Eagle Feeding in Langkawi

After enjoying our first stop in Dayang Bunting Lake, we then proceed to a nearby island where many eagles can be seen flying around. Actually, Langkawi is best known as eagles habitat especially for the reddish brown eagle (Brahminy Kites) where the name was derived from. Helang which means eagle and kawi which means reddish brown color. Helangkawi which later on became Langkawi. 

Another specie of eagle that can be found here is the White bellied sea eagle.

I didn't enjoyed the stop here since the boatman is in rush that he navigated the sea very fast that we have to watch our selves for safety instead of enjoying the scenery. And when we reached the place, we only stayed there for less than five minutes. Furthermore, he didn't even told us that we are nearing the place so we could have prepared our cameras at the very least. The next thing we know is he's throwing the chicken meat he earlier prepared into the sea and realized we were already there to witness the eagle feeding part. What a waste!

I could have taken more photos had we stayed there longer. Nevertheless, we had our second chance to see these eagles again but this time its in Kilim Geopark. Stay tune for my next post.

Mystic Tasik Dayang Bunting

After having a hearty dinner in a restaurant along Cenang Beach, we passed by to a travel agent who offers island hopping and boat tour. We checked on some brochures and decided to try on a package which will lead us to the mystic Tasik Dayang Bunting, a boat tour to witness eagle feeding, and to the pristine Pulau Beras Basah.

The trip first took as to the mystic Tasik Dayang Bunting. Mystic I would say because there was said to be a legend surrounding this place. Later you will find out.

Approaching the island is a concrete docking station

Normally, the boatmen will spare an hour for the visitors to explore the area. It is a huge place that I personally think that one hour is not sufficient to explore it. At any rate, it was really a very relaxing geo-forest park.

I didn't realize monkeys love to swim too

The way going inside the island is guarded by a group of monkeys. Actually, they are not there to welcome the visitors but to snatch every plastic bag they thought contain food. So beware when going there as you could be a victim of these little rascals.

The lake hiding inside the island

 After a few ups on downs on the hilly island, the lake finally showed up.

Now this is where the legend starts. This is a lake, also called the Pregnant Maiden Lake, located  inside the island that was said to be miraculous in a way that any barren women that wanted to have child, then able to drink or bathe in a lake can be blessed with a child she wanted. And if looking from afar, from the photo below, the island formation looks like a pregnant lady lying down.

I tried to swim on the lake. The water is a bit warm but refreshing. However, I find it more dense that I put extra effort keeping myself afloat. A bit more tiring when compared swimming in a river or in a sea.

It is a very beautiful place and highly recommended to visit if you are going to Langkawi.

Sunset Along Cenang Beach

It was already afternoon when we arrived Pantai Cenang in Langkawi. And after a few rounds of going back and forth looking for a hotel room, we managed to find one where we can easily access the beach and some fine dining restaurants. 

After putting all our things inside the room, the guys took their own way towards the beach. I briefly checked on the sea even though I was really tired from the whole day of travel.

The shore has a creamy, fine white sands and the water is turquoise blue. It was nice to have a dip, though I was expecting better than this basing from some articles I read about the place. Promotional gimmick i would say. 

I took a short rest since we traveled all the way here after our last day of work. Not an hour of sleep for me due to the cranky bus we took on that day. 

Able to find my bearing after a short nap, the sun already setting when I went out of the room. I missed shooting several ladies wearing bikinis just outside our door. I was envied to see my colleagues enjoying what they had captured. Boys will be boys. 

Anyway, I settle myself on capturing the sunset.

Beach Volleyball can also be seen along the beach

Jet ski is one of the main activities along Cenang beach

Guys taking their moments with the sunset

Starting to fill in the beach with chairs and tables for some night activities

An HDR image along Cenang beach

Nice and relaxing to stay here in Cenang beach. I'm seeing myself going back here sometime. 

Food Photography Using 50mm Prime Lens

Macro lenses are undoubtedly excellent in food photography. It can present one of a kind color and vibrancy on the food. 

I didn't realize my Nikon 50mm prime lens can also compete in the same argument. It can also be used in the same intention. Its wide aperture can really make the food stand out on the photos, even in low light conditions. 

I once owned a Nikon 40mm macro lens. It was an excellent lens especially in taking still photos like this. But the 50mm prime lens can also do the same except for taking macro, of course. 

Next time I'm going to use this lens to where it is intended for, in portrait photography.

Enjoy your meal for the meantime. 

My 50mm Prime Lens

The photos were captured in one of the bars fronting Langkawi Beach right after dusk. The first one fronting the sea while the second photo fronting the bar. 

I am pleased with the rounded bokeh produced from the lights across the sea and lights from the bar.

The truth is, this lens has 7 straight blade that can create also a heptagon shape image when shooting towards the light. 
  

They are actually a bit noisy since it was already dark but the f1.8 plus high ISO were utilized to give me  a sharp image on the subject. 

A steady hand is also needed as the exposure time is slower than 1/180s. No tripod was used.

Flowers in Black and White

Flowers will always be beautiful in colorful images.
So extraordinary as they have varieties of brilliant and fascinating colors.

I just find it interesting to show its beauty in black and white.
I thought of looking into these flowers in different perspective.

They show a different meaning, feelings and approach looking on each images.

Pardon me for not naming the following flowers as I'm not really a flower enthusiast.
I only want to capture these beautiful images in another form.

I love setting high contrast into these images.
Histogram may not be followed all the time.

Macro shots can be very revealing at times too.
It able to show sharpness of tiny subjects and blurriness of the background.

Black areas tend to recede from the viewer's attention.
While white areas appear to come forward.

What else can I say?
I love them in black and white...

Bird Sanctuary

Almost 5yrs in Ipoh but never heard of Kinta Nature Park until last month when we were searching of a place in Perak where we could practice our hobby in photography. Immediately checked on Google, we learned that it is less an hour drive from our place. Seems so easy to get there!

Well, the location is easy to find if you are guided by GPS. If not, you might have a tough day searching for it. The other concern is the road as the last 3 kilometers are all bumpy and muddy at the same time. Not a good ride with an old car.

breathtaking view of a sunrise

We arrived at the place exactly before sunrise so we skipped first our breakfast to capture the breath-taking view from the other side of the park.

Entering the park was a bit eerie. Though someone is surely manning the vicinity, it looks as if  it was an abandoned place.

Nevertheless, you can still make your way inside since the gate is not locked and if someone sees you with your camera, they would simply greet you with a smile. We even parked our cars in front of the old structure right after the gate.

watch tower where bird enthusiasts climb to observe species of local and migratory birds

From the main gate you can see the watch tower fronting the bird sanctuary where a number of local and migratory birds nest

overlooking bird sanctuary from the watch tower

Kinta Nature Park was said to be the sanctuary for number of local and migratory birds. Mostly are herons and egret. The peak season where you could see more species of migratory birds starts from September to March. But some of them opted to stay here and start breeding with the rest.

Some of the photos I took during our recent visit at the sanctuary.