HOUSE OF HARRISTON CHOCOLATES IN KUALA LUMPUR

At Chocolate Gallery Malaysia, largest choc retailer and showroom, sampling rare Durian, Tongkat Ali, Hot Curry, Hot Chili chocolates #fb—
JAN SHIM (@janshim) May 21, 2011

With chocolates, I feel it's absolutely sufficient to let these pictures do the talking. Some things are better communicated & appreciated in the tummy than mere words that serve a little more than a literary tease.

Michele, contributing editor of Bagus! magazine (right) picks the minds of Tourism Malaysia folks for more info about the establishment's history.

A staff at Chocolate Gallery Malaysia brings out some samples of their finest dark chocolates including exotic flavours such as Durian, Tongkat Ali, Hot Chili and many more.

Perhaps considerd the world's luckiest person by chocolate aficianados, this chocolatier prepares the mixture before, lets cool before pouring it into the moulded box (illustrated in next photo)

Voon (United News Daily reporter) and I bought six boxes of the Harriston durian dark and milk chocolates to share with family and friends.

Samples of Chocolate Gallery Malaysia's creativity and workmanship.

A pair of dragons made entirely out of premium dark chocolates and chases the ball on a pole that's often referred to as the "Pearl of Wisdom"

Durian (tropical fruit) is a nutritious food, packed with minerals, proteins, and fats. Durian is cultivated in orchards and numerous varieties are available. However, because it takes ten years for a durian tree to come to fruition, farming hasn’t exactly proliferated. Consequently, durians are becoming scarcer year by year, as well as more and more expensive. The creamy flesh inside gives an exquisite sweet and delicious taste. First-timers who are sporting enough to try the durian will more than likely find the taste wonderful despite its overwhelmingly pungent smell.

As I write this caption, I reached inside the box for a piece of this wonderfully pungent dark chocolate. I do not normally eat durians, not someone who minds the smell but combine dark chocolates and durian, I get to taste this forbidden fruit in a whole new way.

Just a real quick photo opportunity posing in front of the Chocolate Gallery Malaysia statue. What you don't see much of are the boxes of intoxicating, rich, flavoured chocolates we've discreetly hidden from view.

Koryo-Won Korean Restaurant @ Suria KLCC

On the day we were scheduled to lunch at Madam Kwan’s at Suria KLCC, I had some time to kill that morning so I explored some of the other levels where I came across this fine Korean dining restaurant with magnificent architecture that’s well-designed, modern and equipped with good ventilation. Thanks to the influence of my sister-in-law and my niece’s penchant for all things Korean, I came to develop a taste for some of their more distinctive dishes available only in Brunei. If you’ve eaten at this establishment do share what you liked about it.

COLOURS OF 1MALAYSIA 2011 CELEBRATION OF ARTS AND CULTURES

This is my 550th blog post and there’s nothing more appropriate and significant than this spectacular colourful event post to celebrate the millionth page views achievement!

Shimworld blog hits the 1 million mark today July 20, 2011. Feels pretty damn good :)—
JAN SHIM (@janshim) July 19, 2011

Colours of 1Malaysia is a signature tourism event held every year on the third Saturday of May and this year it was held on 21 May at Dataran Merdeka. It showcases the best of Malaysia’s tourism products, traditions and culture amidst richness, splendour and dazzling display. This year’s Colours of 1Malaysia marks the 13th anniversary since it was first introduced in 1999. The highlight of the Colours of 1Malaysia celebration is usually the colourful street parade. This year’s event showcases the best of Malaysia’s tourism products comprising parks and garden; sports tourism; contemporary arts; fabulous food; fruits and shopping; eco-tourism; and 1Malaysia Green 1 Malaysia Clean campaign, apart from the country’s multi-ethnic cultural performances and dazzling displays of fireworks. Continuing from the 1Malaysia Presentation and Welcome Reception this post contains pictures from the full-dress rehearsal and the official event.

Wow. The Colours of 1Malaysia full dressed rehearsal is AWE and then SOME! The effort that goes into this street parade is just huge! #fb—
JAN SHIM (@janshim) May 20, 2011

The Colours of 1Malaysia festival features a street parade of 5,500 performers!

MORE IMAGES FROM COLOURS OF 1MALAYSIA STREET PARADE
1Malaysia Tourism Festival Brings Together All Colours of Life — Borneo Bulletin (954KB)

Workers working on the Citrawarna 1Malaysia or Colours of 1Malaysia decor on the eve of the official event.

I often wonder if the shot from the other side is any good. The Brunei Times journalist Zatty takes a shot of me taking a shot of her and fellow photojournalists at the rehearsal.

Words not enough to describe the vibrance of the mega event. Wait for pics! RT @BruneiTweet: @janshim @superadrianme good meeting?—
JAN SHIM (@janshim) May 20, 2011

A display of multi-ethnicity united by the beats of 1Malaysia.

Danial Lina: I am always amazed at how you can capture the “right” moment :)
JAN SHIM PHOTOGRAPHY: It helps to stay focused and resist temptation to over socialize. [FB]

MORE IMAGES FROM COLOURS OF 1MALAYSIA STREET PARADE

The Colours of 1Malaysia street parade features 5,000 performers performing an array of cultural performances each offering a colourful visual treat to local spectators and international media.

Malaysia Tourism Minister Dato Ng Yen Yen is right next to me as she inspects the parade and instructs changes to setup, lighting etc #fb—
JAN SHIM (@janshim) May 20, 2011

Dato' Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Tourism Minister, high fives a performer as she walks past.

Tourism Minister gets in the groove making any necessary amendments as rehearsal progresses.

Making our way to the 'Colours of 1Malaysia' rehearsal at Dataran Merdeka. Hope to meet Tourism Minister Dato Ng Yen Yen in person. #fb—
JAN SHIM (@janshim) May 20, 2011

A photo opportunity with Minister of Tourism, YB Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen in midst rehearsal.

Performers rehearsing the "One Malaysia" and "Malaysia Boleh" patriotic chants.

Young performers express their delight when Dato' Ng Yen Yen assures them an after-event street party.

It's been forever since I wore batik. The Brunei group in blue batik looking fresh and ready for the event. Weather looks threatening.—
JAN SHIM (@janshim) May 21, 2011

The Brunei media all dressed for the Colours of 1Malaysia official launching | Renaissance Hotel KL

MORE IMAGES FROM COLOURS OF 1MALAYSIA STREET PARADE

Old photographs on the wall of the Royal Selangor Club reminiscing the club's long history of achievements.

International media and travel agents congregate at the Royal Selangor Club for light refreshments and shelter from the rain.

Mega Fam participants in yellow ponchos being guided to our seats, left of the Royal stage. Sitting in the rain with my Brunei colleagues#fb—
JAN SHIM (@janshim) May 21, 2011

Call it luck or call it VIP treatment, MegaFam guests were seated right next to the the VVIP dais where Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah were seated. I could not have been more delighted for the elevated vantage point that gave me an advantage I can only describe with the photographs below.

The A-OK gesture from Tourism Minister that everything is all set for an explosive evening.

Arrival of His Majesty The King of Malaysia, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Joining His Majesty The King of Malaysia at the official launching is Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Minister of Tourism, YB Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah ushered by Dato' Ng Yen Yen to Her Majesty's seat.

Dr Ng Yen Yen said Malaysia aims to welcome 36 million tourists with receipts of RM168 billion by year 2020. She also said, “To achieve this, we’ll continue to be creative and innovative in utilising our nation’s resources such as nature, culture and history. However, the most important ingredient for Malaysia’s tourism success is the commitment, dedication and support of all Malaysians.”

A grand prelude to the official launching is the delivery of the royal decree or 'watikah' in traditional horse drawn cart.

A young participant presenting a 'watikah' (royal decree) to His Majesty The King of Malaysia prior to officially launching the Colours of 1Malaysia event.

His Majesty reaches for the 'watikah' and proceeds to officially launch the Colours of 1Malaysia event.

Performers raise their hands while His Majesty The King of Malaysia and his guests clap their hands in appreciation of the spectacular performance.

Little bunny-eared performer, representing 2011 the Year of the Rabbit.

1Malaysia Tourism Festival Brings Together All Colours of Life — Borneo Bulletin (954KB)

RT @janshim: COLOURS OF 1MALAYSIA 2011 CELEBRATION http://wp.me/p2aT2-32z (Great photos! Feels like being transported into midst of parade)—
muiee ♥✈ (@temporary_local) July 27, 2011

Fantastic photos! contrast on 550th post! RT @janshim: COLOURS OF 1MALAYSIA 2011 CELEBRATION OF ARTS AND CULTURES wp.me/p2aT2-32z”—
  (@SUPERADRIANME) July 27, 2011