Terengganu Hotels - Imparting More Beauty

This East Coast State of Peninsular Malaysia is a favorite of tourists from all over the globe.

It is believed to be the oldest settlement of Malay. The population includes mostly Malays and a few numbers of Chinese and Indians. Terengganu is famous for its exotic Islands which spread along the coastline of Besut to Kemaman. Kuala Terengganu is the capital of this state. Terengganu is rich in both urban and rural culture. The natural landscapes and rural lifestyle render a great experience to the visitors.

This state incorporates many interesting destinations for the visitors. Several beautiful Islands are the main attractions of this place. One of them is Island of Redang which is perfect for swimming, diving, snorkelling and scuba diving. Another Island Palau Kapas is also famous for its Crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. Lake Kenvir is where visitors do like to visit for having adventurous experience. It is one of the world's largest lakes and quite suitable for swimming canoeing and boating. Terengganu also possesses some beautiful historical structures. Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah is an interesting combination of modern and traditional architecture.

However, all these attractions would have no meaning if accommodation facility is not good enough. But it is quite nice to observe that Terengganu is far more than good in this regard. Magnificent beach resorts and hotels in different parts of this exotic state add to the pleasure of the tourists who are willing to stay here for a long time. Each of the Islands in the state offers hotels that are equipped with most modern amenities. The list of Trerengganu hotels in Malaysia is graced with the renowned names like Gem Beach Resort Bukit Rakit, Grand Continental Hotel Kuala Terengganu, Tasik Kenyir Golf Resort and several others.

Author is an associate editor of Stayresmalaysia. The website offers exclusive information of Trerengganu hotels in Malaysia and Kuala LumPur Hotels. We also provide online hotel reservation of hotels in Malaysia.

Mahseer Fish at Tasik Kenyir

Kelah (Tor Tambroides sp) is one of Malaysia's precious ecological heritages.

It is of very high economic value too. Anglers are willing to spend high sums of money to meet this species! Close relatives to Mahseer species of India (Tor spp.) and several other countries in Asia. The Kelah (a.k.a Malaysian Red Mahseer) invariably represents the ultimate challenge for anglers. To locate this is already a challenging job. Finally, the angler has to challenge with its extreme strength before it can be brought to the river bank, to be photographed and released. In fact, lot of cases that it's the angler who is the first to exhaust, and fail to land the fish.''

Kelah, live wild in Malaysia National Park and become the main attraction for angler to test their expertise with the sacred fish. Kenyir is the most popular place for angler to reach the fish habitat. Using a boathouse as the base camp, the angler team will be guided by a boatman from the boathouse to cast the fish in this remote lake. Tasik Kenyir boathouse will park near the river that is detected as the home for this species and the boatman will guide angler to track upstream to find the best spot for fishing.

Clever and tricky is the best words that can describe Kelah as it only take your bait when it feels safe and calm without present of human. Thus, hunting this fish will require angler to stay silent and undetected by the fish. Therefore, the boatman will guide you the best trick and location to wait before the fish take your bait. The fish is very addicted to "Sawit" a.k.a palm and you can see yourself when you dropped the bait in the river group of small Kelah gathered to eat but the baby fish is not the main concern for any angler. Thus, the boathouse provides tons of "Sawit" to bait the species to come near the fishing area for the angler.

Usually, Tasik Kenyir Boathouse will park in the middle of 3 rivers joint, Terenggan River, Cicir River and Perpek River as these river is popular home for Kelah and the boathouse will be seeding tons of "Sawit" hoping that the sacred species from these 3 rivers will come downstream and take the bait. Tasik Kenyir Boathouse is the best medium to hunt the fish as it is mobile and guide is experienced boatman in fish hunting. Angler from all over the world will find the boatman to cruise them to this river as it takes 6 hours of boathouse riding and it is hard to reach by land.

About this Author

Tekong David is the marketing manager of GoKenyir.com. His website lists Tasik Kenyir Resort and Tasik Kenyir Boathouse for rent. He occasionally writes about Tasik Kenyir giving information on how to find them. For more information, visit http://gokenyir.com/

Tasik Kenyir Boathouse

Tasik Kenyir, spanning over 260,000 hectares, largest rock filled hydroelectric dam in Malaysia and contain over 340 man-made islands. This lake is the main habitat for assortment species of Flora and Fauna as it is the home for 8,000 species of flowers, 2,500 species of plants and trees, 800 species of orchids, and 300 species of fungus. Therefore, visitor from all over the world repeatedly visit this magnificent spot to take a look and feel this fascinating untouched Nature in Malaysia.

Malaysia sees this as a potential tourism spot to be developed and spend over millions to develop Kenyir. As for accommodation for tourist, there are plenty of resorts that build around the remote lake and also there are boathouses that are operated to accommodate tourist worldwide and cruise them inside the middle of Malaysia National Park as in their package. The boathouse can entertain 10 - 12 persons per boat and provide facilities such as cooking stove, bed, television, speedboats to accommodate tourist for their own convenience. Providing tourist guide and fishing guide, the boathouse can be considered as the best place to enjoy your vacation in this remote lake. Ability to change spot and location of the boathouse, Kenyir boathouse can cruise you wherever you wish in this biggest man-made lake in Asia and let you enjoy the scenery of untouched in Malaysia.

As the home for 300 species of freshwater fish dwelling in Tasik Kenyir, The boathouse is popular among the angler as it can park at the best fishing spot and also guide by experienced local boatman (also known as "tekong" in malay name). The boathouse provide you speedboats as it is helpful to explore small river that cannot be reached by big boat that will help angler to fish at the best fishing spots. Based on "home" concept, the boathouse provide tourist television, karaoke set, cooking tools, bed and pillows also friendly boatman, it just like having your home in deep forest with full of flora and fauna.

Tasik Kenyir is popular as it is called angler heaven especially during monsoon season in Malaysia. During this season, the boathouse will park at the best location for fish hunting that is around Bewah Mount (One of the popular mountain in Malaysia National Park, Kenyir Lake) and guide anglers on which bait is the best to assist them on fishing.

The boathouse also did not concentrate on fishing, they will guide you to the best places as the tourist which e.g finding best location for photo shooting for photo lover, locating the best waterfalls if the tourist love to have picnic. Therefore, Tasik Kenyir is the best place for vacation and Tasik Kenyir Boathouse is the guide to enhance your holiday.

Tekong David is the marketing manager of GoKenyir.com. His website lists Tasik Kenyir Resort and Tasik Kenyir Boathouse for rent. He occasionally writes about Tasik Kenyir giving information on how to find them. For more information, visit http://gokenyir.com/

Kenyir Lakeview Resort

For a holiday that will totally refresh your life, make your way to the resort that is one of its kind, Kenyir Lakeview Resort that is one of its kind, Kenyir Lakeview Resort. Nestled on the shores of Lake Kenyir, The largest man-made lake in South East Asia, kenyir Lakeview Resort is your gateway to the rejuvenating powers of the world's oldest rainforest, and all its treasures within. For the adventurous, it is a haven for outdoor activities.

For those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, it is a paradise of calm and serenity


Accommodations

A restful retreat begins with first-class accommodation. Here, every one of our 148 chalets, suites or Perdana Villa promises you the ultimate private retreat for a carefree experience. These rustic yet luxurious timber chalets are spacious, air-conditioned and comfortably furnished. For added value our sofa bed is very much appreciated by guests allowing the room to accommodate up to 3 persons comfortably. High ceilings, fans and wooden glass doors complete the open concept allowing you to get real close to nature.

Guest Room Features:

• Individually Controlled Air-conditioning
• Cceiling Fan
• Mini Bar
• Private Shower
• Hair Dryer
• Bathrobes
• Colour TV With In-house Movies and CNN
• Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
• IDD Telephone
• Personal Safe Deposit Box

Food & Beverage:
Indulge yourself with the gastronomical selections prepared by our team of dedicated chefs. Tuck in to a different sumptuous spread each day.

Tembat Restaurant
Offers a variety of delicious Western and Malaysian fare. Choose to sit outdoors on the terrace and enjoy your meal while gazing upon the calm waters of the magnificent lake.

Lobby Lounge
Drop by for a pre or post dinner drink. Relax in the charming ambience and unwind with some live music in the evenings.

Karaoke Lounge
It's time to exercise those vocal chords. Pick up the microphone and show off your hidden talents.

Poolside Restaurant
May we suggest some pizzas and snacks by the poolside for those times when you feel like having something light?

Pool Bar
Have a sip after your dip. Quench your thirst in a splash with a long cool drink from the bar.






Banquet & Conference
Come to Kenyir Lakeview Resort for your next conference or board meeting, and experience the pleasures of one of the most luxurious hotels in Terengganu. Our conference facilities and meeting experts will take care of all your planning and corporate requirements, so you can relax and concentrate on your business agenda.

Our meeting rooms are fully equip and air-conditioned to meet your requirement.

Besides the ballroom and meeting rooms our outdoor obstacle course is an ideal venue for your corporate team building programme. Our internet facilities allows you to conduct your business or research while in the resort.

Meeting & Conference Rooms
Break away from the confines of your office and try a working holiday. Our meeting rooms are capable of catering for groups of up to 80 persons.

Banquet Hall
With a maximum capacity of 300 persons, there could not be a more unique venue for your function. Whatever the occasion, we guarantee it will be a memorable time for all your guests.

Internet Business Centre
To facilitate all your business needs, the resort provides the use of a business centre at no extra charge. Internet connections as well as a full range of office and secretarial services are at your disposal 24 hours a day.



Recreation
Relaxation and recreation go hand in hand here at the Kenyir Lakeview Resort. Take your pick from the more strenuous outdoor activities or just sit back and enjoy the sights on a slow cruise around the lake.

Deer Sanctuary
Delight in the thrill of getting acquainted with the friendly deer. Laugh with pure joy as you observe these endearing creatures in their natural habitat.

Lake Tour Explore
the boundaries of the lake as you travel by boat across this 38,000-hectare man-made wonder. Take in the landscape of submerged hilltops and highlands scattered throughout this vast watery paradise.

On The Lake
Strike out and explore the serene lake by canoe. Fishing enthusiasts should try their luck at outsmarting the many fishes that make their home in Tasik Kenyir.

Back to Nature
Take up the challenge of jungle trekking as you negotiate the meandering highways of the rainforest. Weave through the age-old virgin forest with knowledgeable guides to show you the way.

Fun & Laughter
Have a whirlwind experience of fun, games and laughter as you join your family and friends in the 2-tiered swimming pool overlooking the lake. Enjoy mind-boggling board games and video games in our Games Room

Get Sporty
Flex your muscles as you build your physique in our fully equipped gymnasium. Get down to the action of a satisfying game of squash or night lit tennis.

Teamwork
Enjoy a fun filled telematch and make new friends in the process. Strengthen the camaraderie between colleagues as you compete with each other in teambuilding activities.

Traditional Massages
Unwind and relax as you pamper your sore muscles with a relaxing traditional massage. Let the soothing touch of our talented masseurs tone your tired muscles and rejuvenate your body.

Facilities

Car Park
Drive right up to the resort and leave your car in a specially designated area. Our car park is manned round the clock by stringent security personnel.

The Convenience Store
Pick up a souvenir for family and friends back home or just browse around our convenient little corner store.

Outdoor Activities

• Watersports - water skiling, jet skiing, fishing, boating, jet boat rides, canoeing, sail boating
• "Lake tours" around the lake to popular waterfalls and scenic places
• Jungle trekking
• Mountain bikes available
• Court games: Tennis and Squash
• Telematch games
• 18-hole golf course

Location Map

Kenyir Lakeview Resort
P.O. Box 32, 21700 Kuala Berang, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia.

Interesting Places in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
The tallest building in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, is a commanding sight and tops the list of interesting places to visit in Malaysia. Together with the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), it symbolises Kuala Lumpur's and Malaysia's rapid rise as a developed nation. The whole site sits on what used to be the Selangor Turf Club grounds. The towers are awe-inspiring, with just the right combination of modern architecture and Islamic design.

At the base of the towers, the KLCC is the newest attraction in KL and all of Malaysia. A public park and gardens, with a wading pool, sits at the heart . They make a fantastic place to cool down after going around the Suria KLCC shopping centre - THE shopping centre boasting of the latest in fashion trends and designer labels.


Dayabumi Complex
A skyscraper, 35 storeys high, stands proudly on Jalan Hishamuddin, high-vaulted arches decorating its entrance and its white open-fretwork glistening in the tropical sun; this is the Dayabumi Complex and its significance lies in the fact that it was the very first building in KL to boast of the Malaysian-style architecture, that is a unique combination of modern lines and Islamic motifs. This fact itself makes the Dayabumi Complex one of the best places to visit in Malaysia.

Parliament House
The Parliament House placed on elevated ground commands a panoramic view of the Lake Gardens is the modern Parliament House with its distinctive oval-shaped windows. It is situated in one of the greenest and most beautiful areas in KL and is superbly lit at night. The main building and its adjoining tower block accommodate the two houses of Parliament, a banquet hall, library, various offices and committee rooms.



Sri Mahamariaman Temple
Another one amongst best places to visit in Malaysia but this time it is an added attraction for those who are religious at heart. Built in 18 7 3, this is one of the most ornate and elaborate Hindu temples in the country. The detailed decorative scheme for the temple incorporates intricate carvings, gold embellishments, hand-painted motifs and exquisite tiles from Italy and Spain. It also houses a giant chariot that is used to transport a deity annually during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Facing Dataran Merdeka is Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a Moorish inspired building with shiny copper domes and a 130-metre clock tower. Designed by architects, Norman and Bidwell, it took more than two years to build and was completed in 1897. It was constructed to accommodate the various government administrative departments, among them the Federal Secretariat, Selangor State Secretariat, Public Works Department and the Sanitary Board. Today, it houses the Judicial Department on one end and The Textile Museum on the other.

National Mosque


he National Mosque is located near the railway station, along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. It has tiled appearance of a partly opened umbrella roof. Visitors are required to remove their shoes. Special robes arc provided if you are not appropriately attired.

Gardens
For nature lovers, the gardens are probably great places to visit in Malaysia. Lake Gardens Located off Jalan Parlimen, is the greenbelt of Kuala Lumpur. Developed in the 1880s, these undulating and beautifully landscaped gardens cover 170 acres of rolling lawns with huge trees, colourful beds of flowers and two lakes. There is a children's playground, jogging tracks, exercise stations, and rowing boats. The popular gardens offer plenty of recreational opportunities and attractions.

The Orchid Garden showcases thousands of international varieties of the most beautiful flower in the world. The garden contains over 800 species from Malaysia alone.

The Hibiscus Garden is a small terraced garden, which provides a strikingly colorful panorama of countless varieties of hibiscus.

Parks


There are a number of beautiful parks in Kualam Lumpur like, the butterfly park which houses some 6,000 butterflies of over 120 species. It includes more than 15,000 plants from 100 species that have been used to recreate a Malaysian rainforest atmosphere. The colourful atmosphere, no wonder makes it one of the best places to visit in Malaysia.

Very similar is the bird park. The Bird Park, the largest bird park in South-East Asia, holds thousands of tropical and exotic birds representing nearly every major species of this part of the world.

Deer Park is located in the undulating slopes and sprawling valley of the Lake Gardens. Close to the bubbling stream at the edge of the valley are several mousedeer. The mouse deer is the world's smallest hoofed animal and a popular figure in local folklore due to its legendary wit.

Tourism Malaysia and AirAsiaGo join hands in creating “Go Malaysia”

Tourism Malaysia and AirAsiaGo collaborate in making travel to Malaysia more fun and affordable, by offering good value travel packages and direct flights from Bangkok, Chiangmai, Phuket and Krabi to Kuala-Lumpur, along with 2 nights of accommodations, starting from an all-inclusive price of THB 4,999 per person.

According to Darren Goh, Head of AirAsiaGo, “we are excited to be working with Tourism Malaysia to promote the country’s attractive destinations and activities with our flexible options and excellent value travel packages. Along with low fares, and a wide range of accommodation options, we also offer amazing connectivity. Travelers from Thailand can fly to Kuala Lumpur before connecting to other destinations in Malaysia, including Penang, Langkawi, and Kota Kinabalu. Our packages are made to be customizable, allowing travelers the freedom to explore and choose the type of accommodation and activities that suits their needs. In Malaysia alone, we have over 1,000 hotel partners and numerous activity options that cater to all interests including city-explorers, eco-tourists, and active travelers, among many other exciting choices.”

Meanwhile, Director of Tourism Malaysia, Thailand, Mr. Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, also expresses the strong need for partnership in stimulating tourism in Malaysia, stating that “through this project and our close partnership with AirAsiaGo, we hope to encourage Thai travelers to visit Malaysia through easier and more affordable ways. All bookings made through AirAsiaGo will receive a Parkson Tourist Discount Card for extra shopping privileges during the Malaysia Year End Sales period so they can enjoy tax-free products and an amazing shopping experience.”

Last year, 1.3 million Thai people visited Malaysia while the targeted number of Thai tourists to Malaysia in 2010 and 2011 stand at 1.5 to 1.6 million people respectively . Through collaborations between Malaysia Tourism and travel partners such as AirAsiaGo, there is much optimism for growth.
AirAsiaGo is an online one-stop travel portal , which offers low-fare flights, and up to 70,000 hotels and over 5,000 activities to choose from in just one click. For more information, bookings can be made on www.AirAsiaGo.com .

Off the beaten track on Malaysia’s Jungle Railway

Malaysia’s Jungle Railway is one of the world’s great train journeys that you won’t find in a glossy tourist brochure. Lottie Gross takes in the rainforest views from the train window and discovers the highlights of rural Malaysia.


Climbing aboard the Jungle Railway is the best way to get off the beaten track and explore rural Malaysia.

Don’t expect Orient Express luxury – this local train offers a no-frills experience, but for the camera-wielding tourist, the journey is full of thrills.

Cutting through the heart of the Malaysian peninsula, the Jungle train weaves through thick, remote jungle and chugs to a halt at little villages where tourists can hop off to get a taste of local Malay culture.

Singapore is a convenient place to start or end an adventure on Malaysia’s Jungle Line.

Leaving the urban jungle of Singapore behind by rail, the scenery soon changes to countryside, farmland and corrugated iron huts speeding past the train window.

Heading north, the train trundles along more than 100 miles of single track towards the town of Gemas – around four hours away.

As the gateway to the Jungle Line and the point at which the line intersects between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Gemas is a busy town considering its small size – better known as a transit point for travellers than a tourist hotspot.

Local ‘shuttle’ and intercity trains leave the bustling town daily, heading north through the thick of the Malaysian rainforest to the end of the line in Tumpat, near the Thai border. The journey between Gemas and Tumpat spans 300 miles.



All aboard

The Jungle train – in its own charming way – is a run-down silver shell, powered by diesel.

The carriages are simple, offering second class and economy carriages, with no dining car and a temperamental air-conditioning system.

But what the train lacks in comforts, it makes up for in charm and scenery, as breathtaking views of the Malaysian jungle unfold out of the window.

The train regularly grinds to a halt at towns and villages along the way. Some stations and their platforms are well marked, while at others, their names are inked on wooden signs in the ground.

Local women in headscarves board the carriages, hauling oversized bundles of vegetables and wood. Observing men, women and schoolchildren hopping on and off the train is a great way to immerse yourself in Malaysian culture.

A sea of green trees rushes past the window in a blur, occasionally broken up by hilly terrain where sharp rock faces stand to attention beside the tracks.


Enter the Jungle

One of the most popular attractions along the Jungle Line is Taman Negara National Park, a lush 130 million-year-old tropical rainforest with a thrilling canopy walkway.

For less than £2 (in Malaysian Ringgit) you can take a perhaps not-so-casual stroll across these wooden planks, suspended 45 metres above the ground, and indulge in breathtaking panoramic views of the forest canopy.

If this is a little too much adventure, there are signposted walks throughout the jungle. Active-types will enjoy the hike up the 340 metre-high hill known as Bukit Teresik for sweeping views across the national park.




Taman Negara is easily accessible via Jerantut, a large town with shops, restaurants, hotels and ATMs – a leisurely three and a half hour train ride from Gemas.

Regular buses shuttle passengers from Jerantut to Kuala Tehan – the base camp for the Taman Negara occupying the heart of the rainforest.

Despite its rural location there is no shortage of hotels, shops and barge restaurants in Kuala Tehan, serving local dishes such as kaya jam toast – a peculiar but sweet mix of coconut and eggs often eaten at breakfast.

Venture deeper into the rainforest and you are likely to see fishing cats (a small, water-loving cat native to Southeast Asia), flying squirrels and some of the 350 species of bird that inhabit this rich environment.

At night the sounds of the jungle are magical, as a chorus of insects, birds and monkeys sing you to sleep.


Your own Jungle Railway adventure

• Tickets for train travel in Malaysia can be bought at any station.
• You cannot hop-on and hop-off on one ticket and must buy separate tickets for each leg of the journey.
• Overnight trains run but are not the best idea if you want to see the scenery.
• Timetables are available at all major stations or can be downloaded on Keratapi Tanah Melayu (KTM – the train operator) website.
• To book train tickets click here: www.ktmb.com.my
• Visit Seat 61 – http://www.seat61.com – to check train times and to plan your journey.
• Travel light and take a backpack.
• Bring plenty of mosquito spray. Malaria is prevalent in rural areas of Malaysia; consult a doctor about medication before you go.
• Pack your own loo-roll for the train (and even some hotels). The train toilet is very basic (and occasionally breezy)!
• Snacks for the train are essential.
• A micro-fibre towel saves space and is quick-drying (useful for those extra sweaty moments when the air con stops working)

All change

Kota Bahru (station name ‘Wakaf Bahru’) lies further along the train line and is often the starting or finishing line for travellers on the Jungle Railway.

As the Capital of the Islamic state of Kelantan, Kota Bahru is a melting pot of Malay and Islamic cultures.

Wandering around the city’s vibrant market stalls and food vendors spilling onto the streets is a great place to acquaint yourself with local culture.

Kota Baru’s colourful indoor Central Market is one of the city’s major draws, as well as the buzzing night markets, where traditional Malaysian dishes are cheap and cooked to perfection.

Local delicacies include murtabak (an Indian style pancake stuffed with vegetables, lamb or mutton), ayam percik (marinated chicken skewers), and nasi kerabu (deliciously blue tinted rice with fish, vegetables and coconut)


Where to after the Jungle Line?

• In the north, long distance buses leave from Kota Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and Georgetown (Penang Island).

• From Kota Bahru you can cross the border to Thailand by taking a bus to Rantau Panjang.

Malaysia’s Many Wonders

Malaysia is one on the most popular vacation destinations worldwide and GoMalasiaMap.com is the premiere online tour guide to the country. The website provides a wealth of information on preferred tourist locations and a large, comprehensive map that can be ordered for planning a sojourn within Malaysia.

“Traveling has been a passion of mine since I was young,” said Mohammed Zaki, owner of GoMalasiaMap.com. “A map is one thing I need during my travels to Malaysia and the extra large map on the website will help travelers navigate easily, while highlighting points of interest.”

The map is of particular interest, as it has tourist attractions, accommodations, public transportation, shopping and essential information already included within the map. Road routes are clearly marked and the map includes detailed city maps of major cities. Individual maps for specific locations are also available.

The publication saves travelers time, allowing them to locate the services they require quickly and efficiently. It can also be used prior to a Malaysia visit to plan an itinerary. Those who purchase a map will receive instant access to the site’s online brochure, with over 80 pages of the most popular Malaysian vacation information.

The site spotlights all 13 states within the country with detailed information on each. Visitors will find a wide variety of natural beauty, including waterfalls, hot springs, coral reefs and the world famous firefly colonies that sparkle like millions of jewels along the banks of the Johor River.

Visitors can explore ancient caves, lush rain forests, pristine beaches and old growth coral reefs. The country contains a number of national parks where travelers can view exotic plants and wildlife, as well as Mount Ophir, the location of numerous films and musicals. Visitors who prefer a real adventure can take a trip on the Skyway high above the treetops.

The country features World Heritage Sites and Christ Church, the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia, as well as Buddhist temples. Travelers can journey down the “Venice of the East” on a riverboat or visit one of the antique markets with items dating from the 17th century. Kedah contains one of the richest archaeological areas in Malaysia, with historic remains that date to 400 A.D. in the 4th century.

A number of locations throughout Malaysia are known for the variety of the cuisine that features modern offerings as well as traditional dishes and specialties. Malaysia also has a thriving nightlife with entertainments to suit every taste. Shows featuring international celebrities are offered, along with high roller casinos that thrive alongside an impressive array of water-related activities. Divers come from all over the world to visit the sunken ruins of ships around Tioman Island. Surfers can try their luck at Cherating Village, a location where surfers from around the world come to experience the waves and surf.

Visitors can try flying a giant “Wau” kite and witness the dikir barat groups singing traditional music with instrumental accompaniment. Travelers can also take a factory tour or visit one of the butterfly farms. No visit to Malaysia would be complete without a souvenir of batik, a cloth that’s famous throughout the world for its extraordinary designs and motifs. Kelantanese handicrafts are affordable and highly sought for their exquisite craftsmanship.

Malaysia is a country rich in history, where sweeping modern architecture meets the traditional styling of temples. It’s the ninth most popular tourist destination in the world, combining Malay, Chinese, Indian and other cultures for a unique blend of old world charm and modern technology. The country is comprised of two distinct areas – the Asian mainland and the Malaysian Peninsula. The traditional greeting is “Selamat Datang,” and it’s a phrase that is used often to welcome visitors.

GoMalaysiaMap.com offers a comprehensive look at the many natural and manmade attractions Malaysia has to offer visitors from around the world. The country is a blend of world-class activities and amusements that co-exist with ancient traditions and natural beauty. Armed with the unique, extra large Malaysian map, every vacation expedition will be a sensory delight.

GoMalaysiaMap.com can be contacted by email via the convenient form on the website. For more information, visit the website at www.gomalaysiamap.com.

Malaysia Islands Tour - A Great Holiday Spot!

Malaysia has become one of favorite tourist's destinations due to various attractive locations that are there in Malaysia.
Some of the most unequaled beauties can be witnessed by seeing the natural splendors of Malaysia. A number of national parks and beautiful islands add to the beauty of the Southeast Asian nation. In this part of the Asian continent Malaysia possibly is one of the most rapidly growing nation that has come up as a major tourist destination. What makes Malaysia so much fascinating is a number of incredible islands that it comprises of. Langkawi Island has lovely beaches like Pantai Cenang and Pantai Kok, Penag beach, Pangkor Island, Port Dickson, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Kok, Pan, Desaru, Tioman, Cherating, Terengganu Islands and Beaches, Sabah Islands and Beaches.

Malaysia is enriched with many beautiful islands. These islands consist of tropical rainforest which are must for nature lovers. It fascinates various international tourists as they can enjoy and indulge various fun games such as boating, sailing, river rafting and paragliding etc. you can easily enjoy various water sports and those who are not so sporty can definitely try fishing on the islands of Malaysia. You can even spot many tourists taking sunbath or just enjoying swimming.

Malaysia islands tours enable you to dine in some of the best restaurants and enjoy mouth watering delicacies. You can try Chinese cuisine or you can even expect some of authentic Indian food as well.

The south East Asian nation is swamped with some of the top class hotels on the islands of the country. So while being on a Malaysia islands tour you can get to stay in the various luxury beach resorts and hotels that offer you with great services. On these islands there are a number of other attractions such as museums, national parks and even marine parks. If you are in the planning to enjoy an adventurous vacation then the diving spots on the islands can please you.

To plan your trip conveniently and make it good you can easily consult a travel dictionary or itinerary that offers maximum information about this holiday destination. Also the information provided is reliable and can help you plan according to your budget.

Jason Born is offering advice for quite some time. Having completed his Bachelor of Science in Travel and Tourism Business Management from Institute For Tourism Studies(IFT). To find Malaysia islands tour, Malaysia tourism, Holidays in Malaysia, Malaysia tour, Travel to Malaysia, Dive Malaysia visit http://www.malaysiaexplorer.net/

Tourism in Malaysia

Why travel to Malaysia?

Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's top travel destinations, possessing an endless range of attractions and activities that cater for the cosmopolitan shopper, cultural enthusiast, historical buff and nature-lover. Divided into Peninsular Malaysia in the West and East Malaysia, part of the Borneo archipelago, the country will allure you with the shopping experience of its modern cities, the splendour of its cultural arts and natural heritage of rich flora and fauna!

In the heart of Asia lie some of the world's most beautiful beaches, with sparkling sand and crystal waters. It would be an impossible task to describe every one of Malaysia's thousands of beautiful beaches. Ranging from the powdery stretches of sand that characterize the eastern coastline of Peninsular Malaysia to the black sand beach of Pantai Pasir Hitam and the smooth pebble beach of Pantai Batu Kerikil, Malaysia's shores offer more idyllic locales than one could explore in many lifetimes.

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.

Country
The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsula Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

Geographical Location
Located between 2 and 7 north of the Equator, Peninsula Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsula Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are north of Indonesia in Borneo while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei.

Capital
Kuala Lumpur

Language
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely spoken. Other languages widely spoken are Mandarin, Hakkien, Tamil and Urdu. The ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects.

Religion
Islam is the official religion but all other religions are freely practised.

Government
Malaysia is governed by a Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, a position that is awarded to a different State Monarch every five years and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.

Climate and Weather
Malaysia has an equatorial /tropical climate and as such the weather is warm all year round. The weather is hot and humid all year round with average temperatures of 23 - 33 C

Economic Profile
Manufacturing constitutes the largest single component of Malaysia's economy. Tourism and primary commodities such as petroleum, palm oil, natural rubber and timber are other major contributors to the economy.

Currency
The unit of currency is Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. AUD1 is roughly equivalent to RM2.90. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.

Banking and Office Hours
Most states: Mon - Fri: 9.15am to 4.30pm. Sat & Sun: Closed (Selected banks and branches are open on Sat). Kelantan & Terengganu: Sun - Wed:9.15am to 4.30pm. Thurs:9.15am to 4.00pm. Friday/ Saturday*/Public Holiday: Closed

Time
Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time or 2 hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Tome (AEST) and 3 hours ahead of AEST during daylight saving time.

Electricity
Voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets

Telephones
Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telekom office.

Pre-paid sim cards can be purchased at the bookstore at KLIA and many other outlets for mobile phones. The presentation of a passport will be required for connection purposes and credit will last from a few days up to 4 months depending on the package purchased.

Accommodation
Malaysia has a wide range of accommodation at competitive rates. Six-star, medium range, budget hotels, youth hostels, beach chalets and timeshare apartments are just some of the types of accommodation available. Privately operated motor-homes are also available for rent.

For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

More info about tourism in Malaysia go to tourism malaysia website http://www.tourismmalaysia.com.my

Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa launches Extreme Park@GPT

New beach holiday resort must you know..

Managed by Swiss-Belhotel International, Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa is a beach holiday resort located in Sepang in the southern part of Selangor, Malaysia. A tranquil region of plantations and beautiful scenery that is growing in popularity as a nature tourism destination, Sepang is also the location of Sepang International Circuit.

Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa was chosen as the preferred host for internationally acclaimed artistes, race drivers and racing teams participating in the 2011 Malaysian F-1 Grand Prix, the Super GT and the Malaysian Moto GP and this honour has already been extended for a number race events in 2012. The resort has also earned several international accolades, including the distinguished Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce and Industry award (MFCCI) under its Green Technology Category, and the Best Eco-Tourism Product: Most Innovative Tourism Attraction 2010/2011.

Stretching out from the shore almost a kilometre into the sheltered waters of the Straits of Malacca, Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa is uniquely designed in the form of palm fronds. Featuring broad walkways between over 300 comfortable and stylish sea villas, the resort is a fusion of modern and traditional design. Although “away from it all”, Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa is nonetheless not far from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

Incorporating all the delights and expectations of a seaside holiday destination, the resort offers a wide range of world class services and facilities, including excursions to the beautiful surrounding countryside. Besides a serene and peaceful sandy beach, which is perfect for relaxing and sunbathing, guests can enjoy the resort's recreation centre which offers a fitness room, library and TV room. There is also choice of international restaurants and bars, boutiques, and a spa.

Extreme Park @ GPT

Innovation in providing guests with the ultimate holiday experience has been one of the keys to the success of Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa. The resort's latest exciting initiative; Extreme Park @ GPT is designed specially for lovers of challenging sports. Built on the shore adjacent to the resort, Extreme Park @ GPT is a multi-blend of extreme sports that includes go-karts, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), target paintball and archery. This exciting new attraction will be launched on Friday 20th January, 2012 and will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“Swiss-Belhotel International welcomes this exciting new attraction initiated by General Manager of Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa, Mr. Pascal Prigent and his team and brought to realisation in conjunction with the property owners. Extreme Park @ GPT will be a valuable asset to Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa and to Swiss-Belhotel International,” commented Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President.

A Malay culinary favorite makes polemics in Malaysia

A Malay culinary favorite.

This could have been a very funny story in Malaysia if the polemics developing around a national Malay dish did not exude hints of racism. Nasi Lemak is one of Malaysia’s tastiest dishes. It is widely available, sold in any good Malay restaurant or food stall. It consists of fragrant rice flavored with coconut milk accompanied by a fried egg, beef or chicken marinated in deliciously-spicy gravy, and accompanied by dried fish, peanuts, and a kind of onion dumpling (called “begadel”).

A couple of years ago, Kampung Bahru district in Kuala Lumpur – probably the last old-style Malay enclave in the city center - used to have one of the best places for nasi lemak (I personally used to go there often). People were queuing all night long to savor the delicacy at a small restaurant called "Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa" ("Nasi lemak International"). Since then, the owner changed, and the recipe sadly changed as well.

Just to highlight that Nasi Lemak can be considered as one of the top favorite dishes in the country, in Malay, "nasi lemak" means "fat rice" and this is where polemics started. On April 26, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health issued new guidelines to promote healthier food in school canteens. Nasi Lemak was part of 70 food items restricted or banned. It does not look that radical: Malaysia’s favorite dish can still come on school kids’ menus twice a week. So much also for Laksa (a kind of curry flavored soup eventually cooked with coconut milk), and another famed dish, the nasi goreng (fried rice); also restricted to once a week were curry mee (noodles), lotong (rice compressed cake), and nasi pulut (black glutinous rice, stunning in desserts).

The list was published following a study from University Kebangsaan Malaysia, which looked at the cause of obesity. It showed that obesity among pupils had increased from 11 percent in 2002 to 13.3 percent in 2008. The study demonstrated also that nasi lemak, fried noodles, and chicken rice were schoolchildren’s favorite foods, while burgers were the most popular fast food (34.4 percent) followed by fried chicken (26.5 percent) and pizza. Most of them being of course high-calorie dishes.

It could have gone unnoticed, but in today's Malaysia, anything can turn into polemics. Pointing out the symbolic nasi lemak as one of the sources to children’s obesity infuriated the Malay community. Beyond the kind of sentimental link to this humble dish, many people felt the advice carried a racist undertone as it targeted a typical Malay dish. Some readers in local newspapers started then to ask why kway teow (a delicious dish of Chinese flat noodles fried with chilies), mee hoon (tiny noodles), or roti canai (Indian crepe) did not faced similar restrictions. In readers' comments in the New Strait Times, some Malays draw a line with the fact that the current Health Ministry Seri Liow Tiong Lai is Chinese and that the semi-ban was politically motivated.

Singapore daily, the Strait Times, in its edition on May 2, cited another newspaper from Kuala Lumpur's "Utusan Malaysia," which wrote that the move to take nasi lemak out of the schools was even "racially motivated." The newspaper questioned, in fact, why other snacks were not banned in the same way with the comment that “perhaps these snacks manufacturers are non-Malays.” It is indeed quite true that Chinese-style fried noodles such as Kway Teow are probably as calorific as nasi lemak.

The polemics might have at least a positive outcome: it will boost the interest for Malaysian food as some curious travelers might desire to understand all the fuss about nasi lemak by having a bite of it. Coincidentally, as Malaysians were weighting the pro and contra of the famous dish for school kids, Tourism Malaysia announced in Dubai to intensify promotion programs abroad on Malaysian food and culture, with special culinary weeks to be organized all around the world to boost tourists’ interest. A festival of Malaysian Food and Culture took place during the Arabian Travel Market at the Shangri-La Dubai with locals able to taste satay, laksa, mee goreng, and the famous nasi lemak.