Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan.The name means ‘new city’ or ‘new castle/fort’ in Bahasa Malaysia. Kota Bharu is situated in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. In 2005, it had an estimated population of 425,294, making it the largest town on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.It’s known for its colourful markets and the muslim culture.

Brunei

Tiny state in Borneo, sandwiched between Sarawak and Sabah. After it was a big regional player a few hundred years back, Brunei became rich upon the discovery of Oil in the 1940s. For a period time the Sultan of Brunei was the richest person in the world.

Tioman

Largest island of Malaysias east coast. It’s located 32km off the coast and is some 20km long and 12km wide and the highest peak is Gunung Kajang with 1038m. In the 70ies TIME magazine selected Tioman as one the world’s most beautiful islands but lost some flair in recent years due to do development. The island has eight main villages, many beaches and is densely forested and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a scuba diving haven.

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the state of Sabah on Borneo. With an estimated population of 532,129 in the city and 700,000 in the urban area, it is the largest urban centre in Sabah and the sixth largest in Malaysia. It is located close to Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-East Asia.

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Georgetown, Penang Penang Bridge


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. ... more

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. ... more

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? ... more

A guide for drivers in Malaysia

Malaysians are the most friendly people but put behind the wheel they become MMMs (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. ... more

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). ... more

Rainforest World Music Festival 2008
Jackfruit (Nangka)
I got it from my Mamak
Traveler IQ Challenge
Long-Distance buses from Kuala Lumpur
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... read more stories

Things to Do & See
Petronas Twin Towers / KLCC,Kuala Lumpur
The 88-floor building was completed in 1997 and remained the highest building in the world until 2004 with 452m. The Kuala Lumpur Center includes not only the famous twin towers, but also a shopping mall (Suria KLCC), a movie theatre, the new aquarium (KLCC Aquaria) and a park. ... more
Pavilion Shopping Mall KL,Kuala Lumpur
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
St. Paul’s Church,Melaka
The ruin of St.Paul′s Church is located on top of St.Paul′s Hill and was one of five churches in the fortress complex A Famosa on the hill that was built by the Portuguese in 1521. ... more
The Gardens / Midvalley Megamall,Kuala Lumpur
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
Gunung Raya,Langkawi
highest peak on Langkawi (881m) with spectacular views over the island and even to Thailand when it is clear ... more
Menara KL (KL Tower),Kuala Lumpur
TV Tower (421m tall), standing on a hill, 94m above the sea level, offering higher ground than the twin towers and the highest view of the city. ... more
Thean Hou Buddhist Temple,Kuala Lumpur
Picturesque Chinese temple with impressive architecture. It is situated on a hill offering excellent view over the city. ... more
Heritage Row,Kuala Lumpur
Nightlife area at Jalan Doresmy. New Nightlife spot for the rich and beautiful. Row of refurbished colonial-era shophouses. ... more
Crystal Mosque (Islamic Civilisation Park),Kuala Terengganu
also known as Taman Tamandun Islam. The RM250 Million theme park was opened in february 2008 and houses besides the Crystal Mosque replicas of several world famous mosques. ... more
Komtar Tower,Penang
Penangs tallest building and the sixth tallest building in Malaysia, the complex also hosts a shopping mall and a local bus terminal. ... more
Sarawak Museum,Kuching
Sarawak state museum complex including the Ethnology Museuem, Natural Science Museum, Art Museum, pleasant gardens, pavilions, Heroes Monument and temporary exhibitions. Free Admission. ... more
Jalan Alor,Kuala Lumpur
Food Paradise in Bukit Bintang. Jalan Alor turns into a giant open air street restaurant at night ... more
Melaka Sentral,Melaka
New Bus Termin for Melaka built in 2004. It almost feels like an airport, probably the most modern bus terminal in Malaysia. ... more

... view all things to do & see

HOSTELS
Red Palm, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Red Palm was voted the best hostel in Asia in 2006. It′s a small, relaxed and cozy place and this website wouldn′t exist without Red Palm. Home sweet home. Stay here if there′s is still availability as Red Palm can′t accommodate more than 14 people at a time. ... more
Best Star Resort, Langkawi
Hotel, Langkawi
2-storey hotel and 6 Chalets on Cenang Beach ... more
Huttonlodge, Penang
Hostel, Penang
Guesthouse in Georgetown in a colonial house on Penang Street. ... more
Anjung KL 2, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Second house of Anjung KL in Bukit Bintang ... more
Sleepy Sam’s Bed & Breakfast, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Hostel in what once used to be the Sultan′s palace compound ... more
Baba Guesthouse, Penang
Guesthouse, Penang
Guesthouse at Batu Ferringhi Beach north of Georgetown ... more
Pujangga Homestay, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Guesthouse in Bukit Bintang ... more
Betel Box, Singapore
Hostel, Singapore
Hostel on Joo Chiat Road in the heart of Katong and Geylang Serai district ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

Monorail.com.my
public transportation system in Kuala Lumpur
Sarawak Forestry
forest management and conservation
AsiaExplorers.com
Penang Temples
Transnasional
journey planer by the national bus company Transnasional
Destinations Guide
tips for some nature distinations
New Majestic Hotel
Boutique Hotel in Singapore
TheCicak.com/
socio-political youth magazine
Kuala Lumpur Warnings or Dangers
on virtualtourist.com
malaysiamydestination.com
official portal of Tourism Malaysia
VisionKL.com
city lifestyle magazine


see all links

Red Palm Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Red Palm Hostel
The award-winning Red Palm Hostel Kuala Lumpur - a special, cozy, personal and small place for backbackers of all ages - is also the birthplace of backpackingmalaysia.com and maybe your home during your visit in Kuala Lumpur.
CALENDAR
Misc
Aug,01 2008 - Aug,31 2008
Unesco Word Heritage inscription celebration ...more

Festival
Aug,15 2008 - Aug,30 2008
Malaysia International Fireworks Competition ...more

Sports Event
Aug,23 2008 - Aug,24 2008
TM 22nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2008 ...more

Public Holiday
Aug,31 2008
National Day (Merdeka) ...more

Public Holiday
Oct,01 2008 - Oct,02 2008
Hari Raya Puasa ...more



show full calendar
PRESS ARTICLES
Health care attracts visitors to Malaysia (canada.com)

Malaysia is becoming a major attraction for health care tourists due to it’s reasonable prices and state-of-the-art equipment.

DID YOU KNOW?
Alcohol

Being a majority muslim country, alcohol is rather expensive compared to other Asian countries because of the so-called sin taxes. But alcohol is served in most convenience stores and Chinese restaurants. It’s also cheap in Langkawi because it is the status of a duty-free zone.

STORIES
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.
BOOK HOSTELS
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Taman Negara
colourful rainforest
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

2007:
8.Nov - Deepavali
20.Dec - Hari Raya Qurban
25.Dec - Christmas Day

2008:
1 January (Tues) New Year’s Day
10 January (Thurs) Awal Muharam (Maal Hijrah)
7 & 8 February(Thurs & Fri) Chinese New Year
20 March (Thurs) Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
1 May (Thurs) Labour Day
19 May (Mon) Wesak Day
7 June (Sat) Birthday of SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong
31 August (Sun) National/Merdeka Day
1 & 2 October (Wed & Thurs) Hari Raya Puasa *
27 October (Mon) Deepavali *
8 December (Mon) Hari Raya Qurban
25 December (Thurs) Christmas Day
29 December (Mon) Awal Muharram (Maal Hijrah)

* - Subject to confirmation

Things to do & see
Penang, Batu Ferringhi

Along this famous beach area, there are numerous large hotels, budget guest houses, restaurants, transport rental services, and souvenir stores. ... more
Kuala Lumpur, Lake Gardens

(3 comments)
Big park near Chinatown area, includes National Mosque, Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Islamic Arts Museum, National Museum, Deer Park, Orchid Garden, Tasik Perdana (Premier Lake) ... more