Year Visit Malaysia

Year Visit Malaysia

Year 2013 is a year to visit Malaysia. Malaysia is well known for its various cultures with three main races and its fabulous dishes of each race. Kampung dishes, chinese foods and mamak stalls are everywhere. Loads of interesting places to visit in Malaysia especially beaches and highlands. Our group intend to introduce our country as a destination to visit.

Places To visit

Kuala Lumpur--The Capital City More than any other spot in the country, Kuala Lumpur, or & quot ; KL & quot; as it is commonly known, is the focal point of new Malaysia. While the buildings city's past is still present in the evocative British colonial 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.

  Malacca--Historical City The city of Melaka is divided into the new and old sections. The older part of the city is fairly compact and has many historical and cultural attractions tucked into the nooks and crannies of its narrow streets. Much of the remnants of Melaka's glorious past lie within the Town Square and waterfront area near the river. Just above the Town Square is St. Paul's Hill (Bukit St. Paul) which is the site of the original Portuguese fort of A'Famosa and St. Paul's Church. There is a sign-posted heritage trail which visitors can follow to visit all the historical places in the old part of town.

  Penang-- The 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. The Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia at 13.5 km, 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, seem to belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise for goods old and new, at bargain prices. The island also boasts some of the best food in the region, ranging from fabulous Chinese, Malay and Nyonya cuisines to foodstall favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang laksa, all of which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang' way.

  Pahang Pahang has cool green mountains, rain forests, hill resorts, tranquil fishing villages, long stretches of sandy beaches, mysterious caves and unspoilt lakes. With population of 1 million, the state, which lies on the East Coast, offers the finest in beaches such as the famous Cherating Beach, Teluk Chempedak and Beserah Beach. There are the renown hill resorts of Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Fraser's Hill. If you are looking fir adventure, why not visit parks such as Kenong Rimba, Endau-Rompin and Taman Negara (National Park).

  Sarawak The name 'Borneo' has long meant magic to travellers, and if you skip Sarawak, you'll miss something special. The state has a superb system of national parks, beautiful beaches and a diverse thriving tribal culture whose hospitality to strangers is unmatched. Situated on the north-western coast of Borneo, the Land of Hornbills beckons the visitor with its rich rainforests, intricate weave of rivers, pepper plantations, and the diverse cultures of its indigenous people. Two-thirds of its land is covered in rainforests and its population of 1.7 million is made up of 23 ethnic groups. Sarawak's indigenous peoples have a strong sense of identity and have made their mark in government, education and the media. A unique history has given Sarawak a character of its own, distinct yet very much a part of Malaysia.

  The attractions of......

• Kuala Lumpur

• Malacca

• Penang

• Pahang

• Sarawak

  Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, otherwise known as KLCC the world's tallest twin structures. Located in the heart of the capital city, the crown of the Kuala Lumpur contains a complex of office buildings, conference halls, a sprawling park and an upmarket shopping complex. Inspired by the geometric shape found in Islamic architecture, this gleaming mega-structure was designed by Argentinian-American architect Cesar Pelli. Stretching out to one side of this architectural masterpiece is the spacious and beautifully landscaped KLCC Park. Other attractions at KLCC are Suria Shopping Complex, Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Petrosains Science Centre, Petronas Art Gallery and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where The Aquaria Oceanarium is situated. Petronas Twin Tower

  KL Tower is the world's fourth tallest communications tower. To experience the exhilarating view from the KL Tower, you can go to the 335-metre high observation deck on a high-speed lift. From here, the city's eccentric architecture and lush greenery will be laid out before you. The latest attraction at KL Tower and Bukit Nanas is a reverse bungee called The G-Force. Not for the faint of heart, your ride will be recorded and given to you on a DVD. On top of the KL Tower is the Seri Angkasa revolving restaurant where you can sample an international buffet spread while watching a continuously revolving view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. KL Tower

  Petaling Street, the centre of Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown, maintains much of its traditional atmosphere, particularly at night when vendors fan out their merchandise along the street. While you can shop for anything from gems and incense to toys and t-shirts, the true allure of this night market is in wandering about and enjoying its sights, sounds and energy. Food is plentiful here with many scrumptious varieties to choose from; some of the restaurants here have been in business for generations. Locals flock to Petaling Street primarily for bargain accessories and great Chinese food. Petaling Street

  St. Paul's Hill (A'Famosa) The Portuguese colonised Melaka from 1511 to 1641. The first thing they did was build a fort overlooking the river, calling it A'Famosa. As Melaka was the centre of struggles between super powers of the time, and suffered the constant threat of attack, the A'Famosa fort was critical in Portugal maintaining its colonial foothold in the Far East. Go for a stroll up St. Paul's Hill on a cool late afternoon and wander among the majestic trees and historical remnants. Here, you can almost imagine the glories and miseries of the besieged lives the Portuguese would have led right here all those years ago... St. Paul's Hill (A'Famosa)

  The Stadthuys , b uilt in 1650 as the official residence of the Dutch Governor and his officers, The Stadthuys is a fine example of Dutch architecture of that period. It is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. An outstanding example of colonial Dutch architecture, this edifice now houses the History Museum and Ethnography Museum. On display are traditional bridal costumes and relics from Melaka's over 400-year history. Both museums are well-laid out and offer detailed explanations of how these costumes and relics played their part in Melaka's glorious past. The Stadthuys

  The temple began in 1890 and, from all appearances, construction really hasn't ever stopped. The temple is supposedly the largest in Malaysia. Without doubt the largest and best known temple in Penang, the Temple of Supreme Bliss, better known as Kek Lok Si, staggered on the hillside overlooking the town of Ayer Itam. Since the olden days, the hills of Ayer Itam are regarded as important geomantically. Known as He San , or Crane Hill, they are recommended as a retreat for Taoist practitioners striving for immortality. Kek Lok Si

  Batu Feringgi is the most popular beach in Penang. Soak in the sun or unwind on the beach while you enjoy a host of aquatic thrills from wind-surfing to canoeing. For a spine-tingling adventure, try parasailing to enjoy the view of the beach from the sky. As the sun sets, Batu Feringgi comes alive with a carnival-like atmosphere with an open-air bazaar selling anything from ornate curios to enticing souvenir items. Watch local artisans demonstrate the intricate art of craft-making and batik-painting. Dubbed the Feringgi Walk, the bazaar offers shoppers a host of attractions. Batu Feringgi

  T here are many things to see and do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's largest highland resort. Walks through lovely little villages, visits to the butterfly, strawberry, honey bee farms and sprawling tea plantations or meals at the delightful Tudor-styled country inns, are all pleasurable and relaxing activities to be experienced here. You can't beat the weather up here. A few days out of the sweltering lowland heat will surely recharge your batteries. One other popular activity in Cameron Highlands, actually more of a tradition, is to have tea and scones. This very English tradition dates back to the days when English colonial officers used this hilly location as a cool getaway from the heat of the lowlands. Bird-watching and trekking are also popular activities here. Cameron Highlands

  Genting Highlands The fun never stops at Genting, City of Entertainment, perched on the top of cool, breezy Genting Highlands. One big attraction in Genting is the cool weather. In the evening, there is spectacular entertainment at the Genting International Showroom or Pavilion, be it a thrilling magic show or an ice-skating extravaganza. There are also opportunities to go shopping at First World Plaza, visit the indoor and outdoor theme parks and feast on a wide range of delicious food at the many restaurants. One of the most popular attractions is the casino, the only one in Malaysia. Genting Highlands

  Longhouse Tours A holiday in Sarawak is not complete without a visit to the longhouses that are the traditional dwellings of many of the natives here such as the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. A longhouse is a terraced street of separate dwellings covered by one roof. Male visitors will spend a night on the verandah whereas female visitors are invited to stay in the bilik or room. They only wear their traditional costumes during festivals like Gawai Dayak or the Iban harvest festival and also during weddings. Tour groups are normally greeted with a glass of tuak or rice wine and a welcome dance. After that, they will tour the longhouses and will be entertained by various cultural performances. You are usually invited to join in the dancing. Visitors can spend a night at the longhouses or in a nearby guesthouse. Longhouse Tours

  Sarawak Cultural Village Called the 'Living Museum', the Cultural Village was set up to preserve and showcase Sarawak's cultural heritage. Located at Pantai Damai, Santubong, just 32km from the state capital, Kuching, it is the perfect place to get introduced to local culture and lifestyle. Sprawled across 17 acres, there are about 150 people living in the village, demonstrating traditional daily activities from Sarawak's wildly diverse tribes like the processing of sago and the making of handicrafts. The village residents provide information on their various traditional cultures and lifestyles. You can see replicas of buildings that represent every major ethnic group in Sarawak; longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, a Melanau tall-house and a Chinese farm house among others. The village also has a theatre, where you can enjoy a multicultural dance performance, a restaurant and a handicraft shop. You can even get married at the Sarawak Cultural Village, in traditional Iban, Malay, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu style. Sarawak Cultural Village

  Malay Food Chinese Food Indian Food

  Malay Dishes

  Coconut-flavored Rice Meal - is rice cooked in coconut milk made aromatic with pandan leaves [screwpine leaves]. It is typically served with  Sambal Ikan Bilis - fried dried anchovies cooked in a dry sambal sauce, and garnished with cucumber slices, hard boiled egg and roasted peanuts. Traditionally packaged in a banana leaf, it is usually eaten as hearty breakfast fare. Nasi Lemak

  Satay BBQ Sticks - This famous meat-on-a-stick appears on menus from New York  to Amsterdam. The secret of tender, succulent satay is, of course, in the rich, spicy-sweet marinade. The marinated meat; chicken or beef, are skewered onto bamboo sticks and grilled over hot charcoals. Some satay stalls also serve venison and rabbit satay. A fresh salad of cucumbers & onions are served together with a spicy-sweet peanut sauce for dipping. Ketupat, a Malay rice cake similar to Lontong , is also an accompaniment to satay, great for dipping in satay sauce. Dee'lish !!

  Malay Spiced Coconut Beef - This hot, dry spiced dish of tenderly simmered meat offers the typical Malaysian taste of coconut, balanced with robust, tangy spices. Rendang is a must-have on special occasions such as weddings, ideally served with nasi kunyit [turmeric rice]. During Ramadan & Eid, the Malay New Year, Rendang is sure to take center stage on bountiful tables of feast in homes everywhere. During this festive season, a special rice cake called Lemang is made to eat with Rendang . Lemang is made from glutinous rice and s antan [coconut milk], carefully packed into bamboo poles lined with banana leaves and cooked in the traditionally way over low open fires. Beef Rendang

  Noodles in Tangy Fish Soup - Thick rice noodles are served in a tangy fish soup/gravy. Not at all fishy, the soupy gravy is made with mackerel and lots of aromatic herbs. Fresh garnishing of shredded cucumber, lettuce, pineapple, onion and fragrant mint leaves finishes the dish. In general the term Laksa refers to Malay style laksa, sometimes called Malay Laksa. There are slight variations in different parts of the country. The key ingredient is tamarind, used as a souring agent, giving it a tart tangy taste. This version of laksa from the 'hawker food capital' - Penang, is especially famous and well known as Penang Laksa or Penang Assam Laksa. Laksa

  Malay Fish Mousse - fresh fish fillets are blended with light spices, coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves and other aromatic herbs, into a sort of fish mousse. The fish mousse is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or grilled. It makes an exotic appetizer or cocktail party bite ! Otak-otak

  Black Rice Pudding - a rice pudding made from black glutinous rice sweetened with brown palm sugar. A surrey of creamy coconut milk is swirled over the rice pudding before it is served. Pulut Hitam

  Chinese Dishes

  Fried Flat Noodles - fresh flat rice noodles are stir fried in a little lard with shrimp, cockles, bean sprouts, egg and chives. A smoky chili adds kick to this popular noodle dish. The island of Penang in Malaysia, well-known for it's hawker food, is especially famous for it's Char Kway Teow.. hands-down the best in the country ! Char Kway Teow

  Originating from Hainan in China, this dish is ubiquitous, one of the most popular everyday meal. Chicken is slow poached whole, allowed to cool to room temperature and cut up into bite-sized pieces. Rice is then cooked with the flavorful chicken broth. Cucumbers, scallions and cilantro garnishes the chicken. A small side of the chicken broth is usually served as well. And always - a must-have dipping sauce made of red chilies, garlic, ginger and lime juice completes the meal. Hainan Chicken Rice

  Pork Rib Tea - A very popular Hokkien herbal soup [also spelt Bakuteh ] which in English is translated as ' Pork Rib [Pork Bone] Tea', traditionally served for breakfast as an invigorating tonic to start the day with Ewe Char Koay [Chinese crullers]. Pork ribs are long simmered in a 'tea' of Chinese medicinal herbs and whole bulbs of garlic, often with dried shitake mushrooms added for earthiness. A chicken version Chi Kut Teh [also spelt Chikuteh ] is also popular. Ready-made Bak Kut Teh, containing all the essential herbal ingredients usually available only in ethnic Chinese medicinal shops, are very convenient for 'brewing' an authentic-tasting, aromatic and nutritious Bak Kut Teh at home ! Bak Kut Teh

  Tofu stuffed with Fish Mousse - Tau Foo means tofu or soy bean cakes in Chinese dialect. Deep fried tofu cakes and vegetables - bitter gourd, whole red chilies, zucchini - are stuffed with a fish mousse or pate, then steamed or boiled and served with a dipping sauce. Yong Tau Foo

  Malaysian Indian Dishes

  Indian style Rice Dish - Basmati rice is first saute'ed in ghee [clarified butter] and cooked with the world's most expensive spice, saffron. The dish is assembled by layering the flavorful rice with tender pieces of spiced-cooked lamb, mutton or chicken, with a  garnishing of slivered almonds and raisins. This 'delicacy' dish is served as a main course on special occasions, such as weddings and celebrations. In Nasi Kandar restaurants [local Indian-Muslim restaurants], nasi biryani refers to the rice only cooked without the meat, and is a choice of rice [instead of plain steamed rice], to eat with your selection of curries and side dishes. Nasi Biryani is also sometimes spelt Nasi Beriani . Nasi Briyani

  Indian Pastry Pancake - Indian in origin, this popular pastry pancake is an all-time favorite appetizer on menus in Malaysian eateries all around the globe. Roti Canai [pronounced Chan-nai], it's name originating from the region of Chennai in India, is also known as Roti Prata [also spelt Paratha ]. A side of curry is served for dipping the flaky pancake, usually a Malaysian Chicken Curry. Roti Canai.