Malaysia Night Market

Night markets or night bazaars are street markets which operate at night. Most of the people like to go night markets because of convenience, cheaper price of items, shop for leisure, temptation of local food where you might not get it from restaurants, and strolling.

Pasar malam is a Malay and Indonesian word, meaning of “night market”, “pasar” being related to “bazaar” in Persian. It is very common to find a pasar malam, a street market in Malaysia that usually opens from evening till night. Pasar malam is usually located in residential areas.

Night market is a one stop place whereby many stalls sell goods such as local food, fruits, vegetables, toys, clothes, shoes, and many more at cheaper prices, where at least the items are cheaper. Some of the night markets are selling pirated DVDs, CDs and computer software too.

You are able to find a pasar malam only one to a few days of the week at one residential area. The traders will also be selling their things around different neighborhoods on different days.

The good thing of pasar malam at Malaysia is, you can see the night market’s stalls are selling different things by our main three ethnicities, which are Malay, Chinese and Indian. This is one of the reasons why more and more tourists start to hit the night market at Malaysia, as they are able to see the culture of Malaysia, goes with the traditional food from different races.

There are few well known pasar malam at Malaysia, which are night markets at Taman Connaught, Cheras (the longest pasar malam at Klang valley) and Melawati, Kuala Lumpur (the best and most varieties of Malay food can be found at here).

A Malay pasar malam will often contain stalls selling Islamic prayers’ books, kopiah hats, sarongs and other Malay costumes and clothes.

As we are pacing up the trend of advanced technology of lifestyle, same goes as the demand of food. A combination of traditional Malay food in the modern life, we have even more tasty delicious food yet maintaining the traditional taste of recipes when we pay a visit to the Malay night markets.

During the olden days at the malay food stalls, most of them are just selling the traditional food such as satay, nasi lemak, kuih, spicy rendang chicken, lemang goes with the delicious rending beef. Normally the traders will cook at home or restaurants first, and then only they do food packing and sell to the customers.

As time pass, we are getting better and better. We understand more people aiming for new trendy yet delicious food with different recipes. Hence, nowadays, we not only able to see the same old traditional food, but also more new kind of recipes were created.

Even the traders have change a bit of their marketing at the market. Some of them bring the whole big pot of food which have been cooked and displayed to public, this has increase the sales, as to show to people, it has sufficient mass amount of food.

Some of them even bring along their portable stove, and pots, and cook on the spot, to show to public that they do really cook and the food are to be served while it is hot and fresh.

Some malay traders do also sell some Chinese or Indian concept of food. For example, you can see some Malays are selling ‘yong tau fu’ or muruku. As we said, Satu Malaysia as Malaysia has all different kind of food and culture, yet you can find it simple and easily at one place regardless of any races.

By : Jessica Ong

Malaysia Night Market or Pasar Malam is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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Bus & Train Travel in Malaysia

We love to travel. Last year, we picked our next exotic travel experience – a grand tour to Terengganu. The first thing we had to do was to find out how to get there. That should be simple enough. Our parents would have picked up the phone book, and called many different tour agencies. But we are young and savvy, so we know that everything can be found on the internet.

We did a google search and found that we can leave from a few different places, with exciting names like “Bukit Jalil” and “Hentian Putra”. Now, we are Malaysians and it pains us to admit this, but we actually had no idea where these places were. So we had to check them out too. Of course, things don’t end here. We have to find out things like departure timings, fares. We heard horror stories about people being dropped off in the middle of the highway, so the companies have to be reliable. Being kiasu, we wanted to know all our alternatives, so we compared a few online travel agents, travel forums, and some individual company websites.

This was unfortunately starting to feel rather like homework.

Find great deals on hotels using Expedia.

Travelling Is Not Easy

This was made worse by our grand idea that it might be fun to go by train. So we decided to make a list of the train timings too. Then we found that there is no train stations on the East Coast, and abandoned the idea. Finally, an hour later, we were satisfied that we found the best option and called to book the ticket. We felt very pleased with ourselves until we went down to the bus station. There, we found that we didn’t actually get the best price after all. Being old, established companies, many coach operators still operate off the counters of the bus stations, with additional bus routes that the net savvy us overlooked. There are also many touts within each terminal giving us a lot of interesting advice.

It may have occurred to you by now that Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu is just an example. We are enthusiastic backpackers, and I have just described a problem that we have faced over and over again and many countries that we have been to. Alternatives are present for air travel. Yet what is overlooked is the large number of people who travel by land and sea transport.

Roadhop Is The Solution

Hence, our team realized that it doesn’t have to be so complicated, so we came up with roadhop.com. Roadhop provides comparisons of bus, train departure schedules and fares for long-distance travel in Singapore and Malaysia. We aim to help travelers find the best prices for the best rides. We believe our services will be greatly useful for any travelers to Malaysia. Do email us at contact@roadhop.com to tell us what you think!

Roadhop – Bus & Train Travel in Malaysia is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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Genting Highlands – City Of Entertainment

Genting Highlands is the self-proclaimed City of Entertainment and it is located in the state of Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia. What is unique about Genting Highlands is the fact that it is the only legal casino located in all of Malaysia. The City of Entertainment does live up to its name as it not only provides entertainment for the old but also for the young ones. A perfect example of this would be the theme park that comes equipped with a variety of rides and activities for the children.

Another attraction of Genting Highlands is its natural surroundings, the air is fresh and cool which is a far cry from the typical Malaysian heat making it a popular tourist attraction especially for the locals. The temperature here ranges from 15-25 degrees Celsius which is 5-10 degrees lower compared to that of Kuala Lumpur. In fact it is so cool here that some of the hotels are not equipped with air-conditioning yet you will not feel warm and stuffy at night. If you happen to visit Genting Highlands on a clear day then you will have the opportunity to see the stunning view of the valley, however you should be careful when it rains in Genting Highlands especially if you are driving as the visibility will drop to zero.

The casinos located here are open 24 hours a day and are limited to non-Muslims who are over the age of 21 years old. Popular table games such as roulette and baccarat are available here, as well as Chinese games which you will not find in the western casinos. There are also countless slot machines on the casino grounds where you can try your luck.

Finding your way around Genting Highlands can be both frustrating and easy at the same time despite branding itself as a city you will hardly find streets on any kind besides the roads for cars and other transportations. Most of the places are connected via vast warren of link-ways, underground tunnels and escalators which means that you will not have to venture outside into the cold, unless you willingly do it yourself. And you do not have to worry about getting lost as there is enough signage to point you in the right direction, however the tricky part of getting from point A to point B is that you will most probably be lead to either one of their casinos or hotels.

If you like to shop then the First World Plaza is a place to visit, located at the First World Hotel (in 2006 it was listed by Guiness World Records as the world’s largest hotel complex by the number of rooms) where you will find an interesting mix of activities ranging from an indoor theme park to shopping arcades. There is also the Times Sqaure area which is decorated with replicas of random landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower where you can see performances and magic shows especially during the holiday seasons.

So if you are planning your holidays you should give Genting Highlands a try, if not for the various activities that can be found here then maybe just for the cool fresh air.

Genting Highlands is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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Travelling With Kids

Kids are a blessing, but travelling with them can be a big challenge if you aren’t prepared. It won’t be long before your kids start the ‘are we there yet’ and ‘I’m bored’ mantras. Kids tend to be distracted and restless easily. They constantly need something new to do – whether you are driving down to your holiday destination, or you are flying, or going on a boat, unless you are equipped with many things to keep your children occupied, it might be a stressful trip.

Travelling should be fun for everyone. Besides, nothing teaches you more than travelling does. You learn essential life skills, you learn to appreciate the small things, you learn to be independent and understand different ways of different people. It needs to be a much enjoyed experience for your kids as well. Here are some ideas to help you help your kids:

If you have a very young baby, pack all that you are going to need. Food, bottles, sanitisers, antiseptic, change of clothes, diapers, toys etc. If your baby can only consume a particular kind of food, it is a good idea to carry a generous supply. Don’t rely on your destination for supplies for your baby.

If your kids are a bit older, involve them in the travel plans from the very beginning. Kids love it when you make them feel that they are an absolutely essential part of the planning of the trip. Give them responsibilities. For example, tell them they are in charge of packing the picnic baskets and choosing the music that you are going to play. Also make them in charge of gadgets – cameras, video games etc. When they feel grown up, they will act grown up.

It is a good learning experience, apart from imparting a great deal of confidence in your child, to sit down with a map and trace the path you are going to be taking. If you are going to drive, mark out the spots on the map where you will stop at.

Have enough games that you can play while you drive. Even simple games where you ask your child to count the number of animals you see on the way will keep them interested for a while. Play words games or memory games. When on a plane, carry colouring books, illustrated story books etc.

Having snacks handy can relieve you of a lot of stress. Kids like to munch. Although, remember to keep the sugar intake low – you don’t want your child testing everybody’s patience!

In the end, even if your experience travelling with your kids isn’t very peaceful, it will be worth it as it will be an experience that you will look back on and wish you could relive it.

Tips on Travelling With Kids is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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1. Tips for Vegetarian Travellers
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How To Travel as a Vegetarian

Being vegetarian has its own benefits. Talk to your vegetarian/vegan friends and they will give you an endless list of reasons why you should be vegetarian. When it comes to travelling, however, vegetarians definitely suffer in comparison. Unless you are a foodie, travelling to a new place might mean you could hate the food and have to go hungry – one of the reasons why some people find travelling stressful.

Most vegetarians end up surviving on soups, fries from Mc Donald’s, ice creams and other beverages especially when they travel to countries which are big meat eaters like a lot of the East Asian countries, USA and Australia. End result – your trip isn’t half as fun as it could have been. If you have chosen to be vegetarian, it most definitely does not mean you need to starve wherever you go; all it needs is some planning and some work on your part.

First, obtain the food habit details of the place you are travelling to. The internet is the answer to most of your problems. You are likely to come across local vegetarian cuisine. As more people turn vegan, many restaurants and hotels are equipping themselves to cater to new needs. Choose a hotel where food to your demands is served. Learn the translation to “vegetarian” and “vegetables” if the place you are heading to does not speak English. Being able to say “No meat” in the vernacular language will help immensely.

If you find that obtaining vegetarian food is going to be difficult, it is always advisable to pack your own food. Some extra particular travellers even carry a small electric cooker, obtain rice or vegetables from the local markets, and cook up their own food wherever they are. Check what local vegetables are available; you might end up cooking something absolutely delicious.

Of course, cereal, toast, fries, fruits, salads, juices, tea, coffee etc are universally available vegetarian foods. If you are happy surviving on these, nothing like it.

Take care to see that you don’t react or make a face if you are served with meat. Do not cringe or tell off someone, or launch into your prepared speech on how bad meat is. When in Rome, live like the Romans, is what they say. Politely refuse the food brought to you and patiently explain your requirement. Not everybody understands vegetarianism, and some cultures consider it extremely rude to refuse food.

You need to help yourself when you are out and about. Plan in advance and make sure you do your research so you enjoy your trip like you should.

Tips for Vegetarian Travellers is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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Travel To Malaysia – Truly Asia

If you are planning to take a trip to the Asian region then make sure that you include Malaysia in your travel plans. In fact the country is one of the most pleasant and hassle-free countries compared to the other nations in this region. The centuries of vibrant mix between the Malays, Chinese, and Indians well as the indigenous cultures have created a truly unique and exciting experience not to be missed.

The country is divided into two distinct parts, namely Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia. Peninsula Malaysia is basically the long fringe of land that extends down from Asia and is located between the neighbouring countries of Singapore and Thailand. East Malaysia on the other hand is separated from Peninsula Malaysia by the South China Sea and is less populated. However the dense jungle of Sabah and Sarawak supports a variety of flora and fauna. Here you will be able to find the world’s largest flower as well as Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah which is the highest peak in the South East Asian region.

This interesting mix of cultures have also turned Malaysia into a paradise for food lovers as you will be able to try dishes not just from the respective races but also a fusion of flavours, truly a gastronomically experience for all to enjoy. From fine dining at world class restaurants to the local mamak stalls there is definitely something for everybody.

The nation without a doubt is moving towards the future but at the same time Malaysia still embraces its past. Throughout the year, the calendar is marked by various festivals and celebrations from the vast culture that make up this beautiful country. So make sure that you plan your visit well if you want to witness first hand some of the most festive and colourful celebrations ever.

While most of the visitors tend to visit the peninsular, east Malaysia is no slouch when it comes to the travel industry. There are variety of activities each unique to that particular destination, so if you want to truly experience Malaysia as it is then make it a point to visit the whole nation. For example if you want to escape the humidity of the mainland then you can visit the highlands, two of the most popular ones are Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands. Genting Highlands is not only where you can get fresh and cool air but it is also the only legal casino in Malaysia, while in Cameron Highlands you can see how farming is done on the highlands.

If you are here for the sun and beach then do not worry as Malaysia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, in fact some of them are located on islands such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Pangkor and many more. For those that want to experience the lifestyles of the traditional Malays then make a stop at the northern Kelantan province where you can witness the culture and enjoy the dishes unique to that area. The point is you will not get bored no matter where you visit in Malaysia.

Travel To Malaysia is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 14th of February each year but does anyone know the history behind it? Yes it is about love but not just between couples, it can also be a day to celebrate with your family especially your parents but primarily it is still a day for lovers to show their affections for one another. In fact, during Valentine’s Day that fell on a leap year – women would be able to propose marriage to their lovers.

The day supposedly got its name from a saint, however there are several stories regarding the true identity of this particular person. The most popular version was that he was a priest that lived in the third century AD in Rome. It was believed that during this time Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage as he thought this made the soldiers weak. Saint Valentine thought this was an unfair act, so he decided to break the rules and helped those that wished to get married.

Unfortunately the emperor discovered what the priest was doing and sentenced him to death, while waiting for his sentence to be carried out he met and fell in love with the jailor’s blind daughter. It was believed that his love and belief in God was what cured the girl’s blindness. On 14th February when he was taken to be executed he sent the girl a love letter signed “from your Valentine’.

Another trivia about the history of Valentine’s Day is regarding what is to be believed the first ever Valentine’s message ever written, it was a poem from Charles Duke of Orleans to his wife in the year 1415. The duke was imprisoned in the Tower of London awaiting his execution after he was captured at the Battle of Agincourt.

These men waited until the final minute to acknowledge their love for their respective partners however you do not have to follow in their footsteps. In a way their deaths has made it possible for millions of people around the world to profess their love to one another.

Technology has made it even more possible for people to express the way they feel such as electronic cards that are sent through the email or even the use of text messages. However it seems that the preferred choice for many is still printed cards.

As time progressed not only were cards used to express one’s feelings but gifts were also used, traditionally it was the men that bought the women items such as the cliché heart shaped chocolates and flowers, usually red coloured roses. Again with modern times, this concept has evolved and now the men and women exchange gifts with one another and it can range from just about anything that the respective partner likes not just candy and flower.

Having said that Valentine’s Day should not be the only day that you show your partner how much you love them, that should be done all year round instead you can make this day more special compared to the other days.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all readers of this blog.

Valentine’s Day – The Day To Celebrate Love is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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2. Chinese New Year Celebrations in Malaysia

Chinese New Year Decorative Lanterns

Chinese New Year festival starts on the first day of the lunar calendar year which is also the first day of the new moon and the festival ends on the 15th day, the last day of the full moon which is also known as Chap Goh Mei.

Usually the celebrations are observed on the first few days and as mentioned on the last day while in Malaysia the first two days are considered public holidays.

Usually the preparations for the festivals will start a month in advance where the people will start buying decorations for the house, new clothes as well as foodstuff. Every inch of the house is cleaned and then it will be adorned with colourful decorations especially in red.

The reunion dinner is the most important occasion of the celebrations which is held on the eve of CNY, this is where the family members who are living close by or from far away will return home for the dinner. In adherence to ‘shou sui’ the family members will stay up all night after the reunion dinner, this is a practice that is said to bring one’s parent longevity. In order to pass the time it is not uncommon for the members of the household to gamble.

The Chinese New Year is ushered in at the stroke of midnight with firecrackers and fireworks, however these items are prohibited in Malaysia but some still manage to get their hands on them. Not only do relatives come to pay visit but in Malaysia it is a common practice for people of other races and religions to be invited as well. However to visit a house during CNY it is essential that you bring mandarin oranges which symbolises wealth or it will be considered disrespectful.

Ang Pow and Mandarin orange are important part of Chinese New Year celebrations in Malaysia

Another common practice on this particular day is for the married couples to give the children as well as the adults who are not married money that is inserted into red packets or commonly referred to as ‘ang pow’. The giving of the ang pow signifies that the recipient will enjoy a wealthy and fruitful life.

As with other forms of celebrations, CNY is also a time where some of the taboos and beliefs must be adhered to with some being spiritual in nature. A popular example of such beliefs is on the first day of the New Year where no one is allowed to sweep the floor; the reason for such practice is because the act of sweeping is considered to be unlucky as all the fortune would be swept away.

While sweeping the floor may bring you misfortune, it is believed that the lion will not only bring you good fortune but at the same time ward off evil. That is why the lion dance is such a widely popular tradition and it one of the most spectacular sights during this period. In fact it is so popular that you will not only see it during CNY but also during grand occasions such as the opening of businesses.

And of course there is the final day of CNY known as Chap Goh Mei or also regarded as the Chinese Valentine’s Day where you can see maidens throwing mandarin oranges into the rivers to attract potential suitors.

I would like to wish Happy Chinese Year to my Chinese readers and may the new year of the Tiger will bring more wealth, health and prosperity to us all.

GONG XI FA CHAI

Image Credit – jenniferphoon

Chinese New Year Celebrations in Malaysia is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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Petaling Street - Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown

If you are in the area of Kuala Lumpur then Petaling Street or otherwise known as Chinatown is a place that is sure not to be missed.

At the Petaling Street, you can find great deals even in the daytime. However the best time to visit Petaling Street is still during the night time. The area is not open to traffic which means that you do not have to worry about cars and especially motorcycles whizzing past you (which may happen often in the streets of Malaysia).

Petaling Street is not only a place to get deals on a variety of items but it also functions as a tourist attraction. As mentioned before the market opens throughout the day and comes to life at night bustling with activity.

The area is serviced by many types of public transport, so you do not have to worry about getting there. Taxis are widely available throughout the city but make sure that the taxis use meters (if they don’t, insist that they do). There are also numerous bus companies going through that area or you can even take the LRT and stop at the Pasar Seni station, Petaling Street is located a mere 5 minutes walk away.

Unfortunately what Petaling Street is famous for is not what Malaysia wants to be famous for – the selling of imitation goods. Here you will be able to find a wide range of items such as wallets, t-shirts, shoes and other sorts of things.

Having said that Chinatown does sell other things as well but what is important is your bargaining skills. In fact you should apply your techniques in most Asian countries and Petaling Street is no exception. So if you have never bargained before then there is no better chance to do it than in Chinatown, you may even just get that ideal piece of accessory at a price much lower than the initial one.

Green Dragon on the Petaling Street Entrance

If you do not like crowded places and noise, then Petaling Street is not an ideal place for you but if that is an environment that you strive in then you should definitely come here and soak in the atmosphere. Speaking of soaking, the crowd mixed with the Malaysian weather will definitely have you soaking in your own sweat so make sure you wear something comfortable but if you feel thirsty you can be sure to find a variety of stalls selling refreshing cool drinks throughout Chinatown. With crowds there is also a danger of pickpockets so even when you are out sightseeing and having fun be sure to be vigilant about your personal belongings.

Another attraction of Petaling Street is the Chinese pharmacies where you will be able to find a wide range of traditional medicines which can heal all sorts of ailments. Again you can use your bargaining skills here, in fact it is advisable that you visit not just one shop but take time to look around and try to gauge the average price so that you know you are not cheated.

And what would a visit to Petaling Street be if you do not try the food here, a variety of foods are sold here. You can choose to either visit the stalls or the restaurants each offering a different dinning experience.

If you are going to visit Malaysia, be sure to drop by Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur for shopping and great food.

Image Credit – sksk270 goosmurf

Petaling Street – The Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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KLIA - Kuala Lumpur International Airport Malaysia Bird Eye View

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is without doubt is a travel destination in itself, this is because here you will be able to find all that you need for business, entertainment and even relaxation. With the concept of efficiency, competitiveness and the desire to become the world-class airport hub in mind thus KLIA was conceived.

The airport replaced the previous Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport located in Subang as the main gateway into the nation. KLIA is an airport that is equipped with the state of the art facilities to provide the passengers with comfort and convenience that they will find at any world class airport of such capacity.

The person that was responsible for the design of KLIA was handled by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. The airport is regarded as one of the most sophisticated as well as modern airports in the Asian Pacific region.

When you visit the airport you can see for yourself how the construction of the building has blended beautifully with the culture of Malaysia creating a truly spectacular architectural wonder. Themes of modernization and advancement can be found all throughout the airport but the theme which is the most important of all – Malaysia’s cultural identity is also not left out.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA

KLIA is built on one of the world’s largest construction site which is about 10, 000 hectares or equivalent to 25, 000 acres of land which also makes the airport one of the largest sites in the world. The entire project cost about US$3.5 billion and commenced full commercial operations on June 28, 1998. It was completed in a record of four and a half years that had a rotation of workers with round the clock construction force.

With an international workforce of 25, 000 people, KLIA became one of the fastest airports ever built and also the largest number of workers that were involved in a single project. This particular area was chosen to build the airport was due to the large size of the land as it could be used for expansion as required in order to meet any present or future air traffic demands.

Besides holding the previously mentioned records, the airport is also home to the world’s tallest airport traffic control tower, the longest baggage conveyor belt system, the biggest column-less hangar as well as the biggest passenger lounge.

There are also incentives provided by the Malaysian Government in order to attract viable investors to the airport to utilize both the commercial and industrial areas located within the vicinity of the airport for mutual benefits of both parties. Even the airport itself is able to provide a variety of opportunities ranging from a range of industries such as hospitality and recreational services.

Currently in the planning stage is the Free Zone which is comprised of the Free Commercial Zone and a Free Industrial Zone that will allow the companies to bring in, produce or manufacture just about any item without any form of customs duty, excise duty, sales tax or service tax.

KLIA Express - A Great Way To Travel To Kuala Lumpur International Airport

More Info On Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) :-

- KLIA Official Site

- KLIA Express – KLIA Ekspres is the fastest, environmentally friendly and most convenient way of travelling to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Kuala Lumpur city center.

- Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) KLIA – The Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) is specifically built at KL International Airport to cater to the growing number of passengers for low-cost airlines, especially the passengers of Malaysia’s first ‘no-frills’ airline, Air Asia.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Malaysia is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Petronas Twin Towers was officially opened on the 31st August 1999 by Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr. Mahatir Mohammad. The tower is not only a landmark for the city of Kuala Lumpur but it is also a symbol of Malaysia’s achievement. Besides that it is also a constant reminder to all Malaysians of how the country will achieve the status of developed country come the year 2020.

 The twin towers are also home to the Malaysian Petroleum Company which is known as Petroliam Nasional Berhad or Petronas which the towers are named after. The company engages in a wide variety of oil and gas related operations in more than 30 countries worldwide and is also ranked amongst the Fortune Global 500 largest corporations.

It was Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir who came up with the idea to build the tower as he wanted something that was different and that people around the world could instantly recognize it as being an iconic symbol of Malaysia such as the Great Pyramid in Egypt and the Great Wall of China.

The design of the twin towers were created by Cesar Pelli & Associates from America and it was built on a former horse racing track located on Jalan Ampang. The project was completed in the year 1997 and Petronas Twin Towers become the highest twin building in the world standing at 452m (1483 feet). However the title has since been taken over by the Burj Khalifa which officially opened in 2010 in Dubai.

Since Islam is the official religion in Malaysia, the design of the building also follows the concept of the religion for example the design uses simple Islamic geometric forms of two interlocking squares which create an eight pointed star shape. There are also eight superimposed semi-circles upon the eight pointed stars that soften the inner angles. This particular design was used in the architecture as it reflects some of the important aspects of the religion such as unity within unity, harmony, stability and rationality.

Another attraction of the twin towers is the Sky Bridge which is also the highest double story bridge in the world. The bridge is located on the 41st and 42nd floor and visitors are allowed to go up to the Sky Bridge however they can only visit the 41st floor section as the 42nd one has been reserved for tenants. Admission is free with about 1500 tickets issued each day, it is on a first come first serve basis so you might want to get there early to get your tickets.

The towers are mainly used as office spaces with Tower 1 being fully occupied by Petronas as well as its subsidiaries and associate companies while Tower 2 houses multinational companies and is open for leasing. Besides this, visitors can also find an 864 seat arena which is home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra located at the podium level.

There is also a modern contemporary museum called Petrosains that displays just about anything that has to do with oil and gas, here visitors can interact with the displays and exhibits. For the shopping fanatics there is also a shopping complex located here, called Suria KLCC and you will be able to find just about anything and everything there.

Your Guide To Visiting Malaysia

Petronas Twin Towers Malaysia is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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Buddhist devotees offers incense sticks to Buddha during Wesak Day celebration at the Temple Mara Vihara, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Wesak Day commemorates the birth of Buddha, his attaining of Enlightenment and his passing away into Nirvana. Kamal Sellehuddin/The Star

Wesak Day falls in the month of May and is considered to be the most important festival for Buddhists in Malaysia. This day is celebrated in order to observe the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha which according to the Buddhists all three of the events took place on the same lunar date. Different countries celebrate Wesak Day on different days due to the difference in the local lunar observance.

When translated Buddha literally means ‘one who is awake and has become enlightened’. This particular term is used to describe a person that has obtained supreme wisdom as well as the compassion of Enlightenment. The concept of Enlightenment for Buddhists can be described as a blessed stated in which the individual attains Nirvana (transcendence of desire and suffering).

On this particular day the Malaysian Buddhist devotees will begin the celebrations usually even before dawn where they will gather at the temples. The Buddhists will then hoist the Buddhist flag and sing hymns in praise of the holy triple gem namely; The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings) and The Sangha (his disciples). Simple offerings are also brought to the temple such as flowers while prayers using candles and joss-sticks are used.

Besides using them for prayers, these items are also significant in the Buddhist teaching as it teaches the devotees about the non-permanence of life. Like a flower that will wither in due time or candles that will eventually burn out so is that of life which is subjected to destruction and decay. Before the actual day of the celebration the devout Buddhists will eat a vegetarian diet so that they will be cleansed and purified.

Wesak Day is also where you will see many of the Malaysian Buddhist devotees releasing animals such as doves and tortoises. This act is seen as a symbolic gesture of one releasing the soul and giving up for the sins that they have made in the past. Besides that, this particular act is also seen as a way of giving freedom for those that are held against their will or being tortured.

Other significance of celebrating Wesak Day is to make special efforts to bring happiness to those that are less fortunate such as the elderly and the sick. In an effort to bring joy and happiness the Malaysian Buddhists will conduct various charitable activities such as donating money and take the time out to visit orphanages and old folks home and helping out wherever they can.

The statue of the baby Buddha is displayed by some temples and it is usually located in front of the altar. The statue is then placed in a basin filled with water and decorated with flowers where the devotees are allowed to pour water over the statue. The act of pouring water over the statue is seen as a symbolic act of the practitioners of cleansing their bad karma. The other significance of pouring water over the statue is to re-enact the event following Buddha’s birth, when the devas and spirits made heavenly offerings to him.

Image Credit – KamalSell

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Wesak Day Festival in Malaysia is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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Arranging your own vacation can be a little daunting if you’ve always placed your annual trip in the hands of a competent travel agent. Before, all you had to do was to select the country and resort, get yourself to the airport on the right date and at the right time, and the rest was taken care of for you. You were probably met at your destination airport by the tour operator’s representative who then escorted you to your resort, and, at the end of your vacation, you just needed to be ready and waiting for the return coach journey to the airport. The sense of reassurance this can give has always gone some way to help vacationers enjoy their trip: there’s never been any worry about how to get from the airport to the hotel, how to cope with a broken toilet once there, or how to buy tickets for a boat excursion.

However, over the years, it seems that technology has helped the average vacationer to develop a somewhat more adventurous spirit. They’ve found that not only are they capable of arranging their own travel — and making substantial savings in the process — but that the flexibility and choice independent travel offers provide a greater chance of experiencing much more than they would otherwise do with a vacation package.

While all of this is true for the majority of travelers, there are however a few who will tell you that they wish they’d carried out a little more research before heading off with only a guidebook and their return flight ticket. While independent travel offers an abundance of opportunities, it needs a little preparation and organization. This way you can enjoy your vacation, as well as get back home at your scheduled return time!

Transfers

One of the biggest issues the independent traveler has to contend with is how to get from the airport to the hotel (or apartment, or hostel). While many will just jump in the first taxi that comes along, others prefer to do it a little differently. There are those travelers who want to keep costs down and therefore look for a cheaper alternative; others who believe that local transport is perfectly adequate for their needs; and those who want to experience the local transport system as part of the whole “vacation experience.” If you prefer to take public transport, then you’ll need to research not only the schedules, but whether it will actually be operating when you arrive. Many an independent traveler, arriving at his or her destination when the locals have been enjoying a day off, has been forced to take a taxi instead of public transport as originally intended. While this shouldn’t cause too many problems — apart from depriving those who want the experience of traveling on local transport — if you’re on a tight budget, it could very well mean the difference between dinner and just a beer!

On a similar note, always pay particular attention to the arrival time of your flight at your destination airport. Remember that you won’t be whisked away in a tour operator’s nice big comfortable air-conditioned coach. Ensure that you can get to your hotel and that you won’t be left hanging around for hours. This also applies to your return journey, especially if it’s imperative that you don’t miss your return flight home. It’s always prudent to avoid scheduling important commitments the day immediately following your return from vacation, especially if you’re traveling independently for the first time!

Accommodation

In order to get the best possible deal on your accommodation, ask if there are any membership discounts available when booking (e.g. AAA, seniors, family, or hotel membership). Most hotels have some or other promotion running so it’s worth trying to negotiate a cheaper rate than that advertised. Most accommodation bookings can be made online; however, if you want to negotiate on price, it’s probably easier done over the telephone. If you can be flexible with your dates, you stand more chance of negotiating a discount on the cost (this also applies to buying your airline tickets).

When choosing your hotel, don’t be content only with the information provided on the hotel’s website. This will show the hotel in the best possible light and some of the details (e.g. its location in relation to the local attractions) may be a little vague: “a short walk to the beach” is always worth further investigation! Check the hotel’s location in respect of amenities and attractions depending on what’s important to you: Is it close to the beach? Is it close to the bus station so you can take trips out of the city/resort? Is it close to the local sights?

If you’re on a tight budget, transfer fees from the airport to your hotel may dictate where you eventually decide to stay. While public transport costs will undoubtedly be cheaper than taxi fares, you could still end up paying more than you bargained for. Again, try to find out how much you’ll need to pay in public transport costs.

If you’ve been advised that the hotel or apartment is particularly difficult to find — this sort of information can be obtained from reading previous guests’ reviews online — then make sure you have a good map of the local area. While most local taxi drivers should be able to find your hotel, there’s no guarantee that they will. Always carry a contact number for your hotel just in case you run into any problems en route. Most times, if you get into difficulty, there will be someone you can call who can help you with directions.

Necessities

It always pays to learn a few words of the local lingo, regardless of whether or not you travel independently. However, without access to a tour guide, and the comfort of an “all-inclusive” resort, you may find that a few words of the local language come in very handy. Attempting to communicate with the locals can sometimes be the difference between receiving acceptable and very good service in a restaurant or café. Invest in a small phrase book. If you’re going to be eating out often then make sure it includes translations for food and beverages, especially if you have special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, food allergy).

Find out whether you’ll be able to access your money while on vacation or whether you need to take cash or travelers’ checks with you.

As you won’t have a travel agent to remind you about necessities such as vaccines, and visas, research what’s needed in this respect for the country you’ll be visiting.

The same applies to travel insurance. Carry out the necessary research to see which package best suits your travel needs.

Research the resort or city where you’ll be staying to know which spots you should visit — and which you should avoid. Again, there may not be anyone on hand to advise you about this aspect of your vacation so find out what you can before leaving home.

And finally, regardless of how independently you travel, remember that we all need to consider our impact on the places we’re visiting and how we can be responsible travelers: take only photographs and leave nothing but footprints.

Independent Vacationing for the Novice is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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Chap Goh Mei is basically the last day of the Chinese New Year festival which is celebrated on the fifteenth day. The term Chap Goh Mei is derived from the Hokkien dialect when translated simply means the 15th night of Chinese New Year. Chap Goh Mei is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day, another significant purpose for this day besides being tagged as the last day of celebrations. This is also a night where family members come together and have a meal while offerings and prayers are also held in conjunction with the celebrations.

Just like the first day of Chinese New Year, Chap Goh Mei is celebrated on a grand scale as the houses are decorated with bright lights and red lanterns. You can see that many of the houses provide offerings for the deities as the candles and joss sticks flicker in the wind. If you go to temples you can see many of the devotees perform prayers and asking the God of Prosperity to bless them with success and wealth for the coming year. The night will also be filled with activities as you may be able to witness cultural performances, lion dances and other various activities which you will have to wait another year for should you miss out on it that night.

As mentioned before, the last day is also marked as the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day which will definitely bring forth lots of fun and gaiety. On this night of courtship the young ladies will dress to the nines and go to the temples in hope of finding their prospective suitors. In Malaysia most of the single people turn out on this night for the same purpose of match-making.

However instead of going to temples and finding their significant other, what most of them do is take mandarin oranges and write their name and phone number on it. Then they would throw it into a lake or a pond which traditionally signifies that the lady is available for marriage, however in modern times it is usually to find a boyfriend. This is definitely one of the main highlights of Chap Goh Mei and something that is popular amongst the youths even until today.

You would think that this tradition was passed on from China however it is not. In fact it originated from our very own shores in the state of Penang. The tradition of throwing mandarin oranges started sometime ago in the late 19th century. So every year on that particular day you would see throngs and throngs of single people flock to the Esplanade armed with mandarin oranges and personal information scribbled on the skin of the oranges.

Another tradition with regards to Chap Goh Mei is that this is the only day throughout the whole year where the young maidens would be allowed to walk the streets but they must be accompanied by a chaperon. The young men would also go out and in hopes of catching a glimpse of the young maiden and taking their hand in marriage. Obviously this does not happen anymore but the concept of match-making still lives on.

Image Credit – VisitPenang.Gov.My

Chap Goh Meh in Malaysia is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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1. Chinese New Year Celebrations in Malaysia
2. Wesak Day Festival in Malaysia

Are you the energetic and outdoor lover type?

If your answer is yes then you’ll definitely enjoy your time at Gua Tempurung .

Gua Tempurung is located at the outskirts of Perak , Lembah Tempurung near Gopeng. If your traveling from the North-South PLUS Expressway , the turning point will be Gopeng exit.

Inside Gua Tempurung is a massive cavern standing at 497 meters high. It is visible from the North-South Expressway near Gopeng. The cave is made of marble limestone (calcite calcium) of the Kinta limestone type.

It is more than 400 million years old and has a length of 1.9km , height of 120 metres. There is an underground river it is called Sungai Gua Tempurung. The river passage runs about 1.6 km through the cave inside Gunung Tempurung.

There are four cave exploration packages available for tourist. The shortest tour takes only about 45mins and the longest takes about 3 ½ hours. The tours consist of dry and wet. Dry tour will take you to see how nature has shaped magnificent sights that are over 400 million years old while the wet will take you through a short river adventure.

However for the river adventure you need to be ready to face the leeches and the scorpions but it goes by season therefore you do not need to worry as the guide will tell you the season beforehand. Additionally, on some parts of the river adventure you may have to crawl.

The fees for the tour packages range from as low as RM6.00 to RM22.00. All of the tour packages start at 9.00am but the last entrance for each tour is different. Gua Tempurung opens daily except for every Fridays.

The facilities are prepared to accommodate the needs of tourist such as ample parking space near cave entrance, food stalls, convenience store , handicraft and souvenir stall , toilets , changing rooms , surau (prayer rooms for Muslims) , reception and ticket counter.

Besides all this information, advice on what to bring and what not to bring is one of the important matter. As you all know , cave explorations makes you sweat and muddy therefore it is essential for tourist to bring extra clothing , towel and shoes to change.

There are neither shops nor malls nearby for tourist who forgotten to bring the essential stuff , so be prepared. Dress comfortably like cotton T-shirts with sweat pants , denim is not advisable as it obstruct movement.

Torchlight would come in handy at some places that is pitch black , gloves and knee-pad are highly recommended for the wet tour.

Camera and caving helmet are optional , however if you think there is a need to bring a camera , just bring the inexpensive ones and put it in watertight plastic or container. Bring mineral water and other personal small stuff in a bag pack

You may be all worn out after the cave explorations at Gua Tempurung, therefore it is advisable that you take a rest at a nearby hotel for a night to recharge your energy before you travel home.

More Info – Gua Tempurung

Gua Tempurung Perak Malaysia is a post from: 1Malaysia Travel Blog

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