Australia 2005: Perth - Swan River Colony...

"Needs and struggle are what excite and inspire us..." - William James

(Spending a week of relaxing holiday)

Day 1 - 05 January 2005

The best of Western Australia

(Flying over the Western Australia)

Our flight to Perth which was supposed to depart at 9.40 a.m. was delayed for an hour. We had to wait for some connecting passengers from Amsterdam. When we arrived at the Perth Airport, the Australian Pinnacle Tours coach driver met us outside the arrival terminal. We checked in the Goodearth Hotel and were free at our own leisure after that.

(Our spacious hotel room)

Our hotel room was cozy, equipped with kitchenette and microwave oven, if we want to indulge in simple cooking. As the hotel is located less than 1 km from Perth city, we strolled along the Swan River to the center of the city for some dinner at an Indonesian Restaurant.

(The Malaysian Consulate near our hotel)

(The Perth skyline at late noon)

(Chasing birds at the beach)

(One of the Cathedral in town)

There are a lot of food outlets serving Muslim meals. As most of the shops in Perth close at 5.30 p.m. we spent first night in Perth watching Blade 3. Later, at the hotel reception, we booked several tours for tomorrow and the day after. Tonight we slept soundly.

(At a bistro for a cup of coffee and scones)

Day 2 - 06 January 2005)
Pinnacles and sand-boarding

(The sand is as white as snow)

(Sand-boarding at white sand dunes)

(Our guide and driver looking for assistance)

(Our tour bus is stuck in the sand)

We left the city and headed north to Yanchep National Park where we stopped to view koalas and kangaroos. I spotted one miserable kangaroo on the way. Most probably the rest were hiding in the bushes avoiding the scorching sun. We took a break at the Shipwreck Café at the small fishing settlement of Lancelin before going for the thrilling experience of 4-wheel driving over massive sand dunes. Unfortunately, our bus got stuck on top of the sand dunes for more than an hour.

(The Pinnacles Desert)

(The limestone formations of the pinnacles)

(We spotted a kangaroo here)

(Our cheery tour guide)

It took some strong men to shovel the sand to put the bus into motion again. Some of us got the chance to try sand boarding while waiting.The journey passed through wildflower country and along beautiful white sandy beaches. We stopped at the Rock Lobster town of Cervantes for lobster picnic lunch.

Afterwards we visited Nambung National Park, home of the amazing Pinnacles Desert. Here we walked through parts of fascinating landscape covering over 400 hectares and have a lot of photo shots.

(Serene and quiet ambiance in the park)

(A boat ride in the Blue Lake)

Day 3 - 07 January 2005
Valley of the Giants and Tree-top walk

(Visiting another National Park)

(A koala relaxing on the tree)

(A Cockatoo Sanctuary in the park)

We headed south through the towns of Rockingham and Mandurah. We stopped at Donnybrook for morning tea and ample time to purchase some apples and stone fruits. We continued our journey through the rolling farmlands of the Blackwood River Valley. We stopped at the Diamond Tree, one of the three towering trees used as a bush fire tower. We had another round of lobster picnic lunch. Some attempted to climb to the wooden watch cabin at the top of the 51 meter tall tree.

(The Valley of the Giant)

(A cabin in the wood)

(The Canopy-walk on top of tall trees)

We continued our trip through stunning section of Karri forest before reaching the Valley of the Giants. Here we experienced the Tree Top Walk, a 400 meter elevated walkway constructed through the canopy reaching up to 40 meters above ground. The view of the forest was sensational. Later we walked through the Ancient Empire, where wide girthed trees, goblin like in appearance grow up to 5 meters in diameter at the base. Later, we enjoyed our afternoon tea in the forest before heading back to Perth via different route.

(A large hole at the base of a giant tree)

(A funny looking tree)

(A car can pass through this giant tree)

On the way, we visited William Bay and the seaside town of Denmark. Then we headed inland via Mt Barker and Kojonuo where we stopped for dinner at The Kodja Place Visitors Centre, a contemporary tourist complex combining aboriginal culture and rural heritage. We arrived Perth around 10.30 p.m. exhausted and famished.

(A long walk to the bay)

(Watching the sunset at William Bay)

Day 4 - 08 January 2005
Free and Easy City Tour

Today’s tour is free with the two tours we took yesterday and the day before. Starting in Perth city, the tour includes all key attractions and historical point of interest, starting with Kings Park botanical garden, where we have time to experience the new tree top walk through the trees canopies. Later we continued to Cottesloe Beach before arriving at historic Fremantle.

(The natural beauty of Swan River)

(A half-day tour of Perth)

(Historical building)

(One of the many theaters in town)

We were free to venture into Fremantle town but we decided to spend more time in the Fremantle Market where we bought some souvenirs. I bought a pair of beautifully embroidered cushion covers at a discount. We had kebab for lunch then returned to Perth with the coach, spending most of the journey catching up with our sleep.The afternoon was spent in the room to cool off and nap till late afternoon. Went for a stroll along the Swan River and had late dinner at Mc Donalds.

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(A painting by the aborigines)

Day 5 - 09 January 2005
Perth Mint & CATS

(A visit to the Perth Mint)

(The Gold Miners)

(A gold miner resting at his campsite)

(We are bringing back a large nugget of gold!)

We had to drag ourselves out of bed. If not because we want to visit The Perth Mint this morning, we would have continued sleeping until check-out time. The Perth Mint is Australia’s leading precious metals house, as well as being the oldest operating mint. We had the opportunity to watch the gold pouring session and later visited the coin museum where a wide range of coins produced were on display. Here we minted our own medallion for souvenirs.

(The official City Explorer Tour)

(The history of the Mt Eliza Escarpment)

(A morning walk in the beautiful garden)

(A view of Perth from the top of the hill)

(A memorial in the garden)

(A stroll along the beach)

We spent the rest of the morning travelling on the CAT, Perth’s free bus service. Bus services depart every ten minutes or so and you can ride the full round of the journey. We checked out at 1.00 p.m. then took the shuttle bus to the airport. Had ample time for lunch and last minute shopping before we boarded the plane.

Argghh... Feeling so very tired but happy.

👈 2005: Washington DC, USA

2004: Dubai, UAE 👉

UAE 2004: Dubai - The City of Gold...

"We don't always have to agree with one another but it's important that we learn to respect each other..."

(The Burj Al Arab)

September 26, 2004
City of Gold

Dubai is a city of contrast, where the old and new, traditional and modern blend to produce a fascinating and exciting place. A colorful mixture of people and cultures bring to the city a unique combination of influences.

(Our lodging at Nakheel Apartment)

(A cute mosque near our apartment)

Last night we had a good rest. This morning, with the help of the concierge we went to Meena Bazaar at Bur Dubai for a shopping spree. This area is noted as Dubai’s bargain area. The streets are lined with stores selling textile. Bought quite a variety of materials for everyone that we could think of. Even had some sent to the tailor to be collected before we go back to KL.

(One of the many shopping malls)

(Window shopping in the mall)

(A tent in the mall, booking our tour here)

Went to the nearby Al-Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum. The museum displays colorful and evocative diodramas, complete with life-size figure, sound and light effects. Quite impressive. I had my hand henna-painted there.

(The Dubai Museum)

(Enlightening historic exhibits)

(The old fort surrounding the Museum)

(Showcasing Dubai's history)

(The Museum uses life-size diorama)

(A glimpse of everyday life in the olden days)

(Taking a peek at the notes)

(Exploring the rich history of old Dubai)

In the evening we joined the City tour. The route took us through the fascinating city where modern buildings tower over historical monuments and traditional dwellings. Stopped at the Gold Souk and bought two gold bracelets and a diamond ring.

(Taking a stroll around town)

(Egyptian statues decorating the building)

(Boat tours and cruises available)

(A walk along Dubai saltwater creek)

(Buying gold bracelets at the Gold Souk)

It was sunset when we reached the sandy beach of Jumeriah, and Jumeriah Mosque is beautiful by day and by night. Stopped for photo shots of Burj Al-Arab, the award-winning hotel that combines contemporary architecture with rich culture of the Middle East.The tour took 4 hours to complete and by the time we reached our apartment we were famished. Had briani dinner at Ghurair City Mall.

(A shopping mall along Jumeirah Street)

(Jumeirah Mosque, traditional Fatimid style)

(A stunning Burj Al Arab in the background)

Shopper’s Paradise

This morning we promised to meet my nephew Nor Azhar at Deira City Center at 10.30 a.m. He would be flying back to KL tomorrow evening. This would be his last flight with MAS. Effective October he will be joining the Etihad Airways, the new National Airline for UAE. Most probably Niza and their kids will be joining him in Abu Dhabi once he has settled accommodation and education arrangements.

(Purchasing loads of fabrics)

(My nephew, Captain Nor Azhar)

Nor brought us to Naif district where we met up with a few MAS crew members at one of their favorite restaurants. Together we went to Phulwani Textile shop and had a good bargain. The prices were reasonably cheap and the cloth materials ranged from cool printed cottons to exotic brocades. Fortunately shops closed at 12.30 noon and to open again at 4.00 p.m. If not, would need to buy extra bags for the excess baggage.

September 27, 2004
The Arabian adventures

(Flattening the tyres for good maneuvering)

(Watching the sunset in the desert)

(A beautiful sunset at the horizon)

Pick-up time for the Desert Safari was around 4.30 p.m. The vehicles used for the desert tour were Land Cruisers and driven by well-experienced drivers. Could feel the rush of adrenalin as our safari drivers took us on an hour-long ride amidst ever-shifting sand dunes. Compared to the desert in Mekkah and Madinah, desert in Dubai was more captivating and breathtaking.The ride ended atop the highest sand mountain where we had a wonderful view of the desert sun slowly sinking into the horizon. One could marvel eternally at the magnificent sunset.

(Riding the camel in the desert)

(Resting in the tent after the BBQ dinner)

(A round of Hookah session)

We continued our journey to the Bedouin campsite where we got a chance to ride the camel. Enjoyed a cup of hot tea as we waited for a sumptuous Arabian barbecue. Later, I tried another round of henna painting around the wrist, and he got himself tattooed too. While lounging on Persian rugs and cushions, we were entertained by a belly dancer moving to the rhythm of Arabic folk music.That night the moon was full. In the middle of the desert, one could feel moments of magic, an experience that would live forever in my memory.

September 28, 2004
End of Emirates Holidays

(Another addition to our luggage)

(Midget Cowboys and a giant Red Indian)

Waited for the tailor to deliver my Punjabi suits and his pants to the apartment. While waiting, had breakfast at Kudu restaurant at Ghurair City Mall. We checked out at 1 p.m. Took a cab to the airport, where we claimed a one-day refund from the travel agent and stored our baggage. From the airport took a cab to Meena Bazaar to collect another 2 tailored blouses from the textile shop. Later, at the Deira City Centre we bought another bag and while away our time window shopping.At the airport, bought us Armani perfume at a discount. Met some Malaysian transiting from Rabat. Our flight to KL was at 2.15 a.m.

September 29, 2004
Togetherness is Happiness

(Dubai International Airport)

The flight landed at KLIA around 4 p.m. Bought some chocolates for the kids. Passed by the customs easily with a wave. Told them that we just came back from Umrah, to justify the so many bags. Solat first before we took the ERL. Sara and Saufi were already waiting for us at KL Sentral. We were glad to be home. Glad that the 3 ikan kaloi were still alive and active. Glad that my Spectra and his Honda Shadow could start on a single attempt. We treated ourselves to a special dinner at Sri Thai. The tomyam and ikan siakap masak tiga rasa were so very delicious.

(Our luggage for 3 weeks)

(24-hr tailoring in Dubai)

We were tired but happy. And left the unpacking till tomorrow...

👈 2005: Perth, Australia

2004: Makkah, Saudi Arabia 👉