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Cherating

Cherating is the only real backpacker hub at the east coast of the peninsula on the mainland. Offering plenty of affordable chalets and a relaxed atmosphere, it is good place to stop for a night or two on the way up or down the east coast. The beach itself is not that spectacular and misses the palm directly at the beach. But it has a good vibe and few things you can do like taking a tour or renting a kayak up the river into the mangroves. There is also an active surfer scene when the waves are right. Cherating is located about 30km or 1h by local bus north of Kuantan.

Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian in Bahasa Malaysia) lie approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) offshore the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of the Thai border. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (“Big Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Small Perhentian”). Popular for it’s beaches, snorkeling and driving. Like a real postcard.

Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is located at on at the east coast of the peninsula at the mouth of the Sungai Terengganu river. It’s the capital of the state of Terengganu which forms together with Kedah and Kelatan the heartland of malay culture. KT is good stop for one or 2 days before moving on along the eastcoast or towards the National Park / Tasik Kenyir. There are also day trips available to Pulau Rendang (Island) and Tasik Kenyir (Lake)

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. Being a young city (founded only in 1857) it developed fast into a bustling metropolis of 1.5 million people (6 million including the satellite cities in the Klang Valley). Kuala Lumpur, or simply KL (as it is it called by Malaysians), literally means “muddy estuary” in Bahasa Malaysia. With good and cheap accommodation, great shopping and even better food in this multi-cultural melting pot, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.
Having been in the shadow of other big cities in the region like Bangkok and Singapore, KL was put back on the map for good with the opening the Petronas Twin Towers in 1997, until 2004 the highest and still one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Though, the sights are not what makes this city unique, it’s KL itself and it’s mixture of people and visitors.

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang
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Malaysian Moments bazaar rhamadan


The Responsible Tourist and Traveller

This is practical 8-step guide based on the "Global Code of Ethics" for Tourism of the World Tourism Organization. It promotes traveling with an open mind and respect for people, culture, animals and environment. ... more

Hiking at Bukit Tabur

It is hardly noticeable from the city centre - especially on hazy days - but Kuala Lumpur is surrounded by lush hills, rock formations and water reservoirs. Escaping the the huzzle and buzzle of the city is a mere 30min drive away. One the most spectacular hikes is up on Bukit Tabur, part of a quarz ridge in the north-east of the city at Taman Melawati. ... more

Exploring Cameron Highlands

There are 13 different paths to discover the Highlands on your own. To fully experience the nature, culture and economy of the area it is recommended to join one of the various tours. ... more

Buses from and to Cameron Highlands

There are 2 bus companies bringing travellers to and from Cameron Highlands, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. From Cameron Highlands, you also have the option to travel to Taman Negara and Pulau Perhentian via mini bus. ... more

Dangers and Scams in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a safe place for travellers in general. However, there a few scams and dangers but if you are aware of them you should be having a pleasant stay in this vibrant city. ... more

Malaysian GP 2009 (Formula 1 in Sepang)
Thaipusam Festival
Malacca: the city that best gives a sense of Malaysia’s past
Famous Jalan Alor
Keropok Lekor
... read more stories

Things to Do & See
Sunway Lagoon,Kuala Lumpur
Sunway Lagoon is a major amusement park in Petaling Jaya (PJ), just south of KL. It is known for its thrilling rides in both the water park and the adjacent dry park. ... more
Fraser’s Hill,Kuala Lumpur
Hill resort at 1,500 meters above sea-level on the Titiwangsa mountain range, about 100km north of Kuala Lumpur. Originally set up as a tin-ore trading post in the 1890s, it consists of seven hills. ... more
Sungei Palas Tea Centre,Cameron Highlands
The tea center by BOH Plantations at the Sungei Palas tea garden is located just above Brinchang. Located on a hilltop, amidst rows of tea bushes and close to Gunung Brinchang, it offers spectacular views from a 20 foot overhanging platform and tours through the tea factory ... 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
Pasarakyat Bus Terminal,Kuala Lumpur
Smaller bus station in Imbi (just off Bukit Bintang) for some luxury buses to Singapore and buses to Genting Highlands. There are also a few other ticket counters of other companies for buses that leave from Puduraya. ... more
Floating Mosque (Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah),Kuala Terengganu
The mosque is located in Teluk Ibai, just over 4km away from Kuala Terengganu town centre, south of Batu Buruk beach. The mosque appears to be floating on water, hence the nickname ... more
Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple & Wat Chayamangkalaram,Penang
Penangs first Buddhist temple. Construction started in 1905. Opposite of it is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha with a 33m-long reclining Buddha ... more
Boh Tea Garden,Cameron Highlands
Visitors center of the Boh tea estate south-east of Tanah Rata with impressive views over the tea estate, a cafe area and free tours of the tea factory every 30min until about 4pm. ... more
Datai Beach,Langkawi
Langkawis most exclusiv beach in the north-west of the island. Home to the super-exclusiv Datai and Andaman Resorts ... more
Pulau Perhentian Kecil,Perhentian Islands
The small (=kecil) island. With plenty of low-priced accommodation the island is a backpackers favorite and can get quite crowded at peak season on Long Beach. ... more
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
Little India & Kapitan Keling Mosque,Penang
Small Indian enclave in Georgetown where you can find shops, food, temples and the Kapitan Keling Mosque. ... more
Mangrove River Tour,Cherating
A must-do in Cherating is a boat tour into the mangrove forest. The guides are good in spotting various animals, includings snakes. ... 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. ... more
Nora’s Chalets, Tioman
Chalets, Tioman
accommodation on Salang Beach, RM30 - RM70 ... more
Zeck’s Traveller’s Inn, Kota Bharu
Homestay, Kota Bharu
Homestay-like hostel in a residential area close to the city center. It is almost like staying with a malay family. Zeck and his family are lovely hosts and run the place for over 20 years already. ... more
Sandy Beach Resort, Langkawi
Hostel, Langkawi
Chalets on both sides of the road on Cenang Beach, from RM90 ... more
Best Star Resort, Langkawi
Hotel, Langkawi
2-storey hotel and 6 Chalets on Cenang Beach ... more
AB Motel, Langkawi
Chalets, Langkawi
Accommodation on Cenang Beach with Travel Agency and Bike Rental, RM50 - RM150 ... more
Travellers Palm, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Hostel in Bukit Bintang with a great location and a homely atmosphere and good friends. ... more
Chempaka Chalets, Perhentian Islands
Hostel, Perhentian Islands
Chalets on Long Beach, Pulau Perhentian Kecil ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

malaysiasite.nl
dutch/english guide
AsiaExplorers.com
Penang Clan Temples
Encyclopedia.com.my
Encyclopedia of Malaysia is the largest Malaysian collaboration in the history of reference publishing
Sejarah Melayu
A History of the Malay Peninsula
DiscoverMalaysia.biz
Discover Malaysia - the backpacker's trail (documentary)
Berjaya-Air.com
flights to Tioman, Redang, Pangkor, Koh Samui
Rapid KL
public transport operator in KL
world66.com: Kuala Lumpur
User administrated travel guide
AsiaExplorers.com
Exploring the Sights in Singapore
TheCicak.com/
socio-political youth magazine


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Food & Drinks
Kuih Ketayap

dessert
dessert with sugar and coconut flakes in a green rolled up pancake
... more
Fried Kway Teow

main dish
Black colour and sweet pan fried noodles with egg, vegetables, chinese sausages and cockles
... more

» Food & Drink Database Malaysia & South-East Asia

BOOK HOSTELS
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Kuala Terengganu
Kampung house on Pulau Duyung
Things to do & see
Kuala Lumpur, Menara KL (KL Tower)

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
Penang, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Mansion built by Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th Century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows. Received UNESCO Most Excellent Heritage Conservation Award in 2000 ... more
STORIES
In Melaka on bicycle
Katja and Waldemar were on the road in Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand and Sri Lanka on bicycle with their 2 children. They stayed in Melaka for 6 Weeks and live at the Sama Sama Guesthouse. This a long story about life in Chinatown, buddhist and Hindu processions and a smoke attack after 2 cases of Dengue Fever. For more Stories and Information visit their website 39Grad (german)
DID YOU KNOW?
Pre-paid phone cards

If you plan to stay a bit longer in Malaysia it’s worth to get your own sim card for your mobile so it’s easier to make phone calls and be reach by your folks back home. Phone cards are sold virtually everywhere. Providers are: Maxis, Celcom and Digi. Some of them offer good IDD rates starting from RM 0.10 to call abroad

PRESS ARTICLES
The changing face of Malaysian politics (BBC)

BBC article by Jonathan Kent about a new climate in Malaysia after the stepping down of Mahathir Mohamad with funny and interesting observations of malaysian daily life.
Quote:
“They look impressed. “What about durian?” Durian is a fruit the taste of which has been described as like eating cheese off a dead body.
“Aiyoh,” I say “durian cannot,” and screw up my face.
At this point everyone will laugh. ”

RANDOM LINKS
Asian Images
Interesting Pix and Stories from Malaysia and beyond
abcmalaysia.com
Travel Portal to Malaysia
Travelling by bus
bus schedules and routes by journeymalaysia.com
Country Calling Codes
International Country Calling Codes and World Time Zones
foodlah
malaysian food blog aggregator

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