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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.

Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands is a highland region located about 20 km east of Ipoh and about 150 km north of Kuala Lumpur in Pahang, Malaysia. At 5,000 ft (1,500 m) above sea level it is the highest area on the mainland, and enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures no higher than 25C and rarely falling below 12C year round. The area is popular for it’s tea plantations and jungle walks.

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.

Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is located at on at the east coast of the peninsula at the mouth of the Sungai Terengganu river. It’s the capital of the state of Terengganu which forms together with Kedah and Kelatan the heartland of malay culture. KT is good stop for one or 2 days before moving on along the eastcoast or towards the National Park / Tasik Kenyir. There are also day trips available to Pulau Rendang (Island) and Tasik Kenyir (Lake)

Boats on Langkawi
Selamat Datang! Welcome to BackpackingMalaysia.com!

   
Mount Kinabalu view down from Laban Rata
   
Georgetown, Penang Kek Lok Si Temple (foreground) and Georgetown


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
Pulau Payar,Langkawi
Island 1h south of Langkawi with the status of Marine Park. An area of island is set up for snorkeling and diving trip. ... more
KL Sentral (Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur),Kuala Lumpur
The main railways station and transportation hub of Kuala Lumpur in Brickfields. KTM , KTM Komuter, LRT, KLIA Express, Monorail and Buses connect here ... more
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera),Penang
Hill system with hill resort (highest point 833m above sea level) about 6km from city centre of Georgetown. Bukit Bendera is 735m above sea level and can be reached by Penang Hill Railway ... more
Langkawi Cable Car,Langkawi
A daring cable car ride that takes you up to Gunung Macincang at 708 metres and offers spectactular views over the Island ... more
Harmony Street,Melaka
Jalan Tokong Besi in Chinatown is also called Harmony Street because Temples and Mosques of the three main religions of Malaysia are located peacefully in the same small street. ... more
Pasarakyat Bus Terminal,Kuala Lumpur
Smaller bus station in Imbi (just off Bukit Bintang) for some luxury buses to Singapore and buses to Genting Highlands. There are also a few other ticket counters of other companies for buses that leave from Puduraya. ... more
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
Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach),Langkawi
Stretch of wide beach on the west of the island with a high concentration of budget (and upper price) accommodation. It is a lively place also at night with various bars and restaurants. ... more
Jungle Walks - Trail 9A,Cameron Highlands
There are 13 Trails in and around Tanah Rata and Brinchang, varying from a few hours to full-day, to explore the Cameron Highlands rainforest yourself. Track 9A starts out at the western end of Tanah Rata und passes the Robinson Falls. ... more
Floating Mosque (Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah),Kuala Terengganu
The mosque is located in Teluk Ibai, just over 4km away from Kuala Terengganu town centre, south of Batu Buruk beach. The mosque appears to be floating on water, hence the nickname ... more
Lake Gardens,Kuala Lumpur
Big park near Chinatown area, includes National Mosque, Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Islamic Arts Museum, National Museum, Deer Park, Orchid Garden, Tasik Perdana (Premier Lake) ... more
Tanah Ratah,Cameron Highlands
Main town in the Cameron Highlands (with Brinchang to the north and Ringlet to the south). Most budget guesthouses are here and it is the starting point for many jungle trails. ... more
Sentosa Island,Singapore
Sentosa, which means tranquillity in Malay, is a popular island resort in Singapore, visited by some two million people a year. ... 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
Cameronian Inn Guesthouse, Cameron Highlands
Guesthouse, Cameron Highlands
 Guesthouse in Tanah Ratah ... more
Maya Guesthouse, Perhentian Islands
Guesthouse, Perhentian Islands
 chalets on Coral Bay, Pulau Perhentian Kecil with very good value ... more
ET Budget Guesthouse, Penang
Guesthouse, Penang
 budget guest house located at Batu Ferringhi beach ... more
Lemongrass Chalets & Restaurant, Perhentian Islands
Chalets, Perhentian Islands
 Long Beach, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Chalets at the southern edge of the Beach ... more
Eastern Heritage, Melaka
Hostel, Melaka
 Yen′s popular hostel in a charming old house near Bukit Cina ... more
Farrer Park Backpacker Hostel, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
 Hostel in Little India ... 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

... view all hostels

LINKS

Malaysia-Today.net
source independent news
Time Out Kuala Lumpur
KL city guide
abcmalaysia.com
Travel Portal to Malaysia
Malay Mail
yellow press typ newspaper
thebookaholic.blogspot.com/
literature blog by a british living in Malaysia for more than 20 years
Malaysian Nature Society
study, appreciation, conservation and protection of Malaysia's natural heritage
Tung Shin Hospital
hospital near Puduraya bus terminal with wing for western medicine and wing for traditional medicin
Transnasional
journey planer by the national bus company Transnasional
New Straight Times
english Newspaper
Waterfalls of Malaysia
website is dedicated to the beautiful waterfalls of Malaysia


see all links

Food & Drinks
Fried Kway Teow

main dish
Fried Kway Teow
Black colour and sweet pan fried noodles with egg, vegetables, chinese sausages and cockles
... more
Kuih Ketayap

dessert
Kuih Ketayap
dessert with sugar and coconut flakes in a green rolled up pancake
... 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
STORIES
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.
RANDOM LINKS
Screenshots
active political blog by Jeff Ooi
Cinema Online
Cinemas in Malaysia
abcmalaysia.com
Travel Portal to Malaysia
MalaysiaForum.de
German Malaysia Portal
Malaysia-Maps.com
collection of maps

see all links
Things to do & see
Langkawi, Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach)

Stretch of wide beach on the west of the island with a high concentration of budget (and upper price) accommodation. It is a lively place also at night with various bars and restaurants. ... more
Perhentian Islands, Coral Bay (Teluk Aur)

(1 comment)
Smaller Beach on the small Island, more relaxed and quite with excellent snorkel and dive spots and great sun sets ... more
PRESS ARTICLES
Malaysiaâ??s Jungle Train Loses its Trees (Asia Sentinel)

Article about the charms of the jungle train and the on-going deforestation around it.

BOOK HOSTELS
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Jungle Train
Food Car
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