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

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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..

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

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

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