Caution: This post will be super long.

Mum felt sick before I left for Laos. After my 3 days 2 nights Laos trip, her health worsen and I encouraged her to see the doctor. Much persuasion ensued and she finally did on Wednesday. However, her cough got worst even after visiting the doctor and she couldn’t sleep well.

I told mum that sometimes body as get older, might need more time to heal, but she decided to seek help from ‘God‘.

She went on Thursday afternoon with my dad, without me knowing and she had to go again on Friday night. I wanted to go, but was told to stay at home and look after Miilo. I reluctantly agreed.

That night, they came back and told me that they had to go again on Saturday to do some praying. Out of curious, I asked what kind of praying is that. They explained that there are 5 ghosts (4 Chinese ghosts, 1 Malay ghost) following my mum thus making her health deterioted. So need to do this praying as condition for them to leave my mum. I went @_@ when I heard it.

Miraculously after drinking the burnt amulet paper (or whatever they called it), mum able to sleep well. So I thought, wow!

On Saturday, after buying food for the prayers I followed them to this temple situated in the border of Penang and Perak. I was amazed to see the amount of people there. Dad quickly went in to take number and was shocked to get no. 36 at 7.30 pm and the ‘ceremony’ didn’t even start yet.

In front of the temple there were tables with food, candles and josssticks. Baskets of papers can be seen at the side of the chairs. Thinking that we were already late in ‘praying’, we quickly grabbed one table, laid out the food on the table and quickly went to buy ‘paper money’ and 2 white candles from the temple.

If you’re wondering what food we bought, we brought in pork porridge, dried noodle, economic rice (consists of rice, vegetable, fish and pork meat), milo and kopi for the Chinese ghosts and nasi lemak and teh tarik for the Malay ghost.

Initially we placed all food on the same table, then we overheard an auntie in pink scolding an older auntie on placing bak pau (pork bun) on the same table as the nasi lemak. She said, you have to separate them ma! You put both together, how they gonna eat? The Malay doesn’t eat pork okay!

Immediately I was thinking (in my head) why need to put them apart? We’re staying in Malaysia, I don’t think they’ll be that seriously offended if all of them sit together on the same table and eat.

But dad immediately asked me to take the teh tarik and nasi lemak away from the table just to avoid any scolding from this pink auntie.

As I was laying down the food, I couldn’t help to hear that pink auntie scolding the older auntie non stop. Poor lady, dah lah it’s her first time doing this, get scolding for no reason somemore. I was quite disappointed to see this and I don’t understand why this pink auntie was channeling all her anger to her.

Luckily, she didn’t bark at my mum. She talked rather politely to mum, which greatly pleased me. Still, I observed whenever she talked to my mum.

After praying, we waited patiently for our turn. Mum actually asked to leave after praying but dad just want to make sure that there’s no more ensues.  Halfway waiting, a lady passed us a number (20) and we gladly accepted it.

At 10 pm, our number was called and we entered the temple. There were 4 ladies sitting at each corner of the table. Actually there were lots ladies around the tables, but only 3 ladies were supposed to ‘ki dang‘ (being possesed). One in white top, one in blue top, one in purple top.

Tell the truth, I actually thought ki dang means the deities enter the body of these ladies, little did I know that I was wrong. Here, it wasn’t the deities who ki dang, but the ghosts. Let me explained that later.

So it was out turn, mum went to sit at the empty chair as the white top lady shouting NUMBER 20! NUMBER 20! Everyone’s eyes were onto us as we walked there. There were two men sitting in front of two other ladies (the ladies in blue and purple top), with the ladies’ palms pounding onto the men’ chests.

The lady in white top placed her palm on my mum’s chest and she too pounded her palm repeatedly. Then she stopped and asked this question, “Is your house clean?” – which blew us off.

All three of us were stunned of course, we were repeated, “clean ah.”

Then she insisted, “No, I feel your house not clean. Don’t you feel your house not clean?”

Obviously we replied nope. I blurted out, No. It’s clean.

To think about it back, it’s a normal reaction that people would be defensive when were told that the house has something. People only believe on there’s proof on such existence, don’t you think so?

Feeling frustrated and agitated with our defend especially mine, she rolled her eyes and began pounding again before asking my mum, “Do you bake cake?”

Mum was stunned with that question. I replied on her behalf after seeing that she couldn’t say anything. She continued pounding.

“I really feel your house not clean LAH. You know what’s clean onot? Not that cleaning type of clean you know?” she said that looking directly at me, challenging me.

I told her I know what was she saying, but I said we don’t feel anything.

Then she gave a long lecture on how when one’s aura is high there’s nothing to feel but when one’s aura is low, that’s when all nonsense come.

Thinking back, I would have gladly replied her back – that’s cycle of life. That’s why we have ups and downs but I just bit my tongue and stayed quiet. I afraid if I insisted more, later she gave even long lecture.

Not only her giving a long lecture, the lady in purple, and another two ladies in orange and white and red stripes chipped in too, laughing at us for not UNDERSTANDING what’s the meaning of clean.

I was so frustrated that time, for being belittled down like that.

If you’re wondering who are the other two ladies, the one in orange is the one running about getting things and the one in white and red stripes are the one writing down order. What order? Ghost’s food orders.

I maintained innocent look and just laughed at what they said, not wanting to show scene here in the temple. Not in front of my parents, not in front of Goddess of Mercy. I told myself, bear all in. Just bear all in.

She asked few more questions like, “Your house got upper level?”, “You seldom cook nowadays?”, “You don’t store much food at home?”, “You like to lean your back on chair?”

Then she continued saying on how she’s being honest and won’t lie in front of buddha and kept insisting that my house is not clean. She suddenly asked, your house has chocolate right?

Which is actually a random question, which household doesn’t have one? So I said, yes because the chocoholic me will buy these chocolates.

Then she asked, your fridge got chocolate ice-cream right?

I was shocked, trying to figure out if it was coincident question or she actually ‘traveled’ to my house and see that ice-cream. So I said, yes, there’s one in the back fridge. My parents was surprised to hear that we have chocolate ice-cream in the house. I told her that we bought long time ago but didn’t finish it.

Out of sudden, she collapsed and she said in childish way in Mandarin, “Aiyo, kei ni men chua dao le!” (Aiyo, got caught by you all already!)

I was shocked cz I wasn’t prepared to see a ghost ‘possessed’ in her body. All the while I thought a deity entered her body.

Still I was observing. I have many questions to ask that ghost, but I just kept quiet and observed.

The ghost complained that we didn’t have much food at home. Said, last time he could smell nice fragrance of cakes and cooking but now nothing. Said, he’s upset couldn’t find anything to eat. Nothing in the fridge.

Yes, the ghost is a he. It’s a little boy in fact. The name is DiDi (little brother). When he said the name is DiDi, I was shocked too because I called my brother Adrian, didi sometimes, out of affection. Now knowing that this ghost is called DiDi too, I decided not to call my bro that for that day onwards.

The lady in white and pink stripes asked DiDi on what he wants to eat. DiDi listed down cakes, chocolate, ice-cream. Then that lady said, after you eat this, you have to leave the house. Stubbornly, DiDi shouted No, don’t want! I want to stay there!

Again, I was stunned. Mum said, “No, after I give you food you must leave the house.”

The lady shouted No! Can not be like this! After eat must go out! Find your friends to play with.

And the DiDi bargained, I don’t have friends to play with. I want to sleep in your room, playing with your foots, ok? - he told my parents and me.

All three of us said a stern NO in unison, lol!

It was pretty tense then, as we didn’t know if it was really a ghost that in her body. With this ghost stubbornly said that, I of course got frightened a little.

The lady shouted No. Must leave the house! Go find other house and stay!

To be frank, I was rather disturbed when I heard she said that. What? Lure the ghost to leave by offering food and then ask the ghost to find other ‘victim’? What type of mentality is this? Why cannot bring this child to rebirth? I was totally speechless.

Out of the blue, the white lady collapsed again and the purple lady asked my mum to pat her back. She woke up and continued saying about the house not clean over and over again, off and on jeling at me as tho I challenged her on this matter earlier. Seriously, I really wanted to shut her up by asking her to stop it. She already proved her POINT by bringing the ghost out, no point bragging.

Unable to stop myself, I asked her – I pray at home everyday. Why is there a ghost in the house?

The answer coming from her mouth is totally unbelieveable.

She said – you think the God 24/7 guarding your house? When you pray, God will come and round your house. After that he’ll leave. You pray, he comes.

I really wanted to press her more, by asking that means I should pray every hour to prevent ghost from entering house? I really want to ask her if a house has a god sitting in it and still ghost able to enter, what’s the point of praying?

Her answer really shakes people’s belief. Shook my belief. Luckily my Buddhism core is strong, else I would have turn into atheist.

And guess what, she continued talking on my house not clean, while jeling at me. –”

Seriously I didn’t challenge her anything earlier, I just asked. Giving her benefit of doubt, I would say she interpreted me wrongly and then I cannot blame her for that but there’s no need of doing such act. She’s an adult, but giving such childish act. My mum had to tell her, oh, kid nowadays doesn’t know all these things. I wanted to tell mum – I’m modern kid doesn’t know these willing to take in, then she as an adult cannot LET GO this matter? Grrr. But again, I just bear. Bear all in.

She then proceed to try catching another one. Apparently the second one is my mum’s sister who passed away when she was 8 months old. I was looking forward to my ‘aunt’ to appear in front of us, but the white lady claimed that ‘my aunt’ doesn’t want to talk to her and wouldn’t appear.

The orange lady then asked us to come back the next day to ask about this.

So, we began to walk out. And while walking out, the white lady still stressed on HOUSE NOT CLEAN! and the rest laughed, nervously. Walao. I really super geram d that time. I quickly walked out in fear that I might just explode.

As we walked to the car, there were awkward silent. I can tell everyone was in deep thought after what had happened. I was so furious. When our car got into highway, I just blurted out whatever thoughts I had to my parents, especially on the house not clean issue. I told them, if everyone just offer food and ask the ghosts to leave them, then the ghost go where? Mean the ghost will follow another person is it? Then just while doing offering, one accidentally knock on the chair or table, then the ghost will follow them? Why they only cast them away, and not help them towards rebirth/cross over?

Then I asked, why I only see people praying to Chinese and Malay ghosts? Why no Indian ghosts? Indian ghosts don’t follow people?

I can’t tell my parents not to believe in this, as I do believe in existence of ghost too. Just that I dislike the way they handle, talk to people. People skill - ZERO.

Dad told me to take it with a pinch of salt and we should just do our part. If ask to offer, we offer; other than that, no need care much. I agreed.

The next afternoon, we went back to the same temple. I was super reluctant to go back there, but I just went along. After all I shouldn’t complain much when it was my dad who had to drive 45 minutes to that temple for 4 continuous days.

When we reached there, there were less people, and less ladies in the sitting around the table too. Just an elder lady in white, yesterday’s orange lady and another lady in blue. I didn’t see the elder lady and the blue lady yesterday. Dad said alot of people comes to see this white lady, which is the niao niao (kuan yin).

We thought we should take number but were told by an uncle that there’s no numbering, just have to queue. Mum went to toilet so I just stood behind an uncle in red shirt. He said, you’re queuing is it? I nodded and he said, alright after me is you. I smiled in acknowledgement.

Mum came back and I let her to queue there as I didn’t want to enter the temple anymore. But dad said there weren’t much people so asked mum to sit first.

Manatau, more and more people came in and stood inside the temple waiting for their turns. I saw it was the uncle in red’s turn so I said quite loudly to mum that she should go in and wait as it’s the uncle turn. Mum wondered how I know and I told her that the uncle in red told me just now.

After hearing me saying that, a guy just walked off and sat at side. I took a glance at him puzzled, and told my parents, see. People wouldn’t know that we queued earlier and mistaken that we were trying to ‘da chim’ (overtake line).

When it was mum’s turn, she sat on the brown chair and asked niao niao regarding her deceased sister. Then she replied, this question you must come at night and ask. I don’t deal with deceased.

Mum got shocked and said calmly, we came last night and were told to come earlier to you for help regarding my deceased sister.

The niao niao insisted that she couldn’t help on this and only the night ceremony (the patting ladies) can help. Then the orange lady butted in and said, Oh, last night they asked you to come to ask about you house one la. About your house not clean one la! – she said rather rudely, pointing finger when she stressed on the la! to my mum.

Startled, my dad also chipped in saying,  yesterday it was you who asked us to come during daytime for her sister’s matter, else we wouldn’t have come in – directed the reply to the orange lady.

Out of the blue, the orange lady was shouting on top of her lung and said, NO LA. I ASK YOU TO COME IN AND ASK ABOUT YOUR HOUSE NOT CLEAN LA. YOU KNOW WHAT’S THE MEANING OF NOT CLEAN? GOT GHOST LA. YOU UNDERSTAND?

The lady in blue also kepo said, yalar. House not clean means got ghost lah. You know what’s ghost ah? – and she showed her face in annoyance. Her facial expression was so, so ugly and snobbish.

I was so angry that these two ladies yelling at my mum. And the niao niao just said, no. I cannot help you on this. Cannot help you check the house also. This one you have to come at night only can check.

Dad got frustrated, signaled mum to stop asking and walk out to take a breather. He then pulled my sister who went along also and asked if niao niao can help ‘check’ and see why my sister always injured her shoulder.

Niao niao replied, “this one you have to go find tith tha (chiropractor)“. All of us just looked in disbelief.

I didn’t deny what she said is wrong. She has her logic, which is to look for chiropractor. But the thing is, earlier we saw she massaged, and swung a teen boy’s arm because the parents complained that the teen always injured his shoulder. Which made us felt that she’s totally not willing to help at all.

And the ladies kept barking on house not clean until my mum got pissed off, went into the temple and scolded them back in tears.

Believe me, when I said women’s greatest weapon is tear because when they saw my mum suddenly broke down like that, they got scared and quietened down. I was so heartbroken that I stepped in and argued with them.

I looked at the lady and said, why must you bring out this house not clean issue. We already acknowledged this matter and plan to do something about it d. Now we come because YOU asked us to come to ask on my mum’s sister. Why must you keep on insisting on something that we’ve already know?

I was so surprised with myself that I managed to keep my calm and debated well with the ladies. I thought I would be boiling with anger, but I just looked at her and shot info after info to her until she looked at me speechless.

When I stopped speaking, she continued blabbering about the house not clean again and then when my dad and I said, WHY STILL MENTIONED and she kept quiet and then said obnoxiously, “So what’s her name?” (referring to my deceased aunt’s name) and I said with my mum.

As I walked out, I can hear that the niao niao said softly – I cannot help on this.

I went out and saw my sister consoling my mum and I knew that that’s it, no point putting my mum into their harrassment anymore. I told my dad that we should go home now. So we left directly and swore would not return anymore. Not because they’re no good or what. They must be good to have such big crowds coming from all over Malaysia. Still, we wouldn’t return because of the ladies managing the temple. If only they have more people skill.

I believe everything happens for a reason. I was thought to believe things happen for a reason. I chose to take this experience positively. The moral of this story is not to be superstitious. Just do your part as a human (as in avoid wrongdoing) and be true to oneself. And no more turning to deities or gods in time of sickness. If sick, see doctor, stay positive. My uncle turned to deity, and he passed away. My mum turned to deity, and such things happened.

That night, we just conduct a simple offering in front of our house for DiDi. I’m unsure if he has left the house or not, but I chose to believe he did. As for our deceased aunt, we acknowledge the existance of her in our mind and talk about her. We plan to go to well known Kuan Yin temple and do simple offering for our deceased aunt this weekend.

Guess what, last night mum told me that she can hear me talking without her hearing aid. I’m joyous!

So we did. We got down and walked to a very narrow lane built on a cliff, behind a handicraft shop.

And my, the view is indeed beautiful. Again, every one of us can’t believe that we just climbed that mountain few hours ago! It looked so complicated, so untouchable, so unconquerable from afar. Yet, we managed to do so!

We took few photos there, I then realised the only thing that prevents us from falling off the cliff is the railing made of bamboo shoots! And the platform we were standing on and the buildings around us are further strengthened by the bamboo shoots also. So, imagine if Mount Batur explodes, the whole area might just give way like that! Scary indeed!

With nothing else to do, we got into our van where we were brought to a restaurant few metres from the look-out point. When we reached, we noticed that the restaurant name is Restoran Panca Yoga and playfully teased Yoga by saying that he brought us to his restaurant! Haha.

We were warmly greeted by the waiters and waitresses of the restaurant and were led to our table behind the building, overlooking Mount Batur and Danau Batur! The restaurant offers buffet lunch with variety of choices to choose from. I simply took a little bit of everything to try.

Having lunch with such a spectacular view is totally awesome! If only the weather was a little bit cloudy then it would be perfect as I had to wear sunglasses while eating because of the sun glare! Haha.

After a satiated awesomely lunch, we left Kintamani for next stop – Bangli. I can’t remember the route there as I fell asleep soon after Mr. Driver began descending Jalan Raya Penelokan. I only woke up when the van stopped. I looked around and wondered where we were. The place looks and smells like Balik Pulau.

Yoga led us into an orchard, where the rest took the opportunity to take pictures of the fruits. The whole place looks like the orchard behind my granny’s house therefore I didn’t take much – except for the fruits and trees I never seen before.

We then reached a hut and the aroma of roasted coffee was strong there. A man was seen stirring the coffee beans while the other supervising him.

The very fragrant roasted coffee beans. Mm~

At the side was an aged woman crunching the beans using a big wooden stick with the help from a younger girl.

A toddler was seen walking near the hut, barefooted.

Sitting behind the aged woman was a baby girl who has the most infectious smile! She couldn’t stop smiling and giggling – which made me so delighted! Her eyes are so round and beautiful and my, she made me feel like cuddling her but obviously I didn’t. Hehe.

Initially I was puzzled on why were we going through someone’s orchard and looking at the men roasting the coffee. Then only I know why. We were there to see the famous and most expensive coffee – the luwak coffee.

If you’re not a coffee lover and wondering what the hell is luwak coffee (like me), this coffee’s beans came from the civets‘ poo. Yup, you didn’t read this wrongly. The civets eat the coffee berries from the coffee trees and it’s time to go, the beans came out together with the droppings. Human would then look for the beans in the droppings, wash and clean them before putting them out in the sun. Then they would roast the beans lightly and finally brew them.

Hearing that, I couldn’t help but showing my tongue out. I can’t imagine how something in an animal’s droppings could be a luxury food to human! So I decided to try it when the rest asked about it. When we asked about the price, we were uber shocked – 30.000 Rupiah (RM11.10) for a tiny cup!

Someone then suggested on sharing a cup of coffee – since all of us JUST want to try the taste of the expensive coffee. We asked around on whom wanting to try, and ordered a cup from the person-in-charge there. He then started making one. If not mistaken, everyone’s eyes were on him; observing the way he made the coffee. Then he passed a cup to one of us.

It was AL who had the honour of trying first. While she took a sip, everyone looked at her eagerly and then asked, “How’s is it? Got smell like shit or not?”

I can’t really remember what she said, but if not mistaken she told us it tasted like coffee. Lol!

Next, it was my turn since I sat beside her. Carefully, I took a sip – and my, it was bitter!!! I think Nescafe Coffee is much nicer! Lol!

The tiny cup was ¾ empty only when it reached the 10^th person. So, we decided to go another round. Then we took out 3.000 Rupiah (RM1.10) each and passed over to the person-in-charge.

Besides the luwak coffee, we were given free samples of coffee, tea and chocolate drink too. After finishing the samples and the coffee luwak, we checked out their shop and slowly walked back to our van.

We got in our van and headed to our next stop – Pura Tirta Empul. I can’t remember the entire journey there as I felt asleep the moment the van was on the road. I guess the morning hike and the menstrual made me tired very easily.

Soon we reached the Gate of Pura Tirta Empul. I was extremely excited as I was dying to visit this temple when I did research on Bali few months ago. But I forgot the most important part – this beautiful temple also known as holy spring temple; is said to be so sacred that those having menstrual couldn’t enter.

So, I watched the rest entered the temple; feeling very sad and blaming myself for forgetting about this vital point. If I remembered, I would have got the ‘anti-menstrual pill’!

As the van moved towards the car park, I was trying my very best to hold back my tears by playing game and wearing sunglasses. I consoled myself with lots of reasons – from telling myself that ‘this-place-is-not-really-that-beautiful to ‘shall-go-back-to-Bali-again-to-visit-this-place’. Still, tears dropped without me realizing.

I quickly wiped my tears and continued playing game – putting my mind of this place. Then the van driver initiated a small chat. He asked if I would want to get down and look at the souvenir shops in front of us.

I shook my head and said no. I then asked him, if there are other temples that I couldn’t enter in the next trip. He didn’t answer my question. Instead he took out a laminated A4 map of Bali, turned to the other side and showed me the picture of Pura Tirta Empul. Then he passed the map to me where I gratefully took from him.

While the map shielding my face, I quickly wiped another rolling tears. I quickly calmed myself down and passed back the map to him. Then I continued playing game and listening to songs. He got out of the van to find his fellow friends.

One annoying thing I felt while waiting for the rest is a lady fruit seller. She knocked the van’s window plane to attract my attention and then asked me to buy fruits from her. I didn’t feel like having one, so I smiled at her and politely waved my hands – signaling No and then continued playing game.

5 minutes later, she went to the other side of the van and knocked again. A bit frustrated, I shook my hand and then concentrate on my game.

10 minutes from the 2^nd knock, I looked up to see her sitting on the pavement in front of the van. I looked at the fruits she was carrying – they sure didn’t look fresh to me.

Few minutes later, she came to the side, knocked and begged me to buy something from her but I pretended not to hear any knock or pleading. I couldn’t afford to waste Rupiah as I didn’t have much left. Moreover, I was in the sad mood, all I need is ice-cream. If she’s selling ice-cream I would gladly buy one from her.

Suddenly, I felt the van door opened and I looked up in alarm. It was my hero! Words couldn’t describe how happy I was to see him. ^^

I looked behind him, the rest weren’t with him. He told me that he purposely came back early to accompany me, fearing that I would be lonely in the van. I felt so grateful for what he did, but I told him he should explore the whole place so that he would know what to bring me to see next time. Then he laughed and I looked at the photos he took from his DSLR. The place looks so beautiful, just like the pictures I saw in the net. Haih. Ultimate sadness.

Seeing this, he took his DSLR off my hand and then talked to me. The lady fruit seller came again, knocking and pointing to her fruits and I let Sat declined her this time. Haha.

The van door opened again, and it was the rest. Sat got down and went to his seat in front, next to Yoga. The girls came in and told me that the place is not that fun, not beautiful, and not worth seeing. Deep down my heart I knew that they’re saying this because they didn’t want me to feel left out. Real nice of them to have such thoughts. <3 <3 <3

As the girls were chatting with me, I realised that our van already moved out of the Holy Spring Temple and going through remote kampong area. As remote as it looked, the place is actually famous for its puppet making. Of the 10 wooden huts, 7 are heavily decorated with puppets and puppet-making tools. Probably some huts are actually their workshops as well as their shops.

Mr. van driver steered the van downhill and then uphill (which made we felt like on a roller coaster ride) before entering into another village. Upon entering, I concluded the area must be famous for the glass craftsmanship as there are plenty of huts showcasing their works.

As I sat by the window on the right side, even though the sun was glaring at me I gleefully admire the pretty, colourful glasses that went by me… I mean as our van went past them until the van stopped. Then I turned to the left and there, the view of the terraced paddy field greeted me.

We got down our van, crossed the road before descending the stairs down to the look-out point. As much as I wish the view was fantabulous like the pictures I saw in the net, it didn’t turn out something like that. Sat then told me that we came at the wrong season, that’s why the hills aren’t that green. True enough they were just about to plough the land, that’s why so much brownness.

Just before the stairs down the look-out point, there is this pretty young child about 6-7 years old, begging 2 pretty looking foreigners to buy postcards. I could see that she begged so much until the 2 ladies pitied and finally got one stack from her. Happily, she let the ladies took pictures with her. Haha.

We took 2-3 group photos there with the help from Yoga and then left the place. The place is full of souvenir and handicrafts shops and I wished I have the money to shop there! I had my eyes on one of the things there, but I was thinking even if I brought enough – will there be enough time for me to shop since we had such a hectic schedule? Will there be enough space for my bag to carry back as the bag looked like it was about burst?

We walked a bit further up before boarding our van. We then continued our journey to the heart of Ubud.

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Apparently Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple is famous in giving ‘numbers’!

While dad prayed to the deities in the temples, I took the opportunity to take pictures of the surrounding using my Olympus miu! No, I didn’t bring my DSLR out that day. Lol.

I find the ‘axe’ super cute. Couldn’t stop taking picture of it. Hehe.

While taking pictures around, I overheard a man speaking quite loud in Cantonese to the lady who was kneeling in front of the altar; asking her to ‘ask’ the deity with sincere heart so that she could get 4 numbers from the deity. After she prayed, she shook a container full of bamboo sticks with numbers until one came out of the container. Then she threw 2 red crescent shaped die asking if that’s the number for her.

But she got both sides open up.

Seeing this, the man told her again, to truly believe in the deity and prayed with all her hearts before shaking the container. She did what he said, shook the container again and threw the die. This time, she got both sides facing down.

Mum was standing behind them, watching all this. In fact, there were few people watching this too – all wondering what was her doing. Mum told me, “Maybe the ang kong doesn’t know how to speak English (as the ladies were English-speaking) that’s why can’t provide numbers for them.”

I replied, “The deity sure got hire translator one mah.”

“If got translator, she early early got her 4 numbers d loh.”

As much as I wanted to try my luck in winning the Jackpot (that time everyone was eager in winning the Jackpot) by getting numbers from the deity, but from the rate of her getting the 4 numbers and with her another friend also waiting for her turn – I had to put off my intention. Haih.

As I turned around from where I stood, I spotted this transparent plane covering a hole with coins in it.

A closer look revealed that the floor of the temple are elevated about half feet higher than the original tiles.

We then we went the stairs to the first level after asking the caretaker about it. We had to take off our shoes before going up.

The place is refurbished and the carvings on the doors and walls were painted with new coat of paint, making them look bright and new! As I walked around taking pictures, I noticed something different with the neighbours’ houses.

They have back doors on first level! I wondered why they have such designs – another escape in term of emergency? Hmm.

There’s nothing much to explore on the first level, therefore we went downstairs. The two girls took their own sweet time getting numbers from the deity, making me lost interest in earning my lucky numbers too as I didn’t have much time to spare. It was already late at night and everyone was tired from earlier day trip. So we left the place.

Maybe I should drop by there again. ^^

I went on the hmm.. Can’t remember which day d – the 5th day if not mistaken. It was a sunny afternoon and I was practically sweating nonstop.

There were many people there; all decided to drop by Kek Lok Si during CNY because of the yellow and red lanterns hung all over the temple. Very nicely decorated. Hehe.

This was also when B decided to try tactics he read before long long time ago. He just never got the chance to try it (as he only wants me to be his guinea pig, huuhuu) so that’s part of the visit purposes. Haha.

I brought my DSLR along too; tho my main purpose to there was to pray. CNY must go temple pray pray for more ong-ness mah. ^^

Halfway walking, I felt a bit regretted for choosing to walk up to the Guan Yin Pavilion instead of driving up as the sun was scorching hot! and I think I got darker after that trip. -.-” The heat was killing us and my 500ml water bottle was definitely not enough!

We walked to the temple where many people would pray and spotted a wishing tree! No, it’s not a real tree but artificial ones where one can hung their wishes on the ‘tree’. I took one for me, and one for B – even tho I didn’t really know the exact meaning as it was written in Mandarin. But I know mine was for good career, and B’s for abundant luck! Hehe.

We wrote our names on the ribbons and then hung at the Wish Tree. I took a chair, stood up the chair and hung mine at one of the highest branches. Why? Because people say, “the higher you hung, the faster your wish will be granted” or something like that la. Haha.

Then we went up to the highest ‘station‘ where the Guan Yin Pavilion is. This is where the sun is the brutal-est and I got my tanning here!

We spent like 30 minutes taking photographs there with many, many people staring at us. Lol. Then we walked to the Guan Yin Pavilion, to pai pai.

I’ve been to the highest level soon after the construction of the Guan Yin statue was done, but that time there was no roof/shelter. The Pavilion was only built like few years earlier – as you can see, there are still construction works going on at the side.

Seeing everyone giving alms around the Guan Yin statue, we decided to do so too. RM11 for 118 1-cent-coins.

Like usual, one must go around the statue clockwise. Sat gave half, I gave half.

On the night of 8th day of CNY, my family decided to go Kek Lok Si too after being influenced by our neighbours. So off we went together in 2 cars to the island at about 9pm.

I’ve never seen and been to Kek Lok Si at night before, so I was definitely at awed on seeing the building from afar.

We went all the way straight to the Guan Yin Pavilion. The place was pack with people! I even spotted my cousin bro with his gf there. Hehe.

I couldn’t stop looking at the statue. She looks different from the earlier day’s visit. She looks majestic!

and gold! I mean very golden in colour.

Not long after we went there, we were told to leave the place as they’re about to close for the day. So, I quickly took few more pictures and then walked back to the car with my family.

That’s all for my CNY’s Kek Lok Si trip. This post is more on the pictures than words. Having blockage in writing yet feel like posting something here. Haha! Have a good night sleep everyone.

I looked at the sky, there were dark clouds hovering above the area. I was praying hard for clear sky, so that our visit wouldn’t be in vain. After all, the pictures wouldn’t be nice if were to photographed in rain.

Few minutes later, we reached a small town. We then passed a small candi (temple) where the van driver pointed and said softly, “Candi Mendut” and Daniel being our translator, pointed to us and said aloud “Candi Mendut”.

A minute later, we saw the peak of Borobudur! From afar, we could only see the peak but as our van were driving towards it, it became bigger and bigger until it got out of our sight when the driver took a right turn to the entrance and ticket counter.

The moment we got down, the local armed with rock statues, shirts, souvenirs, keychains, and postcards; surrounded us and kept following us! But after telling them, “no, thank you” or “tak mau” while shaking my head, they got the drill and left me alone.

There are two entrances/ticket counters. The open air ticket counter on the left (which looks shabby) is the entrance for the locals. If not mistaken they only have to pay like 9.000 Rupiah (RM3.30). On the right, there’s this closed up building, with air-cond, and sofas and, water and coffee dispenser. That’s for the foreigners like us. How much we need to pay?

11USD or 120.000 Rupiah. And free small bottles of water – can take as many as one like.

So much of difference right? I know, but it’s bearable because after conversion it’s RM44~45. That’ll be the 5^th interesting fact I found in the trip.

And we got a guide for 75.000 Rupiah (RM27). His name is Lambang.

Lambang is a rather quiet guy, only spoke when he needs to explain about the temple. But once he got used to our presence, he joked with us nonstop.

From the ticket counter, we’ll need to walk about 10 minutes to get to the temple. The walk was a pleasant one, while the guys kept snapping and videotaking along the way and the girls talking and listening to the guide at the same time. Haha.

When the temple is considerably quite near to us (where the whole temple can be captured with our camera, all of us automatically stopped walking and snapped! Then Lambang said, “come, I show you a better place to take picture”, with his hands doing the photo shoot gesture.

Excitedly, we followed him to the open field at the side. There we could see the diagonal view of the temple. The view is not that mind-blowing like what he said; but at least there’s nobody in the view except for the temple and us when we took group picture.

Not wanting to waste time on taking many group shoots with the same pose, we called it off and began ascending the stairs towards to temple.

By the time I reached the end of the stairs, I was overwhelmed by feelings. Like how I felt when I stood in front of Angkor Wat, I can’t believe that I was looking at the Borobudur temple. For some people, going there is like impossible, but we made it! Lambang then led us to a white board on the left. Using that board, he explained more about the Borobudur temple and the history.

To keep it short, Borobudur is a Buddhist temple, was built in the 9th century on a natural hill. However, it was kept hidden in the ash for long after eruption of Mount Merapi. It was believed that the massive eruption also swept clean all villages, burying all buildings, monuments, temples as well as the Buddhist monks and laymen. Many years after the eruption, the people came in and claimed the land, the Islam religion reached the shore and people embraced it; Portuguese conquered Indonesia, followed by Dutch and British

It was Stamford Raffles who instructed his men to unearthed Borobudur temple after being tipped about a big monument in the jungle. However, it was until 90s only the major renovation of the temple started.

After explanation we entered the candi from the left, because Lambang said must walk around temple clockwise. Before going up, Lambang showed us the carvings at the side. The carvings are about karma. The good and the bad. The old and the young. The rich and the poor.

He spoke about how unstable the whole temple was because of the eruption, the ashes and the rain. He pointed on the stones that were put in to replace the ruin ones and also at the new leveled platform that was built to support and strengthen the foundation of the temple.

We walked up the new platform. There is a carved head, where Lambang told us was used to drain the rain water from the temple out. However, it wasn’t in used now. Can’t remember what’s the reason – it was either the hole was filled up or because of dry reason. Hmm.

We then reached the stairs that connects each platform. Lambang told us the stairs symbolized heaven and hell, dubbed “staircase to heaven”. Lol. There’s a head on the arch entrance of each platform. The head is called Kala which means Time in Sanskrit, Again, don’t remember why, but Lambang jokefully told about being eaten by Kala, and the sins and the lust and greed before able to reach the top which symbolizes Nirvana.

And my, that stairs weren’t easy to walk up ah. Unlike the normal stairs we usually take, this required more energy because of the higher step. We got off at platform 6. This is where the stupas are situated. Lambang then advised us to take picture at the diagonal, so that the biggest stupa in the centre is flanked by the two smaller ones at the side.

I love my 12-24mm because of the wideness, I was able to snap with more stupas in sight! The view is lovely as it would be wasted to snap in tight frame.

As much as I wanted to JUMP there, but since nobody willing to jump with me or willing to photograph me jumping, I didn’t do so. And I’m still regretting of not jumping there. Probably I should learn some break-dance poses, and pose it with wonderful background behind in future. Kakaka!

We then went a platform higher from the stairs behind. The view from here is spectacular! Lambang revealed that the platform we were standing up to the second highest platform is called Arupadhatu, the world of formlessness. Only from this platform onwards one can see stupas with statues of monks in it. Before this level, there are 5 platforms of Rupadhatu (the world of forms) which told the story of Buddha’s life and on Buddhism; and the lowest level where the carvings of karma were is known as Kamadhatu (the world of desire).

The stupas however, not all contains the statues of monk. Some of them are empty. Some are headless. Some with broken arms. Lambang then chose one of the perfect statues and thrust him arm onto the hole of the stupa, touching the statue’s arm. This is said that if one manages to touch the monk, good luck will come to you. However, he said, one must stand from the lower platform of the stupa and stretch their arm to touch it.

So I tried, and I succeed. Woohoo! Though in Buddhism, women aren’t supposed to touch monk – but I guess touching a statue is okay gua. Hmm.

Then Lambang continued to speak about the stupa. He asked, “Do you know why the shape of the stupa is like a hand bell?” Seeing us shaking our heads, he answered, “stupa is like a upside-down bowl of rice placed on top of lotus flower with chopsticks stood vertically on top of the bowl”.

Then Lambang let us roamed there freely, to shoot pictures. Off and on, he would just give out information on the temple like “There used to be a big yellow umbrella on top of the biggest stupa, but it was taken down because of lighting and replaced with the steel. Now the umbrella is in museum.”

Also according to him, there are carvings and statues at Arupadhatu and Rupadhatu, but there’s nothing in the biggest stupa. This is said that the biggest stupa is the Nirvana. Since nobody went to Nirvana before and has no idea on how Nirvana looks like, it’s left empty in the biggest stupa.

But I read about the temple before I went there. It’s suspected that the leader of the British excavation (as commanded by Stamford Raffles) did inspection on the biggest stupa and found something, but it wasn’t recorded as he’s interested in keeping it. I wonder if it is true. Hmm.

From the back of the temple, we walked to the front. There I spotted the supposed-to-be-an-entrance-but-already-covered-up at the biggest stupa. Curious, I asked Lambang about it. He told something about sealing the door up to avoid people from going in as it’s not stable there.

Sat hold my hand as we walked. He then asked me on my feeling being on top of this temple and even joked that I attained Nirvana already. Lol. I told him that I’m not qualified yet but I definitely felt at peace standing on top of the temple. The view is too breathtaking and it gave lots calming effect to me.

We took photos, before Lambang urged us to leave because of the coming rain. Unwillingly, I went down with the rest and before going down the hill, we took one last pictures of the temple. And Emily went gaga after spotting angmohs there. Haha.

While walking out, Lambang told us about Kama Sutra’s carvings. According to him, the lowest platform consists of carvings that showed the act/poses like in the Kama Sutra. They (I can’t remember who’s the they here)  decided to ‘seal’ it up with a layer of bricks in front of the carvings as the carvings are said to be indecent and bad for children; and also to strengthen the base of the temple la.

However, he said if one is interested in looking at such carvings, one can visit a temple in Solo. Lambang did give us the name of the temple in Solo, but I’m bad at remembering names la. Haha.

Then, Lambang advised us to check out another 2 nearby temples which was built before Candi Borobudur, Candi Mendut and Candi Pawon. Looking at the time, we only could visit one temple, therefore asking him which one is the best. He said go Candi Mendut better. Candi Pawon is small, Candi Mendut is slightly bigger and it houses 3 big beautiful statues inside it.

As the sky got darker because of the dark clouds, we walked faster to the entrance. I was enjoying the walk out as it was breezy and relaxing and then came the peddlers from everywhere, blocking my way with their goods.

“Keychain! 10.000 Rupiah one!”“, a lady came to me, running her fingers against the keychains to produce ching clang sound. Another came from the left, showing off her T-shirt of Borobudur temple, Prambanan, and Buddha’s head.

Candi Borobudur”, a guy suddenly appeared and shoved the rock statue of Borobodur temple in front of my face; before saying, “100.000 Rupiah”.

I shook my head countless times and yet they won’t let me go. Annoyed, I showed stone face, walked faster, and walked along with Aaron as he wasn’t surrounded by any peddler!

By the time we reached the exit point, there were only 3 of us where the rest were busy bargaining with the peddlers. Slowly one by one came, and I was very anxious as we didn’t have much time left.

When the last person arrived, we quickly made way to the van and it began to rain. Still, the peddlers continued following us, offering more goods at cheaper price! It’s totally unbelievable when one of the guys offered, “6 statues for 100.000 Rupiah!”

Sat got attracted to the deal and asked me and Emily if we’re interested in sharing? Since I didn’t get any souvenir yet and the price is quite attractive, I agreed. So do Emily.

After sealing the deal, the peddlers finally let us off. About 10 minutes later, we reached Candi Mendut.

Still phobic from earlier taunting incident, we were on our guards; ready to fend off anyone who tries to sell us anything but surprisingly, the people there weren’t aggressive! They’re very nice. When we said no, they didn’t pursuit, unlike the ones in Borobudur.

On the way in, one of the shops was blasting an instrumental song loudly, which was quite soothing and I told Sat that I wanted to buy that track! Sat encouraged me to ask the price, but didn’t because fear of being scolded for not buying after asking the price. Haha.

At the small ticket booth, we paid 3.000 Rupiah (RM1.10) to a nice lady. Just when I was about to make move, my lens hood fell off! And then, someone’s lens did a jump too. So did Elise’s hat. If not mistaken someone fell too, but can’t recall who. I felt weird as it happened one after another.

Candi Mendut is a small temple, smaller than Siem Reap’s Prasat Kravan. But inside the temple, there are 3 big statues. I paipai-ed and then started photographing the area.

We didn’t spend much time there. I think barely half an hour later we already made our way out. Our driver started the van when he saw us coming. When we’re about to leave, our driver mentioned about the parking fee. I didn’t know that we’re supposed to pay for parking, but since it’s only 300 Rupiah which is like 30 Rupiah per person. After conversion 30 Rupiah is about RM0.01 only! Why should I complain then? Haha.

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Last year I wrote about the carved riverbed and Cambodian food at Borey Sovann Restaurant. Today I’m gonna cover 3 temples – Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre and Prasat Kravan. So this post is gonna be lengthy again. Or should I make it short and break this post into two? Oh well, let’s the flow decides the length.

Prasat Banteay Srei is located about 15 minutes from Kbal Spean; was built in honor of female deities – therefore the name “Citadel of Women”. This temple representing strength, unity, and safety and was told by Siya that the whole temples was carved by ladies!

There are two water lilies ponds in front of the temple. Sadly, there were no flower on the ponds as it was dry season. If only the flowers bloom, the whole place would really be beautiful and totally suits the name – the citadel of women!

The crowd at this temple weren’t much compared to the prime temples. Location might be a factor, as it’s about half an hour away from Angkor Wat. We would have miss this temple too if we took the 1 day pass. But after googling about this place, we realised we must be foolish for not stopping here.

The first thing I noticed in this temple apart from the red building, is the floral motif!

Just a simple floral motif, they are certainly carved beautifully and looked as though they’re real.

Each and every carving has its story, but I couldn’t tell you that as I don’t remember them. It’s been one year laaaa… T____T

Among so many temples I’ve been to, this temple is my favourite! The womanliness touch in it – the flower, the colour, the very detailed carvings; just attracts me so deeply. Even deeper than the famous Angkor Wat.

It was sunny when we reached there. The redness of the temple plus the sunny day, made the entire place even hotter. I wouldn’t walk around without my trusty umbrella. But then, the sunny clear sky complimented the red building, making the building stood out in the picture!

We walked around the temple, snapped endless pictures here and then left. On the way out, we were surrounded by local sellers! One of the small boys tried to con Satkuru into buying books from him by telling him USD1 for a book. But when he stopped and reconfirmed with him again the price,  he quickly said, “11 dollar!” I don’t know if this is one of the business gimmicks, but Sat and I encountered the same tactic again at Kek Lok Si – which I will tell when I write about that in future.

Next, we visited Prasat Banteay Samre.

Again endless stairs!

If I said that there weren’t much visitors at Banteay Srei, there were even lesser at Prasat Banteay Samre!

And it was so sunny…  that Emily walked hunch-ly along the corridor.

Okay, I made that up. She was looking for something or taking picture of something I think. Lol.

From the stairs, we walked along the corridor on the left and towards the back of the 3 main towers.

As we walked, we realised that we were the only visitors there! It was really quiet with only the sound of the wind can be heard.

So quiet that when I told them to look at me for photo group, it became an echo!!!

…And I kena marah by someone because of the stupid echo. Wuuwuu.

So, for those with loud voice like me, if you happen to be here, please remember to talk softly. If not, your voice will turn into echo and will ‘sort of threaten this beautiful temple to fall into pieces’ with your loud voice! Lol.

Walking from the back of the temple, we went to the main tower to pray!

It was quite dark, with limited light. Do bear in mind there are no electricity within the vicinity of the temple. That’s why all the temples are closed by sunset.

I pai pai-ed before I snapped. Like minta permission la. And then I looked up, and wow-ed by the structure of the tower.

If feminine is the word to describe Prasat Banteay Srei, then peaceful is the word for this temple. One will feel calm in this place. Don’t believe me, ask May! See how relax and bergaya she is…

I’m surprised to find so many nice photos taken there. As much as I wanted to post all up, but I don’t want to flood this post with pictures of the same temple only. So, next Prasat Kravan!

Prasat Kravan is one of the small temples, situated about 7-10 minutes drive from Angkor Wat. The temple consists of 5 brick towers with the central tower stood out prominently from the rest.

By the time I reached this temple, I was so tired and weary that I didn’t want to move much. In my mind, all I want was to quickly look around the place, quickly snap whatever necessary photos and find a place to sit!

Which I did – in under 10 minutes! Haha!

We headed to the central tower first. The central tower housed the carvings of Vishnu. On each side of the wall except for the entrance.

It was very dark in the tower. Very hard to take picture without flashing the carvings. T____T

Then we walked to the side towers. I notice that I have only 2 pictures of the carvings of the side towers. Was it because of no access to the rest of the towers, or was it because I got too frustrated due to snapping under low light? Can’t really recall the reason. LOL.

But I do remember sitting down at the side, taking picture of SIYA! Keke.

Feeling very tired, sleepy and hungry, we walked back to our van and went back to our home in Siem Reap. I was so tired that I slept on the journey back. Keke.

What’s next? Do stay tune!