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.

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.

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PRESS ARTICLES
Traditional geomantic designs (The Star)

Story about ancient Malay building principles, the ancient art of Malay geomancy, a parallel to Chinese feng shui and Indian vasthu sastra. 

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

DID YOU KNOW?
Trains

There are only 2 train lines on the peninsula, one is the north-south track (Bangkok-Singapore) and one splits off in Gemas (south of KL) and runs to the north-eastern thai boarder near Kota Bharu. This line is also called the jungle train. The train is pricier and slower then the bus but can be more comfortable when travelling in a sleeper car. More info at http://www.ktmb.com.my and http://www.seat61.com/Malaysia.htm
There are currently talks of constructing a bullet train line between Sinpapore and Kuala Lumpur

RANDOM LINKS
Transnasional
journey planer by the national bus company Transnasional
MmalaysianFood.net
all about Malaysian Food
journeymalaysia.com
comprehensive malaysian travel portal
DiscoverMalaysia.biz
Discover Malaysia - the backpacker's trail (documentary)
KTMB.com.my
National Railway Company

see all links
STORIES
Breakfast in Malaysia
I know it is very convenient when the hostel of your choice offers breakfast included and after having rice for so long you just enjoy the cornflakes or bread as if it was most exclusive delicacy. Oh, you just had it this morning? Well, then there is no excuse. Tomorrow, you'll do it malaysian style. Outside. On a plastic chair. For around 2 Ringgit including a drink. Deal?
Things to do & see
Kuala Terengganu, Bukit Puteri

Princess Hill. Hill in city center with the remains of an old fort. ... more
Kuala Lumpur, Ampang Look-out Point

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Lookout point on the hills at the eastern edge of the city with a magnificent view over the entire city with a few restaurants and a lookout tower ... more
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Sultan Ismael