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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.

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.

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.

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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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
Singapore River,Singapore
The mouth of the Singapore River was the old Port of Singapore. It houses many of Singapore′s top historical and cultural attractions and nightlife. Famous spots: Boat Qay, The Esplanade, The Merlion, Raffle′s Hotel ... more
Bukit Puteri,Kuala Terengganu
Princess Hill. Hill in city center with the remains of an old fort. ... more
Sarawak Cultural Village,Kuching
Sarawak Cultural Village is tucked away on the foothills of Mount Santubong at Damai Beach, 35 km north from Kuching. It is also known as a living museum. ... more
Butterfly Farm,Cameron Highlands
The Butterfly Farm is located around the Kea Farm area north of Brinchang (town north of Tanah Ratah) showing, besides butterflies, a wide variety of plants, flowers, insects and reptiles. Best to to visit with an experienced guide otherwise you miss a lot of interesting things. ... more
Pulau Perhentian Kecil,Perhentian Islands
The small (=kecil) island. With plenty of low-priced accommodation the island is a backpackers favorite and can get quite crowded at peak season on Long Beach. ... more
Thean Hou Buddhist Temple,Kuala Lumpur
Picturesque Chinese temple with impressive architecture. It is situated on a hill offering excellent view over the city. ... more
The Gardens / Midvalley Megamall,Kuala Lumpur
The new Gardens (opened in 2007) and Midvalley Megamall are shopping Malls under the same management in a mixed development called Midvalley City a few km south of downtown. ... more
The Curve / Ikea / Ikano Power Center,Kuala Lumpur
Another huge shopping complex in suburbia PJ (Mutiara Damansara). It houses the malls The Curve and Ikano Power Center plus Ikea and Tesco that are all interconnected. ... 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
Wats around Kota Bharu,Kota Bharu
There are a few impressive thai buddhist temple between Kota Bahru and near thai border in the north ... more
Gunung Raya,Langkawi
highest peak on Langkawi (881m) with spectacular views over the island and even to Thailand when it is clear ... more
Medan Portugis / Portuguese Settlement,Melaka
To the west of downtown Melaka, the portuguese decendants founded their own settlement in the 1930s. Interesting evening trip to Medan Portugis to have a feast in the various portuguese seafood restaurants. Nothing to see, it′s all about the people and goooood food. ... more
Salang Beach,Tioman
Salang is on the northernmost end of the island and is most frequented by backpackers and independent travellers looking for a spot of diving, plenty of nightlife and cheap accommodation. ... 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
Ali’s Ferringi Guest House, Penang
Guesthouse, Penang
Guesthouse at Ferringi Beach, traditional malay home built in 1965, converted into a guesthouse in 1975 ... more
MNS-BOH Field Study Centry, Cameron Highlands
Chalets, Cameron Highlands
The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) has 3 wooden houses up on the hills in the estate and that you can rent out. It′s about 2km past the BOH Tea Factory. They have chalets which are 4 units in a long-house. ... more
Senja Bay Resort, Perhentian Islands
Resort, Perhentian Islands
Budget Resort on Coral Bay, Pulau Perhentian Kecil with good views ... more
Butterfly Chalets, Perhentian Islands
Chalets, Perhentian Islands
basic chalets on Coral Bay, Pulau Perhentian Kecil with magnificent views ... more
Pujangga Homestay, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Guesthouse in Bukit Bintang ... more
Sleepy Sam’s Bed & Breakfast, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Hostel in what once used to be the Sultan′s palace compound ... more
The Hive, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Hostel close to Lavender Bus Terminal ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

Juiceonline.com
parties & events in Malaysia
Malaysian Travel Blog
Malaysia Travel Guide For Backpackers
PetalingStreet.org/
Malaysia Blog Portal
journeymalaysia.com
comprehensive malaysian travel portal
tourism.gov.my
government tourism website
hmetro.com.my/
malay newspaper
Uncletan.com/
Wildlife Adventure tours
Berjaya-Air.com
flights to Tioman, Redang, Pangkor, Koh Samui
AsiaExplorers.com
Penang Mosques
Malaysiakini.com
independent online news magazine


see all links

Food & Drinks
Barley

beverage
refreshing drink with barley, water and syrup
... more
Roti Bom

side dish, snack
a variety of Roti Canai with margarine added to the dough
... 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
RANDOM LINKS
Wikipedia:History of Malaysia
Wikipedia article about the history of Malaysia
multimap.com
very good map service
Weather in Malaysia
Weather in Malaysia (Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation)
hmetro.com.my/
malay newspaper
Destinations Guide
tips for some nature distinations

see all links
STORIES
Traveler IQ Challenge
This is a really cool flash quiz from the Travelpod website. In this game you can test your knowledge about the locations of cities, sights, flags and so on (also some places in Malaysia). There are different versions available: World, North America, Europe, World Capitals, Canada, Asia, UNESCO Sites, Africa, Latin America, Oceania/Australasia, Flags of the World, Photos of the World, USA Challenge, Amazing Race. Let's see how well you know our planet. Check your knowlege here.
BOOK HOSTELS
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Cameron Highlands
Robinson Falls
Things to do & see
Singapore, Orchard Road

is a road in Singapore that is the shopping and entertainment hub of the city-state. Often the surrounding area is known as Orchard and associated with the road. ... more
Kuala Lumpur, Brickfields

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
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

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