Thursday, March 29, 2007

Danga Bay

Located along the banks of the Straits of Johor is Danga Bay, previously known as Lido beach. This is a popular spot for relaxing, and on clear days, you can even catch a good view of Singapore. However, using a pair of binoculars would be even better, as it's quite a distance from Johor Bahru.

Danga Bay stretches for about 3km, and is actually the waterfront of Johor Bahru. To view the causeway that links Johor to Singapore, try a boat ride. However, you are not allowed to go beyond 300m from the banks of Johor Bahru. Optionally, you can also go on a cruise along the straits up to Kg. Melayu. On this trip, you can see the kelong (huge fish trap built on stilts) and visit fish farms or aquaculture centres where sea bass, garoupa and mussels are bred.

Getting There
Travelling via taxi is the best choice to get here form Johor Bahru city centre. The fare is about RM4 to RM5, depending on traffic conditions. But if you prefer to take a leisure walk from the city centre, just follow the pedestrian path along the straits for about 2km.

Source: http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Pangkor


Largely inhabited by fisher-folk who live in fishing settlements scattered along the coast, Pangkor - in stark contrast to Malaysia's fast-paced progress - remains a haven for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, visitors can bask in the sun on her golden beaches and catch sights of fishing boats rocking gently on calm blue waters. Situated 7km from historic Lumut town across the Straits of Malacca, it has for centuries enthralled visitors with her charming beauty, idyllic bays, pristine beaches, and vibrant tropical forests. Hence it comes as no surprise that she has been a welcome stopover for the sea weary, pirates, and adventurers in the old days. In fact, it was at one time ruled by European conquerors such as the Dutch and British yet her natural wonders have remained unscarred and her environment as tranquil and harmonious as ever. Today's Pangkor is a thriving tourist destination that does not reflect her turbulent past.

Getting There
Pangkor is a 40 minute ferry ride from Lumut, a coastal town, which is 84km from Ipoh city or a 3 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. The ferry fare costs a mere few ringgit depending on which part of Pangkor you are going to. There are also scheduled flights via Kuala Lumpur operated by Berjaya Air. This flight is 5 times a week except Thuesday and Thurday. Once there, taxis (Van) are available for most part of the day to take you around. However, please be forewarned that the taxis have no meters, hence you should check the fare before embarking on a ride.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Perhentian Island


Located : 21 km off the coast of Terengganu, consists of two islands : Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. 5 nm to northwest, there are large rocky outcrops garlanded with beautiful reefs. Those are another beautiful islands which surrounding the Perhentian Island. Every island has their own unique name like Susu Dara Island, Tokong Kemudi Barat Island, Dara Kecil(Little Virgin) Island, Burong (Bird) Island, Serenggeh Island, Rawa Island and Tokong Kemudi Island.



How to get there : From Kuala Terengganu(the capital city) you may get a taxi or go by bus to Kampung Kuala Besut which is the post for all boat rides to these islands.From there, it takes abaout one and a half hours journey.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Pride Of A Nation


Some call it Malaysia's new icon. To others, it is the symbol of Malaysia's great leap forward.

With PETRONAS, Malaysia's national petroleum corporation as its anchor tenant, the 88-storey PETRONAS Twin Towers is the new unmistakable identity for Malaysia.

The PETRONAS Twin Towers is set against the backdrop of the beautifully landscaped Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) park. The development, built based on a holistic approach, combining business with art, science and nature also included a symphonic concert hall at the podium between the twin towers, an international class art gallery and an interactive petroleum science discovery centre in the adjoining Suria KLCC Mall.

Soaring 452 metres into the sky, the PETRONAS Twin Towers is a national pride to the people of Malaysia.

It is testimony to the capabilities and determination of Malaysians in making a project of such a mammoth scale a reality, an engineering feat yet unparalleled in the country.

Source: http://www.petronas.com.my/

Monday, March 12, 2007

Welcome To Langkawi


Welcome to mylangkawi.com, the official travel Website of Langkawi, islands of legends and folklore in Malaysia

Renowned internationally as the archipelago of 99 tropical islands in Malaysia, Langkawi is the ultimate holiday paradise that offers modern accommodation facilities and amenities set against the natural backdrop of sun-drenched beaches and ancient rainforests teeming with exotic plant and animal life. Be transported back in time with the enthralling folklore and fascinating legends of Langkawi.

More detail please visit: http://www.mylangkawi.com/

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Travel Malaysia: Kelantan Nature Activities


NATURE
Waterfalls in Kelantan are major attractions for picnics and swimming. Jeram Pasu is just off the Kota Bharu-Pasir Putih road while Jeram Lenang is off the Pasir Putih-Machang Road. Lata Beringin, with its 120 metre drop, cool waters and lush vegetation is certainly one of the most spectacular. It is found off the Kuala Krai-Gua Musang Highway.

Gunung Stong
One of Kelantan's highest mountains, at 1,442 metres, is reputed to hold hidden treasure in Gua Ikan (Fish Cave), named after a solitary fish-shaped rock. The treasure is said to have been hidden during the Japanese Occupation.

Other Nature Activities
With something to suit all tastes, Kelantan's many offerings range from simple river cruises, rafting and bird watching to jungle trekking.

River Cruise
Beginning at Kuala Krai, the River Cruise winds its way upriver to the town of Dabong. Passing through ancient tropical forests and a number riverine communities, you may catch a glimpse of shy jungle wildlife. Kingfishers, eagles and hornbills are readily seen, along with various species of monkeys.

Jelawang Waterfalls
From Dabong, you can return to Kota Bharu by train, or head to Jelawang for jungle trekking. Chalets are available and jungle trekking of varying levels of difficulty can be organised by several operators easily found in the immediate area.

Chalets are available and various jungle trails have been laid. A 1.5 hour trek will take you to the spectacular Jelawang Waterfalls.

Gua Musang is another alternative which can also be reached by train. Well-known for its limestone caves, cave temple and the Lata Bringin Waterfalls, Gua Musang is only a 2-hour drive from Taman Negara (The National Park). The Kedasar Inn, located in Gua Musang's old town can arrange visits to a goldmine, a deer park, an ethno-botanical garden and aboriginal settlements as well as organise river rafting and cave explorations.

A summer camp near town, complete with various obstacle and fitness courses, provides leadership and youth training programs.

Kuala Koh Entry Point to Taman Negara
Kuala Koh, two-hour's drive from Gua Musang is the northern entrance to Taman Negara and serves as the Park Headquarters in Kelantan. Chalets are available at Kuala Koh, if required.

For bird watching enthusiasts, it is possible to see quite a variety of birds in a couple of days, and for anglers, the pristine rivers offer some excellent sport-fishing. The whole area offers superb opportunities for photographers. The diverse flora and fauna in the surrounding emerald rainforest provides perfect settings, colours and contrasts.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Bukit Bintang


Bukit Bintang (Also known as Star Hill) is the name of the famous shopping and entertainment district and tourist haven in Kuala Lumpur, and the road that runs through it, Jalan Bukit Bintang. The area is home to many landmark shopping centres, cafés, clubs, shops, malls and specialty shops.
Geography

Bukit Bintang is a shopping district located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The shopping district is located within three main roads: Jalan Bukit Bintang starts from Jalan Pudu and intersects with Jalan Sultan Ismail. There are a number of hotels and restaurants located on Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan Tengkat Tong Shin. Magnificent eateries are available on Jalan Alor adjacent to Bukit Bintang, where hawkers provide excellent quality and cheap dishes in a laid back atmosphere. The area extends into Jalan Tengkat Tong Shin in which venerable heritage structures, hailing from Kuala Lumpur's colonial past, have been modernized into fashionable night spots and restaurants where tourists and locals blend in a colourful urban tapestry.

Accommodation
Bukit Bintang provides budget and luxurious accommodation services to tourists from outside the city. Among the notable hotels are JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Royale Bintang, Federal Hotel and Novotel.

Shopping
Bukit Bintang is indisputably one of the city's foremost shopping districts offering a multitude of merchandise to suit every taste and budget. The cities major shopping outlets are located in this area namely:
-Bukit Bintang Plaza
-Imbi Plaza
-Kuala Lumpur Plaza
-Lot 10
-Low Yat Plaza
-The Pavillion- scheduled to open on 2007
-StarHill Gallery- www.bintangwalk.com
-Sungei Wang Plaza

The face of Bukit Bintang is about to change by the year of 2007 as the opening of The Pavillion which is located at the opposite of Starhill gallery. It will create a better retail therapy enviroment which defines the true meaning of shopping haven.

Bintang Walk is located along Jalan Bukit Bintang shopping spread. This place has transformed over the last 5 years to be one of the busiest tourist/local hangout and shopping haven. Cafes, restaurants, Clubs, Shops, Malls and more fill up this street. On weekends, thousands of people walk pass to get to other shopping malls within the area. Bintang Walk is the place that defines 'lepak' culture and it's totally contagious. Almost every major nightlife event happens here such as the New Year’s countdown, Merdeka eve celebrations, as well as fashion shows, street concerts and parties.

Entertainment
There are a number of cafés and nightclubs in the Bukit Bintang. Notable establishments include Nouva, Espanda, The Beach Club, Atmosphere, Hard Rock Cafe, Planet Hollywood, Starbucks, Dome café and Zouk.

Transport
There are many taxis and buses that go through Bukit Bintang. The KL Monorail also has four stations that are situated conveniently in the area. The stations are Hang Tuah, Imbi, Bukit Bintang and Raja Chulan.

Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/bukit-bintang