Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Labuan- Sabah - Malaysia

Labuan is a group of large islands and six smaller islands off Sabah. Pulau Labuan, Pulau Daat, Pulau Buring, Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Papan, Pulau Rusukan Besar and Pulau Rusukan Kecil make up Labuan. Proclaimed a Federal Territory in 1984, this South China Sea Island is a paradise for duty-free shopping and a world-class sports fishing destination. The ‘Pearl of the South China Sea’ is also Asia's newest international offshore banking centre.

Kota kinabalau -Sabah-Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu (known as KK) is situated on the tropical island of Borneo, and is the state capital of the Malaysian state Sabah, which is one of the two states of East Malysia. The location of the city is absolutely amazing, facing the South China Sea and its many islands. KK is famous for the sea food, and particularly for lobsters.

Just around the corner of this peaceful city, you have long sandy beaches, paradise islands, virgin coral reefs, tropical rain forests and the famous Mount Kinabalu (South East Asia’s highest peak), only 90 minutes away.

To enjoy the city life and the gorgeous food, we stayed at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, which is ideally situated right in the center of town, on the waterfront near the markets. Some of the rooms have been newly decorated with a unique view of the bay to enjoy the sun set.

KK from the sea


View from our window


Sea food fest!


The beasts

If you feel a sudden need for a beach getaway or to play golf, then you check out the guestrooms, suites and luxury villas of Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai, located 30km away from the city. The location is absolutely stunning, amidst 3,335 acres of natural and landscaped surroundings. The award-winning 18-hole championship golf course and exclusive Borneo Spa complement the superb facilities of this magnificent resort which boasts eight restaurants and bars with all the leisure activities to enjoy a sunny day by the sea!



Happiness is a long and nice beach

Kota Kinabalu-Malaysia


World-class tropical and resort destination

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah and formerly known as Jesselton, is located in the East of Malaysia. A multitude of world-class resorts, restaurants and shopping malls throng this city but the development does not eclipse its natural beauty.

The majestic Mount Kinabalu is both a magnificent sight to behold and an adventure to climb, while gushing hot springs invite the tired traveller to take a moment to reinvigorate. For adventure seekers, the uninhabited islands of Pulau Tiga, made famous through the hit reality show ‘Survivor’ holds many secrets to discover, both in its forests and underwater.

Kota Kinabalu is also the transit point to several world-renowned diving spots. Layang-Layang, which holds a reputation as a diving, fishing and bird-watching paradise, is accessible via a private airline operating from Kota Kinabalu Terminal 2 Airport. Meanwhile, travel to the legendary dive spots of Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai begin at the Kota Kinabalu Airport to Tawau, then onwards by land to Semporna, and lastly transfer by speed boat to the islands.

Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to the rest of Sabah, is also the state capital. It has a population of approximately 300,000 and is usually called ‘K.K,’ in short. It is a relatively new town as the original town was destroyed during the Second World War.

Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, or at about 0830hrs, pick up at Kota Kinabalu city hotel, you will be met and guided on a city tour. Visit the unique round building with no pillars, the Sabah Foundation Building. A brief stop at one of the Chinese Temples in the city - Poh Toh Tze, the majestic State Mosque, the Museum and Tanjong Aru Beach.

After completing tour, transfer back to Kota Kinabalu city hotel.

Tour duration : 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Tour includes : Transportation & Tour with English Speaking guide.




Tuesday, February 22, 2011

SABAH negeri dibawah bayu


Museum town, resplendent jungles and culinary heaven

Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, Malaysia's largest state situated on the island of Borneo. Greenery still triumphs in this city, flanking emerald on areas of development. Home to the annual Rainforest World Music Festival, tens of thousands revellers from all over the world flock into the verdant jungles of its Cultural Village to witness this spectacular event, showcasing international performers.

A unique way to experience the Kuching way of life is upon the Sarawak River, on-board a sampan where Malay villages spot its shorelines. In the horizon lies 19th century Chinese shophouses, the Margherita Fort, colonial buildings and a host of museums; ideal for exploration on foot when you disembark.

The name Kuching is said to have originated from many sources – some say it is a derivative from the Malay word for cat, some claim that it is from the Chinese word for harbour while others claim that the name comes from a lychee-like fruit, Mata Kuching.


TERENGGANU


Beautiful beaches and Malay traditional art

Home to the Monsoon Cup, Kuala Terengganu, the state capital of Terengganu is resplendent with its white beaches, exotic islands, lush tropical jungles and magnificent waterfalls. While the natural heritage calls out to the adventurous, the culturally inclined will find that this town is a treasure. Old shop houses still stand in this city, with wooden furniture and dusty books trailing a lingering ghost of the past. Fine textiles, such as batik and songket are abundant and aspiring craftsmen and women can try their hands at batik printing or songket weaving.

Some of the best diving spots in Peninsular Malaysia are also located not far from Terengganu, via the islands of Redang and Tenggol. A perfect clincher to a typical Kuala Terengganu day is to bask in the rays of the setting sun, watching the silhouettes of incoming fisherman from a long hard day at sea.

LANGKAWI


Where legends live on long after they are gone

This gorgeous cluster of 99 islands nestles at the meeting point of the beautiful Andaman Sea and Straits of Malacca. Unspoilt and rustic, Langkawi is paradise to travellers seeking an idyllic getaway from the urban jungle.

Spectacularly endowed by nature, it is an oasis in which shimmering blue waters, azure skies, lush green vegetation and fantastic limestone formations can be found. Journey into Langkawi for captivating beauty, world-class infrastructures, duty-free shopping and fascinating legends – particularly the legend of Mahsuri.

Malaysia Railways map



After a 60 year absence, trains may again be chungging into Malacca.

KTM behad is conducting a feasibility study on restarting the former Tampin-Malacca link. Anohter study is on the Mentakab-Kuantan link.

The Tampin-Malacca link ended in World War Two when the Japanese dug up the tracks and used them to build the Dealth Railway between Thailand and Mynmar.

A rail link would benefit Malacca, providing the historical city with an alternative mode of trasport.

Melacca doe not have a major port, the railway will serve passengers rather than freight.
Johor railway map, Singapore railway map, malacca railway map, Port Dickson railway map, Port Klang railway map, Kuala Lumpur railway map, seremban railway map, Gemas railway map, Tampin railway map, Ipoh railway map, Butterworth railway map, Padang Besar railway map, Tumpat railway map, Padang Besar railway map, Haadyai railway map

Malaysia map

Malaysia MAP

Kuala Lumpur


Kuala Lumpur

A delightful mix of cross-cultural influences and traditions, Kuala Lumpur radiates an exciting, enticing charm, which will no doubt pique your interest throughout your stay.

Let the city's warmth embrace you as you lose yourself in its unique blend of tradition, cultureold world charm and new world sophistication. Explore its nooks and crannies, and you'll discover captivating sights, sensational sounds, aromatic smells and fantastic people.

Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as KL, is an amazing cultural melting pot. Here, you will wander through communities of Chinese, Malays, South Indians, East Malaysian ethnic groups, Thais, Indonesians, Sikhs and a huge community of expats. Each community offering its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion while influencing each other's cultures.

KL has a lively nightlife scene and a fascinating art and performance culture, which blends contemporary and traditional styles from many backgrounds. There is the widest range of sporting activities available with state-of -the-art facilities to impress any sporting enthusiast. The architecture is somewhat eccentric and is certainly unique, from hundred year old mansions to awe-inspiring sky scrapers, and all within metres of each other. Treat your tastebuds to Kuala Lumpur's extremely varied cuisine, which is certainly a tasty adventure in itself! Above all else KL is a shopping haven, offering everything from street side trinkets to haute couture.

The resulting kaleidoscope of cultures, costumes and cuisines is nothing short of a whirlwind for the senses - more intense here than anywhere else in the country.

Multi-ethnic, multicultural city of skyscrapers and heritage

The capital of Malaysia has made its mark as being one of the most kaleidoscopic cities in Southeast Asia. Here, skyscrapers and bustling trade fuse with heritage buildings and multi-ethnic people: in an air of perfect hybrid of commercialisation and culture.

Rising 88 stories above ground, the Petronas Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world sets the skyline for downtown KL. Kilometres away, the Kuala Lumpur Railway station, epitomising the best of neo-Moorish architecture from Malaysia's colonial past shuttles urbanites in and out of the city.

It's excitement at every corner – the shopaholic will be enthralled with its massive shopping malls, architectural buffs will be fascinated with the mingling of designs of various influences, and the cultural aficionados will meet their match with the diverse cultural landscape that makes up this charming metropolis. As the sun sets, nocturnal travellers will have streets full of trendy spots to choose from.


Terengganu



Terengganu is located at the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia with a population of 1 million people. This state has 244 km coastline, the longest coastline in Malaysia where you will be able to find some of the cleanest beaches in Peninsular Malaysia. The Malay culture is best seeing here as 90% of the population are Malays. The state is bordered by Kelantan in the north and Pahang in the south.


Malaysia National Heritage

In conjunction with the country's 50th Merdeka Celebration, 50 things have been chosen as a national heritage that allthe peoples of Malaysia should be aware. The 50 things consists of 18 buildings, 20 objects and 12 cultural practices. Thebuildings listed include the Parliament House, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the National Mosque. The objects include thenational flag, the hibiscus flower and The Royal Long Keris. The cultural practices include the lion dance, the MalayJoget and Ngajat.

These national heritage were chosen by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage of Malaysia. With this, Malaysia now joins countries such as Britain, USA, Germany, France and Australia in having legislation to protect their heritage.

The fifty are:

  • 1. Parliament House - Members of Parliament who were elected by the people meet here.
  • 2. Istana Negara - The National Palace
  • 3. Flagpost - The Flagpost at Dataran Merdeka where the Malaya flag was raised for the first time.
  • 4 Sultan Abdul Samad Building- The Moorish architecture historical building built in 1897.
  • 5. City Hall building and City Hall Theatre
  • 6 Kuala Lumpur Syation Building- The Moorish architecture building.
  • 7. Keretapi Tanah Melayu- headquarters building - The Moorish architecture building built in 1910.
  • 8. General post Office building, Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur

COUNTRY MALAYSIA

The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia which is made up of 13 states, the states of Sabah and Sarawak in the island of Borneo, 2 Federal Territories in Peninsular Malaysia and 1 Federal Territory in Labuan, Sabah. The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur and the government administrative centre is in Putrajaya.

LANGUAGES and RELIGION

Malay language is the official language of the country and English is the second language. Most Malaysians are able to converse freely in both languages. The various ethnic groups also speak dialects and languages such as Mandarin, Tamil, Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka, Teo Chew and Hindi.

Islam is the official religion of the country but other religions are practised freely as provided by the constitution of Malaysia.


Malaysia has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 21 °C to 32 °C. The highlands of Malaysia have cooler climate due to their higher altitude and temperatures can range from 16 °C to 24 °C.

To know malaysia is to love Malaysia, A bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where malays, indians, Chinese and many othes ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony.

Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and socialising. As a people, Malaysians are very laid back, warm and friendly.

Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. There are two parts to the country, 11 states in the peninsula of Malaysia and two states on the northern part of Borneo. Cool hideaways are found in the highlands that roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.

One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sit several metres away from ancient reefs.
For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.