there just casually listening to the talks.

Okaylah... write too much already. I want to go to bedlah...

Take care you all!

Regards,
Li Li
ps. I thank those who have wrote to me. Please bear with me awhile before I can reply to them, okay!