Natives of Malaysia

A visit to another one of Malaysia's best kept secret, Kuala Kubu Bahru, brought on a series of reflections. It sure is strange how I always need nature to rejuvenate, both spirit and soul. The cleansing power Mother Nature always has on me is amazing, it clears my mind and heart and everytime I am back in the greens, I feel so at home. KKB is situated in the Malaysian state of Selangor. The travelling was a real hassle because the place was inacessible, we had to make many bus transits before we finally made it to the native home village at night (we started the journey at 7.30am in the morning!). The good thing was, I had Siyun and Cleo with me, 2 really sunny young women thus the long journey was never a bore.

The home for the Orang Aslis, known as the aborigines of Malaysia. The story was, their home used to be situated in a valley, which is now a reservoir for a dam. They were relocated as part of the government's dam project, thus the reconstruction of totally modern brick houses away from the valley. I was actually looking forwad to experiencing a more native way of living! I mean, physically but the way of life is still native compared to what we city people have... Only 20% of the natives received education, the rest are happy with their simple way of life, only the seasons matter to them, not time nor age.

Introducing the Orang Aslis...

their heartland....

and Antares, the guardian of Magick River. Antares is one of the people I've met who made an impression on me. He is one who has lived his life and lives with a fierce passion for life.

Me at the camping ground...

Me and Anoora, the wife of Antares in the bamboo palace. The bamboo house is Antares's construction of love for his beloved child wife, Anoora.

There's even a TV on the left side of this picture! Sorry if I had made it sound like I was visiting the Kung Bushmen tribe.

Definitely au naturel living...

Some guests of Antares.. they were seeking the same purpose as we were, spirituality and a peace of mind.

Start of the trekking trail..

The mother fall...

Crossing one of the many rivers. Some had currents as high up to our chests.

Getting close to the mother fall...

The jump!

Me, Cleo and Antares...

Butterfly props, as Antares put it.

Immersing ourselves in the natural jacuzzi bath, the hot springs! We went at nights because firstly, the weather during the day time coupled with the springs will literally boil us. Secondly... more privacy, no indecent exposure of the human anatomy.

And on the last day of our trip, there was a festival going on in the tiny town of Kuala Kubu Bahru, it was the festival celebrating the arts. Kids from all over the town were gathered and each group or organisation will perform their speciality. Be it a song or dance, every performance was unique in its own way because their efforts expose their virgin celebration of the arts. I was so touched I actually cried!

Children from the KKB town learning Caporeira, the Brazillian martial arts. Oh this was for the sake of a cultural exchange between the various schools and organizations.

Antares's segment, the showcase of tribal music.

Some of our kids with a play on stage.

I am in love with nature, I am afraid of nature. The reason why men fear is that they do not understand their surroundings or situation. I always tell myself, nature does no harm to men, but ironically, I got my ear infection from the river waters. Haha..