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Penang

Penang is the name of an island in the Straits of Malacca, and also of one of the states of Malaysia, located on the north-west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite. The city Georgetown is the 2nd biggest city in Malaysia and traveller′s hub.

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.

Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan.The name means ‘new city’ or ‘new castle/fort’ in Bahasa Malaysia. Kota Bharu is situated in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. In 2005, it had an estimated population of 425,294, making it the largest town on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.It’s known for its colourful markets and the muslim culture.

Tioman

Largest island of Malaysias east coast. It’s located 32km off the coast and is some 20km long and 12km wide and the highest peak is Gunung Kajang with 1038m. In the 70ies TIME magazine selected Tioman as one the world’s most beautiful islands but lost some flair in recent years due to do development. The island has eight main villages, many beaches and is densely forested and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a scuba diving haven.

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang
Selamat Datang! Welcome to BackpackingMalaysia.com!

   
Kuala Terengganu Main Bus Terminal
   
Georgetown, Penang Shop Houses, Komtar Tower


Dangers and Scams in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a safe place for travellers in general. However, there a few scams and dangers but if you are aware of them you should be having a pleasant stay in this vibrant city. ... more

The Responsible Tourist and Traveller

This is practical 8-step guide based on the "Global Code of Ethics" for Tourism of the World Tourism Organization. It promotes traveling with an open mind and respect for people, culture, animals and environment. ... more

Malaysian GP 2009 (Formula 1 in Sepang)

The countdown is on for the Grand Prix in Malaysia on April 3-5. The Malaysian GP will take place for the 11th time already from at the Sepang track, about 1h south of Kuala Lumpur. It will be the second race of the season after season opener in Melbourne the week before. ... more

Thaipusam Festival

Every year end of January / beginning of February it is time for the spectacular Thaipusam Festival which is expected to draw more than one million devotees and visitors to the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur but there are also precessions in Georgetown/Penang and Singapore. Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community. Especially images of devotees piercing their cheeks, tongue, face or other suitable body parts with sharp objects make this event memorable. ... more

Malacca: the city that best gives a sense of Malaysia’s past

Article from the Telegraph newspaper: Along with its sultry climate, atmospheric Malacca boasts an intriguing history, unusual food and a lively nightlife, says Rhymer Rigby. ... more

Famous Jalan Alor
Keropok Lekor
Nasi Campur (Malay Mixed Rice)
Malaysia vs. Singapore
A guide for drivers in Malaysia
(1 comment)
... read more stories

Things to Do & See
Putrajaya,Kuala Lumpur
new federal administrative capitol of Malaysia 30km south of KL ... more
Historical Quarters,Kota Bharu
part of the city center with lots of museums, the Grand Palace, the Muhammadi Mosque and the tourist office ... more
Batu Ferringhi,Penang
Along this famous beach area, there are numerous large hotels, budget guest houses, restaurants, transport rental services, and souvenir stores. ... more
Colonia District / Fort Cornwallis,Penang
Penang was the first british settlement in Malaya so many colonial building can be found like the remains of Fort Cornwallis where Captain Francis Light stepped ashore in 1786 ... more
Bukit Bintang,Kuala Lumpur
Main shopping, dining and entertainment area of Kuala Lumpur. Many backpacker accommodations are here. ... more
Chow Kit,Kuala Lumpur
The area features a large Indonesian community, and more recently, a small African community. It has a daily wet market known as Bazaar Baru Chow Kit which is arguably the largest wet market in Kuala Lumpur. Chow Kit is also known for its red-light district as well as for its nightly gathering of transwomen. ... more
Dataran Merdeka,Kuala Lumpur
The Dataran Merdeka (or Merdeka Square) is the old colonial heart of Kuala Lumpur. It was here, in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building that the Union Flag was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted for the first time at midnight on August 31, 1957. Merdeka = Independence. ... more
Penang Museum,Penang
Museum and Art Gallery in building from 1821 about the History Penang. One of the best museum in Malaysia. Exhibits on the costums and traditions of Penangs various ethnic groups ... more
Kampong Glam,Singapore
Kampong Glam, also known by the name of its main thoroughfare Arab Street, was where Singapore′s Arab traders settled in the founding days of the colony. It is Singapore′s muslim centre and a shopping paradise ... more
Zainal Abidin Mosque,Kuala Terengganu
The mosque, also known as the White Mosque or the Big Mosque, was built by Sultan Zainal Abidin II between 1793 and 1808 but has been renovated and extended after that. ... more
Komtar Tower,Penang
Penangs tallest building and the sixth tallest building in Malaysia, the complex also hosts a shopping mall and a local bus terminal. ... more
KL Sentral (Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur),Kuala Lumpur
The main railways station and transportation hub of Kuala Lumpur in Brickfields. KTM , KTM Komuter, LRT, KLIA Express, Monorail and Buses connect here ... more
Brickfields,Kuala Lumpur
KL′s other Little India. There is a lot of history to Brickfields as it is one of the pioneer settlements in Kuala Lumpur with a large Indian community. Apart from Indian food and culture you can find Hindu and Buddhist temples there. ... 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
Pujangga Homestay, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Guesthouse in Bukit Bintang ... more
Kapas Turtle Valley Beach Resort, Pulau Kapas
Resort, Pulau Kapas
dutch-run romantic boutique resort with 6 private bungalows and 2 family rooms. ... more
100 Cintra Street, Penang
Hostel, Penang
Hostel in an an restauranted Peranakan house in Chinatown ... more
Pondok Lodge, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
"Oldest Hostel" in Bukit Bintang serving Visitors since 1997 with roof-top terrace. ... more
Fragrance Hostel, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
hostel just outside the central business district near Little India ... more
One Florence Close, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Boutique homestay Off the city centre but close to the subway with 8 private designer rooms ... more
Sunset Beach Resort, Langkawi
Hostel, Langkawi
cozy, beautifully landscaped and designed small resort at the southern end of Cenang Road and northend end of Tengah Beach ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

Peranakan, Baba-Nyonya
Wikipedia Article about the Straits Chinese.
Sejarah Melayu
A History of the Malay Peninsula
Malaysia-Islands.com
Photos, Dive&Snorkel Spots of all major Malaysian Islands
KL-Lifestyle.com.my
KL Lifestyle magazine
AirAsia.com
Malaysian budget airline for south-east Asia
KL-photos.com
Kuala Lumpur Photos
Destinations Guide
tips for some nature distinations
Malaysia-Maps.com
collection of maps
AsiaExplorers.com
Exploring the Sights in Singapore
AsiaExplorers.com
Penang Beaches


see all links

Food & Drinks
Roti Pisang

side dish, snack
variety of Roti Canai with Banana inside
... more
Popiah

snack
fresh spring roll
... more

» Food & Drink Database Malaysia & South-East Asia

CALENDAR
Public Holiday
Aug,31 2009
National Day ...more

Public Holiday
Sep,20 2009 - Sep,21 2009
Hari Raya Puasa ...more

Public Holiday
Oct,17 2009
Deepavali ...more

Public Holiday
Nov,27 2009 - Nov,28 2009
Hari Raya Qurban ...more

Public Holiday
Dec,18 2009
Awal Muharam (Maal Hijrah) 1430 Hijrah ...more



show full calendar
DID YOU KNOW?
Buses

It’s very convenient to take busses in Malaysia. The condition of roads and buses are very good. There several privat and a national bus line (Transnasional). Usual it’s no problem to get ticket on short notice unless there’s a major holiday like Hari Raya (end of Ramadan), Deepavali or Chinese New Year. A 2-hour ride from KL to Melaka costs around RM10 and a 5h ride to Penang around RM25.

STORIES
Malaysian GP 2009 (Formula 1 in Sepang)
The countdown is on for the Grand Prix in Malaysia on April 3-5. The Malaysian GP will take place for the 11th time already from at the Sepang track, about 1h south of Kuala Lumpur. It will be the second race of the season after season opener in Melbourne the week before.
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

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. ”

RANDOM LINKS
Malaysia-Maps.com
collection of maps
Malaysian Travel Blog
Malaysia Travel Guide For Backpackers
TrekEarth.com
photo community with stunning images
Monorail.com.my
public transportation system in Kuala Lumpur
Utusan.com.my/
malay newspaper

see all links
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Kampung Life
Orang Asli Village