Malaysia travel guide

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Travel Malaysia - The Essential Guide To
Enjoying The Perfect Malaysia Holiday
There is a popular saying about this wonderful country – “Malaysia – Truly
Asia”. Indeed, as you’ll find on your travels to Malaysia, this inspiring South-
East Asian country has the very best of what the Asian continent has to offer.
From it’s warm and welcoming people, who can seem to never stop wanting to
please, to the vivid and flavoursome cuisine – it’s a place that will have you
hooked the minute you embark from your plane. From awe-inspiring, white
sandy beaches with turquoise blue waters to vibrant cities buzzing with activity
late into the night, to travel to Malaysia is to experience the very best of Asia.
Then there’s the capital of Kuala Lumpur, which grips you with it’s buzzing
life…here you can amble along exciting street markets, take in a very
reasonable (and tasty) meal just about anywhere and gaze at the major
landmarks such as the Petronas Towers and nearby Batu caves.
Accommodation is also relatively cheap to stay in the centre with a wide range
of high class and budget hotels. It follows that whether you’re looking to enjoy
the lap of luxury or backpack your way around – you’ll find what you’re looking
for in Malaysia. It’s a holiday-makers paradise.
Essential Malaysia Travel Facts
Where Is It? Malaysia is a country in South East Asia. It’s neighbours include the
Philippines, Bali, Singapore and Thailand. It actually comprises of two bodies
with a land mass estimated to be around 330 sq km.
How Many people Live There? The country is host to almost 23 million people.
When’s The Best Time To Go? April to October is generally the dry season and
so the most popular period. November to March is the wet (monsoon) season.

Do I Need A Visa? It depends – lots of nationalities do not require a visa to visit
Malaysia but it’s best to check with your local embassy to see if you may
require on prior to arrival.
What Languages Are Spoken Here? In the main cities and certainly in the
mid/high class resort, you’ll get by just fine on English. However the
predominant language is Bahasa Melayu but Chinese and some Tamil is also
spoken in certain areas.
What Is The Currency Used? The Ringgit is the currency used.
Is It Safe? Malaysia is a highly safe destination for tourists. Beyond that it’s a
popular haven for luxury travellers with an abundance of high class beach
resorts available (as long as you’re prepared to spend upwards of $300 per
night). It’s also a popular destination for backpackers looking for a very
inexpensive holiday. Due to the abundance of cheap no-frills places to lodge (in
practically every location) plus inexpensive dining options, it’s possible to get by
in Malaysia on just a few dollars a day.
This travel guide will provide you everything you need to have a wonderful
Malaysia holiday – including what to see and do, plus how to get the best
holiday deals so that you get maximum return from your available budget.

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A Brief History Of Malaysia & The Country Today
The earliest Malaysian inhabitants are believed to have made their way to the
land mass from China. It’s believed that both the Chinese and Islam first
established an official civilisation in Malaysia. The 14th
Century provides the
first hint of a clear Malaysian ruler as Cheng Ho occupied the country with a
promise to protect it’s people against the Siamese, while Islam was also
spreading throughout the country.
Later, the country was also ruled by the Dutch, Portugese and British. Malaysia
took steps towards independence in 1969, and since then the country has
enjoyed a peaceful and prosperous period of growth. Today, it is a multi-
cultural society with a mix of people from various backgrounds including
Chinese, Indian, Portugese and Dutch.
The predominant religion within Malaysia is Islam – though there are many
other religions practiced including Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism.
Holiday-makers to Malaysia often comment on how wonderfully friendly and
warm the local Malaysian people are…an experience that you’ll no doubt enjoy
too when you travel within Malaysia. Indeed, tourism accounts for much of
Malaysia’s economic income, no surprise when you see the wealth of natural
beauty, culture and splendour that the country offers those who choose to
holiday here.

Travelling To Malaysia – How To Get There & How To Move About Within The Country
How To Get To Malaysia
The main arrival point for your holiday to Malaysia will almost certainly be
Kuala Lumpur – although other airports do exist including Pulau Penang, Kota
Kinabalu and Johor Bahru. However, Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia
and so international flights will almost certainly be arriving here.
Depending on your starting point, air-fares can be quite costly to get here. For
example, expect to pay at least $600 to fly in from the United States (and at
least something similar if you’re arriving from the United Kingdom).
The following airlines are some of the more popular ones that fly in to Kuala
Lumpur from most international destinations:
- Virgin Atlantic
- Singapore Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Air India
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Thai Airways
Getting Around Malaysia Once You’re There
Because Malaysia has two separate bodies of land segregated by water,
holiday makers to the country often need to fly between destinations. For
example, many holiday makers prefer to do a twin centre holiday which
includes the capital of Kuala Lumpur. For example, Langkawi is one of the most
incredible beach destinations within Malaysia – a true paradise with soft sandy
beaches and beautiful clear blue waters. Unsurprisingly it is one of the most
popular holiday and vacation destinations within Malaysia. To do both Kuala
Lumpur and Langkawi (which many holiday makers do), you would need to take
a one hour flight between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.
Getting Around Malaysia By Air

Remember, that many of the idyllic beach locations within Malaysia are located
on islands that are separate to Kuala Lumpur (such as Langkawi). This means
you will almost certainly have to fly if you’re booked in to one of these island
locations. To fly within the country you have a few options. The obvious,
Malaysia Airlines allows you to get to and from practically every destination
within Malaysia. Also an option to get around regionally by air are Air Asia,
Berjaya Air and Langi Air. Flights vary depending on your final destination.
Getting Around Malaysia By Boat
While there are several boat services, it’s not an ideal way to get to and from
various destinations. Services are sometimes lax and this can impact negatively
on your holiday.
Getting Around Malaysia By Train
While trains are generally comfortable, well managed and run, the rail network
is not particularly extensive.
Getting Around Malaysia By Coach
Malaysia has a coach and bus system to be proud of. It’s an excellent and
reliable mode of transport for both long and short journeys within Malaysia.
They are also fairly comfortable and the most economically friendly method of
getting around.
Getting Around Malaysia By Car
It’s actually fairly pleasant to drive in Malaysia. You can hire your own car for
about $40 a day and the roads are fairly well preserved and clearly marked for
navigation. Drivers drive on the left hand side of the road – there are several
car hire outlets located in airports and city centres. A more expensive option is
to hire a car, but this can be very expensive and will set you back over $100 a
day. Still, it’s a perfect option to get around comfortably and seeing exactly
what you want – as long as you have the budget for it.

Taxi, Public Bus & Other
Taxi’s are fairly common-place in Kuala Lumpur and most other Malaysian
cities. Be wary though, because even though they run on metres, it’s common
for tourists to get swindled into paying more! Keep your wits about you and
check in with your hotel what the rate should be for the destination you’re
going to prior to stepping foot in a taxi.
Public buses are also available in many major cities and in some cities bicycle
rickshaws are still used.
Travelling Around Malaysia – A Few Tips
The earliest Malaysian inhabitants are believed to have made their way to the
land mass from China.
Malaysia is made up of various parts and depending on your points of interest
(and time availability), you can travel around some or all of these. Of course,
there is the capital of Kuala Lumpur but there are also several additional
distinct states and islands that fall under Malaysian rule – indeed, if you’re
looking forward to sampling some of the incredible beaches within Malaysia,
you’ll probably want to taste some of these. These include:
Selangor – Largely industrial state which enjoys some interesting points of
interest (notably the Batu caves)
Perak – The state that share’s it’s border with Thailand has some interesting
Mangrove Forest Reserves and impressive royal palaces.
Penang – A heavily visited corner of Malaysia, Penang is known as “the pearl of
the Orient” – the most visited places here tend to be the exciting Penang
National Park and Georgetown.
Kedah – Home to one of the most popular & scenic holiday destinations within
Malaysia (Langkawi)

Negeri Sembilan – A small and sleepy state that is home to the Cape Rachado
Forest Reserve.
Melaka – This culturally rich state has a wonderful town centre and offers
visitors some wonderful shopping.
Johor – The economically rich state of Johor also has something to interest
tourists, notably Endau Rompin National Park.
Pahang – Malaysia’s largest state in terms of geography, here you find Taman
Negara (one of the world’s oldest rainforests).
Terengganu – Offers some very good beaches such as Pulau Perhentian as well
as some interesting nature points (like the turtle sanctuary).
Kelantan – Aside from being a good place to buy traditional Malay handicrafts,
this is the place of the astounding Jungle Railway where you can ride through
some spectacular scenery.
Sarawak – Offers some wonderful national parks such as Bako and Gunung
Mulu.
Sabah – Home to the popular Kinabalu.
Clearly, unless you have several weeks (and possibly months) of time available,
it’s impossible to do more than one or two of these places. The most popular
places for tourists seeking an incredible holiday tends to be Kuala Lumpur and
Langkawi – which is where we will focus on too.
Some Interesting Facts About Malaysia For The Sophisticated Traveller
Want to impress the locals with your knowledge on Malaysia? Check out these
interesting facts…
The Largest Cave Chamber In The World – happens to be the Sarawak
Chamber in Gunung Mulu national park.

Feb 20th
, 1956 – The date Malaysia gained independence, now celebrated as a
national holiday.
Rafflesia – found in Sabah, this is the largest flower in the world. Malaysia also
is proudly home to the largest leaf in the world (over 3 metres long).
Malaysia has more km of highway than the total circumference of the earth.
Minangkabu – The settlers to the Malaysia state of Negeri Sembilan, who came
to Malaysia sometime in the 15th
century.
Dining Etiquette – In some top end Malay restaurants do not be surprised if the
waiter comes with a pot of water – it’s expected for guests to wash their hands
before starting their meals.
The Smelliest Fruit In The World – Durians are found in Malaysia, and aside
from being an aphrodisiac they also hold the less impressive mantle of smelliest
fruit in the world.
Home Of The Turtle – Several species of turtles were discovered first, and
believed to have originated, from Malaysia. Malaysia is also home to the
Monitor Lizard, which can be several feet in length.
40,000 Years – The age of the oldest human remains to be found in Malaysia.
This indicates that the origins of Malay culture may have started during this
time, or even have preceded it.
Kuala Lumpur – The Vibrant Capital Of Malaysia
An Introduction To Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia, and indeed South East Asia at it’s best – in many
ways the city combines the best parts of the West with the values and morals of
the East, producing one of the most unique and rewarding experiences for every
traveller.

The city, on the west coast of the Peninsula of Malaysia has an area of 243 sq
miles and is about 40km from the coast of Malaysia – the city itself is nestled
within some gloriously sharp hills which makes some great viewing from the air
(look out for it as you make your descent, and make sure you request a window
seat from wherever you may be flying).
Perhaps the first thing that strikes you as you wander about the Golden
Triangle is the bristling cleanliness of the city – even in the most densely
populated areas, there is rarely any litter to be found. This is largely due to the
combined “Keep Malaysia Clean” mindset of the locals coupled with the
investment towards keeping streets clean as provided by the government. Take
note, New York and London.
History Of Kuala Lumpur
Not much longer than a hundred or so years ago, Malaysia’s now vibrant
capital was little more than a dense jungle – even today, as you make your
descent from the air, you can see miles of endless jungle in every which
direction.
Kuala Lumpur was initially discovered by Chinese prospectors who cam in
search of tin and set-up a base along the Klang & Gombak river. The name
Kuala Lumpur means “muddy river” – and so the city was born, initially as a
magnet for tin and metal miners. This was in 1857. In the next century,
Malaysia was largely under British rule and the country finally gained
independence in 1957 (it is now celebrated as a national holiday).
Today, Malaysia is a mix of many tolerant cultures and races – Chinese, Malay
and Indian tend to be the most prominent cultures though the government has
long been trying to get it’s people to think of themselves as one common
Malaysian culture.

The Weather In Kuala Lumpur
If you arrive in Kuala Lumpur with a cold, you’ll leave with a clear nose and
most probably a very nice tan. The temperature can only dip as low as the early
twenties and can rise to the mid thirties in terms of degree ‘c.
Kuala Lumpur - Travelling Around Inside The City
Many of the main attractions within Kuala Lumpur are located quite near to
one another. It’s easy then to think that you can navigate the city by foot but
the lack of decent infrastructure (footpaths) for pedestrians coupled with the
usually HOT weather can make it a better idea to just take a taxi or the highly
impressive monorail to travel about.
Generally taxi drivers are very helpful, chatty and friendly – you get the
impression they’re genuinely proud of their city and they’re only too happy to
tell you what you may want to know. It’s not exactly cheap to hire a taxi, but
it’s certainly cheaper than in many other developed cities such as London or
New York.
Kuala Lumpur In Under Two Days
While it’s impossible to see everything that Kuala Lumpur has to offer within
this time, you can certainly see the lot. Here’s a workable itenary to enjoy Kuala
Lumpur in two days or less:
- Try and get a hotel room in the centre of the city. Many places of
interest are located close by and you’ll save some time and money if
you’re staying in and among the attractions.
- Walk through the bustling markets in Chinatown, and pick up one or
two keepsakes – there are endless stalls selling cheap clothing, purses and
leather goods.

- Get to the Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower) and take the lift to the
very top. Here you can get a full view of the city including some impressive
views of the Petronas Towers.
- Also good for some crafts is the central market (a short walk from
Chinatown).
- Little India is worth a walk through, it’s like China Town (except of
course all things have a distinct Indian flavour).
- National Museum – set amidst splendid architecture, the National
Museum is the place to learn more about Malaysia as a country, it’s past
and present.
- Check out one of the many brilliant shopping malls located within (or
near) the Golden Traingle.
- No trip to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without a visit to the
awesome Petronas Towers. If you’ve already been to the KL towers you
may want to skip actually going onto the bridge here – one tip, go at night
time when the towers are fully lit for the most awesome views.
The Best Attractions In Kuala Lumpur – Don’t Miss These On Your Holiday To Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is fast becoming the capital of South East Asia – it has a
population approaching 2m with a land area of 240 Sq km. Everything about
the city has the ability to hypnotise even the most discerning traveller. The
culture and friendliness of the people, the tropical and always sunny weather,
the mass of interesting shops, sights and sounds – and of course an endless
supply of brilliant restaurants (get ready to buy bigger pants).
Petronas Towers – The Most Seen Tourist Attraction In Malaysia
The views from the sky-bridge along the Petronas Towers are pretty good
(though the bridge is not more than about halfway up the entire height of the
towers). The Petronas towers is over ten years old and was commissioned by
multinational oil giant Petronas who have their main office inside (along with
some other huge companies). The towers are called Menara (Malay for

“Tower”) 1 and 2 and at one point were recorded to be the highest in the world
(up to 2002).
Also within the grounds are some well manicured gardens, and a huge
conference centre wildly regarded as one of the best in the world.
The Petronas towers are open to the public from Tuesdays to Sunday at specific
times (typically between 8.30am to 5pm), but even outside the times when the
skybridge is open there are many things in and around the towers to enjoy – for
example some chic restaurants and café’s and the park which is open late at
night.
If you do want some unique snaps of the Petronas Towers, it is highly
recommended to come at night when the tower is fully lit. You can get some
outstanding photography, particularly from the gardens which themselves host
a lovely lake.
Within the Petronas Towers structure, there is the highly popular Aquarium,
which has some impressive displays of marine life.
If you’re looking for a decent place in the city centre near the towers, there are
actually a good few hotels that will not break the bank. A comfortable place
can be had for as little as $70 per night (sometimes with partial views of the
Petronas towers).
Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower)
You can enjoy the best unrestricted views of the city from the viewing point of
the KL tower. It costs about 25RM for an adult ticket, and you’ll be delighted at
the scenes from here. In fact, you can get far better views from the KL tower
than the sky-bridge at the Petronas Towers (and unlike the Petronas Towers
you can have a full view of KL in any direction).
This is where you can take awesome photo’s of Kuala Lumpur and enjoy views
of some of the city’s best landmarks, including the Petronas Towers.

If you fancy a spot of lunch at the top of the tower, make sure you reserve as
it’s often fully booked.
In & Around Chinatown – Bargain Markets, Tasty Food & Bustling Atmosphere
Chinatown has some awesome market stalls, mostly selling much the same
thing – so if you happen to want some bargain clothing/leather products then
head on down and bag yourself a right bargain.
Lake Gardens & Bird Park
Initially sculpted during British rule, the Lake Gardens are well worth a visit on
your Malaysia holiday. The centrepiece and biggest attraction of the gardens
themselves are the bird reserve offering over 150 species of local bird & wildlife.
National Museum
The museum holds some interesting information about the history and culture
of Malaysia and has some good exhibits.
Kampung Baru & Night Market
Walk around within this quiet area and you’ll discover a glimpse of traditional
Malay life – the best time to visit is during a Saturday night when the bustling
night time market springs into life. You’ll find just about everything you would
want to buy.
Batu Caves
While strictly speaking the Batu Caves are somewhat north of Kuala Lumpur,
many visitors to Malaysia’s capital head here as it’s located in neighbouring
Selangor.
Here you can see the Hindu Temple shrine and golden statue of Lord
Subramaniam – there is a climb of about 270 steps to get to the top of the
caves, and you should beware that the Batu Caves are the subject of a

pilgrimage every January when over a million people come to pay their
respects.
Markets, Markets, Markets (And Markets)
Kuala Lumpur is a market lovers dream come true – you can hardly walk for five
minutes in any direction without coming onto some type of market or stall –
whatever the time of day or night.
Probably the most famous is Central Market, which has an excellent selection
of local handicrafts, jewelry, memento’s, clothes and more. As it is a hotspot for
tourists you’ll really need to bargain if you want a good deal. You should also
note that if you intend to go on to some of the lovely islands in Malaysia (such
as Langkawi), you can find the same items a lot cheaper – so if you do intend to
shop make sure you plan it. Central market is located along jln Hang Kasturi).
Somewhat more rustic is the Kuala Lumpur Arts Market within Laman Seni KL
is quite a good place to pick up home made crafts – you deal with the
artists/craft makers directly which makes for a nice story when you tell people
about the painting hanging on your wall.
In Kampung Baru is the delightful Night Market (called the Sunday market
because it starts on Saturday but runs through into Sunday).
A huge selection of crafts and pewter can be purchased at Kompleks Budaya
Kraf, which is also well worth a visit.
Ultimately, markets are an intrinsic part of Malaysian life – and if you’re there
on anything but a stopover, they should make it on to your agenda of places to
visit.

Shopping Malls
The other end of shopping within Malaysia includes grand shopping malls that
would put anything in New York or London to shame.
Right in the heart of the golden Triangle is the immaculate Pavillion Mall – this
mall covers a huge area containing hundreds of shops as well as some
outstanding eating areas. The topmost floor contains some excellent and well
priced restaurants – a particularly popular one is Spice Of India which offers
some truly wonderful Indian cuisine.
Other really popular shopping malls include Berjaya Times Sq which claims to
be South East Asia’s biggest shopping centre. It certainly is big and includes
several restaurants and a cinema.
Near the Petronas Towes, Suria Mall also has a good selection of boutiques
inside.
Mid Valley Megamall is another blockbuster with hundreds of shops, cinema,
bowling alley and a plethora of mid range and quality restaurants.
If your credit card knows no bounds then check out Starhill Gallery which is
where the elite of Kuala Lumpur shop for designer name clothing & products.
Eating & Drinking In Kuala Lumpur – What & Where To Eat
Kuala Lumpur is a culinary experience that must be seen (or eaten) to be
believed. There is a wonderful choice of foods to be enjoyed and no matter
what your budget, you will eat and drink like a king during your stay.
Types Of Local Malaysian Foods To Enjoy On Your Holiday
The beauty of Malaysian food is in it’s variety – because of it’s evolution,
Malaysia has the culinary influence of many traditionally exciting food cultures,
including China and India. What results is a great offering of traditional Chinese
and Indian cuisine along with some terrific fusions.
Here are some of the foods you’ll enjoy during your stay:

Bryani – A colourful rice dish with fruits such as pineapple being part of the
dish.
Pakoda – Initially an Indian starter where onion & vegetables are rolled into a
ball and fried till crispy and golden brown. It’s pretty heavy on the garlic but not
especially spicy.
Char Siew – Fillet of roasted pork.
Char Kway Teow – Broad noodles in a soy and chilli base.
Poopiah – Soft savoury pastry.
Ikan Asam – Slightly sour fish.
Laksa – Noodles in a coconut gravy which often has a variety of other
ingredients such as chicken eggs and prawns.
Nasi Campur – Selection of cured meats usually served with a side of rice.
Nasi Goreng – Fried rice.
Nasi Padang – A Malay dish of meat, rice & vegetables.
Rasam – Soup based dish which can be quite spicy.
Rendang – Coconut based curry that can have either chicken or meat.
Tom Yum Kung – Spicy fish soup.
That’s just some of the foods you can expect to be on a Malaysian restaurant
menu. To find the others, you’ll have to experience a night at a traditional
Malaysian restaurant yourself.
Restaurants Of Choice – The Places To Eat In Kuala Lumpur
There are no shortage of wonderful dining experiences in Kuala Lumpur – you
can opt to dine in five star luxury within many of the opulent restaurant
catering to the five star crowd – or choose to eat at a roadside stall in one of

the many night markets that the city hosts. It’s up to you, and no matter your
choice you shall eat well.
We’ll segregate the dining options by the type of cuisine:
For The Best Chinese Food In Kuala Lumpur…
Obviously, Chinatown is your port of call for the best choice in world class
Chinese food.
West Lake Restoran has some well priced meals popular with both tourists and
locals. It’s located within Chinatown.
Crystal Jade is a favourite for good quality Chinese fare within the Golden
Triangle area of Kuala Lumpur.
Si Chuan Dou Hua – For a more upmarket Chinese restaurant in lush
surroundings, this one is highly rated by businessmen in Kuala Lumpur city
centre.
Chynna – Also rather upmarket, Chynna is located in the Bangsar Baru district.
For The Best Indian Food In Kuala Lumpur…
Vansh, located in the golden triangle region of Kuala Lumpur has what many
believe to be the best Indian food in the city. Nearby, another good option is
Restoran Nagansari which offers some world class curries.
In the Little India region of Kuala Lumpur there are a few good Indian
restaurants including the glitzy That Indian Thing, Bilal Restoran and
Sangeetha.
Elsewhere, in Brickfields you’ll find the highly regarded Gem Restaurant –
reasonably priced and always very good.
For The Best Traditional Malaysian Food In Kuala Lumpur…

Little Penang Kafe, located in the Golden Triangle is a great place to try some
traditional Malay dishes, as is Old China Café in Chinatown. Also within the
Golden Triangle district, you’ll find speciality Malay eateries such as Bijan and
Seri Angkasa.
More Superb Eateries Within Kuala Lumpur…
Asian
Mythai Jim Thompson is a superb place to find Thai food within the Golden
Triangle area. You can find other Asian restaurants like Ginger (general Asian
dishes), Wa-Raku (Japanese) and Sao Nam (Thai) in the Golden Triangle too.
You can find one or two nice Japanese places outside KLCC (Golden Triangle)
too – Yu Re Tei for example is situated within Little India and is set amidst
pleasant surroundings and décor.
Western
There are a good selection of Western places to eat – eateries that provide
Tapas, Italian and more are all available provided you know where to look.
Prego, inside the Golden Triangle is one of the best places to find quality Italian
fare. Also within the Golden Triangle boundries are Sentidos Tapas (Spanish
fare) and the upscale Frangipani.
Moving away from the Triangle, Little India has the popular Coliseum Café
which offers a myriad of European & American style dishes.
In Chinatown you can go for French and Italian cuisine through outlets such as
Café Café and Dining Room (both offer a pleasant ambience to enjoy a casual
dinner).

Bars & Clubs In Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a late night city – while many shops remain open to ten
(clothes shops & malls), restaurants stay open often till 2am and beyond. This is
a city that rarely sleeps, so you can imagine the plethora of bars to be found.
The City Centre, Golden Triangle, has an incredibly good selection of bars to
enjoy – for example Ceylon Bar is particularly popular and Finnegan’s is the
place to go if you want to catch a live sports game while having a few drinks.
Elsewhere, Bar Savanh is a popular place in Asian Heritage Row, and more bars
can be found in Chinatown (such as Reggae Bar), as well as Flam’s bar in
Bangsar Baru.
The above is just a selection – your hotel will be able to recommend a good bar
close to your residence, wherever that may be.
The clubbing scene within Kuala Lumpur is also thriving – many of the most
popular ones are located along Asian Heritage Row, including Cynna, Maison
and Loft.
Other Entertainment In Kuala Lumpur – Cinemas, Theatre & More
Theatre goers may find something that appeals to them at either Istana
Budaya (drama shows & musicals) and similarly the Kuala Lumpur Performing
Arts centre also hosts plays and cultural events.
There are some cinema’s in a couple of the large malls that are located
throughout the city, but specialist cinemas can be found at the Digi Imax
Cinema in Berjaya Times Square, or at the Golden Screen Cinemas in Bangsar
(the biggest cinema complex that Malaysia has to offer).
If you’re in the mood for some Malay type music then pop into Seri Melayu
where you can see traditional Malay dances and cultural shows.
Hotels, Accommodation & Places To Stay On Your Visit To Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur has a wide range of hotels, Bed & Breakfast & other
accommodation types to fit the needs of every traveller. There are plus hotels
that can cost a kings ransom as well as one-room basic B&Bs that will fit the
budget conscious back-pack traveller.
First, you should decide on your budget and the location you want to stay at –
it’s recommended that you stay as close to the city centre (Golden Triangle) as
possible as this will maximise your chances of experiencing vintage Kuala
Lumpur, day and night. There are no shortage of hotels in the Kuala Lumpur city
centre/Golden Triangle region, and our personal favourite is the Novotel Hydro
– it’s slap bang in the centre of town, with some offering views of the Petronas
Towers. Aside from the excellent location, rooms and service are very good and
all for a modest $60 per night (for a standard double).
There are, of course, droves of additional hotels & places to stay in Kuala
Lumpur, and here are a few that you may wish to look at more closely:
If You’re Looking For A Kuala Lumpur Hotel Right In The Heart Of The Golden Triangle…
Marriott (Golden Triangle) – Extremely heavy on the wallet, the Marriott is
South Eastern extravagance at it’s giddy best. As you’d expect, you’ll get some
exceptional views of the Petronas Towers and the food here is quite
exceptional.
Traders (Golden Triangle) – Again, offering splendid views of the Petronas
Towers, Traders Hotel is about as good as it gets in Kuala Lumpur. This one is
again not for the budget conscious.
Hotel Maya (Golden Triangle) – Another lavish place to stay, Maya offers
stylish rooms and a very plush décor throughout.
If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper in the Golden Triangle, you may
want to consider the following hotels:
Swiss Garden Hotel – Decent accommodation and very centrally placed.

Radius – An upper-middle class hotel, Radius offers everything a five star would
without the hefty price tag. Worthy a look, especially if you’re in Kuala Lumpur
just for a few days.
Or, if you’re really looking for bargain basement places to stay in the Golden
Triangle then here’s where to start:
Pondok Lodge – A hostel that has earned a good reputation for itself with back-
packers. You can snag a place for the night for ten dollars or less so if you’re on
a seriously low budget then this may be a good option.
Trekker Lodge – Basic accommodation on the cheap, but the location cannot be
faulted.
If You’re Looking For A Kuala Lumpur Hotel In Chinatown…
Chinatown is more reputed for low budget, cheap and cheery accommodations
than for five star opulence. If you’re on a very tight budget, you can do far
worse than to take a room in this area but be warned – Chinatown is a fair
distance from the Golden Triangle, so you’ll have to do some travelling if you
want to see some of the major sights such as the Petronas Towers or some of
the “must see” things in the Triangle.
Ancasa – A good, “almost luxury” hotel with a very good reputation, this is one
of your best options if you want a clean, reliable and friendly place to stay in
the heart of Kuala Lumpur Chinatown.
Other decent options in Chinatown include Mandarin Pacific and the Swiss Inn,
both noted for no-frills, clean accommodation that gets the job done.
Other Hotel Listings - 5 Star Hotels & Accommodation In Kuala Lumpur:
Crown Princess Hotel – Kuala Lumpur City
Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur – Golden Triangle
Legend Hotel - Kuala Lumpur City

Ritz Hotel Kuala Lumpur – Golden Triangle
Nikko Hotel Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur City
Pan Pacific Hotel - Kuala Lumpur City
Shangri-la Hotel – Golden Triangle
Melia – Golden Triangle
Coronade Hotel – Bukit Bintang
Dorsett Hotel – Golden Triangle
Corus – Kuala Lumpur City
Dynasty Hotel - Kuala Lumpur City
Micassa All Suite Hotel - Kuala Lumpur City
Boulevard Hotek – Mid Valley
Impiana - Kuala Lumpur City
Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon – Golden Triangle
Capitol – Butik Bintang
Alpha Genesis Hotel Kuala Lumpur – Golden Triangle
Hotel Grand Continental Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Lumpur City
Quality Hotel - Kuala Lumpur City
Cititel - Kuala Lumpur City

Concorde Inn – Kuala Lumpur International Airport
City Villa - Kuala Lumpur City
Pearl International - Kuala Lumpur City
Vistana Hotel Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur City
Hotel Grand Central Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur City
Noble Hotel Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur City
Brisdale Hotel - Kuala Lumpur City
Leo Palace Hotel - Kuala Lumpur City
If you’re completely broke, then low-budget options in Chinatown are a dime a
dozen. Here are a few of the places you may want to consider:
- Backpackers Travellers Inn
- Red Dragon (Hostel)
- Pudu (Hostel)
- YWCA
There are many more too, but the above are fairly comfortable and reputable.
Other Hotels & Places To Stay In Kuala Lumpur…

The other offerings in Kuala Lumpur tend to be based in and around places such
as Little India. There are quite a few places to choose from if you do decide you
want to stay outside of the heart of Kuala Lumpur – though if you’re a tourist
looking for the essential Kuala Lumpur experience, you really should try and find
a place inside the Golden Triangle.
Kuala Lumpur Hilton – You cannot have a major city without a Hilton operating
somewhere within the city boundaries. Like it’s global siblings, Hilton Kuala
Lumpur is a five star treat with lavish rooms and outstanding service. The
location in Stesen Sentral is not bad either.
Sheraton – Similar to Hilton in class, style and price the Sheraton is located
along lively Asian Heritage Row.
In Little India, the reputed Coliseum is the place of choice, but a couple of other
operators are also around.
Day Trips From Kuala Lumpur
If you’re in Kuala Lumpur for a week or more, you can indulge in a day trip or
two to see some of the nearby attractions situated in neighbouring territories.
Neighbouring Selangor is where most day-trippers from Kuala Lumpur head to
– while Selangor is largely an industrial state, there are more than a few points
of interest to tempt the traveller to Malaysia.
Here are the main places that we recommend a day trip from Kuala Lumpur to:
Batu Caves – If you’re in Kuala Lumpur for a few days, it’s a good idea to check
out the impressive Batu Caves.
Orang Asli Museum – An excellent museum that features many displays on the
history, culture and customs of the Malay people through time.
Genting Highlands – Set amidst a thick rainforest, this awesome construction
has an inbuilt theme park, casino’s and night shows that Las Vegas would be

proud of. It only comes alive at night though, so you may need to consider a
night stop if you’re visiting from Kuala Lumpur.
Sunway Lagoon – An outstanding theme park, and a particular favourite with
kids, Sunway lagoon has plenty of rides (many of them water based), a zoo, a
mock pyramid and an in-built hotel. Excellent for a day trip from Kuala Lumpur,
though you will need to make an early start.
Taman Alam Kuala Selangor Nature Park – This impressive nature reserve has
lakes, mangroves and a lot of wildlife to view.
Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve – Situated in the state of Perak, the Matang
Mangrove Forest Reserve is another superb trip for nature lovers to make. You
can take a Mangrove walk and see some fascinating wildlife including hundreds
of bird species, otters and even lizards.
Many holiday makers to Kuala Lumpur go on to visit some of the splendid beach
islands such as Langkawi – if you do intend to go on, you may find that there
are island hopping trips available from these islands that will give you a nice
flavour of traditional Malay life as well as exposure to some spectacular wildlife
& nature experiences. With that in mind, you may wish to consider a day trip
from Kuala Lumpur only if you’re not going on to visit one of these paradise
islands.
Perak
A quiet, unassuming state Perak rarely makes the big headlines as far as
Malaysian tourism is concerned. Having said this, there are some neat places to
explore, most notably the Cameron Highlands and some of the exquisite
beaches along Pulau Pangkor.

Places To See & Do In Perak
Pulau Pangkor – Promoted as one of Malaysia’s finest beaches, the tiny island
of Panglor (it’s total area is under 10 sq km) boasts some spectacular beaches –
for example, it’s in Pangkor that you will find the beaches of Coral Bay, Pasir
Bogak and Teluk Ketapang.
If you can afford it, the exclusive Pangkor Laut resort owns the fabulous
Emerald Bay beach, attracting five star travellers who can laze in the stunning
sands and crystal clear waters that the bay offers.
Pangkor Town is a small, and largely smutty place, and even though it’s not one
to spend any great length of time, it’s worth stopping by just for a look around.
Because it’s a tiny island, it’s possible to explore Pangkor within a day (it barely
takes a couple of hours if you have transportation) and aside from the
awesome beaches there is not a great deal to do or see. Notable points of
interest on the island include a Hindu temple and the Kota Belanda fort.
Because of the outstanding beaches, Pangkor is a good place to enjoy a spot of
snorkelling or water-sports. You can snorkel at Pangkor Laut Resort if you’re
staying there as it offers very good snorkelling facilities for guests.
Alternatively, head to Pasir Bogak beach where you can hire some snorkelling
equipment and do it yourself.
Hotels, Restaurants & Places To Relax In Pangkor
There’s only one place to stay in Pangkor if your budget allows, and that’s the
exquisite Pangkor Laut resort. Yes, this will practically break the bank but the
stunning rooms (often accompanied by equally splendid views) as well as the
right to use the guests-only beach (one of the best in Malaysia) makes it
worthwhile.
There’s nothing else to compare with Pangkor Laut on the island, but there are
other places for travellers with a budget:

In Teluk Nipah (one of the main beach areas with a splurge of fair, budget
accommodation) there are the following hotels and chalets:
Nipah Bay Villa
Sunset View Chalet
Suria Beach Resort
Indah Beach
Havana Beach Resort
The other popular beach area that also has a decent sprinkling of places to stay
is Pasir Bogak. Here you’ll find more budget places such as:
Coral Bay Resort
Vikri Beach Resort
Sea View Hotel
Most of these places offer very modest accommodation but are clean and good
value – often, travellers to Malaysia don’t care about the type of
accommodation thanks to the many awesome sights and sounds that the
country offers outside of the hotel room.
An Introduction To Langkawi – Malaysia’s Most Beautiful Holiday Island Destination
Langkawi is located in the state of Kedah, and it is this green and tropical island
that countless travellers to Malaysia flock to year after year. If Kuala Lumpur is
famous for it’s wonderful city atmosphere, shop-till-you-drop malls and a never-
ending, vibrant nightlife…it’s all very different in Langkawi which is known more
for its stunning beaches, tropical rain forest and five star, laid back relaxation.
Visitors to Langkawi often come to be pampered, to laze among the many
world class beaches the island offers and to enjoy the rich Malay food and
hospitality that are synonymous with practically all the Langkawi hotel resorts.
If you come here for a holiday, chances are you wont want to leave.

Because Langkawi is an island that is separate from Kuala Lumpur, most
holiday makers to Langkawi tend to fly in, mostly from Kuala Lumpur. Aside
from spectacular beaches and jungle (some of which merges together quite
spectacularly), Langkawi is also known for being a duty free island. This means
that if you’re staying here, you’ll be able to pick up a quite wonderful bargain or
two on the cheap – in fact, if you’re doing both Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi,
you’re well advised to do the bulk of your shopping in Langkawi as the same
souvenir & craft products are available for upto 50% less.
There are a couple of towns that most tourists visit during their stay in
Langkawi – Kuah (the island capital) and Pantai Cenang (a bustling town with
tiny markets and stalled sprawling as far as the eye can see). Most facilities
such as money changers and banks tend to be located in Kuah, though aside
from the Golden Eagle there is not too much to interest the visitor to Malaysia
here. Other than that, the remarkable beauty and nature is what draws the
throngs of tourists to Langkawi year after year.
Top Ten Langkawi Experiences
- Stay at one of the glorious five star Malaysia hotel resorts such as
the Andaman or the Datai and be treated like a celebrity.
- Catch some breath-taking scenery from the summit of the Langkawi
Cable Car experience.
- Pamper yourself at one of the many five star spa experiences at one
of the many stunning spa’s situated within the island.
- Study Malaysian life first hand as you stroll through the towns of
Kuah and Pantai Cenang, watching the locals barter in the night markets
and picking up a bargain or two for yourself.
- Stop off for a cocktail and a relaxing meal at Telaga Harbour Park.
- Enjoy an island hopping trip and experience the variety and culture
of Malay life.
- Take a Mangrove Tour and immerse yourself inside ancient jungles
and rivers – walk into the Cave Of Bats and Crocodile Cave.

- Watch the Crocodile Show and see these magnificent creatures
feeding.
- Check out some of the wonderful sea creatures to be found in South
East Asia by visiting the Aquarium at Pantai Cenang.
- Laze at one of the many stunning beaches to be found anywhere in
the world.
Whether you’re a sophisticated traveller or you just want to backpack your
way into paradise, you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for in Langkawi. It
is the ultimate South East Asia experience.
Some Interesting Holiday Information About Langkawi
The island of Langkawi is pretty small, barely having an area of 470sq km,
but within it are a large and interesting array of scenery, including tropical
jungle, rainforest, time-untouched beaches and exotic Mangrove. It really is
the type of place that must be seen to be believed.
The name “Langkawi” means “Strong Eagle” and legend has it that this is the
final resting place of Garuda, the Eagle that was the Hindu God’s vehicle.
Indeed, many of the towns and places in Langkawi are named based on the
stories that were written about them many centuries ago.
Another interesting fact about Langkawi is that it represents more of a
Malay influence than the cosmopolitan city of Kuala Lumpur – the island also
borrows a lot of influence from Thailand (indeed, you can see certain parts of
Thailand from points in Langkawi on a clear day).
The Many Legends Of Langkawi
Langkawi is simply immersed in legend. Some may have a hint of truth to
them while others are wholly mystical. Here are some of the most popular:

Cave Of Legends – Gua Cerita is where the marriage to be held between the
children of the Roman and Chinese empires was deemed to have been
sabotaged. The scheme did not work.
Beras Terbakar (Burnt Rice) – Here, the rice granary was destroyed in the
1800’s at Padang Matsirat during a war. It is believed the order to destroy
the rice field was given in order to make sure the enemy would be cut off
from having a food supply.
Legend Of Mashuri – Langkawi’s most poular legend stretches back to the
fourteenth century when Princess Mashuri was executed for allegedly
committing adultery. She was in fact innocent , and legend has it that when
she was executed by knife she bled a white liquid instead of blood which was
a sign of her innocence. Princess Mashuri was believed to have cursed
Langkawi, so that for seven generations the island incurred misery and
misfortune.
Other legends are also rife – such as the spirit which guards Dayang Bunting
with a lion and poison. According to stories, the guardian destroyed a group
of war merchants who came to the island to wreak havoc – she unleashed a
tropical storm on them which all but destroyed all the sailors.
The other legend is also an interesting one – the lake of the pregnant maiden
is believed to have mystical powers that help women bare children.
If that doesn’t get you going then the legend of Gua Langsair will – it’s
believed to be where thousands of vampires are secretly located. If that’s too
scary then head to the Seven Wells Waterfalls instead, the place where
fairies are believed to have bathed in times gone by.
In fact, most places in Langkawi have some element of mystery or legend
attached to them.
Budget Or Luxury – It’s Up To You…

Some of the five star hotel offerings in Langkawi really rival anything to be
found in any country. For example, the five star Andaman Hotel is nestled in
between a dense rainforest and stunning fine powdery beach, but of course
it can cost $350 per night or more to stay here.
On the other hand, you can grab a slice of Langkawi paradise for a small
fraction of that just by renting out one of the no-frills beach huts/apartments
that are to be found along bustling Pantai Cenang. Alternatively, there are
several offerings that are a halfway compromise between these two ends of
the holiday spectrum.
Getting Around Langkawi – Hire A Car/Motorbike
Be warned, there is no real public transport in Langkawi to speak of, so you’ll
need to figure out how best to explore the island for yourself. Luckily, the
roads are well laid out, very well structured and easy to navigate so you can
easily hire a car or motorcycle and get around without any real problems.
Many holiday makers to Langkawi choose to hire a car, and you can do this
from the airport or one of the car hire firms in Kuah. Make sure that you
barter because most car hire companies will lower their fees if you bargain.
In fact, hiring a car for the day can be quite cheap (expect to pay about
$25/£15 per day). If you do decide to go down this route remember to bring
your drivers licence as the reputable operators will not hire you a vehicle
unless you show proof that you hold a valid licence.
A reliable place to hire any sort of vehicle is the Tshoppe situated in Pantai
Tengah – aside from vehicles, you can find out more about day tours and
stock up on some souvenirs here.
You should also note that many of the more grand five star hotels will rent
out cars, but at a far bigger premium than what you can get elsewhere. If
you’re lucky enough to stay at one of these premium accommodations, make
sure you look round before committing to a car.

If you can ride a motor-cycle, you can get around for even less, with a decent
bike costing about $10 per day or less. You can hire very cheap motor cycles
inside Pantai Cenang (which is where much of the budge hotels and
accommodation within Langkawi is located). Also an option is to cycle
around the town which is the cheapest mode of transport – again, it’s very
cheap to do this.
Hire A Car With A Driver
If you do not want to do any of the driving yourself (and why should you,
you’re on holiday after all!) then you can hire a car with driver for either a
few hours or for the day. Be warned however, this is a far more expensive
option than if you choose to drive around yourself and unless you have a
considerable budget this may not be a long term option for your stay in
Langkawi.
Prices generally are about 40RM per hour, and be warned that if you choose
to hire a car plus driver from one of the more upmarket hotels in Langkawi,
this amount rises to about 60RM per hour (a heavyweight $20 per hour or
so). Most services will offer one free hour for every three you take out, and
remember that there is usually scope to bargain to lower this amount.
Most Interesting Things To See & Do During Your Holiday To Langkawi
For an island that is largely known for it’s unspoilt beaches and relaxation
opportunities, there certainly is a lot to see in Langkawi. While there may not
be much in the way of bustling cities, Langkawi offers one or two bustling
little shopping towns as well as many places to enjoy natural beauty. Here
are the main things to check out:
Pantai Cenang Beach – While the picture perfect beaches that are home to
some of the five star resorts in Langkawi may be the one’s you see in
brochures, it’s the beach in Cenang that plays host to the majority. Here in
Pantai Cenang there are numerous places to stay and to eat, it’s the most
visited public beach in Langkawi. It’s along the Pantai Cenang region that the

interesting aquarium (Underwater World) is based, and is well worth a trip
to see some of the marine life to be found in the seas & oceans in South East
Asia.
Near by to underwater world, the Zon Duty Free Shop houses a huge
selection of tax free merchandise – you’ll not only find the usual handicrafts
and keepsakes, but more sophisticated articles of clothing and more. It’s
worth a visit.
Pantai Cenang is also where you’ll find the largest grouping of
establishments offering spa treatments and massages. Typically, these vary
in style and substance, and while they are certainly cheaper than most of the
five star spa offerings, they are nowhere near as luxurious.
Of these, “Thai Spa” is one of the most popular, with basic treatments
starting for as little as 40RM – the establishment offers a free pick up service
from your hotel (ideal if you’re staying at one of the five star offerings where
spa treatments can set you back 300RM and more).
Seven Wells Waterfalls – Hidden within a rainforest it’s a short but steep
hike to get to the Seven Wells Waterfalls. Here you can bathe in the clear
waters at the base of the falls – be wary as some of the monkeys here can be
quite cheeky. Superb vistas and opportunity for photographs are available
here.
Kuah – This is the capital of Langkawi and here you’ll find many duty free
shops as well as the majority of the banks and money changers in Langkawi.
There are also a sprinkling of hotels here, as well as a couple of monuments
and places to visit.
The impressive Golden Eagle sits at the very edge of the Kuah Port and also
in Kuah is the cultural theme park of Lagenda Langkawi – a well laid out
garden that recreates the most famous legends of Langkawi.

Also located at the port is the Jid Al-Hana, a huge building with a golden
dome and the Bird Paradise where you can see over a hundred species of
local bird life.
If you’re staying at one of the more upscale resorts and are put off by the
high prices of tours and day-trips, you can get something of a bargain by
booking at one of the tour agencies in Kuah. Similarly, you can find
comparatively cheap car hire companies in Kuah.
Langkawi Cable Car – The cable car really is a must-see, and possibly offers
the best views to be found in Langkawi (and possibly even Malaysia). A cable
car takes you to the mountain top and there are various vista points to click
photographs. The mountain itself is called Gunung Mat Chinchang, and at
the top you can enjoy some snacks and drinks at the snack shop. Many of the
views are labelled so you know exactly what you’re looking out over.
Interestingly, the Langkawi cable car has the longest suspension in the world
between two cable car stations, and the distance from the bottom to the top
is over 2km. The steepness of angle can be as high as 42 degrees incline –
and the highest point that tourists can get to is an impressive 705 metres.
The total time taken to get from the base to the very top is around 20
minutes, and aside from the lush uninterrupted jungle (all you see down is
thick jungle – no roads at all), and the Seven Wells Waterfall is also visible
from here. Certain islands belonging to Thailand can also be seen from the
viewing points – these are marked clearly for tourists from the vista points
(of which there are two).
It’s commonly touted that the temperature at the very top of the cable car is
notably cooler (by about 5 degrees) than at the bottom – so you may wish to
take along a sweater if you get cold easily. At the top there is a small snack
shack where you can enjoy some basic drinks and sweet/savoury snacks.

Once you finish the cable car experience you can explore the Oriental Village
which is a neat mini-town consisting of several quaint souvenir stalls,
restaurants and general shops.
Visit Langkawi’s Best Beaches – It’s unthinkable to visit Langkawi without
dropping in to some of the islands most picture perfect beaches. Here are
some of the best beaches you’ll want to stroll along while you visit the island:
Datai Beach – The islands most terrific beach is here, though Datai bay is
occupied by the five star hotels The Andaman and Datai so you may need to
visit the hotels beach club for a snack to get a glimpse of it.
Pantai Pasir Tengkorak – A really secluded beach that is ideal for swimmers.
Pantai Kok - Superb beach area, as good a public swimming place as
anywhere on the island
Dayang Bunting Lake – Also known as the Lake Of The Pregnant Maiden,
this is an ideal lake for swimming or enjoying some watersports. The water is
extremely clear.
Galeria Perdana – This house contains a large collection of awards given to
the ex prime minister (Dr Mahathir Mohamed).
Gunung Raya – Langkawi’s highest hill point, it takes a bit of a trek to get to
the very top but the spectacular scenic views of the island when you get
there makes it worthwhile.
Lagenda Park – This extensive garden area displays the various legends and
folklore of Langkawi.
Kota Mahsuri – The tomb of the maiden (Mashuri) is the attraction here. She
is one of the many legends of Langkawi and is remembered because she was

sentenced to death here for committing adultery (a crime of which she was
innocent).
Kota Mahsuri – The tomb of the maiden (Mashuri) is the a
Crocodile Adventureland – Situated within Teluk Datai, Crocodile
Adventureland enables you to see live shows including crocodile stunts as
well as feeding. Teluk Datai is also the region where the five star resorts of
Andaman and Datai are situated, and it’s within this area that you’ll find the
Temurun Waterfall.
Pantai Kok – Most famously known for the Langkawi cable car experience,
Pantai Kok also houses the Telaga Harbour Park where you can sit alongside
a waterside café amidst a sea of yatchs.
Air Hangat Village – Very near the luxury Tanjung Rhu resort, the main
attraction of the Air Hangat Village are the incredible how water natural
springs. There are plans afoot to turn this region into a world class spa, till
then the springs are free to visit.
Eating & Drinking In Langkawi – Where To Find The Best Restaurants
Depending on where you stay, and on what board basis, you may be
interested in eating at one of the many good restaurants and eateries that
the island has to offer. One thing is for sure, similar to Kuala Lumpur, there is
some fabulous food and drink to be had just about everywhere, and often at
very good prices.
Be warned, if you’re staying at one of the more exclusive and remote five
star resorts such as the Datai or Andaman, it can be quite a trek to the
nearest restaurants so bare this in mind if you insist upon sampling a wide
range of the eateries available within Langkawi.
Many of the best restaurants are clustered within the Pantai Cenang region:

Rasa Restaurant – This is a good place to try out a good selection of both
Malay and western cuisine, and there is also accommodation available here.
If you’re in the mood for Italian, then T.Jay’s is a fair bistro & pizzeria, and
claims to be Langkawi’s most authentic Italian outfit. The pizza’s are
certainly thin and crispy.
The exotic beach setting of the Red Tomato Garden Café is worth a visit for
the experience of snacking on the beach alone.
Papadam is certainly one of the best Indian restaurants in Pantai Cenang.
The food is simply exquisite and is our top pick for eateries in the area.
Putumayo is also a good choice for sea food lovers, and a lot of the locals
and tourists all flock here for fresh seafood.
The interestingly titled Sandy Souvenir Shop is actually an eatery serving up
everything from curry to kebab.
Coco Beach has a nice sea front setting and is a sea food themed restaurant,
and Tang Lung is another choice for sea food lovers, and the restaurant
offers a local pick up service for guests.
Other Places To Eat & Drink In Langkawi
Kuah is Langkawi’s biggest and most commercial town – the main street has
a couple of good eateries such as Thailand Restaurant and Charlie’s Place.
Sofea Café is also quite a good place to enjoy some light snacks including
burgers and French fries if you’re looking for a meal that’s a little more
designed for the Western palette.
In Langkawi Mall there’s the highly popular Annaseem which offers a wide
selection of Moghul food. If you’re in the mood for Oriental grub, Restoran
Wan Thai is also situated in Langkawi Mall
In Pantai Kok one of the best eateries is the impressive Telaga Arabic
Restaurant & Café – you can try out a number of exotic Arabian dishes, as

well as some of the more traditional western meals if you prefer. Also in
Pantai Kok, the interesting USSR Restaurant serves up unique Russian dishes
that are prepared by a real Russian chef.
Eating At The Five Star Resorts – It’s quite possible to dine in one of the
many luxury resorts located throughout the island. You can usually book, but
be warned that some of these are extremely expensive and you should
expect to pay $70 per head for a basic meal with drinks.
If you’re looking for a place to eat at Pantai Tengah, there’s noi shortage of
eateries including L’Osteria (Italian), Lighthouse (Malay) and Fat Mums
(Oriental).
Places To Stay In Langkawi – Langkawi Hotels, B&B’s & Accommodation
There are no shortage of both top end luxury resorts and budget-basic
accommodation choices in Langkawi. Obviously, the setting and service
varies tremendously at these extremes but if you really want a piece of
Malaysian paradise, you can afford it – whatever your economic situation.
Some places are perfect for honeymoons, others fit a nice family holiday
while many cater to the backpacking masses that flock here each here. We
look at the various accommodation types for all these.
5 Star Langkawi Hotels
TOP PICK – The Andaman Resort
While there are several stunning resorts, The Andaman must be the ultimate
choice for top end luxury accommodation within Langkawi. The hotel is set
within a tropical rainforest and as such has the most exotic setting of the five
star offerings. Interestingly, it’s also right on the beach which means that

many of the rooms offer both rainforest and sea views – it just does not get
better than this.
If that’s a good start, it gets even more impressive with the service and
facilities on offer. Kids and families are very well catered for with a baby
sitting service and kids club. The pool is first class and twirls around a
rainforest setting.
There are 3 very good restaurants located within The Andaman, with the
main restaurant offering a choice of various East/West themes – it’s located
by the pool. There is also a Japanese restaurant but the one that is most
popular is the Gulai House, which serves up outstanding Malay & Indian
food. If you do stay here, make sure you try the Pakoda – a chef special
recipe that rates as one of the best in the world.
Other than the restaurants, there is also a beach hut & poolside bar offering
casual snacks and drinks.
The beach is one of the best in Langkawi, and is exclusive to residents of The
Andaman and it’s sister hotel (The Five Star Datai) which is owned by the
same company. The water is clear and warm throughout the year and kept
immaculately clean by staff. Also noteworthy is the isolation of the beach –
because it’s residents only there are times when you are just about the only
person on it. The spa is also world class, and set atop the rainforest which
affords some magnificent views over Datai Bay and the surrounding
rainforest. Treatments are expensive but truly wonderful. The Andaman has
it all.
Also worth a very strong mention is The Datai – the sister hotel to the
Andaman, and also a five star offering. As you would expect The Datai offers
much the same level of service and facilities as The Andaman, the only
difference is the notably higher price tag to stay here. Given that both hotels
are equally superb, it’s the only reason why The Andaman gets the nod
ahead of it’s sister hotel.

One important note about both these hotels – they are rather isolated on the
island of Langkawi which means that it may not be ideal for easy reach of
the other areas of the island. Hiring a car can be expensive at the hotel, so
make sure you make some arrangements to hire a car from one of the tour
companies based in Kuah or Pantai Cenang (you can save upto 40% on
rates).
Other Five Star Resorts
There are several other classic five star offerings in Langkawi.
Most notable is the Tanjung Rhu on the North Coast of the island – this one
is very well noted for it’s fabulous beach, and has a choice of three
restaurants.
The Four Seasons offers a typically plush residence for rich visitors, with
splendid rooms that offer magnificent sea views over the Andaman sea.
If you want five star luxury in Langkawi’s most hip town, head to Bon Ton in
Pantai Cenang – it’s a smaller resort and offers individual houses with Malay
furnishings. Also along Pantai Cenang is the highly regarded Meritus Pelangi
Beach Resort & Spa, especially friendly to those travelling with children.
Langkawi Lagoon Resort is popular with tourists and businesses alike with
several well decorated rooms as well as a business conference centre popular
for retreats.
On Rebak Island is the Rebak Island Resort which ends off the list of
spectacular offerings in Langkawi.
The Best Four Star Hotels In Langkawi
There are also many good four star offerings in Langkawi, giving you the
choice of relative luxury without the sky high price tag.

The Bayview Hotel in Kuah is a good choice for those wanting to be near the
city centre for whom an immediate beach is not a must. This hotel is popular
with business guests.
On Rebak Island is the Rebak Marina Resort, or you can also opt for the
Tanjung Sanctuary Hotel in Pantai Tengah.
Budget Accommodation In Langkawi
There are no shortage of three star downwards on the island, with many
resorts, hotels, B&B’s and chalets concentrated along the Pantai Cenang
region. Below is a listing of some of the main resorts that fit into this
category, and their location. Research these thoroughly before you do pick a
place because some budget places will offer much more for the same price
than others.
Listing Of 3 Star, 2 Star & Other Hotels
Lagenda Permai Chalet – Pantai Cenang
Gecko Guesthouse - Pantai Cenang
Sandy Beach Resort - Pantai Cenang
Best Star Resort - Pantai Cenang
Beach Garden Resort - Pantai Cenang
Tanjung Malie – Pantai Tengah
Federal Villa Beach Resort Langkawi – Pantai Tengah
Tropical Resort – Pantai Tengah
Sunset Beach Resort – Pantai Tengah
Berjaya – Burau Bay
Mutiara Burau Bay Resort – Burau Bay
Grand Continental Hotel Langkawi – Kuah

One thing is for certain, no matter what your budget you can afford a piece
of Langkawi paradise.
Other Popular Places & States In Malaysia
Introduction To Penang
Penang is another highly visited Malaysian hotspot – aside from being host
to Penang National Park (which offers some spectacular hiking
opportunities), Penang has a lively, history rich town called Georgetown to
explore as well as other highlights including a template and a raft of great
shopping opportunities.
You can visit Penang as a day trip from many other places within Malaysia,
so you do not have to stay here to visit – though accommodation
opportunities are pretty good.
Things To See & Do In Penang
Georgetown – Georgetown has a rich and colourful history, interesting
architecture, good shopping and some lovely religious temples to explore.
The majority of the town are direct descendents of the Chinese, so there is a
distinct and strong Oriental flavour to the place.
You’ll also find some excellent shopping opportunities, and if you’re
travelling across Malaysia, you can in fact stock up on some souvenirs here
at a much better price than the malls of Kuala Lumpur.
Georgetown is Malaysia’s largest settlement, and there’s quite a bit to see
and do here including the Penang Museum which various exhibitions that
catalogue the rich history of Penang through the ages.
Penang was in fact an uninhabited island before Captain Light discovered the
place in 1786 – Fort Cornwallis is the monument that celebrates this fact and
harbours a chapel as well as a canon (Seri Rambai) among other interesting
exhibits.

There is also a lot more to see in Georgetown, including the Penang Islamic
Mosque, Chinatown, Little India and a variety of temples scattered
throughout the city.
Outside Of Georgetown
The Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit – the highlight is a stunning
waterfall and the various monkeys that run amock.
Penang Hill – These impressive hills can be seen from the Botanical Gardens
and rise an impressive 820m above ground level. At the top there are a
couple of temples and a museum that documents various events that the
Hills have witnessed over the years.
Penang War Museum – located in Teluk Kumbar holds some worthwhile
exhibits and displays.
A whole cluster of attractions can be found in the pretty town of Titi
Kerawang, including the Teluk Bahang Forest reserve, a butterfly farm and
an Orchid Garden.
Penang National Park in the village of Teluk Bahang is well worth a visit.
There are also more things to do here such as the cultural centre and a spice
garden.
Places To Eat & Drink In Penang
As you may imagine, the majority of eateries in Penang are located within
Georgetown although many other restaurants are to be found in other
locations.
Wherever and whatever you choose to eat, the choices are plentiful and
usually very, very good.
In Georgetown, there’s the ever famous Eden Seafood Village– try the
various fish dishes, this is Georgetowns best seafood place. Revolving

Restaurant has some excellent scenery, or you can try the interesting
Rainforest Restaurant in central Penang.
For Indian food, Little India has a huge choice of restaurants including the
popular Woodlands restaurant and Jaipur Court.
Head to Chinatown for the best options for Chinese – take your pick
(vegetarians are also catered for with the Hui Sin restaurant). Midlands
Court also has some nice dishes enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Hong
Kong Tea Garden is also a moderately priced place to have freshly prepared
oriental dishes.
For excellent Indian food, you should head to Passage Through India, touted
as the islands ultimate Indian restaurant. It’s situated on the northern part of
Penang. For an Indian meal that’s closer to Georgetown Hameediyah is a
popular choice.
If you’re in the mood for Italian, try Farfalla’s restaurant, also in
Georgetown. Vintage also has some Italian and med dishes.
There are loads of cafe’s and other simple places serving foods that are a
little closer to home – for a quick snack pop in to Stardust or Bake N Take
(ideal for a fast and cheap lunch).
Georgetown is Penang’s most bustling settlement – and there are more than
a couple of bars for you to relax the night away. Farquah’s Bar (despite the
name) has a good selection of drink and food and there are several other
choices such as Pitt Street and Slippery Senoritas.
Outside of Penang, the biggest choice of restaurants are to be found in Teluk
Bahang or Batu Ferringhi (there are also many hotels here for those wanting
to stay outside Georgetown within Penang).

Other Interesting Attractions Within Penang – Places To Shop & Hang Out
Penang offers some very good opportunities for shopping – especially crafts
and locally produced arts/ornaments. If you’re going to be visiting Kuala
Lumpur too, make sure you do the majority of your shopping here because it
will save you quite a bit of cash.
While there are no megamalls exactly, a number of areas specialise in
specific goods – Bee Chin Heong has many different types of artwork while
Penang Pewter is the place to go for excellent pewter works.
For shopping that’s a little more standard, the biggest collection of shops can
be located at Prangin Mall – not exactly up there with the likes of the
Pavillion Mall in Kuala Lumpur, but well worth a visit if you want to buy
attractively priced clothes and such. Other malls and markets include Komtar
and Chowraster Bazaar (a market with a large variety of stalls).
Places To Stay In Penang
The biggest pool of hotels, guest houses and other accommodation types in
Penang tend to be in Georgetown, though there are alternative places such
as Teluk Bahang and Batu Ferringhi.
Luckily, even very good four and five star accommodation can be had for a
reasonable fee so you can stay in the lap of luxury without it breaking the
bank:
Hotels In Penang, Malaysia
Evergreen Laurel (Persiaran Gurney)
Bayview Georgetown (Georgetown)
Traders (Magazine Road)
Bayview (Batu Ferringhi)

Hydro Majestic (Batu Ferringhi)
Golden Sands (Batu Ferringhi)
Northam All Suite (Georgetown)
Lone Pine (Batu Ferringhi)
Introduction To Negeri Sembilan
This small state consists of under 1 million people and has a total square
area of under 6700. Even so, there are a few unique things to see and do
here and the state is the home of the Minangkabau who’s roots to Malaysia
extend back over 500 years.
One of the main towns here is Seremban though other settlements are to be
found in Sri Menanti and Kuala Pilah. There’s also an interesting forest
reserve situated at Cape Rachado at the South Western part of the state.
It’s possible to get to Negeri Sembilan by road from Kuala Lumpur, and there
are various buses that take tourists to and from the Malaysian capital every
day.
Things To See & Do In Negeri Sembilan
While you don’t really need to spend much more than a couple of days at
most here, you won’t get bored while you do stay.
One of the best attractions within the state is the interesting town of
Seremban which boasts some lovely architecture – the town has a large

number of hotels and eateries too. While you’re here, pop in to the Muzium
Negeri which hosts some unique national paintings.
Of the couple of interesting churches, the Church Of The Visitation is the
most appealing, and if you get a chance then the lush Lake Gardens should
not be missed.
Away from Seremban, Kuala Pilah is where you’ll find Sri Menanti (once a
royal palace) and the Isanta Besar (another lake & park). There is a bustling
night market in Kuala Pilah too which stays open into the early hours of the
morning.
Negeri Sembilan’s premier beach is in Cape Rachado and is called Tanjung
Tuan. It’s also here that most of the beach hotels inside Negeri Sembilan are
based. Nearby, Port Dickson is a quaint little port town with a few cheery
shops and one or two attractions like the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple &
Port Dickson Ostrich Farm.
There are also plenty of souvenir shopping opportunities in Port Dickson,
with a large variety of T-shirts, ornaments and handicrafts to scoop up.
Hotels, Guesthouses & Other Accommodation In Negeri Sembilan (Malaysia)
There are a few scatterings of hotels elsewhere, but your best bet of finding
good accommodation here is the Tanjung Tuan beach region, or the capital
of Seremban (which has far fewer choices than the former).
Here, we’ve listed some of the best hotel choices for Negeri Sembilan
(Malaysia):
Five & Four Star Hotels
Avillion Resort – Port Dickson
Royal Bintang – Seremban
Guoman – Port Dickson

Corus Paradise - Port Dickson
Salesa Beach Resort - Port Dickson
The Legend Water Chalets - Port Dickson
Three Star Hotels & Less
Ancasa – Port Dickson
Bayu Beach Resort - Port Dickson
Duta Villa Golf Resort - Port Dickson
Ilham Resort - Port Dickson
Sunshine Bay Resort - Port Dickson
Seri Malaysia – Seremban
There are a wide range of highly decent accommodation choices, and like in
most Malaysian areas, you can find something to suit pretty much every
budget.
Restaurants, Café’s & Places To Eat & Drink In Negeri Sembilan
As you would expect, a cluster of the best eateries in Negeri Sembilan are to
be found in the capital of Seremban, though there are a few restaurants to
be found elsewhere, most notably in the port of Port Dickson.
Starting off in Seremban, if you fancy a very fast and cheap meal then there
are a good few choices in Terminal 1 (the only shopping mall of any note in
the town).
The other choices are also quite good – good Chinese food can be found at
Blossom Court, while the famous Restoran Negeri whips up Indian style

food. Similar style food can be found in Restoran Nelayan. Topping off the
list of Indian food is Top Curry House, which is cheap and comfortable.
Vegetarians may want to look into the best Veggie restaurant in town –
called Kam Kee, there’s a wide range of Oriental grub, none of it meat.
Moving onto Port Dickson, a good couple of restaurants as well as simple
eateries are available here. The oddly titled Lucky King Bun has an
interesting speciality dish – a giant bun with curry chicken filling.
Otherwise, Ulek Mayang Ikan Bakar has decent seafood at average prices.
Also serving seafood is Sia Lee Seafood Restaurant – cheap and tasty fare.
If all that seafood isn’t for you, relax at the Dickson Coffee House with any
number of western dishes – the ambience is also first class, with outstanding
views out over the bay.
Introduction To Melaka
The small state of Melaka’s main attraction is Melaka Port – a historic port
city which is known for it’s rich history and culture. The state of Melaka is
fairly small, squeezing into an area not more than 1650 square km.
Melaka has a colourful history – up to the 14th
century, the port town was
not much more than a sleepy little fishing village. At this time it was
discovered by a Hindu prince called Parameswara who started off Melaka’s
new designation as a place to trade exotic spices. In fact, by the time of
Parameswara’s death in 1414, Melaka had established itself as one of the
busiest trading ports in the region.
During the 15th
century the Portugese took Melaka under their rule and
remained until 1641 when the Dutch took the port by force. It wasn’t actually
until 1946 that Melaka was officially recognised as a state of Malaysia.

Today, Maleka remains an interesting destination for tourists all over the
world and offers some lovely beaches aside from the obvious delights to be
found while travelling within Maleka port.
Things To See & Do In Maleka
All said and done, Maleka is a pretty small town which makes exploration by
foot inherently possible. There’s quite a few things to take in, and most are
reasonably close to one another.
The river (Sungai Melaka) segregates the new and old (colonial) regions of
Melaka – it’s on the eastern side that you can take in particularly interesting
architecture and sights such as St Pauls Church and the ancient town square.
It’s in the town square that you’ll find Stadthuys (an old duych style building
that has the distinction of being one of the oldest European design structures
in Malaysia.)
Nearby, you can also find a cluster of museums including the Democratic
Government Museum, The History & Ethnography Museum and the
Literature Museum. Away from the square, there are even more offerings
for museum lovers, including the Maritime & Naval Museum as well as
Cheng Ho Cultural Museum.
Also near the square are the ruins of St Paul’s Church which offers some fine
vistas over Melaka. Another church worth a visit is St Peter’s which is almost
300 years old (and still used).
The imposing Sultanate Palace is also a good place to visit in the town – the
building is over 500 years old, as is the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple inside
Chinatown.
Outside of Melaka, there are one or two attractions worthy of a visit – most
interesting of these is Tanjung Bidara which is a very nice beach, and the
best in Melaka (there are a couple of resorts along here too, in case you
fancy staying here).

Also outside of the city of Melaka, there is Ajor Gajah which is a tiny but
fetching little village housing the Museum Of Culture & Tradition – it’s also
well worth a stroll through this charming little place.
Otherwise, there’s Pulau Besar, an independent island that’s a short boat
trip away from Melaka or Ayer Keroh which is home to Melaka Zoo and
Hutan Rekresai (a park).
Hotels, Guesthouses & Other Accommodation In Melaka (Malaysia)
Melaka has most of it’s available hotels and accommodation within the main
city, although one or two places can also be found at Tanjung Bidara which is
the main beach resort in the state.
Below are some of the most popular hotel choices for your stay in Melaka:
Renaissance Melaka
Equatorial
Bayview Melaka
The Majestic
Holiday in Melaka
Everly Resort
Accordian
Seri Costa
The Legacy
Hotel Orkid Melaka
Straits Meridian
Puri
Naza

Typically, there are a mix of two to five star offerings with the Renaissance
offering top end, five star lodgings.
Restaurants, Café’s & Places To Eat & Drink In Melaka
If you are in the mood for some of the excellent local cuisine available in
Melaka, you have more than a couple of options. Some seafood based
specialities are served up by Restoran Nasi Ayam and Restoran Famosa. Also
offering local dishes, are the 88 Café and Hoo Kee Chicken Shop.
Your options for Chinese are also pretty good – Chicken Rice Ball Restaurant is
favoured by locals for decent, cheap fare while most of the traditional places
listed above also offer Chinese cuisine.
The best place to get Indian food is Sri Lakshmi Restaurant, but a couple other
choices are available including the Vazhai Elai.
Other meal options can be found at Shakey’s Restaurant (Italian), and Uncle
Quah’s Restaurant & Coffee House (general hot & cold snacks).
There are also some good bars to head to for a late night drink – Geographers
Bar is popular, Light & Ez Cafe and Ringo’s are some of the many choices
available. There are a couple of late night malls and night markets as well.
Introduction To Johor
At the southern most tip of Malaysia is the busy stat of Johor – it does have a
multitude of features to interest the tourist, and is also Malaysia’s most heavily
populated state with over 3 million residents. The main sights include
immaculate national forests such as Enday-Rompin National Park, some
interesting museums and the city of Johor Bahru (the capital of the state).
Johor also has a colourful history, with it’s independence as a state dating back
as far as the early 16th
century when the Sultanate of Johor was founded. Johor

remained the only state in what is now Malaysia not to fall into Portugese rule
during this time.
The state also went through British rule until 1914, and was officially
recognised as a state of Malaysia in 1948.
Things To See & Do In Johor
Much of what’s to see in Johor can be found in the main city area of Johor
Bahru. Because this is Malaysia’s most geographically close city to Singapore,
there is always the opportunity to skip over the border but there’s a fair bit to
do in Johor in it’s own right.
With over 3 million residents, you can bet there’s a fair bit of shopping and a
multitude of bars and restaurants to keep the sophisticated traveller busy.
A serious hit with most tourists is the Royal Abu Bakar Museum which displays
many fine exhibits owned by a succession of sultans throughout the history of
Johor. The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is also an impressive structure, matched
only by two other stunning structures in the city - namely Roufo Gumiao
(Chinese temple) and Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim. Rounding off the religious
monuments is the equally impressive Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Johor is also terribly proud of it’s reputation as a shopping paradise – indeed,
there are more than a couple of handsome shopping malls such as Johor Bahru
City Sq, Plaza Kota Raya, and Plaza Pelangi.
Outside of Johor Bahru there are also some interesting sights and destinations –
the Seribuat Archipelago is a wonderful set of islands which affords some
outstanding diving opportunities.
The Endau Rompin National Park is also a highly visited destination – the park
exceeds two hundred years in age and the main highlights are the splendid
Sangkut Falls. You can take in some brilliant treks within the national park too.

There are also a couple of very pleasant towns to visit outside Johor Bahru –
Mersing a picture perfect fishing village which has almost stood still in time
over the past hundred years. Muar is somewhat more lively and offers a couple
of basic accommodation types.
You’ll also want to visit Gunung Ledang – Johor’s highest peak which affords
some amazing views over waterfalls and endless jungle terrain.
Hotels, Guesthouses & Other Accommodation In Johor (Malaysia)
As you’d expect, most of the accommodation within Johor is central to the main
city area of Johor Bahru. We’ve listed some of the most popular places to stay
from five to two star places:
Regency (5 Star)
Pulai Springs (5 Star)
Puteri Pacific (5 Star)
Mutiara (5 Star)
Hyatt Regency (5 Star)
Sofitel Palm (4 Star)
Selesa (3 Star)
Crystal Crown (3 Star)
Tropical Inn (2 Star)
The above places relate to accommodation in Johor Bahru. There are more
places to stay within Mersing such as the East Coast Hotel (budget), and the
Teluk Iskandar Inn (slightly more upper range).
Restaurants, Café’s, Bars – Places To Eat & Drink In Johar

Some very good eateries can be found in the main city of Johor Bahru.
Some excellent & cheap grub can be had at Bay Leaf Food Court (everything
from Western dishes to more popular Malay cuisine is available here).
Near store shopping centre, Ah Cai Technochew is a highly popular restaurant
that is celebrated for it’s sea cucumber dish.
If you fancy some authentic hawker chow, there are no shortage of food centres
available such as Tepian Tebrau and Sera Sungai Chat.
Restoran Medira does some cracking Inidan food, while you can feast on wood
roasted chicken at Kenny Rogers Roasters. Closer to home, there is also a TGI’s
available in the city centre. For seafood, you can pop in to Straits Garden
Seafood or Todak Seafood Restaurant.
Slightly more upmarket, Aliff Restaurant serves up a variety of east and west
experts.
Chocolate Banana is an interesting place to head to – especially if you like
cake!
Moving on to the nightlife, Johor Bahru is a bustling city, and there are a couple
of bars, clubs and disco’s available for the night creature.
The city has one or two karaoke bars such as TAM and most offer a variety of
food and drink choices. Also popular are the night markets.
Bayleaf has a good bar and is open quite late, while the interesting Handle Bar
has a definite bikers theme going on.
Introduction To Pahang
One of the oldest rainforests in the world, superb traditional villages displaying
old world Malaysia at it’s best and some picture perfect beaches – these are
just a few of the things that Pahang is famous for.

Pahang has no end of scenic beauty – from untouched rainforests and jungle to
national parks and beaches – there is a lot for the tourist to take in.
Things To See & Do In Pahang
Pulau Tioman is a small island off the mainland of Pahang – tourists flock here
in big numbers and Tioman has some very good places to stay and eat.
Pekan (mainland) has a number of places to visit and see – the Sungai Pahang
is one of the longest bridges in Malaysia, and Pekan has some nice architecture
and buildings – Museum Sultan Au Bakar, Sultan Abdullah Mosque and Istana
Mangga are a few examples of the rich variety of old world buildings to be
discovered.
Nature lovers can see the Turtle Sanctuary in Cherating, and nearby Tasik Chini
is a series of lakes which legend has it is home to a giant serpent.
The national park of Taman Negara is well worth exploring if you have the
time. You can see numerous exotic wildlife such as elephants, lizards, tigers and
much more.
In Kuala Lipis, there are a smattering of sights such as the Tianhou Temple, a
bustling little night market and the impressive district offices which have a very
grandeur design. Nearby, the Kenong Rimba State Park is set amidst thick
forest and affords visitors a chance to see any variety of wildlife.
Hotels, Guesthouses & Other Accommodation In Pahang (Malaysia)
There are many places to stay in Pahang in just about every region of the state.
Here are some of the choices:
Cherating
Eastern Pavilion (5 Star)
Impiana Resort (4 Star)

Legend Resort (4 Star)
Holiday Villa (3 Star)
Sanctuary Resort (3 Star)
Kuantan Area
Hyatt Regency (5 Star)
Vistana Hotel (4 Star)
Swiss Garden Resort (4 Star)
MS Garden (4 Star)
Grand Continental (3 Star)
Citiview (3 Star)
Duta Sands (3 Star)
Shahzan Inn (3 Star)
Seri Malaysia (2 Star)
Taman Negara Area
Rainforest Resort (3 Star)
Persona Village (3 Star)
Woodland Resort (3 Star)
Nusa (3 Star)
Other Areas
Countryview (3 Star)

Rompin Beach (3 Star)
Like in most places within Malaysia there is an accommodation package to
suite pretty much every type of traveller.
Restaurants, Café’s, Bars – Places To Eat & Drink In Pahang
There are many places to eat within Pahang, no matter which area you find
yourself in. Chinese food as well as traditional Malay, Indian and even Western
eateries abound.
In Cherating, Amies & Spices – this traditional place offers a good mix of
various Malay and Indian cuisine. Good seafood can be had at the Seaside
Seafood Restaurant though there are also other offerings available nearby.
In Jeranut there is the buzzing Restoran Kafe Hainman which serves up tasty
quick foods like burgers and pizza’s.
If your pallet desires more upmarket bistro style food then head off to Tjantek
Art Bistro – good food in tasteful surroundings, but one of the most expensive
places to eat in the region. Also located here is the Restoran Choice which
offers traditional Malay food in simple surroundings.
Pekan also offers a decent selection of places to eat – Restoran Pahang is
especially favoured by tourists (it’s mostly Chinese food).
If you’re staying at Pulau Tioman many resorts offer good dining options, and
there are a multitude of café’s scattered throughout the island.

Introduction To Terengganu
The eastern state of Terengganu encompasses an area of 13,000 square miles
with a population of just under one million residents. There are quite a few
interesting islands off the mainland to explore here, such as Pulau Perhentian
and Pulau Redang. Visitors to Terengganu also have a variety of sights and
activities to enjoy such as snorkelling, taking in lazy and beautiful beaches,
jungle trekking and of course setting about the main city of Kuala Terengganu.
Historically, Terengganu was officially recognised as a Malay state in 1724 prior
to which it was a solo trading region. In the 1900’s it was taken over by the
British until 1948 when it rejoined as a state of Malaysia.
Things To See & Do In Terengganu
The city of Kuala Terengganu has a fair bit to interest tourists – there are the
usual night markets that are to be found in practically all Malaysian
settlements. There’s also a well developed Chinatown that has some good
oriental restaurants, not to mention some interesting buildings – the Zainal
Abidin Mosque has some interesting architecture to it. Also worthy of note
within the capital of Terengganu is Princess Hill which offers some excellent
vistas of the region. You can also catch an interesting cultural show at the
cultural theatre.
Nearby the city, the Kompleks Museum Negeri is one of the largest in Malaysia
and holds thousands of superb artefacts and exhibitions – for natural beauty,
the Tasik Kenyir Lake and Sekayu Falls are closeby to Terengganu.
Good beaches are not difficult to find in the region – Rantau Abang, Dungun
and Paka are among the best.
There are also some picturesque, traditional fishing villages in the area – Batu
Rakit lies north of the main city and there is a good array of eateries as well as
a nice beach here. Alternatively, Merang is another though not quite as eye
catching to the tourist.

There are a couple of small islands that are off the main coast of Terengganu –
most notably Pulau Lang Tengah and Pulau Perhentian, both of which can be
reached by a fairly quick boat ride. Both islands offer hotels and
accommodation should you wish to stay here.
Hotels, Guesthouses & Other Accommodation In Terengganu (Malaysia)
There are quite a few places to stay in Kuala Terengganu, and other places also
offer a decent variety of accommodation types. Here are a few choices:
Kuala Terengganu
Primula Beach Resort (5 Star)
Primula Park Royal (4 Star)
Gem Beach (3 Star)
Motel Desa (3 Star)
Seri Malaysia (3 Star)
Awi’s Yellow House (2 Star/Guesthouse)
Other Hotels In Terengganu
Kenyir Lakeview (5 Star)
Aryani (4 Star)
Awana (3 Star)
Strawberry Kijal Resort (3 Star)
Best Western (3 Star)
Sutra Beach Resort (3 Star)

Tanjong Jara (3 Star)
Restaurants, Café’s, Bars – Places To Eat & Drink In Terengganu
Most hotels and resorts offer fairly well created Malaysian meals every night,
but there are various places to eat and drink in Terengganu.
As you may expect, there are a couple of good Chinese restaurants like Tian Kee
and Golden Dragon in the heart of Kuala Terengganu. Seafood places are also
prevalent if you stroll around the main city area and there is a Curry house too
if you fancy something spicy. As in most Malaysian cities, there is a hawker
centre where you can lap up some traditional Malay food on the cheap.
Other places you may wish to have a snack at are the Travellers Café, or the
Guan.
Shopping possibilities do exists here too – the Noor Arfa Craft Complex offers
some interesting handiworks, and there’s a lot of variety in the Central Market
too.
Introduction To Kelantan
Kelantan is a very small state which occupies a land mass of barely 15,000
square miles with a population of about 1.3 million people. While there is only
one major settlement (Kota Bharu), Kelantan also enjoys a border with
Thailand, and there is a lot of scenic beauty – especially if you get the chance to
go through the jungle railway.
Things To See & Do In Kelantan
The main city of Kota Bharu is the main city in Kelantan, with an airport and
the usual offerings of banks, eateries, night markets and shopping centres that
you would expect to find in most Malaysian cities. There are also one or two
good places for museum lovers to visit – Bank Kerapu, Istana Jahar and
Museum Islam are among the more popular offerings.

You can see cultural shows at the buzzing Gelanggang Seni too. Shopaholics
are well catered for – the central market is the place to find fresh produce but
shopping for tourists who are after souvenirs are best found at Bazaar Buluh
Kubu or KB Mall.
Outside of Kota Bharu, you can visit the Masjid Kampung Laut, which happens
to be an ancient mosque that dates back to the 17th
century. The Jelawang
Jungle Park is also quite a stunning natural place to visit – there are some
intriguing attractions within from mystical caves to lush waterfalls all set
amidst a jungle backdrop.
While Kelantan is not especially known for it’s beaches there are a couple of
very nice ones – most tourists head toward Pantai Irama, Pantai Cahaya Bulan
or Pantai Seri Tujuh.
Hotels, Guesthouses & Other Accommodation In Kelantan (Malaysia)
Given it’s size, there isn’t exactly an abundance of accommodation within
Kelantan, and many of the hotels and resorts tend to be concentrated within
the capital Kota Bharu. Here are a few of the hotel listings that are popular:
Renaissance Hotel Kota Bharu (Expensive)
Grand Riverview Hotel (Expensive)
Perdana (Standard)
Suria Hotel (Standard)
Juita Inn (Standard)
Dynasty Inn (Standard)
Ideal Travellers Lodge (Cheap)
Temenggong (Cheap)
Pantai Cahaya Resort (Cheap)

Restaurants & Places To Eat In Kelantan
A lot of the eateries within the state of Kelantan can be found within the capital
of Kota Bharu – that’s not to say there’s nothing available elsewhere.
In the capital, there are a couple of classy restaurants – notably Four Seasons
which serves up a variety of West & East dishes or the Renaissance which offers
pricey set meals in opulent surroundings. If you’re on a strict budget, you may
need to opt for one of the many other restaurants such as Ships (seafood as
well as other fare), Medan Usahawan (Malay) or one of the other places
offering fairly inexpensive (yet decent) fare.
In the Hotel Perdana is the highly regarded Golden Jade Chinese Restaurant –
the menu offers a good selection of both Western & local Malay/Chinese
cuisine and is well worth a visit.
Outside the main city, the beaches along Pantai Cahaya Bulan, and Pantai Seri
Tujuh have some reasonable eateries to check out.
An Introduction To Sarawak
Sarawak is a large state – with a landmass of over 120,000 Square KM, and a
population of just over one million. It is also a remarkably scenic place, with raw
jungles, exciting national forests, towering mountains and a bustling city where
you can stay to explore it all from.
To give you an idea of how raw and undiscovered Sarawak actually is, new
species of flora and fauna are still discovered within it’s many national parks
every year.
Things To See & Do In Sarawak
The capital of Sarawak is the city of Kuching which by itself has a platter of
attractions – there’s a wildlife park within the city and if you’re fond of
museums then Sarawak museum is the pick of the choices (though others like

the Chinese History Museum and Natural Science Museum are also good
places to visit.
Fort Margherita is a good historic monument located by the waterfront. There
is also a thriving Sunday market within the city selling all manor of fresh
produce.
Outside of the main city of Kuching, Sarawak still offers the tourist plenty of
sights and activities. In particular it’s a goldmine of national parks and forests –
the most popular ones include:
Kubah National Park
Gunung Mulu National Park
Bako National Park
Bukit Tiban National Park
Batang Ai National Park
Tanjung Datu National Park
Niah National Park
Loagan Bunut National Park
Lambir Hills National Park
Pulong Tau National Park
Talang Satang National Park
Rajang Mangroves National Park
Unless you’re here for very long, it’s probably unlikely to be able to see them all
– but take your pick because most offer a wonderful selection of trekking
opportunities, hikes and vistas as well as some highly interesting flora & fauna.
Away from the capital, and national parks, Which Sibu is another colourful little
fishing village which has a lovely temple (Tua Pek Kong) and the unique Mist

Gardens. It’s similar to Kapit (another fishing village village) which is famous for
the Kapit Museum, Fort Sylvia and the attractive harbour area.
Another popular region in Sarawak is the Kelabit Highlands – the main town
centre to see here is Bario while other places to visit in the Highlands include Bo
Kelalan and the Pulong Tau National Park.
Near Sibu is another pretty little fishing village called Mukah – very picturesque
and well worth seeing if you’re in the North East region of Sarawak while
Bintulu has a pleasant port area and a scattering of sights like a Chinese temple
and a few decent places to stay and eat.
Hotels, Guesthouses & Other Accommodation In Sarawak (Malaysia)
Sarawak has a lot of hotels, guesthouses and resorts throughout the main
visitor areas of the state. Here are some of your choices segregated by region:
The Capital (Kuching):
Hilton (5 Star)
Hilton Batang (5 Star)
Crowne Plaza (4 Star)
Damai Puri (4 Star)
Holiday Inn (4 Star)
Merdeka Palace (4 Star)
Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club (3 Star)
Harbour View Hotel (3 Star)
Kingwood Inn (3 Star)

Rajah Court Hotel (3 Star)
Permai Rainforest Resort (3 Star)
Santubong Kuching (3 Star)
Somerset Gateway (3 Star)
Telang Usang (3 Star)
Other Hotels In Sarawak (Non Kuching):
Mega Hotel (5 Star – Miri)
Marriott Hotel (5 Star – Miri)
Kingwood (4 Star – Sibu)
Park City (4 Star – Bintulu)
Dynasty (3 Star – Miri)
Grand Palace (3 Star Miri)
Royal Mulu (3 Star – Mulu National Park)
Restaurants & Places To Eat In Sarawak
Sarawak has a rich variety of eateries – especially within the capital state of
Kuching. Here you can eat at neat and cheery café’s or try some traditional
Malay food. The choice is yours. Three of the most popular café’s in Kuching are
Life Café, King Top Café and Juat Biang Café all serving the usual café fare.
For Oriental food there’s the Ming Joo and Fook Hoi restaurant. Good Indian
grub can be had at Sri Shan Curry and some excellent satay dishes at Madli
Satay.
Staying in Kuching, the seafood at the Sea Horse Bistro is highly popular with
tourists.

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