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. 

Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian in Bahasa Malaysia) lie approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) offshore the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of the Thai border. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar ("Big Perhentian") and Perhentian Kecil ("Small Perhentian"). Popular for it’s beaches, snorkeling and driving. Like a real postcard.

Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is located at on at the east coast of the peninsula at the mouth of the Sungai Terengganu river. It’s the capital of the state of Terengganu which forms together with Kedah and Kelatan the heartland of malay culture. KT is good stop for one or 2 days before moving on along the eastcoast or towards the National Park / Tasik Kenyir. There are also day trips available to Pulau Rendang (Island) and Tasik Kenyir (Lake)

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.

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Food and Food Stalls Durian Seller
   
KL Moments City of Lights

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
Long Beach (Pasir Panjang),Perhentian Islands
Most popular beach on the small Island for backpackers with many chalets and restaurants, snorkel spots right at the beach ... 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
Puduraya Bus Terminal,Kuala Lumpur
Main Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur ... more
Bukit Bintang,Kuala Lumpur
Main shopping, dining and entertainment area of Kuala Lumpur. Many backpacker accommodations are here. ... more
Gurney Drive,Penang
Road Along the seaside famous for its hawkers stalls selling all types of food, best to go at night. But there are also other restaurants and bars and shopping malls ... 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
Pulau Duyung,Kuala Terengganu
Island in the river mouth of Sungai Terengganu across the city center with malay Kampungs and traditional boat making ... more
Pantai Batu Buruk (Beach),Kuala Terengganu
beach close to City Center. Literually meansBeach of the Ugly Stone. It is popular for playing with kites or having a walk but it is considered too dangerous for swimming. ... 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
Old Railway Station,Kuala Lumpur
Moorish-style structure built in 1910 is no longer the jumping-off point for long-distance destinations, but its charms remain. ... more
Bangsar,Kuala Lumpur
Bangsar, to the south of downtown, is one of the busiest places in Kuala Lumpur past midnight and has a Mediterranean flair. ... more
Star Hill Gallery,Kuala Lumpur
Poshest Mall in KL at the Marriot Hotel on Jalan Bukit Bintang. This mall is all about style and worth a visit just to look at the different interior designs. ... more
Boh Tea Garden,Cameron Highlands
Visitors center of the Boh tea estate south-east of Tanah Rata with impressive views over the tea estate, a cafe area and free tours of the tea factory every 30min until about 4pm. ... 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
Borneo Seahare Hostel and Adventure, Kuching
Hostel, Kuching
Very small hostel (3 rooms) in the city center. Accepts online bookings only. ... more
Fern Loft Hostel, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
hostel in eastern Singapore, not far from the beach ... more
Travellers Palm, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel in Bukit Bintang with a great location and a homely atmosphere and good friends. ... more
One Florence Close, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Boutique homestay Off the city centre but close to the subway with 8 private designer rooms ... more
Betel Box, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Hostel on Joo Chiat Road in the heart of Katong and Geylang Serai district ... more
Teak & Coconut Grove, Penang
Chalets, Penang
2 & 3 storey resort chalets set amidst the compound of a vast Colonial villa ... more
Fox Hill Langkawi holiday resort, Langkawi
Resort, Langkawi
Small resort in the heart of Langkawi on the road to Makam Mahsuri with a house for backpackers who want to be in the middle of nature ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

Weather in Malaysia
Weather in Malaysia (Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation)
AmazingMelaka.com
Interesting Blog about Melaka
Berjaya-Air.com
flights to Tioman, Redang, Pangkor, Koh Samui
Destinations Guide
tips for some nature distinations
Malaysia-Islands.com
Photos, Dive&Snorkel Spots of all major Malaysian Islands
SarawakTourism.com
website of Sarawak Tourism Board
PetalingStreet.org/
Malaysia Blog Portal
Transnasional
journey planer by the national bus company Transnasional
TheCicak.com/
socio-political youth magazine
Peranakan, Baba-Nyonya
Wikipedia Article about the Straits Chinese.


see all links



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