My dear travelogue readers and legions of fans…It’s been a slow 2008 as i have not been able to travel much this year due to workload and family matters. The year 2008 was an interesting one for me as i travelled around the world (again) and managed to do that in less than 30 days. Unfortunately i lost all or most of the photos taken during the trip. I was careless and forgot to back up my files before sending my notebook for formatting. Oouch….! It hurts a lot but i have moved on since then.

Left to Right: Terence Tan, Justin Jeyabalan, Moh Mun Cheng, Wee Lay Har, Catherine Yong, Chan Wai Ping, Me

Front to Back: Tiffanie Hong, Me, Chan Wai Ping, Catherine Yong, Moh Mun Cheng, Wee Lay Har, Justin Jeyabalan

Anyway, the year 2009 seems to be bleak and gloomy with the global economic crisis starts to kick in now in my country, Malaysia. Travelling has been more expensive now than before and everyone is cautious with their travelling expenses. Nevertheless, i have mapped out my next destinations for the year 2009 and also plan to get my very first digital camera. Can you believe that i have never owned a camera before? It sounds ridiculous but it’s true. I have been using a camera belonging to my friend for the past upteen years. So, it’s about time for me to get my own fucking digital camera and stop borrowing from my friend.

I also plan to revamp my site and content as a result of the feedback received from you readers. I will be away in Langkawi Island, Malaysia next week for a short break and will return writing more stuff on this site when i get back. You should know how exciting i am now in getting back on the road and re-discover this world again. This world is just awesome.

I wish you all readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you all again in 2009. May God bless you.

David Tann

I just love Xi’An. It should be my favourite destination in China of all time. You’ll be surprised to know most of the 5,000 year history of China are centralised in Xi’An (also known as Western Peace). There is a cosmopolitan feel to the city that I, naively, did not expect to find in China. As with many cities in China, Xi’An is being modernised in a major way but the ancient areas of both the inner and outer city have retained their integrity. Xi’An was the capital of China under the Qin and Tang dynasties. It was also the eastern end of the Silk Road that traders traveled in the days of Marco Polo.

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Overview:
Montreal, one of North America’s most beautiful cities, is a glorious collision of cultures. Few cities in the world can lay claim to being as authentically multi-cultural as Montreal, the second largest French speaking city on the planet. Montreal is a truly unique and beautiful. Experience the culture of France right here in North America. From great food to fun attractions, Montreal has something for everyone.

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Beautiful, breathtaking Hangzhou is the capital and pride of the Zhejiang Province. Being one of the seven Chinese ancient capitals, not only is the history and culture of this legendary city prominent, but its scenic landscapes and serene beauty will leave tourists in complete awe and wonder.

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Frankfurt, the fifth largest city in Germany, is not the most exciting city (to me, Berlin holds that title). However, its prominence as an important financial, communications, and transportation hub means that I have stopped by for a few times, in hourly or daily increments.

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Dublin, “Town of the Hurdled Ford” is the thriving capital city of the Republic of Ireland. It is noteworthy in terms of its vibrancy, its nightlife and its tourist attractions, and is the most popular entry point for international visitors to Ireland. As a city it is disproportionately large for the size of the country, well over a quarter of the Republic’s population lives in the metropolitan area. The centre is, however, relatively small and can be navigated by foot, with most of the population living in sprawling suburbs.

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Many of my friends have asked me over and over again when will i feature Sandakan…the town where i grew up for more than 15 years. Well folks…it’s finally here. I wish to dedicate this special review to my late father who raised me up in this town.

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You actually expect me to write about the highlights and best things to see and do in Paris in 200 words or less? Better make it quick then…Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Musee d’Orsay, Musee du Louvre, Musee Picasso, Jardin de Luxembourg, Montmartre, Musee National d’Art Moderne, Notre Dame, rue Cler market, Place des Vosges, Place de la Concorde, the cafes, the food and wine…and uh, you get the picture?? High on many travelers dream lists as a destination, one of the most popular cities in the world can also be enjoyed surprisingly economically, with a little planning and background knowledge.

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Before i begin my story, i need to warn you of the length of this review. This is simply because i’ve come to like this small and unique town located down south of Malaysia. Here it comes…

The name Kluang derives from the Malay word ‘keluang’ which means a type of flying fox or rather a type of fruit bat. These used to be plentiful in the district decades ago. They have almost completely disappeared due to the combination of hunting and destruction of their natural habitat. I was told by a local friend that pictures of bat can still be seen on road signages and boards. Kluang is a town located roughly in the middle of the state of Johor in Malaysia. The population of Kluang district is considered small but has now exceeded 250,000 residents with more than half are centralized in the town itself.

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Canberra is often described by Australians who haven’t been there as a boring town, full of politicians, bureaucrats - and not much else. But those who go there find beautiful galleries and museums clustered around a lake and cupped in bushland.

One of only two capital cities in the world that have been built to a premeditated design, Canberra is rather eerily symmetrical. Placed about its nice, planned combinations of straight and curving streets are the old and new Parliament Houses, the National Gallery, and the National Museum.

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