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.

Penang

Penang is the name of an island in the Straits of Malacca, and also of one of the states of Malaysia, located on the north-west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite. The city Georgetown is the 2nd biggest city in Malaysia and traveller′s hub.

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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!

More on Dikir Barat (Wikipedia)

performances at the Malay Heritage Centre, Singapore:






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

DID YOU KNOW?
Language

English is widely spoken so it’s very easy to get by. Though a few words of malay (Bahasa Malaysia) are always handy and will impress people. Malay is the official language but due to the multiracial character of the country you’ll find many languages spoken like Chinese (mandarin, cantonese, hokkien,...), Tamil among the Indians and several more languages on Borneo.

RANDOM LINKS
Uncletan.com/
Wildlife Adventure tours
Wikipedia:History of Malaysia
Wikipedia article about the history of Malaysia
thebookaholic.blogspot.com/
literature blog by a british living in Malaysia for more than 20 years
DiscoverMalaysia.biz
Discover Malaysia - the backpacker's trail (documentary)
foodlah
malaysian food blog aggregator

see all links
Things to do & see
Singapore, Kampong Glam

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
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
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Bako National Park
High Tide
BOOK HOSTELS
STORIES
Day trip to Chiling Waterfall (north of Kuala Lumpur)
by: Tilo

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