Saturday, December 21, 2013

Borneo Rainforest Musical Festival

Sarawak Tourism




 
 
Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia covering an area of nearly125,000 square kilometers in the Borneo land mass. With such a large land area, Sarawak is home to an incredible range of tropical bio-diversity. With a population of around 2 million, Sarawak's rich ethnic diversity offers a unique local experience at the very moment you step of the plane. All that stands between you and Sarawak is your desire for an adventure and experience that is waiting to happen.

From rainforest canopies to jungle wildlife, discover the diverse ecosystem of Malaysia's largest state. A city of modernity yet cloaked with its rich historical charms, Sarawak is a place where commonality and peacefulness is a way of life. A paradise of adventure for the adventure buffs, from the land to the sea, from mild to vigorous, whatever the challenge; if you're ready for it, you can be sure Sarawak will give you an experience like no other.
 
 

Monday, December 2, 2013

Top 50 Events and Festivals - Visit 1Malaysia 2014



Millions of fascinations. Hundreds of events and festivals await your discovery for 365 days and beyond. It's a non-stop fusion of colourful sights, sounds and experiences. It's the nation's biggest and grandest tourism celebration.


Visit 1Malaysia 2014  Launching

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Admiral Cheng Ho - (Zheng He The Explorer)

Admiral Cheng Ho

Zheng He (Cheng Ho)  is best known for his voyages to the Middle East and Africa, and across Southeast Asia while climbing in rank from a captured servant to one of his nation's most trusted statesmen. He was born in 1371 in what is now China's Yunnan province during the reign of the Ming Dynasty. Like his father and grandfather, he was a Muslim.

And his great-great-great-grandfather was a Persian who served at the top ranks of the Mongolian Empire and as a governor under the Yuan Dynasty. Zheng He's father was killed when the Ming Dynasty sought to destroy remnants of the Yuan era, and Zheng He was captured, castrated and brought to Beijing. There he served in the palace of Prince Zhu Di, a son of the Ming Dynasty's founder. Zheng He quickly gained the prince's trust in the course of several battles and campaigns across China as a bodyguard and informal adviser.

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple





Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple-Malacca

The Chettiar community from South India were profoundly involved in the construction of Hindu temples, especially dedicated to their loving Vinayagar. As mercantile tradesmen, they travelled the world, but also brought along their worship of Lord Vinayagar to Malacca. Located at Jalan Tukang Emas, Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, built in 1781. This street is called Harmony Street because of the close proximity of holy sanctuaries of different religions in this area. The sanctuaries here are the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the Kampung Kling’s Mosque and the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple. The temple was built a land donated by Kapitan Thaivanayagam Chitty, a distinguished Indian resident residing in Malacca. As many Hindu ancestors from Malacca had a close association with this temple, that bond has been reinforced over time, creating a strong connection with the Hindu families residing in Malacca. 


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Bukit Cina- Melaka


Bukit Cina - Malacca
Bukit Cina is the ancestral burial ground of Malacca’s Chinese community. Also known as Chinese Hill, it is the largest and oldest Chinese graveyard outside of China itself with over 12,500 graves. Although it is primarily a graveyard for early Chinese settlers, the cemetery has about 20 Muslim tombs, too.
The oldest grave in Bukit Cina is that of Tin Kap, the first Chinese kapitan (a mediatory position created by the Dutch East India Company which made it possible for them to rule the various ethnic communities). These days the 20ha hill is chiefly used as a jogging track.

According to the Malay Annals, Bukit Cina was a marriage gift from Sultan Mansur Syah (ruler of the Malacca Sultanate) to Princess Hang Li Poh from China.  After Princess Hang Li Poh had converted to Islam, Sultan Mansur Syah married her and ordered a palace to be built at Bukit Cina for his wife and her entourage that followed her from China. They stayed in this Chinese settlement until the Portuguese invaded in 1511. The Chinese community eventually grew into a class of straits-born Chinese known as the Peranakan. The Portuguese once built a Franciscan chapel on the hill dedicated to “Madre de Deus” (Mother of God) but the chapel was destroyed during the Achinese attack in Melaka  in 1629.
 
 

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

 
 
 
 
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple-Melaka
 Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is one of the most notable landmarks in Malacca. Set near the Hindu temple Sri Pogyatha Vinoyagar along Jalan Hang Lekiu (in Jonker Street) this Chinese temple is billed as the oldest Buddhist place of worship in the country. Built in 1646, it is also known as the ‘Merciful Cloud Temple’. The temple is dedicated to Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy. A black, gold and red-robed statue of the goddess stands in the central prayer hall. Cheng Hoon Teng temple was constructed by Chan Lak Koa, son-in-law to Captain Li, Malacca’s second Chinese kapitan (a mediatory position created by the Dutch East India Company which made it possible for a non-white to govern Malacca’s diverse ethnic communities.)
Apparently a fortune teller was consulted for advice on the location and construction of Captain Li’s grave: allegedly a grave deeper than three feet would benefit Li’s son-in-law, Chan Lak Koa, while a shallower grave would bring prosperity to his son. Whether intended or not, the grave was made three-and-a-half feet deep, and Chan Lak Koa’s relative success after his father-in-law’s death motivated him to construct the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple as an expression of gratitude for his success.
 
 

Masjid Kg Keling


Masjid Kampung Keling

The Masjid Kampong Kling, built in 1748, is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. The mosque is located on Malacca's busy north-south running Jalan Hang Lekiu, on the corner of Jalan Tanjong, or Temple Street, both filled with Chinese shop-houses. However, when Masjid Kampong Kling was erected, the neighborhood of Kampong Kling, which runs along the coast to the west of the Malacca River, was still primarily inhabited by South Indians or Klings. The multiple styles revealed in this mosque attest to the synchratic building tradition that flourished in Malacca, a major trading port in the fourteenth through the eighteenth centuries.
Like most Southeast Asian mosques, Masjid Kampong Kling is built on a square plan rather than the rectangular or hexagonal plan of most Middle Eastern mosques. Corinthian columns both define the arcaded verandah that wraps around the prayer hall and also separate the minbar space from the central prayer hall within the mosque.

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Flor De La Mar






Flor De La Mar-Replica-Maritime Museum
 Located along Jalan Quayside in the St Paul's Hill area, the Maritime Museum is housed in a replica of the Flor de la Mar, A Portuguese vessel that sank off the Malacca Coast.
The museum traces the history of Malacca from the Sultanate of Malacca in the Fourteenth century to the pre independence era. Inside the museum are models of ships, authentic maps, old iron chests and charts.

The Flor do Mar was built in Lisbon in 1502, being one of the finest vessels of the time. It was built for the Portuguese India run. At 400 tons, it was the largest carrack yet built, nearly twice the size of the largest ships that had gone on previous runs.




 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Tun Razak Memorial

Tun Razak Memorial
Tun Abdul Razak bin Dato Hussein is the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia. He died in the month January 1976. The Tun Razak Memorial was officially opened to the public on 6th May 1982 by the then 3rd Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad. This memorial was originally known as Sri Taman the official resident of the late 2nd Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak and his family. The  government under the leadership of Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad decided that the resident (Sri Taman)  of the former Prime Minister, renovated and converted to a memorial. The memorial is establish  to acknowledge the enormous contribution to the Raayat and the Nation - Malaysia.

The Tun Razak Memorial exhibits the belonging owned personally by the late 2nd Prime Minister but also those exhibit and memorabilia of him which are well known us " Bapa Pembangunan"  or "Father of Development" . The nation administration under his leadership begins from 1970 - 1976. 
 
 
 
 
 

Deer Park - Kuala Lumpur

Deer Park - Kuala Lumpur


Kuala Lumpur Deer Park is a part of the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur. This 2 hectare park is the home for many species of deer. Kuala Lumpur Deer Park is located close to the world's largest free flight aviary - the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. From the bird park, take a left turn and move towards the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial. The Deer Park is in between the Memorial and the Orchid Garden. The Deer Park can also be accessible by walking down the steps behind the Memorial of Tun Abdul Razak.


The entrance of the Deer Park is an attractive arch which immediately makes you feel welcomed. The fact that the entrance fee is nil, there is not any reason for you not to come here. The paths in the park are excellently built and thought out with the visitors' convenience in mind. The viewing points and the placement of fences are great as visitors' get the best views of the deer in the park. Lush greenery surrounds inside and outside of the park; making it bearable for visitors to walk around in the park under the sun.


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Monday, September 16, 2013

The Telekom Museum - Kuala Lumpur





The Telekom Museum @Jalan Gereja

The Telekom Museum

A trip along Jalan Raja Chulan will take you to Telekom Museum which is a significant historical landmark in the country. It is a 2-storey Greek-styled museum that contains eight imposing columns and 900 meters of space for exhibitions.

The Telekom Museum is the first state-of-the-art interactive museum in Malaysia equipped with fascinating technology as it displays the country’s development in telecommunication in a span of 120 years featuring Morse code telegraphs and all technologies up to the digital networks used by cellular phones.

Admission in the Telekom Museum is free which is great for the whole family. Kids will surely love the exhibits. The Telekom museum offers good educational tours detailing devices which people used to communicate with in the past.

Standing among Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers at the junction of Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan Gereja is a unique two story building of Neo Classical Greek architecture.



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The Orchid Garden - Kuala Lumpur





 
The myriad of colors and breed


The Orhids

The Officiating Seal of The Orchid Garden


 About one hectare in size, the Orchid Gardens of Lake Gardens Kuala Lumpur is a one of its kind, a garden surrounded by lush greenery. The Orchid Gardens is located at the highest point of the Lake Gardens. The main aim of this garden is to showcase the various species of orchid of this region as well as a center where conservation of orchids and the study of them are done.


The Orchid Garden has an impressive showcase of thousands and thousands of orchids. In this small garden of about one hectare, you will be able to see over 800 species of orchids and a total of 6000 orchids all together. You can also choose to buy pots of orchids back home. The price range differs with the species but they are around RM30 to RM40 per pot. There are two main types of orchids which are the Epiphytic Orchids and the Terrestrial Orchids.


The Hibiscus Park


The Hibiscus Park
The Botanical Garden where The Hibiscus Park is located

 
The Hibiscus Gardens are located in the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens area. These 2 gardens are like a floral paradise where you can also get practical tips about growing orchids and hibiscus from the flower growers there.

In both of these gardens you will find lovely pergolas, man-made fountains, meandering brooks and a lovely art gallery, the Gallery Tropika.Located just next to  the Hibiscus Garden is
the Orchid Garden.
There are more than 2000 varieties of Hibiscus for you to enjoy. The hibiscus is sometimes also called the Queen of Tropical Flowers.

There are so many different varieties and colors of the hibiscus that you'll find yourself spending lots of time just admiring the flowers.



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Sunday, September 15, 2013

Stadium Merdeka - Independance Stadium Kuala Lumpur

Stadium Merdeka Kuala Lumpur
Stadium Merdeka - 1957
Stadium Merdeka was constructed from September 25, 1956 to August 21, 1957. The birthplace of modern Malaysia, Stadium Merdeka was the site of one of the nation’s most important events. It was here on 31 August, 1957 that power was transferred from the British empire to the newly independent Malaysian government. While the stadium is an important part of Malaysia’s history, it was almost demolished in the late 1990s. In February 2003, Stadium Merdeka was named a national heritage building. In 2007, Merdeka Stadium underwent restoration to its original 1957 condition. The 45,000-capacity stadium has been reduced to 20,000, which meant that several of the upper terrace blocks built over the years had to be demolished. The renovations are part of Malaysia’s 50th anniversary plans to relive the moment when Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed independence there.

Butterfly Park -Kuala Lumpur

Butterfly Park

Butterfly Park KL

Butterfly Park

The Butterfly Park is also located in Lake Gardens, housing more than 6,000 butterflies from 120 species. Landscaped like a bushy garden with lots of flowers, the park will enthrall visitors as butterflies float to your shirt and hand, sticking like badges. Also check out the nursery and breeding area where you can see butterfly larvae emerging from their cocoons.

Besides the butterflies, a wide range of insects such as rhinoceros beetles and praying mantises are on display. There's also a souvenir shop where you can purchased frames of preserved butterflies, scorpions and other insects.

Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00 – 18:00
Address: Jalan Cenderasari
Tel: +603 2693 4799 



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Aquaria KLCC

The Aquaria KLCC


Aquaria Guide Map


Aquaria KLCC located on the concourse level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the 5000sqft Aquaria KLCC is said to be largest aquarium in the world. Home to over 150 species of marine life, its star attractions include scary tiger sharks, lethal sea snakes, blue rays, bright coral fish, seahorses and more.

It’s a well-stocked aquarium just begging to be explored, and after a few hours here you'll have seen over 5,000 freshwater and marine creatures, including massive arapaimas, giant groupers, gar fish and more. Some people write it off as a tourist trap, but they’re sorely missing out – beyond the big tanks, with gallons of water, filled with necklaces of kelp, coral and mysterious and sometimes menacing sea creatures, is one of the country’s foremost sightseeing attractions with real depth and complexity



 

Well worth exploring, Kuala Lumpur Aquarium doesn’t just ‘submerge’ visitors beneath thousands of gallons of seawater – instead the venue is laid out to take visitors through different watery landscapes, from the highlands and flooded jungles of Malaysia, to the Amazon basin, coral reefs and the open ocean. Your journey isn’t a linear one – start off on Level 1 where you’ll see piranhas make quick work of their meal as well as electric eels, elephantnose fish and electric catfish. Also in this section, visitors can check out the DNA Touch Pool where they can pick up and feel the texture of live corals and star fish.






The Tunnel at Aquaria KLCC

One of the highlights of Aquaria KLCC is a giant tank (featuring an authentic-looking shipwreck) – a 90m walk-through tunnel with a moving travelator in its centre. Inside you’ll be surrounded by sand tiger sharks, huge stingrays and more. You can take a break from looking at Nemo and his crew, as you head to The Stream which plays host to the giant water rat and the adorable Asian small-clawed otter. Meanwhile, the Jewels of the Jungle section is home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians and insects including the green snake, coatimundi, tarantula and many others; also be sure to check out the exhibit showcasing the life cycle of butterflies.

Weird and Wonderful


Weird and Wonderful

Level 2 sees you journeying through the Amazon Flooded Forest where the oversized araipaima, red tail catfish and many others dwell; next, head up to The Coast to see archer fish, horseshoe crabs and more. Later, develop a deep appreciation for deep sea inhabitants such as the octopus and giant blotched fantail ray at the Oceanarium. Lastly, the Weird & Wonderful section is home to chambered nauticus, sea jelly and more, while the Coral Discovery Section has the requisite array of coral, seahorses and more. What’s more, catch the fish feeding sessions which take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays in the 2.5 million-litre aquarium.



Diving with Sharks

The best parts of Aquaria KLCC might actually be when you’re feeling a little lost – either literally, given the sheer size of this place, or figuratively, as you try to learn as much as you can about the oftentimes ignored multifaceted deep sea world. Though the aquaria revels in simple pleasures, thrill seekers are also well catered for – they can get-up-close-and-personal with tiger sharks, stingrays and more as the aquarium has a Diving with Sharks program. Even though visitors have to sign a liability waiver form in order to strap on tanks, it’s a safe environment as the sharks have been in Aquaria KLCC for more than five years now and are domesticated. Those who don’t have diving permits can join the Cage Rage programme where visitors take the plunge into the tank within the confines of a submerged cage.
While this elegant underwater world may seem a kid-centric attraction, it caters well to all ages. There are plenty of reasons to ‘dive in’ and those who do will not regret it. After all, how many people can say they explored oceans in just a few hours?

 

 

 

 

 


Aquaria KLCC

Opening Hours: 11:00 – 20:00
Location: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Tel: +603 2333 1888 or +603 2333 1975



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Saturday, September 14, 2013

The Royal Selangor Club




The Royal Selangor Club

RSC Since 1884 the Humble Beginning

Royal Selangor Club, founded in 1884, started out as a tiny wooden building with an “attap” roof. It was later redesigned in the Tudor style. The Main Club house, fondly known as “The Spotted Dog”, was located at the “Padang”, now known as Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, where cricket matches and other sports events were once held.

The Club was granted a royal charter by DYMM Sultan Selangor in 1984 and thereafter known as Kelab DiRaja Selangor (Royal Selangor Club). The Club has since expanded to the prime residential district of Bukit Kiara with the opening of the Royal Selangor Club’s Kiara Sports Annexe by DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong in 1998. RSC has been very objective in providing members with sporting and social facilities that encourage interaction and socialising in a friendly, harmonious and relaxing atmosphere.


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Kuala Lumpur Botanical Garden



KL Botanical Garden



KL Botanical Garden



 The Perdana Botanical Garden, formerly known as Taman Tasik Perdana or Lake Gardens, is situated in the Heritage Park of Kuala Lumpur. It has always been a part of the green lung of the city and has a history of over a decade. Originally created as part of a recreational park but planted with collections of tropical plants, the garden have been rehabilitated and turned into a Botanical Garden. The garden have not only botanical collections but also house features that give the visitors the ambiance of being in a tropical rainforest, despite being in the middle of a bustling metropolis.



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