Damai Central,santubong,Kuching

 Damai Central is an innovative resort-styled multi-purpose complex built in Sarawak ethnic-concept design. Facilities available in the complex includes a food court with 10 units of stall featuring local and fusion food; 15 units of commercial lots ideal for seafood restaurants, pubs, convenience shops, souvenir outlets, etc; plus 6 booths suitable as counters for arranging tours and activities and rental of recreational equipment.

Besides the business lots, the complex has a multipurpose hall, an open stage and a open-air arena. This makes Damai Central a perfect venue for staging of festive activities and events, concerts, corporate and theme functions.

Whether you just want to have a tall cool drink by the sundeck, treat your family to a sumptuous meal or simply admire the sunset with your loved one; Damai Central is the perfect gateway!

 Damai Bay complex features an innocative resort-style open design which takes full advantage of the natural ambiance of sea, sand, jungle greenery, and mountain landscape. The Complex provides space for shoplots and a Food Court comprising food stalles. All are linked together by a covered walkway. Tenants are invited and are expected to take up space for the following:

Seafood Restaurant
Food and Beverage outlets
Convenience Store
Newspaper / Stationary Shop
Sports, Clothing and Equipment Store
Beach and Water Sports Operators
Health Service Centre
Art / Crafts and Souvenirs Shops
Food Court and Food Stalls

 Open Air Arena

The public or common areas comprise a multi-purpose hall, an open stage and an open-air arena for the staging of concerts, carnivals, exhibitions and other similar events which call for mass audience participation.

Facilities

Conference Room (Projector Provided) - Capacity (64 person standing; 48 seated)

Amphitheatre - Capacity (360 person standing; 180 seated)

Courtyard Lawn (Open Air Arena) - Capacity (4000 person standing)

Sunset Terrace - Capacity (400 person standing)

Hornbill Promenade - Capacity (400 person standing)

Campsite

 Recreation & Activities:

Bicycle Rental

Tour Arrangements

Hiking Expedition

more to come...

Other Services:

Shower, Locker, Towels, Soap

Catering (Upon Request)

Shuttle Bus Arrangements

 Recreation & Activities:

Bicycle Rental

Tour Arrangements

Hiking Expedition

more to come...

Other Services:

Shower, Locker, Towels, Soap

Catering (Upon Request)

Shuttle Bus Arrangements

Damai Central was born out of a vision to transform Damai Bay and the Santubong Peninsular into an oasis of life by providing facilities and services in the domain of shopping, sports, entertainment, recreation, and other leisure activities. We take full advantage of the natural ambiance of sea, sand, jungle greenery and mountain landscape to create and provide a priceless stress-free environment that is open to all. With the perfect setting, we invite you to be part of our vision to enhance and enrich the living experience for both the local populace and tourists. It is an excellent platform for staging carnivals, concerts, exhibitions, corporate functions and other similar events that call for mass audience participation. With its scenic surrounding, Damai Central would also make the perfect venue for all kinds private functions such as an unforgettable wedding ceremony.

 sumber : http://www.damaicentral.com.my/

Macro Photography

Macro photography (or photomacrography or macrography, and sometimes macrophotography) is extreme close-up photography, usually of very small subjects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph is greater than life size (though macrophotography technically refers to the art of making very large photographs). By some definitions, a macro photograph is one in which the size of the subject on the negative or image sensor is life size or greater. However in other uses it refers to a finished photograph of a subject at greater than life size.The ratio of the subject size on the film plane (or sensor plane) to the actual subject size is known as the reproduction ratio. Likewise, a macro lens is classically a lens capable of reproduction ratios greater than 1:1, although it often refers to any lens with a large reproduction ratio, despite rarely exceeding 1:1.

Outside of technical photography and film-based processes, where the size of the image on the negative or image sensor is the subject of discussion, the finished print or on-screen image more commonly lends a photograph its macro status. For example, when producing a 6×4 inch (15×10 cm) print using 135 format film or sensor, a life-size result is possible with a lens having only a 1:4 reproduction ratio.Reproduction ratios much greater than 1:1 are considered to be photomicrography, often achieved with digital microscope (photomicrography should not be confused with microphotography, the art of making very small photographs, such as for microforms).Due to advances in sensor technology, today’s small-sensor digital cameras can rival the macro capabilities of a DSLR with a “true” macro lens, despite having a lower reproduction ratio, making macro photography more widely accessible at a lower cost. In the digital age, a "true" macro photograph can be more practically defined as a photograph with a vertical subject height of 24 mm or less

Depth of field

Limited depth of field is an important consideration in macro photography. Depth of field is extremely small when focusing on close objects. A small aperture (high f-number) is often required to produce acceptable sharpness across a three-dimensional subject. This requires either a slow shutter speed, brilliant lighting, or a high ISO. Auxiliary lighting (such as from a flash unit), preferably a ring flash is often used (see Lighting section).

Like conventional lenses, macro lenses need light, and ideally would provide similar f/# to conventional lenses to provide similar exposure times. Macro lenses also have similar focal lengths, so the entrance pupil diameter is comparable to that of conventional lenses (e.g., a 100 mm f/2.8 lens has a 100 mm/2.8 = 35.7 mm entrance-pupil diameter). Because they focus at close subjects, the cone of light from a subject point to the entrance pupil is relatively obtuse (a relatively high subject numerical aperture to use microscopy terms), making the depth of field extraordinarily small. This makes it essential to focus critically on the most important part of the subject, as elements that are even a millimetre closer or farther from the focal plane might be noticeably blurred. Due to this, the use of a microscope stage is highly recommended for precise focus with large magnification such as photographing skin cells. Alternatively, more shots of the same subject can be made with slightly different focusing lengths and joined afterwards with specialized focus stacking software which picks out the sharpest parts of every image, artificially increasing depth of field.

Lighting
The problem of sufficiently and evenly lighting the subject can be difficult to overcome. Some cameras can focus on subjects so close that they touch the front of the lens. It is difficult to place a light between the camera and a subject that close, making extreme close-up photography impractical. A normal-focal-length macro lens (50 mm on a 35 mm camera) can focus so close that lighting remains difficult. To avoid this problem, many
photographers use telephoto macro lenses, typically with focal lengths from about 100 to 200 mm. These are popular as they permit sufficient distance for lighting between the camera and the subject.

Ring flashes, with flash tubes arranged in a circle around the front of the lens, can be helpful in lighting at close distances. Ring lights have emerged, using white LEDs to provide a continuous light source for macro photography, however they are not as bright as a ring flash and the white balance is very cool.

Good results can also be obtained by using a flash diffuser. Homemade flash diffusers made out of white Styrofoam or plastic attached to a camera's built-in flash can also yield surprisingly good results by diffusing and softening the light, eliminating specular reflections and providing more even lighting

Equipment and techniques

"Macro" lenses specifically designed for close-up work, with a long barrel for close focusing and optimized for high reproduction ratios, are one of the most common tools for macro photography. (Unlike most other lens makers, Nikon designates its macro lenses as "Micro" because of their original use in making microform.) Most modern macro lenses can focus continuously to infinity as well and can provide excellent optical quality for normal photography. True macro lenses, such as theCanon MP-E 65 mm f/2.8 or Minolta AF 3x-1x 1.7-2.8 Macro, can achieve higher magnification than life size, enabling photography of the structure of small insect eyes, snowflakes, and other minuscule objects. Others, such as the Infinity Photo-Optical's TS-160 can achieve magnifications from 0-18x on sensor, focusing from infinity down to 18 mm from the objek.

Extending the distance between the lens and the film or sensor, by inserting either extension tubes or a continuously adjustable bellows, is another equipment option for macro photography. The further the lens is from the film or sensor, the closer the focusing distance, the greater the magnification, and the darker the image given the same aperture. Tubes of various lengths can be stacked, decreasing lens-to-subject distance and increasing magnification. Bellows or tubes eliminate infinity focus. They can be used in conjunction with some other techniques such as reversing the lens.

Placing an auxiliary close-up lens (or close-up "filter") in front of the camera's lens is another option. Inexpensive screw-in or slip-on attachments provide close focusing. The possible quality is less than that of a dedicated macro lens or extension tubes, with some two-element versions being very good while many inexpensive single element lenses exhibit chromatic aberration and reduced sharpness of the resulting image. This method works with cameras that have fixed lenses, and is commonly used with bridge cameras. These lenses add diopters to the optical power of the lens, decreasing the minimum focusing distance, and allowing the camera to get closer to the subject. They are typically designated by their diopter, and can be stacked (with an additional loss of quality) to achieve the desired magnification.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macro_photography

Power Boat Race

 LIMBANG, MALAYSIA –– While waiting for Powerboat competition at Limbang festival , participants of the current racer from Limbang, Kuching Sarawak and Brunei stay busy with their team and preparing things for the upcoming races. other pursuits to keep busy and also stay focused before the upcoming event in Tutong, Brunei.

  The impressive opening ceremony on Saturday brought some 1000 spectators to watch the free training sessions, the pole positions and to support their local fan – a new discipline within powerboat association had a briefing before the race started.

 The total number of entries was around 20 which resulted in an 8 hours race towards the competition. Limbang Festival was very much appreciated by the competitors and by the public. It allowed the drivers to proof their maneuvering skills in powerboat Division and it offered the public the thrills of heart beating duels towards it. 

 Flying moment 1

 Flying moment 2

Flying moment 3 & safely landing...fuhh...

Sarawak Regatta 2012- Race For Peace

SARAWAK REGATTA .... TRACING IT'S ORIGIN

Sarawak Regatta has been a premier event with a distinct historical and cultural significant. It was held as early as before 1872 and was organized as an annual event taking place during the New Year. Sarawak Gazette had recorded in 1872, that the annual Regatta that year was held, on 29th February 1872 at the Sarawak River infront of the Astana. The European community in Sarawak and in the neighboring countries were invited to the Astana - for breakfast - before the race. Keen competition were also recorded for the Rajah Cup.

The boat 'Sri Matu' built and manned by the Melanaus, was reported as the winning boat. The Gazette records provided the indication that Regatta had been an important social event organized annually for social integration and goodwill for the people of Sarawak. Prominent Political figure, the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Ong Kee Hui, recorded that Raja Charles Brooke used to send his yacht "Maimunah1 to outstation to bring in the various "Tuan Residents" to join in the social event.

The tradition of holding the annual Regatta in the Sarawak River continued through the Colonial period and into the post-Malaysia period. During these periods the Regatta was organized by Resident and District Office with funds from the Government while the rest of the fund was raised through public donations.

 The day programme include races for traditional longboats, dragon boats and other activities, like the running of totolizers, climbing greasing poles, catching ducks and "pillow fights". Racing boats from outstations made it a grand affair and also a great occasion for families from outside the State Capital to visit Kuching town.

sumber : http://www.sarawakregatta.com/

 Aktiviti diWaterfornt

 I am for you..

 Ketua Menteri Sarawak

 Brooke Swim

 Raja Sungai -Sri Urai

 TYT Sarawak

Cenderahati untuk TYT Sarawak

Refflesia

GUNUNG GADING NATIONAL PARK
Lokasi: Kuching
Gunung Gading merupakan rumah kepada bunga terbesar di dunia, Rafflesia, yang boleh membesar sehingga 1 meter diameternya. Ketika mekar, bunga ini akan mengeluarkan bau busuk untuk menarik perhatian lalat dan serangga kecil. Ianya tidak bermusim dan mengambil masa selama 9 bulan untuk mekar dan hidup selama 4 hingga 5 hari sahaja sebelum layu.

Gunung Gading hanya dibuka kepada orang awam sejak pertengahan tahun 1994, setelah kajian impak alam semulajadi dijalankan secara menyeluruh. Sebelum itu tempat ini hanya menjadi zon pemuliharaan bagi bunga rafflesia. Kini, penekanan kepada pemuliharaan tetap menjadi agenda utama dan pihak Taman Negara telah mengambil langkah untuk hanya membenarkan orang awam melihat bunga rafflesia yang sudah mekar tanpa mengganggu bunga yang masih belum matang. Terdapat juga ‘plankwalk’ di mana tempat rafflesia biasanya dijumpai, dan sekiranya tanaman yang di cari hanya boleh dijumpai jauh di dalam kawasan hutan, renjer-renjer Taman Negara boleh membantu anda untuk ke kawasan tersebut. Anda perlu berhati-hati kerana kemungkinan besar pucuk berwarna coklat di atas trek adalah bunga rafflesia dan sila ikuti arahan renjer taman. Bayaran untuk renjer adalah RM20 sejam (setiap kumpulan).

Memandangkan waktu mekar rafflesia ini sangat singkat dan amat jarang, masa yang sesuai (rezeki) adalah amat penting. Biasanya, kakitangan taman ini arif tentang waktu mekar setiap bunga rafflesia di sini. Pelawat boleh mendapatkan informasi dengan menghubungi pusat kawalan (Tel:082-735144) ataupun hubungi pejabat tempahan National Parks and Wildlife di Kuching (Tel:082-248088). Walaupun pada kebiasaannya bunga ini mekar sepanjang tahun, bulan November, Disember dan Januari merupakan musim kemuncak kerana bilangan bunga yang mekar biasanya tinggi. 

Menyaksikan bunga rafflesia merupakan tarikan utama Gunung Gading, namun keseluruhan kawasan Taman Negara ini serta kawasan Lundu juga berbaloi untuk diterokai. Puncak gunung memjadi pemandangan yang menarik di pekan Lundu serta pantai-pantai berdekatan iaitu Pandan dan Siar. Di Gunung Gading juga terdapat trek dan laluan hutan yang mencabar serta mengasyikkan

Trek “The Waterfall” merupakan trek yang paling singkat dan melalui beberapa buah air terjun yang menarik. Untuk sampai ke air terjun terakhir, air terjun No.7 akan mengambil masa sejam perjalanan. Untuk trek-trek lain pula, anda perlu berada di dalam keadaan fizikal terbaik kerana ianya melibatkan pendakian gunung yang serius seperti trek Gunung Gading Summit (3-4 jam untuk pergi sahaja). Anda perlu menghabiskan trek dan pulang pada hari yang sama kerana tidak dibenarkan untuk bermalam di sini. Dari puncak, anda boleh memilih untuk melalui trek Batu Bakubu di mana terdapat bekas kem komunis. Maklumat lanjut tetang trek-trek ini boleh didapati dari ibupejabat Taman Negara Gunung Gading

Sumber info : http://www.sarawaktourism.com/bm/itinerary-detail/itin-detail?catid=2&itinid=32

 close up.

Regatta Sarawak 2012- Race For Peace

Race for peace

Panorama Kuching

The Sun

View from level 14 Imperial Hotel Miri