You-Want's Life

Iceland is a place where many would call an ‘Alien Planet’, given its majestic landscapes that look out of the world, and its co-existence of both glaciers and geothermal heat. This gorgeous island stands isolated in the far end of the world, but remains one of the most popularly visited countries (in normal pre-Covid climate). My trip there had included guided tours to hike not one but two glaciers, snorkel in a fissure and a boat tour in a glacier lagoon which beauty only took my breath away. These experiences were made incredibly informative by the guides, who had incredible work ethics especially when it comes to environmental protection. I remember learning about climate change and global warming in school, but getting to Iceland opened my eyes to witness these phenomena right before me. My horizon was widened when I had thought-provoking discussions with my guides on the unique Icelandic landscapes and the impact brought forward by geotourism. With no further ado, I would dissect...

Ever since my volunteering trip to rural Sabah in 2017, I have learned that there are kids out there with great potentials but not the privileges to explore them. I have met students who live so deep in the area that it takes them 2 hours to walk to their schools; and some who have only started going to school when they are 9 years old because their parents preferred for them to stay back and help with their farming chores. I felt SO lucky to have basic necessities like electricity supply, internet connection, transport arrangements to schools, and even the ability to read and write well. It hurts me seeing wasted potential in the younger generation, and I would like to extend a helping hand.   Seeing how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the entire nation both economically and socially, I dread to imagine the current situation in rural Sabah. Good for us, Charisma Movement has worked with 3 schools around Kota Marudu in Sabah, namely SK Temunda Salimandut, SK Sampa...

This is a short photo blog on my recent trip to Kuala Terengganu. While I did not manage to visit many touristy places, I still do have some photos to share with you! ;) The new Kuala Terengganu Draw Bridge. Scenic view from Panorama Restaurant , which is located on a hill top.  Chinatown in Kuala Terengganu. There are 7 beautifully decorated alleys here. Turtle Alley is one of them! They are mostly decorated with murals, wall art and props. I had Spicy Butter Chicken Spaghetti at the Hidden Cafe in Chinatown. By, Euan Thum.

Read previous episode:  WCP by CM Day 2 Part 1: Seeing Sea Turtles For The First Time   It was our second day on the East Coast of Malaysia! We spent our morning in Cherating, Pahang, learning much about sea turtles- a graceful yet highly endangered marine creature. The representatives of Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) , who had collaborated with Charisma Movement in facilitating our Wildlife Conservation Project, brought us to Rimbun Dahan Turtle Sanctuary after a scrumptious local lunch. Throughout our trip, our meals were arranged by TCS- we got to try some special delicacies from the East Coast including Terengganu's special  Nasi Dagang  (steamed glutinous rice served with fish curry),  keropok lekor  (fried fish cakes), fermented fish sauce and many more.     Rimbun Dahan Turtle Hatchery is popular locally for its long-term commitment in turtle conservation work. Siblings Along and Alang now manage the centre with the h...

There's never a cold day in Malaysia- unless it rains.   It was blazing hot, as usual, on the day I decided to pay the Perdana Botanical Garden a visit for a photoshoot. It is just a stone's throw away from KL Sentral, so my friends and I took a quick Uber to get to it. We would have walked, if the weather was not unrelentingly melting us.   We were the most intrigued to get to the deer park in this botanical garden- imagine getting to see deer in a highly urbanised city- it would have been a blessing to pat on the head any of the ruminant. However, much to our disappointment, the enclosed area in which the deer could roam freely did not have as many deer as we had expected. There were probably only two or three of them, resting in the shades. Just like us, the heat was simply ruthless to them.    We walked around the area, seeing chickens placed in cages as if they were a rare sight. Oh well, I thought so as living chickens were a common sight from where I was raise...