Strangling Figs, Hornbills and Blessings

The common types of strangling fig trees are those with red or yellow figs. When some of these trees produce figs, they can be seen along the road. During the fruiting time, the strangling fig tree becomes a stage for the bird enthusiasts.

In December 2022, there were three different productive strangling fig trees inviting the hornbills for free feasts of delicious vitamins and protein packed meals. One of them lasted till early January 2023.

My lucky guests who managed to photograph the hornbills feasting on one of these trees were Swales Family, Meyer Family, Jia Hui family, Dennis family, Ardish, Nasir and Nigel/Lucas Oh, Emily family.

Nasir from Singapore in joy of photographing a Great Hornbill

The photos here with Great Hornbill on a yellow and a red fig tree.

Great Hornbill female with yellow figs

Great Hornbill male with the red figs

Both are auspicious colours for the Chinese New Year. I like to wish everyone here a good year ahead with good health, happiness and prosperity.

Gong Xi Fa Cai 2023

My Guests of Pandemic 2020-2021

With gratitude and appreciation to my guests who came with me and some return for the beauty of nature in Langkawi amidst the pandemic. Not forgetting the ones who recommended me to their friends and families to experience our nature with me. Thank you.

Part of the reason that I am still here on the island is because of you who had chosen me as your guide and your continuous support during these two years. There are some of you that I didn't photograph but I know who you are. Big THANK YOU.

I look forward to the burst of this Travel Bubble soon so my guests abroad can return independently. 

Happy New Year 2022 and may your heart desires be manifested.

Time For the Outdoors After 3 Long Months!

This is good news to all my outdoor friends and especially for me to start with. 

From 20th August 2021 onwards, the PM has announced that non contact sports and recreational activities are now allowed  in Phase 1 states. These activities are birdwatching, hiking, cycling, walk or picnic at the park and camping. Provided these conditions are met:

1. Entering recreational parks are for fully vaccinated individuals. You may need to flash digital vaccination cert via your MySejahtera app. The opening of the park is subject to the State's decision.

2. Strict SOP must be followed when entering the park eg. wearing face mask and social distancing.

3. Non-group activities only. The activities apply to individuals or own family.

Since Langkawi is under the state of Kedah which is still in Phase 1 stage of our National Recovery Plan (NCR). You may click on this link here to obtain the updated status of our NCR.

Tourism activities are currently allowed for Phase 2 states, therefore, Langkawi will have to wait for the actual reopening date or probably in early September 2021. The government is looking at turning Langkawi into a pilot project for tourism bubble before reopening the country. Refer here for details. 

Travelling and holidaying in Langkawi is only applicable to those who are fully vaccinated. This is the current passport for those who wish to travel.  

Here are the privileges for those who are fully vaccinated: 

1. Dine-ins

2. No more 10km travel restrictions

Here is my bike on 22nd May 2021 and will need some warming up before heading for longer distance (I meant the owner needs warming up).

It has been 3 months of full lockdown, the longest and very enduring. My fitness is currently  away and need to call it back, turning fat into fit again. I had been cycling around my residential neighborhood like those old uncles during the full lockdown and birdwatching at my front gate where my cherry tree is. I have been good, adhering to the full lockdown SOP.

With the ease of restriction, it is indeed we have some freedom back yet we must be vigilant as the daily cases in Malaysia is still high. Follow all SOP strictly and avoid crowded places.

Daily cases for Langkawi on 22nd August 2021:

New Covid cases for Langkawi on 22 August 2021

Current cases for Malaysia on 22 August 2021

Links:

1. National Recovery Plan

2. Langkawi to be pilot project for tourism bubble

3. Resort islands may reopen in early September 2021

4. Ease of restrictions for Phase 1