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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.

Travel and tourism should be planned and practiced as a means of individual and collective fulfilment. When practiced with an open mind, it is an irreplaceable factor of self education, mutual tolerance and for learning about the legitimate differences between peoples and cultures and their diversity.

Everyone has a role to play creating responsible travel and tourism. Governments, business and communities must do all they can, but as a guest you can support this in many ways to make a difference:

1. Open your mind to other cultures and traditions - it will transform your experience, you will earn respect and be more readily welcomed by local people. Be tolerant and
respect diversity - observe social and cultural traditions and practices.

2. Respect human rights. Exploitation in any form conflicts with the fundamental aims of tourism. The sexual exploitation of children is a crime punishable in the destination or at the offender's home country.

3. Help preserve natural environments. Protect wildlife and habitats and do not purchase products made from endangered plants or animals.

4. Respect cultural resources. Activities should be conducted with respect for the artistic, archaeological and cultural heritage.

5. Your trip can contribute to economic and social development. Purchase local handicrafts and products to support the local economy using the principles of fair trade. Bargaining for goods should reflect an understanding of a fair wage.

6. Inform yourself about the destination's current health situation and access to emergency and consular services prior to departure and be assured that your health and personal security will not be compromised. Make sure that your specific requirements (diet, accessibility, medical care) can be fulfilled before you decide to travel this destination.

7. Learn as much as possible about your destination and take time to understand the customs, norms and traditions. Avoid behaviour that could offend the local population.

8. Familiarize yourself with the laws so that you do not commit any act considered criminal by the law of the country visited. Refrain from all trafficking in illicit drugs, arms,antiques, protected species and products or substances that are dangerous or prohibited by national regulations.


"The Responsible Tourist and Traveller" has been approved by the World Committee on Tourism Ethics in May 2005 and endorsed by UNWTO resolution A/RES/506(XVI) adopted at Dakar, Senegal, in December 2005, by which the General Assembly recommends the dissemination of this text to the travelling public worldwide.

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?

Roti Canai / Roti Telur

Roti Cani is a type of indian bread. You can get it at most indian and malay stalls. It is quite a sight to watch the masters at work when they prepare the dough for bread. They will toss it in the air until it beccomes super-thin and then they will fold it four times a fry it. After that they will literally beat the bread so that it becomes fluffy and you can see the various layers.
Sometimes you get curry with it and sometimes you get Dal with it to dip in. Personally, I prefer Dal Samabal, where a spicy chili sos (Sambal) is added to the Dal. To make to breakfast more wholesame, try Roti Telur with has egg inside. Sometimes people will add some Chilli and Onion too, a good stall anyway. I once tried the Roti Canai with condensed milk (susu manis), not my favorite but not bad at all.

How to order a Roti Telur with Dal Sambal and Ice Lemon Tea:
"Roti Telur. Satu. Dal Sambal. Teh O Ais Limau. Satu."
"Satu" here means that you only want one.
--> the science of ordering drinks in Malaysia

Tosai

Tosai is a different type of indian bread. You will only find Tosai at indian stalls however. It is very thin and crispy. Here, the liquid dough is poured on the hot plate and then being spread by a cup. When it is done it appears quite enormous in size but usually a tosai appears bigger than it is since it is very thin and not as greasy as Roti Canai.

Tosai will be served on a metal plate with 3 small pockets each filled with a different sos. The standard sauces are Dal and Curry and the third sauce is usually different from place to place - different kinds of chutneys.


Just like with Roti Telur you can also order Tosai with egg (Tosai Telur) or with sugar (Tosai Gula). If you want to eat Tosai for lunch or dinner, try Tosai Masala where it is fill with potatoes and other vegetables in a spice Masala sauce.
How to order a Tosai with a Teh Tarik (Teh with condensed milk):
"Tosai. Satu. Teh Tarik. Satu."
The "k" of "Tarik" is silent as any "k" at the end of a word in malay.
--> the science of ordering drinks in Malaysia

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak seems to be the most popular breakfast amoung all races in Malaysia. It's also eaten anytime during the day and a popular fast food at rest stops for example. Nasi Lemak (fat rice) is coconut rice with egg, sambal, anchovies, nuts, cucumber and sometimes chicken or fish. As the word suggests it is quite heavy. To heavy for me in the morning anyway.

Nasi Lemak is usually cold as it is already prepared and wrapped in a banana leave and newspaper. In the morning you will notice the small "pyramides" on the tables of the stalls. Now you know what is inside.




Vocabularies

roti	bread
telur	egg
boss	general word to call the "waiter"
satu	one
dua	two
tiga	three
satu lagi	one more
boss, kira	we'd like to pay
terima kasih	thank you
nandri	thank you (tamil)
susu	milk
manis	sweet

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."

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." (Boss, give me another Tea)
Teh Tarik - Tea with condensed milk, sweet
Teh O Panas - same tea without ice
Teh O Limau Panas - Lemon Tea
The Panas (=hot) is optional, sometimes you will get the drinks with ice anyway so you add "panas" just to make sure.
If you want a cold drink you just add "ais" to it:

Teh Ais - Ice Tea with condensed milk
Teh O Ais - Ice Tea
Teh O Ais Limau - Lemon Ice Tea

Important: every drink in Malaysia is by default very (very) sweet. I would recommend to order everything with the magic words "kurang manis" (=less sweet):

Teh Ais Kurang Manis, Teh Tarik Kurang Manis .... and so on. It will still be sweet but not as bad. If you don't want sugar at all. Add "tak nak gula" (pronounce: ta na gula = don't want sugar).

If you liked the drink and want another one: "satu lagi" (=one more) will holding up the glass / cup.

Other drinks you will get anywhere: Nescafe and Milo (cacao drink), most of the times also "kopi" (=coffee). The sames rules apply to these drinks. Example:

Nescafe Tarik - Nescafe with condensed milk
Milo Ais - cocoa drink with Ice

2 popular cold drinks which are available everywhere:

Limau Ais - Lemon Juice (water, ice, freshly squeezed limes)
Ice Kosong - Ice Water (cheapest way to recharge - 20sen)

By the way, "tarik" means pull. The mean is used because the Teh will be "pulled" between to cups to mix it and cool it down.

In case you want to drink "to go" (here known as "take-away): ask for "bungkus".

Don't forget your "Terima Kasih" or even "Nandri" (tamil, if it is a indian place) which means thank you and you can be sure to be smiled at.

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.

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. It is like 5 hours from Kuala Lumpur. At Cameron Highland, you would find the tranquility of the mountain, escape the heat of the city. Spare yourself, at least, two days at Cameron Highland, join the must go half day tour to tea plantation farm. Here you would see the most lovely and spectacular view of little green lot of tea farm, spreading all over the valleys ranging from one valley to another.

Transportation - better to take the espress bus from Puduraya bus station in the early morning. After 5 hours of journey, you will arrive Cameron Highland at around 1 or 2 pm. Registered for a half day or whole day tour, or your hotel can do it for you for the same dollar amount. Then, relax yourself, hang around for the rest of the day. On day 2, begin with the tour and enjoy mother nature with experience local guide. They will tell you the history as well as funny things at Cameron Highland. If you are taking the half day tour, you would be able to catch the 1:30pm bus back to Kuala Lumpur and save some time!

Accommodation - for the moderate price places to stay (around US35/nite) at Tanah Rata should be fine. Everything will be in walking distance. Food - the most popular to have at the highland is "steamboat", opened by the local Chinese who live there for over 20 years. You just spend less than US3 for a "all-u-can-eat" steamboat buffet at any Chinese restaurant. Enjoy the food and a beer on hand is the best thing you could ever have at Cameron Highland.

Last but not least - I lost my backpack during my coach transfer from Tanah Rata (Cameron Highland) back to Kuala Lumpur. I was not aware of this until I arrived KL which was 730pm in the evening already. I was panic and the only thing I had was the coach ticket which had the address of the bus company on it. The only thing I could do was to find the bus company under heavy rainfall, and asked for help near Puduraya bus station. Lucky me, the lady there was so friendly, asked me to calm down and told me that they already got a phone call from the transfer station, knowing I had left my luggage there. And the best thing was that they had arranged the next bus to bring the luggage back to me. During my wait for the next bus to come, which was 2 1/2 hours, though tired and hungry, the lady offered a chair for me which was the best comfort I could have. By 10pm, the bus finally arrived and the bus driver saw a me right away. It was good to have my luggage back, really. Many thanks to all the people who had given me a hand during my journey in Malaysia! Terima Kasih!
For detailed information about the Cameron Highland click here!

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.

We got up early at 4.30am in Kota Bharu and took a taxi to the Wakaf Bharu train station which was a 15 minute drive from Kota Bahru. I tried to buy a ticket the day before but the woman at the counter said that tickets are only available at the train station on the same day.

When we arrived at the train station the counter was still closed so we took a seat and waited. About 30min before the train arrived (yup, I guess we were too early) the counter opened up and we bought 3 tickets which was RM 32.40 all together. That just reminds me of the documentary I watched yesterday about the Orient Express from Singapore to Bangkok with ticket prices of 1600 Euro to 3000 Euro.

Anyway, we got in the train and sat down in a basic 3 rd class car with ceiling fans. After a while I decided to explore the rest of the train. As I fought my way through durian and other local fruits that were stored in between the cars, I found one car that was a bit better equipped and air-conditioned so we moved our things here. However, the a/c was set so low that we had to get extra-clothing out of the backpack to keep us warm. Meanwhile it was day-light already and we passed by paddy fields and villages and the environment turned more and more into jungle. At some of the bigger stations the train stopped for about 20min to wait for the on-coming train since there is only a single track between the stations. At times the jungle is so thick that it touches the train on both sides and it feels like the train is eating its way through the rain forest.

The handful of backpackers left the train in Jerantut which is the gate to Taman Negara, the national park. We got out of the train in Kuala Lipis after about 8 ½ hours in the train. Kuala Lipis is a small town with a colonial past as the capital of Pahang. Now it is quite sleepy and there is not much too do. Taman Negara and Kenong Rimba State Park are close by and tours can be booked there. We just used it as a stop over as we wanted to get to Melaka the next day.

Our train left at 2pm the next day and we used the morning for a walk. It had been raining until the early morning so the temperature was still pleasant.

There were less people on the train then yesterday where a lot of locals used the train to commute between neighbour towns and villages. The further we got to Gemas (todays last stop) the emptier the train got. In the end there were merely 5 people in the train. This 2nd part of the train ride was not as scenic as the day before as the jungle slowly turned into oil palm fields.

When we arrived at 8.30pm it was already dark and started to rain. In Gemas the train line insects with the line between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. However; the next train wouldn't leave before the middle of the night but we wanted to get to Melaka anyway. The was no buses or taxis anywhere that could take us to Melaka so we sat down in the Chinese run cafe at the train station and sipped a few Teh Tariks. Mostly Indians sat at the tables and had tea and ate Nasi Lemak for dinner. As I ran out of ideas how to leave from here I ask the guy running the cafe if he knows how to get us to Melaka. He said he that there were no more taxis or buses at this time. Luckily, one of his friends, an Indian drug enforcement officer, would be willing to take take us to Tampin. From there we should be able to take a bus.

We waited another hour before the friendly Indian Man took us with his car (fancily decorated on the inside with Ganesh and other Hindu symbols) on the 30min trip. Along the way he explained with a loud strong voice about the drug situation in Malaysia (favourite phrase: "you have to be very be careful"). After the very interesting ride we arrived in Tampin. By now it was already quite late so we decided to be lazy and took the more expensive (RM 40) option of taking a taxi to Melaka. Shortly before midnight we arrived at the Eastern Heritage guesthouse in Melaka.

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

There you sit in a restaurant on Jalan Alor, where one restaurant and stall is next to the other busily serving costumers even at 2am and there come 10-year old boys selling tissues looking at you with puppy eyes or beggers crawling around on their bare hands but also young, dynamic man with piles of DVDs. We already know that you can get shirts from Nike, shoes by Adidas, purses by Bree, shoes by Prada and of course Rolex watches here to ridiculous prices.

Though DVDs are new to us and are booming here now big time. The price for one DVD is 10-13 Ringgit, 2.00 - 2.30 Euro! And we're talking about a good quality DVD9. Quite Unbelievable. However: For risks and side effects ask frequent buyers or the hostel owner of trust. You have to be careful not to get DVD5 or DVD3 which has only been equipped with a DVD9 sticker. And, well, there are rumors that these incredible prices - just like at the above mentioned products - are only caused by the fact that we are talking about fake products
But as the Malaysian says: Only Genuine Copies! The Lonely Planet summarizes:

"Sungei Wang Plaza is especially good for camera gear and cheap (but possibly pirated) software and hardware components."

Who owns DVD-burner knows that problems can occur while burning and copying. There can be incidents where people just desolve into little squares. The fact that the movie "The Incredibles", just started being shown in the cinemas (Nov. 2004), is already out on DVD only worries Hollywood. Well maybe the buyer also provided they get a copy that has only been taped inside a movie theatre. Sounds and contrasts can be pathetic in this case.
Software-CDs with whole collections of applications cost a whopping 5 Ringgit. MS Office for just 1 Euro is even more irritating for us. They just have everything at stock. I even got the "Social Statistics Program" of my dreams in version 12.0 as well as all kinds of GIS-applications.

As we went shopping, Tilo (our hostel host and KL-informer) asked the sales person, if they had a certain malaysian film, which has been in the movies recently and is supposed to be really good. The guy said they don't have any Malaysian films. Foreign movies, that's okay. If there's a raid and you get caught and you will be - he crossed his hands - but that can be settled with money. But if there are malaysian films on the shelf, you would - he crossed his hands again - that would be a problem.

If you wanna buy cameras or notebooks you should be a professional negotiator. Though there a price tags on all good in the Plazas (shopping malls) but they are if at all just the start of negotiations. Basically the goods are priced about 1/3 more than they will be sold over the counter later. You also have an advantage in the negotiation process if you did some research on the web before of the actual price of the good of your choice. If you walk out of the store with your newly acclaimed camera and the sales person waves at you happily with a wide grin on his face then you know: I paid to much, much to much. That's what happened to me as I bought a new mouse for my notebook which was obviously constructed in the same way as a Microsoft mouse which I always wanted to own. It was prices 42 Ringgit and I managed to haggle it down to sweet 35 Ringgit. Nonetheless, it was a good deal for me as I saw the mouse in store near Stuttgart (Germany) for 39 EUR (about 200 Ringgit). Still I always realize, I love steady prices with no negotiations.
MoveTivation.net Internetseite

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. Read the original german story here.

In the last 2 days the streets of Kuala Lumpur were deserted. The mob of cars that usually jam up the streets of Kuala Lumpur from morning to evening has disappeared. The busy main street of the capital became a sleeping beauty. I asked myself: What happened?

The solution is: end of Ramadhan ("Aidil Fitri"). The first day of the month of Shawal, the following month of the fasting month Ramadhan is celebrated in Malaysia as "Hari Raya Puasa". The Malays spend this holiday with their families at the countryside. A whole exodus of the city population leaves after the mosque visit (but also the non-muslim citizens). In Malaysia they call it "balik kampung" (back to the village) - fever. Only this way it was possible to cross the pulsating main roads without any problems.

Kuala Lumpur without MIT (motorized individual traffic) was a pleasure! Even though a lot of money had been spend on public transportation during the past years, side walks and pedestrian bridges have been neglected.

KL's public transport system is changing from slow, chaotic and crowded to speedy, comfortable and uncomplicated" (Lonely Plate 2004). That makes me think of MICROBUS

Do you know the feeling of panic just because you want to reach the other side of the road? I stand at the edge of the road, the right leg jerks over and over again, now, NOW I dare to cross the road, but then another guy on motorbike closes in on me with rapid speed so that I have to jump back. At the next attempt it's a noisy bus that drives drops of sweat on my forehead. The fact that people drive on the left-hand side doesn't make it easier for me. Meanwhile, after a week, I don't risk my life anymore just because I think "great, no one is coming from the left, let's go" until a concert of honking cars let me know straight up that I'm about to make a huge mistake.

But even under consideration of the left-hand traffic, vehicles of various kinds approach from unexpected directions because these are the unofficial traffic rules:
a) don't exist
b) the ones that exist (according to rumours) are not followed
c) everything goes and
d) the strongest wins.

Meanwhile I got the habit of starting to run whenever the locals do hoping they know what they are doing.

Tea Ceremony

On a discovery trip through the city it's always worth it to take the first sound of thunder seriously and to look for a shelter. Because one thing is for sure: the next big tropical rain is coming up.
We were just in front of a chinese tea shop as it started to pour. Amazed we check out the amount of tea types that were piled up in nicely decorated cans on the shelves as a young Chinese woman approached us: "I show you how to make good tea". We sat down on a small table and were introduced to the ceremony of making tea.

At first she heated the small tea bowls in a miniature teapot with hot water. After that she put some balls of (rolled up tea leaves) green yasmin tea in the pot and poured hot water on it. She waited 15seconds and explained in english with a strong chinese accent that you never drink the "firlt lun" (first run) but throw away. The following second infusion we got to taste. Me, as a coffee junkie, thought the tea was rather bland. Next she prepared Jun Shan Yin Zhen tea, then the third type of tea with an unpronounceable name. Tea. I found the second type somewhat earthy but that was nothing compared to the third type which reminded me by smell and taste of moldy forest leaves. Baaaaaaaah! She waited patiently, until we finished our bowls before she served us the next infusion. There was no escaping and I started to worry anxiously that I had to drink yet another bowl of this horrible tea. To remain the friendly smile on face was getting harder and harder.

A classic, everybody knows that probably already who traveled abroad: You are in a situation which you wanna leave immediately but you can't think of a way how to do that in a polite and friendly manner. So: another bowl of tea... until I managed to finally say "thank you very much for this very interesting demonstration..." and she released us with the expectation that we were to buy something now. I managed to explain to her that we don't need tea while travelling but would love to return in 2 months. She took it with countenance and handed out info brochures about chinese tea which weput in our pockets and left the shop quickly. How nice, it had stopped raining.

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)

We are lucky. No one is around at the Chinese hotel that we picked. That's too bad because it looks nice and there are also a few temples on this street. Now we go look for the next address, a guesthouse in an old Chinese wooden house. Katja checks it out, it's only a small room without windows and available with 3 bunk beds. It's not what we're looking for. We feel this is not the right place. Therefore we go back through the evening traffic to Chinatown. On the way to the hotel we stop, there's reggae music coming from a small hall. At the front there are cane chairs and two mighty stone lions guarding the entrance. In the hall is a wall painted with Bob Marley covers. Further inside, in the courtyard, there are many plants and a small basin with goldfishes. Behind that we find a well also occupied by a fish. Just a fish so the water won't get too dirty. As long as the fish lives this water is good and alive.

Using a small stair case we go up to the rooms and to a dormitory. All rooms are taken but there's still room in the dorm. Everywhere in the building we can feel a good atmosphere, a good "Chi". The former opium house painted in white, the wooden beams in black and the roof is covered with old tiles. All along the courtyard, cut-off plastic bottles with plants hang from the ceiling and mobiles swinging in the wind made by Soon, a swiss-german speaking Chinese man. There are no glass windows, only vertical wooden shutters and blinds protect the windows to let the air circulate. 2 rooms have windows facing the street and 2 rooms face the courtyard. From the dorm you can see the street with small Chinese shops and a temple. There a few guests around. Margret is from Ireland, but lives in Australia, she's a teacher and on the way to China to study Anthropology. As a stopover she learns Chinese in Melaka. We reminded her of herself since she also used to travel with her kids. There are also Germans, Dutch and Americans here. We hang the mosquito nets over the beds and the next day we moved to a room with it's own mosquito net and rattan beds. Anika is amazed by the ceiling fans and the hammocks in the courtyard.

Chinatown

The Chinese quarter consists of small streets and even smaller facades which however host bigger and longer buildings. Here you can find workshops of craftspersons of all types, various shops and food stalls and the oldest temples of course. Not only Chinese but also Hindu temples and mosques. After a while here we have the feeling to be in a different Malaysia from the one we got to know.

Even though, different cultures can be felt, this quarter is a world of its own. The Chinese is very busy and hard-working. They are respected as craftspersons and businessmen. They rather think about their future and that's how to plan their activities. The children receive education. The businesses are honest to keep the regular costumers. Across the guesthouse lives a 74-old man who rather opens a shop then to retire. He found a niche and offers goods in small amounts that no one would offer. This way he can built a way of living for his handicapped son that he can take over when he can't do it anymore. The material element is important to the Chinese. Also gambling and betting are also popular here and also children are supported to join. This sharpens their skills in accounting and business. Soon told us that kids often gamble within the families with their parents and sometimes even with money. Maybe that's also rooted in their culture.

Soon organizes for us a visit to a temple. The guard opens the gates for us at 10pm after the temple closed and explains the statues of gods to us. Similar to animism religions there is a large variety of gods all having their own function. They are archtypes and they are similar to us with their strengths and weaknesses. There are gods of war, gods that are excessive and luxurious, gods that help with fertility and all a whole lot more that I can't grasp. We were impressed by the god of pleasure. As oblation people smear opium on his beard, bear, coffee and other things are donated. Buddha and a something that looks like a female buddha can also be found there. The Chinese decide for themselves when they want to visit a temple. There they pray, donate and wish. Some temples have drums to set people in trance.

There are also altars at home. When you look inside the open house the first thing you see is altar. Low at the ground is the altar for mother earth and the top part of the altar is for various gods and oblations. It's also the place for ancestors. A panel or picture and the daily oblations as food and drinks are said to keep the spirit of the ancestors alive. There are often TVs next to the altar. The spiritual and material world are close to each other. Spirits have the same value as the Living.

At every house's entrance there is a red box with incense jossticks and many more altars on the streets and corners. Sometimes there are little mirrors or wind chimes above the entrance that redirect the Chi energy according to Feng Shui.

Buddha's birthday

Bands march through the town. Buddha statues are on the wagon decorated with flowers and lights. It's almost a bit like carnival, just warmer. Every wagon looks different. All of them are colourful and glow with light. Tomorrow is the birthday and the celebration starts today.

On Buddha's Birthday, the altar in the temple is given various alms. Fruits, drinks and 2 big packages with birthday presents are placed on the sides. People kneel down in front of the altar and bow down during praying. More altars standing in water are set up. From a source they are showered with water in a meditative peacefulness. The smell of jossticks is every where. They are lit in dozens. The people are happy and they radiate peace. They light candles and sticks or burn paper money or paper with wishes. Some people also eat and drink, everybody roams freely. We get bananas and candy from the birthday table. Our kids are very interested in the happening. To them it's normal that Buddha celebrates his birthday with a big party. No wonder, they haven't witnessed a stiff and tight Christian ceremony.

Hindu Festival

The same day there is a Hindu procession. Some people prepare themselves for a trance. Hooks with lemons are attached through the skin of some peoples backs. The skin is stretched by the weight. Other hooks are equipped with pots or ropes are attached to them that are pulled by others. Long skewers, fumigated with bananas or maybe that helps the poking of the skin, are also poked through the cheeks. The pain is lowered with some white powder, others take lime juice before poking, yet others, some special cigars. The state of trance is not only caused by drugs. The pain and the adrenalin also adds up to it. Meanwhile some people are already deeply in trance. One man tries to pull himself free, another's eyes seem to pop out of his eye holes. He scrabbles his legs like a bull with hooves, another man reminds me of a wild boar.

Everything is accompanied by drums, trumpets and monotonous singing. Two oxes wait patiently to be tightened to a wagon. Finally the procession begins to move. Woman in yellow and orange Saris with pots of milk on their head escort them. Everybody is the wet, the clothes stick to their skin sometimes. The kids are fascinated.

On bike through Melaka

After a few days, a lot of people know us already, especially our kids stand out and draw attention every where. There are a lot of joke but differently than the Malays, who pinch our kids at the cheeks. Often people ask about our bikes and trailers. Words about us has spread among the trishaw riders. I had a few conversations with them and changed bicycle with one of them for a short while. Now we are hardly asked for sight-seeing tours like other tourists.

The best way to explore Melaka is on bike. On the contrary to the advices of travel guides we feel safe in the dense traffic. We stick out. The drivers drive carefully. Just like everybody we just need to look forward and pedal. Feeding into traffic is not a problem. You just have to be determined and react accordingly so the traffic knows how to react.

But the fun only really starts without the trailers and luggage. Freed with the weight I reach the acceleration and speed of motorbikes and sometimes I even overtake them. Cars don't have a chance here anyway. On bike I can pass the cars left or right and change lanes whenever I want. There are no problems because they are used to it. Other 2-wheel vehicles move the same way. Also riding against traffic in one-way streets is common and also not a problem. Sometimes though I feel that others don't expect me to ride with such a speed without the trailer. Even with trailer and luggage we ride 15km/h, a speed that is faster than most bicycles here. Without the weight the speed can be doubled.

Dengue Fever

We sat at a table and eat. We hear noise from the outside. A Landrover drives along the streets and pulls trailer which shoots smoke out of several canons. Margret jumps up and closes the doors quickly. "What is it?", I asked amazed. This is to fight against mosquitos with insecticides. We retreat to the kitchen and finish our dinner. Last week this is said to have happened already. We got to know that so far there are 2 people who got infected by Dengue here.

Now the streets are sprayed on a regular basis. After a while we hear the noise again. We run to the road and see how the drains along the buildings are sprayed. Quickly I get the camera and barely managed to snap some pictures before the road disappears in smoke. we quickly close windows and doors too. Unfortunately they don't really seal the room. Then we realize that the back side will be sprayed too and also close the door to the kitchen and our room. We face the fans towards doors and windows to avoid the smoke in so easily. Now we feel halfway safe until the smoke is above the building and sinks into the courtyard. It's like in a war movie. Now we feel closed in and there is no way to escape from the smoke. Our eyes get teary. The whole Chinese quarter is gassed. A giant cloud hangs over the quarter.

No one was informed, no one is warned. The poison enters the airy houses. People can't escape. The shops are effected so are the food and stalls. Some people stand in the smoke and inhale it. Mostly simply people live here with small shops or craftsmen. They live in tight and unhygienic circumstances. About these diseases the spreading of it they don't know much. This way mosquitos and other animals have perfect conditions to survive. At night, rats run along the houses and cockroaches are everywhere anyway. Instead of education and information people receive pest control from the state. Without warning the poison is spread. Lucky are those who have 2 legs and tight windows. A woman in wheelchair and kids playing outside had no chance disappeared in the smoke. Of course, it's good when the government takes care of this problem but also the individuals should be protected as well. At least you should have the chance to secure your food and leave the area. Soon said that this procedure repeats once a week since the 2 people got sick. It was like that since he was a child. Once a month the houses are sprayed. If there's a disease like in the case it takes desperate measures.

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

More Information:
Chiling Waterfall
or Yen's personal page
www.freewebs.com/happyyen

To Book the tour call Happy Yen: 017-3697831
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Rates
RM230 (min.2px) includes meals and transporation

The tour to Chiling Waterfalls with certified nature guide Happy Yen starts around 8am in the morning. You will be back late in the afternoon. The tour includes lunch, tea and snacks at the waterfall and dinner. Yen is a very pleasant guy to spend the day with and he explains a lot about nature, religion and mental well-being. It's an enlightening and fun day far away from the hectic city life:

1) Buddhist Temple


2) Lunch in Kuala Kubu Bahru


3) Stop at Selangor Dam


4) Jungle Trek to Chiling Waterfall

It takes about 1.5h to get to the falls depending on the wheather. You need to cross the river 6 times, if the water level is high then Yen will use ropes for safety which will make the journey a bit longer. After a beautiful walk through the jungle you will be rewarded with the breathtaking waterfall where you get to cool yourself down in the water. If you go on a week day you might even be the only ones there!

5) Hot Springs

Yen will try to teach how to make your mind win over your body and dip you legs (if not your whole body) in the 42 degrees celcius hot water. I've failed miserably and only managed a few seconds

6) Dinner

Well deserved good food at the end of the tour

7) Return Ride

On the way back, Yen takes the scenic route on a smaller road through a lot of green before you are swallowed up again by the city near the Batu Caves

Day trip to Chiling Waterfall (north of Kuala Lumpur) Gallery

Start PicLens Slideshow

Chinese New Year Celebration

Pictures of the Chinese New Year Parade in Kuala Lumpur and some informationen about this major holiday in Malaysia.

This weekend the celebrations of Chinese New Year come to an end and KL is slowly filling up with people again because as with any major holiday in Malaysia, it means "balik kampung" (back to the village). Well, in this case it's more like back to the home town as the Chinese live tradionally in towns (also thanks to british restructuring in colonial times). It's much easier do trade and make money there anyway. Many move to the big cities for education or working, especially to KL, and the New Year celebration means finally going back home and reunite with the whole family.

Thursday and Friday were public holidays but many Chinese took the whole week off and KL became almost a relaxed place. Chinese make about 24% of the 24 million people living in Malaysia. Some say many chinese traditions are more cultivated in Malaysia than in China itself as the Chinese didn't have to suffer from Mao's cultural revolution here.

The whole city was decorated with the omnipresent slogan "Gong Xi Fa Cai" - which roughly means "may you be prosporous". There were stalls everywhere selling gifts, especially oranges seem to be very popular for this occasion.

When people make it back home it's all about eating, eating, eating. The family reunion takes place around a table full of food. A classic for the CNY occasion is Steam Boat (picture below). A dish that can drag for hours. Things like meat, fish, egg, vegetables, tofu and noodles are placed around hot bowl of soup. You take what every you wanna eat and put it in the soup. After a short while you take it out and it's ready to eat. And so on and on...

A highlight for locals and tourist alike are the Lion Dance acts. There 2 people in the lion costume. Not an easy job, especially for the one at the back The modern version of the Lion Dance requires extreme physical skills when the lion jump from poles of various sizes. Interestingly, Malaysian teams won more than 20times already at the Lion Dance World Championships beating teams from Hongkong and China.
Further Information about Lion Dance:
The Lion Dancers of Malaysia



The New Year celebration 2008 started the year of the earth rat.
Below find some picture from the CNY parade on Jalan Bukit Bintang.

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...

TO LCCT:
====================

TAXI Bukit Bintang

- RM 70 during normal hours
- RM 10 surcharge if taxi pickup between 12midnight - 6am


Bus from Puduraya bus station

- Star Shuttle = RM 12
- Take at Platform 23, look for yellow counter
- Bus schedule = http://www.starwira.com/
- Pickup at Corona Inn = RM 15 (Mininum 4 person) - call first to confirm as they have to know the flight details
- call between 4.15am - 9.30pm = 03-4043 8811


Bus from KL Sentral

- Skybus = RM 9 (every half an hour)
= every hour (3am - 5am)

- Aerobus = RM 8
bus schedule = Aerobus

--------------------------------------------------

TO KLIA:

TAXI from Bukit Bintang

- RM 70 during normal hours
- RM 10 surcharge if taxi pickup between 12midnight - 6am


Bus from Puduraya bus station

- Star Shuttle = RM 12
- Take at Platform 23, look for yellow counter
- Bus schedule = http://www.starwira.com/
- Pickup at Corona Inn = RM 15 (Mininum 4 person) - call first to confirm as they have to know the flight details
- call between 4.15am - 9.30pm = 03-4043 8811


Bus from KL Sentral

Airport Coach - RM 10 (every hour)
- 5am - 10pm


KLIA Express at KL Sentral (high-speed train)

- schedule: KLIA Express
- RM 35 per trip, takes approx 28 minutes



From Bukit Bintang to KL Sentral
=================================

TAXI

- RM 10 during normal hours
- RM 15 surcharge if taxi pickup between 12midnight - 6am


Monorail to KL Sentral

- RM 2.10 from Bukit Bintang Station
- RM 1.60 from Imbi Station

-once reach Sentral Monorail station, walk across to the main KL Sentral building

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.

From Kuala Lumpur:



1) To Pekeliling Bus Station: ( about 10-15 minutes)

- Take monorail from Bukit Bintang Station to Titiwangsa station for RM 2.10
- Walk about 5 minutes to Pekeliling station.



2) Station Pekeliling To Jerantut ( About 3 Hours and 30 minutes)

- Take the S.E. Express bus to Jerantut for RM 14 - RM 15.
- They have 5 trips in a day and normally leaves at 9.30am, 10.45am, 12pm, 3.50pm and 5.30pm.

3) Jerantut to Kuala Tembeling Jetty:( Kuala Tembeling is about 16 km from Jerantut)

- Taxi: 20 minutes ride and cost RM16 for one taxi
- can also take the local bus

4) Kuala Tembeling to Kuala Tahan

- 3-hour boat ride and the fare is RM25 per person one way
- Boats leave at 9.00am, 1.00pm and 2.00pm daily, on a first come first serve basis




for a hassle-free transport, pick-up and tours to Taman Negara can be arranged by Red Palm Hostel

- RM 75 (including boat ride) for transport only (for booking and more information about tours call +603 21431279
- pick-up at 7.30 am daily from your accommodation

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.

LCCT - (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) is the place you arrive with budget airlines like Air Asia
KLIA - (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) is the main terminal for all regular flights.
KL Sentral - Main Transportation Hub in Kuala Lumpur, Train Station
Bukit Bintang - popular and lively area with the highest density of hostels in KL

FROM LCCT to Bukit Bintang:
=======================================

TAXI

- Get a taxi coupon at the counter near the arrival hall. Normally would cost:
Budget taxi - RM 61.60
Premier - RM 92.40
Van - RM 138.60
* 50 % surcharge for midnight rate
LCCT Taxi counter number: 03 - 8787 4113

BUS

Skybus = RM 9 (every half an hour)
= 7am - 10.15am (every hour)
= last bus at 1.15am

Aerobus = RM 8 (every half an hour)
bus schedule = http://www.lcct.com.my/aerobus.php

Star Shuttle
- Star Shuttle = RM 10
- Bus schedule = http://www.starwira.com/
- call between 4.15am - 9.30pm = 03-4043 8811
- if the you want the shuttle to drop you off right a hostel/hotel in Bukit Bintang you pay RM15

FROM KLIA
=====================================

TAXI
- Get a taxi coupon at the counter near the arrival hall. Normally would cost:
Budget taxi - RM 67.40
Premier - RM 92.40

Midnight rate:
* Budget taxi = RM 16.00 surcharge
Premier = RM 19.00 surcharge

Bus to KL Sentral
-----> Airport Coach - RM 10 (every hour)
- 6.30am - 12.30 midnight
contact no: 03-87873894 / 03-87768449

Star Shuttle Bus Service
- Star Shuttle = RM 10
- Bus schedule = http://www.starwira.com/
- call between 4.15am - 9.30pm = 03-4043 8811

- if the you want the shuttle to drop you off right a hostel in Bukit Bintang you pay this:
RM 15 if from LCCT
RM 18 if from KLIA

.Express Train to KL Sentral
KLIA Express
- schedule: KLIA Express
- RM 35 per trip, takes approx 28 minutes


FROM KL Sentral to Bukit Bintang:
=========================================

TAXI
- Buy the taxi coupon at the arrival hall RM10
- The taxis without coupon waiting at the airport bus stop are famous for ripping travellers off.

Monorail
- Only recommended if you travel light
- might be packed during rush hour
- The monorail station (Sentral Station) is across KL Sentral on the other side of the road
- Buy a ticket to "Bukit Bintang" station for RM 2.10
- Monorail operating hours: 6.00am - midnight

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.

Hi John, what is your connection with Malaysia, how did you end up here in the first place?

Well, in the year2000 I was working in the States as a contract engineer when I was contacted by Lotus ad offered a position in Malaysia to the Gen2 design team.

After your contract ended and you went back you eventually came back to Malaysia in 2006. Did you miss Malaysia so much or what happened?

Before I left Lotus, I was tasked with coming up with a plan to globalise the company. Due to differences of opinion among the Management, the plan was shelved. I have always looked on this as unfinished business.I had a vision, and I want to see it materialise. My vision is to set up an institution based initially here, utilising Sepang F1 as the hub. It would leverage on partners both local and international, and would utilise both the physical and the virtual in spreading it's message, and selling it's services.

An institution? Like a university?

Exactly! I have put together a professional quality presentation, with graphic support from SAMA SAMA which I have uploaded for public viewing. The University would be Motorsport driven, however the skills learned would not be just Motorsport specific. For example you could run a media module using the amenities available, and use the same techniques learned in the general area.Interestingly, Silverstone in England have recently agreed to build a campus on their circuit.

So you think the Sepang F1 circuit is a suitable location for a campus like that?

Sepang is a state of the art circuit,with loads of free land capable of being developed. It has an airport next door, and great links by rail and road. It is situated in a country which aspires to be a regional education hub. So yes it has great potential.

On your quest to get support for this vision you are staying in the small hostel Red Palm in Bukit Bintang, what makes you choose such a place instead of the usual expat setup?

Staying at Red Palm offers me a good location operated by a knowledgeable and friendly staff. In many ways it beats the 'Usual" ex pat set up. I prefer informal and friendly, not to mention it is competitively priced!

Apparently you're not the usual hostel guests, what is the normal crowed that chooses places like Red Palm?

In the main it's young backpackers mainly from Europe and the States, it does have Asian and others too. Sometimes you get "Families" from the Philippines, mixed in with the odd business person like me who prefers this type of accommodation to a hotel.

What have you seen of the country yet, any favourite places?

Locally, I'm in Jalan Alor most days. I train at Alberts Gym, who will charge travellers a daily rate to use his gym. In addition Jalan Alor has more places to eat than any other street I know! I have travelled outside of KL for diving on the Islands. Perhentian is a favourite with backpackers. And Red Palm is often used as a base by the "Dive masters" when they are in town.

So you also have your daily meal at Jalan Alor or what is your daily food routine? You like the local food?

Food, my favourite subject! Conveniently, next to Red Palm there is a cheap 24 hour Indian Restaurant. So most days I have at least one meal there. You sit in the courtyard of Red Palm, and tell the guys next door what you want, and the pass it over the wall... Very civilised!

What happens if you get a craving for western food, or doesn't that happen anymore?

Well, I'm quite happy with the local food. However 200 metres away they do fish and chips at lunch time in the Corona Inn. 500 metres in the opposite direction you have a street with English, German, French and other restaurants. So food from home isn't an issue.

What local alternative can you recommend to a traveller who takes the usual bread & butter or cornflakes breakfast at the hostel?

Roti Telur from the "Indian" next door to Red Palm is good. It's egg cooked in flour, and normally comes with a curry sauce, wash it down with a teh Tarik (pulled tea) made with condensed milk... LOVELY!

Ooooh, now I'm getting hungry too. Before we wrapped this up and head over there, a few last questions. Compared to living in Europe and the States what do you appreciate most staying in Malaysia.

Service with a smile, without the expectation of a tip! The weather is also a huge bonus

Among other in Asia, or even the world, what makes Malaysia different, makes it unique? Why should people spend their holidays here?

From a western perspective, it is easy to get about and plan your holiday. English newspapers and tourist literature ensure you can do what you want with ease. Most tourist industry workers speak better English than I do (Not hard) so if your here to visit a rain forest, try out acupuncture, lay on a beach, it's all relatively easy to arrange.

So in your view, the fact that most people are fluent in english in Malaysia is the unique selling point for the country?

Unique, no, but it does make things much simpler. Malaysia has a diverse culture, and ecology which is in many ways is it's unique feature.

Having the vision to set up a motorsports university at the Sepang Circuit, I assume you will go and watch the F1 race this weekend. What is your expectation of the race?

This will be the 2nd year without Shumacher, a Malaysian favourite! I expect Kimi to be trying hard to fill his boots. Lewis Hamilton will be trying to make it two in a row.

Thanks John for taking the time to sit down with me, enjoy the race and good luck with the project.

If you wanna read up on John's vision, have a look here:

Bernama news clip on the Motorsport University and John Mansfield:



The Vision as a slide show presention

John's Blog

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:

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.

Pavilion Shopping Mall KL

The Pavilion is the latest addition to the already densely populated shopping district of Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur. It opened in february 2008. The chic mall houses mostly designer stores, a Golden Screen Cinema complex and the popular food court - Food Republic.
... more

Plaza Low Yat (Tech Mall)

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

BB Plaza / Sungai Wang

Massive complex with 2 shopping malls and hundred of shops in Bukit Bintang. People tend to get lost in there.
... more

Times Square KL (Shopping Mall)

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

Suria KLCC Shopping Mall

Shopping Mall in the famous KLCC complex (Petronas Twin Towers). Mostly upper price designer stores, TGV cinemas, KLCC Park, KLCC Aquaria, Kinokurnya bookstore.
... more

Star Hill Gallery

Poshest Mall in KL at the Marriot Hotel on Jalan Bukit Bintang. This mall is all about style and worth a visit just to look at the different interior designs.
... more

The Gardens / Midvalley Megamall

The new Gardens (opened in 2007) and Midvalley Megamall are shopping Malls under the same management in a mixed development called Midvalley City a few km south of downtown.
... more

1 Utama Shopping Centre

Shopping Mall in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya (PJ). Giant Mall Shopping with an old and a new wing about 20km south-west of downtown KL.
... more

The Curve / Ikea / Ikano Power Center

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

Lot 10

Shopping Mall in Bukit Bintang housing mostly fashion stores.
... more

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!

My friend Beatrice happens to make really yummy cakes of all kind.
Have a look at her website and the picture:
Bea's Bakelicous

Beatrice, as part of the Red Palm family, was so kind to bake a cake for my birthday in january:




Especially for Chinese New Year and Hari Raya (Festival to celebrate the end of Ramadhan), kuih of all sorts is very popular. It sometimes reminds of the christmas cookies we have back home:

“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.

The video and song "here in my home" was written and produced in May 2008 by group of about 120 people with a budget of zero. The song is sung in english but pay attention to the C-part with short rap parts in Malay, Chinese and Tamil.


Screenshot from the video

Watch the video here:




official website of the project:



(including free download of the song)

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...

Puduraya Bus Station

T : 03 2070 0145
Main Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur on Jalan Pudu.
5min walk from Chinatown, 10min walk Bukit Bintang, next to Plaza Rakyat LRT station
Destination: anywhere and everywhere except Kuala Lipis & Jerantut (Taman Negara) and buses to northern parts of the eascoast: Kota Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Besut (for access to Perhentian Islands)

... more information about Puduraya


Puduraya, view coming from Chinatown


Inside always the always busy Puduraya station

Putra Bus Station (Hentian Putra)

T : 03 4042 9530
Bus station serving buses going to the East Coast
If you wanna go to Kota Bahru, Kuala Besut / Jerteh (Perhentian Islands), Kuala Terengganu, Cherating, Kuatan or Mersing (Tioman) then this is your bus station
Putra Bus Station is located a few minutes north of the city centre but easy to get to by either LRT to PWTC station (and then walk 5min) or with the Komuter train to the Putra station which is right next to the bus station (on the other side of the tracks).


Inside Putra bus station

Pekeliling Bus Station

T : 03 4042 1256
Jalan Tun Razak
Pekeliling Bus Station is located north of the city centre near Lake Titiwangsa and next to Titiwangsa Monorail and LRT station. This bus station is of interest for travellers going independently to the national parks (Taman Negara)
Destinations: Jerantut (for Taman Negara), Kuala lLipis, Raub, Termerloh, Kuantan, Genting Highlands (every 30min)

Duta Bus Station (Hentian Duta)

T : 03 6201 4970
Persiaran Duta
Another bus station to the north of the city centre. You need a taxi to get there.

alternative bus companies to avoid the hectic bus terminals

Aeroline
Tel : 03 6258 8800
http://www.aeroline.com.my
Luxury coaches (single deck and double deck) to Penang and Singapore (RM80) with on board catering service
Buses leave from outside Chorus Hotel (Jalan Ampang, east of KLCC, near tourist accommodations) and 1Utama Shopping Centre (Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya)

Plusliner (NiCE coach)
Tel: 03 22721586
http://www.plusliner.com
another luxury bus company to Penang and Singapore with on board catering service
Their buses start from the old Railway Station on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin

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.

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.

Here's a video clip to a parody of a Black Eye Peas song from a local radio station (I got it from my mamak). Funny clip that gives you a good feel what Mamak means to Malaysians. By the way "Macha" is how the locals call the staff in the restaurant (the other option being Boss").




Mamak stalls come in different sizes.

Here's small stall in residential area in Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur



The art of making Roti Canai:




Medium size restaurant: TG Nasi Kandar on Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur (next door to Red Palm Hostel)




And the new big Mamak centres, often operated as chains. Photos taken at: Restoran Makbul Nasi Kandar, TTDI, Petaling Jaya




Nasi Kandar counter, this where you can get a full meal of rice, vegetable and many different curries:




Typical Mamak Menu:




And the Mamak classic: Teh Tarik ...




and Roti Canai:

I got it from my Mamak Gallery

Start PicLens Slideshow

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.

Jackfruit Tree:




Jackfruits fresh from the market:



Before getting the cutting started, its best to stand by a bucket of oil and apply generous amount onto the knife and hands otherwise it'll be hard to get rid of the slimy stuff (white-ish liquid at the heart of the fruit) which can even be used as glue. Once the hands or knife got stained, apply oil even during the cutting process.
You need a sharp knife to cut the fruit:






messy business to get the pockets of flesh out:





Done! Now the pieces are ready to be eaten. It's also common to cover them in flour and fry them in oil.




Even the remaining seeds can be eaten after they are steamed (similar to chestnuts which are fried though):

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.

Tickets:
1-day pass RM90 (Children RM45)
3-day pass RM250 (Children RM100)
http://www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com/2007/en/ticket.htm

television report on the festival

Some clips from last years events:






Promo Clip for a documentary about the festival:

http://www.magickriver.net/rainforestDVD.htm


Program 2008:

Friday:
SENIDA (Sarawak)
AKASHA (Malaysia)
CHOLO VALDERAMMA (Colombia)
NEW ROPE STRING BAND (United Kingdom)
FADOMORSE (Portugal)
ADEL SALAMEH (Palestine)
PINIKPIKAN (Philippines)

Saturday:
KANIâ??D (Sarawak, Malaysia)
TUKU KAME (Sarawak)
BELTAINE (Poland)
ADEL SALAMEH (Palestine)
YAKANDE (Gambia/Guinea)
HIROSHI MOTOFUJI (Japan)
SHELDON BLACKMAN (Trinidad & Tobago)

Saturday:
NEW ROPE STRING BAND (United Kingdom)
ORCHESTRA ANAK JATI BISAYA (Sarawak)
HIROSHI MOTOFUJI (Japan)
OIKYOTAAN (India)
ROSS DALY (Greece)
KASAI MASAI (Congo/UK)

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).

With such announcement, Peninsula Malaysia now has 2 World Hertiage sites. Hopefully this title, it will bring even more efforts to preserve the historical architecture, restore and refurbish old houses and prevent them from being demolished and replaced with new buildings. The atmosphere in the streets with its 2-storey shophouses, walkways and colonial buildings is truly unique, especially during the night with the lighting effect, the peaceful atmosphere when the traffic has slowed down. Much effort has been done for the past few years to upgrade the area, proper side-walks has been constructed, the river (Melaka) has been cleaned, etc. However, some of the measures taken by locals are a little over-doing and unconsciously spoilt the original feel of what the quarters used to have. With the title as Unesco World Heritage site, every measures to renovate or build within the awarded area will be monitored closely. If the historical buildings are being threaten by the act of demolishing, the title will be removed by Unesco itself as the objective is to maintain its origins and Unesco will keep monitoring the devolopment of the Heritage Sites.

The core areas encompass the historical sites of George Town, including the Lebuh Acheh historical enclave and sites such as the Lebuh Acheh Malay Mosque, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Kling Mosque, the Goddess of Mercy Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Khoo Kongsi, St George's Church, Assumption Church, St Xavier's Institution, Convent Light Street, Little India, the museum and court building, the commercial area of Beach Street, Fort Cornwallis, Esplanade, City Hall, the clan jetties and the port areas.

In Malacca, the historical sites near the St Paulâ??s Hill, the 17th century Dutch Stadhuys buildings, Jonker Street with its Dutch-era buildings, Jalan Tukang Besi, Kampung Morten and Malacca River have been recognised as part of the world heritage sites.

Quote from the UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Centre:

Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca (Malaysia) have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible. With its government buildings, churches, squares and fortifications, Melaka demonstrates the early stages of this history originating in the 15th-century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods beginning in the early 16th century. Featuring residential and commercial buildings, George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century. The two towns constitute a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/450


Melaka

The Red Square with Clock Tower (built in 1886, not by the Dutch), Christ Church (built between 1741 and 1753 by the Dutch), Stadthuys (completed 1610 by the Dutch):


St.Pauls Church (built in 1521 by the Portuguese)


Chinese shophouses

part of Melaka River that has been cleaned up and renovated in 2007


>> more about Melaka



Georgetown

Old City Hall, Colonial District (built by the British in late 18th century)


Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (built in late 19th century), UNESCO Most Excellent Heritage Conservation Award in 2000


Chinatown


>> more about Georgetown

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.

What is the most important rule of the road in Malaysia?
The most important rule is that you must arrive at your destination ahead of the car in front of you. This is the sacrosanct rule of driving in Malaysia. All other rules are subservient to this rule.

What side of the road should you drive on in Malaysia?
A: 99.7% of cars drive on the left hand side, 0.2% on the right hand side, and 0.1% drive in reverse (be on the look out for drivers reversing at high speed in the left hand lane of freeways, having just missed their exit). Therefore on the basis of 'majority rules', it is recommended that you drive on the left. However, be aware that only 90% of motorcyclists travel on the left hand side - the other 10% ride in the opposite direction or on the sidewalk. Fortunately, motorcyclists traveling in reverse are rarely seen.

What are the white lines on the roads?
A: These are known as lane markers and were used by the British in the colonial days to help them drive straight. Today their purpose is mainly decorative, although a double white line is used to indicate a place that is popular to overtake.

When can I use the emergency lane?
You can use the emergency lane for any emergency, e.g. you are late for work, you left the toaster plugged in at home, you are bursting to go to the toilet, you have a toothache or you have just dropped your Starbucks coffee in your lap. As it is an emergency, you may drive at twice the speed of the other cars on the road.

Do traffic lights have the same meaning as in other countries?
Not quite. Green is the same - that means "Go", but amber and red are different. Amber means "Go like hell" and red means "Stop if there is traffic coming in the other direction or if there is a policeman on the corner". Otherwise red means the same as green. Note that for buses, red lights do not take effect until five seconds after the light has changed.

What does the sign "Jalan Sehala" mean?
This means "One Way Street" and indicates a street where the traffic is required to travel in one direction. The arrow on the sign indicates the preferred direction of the traffic flow, but is not compulsory. If the traffic is not flowing in the direction in which you wish to travel, then reversing in that direction is the best option.

What does the sign "Berhenti" mean?
This means "Stop", and is used to indicate a junction where there is a possibility that you may have to stop if you cannot fool the cars on the road that you are entering into thinking that you are not going to stop.

What does the sign "Beri Laluan" mean?
This means "Give Way", and is used to indicate a junction where the cars on the road that you are entering will give way to you provided you avoid all eye contact with them and you can fool them into thinking that you have not seen them.

What does the sign "Dilarang Masuk" mean?
This means "No Entry". However, when used on exit ramps in multi-storey car parks, it has an alternative meaning which is: "Short cut to the next level up".

What does the sign "Pandu Cermat" mean?
This means "Drive Smartly", and is placed along highways to remind drivers that they should never leave more than one car length between them and the car in front, irrespective of what speed they are
driving. This is to ensure that other cars cannot cut in front of you and thus prevent you from achieving the primary objective of driving in Malaysia, and that is to arrive ahead of the car in front of you. If you can see the rear number plate of the car in front of you, then you are not driving close enough.

What is the speed limit in Malaysia?
The concept of a speed limit is unknown in Malaysia.

So what are the round signs on the highways with the numbers, 60, 80 and110?
This is the amount of the 'on-the-spot' fine (in ringgits - the local currency) that you have to pay to the police if you are stopped on that stretch of the highway. Note that for expatriates or locals driving Mercedes or BMWs, the on-the-spot fine is double the amount shown on the sign.

Where do you pay the 'on-the-spot' fine?
As the name suggests, you pay it 'on-the-spot' to the policeman who has stopped you. You will be asked to place your driving licence on the policeman's notebook that he will hand to you through the window of your car. You will note that there is a spot on the cover of the notebook. Neatly fold the amount of your fine into four, place the fine on the spot, and then cover it with your driving licence so that it cannot be seen. Pass it carefully to the policeman. Then, with a David Copperfield movement of his hands, he will make your money disappear. It is not necessary to applaud.

But isn't this a bribe?
Oh pleeease, go and wash your mouth out. What do you want? A traffic ticket? Yes, you can request one of those instead, but it will cost you twice the price, forms to fill out, cheques to write, envelopes to mail, and then three months later when you are advised that your fine was never received, more forms to fill out, a trip to the police station, a trip to the bank, a trip back to the police station, and maybe then you will wish you had paid 'on-the-spot'.

But what if I haven't broken any road rules?
It is not common practice in Malaysia to stop motorists for breaking road rules (because nobody is really sure what they are). The most common reasons for being stopped are: (a) the policeman is hungry and would like you to buy him lunch; (b) the policeman has run out of petrol and needs some money to get back to the station; (c) you look like a generous person who would like to make a donation to the police welfare fund; or (d) you are driving an expensive car which means you can afford to make a donation to the police welfare fund.

Does my car require a roadworthy certificate before I can drive it in Malaysia?
No, roadworthy certificates are not required in Malaysia. However there are certain other statutory requirements that must be fulfilled before your car can be driven in Malaysia. Firstly, you must ensure
that your windscreen is at least 50% obscured with English football club decals, golf club membership stickers or condo parking permits. Secondly, you must place a tissue box (preferably in a white lace cover) on the back shelf of your car under the rear window. Thirdly, you must hang as many CDs or plastic ornaments from your rear vision mirror as it will support. Finally, you must place a Garfield doll with suction caps on one of your windows. Your car will then be ready to drive on Malaysian roads.

What does a single yellow line along the edge of a road mean?
This means parking is permitted.

What does a double yellow line along the edge of a road mean?
This means double parking is permitted.

What does a yellow box with a diagonal grid of yellow lines painted on the road at a junction mean?
Contrary to the understanding of some local drivers, this does not mean that diagonal parking is permitted. It indicates a junction that is grid-locked at peak hours.

Can I use my mobile phone whilst driving in Malaysia?
No problem at all, but it should be noted that if you wish to use the rear-vision mirror to put on your lipstick (women only please) or trim your eyebrows at the same time as you are using a mobile phone
in the other hand, you should ensure that you keep an elbow free to steer the car. Alternatively, you may place a toddler on your lap and have the child steer the car whilst you are carrying out these other essential driving tasks.

Is it necessary to use indicator lights in Malaysia?
These blinking orange lights are commonly used by newly arrived expatriate drivers to indicate they are about to change lanes. This provides a useful signal to local drivers to close up any gaps to prevent the expatriate driver from changing lanes. Therefore it is recommended that expatriate drivers adopt the local practice of avoiding all use of indicator lights. However, it is sometimes useful to turn on your
left hand indicator if you want to merge right, because this confuses other drivers enabling you to take advantage of an unprotected gap in the traffic.

Why do some local drivers turn on their left handindicator and then turnright, or turn on their right hand indicator and then turn left?
This is one of the unsolved mysteries of driving in Malaysia.

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?

(A Malaysian resting near the stinky water around 10 o'clock in the morning in Malacca. Life is generally much slower and more relaxed here than in Singapore. Of course, the people know that their productivity is way below Singapore's...but I see here that it does not necessarily lower their life quality. To put it in other words: Being a Singaporean buzy-bee with a packed week schedule does not necessarily make you happier)

MALAYSIA-TRULY-ASIA



I spent a few days this week with my friend Vikram in the Southwest-Malaysian City of Malacca, a beautiful outpost of Malay culture which is just 3 car-hours away from Singapore, located on the Strait of Malacca (ca. 80000 inhabitants). While he was on Business trip, I went to explore this historic city, which was first taken by the Portuguese in 1511 and then by the Dutch in 1641, before it became part of the then almighty British Empire in the early 19th century.

These diverse influences can be seen all over the city. The outlook of many houses is very different from what I've spotted in this country so far (alas, I HAVE NOT seen too much of 'Malaysia-Truly-Asia' yet on the other hand ). The big role Chinese culture plays in this country is still a surprise to me, as it contradicts the strange and wrong imagination I had before of a mainly homogenous society. A considerable part of the people is of Chinese heritage, which can be seen by the numerous Chinese temples around the city and traditional Chinese characters that mark and "guard' entrances and windows of many houses. And of course, the available food is a nice blend of all mentioned heritages... I also had my first "Asam Laksa' in Malacca, which comes without (!) coconut milk..A more sour (='asam') sensation than expected but still yummy!

YOU LIKE SINGAPORE?

I found it very easy to connect with the locals. It helps a lot to discover a city like that alone and some Mandarin breaks the ice with the people right away (there is no ice anyway, not only because of the tropical temperatures..). I soon realized that my mentioning of my workplace sparked something in them and let them talk quite freely. Apparently, most Malaysians do have their opinion about Singaporeans and don't hide that there is indeed some love/hate relationship (with a slight emphasis on the latter). It boils down to an almost typical animosity between the two states whose history is so strongly intertwined. I have been to a local museum which portrayed Malaysia's long way into independence. Singapore's secession from the newly founded Malaysia in 1965 was justified by the "avoidance of conflict due to deep-seated political differences and to safeguard peace'.

Was there almost a war looming then between the two states?!


(A feature that I like in both Singapore and Malaysia..the simple measure of showing the remaining seconds for traffic light phases smoothes traffic and your own nerves so much. PLEASE, Germany! Adopt this very simple thing. It increases safety so much and helps to keep cool)

MALAYSIANS ABOUT SNOTTY SINGAPOREANS

So what do Malaysians think about Singaporeans? I had a long talk to one intelligent and witty old Lady in a craft shop at famous Jonkor street. I will only reproduce what she said, which does not necessarily reflect my own opinion..I just like to explore this little animosity in more detail. There may be a lot of biased generalization but this is exactly what I heard on so many occasions that I can almost take it as public opinion. Well, I myself know examples to prove exceptions to the rules Don't take it too serious. However, I would be happy to get comments..

Due to the mere economic facts (Singapore's GDP per capita is about 3 times as high as Malaysia's) the city outperforms MY by almost any measure. And according to the Lady many Singaporeans apparently make no attempt to hide their superior position by looking down on other, poorer nations in Asia..and Malaysia is of course on of them. A stuck-up, snooty-nosed attitude is what most Malaysians mention when it comes to the way Singaporeans usually talk to them.

Well, I myself cannot confirm this, which of course may be due to my nature as an Ang Mo (Caucasian white), which (to be very honest) puts me on the highest step of the ladder in this country, whatever I do and say. There is simply no way for me to experience the mentioned impressions first-hand.


(colorful Rikshaws can be seen on many places around Malacca. It is usually a sweaty old man who charges 10 Ringgit for a ride...which is actually quite expensive. They can be seen in Singapore as well, but are more a relict than part of daily tourist life as here in Malacca. However, both country versions are strinkingly colorful, sometimes come with loudspeakers that scream Malaysian music out in the streets and a whole range of rainbow-colored LEDs glow on them in wild disco-rhythms at night..some vehicles do look like a screeching, marvelously slow Christmas tree and let you wonder what kind of integrated power station provides for all these gimmicks)

THERE MUST BE ORDER IN SINGAPORE

On the other hand, Singaporeans are perceived as very efficient in most things they do and are often taken as good examples to show how things should be run. They are organized, follow rules to an extent that even let my German eyebrows rise (you know..our national saying is 'Ordnung muss sein' = 'Order must be'). Since they have success, they look for ways to show off with what they have. That starts with small things..like the fact that a Singaporean usually has to be superbly dressed for the holy act of shopping (which is not the case in Malaysia). It goes further in the way that many Singaporeans buy uselessly big luxury cars, which can only function as status symbols in this small, speed-limited city. It is almost tragic that the ever present buzy-bees spend all this huge amount of time in office just to being able to hand over their hard-earned money and receive goods which further support representation in public.

THE 5 Cs

Which brings me to the well-known concept of the 5 C's, which actually have been taught to me by Singaporeans only very recently...five things that represent the very desirable lifestyle in this tropical city:

Cash
Condominium
Credit Card
Country Club
Car
(with exchangeable order)

Material wealth, self-sacrifice for the job, almost no time for leisure... all apparently chapters in the same book. Is there a way out? Join a French company to enjoy 'Savoir Vivre'? Leave Singapore for Australia? Or is it just a needed change of the very own state of mind to decouple yourself from public opinion? Is this even what the Singaporeans want?

What I have to add as a last point here is that many Singaporeans seem to understand that very well and can even point to the above facts. They often crave for a change in corporate life.. However, public expectation seems to put many in one big peer pressure boat. I am not even sure if a change is really desirable here..is that one facet of culture I failed to notice or interpret?


(A side street in Malacca's old town..this city and especially the region around famous Jonkor Street is so diverse. Although I was told that Kuala Lumpur also has traditional quarters, this is the first time that I somehow had the impression to 'feel' a more real version of Malaysia, leaving aside Kuala Lumpurs hard-bitteness for example. The narrowness of the streets, the abundance of shops that sell wonderful local craft (not only the usual kitsch) and food, as well as numerous small bars are there to be discovered..)

MALAYSIAN ABOUT MALAYSIAN

Malaysian Shop Owner: "So where are you from?"
Me: "I'm from Germany!"
Malaysian Shop Owner: "So you must be Hitler grand grand grand son, haha!"
Me: "... Ha..Ha ..."

(quoted from the old lady)
Malaysians might live a slower life, are according to her self-proclaimed less efficient but they see themselves as more humble and friendly than their Singaporean neighbors (supported by a friends testimony that she rather flies with Malaysian than Singapore Airlines). They admit with a bright smile to be 'extremely' lazy, as if this was a pillar in their life that can never be moved and has therefore to be taken into account when we talk about future development. Jealousy is there of Singapore's success and Malaysia would love to surpass their little neighbor better yesterday than tomorrow. But on the other hand they see the Singaporean orderly lifestyle and know to somehow that they can only catch up to them if they virtually become them.

I really try not to bash on anyone here, and this might have been a harsh post that polarizes. Having the nice friends/colleagues and acquaintances in mind that I know here I can hardly imagine that the above mentioned allegations are more rule than exception. Nevertheless, I felt that I had to write about the uniformity of Malaysian opinion about Singapore and the honest self-reflection I got from the old Lady (however little objective it might be).

I enjoy this country and people very much, that's why I extended my stay. However, I have the subtle impression that because of my nature as a Caucasian there will always be facets of culture that I simply cannot experience myself.

Do I only see the bright side of Singapore?

Maik


(Then what the heck is it?! Has Veggie been the name of the cow that is behind this treacherous act? Hiding this not sooo important information in fine print can be dangerous..Dear Malaysian McD Manager, if you EVER choose to go to the United States, the wonderful customers there will probably read this, eat kilograms of the yummy Veggie Burger and then sue you to the bones because of mental cruelty. You've been warned!)


This story has been taken from Maik's blog "Wah Lau"

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.

Depending on which area you go, a Nasi Campur counter can have up to 100 different lauk (it means dishes in malay), covering everything you can think of from vegetables to the fish and types of meat. The price you pay in the end depends on the amount of different dishes you have on your plate and the type of dishes too (meat being more expensive than vegetables). Most people usually add some ulam (it means raw/ leafy veggies in Malay) to the plate to round up the meal and, most importantly, a must have side dish of Sambal Belacan. Sambal Belacan is a famous aromatic sauce made of a grind mixture of shrimp paste, salt, chilies and lime juice that spice up your meal, I mean REALLY spice it up. Do not afraid, however, Sambal Belacan varies from medium spicy to extremely spicy depending on the cook, so all you need to do is ask the kakak before trying or just try out a little amount. You can either add some to your dishes to have it with the rice to make it more flavorful or dip your ulam in it.

Malay restaurants/ stalls usually offer Nasi Campur for lunch (from around 10am until mid afternoon). The lauk are cooked with fresh ingredients that the cook bought from the wet markets early in the morning. Some places (like restaurants in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur) offer Nasi Campur at night as well but it's best to get it for lunch. In most cases, Malay restaurants switch to ala-carte at night which means the meal will be prepared by the cook once you order.

In general, Malay cuisine is very rich and flavorful, and can be spicy too. Coconut milk, chilies, oyster sauce, soy sauce and belacan are the main and must have ingredients.


Typical Malay restaurant with Nasi Campur counter. The tea pots filled with water provided on every the table is for you to wash your hands. Traditionally, Nasi Campur is eaten with your right hand, although forks and spoons are also available to other non-hand-users but the locals believe that the food is more flavorful if you eat with your hand.


Some places offer up to 100 different dishes


Huge variety of lauk at the counter, Restoran "Restoran Siti Fatimah" (Jalan Kampung Tok Senik,
Kawasan Mata Air,07000 Langkawi)


Restoran Restoran Siti Fatimah, Langkawi


The final dish after filling up the plate with the choice of your taste, in this case: Cat Fish (Malay: Ikan Keli / Ikan Sembilang) with various types of vegetables, either raw or cooked with gravy from other lauk. In the middle, you can see Sambal Belacan (on the right) and Cencaluk (another type of spicy sauce, also made from shrimps (udang geragau they call it), and cubes of red onions and chilies are added when the Cencaluk is ready to be served). Drinks: Fresh Lime Juice (Malay: Limau Ais)

One of the few good Nasi Campur restaurants in downtown KL is Puteri Restoran in Brickfields, take Monorail to last stop, KL Sentral, and walk to the left for about 300m:

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.

The mixture is being hand-rolled into a sausage form. Ingredients of the mixture: Fish (Ikan Parang or Ikan Kembong), Sago Flour, Salt, Water, Ice Cubes, Pandan Leaves. There are some basic machines at the back of the house to do the mixing processing.


The sausages are thrown into boiling water for a few minutes until they are cooked and ready to be sold. This stall is so popular that the sausages are sold freshly right from the pot with people waiting patiently in a long queue.


At home, the huge and long sausages are cut into smaller pieces and thrown into the pan to be deep-fried until they turn crispy gold. Another option to take Keropok Lekor is to just steam it. This gives it a fishier flavor but tastes as good as the crispy ones according to some people. A completely different kind of Keropok is Keropok Keping and it comes in different flavours : fish, squid and prawn. Here, the Keropok is shaped into even bigger tubes and cut into thin slices to let it dry in the sun. (They are sold in packets and consumers will have to fry them and they are taken as crackers. During frying, it is entertaining to see the pieces of Keropok expand to bigger pieces when they hit the hot oil.)


Keropok Lekor ready to be served with their chili sauce, or with own home-made chili sauce if one prefers or shrimp-based sauce is also common. You get the best of it if you take it right after frying when it is still hot, crispy on the outside and tender at the inside. Definitely a must-try if you want to experience the Malay culture from the east coast in Terengganu and its diversity in food is one of the ultimate elements of the culture.

Keropok Lekor Gallery

Start PicLens Slideshow

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.

Keroja means Venus in Malay and should go along with the name of the area Bukit Bintang which means star hill. The official reasoning behind the move the rename the street was "to signify the cosmic change in the area" - whatever that means.



The new sign shows already some damage


The old Jalan Alor - sign


Bustling Jalan Alor at night

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is an entertaining article about the issue published in "The Star" Newspaper from October 22, 2008:


The allure of Jalan Alor
By LAM SENG FATT

Jalan Alor is one of the most famous roads in Kuala Lumpur for its food and �??saucy desserts�?? and most people agree that changing its name is a grave error.

WHILE travelling in a taxi to Bukit Bintang yesterday, I asked the cabby: �??Do you know Jalan Alor now has a new name?�?�

"Yes ah? What is it?" he asked.

"Jalan Kejora (Malay for Venus)," I said.

"What?"

That just about sums up almost everybody�??s reaction to the name change - "What?"

Street names, especially popular ones, are something that remain in people�??s minds. Just because some member of some committee had a supernova-like burst of inspiration to name roads around the Bukit Bintang (Malay for Star Hill) area after planets, perhaps to create a galactic theme for the area, does not mean that his brilliant idea will be accepted by the masses.

Today, it is not just a simple matter of replacing the road sign with the new name (which in Jalan Kejora's case has already been vandalised).

It also means getting the name changed in some 900,000 web pages in the Internet, countless blogs, numerous maps, GPS software and lots of tourist guidebooks and brochures.

This is because Jalan Alor has become a tourist attraction in a city that does not exactly have a surplus of such spots.

The allure of Jalan Alor is the food and other ... er ... delights not of the culinary kind.

Along the short road, there are more than a dozen restaurants and scores more hawker stalls selling food ranging from Penang char koay teow to frog porridge.

Some folks say the char siew (barbecued pork) there is the best in town while others say it is the grilled chicken wings.

Some restaurants open during the daytime, but it is at night that the road really comes alive as strings of fluorescent lights and bulbs light up the area and hundreds of locals and bus loads of tourists dine alfresco.

Thousands of satisfied tourists have uploaded their experiences in their blogs, including one who posted his comments on celeb chef Anthony Bourdain's website.

Jalan Alor is so famous for its food that there is even one Pan-Asian restaurant in New York on Hudson Street that offers Jalan Alor Chicken Wings in its menu.

Jalan Alor used to be a seedy place - back then, there used to be more hookers than hawkers.

There were lots of signboards advertising massage parlours and health centres (that did not have treadmills or exercise bicycles).

Over the years, like red-light areas such as Bugis Street in Singapore and Times Square in New York, the authorities have cleaned it up.

The hookers simply strolled over to the next street - Tengkat Tong Shin - to do their tricks.

Today, there are no signboards of massage parlours and health centres. The vice trade is more discreet but you may encounter runners who either hand you a call card or ask whether you want to have a good time.

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.

For us, Malacca was the end of a 400-mile cab ride - which is what happens when you get to a railway station and discover that the next train is due in 2010. Fortunately Malaysian taxis are cheap enough to make this an amusing mistake, rather than a costly disaster. Anyhow, it was getting dark, so we checked in and headed out for a meal. Malacca is famous for its fiery Nonya cuisine and this didn't disappoint. Even our 18-month daughter, Polly, seemed to enjoy it.

The next day I got up with Polly and took her out for breakfast. We walked into town heading for one of the stylish-looking cafés. The trouble is, nothing in Malacca seems to open before 9:30. Now, if you're on holiday as an adult, that's fine. But when you're on holiday with a toddler who needs entertaining from dawn, it's not so good.

Still, it gave us a while to soak up the town's historic atmosphere. Malacca was founded at the start of the 15th century by a Sumatran prince and, because of its strategic location on the Malacca Straits, quickly became the most important port in south-east Asia. Chinese merchants settled, and the city's wealth attracted European interest of the sort that arrives heavily armed.

In the 16th century, it was conquered first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, who controlled it for over 300 years before ceding it to the British in 1824. The British, however, were more interested in nearby Singapore, and Malacca soon became a sleepy backwater.

The city's decline meant that the beautiful mixture of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and Islamic architecture is largely as it was 100 years ago; earlier this year it was made a Unesco World Heritage Site. In a country where so much is new, Malacca is one of the few places where you feel as if you can get a handle on Malaysian history.

Eventually we found an all-too- authentic-looking Chinese restaurant that was open. So we sat down and ordered, using the international I'll-have-what-he's-having-gestures, in this case, a plate of noodles with pork and some kind of offal. My take on offal is that it's a little like alcohol - good stuff, but you really shouldn't before noon. My daughter had no such qualms and slurped up her noodles and organ bits to the vocal approval of our fellow diners.

Breakfast over, we met my wife back in the Old Town. Malacca is rather confusing in this respect. Its two great attractions are the Old Town and Chinatown (which is also old). The Old Town contains more headline attractions than Chinatown, but it has a whiff of Disney about it, and Chinatown is far more interesting. Nonetheless, we did a whistle-stop tour of the Old Town's attractions, which date from colonial rule. And, after the glitzy neophilia of most Malaysian cities, forts and ruined churches make for an agreeable change.

Then we returned to our hotel. Initially I'd been a little disappointed by our standard issue high-rise. But that was until 11am. Then I realised Malacca is hot. So hot, in fact that at one point I thought I was sunburnt. But no, it was just the heat of the sun on my neck. So, if there's one thing that's essential when it comes to Malaccan accommodation, it's having a pool to lie by between 11.30am and 2pm. As our hotel (the aptly named Equatorial, for Malacca is two degrees North) had a terrific pool, its aesthetic crimes were forgiven.

After our enforced sunbreak, we walked into busy Chinatown. The streets are almost entirely lined with traditional shophouses - a sort of tropical take on the London terrace – whose charming exteriors all have that faded, distressed look western interior designers try so hard to replicate. Many have been converted into stylish boutiques and cafés, while a fair number are much as they always have been. Their deep interiors and thick walls and beautiful tiled floors are exactly what you need in the city's torrid climate. Interspersed with these were temples, mosques and the odd museum. It is, quite simply, a great place to wander - and there's not much more you can ask of a neighbourhood.

The next day, after a boat trip up the river, we discovered that Chinatown also has a pretty good nightlife, something of a rarity in Muslim Malaysia. That evening we enjoyed the atmospheric night market and bars before heading to a local restaurant for a bowl of the fiery local laksa noodle soup. This was followed by a "typical" pudding: a bowl of shaved ice with green vanilla jelly, coconut milk, toffee sauce and kidney beans (sweetcorn was also available). It was surprisingly good, although perhaps more surprising than good.

En route back to the hotel, we marvelled at the illuminated tricycle rickshaws: Malaccans like to personalise their vehicles, and these bizarre pedal-powered contraptions are like the offspring of a mobile disco and a Mardi Gras float.

On our final morning, we stocked up on cheap jeans and malodorous durian doughnuts at the Melaka Mega Mall (for that's what it's called), and Polly and I ascended the agreeably cheesy revolving viewing tower. Then we headed into Chinatown for a little more shopping and lunch. Oh, and one more of those extraordinary desserts - this time with kidney beans and sweetcorn.

GETTING THERE

Malaysia Airlines (0870 607 9090; http://www.malaysiaairlines.com) flies direct to Kuala Lumpur. Malacca is 90 miles south; taxis from the airport cost about £55 . The Majestic (00606 289 8000; http://www.majesticmalacca.com; from £160) is the town’s most stylish hotel, but the Equatorial (282 8333; http://www.equatorial.com; from £80) is better located.

Article from the Telegraph newspaper:

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.

Thaipusam is a celebration of the birthday to the Hindu deity Subramaniam.
The highlight of this celebration is the kavadi procession. More than one million people are expected to throng Batu Caves (just north of Kuala Lumpur) for this celebration. There is also a big parade in Georgetown, Penang and Singapore (procession is a 4km walk from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road).

Story about a german born kavadi-carrier wich gives a few interesting insights of Thaipusam at Batu Caves and Hindu culture:


Thaipusam in Malaysia, Batu Caves 2007:




more information
Wikipedia Thaipusam

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.

The Poker Scam
The Poker Scam is infamous among the big cities in South-East Asia. Travellers will be approached by local-looking people at the major tourists spots in town. Usually they pick up a conversation mentioning some obvious things like "Oh, nice tattoo. Where did you get it?" or something along this line. The next question will be "Where are you from?". After that they will come up with a story that they have a family member going to your country soon for studying and invite you to their house. These people will appear very friendly and harmless but once you get to their house they will slowly but surely push you into participating in a poker game. You will eventually lose of course and you will be forced to withdraw money from the ATM. They might put something in your drink because quite a number of travellers lost thousands of dollars with this scam and it is still happening after years. If you are aware that this is how they are operating, just walk aware if they approach you.

Fake Monks
Chances are high that you will be approached by a monk at least once on a day walking around the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. These "monks" will approach you actively to ask for donations. However, they are not real monks. This is just their business of making money, putting on a monk robe, make tourists (and locals) believe they are for real and ask for money. They are said to make good money this way. The thing is, real buddhist monkey are not allowed to beg for money, so don't be fooled!


Pick Pockets & Hand Bag Snatches
Pay attention to your valueables when you are in busy places such as in public transports during rush hour. Another common incident is when motorbike drives by and snatches hand bags. To be on the safe side, where your hand bags away from the road side.

Overpriced Taxis
Kuala Lumpur is said to have to worst Taxi situation among the South-East Asian capitals. It is not that easy to find a taxi that puts on the metre so mostly prices will be negotiated before you get in. As a rule of thumb you should pay something around RM10 to RM15 for trip within the city centre. The airport, KL Sentral train station and others have taxi counters where you can buy taxi coupons so use these to get a fair deal.

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.

For up-to-date information please call Cameron Tourist Information & Service Centre: 05-491 1452/ 1755



Unititi Express

Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata) - Kuala Lumpur
(departure and tickets from tourist bureau)
8.45am - Super VIP - RM35 (Puduraya) / RM38 (KL Central)
1.45pm - Super VIP - RM35 (Puduraya) / RM38 (KL Central)

Kuala Lumpur - Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata)
(departure from Puduraya, ticket counter:55)
8.30 or 9.00am - Super VIP - RM35
1.00pm - Super VIP - RM35

Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata) - Penang
8.00am - VIP - RM32



Kurnia Bistari Express

Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata, Main Bus Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur (Puduraya)
8.00am - VIP - RM28
10.30am - Old normal bus - RM22.50
1.00pm - VIP - RM28.50
4.30pm - Old normal bus - RM22.50

Kuala Lumpur (Puduraya) - Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata, Main Bus Terminal)
9.00am 10.30am 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 3.30pm

Cameron Highlands - Penang
8.00am - VIP - RM33
2.30pm - Old normal bus - RM30
4.30pm - Old normal bus - RM30

The 2.30pm & 4.30pm bus doesn't always run, so please check on availability.

Mini Bus to Taman Negara
Drop off: Kuala Tahan Village / opposite Park H.Q.
Departure: 10.15am (arrival 6pm)
Price: RM85

Mini Bus to Pulau Perhentian
Departure: 10.15am
Arrival at Kuala Besut pier at 4.30pm, then fast boat to the islands
Price: RM60 to the pier (boat ticket not included)

You can inquire about the mini bus tickets and availabilities at the tourist bureau or your guesthouse.

============================
Information as of July 2009


View Bus stops in Tanah Rata in a larger map

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.

Jungle Walks
Maps of the 13 different tracks around Tanah Rata and Brinchang are widely available. Before you go on a track on your own, let the people at your guest house know which track you will be walking. In case you get lost in the forrest, they can look for you.

The are plenty of tour operators in the Cameron Highlands so the choice is your. The following information is based on the tours provided by Cameron Secrets, who also run Fathers Guesthouse.

Daily Countryside Tour
- Sungai Palas Tea Plantation
- Rose Centre
- Butterfly Garden
- Vegetable Farms
- Market Square
- Sam Poh Buddhist Temple
- Strawberry Farm
- Honey Bea Farm

Mossy Forrest
- drive up to Gunung Brinchang, highest mountain in the highlands
- walk into the Mossy Forest
- Sungai Palas Tea Plantation

Orang Asli Village
- visit of an Orang Asli village

Full Day Discovery Tour
- Gunung Brinchang
- Mossy Forrest
- Sungai Palas Tea Estate
- Orang Asli Village

Rafflesia Tour
- full day tour
- drive to Rafflesia site (Raffllesia is on of the largest flowers in the world)
- jungle trekking
- waterfall
- Orang Asli Village
- Tea Plantation



Rafflesias can be over 100cm in diameter and weigh up to 10kg. It was named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the "father of Singapore"

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.

Bukit Tabur is located about 20km from the city centre. There is no public transport to the starting point of the hike so you need a taxi or your own car to ge there.

How to get to Bukit Tabur:

- Exit MRR2 at Taman Melawati
- next round-about 9 o'clock
- next round-about 12 o'oclock
- at T-junction turn right and follow the road along the hill until you get to the Puncak Niaga facilities


View Bukit Tabur Hike in a larger map


Bukit Tabur, seen from Taman Melawati


The trail starts just after this small concrete Wall. In the background you can see the gate to the Puncak Niaga facility


after a few minutes you get breath-taking views of Taman Melawati and Downtown KL


The hike is challenging but enjoyable


Once you made it up to the Ridge you can see the spectacular Klang Gates reservoir and lush nature on one side and the concrete jungle on the other


This view makes up for a sweaty hike

The hike took us about 3 hours (we made it until the red flag which is just short of the highest point of Bukit Tabur). We went down the same way we came which is the safest way to go.
We went there during a week-day and we were the only ones there!
It is a very enjoyable hike as long as you remember to be careful and stay low when you climb some of the rocky parts of the hike. Bring enough water and food and protect yourself against the sun and mosquitos.
Do check out the websites below to get more information on the hike, safety instruction and how to get to Bukit Tabur!


http://www.nature-escapes-kuala-lumpur.com/Klang-Gates-Quartz-Ridge.html
A good overview of the hike. A must read before you go! We found this trip through this website.

Ill-fated hill
Article from The Star newspaper of the beauty and danger of trekking on Bukit Tabur

http://bukittabur.blogspot.com/
Safety instruction for hiking at Bukit Tabur

http://shiekblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/klang-gate-ridge.html
Blog entry on hiking Bukit Tabur

http://www.endemicguides.com/Tabur_hill_2.htm
More information about the worlds longest Crystal Quartz-Rich ridge and trekking there

Malaysian F1 GP 2010 (Formula 1 in Sepang)

It is time again for the Grand Prix in Malaysia on April 2-4. The Malaysian GP will take place for the 12th time already from at the Sepang track, about 1h south of Kuala Lumpur. It will be the third race of the season after Bahrain and Melbourne.aaa

The tickets are pricy but are still considered cheap compared to the ticket prices for races in Europe. Ticket prices range from RM100 to RM2600. The cheapest way to experience the race or the weekend (all tickets are valid from friday to sunday) is get a hillstand ticket (RM100), but make sure you bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun the very likely tropical rain. I got a pretty bad sunburn the other year just by walking from the main road where the taxi dropped us off and then walking 15min to the entrance of the track.
So dont forget: umbrella, sunblock and water!!! Oh, and ear plugs, it is incredibly loud.

buy a ticket at the Ticket Centre for the GP

How to get to the Sepang F1 circuit?

Sky Bus
==========
price: RM15
from 8am - 3pm (2pm on friday), every 30min (travel time: about 1h15min)
pick-up points: KL Sentral, KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Kotaraya, One Utama, Sunway Pyramid, LCCT (RM4)
click here for more information or call the SkyBus Hotline: 016-217 8496

City Liner Bus
==========
price: RM15
from 8am - 2pm
pick-up points: Pudurara Bus Terminal, Putra Bus Terminal, Duta Bus Terminal, Pekeliling Bus Terminal, KLIA (RM10), Nilia - KTM Commuter (RM7)
click here for more information or call the Hotline: 1 300 888 582


KLIA Transit & Shuttle Bus
====================
price: RM120 (return, 3 days), RM90 (return sat & sun), RM25 one-way
click here for more information

Find pictures of the circuit below (courtesy: Sepang F1 Circuit):

Malaysian F1 GP 2010 (Formula 1 in Sepang) Gallery

Start PicLens Slideshow

Puduraya Bus Terminal temporarily closed

The Puduraya Bus Terminal was closed on April 13 for at least four months due to renovation works in the terminal. Long-distance buses will meanwhile operate from Bukit Jalil.

Temporary Bus Terminal for north and south-bound long-distance buses:
(east-bound buses will still operate from Putra Bus Station)

Bukit Jalil Complex Parking Lot F

Hotline: 03-2078 6018 or 03-2078 7017

How to get to Bukit Jalil:

LRT Train (Ampang Line): take train to Sri Petaling (city centre stops: Hang Tuah, Plaza Rakyat, Masjid Jamek), get off at Bukit Jalil station - RM1.90
more info about the LRT lines

Operating Hours:
BUKIT JALIL 6.00am - 11.25pm
HANG TUAH 6.00am - 11.40pm
PLAZA RAKYAT 6.00am -11.40pm
MASJID JAMEK 6.00am - 12.00midnight

Rapid KL shuttle buses between Puduraya and Bukit Jalil - RM2
operating hours: 6am-12.30am


read more about this in an article in the The Star newspaper
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