TANKS Travel Tales - a travelogue.......

Chinese New Year is usually the time when I embark on a road trip to neighbouring Malaysia; especially to the city of Ipoh in Perak State. This is where I took a break from my hectic and punishing work schedule. During my usual 4 or 5 days stay, I will spend time reading books, writing articles, going around time to enjoy the rustic charms of Ipoh and its surrounding areas and also catching up with relatives and friends. This year, the first and second days of the Chinese New Year were on 8 and 9 February which are a Monday and Tuesday respectively. Adding the weekends prior, and we have a 4-day period where we could travel without needing to apply for vacation leave from our work. To make full use of this long holiday weekend, I drove north to Ipoh on 7 February. A row of old shophouses in the Old Town area that have been repainted in a colourful blend of rainbow hues, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia (2016) During this road trip, I stuck to my usual habit of stopping by Ayer Kero...

For folks like myself who grew up, live and work in a highly urbanised city, encounters with livestock are rare, far between and occur only on my travels. During my recent road trip to Malaysia, we were driving towards Gua Tempurung when we had to stop the car to allow a herd of goats crossing the road ahead. Excited, I alighted from the vehicle and took pictures of this "rare" personal encounter. Herd of Goats crossing the road, Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia (2016) Goats on the march, Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia (2016) 21st century Gatherer (the gentleman gave his permission for this photograph to be taken), Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia (2016)

Hong Kong is an extremely vibrant and modern city. This is a city that truly never sleeps. Whenever I visit Hong Kong, I always satisfy that sweet tooth with bowls of refreshing desserts at the many dessert stores located almost everywhere in this city. My favourite dessert; Pomelo with Mango, Hong Kong (2015) Another of my classic favourites; Mango with mango puree and coconut milk, Hong Kong SAR, China (2015) In addition, there are the local "tea shops" that open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The name "tea shop" is translated directly from  the local Cantonese dialect and is not a representation of what these stores sell. Instead of just selling tea, they usually offer an awesome variety of food and beverage. All the food  items are authentically local and asian. The round the clock operating hours of these stores also mean that one will never truly goes hungry in Hong Kong, as long as you have cash with you! My favourite supper for tho...

Located in the Shilin District and within walking distance of the Jiantan MRT Station of the Tamsui Line , the Shilin Night Market has established itself as one of the tourist attractions of Taipei. A busy hawker tends to her stall, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015) This famous night market is actually one of many night markets in Taipei. How its reputation has outspread and outgrown all the other night markets could be due to its constant feature in many travel-related documentaries both made in Taiwan and by film makers in other countries. Customers enjoying their meal, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015) The Shilin Night Market comprises hundreds of stores peddling both food and other items. What is interesting is the many roadside stalls that lined the many alleys and small side streets surrounding the main market. It is at these alleys and side streets where the most interesting sights, sounds and tastes can be...

Despite the title, there is nothing supernatural contained within the lines of this article! Kellie's Castle, as seen from the entrance to its ground, Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia (2016) Kellie's Castle (or the ruins of what remains) is located in Perak State of Malaysia. Built by a Scotsman, William Kellie Smith in the early 20th century of colonial Malaya, this uncompleted castle still stands today; a ghostly reminder of its uncompleted state and the enigma that surrounded its original owner, nearly 100 years from its conception and initial construction by craftsmen and builders from Madras, India. Originally located within lush jungle but now standing among Palm Tree Plantations, Kellie's Castle has today become a tourist attraction, both for local Malaysians as well as foreigners like myself. The Castle itself is flanked on 3 sides by the Sungai Raya (Sungai means River in the Malay Language). This river in turns flow into the famous Kinta River that passe...