Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. Being a young city (founded only in 1857) it developed fast into a bustling metropolis of 1.5 million people (6 million including the satellite cities in the Klang Valley). Kuala Lumpur, or simply KL (as it is it called by Malaysians), literally means “muddy estuary” in Bahasa Malaysia. With good and cheap accommodation, great shopping and even better food in this multi-cultural melting pot, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.
Having been in the shadow of other big cities in the region like Bangkok and Singapore, KL was put back on the map for good with the opening the Petronas Twin Towers in 1997, until 2004 the highest and still one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Though, the sights are not what makes this city unique, it’s KL itself and it’s mixture of people and visitors. 

Taman Negara

Taman Negara National Park was established in Malaysia in 1938/1939 as the King George V National Park. It was renamed to Taman Negara after Independence, which literally means “national park” in Malay. The total area of Taman Negara is 4,343 km².

Melaka

Melaka (a.k.a. Malacca) is the capital of the Malaysian state of Malacca.
Traditionally, the spot where Melaka stands today was the center of Malaccan history. It was the capital of the Malaccan Sultanate and the center of the Malay world in the 15th and the 16th century before it fell to the Portuguese in 1511. Centuries of colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British have shaped the architecture of the town.

Singapore

Singapore is an island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. At 704.0 sqkm (272 square miles), it is one of the few city-states in the world and the smallest country in Southeast Asia.

Sign at Buddhist Temple in Penang
Selamat Datang! Welcome to BackpackingMalaysia.com!

   
Melaka Roofs of Melaka
   
Langkawi Beach

Malls, Malls, Malls - Shopping in Kuala Lumpur

KL has an incredible density of big shopping centres. It seems like every other year a new mall is opening trying to outdo the others in size or design. Here's a list of the favourites among locals and tourists with more information and pictures of each shopping centre.

2008 Bejing Olympic Torch run in Kuala Lumpur

The olympic torch run which caused some protests from Tibetan activists in other cities which be held on Monday, April 21st in Kuala Lumpur. So expect heavy security forces and obstacles to go sight-seeing along the route of the torch run. The run covers a 16.5km route, starting at 2.25pm from Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) and ending at the KLCC at 6.15pm. Click more to see a map.

F1 Grand Prix in Singapore (Formula 1 Race)

In September 2008 Singapore will hold its first F1 race as new destination added to the F1 circus. It's not only the first race in Singapore, it's also the first ever night race in the Formula 1 history.

Dikir Barat

Dikir Barat is the most popular traditional music from Kelatan. It is also still actively performed in Terengganu and Singapore. It is very unique and entertaining to watch. The basic elements of a Dikir Barat group are the two frontmen, the Juara and the Tukang Karut, and the big vocal "rhythm group". Have a look!

Interview with long-term hostel guest John Mansfield

Automotive consultant John Mansfield from England has been a guest of Red Palm Hostel in Kuala Lumpur since August 2006, on and off. I sat down with him to talk about his vision to set up a Motorsports University at the Sepang F1 Circuit, what he likes about Malaysia, travelling the country and his outlook to the upcoming Grand Prix.

Things to Do & See
Pudu Market,Kuala Lumpur
Wet Market und Market for cheap items of all kinds and hi-fi stuff at Jalan Pasar in the Pudu area. ... more
Salang Beach,Tioman
Salang is on the northernmost end of the island and is most frequented by backpackers and independent travellers looking for a spot of diving, plenty of nightlife and cheap accommodation. ... more
Lake Titiwangsa,Kuala Lumpur
Small recreational park and lake north of Downtown Kuala Lumpur with good photo opportunities. Currently home to "Eye On Malaysia" (until Aug 31st, 2008), the largest portable wheel in the world (60m high. ... more
Sarawak Museum,Kuching
Sarawak state museum complex including the Ethnology Museuem, Natural Science Museum, Art Museum, pleasant gardens, pavilions, Heroes Monument and temporary exhibitions. Free Admission. ... more
Blue Mosque in Shah Alam,Kuala Lumpur
The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is the state mosque of Selangor. It is the country′s biggest mosque and also the second biggest mosque in Southeast Asia after Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. ... more
FRIM,Kuala Lumpur
The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) promotes sustainable management and optimal use of forest resources in Malaysia. There is a canopy walk among other things ... more
Bukit Puteri,Kuala Terengganu
Princess Hill. Hill in city center with the remains of an old fort. ... more
Orchard Road,Singapore
is a road in Singapore that is the shopping and entertainment hub of the city-state. Often the surrounding area is known as Orchard and associated with the road. ... more
Tanah Ratah,Cameron Highlands
Main town in the Cameron Highlands (with Brinchang to the north and Ringlet to the south). Most budget guesthouses are here and it is the starting point for many jungle trails. ... more
Plaza Low Yat (Tech Mall),Kuala Lumpur
Low Yat is the place go to buy electronic and high-tech stuff like computers, laptops , computer parts and accessories, cameras, mobile phones, blanks discs etc. ... more
Chinatown,Singapore
Singapore′s Chinatown is the traditional Chinese quarters of town, and while the entire city is largely Chinese these days the area does retain some of its own charm ... more
Central Market,Kuala Lumpur
Indoor market for souvenir hunters, Malaysian souvenirs, art and handicraft etc. ... more
Bukit Cina,Melaka
Bukit Cina (Chinese Hill) is the largest chinese burial ground outside China. ... more

... view all things to do & see

HOSTELS
Red Palm, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Red Palm was voted the best hostel in Asia in 2006. It′s a small, relaxed and cozy place and this website wouldn′t exist without Red Palm. Home sweet home. Stay here if there′s is still availability as Red Palm can′t accommodate more than 14 people at a time. ... more
The InnCrowd 2, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Hostel in Little India, the big brother of the first InnCrowd Hostel (just around the corner) ... more
Sleepy Sam’s Bed & Breakfast, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Hostel in what once used to be the Sultan′s palace compound ... more
Sama Sama Guesthouse, Melaka
Hostel, Melaka
Basic but lovely guesthouse in a quiet location in the old town on Jalan Tukang Besi (Harmony Street) run by a friendly chinese-swiss couple. No online booking available. ... more
Pondok Lodge, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
"Oldest Hostel" in Bukit Bintang serving Visitors since 1997 with roof-top terrace. ... more
Langkapuri Beach Resort, Langkawi
Resort, Langkawi
budget resort on Pantai Cenang (RM95 - RM160) ... more
YMCA International Hostel, Penang
Hostel, Penang
YMCA Youth Hostel in Georgetown ... more
Anjung KL 2, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Second house of Anjung KL in Bukit Bintang ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

AsiaExplorers.com
Penang Offshore Islands
PetalingStreet.org/
Malaysia Blog Portal
AsiaExplorers.com
Exploring the Sights in Singapore
AsiaExplorers.com
Penang Beaches
PenangPage.com
Lots of picture and comments about Penang
malaysiamydestination.com
official portal of Tourism Malaysia
TheStar.com.my
biggest malaysian newspaper (english)
taman-negara.com
website run by a tour operator
Malaysia-Today.net
source independent news
Country Calling Codes
International Country Calling Codes and World Time Zones


see all links



CALENDAR
Public Holiday
May,19 2008
Wesak ...more

Festival
May,24 2008
Colours of Malaysia 2008 ...more

Misc
May,24 2008 - Aug,03 2008
Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival ...more

Festival
May,24 2008 - May,27 2008
26th Kelantan International Kite Festival 2008 ...more

Festival
Jun,01 2008
Gawai Dayak Festival ...more



show full calendar
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Kuala Lumpur
Bukit Bintang
BOOK HOSTELS
PRESS ARTICLES
The changing face of Malaysian politics (BBC)

BBC article by Jonathan Kent about a new climate in Malaysia after the stepping down of Mahathir Mohamad with funny and interesting observations of malaysian daily life.
Quote:
“They look impressed. “What about durian?” Durian is a fruit the taste of which has been described as like eating cheese off a dead body.
“Aiyoh,” I say “durian cannot,” and screw up my face.
At this point everyone will laugh. “

politics, culture, nik aziz nik mat, penang, cameron highlands, orang asli, abdullah ahmad badawi

DID YOU KNOW?
Public Holidays

2008:
1 January (Tues) New Year’s Day
10 January (Thurs) Awal Muharam (Maal Hijrah)
7 & 8 February(Thurs & Fri) Chinese New Year
20 March (Thurs) Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
1 May (Thurs) Labour Day
19 May (Mon) Wesak Day
7 June (Sat) Birthday of SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong
31 August (Sun) National/Merdeka Day
1 & 2 October (Wed & Thurs) Hari Raya Puasa *
27 October (Mon) Deepavali *
8 December (Mon) Hari Raya Qurban
25 December (Thurs) Christmas Day
29 December (Mon) Awal Muharram (Maal Hijrah)

* - Subject to confirmation

RANDOM LINKS
Malaysian Nature Society
study, appreciation, conservation and protection of Malaysia's natural heritage
Malaysiakini.com
independent online news magazine
Travelling by bus
bus schedules and routes by journeymalaysia.com
Country Calling Codes
International Country Calling Codes and World Time Zones
Waterfalls of Malaysia
website is dedicated to the beautiful waterfalls of Malaysia

see all links
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

2007:
8.Nov - Deepavali
20.Dec - Hari Raya Qurban
25.Dec - Christmas Day

2008:
1 January (Tues) New Year’s Day
10 January (Thurs) Awal Muharam (Maal Hijrah)
7 & 8 February(Thurs & Fri) Chinese New Year
20 March (Thurs) Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
1 May (Thurs) Labour Day
19 May (Mon) Wesak Day
7 June (Sat) Birthday of SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong
31 August (Sun) National/Merdeka Day
1 & 2 October (Wed & Thurs) Hari Raya Puasa *
27 October (Mon) Deepavali *
8 December (Mon) Hari Raya Qurban
25 December (Thurs) Christmas Day
29 December (Mon) Awal Muharram (Maal Hijrah)

* - Subject to confirmation

Things to do & see
Kuala Terengganu, Crystal Mosque (Islamic Civilisation Park)

also known as Taman Tamandun Islam. The RM250 Million theme park was opened in february 2008 and houses besides the Crystal Mosque replicas of several world famous mosques. ... more
Kuching, Sarawak Cultural Village

Sarawak Cultural Village is tucked away on the foothills of Mount Santubong at Damai Beach, 35 km north from Kuching. It is also known as a living museum. ... more