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A'Famosa Water World

2011-01-10T17:49:00.002+08:00

A'Famosa Water World which occupies a land area of 20 acres is the only water theme park of its kind in the southern region of this country and comprises of slides and pools of every kind. The park has lots of interesting and unique features such as choices of water slides - all designed to suit even the most sophisticated water enthusiasts.

Kids will find the Arabian Village and Kid's Adventure Pool an exciting adventure. For those looking for excitement, take up the challenge by trying out our Seven Storey High Speed Slide. Feel the adrenaline rush through your head as you slide down. Less daring souls can try out the Wave Pool, Family Raft Ride and the longest Lazy River in the world.

As every facility in the park meets safety levels of international standards, visitors can enjoy the fun with a peace of mind.

From Tampin Railway Station
From Alor Gajah Toll
From Melaka Airport
From Seremban
From Kuala Lumpur International Airport
From Kuala Lumpur

From Genting Highlands
+/- 3 hours
From Johor Bharu & Singapore

+/- 3 hours

By Train:
Arrival Point: Tampin Railway Station.

By Bus:
Arrival Point: Tampin Bus Station.

Operation Hours

Wave Pool Stage

: 11.00am till 7.00 pm (Weekday), 9.00am till 8.00 pm (Weekend)

Family Raft Ride

: 12.00am till 7.00 pm (Weekday), 9.00am till 7.00 pm (Weekend)

Arabian Village

: 12.00am till 7.00 pm (Weekday), 10.00am till 7.00 pm (Weekend)

Inner Tube Slide

: 12.00am till 7.00 pm (Weekday), 10.00am till 7.00 pm (Weekend)

Lazy River

: 12.00am till 7.00 pm (Weekday), 10.00am till 7.00 pm (Weekend)

High Speed Slide

: 12.00am till 6.30 pm (Weekday), 11.00am till 6.30 pm (Weekend)

Kuantan,City of Palma

2009-05-06T15:19:00.002+08:00

Kuantan, the capital city and main administrative center of the state of Pahang Darul Makmur, lies on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 170 miles east of Kuala Lumpur - the capital city of Malaysia - and 215 miles north of Singapore.

It is situated on the banks of the Kuantan river mouth, facing the South China Sea.
This town is the gateway to the delightful East Coast states of West Malaysia.
You can travel north along the coastal road to the states of Trengganu and Kelantan. And further up north towards the borders of Thailand.

Although Kuantan has grown into a bustling modern town in line with the rapid development of Malaysia, it still retains its delightful cultures, traditions and values, making it a modern yet traditional town.

GETTING THERE BY CAR

From Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan is about 3-4 hours drive by car, accessible either via the new North-South Highway that bypass towns along the way, or the older route passing through relatively quiet towns and villages.
Or if you’re coming from Singapore, you can also take the scenic coastal road from Johor Bahru to Mersing passing through Kuala Rompin and Pekan and then up north to Kuantan.

GETTING THERE BY air

Alternatively, if you prefer to fly, it will be just a short 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur ("K.L.") to the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, a modern, albeit small, airport, located about 15 km away from Kuantan town

SUNGAI PANDAN WATERFALLS

2009-05-04T16:13:00.002+08:00

SUNGAI PANDAN WATERFALLS(Kuantan)

Located 25 kilometers from Kuantan, this beautiful waterfall is easily accessible by road.
The Sungai Pandan Waterfall spans over eleven hectares of nature's best. Consisting of a series of cascading rapids, the waterfall culminates in a large pool which is ideal for cooling off on a hot afternoon. Enjoy a peaceful picnic under the shades of tropical foliage.

How To Get There?

Sungai Pandan Waterfalls is located 25 km from Kuantan.

By Road : The Sungai Pandan Waterfalls, 25 km from Kuantan is easily accessible by road. Taxi and bus services are available to this beautiful waterfall. You must take Bukit Koop Kuantan bus from the local bus station at Kuantan city and the bus will stop at the junction leading to the Sungai Pandan Waterfalls.

Activities :

Leisure
Picnic/Rest Area
Camping
Fishing
Swimming
Trekking
Canopy
Wild Life
Playground
Jogging
Bird Watching
Educational Research
Walkboard
Abselling
Refreshment

Delicoius Malaysia Cuisine : Rambutan

2009-01-18T00:24:00.002+08:00

In the months of July and August, fruit stalls and door-to-door vendors in many South East Asian cities present an extra colourful picture. The reason is the bunches of a strange looking oval fruit with bright crimson or yellow skin covered with short fleshy hairs—rambutan—is in season, and plentiful. The word comes from the Malay, 'rambut' meaning hair. Inside is a narrow seed covered with semitransparent flesh which is crisp and mainly sweet. A lot depends on the variety, but it is obvious that the best varieties have been chosen for propagation and export.

The lychee is a distant relative of the akee. Lychee seed contain parts of hypoglycins like those found in the akee. They, and presumably the seed of near lychee relatives, are toxic and should never be consumed.
All of these fruit vary in quality, depending on cultivar and growing conditions. The quality is reflected by the price range observed at a Thailand market. The cheapest longans, from seedling trees, cab be one twentieth of the price asked for the best recognised cultivars.

To open rambutans and pulasans, partially cut through the skin, or just break open using a strong thumb-nail. Longans and lychees may be opened by tearing the skin at the stem end, squeezing the fruit at the lower end, and popping it into the mouth. "Experienced lychee eaters" bite lightly through the skin of the upper third of the fruit to obtain an opening in the skin and squeeze the fruit out and enjoy!

Malaysia Bests Festival : Thaipusam Day

2009-01-16T16:01:00.000+08:00

THAIPUSAM is an annual Hindu festival which draws the largest gathering in multi-racial Malaysia - nearly a million people in 2000.

Several hundred devotees spear their cheeks with long, shiny steel rods - often a metre long - and pierce their chests and backs with small, hook-like needles in penance.

Thaipusam falls on a full moon day in the auspicious 10th Tamil month of Thai when the constellation of Pusam, the star of well-being, rises over the eastern horizon.

In Kuala Lumpur, the festival is celebrated on a mammoth scale at the Batu Caves temple on the outskirts of the city. It began in 1892, started by early Tamils who migrated to colonial Malaya.

On the eve of Thaipusam, a five-ton silver-chariot bearing Lord Murugan's image and followed by a procession of several thousand people leaves the Sri Mahamariaman temple in downtown Kuala Lumpur, on a 15-kilometre trek to Batu Caves.

To many Thaipusam is the day of thanksgiving or atonement for wrongs.Spectacular edifices or kavadis are often carried or pulled by the devotees with chains and ropes anchored in the skin of their backs or chests.After ritual cleansing at a stream at the foothills, they walk up the 272 steps accompanied by family and friends.

But kavadi carrying need not be so arduous. Just carrying a small pot of milk up the steps to be poured on the vel is enough. Most devotees do this.Some parents carry newborn babies slung in a cloth-cradle hung on a pole shouldered at both ends by the mother and the father as thanks for a safe birth.

Some also carry kavadis made of wood or metal adorned with pictures or statues of Hindu deities, flowers and peacock plumes.Others shave their heads bald as a symbol of humility and atonement.Many observe a strict vegetarian diet for about 40 days and renounce all forms of comfort and pleasure-giving activities. The 40 days are spent in meditation and prayer.

Malaysia Beautiful Lake : kenyir Lake

2009-01-14T21:21:00.002+08:00

Malaysia is one of the exotic land lies that at the heart of Southeast Asia. The country is located between 1-degree latitude to 7-degree latitude and 99 degree longitude to 120-degree longitude. To the south lies Singapore and to the north is Thailand as our neighboring country. To the west of the Strait of Malacca is Sumatra and Southern part of Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah) is Kalimantan.

Terengganu facing towards South China Sea is among the 13 states in Malaysia. It has the longest crystal sandy beach in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Well known for her emerald sea, golden sunlight and coral island rich in marine life. Bordered by Kelantan to the northern part and Pahang to the western and southern part.

Kenyir Lake became one of the most magnificent tourist sports in Terengganu as well as in Malaysia. Kenyir luxurious forest is located in the district of Hulu Terengganu, which lies at a longitude of 102 degree 40 minutes and 4 degree and 40 minutes in latitude. It is believed that the rain forest is the world oldest tropical rainforest. The forest also serves as a part of Malaysia National Park.

Some of the activities which could be carried out here are fishing, swimming, canoeing, boating and jungle trekking. Due to the cleanliness of the lake and abundance of food supply, the Kenyir Lake has a wide variety of fresh water fish such as Baung, Toman, Kelisa and Lampam. Accommodation such as houseboats, floating chalets and lakeside resorts are also available to visitors.

If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak Highway to Jerangau-Jabor Highway to reach Ajil and onwards to Kenyir. Alternatively take the Karak Highway to Kuantan and along the coastal road through Kemaman, Dungun, Kuala Terengganu and subsequently to Tasik Kenyir. Taxis and express buses also provide daily services to Kuala Terengganu at the Pudu Raya Terminal or Hentian Putra Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.

A direct bus service, the Tasik Kenyir Express departs daily at 8.0pm from Hentian Putra in Kuala Lumpur to Tasik Kenyir via AI-Muktaffi Billiah Shah Town and Kuala Berang.

Malaysia Beautiful Island : Semporna

2009-01-13T22:17:00.002+08:00

Semporna in southeastern Sabah, have an underwater species diversity alleged to be on par with that of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Being on the continental shelf, the surrounding waters of these islands are relatively shallow, wit a maximum depth of a mere 25m. There are two groups if island present: the Ligitan group and the more important Gaya group.

Dive sites: Pulau Mantabuan is approximately 3 km long and 1.5 km wide. It lies about an hour by speed boat North-East of Semporna.

Around the island are a number of reefs:

Mantabuan West: The reef has two separate crests. The first is shallow water and has a reef front which drops to a depth of 5 meters. This is then followed by a wide, gently shelving slope which extends outwards for several hundred meters.

Mantabuan South-West: The South-West facing reef at the closest point to the island is both shallow and narrow. The reef drops from the shallow crest to a sandy bottom at 10 meters. A low tide reef is exposed and prevents even shallow fraught boats from reaching the island.

Mantuan East: The Eastern reef borders on the deep water. The reef in its shallower sections slopes quite gently but the angle of the slope gradually increases. The reef top and shallow edges are mainly coral covered with a few sandy patches.

Pulau Sibuan lies approximately 16 km from Semporna, which is about a half hour speed boat trip. There is no drinkable water on the island, other than water which is shipped in from Semporna

Every April, Semporna celebrates with a Regatta Lepa. Thousands sail into town in all kinds of boats including the gaily-decorated lepa and jungkong, their traditional boats, to compete for prizes. Arrangements can be made to explore the islands off Semporna to visit water-villages and seaweed farms, swim and snorkel.

Eye on Malaysia

2008-07-07T15:25:00.001+08:00

The Eye on Malaysia is 60 metre tall portable Ferris wheel installation at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The wheel comprises 42 gondolas (including 1 VIP one) and was unveiled in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007 on January 6, 2007 by Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The wheel allows visitors to experience a 360-degree panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur and over 20 kilometres of its surroundings including KL Tower, Istana Budaya and Petronas Twin Towers, during a 12-minute ride.

It will be relocated to Malacca in November 2008.

See Kuala Lumpur as never before…!

As Malaysia celebrates its 50th year of nationhood, we are proud to welcome the world to join the jubilee! An integral part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 celebrations, “Eye on Malaysia” brings a
new perspective to the dynamic city of Kuala Lumpur.

Soaring to giddy heights 60 metres above the tropical waters of Lake Titiwangsa,
“Eye on Malaysia” is the largest portable wheel in the world, and the first overhanging a lake.

The “Eye on Malaysia” provides stunning views across Lake Titiwangsa, all the way to the world renowned Petronas Towers and KL Tower.This astounding viewing wheel consists of 42 fully air-conditioned gondolas, 39 of which have the capacity to carry a cosy eight passengers per 12-minute ride.

An exclusive VIP gondola has also been outfitted to include plush leather seats fit for a king, a mini fridge, a DVD player, a plasma TV and a mobile telephone. There are also two specially designed gondolas, fitted with unique features making it friendly to our wheelchair-bound and handicapped visitors that join us.

Operating hours are 10am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, 12 midnight Fridays, Saturdays and before public holidays. Tickets are available for RM15 Adult and RM8 Child.

Place of interest : Zoo Negara

2008-05-27T10:30:00.002+08:00

Zoo Negara Malaysia is managed by the Malaysian Zoological Society, a non-governmental organization established to create the first local zoo for Malaysians. Zoo Negara is now 45 years old and has matured into a well-known zoo all around the world. We have a total of over 5137 animals from 459 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Zoo Negara covers 110 acres of land which is situated only 5km from the city of Kuala Lumpur. Over the years, the zoo has transformed itself to an open concept zoo with over 90% of its animals kept in spacious exhibits with landscape befitting its nature. We are working in making sure that the old zoo concept is changed entirely.

Visitor Info - Opening Hours and Rates

Zoo Negara by Day is open daily from 9.00am – 5.00pm

Zoo Negara by Night is open on Saturday, Sunday and Malaysian Public Holidays from 9.00am – 10.30pm.

Rates

Adult
Children (3yrs old-12yrs old)
Senior Citizen (60 years above)

RM15.00
RM 6.00
RM 6.00
Free entry if it is your birthday!
(Please bring along I/C or birth certificate as proof)

Group discount (Malaysian Citizen Only)
15 and above RM1 off normal ticket rate
30 and above RM2 off normal ticket rate

School Concession Rate
Students with uniform RM 4.00

With every 10 students that comes in, one teacher only has to pay RM 6.00
2 complimentary tickets with the first 20 students

Getting Here:

Address :

Zoo Negara
Hulu Kelang
68000 Ampang
Selangor Darul Ehsan

By Light Rail Transit System (LRT) :

- Alight at Wangsa Maju Station, Kelana Jaya Line
- Board a taxi to Zoo Negara

By Bus :

- Metrobus number 16 from Central Market, KL
- Rapid KL number U34 from Putra LRT Station, Wangsamaju, KL
- Rapid KL number U23 from Titiwangsa Station, KL

Malaysia Beautiful Island : Sipadan Island

2008-05-27T10:20:00.002+08:00

Sipadan Island

The sipadan beach

the coral reefs

The name of Sipadan is simply legendary in diving circles, conjuring images of patrolling hammerhead sharks, millions of technicolored reef fish and, above all, dozens of sea turtles swimming peacefully everywhere.

This description is not far from reality: it might even actually be down played a little as Sipadan is considered one of the five top diving destinations in the world. This small rainforest-covered tropical island rising from a 700 meter abyss in the Celebes Sea is a destination the committed diver cannot miss.

Acknowledged as one of the best diving and unique spots in Southeast Asia, Pulau Sipadan is located off the small coastal town of Semporna on Sabah's eastern coast. Just 15 feet from the beach, the water turns indigo blue as the sea drops abruptly to 2,850ft deep! It is rather awe-inspiring. Myriad of colorful tropical fish swim in the warm water near the surface whereas huge groupers nose about. Moreover, the water gets so dark that one would not really know what lurks below. This famous feature won Sipadan island a "Best Beach Dive in the World" award in 1993.

The sea is overflowing with marine life. The main attraction for divers is the rich and unique variety of corals both soft and hard. Reef fish of every shape and hue can be found in these waters. Colorful butterfly fishes, angel fishes, damsel fishes of electric blue and bright orange colors inhabit the coral reefs, thus adding to the splendor of the underwater havens.

Between April and September, the Green and Hawksbill turtles will come ashore in droves to nest in the soft golden sands of Sipadan. When you dive during this time, you are bound to encounter these harmless denizens of the deep.

A beautiful white-sand beach fringes Sipadan but the real beauty of this island is in its waters. The season for diving is from mid-February to mid-December. Visibility ranges from 60 feet to over 200 feet. Several dive spots have even been identified and given exotic names after the variety of corals and marine life that are unique to these spots. There is the "Hanging Gardens", the "Barracuda Point", and the exciting "Turtle Cavern".

Professional diving companies operate on the island, complete with water, electricity, food, drinks, and comfortable accommodation for an unforgettable experience. To get there, one can take the 45-minute boat ride from Semporna.

How to get there

Most travellers fly directly to Tawau with AirAsia, or via Kota Kinabalu with Malaysia Airlines. From Tawau, it’s an hour’s drive to Semporna and a further 45 minutes by boat to Sipadan.

Accommodation

Lankayan Island Dive
Pulau Sipadan Resort
Sipadan Lodge Lodge
Sipadan Water Village
Smart Divers Resort

Malaysia Cuisine: Petai

2008-04-08T17:09:00.004+08:00

This is Petai

Recipe that used petai : Sambal petai with prawn

Petai is a fetid jungle bean (the size and shape of a butter bean) that features prominently in
Malay cuisine; the beans come in long, flat pods and are harvested by pluckers who shinny up the bare trunks of tall petai trees - risky but rewarding work.

Some pictures of petai, a green bean used in Malay home cooking. It grows in long pods on a very large tree of the Legume family, Parkia speciosa. The beans are very pungent. I’ve most often seen it cooked in sambal tumis ikan bilis, a fried chili paste with dried anchovies. It is also eaten raw dipped in some kind of spicy sambal. A lot of vegetables in the diet are eaten raw with chili sauces instead of salad dressing, a practice known as ulam. I can eat petai on occassion, but mostly I just like the cool texture on the woody knobs that bear the pods (picture 2). Petai is believed to have a beneficial effect on the kidneys and urinary tract. I imagine this is due to the dark brown foul-smelling urine you will pass the day after a petai meal.

Petai is semi-wild; it is often encouraged to grow on the outskirts of kampungs. It is also gathered directly from the forest. In The Economic Valuation of Parkia speciosa in Peninsular Malaysia, Woo Weng Chuen estimates the domestic market at between RM8-24 million per year. Due to the whole smelly brown urine thing, though, I don’t think Petai has much future as an export crop, aside from supply to southeast asian communities in diaspora.

Malaysia beautiful island : Perhentian Island

2008-04-08T17:00:00.002+08:00

Pulau Perhentian is located in the South China Sea 21 km from the coast of Kuala Besut, Terengganut. For hundred of years ago vessel sailing from the south coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Bangkok will stop-by for a rest and shelter at the Island. They all an ancient merchant carrying food, jewelry, vast and etc. As the activities of merchants, sailors and traders from the South of Chinese Sea have taken place, the island is getting popular for their 'one stop station', these Islands were named as 'Once Stop Island' so called 'Pulau Perhentian' in Malay language.

It comprises of two islands; Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Both islands are surrounded by beautiful palm-fringed powdery white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise-blue sea.

The two Perhentian Islands are rated as some of the most beautiful islands in the world; a virtual paradise for snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear water or just for lazing on one of the white sandy beaches waiting for the coconuts to drop …

The two main islands are heavily forested and ringed with sandy beaches, typical of tropical islands. Accomodation for visitors are predominantly aimed at budget travellers and is mostly on the larger Pulau Perhentian Besar, which not only has wonderful beaches but also forest trails over the hills.

Both islands are separated by a very narrow sound but with strong current. The significant different between the two islands is, Perhentian Besar is more for a vocational island while the small one is an island with the mixture of vacation mood and reality life due to the fishing village, Kampung Pasir Hantu which is resided with more than 2000 villagers and completed with basic facilities apart from resorts and guesthouses.

All manner of aquatic life is visible both near and far from the beach such as turtles, sharks, coral and thousands of tropical fish. The interior is covered by jungle with a wide variety of species. You can watch monitor lizards, monkeys, geckos, flying squirrels, butterflies and many other types - sometimes right in front of your chalet. There are no roads and not many paths, so the islands are mainly peaceful and untouched - so far.

How to get there :

To get to the Perhentian Island or Pulau Perhentian (in Malay), The only way to go there is by the sea especially a boat services from Kuala Besut. Arriving on Kuala Besut jetty please come to our sales office (Anjung Holidays) nearby the jetty, and our staff will help and give you free information about how to get the boat and about the resort on Perhentian Island.

Boat from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Island take about 1/2 hour journey by fast boat and 1 1/2 hour by slow boat. Please click here for futher detail about boat to Perhentian Island.

you don't have to worry about miss the boat because there are many guest house or hotel around Kuala Besut. Car parking facilities are available at RM5/night on Kuala Besut.

From Kota Bharu Town / Airport
~
Drive to Pasir Puteh > Kuala Besut Jetty
~
From Kota Bharu Town you can get direct bus (Transnasional) to Kuala Besut, but please tell to the driver that you want to stop at Kuala Besut jetty because some time they will stop you at Tok Bali or some time they drop you at Kuala Besut bridge only. But from Kuala Besut bridge you can walk to the jetty (10 minutes)
~
From Kota Bharu Airport there are a few counter selling boat services, but make sure that you look for boat and taxi service to Kuala Besut jetty (the main jetty to Perhentian Island). Airport taxi to Kuala Besut jetty at RM76/car/way. By mini van at RM30/person/way and by Limo at RM180/car/way.

Just look for our counter (in front of the arrival hall) our representative (Mr. Zul) will help you, with all the information, accommodation, land transfer, boat transfer or further information about Perhentian Island or other interesting places in Kelantan & Terengganu.

From Singapore...
~
Drive to Johor Bharu > Segamat > Kuantan > Kuala Terengganu > Jerteh > Kuala Besut
~
You can take flight from Senai Airport (Johor Bharu) to Kota Bharu airport.
~ Take bus from Singapore to Jerteh bus stand and get taxi to Kuala Besut jetty
~ Take train to Tanah Merah train station and get taxi to Kuala Besut jetty

From K.Lumpur....
~ Drive through Karak Highway > Raub > Gua Musang > Kuala Krai > Jerteh > K. Besut
~
Drive through Karak Highway > Kuantan > Kuala Terengganu > Jerteh > Kuala Besut
~ Take bus from Putra bus stand and stop at Kuala besut jetty or Jarteh bus stand
~ Train from K.L Sentral to Tanah Merah train station
~ Flight from KLIA to Kota Bharu airport

From Penang / Kedah...
~ Drive to Grik > Tanah Merah > Jerteh > Kuala Besut
~ Take bus to Kuala Besut jetty or Jerteh bus stand

Thai Border (Rantau Panjang)
~ Drive through Pasir Mas > Pasir Puteh > Kuala Besut
~ Take bus to Kota Bharu > Pasir Puteh > Kuala Besut
~ Get taxi direct to Kuala Besut jetty

From Taman Negara...
~ Drive through Gua Musang > Kuala Krai > Jerteh > Kuala Besut
~ Take mini van direct to the jetty

From Cameron Highland..
~ Drive through Gua Musang > Kuala Krai > Jerteh > Kuala Besut
~ Take mini van direct to the jetty

From Cerating & Kuantan...
~ Drive to Dungun > Kuala Terengganu > Jerteh > Kuala Besut
~ Get bus to Jerteh and take taxi to Kuala Besut

Resort/Chalet :

Perhentian Island (BIG)

~Perhentian Island Resort::..
~Coral View Island Resort::..
~Tropical Reef::..
~Paradise Island Resort::..
~Mama's Place::...
~Cocohut Chalet::..
~A B C Chalet::..
~Tuna Bay Resort::..
~Abdul Chalet::..
~Everfresh Chalet::..
~Flora Bay::..
~Fauna Chalet::..
~Ocean Blue::..
~Samudra::..
~Arwana::..

Perhentian Island (SMALL)

~Long Beach
~ Lilly Chalet::..
~ Bubu Long Beach::..
~ Aur Bay @ Aur Beach::..
~ D'Langir
~ Mira
~ Petani::..
~ Watercolours resort:..

Malaysia Cuisine: Lemang

2008-02-28T12:38:00.003+08:00

Lemang is a traditional food cooked in a hollowed bamboo stick. Usually prepared for festivities such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji, lemang is made of glutinous rice and coconut milk, with salt added for taste. Some lemang recipes add corn. Lemang is usually eaten with rendang.

The main ingredient for Lemang is glutinous rice and coconut milk. While this may sound simple enough, preparing and cooking the tasty lemang takes quite a bit of effort. The glutinous rice is first washed and soaked in water for about 6 hours before it's strained and left to dry. Coconut milk is then mixed to the right measure with a dash of salt for taste. The mixture is then placed into hollow bamboo trunks lined with banana leaf. This natural and unique way of preparing lemang ensures the aroma is sealed in while it's cooked over slow open fire.

Malaysia Beautiful Beach : Cherating

2008-02-23T10:33:00.003+08:00

Cherating is located about 45minutes drive from Kuantan. Once a popular beach with hippies and backpackers, Cherating's thunder has somewhat been taken by the islands that have opened up to tourism in recent years such as Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang and Pulau Lang Tengah. But when it comes to public holidays and festive seasons ~ all the resorts, hotels, motels and apartments along the famous Cherating stretch are booked up way in advance. Catering to the local holiday makers during these occasions and also the extreme sports enthusiasts during the high waves of the monsoon season (November until February), Cherating is by no means a has-been holiday town. The backpacker huts, bars and pubs remain in business - although not as crowded as it was before in the 80's but many expatriates gravitate towards the area during long weekends of partying or just to chill out.

The best place to stay is Swiss Garden Spa & Resort Kuantan.It is about 30 minute drive from Kuantan.And to go to Cherating is only 10-15 minutes ahead.

Malaysia Beautiful Beach : Port Dickson

2008-02-23T10:20:00.003+08:00

Port Dickson or more popularly known as, P.D. is a favorite weekend getaway for KL and Singaporean folks especially those seeking some time away from the hot, stifling cities. Refreshing cool breeze blowing in from the straits and the relaxed environment was one of the reasons for choosing this tiny seaside village as a colonial beach resort.

Highways now connect Port Dickson with nearby towns and cities and no longer, do we need to embark on a sea voyage, as Ethel did. A mere 1 - 1½ hours will get you to the seaside playground from KL.

To catch a glimpse of the locals at 'work', a night market comes alive every Saturday at an open carpark next to the Petronas Petrol station on 4th mile. Lots of snacks, food and produce to buy for the weekend stay over.

Where to stay ?

You may want to try Paradise Lagoon Apartment if you come with a big party.It's worth with the money and the apartment is comfortable as it have all that you need for your holiday.

Malaysia Cuisine: Cendol

2008-02-13T18:23:00.002+08:00

Cendol is a local delicacy basically made up of shaved ice, coconut milk, gula melaka and the long wormy green stuff (I don’t know what they are made of but I think it might have pandan as one of the ingredients). The whole cocktail tastes heavenly, especially on a hot sunny day.

This dish is named after its the main ingredient, Cendol , short strands of cooked dough made with green pea flour and the green juice of pandan leaves. When we were children we called cendol 'green worms". It is served with shaved ice and plenty of fresh santan (coconut cream) and gula melaka (palm sugar). I am not sure about its origins, and variations of the recipe appears in Malay, Indian, Peranakan, Eurasian and even Indonesian cookbooks. I remember, from my long-ago childhood, buying cendol from wandering Indian hawkers who sells the cendol from a giant pot; this was always a welcome treat especially if the weather is very hot.

Nowadays, it is almost impossible to buy a decent bowl of Cendol. Good food start with good ingredients, and in the case of Cendol, here's where things can easily go wrong. Most commercially available cendol is made of an agar-like substance rather than green pea flour, they look like cendol but taste of nothing at all and no matter how much you chew, you can never quite get them soft. As for the other two ingredients, tricks abound to compromise their quality. Santan has to be freshly squeezed from freshly grated coconut. Some people do not mind using pre-packed santan, like Kara, personally, I think Kara is OK for cooking curries, but would rather not have it in my cendol. Well, most cendol stalls would go further and dilute the santan with milk or just rice-flour water, villains. The third ingredient, gula melaka, is almost always contaminated with other cheaper sweeteners like white or brown cane sugar. Which explains why some Singaporeans go crazy when they come across a place that serves decent Cendol.

Malaysia beautiful island : Redang Island

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Relax on undefiled and soft white sands, shaded by beautiful palms, overlooking the crystal blue waters of the shimmering Redang Island, is indeed a paradise for total relaxation.

With it's pearly white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, colorful array of marine life, spectacular starry nights and breathtaking sunrise, it also offers the ultimate hideaway for those seeking privacy and relaxation.

With its crystal clear waters, prolific coral formations and an array of marine life, it is little wonder then that Redang has earned for itself the enviable reputation as one of the best marine parks in the world. Redang island offers the marine sports enthusiast unrivalled opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, fishing and lots of sand and sun.

Redang Island together with its 8 neighboring islands (Lima Island, Paku Besar Island, Paku Kecil Island, Kerengga Besar Island, Kerengga Kecil Island, Ekor Tebu Island, Ling Island, Pinang Island) are known as the Asia paradise in the South China Sea regions. Being the main island of the Archipelago, Redang Island offers nature lovers an adventure holiday to get away and relax in the solitude and serene beauty of our tropical isles. Nature is at its best here - fresh air, gleaming soft white sand and crystal clear water.

Experience the sensation of swimming amongst the fishes, surrounded by a vast expanse of staghorn, corals with various hues of green and brown. Play with the shy clown fish hiding in between the tentacles of the sea anemones (windflowers). Numerous other marine life forms await your discovery - damselfish, starfishes, cowries etc. If you are lucky, you may even swim with the green and hawksbill turtles that frequent these waters.

How to get there?

All boat journey start from Merang Jetty ( 25 KM from Kuala Terengganu Town )
-Please book your flight (click here for details) ticket or Coach ( Buses ) only to Kuala Terengganu
-There is no train or railway network to Terengganu.
-There is no boat ticketing counter at Merang Jetty.

Accommodation and boating are all pre-arranged and on package deal only. ( except for Berjaya Redang Beach & Spa Resort - boat leave at Kuala Terengganu - Tanjung Jetty )

There is no boat services from Redang or Lang Tengah to Perhentian or vice versa ( Boat available only on chartered basis - Journey 45 -60 minutes )

Visitor's planning holiday in Perhentians after Redang or Lang Tengah will require to take a taxi / chartered van from Merang Jetty to Kuala Besut ( Journey - 60 - 75 minutes ). From Kuala Besut drop into our sale office to get a boat ticket to Perhentian.

The accommodation

The accommodation on Redang range from budget resorts to 4 star resorts. All are located at Teluk Kalong and Pasir Panjang on the eastern coast except for the two Berjaya resorts. All offer all-inclusive package holidays which include transfers, accommodation, snorkelling trips & meals. With resorts upgrading all the time, please visit the resorts' own websites for latest updates on facilities and prices. You can also check the Forum page for visitor comments and feedback on specific resorts.

There are currently 17 resorts on Redang. These are summarized below in location order, starting with Berjaya then moving onto Pasir Panjang and heading south all the way to Teluk Kalong.

If you're looking for good beaches, you've come to the right place. There are no bad beaches in Redang. Regardless of where you stay (except at Berjaya Spa Resort which does not have a beach as it is located on a hill), you'll always find soft, fine white sand beneath your feet. Stormy weather and strong waves can deposit debris and broken coral on the beach but over time, the sandy beach is restored when new sand is deposited. Most visitors would agree that the nicest beaches are in Teluk Dalam, followed by Pasir Panjang and Kalong.

Teluk Dalam ('Deep Water Bay') has 2 distinct stretches of beach, one at Teluk Dalam Kecil where Berjaya Beach Resort is located and the other at Teluk Dalam Besar where there are currently no resorts. Waters are clear and calm with sandy bottom which is excellent for swimming. The two beaches are separated by a hilly outcrop. A road built on top of the hill provides easy access between the two beaches. A jungle path also connects the beach at Teluk Dalam Besar to Pasir Panjang, a trek that can be covered in about an hour.

Pasir Panjang ('Long Beach') is a long and wide beach shaped like a birdwing or 'V' where one wing forms the northern stretch while the other the southern stretch, both wings meeting at Tanjung Tengah in the centre. The north beach is longer than the south beach. Visitors can walk from Redang Reef at the southern tip all the way to Redang Holiday at the northern tip in about 15-20 minutes.

Teluk Kalong's 3 beaches are each much smaller than those at Teluk Dalam and Pasir Panjang but with so few resorts and guests at each beach, at times you can have the entire beach to yourself. The northernmost beach is the only one accessible from Pasir Panjang.

Berjaya Redang Beach Resort Teluk Dalam

Berjaya Redang Spa Resort Teluk Siang

Malaysia beautiful island : Langkawi

2008-02-01T16:24:00.000+08:00

Situated in the state of Kedah, the Langkawi Archipelago is actually made up of 104 islands, the largest being Langkawi Island. A perfect hide-away for those seeking the rejuvenating experience of relaxing amidst tropical greenery and sun-soaked beaches, the island has been promoted as a holiday paradise and a duty-free port since 1987.

The charming island of Langkawi, rich with legends and folklore, historical landmarks, luscious greenery, scenic lakes and many others, form the ideal backdrop for Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort.

The spectacular Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort is located in Burau Bay on the island of Langkawi, approximately 15 minutes drive from the airport. Traditional Malaysian-style chalets and suites spanned over 70 acres of land set in a 5-million rainforest fronting the ocean with sun-kissed beaches. All 502 rooms and suites are beautifully decorated and furnished with modern amenities. Enjoy a scrumptious variety of local and International cuisine and endless fun with exciting indoor, outdoor as well as water-sports activities.

Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort continues to maintain its exclusivity by offering an open-air tropical spa, making it a private haven and a perfect spa experience like no other.

Guests can be assured that their every comfort will be taken care of at Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort.

Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort won 2 awards in 1998.
Best of the Best Hotel awarded by Tourism Asia.
Professional Award by Lawson International Holidays.

Address:

Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort
Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia

Karung Berkunci 200, Burau Bay,
07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Tel : (604) 959 1888
Fax : (604) 959 1886
Email : resvn@b-langkawi.com.my

Visit http://www.myhotelvoucher.com for cheap/low rate hotel/room price voucher.

Cuisine Malaysia : Nasi lemak.

2008-01-30T17:11:00.000+08:00

Nasi lemak

Simply rice cooked in coconut milk (knotted pandanus leaves and even ginger or a stalk of lemon grass may be tossed into the pot to add fragrance), imparting a creamy texture to the grains, nasi lemak is available on almost every street corner and in almost every local-themed restaurant, served with everything from chicken to beef to cuttlefish.

With roots in Malay culture, its name is a Malay word that literally means 'rice in cream'. The name is derived from the cooking process whereby rice is soaked in rich coconut cream and then the mixture steamed. Sometimes knotted screwpine (pandan) leaves are thrown into the rice while steaming to give it more fragrance. Herbs such as ginger (common in Malay cuisine) and occasionally lemon grass may be added for additional fragrance.

Traditionally, this comes as a platter with cucumber slices, small dried anchovies (ikan bilis), roasted peanuts, stir fried water convolvulus (kangkong), hard boiled egg, pickled vegetables (achar) and hot spicy sauce (sambal). Nasi lemak can also come with any other accompaniments such as chicken, cuttlefish, cockle, beef curry (beef stewed in coconut milk and spices) or paru (beeflungs). Traditionally most of these accompaniments are spicy in nature.

Nasi lemak is traditionally a breakfast dish, and it is sold early in the morning at roadside stalls in Malaysia, where it is often sold packed in newspaper, brown paper or banana leaf. However, there are restaurants which serve it on a plate as noon or evening meals, making it possible for the dish to be treated as a delicacy. 'Nasi lemak panas' meaning hot nasi lemak is another name given to nasi lemak serve with hot cooked rice.

Cuisine Malaysia : Rendang

2008-01-30T17:03:00.001+08:00

Rendang is made from beef (or occasionally chicken, mutton, water buffalo meat, duck or vegetables like jackfruit or cassava) slowly cooked in coconut milk and spices for several hours until almost all the liquid is gone, leaving the meat coated in the spicy condiments. The cooking process changes from boiling to frying as the liquid evaporates. The slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb all the spices and to become tender. The spices may include ginger, galangal, turmeric leaf, lemon grass and chillies. Chicken or duck rendang also contains tamarind, and is usually not cooked for as long as beef rendang.

There are two kinds of rendang: dried and wet. Dried rendang can be kept for 3–4 months, and it is for ceremonial occasions or to honour guests. Wet rendang, if without refrigeration it should be consumed within a month.

In Malaysia Rendang also can be eat with ketupat or lemang or plain rice.It's definitely delicous and superb!

Cuisine Malaysia : Lemang

2008-01-30T16:51:00.000+08:00

Lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo)

Lemang is a traditional food originated from the Minangkabau people of Indonesia cooked in a hollowed bamboo stick. Usually prepared for festivities such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji, lemang is made of glutinous rice and coconut milk, with salt added for taste. Some lemang recipes add corn. Lemang is usually eaten with rendang.

Although lemang is available all year round, it is nonetheless an exceptionally special dish during Hari Raya open house. Although the preparation seems simple enough, cooking lemang requires an open area with plenty of ventilation - which is why people just prefer to buy lemang rather than attempt to make it themselves.

About two days or so before the end of Ramadhan (the fasting month), vendors can be seen cooking and selling lemang by roadsides. Lemang is usually 'bought by the bamboo' and should be left unopened until it is ready to serve.

Malaysia : Tioman Island

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Tioman is the biggest and most impressive island at the east coast. There is a brisk jungle covers a ridge on the west section of the island, which ends at the idyllic location of a beautiful palm fringed beach. Tioman offers a wide range of activities for visitors: snorkeling in crystal clear water, discover the beautiful underwater world when you go diving, or just laze on the beach while you work on that tan. Also, there is a jungle on the island that is just begging to be explored. The dense forest is a habitat for many kinds of flora and fauna.

About 36 nautical miles off Malaysia's east coast lies Pulau Tioman or Tioman Island, one of the region's most enchanting holiday spots. Scenic and tranquil, Tioman Island boasts miles and miles of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, charming villages and friendly people. Its crystal clear waters teem with spectacular marine life and colourful coral gardens. The twin peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut provide a prominent landmark to this island, reputed to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic in the world.

Tioman Island is a treasure trove of breathtaking marine attractions. Corals, seashells and limpets, thorny sea urchins, colourful seaweeds and anemones, starfish and a myriad of other aquatic wonders are abundant here. The crystal clear waters make scuba diving and snorkelling in Tioman an experience unlike any other. Other neighbouring islands recommended for scuba diving and snorkelling are Chebeh, Tulai, Renggis, Sembilang, Seri Buat and Gut.

Tioman Villages :

Salang
Lanting
Panuba
Ayer Batang
Mukut
Tekek
Lalang
Nipah
Paya
Melina
Juara
Genting

Place of Interest :

Marine Park
Monkey Bay
Renggis Island
Tulai Island

Malaysia traditional game : spinning top

2008-01-24T08:36:00.000+08:00

Gasing is the name for a spinning top in Malay. played as a traditional game to see which top outlast the other within the pre-determined circle drawn on the ground. Played by the young & the old, the game was widely played in the rustic Malaysian rural areas & villages. In a more culturally-emphasised community, you can find their own purpose-built Gasing arena for competition of the game. The sport has somewhat lost its lustre with the emergence of computer & video games overtaking this simple but fascinating pastime. Intent on preserving the unique Malaysian heritage of top-spinning, the International Top-Spinning Festival Malaysia is set to promote and educate the younger generations on the beauty and the intricacy that goes behind the art of making, and playing the gasing.

Gasing, or Top Spinning, can be played by two or more children. A string is wound round the top and held firmly while the top is hurled into the centre of the court. The opponent must then hurl his top to "nail" the spinning top and if possible make it stop spinning.. The other players then take their turn to continue the game and the player with the longest spinning top wins.

Malaysian Traditional Games:Wau

2008-01-22T16:49:00.000+08:00

Wau has existed since the rule of Sultan Mahmud Shah, the last Malaccan Sultanate ruler in the year 1500.

Wau is unique because it is decorated with a lot of interesting designs. The moon kite design has been adopted by the Malaysia Airlines as its symbol.

In Malaysia, usually, the wau is flown after the paddy harvesting season or when the fisherman could not go to the sea. In other words, the game is one of the favourite pastimes for the farmers and fisherman.

It is believed that in the olden days, they weaved light and big leaves to make a wau. The leaves were tied to the kite 's framework, which is made of bamboo.

TYPES OF WAU

Wau Kuching ( Cat kite )

It is called a cat kite , another popular shape in Malaysia and decorated in the same way as the wau bulan. It has a hummer attached at the top of the kite. This hummer is used to lul the kite flier to sleep, to frighten away evil spirits, and to forcast the following days weather

Wau Merak ( Peacock kite )

Wau Merak has completly different leaf and flower designe from other wau kites. It is more Indonesian than Malaysian, and reflects the supposed origin of the design. It also has head an tail. The tail is usually heavy colored yarn , and the head is wire or bam wrapped with the same.

Wau Bulan ( Moon kite )

Wau Bulan is the most famous in Malaysia. It is called Wau Bulan because of the crescent -shaped tailpiece. Wau bulan usually have 2.5 metres wing span and height measuring up to 3.5 metres. It is richly decorated with colourful pattern of flower and leaves. In a windy day, wau bulan can reach a height of more than 450 metres. Malaysian Airline System has chosen it as its logo, to symbolize controlled flight.

Wau Jalabudi ( Women kite )

The shape of Wau Jala Budi or woman kite is the same as the other wau. The difference lies at its tail. It is called the woman kite because the shape of the kite looks like a woman.

Wau Burung ( Bird kite )

It is called wau burung because the kite look like a bird flying in the sky. The kite is famous in Indonesia. The shape of the wau is different from the usual wau.

How to fly the wau?

The colourful kites are played in the open paddy fields and along the sandy beaches. These places are suitable for flying kites because there are no trees or tall structures around. In fact, the wind blows strongly in these places. Normally, the wau is played after the paddy harvesting seasons or when the fishermen cannot go to fishing due the conditions of the sea. The best time to play the wau is in August and September.
In order to fly the wau, we need to have a tukang tarik and tukang anjung. The tukang tarik will hold the strings whereas the tukang anjung will hold the wau and stands below the wind.

The tukang anjung will release the wau to the air when the wind is not too strong. At the same time the tukang tarik will pull the strings and let the wau soar upwards beautifully.

There are the few secrets to control the movement of wau on the air. Only the players of the wau themselves know how to tackle the problems faced. An experienced player knows how to handle his wau in the air.

Malaysian culture : Silat Melayu

2008-01-22T16:26:00.000+08:00

Silat is an umbrella term used to describe the martial art forms practiced throughout the Malay Archipelago. Silat is a combative art of fighting and survival and it has been evolved in Indonesia and Malaysia civilizations for centuries into social culture and tradition.[1] During the colonization era, both in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam as British colonies and in Indonesia as Dutch colonies, practitioners (locally known as pesilat) used the martial art as a form to liberate from foreign authorities.

The distinctive forms of silat with other Asian martial arts, such as kung fu, tae kwon do or karate, lie on the cultural aspect. Silat is not only for combative purposes. When accompanied with traditional instruments, such as kendang, silat transforms into a folk dance. In Minangkabau area (the West Sumatra province of Indonesia), silat was the oldest men's tradition known as silek and it is one of the components to perform the Minangkabau folk dance of randai.[2] In Malaysia, one form of silat known of silat pulut also shows the harmonic silat styles as a dance accompanied by traditional instruments. A silat form in West Java province of Indonesia, known as pencak, is usually accompanied with music, notably by the traditional Sundanese suling instrument.

Silat spread throughout the Malay Archipelago since the seventh century AD, but its origin is still uncertain. However, silat has been acknowledged as a genuine Malay art.[4] Malay people that have inhabited coastal cities of Sumatra island and Malay peninsula, from Aceh in the north to Kelantan, Kedah and Riau archipelago in the south, were the people who practiced silat. Contacts with other ethnic groups in the coastal cities had also influenced silat. There is evidence that Chinese and Indian culture had influence the martial art forms.[5] When Islam was spread throughout the archipelago in the fourteenth century, it was taught alongside with silat. Besides as a combative art and cultural folk dance, silat then became a spiritual training.[1]

Silat was gradually refined into the specialized property of sultans, panglima (prime-minister) and pendekar (warriors) during the Malacca Sultanate, Majapahit and Srivijaya empires. It was the time when silat spread through Malay peninsula, Java, Bali, Sulawesi and Borneo. Malays, in particular in Malay peninsula, considers the legendary story of Hang Tuah of the fourteenth century as the father of silat.[5]

n ancient times, Silat was as much a part of Melayu culture as any other form of education and prepared young men for adulthood. Because of this, there is a strong emphasis in this art on self-defence. However, war was not always on the Melayu mind.

Silat sits at the nexus between all aspect of Melayu culture. A true pendekar (warrior) will often have an artistic soul and cultivate interests in cultural fields such as keris metalwork, woodcraft, traditional dancing, Melayu dress, medicine, music and many more. Because of this, Silat still plays an important role in the lives of thousands of people across the Melayu world particularly with the rural village dwellers practising and making it part of their daily routines.

These pendekar were synonymous with the local medicine man, religious teacher or blacksmith, indicating society’s regard for such people of knowledge. Usually, a pendekar can also play traditional musical instruments such as the serunai, gendang ibu, gendang anak and gong, which normally accompanies silat dance performances.

Performances are still held during wedding ceremonies, festivals, or official celebrations. In such occasions, it is known as Pulut, referring to the sticky, glutinous rice that is often eaten at Melayu parties and wedding receptions.

Silat shares the same history in Malaysia (incl. Singapore and Brunei) and Indonesia during the colonization era as a form to liberate from foreign authorities.[5] During post colonization era, silat has been evolved into formal martial arts. National organizations were formed, such as in Malaysia: Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia (PESAKA), in Indonesia: Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI), in Singapore: Persekutuan Silat Singapore (PERSIS), in Brunei Darussalam: Persekutuan Silat Brunei Darussalam (PERSIB), as well as tens of silat organizations in US and Europe. Silat is now officially included as part of the sport game, particularly during the Southeast Asian Games.

The Malaysian Traditional Games & Pastimes

2008-01-21T08:39:00.000+08:00

These activities are still played by local children on cool afternoons and are also a communal activity during festivities such as before or after the rice harvest season and weddings.

Silat
This fascinating Malay martial art is also an international sport and traditional dance form. Existing in the Malay Archipelago for centuries, it has mesmerising fluid movements that are used to dazzle opponents. It is believed that practising silat will increase one's spiritual strength in accordance with Islamic tenets. Accompanied by drums and gongs, this ancient art is popularly performed at Malay weddings and cultural festivals.

Sepak Takraw
Also known as sepak raga, it is a traditional ball game in which a ball made by weaving strips of buluh or bamboo is passed about using any part of the body except the lower arms and hands. There are two main types of sepak takraw: bulatan (circle) and jaring (net). Sepak raga bulatan is the original form in which players form a circle and try to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible. Sepak takraw jaring is the modern version in which the ball is passed across a court over a high net.

Wau
A wau is a traditional kite that is especially popular in the state of Kelantan, on the East Coast of Malaysia. Traditionally flown after the rice harvest season, these giant kites are often as big as a man - measuring about 3.5 metres from head to tail. It is called wau because its shape is similar to the Arabic letter that is pronounced as 'wow'. With vibrant colours and patterns based on local floral and fauna, these kites are truly splendid sights.

Gasing
A gasing is a giant spinning top that weighs approximately 5kg or 10lbs and may be as large as a dinner plate. Traditionally played before the rice harvest season, this game requires strength, co-ordination and skill. The top is set spinning by unfurling a rope that has been wound around it. Then it is scooped off the ground, whilst still spinning, using a wooden bat with a centre slit and transferred onto a low post with a metal receptacle. If expertly hurled, it can spin for up to 2 hours.

Wayang Kulit
Wayang kulit is a traditional theatre form that brings together the playfulness of a puppet show, and the elusive quality and charming simplicity of a shadow play. The flat two-dimensional puppets are intricately carved, then painted by hand.It is either made of cow or buffalo hide. Each puppet, a stylised exaggeration of the human shape, is given a distinctive appearance and not unlike its string puppet cousins, has jointed "arms". Conducted by a singular master storyteller called Tok Dalang, wayang kulit usually dramatises ancient Indian epics.

Congkak
Congkak is a game of mathematics played by womenfolk in ancient times that only required dug out holes in the earth and tamarind seeds. Today, it is an oval solid wood block with two rows of five, seven, or nine holes and two large holes at both ends called "home". Congkak, played with shells, marbles, pebbles or tamarind seeds, requires two players.

Chingay
Famously from the state of Penang, Chingay or The Giant Flags Procession is a spectacular procession that celebrates the arrival of spring during the New Year season. Its trademark elements are giant triangular flags and lanterns. These flags on equally huge poles are balanced on performers foreheads, chins, lower jaws and shoulders. Other entertainers include dancers, jugglers and magicians.

Sepak Manggis
Sepak manggis is a unique outdoor game played by the Bajau and Iranun men of Sabah. Forming a circle and facing each other, players aim to strike the bunga manggis floral carrier that dangles from a 10-metre high pole. The winner will be rewarded with money, gifts or edibles, which are in the carrier.

The Malaysian Traditional Games

2008-01-21T08:37:00.001+08:00

Among The Malaysian Traditional Games are:

1. Ice-cream sitcks
2. Poison Ball
3. One-Two-Som!
4. Tarik Menarik
5. Galah Panjang
6. Rubber Seeds
7. Rubberband Throwing
8. Police and thief
9. Marble
10. Marbles 1 on 1
11. Bola Kaki Tiga
12. Pop Gun
13. Lat-tali-lat-ta-li-tam-plom!
14. Baling-baling Bola
15. Konda Kondi
16. Congkak
17. Wau
18. Top Spinning
19. Batu Seremban

Malaysian Culture and Traditional

2008-01-21T08:29:00.000+08:00

Music and dance are almost inseparable in the Malaysian culture. Where there is one, the other is not far behind. True to Malaysia's heritage, dances vary widely and are, if not imports direct from the source nation, heavily influenced by one or more of Malaysia's cultural components. Much of Malaysian music and dance has evolved from more basic needs into the mesmerizing, complex art forms they are today.

Traditional music is centered around the gamelan, a stringed instrument from Indonesia with an otherworldly, muffled sound. The lilting, hypnotic beats of Malaysian drums accompany the song of the gamelan; these are often the background for court dances. Malaysia's earliest rhythms were born of necessity. In an age before phone and fax, the rebana ubi, or giant drums, were used to communicate from hill to hill across vast distances. Wedding announcements, danger warnings, and other newsworthy items were drummed out using different beats. The rebana ubi are now used primarily as ceremonial instruments. The Giant Drum Festival is held in Kelantan either in May or June.

Similarly, silat, an elegant Malaysian dance form, originated as a deadly martial art. The weaponless form of self-defense stripped fighting to a bare minimum. Silat displays are common at weddings and other festivals; the dancer will perform sparring and beautiful routines to accompanying drums and other musical instruments.

The candle dance is one of Malaysia's most breathtakingly beautiful performance arts. Candles on small plates are held in each hand as the dancer performs. As the performer's body describes graceful curves and arcs, the delicate candle flames become hypnotic traces.

The Joget, Malaysia's most popular traditional dance, is a lively dance with an upbeat tempo. Performed by couples who combine fast, graceful movements with rollicking good humor, the Joget has its origins in the Portuguese folk dance, which was introduced to Malacca during the era of the spice trade.

Among the many different traditional theatres of the Malays, which combine dance, drama, and music, no other dance drama has a more captivating appeal than Mak Yong. This ancient classic court entertainment combines romantic stories, operatic singing and humor.

The Datun Julud is a popular dance of Sarawak, and illustrates the age-old tradition of storytelling in dance. The Datun Jalud tells of the happiness of a prince when blessed with a grandson. It was from this divine blessing that the dance became widespread among the Kenyah tribe of Sarawak. The Sape, a musical instrument, renders the dance beats, which are often helped along by singing and clapping of hands.

Although Malaysia's cultural heritage is rich and varied almost beyond belief, it would be a mistake to assume that heritage to be wholly traditional. Malaysia has joined the recent world music trend by updating many of its beautiful traditional sounds. Modern synthesizers accompany the gamelan and the drums for a danceable, hypnotic sound you won't soon forget.

Islands

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Among the island in Malaysia :

* Pulau Sebatik, Sabah (shared with East Kalimantan, Indonesia)
* Pulau Banggi, Sabah
* Pulau Betruit, Sarawak
* Pulau Langkawi, Kedah
* Penang Island, Penang
* Pulau Aman, Penang
* Pulau Aur, Johor
* Pulau Balambangan, Sabah
* Pulau Berhala, Sabah
* Pulau Besar (Malacca), Malacca
* Pulau Besar (Johor), Mersing, Johor
* Pulau Betong, Penang
* Pulau Bidong, Terengganu
* Pulau Bodgaya, Sabah
* Pulau Boheydulang, Sabah
* Pulau Bum Bum, Sabah
* Pulau Carey, Selangor
* Pulau Dayang, Johor
* Pulau Duyung, Terengganu
* Pulau Gedung, Penang
* Pulau Gaya, Sabah
* Pulau Indah, Selangor
* Pulau Jambongan, Sabah
* Pulau Jerejak, Penang
* Pulau Kapalai, Sabah
* Pulau Kapas, Terengganu
* Pulau Kendi, Penang
* Pulau Ketam, Selangor
* Pulau Klang, Selangor
* Pulau Kuraman, Labuan
* Pulau Labuan, Sabah
* Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu
* Pulau Lankayan, Sabah
* Pulau Layang Layang, Sabah
* Pulau Libaran, Sabah
* Pulau Ligitan, Sabah
* Pulau Lumut, Selangor
* Pulau Mabul, Sabah
* Pulau Malawali, Sabah
* Pulau Mamutik, Sabah
* Pulau Manukan, Sabah
* Pulau Mantanani, Sabah
* Pulau Mataking, Sabah
* Pulau Melaka, Malacca
* Pulau Pangkor, Perak
* Pulau Payar, Kedah
* Pulau Pemanggil, Johor
* Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu
* Pulau Rawa, Johor
* Pulau Redang, Terengganu
* Pulau Rimau, Penang
* Pulau Sapi, Sabah
* Pulau Sepanggar, Sabah
* Pulau Sibu, Johor
* Pulau Sibu Besar
* Pulau Sibu Tengah
* Pulau Sibu Kukus
* Pulau Sibu Hujung
* Pulau Sipadan, Sabah
* Pulau Sulug, Sabah
* Pulau Tabawan, Sabah
* Pulau Tengah, Johor
* Pulau Tenggol, Terengganu
* Pulau Tiga, Sabah
* Pulau Tigabu, Sabah
* Pulau Tikus, Penang
* Pulau Timbun Mata
* Pulau Tinggi, Johor
* Pulau Tioman, Pahang
* Pulau Tukun Perak, Kedah
* Pulau Tukun Tengah, Penang
* Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Sabah
* Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Sabah
* Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area, Sabah
* Turtle Islands National Park, Sabah

Durian?

2008-01-12T18:51:00.000+08:00

DURIAN FRUIT

Durian is a fruit: a big, green thorny fruit native to Malaysia and Indonesia. In fact, it is considered "King of the Fruit" throughout South East Asia. It has a creamy texture, and the taste of its flesh sends its eaters into ecstasies (and it has the reputation of being an aphrodisiac) But is has one drawback. It has an extremely offensive odor described as garlic like, similar to stinky feet, and like Limburger cheese. Some countries even ban the presence of durian in hotels and on public transportation due to its offensive smell.

The durian tree (Bombaceae Durio zibethius L.Murr) is native to moist equatorial forests in Southeast Asia. It can grow to 100 feet tall and produces heavy, thick-skinned, brownish-green, soccer-ball size fruits covered with sharp thorns.

“Durian” come from the word “duri” translates from Bahasa Malaysia as thorn. Therefore durian, by name is the thorny fruit. Which indeed, it is.

Each individual fruit is divided into five compartments, each containing a brown seed covered by a sac of thick, creamy pulp with an aroma that is legendary.

A popular believe is that the older the tree, the better the fruit. Durian from an older tree will bear fruits having a wrinkled texture with smooth, thick, creamy flesh that taste sweeter and have a stronger fragrance and flavour.

Usually, seed trees will start bearing fruit after about five to six years. Sometimes, four to five-year old trees can start to flower. The mature durian tree needs at least three to four weeks of dry weather to produce flowers to fill its branches. One month late, the flower will be in full bloom. Three months after that, the durian fruit will start to ripen and drop.

Durian generally bear one crop a year but may “flower” twice a year if influenced by the right conditions. Normally, durian fruits are allowed to drop when they are ripe.

However, the fruits may also be harvested from the tree, as is a common practise in Thailand. By harvesting the shelf life could be extended from nine to 11 days compared to three or four days when allowed to drop from the tree.

Durians are like grapes and wine, or like cheese. They are a food for gourmets, for connoisseurs. For genuine durian lovers, differentiating taste in accordance to variety can be a true science.

Food in Malaysia

2008-01-11T13:25:00.000+08:00

Food in Malaysia

Malaysia has many kinds of restaurants almost everywhere in the cities and towns. There are Malay Restaurants, Chinese restaurants, Indian Restaurants, Thai Restaurants and more. Eating out in Malaysia is a real gastronomic adventure. There is such a great variety; spicy Malay Food, a seemingly endless variety of Chinese food, exotic cuisine from North and South India, as well as Nyonya and Portuguese Food. Popular Malaysian dishes include satay, nasi lemak, rendang, roti canai, murtabak, laksa, chicken rice, and fried noodles. Western cuisine is also easily available. In addition, international fast food chains operate in major towns side by side with thousands of road side stalls and food bazaars.

Malaysia's top attraction must be the food - the variety is endless, the choices astounding, the value unbeatable! Be it Chinese, Malay, Indian or Western, you'll find it all and more, especially in the big cities.

Surprisingly, Malay food is not as easily found in the cities as Chinese or Indian food, except for satay, which is commonly available.

The most highly appreciated Malay dish in Malaysia is, without a doubt, satay. This consists of delicious bite-sized pieces of chicken, mutton or beef, skewered, and then grilled over a charcoal fire. A spicy peanut sauce accompanies this dish. Other Malay dishes worth trying include tahu goreng (fried soybean curd stuffed with bean sprouts, topped with a peanut sauce), ikan bilis (tiny anchovies fried till crisp), ikan assam (fried fish in a sour tamarind curry) sambal udang (fiery curry prawns) and rendang (spicy meat curry prepared with coconut milk). A popular breakfast dish is nasi lemak which is rice cooked in coconut milk and served with sambal ikan bilis, squid sambal, egg, cucumber slices and peanuts. Sambal is a very spicy chilli paste, popular with all Malaysians. Nasi dagang is commonly found in Kelantan and Trengganu. It consists of glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and served with fish curry, sambal and cucumber pickle. Indonesian food is best represented in Malaysia in the form of gado gado, a salad with a peanut sauce dressing. Another firm favourite is nasi padang, where you can select as many dishes as you want from the window display and share the food amongst yourselves.

Indian Food
In Indian food everywhere, you will encounter the myriad spices or masala, the lentil soup known as dhal, the yoghurt drink known as lassi and the condiments known as chutney.

A typical Indian meal starts with a simple rice plate being placed in front of you. If you ask for one in a vegetarian restaurant, you won't get a plate at all, but a large banana leaf. On this a large mound of rice is placed, then scoops of a variety of vegetable curries are tossed in. With your right hand, you then knead the curries into your rice and eat away. When your banana leaf starts to get empty you'll suddenly find it refilled as this is basically a 'as much as you can eat' meal. In a 'banana leaf' restaurant however, you will get to choose from a whole range of meat curries and fried seafood to go with your meal. When you've finished, fold the banana leaf in two with the fold towards you, to indicate that you've had enough.

Other vegetarian dishes include the popular masala thosai, a thin slightly sourish pancake which is rolled around the masala (spiced vegetables) with some rasam (spicy soup) on the side, provides about the cheapest light meal you could ask for.

An equivalent snack meal in Indian Muslim restaurants is murtabak, made from paper-thin dough filled with egg and minced mutton and lightly grilled. Then there's the ever-popular roti canai, made from murtabak dough, which you dip into a bowl of dhal or curry.

Another popular favourite is biryani. Served with a chicken or mutton curry, the dish takes its name from the saffon-coloured rice it is usually served with. Finally there's tandoori, which takes its name from the clay tandoor oven in which meat is cooked after being marinated overnight in a yoghurt and spice mixture.

One of the things you can't possibly not try is Indian Rojak, a salad dish of bean sprouts, fishcakes, prawn fritters, beancurd and squid in a sweet spicy peanut sauce.

Like many Asian countries with a substantial Chinese population, Chinese food means Cantonese food, especially in Kuala Lumpur. This type of food is usually stir-fried with a touch of oil to ensure that the result is crisp and fresh.

Chinese Food
As compared to Kuala Lumpur and surrounds, the type of Chinese food found in the northern state of Penang and the southern state of Johor is Hokkien, Hakka or Hainanese style.

The best-known Hainanese dish which is found throughout Malaysia is Hainanese chicken rice. The rice's distinctive aroma comes from the boiling it with chicken stock. It is served with steamed or roasted chicken, cucumber slices and accompanied by clear soup and soy sauce/chilli sauce. Hakka food is most commonly associated with yong tau foo, pieces of soybean curd stuffed with minced meat. The vegetables that come with it - red chillies, brinjal, ladies fingers - are also stuffed with the same minced meat. If there is one thing the visitor should not miss, it's the commonly-found Chinese coffeeshops featuring hawker stalls selling all sorts of noodles, rice, grilled fish, squid and lots lots more!

Especially popular is char kuey teow, fried flat noodles furnished with cockles, prawns, eggs, soy sauce and bean sprouts. Usually taken as breakfast or supper, bak kut teh consists of rice with pork ribs and Chinese mushrooms in a Chinese herbal soup.

A favourite Chinese brunch is dim sum, a variety of sweet & savoury delicacies featuring bite-sized rolls, meatballs, pastries and dumplings.

Nyonya cooking is a unique and extremely tasty blend of Chinese and Malay food. Chinese ingredients are used with local spices like chillies and coconut cream/milk. The popular Laksa lemak is a spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup, with beancurd, beansprouts and prawns in it.

Western Cuisine / Fast-food Joints
Good Western food can easily be found in the bigger cities but don't expect too much in the smaller villages. In any case staple fast-food joints such as McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken are present throughout the country and have become household names.

Hawkers
Kuala Lumpur is the hub of the local entertainment scene, yet there are those who would tell you that there is no place like Penang for hawker food. Others will, however, argue that Ipoh city in Perak offers even greater specialty dishes. But since the general consensus for great hawker food seems to be Penang, we shall concentrate there.

With an abundance of hawker stalls prominently positioned along busy streets in the city and suburbs of Penang, it is not difficult at all to understand why this island is often referred to as a hawkers' paradise. Penang hawker food is reputedly the best in the nation, and some visitors from neighboring states and even neighboring nations have been known to make regular trips to the island with the sole purpose of patronizing their favorite hawker food venues!

Hawker food is usually available in large, medium, or small portions at different prices. However, the price may also differ according to optional extras placed on your dish, for example, additional prawns. Prices should be displayed for the various dishes. If not, ask before placing your order.

Hawkers selling food, fruits, or drinks in push-carts or mobile stalls are a common sight around the country, especially on Penang Island. However, the mushrooming of hawker centers and government-sponsored hawker complexes in the suburbs have somewhat reduced this. Hawker centers or complexes feature permanent stalls, each offering their own special dishes. These venues usually stay open until late, catering for those working on early shifts and those seeking supper after a late night out.

Most hawkers in Penang and other major towns are licensed, and these are renewed periodically. Enforcement officers from the Health Department and Municipal Councils also conduct regular checks on hygiene and cleanliness.

Hawker food is normally freshly-prepared. Although the basic recipe of hawker dishes remain the same, variations abound. Often, watching a hawker prepare the food is an interesting experience in itself. For example, roti canai makers will punch a ball of dough flat, grab the edge then swing it around in circles to make a pancake. This is flattened, shaped, then fried. Some roti canai makers might even throw the cooked bread into the air with a flourish before chopping it with the edge of their hands. Another one such example is "Teh Tarik" (literally, pull tea), a smoothened creamy tea that is resulted from the act of pouring the tea between two big mugs and increasing the height by pulling the pouring mug higher and higher. This act smoothens the tea and cools it.

Local Fruits
There is an incredible variety of local fruits available. Be adventurous and give them a try!

Want to try some local fruits? Just head towards any fruit vendors/stalls which you'll find in food centres or even just on the streets. Slices of mango, papaya, watermelon, guava are just some of the fruits you can find at these stalls. Here's a quick run-down:

Rambutans are the size of a large walnut or small tangerine and they're covered in soft red spines. You remove the skin to reveal the cool flesh around the pit/seed.

Most people are familiar with pineapples, with its sweet juicy yellow flesh... One of the finest tropical fruits, the mangosteen is about the size of a small orange or apple. The soft purple outer skin breaks open to reveal pure white segments shaped like orange segments but with a sweet-sour flavour. Jackfruit is better known as nangka in Malaysia. This is an enormous watermelon-sized fruit which hangs from trees and when opened, breaks up into a large number of bright orange-yellow segments with a slightly rubbery texture. From fruit-stalls, you can often buy several nangka segments skewered on a stick.

The starfruit gets its name from its cross-sectional star shape. A translucent green-yellow in colour, starfruit has a crisp, cool, watery taste. That's not to forget a host of other fruits, including coconuts, lychees, jambus, dukus, cikus, mangos and pomelos. Last but not least, the king of fruits - the controversial durian.

Durians
No fruit in all of Asia provokes such strong reactions as the durian. To some it is the 'King of Fruits' but to others, as Anthony Burgess described in his novel "Time for a Tiger", it smells "like eating a sweet raspberry blancmange in a lavatory".

It is a large oval fruit covered with stiff and sharp spines. Simply opening it requires some skill. When the shell is cracked open, pale yellow segments are revealed with a taste as distinctive as their smell. The nearest approximation would perhaps be onion-flavoured ice-cream. Its nutritional qualities are high: protein, calories, fiber and vitamins A and C. It is also thought by some to be a powerful aphrodisiac, so that villagers say that it is the only fruit which a tiger craves.

Drinks and Desserts
ABC (Air Batu Campur)
A literal translation would be something like "Mixed Ice Cubes" but it's definitely much more than that - nuts, sweetcorn, agar-agar, red beans, shaved ice, syrup and evaporated milk - are combined to make this refreshing dessert.

Cendol Ais
Little strands of green-coloured dough called 'cendol' are mixed with coconut milk, palm syrup and shaved ice, not to be missed.

Teh Tarik
The most popular local beverage, this is strong tea with sugar and sweetened condensed milk... a Malaysian speciality!

Agar-agar
A seaweed jelly which makes a delicious and creamy dessert with coconut milk.

Bubur Chacha
A thick, sweet concoction of yam, sweet potato, sago, sugar and coconut milk.

Soya Bean milk
Made from (what else?) soya beans, nothing can beat a cold glass of this from a roadside stall on a hot day. The taste is similar to sweetened milk but the taste is quite distinctive. Tau foo fah is a curdled version of soya bean milk and is flavoured with syrup.

Langkawi

2008-01-09T13:59:00.000+08:00

A holiday on the idyllic isle of Langkawi is just that. A holiday. Whether you wish to soak in the sun and do absolutely nothing or join in the fun and do everything, on Langkawi, you can do so without a care in the world.

Place of interest at Langkawi Island.

Datai Bay
Datai Bay Golf Club
Temurun Waterfall
Pebble Beach
Pasir Tengkorak Beach
Ibrahim Hussein Museum & Cultural Foundation
Crocodile Farm
Teluk Yu
Pasir Hitam Beach
Craft & Culture Centre
Tanjung Rhu Beach
Cave of Legends
Cave of Bats
Galeria Perdana
Langkawi Bird Paradise
Gunung Raya Golf Club
Durian Perangin Waterfall
Ayer Hangat Village
Eagle Feeding
Fish Farm

Berigin Beach
Langkawi Fish Farm
Royal Langkawi Yacht Club
Eagle Square
Mahsuri Mausoleum
Langkawi Island Golf Club
Tengah Beach
Underwater World
Cenang Beach
Laman Padi
Field of Burnt Rice
Telaga Harbour Park
Petronas Quay
Kok Beach
Burau Bay
Oriental Village
Seven Wells Waterfall
Cable Car
Pulau Payar Marine Park

Royal Langkawi International Regatta

2008-01-09T13:50:00.000+08:00

2008 edition of Royal Langkawi International Regatta. Running through until January 11th, this premier sailing event features returning champions and other competitive sailors from the region and across the globe. We'll be posting updated results and other news as the race happens.

Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2008 is organized and hosted by the Royal Langkawi Yatch Club.

More http://www.langkawiregatta.com

Le Tour de Langkawi

2008-01-09T09:18:00.000+08:00

Le Tour de Langkawi

History

Le Tour de Langkawi (French for "Tour of Langkawi") is an annual cycling race which is held in Malaysia. The name of the event comes from the starting point of the first few editions, in Langkawi, Kedah, although some later editions did not include Langkawi in the race at all. The race is part of the UCI Asia Tour.

The race was created by former Malaysian Prime Ministers Tun Mahathir Mohamad. It was held for the first time in 1996 with twelve stages and a prologue stage where the classification and time do not count. However, under the UCI's request, the tour was trimmed to ten stages starting with the 2002 tour.

In 2004, the existing owner of this race, Datuk Wan Lokman Dato Wan Ibrahim, a cousin of former Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir Mohamad sold the entire Tour to Simon Donnellan (aka Imran Abdullah). The 2005 race was beset with financial problems, with some riders not receiving prize money and large contractors not being paid. With this dark cloud hanging over it and impending legal action, the 2006 race was run on a smaller scale. There have been allegations of fraud and mismanagement, but the accusers have, after many months, still failed to produce any evidence that this is the case apart from pointing to the lack of funds for creditors. In Late 2006 the Malaysian government resolved some of the outstanding debts in order to preserve the future of the event. Responsibility for the running of the race was given to the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF). In the week preceding the 2007 race, the former organizers, First Cartel were legally wound up in the Malaysian High Court. This leaves the existing creditors in an uncertain position. Simon , MD of First Cartel, now has no further interest in the race, although there remains some dispute over the ownership of the event's name. Simon Donnellan was also banned from being within 100m metres of the 2007 race, however he was regularly spotted on the race acting as if nothing had happened.

There have been two incidents that caused stage cancellation. First it occurred in the first stage of the 2004 edition with police officials mistakenly opening the way for public vehicles onto the race track while the race was still ongoing to decide the winner of the first stage. After negotiations between the riders, they decided to neutralise the stage.

The final stage of the 2006 competition was cancelled with ten laps remaining due to heavy rain. Because of deteriorating road conditions, the race organisers decided to abandon the stage and declared Angel Vallejo as winner because he was leading at the time of the cancellation.

more http://www.tdl.com.my

Eye on Malaysia

2008-01-08T11:20:00.000+08:00

The “Eye on Malaysia” provides stunning views across Lake Titiwangsa, all the way to the world renowned Petronas Towers and KL Tower.This astounding viewing wheel consists of 42 fully air-conditioned gondolas, 39 of which have the capacity to carry a cosy eight passengers per 12-minute ride. An exclusive VIP gondola has also been outfitted to include plush leather seats fit for a king, a mini fridge, a DVD player, a plasma TV and a mobile telephone. There are also two specially designed gondolas, fitted with unique features making it friendly to our wheelchair-bound and handicapped visitors that join us.

Operating hours are 10am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, 12 midnight Fridays, Saturdays and before public holidays. Tickets are available for RM15 Adult and RM8 Child.

January 2008 blasts!

2008-01-07T09:47:00.000+08:00

Malaysia International Space Adventure

1 January 2008 Until 16 March 2008
Experience the wonders and excitement of a space adventure here in Malaysia. Learn about the history of space exploration or discover more about planet Mars. Take a trip in the Space Shuttle Simulator Theatre and enjoy the feeling of travelling into outer space. Don't miss this fabulous event.

Gems of the World
1 January 2008 Until 30 September 2008
The world’s largest collection of natural mineral gemstones in their purest uncut forms will be featured at Genting. Witness these priceless gemstones up close!

Eye on Malaysia
1 January 2008 Until 31 August 2008
Experience a breathtaking 360 degrees panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur city! This unforgettable ride reaches a height of 60 metres and offers a maginificient view of over 20 km of the city.

International Arts Festival
1 January 2008 Until 31 August 2008
The Arts Festival promises to be a wonderful celebration of both Malaysian and international artists. The festival offers a unique program throughout 2008, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary giving rise to new forms and ideas. Theatrical spectacles will be created specifically for the program with over 120 artists taking part.

Thaipusam
23 January 2008
Thaipusam, a colourful and spectacular annual Hindu festival, draws huge gathering of both locals and foreigners. Witness the devotees carry Kavadis by piercing shiny steel rods onto their body to honour a vow, overcome bad Karma or as penance. In Selangor, the festival is celebrated at the Batu Caves temple.

Where is Malaysia ?

2008-01-07T09:26:00.001+08:00

Malaysia

Official name: Malaysia.

Form of government: federal constitutional monarchy with two legislative houses (Senate [70]; House of Representatives [192]).

Chief of state: Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Paramount Ruler).

Head of government: Prime Minister.

Population (1998): 22,083,000.

Population projection: (2000) 23,036,000; (2010) 27,940,000.

Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997); 20.8 (world avg. 15.7).

Gross national product (1996): U.S.$89,800,000,000 (U.S.$4,370 per capita).

Welcome to Malaysia!

2008-01-07T09:06:00.000+08:00

Malaysia is situated seven degrees north of the equator in Southeast Asia. The country consists of 14 states; including three Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

Sabah and Sarawak are on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. Malaysia has a warm and humid climate. The humidity is about 80% all year round and temperatures range from 21 to 32°C.

Malaysia has fervently embraced modern technology - it boasts two of the world's tallest skyscrapers and a huge "cyber" center for computer businesses. But it still has some of the world's most remote jungle (in Sabah and Sarawak), one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant old ports (Georgetown) and an atmospheric colonial hill station (the Cameron Highlands). Even in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, which bristles with ambitious new building projects, you can still find exotic markets and plenty of local color.