Odyssey

Golfing in the Federal Territories and its surroundings

2010-01-04T19:11:00.000-08:00

One of the good golf courses in Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club

Although Kuala Lumpur is a cosmopolitan, the nation's capital for commerce and trade, it is not lacking in greeneries and centres for recreational activities. One of the more popular sports played by the KL-ites of all breed and creed is golf. Kuala Lumpur is not short of golf courses although land is scarce and of high value.

The more prominent courses include the Royal Selangor Golf Club ("RSGC") in Jalan Tun Razak and the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club ("KLGCC"). KLGCC recently did a major overhaul of its golf course, raising its quality and value. There is also the Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam ("KGPA") next to KLGCC and Kelab Golf Titiwangsa ("KGT") in the compunds of the Titiwangsa Lake Gardens. KGT is a 9-hole golf course.

Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Club

On the southern end of the capital city is Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Resort ("BJGCR") located next to the National Sports Complex. In nearby Putrajaya is the Palm Garden Golf Club which is located within the IOI Resort.

Just outside Kuala Lumpur, there is a fair number of golf courses as Selangor is a state with the largest number of golf courses in the country. This include Kinrara Golf Club ("KGC"), neighbouring BJGCR, Tasik Puteri Golf & Country Club in Rawang, Templer Park Country Club and Perangsang Templer Golf Club near the Templer Park in Selayang, the famous Saujana Golf & Country Club that has hosted so many Malaysia Opens, The Mines Resort & Golf Club, a host to the World Cup Golf 1999, the inaugural Women's World Cup Golf 2000 and the Carlsberg Malaysia Open 2003.

In Lembah Beringin, there is the SSG Beringin Golf Club, being the first public course in Asia with TifEagle greens. In Petaling Jaya is Kelab Golf Seri Selangor. Shah Alam have a few of their own, including Bukit KEmuning Golf & Country Resort, Monterez Golf & Country Club and Glenmarie Golf & Country Club.

To the south, Kajang has Bukit Unggul Country Club among the many. Bangi boasts Danau Golf Club in the grounds of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Bangi Golf Resort, located next to the Equatorial Hotel. Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club in Nilai is a close neighbour.

The MCOBA Annual Dinner

2009-12-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

The Malay College Old Boys Association recently had their annual dinner at the Istana Hotel in Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur.

As always, the dinner was entertained by a concert by the old boys. The concert this year depicts a reality show.

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
The 3 Judges taken their positions

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
The Chief Judge

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
The 2nd Judge

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
The 1st Judge

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
One of the 3 Judges

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
The Producer, calling on the Casts to start the Show

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
The Project Manager

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
The Clapometer Man called on Stage, to take on his position.

Inside the Changing Room:
The Final Touch

At the Changing Room:
Two of the Casts

Waiting for the show to begin:
One of the 3 Judges

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
Casts and Crews, mainly the MCKK Class of 2003 boys, one batch 1993..

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
Casts and Crews, mainly the MCKK Class of 2003 boys, one batch 1993..

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
"A skit involving a Submarine Repair Girl.."

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
The 3 Judges observing on a Show Participant

The Dinner Concert depicts a reality show:
The 3 Judges

Fast Food chains

2009-12-28T21:57:00.001-08:00

Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan are synonymous with fast food chains. Go to KLCC, Alamanda, Sungai Wang Plaza, Lot 10, Pavilion, and you'll find these fast food chains at every corner of the premises. Why are fast food chains so popular amongst the cosmopolitans? They're easy, fast and predictable. You'll always know that you will get the same cheese cake at the secret recipe outlet in Taman Tun Dr Ismail and any other outlet in the city. Predictability and time has always been important factors when it comes to food. You never want to expect one thing and get something else when you are hungry as an angry hungry man would not make a good customer!

Gerai sana, gerai sini...

2009-12-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

Kotaraya Kuala Lumpur adalah sememangnya sebuah pusat aktiviti ekonomi negara Malaysia. Pelbagai perniagaan ada dijalankan di sini, tidak kira yang kecil, mahupun yang besar. Peniaga kecil-kecilan bersepah di pelusuk bandaraya. Ada yang berniaga di kaki lima, ada yang berniaga di pasar malam, pasar tani, bazar Ramadhan dan merata-merata lagi. Bak kata orang, di bumi bertuah ini, tak mungkin seseorang itu akan mati kebuluran. Selagi ada nyawa di badan selagi ada tulang empat kerat, selagi ada usaha, rezeki pastinya boleh diperolehi.

Blog For FT Prize Giving Ceremony

2009-12-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

The prize giving ceremony for the Blog4FT contest for the months of October and November was held last week on Wednesday 23 December at Bayu Lounge, Kelab Tasik Putrajaya.

Five winners were selected for both the Public and Media categories for each month, whilst there were three winners for the Junior category in October and four winners in November.

This was the opportunity to put the faces of the winners to their respective blogs as no one knew what they looked like before.

Jalan-jalan Hujung Minggu

2009-11-29T22:42:00.000-08:00

Jalan-jalan hujung minggu
Ingin jumpa teman baru
Destinasi mana yang nak dituju?
KL Sentral pilihanku

Setibanya kami di situ
Jalan mana yang nak dituju
Kaunter informasi pun membantu
Warong kita tujuanku

Bila semua dah dok di bangku
Kami pun lihat-lihat di menu
Kopi dan telur pilihanku
Pembuka selera sarapanku

Setelah selesai bersarapan
Kami pun mula berjalan-jalan
Pusing kiri pusing kanan
Banyak kedai kelihatan

Banyak terdapat kedai makanan
Terdapat pelbagai pilihan
Agi idup agi ngelaban
Makan banyak sampai nak pengsan

Maybank ada

CIMB ada

Cantik sungguh hiasannya

Ramai menunggu dengan selesa

Membeli-belah di hujung bulan

2009-11-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

Kami ke Tesco membeli belah
Membeli belah barangan rumah
Ada dijual pelbagai buah
Warnanya hijau, kuning dan merah

Masa membayar suasananya sesak
Tua muda dan anak-anak
Bila membeli ingatlah kelak
Belilah makanan yang enak-enak

Di Tesco Pandan di kawasan Cheras
Di sebelah highway ada jejantas
Di pasaraya kawasannya luas
Mencari barang semuanya puas

Prokhas Novice Toastmasters Club

2009-11-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

Toastmasters was formed by Dr Ralph C Smedley
To the world and everyone, it's given for free
All over the world in 106 countries
12,000 clubs and it's still growing like crazy

Prokhas Novice is still in its infancy
A new club formed, is treated like a baby
Mentors coach them with great responsibility
Making their every effort, sacrificing time and money

Prokhas Novice meets every alternate week
On the second and fourth Wednesdays is when they meet
Come one, come all, come join in the fun
In Pusat Bandar Damansara is where they shoot no gun

The Malay Mail launch

2009-11-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

Last night at La Bodega BSC (Bangsar Shopping Centre)
Malay Mail had a launch for us to see
A few captains of their industry
Put up a band and sang merily

Malay Mail launched F-A-C-T
Free A City Tabloid was catchy
So was the band of the heads of GLCs
Among them were Zam, Wahid and Rocky

Asian Art Show & Awards

2009-11-25T01:05:00.000-08:00

The Asian Art Show was held at the Shangri-La
The Shangri-La at Jalan Sultan Ismail-lah

I was invited to attend that art show
The art show began with a solo

After the solo was a duet
It was a dance about how two girls met

After the dance was a performance by some Malaysians
They performed a dance by the indians

After the Malaysians was a dance by the Chinese
This one I know, would surely be liked by my niece

Then some musicians played some instrument on the stage
The musicians were many, they are from all sorts of age

Then a trio came and show how to impress a girl
They twist and turn and surely swirl

It was a real fun night right up till the end
The final show was by a group from Tashkent

Creativity Creates Prosperity

2009-11-25T00:32:00.000-08:00

Once I attended a Toastmasters meeting at the Petronas Twin Towers. A Toastmaster did an invocation speech and it went like this:

A blind man once was sitting on the pavement near Puduraya trying to collect some loose change from passers-by with a sign "I am bind. Please help me". Some passers-by who were kind enough dropped a few coins into his old tin cup. Then, one man picked up his sign, turned it over and wrote something on it. The result was, passers-by now dropped RM notes into the blind man's tin cup. What did that man write on the blind man's sign? He wrote, "It's a beautiful day today, but I cannot see it".

It takes some creativity ti incite guilt into the passers-by's minds to get them to donate more. People do not give so much out of pity, but they give more out of guilt.

Hari Orientasi Pelajar Tahun 1 SKSBU

2009-11-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

Bendera sekolah di tiang bendera
Dikibar sebelah bendera Malaysia

Ibu bapa berkumpul semua
Mendaftar di Sekolah Seri Bintang Utara

Kedai buku yang penuh sesak
Senarai buku perlu disemak

Ibu bapa tanpa anak
Mengisi borang tanpa rasa jelak

SKSBU sekolah bistari
Pencapaian terbaik jadi sasaran

Semua orang perlu diingati
Disiplin pelajar perlu dipastikan

Jawatankuasa Penganjur

2009-11-24T18:55:00.000-08:00

Komiti (Committee) kami bersidang lagi
Kali ini di pejabat Odyssey (Avenue K, Jalan Ampang)
Memilih baju yang hendak dibeli
Mengikut design yang perlu dipersetujui

Masjid Al-Ghufran

2009-11-19T23:40:00.001-08:00

Masjid Al-Ghufran diberi nama
Pelbagai kemudahan ada tersedia

AlQuran dan Yasin, buku agama
Sejadah dihampar untuk semua

Duduk berzikir imam ketuanya
Bila bersolat lurus barisnya

Dibelakang masjid, cafe tersedia
Cafe Al-Ghufran diberi nama

Bersama rakan kami bermesyuarat
Semoga rancangan mendapat berkat

Minuman teh tarik yang tidak kelat
Cucurnya juga tak kurang lazat

Lampu dibungkus sarungnya bulat
Hiasan di atap sungguh memikat

Masjid dirasmi oleh Yang Berhormat
Yang Mulia Raja nama tersemat

Bunganya cantik tersusun rapi
Bendera berkibar indah terperi

Kerusi dan meja tersusun rapi
Begitu juga tiang serambi

Mimbar tersergam indah menawan
Juga di dinding indah hiasan

Sinki tempat membasuh tangan
Pintu dewan yang penuh ukiran

Mari mengunjung rakan dan taulan
Tempat rupawan Masjid Al-Ghufran

Family Fair at Matic, Jalan Ampang

2009-11-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

Every Sunday til the end of the year, the Tourism Ministry runs a family fair at Matic (Malaysian Tourism Information Centre) in Jalan Ampang.

Blog For FT also has a booth to promote the contest and provide assistance to new bloggers.

Pengunjung di gerai rotan

Pengunjung membelek barangan antik...

Gerai rotan di sebelah kanan gerai kami

Beberapa pengunjung mencari teduh...

Gerai di sebelah kiri kami menjual barangan antik

Gerai di hadapan gerai kami

Pandangan di sebelah kanan dari gerai kami

Pandangan ke pentas utama di mana tarian Satu Malaysia telah dipertontonkan

Tarian 1Malaysia..

Al-Bukhary Foundation

2009-11-10T00:56:00.000-08:00

Al-Bukhary Foundation indahnya tempat
Pelbagai ukiran dapat dilihat
Seni tekad dan seni khad
Diserata dinding ianya tersemat

Jika saudara nak tahu di mana letaknya
Janganlah malu untuk bertanya
Letaknya berdekatan Masjid Negara
Di sekitar kawasan Taman Tasik Perdana

Al-Madrasatul Ittifaqiyah

2009-11-07T00:47:00.000-08:00

Suatu hari ku pandu kereta
Hujan lebat, jalan pun sendat
Lalu ku singgah di sebuah madrasah
Menunaikan tuntutan mengerjakan solat

Al-Madrasatul Ittifaqiyah diberi nama
Sebuah madrasah di Bukit Keramat
Madrasah terletak di kawasan tentera
Hiasan di dinding, indah terlihat

Senyumlah Kuala Lumpur

2009-11-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

This is one of my old time favourites...

Alleycats

Kuala Lumpur senyumanmu
Dipagi ini
Sungguh bererti
Kerna cinta bersemi lagi
Setelah kemarau panjang

Dilebuhraya
Dipapan tanda
Tergambar wajahmu
Dengan kalimat
Cinta untuk kita
Semoga kekal selamanya

( korus )
Bila ku bisikan puisi cinta
Dan tugu peringatan negara
Bagai tersenyum
Dalam diam bergembira
Memberi sokongan cinta
Agar bersinar sentiasa

Berganding tangan
Kita berdua
Menyusuri jalan
Ditengah kota
Sambil senandungkan lagu
Lagu kisah cinta lama

Bilaku bisikan puisi cinta
Dan tugu peringatan negara
Bagai tersenyum
Dalam diam bergembira
Memberi sokongan cinta
Agar bersinar sentiasa

Terimakasih kuucapkan
Oh kepadamu
Kuala Lumpur
Kerna kau telah temukan
Cinta antara kami berdua...

The Odyssey journey

2009-10-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, has always been the centre of trade and commerce for Malaysians for as long as I can remember (ofcourse this is not withstanding the days of Malacca in the 1400s and 1500s and the Straits Settlements). It's strategic location being at the mid point of the Malaysian Peninsular, it's proximity to the Straits of Malacca, having Klang as a feeder port, KLIA, the North-South highway, have all helped solidify Kuala Lumpur's status as the nation's key business hub.

The highways and byways that connect KL to cities like Ipoh, George Town, Alor Star and Kangar in the North, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Baharu in the East and Seremban, Malacca, Johor Bahru and even Singapore in the South have all eased and facilitated business transactions between these cities.

It is with this thought in mind that we have embarked on this journey to launch Odyssey, the First Truly Business Class Coach between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

We say that our service is the First Truly Business Class Coach service because we not only provide spacious seating area, we also offer video-on-demand services on each seat. We are the first bus to offer wifi services on board.

Luxury

There's always plenty of room to stretch out and lie back in the tranquillity of an Odyssey coach. Our leather recliner is the perfect place to catch a refreshing power nap or even curl up to watch your favourite movie. In fact the luxury treatment begins even before you step on board, as you get to relax in the plush waiting lounge specially designed for your comfort.

Meals

Enjoy our special gourmet meals that are served by our specially trained attendants who are always at your service to make your journey as pleasant as possible.

Please note that all meals served will be non-vegetarian unless specified otherwise during booking. All meals served are Halal.

Connectivity

All Odyssey coaches are WiFi enabled with speed up to 3.6Mbps so you can carry on your business uninterrupted while on board*. This service is provided free. Moreover, we have sturdy tables that can support your laptop and also power points to recharge them with.

*To use the service you will need a wireless enabled laptop or hand held device and the speed of service is on a best-effort basis.

Entertainment

Spend quality leisure time on the Odyssey while you watch movies of your choice or the news on your personal TV screen. Or even surf the net on the move. And while our trained attendants serve you gourmet meals right as you relax in your leather recliner, there's a good chance you'll feel you have been thoroughly spoilt by the end of the trip.

The Waiting Lounge

The luxury treatment begins even before you step on board. Relax in the plush waiting lounge we have specially designed for your comfort.

KL - Mont Kiara

SINGAPORE

KLCC - avenue K

Click one of the links above to
view full address

Inspections and Servicing

Being a Business Class coach service is not just about the comfort and luxury of leather recliners and gourmet meals. Safety is of prime importance to us. And you can be sure we will take care of your safety while on board any of our coaches.

All our coaches are regularly serviced to ensure the comfort and safety of our passengers, captains and onboard attendants.

Human Factors Integration

Our captains are well trained individuals and have been armed with all the features to aid them in driving safely. All our coaches offer better visibility, improved handling and braking with enhancements like EBS, Scania Retarder and Scania Opticruise.

Our onboard crew is also trained for emergency situations and first-aid. You can be sure you are in very good hands when you are traveling with us.

Mechanical Integrity

Apart from the basic safety measures like seatbelts, safety hammers and fire prevention and protection, all Odyssey coaches are equipped for balance and safety in every way.

Our coaches have a robust chassis that ensures a safe and comfortable passenger car-like feel. The independent front suspension provides safe and predictable handling on the open highway.

Whilst even the driving station is ergonomically designed. It is integrally a safe and steady machine.

Speed Regulation

Our coaches are equipped with an Opticruise function that automates shifting to settings like Drive, Hill and Reverse. While the Retarder controls progress on steep descents handled with fingertip control from the steering wheel. The Clutch Monitoring System, the powerful disc brakes which provide shorter braking distances and the ESP ensure full control over power delivery, particularly in slippery conditions and during manoeuvring - for the safety of the passengers.

Do check us out at www.odysseynow.com.my or www.odysseynow.com.sg

20% toll rebate scheme

2009-10-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

The 20% toll rebate scheme is a brilliant scheme implemented by the Ministry of Works. This is especially so, for big cities like Kuala Lumpur whereby there are lots and lots of cars and the traffic conditions can be horrendous at times. Hence, this is a good scheme to encourage road users to use the many toll roads that have been constructed in and around the capital city.
The participating highways are:
1. Jambatan Pulau Pinang
2. Lebuhraya Utara Selatan
3. Lebuhraya Shah Alam
4. Lebuhraya Seremban-Port Dickson
5. Lebuhraya Laluan Kedua Malaysia-Singapura
6. Lebuhraya Kuala Lumpur-Karak
7. Lebuhraya Butterworth-Kulim
8. Lebuhraya Cheras-Kajang
9. Lebuhraya Kajang SILK
10. Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong
11. Lebuhraya Pintas Selat Kelang Utara Baru
12. Lebuhraya Bertingkat Ampang
13. Lebuhraya Sungai Besi
14. Lebuhraya Lingkaran Luar Butterworth
15. Lebuhraya Skim Penyuraian Trafik KL-Barat
16. Lebuhraya Baru Pantai
17. Lebuhraya Koridor Guthrie
18. Lebuhraya Pantai Timur
19. Lebuhraya Hubungan Timur Barat
20. Terowong SMART
21. Lebuhraya KL-Putrajaya
22. Lebuhraya Duta Ulu Kelang
23. Lebuhraya Kajang – Seremban

Ten of the 23 participating highways relate to Kuala Lumpur. Numerous efforts and amount of investments have been put in to ensure that the traffic conditions in the capital city improve. This latest incentive scheme has been the best of all, enabling the road users not only to save money on toll payments but to also save time by taking faster routes which can also help to reduce maintenance costs of their vehicles.

Jahil Hukum

2009-10-30T00:16:00.001-07:00

Seorang jejaka dari pekan Parit, Perak sedang bergegas hendak ke Johor Bahru. Lalu singgah di Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan yang tersergam indah untuk menunaikan solat Maghrib. Masjidnya yang begitu besar telah menyebabkannya menagmbil sedikit masa untuk mengambil wudhu lalu beransur ke ruang solat. Setibanya di ruang solat, sidang jemaah sudah masuk ke rakaat kedua. Beliau pun menyertai jemaah dan turut serta bersolat. Sesudah Pak Imam memberi salam, beliau pun turut memberi salam di hujung solat. Sesudah selesai berdoa, ahli jemaah yang bersolat di sebelahnya bertanya, “Encik tadi masuk bersolat di rakaat kedua, tapi turut sama memberi salam apabila Pak Imam memberi salam. Kenapa tidak ditambah satu lagi rakaat yang kekurangan itu?” Jejaka dari Utara itu pun menjawab, “satu rakaat pun nak berkira, ke?”

Valuing Independence...

2009-10-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!

What runs through your mind when these words are uttered? Freedom? Independance?

What is the meaning of independence? What is the value of independence? What does fulfilling independence mean? Is it just physical? No more wars, we live in peace and harmony? Is it a state of mind? Are our minds truly independent? Or are we still colonialised?

There are many facets to this topic, be it social, economics or politics. We live in a multi racial country (Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan, Murut, Melanau, Bajau, to name a few), with multiple religions and multiple traditions and celebrations.

Just over 52 years ago, our fore fathers Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tun Sambanthan, came together and negotiated our independence with the British. What does that tell us? We used our common senses and intelligence to obtain independence. We never had to spill a drop of blood in 1957 like the Indonesians and some other nations did, though way before that, there were clashes with the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Japanese, the Communist and to a certain extent, the British. Till this day, even countries like Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are not independent of ‘mother’ England. These respective nations are still governed by the Westminster.

Without independence, we would not be so fortunate to be here, in this once tallest building in the world, now the tallest twin buildings in the world and enjoy this nice view of developed Kuala Lumpur.

Without independence, don’t even dream to host the F1 races on our shores! Without independence, we would not have Putrajaya, our own stock market, our trade volumes surpassing the RM1 Trillion mark, these luxuries that we are enjoying now, these comfortable, luxury leather seats, ahhhhh...

Who would have thought, that a nation in the east, a nation other than America would ever the guts, courage and ability to build the tallest buildings in the world? Who would have thought, that this tiny nation in Asia, this tiny nation that is not Japan, will host the F1 races? Who would have thought that this tiny nation, called Malaysia would be free from Britain without shedding a single drop of blood?

How do we value these benefits? How do we value these luxuries? Should we go on harping on our differences or should we learn to appreciate, understand and accommodate our differences? Learn to understand each other better. Learn to work with and help one another to continue to develop this nation, to develop this land that we love, this land that we call Malaysia.

Are we going to use our common senses and intelligence like our fore fathers did, or are we going to follow our heart and thoughtless minds?

We have come a long way. 52 years is not a short period of time. Are we ready to sacrifice these luxuries that we have just to fulfil our greed?
United we stand, divided we fall. MERDEKA!

Hari Raya Open House

2009-10-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hari Raya and open houses often go hand in hand. Especially in this day and age, businesses also take the opportunity that comes with the festivities to celebrate with and entertain their business partners and clients.

Recently, we were invited to attend the Hari Raya open house of 3F Resources Sdn Bhd at Restoran Bijan, Jalan Ceylon in Bukit Ceylon. The food was marvellous as was the company and the ambience.

As I arrived at the venue a bit earlier than the rest, I took the liberty to take a few snap shots of the colourful variety of food on offer and the Balinese theme decor at the restaurant.

Jalan-jalan di Stesen Keretapi

2009-10-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Pada pagi yang hening, kira-kira jam 10.30 pagi, seorang jejaka dari Kampung Segambut Dalam telah tiba di Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur. Dia membeli tiket platform lalu mundar-mandir ke hulu dan ke hilir. Kemudian kelihatan station master maju ke arahnya, lalu beliau bertanya, “Tuan Station Master, keretapi ke Pulau Pinang akan berlepas pada jam berapa?” Station Master pun menjawab, “jam 11.30 pagi”, jawabnya. Si jejaka mundar-mandir lagi di platform berkenaan, dan bertanya lagi kepada Station Master, “keretapi ke Johor Bahru berlepas pada jam berapa?” “Jam 2.30 petang,” jawab Station Master. “Awak ni sebenarnya hendak ke mana?” tambahnya lagi. “Saya bukan hendak ke mana, Cuma hendak melintas trek keretapi ini sahaja,” jawabnya dengan selamba.