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Showing posts with label Travel Experience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Experience. Show all posts

My top 5 dream experiences on my bucket list for Malaysia (By Getsetandgo)

"Malaysia" - just the mention of this name is enough to conjure images of a country with a mix of everything – from a multitude of cultures to landscapes to experiences and as a tourist / traveler you are definitely spoilt for choices. Malaysia or “Truly Asia”, as its campaign says, has been on my bucket list for a while, but somehow a trip here has never materialized. Hence when MalaysiaJao Blogathon Contest was announced by Blogadda, I saw a chance to finally visit this exotic destination and hence jumped on the participation bandwagon.

For this contest, we need to write a blog post about 5 things we would want to experience in Malaysia. Tough isn’t it? More so for me  since I am a budget off-beat traveler and Malaysia has numerous things for me to see and do. But I somehow managed to prioritize and create a mix of every thing   i.e. art, culture, nature, kiddy, etc to be a part of 5 dream experiences on my bucket list for Malaysia.

1. Heritage trails in George Town, Penang – This heritage walk (or rather my aimless wandering) through George Town in Penang is for the Art and Culture buff in me. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a 200 year history with well-preserved colonial buildings and historical architecture.It is said that the architecture here is unparalleled anywhere in East or South East Asia.  I have seen numerous pics of other fellow bloggers and feel that this should be on the travel list of every off beat traveler to Malaysia.


2. Scale the Kinabalu Park in Sabah – A visit here is a must for the Adventure Traveler in me and a way for me to train and challenge myself. This park is again a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia’s highest mountain and one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks) and  one of the most important biological sites in the world, with between 5000 and 6000 species of plants, 326 species of birds, and more than 100 mammalian species identified. One of the most famous species found here is the gigantic Rafflesia (large parasitic plant).


3. Walking through the Mangrove swamps and meeting the orangutans in Kabili-Sepilok Nature Reserve, Sabah – I recently saw a travel documentary made on a walk through the mangrove swamps & meeting with orangutans in this nature reserve and the animal lover in me was completely sold on it. This Reserve has been named after two rivers that flow through it and has interesting and diverse array of wildlife and vegetation, various nature trails and the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre opened in 1964 as the first official orangutan rehabilitation project for rescued orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations, illegal hunting or kept as pets. The orphaned orangutans are treated for injuries and then trained to survive in the wild and are released as soon as they are ready. On many occasions I have even considered volunteering here.

 

4. Relaxing on the beaches of Tioman Island, Pahang – I recently heard from a friend about the beautiful beaches of Tioman Island and decided that these beautiful beaches would be an ideal place to relax and rewind after scaling Mount Kinabalu. The beaches here are picturesque with twin volcanic peaks, golden sands, lush tropical rainforest and clear waters with some amazing dive sites.  There is also a local legend according which Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess. While flying from China to meet her Prince Charming in Singapore, she stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea, was enraptured by the charms of the place and decided to discontinue her journey. She then took the form of an island and pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travelers.


5. Legoland and Hello Kitty Town, Johor 

For the kid in me who’s grown up with Lego blocks (smaller version) a chance to visit Legoland is like a kiddy dream come true. This international park is an out of world experience with thrilling rides, interactive displays, themed areas and Lego stores :). As a kid I used to ask my dad to always get me Hello Kitty stuff on every visit to Hong Kong and now a chance to see a world of Hello Kitty is just too good to resist.


Since I havent been to any of these places myself, detailed information about the locales is courtesy Malaysia Tourism and Wikipedia and the pictures are courtesy Wikipedia.

Now that the wish list is complete, day dreams are on and fingers are crossed. Hope to be one of the three lucky winners who get a chance to be in Malaysia this year :)

Getsetandgo
http://getsetandgo.wordpress.com

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10 Islands You Want to Visit in Malaysia (by Eileen Fong)

I love island life. I love the sea, the sand and the sun. Ironically, I live in Singapore (which is technically an island) but I just don’t get the satisfaction of what I expect from an island escapade/adventure. I always dream of island hopping in the Caribbean and I absolutely miss my time in Greece 2 summers back. Out of desperation, I sought out islands next door (Malaysia). I’ve been to some on the list and there are others that I’m dying to visit. Totally random but seeing this picture makes me want to scream “wheeeeeee……..”

* I will be using the term Island and Pulau interchangeably in this article. Pulau means island in Malay Language.

10. Tioman Island

Tioman is situated in Pahang within the Mersing Marine Park and being in Johor, it’s one of the closest island getaways for Singaporeans. In particular, Tioman Island created memories for my first dive trip and it is a fantastic starting point for all of you who are interested in getting your scuba diving certification. (Read 5 Reasons to Make You Want to Dive) Time magazine has also selected Tioman Island as one of the most beautiful islands.








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9. Tiga Island a.k.a Survivor Island

Pulau Tiga is the first location for the popular reality tv show “Survivor”. The island is situated off the West Coast of Sabah in Borneo. There are trails, plenty of trails on the island (including one that leads to a mud bath). It may not be your typical luxury island getaway but this uninhabited place will certainly let you escape from reality – or perhaps bring out the Chuck Noland in you?



  


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8. Rawa Island

Rawa Island is another option close to Singapore (even closer than Tioman!) To only way to get there is by a 1 hour ferry ride (or 30mins speed boat) from Mersing Jetty. There are lesser tourist on this small island compared to Tioman so it may be a better choice for those of you who prefer less crowd. Rawa is known for its soft white sand and coral reefs rich with marine life (as it is mostly untouched).

 






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7. Tinggi Island

Also accessible from Mersing Jetty, Pulau Tinggi is bigger than Rawa but smaller than Tioman. Not only does Pulau Tinggi offer a tranquil island life, it is also populated with lush jungles. This island can be a great family adventure offering both water activities in the deep blue, as well as rock climbing or trekking leading up to waterfalls amidst the rainforest.
 





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6. Tenggol Island

Pulau Tenggol is part of a string of islands including Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang, off the coast of Terrengganu. This island is more well-known amongst the divers as it offers abundant marine life compared to other commercialised islands like Tioman. Sightings here include sharks, rays and nudibranch. For the  interest of non-divers, I will quit rambling on and introduce you to Pulau Perhentian – #5





 
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5. Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands have been dubbed ‘paradise’ by some. It is made up of a big island (Perhentian Bersar) and small island (Perhentian Kecil). Both islands are fringed by sandy white beaches, and the reefs and crystal clear water are host to a wide variety of coral, sea-turtles, jellyfish, small sharks and reef-fish. Expect yourself to be part of a scene in the Beach and the Perhentian Islands are certainly not a shabby alternative to Ko Phi Phi.



 

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4. Pangkor Island

Pangkor Island is situated off the coast of the Perak state, somewhere between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. It was previously reported that celebrities such as Kiera Knightley, Sting and Anna Friel are fans of the island (or more accurately the privately owned sister island Pangkor Laut). Having said that the main Pangkor Island offers a more affordable getaway with beautiful beaches like Coral Bay and Teluk Nipah. 








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3. Redang Island

I don’t think I need to introduce Redang Island. It is a haven for all islanders. There are plenty of accommodations to choose from; budget to the ones you can splurge on. Period.








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2. Layang-Layang Island

Layang Layang Island is also commonly known as Swallow Reef Island. It is one of the most population dive destinations for enthusiast and for the rest, it is a serene island to basically chillax. Bird watching is also a popular activity on Layang Layang. For the wanderers, do be careful because there is a naval base and trespassing will result in detention! Otherwise, just stay underwater, there’s so much to see, or bask in your deck chairs. Either way, this is a blissful island retreat.







 
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1. Mabul Island – (Sipadan)

Just look at that accommodation! I want to jump into the waters right there and then. Who needs Maldives when you have Malaysia?! (Haha okay I’m kidding, I want to go Maldives too). But this place is heaven – friends who have been there swear by it. I’ve included Sipandan as part of Mabul Island as it is a beautiful dive destination but I’ve been told by Malaysian friends that you need a dive permit to head there. If you don’t have one, stay on Mabul Island, which is equally deserving. Though, being number 1 comes with a price, be prepared to burn a hole in your pocket!






I DREAM of living in a beach house, by the deep blue sea and waking up to the waves crashing against the shore.

Peace & Love,
Eileen x

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Money Saving Tips for Traveling in Malaysia (By Lash)


Recently I’ve met several long-term travelers who are visiting Malaysia for the first time. Somewhat to my surprise, I quickly found myself giving lots of tips about choosing products, finding restaurants, and saving money on all sorts of things. Even though they are veteran travelers, they didn’t know many simple practical things about ‘living’ in Malaysia because they’ve never spent time here.

evening with travel bloggers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I suppose that many common daily-life practicalities about any destination you figure out only by spending a significant amount of time there. Perhaps by returning several times, working there, or having local friends who fill you in on daily life details. And apparently guidebooks skip many of those practicalities.

Since I’ve spent so much time in Malaysia over the years, I discovered that I can dish up lots of useful money-saving tips that you probably won’t find in guidebooks. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

Hot Link sign in Malaysia

1. cell phones / sim cards 

In all Asian countries, Australia, UK and Europe, you can easily and inexpensively buy a new sim card for your mobile phone, thus obtaining a local phone number. (Excluding use with US phones, which operate on a different phone system).

In Malaysia, several phone companies sell sim cards. I recommend ‘Maxis’ also know as ‘Hotlink’. They sell new sim cards for just 8.80 RM ( < $3 US) which includes 4 RM phone credit. Domestic text messages/sms cost 0.10 RM. So, with your new sim you can already send 40 domestic text msgs, without buying any more credit! International sms rates vary per country, but are also very cheap. You can sms to every country except the USA. (Thanks US) You can call to US phones, but not text.

 You can add more credit when you run out by buying ‘top up’ credit at 7-11s, many local convenience stores, phone shops, and Maxi/Hotlinks stores. Pre-paid (top up) cards come in increments of 10 RM / 30 RM /60 Rm / 100 RM.

 

Hotlink IDD 132 promoHotlink has a special international calling rate program, ‘IDD132′. To use it, you have to add extra numbers in front of your calling number. Ask about it when you buy your sim and/or check Maxis website.

You’ll need your passport to buy the sim, since Maxis officially registers the phone number to your name.

Even if you’re traveling through Malaysia for just one or two weeks, it may already be worth buying a Malaysian sim to communicate with people. 

2. Internet

Internet shop in Penang, Malaysia

Generally, internet connections in Malaysia are fast, consistent and abundant every where. Plentiful local internet shops typically charge 3RM/ hour ($1 US). Many guest houses, hostels, and hotels also have internet centers. I generally find their rates higher. To save money, visit a nearby internet shop.

In Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian Tourism Office on Jl Ampang, just one block down from Petrronas Twin Towers, offers free internet sessions of 30 minutes. They also have unlimited free wifi.

Wifi

Most modern cafes, coffee shops, hotels, and some restaurants offer free wifi. Many budget guest houses also have wifi, either free or for a minimal charge. It’s really easy to use your own computer in Malaysia, and throughout SEASia, in fact.

3. Buses / trains
…between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore
Malaysian trains and buses are great: super clean, with spacious padded seats and air conditioning. Overnight sleeper trains offer decent-sized beds with clean linens. Private cabins are also available.

Malaysian Train

If you’re making a round-trip journey between KL and Singapore, buy BOTH tickets in Malaysia! You will pay Malaysian prices. Currently, the overnight train from KL to Singapore costs 30 RM ($10 US). When you buy tickets in Singapore, you pay Sing $30 Sing ( $25 US) Big difference!  Read more in my post Overland Travel Between Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia (prices are subject to change).

note- Malaysian buses and trains are what I term ‘super-refrigerated’. C O L D. Make sure you have some warm pants, shirts and jacket on hand when you enter… unless, of course, you like refrigeration. 

4. Drinking water  

filtered water and boiled water at hotel in Malaysia

Many guest houses and hotels offer filtered drinking water free to guests. Sometimes there’s a filter attached to the tap. Other times they have a huge bottle to refill from. Malaysians drink filtered tap water, boiled water, or commercial bottled water. They generally don’t drink water directly from the tap unfiltered. 

You can save a lot of money by not buying water while traveling in Malaysia. For example, if you drink one bottle-1.5 L – per day, then in 30 days, you’ll spend minimum 60-90 RM ($20-30 US) per month (prices are subject to change). If you’re on a tight budget, that makes a difference.

If you prefer commercial bottled water, it’s cheapest at super markets, where you can buy 1.5 L bottle of local brands for ~ 2 RM. Branded water costs more and varies by brand.
 
taxi in Penang, Malaysia

5. Taxis 
Make sure you get a metered taxi. The cost will be half to one-third of a ‘set fee’.

On the streets and when ordering a taxi, you will generally get a metered taxi automatically. But make sure you discuss it beforehand. And make sure they flip on the meter when you start.

At some places, like Sentral Station, you don’t have the option to get a metered taxi. The station has a taxi service set up whereby you pay for the taxi at a booth inside the station, get a receipt, then go wait in line for the next taxi.

However, you can walk from Sentral Station down to the main road to flag down a metered taxi if you prefer. It’s less than 2 blocks down the road ramp to the main street.

Also keep in mind that after midnight there’s an extra night charge of +50%. The fee should not be charged before midnight.

Old Town White Coffee sign, Malaysia

6. Coffee 

If you prefer espresso coffees, keep in mind that prices at Starbucks, Coffee Bean, San Francisco Coffee, Dome, and other modern coffee chains the are the same or higher than in US and Europe! Various espresso drinks cost 8-15 RM ( $3-5 US)

If you’re a bit of a coffee gourmand, like me, but don’t want to pay US prices, here are some rescue options.

You can get delicious, high-quality local coffee at a few shops in Malaysia. It’s not exactly the same flavor as espresso coffee, but it’s strong and delicious. I’m extremely picky about coffee, so I do not recommend these shops lightly.

* Old Town Coffee is a Malaysian high-end coffee shop/restaurant chain. They serve a variety of dark, potent coffee drinks in a charming retro colonial setting. I often order their iced coffee for 4.30 RM ($1.50) At Starbucks or Coffee Bean, the equivalent costs about 10- 14 RM ( $3.35- 5 US) - prices are subject to change.

Old Town White Coffee branch in Penang, Malaysia

* Local coffee shops. Nowadays, local neighborhood coffee shops aren’t so easy to find. You’ll find tea shops, either Chinese or Indian, much easier. But when you do come across a local coffee shop, stop in. You’ll get an excellent strong local coffee for just 1-1.50 RM ($0.35-.50 US) 

* Another tactic I often use is to switch to Indian teas. Te Tarik is sweetened tea with milk, topped with froth. Like a tea cappucino! Te tarik is a potent caffeine/sugar combo, thjus a great substitute for espresso. And at a fraction of the cost. The going rate is 1- 1.5o RM ($0.35- 0.50 US)

Lash
http://www.lashworldtour.com 

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