August 2007

Why Must Visit Malaysia voted as one of the Top 5

First of all, thank you very much to every one who has voted Why Must Visit Malaysia to reach Top 5 out of 600+ blogs in the AllMalaysian Blogger contest. I'm truly honoured and happy for this recognition.

To take advantage of this huge traffic from AllMalaysian, I would like to offer a free link back to your blog if you write a short 100 words post on your blog about my blog. It can be on anything, it can be about this recognition if you have no idea what to write.. After post it, send the link to me via my email kzainul@gmail.com

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my supporters including:

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Tribute to Malaysia Series - Back to 1957

1 Day before Merdeka 1957

Pen used to sign the Independent letter

Letter of Independent in arabic

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Free shuttle to Merdeka celebration

2 more days to Merdeka day, the 50th anniversary, I'm so excited now.. our jet fighters have been flying above the head these few days for rehearsal of this big event.

Members of the public going for the 50th Merdeka celebrations at several locations in the city on Thursday and Friday are advised to use the free shuttle bus service provided by the Road Transport Department to avoid traffic congestion.

The Media Secretariat for the celebration, in a statement issued here today, said the bus service is provided for those going to the Merdeka eve celebration at Dataran Merdeka on Aug 30, the Merdeka Day parade at the same place on Aug 31 and the Merdeka Mammoth Celebration at the Merdeka Stadium later in the day on Aug 31.

The shuttle bus service for the event at Dataran Merdeka on Thursday (Aug 30) will be from 6.30pm until 2am on Aug 31 while for the Aug 31 parade will be between 6.30am and 2pm. For the event at the Merdeka Stadium, the bus service will be available from 6.30pm on Friday until 2am the next day.

Zone A covers the National Museum and KL Sentral, Zone B (Inland Revenue Board Building, the Federal Territory Mosque Complex, National Archives), Zone C (Taman Tasik Perdana, the National Mosque, Kompleks Pusat Islam, National Planetarium, the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial) Zone D (National Arts Heritage Academy, Bukit Perdana government complex, Public Works Ministry Complex) and Zone E (the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka building and the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations).

Meanwhile, the Kuala Lumpur Tower will extend its operating hours to enable the public to watch the fireworks display at the strike of midnight from its Seri Angkasa Revolving Restaurant and the Viewing Platform. The revolving restaurant and the viewing platform will open until 12.30am and 1am on Aug 31, respectively.

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Prince Andrew to attend Merdeka celebration

I got to know that the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, will attend the 50th Merdeka bash on Friday. He is the second son of Queen Elizabeth II. He will be in Malaysia for three days from Wednesday. This is confirmed by the British High Commissioner to Malaysia Boyd Mcleary.

The Prince Andrew’s visit was the highlight of the British High Commission’s "Malaysia & UK: Forward Together" campaign. Prince Andrew would kick off his visit with a meeting with the Johor Menteri Besar and a visit to the Iskandar Development Region.

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Tribute to Malaysia Series - Still proudly standing

This is the 3rd posting on Tribute to Malaysia Series

Historical building around Malaysia

Other tributes in the series:
Putrajaya, Administration Capital full of lights and fireworks
People of Malaysia

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Bird watching at Fraser hill

Fraser Hill has become very popular among bird watcher community. Every year in June, The Fraser's Hill International Bird race attracts thousand of people to this place. There some 270 species of wild birds can be found here and some are so rare. The birds that can be found here include the Mountain Imperial Pigeon. Long Tail, Grey wagtail, Chestnut-capped thrush and long tail sibia.

Fraser's Hill is also known for its nature's trails, each with a distance of about half a km to 5 km. The trails are treasure troves that open up the wild of the wild, unfolding rich flora and fauna. There are 8 popular trails i.e. Maxwell, Bishop, Hemmani, Abu Suradi, Rompin, Kindersley, Mager and Pine tree trails. I'm not sure how these trails got their name..

How to get there!
It is about an hour and a half away from Kuala Lumpur. The road to the hill winds for about 35km after the Gap. Traffic up and down is controlled by a gate system with uphill traffic limited to odd hours and downhill to even hours.

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Tibute to Malaysia Series - People of Malaysia

This is the 2nd posting on Tribute to Malaysia Series

The people of Malaysia

Multi Culture living together in harmony

Other tributes in the series:
Putrajaya, Administration Capital full of lights and fireworks
Historical buildings around Malaysia

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Tribute to Malaysia Series

All of us, Malaysian citizens are is 'Merdeka' mood! We are going to celebrate our 50 years anniversary on 31 August 2007. Flags and our past & present Prime Ministers are everywhere, on the building, by the road side, in the newspapers, talk in the radio and TV, on cars, buses, boats, clothes, even on someone faces..

Well, we are proud to be Malaysian, to be independent for 50 years, to be able to take charge and control our destiny... to pay tribute for my beloved country, I will publish scenes and pictures that reflect Malaysia.. i.e. Made in Malaysia... from today until 31 August 2007.. enjoy!!

Putrajaya, Government administration centre - full of lights and fireworks

Pictures from The Star

Next tribute in the series:
People of Malaysia
Historical buildings around Malaysia

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New train service - Singapore to Ipoh

Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), Malaysia nation railway company has just announced their new train service, from Singapore direct to Ipoh. It will start from Oct 1.

This service will use the newly completed double track railway from Singapore to Ipoh. However, the schedule and fare are yet to be decided. This will certainly help to boost the tourism industry in Ipoh.

There are a lot of interesting places to visit in Ipoh regions such as Kandu Cave, Tempurung Cave, Kling castle, Lost World of Tambun etc.. You can also take bus from Ipoh to Pangkor Island..

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Beyonce to perform in Malaysia

Another super star is coming to town, Beyonce. She will be performing in Kuala Lumpur on 1 November. It is one of her tour stop in South East Asia besides Thailand.

The detail of venue and ticket are yet to finalise. Hey! for anyone from US and Europe, watching her perform live in Malaysia is surely cheaper than in their countries (currency exchange cheaper)

Slowly Malaysia is now known to the world. A lots of super star have chosen Malaysia as one of their tour stop. We are going to see Gwen Stefani performing next week. Kanye West came early of the year. I hope more super stars will come to Malaysia..

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Learn more about Malaysia at Homestay

This is one of the excellent ways in learning and knowing the Malaysian culture. Under the program organised by our government, there are quite a number of Homestay nationwide where tourists are able to look closely how most of Malaysian live..

Home stay Lonek - If you are interested in traditional village houses where padi fields and the lay back of kampung (village) life, homestay Lonek is the place for you. It is located in Jempol, Negeri Sembilan. You can actually try your hand in working in padi fields.
Homestay F'Best Serting Hilir - Here, you can experience the life of living in FELDA settlement. FELDA is a government agency which handle Malaysian gain ownership of land through explore new jungle lands. You can see how people do the rubber tapping..
Homestay Laman Bangkinang - It is located in Batu Kikir and this village offers the experience in weaving. You can visit the museum and the near by orang asli village (native people)
Homestay Pelegong - This homestay are ne of the nearest to Kuala Lumpur, it is only 30 minutes by highway. Here they offers jungle trekking, weaves rattan and learn about traditional Malay pastime games.

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50 things that are Malaysian

In conjunction with our 50 year anniversary, The Star, one of our English daily newspaper has come out with a poll on 50 things that are Malaysian. It is a good collection of items and I think it may be useful for you when visiting Malaysia. Use these items to break the ice with locals:

Food

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Tips for taking the right bus in Malaysia

The worst bus crash in the history of Malaysia occurred yesterday after an express bus plunged into a 6-metre deep ravine on the North South Expressway, killing 20 of its 29 passengers. This has led me to write about this post as I feel that all tourists who are visiting Malaysia should aware about the important of taking the right bus.

I'm not saying that my tip will totally prevent it from happening to you (touch wood) but it will reduce the risk.. Before that, I just want to clarify that I do not receive any commission from these bus operators that I am going to mention later.. It is based on my observation and my own experience. I used them because I feel safe traveling on their buses.

I choose to travel on reputable bus operators only because:

They hire good and experience drivers. They pay these drivers well thus, the drivers stay with them for long time. They screened their drivers throughly, unlike the bus operator that involved in the accident above: The driver had 13 summonses and 2 warrants of arrest for traffic offences; The bus operator itself had been issued with 19 summonses.
They maintain their buses on regular basis. We only have mandatory requirement of an annual check, other than that, it is up to the bus operators.
They have enough fleet of buses to cater for their routes. They are able to time their bus schedule without any constraint. Unlike the low budget bus operators who have to squeeze their drivers in meeting the schedule.
Their buses always depart from the destination on time. Unlike certain buses, that wait for the bus to be full before they can depart.

The bus operators that normally I used are Transnational, Plusliner, Nice, Jelita and Durian burung.

Other similar tips
5 ways to avoid bad taxi driver in Malaysia

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Exciting events in August 2007 - around Malaysia

Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon
Dates : 25 - 26 August
Place: Sabah
It is touted as "The World's Toughest Mountain Race" which is a race ascend and descend the Mount Kinabalu. The total distance is 21km for all categories. The average climber takes two days to climb the mountain but the participants of the race can make it in less than 3 hours.

50 Years of Excellence exhibition
Date: 17 August to 16 September
Venue: National Museum
Showcasing the moments of glory and success in Malaysia's history from 1957 to 2007, the exhibits focus on development and excellence in all sectors of the country.

Merdeka Handicraft Promotion 50 years
Date: 21 August
Venue: Craft Complex, KL
All kinds of craft from Malaysia's various state's and cultures will ensure you don't leave here empty handed. Perfect for finding that elusive souvenir of your trip to Malaysia.

Merdeka Millennium Endurance
Date: 24 to 26 August
Venue: Sepang International Circuit
This a 24 hours race organised annually in conjunction with the 'Merdeka' day. Local and international teams competing from 12 noon to the next day.

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Count down to our 50 Years of Nationhood

August 2007 is certainly a special and busy month for Malaysia. This is the month that Malaysia achieved its independence or "Merdeka" 50 years ago. It is certainly an achievement to remember and celebrate in big splash.. These are some interesting programs planned out for the memorable date..

Launch ceremony of Merdeka celebration and fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign - 17 Aug, Dataran Pahlawan, Bandar Hilir, Melaka
Ambang Merdeka Celebration - 30 Aug, In front of Sultan Abd Samad Building, Merdeka Square
Tea party - 31 Aug, Istana Negara
Merdeka celebration - 31 Aug, Merdeka Stadium
Religious programs - 29 Aug, National mosque
Closing ceremony of Merdeka celebration - 10 Sept, Kuching

Venue: Putrajaya and throughout Malaysia
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

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Dirt cheap fare from Malaysia airline

Lately, there are so much news on our airline.. I guess airline industry has become so competitive now a day.. well, it is good new to us as the customer, they will have to work harder to please us..

Malaysia Airlines is now offering low one-way airfares to its international destinations beginning from RM29 for travel from Jan 16 to May 22, next year. The fares, offered as part of the airline’s World Online Celebration, start from RM29 for Asean countries, RM199 to the Orient, RM299 to the Indian sub-continent and RM699 to Europe. These promotional airfares are for online bookings at www.malaysiaairlines.com for all destinations, except Australia.

They are also offering lower inbound fares to Kuala Lumpur from various Asean countries. However, the promotional airfares are for economy class travel and exclude fuel surcharge and other surcharges.

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Swiss produce Swiss army knife, Malaysia produce Sarong

Sarong has become the must have travel items in every backpack now a day... It has so many use.. more than what swiss army knife can offer.. In fact, every backpacker can't leave for their trip without one, thanks to Malaysia's contribution to the travelers world...

The beginning of sarong went back to the beautiful tropical nusantara rivers. Sarong can be use as curtain, bed sheet, picnic blanket and many more... it doesn't take up space, light and easy to dry.... The printed designs are unmistakably tasteful and can be found in an infinite range of colour combinations. ..

Make sure you have a sarong in your next trip.. it is as handy as your swiss army knife.. trust me..

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Why Must Visit Malaysia is in Top 20

I was excited to know that Why Must Visit Malaysia has been shortlisted as the Top 20 in AllMalaysia Blog writing contest. It is such an honour for this blog after I have been blogging for the past 7 months.

What is this contest all about? The AllMalaysian Bloggers Project (AMBP) is an undertaking of the folks behind the AllMalaysia.info website, all of whom believe strongly in the freedom of speech. The objective of this little project is to gather ALL Malaysian blogs under one umbrella site from which (potential) readers can find the various blogs by theme.

So, as a Malaysian, I am proudly to support and participate this initiative. It is not so much of the prizes, but it is for the unity of all Malaysian bloggers towards freedom of speech. Probably some of you have heard about the some bias or manipulation of certain news in Malaysian newspapers. Personally, some news are just too sensitive to talk about. It is for the sake of unity rather than the important of the news.

If you like my blog, feel free to vote for me. I even offer a link back to any blog who vote for me. At least, you will get some thing back in return... Click here to vote

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Now AirAsia won for Best Low Cost Airline in Asia award

Another award won by Malaysian airline.. Congratulation to AirAsia. They are truly a world class company. I still remember when they first started the airline 5 years ago. Tony bought AirAsia from other Malaysia company for only RM1, but the company was on heavy debt, millions of debts.. The airline was started just after the Sept 11 attack on US. I salute Tony for being so brave to proceed with his plan although people are starting to fear of flying.. Just within 1 year, they made profit and pay back full of their debts.. simply amazing AirAsia..

Now after all the obstacles, they are walk with head high, proudly as a staff of AirAsia and won such outstanding award from Skytrax.. For me, they have made it.. They have achieved what they have been dreaming for.. A World Recognition as A World Class Company.. Bravo!

On the other note, there are still much things to be improved by AirAsia especially on the flight cancel and flight delay.. with these amazing and hardwork staff, I'm pretty sure that they will find the solution for this problem in the near future..

For anyone who is planning to travel around South East Asia, I would highly recommend AirAsia. They are really value for money.. check out their website www.airasia.com

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