Malaysia Travel Guide

Malaysia Finance

2007-06-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

Malaysia Travel Guide:
Eight months after the Malaysian central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), announced new incentives to boost the presence of foreign financial institutions in the predominantly Muslim country, Malaysian officials continue to lobby for fresh investments in an area which is considered a fast emerging cornerstone for the economy.

Since 1983, when the concept of Islamic banking began to take root in Malaysia, Islamic banking assets have soared to about $34bn, equivalent to almost 13 per cent of the market.

But Malaysian officials say Malaysia’s success also has to be measured in terms of the fast growth of its Islamic corporate bond market. At about $36bn, this is equivalent to almost 48 per cent of the total corporate bonds issued in the country, while the emergence of an Islamic insurance market with a size of $1.7bn places the sector ahead of many other countries.

“We have put in place a comprehensive Islamic financial system that includes the legal, Sharia and regulatory infrastructure, supported by a diversity of players and a wide range of products and services. Our capital market has depth and breadth that is supported by an active secondary bond market,” said Dato’ Mohd Razif bin Abd. Kadir, deputy governor of BNM, in Dubai this month.

Malaysian officials are often keen to emphasise the strengths of the country’s economy – such as its liquid foreign currency reserves of about $91bn and a saving rate of 37 per cent of gross domestic product – as key factors which will support the entry of new foreign investors into its Islamic banking and finance related businesses.

Analysts such as Mohammad Daud Bakar, a prominent Malaysian scholar on Islamic finance and head of the Kuala Lumpur-based International Institute of Islamic Finance, share the official enthusiasm. But he says the transition to making Malaysia a global centre of Islamic finance will require it to meet challenges such as establishing a “synergy between Malaysian and non-Malaysian human resource”.

Additionally, he says Malaysian bankers will have to learn to cope with transactions in currencies other than the Malaysian ringgit – a key medium for Islamic banking transactions so far.

Western bankers familiar with Malaysia point towards a few of the key gaps which must be overcome by the Islamic banking sector. One is to oversee a faster flow of investments from the oil rich Middle East region, which is presently flush with capital in the wake of the high oil prices of recent years.

But critics note that Malaysia also faces a difficult challenge convincing overseas Muslims, especially those in the Middle East, of the credibility of its code of Islamic Sharia law. Unlike the Middle East, which has a more diverse set of interpretations through the work of different scholars, Malaysia has tried to follow a more uniform code.

“For an Arab Muslim who is being asked to invest in Malaysia, one question is, how far is the Malaysian view of Islamic finance as pure as in the Middle East,” says a senior Arab banker. “This is a consistent theme in in-house discussions [on Malaysia].”

However, Malaysian central bank officials disagree. The country’s ventures into Islamic finance over the past two decades and more have enabled it to establish a large enough community of bankers exposed to Islamic finance, helping overcome a key challenge faced elsewhere.

“Malaysia is a largely Muslim country. Our experience has given us an edge over many others. We are well positioned to do things which I am not sure others are geared up to do just yet,” says a BNM official. “Ultimately, the quality of service has to count much for clients and that’s where we are well prepared.”

For the moment, the jury is out as many experts believe that Malaysia’s future will be settled with the outcome of its move to attract foreign investors in the years to come. Although the Middle East is being lobbied by Malaysia as the natural origin for future investors, bankers in the region argue that there are few signs of liquidity moving from there to the Asian continent. This follows a flight of Muslim capital from the western world, most notably in the US, following the backlash against Muslims after the New York attacks.

“If large scale liquidity leaves the Middle East, people would probably look at worldwide destinations including many western ones,” says the Arab banker. “A country like Malaysia may have attractions but it can’t be the main destination for us.”

Malaysia Trip Report

2007-06-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

Prelude

We first traveled to Malaysia in November 2000 but back then we only had a short stop in Kuala Lumpur. This time we also wanted to try out a couple of beach destinations. We decided to go to Perhentian because the word was that it was a true paradise for snorkeling and diving and that it was not yet ruined by mass tourism.

Planning the trip

Perhetian is made up of two islands…Perhentian Kecil (small island) and Perhentian Besar (big island). The small island seems to be more targeted towards backpackers and has cheaper accommodation while the bigger island has some resorts. We looked at pictures at web pages like perhentianisland.info , perhentian-island.com and perhentian.com.my and in the end we decided to go for Perhentian Island resort. In the end we booked it through perhentianisland.com.my and we paid 720 RM per person for 4 days/3 nights where the following was covered:

- return boat transfer.

- welcome drink.

- 3 nights accommodation (air condition/hot shower).

- 3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner

- 2 snorkeling trips around Perhentian Island with snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, guide and boat during the trips ).

- drinking water

- marine park fees surcharge

We also paid 110 RM to get a round trip by taxi from Kota Bharu Airport to Kuala Besut Jetty.

To get from KL to the island we decided to fly from KL to Kota Bharu airport. We bought tickets online on Malaysia Airlines and we paid 388 RM for the round trip for both of us. Remember that you can also use AirAsia to get to Kota Bharu. We chose to fly Malaysia Airlines as the flight times were better for us.

Trip from KL to Perhentian
Map of Perhentian Islands

Map of Perhentian Islands. We stayed at Perhentian Island Resort on Besar.

After a few days in KL we left for Perhentian on Wednesday March 22nd. Meena was kind enough to drop us of at KL Sentral and we took the KLIA Express to the airport. If you are flying Malaysia Airlines (and maybe other airlines as well) you can check in already at KL Sentral :-) This was an excellent service and it was great to get rid of the Samsonite suitcases already at the train station.

The flight from KL to Kota Bharu only took about 1 hour so before we knew it we landed on the tiny airport called Sultan Ismail Petra in the province Kelantan. After we picked up our suitcases we found our driver…it was not that hard in the small airport :-) He was waiting for us with a sign with my name on it. He led us over to this old Mercedes that must have been from the 70s or 80s :-) Taxi taking us to the jetty in BesutWe did of course get a bit skeptical when seeing this old car and the lack of safety belts in the back seat but there was not that many options. The drive from the airport to the jetty in Besut (located in the state of Terengganu) was about 45 minutes and it was pretty interesting.A butcher along the road Apart from a few times where the driver tried to overtake cars and we felt we were about to meet our maker, we had time to look at the view as we drove along. It was pretty easy to see that the state of Kelantan is very different from the modern city of KL. It looked like it was a pretty poor area: the houses seemed very basic, people had cows tied to a pole in their front yard, chicken/goats were roaming freely, the butcher sold his ware in the direct sunlight on a so refrigerated street corner etc.

The jetty at BesutWe finally arrived at Besut and I went to the office of perhentianisland.com.my to pay, in cash, for the stay at Perhentian Island resort. We were given all the papers and a few big bottles of drinking water that we could have during our stay on the island. We had to wait for the boat so we were invited by the guy that runs Perhentian Sunny Travel to sit down in the shade and he bought us some cold drinks while we chatted. In the end we got to board the small boat together with about 15 others and the two huge outboard engines roared as we made our way out to open water. The trip out to the islands took 30-40 minutes but I guess this depends a lot on the weather. When we went out there the waves were big so he had to slow down from time to time as the water was splashing.

Tip! If you are sensitive to noise bring a couple of earplugs. The roar of the engines can be quite loud & remember to take your seasickness pills!

A bit about Perhentian Island Resort and the room

The bed at Perhentian Island ResortWe arrived at Perhentian Island resort in the afternoon and we were met by a guy that took care of our luggage. When we arrived at the jetty we were not really sure that we were on the right place. There was a beach but it didn’t look like there were that many rooms - seeing a sign with the resort’s name clarified that issue. The check in was quick and we got room 205. The room itself was pretty anonymous. Each hut contained 4 rooms and we were located on the second row from the beach. When I first came into the room I was like “Where is the TV”…hehe…I know it is sad. I guess I was just expecting a TV when we were staying at one of the (reputedly) best resorts on the island.

The desk and mini bar in our roomThe walls were recently painted white and we got a pretty big bed, a wardrobe, a desk and chair, a small mini bar (which was empty) and a water boiler with some coffee and tea. We had air condition in our room but it didn’t seem to be fully operational. We could e.g. not turn it to low but at least we got cooling. One of the bungalows at Perhentian Island ResortThere are not that many hotels on the islands that have this option. The bathroom was small but it was tiled and contained a sink, toilet and a bathtub. We could take a shower in the bathtub but there was no shower curtain so the water pretty much splashed everywhere. I did mention this to the reception and they said they would fix it but they never did. The whole hut seemed to be a bit lopsided and the door to the bathroom was hard to close and it swung open automatically. We also had a small porch where there were two chairs and a table.

The pool at Perhentian Island ResortThe resort facilities included a pool (I guess the only one on the island) that was never in use as far as I could tell…well, I jumped into it once just to test it out :-). The lobby is located in a big open building which also contained the restaurant where we had all our meals. The breakfast included warm food like beans, hash browns, pancakes, omelette, beef bacon (remember that Malaysia is a Muslim country) and also a selection of warm local dishes like nasi goring, rice porridge etc. Breakfast at Perhentian Island ResortIt was also possible to get the usual treat of toast, cereal and fruit such as pineapple, watermelon etc. There was also juice and coffee/tea to choose from. The coffee was the darkest coffee that I have ever seen :-)

There is a small shop across from the restaurant where, for a fairly hefty price, you can get the essentials such as sun cream, shirts, disposable cameras etc. Between the restaurant and the beach there was a nice tiled area which incorporated a bar. I’m not sure that they had much more than beer on sale. I had a few Tiger beers and they coast 10 RM per can.

Activities on Perhentian Island

The beach at Perhentian Island resortSo what is there to do on a small jungle island? Well, let me just say that if you don’t like sun, sand, beach and water you should probably go somewhere else :-) The beach at Perhentian Island Resort is very nice…I guess it is 300-400 meters long and the sand is fine and powdery. March is just the opening of the season at Perhentian and many of the resorts actually close during the monsoon season. We did have a bit of bad weather when we went there but we still had a great time on our snorkeling trips.

Pathway leading to Coral ViewAs the map of Perhentian indicates there are resorts like pearls on a string and they are connected with wooden stairs and pathways if you want to go over and say hi to the neighbor resort. We never ventured any further than Coral View located right next to Perhentian Island Resort :-) . It didn’t take us long before we started checking out the warm clear water. We started snorkeling right from the beach but we found out that it is of course better to snorkel from a boat.

Tip! Bring you own snorkel gear to make sure that you get good and comfortable equipment. Having a mask that fits is important - poor Nikki needs to either get a facial reconstruction or a kids mask because hers kept on flooding or fogging. And spitting into the google works better than anti-fogging spray!

Nikki in the boat on one of the snorkeling trips at Perhentian IslandThe snorkeling trips we had around the island were great. We started out by going to a place called Shark point…not a good place to start if you have seen movies like Jaws. But from what I understand the sharks that you can see there is first of all harmless reef sharks. When we were there I only saw a shark briefly as it was swimming away from me. But the snorkeling itself was great…lots of colorful fish, corals in every possible colors etc. If you haven’t tried snorkeling yet you are missing out on something. It is incredible to just lay in the water and watch everything below you.

View to Perhentian Island Resort from the jettyOn the way back after our first snorkeling trip our boat driver stopped as he was seeing ripples on the surface and shadows in the water. I didn’t see a thing so at first I thought he was pulling our leg. But he seemed pretty determined so I thought he was spotting manta rays on the sea bed. All of a sudden he told us to get in and I tried to slide into the water as quietly as I could (I’m not exactly like one of those slim Chinese divers when I get in). It turned out that it was a huge turtle that was eating away at the seabed. It was amazing to dive down 2-3 meters to take a closer look at it. At that point I wished that I had bought an underwater house for my camera.

Tip! If you are going to a place like this to snorkel, bring along a underwater camera. The disposable ones are not very good (we found that out at the Maldives. If I were to buy now I would buy a Olympus mju 720SW which is supposedly waterproof down to 3 meters - still considering buying it.

View to the beachTip: Snorkeling in the tropics means that you are faced with a strong sun. Remember to put on a good sun screen (I used Riemann P20) and when you snorkel it is a good idea to have a surfer vest or light coloured t-shirt and some protection for your head as well…at least for guys like me where the hair is not as thick as it used to be :-)

We also snorkeled from the boat at the rocks that you see on the left hand side when you stand on the beach at Perhentian Island Resort. The many colours of the coral amazed me…red, blue, green, purple etc. Snorkeling is hard work …after snorkeling at three different spots from the boat we were ready for a break - a bit of relaxation on the beach.

The beach bar at Perhentian Island ResortEvening entertainment at Perhentian Resort is pretty limited. We stuck to the preset menu that was defined in our package deal and that was, well … pretty boring actually. Nikki enjoying fruit at Perhentian IslandI think they should have served Malaysian inspired dishes instead of serving their take on western food. After dinner we would just relax in the beach bar. I can’t say that it was really happening…the bartender seemed to be pretty bored so he used every opportunity to come over for a chat when Nikki was not at the table.

Tip! As there is not much to do I would recommend that you bring along some board games/cards, snacks as there is not that much on sale and mosquito spray to avoid getting eaten alive :-)

View from the beach bar to the beachWe did a morning snorkel trip as well. We started out on a place north of Perhentian Island Resort. We were almost alone in the area…there was only one other couple there. It was a bit funny watching this other couple (I think they were Japanese) as it seemed like it was the first time the girl was snorkeling and she didn’t seem that comfortable with it. Again the snorkeling was great. But at this point it seemed like we were getting stung by something in the water. It felt just like when we are getting stung by jelly fish back home and Nikki was a bit freaked out when she swam right into a cloud of tendrils on her way back to the boat.

View from our bungalowWe also went to a beautiful small beach where it was possible to snorkel right off the beach and again there were lots of colorful fish and corals. And the best thing is that we were more or less alone in the water. On some snorkeling trips like to Phi Phi a few years ago it felt like we were on a trip with way too many people. I also have to mention a third place we snorkeled at. When we got into the water there were lots and lots of colorful fish and at this place they seemed more curious than on the other place. Normally when you move your hands towards the fish they swim off but this kind was not easily scared. These fish were right up in our snorkel masks and we’re pretty sure they were nibbling on us :-)

The return of Godzilla – the local wild life

When we first got off the transfer boat at the Resort there was an amazing noise coming from the jungle. At first I thought it was an engine or generator of sorts on the verge of a break down. But then I realized that the sound was coming from crickets and other jungle winged creatures. Check out this video to get some clue of what I’m talking about. From time to time I get questions from other travelers that are going to different tropical destinations and they ask if there are any creepy crawlies where they are going. On Perhentian Island I would say that we were closer to nature that we have ever been :-) It felt like the humans were just occupying the small strip of land ... Lizard out for a walk at Perhentian Islandthe rest of the island is the domain of the animals and insects. As we experienced when out of nowhere a Comodor-like lizard crawled waddled (yes, there was definitely a waddle there) out from behind a bush in front of our room. I followed it with the camera and another guest also picked up the camera. Nikki got a bit nervous and, as she was backing up into the room, she mentioned this to a couple of passing staff members and all they said was “It is good meat” :-). As usual in warmer climates you get visited by geckos at night (where do they hide during the day?). One gecko (we gave him the nickname “George”) even got into the room and found its way to the bathroom.

Apart from that we saw squirrels, bats flying by and pretty big spiders spinning webs as we walked around our resort area. We also saw oversized ants - they were huge - and even larger snails crawling across the tiles near the beach bar etc. There was also a rather large beetle that seemed to be a bit too heavy because we only ever saw them crash landing. And of course…there are mosquitoes. There was one night, around dusk, when I went outside to spray on some mosquito spray and by the time I had covered the front I had gotten 3 bites on my back!! How rude is that?

We bought some mosquito bite cream at Besut called Krim. Good name as krim is the Norwegian word for crime. But the only criminal element in this cream was the color…it was bright yellow and impossible to rub off once applied! So after a couple of days on the island I was a colorful person…a bit of sun burn on some parts of the body, yellow cream on other parts

Jungle trekking

Gard on the jungle trekIt is also possible to trek across the island. It was strange to come from the beach area where it was pretty warm and humid to the jungle where it was even warmer and humid. So we had not walked very far before I was soaked in sweat. We didn’t go all the way to the other side of the island but we did reach the top. Once you are in the jungle it is natural to start thinking about what creepy crawlies that might be using the opportunity to catch a ride as you walk by. But we didn’t come back to the beach with any unwanted guests - that we know of …

Time to leave

Perhentian Island Resort seen from the boatOn Saturday March 25th it was time to leave already. We got up at the crack of dawn and walked around a little while we waited for the boat to pick us up. This time we were able to squeeze in 17 adults and 5 children. The sea was very calm so we got back to land within 30 minutes. Back on land we were met by Sunny again and he got us a cab to take us back to the airport. This time we got an old Toyota that made the old Mercedes that we had from the airport to Besut look like a luxury limousine. I have to say a couple of words about this car….it is possibly the worst wreck that I have ever been in and it was just hilarious. Local fishers at BesutThe driver wanted to roll up the windows but the only thing that was keeping the window up was a piece of paper folded together. So I had to squeeze the window up while the driver re-adjusted the piece of paper. Wires seemed to hang everywhere under the dashboard. The car seemed to be an automatic to start off with but turned out to be a manual afterall and it didn’t feel like there was any suspension left so the car felt really unstable….so I was getting a bit nervous when the driver pushed it up to 120 km/h even after we assured him that we were in no hurry :-). After a while there was this constant sound coming from the car and he eventually stopped to investigate but he never found out what was wrong. But we made it back to the airport at Kota Bharu and off we went to KL.

Conclusion

The trip to Perhentian was a bit of an "adventure"…planes; worn out taxis, speed boats etc. It is a bit of a mission to get there so this is not a destination that I’m going to recommend to families, people that are not used to traveling (or people with a bad heart…remember the taxi description).

The small road between the bungalowsWe have been to places like Thailand and Maldives so it is hard not to compare this destination with other places that we have been to. You might get a sense from the description above that I was not totally impressed with the resort itself. The room itself was not impressive at all but you have to take into account that the Perhentian Islands are a couple of remote jungle islands with no roads and no major development. Hole at the side of the poolIn that respect I guess we were lucky to have electricity, air condition and a pool in the first place. I didn’t mind that the room was a bit basic but it seemed like the whole resort was a bit half finished and didn’t look that well maintained. A few examples are the big hole located at the edge of the pool, traces of bonfires around the area, a noisy and totally stripped mini-cargo van that was driving equipment and stuff around on the tiny pathways on the resort etc. I think that Perhentian Island resort (and other resorts) could learn a thing or two by visiting resorts in the Maldives to get some ideas.

But the beach and snorkeling at Perhentian were amazing. The snorkeling is probably some of the best snorkeling that we have ever done and seeing a big turtle made my day at least. So maybe it is better to keep the resorts here a bit “basic” and to keep the tourist invasion at bay by making it hard to reach. But if you want a bit of adventure take your time to visit Perhentian Island.

Malaysia 48 Hrs

2007-05-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

WHY GO NOW?

KL - as it is invariably known - has blossomed from a colonial backwater into one of Asia's great cities. Yet amid the high-rises, you can still find a strong sense of history. And if food is important to you, the Malaysian capital offers sheer indulgence.

TOUCH DOWN

Malaysia Airlines (0870 607 9090; www.malaysia-airlines.com), flies daily from Heathrow and four times a week from Manchester to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Emirates (0870 243 2222; www.emirates.com) has connections in Dubai from Gatwick, Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. Thomson Worldwide can arrange two-night B &B packages at the Federal Hotel for £604 per person (0800 197 1917; www.thomsonworldwide.co.uk).

KLIA is 28 minutes from Sentral station (1) on the KLIAekspres; a one-way ticket costs 35 Malaysian ringgits (£5) (00 603 2267 8000; www.KLIAekspres.com). The bus (00 603 6203 3064) costs RM25 (£3.50) one-way, RM45 (£6.50) return. Taxis - pre-booked at the desk near the exit - cost around RM70 (£10).

GET YOUR BEARINGS

KL has several distinct districts, notably Chinatown, Little India and the historic quarter where the Klang and Gumbak rivers meet. The upmarket hotels and shops are in the "Golden Triangle" (between Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Ampang), with cheaper options around Chinatown. There is a tourist information centre (00 603 2274 3125; www.tourism.gov.my) at Sentral station (1). For details of what's on, pick up a free copy of PM (00 603 2297 0999; www.pmmag.com.my), which is available in hotels and restaurants.

CHECK IN

For luxury on the cheap try the J W Marriott (2) at 183 Jalan Bukit Bintang (00 603 2715 9000; www.marriott.com), part of the exclusive Star Hill mall. Doubles start at RM368 (£52), room only. The Renaissance (3), at the corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang (00 603 2164 8877; www.renaissance-kul.com), offers a two-night weekend package without breakfast for RM224 (£32).

More modest accommodation can be found near Sentral station, at the YMCA (4) at 95 Jalan Padang Belia (00 603 2274 1439; www.ymcakl.com). A double here costs RM80 (£11), with breakfast.

TAKE A VIEW

The 421m high, Menara Kuala Lumpur (5) is the fourth-tallest telecommunications tower in the world (00 603 2020 5448; www.menarakl.com.my). The observation deck at 276m is open 9am-10pm daily; your RM15 (£2) ticket includes the loan of binoculars and an audio tour. While you're in the area, explore Kuala Lumpur's nine-hectare Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, starting at the Forest Information Centre (6) at 240 Bukit Nanas (00 603 2616 4488; 7am-6pm daily; free). You won't spot a tiger, but there are exotic insects and plants aplenty.

TAKE A RIDE

... on the KL Transit, the cheap, air-conditioned six-line elevated railway system that traverses the city. Fares start from RM0.70 (£0.10).

TAKE A HIKE

Not all of KL's heritage has been obliterated in the race for modernity. Directly opposite the east side of Masjid Jamek station (7), you can see the beautiful Art Deco Bank Bumiputra building (8), the former radio HQ and KL's answer to Broadcasting House. Head south, pausing to admire the old Gian Singh building (9), and head down Lebuh Ampang. This leads into Market Square (10), with its fine collection of elegant 20th-century buildings; look out for the Art Deco OCBC building on the south-east corner. Continue south along Jalan Hang Kasturi and you reach Central Market (11) - which narrowly avoided demolition in the 1980s and is now a handicrafts centre.

LUNCH ON THE RUN

Jalan Alor (12) used to be the red-light district of KL, but has morphed into a popular place to eat, boasting plenty of (mainly Chinese) hawker stalls. If you're not sure what you want there'll probably be a hostess who's eager to explain what's on offer. Nasi goreng (fried rice) is always a good option and shouldn't cost more than RM4 (£0.50). The area livens up after dark.

WINDOW SHOPPING

From Maharajalela station (13) follow the big sign at the bottom of the stairs for Chinatown. After about a minute you'll see a big overhead sign for Jalan Petaling. Brace yourself: as soon as you step over the threshold you'll be accosted by hawker-stall owners who sell everything from shirts (pay no more than RM20/£2.50) to CDs (the usual deal is three for RM10/£1.25). The road was recently given a grand glass roof, which successfully keeps out some of the heat.

To combine shopping with rollercoasters, head to Berjaya Times Square (14) , where you can whizz around in Cosmo's World Theme Park aboard the Supersonic Odyssey (00 603 2117 3118; 10am-10pm daily, RM25/£3.50).

AN APERITIF

The trendiest area is Asian Heritage Row (Jalan Doraisamy). Start with a daquiri at The Loft (15) at 34-40 Jalan Doraisamy (00 603 2691 5668). Then move to thatindianthing (16) at 52 Jalan Doraisamy (00 603 2698 6357; www.thatindianthing.com) for pint-sized margaritas and fabulous Indian cooking that may entice you to stop for dinner.

DINING WITH THE LOCALS

Jalan Walter Grenier (17) features a fantastic row of restaurants that serve mainly Chinese food. Restoran Mohamed Abbas (8 Jalan Walter Grenier, 00 603 2143 4980) serves wonderful spicy tom yam soup for RM4 (£0.50).

SUNDAY MORNING: GO TO CHURCH

Most Malays are Muslims, but in this diverse culture many faiths are represented. In KL terms, the Anglican St Mary's Cathedral (00 603 2692 8672), dating from 1887, is an antique: it stands in a quiet corner of Merdeka Square (18).

OUT TO BRUNCH

Head to the Lot 10 Mall (19) on Jalan Bukit Bintang where you'll find the Dome restaurant (00 603 9200 3438; www.domecafe.com.my) by the entrance. It boasts outdoor air conditioning, which has to be felt to be believed. Try the puff pies, or several of their super-indulgent cakes.

CULTURAL AFTERNOON

Get a taxi to Muzium Negara (20) on Jalan Damansara (00 603 2282 6255; www.museum.gov.my; 9am-6pm daily; RM2/£0.28). The first-floor section on the insects of Malaysia is good. After that, head to the immaculate Islamic Arts Museum (21) on Jalan Lembah Perdana (00 603 2274 2020; www.iamm.org.my). It has some fine Islamic artefacts, and is open 10am-6pm daily except Mondays; RM8 (£1)

A WALK IN THE PARK

Drop in at the world's largest covered bird park (22) at 920 Jalan Lembah Taman Tasik Perdana (00 603 2272 1010; www.birdpark.com.my; 9am-7.30pm daily).

THE ICING ON THE CAKE

KL's proudest edifice is 452m high: the Petronas Towers (23), once the tallest buildings in the world, are now the tallest matching pair of skyscrapers. At night they glow bright white. During the day, visit the 170m-high sky bridge at levels 41 and 42 (00 603 2331 1769; 8.30am-5pm, daily except Monday). Get there early - the first 1,300 visitors each day are allowed up for free.

Malaysia Events

2007-05-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Thaipusam at Batu Caves
Thousands of Hindu devotees throng Batu Caves to pay homage to Lord Subramaniam during Thaipusam
When:
Feb 2008 (annual)
Where:
Batu Caves
Cost:
Free
Opening Hours:
All day
Every year, more than a million devotees gather at the Batu Caves - a spectacular site outside Kuala Lumpur - to celebrate the Hindu festival of Thaipusam. As well as taking part in a parade, many of the penitents express their devotion in ways which may well seem strange to outsiders.
Thaipusam commemorates the day when the Goddess Parvathi gave her son Murugan an invincible vel (lance), with which he vanquished the evil asura (demons). The festival starts with a procession through the town. A silver chariot carries the image of Lord Subramaniam, Shiva's youngest son, and people throw coconuts on the ground beside it.

The devotees then head for the Batu Caves, which are both a Hindu pilgrimage site and one of Malaysia's great natural wonders, with three main caves and hundreds of smaller ones. The Temple Cave, which contains shrines to the Hindu gods, has a vaulted ceiling 100 metres high. Below it is the Dark Cave - a two-kilometre (1.2 miles) network of caverns containing a large number of cave animals, including species found nowhere else in the world. (It's impossible to enter the Dark Caves without permission from the Malaysian Nature Society, and there are strict rules governing visiting times.) There is also an "Art Gallery Cave" containing statues and wall paintings depicting Hindu mythology.

Penitents atone for their sins and commemorate the giving of the vel by dragging kavadis ("burdens") up the 272 steps to the cave and depositing them at the feet of the deity. Devotees prepare themselves at the Batu River, praying and entering a trance-like state before donning the kavadis - metal frames weighing up to 50 pounds, attached to the carriers by steel hooks inserted into the skin of the chest, back and face. The more flamboyant put skewers through their cheeks or tongues to represent the vel, and a few young men make the journey up the caves with large steel hooks in their backs.

Altogether, this is probably one of the most incredible sights you'll ever see - although we don't recommend it for the squeamish.

Fast Facts Kuala Lumpur

2007-05-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

Fast Facts

The area code for Kuala Lumpur is 03, and the city's phone numbers have an 8-digit format. Numbers in the rest of the country only have 7 digits.

The main office for American Express is located in KL at The Weld, 18th floor, Jalan Raja Chulan (tel. 03/2050-0888). You'll also find headquarters for all Malaysian and many international banks, most of which have outlets along Jalan Sultan Ismail, plus ATMs at countless locations thought the city. Look for money changers in just about every shopping mall; they're a better bargain than banks or hotel cashiers.

KL's General Post Office, on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin in the enormous Pos Malaysia Komplex Dayabumi (tel. 03/2274-1122), can be pretty overwhelming. If you can, try to use your hotel's mail service for a much easier time. Internet service in KL will run about RM3 to RM6 (80¢-$1.60) per hour for usage. Internet cafes come and go, popping up in backpacker areas like Chinatown and the streets around BB Plaza. A combination Internet cafe and business center, Yoshi Connection, is near the MTC at Lot 2.34, 2nd floor, Bangunan Angkasa Raya, Jalan Ampang (tel. 03/2143-2500).

If you have a medical emergency, the number to dial is tel. 999. This is the same number for police and fire emergencies as well.

Malaysia Top Vacation Destination

2007-05-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

Malaysia remains top holiday destination

MALAYSIA tops the popularity chart with holidaymakers from Bahrain this year, with Turkey and the US hot on its heels.

Tens of thousands of people fly out of Bahrain to escape the summer heat, or to get home to see their families during the school holidays.

Heavy bookings for airline seats are given, but holiday trends shift with the times.

Malaysia may be the all-time favourite from here, but Turkey is cashing in on stop-over packages for budget travellers, as well as being a holiday destination in its own right.

"Turkey is the hot destination this year," says Vijay Menon, general manager of Dadabhai Travels.

Heavy bookings for the gateway between east and west are also reported by Manama Travel Centre tours manager Pamela Murdoch.

"Turkish Airlines probably boasts the cheapest fares of any carrier flying out of Bahrain into Europe, via Turkey. So people reckon that if they're going via Turkey, they might as well stop off for a few days," said Ms Murdoch.

The US is making a comeback, with the lure of Disneyland in Orlando, Florida and the weak dollar proving major attractions.

"We've had a number of families and honeymooners opt for Orlando and Disneyland this year," says Kanoo Holidays tourism manager Zall Koohpaima.

Orlando and the US have always been popular with outbound tourists from Bahrain, the numbers dwindled after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 with the tightening of entry regulations into the country.

"But now it's popular again," said Mr Koohpaima.

He cites the weak US dollar as another reason for the US' resurgence as a tourist destination for Bahrainis.

"Florida is certainly one of the top destinations this year," said Al Fanar Travels tourism executive Mustafa Moti. But all the travel agents the GDN spoke to stressed that all-time favourite, Malaysia, was still the big draw. The country still remains the top spot for tourists from Bahrain.

But it's not always land-based breaks that court the attention and wallets of travellers.

Cruises are also proving popular.

"We've seen a huge spurt in people going on cruises this year. Especially Caribbean cruises," says Mr Menon.

This is a trend also confirmed by Mr Moti.

"We've had a number of inquiries and bookings for Mediterranean cruises and also some rather unusual ones for Baltic cruises," he said.

Most travellers are sticking to popular destinations, but Ms Murdoch sees a rise in travellers heading into Russia, Belarus and Finland.

So how is everyone getting to where they're going?

Qatar Airways is the airline of choice for those flying out of Bahrain, according to Mr Koohpaima and Mr Moti.

Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

2007-05-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Referring to Kuala Lumpur's penchant for outsized construction projects, management guru Peter Drucker once asserted that Malaysia was "committed to building the world's most disagreeable city. They're building megalomaniac skyscrapers, the biggest mosque, and the biggest traffic jams." Recession has put the brakes on KL's more ambitious projects, such as a riverine shopping/office complex that would have been the world's longest structure. But the home of the 88-story Petronas Towers - the world's tallest building - still manages to feed its edifice complex. In July, a sparkling new international airport opened south of the city. A 20-hectare park that includes $1 million worth of elaborate playground equipment also debuted next to the Towers. Such amenities can ameliorate but not eliminate complaints that air pollution and traffic congestion have eroded the quality of life in recent years. Adding to tension in 1998 is ongoing unrest over the economy and the arrest of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. A Saturday shopping trip downtown in the past few months has sometimes meant running a gauntlet of demonstrators and police barricades.

After the protests end, residents will still have to cope with service shortcomings that belie the city's metropolitan veneer. Rapid growth and industrialization have produced sporadic water shortages. New treatment plants are on fast-track construction schedules, but a larger problem is neglected infrastructure - in Malaysia, some 40% of treated water is lost before reaching homes because of leaky pipes, broken mains and illegal diversion. The fouling of rivers that form the backbone of KL's supply is the primary culprit. "Until the public changes its perception of the river as a backyard rubbish dump, the problem . . . will always be there," says Rozali Ismail, chairman of the company in charge of the city's water supply. It could be a hard habit to break. After all, Kuala Lumpur means "muddy confluence." One proposal might do the trick. Ibrahim Saad, the minister for Kuala Lumpur, has called for polluting companies to be closed down.

Malaysia Nature

2007-05-28T03:16:00.000-07:00

Malaysia Vacation is your one stop source of trusted updated information to Visit Malaysia.
Discover Malaysia’s unique and varied wildlife on a tailor-made multi-centre tour to the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Explore the colonial capital of Kuching; and visit the caves at Mulu, Sarawak’s largest national park. In Sabah your tour incorporates the majesty of Mount Kinabalu; a thrilling canopy walk, high above the jungle; the endangered turtles; unique proboscis monkeys along the Sukau River; and or course, the loveable orang-utans at Sepilok! End the trip with a short stop-over in Malaysia’s garden capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia Adventure

2007-05-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Belum Forest is situated in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia, in the state of Perak and is around 365km from Kuala Lumpur. A virgin jungle with an area of more than 200.00 hectares, which ends at the boarder of Thailand.

River Crossing

Belum photos

Belum is a haven for so many endangered species and protected flora and fauna such as the Biggest Flower in the world and much more. The area is safe for the public even though there is a lot of wildlife like Seladang (Wild ox), Elephants, Tigers, Malayan bears, Samba and Barking deer, Mouse-deer, Monkeys, Tapir, Hornbill and much more....

The Orang Asli (the indigenous people) in this area are from two tribes, the Temiar and the Jahai. Temiar people are very shy, gentle and friendly. Both tribes live at the edge of the forest by the Temenggor lake, cultivating tapioca and collecting fruits from the forest and hunting small animals such us deer, wild boar and fish from nearby lakes & rivers.

One who treks/hikes in Belum will be rewarded with an unforgettable memory of Malaysia's Rainforest and climbing hills, river crossings, spotting wildlife/animals (if lucky) & camping beside the river bank are the highlights of our activities in the Belum Forest. At the same time one can learn about the different types of trees/plant life, such as plants with herbal or medical value, the ecological and the eco-system of the rainforest.

Learn about the native people of the Belum Rainforest and also Jungle Survival tips by our guides, more about Belum Rainforest

Malaysia Travel Tales

2007-05-26T17:07:00.001-07:00

During Hari Raya, the first week of December there was a bad head-on express bus wreck in Malaysia that killed 15 people and injured many more. There were immediate repercussions in the form of lots of new rules, like: After Jan 22 express buses will no longer be allowed to start their runs between 9PM and 7 AM so a lot of published bus info is now null and void, new skill course for drivers, random drug testing before and after trips, two drivers for each express bus especially if the journey covers more than 300km or will be more than four hours, and many more, including that by December 31 all commercial vehicles were required to display toll-free 24-hour hotline phone and SMS numbers to the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board in hope people will report drivers who are speeding or driving dangerously. Plus those numbers were printed in the newspapers and straightaway there were 43 calls with complaints toward all types of buses, taxis, and lorries, which the board said will all be investigated.

Then two weeks ago it was reported in the Malaysia paper, the Star, that the CVLB wants to curb accidents during the Chinese New Year period by putting enforcement officers on each and every express bus! There are about 3000 express busses and the CVLB has only 50 enforcement staff so of course they are scratching their heads in reference to where all these bus marshals will materialize from. They hope they can work with police and the Road Transport Department??

The good ferry:
In December, after a trip from Hat Yai to Langkawi I sent a report disclosing that at the mini-bus stand in Hat Yai there were two contradictory 4 trips per day schedules posted for the Satun Langkawi Ferry. But at the ferry landing there was a new, effective from 20 Nov 2003, high season six trips per day ferry schedule posted. Well, scratch that! Now the schedule is back to 4 trips per day and the times are:

From Satun (Tamalang Jetty): 9:30, 10:30, 14:30, and 17:00. From Langkawi: 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, and 16:00. Those are Malaysia time, Thailand time is 1 hour earlier. They say, at the Langkawi ferry office, “That is definite and will continue without change.” !!!!

But I will never understand why anyone could want to go to expensive, no public transport, murky water NOT “blue water”, Langkawi. I only go there because it is a good place to keep my boat, in which I left America in 1993 - and have now been in SE Asia the past 4½ years. And even for that Thailand would be better except that they impose terrible ‘big ship’ rules and regulations and paperwork on us and put a six-month time limit on the stay for the boat.

In Malaysia my favorite places are Perhentian Islands for the great snorkeling, but it is NE monsoon and off season there right now; and Penang for an interesting old style cosmopolitan city plus lots of remote getaways too. And prices are reasonable. Also, for us who speak English there is almost no language barrier as Penang was a British colony for such a long time.

First requirement is lodging and the main budget area is Chulia Street and other streets in that area. I have tried many places along Chulia but found all of them to be minus a lot of stars. Very noisy, spots in the floor where you can not step or you will fall through, sway backed beds, indifferent staff, etc, etc. Even at some that have good mention in the Lonely Planet. So for the last four years I have used only the White House Hotel, good beds and pillows and the only budget accommodation I know of with hot showers! Very clean and well run, you might be walking down the hall and see them mopping the bathrooms, then if you come back in a few minutes you might see them mopping again although the floor is not even dry from the previous mopping. And, although every other lodging place has been laying off staff and complaining about ‘no business’ the past three years, the White House‘s 50 rooms are booked full every night, without exception. Rates are: fan room for 3-6 persons (three double beds) RM30-33, 2-4 persons (two double beds) RM28-30, one or two persons 23-25, all rooms with telephone and hot shower, toilets down the hall. For TV and AC add about RM10. Their phone is (604) 263 2385 or 263 2386, Fax (604) 263 2386, HP 012 474 2385.

They are at 72 Penang Road just north of Chulia Street, next door to the tall Cititel Hotel. If you book the day ahead they will save a room for you until 6PM. If you can’t get a room there you might book for the next day and then walk ½ block east on Chulia and check into the Blue Diamond, also a good place for breakfast. Also, in August the White House opened a restaurant on the ground floor, the ’78 Café’ (78 Penang Road!). It has been so popular that by early December they had to close two days to re-arrange everything to get in more tables. Even resurfaced the city sidewalk! And are now open 20 hours per day, 6AM to 2AM. It is one of those Malay Chinese types of restaurant where the owner keeps the drink concession and there are vender stalls around the perimeter with many types of good food, including dim sum. All prices are posted and I didn’t see anything over RM25 per plate or bowl.

Money Ringget Malaysia (RM) 3.77 +- = US$1

There is also still an ever diminishing cluster of backpacker hostels and restaurants next to a beach at Batu Ferringi, as described in Lonely Planet. Get there in bus #93, The Hin blue bus.

Another all time favorite for me is Restoran Yasmeen, an Indian place that serves the best tandoori chicken (after 5PM) I have ever eaten ANYPLACE! With tandoori chicken, tandoori nan bread, dahl, and two small bowls of sauces at RM5.50. They are at 161 Penang Road, two doors south of Chulia street, and next door to Mustafa, another Indian restaurant. A tandoor is an oven which is actually a large clay pot with a roaring fire in the bottom that could easily melt bronze and you will not see one very often. The chicken is previously soaked overnight in yoghurt and mild herbs and spices. Some places also have lamb.

There is a good all day dim sum place on east side of Cintra Street (Lebuh Cintra) about halfway between Chulia and Komtar. And the biggest dim sum garden imaginable, the Old Winston Coffee House, on east side of Jalan Anson a bit north of Jalan Logan, open very early, close about 11AM.

Penang is well known for its wide variety of foods as so many nationalities are represented. And there are so many eating places that it seems like at any time of day or night at least half the population is cooking for the other half. Prices and variety are so good that many people never eat a meal at home. If you know where to go the many hawker stall villages are a good eating experience too.

And if you eat you gotta shit, here is another one for ‘Toilets of Asia’. Many budget hotels, and most old time hotels in Malaysia offer rooms with shower but no rooms with toilet. But in actuality you do get more than half a toilet. And most of the old hotels provide shower shoes in each room pairs of rubber ‘thongs’, or flip flops. So now you know why they are placed there! And you will only go ‘down the hall’ once a day. Even in many older homes the toilet, or tandas; and the shower, or mandy, are in separate rooms. And more than once when visiting people and asking, “Can I use your tandas?” They have asked, “Just urine?” In which case they would direct me to the mandy. But if my answer were, “No, more serious business” I would have been shown to the tandas, which sometimes is not as clean and not as economical in water consumption for just flushing down a pint of piss. The mandy, in contrast to an actual shower, is a room with a large plastic barrel or a large concrete basin of water with a plastic bowl or dipper floating in it. Sometimes there is also a modern shower head but most Malaysians seem to prefer to splash the water over themselves with a dipper.

After lodging, food, and toilet are sorted out a good stop would be at Komtar. The round and very visibly largest and tallest building in Georgetown at 65 floors. If you manage a clear day the 58th floor viewing platform might be interesting, RM5 fee. And on the ground level there is a long distance bus station and next to it the main terminal for local buses going to all points in Penang, including the free shuttle bus that makes a double figure-eight trip around Georgetown every 15 minutes, 7AM to 7PM workdays and 7AM to 2PM Saturdays. By making the complete trip, about 45 minutes, you will ride for free through some of the most interesting parts of Georgetown and see some of the best of the old landmarks and buildings. The bus stops around Georgetown, for the shuttle, can be identified by large, round, brown or rust red signs (I’m color blind) with the stop number in center and a smaller rectangular blue sign under it with the name of the stop. Once you find one you can also look at the route map that is posted at each stop. When the bus comes just flag him down and jump in, it’s free!

But a most important find at Komtar will be the Penang Tour Guides Association, highly recommended. Lots of maps, books, and info, some for free, 10AM to 6PM Monday to Saturday except public holidays. Find McDonald’s, you know the golden arches, or haunches, on the third floor. And right across from McD’s main entrance look for their blue and red on white ‘tourist info’ sign with arrows pointing the way. Buy the monthly ‘Penang Tourist Newspaper’ at RM2. Very useful and interesting wealth of info with lots of maps, pictures of points of interest including bus route numbers for getting to them, helpful phone numbers and addresses, differing hours for reduced phone rates to all parts of the world and within Malaysia, phone numbers of the many foreign missions in Penang for getting visas including longer term for Thailand than you will get at the border, stories about old landmarks, etc (etc. in this case means more info than contained in many of the popular guide books that are sold for big bucks.) If you are a nature and solitude lover buy the book, ‘Nature Trails of Penang’ with maps and descriptions of almost all the remote trails and walkways, how to find them and where they go. Including to some of the beaches and mountain tops that few people ever see. If you like history and old buildings ask for the free Georgetown walking tour map. If you got screwed over on some kind of a deal they will tell you how to find the Consumer Association. And what they can show you or tell you goes on and on. There are many tourist info centers, tourism promotion boards, etc. but this one is the best of the lot, the only one worth your while.. Don’t be confused by the Komtar Information counter which is close by but only has info for the Komtar shopping complex, which is a maze of hallways and corridors going all directions on 4 levels and covering about 6 city blocks in which it is very easy to become confused and disoriented.

At present one of the disappointments is that in December they were replacing a two-kilometer piece of cable on the funicular railway that goes to the top of 800-meter Penang Hill and a clamp broke, releasing the cable to go snaking and snarling and tangling its way down the steep hill. The cable was from Switzerland and they had to order another one, so the rail will be closed at least three months. If you do get a chance to go up there be sure to look for the ‘canopy walk’. Another freebie and a new thing 1.8 km walk from the top rail station, or take a truck for RM2. It consists of a series of swinging suspension bridges strung off the hillside between extra tall trees and you look down sometimes 30 meters to the tops of the other trees of the forest below. But if you are afraid of heights you will not like it.

Malaysia Travel Information

2007-05-26T03:45:00.000-07:00

1. Do I need a visa to enter Malaysia

No visa is needed for nationals of Commonwealth countries except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria.

Nationals fro the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not require visas.

No visa is required for social/business visit not exceeding three months for nationals of Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Chili, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kirgystan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Slovakia, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, U.A.E., Uruguay and Yemen.

No visa is required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social, business or academic purposes (except for local employment).

No visa is required for social/business visit of not exceeding one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, British National Overseas (BNO) and North Korea. For a stay exceeding one month a visa will be required for nationals of Brunei, Singapore and Vietnam.

No visa is required for a stay not exceeding 14 days for nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Macau (Travel Permit) and Portugal Alien Passport.

Nationals of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo Republic, Congo Democratic Republic, Cote D’lvoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Western Sahara, Nigeria, Taiwan, Myanmar, Nepal Bhutan, People’s Republic of China, Certificate of Identity (CI) holders, Laisser Passer holders and Titre De Voyage holders must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia.

Nationals of Israel and Yugoslavia are required to apply for Special Approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs before entering Malaysia.

Other countries that are not listed in any of the other categories do not require visa for social/business visit for a stay not exceeding one month.

Regulations are subject to change.

2. Do I need any vaccinations?

Travelers have very little to worry about in a country where health standards are ranked amongst the highest in Asia. Vaccinations are not required to enter Malaysia unless you are coming from a "yellow" infected area.

3. When is the rainy (monsoon) season?

Malaysia, being an equatorial country, experiences afternoon rain showers throughout the year, which cools the day. However, during the North-East monsoon between the months of December through February, there will be an increase in the frequency of these showers. Also check out our weather webpage.

4. What attire should I bring on my vacation to Malaysia, and what should I wear when visiting mosques and temples?

As Malaysia’s climate is hot and humid almost all year round, it is ideal to have light clothing to be worn throughout the year. It is also advisable for ladies, when entering mosques and temples, to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts.

5. What is the time difference?

Standard Malaysia time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 7 hours ahead of summer and 8 hours ahead of winter.

6. What is the best way to travel around the country?

Whether you are in a hurry to get to your destination or you wish to take things leisurely, there is a wide choice of transportation to suit your needs. By air, you can travel with Malaysia Airlines domestic flights. By rail, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) of Malaysian Railways has an impressive rail network that stretches from North to South and East to West throughout Peninsula Malaysia. Buses and taxis are also available throughout Malaysia. There are also transfer services with drivers readily available.

7. What is the national language?

Bahasa Malaysia is the national and official language. English is widely used especially in commerce and industry. Several Chinese and Indian dialects are also spoken.

8. What if I were to travel alone?

Malaysians are friendly, and travelling alone is generally safe and relatively comfortable for both men and women. Plan your trip around your interests and prepare yourself to be flexible enough

to take the inevitable glitches in stride. Visitors who encounter unforeseen problems and difficulties can seek the Malaysian

Tourist Police Unit or any other Police Station for assistance.

9. What is the electricity supply rating of Malaysia?

Malaysia’s electrical supply is 220 - 240 volts A C at 50 cycles per second, though our sockets and plug points may seem strange

to you.

10. What are the medical services available in Malaysia?
Medical services are available in all towns at government run hospitals and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at pharmacies as well as supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers. International class hotels also have their individual in-house medical practitioner to service their guests.

11. Is it safe to drink tap water?
In major cities, towns and resorts, tap water is generally safe to drink.

12. Will I be charged airport tax?
An airport tax of RM5.00 and RM40.00 will be charged upon departure for all domestic and international flight passengers respectively.

13. Can I store my luggage at the airport?
Lockers are available for luggage storage at the airport.

14. How do I rent and drive a car in Malaysia?
You will require an international driving permit or a valid license issued by your government to drive in Malaysia. Car rental can be arranged through hotel or through various car rental companies which can be located through the Yellow Pages Directory. Major international car rental companies are also available in Malaysia.

15. Will there be any customs charges upon arrival?
Items such as video equipment, cameras, radio cassette players, watches, pens, lighters, perfumes and cosmetics are duty free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable upon departure.

16. When are the Malaysian school holidays?
There are 5 term breaks in the year for schools throughout Malaysia. The term breaks vary slightly from state to state. You can refer to our holidays webpage for details.

17. Are there any cultural tips I should know about to avoid cultural offence?
To avoid "cultural offences", here are some tips: "Remove shoes when entering homes and places of worship. "Dress neatly in suitable attire which covers arms and legs when visiting places of worship. "When handling food, do so with the right hand only. "Tipping is not a custom in Malaysia. It is unnecessary in hotels and restaurants where a 10% service charge is imposed, unless the service rendered is exceptionally good. Refrain from raising your voice or displaying fits of anger as considered ill mannered.

18. What is the procedure if I want to bring pets into Malaysia?
It is advisable for you to contact the Malaysian Diplomatic Mission nearest you for up-to-date information concerning the importation of pets from your country. Various airline companies may also be able to help you with this.

19. Do I require medical insurance before traveling to Malaysia?
It is good idea for you to take medical insurance before you travel to Malaysia as Malaysia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations.

20. What about Money changers, Charge/Credit Cards & Travellers Checks
There are licensed money changers in all major towns in Malaysia. Most are found in commercial districts and at shopping malls. The rates are very reasonable. You can check exchange rates in the local newspapers. Most large establishments will accept internationally known credit cards and charge cards, though we do advise caution. Travellers cheques are best cashed at banks for the best rates.
21. What about the currency?
Malaysia currency is in Ringgit (RM) and sen. The exchange rate for US dollars is fixed at RM3.80 = US$1. A resident/non-resident is permitted to carry into and out of Malaysia, Ringgit notes not exceeding RM1,000. A resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency including traveller's cheques not exceeding RM10,000. A non-resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency including traveller's cheques not exceeding the amount brought in. Should you need to carry currency in excess of the permitted limits, please obtain prior written permission from the Central Bank authorities

Malaysia Travel Guide — Tourism Information and Resources for Tourists

2007-05-25T18:34:00.001-07:00

The inaugural Tourism Malaysia Photo Festival Travel Photography Contest produced some outstanding photographs of the country’s attractions. We present here the winning pictures which beautifully capture the essence of people, time and space.

IT'S a rare tourist indeed who does not take pictures. Almost everyone endeavours to capture the essence of what one sees on one's travels, for the memories or to share them with those who aren't there to view such interesting scenes for themselves. We may not have ancient castles or spectacular tombs but Malaysia is rich in Nature.

Yes, the abundance of Nature in simple, unspoilt settings is the priceless essence that Malaysia offers both local and foreign visitors, said Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad at the Tourism Malaysia Photo Festival Travel Photography Contest 2004 prize presentation ceremony at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur recently.

The festival was held in September last year in conjunction with World Tourism Day 2004. The Travel Photography Contest, the first ever organised by Tourism Malaysia and spearheaded by its Audio Visual Division, was part of the celebrations. The contest attracted more than 2,000 entries.

Toyad said friendship and special bonding could be fostered with people from around the world through photography. He added that the Tourism Malaysia Travel Photography Contest would be held annually from this year onwards with a special category for foreign tourists visiting Malaysia.

"The event aims to increase public awareness on unique holiday destinations while stimulating interest on local holidays and travel photography. At international level, such a competition has the potential to become a medium of promotion for our travel industry." Toyad gave away prizes worth a total of RM50,000 to winners in the Human Life, Nature, Family Snapshots and Under-18 categories.

The New Straits Times, through its travel pullout, Travel Times, was the festival's official newspaper. Sponsors and participating organisations were the Multimedia University, Kodak Film, Apple Solution, World Wildlife Fund, Fuji Film, Hasselblad, Bumiputra Malaysia, Traverama, Advanced Images, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Virtual Malaysia, Digicolor and National Art Gallery. Our cover picture shows Sarawakian Ling Jee Sang's "Grandmother" which won first prize in the Family Snapshots category.

Malaysia Travel

2007-05-25T02:37:00.000-07:00

CRIME: Violent crime involving tourists and expatriates in Malaysia is relatively uncommon. Petty theft, particularly purse snatching and pick-pocketing, and residential burglaries are the most common criminal activity directed against foreigners. Other types of non-violent criminal activity include credit card fraud and automobile theft. Malaysia’s national emergency number is 999 (equivalent to the U.S. 911). An alternate number is the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Center in Kuala Lumpur, 2115-9999. In tourist areas such as Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, and the main square in Malacca, the police have established small "Tourist Police” stations.

Purse-Snatching: In most incidents, two men on a motorcycle speed up from behind a victim and the passenger on the back snatches a purse, handbag, or cellular phone. Thieves have also conducted snatch-thefts while leaning out of the passenger side of moving vehicles. These thefts occur at all hours and often in front of large groups of witnesses, even in upscale neighborhoods frequented by expatriates. Women walking by themselves or with small children are the most common targets. Victims have been injured and even killed after falling and being dragged by thieves in cars or on motorcycles.

To avoid becoming the victim of a purse snatching, be alert and aware of your surroundings. Pedestrians should walk facing traffic and keep a close eye on all vehicular traffic, particularly motorcycles. If possible, try to walk on the sidewalk away from the curb. Avoid poorly lit streets, shortcuts, and narrow alleys. Purses or shoulder bags should be closed and tucked under the arm. Do not wrap the strap around your arm or shoulder. People have been injured or killed by being pulled to the ground by their purse straps as the thieves speed off. If your purse or bag is snatched, immediately let go of it. Do not struggle with the attacker. Remain calm until the incident is over, and report the incident as soon as possible to the police.

Credit Card Fraud: Travelers in Malaysia should avoid using credit cards, if possible, and credit card numbers should be closely safeguarded at all times. Credit card fraud continues to be a serious problem in Malaysia, although enhanced technology has somewhat reduced reported instances of fraud. Unauthorized charges may not show on a credit card account for several months, but can unexpectedly appear in amounts of $5,000 or more. One of the more common methods is for retailers to swipe the credit card under the counter where account information is received into a machine containing a mobile phone SIM card and is transmitted to a criminal organization for reproduction. Travelers should watch retailers closely and any “under the table” transactions should be reported to the local police. In some cases sophisticated criminal organizations have tapped into data lines emanating from retail establishments. Credit card information is then stolen while it is being transmitted to financial institutions. If you must use a credit card in Malaysia, you are advised to check your account information frequently for fraudulent charges. ATM cards are safer as long as the machines where they are used are associated with reputable Malaysian banks.

Residential Burglaries: Incidents have occurred in neighborhoods with large expatriate communities. Detached, single family residences, and residences adjacent to open fields, are common targets. There have been instances where burglars entered residences by breaking through rooftops. Some burglaries are crimes of opportunity and thieves prey on soft targets with obvious vulnerabilities. Thefts from vehicles parked at residences and along city streets have also occurred. Gated apartment or condominium complexes with 24-hour guards have a lower burglary rate than other residential units, and apartments in general are burglarized less often

Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Center (KGECC):Visitors to Malaysia, including Americans, have reported serious problems after responding to independent Internet advertisements to donate money to be directed to the KGECC. The ads also offer opportunities to do wildlife volunteer work, and to engage in jungle trekking and survival experiences. The KGECC is operated by the Government of Malaysia’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks and does not accept donations or support of this nature, nor does it operate jungle trekking and survival programs. Please visit the KGECC’s Web site at http://www.wildlife.gov.my/bhg_ekogandah.htm for the most recent information.

Malaysia Tourism

2007-05-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Honestly, when I read the topic to blog on...everything negative flashed into my mind like lightning. I sat for a while thinking, "So what's so great about the country I call home?" Well, I came up with these: -

1. Nevermind that we don't do much to alleviate the haze problem every year, we do have great weather. No need to bundle up in the winter months sniffling and having dry, cracked skin. No need to rummage through our closet to bring out the dusty ol' bulky winter jacket. Wearing the summer fashion the entire year...you get my drift!

2. Hungry at 3.00 a.m. in the morning? No sweat...just drop by at the nearest mamak for a midnight munch. Don't bother hunting in your fridge for that cold, bland snack when you've got piping hot, simply scrumptious mee goreng and Neslo at your beck and call.

3. The highlands and the seaside is just a short drive away. We spend more time stuck in the city traffic crawl than we have to travelling to Genting Highlands or Langkawi!

4. Making reservations for dinner at a fancy restaurant weeks in advance and hunting for a babysitter high and low just to take care of your brat? Unheard of! Dress up, call mom or just bring your babe along (don't forget the adult one too), and off you go to the fanciest joint to paint the town red!

As I plonk in this blog, the good stuff flows easier and faster but I'll leave the rest to you guys. Of course, the bad hovers closely i.e. poor public hygiene, pathetic environmental awareness and who can forget...less than wonderful civil service...but for now let it hover!

Malaysia Travel Guide

2007-05-23T05:15:00.001-07:00

There is plethora of things to see and do in Malaysia as every state has its own unique attractions like zoos , museums, heritage buil din gs, bird parks, gardens and science centers. Several states also offer interesting tour options for those who like adventure and eco-tourism activities. Other recreational offerings include top class golf courses, captivating beach and island gateways, breathtaking dive sites and cool hill resorts. Please refer to the nearest Tourism Malaysia office for more information on places of interest.

Attractions
Zoo Negara
Malaysia 's largest zoo located to the north of Kuala Lumpur , has a fine collection of animals from all over the world in hundreds of enclosures. There is also a good aquatic display and an impressive reptile house.
National Sciences Centre
Located in Kuala Lumpur , there are several science exhibits on display here, inclu din g interactive ones for the younger set. The history of science is well represented inclu din g Malaysia 's recent achievement in that arena.
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
The KL Bird Park is a good breakaway in the heart of the city. Hundreds of birds of various species are gathered here in an aviary. Main attractions include the rare hornbill , birds of prey , parakeets and lorikeets.
Royal Selangor Pewter
Smithing is becoming a rare art but in Selangor , one can see the craft executed by skilled craftsmen in one of the first pewter smithing workshops in the region. The fine pewter ware made here is of exceptional quality.
Bukit Merah Laketown
One of the tourism attractions in Perak is the northern region's first water theme park at Bukit Merah Lake . The theme park which is part of 600 hectare lake town resort development offers various games and recreation facilities for the whole family. It is mere 35 minutes drive from Penang Bridge and about an hours drive from Ipoh.
KL Tower
This communications tower located atop Bukit Nanas is the world's fourth tallest. Its 276-metree high observation deck offers a magnificent view of the sprawling city beneath. Here, you can view the world's only forest reserve right in the middle of a bustling city. Enjoy a sumptuous din ner at the revolving restaurant while taking in the glittering sights of KL, the Garden City of Lights by night.