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Taman Negara

Taman Negara National Park was established in Malaysia in 1938/1939 as the King George V National Park. It was renamed to Taman Negara after Independence, which literally means “national park” in Malay. The total area of Taman Negara is 4,343 km².

Cherating

Cherating is the only real backpacker hub at the east coast of the peninsula on the mainland. Offering plenty of affordable chalets and a relaxed atmosphere, it is good place to stop for a night or two on the way up or down the east coast. The beach itself is not that spectacular and misses the palm directly at the beach. But it has a good vibe and few things you can do like taking a tour or renting a kayak up the river into the mangroves. There is also an active surfer scene when the waves are right. Cherating is located about 30km or 1h by local bus north of Kuantan.

Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian in Bahasa Malaysia) lie approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) offshore the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of the Thai border. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (“Big Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Small Perhentian”). Popular for it’s beaches, snorkeling and driving. Like a real postcard.

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.

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Selamat Datang! Welcome to BackpackingMalaysia.com!

   
Kuala Lumpur Petronas Towers
   
Langkawi Crab Tracks


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

Hiking at Bukit Tabur

It is hardly noticeable from the city centre - especially on hazy days - but Kuala Lumpur is surrounded by lush hills, rock formations and water reservoirs. Escaping the the huzzle and buzzle of the city is a mere 30min drive away. One the most spectacular hikes is up on Bukit Tabur, part of a quarz ridge in the north-east of the city at Taman Melawati. ... more

Exploring Cameron Highlands

There are 13 different paths to discover the Highlands on your own. To fully experience the nature, culture and economy of the area it is recommended to join one of the various tours. ... more

Buses from and to Cameron Highlands

There are 2 bus companies bringing travellers to and from Cameron Highlands, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. From Cameron Highlands, you also have the option to travel to Taman Negara and Pulau Perhentian via mini bus. ... more

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

Malaysian GP 2009 (Formula 1 in Sepang)
Thaipusam Festival
Malacca: the city that best gives a sense of Malaysia’s past
Famous Jalan Alor
Keropok Lekor
... read more stories

Things to Do & See
Singapore Zoo - Night Safari,Singapore
The Zoo is one of the main attractions in Singapore, it also hosts the Jurong Bird Park and the popular Night Safari (the worlds first). ... 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
Bukit Cina,Melaka
Bukit Cina (Chinese Hill) is the largest chinese burial ground outside China. ... 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
Craft Complex,Kuala Lumpur
graft centre in Bukit Bintang with various graft shops, museum, batik workshops, artist colony and more ... more
Kampong Glam,Singapore
Kampong Glam, also known by the name of its main thoroughfare Arab Street, was where Singapore′s Arab traders settled in the founding days of the colony. It is Singapore′s muslim centre and a shopping paradise ... more
Pantai Batu Buruk (Beach),Kuala Terengganu
beach close to City Center. Literually meansBeach of the Ugly Stone. It is popular for playing with kites or having a walk but it is considered too dangerous for swimming. ... more
Crystal Mosque (Islamic Civilisation Park),Kuala Terengganu
also known as Taman Tamandun Islam. The RM250 Million theme park was opened in february 2008 and houses besides the Crystal Mosque replicas of several world famous mosques. ... more
Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple & Wat Chayamangkalaram,Penang
Penangs first Buddhist temple. Construction started in 1905. Opposite of it is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha with a 33m-long reclining Buddha ... more
Rock-climbing at Batu Caves,Kuala Lumpur
You can rock climb at 4 spots of the limestone hill that also hosts the famous Batu caves temple. Climing the walls is free of charge unless you want to take courses. ... more
Menara KL (KL Tower),Kuala Lumpur
TV Tower (421m tall), standing on a hill, 94m above the sea level, offering higher ground than the twin towers and the highest view of the city. ... more
Orchard Road,Singapore
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
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

... 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. ... more
Farrer Park Backpacker Hostel, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Hostel in Little India ... more
Synfony Village, Perhentian Islands
Chalets, Perhentian Islands
basic chalets on Long Beach, Pulau Perhentian Kecil ... more
Borneo Global Backpackers Lodge, Kota Kinabalu
Hostel, Kota Kinabalu
Hostel close to the State Museum ... more
Fox Hill Langkawi holiday resort, Langkawi
Resort, Langkawi
Small resort in the heart of Langkawi on the road to Makam Mahsuri with a house for backpackers who want to be in the middle of nature ... more
Bedz KL, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
dorm-only hostel in in a 2-story shop house in Bukit Bintang ... more
Sunset Beach Resort, Langkawi
Hostel, Langkawi
cozy, beautifully landscaped and designed small resort at the southern end of Cenang Road and northend end of Tengah Beach ... more
Langkapuri Beach Resort, Langkawi
Resort, Langkawi
budget resort on Pantai Cenang (RM95 - RM160) ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

TrekEarth.com
photo community with stunning images
VisionKL.com
city lifestyle magazine
PenangPage.com
Lots of picture and comments about Penang
MmalaysianFood.net
all about Malaysian Food
malaysiasite.nl
dutch/english guide
Rapid KL
public transport operator in KL
SarawakTourism.com
website of Sarawak Tourism Board
Malay Mail
yellow press typ newspaper
AsiaExplorers.com
Exploring the Sights in Singapore
Maleisie.be
Belgian Malaysia Travel Guide


see all links



Food & Drinks
Ramly Burger

main dish, snack
Malaysian street hamburger
... more
Vada

snack
spicy southern Indian snack made of potatoes, dal and spices
... more

» Food & Drink Database Malaysia & South-East Asia

RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Kota Bahru
Food Market
BOOK HOSTELS
DID YOU KNOW?
Traffic

As a former british colony cars drive on the left side so watch out when you cross the road. It’s always better to look at both sides first. Malaysians can be crazy behind the wheel.

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
Malaysiakini.com
independent online news magazine
AllMalaysia.info
Portal powered by Star newspaper
malaysiamydestination.com
official portal of Tourism Malaysia
TrekEarth.com
photo community with stunning images
Berjaya-Air.com
flights to Tioman, Redang, Pangkor, Koh Samui

see all links
STORIES
Day trip to Chiling Waterfall (north of Kuala Lumpur)
A recommended day trip to the Chiling Waterfall north of Kuala Lumpur with the nature guide Happy Yen. Including visit of Buddhist Temple, Lunch, jungle trek to waterfall, hot spring and dinner
Things to do & see
Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Alor

Food Paradise in Bukit Bintang. Jalan Alor turns into a giant open air street restaurant at night ... more
Kuala Lumpur, The Curve / Ikea / Ikano Power Center

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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