Visit Malaysia

charming beaches, clear waters, a pleasing climate, verdant green surroundings, a rich culture and history and an abundance of entertainment and things to do! Malaysia offers you all this and more! Malaysia?s one of the top holiday destinations in South East Asia because of its position, topography, friendly people and its hospitality. Let?s see what makes Malaysia such a fun place to visit ?
- Location
Malaysia?s in the center of South East Asia, bordered by Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines and Indonesia. This location makes it convenient to reach Malaysia from any of these five countries. Apart from this, Malaysia?s connected by air to all other parts of the world. The national carrier Malaysian Airlines and the low cost carrier Air Asia have their base in Malaysia. So the capital city Kuala Lumpur is connected to a vast network of cities in all countries. Get great offers on Kuala Lumpur flights from London, Australia and all countries in Asia on the low cost carrier Air Asia. Travel to Malaysia on board the hospitable Malaysian Airlines from USA, London, Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand or any country in Asia.

- Accommodation
Accommodation in Malaysia is very cheap when compared to other similar countries. You can book a good luxury stay at less than $60 per night. And if you are a budget traveler, there are lots of reasonale low frills hotels available at very cheap rates. Most of the hotels offer free breakfast. The staffs are friendly and service is invariably good wherever you go in Malaysia.

- Travel
A holiday to Malaysia would be absolute if you visit all the significant destinations – Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Johor, Malacca, Sabah and Terengganu. Your holiday to Malaysia should ideally start from the capital city Kuala Lumpur. To travel to other destinations in Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur, it?s best to use the public transport system which is very dependable. Take a ferry or flight to go to Langkawi. Taxis are very dependable in Malaysia. So it?s better to take a taxi to travel to your destination than driving on your own which can be tiresome .

- Places to see
4. Kuala Lumpur ?The capital city of Malaysia has a lot of sights to offer. Take a day trip and see the city sights ?stroll through Chinatown, see the Petronas tower, visit National Museum, go to the top of the KL city tower for a magnificent view of the city and take a trip to Batu caves. Spend a full day in Genting Highlands; get to experience the world?s fastest cable car and experience the theme parks in the ?city of entertainment?.
5. Langkawi
This is a charming archipelago of islands that can be accessed by ferry or flight from the mainland. Make sure to book a resort for your accommodation here and have fun in the sun and the beach.
6. Penang
Penang is a dream destination for a holiday with lush emerald mountains and lovely beaches. There are lots of things to do in Penang for the thrill seekers like snorkeling, surfing, hiking, sailing and cycling. Visit Georgetown, Penang National Park, botanical gardens ad Penang Beach. Penang?s an excellent place for cheap shopping.

apart from this, visit Terengganu for its terrific beaches, the Royal Abu Bakar Museum in Johor, Mount Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu bird sanctuary in Sabah and ort Margherita and Sarawak Museum in Sarawak.

Malaysia travel agents can get you a cheap holiday package that covers accommodation, travel and sightseeing. So, if you want a cheap tour to Malaysia, get in touch with a travel agent and get holiday package information from him. Malaysian Airlines also sometimes offers some tour packages that offer a three night accommodation package for travelers to Malaysia. Make use of such offers for a great holiday at low cost .

The internet is also a good source to get superb Malaysia holiday deals. You can get details of Malaysian travel agents on the net whom you can contact for the best travel deals. These agents can provide with details of dependable Malaysian travel guides to direct you around all places of interest.

So have a wonderful time in Malaysia, Truly Asia!

Kuala Lumpur’s premier shopping street

Bintang Walk is Kuala Lumpur’s premier shopping, dining and people watching street located in the heart of the city’s “Golden Triangle” area and the center of modern Kuala Lumpur. The street is lined with sidewalk cafes where one can sit for a cup of coffee and watch the rest of the world go by. You can also step into one of the many shopping malls for air-conditioned bargain shopping.

Bukit Bintang is located within three main roads: Jalan Bukit Bintang starts from Jalan Pudu and intersects with Jalan Sultan Ismail. There are a number of hotels and restaurants located in the area, as well as hawker-styled eateries, the place of which provide cheap dishes in a laidback usually open atmosphere. Bukit Bintang is also one of the city’s shopping districts offering a variety of merchandise to suit every taste and budget. Some of the major shopping outlets are located in this area such as the Berjaya Times Square, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Imbi Plaza, Kuala Lumpur Plaza, Low Yat Plaza , Starhill Gallery,Sungei Wang Plaza,Lot 10 and the newly opened Pavilion KL.

After its transformation five years ago Bintang Walk has become a must see tourist destination. On weekends, thousands of locals as well as tourists promenade along Bintang Walk and its shopping centres. Almost every major nightlife event happens here such as the New Year’s countdown, Merdeka eve celebrations, as well as fashion shows, street concerts and parties. At night, Bintang Walk truly comes alive, when live jazz music is played and the whole place is beautifully lit-up.

Among the plethora of hotels providing accommodation for traveler’s in Kuala Lumpur a discount hotel in Kuala Lumpur that is just 8 km away from Bintang and other exciting shopping districts in KL is Citrus Hotel. It has easy access to the rail network and is located on one of KL’s major roads.

Petaling Street- China in Kuala Lumpur

Petaling Street is in the heart if Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown area, and features an Array of bargain shops and counterfeit goods. Known as Chi-Cheong-Kai in Cantonese, it is infamous for pirated clothes and accessories along with bootleg DVDs and CDs. Petaling Street however does not exclusively offer pirated products. Haggling is a common sight here, vehicular traffic is usually not allowed in this area but that does not make movement easy as the place is usually crowded with locals and tourists.

Petaling Street also has it’s share of tourist attractions, Masjid Jamek, an old mosque of Moorish architecture and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple a Hindu temple that is one of KL’s most famous landmarks are regular tourist destinations. The area also has a bevy of restaurants and eateries that offer food ranging from predominantly Chinese to Indian, and Malay.
Some of the major features of the Chinatown are the McDonald’s that reflects the growing globalization of the area. The Army Hostel which is in fact a hotel that gives boot camp style accommodation, Hotel Malaya, Swiss Inn and the no frills Stay Orange hotel. Also near there are Chinese bookshops and a few stalls selling Hainanese chicken rice and Noodles.
The area attracts many locals and visitors in search of bargain items, including inexpensive dresses, shoes, fabrics and souvenirs, and lives up to its name of being a huge outdoor flea market. From fake Rolexes to fake Gucci bags to the sweetest papayas and pirated CDs. Petaling Street maintains much of its traditional atmosphere, particularly at night when vendors fan out their merchandise along the street.
The Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is about 15 km away from Petaling Street but offers access to the area through the KTM station that is just a short distance away from this Kuala Lumpur hotel.

Unexpected experience in the first flight

UNEXPECTED IN FIRST FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

When I sent my relatives to airport for overseas trip, I imagine how nice in the air or flight. However, it is nonsense if I do not have business to travel by flight. In addition, I do not think that flight would be bad for me.

I was very happy when I received an invitation for an interview of master programmed session. I was happy because I had been waiting for it for two years. I decided to book a return flight from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur. I thought I would not have a problem with my first flight .What is more , my boss gave me only two days holiday. So , to make sure I was rested when I arrived , I decided to go to Kuala Lumpur by air.

With confidence, I drove happily early in the morning to the airport. I did not think to have breakfast first, because I did not expect to have any trouble.
I checked in for an early bird flight, and rushed to the airport. However, I did not allow enough time and reached the airport slightly late. I rushed quickly just to take a curry puff and tea. Then I heard that passengers to Kuala Lumpur must assemble at the departure hall immediately.

This was the first time I had been to the hall. It is not so big but it can be filled with 300 people for a domestic flight. I had to queue patiently to have my ticket check. Waiting for me was a beautiful curly haired flight attendant with her red uniform. All passengers seemed to be moving fast in order to have a few minutes more for departure time.

I walked through the departure hall to the door to the stair to enter into the cabin. I was surprised to meet an old friend who I had not seen for eight years. He asked me where I was going and I told him that I was going for an interview for my master proposal of second-degree research. However unfortunately I did not have a chance to ask him his destination, but I thought that I could ask him when we reached KLIA, or Kuala Lumpur International Airport. At that time, I was very excited because I would be going to one of the most famous airports in the world. I had seen the airport on television, newspaper, or video only. However, in just one hour I would walk through the international airport. I could not wait to go back and tell my family about the marvelous airport.

A few minutes later, I was feeling happy when the engine roared. Suddenly the temperature went very cold for me. At first, I turned to see other passengers. May be a few of them were also this the first time like me. My seat was beside the left wing. I could see the wing on my left. At first when the pilot drove the plane, we could see a few families of the passengers waving goodbye. In the cabin, the flight attendant gave guidance on safety in the plane. She showed how to fasten the seat belt, when and why to do so. Then when the engine started to speed until it took off, I felt something uncomfortable happen to me. My stomach began to reject air and my food. Then I started to use my oil that been prepared by my wife. The oil could relieve airsickness. At first, I do not want to bring it but my wife urged me to bring it. If I had not, I think my health would have become worse. At that time, I felt I was uplifted and saw we faced the sky. I thought the was plane nose up for more than five minutes. In addition, my health was started to give me problems but I tried to peep through the window to see downwards. I could see with my naked eyes for the first time how amazing the world was that I had being living in for 35 years. The nice beautiful colour of scenery with white stripe is still in my memory. I recognized The Tendong Bridge that is the famous and large bridge in my hometown.

To begin with, I massaged my backside to relieve my headache. A few minutes after that there was an announcement .The announcer was the pilot. He described who was he, what’s was the flight speed, the altitude and when we would reach the KLIA. I remember that he was Captain Azhan. The plane was flying at about seven hundred and fifty kilometers an hour and the altitude was ten thousand feet above sea level. During that time, I felt so frightened to hear the flight speed. It was ten times faster than my car speed. Almost all my time in the cabin, I closed my eyes. Maybe the mother beside me thought that I was sleepy and able to sleep in the short trip. Luckily, the flight did not include any meal or beverage. If they had prepared it, I could not eat or drink anything. I remembered about someone had told me that in flight there are many factors can make someone suffer from airsickness. One of them is air pocket, which can happen, in bad weather. When remembered that I became worse but I tried to relax myself. By that time, I smelled an unpleasant smell. It smelled as somebody vomited. They were in the same situation as me but I thank the Almighty I was not like them.

A moment later the pilot said that the flight was ending .We would arrive twenty minutes early. This statement made me happier and slightly eased my pain. The young mother thought that I was having problem, but I ignored her. At least I had not vomited. I know if I am in the situation they are getting to be like me. I think why my situation likes this to me. I remember that I not eat rice as usual .Sometimes I looked through my left window to see the sky. On that time I can feel who we are….just like dust on the road .We have nothing. It teached me that how power Allah is.

Then the flight ended. I rushed to search for the toilet, forgetting to see my friend again. In the toilet, I vomited and wasted all my food. I felt weak and sat near the toilet to rest. After that, I forced myself to look for the taxi or bus but it was a long way to walk. Finally, I reached the driver centre. Luckily, I could get some medicine there. I had a lodging there for that day at the small mosque near the limousine parking area. At first, I asked a few drivers to bring me to the hotel near my interview centre but they told me that it is very expensive with their limousine. They guide me how to go to my interview centre. So I did like what did they told me. No need for me to stay at hotel on the day .I can stay there in the small mosque.

On the next day when I felt a little better, I went to my interview by taxi. Nevertheless, here I still having problem to look for the place because it was unfamiliar to me. It still makes me in trouble. Then I had my interview. After that, I had a rest for a few hours before returning home by flight. Unluckily for me I cannot travel back by plane. So I bought a train ticket to go back home.

I reached home on the next day. Therefore, I wasted my flight ticket. For me it did not matter. It was better than flying home. I think for the first time I can fly one way only!

How Olympic host cities are chosen

This summer, millions of people will flock to Beijing, China to witness live the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Millions more will be glued to their TVs as the excitement takes place, making China this summer’s hub of international attention. How did Beijing earn such an esteemed position in the public eye? For that matter, how did Vancouver, Canada win the right to host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, or London, England the 2012 Summer Olympics?

Selecting the host city for the Olympic Games is no simple matter. Hosting the Olympics is a highly coveted achievement for any city, as it brings with it grand international attention and, with the inrush of organizers, media, advertisers, athletes and their entourage, and (of course) spectators, provides a huge economic boon to any city bestowed with the honor. As such, the pursuit of the privilege of hosting the Olympics is a highly contentious competition in itself.

In 1999, at the 110th Session of the IOC (International Olympic Committee), a new two-phase election procedure was adopted for determining the host city for an upcoming Olympic games.

Firstly, any city interested in hosting the Olympics applies to become a candidate city by filling out an extensive application and questionnaire. Prospective host cities must also submit an emblem created to visually represent their candidature, and compose and deliver a 10-minute presentation introducing their management team to the IOC.

From there, a team of experts examines those applicant cities for certain basic technical requirements, both logistical (such as space, access, accommodations, transportation, and safety/security) and subjective (such as promotional plans, and plans for such ancillary events as parades and ceremonies, or an Olympic village).

At the end of this initial selection phase, the team submits to the IOC Executive Board a list of those applicants meeting the necessary specifications. For the 2008 Summer Olympics, for example, 10 cities met the proper qualifications to be considered by the Executive Board, those being: Bangkok, Beijing, Cairo, Havana, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka, Paris, Seville, and Toronto.

Pending Executive Board approval, those cities then become Official Candidate Cities, given the authorization to move forward into the full bidding process. Continuing with the example of the 2008 Summer Olympics, only 5 of the original 10 submitted cities received approval by the Board and, consequently, permission to continue

Traveling to Singapore

Speaking of airlines, airports & public buses, you wouldn’t think that it would be so easy and convenient to go over to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur/Selangor, Malaysia. OK, I sound like someone who came out from under a shell. To tell the truth, I have not planned for a trip that involves flying, going to another country and of course, with a baby. Any traveling that I’ve done was either on tours, local trips & no baby. I just needed to pack my bag and follow the instructions given by someone who did all the tiring planning. I ain’t saying that I’m useless, I mean of course, we’ve taken short trips here and there but that is beside the point.

When hubby & I made our decision to go over to Singapore for a wedding dinner and of course, a long-awaited holiday, I had my concerns. Sure we had accommodation but how do we get there? We decided flying was the best and quickest option, compared to taking a bus or driving down on our own; with a baby who might begin to get bored just sitting around. However, if anyone would calculate the travel time we took to get from door-to-door, it was 6 hours. Just about the same as taking the coach or driving. Nevertheless, we were constantly on the go, the moment we left our doorstep.

Anyway, about airlines & airports; AirAsia doesn’t have a direct flight in to Singapore. So we had to disembark at the Senai Airport in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. One thing about AirAsia, check up on their website, www.AirAsia.com for constant promotions. We got a really good deal; free tickets. All we had to do was pay for our infant and tax. The total amount was RM 300 for a return ticket for 3 adults and a child. Now that’s worth it.

So what do we do once we arrive in Johor Bahru? We were still a ’causeway’ away from Singapore. While planning this trip of ours, I did some research. I checked all options and prices. There ware the airport cabs, public cabs & buses. I was quite hesitant about taking a bus over to Singapore with our luggage, stroller, backpacks & a baby, though it was the cheapest option. RM 1.10 per passenger for the bus, rather than RM40-RM80 per cab. So after all my research & contemplations, I decided to give it a try and take the coach.

The moment you step out of the Senai airport, there is a counter where you can purchase your tickets for a very comfortable coach called the Causeway Link or City Lounge Express (white bus). It costs RM 8 per passenger. It takes you straight to the Kotaraya Bus Terminal which is about 45 minutes away from the airport. Once you get there, you pay about RM 1.10 per passenger and board the CauseWay Link buses; also known as smiley’ bus (yellow bus). The bus takes you straight to the Singapore & Malaysia Immigrations. The only problem here is that you have to disembark with your entire luggage to go through passport control and customs. Once done, you wait in line for the next bus that comes along. Hop back onto the same numbered bus with the same ticket. You don’t have to pay anymore. How cheap is that?! And the bus goes into Singapore and you have 3 options where you want to get off. You can check www.SenaiAirport.com for all information.

Shopping Kuala Lumpur – An Unmatched Experience

Kuala Lumpur is perhaps one of the best places in the world for shopping. Travelers are in the true meaning of the cliché spoilt for choice as the cultural background of Malaysia gives them an opportunity to shop for arts and crafts as well as the chic modern clothes boutiques and electronics superstores, give them a chance of shopping for fashionable clothing and high tech electronics equipment.

The places to go shopping are almost as varied as the good on offer. Travellers can chose from an Array of differently themed designated shopping areas. Petaling Street is Kuala Lumpur’s dedicated Chinatown zone, though you get people of all races and international tourists flocking to this area shopping for everything from food stuffs to toys and fancy watches to bootleg fashion. .

A variety of shopping malls, specializing in different products, are within walking distance of each other in Bukit Bintang which is probably the most popular shopping area in the city. Suria KLCC Shopping Mall is an upper-class, shopping destination for both locals and tourists, located in Ampang, which is a hotbed for nightspots and tourist attractions. Mid-City Mega Mall has over 400 stores with even more in the pipeline; shoppers can buy anything from trendy clothing to cheap electronics equipment.

Kuala Lumpur offers visitors a variety of shopping opportunities for both traditional and modern goods. As the cultural centre of Malaysia, KL has a wide range of complexes, markets and shops that enable you to shop for local arts and crafts. At the same time, as a modern and sophisticated city, designer brands jostle for attention in expansive shopping malls and centres along with the latest electronics, fashion accessories and jewellery.

The Luxury Kuala Lumpur Hotel , Grand Millenium Kuala Lampur is located in the heart of the downtown Golden Triangle with in easy reach of many shopping districts, Bukit Bintang is just a stone’s throw away! The Grand Millenium offers you convenience and style not found in most Kuala Lumpur Hotels.

Accessable Mountain Climbing

Mount Kinabalu, Borneo: An accessible Mountain

At 4.38am early morning on the 12th November 2005, I stood briefly alone on top of Lows Peak (4095 meters), Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, the first person to breach this mountains defenses, on that particular day. Below me, piercing the almost total blackness of night, I watched a quite bizarre line of head torches, carried by one hundred or so other climbers moving slowly up the mountain towards me.

The whole idea of climbing Mount Kinabalu was spur of the moment stuff, typical of my restless mind (monkey brain I’m told), thought of and put into place within an hour of arrival in Bangkok.

Without much doubt in my mind, Bangkok is just the place for such a quick decision and possibly the pivotal travel center of Asia, perhaps the whole world! From Bangkok there is practically no place on earth you cannot fly directly, or with just one change, indirectly to! ‘Air Asia’, Thailand’s fairly new budget airline, has drastically cut the price to many destinations in South East Asia and my travel agent in Bangkok (taxi there directly from the airport), informed me, they have direct flights to Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), for less than half the price of Malaysia Airlines, who only fly indirectly to Sabah, via Kuala Lumpur (obviously no contest!). There was a slight problem though, with only two return Air Asia flights weekly to Sabah, the only practical option for me was to go the following morning, which I did of course.

Kota Kinabalu town Sabah, appeared slightly more prosperous than I remembered from a previous visit five years ago. I was quickly out strolling, re-familiarizing myself with the town almost as soon as settling into my hotel. Whilst wandering it was impossible not to notice the friendly smiling faces and good nature of local people. I cannot recall visiting any part of the world where I have felt completely at ease, so soon after arrival. With only a week to spare my first mission of course, was to quickly arrange the Mount Kinabalu climb, which was no problem and swiftly dealt with, thanks to information easily gleaned from the central tourist information office.

Stats: All Mount Kinabalu accommodation and travel arrangements via Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. Lot G15. Ground Floor. Wisma Sabah. KK. Tel: (60 68) 243629. email info@suterasancturarylodges.co m (Situated close to the main dockyard) There are at least a dozen other tourist offices on the ground floor Wisma Building, offering a variety of tourist

Celebrate Hari Raya With Festivities in Malaysia

 

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (or Hari Raya Puasa, which means “Celebration Day of Fasting”) is the Malay coinage for the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr (Ramadan Festival). Muslims from Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore celebrate Eid similar to the remaining Muslims all over the world. Typically on the day of the festivities, family members, particularly the women, are seen quite occupied with cooking food, cakes, sweets, biscuits and several other delicacies to be used on the day of Hari Raya. Sumptuous and delicacies like ketupat or rice cake and a meat preparation termed rendang are some of the quite popular food items that are eaten on the festive occasion.

 

Oil lamps known as the pelita or the panjut can be seen many days before the festival on the house compounds, more so in the country areas. This is seen most notably on the 27th night of Ramadan, and is known as the Tujuh Likur night. On this night, the Malays wear their traditional dresses. Men put on the ‘baju’s’ and the women wear the ‘baju kurung’ and the ‘baju kebaya’. Other customary wear include the songket and the batik.

 

During the morning time, the Muslims go for an Eid prayer. This is done together by all the members and shows communal harmony. This also provides them the opportunity to meet each other and exchange Hari Raya festival pleasantries. Generally, as soon as the prayers are finished, many muslims visit the graves of their beloved deceased, to pay their tributes. During this part, the graves are tidied and adorned with flowers, with recitals from the Holy Quran. This is done in order to obtain blessings from God for the deceased.

 

The remainder of the day of the Hari Raya festival is a holiday, and is utilized for meeting up and calling on relatives and loved ones. Duit Raya is a nominal sum of money that children get from adults on this day. It being a very joyous occasion, children get some money along with the sweet delicacies.

 

In Kuala Lumpur, the multicultural atmosphere ensures you have a great time, no matter what day, month or season it is. If you are the type to look for high-quality bargains wherever you go, you’ll find the best value accommodations during the Hari Raya festival is at a Kuala Lumpur hotel. Kuala Lumpur offers so much for the visitor and an economical hotel such as the Citrus Hotel Kuala Lumpur will add value to your experience in Malaysia.

 

More than just a market in Kuala Lampur

The central market in Kuala Lumpur is a historical landmark in the now modern bustling metropolis. The building for the central market was built in 1888 by the British who were ruling Malaya at that time and it was used as a wet market for Kuala Lumpur citizens and tin miners. Further expansions were made in 1889, 1895, 1920 and 1921. By 1933, the expansions to the warehouse would result in its current size. The site is now demarcated as a Heritage site.

Central Market or in common parlance the CM is the place to go if you are looking for local arts and crafts; memorable souvenirs if you are a tourist. Almost everything that has anything to do with Malaysia can be found under one roof here, from small items like personalised key chains, pewters and t-shirts to antiques and paintings. It is also a living theatre that features a number of artistes. Visitors can check out the portrait artistes at work and other street performers such as traditional musicians, magicians and the crowd favourites all over the world- clowns. The Central Market also hosts weekly cultural shows at its riverside amphitheatre, a venue for traditional dance displays, wayang kulit (shadow puppet) shows and more contemporary entertainment. Generally, it’s the place to go for shopping, delightful cuisine, to be entertained or simply for people watching.

It is a far cry from some of Kuala Lampur’s modern yet soul-less shopping complexes. The Central Market is a cultural centre-cum-shopping mall and is the best place to witness traditional Malaysian culture. A variety of traditional goods are sold here, including handicrafts, souvenirs and art, all at reasonable prices. Amid the stalls selling an Array of souvenirs are small outlets where Malaysian artists display their works. Visitors may even have their portrait painted or order custom-made handicrafts.

It’s a great place for a vacation with memorable experiences. A number of hotels in Kuala Lumpur offer great accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury.

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