What to know about traveling in Malaysia
November 27, 2009 by admin
Filed under Restaurants
So you are coming to Malaysia for a business trip or to relax. Which ever it may be, you would like to know what to look forward to and what to bring along.
Firstly, if you are a resident of any of the commonwealth nations then you may enter Malaysia for 90 days without having to get a visitors permit. Arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) might be a confusing experience, because of the language used on most of the directories not being in English. But not to worry, the people in Malaysia are very friendly and eager to help. Getting a taxi at the airport is very easy, or you can use the monorail to get to the city. KLIA is 65 kilometers south of the city, so taking a taxi to your hotel is much easier. Before you board your airplane to Malaysia you should exchange some money for the local currency, which is the Malaysian Ringgit. The currency exchangers at the airport self is a bit more expensive. So be advised.
Now you are here. What is there to do? Kuala Lumpur, or KL like the locals like to call it, has got everything you will need. The main past times in Malaysia is definitely dining and shopping. There is ample shopping malls, many fine restaurants, and if you are the type that is more into finding out what the locals are like then you should really try one of the many street food stalls. The temperatures in KL is hot and humid, so even the Malaysians try to stay out of the sun during the day. Therefore when night time arrives, the city is a buzz with people.
Places to visit in KL is the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, Batu Caves, Petaling Street and Genting Highlands which is just an hours drive away and many buses travel there from the city each day. Other places to visit in Malaysia is Langkawi, which is situated in the north of the country.
If you are going to hire a car be sure that you have an international driving license together with your own countries driving license. Driving in Malaysia might look scary at first, but it is something to get accustomed to. Watch out for the many motorbikes. They swerve in and between the cars, so you have to keep a look out for them when changing lanes. Always have a map with you and money. Its very easy to get lost on the roads in and around KL and there are many tollgates on the roads. When paying with money at the tollgates, head for the gates to the left. Those that have yellow or blue signs above them is not for cash payment.
Most of the hotels and taxi’s do have air conditioning, but if you are going to be outside please be sure to carry fluids with you and sunblock. The sun is not very forgiving in South East Asia.
The spoken language of Malaysia is Bahasa Malaysia, Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Most Malaysians do understand and can speak English, but with a very heavy accent. Be patient and ask again if you didn’t understand anything they say.
Hopefully you will never get sick or injured when traveling through Malaysia, but if the scenario arises you will be in good hands. There are many clinics that are well equipped and inexpensive.
Reflections: Traveling in Malaysia – Part 3
October 17, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tourist Attractions
Welcome to Malaysia – Truly Asia
Malaysia, combination of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak is a pleasant holiday destination for everyone to enjoy. Visitors are able to discover how developed Malaysia is; and also explore the world’s oldest rainforests and unpolluted beaches and islands.
Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is an enclave within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. In the middle of the city, located the Petronas Twin Towers, which is one of the tallest building in the world. At night it gives a spectacular view when the lights are lit up.
Along the Peninsular’s coastline, visitors can find the fascinating beaches that offer a huge range of seaside relaxation from luxurious comfort resorts to deserted away-from-it-all beaches. Malaysia’s islands are also well known as the diving paradise, offering prolific marine and coral life which rarely to be seen in other places in the world.
The cool and peaceful highland resorts make great vacation retreats. Cameron Highlands is the perfect, cool mountain hideaway distant from all the frantic rush of city life. Genting Highlands offers indoor and outdoor theme parks, hotels, golf course and a casino.
Sabah and Sarawak are exciting destinations with an abundance of natural and cultural treasures. Both are tropical paradises endowed with breathtaking natural beauty, that awaits nature lovers and adventurers.
BEACHES AT MALAYSIA
Teluk Cempedak, Kuantan Beach
Teluk Cempedak located just 5km from Kuantan town. With the white sandy beach and crystal clear water, makes it just another suitable place for water sports in Malaysia. Visitors can swim, fishing, sun-bathing and even jet-skiing at Teluk Cempedak. Along the beach, there are many stalls that sell souvenirs and local food. Visitors can stroll around and buy souvenirs at very reasonable prices.
Cherating Beach
Cherating is situated 47km from Kuantan, the capital city of Pahang, is one of the finest beach in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Cherating offers fine sand beach, crystal clear water and soothing cold breeze that can bring relaxation to the visitors. This is indeed a good destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city and traffic jam.
Besides the nice atmosphere, Cherating also provides various choice of accommodation. There are budget hotels, chalets and five star hotels like Club Med which is one of the attractions in Cherating.
The Highlands of Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the most pleasant as well as hassle free destinations in South East Asia. Apart from its fabulous beaches, enchanting mountains, interesting museums, beautiful parks and gardens, Malaysia is also much famed for its stunning highlands, located on the majestic mountain ranges of Central Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia.
With cooler climates, mysterious lakes, rainforest, abundant wildlife, the highlands of Malaysia boast of a number of attractions in the form of hills and resorts, each of which presents an amazing landscape rich in flora and fauna. Most popular among the retreats of the highlands of Malaysia are Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, and Bukit Tinggi.
Cameron Highlands is a premier hill resort, tucked away placidly amid the clouds at an altitude of 1829 mt above the sea level, in the northwestern region of Pehang State. Named in honor of William Cameron – a British surveyor who discovered the resort in 1885, Cameron Highlands is acknowledged as the ‘Green Bowl of the Country,’ since it is one of the largest producers of vegetables, fruits including strawberry, and tea in the country.
Cameron consists of a series of townships including Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang. Perhaps most popular among the attractions of Cameron Highlands is its tea plantation such as, Boh Road Habu, located about nine kilometers from Ringlet; Bharat Tea Estate – the second largest tea producer of the nation; and Sungai Palas Tea Estate, a destination offering breathtaking views.
For adventurers and nature lovers, Cameron Highlands offers excellent options. All of the peaks in the area such as Gunung Brinchang, Gunung Beremban, Gunung Jasar, Gunung Perdah and Bukit Mentigi, serve as a perfect base for hiking.
Additionally, the highland’s amazing, mossy forests are a superb option for trekkers. Nature lovers can take a visit to the popular Parit Waterfall and Robinson Waterfall, which are located near Tanah Rata. For golf freaks, there is a superb 18-hole golf course in Brinchang, which allows you to play golf while enjoy breathtaking views of the lush surroundings.
Options are also available for sightseeing in the form of Butterfly Farm, where one can find a rare selection of butterflies including Raja Brooke butterfly, apart from some indigenous moths and insects, and Cactus Valley, boasting of one of the rarest variety cactus plants, which is of more than of 60 years old.
The leading producer of flowers in the country – Cameron has to its credit a large number of incredible flower nurseries, of which many of them are situated alongside the main road from Ringlet. An amazing variety of flowers of different colors and shapes can be found here.
Cameron is also much sought after for its rose gardens, prominent being Robertson Rose Garden, rendering superb views of the surrounding hills. Cameron’s soils are also considered fertile for many vegetable and fruits to grow such as tomato, cauliflower, and cabbage. Take a visit to Strawberries Garden, where freshly picked strawberries are available for affordable prices.
Must-visit destinations also include Pasar Malam (Night Market), dotted with a variety of stalls selling items like souvenirs, fruits, plants, and handicrafts, and Orang Asli Village, which is inhabited by Senoi, Temier, Jakun and Negrito.
Genting Highlands – Founded in 1965, Genting Highlands is one of the most developed as well as accessible mountain retreats in Kuala Lumpur. Attractions, among many others of the place, are Ringgit theme park, a sprawling facility with more than 40 rides such as roller coaster and splash pool; World Plaza – an elegant shopping complex with more than 70 outlets; and Casino de Genting – the only licensed facility in the nation. Genting also provides options to enjoy a variety of activities, like, jungle trekking, horse riding, abseiling, and golf, with such facilities as the Awana Golf and Counrty Club.
Fraser’s Hill – Named after Louise James Fraser – a Scottish adventurer who founded a tin-ore trading station during the 19th century – Fraser’s Hill is a tranquil getaway, placed at an altitude of 1,524 mt above sea level. Located 100 km from Kuala Lumpur, the resort takes after an English village, with its verdant landscape and granite-colored buildings. Included in its attractions are the Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Centre (FHNEC), Royal Fraser’s Hill Golf Club, Jeriau Waterfall, and a small market square with a clock tower. Above all, the Fraser’s Hill is also a venue for the most thrilling Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race.
Bukit Tinggi – Spread across 16,000 acres and surrounded by lush green rainforest, Bukit Tinggi is a charming destination in Pahang. Situated just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Tinggi has to its credit attractions like Bukit Tinggi Golf and Country Club, Rabbit Park and Deer Sanctuary, and Colmar Tropicale Resort, and Japanese Village.
