welcome to Malaysia

How to make bubur jagung

2011-05-08T02:43:00.000-07:00

Everytime she makes bubur jagung for her family, i would usually get a bowl of it for she knows that I love....really love the bubur jagung that she makes. But what if the day I want to eat it and she's not making any?. I can't just wait for her to make it everytime so I finaly decided that it's time for me to learn how to make the bubur jagung myself, and she's kind enough to personally come to my house ( like the programme 'take home chef ' tu )to show me how it is done.

first, you need, of course, the jagung, the younger they are, the better, peel the skin off, and grate them..

then, boil about a handful of glutinuous rice aka beras pulut in a big bowl with sufficient water.

meanwhile, soak about half a cup of sago with water. please take note that this recipe is all based on 'agak-agak' no exact quantity because they all depend on the size of your corns. mine is about RM1 each and I used 5 jantung of jagungs. So, if you are the 'not so sure type' like me who doesn't really know to agak2, worry not, do give it a try because, the taste is worth the agak2, something you wouldn't want to miss

when the water has boiled, add more water because this time you are going to add in the corns and they need plenty of water. let it boil and this time, add in the soaked sago into the jagung mixture and stir, and stir and stir....

with the sago already in, let it boil once again, and this time add in gula melaka. how many you would ask me? I don't know what you called it, but back in my kampung, we called it 'kerek', 3 kerek nisse, or 3 pieces of that brownish thingy called gula melaka, you see the size in the picture, it's about 3 inches in diameter? I just guess cos I never measure them...:-)
followed by about 1/2 tsp of salt which I or we later added more, to make it more creamy. Or should I say, add in salt to taste, couldn't really specify the quantity. I am not of much help, aren't I? but that's what this recpe is all about. It's all about agak2, which when you come to think of it, it kinda put me off from making this bubur jagung again, but then again, i might be thinking twice about not doing it again because it taste soooo gooood that I wouldn't mind doing it the agak-agak way:-)wait wait, I forgot one little thing, add in 3 tbsp of condensed milk too ( but this is optional).

okay, what next? Add in milk coconut aka santan, about RM1 worth of it..

at this point, you keep on stirring, and stirring.... and stirring until....( please take note, this is the time when you started tasting it, to see if it has the right taste, the right sweetness, the right saltiness, the creaminess, ie whether you would decie to add in more salt ( for the creaminess)or perhaps another 1 1/2 tbsp of sugar ( for additional sweetness).

finally, this is what it looks like, looks can be deceiving okay, it might not look that scrumptious but wait till you taste it, it's creamy, corny ( yes, made from corns all right), lemak with pulut and sago and santan.....uuhh, i could feel the taste in my mouth even when I'm writing this.....tak tahaaaann...

by the way, here's the ingredients required for this luvly juvly bubur jagung:
5 jantung jagung muda

a handful of glutinuous rice/beras pulut
1/2 cup of small sago
water
3 pieces of gula melaka
RM1 santan/coconut milk
1 1/2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp condensed milk
salt to taste

Happy cooking!

Gulai Batang Pisang (young banana trunk curry)

2011-04-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

This is a special food in Kedah especially when it is wedding ceremony or breaking the fast. Really miss this curry.

Ingredients

500 g young banana trunk (the deepest content) - cut it in the size of 5cm
1 kg meat(cut small)
500 ml coconut milk
10 pieces curry leaf
2 cinnamons sticks
2 star anise
10ml tamarind paste
cooking oil
salt, sugar
MSG (additional)

Ingredients A

2 packets curry powder meat
a glass of water
2 tablespoon chili paste

Ingredients B

4 red onion (grind)
6 garlic (fine it grind)
1 inch of ginger(grind)

Method

Heat oil in the pan. Add the grind ingredients (Ingredients B) with curry leaf, cinnamon sticks, star anise. Stir Ingredients A beside and then put it into the pan. Cook until become greasy.
Insert coconut milk, meat and young banana junk. Let all of it boil up. Add tamarind paste, salt, sugar and MSG(optional). Wait for a minute. Then serve.

Budu and Cincalok

2011-03-19T04:22:00.000-07:00

Budu (Malay language) is a fish sauce and one of the best known fermented seafood products in Kelantan, Malaysia as well as Southern Thailand.

History

It is traditionally made by mixing anchovy and salt in the range of ratio of 2:1 to 6:1 and allow to ferment for 140 to 200 days. It is used as a flavoring and is normally taken with fish, rice and raw vegetables.

It is similar to the patis in Philippines, ketjap-ikan in Indonesia, ngapi in Burma, nuoc mam in Vietnam, ishiru or shottsuru in Japan, colombo-cure in India and Pakistan, yeesu in China and aekjeot in Korea.

The fish product is the result of hydrolysis of fish and microbial proteases. The flavor and aroma of Budu are produced by the action of proteolytic microorganisms surviving during the fermentation process. Palm sugar and tamarind are usually added to promote the browning reaction occur and resulting in dark brown color. The ratio of fish to salt plays an important key in the final desired product. The different concentration of salt influences the microbial and enzymatic activity, resulting in different flavors. The microorganisms found during Budu production are generally classified as halophilic.[1] The microorganisms play important roles in protein degradation and flavor-aroma development.

It is a traditional condiment in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the state of Kelantan. Even ethnic Chinese in Kelantan are involved in Budu production.[2] It is high in protein and uric acid content, thus not recommended for people with gout condition.

New product Budu Super Tengik range have been developed, mainly in powdered forms. It is under development by Politeknik Kota Bharu (PKB) student.[3]

Budu which was made from anchovy sauce have shown potensial as anti-cancer.

Cincalok

Cincalok (or Chinchalok/Cencaluk) is a Malaccan food (see Cuisine of Malaysia) made of fermented small shrimps or krill. It is usually served as a condiment together with chillis, shallots and lime juice. It is similar to Bagoong Alamang (see shrimp paste) in the Philippines.

In Melaka, the shrimp is called udang geragau. The shrimp in the pinkish coloured cincalok are readily identifiable and the taste is salty. This shrimp is available in particular season in Pantai Klebang, Limbongan, Tanjung Kling and several coastal areas.

The process of making cincalok requires several steps to create a product of high quality with a pleasing texture when consumed. Fresh small prawns (udang geragau) are added with salt and rice in equal proportions. After the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, it will be sealed in a jar and allowed to ferment for three days. There are also cincalok makers who increase the proportion of rice in the mixture believing it to enhance the taste of the finished product.

Cencaluk, the Traditional Food

Few weeks ago, my neighbour gave us one container of this local food called 'cencaluk'. I am actually quite fond of this sour+spicy+sweet taste of food. The taste of it actually depends on how you mix the ingredients together.

From wikepedia, this food is a traditional food in Malacca. It is made of small prawn that we called 'udang geragau'. I don't know what is the prawn called in English. *wink* For those who is looking for protein diet food, you can include this food into your diet plan.

How to make 'cencaluk'? Well, wikipedia has it all.....

For me, I would usually eat 'cencaluk' my way. The already make 'cencaluk' will mixed with red onions, chillie and lime. Then, eat it will cucumber. Yummy!!

If you are new comers here, don't miss this out! This is one of my favourite food. I can eat this with rice and there's no need for other dish. Hehehehe.....

Homestay Malaysia

2010-06-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Homestay is a form of accommodation where the tourist can live with the chosen host family and has the opportunity to interact as well as experience the daily way of life of the family and culture directly.


	The Homestay Programme was introduced by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia in 1988 as an effort to diversify the tourism products through the provision of an alternative accommodation for tourists. This programme was officially launched in 1995 at several locations including Desa Murni, Kerdau, Temerloh, Pahang, by the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. This programme falls under the Rural Tourism Master Plan which was developed to encourage the participation of rural community in the tourism sector.

Through this programme, tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy a relatively cheap vacation that is different. It gives the opportunity for the tourists to stay with a host family that participates in this programme, and experience how the host family members live their daily lives thus enhancing their knowledge on the life style and culture of local residents at the destinations that they visit.
	The Homestay Programme is an alternative tourism product that has the potential to attract tourists since there is a marked increase in the demand by the international tourists for tourism that has the characteristics of increasing knowledge, including observing, experiencing, and learning the way of life of the local residents at the destinations that they visit.
In addition to being an alternative tourism product that offers a vacation with a relatively low cost to the tourists, the Homestay Programme is also a strategy taken by the government to improve and develop the standard of living of the rural community through their involvement in the planning and development of tourism. Therefore, the Homestay Programme can also be considered to be a community project that can instil unity among its members and at the same time drive toward the advancement of the community.

Homestay list by state

	JOHOR
	KEDAH
	KELANTAN
	LANGKAWI, KEDAH
	MELAKA
	NEGERI SEMBILAN
	PAHANG
	PERAK
	PERLIS
	PULAU PINANG
	SABAH
	SARAWAK
	SELANGOR
	TERENGGANU
	WILAYAH PESEKUTUAN LABUAN

how to play gasing?

2010-06-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

1#the equipment:a gasing and *lepo..

2#checking the balance

3#make sure ur *lepo is oiled

4#lilik gasing

5#get into pos

6#and throw

7#here come the hard hard...capturing..and put it on *lepo

8#lubricating *lepo.lessen then friction

9#whos the longest spinner?

playing gasing is one of my fav altough i cant really play it....there is one rule u should know before taking pic of gasing player....it is wise not to take their pic without them wearing a samping or setangan...and playing this kind of gasing need more than two people to operate...cooperaton is the key of succes..in another word.team work..

Onde-onde (Ondeh-ondeh)

2010-01-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

250 g Glutinous Rice Flour
200 ml Pandan Juice
150 g Gula Melaka (Palm Sugar), finely chopped
100 g Grated Coconut
A Pinch Of Sea Salt

Method:

In a large bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with Pandan juice and knead lightly. Pinch a small piece of the dough (about 40 g) and drop it into boiling water. When the dough rises up the surface, remove it with a slotted spoon and shake off the excess water. Mix it back into the main dough and knead well to form smooth dough. Cover the dough and set aside for about 15 minutes.

Mix the grated coconut with a pinch of salt and steam for about 2 – 3 minutes and let it cool completely.

Bring a pot of water to boil. Pinch a small piece of dough (about 15 g each) and flatten lightly. Fill the center of the dough with palm sugar. Roll them in your palm to form a smooth ball and cook the glutinous rice balls in the boiling water. When the rice balls float to the surface, remove them with a slotted spoon and shake off the excess water.

Coat the rice balls with grated coconut and serve immediately.

Cook’s Note:

To make the Pandan Juice. Blend 10 Pandan leaves with 220 ml water.

Sweet and sour fish

2009-12-26T06:38:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

* 1 large fish such as lapu-lapu or tilapia

* 1 large onion, sliced

* 1 each of red and green bell pepper, julienned

* 4 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons ginger, julienned

1 cup vinegar

1 tablespoon salt

3 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon MSG or vetsin

1 cup cooking oil

* 1 carrot, sliced (optional only)

Instructions

1. Clean the fish and rub with salt and vetsin.
2. In a frying pan, heat the oil and fry the fish until golden brown.
3. Place the fish in a serving dish and set aside.
4. Remove the used oil from the pan and put in about 1 tablespoon of fresh oil.
5. Saute the garlic, ginger, and onion.
6. Add the bell peppers and saute until half-cooked.
7. Put this mixture on top of the fish in the serving dish.
8. Return the pan to the heat and put the vinegar, salt and sugar.
9. Bring to a boil and thicken with the dissolved cornstarch.
10. Pour this sauce over the fish and serve immediately.

Plus-sized murtabak draws the crowd

2009-12-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

KOTA BARU: A stall selling its very own king-sized murtabak – aptly named the “Royal Murtabak” – has been the focus of many during the fasting month here.

A long line of people is seen crowding the stall hours before the breaking of fast every day to buy the plus-sized delicacies.

Hawker Nik Faizah Nik Ab Rahman, 53, has been making and selling the extra big murtabak since 1995.

“I learned how to make murtabak from my mother who named it the Royal Murtabak,” she said.

Her mother had named the delicacy – dough wrapped in meat – the Royal Murtabak in the 1970s after the then Sultan of Kelantan Al-Marhum Tuanku Yahya Petra suggested it to her when dining at her stall.

Nik Faizah, who has three children, began learning the art of making the jumbo-sized murtabak at the age of 15.

Later, she took over her mother’s stall along Jalan Merbau here and made it a speciality for those breaking fast.

Sold at RM11 per piece, the response is so good, thanks to the double chunks of pastry and meat, rolled in with eggs, a secret recipe of spices, and a large serving of onions which her customers love.

Nik Faizah said that during the non-fasting period, she sells about 80 pieces daily but once Ramadan begins, sale of the delicacy would increase to 300 pieces daily.

Malaysian Chicken Curry with Roti Canai

2009-12-13T05:40:00.000-08:00

I came across the Chicken Curry Recipe on Seasaltwithfood, another talented cook from Malaysia. I always like the drier version of Malaysian chicken curry. Without hesitation, I printed the recipe and made this curry for dinner.

Malaysian Curry Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

2 Chicken Breast (about 650 to 700 g) Bone In, cut into smaller pieces
4 Medium Yellow Wax Potatoes
6 Large Eggs, boiled
60 g Chicken Curry Powder
10 g Chili Powder
2 Sprigs Fresh Curry Leaves
1 Medium Yellow Onion, chopped
1 Can (400 ml) Coconut Milk
1 1/2 Cup Water
5 Tbsp Of Peanut Oil
Salt To Taste

Method

Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and marinate with 1 Tbsp of curry powder.
Marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Boil the eggs, cool and shelled.
Then boil the potatoes until they are cooked but still firm. Peel and quarter.
In a heavy pot, heat the oil and add the chopped yellow onion, together with the curry leaves. Cook until the onions are lightly brown.
Add the curry and chili powder. Cook until they are fragrant.
Mix in the marinated chicken and cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is almost cooked.
Add the coconut milk with 1 1/2 cups of water.
Bring the curry sauce to a boil and then lower the heat and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes.
Then, add the eggs and potatoes and cook further, for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Season the curry with sea salt and serve warm or at room temperature.

The curry turned out to be marvelous. I have to warn you that the 10g of chili powder is a killer. If you can't take the heat, I strongly advise you to reduce it by half or omit it.

You should also use the Malaysian curry powder available from Asian grocery stores (not the kind from the supermarket shelf) as it uses a different blend of spices and gives you the distinct taste.

I serve it with Roti Canai (it's called Roti Paratha in Singapore) which is a type of flat bread found in Malaysia, often sold in Mamak stalls (Food stalls own by Indian Muslims). Most of us don't have the skill to make Roti Canai. We usually purchase the frozen packets (I use Kawan brand) from Asian grocery stores and pan fry them.

If you wish to take up the challenge to make Roti Canai at home. Here is the link to the recipe and video on how to make Roti Canai:

Curry laksa

2009-12-06T00:37:00.000-08:00

Laksa is almost everywhere available. Basically there are two types of laksa: curry laksa (curry mee) and assam laksa. The curry laksa is served in a coconut curry soup while assam laksa refers to noodles served in a sour fish soup. The noodles used are thick though thin noodles (bee hoon) are used too.

Spicy or not? Laksa for sure is one of the more spicy dishes you will find in Malaysia. In general of all Malaysian food, I found the Malay laksa spicier then the Chinese laksa. The assam laksa, with it's sour fish has a distinct different taste then anything else with the exception maybe of the Tom Yam soups you find in Malaysia and Thailand. Curry Mee is usually less spicy though you may have to ask for no sambal if you don't like it too spicy.

Curry laksa or curry mee

Curry laksa, or simply laksa in Malaysian food is a coconut based curry soup. Ingredients usually include tofu, fish, prawn and cockles. In Malaysia some hawkers sell chicken laksa, leaving the prawns. Laksa is usually spice also because it is served with sambal chili paste.

This kind of laksa is also known as curry mee in Penang while in other states people know it as curry laksa. The real difference is the kind of noodles used, thick white noodles in laksa mee while in curry mee they use the yellow noodles. Curry mee is one of my more favorite mee dishes and Mee Gerai Tzien Fatt in Sitiawan serves some of the very best curry mee in the surrounding of Pangkor and Lumut.

E-tour: Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), Taiping

2009-11-27T20:42:00.000-08:00

Where do we experience the natural beauty of forests in Peninsular Malaysia? Is it Genting Highlands? Is it Cameron Highlands? These are famous hillstations in Malaysia; however, commercialization and developments on these hilltops have severely "contaminated" the natural beauty of Malaysian forests found there. Casinos, theme parks, hotels, tea gardens, too predominant in the former two hill stations, have robbed both Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands of their most valuable asset, originality and naturalness, which were replaced by an entirely new identity. Though considered successful nowadays in Malaysia, one can really argue that they cannot compare at all with the alluring Maxwell Hill in Taiping, Perak.

Maxwell Hill is located in Taiping, Perak. The place itself had great lengths of history, comparable to the likes of the settlements in Jamestown. Taiping was the first key of British's interest in Malaya. The abundance of tin, much more than any place in the world at the time attracted British conquest of the territory. Being the first region where tin was discovered in Malaya, Taiping was the centerpoint of development. Like all other milestones of development in Taiping, the Maxwell Hill Station was the first in Malaya.

The British built bungalows on top of the hill to serve as a sanctuary to escape the blistering heat of the equatorial regions of Malaya, and thus, soon it became a popular holiday spot for the British officials. After Malaya gained independence, Maxwell Hill was not put in the blueprint of development due to several reasons. The first reason is that the roads to the hilltop were hard and impractical to built due to the terrain. Secondly, the emergence of other hill stations had shunned Maxwell Hill to the verge of isolation as well.

Perhaps this is a blessing a disguise, as this move preserved the natural beauty on top of the hill. Bungalows were preserved as they are during the British colonial era. The roads to the hilltop have not changed much since the colonial era. Even the transportation method to the hilltop has not changed either. Everything is just as it is in the past. One can relive history when you walk past the forests found on both sides of the road.

While not having casinos, theme parks and hotels to attract tourists, what does Maxwell Hill possess that gives itself the authentic identity? The answer lies in the preserved flora and fauna found along the trail to the hill top and to the hilltop itself. As the primary transportation is only by jeep, there is very few pollution done to the natural environment here. Also, there are less tourists compared to other hill stations, therefore the scars left by humans are almost nowhere to be seen.

Recent attractions also include the successful cultivation of tulips on the hilltop. Due to the unpolluted environment of Maxwell Hill, botanists have successfully cultivated tulips there.

Nevertheless, Maxwell Hill is also one of the victims of global warming. The temperature on top the hill is reported to be increasing year by year. This may severely disrupt the ecology on top the hill. Despite the fact, Maxwell Hill is a must-visit place. It may not receive publicity like the Grand Canyon, nor like the Amazon forests, but it is certainly on par with these powerhouses in terms of natural beauty.

NINE EMPEROR GOD FESTIVAL

COMMONWEALTH WAR CEMETERY

NEW CLUB

Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera

2009-10-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

Located 6km from George Town, Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) is one of the most popular destinations in Penang. Penang Hill is actually a complex of hills and spurs and the highest point is Western Hill which is 830 meters (2730ft) above sea level. Apart from the cool climate and the fantastic panoramic view of George Town, Tanjung Bungah and the mainland from the summit, you can also enjoy the picturesque colonial bungalows, a beautiful flower garden and a bird sanctuary. Some of the flora and fauna of Penang Hill are considered as endemic species, and are so rare that their existence is endangered.

The most convenient way up to Penang Hill is by means of a funicular railway in Air Itam (thereâ€™s not much places you be seeing such funicular railway system these days!). There is a tunnel which measures 258 feet long and 10 feet wide starting at steepness of 35 feet high, which is the steepest tunnel in the world.

The funicular train leaves every 30 minutes and can carry up to 80 passengers. One way ticket cost of RM4. It takes about half an hour to the top. The funicular train does not go straight to the summit and will pass several small stations, where the locals will alight. There are also some small hotels and guesthouses on this stretch. During holiday seasons, the wait for this ride can take as long as 1hr.

The alternative is to hike up. You will pass by several pit stops on your way to the summit. Some of the more famous pit stops at the mountain are 52 and 84, at these pit stops, the view of island is visible to hikers which are able to get some water, tea and coffee (you might even get biscuits if you are lucky) prepared by locals stationed on the hill; donâ€™t forget to drop some change into the box to help maintain the services for others. Pit stop 84 is the last one before reaching the top of Penang Hill, it will take you another 45 minutes from 84. There are a number of trail leading to different peaks as follows:

Moon Gate at Waterfall Road: 5.5km about 3 hours
About five minutes away from the Botanic Garden entrance. This trail takes you to Bukit Bendana and 84. The moon gate was once the main gate into the grounds of a colonial mansion aptly named “Yu Yi Yuan” (Yu Yi Garden). The mansion is now in ruins and lies just 15minutes walk from the gates, but its history is significant in the chronicles of the migrant Chinese in Penang.

Hye Keat Estate , Air Itam
This path takes trekkers through a connection of fruit and vegetable farms and forks off to 84 whilst the other veers off to the Middle Station. From the Middle Station, trekkers can opt to trek all the way up to the top of Penang Hill or hop onto to the funicular train all the way up or down.

Tiger Hill trail: 8km about 5 hours
This uphill climb starts from Air Itam , not far from the Kek Lok Si Temple. The trail heads up to the Air Itam Dam and then to Tiger Hill, ending at Summit Road. From the exit point at Summit Road, itâ€™s another 30min to Strawberry Hill. According to trekkers, this trail is worth the hard work trudging into valleys, passing by a farm, streams, jungle shrubbery and trees. Not much left of this on the island, it is a must do before it completely disappears.

Another way to go up the hill is by hiring a 4WD vehicle which is the least popular choice. Hotel Bellevue provides this service from RM70 to RM130 depending which part of the island are you from.

Locatrion: The station to get to the top is located in Air Itam. At Air Itam, you should come to a roundabout. One side leads to Kek Lok Si Temple and the other to Penang Hill.

Nasi Lemak at Rasa Malaysia

2009-10-06T04:20:00.000-07:00

One of the staple dishes of Malaysian cuisine, nasi lemak is rice steamed with coconut milk and served (usually) with hard-boiled eggs, tiny anchovies, sambal (chili paste), sliced cucumbers and (occasionally) fried chicken. It's often served for breakfast at Malaysian street stalls, or sold cold and wrapped up in banana leaves as a quick on-the-go lunch. Nasi lemak is eaten with your fingers, as is traditional in Malaysia - most restaurants have a tea pot full of cold water and a bucket for pre- and post-meal washing.

The rice is soft and moist and rich with coconut milk, the sambal pungeant with chili and prawn paste. Cucumbers add coolness, peanuts and tiny anchovies (called ikan bilis) add crunch. Check out this recipe, at Rasa Malaysia.

What Is Hari Raya Without Ketupat And Lemang

2009-10-06T04:14:00.001-07:00

The celebration for Aidilfitri - throughout this month of Syawal as Malaysians keep to their tradition of holding the Hari Raya open house.

At these functions, held either in residences, offices or hotels, the spread of food would undoubtedly have the 'compulsory delicacies' of ketupat and lemang.

For the Malays, the menu for their Hari Raya food offering would be devoid of the sparkle minus the presence of these two delicaies.

The senario is rather straightforward, as without ketupat and lemang, the plates of chicken and beef rendang as well as the serunding (dried spicy meat floss) on the dining tables would remain almost untouched with the absence of these two Hari Raya delicacies.

That is how synonimous ketupat and lemang with the Aidilfitri celebration..

KETUPAT, LEMANG

Lemang is a traditional Malay food made from glutinous rice and cooked in bamboo stick. The glutinous rice is mixed with coconut milk before compacted into a hollow bamboo stem.

A person needs to be skilled when doing this as to ensure that the right amount of rice is placed inside without it spilling over as the mix of of rice and coconut milk cooks and expands.

One also needs the necessary skill to roast the premix lemang over the fire for hours, to ensure that it cooks evenly. When cooked, the bamboo is split open and the cooked Lemang is taken out to cool. Once cooled, the lemang is sliced up and eaten with either the rendang or serunding.

Ketupat is a type of dumpling made from rice without any filling and very popular among the Malay community.

here are two types of ketupat -- 'ketupat daun palas' and 'ketupat nasi'.

A rather unique skill is also needed to weave the casings of these rice dumplings.

MONEY FROM MAKING LEMANG AND KETUPAT

Hence, those who have the skills to make lemang and ketupat are taking the opportunity to make these delicacies in the Syawal cheer due to demand from the public particularly organisers of the open house functions.

For lemang seller Salim Bakar, Syawal is the month of windfall for him.

"I started selling lemang one week before Hari Raya. The demand was good. Throughout Syawal I expected to sell about 100 sticks a day as many people have placed orders for their open house functions".

Salim sells his lemang at a wooden shack at the 5th mile of the Rawang-Batang Berjuntai road near here.

He sells a stick of lemang at RM8 each. That comes to a 'cool' RM800 a day.

Stalls and sheds selling lemang have sprouted in many parts of the Klang valley and the average price for a stick of lemang is RM8.

For former corporate man Datuk A. Ahmed, his Hari Raya celebration would not be complete without the lemang.

"It is a must for the Malays during Hari Raya as kuih bakul is to the Chinese during Chinese New Year," he said.

He said lemang is a traditional Malay food that originated from the Minangkabau community.

"Lemang or lamang is associated with the identity of Negeri Sembilan," he said.

PRICEY BUT NOT NECESSARY TASTY

For Rohaya Harun, a clerk in the private sector, she exercise some caution when buying lemang from the roadside stalls on the fear of bringing home lemang that was undercooked, either too soft or too hard, and cooked unevenly.

Usually she would pick the lemang of her choice from the same stalls over the years.

"Some of those in the lemang trade are not the experts on this delicacy as they cook it for only once or twice a year hence the lemang is cooked not the right way.

"What a waste would it be then, when the lemang bought is expensive but does not taste good for the palate," she said.

As for ketupat, those not skilled in making the ketupat casings would choose to simply boil the instant 'nasi impit' (compacted rice) or 'pulut' (glutinous rice).

However for the rather 'sentimental person' who thinks that ketupat is irreplaceble, he would opt to buy the ready-made ketupat casings from the market or even hypermarkets despite the high price of the item.

"The originality is always the preferred choice,' according to them.

WHY NOT LEARN MAKING KETUPAT, LEMANG?

For those not skilled in weaving the ketupat casings, they should try learning the skill during their spare time as instant nasi impit can never replace the ketupat.

The same with lemang. Some spare ground in your neighbourhood can be used to roast the lemang sticks. After all, the practice of preparing the lemang mix and roasting it over a fire is sure to enhance ties among family members and neighbours during the Aidilfitri celebration.

Welcome To Terengganu

2009-09-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Kite flying is a popular traditional pastime in Terengganu, especially during harvest time. Apart from the performance and appearance, the sound it makes when flying is considered important as well.

There are various types of kites such as wau kuching (cat kite), wau merak (peacock kite), and wau bulan (moon kite). Each kite also comes with a different design and size. The mark of a good kite is one that rises quickly and remains flying, no matter what the whims of the wind may be.

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.

The ulek mayang is a pre-Islamic religious trance dance accompanied by singing and music in Terengganu, originating from an unknown nearby island in which the Malay orchestra, comprising drums, gong, violin and accordian is used (Shafiee Ahmad 1992).

Tarian Ulek Mayang is another worshiping dance in the Malay dances. The dancing always begins with a person who is suffering from illness either when he catches fish, in the paddy field or any other daily activities in the society.

The patient will then healed by a bomoh, a traditional Malay doctor in the traditional way. Seven actors beautifully dressed represent the 7 princesses who come to visit the patient when the bomoh is treating him. Kemayan will be burnt together with chanting of pantun and dancing through the whole performance. Sometimes the rebab and seruling are also used to accompany the singing which is in the form of rhymes and poems

Although Tarian Ulek Mayang was once a folk ritual ceremonial in the Malay society, with its gentle and graceful movement, it has become one of the beautiful traditional dancing in Terengganu culture.

Tarian
Anak Burung Baniong

Tarian
Ulek Mayang

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Gamelan

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Ulek Serkap/Tarian Balai

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Welcome To Johor

2009-09-03T00:27:00.000-07:00

OHOR - The most Southern tip of the Continent of Asia. Unforgettably beautiful with enormous rainforests dripping with parasite vines competing for sunlight and islands with coral gardens....

This Portal is an e-magazine guide for everyone who wants to know more about Johor. Comprises detailed business listings for business travelers and exhibitors, tourists attractions and events throughout the year. There are also links to URLs of many business sites like hotels, car rental, restaurants, etc.

In order to give you a better understanding of Johor state, there are many interesting and colorful photos for your viewing.


	JOHOR AT A GLANCE


	PLACES OF INTEREST

NATURE AT ITS BEST

	Horse Ridding & Recreation	Ostrich Farm	Crocodile Farm	Fruit Farm


	Birds

ARTS, CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

	Malay	Chinese	Indian	Others

MISCELLANEOUS

	Sunset	Orchids	Golf Haven	Ferries & Boats


	Nature & Landscape	Triathlon	Flowers

Burmese Temple Penang

2009-08-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Dhammikarama Burmese temple in Penang is one of the oldest temples in Penang. It was founded in 1803 and today it's the largest Theravada Buddhist Temple in Malaysia. Today it is one of the highlights in visiting Gurney Drive, some say: the heartbeat of Penang.

This place of worship was purchased from George Layton for 390 Spanish dollars. The complex contains a historical pagoda, a temple well and a Sima hall (prayer hall).

The temple is presently managed by the Seventh Chief Monk tp facilitate and complement the practice of Buddhism. The temple has a main shrine hall, Sima Hall, dining hall, monk quarters, preceptees lodge, Sunday school classrooms, a library and a lecture hall.
The temple has a beautiful garden around the temple well. Inside the temple you find some awesome woodcarving (priceless teak wood) on the ceilings and along the pillars and behind the 16 standing images of the Buddha.

The central standing Buddha is 8.2 meters high. At the moment the standing Buddha receives a new layer of paper gold leaves. The process is almost finished as one monk explained me.

The gold on the Buddha is a mix of copper and 30% gold.

Behind the standing Buddha are, as said, 16 standing Buddha's. These statues are donations from 16 different Buddhist countries including Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and even Afghanistan.

Some of the 16 statues behind the main Standing Buddha

The hall which is dominated by the Standing Buddha is surprisingly cool and has almost all over gorgeous teak wood carving (this alone is worth a visit).

On the right right of the hall is a small Buddha statue, now taken to the front of its home. The Buddha statue is more then 200 years. Inside the shrine the original resting place is now so soaked that the statue may fall and break. The good thing is that visitors can have a much better view of the old statue.

Behind the temple is the temple well and a small beautiful park with a pond. In the middle of the pond you will find a small shrine with a Buddha statue.

The scenery radiates peace and tranquility and it is not for nothing this place is well visited.

The temple hall in the back is maybe less impressive in architecture, the main Buddha statue is strangely beautiful. I believe it's a female and if its not, then it's close enough. Again the peacefulness is only disturbed by a bell once in a while and the whispering of people.

The Burmese Temple in Penang is worth a visit, even if you have seen your share of temples in Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) or Malaysia. Although the name suggest different, the temple is a mixture of Burmese, Thai and Chinese elements. Not for nothing this old (though not the oldest) temple is one the Penang heritage list and although the temple is a major tourist attraction, it is also still in functional use. Highly recommended.

See the map of Penang for location details

Back to the top of Burmese temple Penang

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Malaysian Music

2009-08-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

As in dance, music in modern Malaysia is divided into traditional and western types. Traditional music is usually associated with the traditional theatre forms such as Mak Yong, Wayang Kulit, Joget Gamelan, Hadrah, Dabus, Kuda Kepang, Gendang Kling, Mek Mulung, and a host of other minor entertainment activities. This type of music is based on either the pentatonic 5-tone or heptatonic 7-tone scales; and is performed mainly by percussion-dominated ensembles which include combinations of three types of instruments, namely the:

Aerophone (wind instruments), such as the serunai, pinai, seruling and selumprit flutes.

Membranophone (drum-sounds produced by membrane-covered musical instruments) such as the gendang, geduk, gedombak, rebana, kompang, tar and jidor drums.

Idiophone (percussion instruments of fixed immovable surface), such as gong, kesi, canag, saron, kenong, gambang kayu, bonang, etc; and

Chordophone (string instruments), such as the rebab.

Traditional music reached its zenith during the Melaka Sultanate (1411-1511) when it was an integral part of the ritualistic and secular entertainment of both court and folk life. Thenceforth, the various royal courts in Peninsular Malaysia maintained their own dance and music troupes. The common people, too, developed their respective forms of folk music.

When the British gained complete political, administrative and economic control of the country (1905-1957), they established their own educational system through which western music - namely Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin, was introduced first to the Malay aristocracy, and later filtered down to the masses.

In post-Independence Malaysia, the movies, especially Broadway musicals, also had a hand in popularising western music. Malay movies followed suit with songs of Malay flavour based on western tempered scale and arrangement. The songs of the late Malay movie legend P. Ramlee bear testimony to this fact.

A great majority of the present-day local recording artistes, such as Fauziah Latiff, Ella, Search and Wings, while singing Malay lyrics actually imitate their western counterparts as far as melodic structure and arrangement are concerned. Some, like Zainal Abidin, M. Nasir and Sheqal, try to blend eastern and western music, and do come up with an interesting new sound.

However, despite the onslaught of this foreign influence and inroads by television and video entertainment, traditional music in Malaysia still survive and flourish in a wide variety of forms. It is performed during ceremonial occasions, and as an accompaniment to dance and drama for entertainment. Dance and drama themselves are of course closely related to music.

The instruments are all laid out ... Bring in the musicians.

The basic element in traditional music is the drum (gendang), of which there are at least 14 types, four of which are beaten without the accompaniment of any other musical instrument. These are the rebana besar, rebana ubi, kompang and tar.

The nobat is a special royal orchestra consisting of usually four or five members, using the flute, trumpet, gong and drums; and only performed during state ceremonies. There are four such orchestras in the Peninsular at present, the oldest in Kedah, and the others in Terengganu, Perak and Johor. The number of musical instruments in the nobat varies from one group to another. However, there are five basic instruments which include the:

Nafiri - the royal trumpet
Serunai - the flute
Gendang nobat besar - the main drum
Gendang nobat kecil - the double-sided drum
Gendang negara - the one-sided drum

There are certain traditional steps or requirements observed when the nobat is to be performed. It can only be performed for the Sultan, the Crown Prince, the Bendahara and the Temenggong. The most important use of the nobat is during the coronation of the Sultan, where it is believed that he will not be accepted as the ruler unless the nobat is played.

The rebab is a type of three-stringed violin played in the Mak Yong dance-drama. Other musical instruments played during the Mak Yong performance are the gendang and gong. There is also singing involved in the Mak Yong, both solo and in a group. There are more than 30 types of Mak Yong songs, among them the Pakyung Muda, Kijang Mas, Sedayung and Sedayung Mak Yong.

The Wayang Kulit music is another type of music popular in the Malay community. Music is very important in the performance of the wayang kulit because it enhances the story by making it more interesting and entertaining. The wayang kulit orchestra usually consists of 12 instruments, the most important being the flute (serunai).

There is also music that accompanies traditional dances such as Tarian Asyik and other Malay folk dances. Gamelan music is a form of traditional music widely performed in Malaysia during ceremonial occasions. The instruments used include gongs, xylophones and a cylindrical drum.

There are also various forms of traditional music in Sabah and Sarawak. The Kadazans and Dayaks also like to play the gong. There are four types of gongs mainly the Tawag-tawag, cenang, gong agung and tenukol. There are also many types of flutes made from bamboo. The Kadazans play a two-stringed guitar called sundalang; and the sumputon, a trumpet-like instrument made from pumpkin and bamboo.

Welcome To Ipoh

2009-08-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

Interested to find out the most fascinating Perak attractions? Ready to be amazed by the natural beauty of Perak? If so, then let me have the pleasure to be your humble travel guide to Perak, or often referred to as "The Land of Grace" for its laid back, timeless beauty.

Perak, also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Ridzuan is situated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia between Kedah in the North and Selangor to the South. The state is divided into 9 districts with Ipoh as its state capital and business and administration centre.

Perak, which means Silver in Malay, derived its name from the silvery tin ore. This state is renowned for its rich tin deposits, scenic places, and historical and cultural heritage.

Before introducing you to some of the most fascinating Perak attractions, let me give you a brief introduction to the history of Perak.

The Perak Sultanate, is actually an extension of the Melaka Sultanate. After Melaka fell into the hands of the Portuguese, Sultan Muzaffar Shah the eldest son of the last Sultan of Melaka established his own dynasty in the state of Perak.

Due to its rich tin deposit, Perak has always been under threat by outside forces. In 1641, the Dutch attempted to establish a monopoly of the tin trade in Perak by building forts on Pangkor Island and at the estuary of the Perak River. These attempts, however, failed.

In the 18th century, Perak faced threats from the Bugis and the Siamese (Thais). With the help of the British, Perak was saved from Siam domination in the 1820s.

The discovery of tin by Long Jaaffar resulted in an influx of Chinese immigrants who came to work in the tin mines here in Perak and in 1896, Perak became one of the four states that formed the Federated Malay States under the British.

There are many amazingly beautiful and unique places to visit in Perak. So, sit back, relax and let's explore some of the Perak attractions together.

Perak is famous for its cave temples. One of the most famous cave temple found here is the Sam Poh Tong temple situated in Gunung Rapat (Mount Rapat), about 5km south of the Ipoh. It is said to be the biggest cave temple in the country.

This temple is really an impressive work of art with various statues of Buddha interspersed among the stalactites and stalagmites.

The walls of this cave are filled with paintings of Chinese gods, deities and the Buddha. Stepping into the cave creates a sense of awe and admiration for the amazing works of art that are found here.

According to legend, this cave was discovered in 1890 by a monk from China. He happened to pass by Ipoh and when he saw the beautiful caves around the area, he decided to make this cave his home and a place for meditation. He remained here for 20 years until his death. Today, nuns and monks who dedicate their lives to studying Buddhism occupy the Sam Poh Tong.

Besides the cave temples, one of the Perak attractions worth mentioning here is the Ipoh Railway Station. It is located at Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang.

This railway station is famous for its Moorish and Victorian architecture. In fact, its splendour has earned it the title "The Taj Mahal of Ipoh".

The railway station is surrounded by a beautiful floral garden which is simply charming and beautiful. The charm of the railway station and its beautiful surroundings was what earned it its chance to be one of the shooting locations of the Hollywood remake of Anna and the King, starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yuen Fatt.

One of the most interesting Perak attractions is Kellie's Castle which is located about 40 km away from Ipoh, on the outskirts of a small town called Batu Gajah.

This castle was meant to be a home away from home for Scottish Planter, William Kellie Smith in the 20th century.

Some say he built this castle because, being far from home, he desired his new residence to be reminiscent of his home back in Scotland and some even say this castle was built as a castle of love for his wife Agnes, whom he brought to Perak somewhere around 1903.

Work on the castle started in 1915, but was unfortunately halted a few years later with Kellie's sudden death due to pneumonia and because of that, this castle was never completed. The castle, with hidden rooms and a secret tunnel, is a building filled with mysteries and stories of romance.

Another tourist attraction here in Perak is the Teluk Intan Leaning Tower. This leaning tower is situated in Teluk Intan, which is a transit town for those who travel from Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor Island using the coastal route.

The leaning tower was constructed in 1885 and stands at 25.2 metres high. It started to tilt four years after its completion due to an underground stream. On top of this tower is a clock, which, up till today still rings every 15 minutes.

This pagoda like 8-storey building was originally used as a water storage tower to supply water to the town area.

Today, the leaning tower no longer stores water and has become a prominent landmark and a major tourist attraction in Teluk Intan.

Some of you may be wondering, is there all there is to see in Perak? Old buildings, Castles, Cave Temples...Of course not!

Perak is home to the only water theme park in the North of Peninsular Malaysia, the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort. This water theme park is located near the Bukit Merah Interchange along the North-South Expressway.

Within the resort, there is an excellent hotel, entertainment facilities, restaurants, shops, boat facilities, a water theme park and an eco-park. What's more interesting about this theme park is that there is an island within the lake where orang utans can be seen.

The travel destinations stated above are just some of the many many tourist attractions found here in Perak. Since it would be impossible to share with you all the amazing perak attractions on this single page, I will start (and constantly update) a new section on this page specially dedicated to the most amazing and interesting Perak attractions. So, do check back often!

I hope you enjoyed reading about the tourist attractions in Perak as much as I have enjoyed writing it. And by the way, if you are planning a trip to Perak, or have already decided to visit Perak, it would be helpful to have a Perak Map (requires pdf reader) to make your traveling easier. An Ipoh map (requires pdf reader) would also come in handy if you plan to visit Ipoh, the capital of Perak.

Welcome To Kelantan

2009-08-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

Kelantan Darul Naim
The Cradle of Malay Culture

Kelantan Darul Naim, or simply known as Kelantan, is one of the most interesting states in Malaysia. The Arabic honorific, "Darul Naim" meaning "The Beautiful Abode" in English, perfectly describes Kelantan, as this state is indeed beautiful and rich in cultural heritage.

I remember when I was young, during the festive seasons, my dad would bring the whole family back to his hometown in Kota Bharu, Kelantan (Kota Bharu is the capital of Kelantan) to visit my grandma and my relatives.

Being brought up as a city kid, and being used to the fast-paced, interesting, exciting city life, I really disliked going back. The slow pace, the old wooden houses that my grandma used to live in, the culture, the language (Kelantanese have their own slang when they speak the Malay Language, it's hardly discernible for people who only speak the normal Malay Language)... in short, I disliked almost everything (except the food of course) in Kelantan. What choice did I have...but to follow my parents back every year?

It was not until many many years later, when my business required me to travel back to Kelantan almost twice every month that I started to grow fond of this place. I began to appreciate the beauty, culture and uniqueness of this intriguing state.

Now, I'm not saying that I absolutely LOVE this place. All I'm saying is that if someone were to ask me for my recommendation of the places to visit in Malaysia, Kelantan would definitely be among the top 3 places that I would recommend.

With a mixture of influence from various places (due to the fact that Kelantan shares borders with Thailand in the north, Perak in the West, Terengganu in the South-east and Pahang in the South), it is not surprising to find strong Thai influence here in the local cuisine and architecture. And with all these influences, I would say that Kelantan Darul Naim is the richest state in Malaysia where culture and tradition is concerned.

There are so many interesting places to visit and so many interesting things to see in Kelantan Darul Naim. With its kite (Wau) flying competitions, top (Gasing) spinning activities and puppet shadow plays (Wayang Kulit), a visit to Kelantan Darul Naim will definitely leave you intrigued.

Now, allow me to share with you some interesting places to visit in Kelantan. I will not go into the minute details of these places that I'm about to share with you. I'll leave that for another section on this page. This new section that I'll be adding in will be constantly updated with the latest and most interesting places to Visit in Kelantan.

Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing about it!

One of the most interesting places to travel to in Kelantan is the Siti Khadijah Market. This market is named after Prophet Muhammad's entrepreneurial wife.

I personally think that a good way to get to know a Malaysian town is to visit its markets. That's where you'll see all the bustling activities of bargaining, the sounds of laughter and the occasional sounds of shouting by the vendors to promote their goods.

When you're here, it's interesting to note that the majority of traders here are women and they are very entrepreneurial.

This market has something for everyone. Vegetables, local delicacies, traditional pastries (kuih-muih), fresh tropical fruits, dried food items such as fish crackers, salted fish, meat floss and a selection of local crafts can be found at this bustling market.

Another interesting place to visit when you're in Kelantan is the Cultural Centre. Known locally as the "Gelanggang Seni", The Cultural Centre is a veritable showcase of the state's rich cultural heritage.

Visitors who visit the centre will be treated to activities such as kite (Wau) flying, top (Gasing) spinning competitions, puppet shadow plays (Wayang Kulit), and traditional Malay dance and band performances.

A visit to the Cultural Centre is definitely the best and easiest way to see many of the arts that are dying out elsewhere in Malaysia.

Although Kelantan Darul Naim is predominantly made up of Malays and is considered the most Islamic state in Malaysia, it is surprising to know that Kelantan is home to quite a number of Buddhist temples (I don't know about you, but being a Malaysian, I was very very surprised to find out there were so many temples here). In fact some of the most beautiful temples in Malaysia are located here.

One of the most amazing temples in Kelantan is situated in Cabang Empat. Known as the "Wat Photivihan" Buddhist Temple, it houses a 40m long statue of a Reclining Buddha (also known as the Sleeping Buddha among the locals). It is believed to be the second longest reclining Buddha in the world and the longest in Southeast Asia.

Other ornate Buddhist temples are "Wat Machimmaram", boasting one of Southeast Asia's largest statue of the Sitting Buddha and "Wat Mai Suvankhiri", featuring a huge Dragon Boat.

Kelantan is also home to the many beautiful beaches of Malaysia. One of the most famous beaches in Kelantan is the "Pantai Cahaya Bulan" (Moonlight beach). This beach used to be known as "Pantai Cinta Berahi", when translated would mean the Beach of Passionate Love. They changed the name of the beach a few years back. (I don't know why...perhaps it's not appropriate to be too passionately in love when you're on the beach?)

he route to this beach is dotted with vibrant and colourful cottage industries that produce Batik, Songket, Giant Kites known as Wau and other local crafts.

One of the things you can't miss when you're in Kelantan is the food here. The local delicacies here are unique and special to this State.

Foods such as Nasi Dagang, Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Tumpang, Nasi Berlauk, Kau-Jam and Laksa Kelantan (pronounced "lakso") are "MUST-TRYs!" And if you like Thai food, you could always go to the border town of Tumpat for some unbelievably sour and spicy Tom Yam (thinking about it makes me salivate).

Looking back, I'd have to admit that I really did not know how to appreciate the beauty, culture and serenity of this slow-paced but relaxing place.

I have barely touched the surface of the places to visit in this amazing, intriguing state. But as I have mentioned earlier, I will start (and constantly update) a section on this page specially dedicated to the best places to visit and the unique foods to savor in Kelantan Darul Naim.

If you have already decided to travel to Kelantan Darul Naim, I would suggest that you download the Kelantan Darul Naim Map and the Kelantan - Kota Bharu Map (requires pdf reader) to make your traveling easier.

Welcome To Penang

2009-08-18T06:38:00.001-07:00

The Most Fascinating
Penang Travel Spots & Tourist Attractions

Want to find out the most fascinating Penang travel spots and tourist attractions? Sure! Always a pleasure to share with you. Let me be your travel guide to Penang for the next few minutes (hopefully this will extend to a few hours in the future as I work to continuously update this page with the latest happenings covering everything about Penang!). But before that, let me just share with you some background information about this beautiful state called Penang.

Penang (also known as Pulau Pinang in the Malay language) is a state located on the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Situated in the Straits of Malacca, it is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis. The capital of Penang, George Town, is the third largest city in Malaysia and has a population exceeding 1.47 million people. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite.

Penang is also known as "The Pearl of the Orient" and is famous for its traditions and customs that have been passed down through many many generations. From traditional villas to the simple yet elegant shop-houses of the yesteryears, the state is rich with its architectural heritage.

The following are some of the most fascinating Penang travel spots and tourist attractions I will be sharing with you. I will give you a brief introduction to these travel spots but will not go into the details of it.

The reason is because there are simply too many fascinating travel spots in Penang to cover in detail on this one page. However, I will start (and continuously update) a section specially dedicated to these fascinating tourist attractions. That's where I'll provide you with all the details of those beautiful places.

So, hope you can sit back, relax and enjoy reading this short introduction to some beautiful Penang Travel Spots.

The most prominent landmark in Penang is the Penang Bridge. It is the fourth longest bridge in the world, stretching over 13.5km.

This impressive structure which stands magnificently across the glittering, blue sea links the Penang Island with the peninsular.

When you look at it from a distance, you can't help but feel a sense of awe for this magnificent structure. The beauty and splendor of this bridge is simply Amazing. I have only 2 words to describe this bridge...Truly Fascinating!

Penang is home to some of Malaysia's most beautiful temples. Among them are the Kek Lok Si Temple, the Reclining Buddha (Wat Chaiyamangkalaran Temple, the Dharmikarama Burmese Temple and the Tua Pek Kong Temple.

Of all the temples mentioned, the one that I personally like most is the Kek Lok Si Temple. This temple is Malaysia's largest Chinese Buddhist Temple. It is also one of the largest and the grandest Buddhist Temple in South East Asia. The thing that truly captivated me was the 7-storey, 30 meter tall pagoda found here. Inside the pagoda are 10,000 Buddha images and because of that, this temple is also known as the "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas".

The climb up to the top of the pagoda can be quite tiring, but it 's definitely worth it as you would be able to capture the splendid panoramic view of Penang.

Another tourist attraction in Penang worth seeing is the Fort Cornwallis. This was the place where Francis Light first set foot on when he arrived at Penang Island in the year 1786. An interesting artifact of the fort is an old Dutch cannon, called the Seri Rambai.

Made in 1603, locals believe it possesses magical powers. It is said that by placing flowers in the barrel of the cannon and by offering special prayers, infertile women would be able conceive. How true this is, I do not know. But it's definitely worth giving it a try if you're trying to conceive!

Besides being a popular tourist destination, Penang is also a food haven! You can find a great variety of food in Penang. It is often said that Penangites don't eat to live, but live to eat! Hawker stalls, of which Penang is famous for, can be found almost anywhere on the island.

Locals delicacies such as the Penang Char Kueh Teow, Penang Asam Laksa, Rojak and Lok-lok are definitely "Must-Trys" when you're in Penang.

There are just too many amazing Penang Travel spots to cover, it's almost impossible to cover all of them in detail on this one page. But as I promised you earlier, I will start and continuously update a special section dedicated to the best Penang travel destinations very soon.

Hope you check back often!

If you have already decided to visit Penang, you would definitely need a map to make your traveling easier. Please Click Here for the "Penang Travel" map and Click here for the "Penang-Georgetown Travel" map (requires pdf reader).

If you don't want to go through the hassles of painstakingly planning your visit to Penang, you could actually join the Penang City Tour. This would definitely save you the trouble of planning your trip. All you need to do is join the tour, sit back, relax and enjoy your hassle-free sight-seeing experience.

Festa

2009-08-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

Where the Arts Come Alive !

Kuala Lumpur Festival was initially conceived with the objective of branding Kuala Lumpur as a City of Arts, Culture and Heritage.

First launched on the 30th June 2006, the Kuala Lumpur Festival has since united Malaysians of all generations and races through the spirit of creativity and solidarity. A joint effort between the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Federal Territories (DBKL), the collaboration provides Malaysia’s arts, culture and heritage a platform for international exposure.

Now in its fourth year, Kuala Lumpur celebrates Malaysia’s rich arts, culture and heritage by hosting a unique and unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Watch as the KL Fest 2009 unveils the festivity throughout Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley in this month long celebration. Catch the variety of performances and activities held at various landmark such as the Istana Budaya, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Central Market, Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower.

This July, witness how the arts and culture unite the older and younger generation in preserving the national heritage and development of the local creative industry.

Malaysia Festa

2009-08-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

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Malaysia Festa

2009-08-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

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Events in Malaysia

2009-08-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

Malaysia has one of the busiest religious calendar of events in the world. With such a colorful mixture of ethnic races Malaysia including Javanese, Chinese, Indian, Bugi and other backgrounds they together comprise a number of different influences making Malaysia one of the most the unique cultural fusions in the world. If you're flexible with your Malaysia holidays try to plan your getaway around one of the many festivals for a more comprehensive understanding of the country. A wealth of old world traditions are expressed through colorful and animated festivals in Malaysia.

Chinese New Year is one of the most popular Malaysia festivals in history. Celebrated for 15 consecutive days it is also one of the longest running events in Malaysia. Commencing on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar this Malaysia festivals signified by family alliances. Gifts of red and orange are exchanged symbolizing prosperity and good luck. This Malaysia festivals also signified by the traditional lion and customary dining with family.

During this important festival in Malaysia the streets turn into a rainbow of color ringing with the clang of cymbals, fireworks and vibrant costumes. Many shopping complexes and major hotels celebrates by hosting traditional dancing. This festival in Malaysia is best celebrated in Penang but book your Penang hotels far ahead of time.

Another of the important festivals in Malaysia is Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa. This is one of the most important events in Malaysia for Muslims. After a month of fasting during Ramadan in September the first day of Syawal, in the tenth month of the Muslim calendar, is celebrated with the utmost enthusiasm. This Malaysia festivals marked by prayers in mosques remembering the departed.

Muslim families from all around the country joined together for family reunions. Special dishes are served in brightly decorated homes, commercial and government buildings. Kuala Lumpur is a great place to celebrate with its many mosques and temples. Book your Kuala Lumpur hotels well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Festival of Lights is a festival in Malaysia also known to Hindus as Deepavali. Hindus believe it the day that good prevailed over evil when Narkansura was defeated by Lord Krishna. Special oil baths begin the day as Hindus put on new clothing and visit the temple. Houses are lit up brightly with oil lamps called Vikku which are believed to send an invite to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who won't enter a home unless it is lit up. The occasion is an extremely joyous one marked by good wishes, feasts and traditional "open houses". You can celebrate in many different places but the best are the bigger cities where you'll see the most lights and colorful displays.

There are many, many more Malaysia festivals to observe and celebrate! Other major events in Malaysia include Wesak Day which is a Buddhist holiday in the month of May and according to the Buddhist calendar is one of the most auspicious. The "birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha are marked". Temples resonate with the sound of chanting and prayers while Buddhists offer alms. Indigenous tribes celebrate the fruits of their harvest during Tadau Kaamatan in May. May is a great time for Malaysia vacations as so many events are happening. Festivals in Malaysia also include the Langkawi Water Festival. This major event is celebrated in April on the beaches of Pantai Cenang marked by water sports, fun games and extreme sports.

Christmas and New Years are huge events in Malaysia as well and you will definitely want to plan well in advance for Malaysia tours and accommodations. Note that when visiting for any religious festivals it's good to have some prior knowledge as to why the celebrations take place. Make sure you cover your arms and legs during all Muslim celebrations, especially women. Don't be shy! Talk to locals marking these important holidays as they are very receptive to tourists' curiosity.

Events Malaysia

2009-08-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

MATTA Fair Perak 2009

Aug 21 - 23, 2009 at Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh, Perak / Perak

Category : Conventions, Exhibitions

Organizer : MATTA Perak Chapter
Venue : Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh, Perak

Desaru Pengerang International Long Distance Triathlon 2009

Sep 1 - 30, 2009 at Desaru / Johor

Category : Sports, Recreation

Organiser	:	Johor State Govt, Johor Tourism Action Council & Desaru Development Corp
Phone	:	07-822 1101

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Johor International Lantern Festival 2009

Sep 19 - Oct 17, 2009 at Danga Bay, Johor Bahru / Johor

Category : Festivals, Celebrations

Organiser	:	Johor State Govt, Johor Tourism Action Council, Persatuan Tiong-Hua JB & Danga Bay Sdn Bhd
Phone	:	07-278 8999, 07-235 2333

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4th Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia Pacific Cities (TPO) General Assembly 2009

Sep 28 - 30, 2009 at Sabah / Sabah

Category : Conventions, Exhibitions

Delegates from over 13 countries will participate in this meeting. The Tourism Promotion Organisation members' exhibition, Orchid Show and many other activities will be held during this assembly.

Organiser : Kota Kinabalu City Hall
Contact Person : Fauziahton Ag. Samad
Telephone : +6088 521800
Fax : +6088 316137

On Right Now...
Sat,Aug 15	Flowers Festival
Sat,Aug 01	1st Johor Bahru International Jamboree 2009

Just Discovered
Wed,Dec 02	Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2009
Sun,Nov 01	Sail Malaysia Rally 2009
Sun,Nov 15	Johor-Singapore 2nd Link Bridge Run 2009
Thu,Oct 29	Iskandar Johor Open 2009
Thu,Oct 01	6th Asia Pacific Youth Forum 2009

4th Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia Pacific Cities (TPO) General Assembly 2009

Sep 28 - 30, 2009 at Sabah / Sabah

Category : Conventions, Exhibitions

Delegates from over 13 countries will participate in this meeting. The Tourism Promotion Organisation members' exhibition, Orchid Show and many other activities will be held during this assembly.

Organiser : Kota Kinabalu City Hall
Contact Person : Fauziahton Ag. Samad
Telephone : +6088 521800
Fax : +6088 316137

Pesta Kelapa

Sep 11 - 13, 2009 at Sabah / Sabah

Category : Festivals, Celebrations

The Northern district of Kudat which is home of the Rungus people plays host to the annual Coconut Festival. This is one of the best times to be in Kudat and to stop at the beautiful Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, known best as the Tip of Borneo.

Organiser : District Office of Kudat
Contact Person : Sebastian Lim
Telephone : +6088 620401 / 620402 / 620410
Fax : +6088 611303

HOMEPAGE pestakelapa.sabahtourism.com/2008/

The Wondrous Caves

2009-08-16T00:27:00.000-07:00

One of the most majestic white marble and limestone towers in Malaysia is the Gunung Tempurung. Concealed within this limestone massif is an intricate system of caves of various dimensions honeycombed inside the limestone hills. These caves are actually a breathtaking gallery of stalagmites and stalactites and other amazing rock formations which are superb speleogical wonders found only in this part of the world.

Tempurung Caves is located in Gopeng, Perak and can be reached from the North-South Highway by exiting through the Gopeng interchange (about 25km south of Ipoh).

Be prepared to enjoy the tranquility of rural village lifestyles as you drive by. You'll will see how simplicity works wonders in creating peace and harmony for the gentlefolks there. Truly a unique society, the social values here are only to earn an honest wage and help one another.

After you pass the village, you will pass through numerous former tin mining properties that have been converted into duck and fish farming activities. There are enough directional signboards that lead to the caves (Gua Tempurung) as soon as you clear the Gopeng Interchange.

Believed to have existed since early 8000 B.C., Gua Tempurung is probably the largest natural limestone structure in Malaysia.

Explore Perak's best-kept secret, the Tempurung Caves. One of the most majestic white marble and limestone towers in Malaysia. Concealed within the massif structure is an intricate system of caves filled with various combed dimensions.

Known to the locals as Gua Tempurung, the name conjures images of mystery and intrigue that ensures a peek into its deep and dark secrets. It comprises of five huge domes with ceilings resembling coconut shells.
Each of these domes have different calcium formations and marble that exist in differing temperatures and water levels.

These caves are famous for its breathtaking gallery of stalagmites, stalactites and other amazing rock formations that are superb speleological wonders, found only in this part of the world.

There are various tours into the caves being the main attraction here. These caves are located under the limestone hills and form tunnels that runs from east to west, nearly 1.9km in length.

Visitors can experience these tours with specific requirements of prior preparation. Certain tours such as the River Adventure Tours require visitors to bring a change of clothes and shoes. Torch lights and safety helmets are available for rent.

Genting Highlands Day Tour

2009-08-16T00:19:00.000-07:00

Cable Car, Theme Park, Casino

This tour will bring you up to Genting Highlands, which is a mountain retreat cum casino 6,000 feet above sea-level and located a moderate distance away from the city. We’ll stop at the skyway cable-car station for a ride up by cable-car, where you’ll be amazed at the magnificent view of mountains and rainforest scenery. Once at the top, you can adjourn and head to the casino for a game of black jack, keno, roulette or other games.

If the casino isn’t your cup of tea, then take the time off to enjoy the attractions of the indoor and outdoor theme parks instead. Many rides with descriptive names such as ‘Corkscrews’, ‘Euro Express Roller’, ‘Turbo Drop’ and ‘Sky Venture’ are available, giving you the ride of your life up in the air! The Sky Venture simulates actual skydiving without the risks. Meanwhile, you can also take a walk around the peak and enjoy the crisp and cool mountain air.

Pahang Lake Chini Tour

2009-08-16T00:11:00.000-07:00

Motorboat Ride, Orang Asli, Nature

This tour will bring you to explore the mysterious and magical Lake Chini, a natural lake surrounded by verdant rainforest that teems with many mythical legends. Chief among the myths surrounding this lake is that a dragon, called ‘Naga’, lives inside this lake, the equivalent of a Loch Ness monster. Others believe that an ancient Khmer city lies submerged at the bottom of the lake.

Whether fact of fiction, Lake Chini is a fantastic place to explore the wonders of nature and wildlife. We will ride on a out-board motorboat to reach Lake Chini through the river while passing under ancient trees that form a thick canopy of shade.

We will also visit an Aborigine (Orang Asli) settlement where the natives will show you their lifestyle and way of hunting using blow-pipes. When in season, you can also see lotus flowers blooming, spreading a pink hue across parts of the lake.

Kuala Lumpur Batu Caves Tour Review

2009-08-15T23:44:00.000-07:00

Batu Caves, Batik Centre & Royal Selangor

Believe it or not, some of Malaysia’s most iconic attractions lie in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. The city may have its wealth of mega-structures, sprawling shopping malls and nocturnal hotspots, but travel a few miles away from the capital and you will find some pretty fascinating attractions that are as inspiring as they are unique.

Batu Caves and Royal Selangor Pewter are two such attractions. Put simply, there is nothing quite like them. Located approximately half an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, these world-renowned points of interest are never short of visitors, no matter what the season.

The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

Our first stop is the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Setapak. Known the world over for its fine pewter products, Royal Selangor is the world’s largest pewter company and has been around since 1885. Consisting of three main areas – the gallery, the factory and the retail space – the visitor centre enables you to learn more about the history of this precious national commodity as well as how pewter goods are made.

A giant pewter tankard greets us at the entrance beside the pool. Named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Largest Pewter Tankard in 1987, it weighs at 1557kg and stands at 1987mm tall. A tour guide has been assigned to our group to take us through the exhibits and displays in the gallery, starting with the Heritage Zone. Old black-and-white photographs documenting the beginnings of Royal Selangor adorn the walls near the main entrance. Further inside is a mini-museum showcasing various traditional pewter mining and pewter making tools as well as archaic pewter-based goods such as ancient currencies made in the shape of animals and antique pewter wares.

We move along to the Experiential Zone, where visitors get to experience this versatile alloy in various ways: by touch and sight in the Hall of Finishes, by sound in the Chamber of Chimes, and by scientific facts in the Science of Pewter. Also featured in this zone are the giant numbers 1885, with each number covered in varying pewter finishes, and the traditional Yong Koon’s touchmark Yu He Zu Xi (Jade Peace Pure Tin), which was used by Yong Koon and his brothers in the late 19th century to mark their products.

We move on to the final part of the exhibition gallery, which is the Contemporary Zone. Here, a monumental replica of the Petronas Twin Towers made of 7,062 pewter tankards takes centre stage. There is also the charming Wall of Hands, featuring the pewter handprints of Royal Selangor’s staff, marking their fifth year with the company.

A trip to the factory area ensues. Upon our arrival, we are presented with chilled drinks from little pewter cups. We are then taken around the demonstration stations where pewter smiths show us the various processes involved in the making of some of the goods, including how a particular surface pattern is achieved and how a smooth, shiny finish is obtained.

We are then taken to the most exciting part of our tour, which is the School of Hard Knocks. Guided by an experienced pewter smith, we turn a plain piece of pewter disc into a simple bowl personalised with our names marked at the bottom, using a few simple tools. Taking approximately half an hour, we get to keep the handmade bowl and the apron, as well as a certificate to mark our ‘graduation’ from the School of Hard Knocks.

Our final visit takes us to the retail area of the visitor centre. Featuring 18,000sqf of retail space, it is filled with a wonderful collection of exclusive Royal Selangor gift items and souvenirs, as well as some collections from its sister companies, Selberan and Comyns. We make a pit stop at the adjoining café for some refreshments before continuing our journey to the tour’s next destination.

The Batik Centre

We stop by at a local batik centre en route to Batu Caves. Upon entrance, we are shown a batik-painting method called ‘canting’, where motifs of plants and flowers are hand-drawn onto a piece of plain white silk or cotton using a canting pen filled with candle wax.

Our guide then demonstrates the various ways to wear a batik sarong, which includes as beachwear and fashion accessory. We then walk around the shop admiring the batik items on sale – scarves, clothing, paintings, accessories and decorative ornaments – before heading out for our journey to the tour’s final destination – the Batu Caves.

Welcome To Putrajaya

2009-08-15T02:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Cameron Highlands

2009-08-15T02:23:00.000-07:00

How to get there I Boh Tea Estate I Sungai Palas Estate I Bharat Tea Estate I Robinson Waterfall I Flower Nurseries I Strawberry Farms I Sam Poh Temple I Golf Course I Vegetable Farms I Gunung Brinchang I Cactus Valley I Butterfly Farms

Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's lagest and best-known hill resort. Discovered by, and named after William Cameron, a goverment surveyor who, in 1885 explored the area by hacking a path up through dense jungle and came across, "A fine plateau shut in by mountains". At 1524m above sea level the area enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures no higher than 20°C and rarely falling below 10°C, a welcome change to the generally oppressive heat and humisity at sea level.

Without doubt the most interesting aspect of a visit to the resort is its tea plantations, the first of which were established in 1929 by John Archibald Russell and belong to the most famous Malaysian tea producer, Boh Tea. The estates are wonderfully manicured and visitors are welcome to view the factory production process and enjoy a cuppa' at the tea shop. Other interesting places to visit include the numerous vegetable farms dotted all around the area. There are also strawberry farms, flower nurseries, butterfly farms, a challenging 18 hole golf course and for the more adventurious various jungle treks. The three main highlands towns are Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang with most visitors staying in and around the latter two. Accommodation varies from small inexpensive hotels and guest houses, to self-catering apartments and first class hotels. Any time of year is suitable for a visit, but try to avoid the main public and school holiday periods as the area can become very busy. It is also best to be prepared for the 2 hour journey from the entry point at Tapah to Tanah Rata, the drive is not steep and is extremely interesting, but the road is quite narrow and very winding, so drive carefully and try to stop occasionally to enjoy the various sights along the way. These include the impressive Lata Iskandar waterfall, amazing tropical vegetation and various Orang Asli (indigenous people) dwellings. Without doubt Cameron Highlands is the place to visit on Peninsular Malaysia.

Welcome to Perhentian Island

2009-08-15T02:22:00.000-07:00

| Getting to Perhentian | Location Map | Introduction |

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

Perhentian Islands is located in the South China Sea 25 km from the coast of Kuala Besut. It consists of two islands, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Both islands are surrounded by beautiful palm-fringed sandy beaches andcrystal-clear turquoise-blue sea. A trip to this lush and exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing.

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.

Welcome to Redang Island (Pulau Redang)

2009-08-15T02:21:00.000-07:00

| Getting to Redang | Location Map | Introduction |

Redang is located 45 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu is the largest of the group of islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for the enthusiast. Sheltered within the Redang Island Marine Park, the waters here abound with marine life.

Redang Archipelago exists of 9 islands that abound with marvelous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs that ensure great snorkeling and scuba-diving. The boat trip starts from the fishing village of Merang. This is a fishing village North of Kuala Terengganu.

The best time to visit Redang is between April and October. Take note that most resorts are closed during the Northeast Monsoon, which blows from November to March.

Redang island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. This paradise-like island offers crystal clear water, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset and what could be the world's most mature coral gardens. This is your chance to see and be acquainted with the local eel, giant grouper, black tipped shark, etc. Chance encounter with the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle is common. There are corals of every imaginable shape, size or color. The observant are rewarded with sights of flatworm, nudibranch, shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, stonefish, lionfish and pipefish.

No fishing is allowed within a 3.2 km radius of the island as Pulau Redang. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also prohibited. The fines and penalties are severe and each year sees reports of arrests and fines. Activities prohibited and not allowed are:

Collecting and taking of aquatic life ( corals, shell or fishes whether living or alive ). Fishing without a license & Causing Pollution (3.2 km radius), i.e. littering Possession of spear fishing equipment. The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks. The H.M.S Prince of Wales and the H.M.S Repulse were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

The hilly island of Redang can be fascinating in its own way. There is a moderately well trodden and marked path between Pasir Panjang and Teluk Dalam beach, about 2 km long. Sights include a small stream and pools alive with catfish, the occasional encounter with the shy kancil (little deer) and monkeys, and other jungle flora and fauna. At the end of the trek is the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort at Teluk Dalam. For the more adventurous, there are rocky cliffs and outcrops away from this beaten path that offer spectacular overhead views of Pasir Panjang below.

Welcome to Langkawi Island / Pulau Langkawi

2009-08-15T02:20:00.000-07:00

Langkawi island is an archipelago of 104 islands lying in the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The exact location of these tropical islands is at the site where the Straits of Malacca meets the waters of the Andaman Seas.

The largest of these islands is called Langkawi Island and is bigger than the Penang Island.The other islands in this group are Island of Pregnant Maiden (Pulau Dayang Bunting), Lion Island (Pulau Singa Besar) and Beras Basah Island.The smallest of these islands are atolls roughly the size of an ordinary house!

Langkawi is coined from the Malay words Lang and Kawi. Lang is a brown eagle and Kawi is a local manganese stone.The ancient fishermen must have seen eagles flying clutching the manganese stones! A giant monument of a brown eagle clutching the manganese stone greets all visitors to Langkawi near the Kuah Jetty.

The main tourist attractions of Langkawi Island is its virgin white sandy beaches.The beaches have very gentle continental slope and the water is crystal clear.

This island is unique in the sense that it has so many legendsand myths associated with it.Langkawi Island is therefore also called Pulau Lagenda or Legendary Island.

The most talked about legend is that of Mahsuri who is said to have laid a curse on this island for seven generations.Luckily the period of this curse is over now and Langkawi Island is fast becoming an internationally recognised tourist destination.

The government of Malaysia has declared the entire Langkawi Island as a duty free zone. Hence this island is also termed Duty Free Island.All goods sold in this island are exempted from government tax.Therefore this Legendary Island is a haven for the shoppers.You only need to stay in Langkawi for a minimum of 48 hours to take back home a reasonable amount of tax free goods.

Welcome to Pangkor Island / Pulau Pangkor

2009-08-15T02:19:00.000-07:00

Situated just off the west coast of Perak in Peninsular Malaysia is one of the most enchanting islands you'll ever come across. Pangkor has for centuries enthralled visitors with her charming beauty. In days of old, she was the refuge of seamen who sailed through the Straits of Malacca. Pangkor's many idyllic bays made it the perfect stopover. Pirates, adventurers, merchants and soldiers of fortune sought the peace and tranquility she had to offer.

n stark contrast to malaysia's fast-paced progress, Pangkor remains a haven for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Soak up the sun on her golden beaches. Catch sight of fishing boats

Remembering Pangkor's past...
For centuries, Pangkor has been a welcome stopover for weary sea travellers, pirates and adventurers. At one time even ruled by European conquerors. Yet, as if oblivious to the ravages of war and conquest, her natural wonders have remained unscarred. Perhaps to conquer your heart.

Pangkor today is a thriving tourist destination that somehow does not reflect her turbulent past. Visitors will be charmed by the serenity of her fishing villages, her small but bustling towns and her splendid selection of world-class holiday resorts.

Treasures of the island
Nothing beats the wonderful offerings of Pangkor's pristine beaches. And after you're had enough of the beach, retreat into the coll shades of virgin jungles for a closer look at nature. There's so much to do in Pangkor, so come discover at your own pace.

	Back to Perak
PANGKOR ISLAND
	Introduction
	Location Map
	Getting There
	Moving Around
	Accommodation
	Tour Package

Pangkor Attractions
	Dutch Fort
	Pangkor Laut Island
	Golden Sands
	Pasik Bogak
	Teluk Nipah

WELCOME TO MALACCA

2009-08-15T02:18:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO KUALA LUMPUR

2009-08-15T02:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Museum Sabah

2009-08-15T02:10:00.000-07:00

Sabah Museum
- Immerse yourself in the pages of history.

Wonder at the beauty of traditional Sabah architecture when you visit the three main buildings of the Museum. The main Building traces Sabah's historical development, inclusive of the Shell company's exhibit at the Science Center, while the Sabah Art Gallery showcases the masterpieces of Sabah's talented artists. The Museum's exhibits also include five life-size replicas of Sabah's traditional ethnic and community houses and a garden of native medicinal plants.

For a view of colonial edifices, visit the Atkinson Clock Tower at Brace Hill. Built in 1902 as a memorial by the mother of the First District Officer of Jesselton, as Kota Kinabalu was then known, it is one of the few buildings left standing after the devastation of World War II on Sabah.

Stroll on next to Gaya Street, known in its heyday as Bond Street, where the pre-war heritage Sabah Tourism Building stands. Built in 1918 to house goverment offices, a role which it still plays today, it was gazetted a Historial Building in 1988. In 1991, it reopened to its former glory after an extensive restoration exercise and today, is an excellent showcase of early 1900's colonial architecture. Catch the Gaya Street Fair on Sundays where interesting sights, sounds and bargains abound.


Places of Interest
	Fish Massage
	Danum
	Longhouses
	Mengkabong Water Village
	Orang Utan Sanctuary
	Poring Hot Springs
	Sabah Foundation Buillding
	Tamu
	White Water Rafting
	Sandakan
	Sabah Museum
	Lahad Datu
	Semporna
	Tawau
	Lower Kinabatangan River

Welcome to Sabah

2009-08-15T02:09:00.000-07:00

Trails to the Top I The Challenge of the Peak I Getting There I Mountain Kinabalu Map

Imagine , being surrounded by the wonders of nature's lush garden dating from the dawn of time. Stand at the highest summit of Borneo as dawn peeks over the horizon to reveal Sabah's splendours far and wide. Reflect the quiet, sacred moment when you experience the most magnificent sunrise of your lifetime. Stroll amidst the treetops at the rainforest canopy walk and gaze up close at centuries-old wonders. Soak in the healing balm of a magic spring as colourful butterflies flutter around you. Admire the world's largest flower at your feet. Or lunch next to plants that lunch on insects.

You'll find it all in the KInabalu Park - Malaysia's first World Heritage designated by UNESCO in December 2000 for its 'outstanding universal values' and role as one of the world's most important biological sites.

The focal point of the park, of course, is the majestic Mt. Kinabalu. Such is the importance of this mountain to Sabah, that the capital was renamed Kota Kinabalu (Kinabalu Fort) in 1964. The highest mountain between the Himalayas and the Snow Mountains of Papua Barat (New Guinea Island), this magnificent granite massif stands at 4,095.2 m. (13,435 ft.) tall.

Welcome to Kuching

2009-08-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak (pop. 450,000 approx.), is one of the most interesting cities in Southest Asia, and one of Malaysia's most rewarding travel destinations. It has everything the discerning traveler could wish for. Kuching's romantic and unlikely history features a hundred-year dynasty of White Rajahs. Its rich and varried architectural heritage mixes many styles and influences, whilst the relaxed hospitality of its charming citizens is an object lesson in multi-culturalism. It is also the perfect base for discovering Sarawak's interior.

The city's main thoroughfare is the broad, meandering Sarawak River. In days gone by its banks were a hive of trading activity, watched over by the White Rajah from his palace. The river remainsthe focus of city life even today. The beautifully landscaped Kuching Waterfront - popular with visitors and locals alike - provides an excellent starting point for a stroll around the city centre.

Most of the main attractions are close to the Waterfront and the central business and hotel district, so a walking tour is the best way to really appreciate the city, soaking up the sights, the sounds and the atmosphere. It is very easy to cover the city center on foot or in one of the small ferries, or perahu tambang, that ply across the river. The old town consists of row upon row of 19th century Chinese shophouses, fanning out from Main Bazaar, Kuching's oldest street, These bustling streets are a browser's paradise, crammed full of restaurants, food stalls, and art and curio shops. Mosques, temples and churches are also dotted throughout the city center.

Kuching has literally dozens of historic buildings - even the courthouse and the post office are unique examples of colonial period architecture. The excellent museums include the historic Sarawak Museum, with one of the best ethnographis collections in Southeast Asia. Equally fascinating are the Islamic Museum, the Chinese History Museum and the Police Museum in Fort Margherita. Kuching means 'cat' in Malay, and a short ride to Kuching North City Hall brings you to the world's first and only Cat Museum.

The city's many attractions are backed up by excellent facilities and services. Accommodation includes international class hotels, small family run hotels, budget inns and backpacker hostels. Shoppers are spoilt for choice with modern malls, a host of traditional shophouses, and colourful street markets. The shophouses around Main Bazaar offer the best selection of arts and traditional handicrafts in the whole of Borneo, and for ecotic jungle produce and superb photo opportunities, the weekend market is in a class of its own.

Kuching has a range of sport and recreation facilities, including some excellent golf courses. Entertainment is taken care of by cineplexes, pubs, karaoke lounges, hotel bars and discotheques.

Eating out is Kuching's main leisure activity, with superb seafood as the highlight. A wide range of Malaysian and international cuisine is also available in hotels and air-conditioned restaurants.

Kuching has enough attractions to keep you busy for days, or even weeks. You can discover the tropical splendor of Borneo's rainforest at nearby national parks such as bako, Gunung Gading and Kubah. If you want to meet the indigenous people of Sarawak and enjoy their legendary hospitality, the Iban longhouses of the Skrang, Lemanak and Batang Ai rivers are all accessible from Kuching, as are a host of traditional Malay and Bidayuh villages. Local tour operators arrange visits, or you can make your own arrangements.

Nearby Damai is Sarawak's main beach resort area. Just 40 minutes from Kuching, it offers international class resort hotels, a jungle activity center, the world-famous Sarawak Cultural Village and a challenging, Arnold Palmer designed golf course, as well as sleepy fishing villages and rugged jungle scenery.

Kuching International Airport is only 20 minutes from the town center and 45 minutes from Damai. There are frequent flights to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru, Kota kinabalu (Sabah) and all of Sarawak's major towns. International connections include Singapore, Brunei, Manila, Perth, Hong Kong and Pontianak (Indonesia). Kuching is also connected by road with all of Sarawak's major towns, and there are fast express boat services to many local destinations.

Welcome Taman Negara

2009-08-15T02:06:00.000-07:00

Location Map I How to get there I Sights to behold

Mother Nature's Treasure Trove
Spread out over 4,343 sq. km. of the formidable Titiwangsa Mountain Range is Taman Negara - One of the world's oldest tropical rainforest. A sanctuary to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, insects, fish and plants. Home to Malaysia's friendly aborigines, the Orang Asli. A shy yet gentle race, they continue to live the nomadic way they've lived for centuries although fully aware of the country's fast-paced progress.

Come discover the living treasures Mother Nature has to offer. Whether it's shooting thrilling rapids, exploring spectacular caves, tackling a 20-pound fish, scaling up Peninsular Malaysia's highest mountain, trekking through dense, tricky forest pathways or swimming in crystal clear pools, Malaysia's National Park is a natural paradise you must experience. An adventure of a lifetime awaits you here.

A 130 Million Year Old Park
Taman Negara straddles the interior border regions of Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu, boasting a continuous evolutionary history that spans 130 million years. Owing to a state legislation in 1925, about 1,300 sq. km. of tropical jungle in its natural state was designated the Gunung Tahan Game Reserve. In 1939, the three sultans of the above-mentioned states declared the area a national park. It was renamed King George V National Park. Following the nation's independence from the British in 1957, the park was officially given the name it goes by now.

Over the years, although Malaysia has promoted Taman Negara as a popular tourist destination, the goverment has taken careful steps to ensure the conservation of the park's flora and fauna. All developments or upgrading programmes to cater for tourists are carried out only after consultation with environmental experts.

welcome to Malaysia

How to make bubur jagung

Gulai Batang Pisang (young banana trunk curry)

Method

Budu and Cincalok

Homestay Malaysia

how to play gasing?

Onde-onde (Ondeh-ondeh)

Sweet and sour fish

Plus-sized murtabak draws the crowd

Malaysian Chicken Curry with Roti Canai

Curry laksa

E-tour: Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), Taiping

Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera

Nasi Lemak at Rasa Malaysia

What Is Hari Raya Without Ketupat And Lemang

Welcome To Terengganu

Welcome To Johor

Burmese Temple Penang

Malaysian Music

Welcome To Ipoh

Welcome To Kelantan

Kelantan Darul NaimThe Cradle of Malay Culture

Welcome To Penang

Festa

Malaysia Festa

Malaysia Festa

Events in Malaysia

Events Malaysia

MATTA Fair Perak 2009

Desaru Pengerang International Long Distance Triathlon 2009

Johor International Lantern Festival 2009

4th Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia Pacific Cities (TPO) General Assembly 2009

4th Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia Pacific Cities (TPO) General Assembly 2009

Pesta Kelapa

The Wondrous Caves

Genting Highlands Day Tour

Pahang Lake Chini Tour

Kuala Lumpur Batu Caves Tour Review

Welcome To Putrajaya

Welcome to Cameron Highlands

Welcome to Perhentian Island

Welcome to Redang Island (Pulau Redang)

Welcome to Langkawi Island / Pulau Langkawi

Welcome to Pangkor Island / Pulau Pangkor

WELCOME TO MALACCA

WELCOME TO KUALA LUMPUR

Welcome to Museum Sabah

Welcome to Sabah

Welcome to Kuching

Welcome Taman Negara

Kelantan Darul Naim
The Cradle of Malay Culture