A Secret Garden

Fancy telling your kids about 'The Secret Garden'? You should. After all the story had its happy ending with good moral values to boot. Anyhow, I did come across an interesting Secret Garden located at a shopping mall. Imagine, not doing the same old boring stuff of walking in and out of shops. You are also taking the chance to educate your kids about bringing nature indoors too.

This secret garden is located at Bandar One utama, Kuala Lumpur. Besides being intrigued by the size of the mall, our visit lets us to another one of its wonder, its garden. There are two green aspects of the mall.

One is in its 'rainforest' which is located right inside the mall. There is a beautiful waterfall as its water feature with lots of greenery to mimic a natural rainforest. There is also a pond in which lots of tropical fishes are located. Feel free to purchase the feed in which the fund goes into conservation of wildlife. There is also another huge tank which housed many wonderful native fishes found in the seawater of Malaysia. These fishes are pretty big and we actually gotten a chance to feed them.

The other one is located right at the rooftop of the mall. It housed many types of local flora. You will see the beautiful landscape which is well planned to accommodate the various types of gourds, chillies, roots plants while not forgetting the orchids and the cactus.

Do give yourself and the kids a little breather while you are there, just simply to enjoy a bit of nature before heading back to the usual walks around the mall. A relaxing green trip to the mall, indeed. Do ask for directions. We had to as the mall is pretty huge.

Lets FLY away....

Fancy taking your kids flying? Of course. At least once in their lives. This flying nevertheless is the unconventional way of flying. This kind of flying would get you and the kids hooked.. to the law of PHYSICS...

Welcome to the new way of learning science. FLY or also known as Fun Learning Yard, is a mini Science Centre at the little spot in Mandai Orchid Garden. I had a chance to explore this interesting place and to also learn many new ways of learning about Physics.

Mr Tan is a qualified secondary school teacher who set his vision to make learning fun, hands-on and interesting. Here, kids get to learn physics in the most interesting way. Mr Tan, who is patient and funny would get your kids engaged from the beginning right through the end. Kids would get to explore the various hands-on activities just like at the Science Centre except for the best part in which he would be glad to explain to them in detail the principles behind each experiments.

Looking at those eagerly participating kids who were there as well, I would strongly recommend you to bring your kids there. Besides the hands-on activities, you can get to bring home some of the interesting toys sold there. Seriously, the toys are dirt cheap and the best part is that these toys are educational toys which make use of the principles of science. Now for those of you, mummies out there planning a neat birthday party venue for boys related theme, this would definitely be the in place.

For more details:
Fun Learning Yard
Mandai Orchid Garden
200 Mandai Orchid Garden
Contact: (65) 6365-5356
E-mail: enquiry@funlearners.com

A taste of Hong Kong and Japan

Without having to leave the vicinity of my home town, I had a chance to wonder in the wonders of Hong Kong and Japan. And yes, we did it on a budget.

Within walking distance of our home, we reached a lovely park known to many as Chinese and Japanese Garden. Having stayed in the west all my life, it was a first last weekend in my entire adult life to be able to spend time there. What a thrill indeed.

Located right next to the MRT station known as Chinese Garden, visitors would get to visit the place without having to pay any entrance fee. The area is divided into two main themes. One displays an array of Chinese architecture and the other showcases Japanese related features as well and not forgetting the theme coordinated plants.

We were there to catch the sunset and to our surprise, it was not that crowded at all. We saw families with small children having a stroll around the vicinity of the garden. Bring your kids over to the many mini lakes located around the park where they get to see tortoises and various times of fish.

One of the best features of the park would be to climb up a Pagoda Building in which as you reach the top of the building, you'll get to immersed yourself in the sight of the sunset as well as the beauty of the area.


Do pay a visit there when you get a chance. It is a family friendly place.
pictures courtesy of jwahidjacksonluv2010

MacRitchie Tree Top Walk

Is there such a place in Singapore? Question asked from our 'new Singaporean' friend. Yes, indeed. We do have such a beautiful place and it is really a spectacular experience to be able to walk through it.

What it is?
It is a metallic suspended bridge which is located in the middle of MacRitchie Reservoir.

Where is it located?
MacRitchie Reservoir.

How to get there?
There are two entrances.
The shortest way is via Venus Drive which involves walking in the jungle terrain. However you will reach the place faster. Also it is a more scenic walk as there are plenty of distractions like a mini river where you get to catch a breather before walking up towards the suspension bridge.

The other way would be via the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. You'll get to enjoy breathtaking view of the lake first before entering the green forest. If you are coming with the little kids of yours, it is advisable to walk via the boardwalk. It is easier to walk and you have the options of making the walk short especially if your children is not up for the long walk to get to the bridge.

How long is the walk?
If you are coming in from Venus Drive, the time taken will be approximately 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours walk depending on your pace.

If you are coming in from MacRitchie Reservoir Park, it will take you slightly more than 2 hours to walk from the park to the suspension bridge.

A word of caution:
Yes in order to reach the place, a few hours of walking is required. Please judge yourself if you and your kids are really up for the walk through the jungle and the forested area. Nevertheless, visiting MacRitchie Reservoir Park has its own perks too. It is a relaxing place to have a picnic with your loved ones.

Also, from our experience, you'll bound to meet some wild creatures. Especially wild monkeys on your way out from Venus Drive. Do play safe. Do not distract them by feeding them leftovers or parading your picnic basket. They hung around in groups and can get ferocious. Also please check the weather in advance. Being caught in the rain in the jungle can be an unpleasant experience for some.
Pictures courtesy of j.wahidjacksonluv