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.

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. 

Sign at Buddhist Temple in Penang

RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Perhentian Islands
big island
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 Lumpur, Bangsar

Bangsar, to the south of downtown, popular entertainment area for local yuppies and expats with an Mediterranean flair. ... more
Perhentian Islands, Pulau Perhentian Besar

The Big (=besar) Island. The slightly bigger island offers more expensive resort style accommodation. For family travellers or those who like it more quiet and have an extra Ringgit to spend. ... more
DID YOU KNOW?
Weather

It’s hot (around 30C celcius) and very humid throughout the year. So be prepared to take 2-3 showers every day to get rid of your own stickiness.

PRESS ARTICLES
Ethnic unity ushers in a new phase in Malaysia (The Age)

Malaysia had it’s 12th general election on march 8, 2008 and it turned into a political tsunami with a strong opposition. This article sums in up nicely.

STORIES
The 12th general election in Malaysia
On march 8th Malaysians were called to vote a new parliament and state representatives for the 12th time since independence. Beyond any expectation the voters showed that the country didn't only progress in an economic sense but also matured politically. The election outcome is considered to lead Malaysia in a new era of transparent and multi-racial politics in this "political tsunami". The leading Barisan Nasional coalition, which lead the country for the past 50 years on 2/3 majority, dropped to simply majority with opposition gaining seats and taking over the states of Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor.
RANDOM LINKS
Transnasional
journey planer by the national bus company Transnasional
hmetro.com.my/
malay newspaper
Monorails.org
Loving Photo Essay of KL Monorail by The Monorail Society
TrekEarth.com
photo community with stunning images
SarawakTourism.com
website of Sarawak Tourism Board

see all links