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.

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.

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.

Brunei

Tiny state in Borneo, sandwiched between Sarawak and Sabah. After it was a big regional player a few hundred years back, Brunei became rich upon the discovery of Oil in the 1940s. For a period time the Sultan of Brunei was the richest person in the world.

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang
Selamat Datang! Welcome to BackpackingMalaysia.com!

   
Melaka St.Pauls Church
   
Kota Bahru Central Market


Keropok Lekor
The easiest way to describe Keropok Lekor is to call it fish sausage. It is the specialty from Terengganu, a state at the east coast and omnipresent in the streets and villages and very much a part of the live of the people there. Here are some pictures from one of the most popular Keropok Lekor stalls or shall I say factory, in Kuala Terengganu. ... more

Nasi Campur (Malay Mixed Rice)
Besides the Indian and Chinese food, there is also the flavorful and diverse Malay cuisine. The best way to experience this is to have your lunch at a Nasi Campur counter. Nasi Campur means Mixed Rice in Malay and refers to a plate of white rice that you will get from the kakak, (short: Ka, means sister in Malay and waitresses often been addressed that way), before filling your plate whatever that suits your taste from the counter. ... more

Malaysia vs. Singapore
Entertaining story from guest author Maik from his Blog "Wah Lau". He is a german guy who developed quite some affection for the whole range of Asian diversity. Being based in Singapore, he went for a trip to nearby Melaka in 2006 and reflected about the differences between Malaysia and Singapore and what people think of each other, prejudice or not? ... more

A guide for drivers in Malaysia
Malaysians are the most friendly people but put behind the wheel they become MMMs (Me-First-Malaysians). As a traveller just keep in mind, people drive on the left side here and look to the right and the left before crossing the road (lots of one-way-streets) The following is from a funny email I received recently. A humorous way look at how people drive in Malaysia. Enjoy. ... more

Georgetown and Melaka just became Unesco world heritage sites
On Monday, July 7, 2008, the historic city centre of Melaka and Georgetown, Penang with their mostly Chinese shophouses and colonial buildings were just been added into the list of Unesco World Heritage sites. Therefore, Malaysia now has four sites on the list, the other two being Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak, tropical karst area) and Kinabalu Park (Sabah, highest peak in South-east Asia). ... more

Rainforest World Music Festival 2008
Jackfruit (Nangka)
I got it from my Mamak
Traveler IQ Challenge
Long-Distance buses from Kuala Lumpur
(1 comment)
... read more stories

Things to Do & See
Times Square KL (Shopping Mall),Kuala Lumpur
Giant shopping Mall in Bukit Bintang with 10 floors, IMAX theatre, Golden Screen cinema, a huge bowling alley and a theme park with a roller coaster. ... 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
Juara Bay,Tioman
bay on the east coast of Tioman. Quiet and beautiful spot being the only the place to stay on the eastern side of the island. ... more
Batu Ferringhi,Penang
Along this famous beach area, there are numerous large hotels, budget guest houses, restaurants, transport rental services, and souvenir stores. ... more
Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa Sikh Temple,Kuala Lumpur
Sikh Temple at the near the Chow Kit Wet Market and Kampung Baru. Largest Sikh temple in South-east Asia and spiritual home to KL′s 75,000 Sikhs. ... more
Little India,Kuala Lumpur
Downtown area with street markets, many indian fabric shops and food. ... 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
Khoo Kongsi,Penang
The most impressive of Penangs many kongsis. A kongsi is a clan house that is partly temple, partly meeting hall ... more
Petaling Street (Chinatown),Kuala Lumpur
mostly Chinese roofed street market (food, bargain for fake branded goods) ... more
Plaza Low Yat (Tech Mall),Kuala Lumpur
Low Yat is the place go to buy electronic and high-tech stuff like computers, laptops , computer parts and accessories, cameras, mobile phones, blanks discs etc. ... more
Sri Mariamman Temple,Singapore
Singapores oldest and most important Hindu temple, right in the middle of Chinatown ... more
Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve,Kuala Lumpur
only remaining tropical rainforest in the heart of the city of Kuala Lumpur ... more
Bangsar,Kuala Lumpur
Bangsar, to the south of downtown, popular entertainment area for local yuppies and expats with an Mediterranean flair. ... 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
Fragrance Hostel, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
 hostel just outside the central business district near Little India ... more
Pondok Lodge, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
 "Oldest Hostel" in Bukit Bintang serving Visitors since 1997 with roof-top terrace. ... more
Borneo Global Backpackers Lodge, Kota Kinabalu
Hostel, Kota Kinabalu
 Hostel close to the State Museum ... more
Kinabalu Backpackers Lodge, Kota Kinabalu
Hostel, Kota Kinabalu
 Located in a historical street and in the heart of Kota Kinabalu City. ... more
Father’s Guesthouse, Cameron Highlands
Guesthouse, Cameron Highlands
 Guesthouse in Tanah Rata, Peaceful setting, surrounded by gardens & jungle, 500meters from bus station, on a private hill ... more
The Hive, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
 Hostel close to Lavender Bus Terminal ... more
ET Budget Guesthouse, Penang
Guesthouse, Penang
 budget guest house located at Batu Ferringhi beach ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

DataranPahlawan.com
new Megamall in the city centre
Screenshots
active political blog by Jeff Ooi
Travelling by bus
bus schedules and routes by journeymalaysia.com
Waterfalls of Malaysia
website is dedicated to the beautiful waterfalls of Malaysia
AirAsia.com
Malaysian budget airline for south-east Asia
Monorail.com.my
public transportation system in Kuala Lumpur
TheCicak.com/
socio-political youth magazine
Country Calling Codes
International Country Calling Codes and World Time Zones
Tourism-Melaka.com
Useful Information about Melaka
AmazingMelaka.com
Interesting Blog about Melaka


see all links

Red Palm Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Red Palm Hostel
The award-winning Red Palm Hostel Kuala Lumpur - a special, cozy, personal and small place for backbackers of all ages - is also the birthplace of backpackingmalaysia.com and maybe your home during your visit in Kuala Lumpur.
CALENDAR
Sports Event
Oct,07 2008 - Nov,09 2008
FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 ...more

Misc
Oct,10 2008 - Oct,12 2008
Epicure Malaysia 2008 ...more

Public Holiday
Oct,27 2008
Deepavali ...more

Sports Event
Nov,01 2008 - Nov,08 2008
Darwin-Bali PD-Langkawi Yacht Rally 2008 ...more

Festival
Nov,01 2008 -
Malaysia International Gourmet Festival ...more



show full calendar
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Melaka
Street in Chinatown
DID YOU KNOW?
Mat Salleh

The word malaysians use for westerners is “Mat Salleh”.

BOOK HOSTELS
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

PRESS ARTICLES
The changing face of Malaysian politics (BBC)

BBC article by Jonathan Kent about a new climate in Malaysia after the stepping down of Mahathir Mohamad with funny and interesting observations of malaysian daily life.
Quote:
“They look impressed. “What about durian?” Durian is a fruit the taste of which has been described as like eating cheese off a dead body.
“Aiyoh,” I say “durian cannot,” and screw up my face.
At this point everyone will laugh. “

RANDOM LINKS
Travelling by bus
bus schedules and routes by journeymalaysia.com
Weather in Malaysia
Weather in Malaysia (Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation)
MalaysiaForum.de
German Malaysia Portal
Country Calling Codes
International Country Calling Codes and World Time Zones
Utusan.com.my/
malay newspaper

see all links
Things to do & see
Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Lagoon

(1 comment)
Sunway Lagoon is a major amusement park in Petaling Jaya (PJ), just south of KL. It is known for its thrilling rides in both the water park and the adjacent dry park. ... more
Langkawi, Kuah

(2 comments)
The main town on Langkawi and the place you arrive per boat from Penang, Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis or from Thailand. ... more