Kuching

Kuching is the capital of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak on Borneo. Kuching is the most populous city in the state of Sarawak and the fourth largest city in Malaysia. Kuching means “cat” in Malay.

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. 

Pulau Perhentian Kecil - Long Beach
Pasar Malam Stall: Nasi Campur
Jalan Alor
Pasar Malam Stall: Corn
Chicken Fish
Fish at a market
>> Click here to see the Food Gallery

Jackfruit (Nangka)
Jackfruit or Nangka, as it is locally known in Malay, is the largest tree borne fruit in the world. The jackfruit trees native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Phillipines and Sri Lanka but but also common in Malaysia, probably introduced by humans some time ago.The fruits can reach 36 kg in weight and up to 90 cm long and 50 cm in diameter. ... more

I got it from my Mamak
Mamak stalls are restaurants in Malaysia mostly run by muslim Indians. Traditionally they started out as road side stalls but due their importance to Malaysian social life, hence their number of customer, there are big mamak restaurants and even chains now too. Mamak stalls are a true multi-racial melting pot, whether they be Malay, Indian, Chinese or others, this is place where everybody meets for a snack or a drink with friends, business clients, breakfast or just watching football at night. Many mamak stalls operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. You want your Roti Canai and Teh Tarik at 4am in the morning? No problem. Welcome to Malaysia! Found out what "mamaking" is all about. ... more

Malaysia likes it sweet - Cakes and Kuih
I think I mentioned it before somewhere that one of the highlights (of not the highlight) of Malaysia is the food. Besides the flavourful and sometimes spicy main dishes there is huge variety of cakes, commonly refered to as Kuih (or Kueh). Have a look at my friend's cakes: Bakelicous! ... more

Kuala Lumpur - chaos and harmony
A story by german traveller Chris about the crazy KL traffic and the day where all cars disappeared miraculously. And a story where they escaped from the heavy in a chinese tea shop. Read the original german story here. ... more

The Science of ordering drinks in Malaysia
Ordering drinks is easy once you understand the system. But don't worry, in the big cities you will get by at most places speaking english, but you want to try anyway, right? After a bit of practicing you can mingle with the locals and shout "Boss. Teh Tarik. Satu Lagi." ... more

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? ... more

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. 

RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Kampung Life
Sungai Cherating
BOOK HOSTELS
Things to do & see
Langkawi, Langkawi Cable Car

A daring cable car ride that takes you up to Gunung Macincang at 708 metres and offers spectactular views over the Island ... more
Kuala Lumpur, Bangsar

Bangsar, to the south of downtown, popular entertainment area for local yuppies and expats with an Mediterranean flair. ... more
STORIES
On The Jungle Train " height="150" width="200" border="0" />
From the north-eastern corner of Malaysia runs a train line right through the rain forest until it reaches Malaysia's other train line that connect Singapore-Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok. The train is also called the jungle train. Here is a story of 2 days on the train from Kota Bharu until Gemas with a stopover in Kuala Lipis.
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
Kuala Gandah Elefant Sanctuary
The Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary Malaysia - home of the homeless elephants -
Cinema Online
Cinemas in Malaysia
malaysiasite.nl
dutch/english guide
Malaysia-Islands.com
Photos, Dive&Snorkel Spots of all major Malaysian Islands
KTMB.com.my
National Railway Company

see all links