Malacca, The Historical State..

Malacca (Malay: Melaka, dubbed The Historical State or Negeri Bersejarah among locals) is the third smallest Malaysian state, after Perlis andPenang. It is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, on the Straits of Malacca. It borders Negeri Sembilan to the north and the state ofJohor to the south. The capital is Malacca Town. This historical city centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 7 July 2008.

Although it was the location of one of the earliest Malay sultanates, the monarchy was abolished when the Portuguese conquered it in 1511. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri or Governor, rather than a Sultan, acts as the head of state now.

The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum

Straits Chinese' or the Baba and Nyonya are Chinese of noble descendants who have adopted much of the Malay culture into theirs. The public can now view the heirloom unique to this heritage at a private museum run by the Babas and Nyonyas of Melaka.

Intermarriage between early Chinese settlers and local Malays resulted in the unique Baba-Nyonya culture. Within the walls of this heritage building, visitors can learn more about the culture. This is a private museum run by the Babas and Nyonyas of Melaka.

Services:

Guided tour (by appointment), research facilities, audio visuals.

Opening Hours

Daily: 10am - 12.30pm, 2pm - 4.30pm

Admission Fee

RM8

Maritime Museum

Moving from Melaka Tourist Information Center and walking at the pathway between Samudera Medan Handicraft Shop and Melaka River for less than 10 minutes, you will reach the famous Maritime Museum. Standing in front of the museum, you will first be surprised by the magnificent structure of the museum and later, redefine the common way you perceive a museum as nothing more than a normal building. The structure of the ship is actually a replica built according to the former Portuguese ship named “Flor De La Mar”. Centuries ago, the ship which carried a vast amount of Melaka treasures was on the way back to Portugal. However, accident happened and caused the ship to sink off the coast of Melaka. The construction of the museum according to this former Portuguese ship started in year 1990 and was opened to the public in 1994 after being officiated by Malaysia former Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir. Once you stepped into the museum, you will feel a sense of serenity through the dim light and spiral staircase. Walking down the stairs you will see models that visualize the situation of how traders from Arab, India and Chinaconducted business with each other in order to gain profit in Melaka port, which was known as Venice of the East at that time. Porcelain, silk, textile and spices were among some of the famous merchandises being brought into Melaka by the traders. Walking down further, you will get to see framed paintings and picture that illustrate how Melaka played its role as emporium for traders from all around the world. From those paintings, you can see how the Straits of Melaka is a strategic location for traders from both the east and the west to stop and conduct business while waiting for the monsoon season to change.

The entrance fee for Maritime Museum is RM 3.00 per entry for adult and RM 0.50 for children and students. Visitors are not allowed to go into the museum by wearing shoes. You can choose to put your shoes at the shoe rack provided at the entrance door or put them into a plastic bag provided by the museum and carry it with you to the museum.

Opening hours

9am - 5:30pm (Monday to Friday)
9am - 9:00pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Further information can be obtained by calling Tel: +6 06 283 0926.


Proclamation of Independence Memorial

The Proclamation of Independence Memorial building, which was built in 1912, was formerly the Melaka Club clubhouse before it was converted into the Independent Memorial. Visitors to the memorial will be able to witness collection of manuscripts, videotapes and other audio and visual collections which documents Malaysia’s struggle to achieve Independence from the British colonial rule. Also included are events leading to the proclamation of Malaysia’s independence at the nearby Padang Pahlawan in 1957. The Proclamation of Independence Memorial also provides audio visual aids and research materials to those carrying out research the country’s independence. The building was near by the Porta De Santiago and The Cultural Museum, located at Banda Hilir, Melaka.

It just free for the entrance. It is a great moment to know about the Malaysia independence day. Come and visit this memorial and you will see with your big heart!!!!

Useful Information/Contact:
Opening Hours:
9am – 6pm Daily
9am – noon and 3pm – 6pm (Fridays)
Close on Mondays, Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji
Tel No. : +606 284 1231
Fax No. : +606 282 9730

Langkawi, The Jewel of Kedah

Langkawi,(Jawi:لانكاوي ) officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Malay: Langkawi Permata Kedah) is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. On July 15, 2008, Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah had consented to the change of name to Langkawi Permata Kedah in conjunction with his Golden Jubilee Celebration. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 64,792, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Langkawi is also an administrative district with the town of Kuah as the capital and largest town. Langkawi is a duty-free island. Langkawi means reddish brown eagle in colloquial Malay. The Malay word for eagle is helang - shortened is "lang". Kawi means the colour reddish brown.

Eagle Square (Dataran Lang)

Dataran Lang, or Eagle Square, is certainly the most prominent landmark in Kuah, Langkawi. Visitors arriving in Langkawi will not fail to notice Dataran Lang, with its 12 meter high statue of the reddish brown sea eagle - to be exact, a Brahminy Kite - poised for flight. The choice of eagle as emblem for Langkawi is according to some interpretation that the name Langkawi is derived from the name for the eagle, or burung helang. It is believed that Langkawi comes from two words, "lang" for eagle, and "kawi" for reddish brown. Hence Langkawi means reddish brown eagle.

In addition to the eagle statue, Dararan Lang is beautifully landscaped, with twin pavillions, reflective ponds, bridges and restaurants. At night the square is illuminated and is a good place for visitors and locals to go for an stroll.

The Tomb of Mahsuri

Entire Langkawi is built around the Legend of Mahsuri. The visit of this place is a must.

Maybe some of the authorities thought: "Mahsuri got Langkawi into trouble, she might also be helpful to make the way out".

And so, the tomb of Mahsuri is since many years the main tourist attraction on the island.

That none of the 2 million tourists that arrive every year in Langkawi will miss out this highlight they are packed into buses. Almost everyone that is booking a round island trip will also see this grave. Even some of the locals come to pray here regularly.

 Because a grave alone would not be so interesting, there where built a view houses around and over night it became "Kota" Mahsuri what means Mahsuri's Town. Because every city has some shopping opportunities Kota Mahsuri is no exception. There are some souvenir shops around and "downtown" is even a small fast food outlet.

Underwater World Langkawi

Underwater World Langkawi is one of the largest marine and fresh water aquaria in South East Asia. Since the start of its operation on 26 August 1995, it has become one of the must visit tourist destinations in Langkawi and has attracted a large number of foreign as well as local tourists.

The concept and theme of Underwater World Langkawi are geared towards Knowledge, Education and Entertainment. It is built to raise awareness on the importance of conserving our precious aquatic life forms, thus creating understanding of the deep and inseparable bond between man and nature.

Unique to Underwater World Langkawi is the gigantic 15-meter long walk-through tunnel consisting of 500,000 liter seawater which houses many big fishes and sea creatures including the Giant Green Turtle. Other attractions include the Freshwater Fish Section, the Seashell Display, the Koi Pond, the Mini Reptilian and Invertebrate Section, the Coral Reef Section and the Poisonous and Venomous Creatures Section.

The 34,701 square foot oceanarium is located adjacent to a shopping centre and the Neptune Café. Visitors are thus provided with a one-stop shopping, eating and entertainment package, all of which are available within one area.

A new building (with 60,000 sq. ft built-up area) which displays Tropical Rainforest, Temperate and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems, and a three-dimensional (3D) theatre with a 200-seating capacity will be opened to the public in early 2005. The Sub-Antarctic Ecosystem Display includes a spectacular “penguinarium” with an underwater tunnel for visitors to view swimming penguins.

Cenang Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Langkawi is undoubtedly Pantai Cenang. And no wonder, with the variety of accommodation facilities, from five-star resorts, to budget chalets, as well as restaurants and bars dotting this 2km long stretch of beautiful beach. Occasionally being referred to as the 'Waikiki of Langkawi,' Pantai Cenang owes its origin to Haji Din, the owner of Sandy Beach Motel.

As endearingly narrated by Haji Din, the story goes that a couple of Caucasians or 'Mat Sallehs' backpackers made their way to Langkawi and wanted to stay the night in Pantai Cenang. This was back in teh days when there weren't any chalets, motels or resorts there as tourists were still far and few in between. As the visiting couple was passing through Haji Din's place, they spotted his barn and asked him if it was okay for them to put up there there for the night. Haji Din, every friendly and warm, happily obliged and in a show of typical Malay hospitality to travellers, even provided some meals for them.

When the couple left Langkawi for Bali and Bangkok, they promoted Langkawi and Haji Din's warm hospitality to fellow tourists. Many, who came to Langkawi later on, would go and stay at Haji Din's place. Motivated by this, Haji Din decided to venture into setting up budget chalets. He built several A-shape chalets from photographs he took in Koh Sa Mui, Thailand whilst on holiday. Today, at the very spot where the barn once stood is the 100-room Sandy Beach Motel.

Today, Pantai Cenang is still one of the places where warm hospitality abounds and chalet owners like Haji Din can still be found if you look hard enough among the many accommodation outfits along this beach.

For more information on Pantai Cenang, please contact the Langkawi Tourist Information Centre at 604-9667789.

Teluk Chempedak, Jackfruit Bay

Teluk Cempedak or Teluk Chempedak (literally : Jackfruit Bay) is a famous beach in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Teluk Cempedak is located 5 kilometres east from the town centre in Kuantan and is situated in close proximity to the Royal Pahang Golf Club. The white sandy beach and the beautiful casuarinas and pine trees line the coast, with some rocky promontories facing the incessant waves of the South China Sea. All these combined to make the beach serene and at the same time delightful. You can see the boats of the fishermen at sea during the day, and the twinkling lights of their boats at night. The fishing village of Tanjung Api and Beserah is only about 5 km away on either side of Teluk Chempedak.

Engage yourself in water sports at Telok Chempedak. This beach is one of Kuantan's main sightseeing attractions for tourists and locals alike due to its suitability for water sport activities such as swimming, surfing, sun-bathing, sailing, and jet skiing. Or, take a stroll on the wooden walkway at Teluk Pelindung nearby, and watch the waves breaking on the rocks of the promontory. Go for a jungle trek there and observe the diversity of trees lining the forest and watch out for the assorted varieties of birds, insects, squirrels and monkeys there. The restaurants and food-stalls catering local and western dishes are just nearby, all fronting the white sandy beach. So you can feel the sea breeze while you take your meal. Even a McDonald drive-through outlet is there, to cater to those with foreign taste. Teluk Chempedak is Kuantan's most popular beach and the crowds, especially during the week-ends attest to this.

The main hotel fronting the beach is the Hyatt Regency Kuantan Hotel, an international class hotel, with modern dining and banquet facilities. This hotel offers tennis courts and other sports facilities, and not forgetting, a lively discotheque to swing the night away. As part of the Hyatt international chain, its rooms are upgraded to cater for tourists.

Tioman Island, Gunung Daik Bercabang Tiga..

Tioman Island (locally known as Gunung Daik Bercabang Tiga) is a small island located 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang, and is some 39 km long and 12 km wide. It has eight main villages, the largest and most populous being Kampung Tekek in the north. The densely forested island is sparsely inhabited, and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a popular scuba diving spot. There are also a lot of resorts and chalets around the island which has duty free status.

Its beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie, South Pacific as Bali Hai. In the 1970s, TIME Magazine selected Tioman as one of the world's most beautiful islands.

Apart from its diverse marine life, the inland rainforest area, encompassing approximately 12,383 hectares, in Tioman is a strictly enforced nature reserve. There are several protected species of mammals on the island, including the Binturong, Long-tailed Macaque, Slow Loris, Black Giant Squirrel, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Mouse deer, Brush-tailed Porcupine, and Common Palm Civet, from a total of 45 species of mammals and 138 species of birds, including the majestic Frigatebird. Moreover, Tioman has species that are endemic to its shores. The soft-shelled turtle and the Tioman walking catfish are both unique and can be seen on rainforest walks.

The island is served by ferries from the Malaysian mainland, and a propeller plane service by Berjaya Air from the Seletar Airport in Singapore and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Kuala Lumpur.

Tioman has been used for thousands of years by fishermen as an important navigation point and a source of fresh water and wood. During the past thousand years, it has played host to Chinese, Arab, and European trading ships, and often porcelain shards can be found on beaches around the island.

In more recent history, Tioman played host to both the British and the Japanese during the Second World War, and the waters around the island are littered with war remains (including HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales).

The view of Tioman Island

One of activity at Tioman Island

Sabah, The Land Below The Wind

Sabah is one of 13 member states of Malaysia. It is located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo. It is the second largest state in the country after Sarawak, which it borders on its south-west. It also shares a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the south. In spite of its status as a Malaysian state, Sabah remains a disputed territory; the Philippines has a dormant claim over much of the eastern part of the territory. The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton. Sabah is known as "Sabah, negeri di bawah bayu", which means "Sabah, the land below the wind", because of its location just south of the typhoon-prone region around the Philippines. 

Double Six Monument (Kota Kinabalu, The Capital City)

The Double Six Monument is located in Sembulan, marking a significant tragedy in the history of Sabah. On June 6th, 1976, an airplane carrying Sabah’s fifth Chief Minister, Tun Mohd. Fuad Stephens and six other State ministers crashed, killing all on board. The Double Six monument was erected on the exact spot of the fatal crash.

Getting There
The monument is a 10-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu city. A taxi ride from the city centre will cost approximately RM15.00 (one way). Take Bus no. 17B (marked ‘Putatan’) from the bus station in front of Wawasan Plaza for RM1.50 per person (one way). Buses run from 6:30am to 8:00pm.

Sipadan Island (Semporna)

Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600 metres (2,000 ft) from the seabed. It is located in the Celebes Sea east of the major town of Tawau and off the coast of Borneo, East Indonesia on the island of Borneo. It was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop. Sipadan is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this ecosystem. Sipadan has been rated by many dive journals as one of the top dive destinations in the world.

Normally, rare diving scenes are frequently seen in the waters around Sipadan: schools of green and hawksbill turtles nesting and mating, schools of barracuda and big-eye trevally in tornado-like formations, pelagic species such as manta rays, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks.

A turtle tomb lies underneath the column of the island, formed by an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles that become lost and drown before finding the surface.

Tamu Tamparuli (Tuaran)

Welcome to Tamparuli - home of the famous ‘Jambatan Tamparuli', a favourite folk song of theKadazandusun people of Sabah which tells of a hanging bridge and the story a young girl who accidentally loses her shoe while crossing. Located some 42km from Kota Kinabalu, Tamparuli holds its weekly tamu (market) every Wednesday in the town centre.

Like most tamu, this is the best place to watch the local folks mingle as they do business. Fresh produce is often on display, as well as a variety of unique delicacies such as bambangan (a sour mango-like fruit preserved in jars and often served to complement main meals) and rice wine, known as tapai or lihing. You can find just about anything here, from clothing to livestock - so it's sure to be a shopping experience like no other!

Held on
Wednesday at Tamparuli Town

Opening hours
Most ‘tamu' operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm

Getting there
Tamparuli is only 40 minutes by car from KK City. Take a bus from the bus station in front of Wawasan Plaza for RM3.00 per person per way. Be sure to communicate with the bus driver to indicate your drop-off point. The drop-off point is usually also the pick-up point for your return journey. Buses run from 7:30am to 5:00pm.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve (Lahad Datu)

Imagine a close encounter with wildlife as if starring in a National Geographic documentary; and getting in touch with Mother Nature in her purest, most untouched form-Tabin Wildlife Reserve gives you this and more.

Nestled amidst 120, 500 hectares of dipterocarp rainforest, Tabin Wildlife Reserve is home to various endangered wildlife such as the Borneo Pygmy elephant, the Sumatran rhino, Tembadau and exotic birdlife. Wildlife photography aficionados and birdwatching enthusiasts will find their visit to Tabin a truly priceless experience! 

Getting There
By Air

Daily flights connect Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu. Flight duration is about 1 hour. From Lahad Datu, a 1:15 hour drive, part of it on gravel road, will take you to Tabin.

By Road

• Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu (7 hours)
• Sandakan to Lahad Datu (4 hours)
• Tawau to Lahad Datu (4 hours)