ROW Lecture Tour - Malaysia 2012 Part 2

The most delightful resort and organic farm that I mentioned at the end of my last posting, is, to say the least, a most inspiring and awesome development involving the expenditure of not hundreds, or thousands of dollars, but running into many millions. It is being developed by a local builder - the out-living of his dream, as I would see it. During our conversations I became very aware of his understanding of our need to have continual contact with all the elements of nature, and the very in-depth feeling and rapport that this incites in him.



It is important to bear in mind when viewing the photos and reading the text that all of this is being developed on the site of an old and abandoned tin mine, with what soil there is being considered as useless clay and sand.

These are photos of some of the heavy equipment in use at the resort to enable them to achive the massive earthmoving, and earthworks that are necessary for such a project to achive its aim within a relatively short period of time, considering its size, and the work involved.

Needless to say this is the type of equipment we would dearly love to assist us on the farm in OZ. You may rest asdsured though, that I/we are not envious of them, and only wish them well. If such were possible we would indeed love to assist them with their venture.

The guest accomodation units are built over the waters of an artificial lake.

A view of the lake with the units in the background.

The lining of the creek banks with these massive boulders, of the creeks feeding the lake, is one of the jobs the heavy equipment is called upon to do. With the heavy tropical downpours and flash flooding that occurs, this is a necessary precaution to stop erosion.

The development is so large that it requires its own electricity sub-station to supply all of its electrical requirements.

In various strategic spots, these thatched roofed gazebos are being erected for sitting quietly and meditating, enjoying the peacefulness, or sheltering from the frequent tropical storms.

Everywhere you look you see the trees and plants well nurtured with mulch.

The dreaded insects which attack the different fruits, such as the fruit fly and the sucking moth are also a reality here. To enable the fruit to mature and be edible without such attacks, the fruit is protected by covering with plastic bags. In this photo we see the fruit of the guava being saved by such an action.

Whilst at the resort I took the opportunity of visiting the nearby local Vispassana Centre. At this centre silent retreats are regularly held, being well attended by the local population. These silent retreats consist of spending ten days without talking.

To complete this segment I would like to share with you the photos of the magnificent building which has been created to comprise the the personal home for the owner and his special friends. It was here that we spent a most enjoyable two days.

What more magnificent setting could one ask for to eat on'e meal at the end of the day.