Beauty Malaysia

Labuan

2009-09-10T01:29:00.000-07:00

Labuan is the main island of the Malaysian Federal Territory of Labuan. Labuan is best known as an offshore financial centre offering international financial and business services via Labuan IBFC since 1990 as well as a tourist destination for nearby Bruneians and scuba divers. The name Labuan derives from the Malay word labuhan meaning anchorage.

he Federal Territory of Labuan comprises Labuan Island (75 km²) and six other smaller islands (Pulau Burung, Pulau Daat, Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Papan, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, and Pulau Rusukan Besar), which have a combined total area of 92 km². The islands lie 8 km off the coast of Borneo, adjacent to the Malaysian state of Sabah and the independent state of Brunei Darussalam, on the northern edge of Brunei Bay facing the South China Sea. Labuan Island is mainly flat and undulating and the highest point is only 85 meters. Over 70% of the island is still covered with vegetation. Bandar Labuan, formerly known as Victoria, is the major town and port and faces Brunei Bay.

Hotel

Labuan Area, Sabah

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Beta Service Apartment
Tiara Labuan Hotel
Grand Dorsett Labuan Hotel (Ex.Sheraton Labuan Hotel)
Manikar Beach Resort
Waterfront Labuan Hotel
Mariner Hotel Labuan

Sarawak

2009-09-10T01:25:00.000-07:00

Kuching City Centre skyline at dusk, viewed from across the Sarawak River

Sarawak is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Known as Bumi Kenyalang ("Land of the Hornbills"), it is situated on the north-west of the island. It is the largest state in Malaysia; the second largest, Sabah, lies to the northeast.

The administrative capital is Kuching which has a population of 579,900 (2006 census; Kuching City South - 143,500; Kuching City North - 133,600; Padawan- 3rd Mile/ 7th Mile/ 10th Mile - 302,800). The name Kuching literally means ‘cat’ (kucing), although this is the official version, it is much more likely to be derived from Chinese Cantonese for 'Old Place'. Major cities and towns also include Sibu (pop. 254,000), Miri (pop. 263,000) and Bintulu (pop. 176,800). As of last census (Dec 31, 2006), the state population was 2,357,500. For more details about the population see Demographics of Malaysia, though it is interesting to note that Sarawak is, like Sabah to the north, a multicultural state, with no ethnic majority.

Hotel

Kuching Area, Sarawak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Crowne Plaza Riverside Kuching
Damai Puri Resort & Spa Kuching (ex. Damai Lagoon)
Four Points by Sheraton Kuching
Grand Continental Hotel Kuching
Grand Margherita Hotel Kuching (ex. Holiday Inn)
Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort
Hilton Hotel Kuching
Holiday Inn Resort Damai Beach
Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club
Harbour View Hotel
Kingwood Inn Kuching Hotel
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites
Rajah Court Hotel
Regal Court Kuching
Permai Rainforest Resort
Santubong Kuching Resort
Somerset Gateway Kuching Hotel
Telang Usan Hotel Kuching
The LimeTree Hotel Kuching
Wesberly Apartment Kuching

Miri Area, Sarawak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Dynasty Hotel Miri
Grand Palace Hotel Miri
Mega Hotel, Miri
Marriott Resort & Spa , Miri
Parkcity Everly Hotel, Miri

Sibu Area, Sarawak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Kingwood Hotel Sibu
RH Hotel in Sibu (ex.Everly Hotel Sibu)
Paramount Hotel in Sibu
Premier Hotel in Sibu
Tanahmas Hotel in Sibu

Bintulu Area, Sarawak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
ParkCity Beverly Hotel

Mulu National Park Area, Sarawak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Royal Mulu Resort

Sabah

2009-09-10T01:22:00.000-07:00

Kota Kinabalu City

Sabah is a Malaysian state located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo . It is the second largest state in Malaysia after Sarawak, which it borders on its south-west. It also shares a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the south. In spite of its status as a Malaysian state, Sabah remains a disputed territory; the Philippines has a dormant claim over much of the eastern part of the territory. The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton. Sabah is known as "Sabah, negeri di bawah bayu", which means "Sabah, the land below the winds", because of its location just south of the typhoon-prone region around the Philippines.

Tourism

Tourism, particularly eco-tourism, is a major contributor to the economy of Sabah. In 2006, 2,000,000 tourists visited Sabah and it is estimated that the number will continue to rise following vigorous promotional activities by the state and national tourism boards and also increased stability and security in the region. Sabah currently has six national parks. One of these, the Kinabalu National Park, was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2000. It is the firstof two sites in Malaysia to obtain this status, the other being the Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak. These parks are maintained and controlled by Sabah Parks under the Parks Enactment 1984. The Sabah Wildlife Department also has conservation, utilization, and management responsibilities.

National Parks

Mount Kinabalu National Park - the second highest mountain in Southeast Asia with an altitude of 4,101 metres (13,455 ft). It is only lower than Puncak Jaya in Irian Jaya on the island of New Guinea, Indonesia at 4,884 metres.
Turtle Islands Park - conservation efforts for endangered sea turtles
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - A national park consisting of five islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu
Pulau Tiga National Park
Crocker Range National Park
Tawau Hills

Perlis

2009-09-10T01:19:00.000-07:00

Kangar capital of Perlis

Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia. It lies at the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has Satun and Songkhla Provinces of Thailand on its northern border. Perlis was called Palit by the Siamese when it was under their influence.

Perlis Indera Kayangan has a population of 210,000. The ethnic composition for the year 2000 in Perlis was: Malay (174,805 or 79.74%), Chinese (21,058 or 9.6%), Indian (2,658 or 1.21%) and others (20,690 or 9.45%).

The capital of Perlis is Kangar and the Royal capital is Arau. Another important town is Padang Besar, at the Malaysian-Thailand border. The main port and ferry terminal is at the small village of Kuala Perlis, linking mostly to Langkawi Island. Perlis has a famous snake farm and research centre at Sungai Batu Pahat and Gua Kelam and Perlis State Park are tourist attractions. Compared to other states of Malaysia, Perlis has bucolic charm, peace and simplicity.

Hotel

Kangar Area, Perlis

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Putra Palace Hotel

Terengganu

2009-09-10T01:16:00.000-07:00

View on part of Kuala Terengganu

Terengganu is a sultanate and constitutive state of federal Malaysia. The state is also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Iman ("Abode of Faith"). The coastal city of Kuala Terengganu which stands at the mouth of the broad Terengganu River is both the state and royal capital as well as the largest city in Terengganu.

There are several theories on the origin of the name 'Terengganu'. One theory attributes the name's origin to terang ganu, Malay for 'bright rainbow'. Another story, said to have been originally narrated by the ninth Sultan of Terengganu, Baginda Omar, tells of a party of hunters from Pahang roving and hunting in the area of what is now southern Terengganu. One of the hunters spotted a big animal fang lying on the ground. A fellow party member asked to which animal did the fang belong. The hunter, not knowing which animal, simply answered taring anu (Malay: 'fang of something'). The party later returned to Pahang with a rich hoard of game, fur and sandalwood, which impressed their neighbors. They asked the hunters where did they source their riches, to which they replied, from the land of taring anu, which later evolved into Terengganu. Terengganu was called Trangkanu (Thai: ตรังกานู) by the Siamese when it was under their influence.

Kelantan

2009-09-10T01:12:00.000-07:00

Jalan Temenggong, Kota Bharu

Kelantan is a state of Malaysia. The capital and royal seat is Kota Bharu. The Arabic honorific of the state is Darul Naim, ("The Blissful Abode").

Kelantan is positioned in the north-east of Peninsular Malaysia. It is bordered by Narathiwat Province of Thailand to the north, Terengganu to the south-east, Perak to the west, and Pahang to the south. To the north-east of Kelantan is the South China Sea.

Kelantan is located in the north-eastern corner of the peninsula, Kelantan, which is said to translate as the "Land of Lightning" (see alternate theories below), is an agrarian state with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches. Kelantan is home to some of the most ancient archaeological discoveries in Malaysia, including several prehistoric aboriginal settlements.

With the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) in power for many years, Kelantan is also Malaysia's most socially conservative and Islamic state.

Johor

2009-09-10T01:08:00.000-07:00

Johor Bahru city view

Johor , also known as Johore by British. It is a Malaysian state, located in the southern portion of Peninsular Malaysia. It is one of the most well developed states in Malaysia. The state capital city and royal city of Johor is Johor Bahru, formerly known as Tanjung Puteri (Malay for Princess' Cliff). The old state capital is Johor Lama.

Johor is surrounded by Pahang to the north, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan to the northwest, and the Straits of Johor to the south which separates Johor and the Republic of Singapore.

The city of Johor Bahru is located at 1°29′N 103°44′E / 1.483°N 103.733°E. The city council administers the highly developed southern central coast of the metropolitan area, with a total area of 185 km². It is situated on the Straits of Johor (also known as the Straits of Tebrau), which separates Malaysia and Singapore. Metropolitan Johor Bahru occupies extensive coastal land consisting of ecologically rich swamp lands and important river systems such as Sungai Johor, Sungai Pulai and Sungai Tebrau.

Pahang

2009-09-10T01:02:00.000-07:00

Kuantan

Pahang is the third largest state in Malaysia, after Sarawak and Sabah, occupying the huge Pahang River river basin. It is bordered to the north by Kelantan, to the west by Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, to the south by Johor and to the east by Terengganu and the South China Sea.

Its state capital is Kuantan, and the royal seat is at Pekan. Other important towns include Jerantut, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh and the hill resorts of Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Bukit Tinggi and Fraser's Hill.

The Arabic honorific of Pahang is Darul Makmur ("Abode of Tranquility").

The ethnic composition is roughly 1,000,000 Malay and Bumiputra, 233,000 Chinese, 68,500 Indians, 13,700 others, and 68,000 non-citizens.

Negeri Sembilan

2009-09-10T00:57:00.000-07:00

Night view of Seremban.

Negeri Sembilan , is one of the 13 states that constitutes the Federation of Malaysia. It is located on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just south of Kuala Lumpur and is bordered in the north by Selangor, in the east by Pahang and in the south by Malacca and Johor.

The name is believed to derive from the nine districts or negara (now known as luak) settled by the Minangkabau, a people originally from West Sumatra (present-day Indonesia). Minangkabau features are still visible today in traditional architecture and the dialect of Malay spoken.

Unlike the hereditary monarchs of the other royal Malay states, the ruler of Negeri Sembilan is known as Yang di-Pertuan Besar instead of Sultan. The election of the Ruler is also unique whereby he is selected by the council of Undangs who lead the four biggest districts of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol, and Rembau, making it one of the more democratic monarchies.

The capital of Negeri Sembilan is Seremban. The royal capital is Seri Menanti in the district of Kuala Pilah. Other important towns are Port Dickson and Nilai.

The Arabic honorific title of the state is Darul Khusus ("the Special Abode").

The ethnic composition in 2005 was:Malay (497,896 or 54.96%), Chinese (220,141 or 24.3%), Indian (137,588 or 15.18%), Other (50,267 or 5.54%).

Istana Seri Menanti

Melaka

2009-09-10T00:50:00.000-07:00

Malacca Town Bandar Melaka

Malacca is the third smallest Malaysian state, after Perlis and Penang. It is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, on the Straits of Malacca. It borders Negeri Sembilan to the north and the state of Johor to the south. The state's capital is Malacca Town. This historical city centre has been listed as a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO since 7 July 2008.

Although Malacca was once one of the oldest Malay sultanates, the state has no Sultan today. Instead, the head of state is the Yang di-Pertua Negeri or Governor.

The city of Malacca is located on both sides of the Malacca River near its fall into the Strait of Malacca. The historic central area of the city is located near the old coastline, includes St Paul's Hill with the ruins of the Portuguese fortress, A Famosa and the Dutch Square on the right (eastern) bank of the river, and the old Chinatown on the left (western) bank. The modern city has grown in all direction from this historic core, including to the south (because the present coastline of the Strait of Malacca is somewhat further down to the south than its original location, due to land reclamation). The "Chinese Hill" (Bukit Cina), where a large old Chinese cemetery is located, was formerly located to the northeast of the town, but now is surrounded by the city from all sides.

The surviving gate of the A Famosa Portuguese fort in Malacca.

Selangor

2009-09-10T00:44:00.000-07:00

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque or Blue Mosque in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Selangor is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south and the Strait of Malacca to the west. It completely surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

The state is a hereditary constitutional monarchy, of which the reigning Sultan (since 2001) is Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. Since March 10, 2008, the Menteri Besar (chief executive of the state government) has been Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, of the People's Justice Party (PKR) portion of Pakatan Rakyat. The current leader of the opposition in the Selangor State Assembly is Dato' Seri Dr. Mohamed Khir Toyo, who is part of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) party in Barisan Nasional. He was also the 13th Menteri Besar of Selangor.

The state capital is Shah Alam, the first city in Selangor, and the royal capital is Klang. Another major urban centre is Petaling Jaya which was awarded city status on June 20, 2006. Selangor is one of only two Malaysian states with more than one city; the other is Sarawak.

Selangor is the richest state in Malaysia in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) and second richest behind Penang in terms of GDP per capita (PPP) at USD 11,762. On 27 August 2005, Selangor was officially declared the first developed state in Malaysia by the then state government.

The palace of the Sultan of Selangor in Klang.

Penang (Pulau Pinang)

2009-09-10T00:39:00.000-07:00

The City Hall housing the Municipal Council of Penang Island

Penang is a state in Malaysia, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Strait of Malacca. Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite.

A colonial-era house with a Straits-Chinese art deco eclectic architecture

Penang's historic architecture is centred mainly in George Town. Its rows of 100 year-old shophouses and colonial villas give George Town its distinctive atmosphere. Penang was the venue for several historical movies, such as Anna and the King and the French film Indochine.
The best way to capture Penang’s mixed heritage is to stroll around town. The aged buildings are noted for their faded colours and crumbling walls. Old houses have columns or multi-coloured Peranakan tiles. The Aceh Mosque is the oldest house of worship in the city. The smell of incense drifts in the air amidst gold settings of Burmese, Thai and Chinese temples. The Khoo Kongsi is a traditional form of Chinese art with its delicately carved wooden panels. Other long-time occupants include elderly Chinese shopkeepers, colourful Indian food stalls and trishaws with their drivers.

Tourism

Concerns about Penang beaches

State Tourism Development Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said that there were plans to clean up and landscape the beaches in Batu Ferringhi. "The cleanliness of our beaches has been neglected for more than 10 years and this is a challenge to the tourism sector,". He added that the state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) took water samples from beaches in Batu Ferringhi and determined numerous pollution sources including the sewage system, illegal restaurants and hawkers and car-washing activities.
State Tourism Development Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said he was informed of the matter by the management of Malaysia Airlines. "The number of tourists from these regions has been steadily declining over the past decade" and "Tourists come to the state for the surf and sand but they usually return home disappointed. We are even losing out domestically to Pangkor and Langkawi" "Rivers will be cleaned up and illegal outlets draining sewage into the sea will be connected to a treatment plant by 2009."
Association of Tourist Attractions Penang (ATAP) chairman Eddy Low said "We strongly discourage food courts or stalls being set up or built near the sea to prevent the dumping of rubbish into the sea and around the area. " He said there should also be a massive plan for a central sewerage system so that waste would not go to the sea. There is also a need to protect the outer islands such as Pulau Jerejak, Pulau Rimau and Pulau Aman. "It is important for us to maintain these islands which are still pristine and untouched by pollution."

Kedah

2009-09-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

Masjid Zahir Mosque view and city from Alor Setar Tower

Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice. Langkawi is an archipelago of islands, most of which are uninhabited. Kedah was called Syburi by the Siamese when it was under their influence.
Kedah borders the state of Perlis and shares an international boundary with the Songkhla and Yala provinces of Thailand to the north. It also borders the state of Perak to the south and Penang to the southwest.
The state's capital and royal seat is Alor Setar. Other major towns include Sungai Petani, and Kulim on the mainland, and Kuah on Langkawi. Kedah is divided into 12 districts namely Baling, Bandar Baharu, Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu, Kulim, Langkawi, Pokok Sena, Padang Terap, Pendang, Sik and Yan.

Tourism

Puncak Janing Waterfall
Balai Besar
Balai Nobat
Bukit Kayu Hitam
Balai Seni Negeri
Batu Hampar Waterfall
Junjong Waterfall
Kota Kuala Kedah
Lata Mengkuang Waterfall
Lembah Bujang Archaeological Park
Lasor Eco Park
Masjid Zahir
Menara Alor Setar
Muzium Negeri
Muzium Padi
Pantai Merdeka
Pedu Lake
Pekan Rabu
Perangin Sik Waterfall
Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir
Seri Perigi Waterfall
Sungai Merbok Recreation Park
Sungai Sedim Tree Top Walk
Ulu Muda Eco Park
Hutan Paya Laut
Ulu Legong Hot Springs
Titi Hayun Waterfall
Gunung Jerai

Langkawi

The Statue of Langkawi

Atma Alam Batik Art Village
Air Hangat Village
Craft And Cultural Complex
Dataran Lang
Galeria Perdana
Gunung Raya Golf Resort
Ibrahim Hussein Museum
Pekan Kuah
Langkawi Cable Car
Langkawi Canopy Adventure
Langkawi Crocodile Farm
Langkawi Golf Club
Langkawi Falls
Mahsuri’s Mausoleum
Morac Go Karts
Padang Matsirat Village
Rice Museum – Laman Padi
Sailing And Marinas
Telaga Harbour Park
The Golf Club Datai Bay
Traditional Malay Kampong
Underwater World Langkawi
Wildlife Park
Pulau Payar Marine Park

Perak

2009-09-10T00:14:00.000-07:00

Aerial view of Ipoh City from Kledang Hills.

Perak is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is the second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia bordering Kedah and Yala Province of Thailand to the north, Penang to the northwest, Kelantan and Pahang to the east, Selangor southward and to the west by the Strait of Malacca.

Perak means silver in Malay. The name comes most probably from the silvery colour of tin. In the 1890s, Perak, with the richest alluvial deposits of tin in the world was one of the jewels in the crown of the British Empire. However, some say the name comes from the "glimmer of fish in the water" that sparkled like silver. The Arab honorific of the State is Darul Ridzuan, the Land of Grace.

Ipoh, the state capital of Perak, is known historically for its tin-mining activities until the drop of tin price, which has severely affected the state economy. The royal capital, however, is set in Kuala Kangsar, where the palace of the Sultan of Perak is located.

Tourism

There are several places of interests in Perak, such as its state capital, Ipoh, legendary for their silky noodles in soup called 'Sar Hor Fun' and Hainanese chicken rice. Tambun pomelos are another attraction to locals from other states.

Kuala Kangsar, just 48 km north of Ipoh on the Perak River, is the royal town of Perak. It is dominated by three buildings: Istana Iskandariah, Istana Kenangan and the Ubudiah Mosque. The Istana Iskandariah, located on a hill overlooking the river, is the palace of the Sultan of Perak. Istana Kenangan, which was constructed as a temporary residence during the Iskandariah's construction is known for its beautiful architecture. The Ubudiah Mosque is an impressive structure topped with a constellation of bright golden domes.

Kellie's Castle is located in Batu Gajah. It was built in 1915 and was never completed as the owner William Kellie Smith returned to England and died there. Many believe the castle is haunted, having many secret rooms and even a hidden tunnel. Today, it is opened as a tourist attraction.

Accessible from Lumut, the Pangkor Island holds a mix of quaint fishing settlements and white beaches decked with rich vegetation. The warm waters are perfect for swimming and diving while the atmosphere is simply relaxing. Many resorts are available for accommodation on this popular island.

A beautiful white water rafting location in Perak is at My Gopeng Resort (Gopeng). Many are here to do white water rafting (Grade 3), waterfall abseiling, rafflesia's flower trekking, jungle trekking and many others adventurous packages in Perak.

The Lost World of Tambun theme park

Memory Lane every Sunday morning

The Gua Tempurung Limestone Caves

Hotel

Ipoh Area, Perak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Excelsior Hotel Ipoh
Heritage Hotel Ipoh
HillCity Hotel and Condo Ipoh
Impiana Casuarina Hotel Ipoh(Ex.Casuarina Parkroyal)
Ritz Garden Hotel Ipoh
Seri Malaysia Hotel Ipoh
The Syuen Hotel Ipoh
Tower Regency Hotel & Apartments Ipoh

Bukit Merah Area, Perak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Bukit Merah Laketown Resort

Batu Gajah Area, Perak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort (Sri Damai at Clear Water Resort)

Taiping Area, Perak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Panorama Hotel Taiping
Seri Malaysia Hotel Taiping
Taiping Resort

Sungkai Area, Perak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Felda Residence Hot Spring Resort
Felda Residence Trolak Resort

Kampar Area, Perak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Grand Kampar Hotel Perak

Lumut Area, Perak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Blue Bay Resort Lumut
Swiss Garden Resort Damai Laut
Marina Cove Sherwood Resort Lumut
Swiss Court Holiday Apartment Lumut

Island in Perak

Banding Island, Perak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Belum Rainforest Resort Pulau Banding

Pangkor Island, Perak

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Coral Bay Resort Pangkor
Golden Beach Hotel & Resort Pangkor
Havana Beach Hotel Pangkor
Pangkor Bayview Beach Resort
Pangkor Holiday Resort
Pangkor Island Beach Resort (Ex.Pan Pancific Pangkor)
Pangkor Laut Resort
Pangkor Puteri Resort
Puteri Bayu Resort Pangkor (Ex. Sri Bayu Beach Resort)
Seagull Beach Resort Pangkor
Seaview Hotel & Holiday Resort Pangkor
Teluk Dalam Resort

Putrajaya

2009-09-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

The Prime Minister's office at Perdana Putra

Putrajaya , is a planned city, located south of Kuala Lumpur, that serves as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. The seat of government was shifted in 1999 from Kuala Lumpur due to the overcrowding and congestion there. Nevertheless, Kuala Lumpur remains as Malaysia's national capital and also as the commercial and financial centre. Putrajaya was the brainchild of a former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad who was in power then. In 2001, Putrajaya was made a Federal Territory, increasing the number of federal territories to three. Kuala Lumpur and Labuan are the other two.

Named after the first Malaysian Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra the city is situated within the Multimedia Super Corridor, beside the also newly developed Cyberjaya. The development started in 1995 and today major landmarks are completed and the population is expected to grow in the relatively new city.

Panoramic image of Putrajaya, (from left to right) the Putra Bridge, the Ministry of Finance on the left, the Seri Wawasan Bridge, the Istana Darul Ehsan next to it

Putra Mosque at Putrajaya Lake

Perbadanan Putrajaya government complex

The Ministry of Finance complex

Kuala Lumpur

2009-09-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

Kuala Lumpur skyline at night

Kuala Lumpur , is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. The city proper, making up an area of 244 km² (94 sq mi), has an estimated population of 1.6 million in 2006. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million. It is the fastest growing metropolitan region in the country, in terms of population as well as economy.

The Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpu

Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia. The city was once home to the executive and judicial branches of the federal government, but they have since moved to Putrajaya starting in 1999. Some sections of the judiciary remain in the capital. The official residence of the Malaysian King, the Istana Negara, is also situated in Kuala Lumpur. The city is also the cultural and economic centre of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a primate city. Kuala Lumpur is rated as an alpha world city, and is the only global city in Malaysia, according to the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC).

Kuala Lumpur is defined within the borders of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and is one of three Malaysian Federal Territories. It is an enclave within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Residents of the city are known as KLites.

Beginning in the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One World Championship. In addition, Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers.

Hotel

Bukit Bintang Area,Kuala Lumpur Hotels

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Agora Hotel
Alpha Genesis Hotel (Ex.Allson Genesis Hotel)
Berjaya Times Square Suite
Capitol Hotel
Coronade Hotel (Ex. Fairlane)
Dorsett Regency
Dorsett Regency Services Apartment
Federal Hotel
Grand Millenium Hotel (Ex.Regent Hotel)
Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel
JW Marriott Hotel
KL Plaza Suites Hotel
Nova Hotel
Radius International Hotel Bukit Bintang
Replica Inn Bukit Bintang
Royale Bintang Hotel
Swiss Garden Hotel
The Westin Hotel
Le Meridien Hotel
The Ritz Carlton Hotel
The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur Hotel
The Piccolo Hotel Kuala Lumpur

City Centre Area, Kuala Lumpur Hotels

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Duta Vista Executive Suite Kuala Lumpur
Heritage Station Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Hotel Maluri
Mandarin Court Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Melia Hotel
Midah Hotel
Puteri Park Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Quality Hotel City Centre

Chinatown Area, Kuala Lumpur Hotels

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Ancasa Hotel (formerly Impiana KL)
Chinatown Boutique Hotel
D'Oriental Inn Chinatown Hotel
Olympic Sports Hotel (Ex.Grand Olympic Hotel)
Hotel Malaya Kuala Lumpur
Citin Hotel Pudu (Ex.Katari Pudu Hotel)
Swiss Inn Hotel

Golden Triangle Area,Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Centra Hotel and Apartments
Concorde Hotel
Corus Hotel
Crown Plaza Mutiara Hotel
Crown Princess Hotel
Crown Regency Service Apartment
D-Villa Residence (ex.Holiday Villa Apartment Suites)
Darby Park Executive Suite
De Palma Hotel Ampang
Equatorial Hotel
Flamingo Hotel
Grand Maya Hotel
Istana Hotel
Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa
Lanson Place Ambassador Row
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Micasa Hotel Apartments
Nikko Hotel
Nomad Sucasa Service Apartments (ex.Sucasa Apartments)
Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre (ex.Novotel Hydro Majestic)
Pacific Regency Hotel Suites (Ex.Pacific Regency Hotel Apartment)
Prescott Inn Medan Tuanku
Prince Hotel & Residence
Renaissance Hotel (New World Wing)
Renaissance Hotel (Renaisance Wing)
Sheraton Imperial Hotel Kuala Lumpur (ex. Imperial Hotel )
Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon
The Zon All Suites Residences on the park (former SuiteStay Executive Residences)
The Ascott Hotel
The Maple Suites

KLIA Airport Area,Kuala Lumpur

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Concorde Inn Sepang Hotel
De Palma Inn Sepang
Empress Hotel Sepang
Pan Pacific Hotel KLIA
Seri Malaysia Bagan Lalang Hotel

Lake Garden Area,Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Carcosa Seri Negara
Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Mid Valley City Area,Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Boulevard Hotel
Cititel Mid Valley
The Gardens Hotel & Residences Mid Valley

Mines Resort City Area,Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Mines Beach Resort and Spa
Palace of the Golden Horses

Old Klang Road Area,Kuala Lumpur Hotels

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Pearl International Hotel

Putra World Trade Center Area,Kuala Lumpur Hotels

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Best Western Premier Seri Pacific (Ex.Pan Pacific Hotel)
Bestotel Hotel
City Villa Hotel
Cititel Express Hotel Kuala Lumpur (Ex. Stanford Hotel)
Citrus Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Dynasty Hotel
Grand Central Hotel
Grand Continental Kuala Lumpur
Grand Pacific Hotel
Grand Seasons Hotel
Legend Hotel & Apartments
Vistana Hotel
Wira Hotel

Putra Jaya/Cyber Jaya Area,Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Hotel Name	Hotel Rating
Cyberview Lodge Resort
Marriott Putrajaya
Palm Garden IOI Resort
Pullman Putrajaya Lake Resort

Malaysia

2009-09-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia that consists of thirteen states and three Federal Territories, with a total landmass of 329,847 square kilometres (127,355 sq mi). The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The population stands at over 27 million. The country is separated into two regions—Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo—by the South China Sea.Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei. The country is located near the equator and experiences a tropical climate.Malaysia's head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (a term that is similar to King), an elected monarch, and the government is headed by a Prime Minister. The government is closely modeled after the Westminster parliamentary system.

Malaysia as a unified state did not exist until 1963. Previously, the United Kingdom had established influence in colonies in the territory from the late-18th century. The western half of modern Malaysia was composed of several separate kingdoms. This group of colonies was known as British Malaya until its dissolution in 1946, when it was reorganized as the Malayan Union. Due to widespread opposition, it was reorganized again as the Federation of Malaya in 1948 and later gained independence on 31 August 1957. Singapore, Sarawak, British North Borneo and the Federation of Malaya joined to form Malaysia on 16 September 1963.Tensions in the early years of the new union sparked an armed conflict with Indonesia, and the expulsion of Singapore on 9 August 1965.

During the late-20th century, the Southeast Asian nation experienced an economic boom and underwent rapid development. Economic growth during the 1980s and 1990s, averaging 8% from 1991 to 1997, has transformed Malaysia into a newly industrialised country. Because Malaysia is one of three countries that control the Strait of Malacca, international trade is integral to its economy. At one time, it was the largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil in the world. Manufacturing makes up a major sector of the country's economy. Malaysia has a biodiverse range of flora and fauna, and is also considered one of the 18 megadiverse countries.

Malays form the majority of the population of Malaysia. There are sizable ethnic Chinese and Indian communities as well. The Malay language and Islam are the official language and religion of the federation respectively.

Malaysia is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and participates in many international organisations such as the United Nations. As a former British colony, it is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is a member of the Developing 8 Countries.