Terengganu Gears Up for the Monsoon Cup 2008

For sailing enthusiasts, the Monsoon Cup in Terengganu, Malaysia is sure to be one of the most anticipated events this year. First initiated by the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the prestigious race for professional sailing was borne out of the idea that the the country should take advantage of the monsoon season’s unpredictable weather. Rather than seeing the storms as a possible cause of disaster, the high-speed winds, torrential rains, and strong waves of the sea are instead presented as a challenge to competitors of the race.

This year, 12 of the world’s best match racing teams shall once again gather at the scenic island of Pulau Duyong in Terengganu, Malaysia to compete in its restless waters. Dubbed as the ‘Formula One of Sailing’, the Monsoon Cup is the ninth and final event in the World Match Racing Tour, and is scheduled to be held from December 3 to 7, 2008.

Because of this historical event, tourists and sailing fans are sure to come in droves for the experience, and Terengganu is ready for the surge of people during this time. Most hotels in the area offer decent lodgings for their vistors, including the Felda Residence. Strategically located in the heart of the town overlooking the Sungai Terengganu River and easily accessible from the Kuala Terengganu Airport, it is ideal for those intent on following the developments of the race.

With 101 rooms to offer their guests, the hotel is encouraging everyone to make their reservations early in time for the Monsoon Cup. By visiting their official website, guests can view room details, rates, and facilities with ease, and book their room of choice instantly on the site itself.

For more information on Felda Residence, visit their official site.

The Summit Hotel Subang USJ Kicks Off Festive and Holiday Packages

The Summit Hotel Subang USJ is getting ready for the holiday and vacation seasons with special promos aptly dubbed The Festive and Holiday Packages. With these packages, guests are able to enjoy their stay better at very competitive prices. The promos are made up of three different packages that coincide with important seasons in the calendar and are named The School Holiday Escapade, Yuletide Specials, and Celebrate Year of the Ox

The School Holiday Escapade will be the longest running promo which will start from 1st October 2008 and end on 1st March 2009. If you take advantage of this package, you will enjoy two days and one night in a Superior Room of this hotel in Malaysia. Accommodation comes complete with daily buffet breakfast for the duration of your stay, plus a refreshing welcome fruit platter and drink upon arrival

Under this promo, twin sharing rate is RM 160 per person, while a single accommodation can go for RM 235 per person. Bringing your kids along will only add RM 95 to your bill and that’s for kids aged four to twelve years. To spice up the fun, an all-park Sunway Lagoon ticket is also bundled with the accommodation. Transfers to and from the park are also available for guests at a special rate.

For the Yuletide Specials, Summit Hotel Subang USJ will offer Superior Rooms for only RM 150 net per room starting 23rd December 2008 up to 4th January 2009. With this package, you can enjoy the Christmas holidays and end 2008 with a big bang. The Yuletide promo also includes a welcome drink upon your arrival.

Meanwhile, you can greet the coming Chinese New Year with a blast when you avail of Celebrate Year of the Ox promo. You can stay at any of the Superior Rooms from 23rd January to 1st February 2009 for only RM 190 per room. Promo accommodation will include daily buffet breakfast and a welcome drink upon your arrival.

With the Festive and Holiday Packages, The Summit Hotel Subang USJ aims to better serve their guests who prefer to be within the proximity of the busiest areas in Malaysia while enjoying their vacation or the holidays. Staying at the hotel has never been this luxurious and, at the same time, reasonable in terms of price.

Holiday getaway in Malaysia

Celebrate Christmas. Enjoy the beach from a scenic resort in Malaysia. Explore the countryside of the rustic Johor Province. And feel the sand between your toes. There is now a unique, new way of celebrating the holidays at the exciting Fishing Bay Resort in Malaysia.

This Christmas the Fishing Bay Resort offers a holiday special of discounted getaways. Resort guests can celebrate Christmas at the Fishing Bay Resort, relax on the beach, and partake of the island adventures available at their resort in Malaysia.

The Christmas Special from the Fishing Bay Resort is now available at their official website to give guests the convenience of booking their resort rooms ahead of the busy Christmas holidays.

The Christmas Special starts at SGD158 per person for resort accommodations of 3 days and 2 nights (Dec. 24 to 26). Rates are already inclusive of Special Western Dinner and Buffet Dinner, Breakfast for 2, and cocktail. Plus, guests will receive a special holiday gift from the Fishing Bay Resort in Malaysia.

The Christmas Special can be availed through early reservation at the Fishing Bay Resort website. For more information on the Christmas Special in Malaysia, click here.

Sports Lovers Maximize Their Vacation at 3k Inn

Sports lovers will find 3k Inn in Subang Jaya, Klang Valley, Malaysia a welcome change from all the other hotels that don't put priority in outdoor and sports activities. This budget hotel realizes the need to escape boredom especially when in vacation. After all, vacations are meant to be enjoyable and memorable.

The main reason why The 3k Inn is a wise choice is its location--it is found within a huge sports complex, which houses an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a tennis court, a squash court, a football field, five indoor badminton courts, gym facilities and more. Imagine the myriad of activities that can be enjoyed under one roof!



Both kids and adults can enjoy their vacation here in 3k Inn because it never gets boring. While exciting activities are given priority, there is also room for rest and relaxation here. After a day of fun, take a break in the accommodations offered by the inn. These are clean rooms that are furnished with air-conditioning, private toilet and bath and other modern amenities.

Whether you're craving for some adrenalin rush or a breather from the hustle and bustle of city living, The 3k Inn in Klang Valley, Malaysia is a good choice given its reasonable rates and prime location. It's having the best of both worlds when you combine work and leisure and 3K Inn makes this a possibility.

For more information about this hotel within a sports haven, visit http://www.3kinn.com

Live in the Midst of Shopper's Paradise In Kuala Lumpur

If you’re in search for leisure and pleasure, Kuala Lumpur offers a vibrant multi-cultural experience where travelers can find exciting adventures, culinary wonders, and amazing sights worth visiting. There are dozens of hotels to choose from in the city but if you’re into bargain shopping and experiencing local cuisine, then the best place to stay at is the Olympic Hotel.

The Olympic Hotel is located along Jelan Hang Hebat, right in the midst of Chinatown , and offers guests 155 accommodation options that blend simple yet modern conveniences that offer the ease and comfort they seek. Guests can choose from the fully-furnished and air-conditioned superior-twin and triple, deluxe twin and king rooms. Each room is fitted with a private toilet and bath with a shower and tub, cable television and mini-bar.

The hotel has ample parking spaces for guests coming by car and accessibility to the hotel from the main highways is easy. If you’re coming in from the North or the South you could use the many highways linking to the access road to the hotel. You can also quickly reach the hotel through the various public transportations available in the city.

For sports fanatics, major sports stadiums are located in the area such as the Malaysia Basketball Stadium, Stadium Negara, Stadium Merdeka and the Chin Woo Stadium. The Sepang F1 Circuit is also kilometers away from the hotel.

Guests can easily secure online reservations directly with Olympic Hotel with its easy and guest-friendly reservation service. The online reservation service gives the flexibility of choosing rooms within a specific budget and preference. Olympic Hotel guarantees the lowest rates online for guests.

Flavours of Malaysia (Part 1)

When traveling to Malaysia, experiencing great places of interest is just one thing you do, and discovering the flavours of the country is another thing you shouldn't wanna miss. And by flavours, I mean gustatory delight!

Rice is a staple in the country. Restaurants in Malaysia serve rice in different ways, aroma and taste for that matter. But among the variety of way rice is prepared, some of the most common ingredients used are hard spices and wet spice mixture of coconut milk called “rempah”.

Of course, steamed, fried, or java rice are among the most popular ones that you can get in any restaurant you dine in. But here are some of Malaysia’s rice dishes you shouldn’t miss:

Nasi Lemak – cooked rice in coconut milk tossed with anchovies, squid, eggs, cucumber and chili paste, called sambal.

Nasi Kerabu – This native cuisine uses local herbs and salted fish to complement the rice.

Nasi Dagang – this dish is rich in aroma as it used fragrant unpolished glutinous rice that is steamed with coconut milk and served with tuna fish curry.

These chows are not in our typical everyday meal but trying them in a tour in Malaysia is definitely worth it. They will not just tickle your taste buds but they will surely leave your senses craving for more.

Happy Eid!: Another New Year of 2008 in Malaysia

Hari Raya (Day of Celebrations) is a Muslim celebration of the end of Ramadan during the holy month of fasting. In Kuala Lumpur it is a joyous occasion that commemorates the personal triumph of every Muslim by the end of the fast. It also marks the start of the Muslim New Year. It is actually the fourth New Year in a country like Malaysia where Muslims, Chinese, Hindu, and Christians coexist.

In the run up to the Hari Raya celebrations, Muslims keep vigil at the Mosques for the Night of Decree, the night when the Muslim holy book Quran is sent down. Muslims believe that on this night angels descend and shower grace. To receive these blessings, homes as well as mosques and commercial buildings are brightly decorated with oil lamps. Malls and hotels in Kuala Lumpur and throughout Malaysia also play Selamat Hari Raya jingles.

Everyone Invited—But Hari Raya in Malaysia is not just for Muslims. During the celebrations, Malaysia has a tradition called Open House, where friends are welcomed to households and are offered buffets, while government offices like the King’s Palace is opened to the public.

Of course, the great-bargain sales at malls and low-rate promotions at hotels in Malaysia are for everyone for the taking as well. In addition, the colorful displays on the streets, the festivities, and merry festivities can be enjoyed in Malaysia during this time of year.

Selamat Hari Raya!—Another tradition observed in Malaysiaaway of duit raya to kids. For non-Muslims, it is pretty much like gift giving during Christmas. Wrapped in green envelopes, duit raya is goodwill money handed out to loved ones and friends.

Malaysia's commercial establishments like the Zon Hotel in Kuala Lumpur raffle off duit raya to its guests and patrons. From September to October, two guests at the Zon Hotel get a chance to win RM1,000. In keeping with the spirit of Hari Raya, these establishments and hotels are also garbed in colorful decors and festive atmosphere.

Eid ul’Fitr Buffet—During the holy month of Ramadan on the month of Syawal, Muslims serve buffets called Buka Puasa at the end of the day to break the fast. Toward the end of the holy month, the buffets get bigger in serving and the celebrations pick up. Malls, restaurants, and hotels in Malaysia serve Buka Puasa to mark the end of fasting and the start of the New Year.

Of particular interest is the last 10 days of Ramadan, when the religious traditions become more and more joyous celebrations of the New Year and merrymaking. Among the specialties served at buffets in the Malaysia hotel include ketupat (beef cooked with spices and coconut milk and/or grilled meat on a skewer), lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes), serunding (desiccated coconut fried with chili), and curry chicken.

Kuala Lumpur Short Stopovers

Kuala Lumpur is a perfect pit stop when you’re on your way to somewhere else. The city offers a handful of things to see and do from breathtaking sights, to leisure trip, to gastronomic delight. Kuala Lumpur indeed lets you make the most out of your stopover.

Whether you’re in Kuala Lumpur for just a day or two, you sure don’t want to miss visiting one of the world’s tallest building, The Petronas Twin Towers. Famous for its architectural structure, the towers are undoubtedly among the must things to see in the city.

While in Petronas Twin Towers, bargain hunters can take advantage of their time and take a tour at the Suria for a little shopping—or shop till you drop, perhaps? The place is takes pride of being a house to posh items from designer label clothes, to bags and shoes, to accessories and cosmetics. It truly is a world-class, must-visit destination for every shopaholic.

Be one with nature and head to the Lake Gardens for a leisure walk or for a visit to Butterfly Farm and Bird Park where a fun learning experience awaits you. In this Kuala Lumpur Nature Trip, you can see rare species of birds and butterflies in varied sizes, patterns and colours.

Food trip is something you would like to experience while on a short visit to Kuala Lumpur. A food haven indeed, Kuala Lumpur brings you wide array of choices of entrees from authentic Malaysian dishes to delectable international cuisines that you will absolutely enjoying savouring. Here, whether you are in for a fine dining or simply a walk while finding pleasure with street food, you’re sure to satisfy your cravings and thirst for gastronomic delight.

Finding an accommodation in Kuala Lumpur is definitely a no difficult task. Many quality hotels that are affordable can be found in the city. Olympic Hotel, for instance, brings comfort and convenience at a price that fits your budget. It also offers online reservation so you can have your room booked while planning your trip.

So whether you want to enjoy the nature, experience something educational, or just maximizing your time finding great bargains, you’re sure to have a worthwhile experience in Kuala Lumpur even in a day or two stay.

You don’t have to suffer from inflated hotel rates in Singapore to watch the 2008 Formula1 Grand Prix

With less than two months to go before the historic 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Formula1 fans and tourists alike are beginning to swamp Singapore hotels with room reservations.

So swamped with room reservations are the Singapore hotels, in fact, that rates have gone up and tourists brimmed over the island and turned their attention to nearby Malaysia for their hotel reservations.

Malaysia, a country that borders Singapore to the south, is connected to the Grand Prix host via the Johor-Singapore Causeway. With approximately 30 minutes travel time to Singapore, the Malaysian southernmost city of Johor Bahru gives visitors an alternative to the inflated rates of Singapore hotels.

Singapore-based newspaper The Business Times reports that a fraction of the country’s visitors are booking five-star hotels in Johor Bahru where prices work out to a mere fraction of what is being charged in Singapore.

At the five-star Puteri Pacific Hotel, bookings have started to come in recently from both individuals and groups. Rooms are going at RM500++ (S$209) per night, with a minimum of three nights, which is still vastly cheaper than the rates charged by some of the local hotels.

At this point, the Puteri Pan Pacific has 300 rooms taken up—an occupancy rate of about 60 percent. Other hotels in the area are getting their share of reservations as well. Below is a list of hotels in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, worth checking out for the Formula Grand Prix on Sept.28:

• Hotel Selesa, Johor Bahru
• Selesa Beach Resort, Port Dickson
• A Vista Melati Hotel
• Selesa Beach Resort, Port Dickson
• JB Central Hotel
• Hotel Selesa, Pasir Gudang
• Tropical Inn Johor Bahru
• Suria Resort and Hotel
• Grand BlueWave Hotel

Of the reservations received by Johor Bahru hotels in Malaysia, over 60 percent of the bookings are from Europe, while close to 30 percent are from Australia. Some of the hotels are planning to offer chartered private buses via the Tuas Link to ferry its guests.

Putrajaya’s Concert in the Sky: Fire, Lights, and Music

This August, witness a concert in the sky in Putrajaya, Malaysia, as the Malaysia International Fireworks Competition takes place. One of the highly anticipated events of the year, it will feature world-class fireworks team from across the globe, competing for the “Golden Merdeka Trophy”.

The participating countries—China, Spain, Canada, and Malaysia—will mesmerize everyone watching as they paint the sky with bright hues in breathtaking patterns. For nearly half an hour on each competition night, the organizers and contestants promise viewers and awesome panorama that involves fire, lights, and music.

Hosted by the country’s Ministry of tourism, the event is open to everyone that is excited to watch it. This wonderful festivity is free for all and will happen for two weeks in August. Don’t let this event pass you by. Visit Putrajaya, Malaysia and experience a colorful and vibrant night of a lifetime.

How to counter bad luck this month of Hungry Ghosts

Do you need to travel but are afraid to because August is the month of Hungry Ghosts? Counter the bad luck that it brings with these charms and tips from feng shui experts.

The Chinese in Malaysia and across the region believe that during the seventh lunar month the gates of Hell are opened and souls are left to wander Earth. That lunar month is the equivalent of August—a month that Chinese folklore says is the time of year when myriad spirits roam around the Earth trying to fulfill past needs, wants, and desires.

These spirits are called Hungry Ghosts by the Chinese, and are often held responsible for tragedies and disasters that happen in August. For the Chinese, these Hungry Ghosts need to be satisfied in order that fortune instead of bad luck will come to them.

One tradition that Chinese in Malaysia do to appease the spirits during the Hungry Ghosts Month is to prepare a lavish meal for the wandering spirits. Some say prayers to their deceased relatives and burn joss (luck) sticks. At the Chinatown district in Malaysia, the Chinese stage street operas and paper effigies of daily items are burned for the spirits to use in the afterlife.

The Chinatown in Malaysia is located at the city of Georgetown in Pulau Penang. A resort island northwest of capital Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Penang in Malaysia is a favorite destination among tourists because of its storied cultural heritage sites, beaches, and architectural gems.

Despite the supposed dangers that the Hungry Ghosts Month brings, however, there remains tourists that visit Pulau Penang and locals that instead try to counter bad luck with charms and tips from feng shui experts.

Accommodation providers in Malaysia, from budget to five-star hotels, often enjoin their guests to do certain practices meant to counter the bad luck of the Hungry Ghosts Month. When staying at a hotel in Malaysia like the Century Bay Service Suites, Chinese guests place a bowl of rock salt beside their bed. Others believed that wearing bright-hued clothing will help fend off the negative energy.

Old practices, on the other hand, include wearing sandalwood and using pomelo as incense and perfume during the Hungry Ghost Month. Nowadays, these scents are readily available in spray bottles. Charms are also believed to be effective, like ruby with Kwan Yin and cinnabar charm, dragon crystal quartz with the No. 8, and lotus with mantra dzi beads.

Instead of shutting in the house or living a normal life for the whole month of August, the Chinese in Malaysia use these charms and tips to counter the bad luck of August. A lot more are put into practice in the Chinatown district during the Hungry Ghosts Festival.

Most hotels in Malaysia, especially in this part of Pulau Penang where the Chinatown is located, practice a keen observance of the Hungry Ghosts Month. Century Bay, a hotel in Malaysia located in Georgetown, Pulau Penang, is 30 minutes away from Chinatown provide a convenient jump-off point to the annual Hungry Ghosts Festival.

Experience Malaysia at its Fullest in Kuala Lumpur

A charm and brilliant city, Kuala Lumpur is regarded as Malaysia’s focal point when it comes to everything from culture and heritage, to trade and commerce to hospitality and tourism. Many of the establishments in Kuala Lumpur City Centre address the needs not just of its people but also foreigners who come from thousands of miles just to taste the wonders of Malaysia.

Lake Gardens, one of the many hot spots in Kuala Lumpur, fascinates guests with its exuding beauty. It highlights the country’s wide variety of plant and animal species that will never fail to mesmerize everyone. An hour or two of roaming around this haven is in fact too little that visitors find themselves either extending hours appreciating the gardens or coming back for another round of sightseeing.

Another must-visit place is the ever-vibrant Central Market. Here, a fun learning experience awaits tourists with the country’s rich customs and traditions, Kelantan to Serawak to be particular. Also, one will have an exciting discovery local crafts and cultural practices are being showcased, and of course, with little entertainment on the side.

Situated atop a hill at Jalan Travers is another famous destination. The National Museum is considered the entry point for most of the visitors since it brings them an interesting and informative introduction to the history and culture of Kuala Lumpur and the entire Malaysia as well.

Kuala Lumpur gives visitors both quintessential and modern for leisure and business alike. These are the structures, sceneries and landmarks such as the Lake Gardens, Central Market, and the famous National Museum. It boasts itself to have these attractions found in the city as these make everyone appreciate Malaysia as a whole by simply experiencing these things.

Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Kuala Lumpur

Whenever you take a trip to a destination that is new to you, you always want to experience things that are unique in such place. That is why it is best to know a little something about touring the place so you could plot your itineraries well. This way, you wouldn't miss anything worth seeing, eating, buying, and experiencing.

In Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur to be particular, there are wide array of things that will definitely keep you busy for the rest of your stay—from museums, architectural landmarks, shopping districts, dining, etc. Here's a list of things to see and do around the ever-vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur:

What to see

Petronas Twin Towers – Among the tallest buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers are truly breathtaking structures that Kuala Lumpur takes pride of. Serving as centrepieces of the mixed-use Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) complex, set in the heart of the commercial district of the city, these buildings rise 452 metres, with eighty-eight storeys and provides 218,000 square metres of floor space, including an additional circular 'bustle' or annex forty-four storeys high.

The towers are indeed an architectural grandeur that made contemporary structural design in Malaysia famous all over the world. Its class strikes as the country's most significant urban landmark.

For tourists, experiencing the thrill of the towers' Skybridge is a must. It is open for everyone to visit during Tuesdays to Sundays from 9am to 5pm.

What to buy

Handicrafts and Souvenirs – Items like Pewter, brass and silverwares that include jewellery, figurines, home decors, etc. are admired by everyone because of their sheer creativity and uniqueness. Wood carvings and pottery are also among the must-buy items. These handmade goods are indeed impressing whether they exhibit plain yet elegant beauty or intricate designs that render class and distinction. Traditional fabrics are also famous. Made from high grade materials of Silk, gold and silver threads, these fabrics are among the most admired and sought after products in Kuala Lumpur.

Where to dine

Gustatory delight never fails to standout in Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur as the city itself offers the most sumptuous meals that are genuinely Malayan.

Few of the many popular restaurants in Kuala Lumpur are Restaurant Ala'ddain Kebab, specializing in Malay food; Blossom Court Chinese Restaurant, serving authentic Chinese cuisines; and Bombay Palace (reservations are recommended), bringing satisfying gustatory delight for Indian food. Famous seafood restaurants are Restaurant Caribbean, Restaurant Kedai Makanan Laut Kebun Kelapa, and Restaurant Batu 8 Kapar Seafood.

The hospitality industry in Kuala Lumpur is indeed booming making your searching for accommodations very easy. Hotels in Kuala Lumpur range from 5-star to 3-star ones that bring cheap yet quality accommodation to guests with tight budget. Kuala Lumpur International Hotel lives up to the standards of guests as they provide truly fine and truly inspiring accommodation while allowing guests to spend a little. Kuala Lumpur International Hotel truly redefines quality and affordability.

Eagerly Awaiting Samrah Festival and Malaysia Flower Fest 2008

Kuala Lumpur residents and tourists alike have a lot of exciting events to look forward to this July and August. These include Samrah Festival 2008 over at Bintang Walk and the first leg of the Malaysia Floral Fest at the Merdeka Square.

The annual Samrah Festival is held at this time of the year to welcome tourists from the Middle East. It is held in Bintang Walk along the Jalan Bukit Bintang shopping district. Bintang Walk is popular for its numerous shopping stores and boutiques, as well as its nightlife.

Samrah Festival will offer a series of concerts featuring local and Arabian artists and music. This year, it will be held over a period of four weekends on the following dates:

July 18 and 19

July 25 and 26

August 1 and 2

August 8 and 9

Meanwhile, this year’s Malaysia Floral Fest is themed “Colours of Harmony,” in celebration of the multi-racial groups living in unity and peace in the country. Expect to see colourful parades with floats displaying attractive blooms from across the nation and neighbouring countries.

The event is the first of its kind to be organised in Southeast Asia. It will feature bazaars, competitions, workshops, and exhibits, so make sure to check it out. The Malaysia Floral Fest is internationally acclaimed for its cultural significance and creativity, winning awards at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in the United States.

The first part of the Malaysia Floral Fest, which is the Flora Run or the Florathon, will be held in Merdeka Square on July 20. The event will then be taken all around Klang Valley, which covers towns and cities across the state of Selangor:

July 26 – Flora Fest Parade (Putrajaya Boulevard, Putrajaya)
July 26-28 – Static Display of Floats (Putrajaya)
June 29-July 21 – Floral Photography Exhibition

Do not miss the Samrah Festival and Malaysia Floral Fest if you are headed for Kuala Lumpur in July and August. Book in advance at the hotel of your choice for more convenience.

The national capital has a wide array of hotels and motels, including the Olympic Hotel, that offer personalised services and reasonable rates. Avoid the hassle of long queues and spend your precious time on making memories in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur.

Hot Picks: 3 Places You Should Not Miss in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, a metropolis whose tourism has developed greatly over the past years influenced by world class tourist destinations it offers. The city surely has a large number of places to see and visit from popular Kuala Lumpur hotels, architectural structures, to gardens and zoos to museums to other leisure destinations like shopping malls, bars and restaurants. However, a 2 or 3 night stay will never get you to the entire city. Here are the top three places you shouldn’t miss in going around Kuala Lumpur:

Sunway Lagoon

A famous theme park for the thrills and spills it offer to tourists of all ages, Sunway Lagoon is considered one of Malaysia’s finest. It has Wild, Wild West where you can unleash your wild side as you experience cowboy-inspired rides such Buffalo Bill Coaster, Butch Cassidy's Trail and Colorado Splash. Another part of Sunway Lagoon is the World of Adventure that will surely take your breath away as you ride through tunnels, bobby traps and tarantulas. You can also take a boat ride down Pirate's Revenge, Malaysia's first and only 360-degree rotating pirate ship that swivels you 24 m up the ground. Lastly, take a journey through the Waters of Africa, the country’s only African-themed water park where amazing water adventure and rides await you.

Kuala Lumpur City Center

Kuala Lumpur’s haven for leisure, the City Center offers tourists a lot of things to see and do. Visit Petronas Twin Towers, Revolving Restaurant, fine bars and restaurants, and the famous KLCC Shopping Mall, the city’s main attraction.

National Museum

The National Museum or Muzium Negara, located just outside the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, and is Malaysia's premier museum showcasing variety of exhibits, dioramas and galleries that include historical relics and artifacts, cultural items, arts and handicrafts, flora and fauna, weapons and currencies. The building itself is a mix of traditional Malay and modern architecture, built in 1963. Outside, a restored old railway train greets visitors along with other old transportation vehicles such as the very first Proton Saga car, bullock carts and a vintage automobile.

The country’s hospitality industry, especially hotels in Kuala Lumpur is equally growing to accommodate the even growing number of tourists from different parts of the world who visit Malaysia whole year round. For most hotels in the city like Kuala Lumpur International Hotel, it is a commitment to welcome each and every guest and to give them a pleasurable and memorable stay while seeing and experiencing the wonders of Malaysia.

Langkawi To Celebrate Geopark Carnival

Join in the festivities when Malaysia marks the first anniversary of the Langkawi Geopark this month. A three-day carnival loaded with various activities will be held at the Dataran Lang in Kuah and the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Padang Matsirat starting on May 30, 2008.


The inclusion of the Langkawi Geopark in the UNESCO's International Network of Geoparks last year lured more tourists to the country from the Middle East and around the world. It is the first destination in Southeast Asia and the 53^rd world-wide to be declared a geopark by the UN body.


The Langkawi Geopark Carnival will be jointly launched by the government, travel and tour agencies, and hotel operators. An exhibit will be held at the event with a special laser display about the geopark’s development.


Langkawi is an archipelago comprised 99 islands representing rich cultural and historical heritage. Five of the islands are only revealed during low tide. Situated some 30 kilometres off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia, Langkawi boasts of scenic sites, which helped earn Langkawi its internationally acclaimed World Geopark status. These include:

• the Mount Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park;
• the Kilim Geoforest Park; and
• the Pulau Tasik Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake).

The islands’ forests and white sand beaches attracted more than 2.3 million visitors last year compared to 1.8 million visitors in 2006. From the Middle East alone, some 26,000 tourists set foot at the duty-free island chain last year.

Protected from monsoon winds by the mountainous section of the Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi experiences sunny weather for most of the year. It is once called “Malaysia’s best-kept secret.”

Langkawi’s beaches are lined with 5-star hotels and resorts. There is also a wide array of service apartments that offer clean and relaxing accommodations at affordable costs.

• Century Suria Service Suites feature high-ceilinged bedrooms, a glass bubble lift, a children’s playground, a gym, sauna, and an exotic tropical landscape that will surely make your stay a memorable one. It also located near the shopping centre and has Internet access.
  

• Langkawi Boutique Resort offers various packages at discounted rates, including the Easy & Budget Package, the Family Package, and the Honeymoon Package. The small simple rooms are adequately furnished with all your needs and come with balconies or decks. The boutique resort is also home to the Anjung Cenang coffee house, which offers buffet and ala-carte meals, as well as local and Western cuisines.

Arab Community in Malaysia

According to statistics, on the average, a Middle Eastern tourist spends three times more per day at a destination in Malaysia than regional tourist. Annually, the rate of Arab tourists in the country continuously increases and in Kuala Lumpur alone, a total of 200,000 Arab tourists had arrived in June to August of last year.

These months are said to be the peak season these vacationers flock in Malaysia. It’s summer in the Middle East and as an escape to the burning heat of the sun, they prefer to spend it someplace where they are more than welcome to stay—in Malaysia.

Ain Arabia

If you’re in Malaysia and you hear “Ain Arabia” it means Arab street. It sits in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur where everything in it is for Middle Easterns from houses, to shops, to cafeterias and restaurants, to laundry and dry cleaning services.

Sarahar Tent

Dubbed as the centre of Ain Arabia, Sahara Tent is a restaurant that specializes in authentic Arabian Cuisine. It inspires every diner with its fine recipes and a view—overlooking is the magnificently landscaped Arabian-themed garden.

Malaysia Hotels

Arab tourists have been the favorite of Malaysia hotels due of their frequent visit and for loving the country as well. As a gratitude to this, Malaysians, particularly those in hotelier businesses always exhibit friendliness in welcoming them.

Indeed, Malaysia has done wonders to provide Arabs the warmest experience they deserve from bringing their culture to this country to giving them the genuine Malaysian hospitality.