Malaysia This Week (23-31 Dec 2013)

Christmas is just around the corner! Yes, as you know, Malaysia is a multi-racial country and this holiday is celebrated by Christians from all over Malaysia! There might not be any snow but there will be plenty of Christmas spirit here in the tropics, with restaurants, malls and hotels offering fantastic yuletide promotions. Look out for stunning festive decorations in malls such as Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC and Mid Valley Megamall. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Next up, we have The King of Kings event happening in Stadium Merdeka on 28th December starting at 8pm. Indian film composer, singer, lyricist, conductor and songwriter Ilaiyaraaja has over 4500 songs to his name and has provided scores for over 950 Bollywood films. He stands as one of the world’s top selling music artists with an illustrious career second to none. Some of well-known artists are also going to perform on the same stage with him. Catch them in a once-in-a-lifetime concert this month.

Moving on from that, we have “Hi-5 House Party” Live In Malaysia happening on 28 and 29 December in KL Performing Arts Centre. The "Hi-5 House Party" is set in the backyard, where boogie fever lives on together with fun games and non-stop songs with dance moves that everyone can bop to. You can look forward to all the familiar party games one can ask for with a Hi-5 twist of course, including hide-and-seek, 'Chat Says', musical statues, guessing games and even a limbo competition! The Hi-5 gang will perform your favorites such as L.O.V.E, Ready or Not and Wish Upon a Star, and you get to be the first to hear brand new songs from their upcoming TV series “Hi-5 House” including Dance with the Dinosaurs and Come on In! So, dont forget to check them out!

So what are your new years resolution? Don’t you think New Years Eve is the biggest celebration that the entire world looks forward to? Every single person eagerly awaits the start of a new year. Don’t know what to do for the big countdown yet? Well, head on over to KLCC park for a dazzling fireworks display to start your new year off with a bang. If you stay in one of the hotels next to the Petronas twin towers you will have even better vantage points for the New Years Eve fireworks display. Until the New Year countdown begins you can take the hop-on hop off bus to get to the restaurants, bars and shopping venues nearby. The city streets will be packed with excited people awaiting the countdown to midnight, celebrating the arrival of the New Year 2014. 

Watch Malaysia This Week video here. 

Favourite Local Cuisine

One interesting way to explore Malaysia is through its food. The culinary journey will give visitors an insight into the lifestyles, cultures and traditions of the people. Eating out is certainly a gastronomic adventure, as the food here ranges from aromatic Malay dishes, delectable Chinese delicacies, to spicy Indian fare. Malaysia offers some of Asia’s finest cuisine, given the wide variety of cooking styles and cultural influences. 

Food connoisseurs can rest assured that there are many exclusive restaurants that offer fine dining amidst a charming ambience. Alternatively, eat al-fresco at the open-air food courts. Urban areas abound with fast-food outlets, trendy cafés and delicatessens. In major cities with a cosmopolitan lifestyle such as Kuala Lumpur, visitors will find many restaurants serving international fare. Visitors to Kuala Lumpur will find numerous restaurants situated in the vicinity of tourist attractions. The Seri Angkasa Revolving Restaurant is situated at a height of 282 metres above ground, in KL Tower, the fourth tallest tower in the world. Visitors can enjoy a sprawling view of the city while dining. Saloma Bistro, situated next to the Malaysia Tourism Centre, dishes out a delectable spread of authentic Malay fare. Dining is very much a cultural experience in restaurants such as Seri Melayu, where patrons can enjoy cultural performances while they dine.

To enrich visitors’ experience, there are culinary tours and cooking workshops where visitors can learn the fine art of Malaysian cooking. Homestay programmes offer the unique opportunity to watch how Malay food and delicacies are prepared. Savour the tantalising spread with your host family.

As a Muslim country, halal food (food that is permissible for Muslims) is easily available. Most restaurants serve halal cuisine, but when in doubt, visitors are advised to ask, just to be sure. In major towns, there is also food for people with special preferences, such as vegetarians.

Malaysians enjoy eating at any time of the day – breakfast, lunch, teatime, dinner, supper and any time in between. The many festivals and celebrations call for a tantalising spread of food and delicacies. To sample some of the festive specialties, visitors can participate in the national-level open house celebrations held in conjunction with the festivals. Your visit to the Mamak restaurant would not be complete without trying the nasi kandar. This signature Mamak fare originates from Penang. In the olden days, vendors used to balance or kandar steel containers on their shoulders with a wooden bar while they walked around to sell their food. Hence the name, nasi kandar.

Nasi kandar is typically plain rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes, anything you fancy. Expect a plateful of rice accompanied by your choice of flavoursome deep-fried chicken, cubed spleen, beef, squid, prawns or fish roe and a mixture of curries and other sauces. Vegetable side dishes such as brinjal, ladies’ fingers, bitter gourd or cabbage salad are also available. The dish is made complete with pickles and papadum.

Roti canai is a favourite Malaysian breakfast item. This flatbread is composed of fluffy dough made of flour, water, egg and ghee. The ar t of making roti canai lies in the repeated kneading, folding, oiling, flattening and tossing of the dough before cooking it on an oil-drenched flat skillet. Ideally, the pastry should be crispy on the outside and soft inside. 

Murtabak is a sample of true Mamak ingenuity. It is basically roti canai, layered and folded with luxuriously spiced minced meat and eggs. Visitors can also try the sardine murtabak. This delicious meal is served with curry as well as pickled onions or cucumber. Nowadays, murtabak and roti canai can be found anywhere from Mamak restaurants to Malay stalls, night markets and even in the frozen food section in supermarkets. 

Dubbed the national drink, teh tarik, which literally means ‘stretched tea’, is a favourite local pick-me-up. To many Malaysians, nothing beats hanging out with friends at the Mamak’s and talking over a glass of hot, frothy teh tarik. Preparing this special tea is both ar t and science. There is a cer tain skill required to stretch the tea back and for th using two containers without spilling a single drop. It is such an impressive ar t that annually, teh tarik brewers come together to put their skills to test in various competitions. The stretching of the tea actually helps to mix the ingredients better, thus enhancing its exquisite taste. The method also helps to cool the tea down. 

Watch Favourite local Cuisine video here. 

i-City Shah Alam

i-City located in Shah Alam, Selangor is known as the city of digital lights. It is recognised at the first lightscape tourism destination in Malaysia with state-of- the-art LED technology showcase. 

The digital city includes trendy shopping streets and equipped with a theme park to cater to visitors' looking for a place to unwind. 

The township accommodates high-tech infrastructure allowing for a unique display of digital lights. These attractions are located at CityPark and CityWalk. 

You can chill in the park, view the wonderful sculptures and experience a whole new world with its dazzling light showcase. It is ideal for the whole family. 

Do bring a camera to capture the wonderful and majestic light displays. It is truly magical! 

Watch our video on i-City Shah Alam.  For more video, please visit http://www.trulyasia.tv/

Petaling Street, The Heart of Chinatown

Petaling Street, the centre of Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown, maintains much of its traditional atmosphere, particularly at night when vendors fan out their merchandise along the street. 

While you can shop for anything from gems and incense to toys and t-shirts, the true allure of this night market is in wandering about and enjoying its sights, sounds and energy. Food is plentiful with many scrumptious varieties to choose from; some of the restaurants here have been in business for generations. 

Locals flock to Petaling Street primarily for bargain accessories and great Chinese food. So, go on, be brave - head down to Petaling Street with an empty stomach and an adventurous spirit. Even if you don't spend a penny, (which will be hard!), you are guaranteed to have an amazing experience here. 

At the end of Petaling Street, you can further explore the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple which dates back to 1906. The interior of this building features open courtyard pavilions, intricate carvings and paintings. On the exterior, the temple depicts elaborate glazed ceramic sculptures which grace the facade and roof ridges. 

For more adventurous tourists, further down from Petaling Street is the South Indian Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. This temple is situated at Jalan Tun H.S. Lee which is within walking distance from Chinatown. Built in 1873, the temple is said to be the most ornate and elaborate Hindu temple in the country. The design and decorative features include intricate carvings of Hindu deities, gold embellishments, precious stones and hand-painted motifs. Exquisite Italian and Spanish tiles provide further ornamentation. A silver chariot housed within the premises features prominently in religious processions, transporting the statue of the deity through the city streets. 

Outside the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple are stalls selling garlands and strings of sweet smelling jasmine. Additionally, the strong aroma of Chinese traditional herbs and that of freshly brewed coffee waft through the air from across the street. 

Watch Petaling Street video here.

Desaru Beach

Desaru's beaches are among the best in Johor. It was much hyped in the 80s with quite a few mega projects aimed at attracting foreign investment and visitors, which have since been abandoned. 

Today, it's strictly a local affair with the occasional Singaporeans thrown in: there are no chic boutique, fancy restaurants or hip nightlife spots, just 22 kilometers of beach and a few aging resorts. After a period of neglect, recently Desaru has become popular with tourists wishing to see a true Malay resort without for-tourists frills, and it's likely to get a major fillip in 2010 once the much-delayed expressway from Johor Bahru is completed. 

Many returning visitors agree that its white sandy beaches are a sight to behold. The beaches are clean, lined with casuarina trees and stretch 25 kilometres long. Here, visitors can enjoy fun- filled activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, hiking as well as other outdoor activities. 

Take the opportunity to relax or get that sexy tan, while listening to rushing waves and enjoying the cool breeze. 

Numerous hotels, resorts and chalets line the area, making accommodation simple and convenient.

Watch our video on Surfing Desaru here. 

Top 5 Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur

1. Aquaria, KLCC

Nestled in the heart of the bustling Golden Triangle and within walking distance from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria KLCC is a state-of-the-art aquarium showcasing over 5,000 different exhibits of aquatic and land-bound creatures over a sprawling multi-level space in the Concourse Level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 

From the tropical waters of the Asian region to the rainforests of the world, Aquaria KLCC takes you on a journey to discover the fascinating nature of aquatic life as well as the unique behaviour of animals and crawly creatures above water. 

Immerse in an absorbing aquatic experience (without getting your feet wet!) from the moment you enter Aquaria KLCC. An educational study charting the course of natural waters flowing from the highlands to the streams and deep sea is devised to help visitors appreciate water as a habitat and ecosystem.

Highlights include a 90-metre tunnel tank with a moving travelator where you can marvel at Sand Tiger sharks, stingrays, marine turtles and other sea creatures swimming around unhindered in the vast oceanarium, a spectacular live show of divers feeding these creatures at meal times and a rare opportunity to come into contact with live starfish and bamboo shark at the Touchpool area. 

Watch Aquaria KLCC video here. 

2. Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, a few minutes away from Petaling Street, Central Market is a famous landmark for Malaysian culture and heritage. 

The building was built in 1888 and originally functioned as a wet market and was built by Yap Ah Loy, the city’s Chinese Kapitan. It has since been classified as a Heritage Site. 

It served as a prominent landmark in colonial and modern-day Kuala Lumpur. When it was relocated in the 1980s, the Malaysian Heritage Society successfully petitioned against the demolition of the building, and it was subsequently declared a centre for Malaysian arts, culture and handicraft.

Tourists flock to Central Market for its variety of handicrafts, art, kebaya, songket, batik and authentic Malaysian souvenirs. A Batik Emporium houses well-known designer labels, with the best Malaysian-made batik items ranging from clothes, shoes, bags to home furnishing. 

The Central Market Outdoor Stage is where visitors can catch colourful arts and cultural events. During the country’s main festivals, the area will be lit up in theme, reflecting the multiracial diversity of Malaysians. 

For a more contemporary take on the local arts scene, The Annexe Gallery, located at the back of Central Market, is a popular venue for events such as film screenings, art exhibitions and public discourses. 

Watch Central Market video here. 

3. Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur

Jalan Alor is the well-known food street unique food destination in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Every local and tourist will eventually end up here having feast of good food in one of the many many restaurants and stalls. During the day, there is not much activity but when the sun goes down, the street will be hustling and bustling with activity.

On Jalan Alor, the stalls are parked all along the street and will take up both sides of the road selling food that best represents Malaysia. It is quite an overwhelming experience for whom may have some difficulty on deciding where to eat.

Jalan Alor is synonymous with good food, so much that there were much protests when the local authorities renamed the road. Jalan Alor indeed has a lot to offer for local visitors as well as those coming from abroad, so head there and experience it for yourself.

While most of the menus are in Chinese characters, there are some who also provide English translation in order to cater to tourists and a growing number of locals who are not Chinese-educated.

Located within the Bukit Bintang area, it can be easily found. It will takes 5 minutes walk to Jalan Alor from metro's Bukit Bintang Station.

Watch Jalan Alor video here.

4. ATV Adventure

If you are an adrenaline junkie and seeking for adventures activities while visiting Kuala Lumpur, you might want to try riding an ATV at ATV Adventure Park.

Only a 15 minutes drive away from Kuala Lumpur, located at Hulu Kelang, this ATV adventure park is the largest of its kind in Malaysia and offers various jungle trails for outdoor enthusiasts and all-terrain vehicle riders.

ATV Adventure Park is incorporated on 24th July 2006 by En. Mas Fadzillah Khan bin Ali.  Having more than 20 years motoring experience, set up the ougn tourists, increased to 36 units in early 2009.

You can choose out of five packages which suits you the most. Be thrilled to ride the bike while enjoying the magnificent view and sounds of nature.

The journey of the ride will take you to a stunning waterfall called Sofea Jane Waterfall as well an off road ride to Bukit Tabur, Klang Gate Dam, Sungai Liza, Bukit Lalang and Dataran Mas.

Do not miss out a chance to take a deep fresh air while having this adventure activity during your visit in Kuala Lumpur.  The ATV Adventure Park open everyday from 9 am to 6 pm.

Watch ATV Adventure video here.

5. Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

The magnificent Batu Caves are one of the top tourist attractions in Malaysia, partly because they are located only 13km from downtown Kuala Lumpur and easy to get to.

Site of a Hindu temple and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam.

A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines. The caves are Cathedral Cave, Dark Cave and Cave Villa. 

Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre.

Monkeys frolic around the caves, and it is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave.

Batu Caves is a place where you should not miss on your next visit to Malaysia! 

Watch Batu Caves video here.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was set up in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned baby orang utan. Set in the lush 4,300-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Centre under the administration of the Wildlife Department of Sabah attracts tourists and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orang utan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads you to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10.00am and 3.00pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area. 

While orang utan rehabilitation is still the primary goal at Sepilok, it also focuses on public education on conservation, research and assistance on other endangered species such as the rhinoceros.

Visitors are restricted to walkways. Some orang utan have become familiar with people but touching them is strongly discouraged, and while the apes are naturally shy and gentle, the more mischievous ones may try to grab your camera or hat, in which case you should call for a ranger as trying to wrestle the 200 pound apes may not be a good idea. 

For the more adventurous, there is trekking through mangrove forest. As this is under the Forestry Department, you will have to get a permit from them before trekking the 5km trail which runs through Sepilok Laut. You can also arrange for a boat return or accommodation in chalets in the forest. 

Watch our video on Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary.  For more video, please visit http://www.trulyasia.tv/

Rawa Island

Rawa Island is a coral island off the east coast of Johor, Malaysia, 16 km by boat from Mersing town. The island is famed for its white coral sand, tall palm trees and coral reefs with neon-coloured fish and other exotic marine life. 

"Rawa" is the local term for white doves, which are abundant in the island. One side of the island is a beach covered with white sand, while the other side has a rocky vertical cliff. Sharks Blacktip reef sharks can be found feeding in the sea off Rawa. 

This quiet island only has two choices of accommodation on it. There are 2 resorts on the island (Rawa Safaris and Alang's Rawa).

The wooden chalets nestled amongst coconut groves complement the island's reputation as a quaint hideaway, perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Other than relaxing on the beach, some prefer to relax in a different method with activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and spear fishing. Utilities and equipment for such activities are available at certain booths on the island.

Watch our video on Rawa Island.  For more video, please visit http://www.trulyasia.tv/

Pangkor Island

Pangkor, with its charming mix of fishing settlements and resorts, is a fascinating and convenient holiday destination. It presents the visitor with a rare chance to live near fishermen and observe their lifestyle and also to simply enjoy the fine beaches and resort amenities. 

The fishermen live in scattered settlements on the eastern side, facing the town of Lumut and Teluk Batik. Visitors get a chance to see some of them on the 40-minute ferry ride from Lumut as the ferry stops at the main settlements of Sungai Pinang Kecil and Sungai Pinang Besar before landing at Pangkor Town. 

Pangkor's two popular beach areas of Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah offer sun and sea enthusiasts activities like scuba-diving, snorkelling, wind-surfing and fishing. While Pasir Bogak is quite developed, Teluk Nipah still retains its kampung or village atmosphere. Teluk Ketapang or Turtle Bay still receives turtles on their egg-laying pilgrimages. Some of the resorts on the island also have excellent golf courses on their property.

Watch our video on Pangkor Island Part 1 and also Part 2.  For more video, please visit http://www.trulyasia.tv/

Langkawi Island

Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands offering the best of many worlds: beautiful beaches, world- class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra- cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends. 

Langkawi has a lingering legend woven into its history. Ask anyone on the island about the tragic story of a beautiful young lady named Mahsuri, and you'll hear a tale of love, jealousy and a curse that was placed upon the island by her for seven generations. 

Today, the seventh generation of Langkawi's inhabitants has long come and gone, but people here still believe that the prosperity and blessings the islands enjoy today and the passing of the curse is no mere coincidence. The mysticism of this legend can be felt in many parts of this island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum), where Mahsuri is said to be buried. 

Despite what looks like a slant towards tourism, many of the islanders are actually farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi's most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island. 

You'll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children pedalling their old bicycles on errands. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi. Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang - Langkawi's second highest mountain - for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond. 

Other popular destinations are the Field of Burnt Rice, Hot Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat tours are organised to Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave). 

For a more intimate time with nature, go trekking through the pristine rainforest that covers most of Langkawi, or go on a boat tour of the mangroves. There are also opportunities to go for a dive, or play a round of golf at some of the 5-star resorts. Langkawi also has an underwater world, with an underground tunnel that runs through a giant aquarium, that has received rave reviews. 

Watch our video on Langkawi Island Part 1 and also Part 2.  For more video, please visit http://www.trulyasia.tv/

Perhentian Island

Pulau Perhentian, meaning 'stopover island', is not to be missed. Situated 21km off the coast of Terengganu, it consists of the islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Covered by unspoilt jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters, Pulau Perhentian is a sanctuary for fishermen, migratory birds and of course, discerning holiday- makers. 

Located just off the edge of the Pulau Redang Marine Park, Perhentian's coral-fringed waters have excellent underwater seascapes for snorkelling and scuba diving. 

Arrangements can also be made for island cruises, and boats can be hired to go exploring for private bays and secluded coves. A trip to these tropical islands is also a must for those who enjoy windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and deep-sea fishing.

Of the two islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil is more geared towards backpackers. Here, you'll find a wide range of budget options for both food and accommodation.  

Pulau Perhentian Besar, on the other hand, is more developed and therefore offers better facilities. Nevertheless, there are chalets, dormitories and campsites on both islands.  

Watch our video on Perhentian Island Part 1 and also Part 2.  For more video, please visit http://www.trulyasia.tv/