AN EDUCATIONAL TOUR OF THE LABU SAYONG COTTAGE INDUSTRY IN KUALA KANGSAR, PERAK, MALAYSIA

WHAT IS LABU SAYONG?

The original Labu Sayong is a black gourd-shaped clay pitcher used for containing drinking water. The idea originated from the use of actual matured pumpkins to store water, after the contents had been removed and the inside cleaned.

It is believe that the water stored in Labu Sayong help prevent many illnesses and stomach disorders. No research has been done on this medical value. Anyway, it is very important to drink lots of water each day.

WHERE?

There are numerous Labu Sayong Enterprises in Kg Sayong, Kg Bukit Lada, Kg Pauh, Kg Sayong Ketengah, Kg Bukit Lada and Kg Kepala Bendang approximately 15 kilometers from The Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar from the Northern State of Perak, Malaysia. The Malaysian Government is promoting this Cottage Industry as part of their SDSI (Satu Daerah Satu Industri) program literally translated as One District One Industry. The Perak branch of the Malaysia Handicraft Development Corporation has opened a Handicraft Centre at a nearby town of Enggor which offers a training course in the making of Labu Sayong apart from selling these useful and attractive products.

THE PROCESS OF LABU SAYONG

STEP 1 – PREPARING THE CLAY SOIL

The clay found along streams and river banks at Sayong River is most suitable to make the Labu Sayong. Traditionally, this clay is left to dry under the sun for days. It is first produced into extremely fine powder and then sieved from coarser remains and wood to obtain the finest and cleanest clay. Water is then added to this clay powder and kept in a container for a few days. During this process, the clay will settle down. The water is then removed and the remaining clay is taken out and put on a plaster slab to be kneaded and wedged. This process of kneading and wedging will remove air bubbles which can cause the pot to break when exposed to intense heat. After that, it is shaped into its distinct traditional 'double-bulb' shape. Such tedious and painstaking process!!!
Nowadays, the clay soil is mixed with Sodium and water in a simple improvised machine to produce a batter.

STEP 2 - MOULDING
The batter is pour into the mould. Let it set inside the mould for 3 hours or so depending on the weather. The bigger pot usually takes one day or so. The pot is removed from the mould and turn upside down to dry.

STEP 3 - SHAPING AND DESIGNING
The process of shaping and decorating is done on a simple rounded wooden board wheel rotated by hand.
COLORING AND PATTERNED
When the surface is semi-dried, the surface design is usually made up of nature-inspired motifs and harmonious geometric shapes.

STEP 4 - DRYING
The pots are then dried in the sun for 3 days or so to harden the surface.

STEP 5 – BAKED

Back in the old days, the pots are fired in open trenches filled with dry rambutan trees, bamboo and palm fronds until they are red hot. They are immediately removed and placed on a pile of paddy husk or saw dust for 20 minutes to impart the black sheen. The base of the pot is brushed with liquid resin or wax to render it waterproof. Imagine all those opening burnings, sweats and hard work!!!

Nowadays, the pots are baked in a kiln at temperature of 1000 centigrade for 10 hours or so depending on the size and purpose. The longer the baking, the more expensive it is. However the original black Labu Sayong is still processed the traditional ways.

STEP 6 – FINAL TOUCH 
Till this day, Labu Sayong is greatly admired, not only for its utility, bit for its beauty ad aesthetic quality. Beside the water pitcher, Labu Sayong can be made into lamp stands and vases. To produce the different, beautiful and unique looks, different techniques are used.

For a greenish look, the pot is sprayed with Meranti liquid. Generally, this type of vase cost RM 6.00 per small piece, RM 45.00 per medium piece and RM 95.00 per large piece. Of course, the price will be more expensive for more intricate design.

For the earthen look, it is dipped in the natural wood-colored paint. Otherwise, the pot is painted over its natural baked state.

For the glossy and varnished look, it is glazed with liquid resin.

Lamp Shade is the most sought after decorative item. The price ranges from RM 48.00 to RM 95.00 per piece with or without base, wiring and lamp shade.

5 easy steps to clean and use the Labu Sayong water pitcher.

Step 1 - Rinse the inside with plain water to clean the clay

Step 2 – Wash the rice thoroughly. Keep the 1^st washed water.

Step 3 - Rinse the inside of the Labu Sayong again with the ‘rice water’.

Step 4 - Turn it upside down and leave it to dry for 24 hours.

Step 5 – Now it ready to use. Enjoy!!

If you wish to witness this famous handicraft-making cottage industry in Perak and is mainly found in Kuala Kangsar, please contact Wan at 603-2260 2667 / 3667 / 4667, fax 603-2260 5667 or email your request to leisureincentivetours@gmail.com. I could also organize a visit several places of interest in the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, mainly the ‘Istana Kenangan’. Originally a royal residence, this 1926 timber building was constructed without the use of nails and converted in a Royal Museum which displays Perak’s royal regalia as well as pictures and depicts then history of the royal family. Another beautiful historical landmark is the Ubudiah Mosque which was constructed at the turn of the century by the 28^th ruler of Perak, Sultan Idris Mursyidul Azam, with its magnificent golden domes and minarets. 

Malaysia 2011 - 2012 Golf Packages in Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Golf Courses

Packaging golf tours is Leisure & Incentive Tours Sdn Bhd’s specialty ranging from domestic and regional golf holidays. We offer golf courses in Melaka, Ipoh, Penang and Langkawi for a maximum duration of 6 Days 5 Nights. We have organized ‘World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship (WAITGC) from 1998 until 2001 and European PGA Golf Tour in 2006. With these two world-class events in our profile, we have the expertise to organize and manage such international events and to deal with demanding international participants. Today, our satisfied clients come from as far as Denmark, U.S.A, United Kingdom as well as Asia.

Malaysia offers the most ideal conditions for the perfect golfing holiday.  Magnificent golf courses set amidst rich luscious natural beauty, superb holiday resorts and extremely affordable packages, attracts thousands of avid golfers to our shores annually. Combined with the seemingly endless array of events, festivals and shopping opportunities, Malaysia promises you a true golfing adventure or at the very least, ‘a great exciting time!’

Leisure & Incentive Tours Sdn Bhd’s ‘Drive Thru’ Malaysia’ golfing package offers you a unique experience, an adventure of sorts.  This fabulous affordable golfing package allows you to take in the sights, smells and sounds of exquisite and diverse Malaysian culture, along with a few rounds of golf!!!

With these fantastic packages for you to choose from and a wide range of beautiful golf courses to play on, it is the ideal holiday for every avid golfer.  In addition to these golf packages on offer, we can also provide you with tailor-made packages throughout Malaysia and the South East Asian region, wherever your mind and soul desire.

Our ‘Drive Thru’ Malaysia’ packages also provides the non-golfer in the group with an array of colorful, fascinating and breathtaking sights as well as endless shopping bargains, that’s Malaysia.  It is, in every sense, two holidays for the price of one!

Course 1 – 4 Days 3 Nights Kuala Lumpur

5 Star	Golfer Single – US$ 790.00 Double – US$ 590.00	Non-golfer Single – US$ 570.00 Double – US$ 360.00
4 Star	Golfer Single – US$ 720.00 Double – US$ 560.00	Non-golfer Single – US$ 470.00 Double – US$ 300.00
3 Star	Golfer Single – US$ 650.00 Double – US$ 520.00	Non-golfer Single – US$ 390.00 Double – US$ 270.00

The above rates (valid until 31 March 2012) are inclusive of

• 3 nights accommodation at hotel of your choice offered in the package with daily breakfast.
• Return airport to hotel transfer.
• Half-day K. Lumpur city tour.
• 2 rounds of golf.
• Return hotel to golf courses transfer.
• Green fee, buggy and golfing insurance.

THE EVENT

DAY 01             Arrive K. Lumpur.  Transfer to Hotel & rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 02             MORNING        :  Tee-off at designated golf course*

                       AFTERNOON    :  Return to Hotel & rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 03             MORNING        :  Tee-off at designated golf course*  

                       AFTERNOON    :  Return to Hotel.  Enroute tour of K. Lumpur.

DAY 04             Free at leisure until departure transfer.

Course 2 – 5 Days 4 Nights Kuala Lumpur

5 Star	Golfer Single – US$ 1,090.00 Double – US$ 810.00	Non-golfer Single – US$ 690.00 Double – US$ 420.00
4 Star	Golfer Single – US$ 950.00 Double – US$ 730.00	Non-golfer Single – US$ 560.00 Double – US$ 350.00
3 Star	Golfer Single – US$ 850.00 Double – US$ 680.00	Non-golfer Single – US$ 460.00 Double – US$ 300.00

The above rates (valid until 31 March 2012) are inclusive of

• 4 nights accommodation at hotel of your choice offered in the package with daily breakfast.
• Return airport to hotel transfer.
• Half-day K. Lumpur city tour.
• 3 rounds of golf including one night golfing
• Return hotel to golf courses transfer.
• Green fee, buggy, golfing insurance and night levy for night golfing (where applicable)

THE EVENT

DAY 01             Arrive K. Lumpur.  Transfer to Hotel & rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 02             MORNING        :  Tee-off at designated golf course*

                       AFTERNOON     :  Return to Hotel & rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 03             MID-MORNING  :  Half-day tour of Kuala Lumpur followed by transfer to

                        designed golf course * for night golf.

DAY 04             MORNING         :  Tee-off at designated golf course*

AFTERNOON     :  Return to Hotel & rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 05             Free at leisure until departure transfer.

NOTE: 

1. * Indicates tee-off will be at any of the golf courses on offer in these packages depending on its availability for that particular day.  Additional terms & conditions refer to the “Rules of the Game”.
2. The above rates are per person basis in USDollars and valid until 31 March 2011
3. Rates are subject to room surcharges during super peak period and festive holidays.
4. Rates are for minimum 2 golfers and unlimited non-golfers.
5. Package rate for golfing on weekdays only. If golfing is on weekend and public holidays, kindly add US$50.00 surcharge for green fees per person per round
6. Golf courses only allow minimum 3 balls for night golf and weekends / public holidays.

THE KUALA LUMPUR AND SELANGOR GOLF COURSES "Where the Grass is Always Greener"

• Saujana Golf & Country Club, Subang, Selangor.  Situated about 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur city center and approximately 45 minutes from KLIA, this splendid golf course is host for the ‘Malaysian Open’ which is part of the European PGA sanctioned tour.  Designed by internationally famed course designer Ronald Fream, this was formerly 162 hectares of oil palm estate, incorporating two championship courses, the par-72 Palm Course nicknamed “The Cobra” (6,565 yards) and the Bunga Raya Course (6,400 yards).  This golf course is highly sought after by the avid golfers.
• Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Shah Alam, Selangor.  This 27-hole golf course was designed by world renowned Thompson, Wolveridge and Associates.  Covering an area of 412 acres, this challenging course is home of “Night Golfing”.  This course offers an 18-hole USGA Championship course with an additional resting nine-hole.  Mr. Peter Thompson, 5-time British Open Champion and World Series Winner personally supervised construction of this course. 
•  Glenmarie Golf & Country Club, Shah Alam, Selangor.  Covering a total area of 360 acres, this 36-hole golf course is the work of a well-known American designer Max Waxler.  Glen Marie’s centrepiece, the Garden Course (7,034 yards) and the Valley Course (6,917 yards), two very contrasting 18-hole par-72 courses, are skillfully designed for maximum enjoyment by every level of golfer.  The luxurious five-star Pan Pacific Glen Marie Resort further enhances its position as one of the leading golf courses in the country.
• Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, Shah Alam, Selangor.  This 7,030 yards championship course is no child’s play.  Designed by internationally known Australian Ross C. Watson, Kota Permai GCC meanders through serene valleys, fringed by oil palm trees that give it a distinctive character and returns to the valley floor where lakes abound.  With few holes running parallel, it creates the feeling that you are alone, at one with your surroundings.
• Perangsang Templer Golf Club, Rawang, Selangor.  With a total area of 175 acres, this golf course has a unique layout featuring the woodlands, lakes and dunes to test the golfers of all levels.  With a total yardage of 7,200 this par-72 course was built as part of a massive tourist resort master plan for the State of Selangor.  This course hosted the World Corporate Games in 1993 and the World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship in 1994 and 2001.
• Sungai Long Golf & Country Club, Rawang, Selangor. This 18 hole fully matured and beautifully constructed par 72 course challenges at every turn with excellent water features and strategically places slopes, mounds and traps. This championship course is 7,019 meters long and features specially designed bunkering to guide players toward the greens. Generous landing areas, sculptured fairways, immaculately groomed greens, paved cart paths that weave throughout the course and meticulous landscaping all add to your playing experience.
• Bangi Golf Resort, Bangi, Selangor.  Sprawled magnificently over an undulating lush greenery of gentle hills and rolling valleys covering 660 acres, the resort embraces a scenic 18-hole par-72 course perfectly maintained all year round. Ronald Fream, an internationally known golf course designer, designed this 7,130 yards championship course and it’s a popular venue for local corporate and private tournaments.

THE "RULES OF THE GAME"

Reservations

Enquiries and reservations for tour services featured in this program can be made through Leisure & Incentive Tours Sdn. Bhd. or any of our appointed agents.

Payments

Full payment is required upon confirmation of bookings or by the deadline given failing which all reservations may be cancelled.

Cancellations

Hotels, carriers, restaurants and contractors related to travel services required, will charge cancellation fee depending on the circumstances.  If any cancellation charges are levied, guests will be billed for such cancellation.  Leisure & Incentive Tours Sdn. Bhd. cannot he held responsible for any cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances or act of god and will only be liable to refund monies paid subject to deduction of the above charges.  However, 100% cancellation fee will be levied for any cancellation made within 24 hours before tour commences.

Refund

After commencement of tour, no refund in full or in part will be entertained for services included in the tour packages not utilized.

Liability

Leisure & Incentive Tours Sdn. Bhd. acts only as an agent for carriers, transport, operators, hotels and all other contractors and will therefore disclaim responsibility for any loss, damages, accidents, changes of schedule or other irregularities caused or arising from circumstances beyond our control.  Leisure & Incentive Tours Sdn. Bhd. also reserves the right to change or amend the itinerary with or without prior notice in the best interest of all concerned.

Local Club Rules

All golfers must adhere to local club rules and regulations on attire and etiquette.  Most clubs require proper golf attire of polo shirts, long pants and golf shoes (Note:  Some golf clubs do not allow spike shoes to be worn during golfing).

For reservation, enquiry or quotation, kindly contact us at 603-2260 2667 / 3667 / 4667, fax 603-2260 5667 or email leisureincentivetours@gmail.com

FIREFLIES TOUR AT KUALA SELANGOR MALAYSIA

If you want to experience Christmas in Malaysia, you must join our daily Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour.

Facts of Fireflies that every tourist should know

v  Fireflies aren’t flies but are in fact tiny 6mm long beetles, which belong to the Lampyridae species. And they don't produce fire but a cool green glow in the lower abdomen. Due to this effect, it is known as Kelip-Kelip in Bahasa Malaysia which means “to twinkle” The local also calls them Kunang-Kunang.

v  Million of fireflies group together on the Berembang tree along the riverbank of the mangrove swamp.

v  These fireflies will flash in synchrony creating a-Christmas-tree-effect which cannot be capture on any ordinary camera. Occasionally one firefly will fly towards you and you may catch it, don’t kill it or bring it home. Leave nature at its best.

v  The best time to witness this spectacular view is a night with no moon. The effect is not too great on rainy evening or full moon.

v  These fireflies will start flashing about one hour after sunset. Hence it is better to be there between 8.00 and 9.30pm.

v  A really bright flash will lasts for about two to three hours, continuing lower levels until dawn. 

v  The actual fact is you are witnessing the nightly courting of these creatures. Male firefly works hard to attract the female firefly. The males flash within 1/30^th of a second of each other whilst the females do not flash as frequently or as flamboyantly as the males. After 11.00pm, these flashing would stop as these fireflies have found mates or mated. So you think Mr and Mrs Firefly lives happily ever after, you are misled! The next day, the male firefly is dead and the female firefly lives to bear their children to continue their lifecycle. It is a one night stand for this black widow and life goes on for the Firefly Colony

A giant replica of Firefly

All tours (ex-KL) are based on minimum 2 adults. Child is between 4 – 11 years.

Tours	Commences	Duration	Price (2 – 3 paxs)	Price (4 – 8 paxs)
Fireflies  “The Natural Wonder”	5.00 pm	Approx 6 hrs (Include seafood dinner & boat ride)	RM 190.00 adult RM 125.00 child	RM 170.00 adult RM 100.00 child

A typical Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour is such –

Proceed to the coastal town of Kuala Selangor, first visit to the Melawati Hill, formerly known as Fort Altingsburg, home of a mighty fortress built by Sultan Ibrahim of Selangor towards the end of the 17^th century to guard and protect the state from the Dutch forces which just conquered Malacca. The fort offers panoramic view of the estuary of the Selangor River, the coastline and the Nature Park, a popular bird watching sanctuary and an ideal place to watch migratory birds.

A view of the Straits of Malacca

Within the vicinity of Melawati Hill is a poisoned well, an ancient Chinese cemetery along the side of the hill, a Traditional Arts and Games Museum which portrays the various village crafts, games and sports in Malaysia, a Historical Museum which highlights the history of Kuala Selangor and a Royal Tomb of the three Sultans of Selangor of ancient history. The Altingsburg lighthouse, built in 1907 to replace the original lighthouse built by the Dutch two centuries ago, is still functional until today to guide ships along Kuala Selangor coast.

Historical Museum of Kuala Selangor

The Altingsburg Lighthouse

The main attractions are the silvered-leaf monkeys with its silver grey fur and a tiff above its head. Baby monkey with its bright orange fur are so adorable clinging to it overly protective mother. These monkeys are gentle primates, patiently waiting for food from you, allow you to stroke and play with them as well as perch on your shoulder nonchalantly but they are aggressive and display territorial behavior towards their own kind. You will see the devilish long tailed macaques high up on the Rain trees. Their large canopies provide shade for the resting visitors on the beaches underneath these commanding statures Rain trees.  On weekends, there are tram services which ferries visitor up along the long and winding road to the peak of the Melawati Hill. Cars are only allowed on weekdays.

Silvered-leaf monkeys at Melawati Hill

Feeding the Mama & Baby monkey at Melawati  Hill

My friend Geoff (on the right) and his monkey friend

Smile Jeff you are on candid camera !!

Don't be scare, Wan!! They are gentle creatures.

The long tailed macaques waiting patiently on the Raintrees

Next is a sumptuous seafood dinner at a local restaurant at Pasir Penampang, a Chinese fishing village with brick or wooden house on stilts and shop which sell dried snacks such as fish crackers, salted seafood such as shrimps and squid, Chinese biscuits made of nuts and molasses or beans and other local produce.

A popular Seafood Restaurant at Pasir Penambang

Embark to Kampung Belimbing or Kampung Kuantan for the boat ride downriver and witness thousand of fireflies lighting trees along the riverbanks just like “Christmas trees”

Fact of the boat ride that every tourist should know

Heading to the boat !!!

v  Modern fiberglass boat at Bukit Belimbing in Kuala Selangor is electrically powered ensuring absolute no noise and air pollution. Occasionally you will hear a cracking sound and a bright flash from a distance in the dark, be assured that it is not the “firework” of the Fireflies but the boatman’s electric flytrap to ward away the mosquitoes.

The motorized boat at Bukit Belimbing

v  Wooden rowboat sampan at Kampung Kuantan is operated manually by a skilled local boat man. Please don’t think you are torturing the poor guy. Actually you are doing him a couple of favors. He is earning an extra income during his spare time and the rowing is the cheapest form of exercise in this modern world.

Note

1. Wear flat or low heeled shoes.
2. Dress casually and bring along rain gear on wet days as well as insect repellent or stop-itch ointment.
3.  Departure maybe cancelled if heavy rain at the coastal.

After this awesome experience of “the Eight Wonder of the World”, every time you see twinkles of North Star Constellation in the night sky reminds you of the Fireflies at Kuala Selangor Malaysia.

"Selamat Tinggal, Kelip-Kelip" translated as Bye-bye, Fireflies

For Incentive or Student Tour, Leisure & Incentive Tours can organize the Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour together with a tour of Tropical Fruit Farm, Bird Nest factory and day trip or an overnight stay at Kampung Dorani or Kampung Sireh Homestay. Please forward your reservation, enquiry or quotation to us at 603-2260 2667 / 3667 / 4667, fax 603-2260 5667 or email leisureincentivetours@gmail.com

Kuala Lumpur Night & Cultural Tour - 2011 packages

This heritage tour takes you to the typical Malaysian lifestyle, a harmonious blend of the many different races, religious beliefs and cultural diversity. The tour begins with a visit to the largest and oldest Hindu Temple in the city.

All tours (ex-KL) are based on minimum 2 adults. Child is between 4 – 11 years.

Tours	Commences	Duration	Price (2 – 3 paxs)	Price (4 – 8 paxs)
Cultural Night Tour	6.00 pm	Approx 4 hrs	RM 150.00 adult RM 110.00 child	RM 130.00 adult RM 90.00 child

Tour Highlights

Cultural dinner - Sri Maha Mariamman Temple – The Chinatown Bazaar

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple – One of the most elaborate Hindu temples with intriguing designs and intricate carvings of Hindu deities

Chinatown – One of KL’s best-know shopping spots. Open air bazaar style.

For reservation, enquiry or quotation, kindly contact Wan at 603-2260 2667 / 3667 / 4667, fax 603-2260 5667 or email leisureincentivetours@gmail.com