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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Famous Jalan Alor
The well-known food street Jalan Alor is currently the talk of the town. Every local and tourist will eventually end up here having feast of good food in one of the many many restaurants and stalls. But since this week you might have a hard time finding this short but remarkable street in Bukit Bintang because the city council decided to change the name to Jalan Kejora - much to the dislike of about everybody.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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A guide for drivers in Malaysia
Malaysians are the most friendly people but put behind the wheel they become MFMs (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.
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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).
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Rainforest World Music Festival 2008
It's time again for the anual Rainforest World Music Festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village near Kuching (Sarawak, East Malaysia - Borneo). This unique music event will take place July 11 until July 13. Besides music performances visitors can attend workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts in the afternoon.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Long-Distance buses from Kuala Lumpur
As in any Asian country, travelling by bus is the most popular option. They are many bus operators competing to take you anywhere within the peninsula and to Singapore and Hatyai, Thailand. Most bus leave from Puduraya Bus Station and a few other bus stations...
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“Here in my home” - Malaysian Artists for Unity
A non-profit project brought together star musicians, indie musicians, dancers, filmmakers, arts curators, actors, poets, painters, art students, models, entrepreneurs and more from all parts of Malaysia's multi-racial society to produce a song about unity. Have a look at the video here.
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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!
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Malls, Malls, Malls - Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
KL has an incredible density of big shopping centres. It seems like every other year a new mall is opening trying to outdo the others in size or design. Here's a list of the favourites among locals and tourists with more information and pictures of each shopping centre.
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Dikir Barat
Dikir Barat is the most popular traditional music from Kelatan. It is also still actively performed in Terengganu and Singapore. It is very unique and entertaining to watch. The basic elements of a Dikir Barat group are the two frontmen, the Juara and the Tukang Karut, and the big vocal "rhythm group". Have a look!
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Interview with long-term hostel guest John Mansfield
Automotive consultant
John Mansfield from England has been a guest of
Red Palm Hostel in Kuala Lumpur since August 2006, on and off. I sat down with him to talk about his vision to set up a Motorsports University at the Sepang F1 Circuit, what he likes about Malaysia, travelling the country and his outlook to the upcoming Grand Prix.
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How to get from the airport to kuala lumpur
Find all the different means (Bus, Train, Taxi) to get to this area in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
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From Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara using public transport
How did get from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara (National Park) on your own without going on a package.
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how to get from KL to KLIA / LCCT Airport
The Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA - Kuala Lumpur International Airport) is about 45km south of KL. The LCCT is the low cost carrier terminal for budget airlines like Air Asia. It's locally at the same complex but there is no direct connection between the 2 terminals at the moment. There are various ways to get there from KL and to get to KL from there.
It takes about 1h by taxi (plus or minus depending on traffic), around 1h15min by bus and 28min by KLIA Express (KLIA - KL Sentral) to get to the Airport / to KL.
Read the details...
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Chinese New Year Celebration
Pictures of the Chinese New Year Parade in Kuala Lumpur and some informationen about this major holiday in Malaysia.
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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
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In Melaka on bicycle
Katja and Waldemar were on the road in Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand and Sri Lanka on bicycle with their 2 children. They stayed in Melaka for 6 Weeks and live at the
Sama Sama Guesthouse. This a long story about life in Chinatown, buddhist and Hindu processions and a smoke attack after 2 cases of Dengue Fever. For more Stories and Information visit their website
39Grad (german)
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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.
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Kuala Lumpur - everything fake or what?
a story by Andreas (Germany) written down at
Red Palm Hostel in November 2004 about fake DVDs and watches and the art of negotiation. The original story and many more stories and picture on the german website
MoveTivation.net Internetseite ... more
On The Jungle Train
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.
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Cameron Highlands
For someone who loves the nature, and just has 5 or 6 days or even less to spend in West Malaysia, I would highly recommend you to my favourite destination - Cameron Highland.
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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."
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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?
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Along the East Coast
Encyclopedia.com.my
Main shopping, dining and entertainment area of Kuala Lumpur. Many backpacker accommodations are here.
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The Dutch Square, also called Red Squared because all the surrounding building painted red, next to the Melaka river is a good starting point for visiting the old part of the town.
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