Perfect Holiday

Waterfalls

Waterfalls
Waterfalls are some of the best attractions of nature in Cameron Highlands

National Park

National Park
A Beacon Of Hope The Penang National Park

Jungle Trekking

Jungle Trekking
Hit the jungle trails early to avoid afternoon showers and to enjoys the rainforest in the warm sunshine

City

City
Ipoh was Malaysia's second city for administration purposes

Orang Utan Islands

Friday, October 15, 2010

PENANG CITY

Thursday, October 14, 2010


A Tapestry of Colours
For all her advancements, exotic natural beauty and historical relevance, Penang's
greatest pride is her people. The many communities - especially the Chinese,
Malays and Indians, each boast of their own unique religious and cultural festivals
but it is a Penang tradition for everyone (yes, tourists too!) to join in the fun.
However, it is important to note that not all Indians observe Thaipusam and
not every Chinese celebrates the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. There are many
Chinese and Indians here who are Christians and Catholics although these races
are commonly associated with being Buddhist, Taoist or Hindu.
Regardless of personal beliefs and cultural practices, Penangites, like all

Malaysians, are united in their diversity. While the country's official religion is
Islam (all Malays are Muslims), religious freedom is enshrined in the Federal
Constitution. For centuries, mutual respect and tolerance have been the
bastions of harmony between the many communities here.
The locals love having tourists participate and take an interest in the festivals
and religious events but it is important to know about the dos and don'ts and
to be respectful and mindful of each community's sensitivities especially when
visiting places of worships. For instance, when going inside a Hindu temple,
one is expected to leave the shoes outside and when visiting mosques, only
those properly attired are allowed in (sleeves tops, skimpy skirts and shorts
for women are a no-no!)
Photography is allowed in most places but please ask for permission when
in doubt. Locals generally do not mind posing for a picture but when in
places of worship, common courtesy should be observed.
About the Award
On 7th July, 2007, George Town’s rich living heritage, culture and history was officially recognised when the World Heritage Committee in Quebec City, Canada, officially inscribed the city as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jointly listed with Melaka, George Town was acknowledged as having developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca.
The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the town with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible. Featuring residential and commercial buildings, George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century.
Penang Heritage
Citing “outstanding universal values” as the reasons
for the inscription, UNESCO acknowledged the city as:
A remarkable example of historic colonial towns on the Straits of Malacca that demonstrate a succession of historical and cultural influences arising from their former function as trading ports linking East and West
The most complete surviving historic city centre on the Straits of Malacca with a multi-cultural living heritage originating from the trade routes from Great Britain and Europe through the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and the Malay Archipelago to China
An exceptional example of multi-cultural trading towns in East and Southeast Asia, forged from the mercantile and exchanges of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures and three successive European colonial powers for almost 500 years, each with its imprints on the architecture and urban form, technology and monumental art
A living testimony to the multi-cultural heritage and tradition of Asia, and European
colonial influences
A reflection of a mixture of influences which have created a unique architechture,
culture and townscape
Pualau Penang Sate

Introduction Penang - Pearl of the Orient
Penang, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most
picturesque and romantic cities in all of Asia. This tropical island lies in
the Indian Ocean, just off the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Penang received its name from the Pinang, or Betel Nut tree, once
commonly found on the island. Established as the first British trading
post in the Far East in 1776, Penang today is a bustling metropolis
reflecting a uniquely exotic blend of East and West.

The state of Penang consists of the island of Penang and a strip of land
on the mainland known as Seberang Prai.
The Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia at 13.5km, links the two
land masses. Penang is also connected by a ferry service to the mainland.
On Penang Island sits the capital, Georgetown, a city steeped in
history and tradition yet sparkling with progress and modern
development. Certain sections of Penang
present a quaint picture from the past
where narrow side streets, trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods, seeming to belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise for goods old and new, at bargain prices.
There is a wide, competitive choice of cameras, electronic and electrical goods, clothing, batik
souvenirs, antiques and knick-knacks.
The island also boasts some of the best food in the region, ranging from Nyonya Cuisine to foodstall favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang laksa, all of which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang' way.
PENANG HILL

Across the Straits of Malacca, you will find
Penang Hill located on the island of Penang.
You can ride on the funicular railway,
explore enchanting nature trails, walk among
30-metre high trees, and sink in to the gorgeous
views of the island. Situated about 800
metres above sea level on the northern
part of the island, Malaysia's oldest
hill resort has cool unpolluted air, historical
heritage and environmental significance.
At the foot of the hill is the Penang Hill R
ailway, one of the world's oldest funicular
systems. Built in 1897, but commissioned
only in 1923, the railway has a track of a
bout 2,007 metres ascending to a
height of 710 metres above sea level.
Penang Bird Park
The park spans 5 acres and houses some 
800 birds from all over the world. It is 
beautifully landscaped and features a 
walk-in aviary, a pond with ducks a
nd swans, ornamental ponds abounding 
with water lilies, Japanese Carps and 
ornamental plants.
Opening hours: 9.00am - 7.00pm.
Admission fee: RM10.00 (adult)
RM5.00 (children).
CULTURE AND HERITAGE

One of the finest Buddhist temples in
South-east Asia, the Kek Lok Si temple
stands majestically on a hill in Ayer Itam,
to the south of Georgetown. Built in
tiers, the temple culminates with the
beautifully crafted "Pagoda of Ten Thousand

Buddhas".
Taking more than 20 years to build, the
temple is set against beautiful scenic
surroundings.
It features a turtle pond, gardens, shrines and beautiful
sculptures.
Opening hours: 9.00am - 6.00pm.
Admission fee (pagoda): RM2.00 per person.
Khoo Kongsi The wave of Chinese i
mmigration to Penang during the nineteenth
century gave rise to the formation of
clan formations, or kongsi, which served
as surrogate kinship and professional
associations for immigrants who had left
family and friends behind. The Khoo
Kongsi is the most famous example o
f these halls, having been designed with
such magnificence that it was said to r
ival the palace of China's emperor.
Sri Mariamman Temple Built in 1883,
this is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang
which features fascinating sculptures of gods
and goddesses over it's main entrance and
facade. Housed within it's ornately decorated
interior is the priceless statue of Lord
Subramaniam embellished with gold, silver,
diamonds and emeralds. The statue figures
prominently in the annual Thaipusam festival
when it is borne on a silver chariot though the
city streets to the temple.
Snake Temple Probably the only temple of its
kind in the world. The multitude of pit vipers
coiled around objects on the altar are b
elieved to be rendered harmless by the smoke
of the burning incense in the temple. Just for g
ood measure, the snakes have also been
de-venomed. Admission is free; bravery should
be obtained in advance.
Nyonya, Hawker Food

In Penang, hawker food is as delicious as the f
inest gourmet experience in any city. Many
Malaysians hold Penang as the top food d
estination in the region, not because
of some fancy restaurants but rather for
their humble road-side eateries and stalls that
line the streets.
The island's main claim to fame is their Nyonya
flavouring in the local Chinese dishes. The term
Nyonya refer to Straits Chinese; immigrants
who settled in Malaysia and adopted
Malay traditions, customs and even cooking
ingredients. The result is the Peranakan c
ulture, otherwise known as Nyonya.
Malacca may be more famous for their Nyonya
culture, but in terms of cooking, it is the Penang
Nyonya style that has captured the hearts (
and stomachs) of many Malaysians. Their
dishes also differ from Malaccan ones, having
a sourish tinge with generous helpings of fruity
ingredients.
On top of that, Penang's other culinary
delights include traditional Malaysian favourites
such as the Char Keow Teow and Tar Sau
Peah, both non-Nyonya dishes.
Char Keow Teow
(It must try)
Char Keow Teow is a ubiquitous Chinese
dish in Malaysia but the Penang variety
is truly the most famous. A helping of ‘
keow teow' noodles are fried in deep
rich black soy sauce and oil together
with bean sprouts, prawns, cockles, chilli
and other spices. The wok must be fiery
hot as the chef skilfully tosses the ingredients
up in the air over a flaming stove. The result is
a sumptuous blend of oil-rich goodness that
will give you a headache in indulgence.
Assam Laksa

Penang's perennial Nyonya favourite, the
Assam Laksa, is a soup-based dish with
a tangy aroma that will liquidate the

of tongues. Essentially rice vermicelli,
what makes it so delicious is the blend
of onions, cucumber, chilli, pineapple,
lettuce, mint and ginger buds that goes
on top of the soup. The soup in turn is
made by blending curry with fish paste into
a mushy, gooey like liquid that is both s
weet and sour to taste. A mouthful of this
dish will send your taste sensations sky-rocketing!
For years, locals have thronged the
market-place in Ayer Hitam near the
Kek Lok Si Temple for the best Assam
Laksa but there are equally good
Laksa in the city and places like Balik Pulau

Hokkien Mee

The delightful Hokkien Mee of penang is
different from Kuala Lumpur's version.
In Penang, it is a soup-based dish while in
Kuala Lumpur , it is fried in deep, black
soy sauce. The soup is probably the most
important part to bring out the aroma – f
ragrant stock made from shrimp and
dried prawns are brought to a boil with a
little helping of lard to give it a nice texture.
It is then served in a bowl with noodles
garnished with prawns, fish cake, leafy greens,
pork ribs, squid, vegetables, crisp deep-fried s
hallots, spring onions and fresh lime. The
dish is then served with sliced red chili, l
ight soy sauce and sambal. Absolutely
gastronomic.

Tau Sar Peah

Tau Sar Peahs are little dumpling-shaped
morsels of goodness that represent a cross
between a biscuit and a pastry. They are
so good, people liken to ‘food for the
gods'. Eaten as a snack or for dessert, the
delicious Tau Sar Peah are made by baking r
ed bean paste in sugar and lard till it
becomes a mushy yellow colour. The paste
is then rolled into a mould with thin flour. The
‘skin' becomes flaky when the tau sar peahs
are baked to a crispy golden brown. Today,
there are other variants using green pea
paste, lotus paste and even salted egg yolk!

Acar – Acar

Penang Acar is a type of Nyonya salad.
Crunchy and aromatic, Acar is usually made
by mixing hard vegetables such as carrots
and cabbage with a rich and spicy gravy
garnished with crushed groundnuts.
Acar acts as a welcome condiment
to any meal and is scrumptiously
devoured with haste by locals. There is even
a fish-based
version of Acar!

KUALA LUMPUR

More than any other spot in the country, Kuala Lumpur, or "KL" as it is commonly known, is the focal point of new Malaysia. While the city's past is still present in the evocative British colonial buildings of the Dataran Merdeka and the midnight lamps of the Petaling Street nightmarket, that past is everywhere met with insistent reminders of KL's present and future. The city's bustling streets, its shining, modern office towers, and its cosmopolitan air project an unbounded spirit of progress and symbolize Malaysia's unhesitating leap into the future. To some, this spirit seems to have been gained at the loss of ancient cultural traditions, but in many ways KL marks the continuation rather than the loss of Malaysia's rich past. Like Malacca five hundred years before, KL's commercial centre is a grand meeting place for merchants and travelers from all over the world.
In the same way, the city brings together Malaysia's past and present, its many constituent cultures, and even its remarkable natural treasures, allowing first-time visitors an invaluable opportunity to see Malaysia as a whole before setting off to explore its parts. In the botanical and bird parks of the Lake Gardens one is treated to a first glimpse of the unsurpassed beauty and variety of Malaysia's plants and animals. In the vibrant Central Market, music, crafts, and cultural practices from Kelantan to Sarawak can be explored and experienced. And in the National Museum, the dizzying multiplicity of Malaysia's cultural history comes into focus. As the entry point for most visitors and the meeting point of the country's many attractions, Kuala Lumpur is a grand gateway to a fascinating destination. 
Petronas Towers
Kuala Lumpur Petronas Towers
Kuala Lumpur in the morning. Petronas Towers at night 

With a height of 1,453 feet, one of the world's tallest buildings rise above the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. They are called the Petronas Towers, and, inevitably, they have become the symbols for the astounding growth that has taken place in Malaysia over the last two decades.
LOCATION 
Kuala Lumpur is situated midway along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, at the confluence of the Klang and Gombek rivers. It is approximately 35 km from the coast and sits at the centre of the Peninsula's extensive and modern transportation network. Kuala Lumpur is easily the largest city in the nation, possessing a population of over one and a half million people drawn from all of Malaysia's many ethnic group



RECOMMENDED TOURS
Please view our tours to Kuala Lumpur, including City Highlights, Batu Cave and the suburbs (starting from USD $11 per person).

Geographia has partnered with Viator to provide exciting adventure experiences in Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur Tours
© Tour East Malaysia
Malaysia Tourist Information Complex (MATIC)
A good place to begin any visit to Kuala Lumpur is the one-stop information centre, which provides a general picture of what the city and Malaysia have to offer. Audio-visual equipment provides background information on each state in the country. You can book a tour, arrange to go on a trishaw ride in the city, change your money, and book air or bus tickets to various destinations in Malaysia. International calls, facsimile and telex services are also offered. For your first taste of Malaysian cuisine, there is a restaurant in the right wing of the building. Cultural performances are held daily.

National Zoo and Aquarium
Thirteen kilometers north-east of Kuala Lumpur is the National Zoo. It contains hundreds of different species of animals, birds, and reptiles. The aquarium has an extensive collection of marine and freshwater species. Both the Zoo and Aquarium are open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Located at Jalan Hishamuddin, this Moorish-style terminal was designed by architect A.B. Hubbock, who also designed the Masjid Jam. Built in 1910, it underwent extensive renovations in 1986. It is equipped with air-conditioned waiting halls, snack kiosks, money changing booths, souvenir shops, restaurants and a tourist information counter. Across the street is the Malayan Railway Administration Building, another fine example of the British colonial adaptation of Moorish architecture. It is linked to the station by an underground thoroughfare.

Central Market
Fifty years ago this site was occupied by a wet market. Today, the art-deco structure of the Central Market is a centre for the display and development of Malaysian culture, arts and crafts. There are many performances, demonstrations, and activities offered here, including batik painting, fortune telling, shadow puppet plays, glass blowing, dance classes, art classes, and many others. The building won the Coronation Architecture Design Award in 1953. 
National Library
Located at Jalan Tun Razak. The blue-roofed building was inspired by a tengkolok, the traditional Malay headgear, and songtet, a richly-designed brocade fabric. The library is a very recent addition to Kuala Lumpur, having opened only in 1992. The extensive holdings include a collection of publications on Malaysia by Malaysian authors as well as ancient Malay manuscripts. Open: 1Oam-5pm (Sat-Sun), Closed on Monday. 
Petaling Street
The center of Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown. Petaling Street maintains much of its traditional atmosphere, particularly at night when vendors spread their wares out on the street. While it is possible to purchase anything from gems and incense to toys and t-shirts here, enjoying the night market is really a matter of just wandering about and enjoying its sights, sounds, and energy.

Penang National Park

Thursday, September 16, 2010

A Beacon of Hope
The Penang National Park (Taman Negara Pulau Pinang) is one of the few natural
forested areas left on the island. It is also currently the world's smallest national
park.

The Park is located at the north-western corner of Penang Island, on what
resembles the side profile of a face, hence the name Muka Head (muka literally
means face).

With 1181 hectares of forest and 1381 hectares of wetlands, the Park's ecosystem
is a diversity of habitats with hills, sandy and rocky beaches, streams and coastal
forests - representing much of the natural habitats of Penang.

Way back in 1958, the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve was first proposed as a nature
conservation area by a group called the "Committee for the Preservation of Natural
Beauty". Since that time, both nature interest groups and even government reports
have proposed that the Reserve be turned into some kind of park and conservation
area. The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) made several representations to the
state and federal governments to turn Pantai Acheh into a national park.

It was on 4 April 2003 when Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve was finally declared the
Penang National Park by the then deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi.

The Penang National Park is the first protected area legally gazetted under the
National Park Act of 1980, signifying the State and Federal Governments' efforts in
protecting the environment. It goes without saying that funds will be allocated to
develop the Penang National Park, within guidelines. All logging activities stopped
since 1996. Part of the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve had been logged before 1955;
none have been logged since.










The Park is unique as it contains several different types of habitat including a
meromictic lake, wetlands, mangroves, mudflats, coral reefs and turtle nesting
beaches.

A survey conducted by the MNS, together with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
indicated a reasonable rich fauna. Small mammals such as tree shrews (tupai glis),
slow loris, flying lemur (Cynocephalus variegates), civet cats, lepoard cats, sea
otters and pangolins have been spotted. If you're lucky, some of these shy
creatures make an occasional appearance at Pantai Keracut, where the meromictic
lake is located.

Besides mammals, the Park is also home to many birds, reptiles, amphibians and of
course the famous turtles, especially the Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), the Ridley
turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), the Leatherback turtles and the Hawksbill turtles
(Eretmochelys imbricate).

When you are at the Park, look up and see if you can spot a Brahminy Kite,
White-bellied Sea-eagle or the Crested Serpent-eagle that are commonly seen
soaring gracefully above.

If you come across any snakes along your path, you would be happy to know that
most of the snakes at the Park are non-poisonous. However, take note that there is
no sure way to tell a poisonous from a non-poisonous snake, thus it is best to keep
your distance from them.

Did you know that spiders, scorpions, centipedes and millipedes belong to the same
group - Arthropada? They are, however, from different classes. Keep an eye out for
these little creatures along your hiking trail. Insects, by far, are the most numerous
denizens of the Park.

The flora at the Park is one which is characteristic of the coastal dipterocarp (or
winged seeds) forest. 'Wings' help seeds to have a better chance of being blown far
from the parent. Some trees from the Dipterocarp family are Chengal, Meranti
Seraya, Jelutong, Gaharu and Bintangor. When cultivated, these trees provide
valuable and aesthetic hardwood. Other plants that populate the Park include ferns,
palms, pitcher plants, meromictic flora, climbers, fungi and mangrove.

There are altogether an estimated 417 flora and 143 fauna species, according to a
local daily report in May 2006.










Facilities at the Park 
Penang National Park only receives daily visitors. For camping, visitors are requested
to seek permission from the management. Camping and weekend programmes
organised by the National Park are also available for students who are interested in
this activity. However, accommodation is not provided in the National Park. Visitors
are recommended to stay at the nearest hotels around Batu Ferringhi and Teluk
Bahang.

Visitors are also reminded the deposit their litter in the 'monkey-proof' trash bins
where one has to push a leaver to open the hatch. The bins are located along
popular hiking trails. Remember, pick nothing up (except rubbish!) and leave nothing
behind.

Rest stops equipped with picnic tables are also strategically placed throughout the
Park for your enjoyment.
 

Penang National Park offers vast opportunities for research, education, recreation
and ecotourism activities such as climbing, trekking, swimming, wildlife observation
or simply enjoying the natural environment, which is a combination of the forest and
sea.

Rich in biodiversity and wildlife, the park has attracted world-renowned scientists,
researchers and even the National Geographic crew to study and learn from its
pristine surroundings. In this pocket of undisturbed natural beauty, we must learn to
appreciate the natural heritage and help to promote their conservation for future
generations.

Lang Tengah Island

Lang Tengah Island (Pulau  Lang Tengah)

Lang Tengah Island (Pulau Lang Tengah)
Lang Tengah Island or Pulau Lang Tengah off the coast of Terengganu is one of the nation's well-kept secrets. Its arresting beauty can easily captivate you while you are there. Crystal clear sea-water, pristine beaches and untouched tropical jungle. Its arresting beauty lingers forever in your memory. An island you can call your own, private and tranquil.

Lang 
Tengah Island (Pulau  Lang Tengah)
Take a stroll along the whitewashed, sandy beaches or bath in the sun for that coveted golden tan. Explore the wonders of nature, and you'll be surprised of what you'll discover. Whatever you do, we'll make sure that your stay with us is an enjoyable one.
 
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