Happy Merdeka Day 2012, Malaysia!

Today 31st August 2012 is Malaysia's 55th Independence Day (Hari Merdeka). To celebrate this day, I am sharing photos of Malaysia's national flower, the hibiscus (also known as bunga raya in Malay). 

Red-layered hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis - Malaysia's national flower

Introduced into the Malay Peninsula in the 12th century, it was nominated as the national flower in the year 1958 by the Ministry of Agriculture amongst a few other flowers, namely ylang ylang, jasmine, lots, rose, magnolia and bunga tanjung.On 28 July 1960, hibiscus was declared by the government of Malaysia as the national flower.

The word bunga in Malay means "flower", whilst raya in Malay means "big" or "grand". The hibiscus is literally known as the "big flower" in Malay. The red of the petals symbolizes the courage, life, and rapid growth of the Malaysian, and the five petals represent the five Rukun Negara of Malaysia. The flower can be found imprinted on the notes and coins of the Malaysian ringgit. (source:Wikipedia)

White hibiscus

Yellow hibiscus

Happy Merdeka Day to all Malaysians!

Raindrops - KL, Malaysia

It has been pouring with rain here in KL in the mornings. 

Dripping wet

Wild red flowers - KL, Malaysia

I absolutely love this shot... red wild flowers against the blue sky. ;)

Happy weekend!

Passiflora foetida - KL, Malaysia

Passiflora is known also as the passion flowers or passion vines. The fruit of passiflora plant is passion fruit. Near our home, we found the passiflora foetida, also known as  wild maracuja, Bush Passion fruit, marya-marya, wild water lemon, stinking passionflower, love-in-a-mist or running pop. The fruit is apparently edible however we've never tried.

The flower are white to pale cream coloured, about 5–6 cm diameter, which I think is rather pretty. Passiflora foetida is able to trap insects on its bracts, which exude a sticky substance that also contains digestive enzymes. This minimizes predation on young flowers and fruits.

Of sunrise and trees - KL, Malaysia

Have I ever told you how much I love watching the sunrise from our place? It's simply gorgeous...

Ladybirds love the morning breeze - KL, Malaysia

Hello, how's your weekend been so far? We had a fab day, enjoyed lots of good food and great family fun together. Hope you enjoy these pics of the ladybird and lovebugs. 

Fun with Kids: PlayDoh Animals

Here are some cute things you can make out of PlayDoh...

Elephant, Dino and Penguin ;)

Apple and Bear join in the fun

Giant grasshopper - KL, Malaysia

Found this grasshopper in our garden and it was HUGEEEEEE... at least 3 inches long. 

Pictures of u and me - sibling love - KL, Malaysia

More photos of the kids watching the sunrise... love the first shot, gonna print it out big big and frame it on the wall. 

Together, watching the sunrise - KL, Malaysia

Some gorgeous shots of my children enjoying the sunrise ;)