Quran in Hotel room in Malaysia

A copy of the Quran and its intepretation will be made available in most hotel rooms in the country to allow both Muslims and non-Muslims to have “access” to the Holy book.

A pilot project recently where a copy of the Quran’s intepretation was placed in several five-star hotel rooms in the Klang Valley. The move received positive response from guests and members of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO).

This move is not only because of the high number of visitors and tourists from the Middle East, but also because there are people of other beliefs who are keen to know more about what is said in the Quran, just as they are interested to know more about the teachings of other religions.

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Visit Malaysia AirAsia's way

AirAsia is Malaysia Second Airline, has wide and good domestic and South East Asia network. This itinerary is the AirAsia'way of visiting Malaysia:

Malaysia is an exciting destination - a beautiful nation, blessed with a fascinating diversity and cultures and natural wonders.

Explore Taman Negara, one of the world's oldest rainforest; feel the exhilaration of Formula One Racing, dive into the heart of the Sulu Sea and swim among turtles, tee-off at breathtaking golf courses or sail into the island paradise of Langkawi.

Be it a family vacation, romantic sojourn or backpacking holiday, Malaysia boasts endless holiday options, offering exciting and unique experiences that will keep you coming back for more!

Langkawi from RM9 one way
Renowned internationally as the archipelago of 99 tropical islands in Malaysia, Langkawi is the ultimate holiday paradise that offers modern accommodation facilities and amenities set against the natural backdrop of sun-drenched beaches and ancient rainforests.

Penang from RM9 one way
The "Pearl of the Orient" is famed for its lovely beaches, colorful history and rich potpourri of cultures. Penang is a food paradise tempts the palate with mouth-watering array of local cuisine from Assam Laksa to the famous Nasi Kandar (mixed rice).

Terengganu from RM9 one way
Terengganu is blessed with captivating island retreats of soft white sand, crystal clear waters and Giant Leatherback turtles. Boat building and traditional handicraft activities such as batik-painting and songket weaving can be observed around Kuala Terengganu

Kota Bharu from RM9 one way
The east coast state of Kota Bharu (Kelantan) is a charming destination.Watch captivating activities such as top-spinning, giant kite flying or woodcarving. Its laid-back atmosphere, rustic charm and friendly locals add to Kota Bharu's appeal.

Labuan from RM9 one way
Located off the west coast of Sabah, Labuan is a paradise for wreck diving and international deep sea fishing. The island is the site of several World War II memorials. Labuan’s duty free status allows you to shop till you drop and party all night long.

Kota Kinabalu from RM29 one way
Very scenic and a favourite destination for adventure seekers, holiday makers and even business executives. Major attractions are Mount Kinabalu, a world heritage site. Its cluster of islands, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and Sipadan, a world class diving destination, offers a wealth of eco-treasures.

Miri from RM29 one way
Miri is located Northeast of Sarawak, close to the Brunei border. It is a major tourism gateway and the jumping off point for Sarawak’s world famous National Parks including Niah Caves, Gunung Mulu and Lambir Hills. Other attractions include, Bario Highlands, mighty Baram River and a number of excellent offshore dive locations.

Kuching from RM29 one way
Kuching is an interesting city with beautiful landscaped gardens, modern amenities with old world charm, colonial buildings and the majestic Sarawak River. Kuching offers a paradise of eco-adventure especially at the Bako National Park.

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Fasten your seat belts while you are in Malaysia

Starting from 1st June 2011, it is compulsory to fasten the rear seat belt when you are at the back. It doesn't specify whether you need to fasten the seat belts while in taxi, but I guess it should be the same.

If you are visiting Malaysia, please be ensure to fasten the rear belt while you are taking the taxi. More details information..

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Sabah public transpotation information

By Road
Taxis are available from the airport into the capital city and major hotels.
Overland journey by bus or car is easy to arrange between Kuching (Sarawak), Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam) and Kota Kinabalu. Passports are stamped at all the borders.

By Rail
Borneo's only railway service in operation is in Sabah. It runs from Tanjung Aru railway station in Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort and Tenom. The journey to Beaufort takes less than 2 hours, and to Tenom about 5 hours. The ride by railcar through the Padas River gorge to Tenom is particularly interesting to visitors.

By Ferry

Ferry Schedule

Kota Kinabalu to Labuan 8.00am (Daily) 1.30pm (Mon - Thur) 3.00pm (Fri - Sun)	Labuan to Kota Kinabalu 8.30am (Mon - Thur) 10.30am (Fri - Sun) 1.00pm (Mon - Thur) 3.00pm (Fri - Sun)
Labuan to Muara 9.00 am 12.00pm 1.30pm 3.00pm 4.00pm 4.30pm	Muara to Labuan 7.30am 8.30am 9.00am 1.00pm 3.30pm 4.30pm

The Rate

Kota Kinabalu to Labuan or Labuan to Kota Kinabalu (One Way)
First Class	RM36.00 - Adult RM23.00 - Children (4 - 11 years)
Economy Class	RM31.00 - Adult RM18.00 - Children (4 - 11 years)
Terminal Fees	RM3.00 - Adult RM1.50 - Children (4 - 11 years)
Labuan to Muara	RM30.00 - Adult RM15.00 - Children (3 - 11 years)
Terminal Fees	RM0.50 - per pax
Muara to Labuan	B$15.00 - Adult B$8.00 - Children (3 - 11 years)
Terminal Fees	B$1.00 - per pax
Special rate for Kota Kinabalu to Muara	RM53.00 - Adult RM33.00 - Children (3 - 11 years)

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Top 10 Must do in Sarawak

Here are 10 things you ought to try when you're in Kuching, Sarawak.

1. Taste Kuching's favourite noodle dish called "kolo mee". that simple noodle dish with slices of barbecued pork, a sprinkling of spring onions and a bowl of soup drives Kuchingites (that's what we call people from Kuching) abroad mad with desire. Available at most coffeeshops and cafes in Kuching. If you can find "kolo mee", you should also try Monster Squad spicy Sarawak laksa, another specialty dish of Sarawak.

2. Try "umai". "Umai" is the Melanau's version of the Cantonese 'yee sang' (raw fish salad). Imagine a fiesty salad of shallots, raw fish, lime juice and salt.Never leave without giving that dish a try!

3. Take a boat We Wish You a Merry Christmas to the other side of the Kuching River for 30 sen (or USD 0.10) The non-motorised boat ride goes across the Kuching River in just under five minutes. It's a slow and beautiful boat ride across a lovely river. Where to go for that boat ride? Just get to the Kuching Waterfront, the pride of all Kuchingites.

4. Hang loose at the Waterfront. It's a hip and happening place to Oregon Lemon Laws when the sun sets even if you're only sipping "teh tarik" which is hot tea with milk. Watch the world go by or observe the boats ply the river.

5. Support the local pepper industry! Sarawak pepper is world famous so don't even think of Christmas stories the place without grabbing all sorts of pepper paraphernalia - from pepper sweets to pepper perfume!

6. Bite into a crispy "tebaloi" that traditional biscuit of the native people of Sarawak is made from another famous Sarawakian export, sago.Sago flour imparts a distinctive taste to that biscuit. It even comes in chocolate flavour, besides the usual traditional recipe.

7. Buy yourself a "pua kumbu" A pua kumbu is a handwoven cloth used by Iban tribe, inspired by their dreams. The intricate colours and superb workmanship makes each piece a work of art. Get yourself one if you can afford it.

8. Explore the national parks! Sarawak is teeming with national parks so go on the adventure of your life. Experience wildlife like you've never seen before. Start with the famous Bako National Park. We assure you it won't be your last.

9. Take home some lovely pottery! From rustic jars to pots, from vases to pen holders, there's nothing like an authentic Sarawakian pottery to remind you of that laidback land, showcasing the best of native culture.

10. Enjoy the Sarawak Cultural Village The Sarawak Cultural Village is hailed as Asia's best living museum, showcasing Sarawak's native peoples, their lifestyle, their homes and their culture. Just 45 minutes by car from the city of Kuching, that village of 14 acres will astound you with the wondrous diversity of people and their culture. If there's only one place to visit while you're here, make it the Sarawak Cultural Village.

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Big Discount at Malaysia Super GT Series

Malaysia will be hosting Round 4 of the 2011 Super GT Series from June 20 to 22 at the Sepang Circuit.

The offer is limited to the first 5,000 purchases of the Main Grandstand tickets and another 5,000 for the K1 Grandstand. In total, there will be 10,000 special price discounted tickets for the fans.

Ticket prices for the Main Grandstand sittings have been reduced from RM150 to RM75 for a full two-day package.

Meanwhile, the first 5,000 purchasers of tickets for K1 Grandstand will also enjoy a 50 per cent discount from the normal price of RM80 to RM40 for entry on both Saturday (June 21) and Sunday (June 22).

However, the 50 per cent promotion tickets are only available at the ticketing counter at the Sepang Circuit and the SIC Ticketing Office at KL Sentral.

After the 10,000 special-offer tickets are taken up, a 10 per cent discount will be given for tickets purchased before May 31. The tickets would be priced at RM135 and RM72 for the Main Grandstand and the K1 Grandstand respectively.

The SIC will also offer a special student package, which provides a 50 per cent discount for purchases of the Main Grandstand tickets. This offer is valid until June 22.

A family package will also be offered to motorsport fans. The RM375 family package consists of two adults and two children (above seven years old) for the Main Grandstand tickets. Entry for children below seven years old is free.

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Spa - a must activity in Malaysia

The concern for, and maintenance of, health and wellness has been very much a part of Eastern culture since time immemorial. This has allowed the practice to develop into something of a fine art, and in Malaysia, influences from various ancient therapies have been infused into modern spa therapies. Spa and wellness programmes in Malaysia that combine traditional methods alongside modern ones in a designer ambience can offer you a delightful experience.

Malaysia, being a multi-cultural country, has at its disposal a huge range of traditional spa treatments handed down from generation to generation. Age-old Javanese beauty and wellness regimens, ancient Ayurvedic treatments from India, reflexology, accupressure and Shiatsu practices founded in China, among others, have a deep understanding of the human body, dispensing herbal recipes for baths, massage oils and scrubs.

Today, these curative and relaxing treatments are available at spas designed to create peace and tranquility within the soul of the visitor. Set against a lush tropical backdrop, and presented with nutritious and detoxifying fresh food and herbal drinks, most of these luxury spas are also equipped with jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas, swimming pools and double baths. Malaysia has recently seen an influx of designer spas in the capital of Kuala Lumpur, but most spas are tucked away in resorts, nestled in lush rainforests or overlooking the lapping sea shore.

While regular medical check-ups take care of our physical health, some suggest that regular spa sessions not only enhance emotional and mental well-being but also serve as oil would to a well-functioning machine. Malaysia provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for the health rituals that are among the oldest in the world. So, whatever your stress-relief needs might be, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

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See Kuala Lumpur is single ticket

Sightseeing around Kuala Lumpur just got easier with the recent introduction of the KL Monorail & KL Hop-On Hop-Off One Day Unlimited Ride package. Although it's quite a mouthful to say, the promotion makes it convenient for tourists to access the many major tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur within one day.

For just RM20 per person (adult or child), pass-holders can enjoy unlimited travel around Kuala Lumpur in any single day on two modes of transportation - the KL Hop-On Hop-Off (KL HOHO) bus and the KL Monorail train. With the ticket, tourists can hop on and off the bus and monorail as and when they wish. The KL HOHO bus follows a pre-determined route that covers 70 tourist attractions and 22 designated stops including several at KL Monorail stations.

On board are pre-recorded commentaries of tourist attractions in eight different languages, i.e. Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Japanese, French and Spanish. Traveling on the double-decker KL HOHO bus, passengers can view the best of Kuala Lumpur with its semi-glass roof.

Its route covers numerous attractions including the iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers, the Golden Triangle shopping district where Pavilion and Starhill malls are located, the green belt at Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens and the historic enclave near Merdeka Square.

Meanwhile, there are 11 KL Monorail stations situated in high-traffic areas around the city, connecting passengers to shopping districts, major hotels, commercial centres, tourist attractions and stretches of hip dining and clubbing establishments.

Traveling on these elevated rail systems is an experience in itself as it offers a bird's eye view of the city below, and a stop at any one of the stations will give tourists a further glimpse into the typical urban lifestyle of KL-ites. The KL Sentral stop, for instance, is located near Brickfields, an area thriving with the business and social activities of the mostly-Indian community there. A walk around the vicinity is an unforgettable sensorial experience filled with colourful sights, aromas of curries and burning incense, and the sounds of the lilting Tamil widely spoken there.

The Maharajalela interchange, on the other hand, is the gateway to Kuala Lumpur's self-proclaimed Chinatown where vendors will appeal to you with all manner of fruits, shoes, clothes, bags, herbal remedies and more! More than just a marketplace of sorts, Chinatown epitomizes Kuala Lumpur's exciting and fast-paced lifestyle.

Additionally, pass-holders can enjoy great discounts on entrance tickets to Petronsains, the KL Bird Park, and Aquaria, as well as on food and beverages at Seri Melayu restaurant. Tickets can be purchased at the Bukit Bintang and KL Sentral monorail counters and aboard all KL HOHO buses. The ticket entitles holders to unlimited rides in a single day on the KL Monorail and KL HOHO buses. The promotion ends on 31 May 2011.

KL HOHO buses operate from 8:30 am till 8:30 pm at half-hourly intervals, while the KL Monorail has daily services from 6 am until 12 am. For more information, please contact Mr. Roslan Rashid of Elang wah Sdn Bhd, at tel: + 603 2691 2382 or email rrashid@myhoponhopoff.com.my

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10 steps to a Perfect Vacation

1. Know your goals

When you sit down to plan your holiday, the first step is to make sure you're very clear about what you want to get out of it. Do you want to recharge your body batteries? Do you want extensive family bonding?

2. Tailor your trip to fit those goals
If you want a lot of family togetherness, an all-inclusive resort might just the ticket.

3. Read up before you go
Get a good guidebook or two and read up on the culture, history and attractions. Surf the internet for more information; read local publication online.

4. Pack light and right
Take clothes that are adaptable and cram every thing you need into a carry-on bag if you can.

5. Macro-planning
Don't try to fit too much into your trip; you'll be amazed how quickly the day go by.

6. Micro-planning
Everything takes longer than you think it will. In a city, don't try to do more than 3 things per day.

7. Leave time for serendipity
Remember that the best moments of just about any trip are the unexpected ones. Leave plenty of time to visit an irresistible shop or have a long chat with an old timer at a cafe.

8. Reserve the first night
To always have a place to stay the night you arrive somewhere. When you're tired and jet-lagged you don't want to have to deal with the 2 dozen touts who shout at you and pluck at your bag.

9. When you've got a lemon, make lemonade
Disaster happen. They're part of travel. You can fuss and fume or you can enjoy them.

10. Go local
Eat where the local eat, shop where they shop. Ask the hotel for recommendations.
If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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Happy New Year!

As of today, this blog is officially 1 year old. Thank you very much for all the supports to this blog. It has been a pleasant journey to me to blog about our country Malaysia.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish every single readers of my blog, Happy New Year 2011 and a successful year. Best of health and God blessing and love always.

I also have started a new travel guide network called Why Must Visit Asian. Please feel free to visit this blog too as it provides travel tips and guide to Asian countries.

So, hope that this blog will progress to higher level this year and able to benefit all the visitors to Malaysia. By the way, Malaysia has extended its Visit Malaysia Campaign to 2011. Stay tune for more interesting and latest update on events and activities in Malaysia.

Thank you again and Happy a good day ahead.

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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How to ensure Bug FREE hotel room?

Here are some interesting and practical tips to keep your hotel room Bug FREE..

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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How to avoid becoming a pickpocket victim?

Pickpocket occurs everywhere. It really dispute your holiday and I know this for fact since I was pickpocket before in Barcelona. It ruins all my plans, I lost my money and my credit cards. Luckily, I put my passport separately. So, this is some tips I gathered for travelers who are coming to Malaysia:

1. Never store your passport in a backpack or purse. Keep it on your person, preferably in the front pocket of your pants or an inside coat pocket. Passports are worth thousands of dollars on the black market, and they are your only source of identification when traveling in a foreign country.

2. Do not assume that everyone is trustworthy. It’s a sad fact, but many tourists each year are robbed because they were just too open and trusting. A bit of suspicion can go a long way. If someone you do not know walks up to you and tries to start an overly friendly conversation, beware. Talk, but be alert to your surroundings and personal belongings.

3. Don't leave your personal items unattended. Bring your purse, jacket, etc. with you when going to the restroom, a sales counter, etc. Do not expect the people around you to watch your stuff. Leaving your things at a restaurant table while you go to the restroom, for example, is just asking for someone to rob you.

4. Don't be easily distracted. Thieves often work in groups, and while one is asking you for directions, another may be stealing something from your bag.

5. Don’t be a walking target. Chatting on a cell phone or listening to music on an iPod while walking down the street or on the bus, for instance, is an invitation to pickpockets and thieves. Keep cameras and other expensive electronics out of sight - use them only when needed and keep them hidden when not in use.

6. When traveling by bus, keep your bags near you. Do not leave them in the compartment above your head or under the bus. Tourists are often robbed while they are sleeping. If you must sleep, keep your bags under your feet or on your lap. If traveling in a group, take turns napping.

7. Put expensive items, like iPods and digital cameras, in a hard-to-get place. Carry your wallet in your front pocket, and put your iPod or cell phone in an inside pocket of your backpack. Do not use the outer pockets of purses or backpacks, if possible.

8. Avoid heavily crowded areas. Pickpockets abound in areas where there are a lot of people and a lot of commotion. Take off expensive jewelry, including earrings and watches, if you enter a crowded area. Leave essentials, like ATM cards and passports, behind.

With a little extra caution, you can enjoy a worry-free, safe vacation.

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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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
1. Nasi lemak
2. Nasi kandar
3. Roti canai
4. Teh tarik
5. Kajang Satay
6. Ramly Burger
7. Char koay teow
8. ABC (air batu campur)
9. Rojak
10. Yee sang

    Expressions

11. Lah
12. Brudder
13. Ta pau
14. Cin-cai
15. Aiyo
16. Malaysia Boleh
17. Yam seng
18. Mat Salleh

    Personalities

19. Tunku Abdul Rahman
20. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
21. Tan Sri P. Ramlee
22. Sudirman
23. Mat Rempit
24. Ah Long
25. Lat

    Buildings & Places

26. Genting Highlands
27. Penang Bridge
28. Putrajaya
29. Sepang International Circuit
30. Petronas Twin Towers
31. Mount Kinabalu
32. KL International Airport
33. Pasar malam
34. Malacca
35. Dataran Merdeka
36. 24-hour Mamak stall
37. Batu Caves

    Culture and Others

38. Proton
39. Balik kampung
40. Open house
41. Baju kurung
42. Baba-Nyonya
43. Malaysian hospitality
44. “Malaysian time”
45. Joget
46. MyKad or identity card
47. Longhouse
48. Vision 2020
49. Ang pow in many colours
50. Wayang Kulit

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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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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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..

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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7 simple tips on travelling to Malaysia

For first time travelers to Malaysia there are several tips that will make your holiday less stressful and infinitely more enjoyable, such as:

1. Check Health Warnings
Before leaving for Malaysia visit your family doctor to check health warnings for the area you intend to visit. If you intend to do any hiking or rainforest walks then you will need to start taking malaria tablets around a week before your departure. Your family doctor will be able to advise of any other precautions or medications that you need.

2. Airport Transfers
By far the easiest and cheapest way to get from the airport into the capital is via the KLIA Express (airport express train). The train is very modern with video screens showing points of interest and things to do in Malaysia while you enjoy a comfortable ride into Kuala Lumpur in around 35 minutes. Using a bus or taxi transfer will normally take around one hour by comparison and cost a little more. An added convenience when using the KLIA Express to connect with a departing flight is the facility to book your luggage onto your flight from the central train station in Kuala Lumpur (providing you do this at least 2.5 hours before your flight).

3. Taxi Fares
Always ask how much the fare will be to get to your destination before getting into the taxi. Taxi fares in Malaysia are for the most part quite reasonable however at times a naive traveler can be easy pickings, especially on a return trip from an outlying area so be sure to ask for the cost of the fare beforehand and if it seems too high then you can usually find another taxi to get a better deal. The exception to this however is during peak hours in Kuala Lumpur when you will pay more because of traffic delays. Your hotel concierge can advise you on what the busiest traffic times are likely to be. Planning your movements around the capital outside of these times will save you money if you're on a tight budget.

4. Don't drink the tap water
To reduce your chances of having your holiday ruined by tummy upsets it is wise not to consume the local tap water. During your stay keep these points in mind:
1) Clean your teeth and toothbrush with bottled water.
2) Remember to specify "No Ice" when ordering cocktails or mixer drinks. (Many of the more up-market resorts and hotels have ice that has been made using filtered or bottled water which is perfectly safe, however if you wish to be extra cautious then it is safer to forgo the ice).

5. Buy personal items from a supermarket
Make purchases of personal care items such as sunscreen, toothpaste or bottled water from a local supermarket instead of the resort or hotel where you are staying. Although the prices of these items may not seem too expensive you will normally find a supermarket or small convenience store somewhere close to the resort where these items are up to a third of the price that you will pay at the resort. Any money you save on these purchases can be used for souvenir shopping instead.

6. Restaurants
When you're staying in regional areas and choosing somewhere to eat keep in mind that you are no longer in a western country. Malaysia is a relatively poor country which is more evident in outlying areas than it is in the capital. While in your home country a restaurant in a run down looking building could indicate a possible health risk this is not the case in regional areas of Malaysia as many of the buildings are old because of the general poverty of the population. The best guide for choosing a restaurant is if the local people are happy eating there it is a good indication that the food is safe.

7. Keep valuables concealed
Always keep wallets, purses, mobile phones etc in your pockets or backpack to avoid the attention of pickpockets, especially in larger cities. Although not a major problem any large population has its share of thieving so it is best to keep your valuables secure. It is also wise to carry your backpack on the front of your body in certain areas such as the china town markets in Kuala Lumpur where it can be quite crowded giving pickpockets a chance to access valuables within the outer compartments of a backpack.

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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Free languages lessons online

People are continuing to travel despite fuel price increases and tonnes of extra tax added. Languages spoken in Malaysia include Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Bidayuh and dozens others. Since more and more people are coming to this side on the world, I would like to publish several languages websites for your preparations.

Here are some website that you can learned for free:

EnglishLearner.com Take advantage of the battery of interactive tests and quizzes to see where you stand. After taking multiple choice tests, fill the gap exercises, reading tests, and completing crosswords, consider taking the free email course where lessons are sent to you every week by email. Work on these at your own pace and check the answers that are posted a few days afterwards. Finally there's messaging board and chat room where you meet online friends to discuss homework questions, grammar questions and so on.

Mandarin Online Learning languages is always easier if you have a tape, CD or collection of sound files and for learning Mandarin such things are absolutely essential. This is because one of the most challenging things about learning Mandarin is understanding the four tones, the use of various pitches to distinguish between similar words that have very different meanings. This website breaks Mandarin classes into baby steps (hello, thank you, numerals, names, where you come from) and seasons each liberally with sound files to boot. In addition, all texts in pinyin and Chinese characters and there are plenty of exercises for you to build your Mandarin muscles.

Japanese Online This is one of the oldest Japanese language sites online and one of the most popular. Registration is quick, simple and free, allowing you to take the introduction course that offers online language lessons with dialogues, vocabulary, grammar, and culture modules. Topics covered are common everyday circumstances such as greeting friends, ordering food, going shopping and visitng the post office and banks. An excellence resource, it even includes sound files to help you learn to pronounce the words properly. If you already know basic Japanese, check out the grammar module and take your skills to the next level.

Big languages sites Four sites that offers six or more extensive language guides complete with sound files include:
Language Guide at http://www.languageguide.org
BBC languages at http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages
Phrase Base at http://www.phrasebase.com
Travlang's Language for travelers at http://www.travlang.com/languages

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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Travel buddy links

Dear my readers,

Starting from today, I will publish a travel buddy links to all the blogs that I have encountered, forwarded, emailed etc.. It will be travel related blogs. The reason is to give more information to my readers through these quality links, so here is my first 5 links for this week:

i. Debo Hebo It is a travel site containing tips and information about traveling around the world: museums, air travel, car trips, cruises, events, hotels and more... The author is from United States, 43 years old, who is a fun loving easy going gal and very proud US Navy Mom. She love to travel and just getting away. The emphasis being on traveling safely, organized and relaxed.

ii. Around the world: Minimal stories The author is sharing some of the experiences that he had in his numerous trips around the world... his intention is to describe those places that you won’t find in any regular travel agency... he is from Dublin, Ireland.

iii. Travel Plan Idea This blog talks about travel plans & itineraries, fun vacation ideas & planning, destination reviews & guides. Frankly, the tips and ideas are pretty interesting. I don't have his bio since it is not available on his blog.

iv. Contest Info This blog is not related to travel but it is pretty interesting. It offers information on the contests that are running world wide. There are some blog writing contest too.. probably you should give it a try..

v. Everything about Istanbul This blog is authored by a friend of mine. He is 32 years old, from Istanbul. Currently, working in a multinational shipping company called Maersk Lin. His blog is similar to mine as both of us are talking about our own country. Who is the best person for you to ask regard than its citizen itself right...

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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Simple Words for you to remember

To those our friends who are planning to visit Malaysia soon, please do practise to speak in Bahasa Malaysia. It does makes a lot of different, Malaysian will be more than willing to help and even to provide your with their warm and friendly hospitality. It is just a bit of extra effort does makes a lot of different. Don't believe me, give it a try!

1. Can you help me? Bolehkah anda tolong saya?
2. How do I get there? Bagaimana hendak ke sana?
3. How long will it take? Berapa lama?
4. How much does it cost? Berapa harganya?
5. What is this? Apa ini?
6. What is your name? Apakah nama anda?
7. When? Bila?
8. Where? Di mana?
9. Why? Kenapa
10. A little Sedikit
11. A lot Banyak
12. Thank you Terima kasih
13. I am sorry Saya minta maaf
14. Shop Kedai
15. Eat Makan
16. Drink Minum
17. Go up Naik
18. Go down Turun
19. Left Kiri
20. Right Kanan
21. Front Hadapan
22. Back Belakang
23. Up Atas
24. Down Bawah

That's all for now. If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column.

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5 ways to avoid Bad Taxi Driver in Kuala Lumpur

There has been so much complaints about taxi driver in Malaysia especially in Kuala Lumpur. It is number 2 top complaint that we received so far. Therefore, I would like to give 5 basic tips of how to avoid these kind of taxi driver:

1. Never talk to the touts when you arrive at KLIA. There are plenty of touts that come and approach you. Excuse yourself nicely and go straight to taxi counter to buy the ticket or you can opt for KLIA express for RM35 each way.
2. Never take the taxi that is waiting at the taxi stop especially at top tourist spots. Find a good spot beside of the road to stop a taxi. Taxi driver earn when they move around to pick passenger but not waiting for passenger. They are willing to wait in order to charge higher.
3. Always ask the taxi driver to use the meter. If they refuse, just step out of the taxi and wait for another taxi. It is illegal to charge passenger without using the meter.
4. Before travel using taxi in KL, make sure you check with your map; how far is your destination so you can estimate your journey. You don't want the taxi driver take you in circle before send you to your destination. Rules of thumb, anywhere in KL must not exceed RM20.
5. All taxi drivers are compulsory to wear clean white shirt, tug in, clean taxi and display your picture, name and taxi number in front of the passenger seat. If you find it differently, just step out and wait for another taxi.

I hope these points will be able to guide you on how to avoid bad taxi driver. If you face any problem with the taxi driver, just write down the taxi number and send your complaint to our police station. They have special unit called Tourist Police to deal with this problem.

Special thank to Dosh Dosh for teaching me to be a better blogger.

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column.

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