KL THIS MONTH

KL celebrates Wesak Day

2010-05-27T23:21:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow is Wesak Day, the day that Buddhists commemorate the Birth, Enlightenment and the Passing of the Buddha. Various temples will be holding their religious activities. If you are in town, you are welcomed at all temples. You may do a good deed by helping out or just by donating to the needy.

Jejarom's Buddhist Temple - Fo Guang Shan

2010-05-06T07:40:00.007+08:00

The arch of creeper plants that greets visitors is the main entrance to the temple

ONE of the most beautiful Buddhist Temples in the country lies in the district of Jenjarom in Selangor, roughly 60km from the city centre towards the south. Called the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen, it is a hive of activity during weekends and the Chinese New Year. On Wesak Day, it is a centre of activities as Buddhist pay homage to Lord Buddha.

To get there, simply head use the Shah Alam Expressway in the direction of West Port or Pulau Indah (follow the signboard) until you see the Banting-Pulau Indah sign. This is the Pandamaran interchange. Keep left and go up the ramp and left.

Keep going in the direction of Morib, passing through Bangi Town, then industrial township of Teluk Panglima Garang, and then junction to Pulau Carey (Carey Island). Keep left and head towards Morib. The next town is Jenjarom.

Watch out for the police station on the right. This is where you turn right into Sg Buaya, where the temple is located. After entering the road, drive straight for about one kilometre when the Dong Zen building will come into sight on your right.

Lots of parking are available outside the temple. If you cannot find your way or are lost between KL and Morib, just give them at call at 03-3191 1533.

Red lanterns give this temple an Oriental touch.

One of the Arahat statues along the courtyard of the temple.
There are more than a dozen of them all over.

The dragon urn lies outside the main shrine of the temple. Visitors are only
given a joss stick to offer their prayers to the Buddha. The joss stick is to be
planted in this main urn outside the shrine.

This is the main shrine where the largest Buddha statue is housed.

Bukit Tinggi - Good for Day Trip

2010-01-01T14:11:00.007+08:00

Entrance gateway welcoming you to Bukit Tinggi Village, Bentong.

Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, lies off the East Coast Highway north of Kuala Lumpur. The village lies to the right if you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, roughly about 50km from city centre. If you are driving from KL, look out for the signboard that says Bukit Tinggi and Selesa Hillhomes. Go off the expressway to your left and you will come to a T-junction. Take the road to your right and go underneath the expressway into a tunnel and you will emerge at the otherside of the expressway.

Village view, Bukit Tinggi. There is a steep incline of about 25 degrees for the roads. Make sure you are fit to walk.

Roads of newly built restaurants and hawker stalls will greet your eyes. Keep driving till you come to the bend in the road where it moves uphill to a settlement. This is the Bukit Tinggi Village. You should park your car at the foothill and walk.

Plenty of hawkers selling fruits and local vegetables. Try their watercress. Young and crunchy. Passion fruits are plentiful too. And all are quite cheap.

There is nothing much here, except for a reservoir tank and a police station. It's a small Chinese village where you can get cheap food and vegetables, particularly local fruits like passion fruit, guava and jackfruit - believed to be grown here and in Janda Baik.

Ever seen red bananas? Plenty in Bukit Tinggi.

Bukit Tinggi is famous for their cheap food, but many restaurants are now run by foreigners employed by locals. On our trip here recently, we refused to stop at the traditionally crowded ones. We spoke to locals and were duly informed that the food of these are no longer prepared by their original owners. And could be quite expensive because of the crowd.

Cheap food found here in Bukit Tinggi. Service good, too.

We stopped by a small restaurant, ordered a plate of fried watercress (speciality here), asam cuttlefish, wild boar curry and steamed towfoo. The bill came to only RM40. Would have cost at least RM60 downstream at the more popular restaurants. If you are going here, and wish to try their speciality - freshwater fish - please confirm the price first. They can cost quite a bomb depending on the season.

Vegetables are also very cheap - three bundles of various vegetables cost only RM5.

Steamed/boiled groundnuts. Good to eat, healthy too.

Gourd vine with its yield.

Kuala Gandah

2009-05-08T08:36:00.000+08:00

A rogue elephant's skull being displayed at the information centre.

Elephant's Sanctuary

KUALA GANDAH is located within two hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur in the vicinity of the Krau Forest Reserve in Pahang. If you a back-to-Nature adventure, especially if elephants are your favourite animals, this is definitely a not-to-be-missed place on your tour itinerary. There are quite a number of tour operators that provide day trips to this place, so call them.

If you are planning to go there on your own, unless you are familiar, we suggest you hire a chauffeured car. It will be easier for locals to navigate.

Elephant Conservation Efforts
Kuala Gandah gained its famed via its elephant conservation efforts and the elephant conservation center was established in 1989 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.

An elephant relocation team has been operating from here since 1974, relocating pachyderms displaced by development, rehabilitating elephants injured by traps, as well as bringing up abandoned baby elephants.

There is an information center here to promote awareness on its activities, especially public awareness of the Malaysia elephants as well as to conduct and support research into elephant and subsequently environment conservation

With guided tours, you will get an idea of hos the place operates and what it is for.

Among activities conducted at the center are feeding and bathing elephants as well as elephant rides. The centre is very popular during school holidays catering to school groups.

NOTE: Opening times have been revised from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily. Activities with the elephant start at 2pm daily and at 2:45pm on Fridays to allow Muslims to conduct their prayers. Visitors can book elephant rides and bathe the elephants. However, participation is limited to 120 persons daily. For details, call 09-2790391.

Che' Wong Orang Asli Village at Kuala Gandah

The Che Wong tribe is one of the smallest Orang Asli groups.

Within walking distance from the elephant sanctuary is a small Orang Asli village inhabited by the Che' Wong tribe, one of the smallest groups of indigenous people living on the perimeters of the Krau Forest Reserve in Pahang.

There are about 25 houses here, simple and built on stilts with bamboo, rattan, attap and hard wood as the main components of the structure. Some of the houses house more than one family unit while others support only one.

You will see some fascinating handiwork of the orang asli, utilising jungle produce in their day-to-day living.

Some of them still live off the jungles, collecting forest products such as rattan and barks. However many, especially the younger generation, have found work in the plantations and factories nearby the settlement.

On special occasions, the villagers make handicraft for sale such as head gears and other small souvenirs.

The orang asli villagers here are quite shy. The elders may be more chatty than the womenfolk or the children.

If you were to visit this place, please mind your manners. Their customs may vary from yours vastly and could be offensive. It helps to have a local take you around, though.

Check with your guide on this if a tour is conducted here.

Pulau Ketam

2009-05-08T05:47:00.000+08:00

Crab Island - Village on Stilts

Pulau Ketam or Crab Island is on the itinerary of most major city tour companies. But if you decide to go at it alone, then it is really not diffcult.

You can either drive to Port Kelang and take the ferry to Pulau Ketam from there or use the more convenient KTM Komuter train.

Pulau Ketam got its name from crabs - or rather the main activity there (crab catching) in the 1800s.

The village on stilts was believed to have been set up by crab catchers in the swamplands that is now the island proper.

Actually, there are two islands here - Pulau Ketam and Sungai Lima which are divided by mangrove swamps.

The population is almost entirely Chinese, comprising a majority of Hokkiens, Teochew and some Hainanese. There are also Malays on the island.

Villagers are mostly fishermen and some of them traders dealing in marine products. There is also a police station, bank and numerous seafood restaurants.

Pulau Ketam is well-known for its seafood and floating fish farms. The latter attract scores of anglers during weekends. There are also some hotels on the island and even the floating fish farms have rooms for rent.

There are several seafood restaurants but shop around if you are looking for bargains. If money is of no restriction, then any will do. Simple rule of thumb is to head for the more popular ones.

There are also many shops selling marine produce such as dried shrimps, fish and prawn crackers, and the likes.

Pulau Ketam residents travel on bicycles and motorcycles. Some use motorised bicycles. Keep an eye out for them when exploring the island.

There is a lovely temple about 300 metres from the jetty.

Getting there:
The KTM Komuter operates from Sentul Station to Port Kelang end-to-end. Train fare from Sentul costs RM9.60 (adult/return fare) and half for children below 12. If you board the Komuter train from KL Sentral, the fare is cheaper.

Take this train till Port Kelang. Then walk to the jetty to Pulau Ketam located about 100 metres from the train station.

Travel to Pulau Ketam is by 'jet ferry' which services the mainland and the island at regular intervals of about 40 minutes.

The ferry is airconditioned and quite comfortable if you don't mind the noise and some boneshaking.

Fare is RM6 per adult one-way (half price for children below 12) and tickets are sold on board.

Happy Deepavali In Kuala Lumpur

2008-10-21T09:05:00.005+08:00

Deepavali is celebrated annually in the seventh month of the Tamil lunar calendar. This year, Deepavali falls on Oct 27, Monday, which is a national public holiday. The festival ymbolises the triumph of good over evil when, according to one legend, Lord Krishna defeated the evil King Narakasura. Hindus light oil lamps in their homes as a victorious symbol of light over darkness.

In Malaysia, Deepavali is celebrated on a grand scale at the national level with an open house concept where people from all races are invited to join in the celebration, to partake in a day of food, fun and culture.

In Kuala Lumpur, during the run-up to the festival, Jalan Masjid India and Lebuh Ampang areas, better known as Little Indias of Kuala Lumpur, are abuzz with activities.

Household items and festive decor line the streets as traders pit their prices against each other to attract festive buyers. If you are looking for things related to the Indian culture, this is a good time to pay Jalan Masjid India and Lebuh Ampang a visit.

There may be a little traffic congestion during peak hours (evenings between 5 to 8pm) and if you wish to do your shopping during that period, take public transport. Cab fares should not cost more than RM7 from Jalan Sultan Ismail where major hotels are located. If you decide to take the LRT, get down at the Masjid Jamek station. Lebuh Ampang and Jalan Masjid India is just a five-minute walk from the station.

You may also use the KTM Komuter and get down at the Bank Negara stop. You will need to walk a bit (about 20 minutes) from here, crossing Jalan Raja Laut, and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR). Masjid India is located parallel to this thoroughfare. Lebuh Ampang is located about 10 minutes' walk from Masjid India.

Map to Masjid India

View Larger Map

Map to Lebuh Ampang

View Larger Map

October Happenings in Kuala Lumpur

2008-10-05T06:53:00.002+08:00

OCT 11, LIRE EN FêTE (BOOK FAIR)
Created twenty years ago, Lire en Fête is a book festival that spreads to more than 150 countries throughout the French Cultural network. The Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur invites you to three "Rendez-vous" to discover the French literature": a French bookfair, tales reading in French for kids and an exhibition on Paul Claudel.
Venue: Main Hall of the Alliance Française Kuala Lumpur, 15 Lorong Gurney, Off Jalan Semarak
Time: Noon to 4:00pm
Admission: free
Details: Call 03-2694 7880

TILL 12 OCT 2008, WALLSCAPES - THE MERDEKA PAINTING BY WANG LAN, WANG XU AND SHEN JIAWEI
The Merdeka Painting by Wang Lan, Wang Xu and Shen Jiawei, commissioned to commemorate Malaysia's 51st year of Independence, is a masterwork of mural conception and design that figures historical and contemporary protagonists in the shaping of modern Malaysia. The mural illuminates on the enduring relationship between history and the vocation of art while presenting a contrasting narrative of the acknowledgement and affirmation of historical roles in the making of Malaysia's history. Presented in a continuum of figures reaching into the year of pre-Independence, the mural explores the possibilities offered by art for the renewal of perceptions concerning history.
Venue: Bustle Gallery, Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC
Time: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 7770

OCT 13-NOV 12, 18@8-VICE AND VIRTUE
Wei-Ling Gallery’s fourth installation of their annual 18@8 exhibition, takes on a new twist with the introduction of the theme ‘ Vice & Virtue‘. Nine participating artists have been selected on grounds of significant contribution to the local arts scene in the preceding year, or, in terms of pronounced artistic development. The exhibition’s premise is to explore the characteristics of commonly perceived values.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

OCT 15 – NOV 1, YASMIN SISON: THE WEIGHT OF WAITING
Yasmin Sison refers to blotting as an act that describes how images are altered through a play on light and darkness. By painting over her figures, she erases their individuality, creating ghostly portraits that form a critique against the longings and desires engendered by media and an acceptance of its power.
Venue: Valentine Willie Fine Art, 1st Floor, 17 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Time: 12 - 8pm Monday to Friday, and 12 - 6 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Details: Call 03-2284 2348

OCT 27, DEEPAVALI
The Hindu Festival of Lights, known also as Deepavali, celebrates the day when good prevailed over evil when Narkansura was defeated by Lord Krishna. The day is marked with prayers and other festivities. Open house are also held to invite friends from other religions to partake in the festivities.

TILL OCT 31, SHANGHAINESE HAIRY CRABS
Feast on the legendary culinary delight, hairy crabs from Shanghai.
Time : 12.00noon to 2.30pm for lunch (Mondays to Saturdays)/6.30pm to 10.30pm for dinner (Mondays to Sundays)
Venue : West Lake Garden Chinese Restaurant, Sunway Hotel
Details: Call 03-7492 8000 ext 3181 ( David Pang )

NOV 4 - JAN 18, IMAGING SELFS
Imaging Selfs – Portraits by Soraya Yusof Talismail
Venue: Main Gallery, Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC
Time: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 7770

NOV 25 - JAN 18, DRAWING THE LINE: SCULPTURES BY AMIN GULGEE
Venue: Bustle Gallery, Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC
Time: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 7770

Kuala Lumpur Thieves' Market

2008-09-12T08:49:00.000+08:00

The Thieves' Market are not named out of novelty and the goods may have a tainted past. If you wish to check out the place, go early between 7am to 10am where business is at its peak.

This is one sleazy corner of Kuala Lumpur I would not like to be on the tours' itinerary simply because of the dangers it pose. But again, which nation in the wordly doesn't have it - a Thieves Market, where you are constantly unsure whether the goods are stolen or just scavenged from the rubbish dumps.

Then again, there are people who beg to differ in that here in lies some things that you are not likely to find in established shopping malls or even junk stores.

Things like old VCDs, books, loud speakers, rare amplifiers, coconut scrapers, radios, screws and bolts, rusty saws, one or two rare paintings, and the likes. Or even shirts and shoes that have been used that cost large fractions of their original prices, and whish with a little bit of cleaning, can still be used.

Kuala Lumpur's Thieves Market lies along Jalan Sultan. You can't miss it simply because it is located behind the row of shops that front Petaling Street. The place is a hive of activities from early mornings, sometimes as early as midnight when prying eyes of the authorities take their daily rest.

The best time to visit this place is in the wee hours of the morning and the crowd peaks at about 7am. You can find plenty of second-hand goods here, but don't ask about how the traders got them. Just get the best bargain and if it seems worthwhile, get it. Otherwise move on and come another day.

While browsing here, you might want to take care of your wallet. No, not that you will be fleeced by the traders or be tempted to spend more than you actually need. This place is the haunt of pickpockets and these faceless hoods move in and out of the crowd quite easily. If you are not too careful, your wallet might end up being on of the items being sold here over the next couple of months - after its contents have been relieved, of course.

Mooncake Festival in Kuala Lumpur

2008-09-06T20:49:00.002+08:00

The Mooncake Festival, otherwise known as the Mid Autumn Festival in a grander name, is celebrated on the eighth lunar month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

The celebration comes on the heels of the Hungry Ghost Festival, which is the Seventh Month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. While the latter is one month the Chinese considered inauspicious, the Eight Month is considered very auspicious, particularly on the Fifteenth Day.

Garfield immortalised in a lantern!

On that day, it is believed that the moon is at its loveliest and largest, and it is also the day the Chinese give thanks to the Goddess of the Moon for a bountiful harvest.

During this time, the Chinese plan all sorts of auspicious events, especially weddings, and particularly on the Fifteenth Day.

The Mooncake Festival, also known among the Cantonese as the Chung Chow Cheet (Mid Autumn Festival), is actually celebrated from the first day of the eighth month to the fifteenth day. During the final day of celebration, the Chinese will hold feasts outdoors and enjoy mooncakes. Children will also be allowed to sleep late that night to enjoy the full moon and in villages, even today, they go around the neighbourhood parading paper lanterns.

Superman lantern.

The pictures you see here are lanterns of various types, ranging from the candle-lit glass paper lanterns to battery powered types. These range from RM3 (USD1) to RM10 (USD3).

Plastic mouse shaped lantern with music. These are battery powered.

Although traditional lanterns, ie the paper made ones, are not easy to find in cities, rural sundry shops stock them and they are quite a sight to watch during the day. There are lots of designs although traditional ones sport mythical creatures such as the unicorn or dragon. Today, you find comic characters and cartoon superheroes instead.

Accordion lantern carrying a cartoon superhero.

Mooncakes are rice flour cakes with sweet fillings such as red bean paste or lotus paste for the cheaper ones. More expensive ones contain mixed nuts and salted egg yolks and even meat stuffed within.

This one is expensive, just look at the metal box in which the four mooncakes are kept in.

The cheaper ones, only a fraction of the price of the metal box packaged one above.

Mooncakes range from RM5 a pack of four for cheap ones to RM50 per box of four of expensive ones. Of course, it is easy to discern the more expensive by looking at the packaging - more expensive ones have grander, usually metal, packaging boxes.

Plain rice flour mooncake. This one does not contain any filling. It is not eaten either. It is usually used as a prayer item among offerings to the Goddess of the Moon.

September Happenings

2008-09-05T21:34:00.003+08:00

TILL SEPT 7, MERDEKA PHOTO EXHIBITION
Featuring pictures from the past and present that highlights the country’s 51 years of independence.
Venue: Ground Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya
Details: Call 03-7710 8118
Time: Sun - Thu : 10am - 10pm / Fri and Sat : 10am - 10.30pm

SEPT 8-30, ICONS

A solo exhibition and re-launch of the iconic contemporary Malaysian artist Zulkifli Yusoff. It has been eight years since Zulkifli Yusoff held a solo exhibition of his works in Malaysia and this exhibition promises to deliver some of his most provocative artworks to date. Using a combination of media in a layered format, including a blend of silk-screen, painting, photographic transfers, drawings, embossing and fibreglass, Zulkifli’s new works draw direct reference to historical and current events that have made a mark on Malaysian society. He was particularly inspired by the book written by Frank Swettenham in the 19th century entitled ‘Malay Sketches’, and has expanded on a number of the themes in the book in his new paintings.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

SEPT 12 - OCT 5, HARI RAYA PROMOTION
Sale and promotion of stuff related to the festive occasion
Venue: Ground Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya
Details: Call 03-7710 8118
Time: Sun - Thu : 10am - 10pm / Fri and Sat : 10am - 10.30pm

TILL SEPT 14, MOONCAKE FESTIVAL
Promotion of mooncakes and things related to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Time: 10am to 10pm
Venue: Berjaya Times Square, 1 Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur
Details: Call 03-2144 9821

TILL SEPT 15, INDONESIAN MODERN ARTS
Indonesian artist Wayan Gede Susana features his work.
Venue: Art House Gallery, Desa Sri Hartamas, 20-1, Jalan 24/70A, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 10:30am - 7:00pm (Mon - Sat)/ 1:00pm - 6:00pm (Sunday and Public Holidays)
Details: Call 03-2300 1343

SEPT 18-28, BROADWAY PARODIES LAGI LAH!
Comedy by local group.
Time: 8.30pm (Tuesdays - Saturdays) / 3pm (Sundays) / NO SHOWS ON MONDAY
Venue: Pentas 1, KLPac, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Ipoh
Admission: Tickets at RM60 / RM40 / RM20 (students)
Details: 03-4047 9000/2094 9400

SEPT 19-21, AIDIL FITRI CARNIVAL
Sales promotion related to the Hari Raya Puasa or Aidil Fitri celebrations.
Venue: Putra Concourse, Putra World Trade Centre, Jalan Putra
Time: 10am to 10pm
Details: Call 019 358 0890/014-638 0090 (Melissa)

SEPT 21-28, BACK TO NATURE

Exhibition by artists from Tieling China and Malaysian Artists. This exhibition will display more than a hundred pieces of exquisite artworks by 14 artists from China and 11 artists from Malaysia.
Venue: Ground Floor Exhibition Hall, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Bukit Bintang
Time: 11.00am to 6.00pm
Admission : Free
Details: 03-9075 6876 (Ms. Chan Yin Kwan)

TILL SEPT 27, DREAMS, HOPE AND PERFECTION
This is the third solo by Bangkok artist Natee Utarit in Kuala Lumpur. The artist here conjures the birth of Thai democracy and so modern Thai political history as a means of commenting on actual and pressing political issues.
Time: 12 - 8pm Monday to Friday, and 12 - 6 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Details: Call 03-2284 2348

TILL SEPT 28, SWEET FLAVOUR BY MOHD FAUZI SEDON
After completing his PhD in Hobart, art lecturer and printmaker Mohd Fauzi Sedon, returns for his second solo exhibition.
Venue: NN GALLERY, 53A - 56 Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir,
Time: Mon-Sat (9am-6am); Sun & Public Holiday (Closed)
Details: Call 03-42706588

TILL OCT 25, BEYOND ORIENTALISM: HOW THE WEST WAS WON OVER BY ISLAMIC ART
The exhibition looks further than Orientalist art. Instead of being about how European and American artists depicted the Islamic world, it shows how the Islamic world changed aesthetics in the West. This is most visible in the decorative arts, especially glass and ceramics, but it also applies to architecture and ‘fine’ art.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Jalan Lembah Perdana
Time: 10am - 6pm
Details: Call 03-2274 2020

PC Fair off to a lukewarm start

2008-08-01T17:46:00.003+08:00

PC starts today and judging from the crowd between 11am to 4pm, it was a bit disappointing - there appeared to be more sales assistants than visitors the first two hours and the crowd only picked up sometime into 2pm.

After 2pm

There were bargains, without doubt, and the street smart would yet again walk off with a good deal. Anyone buying anything without bargaining is foolish to say the least.

Hard sell?

Pitching against each other this time around are the miniature laptops known variously as e-laptops and e-pcs (the latter's name culled from Asus's model no doubt). Some antivirus with a funny name - Kapersky - were seen being unloaded at almost any stall. Prices vary from RM70 to slightly more. Real cheap if you asked me.

August Happenings in Kuala Lumpur

2008-08-01T08:02:00.000+08:00

AUG 1-3, PC FAIR 2008
Largest computer exhibition and sale. Bargains galore.
Time: 11am - 9pm
Venue: KL Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Details: Call 03-7955 2922; 03-7955 2933

AUG 2, MTV ASIA AWARDS 2008 The highly anticipated pan-regional music event is back for the 6th year running, bringing music excitement to all music fans in over 9 markets in Asia. Hosted by Jared Leto (30 Seconds to Mars) this event will be the most exciting and happening musical event yet!
Venue: Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands
Details: Call 03-2718 1118

TILL AUG 3, WORLD MARCHING BAND COMPETITION

TILL AUG 3, PATRIOT - A MALAY MUSICAL
About a patriot named Yahya and his love Sapura.
Time: 8:30pm (Nightly) and 3pm (Aug 2)
Venue: Istana Budaya (National Theatre)
Admission: Tickets at RM30, RM50, RM80, RM100, RM130 & RM180
Bookings: Call 03-4024 8715/4026 5558

TILL AUG 5, PORTRAITS OF PARADOX
Yau Bee Ling holds her first solo exhibition ‘Portraits of Paradox’ after an illustrious career spanning nearly thirteen years. Born in Klang in 1972, she studied painting at the Malaysian Institute of Art(MIA),graduating in 1995. Since then she has exhibited her works extensively both locally and abroad, and is a well-known artist on the Malaysian art scene.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

TILL SEPT 1, MEGA SALE CARNIVAL
Enjoy astounding discounts and special offers during Malaysia’s biggest annual sale carnival! There’s value for money for everyone out there at the countless shopping malls and stores nationwide.
Venue: Participating shopping complexes.
Details: Call 03-2698 1033

AUG 11-SEPT 4, CONDITIONAL LOVE - PAINTED STORIES
Features nearly twenty new works by artist Anurendra Jegadeva. Venue: Wei-Ling Gallery, No.8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri (12-7pm); Sat (10-5pm). Closed Sundays
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/07, 012-3025302

AUG 15-31, INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS COMPETITION
Watch the sky being lighted up with impressive fireworks displays. The competition features various countries vying to craete a grand theatre of pyrotechnics. Be part of this magical, glittering evening.
Venue: Putrajaya
Details: Call 03-26937111
Website: www.motour.gov.my

TILL AUG 16, ART EXHIBITION - 'THE GARDEN' BY KEN YAU
Ken Yau explores the relationship between earth and humanity. His works are dominated by strong colours, flowers, animals, human expressions in the form of dancing, meditation, crying and laughter. Happiness and sadness, wealth and poverty, success and failure, clarity and confusion, what is real and what is not? Can one truly experience one without the other? The artist invites us to question and explore this theme.
Venue: Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur, 15, Lorong Gurney,
Time: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2694-7880

17-24 AUG, NANYANGISM 2008
Art Exhibition in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts & the 25th Anniversary of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Alumni Association Malaysia
Venue: Ground Floor, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, 243, Jln Bukit Bintang
Time: 11.00am-6.00pm
Details: Call 03-2141 2003 / 2143 9236

TILL AUG 24, DISCLOSURE
This solo exhibition features the works of Ahmad Zakii Anwar, one of Malaysia's leading figurative painters. A major influence on the development of figurative realism within painting in contemporary Malaysian art practice, this exhibition traces the development as well as future direction taken by Ahmad Zakii Anwar in his career as an artist.
Venue: Main gallery, Galeri Petronas, KLCC
Time: 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 5930

AUG 31, MERDEKA MONTH CELEBRATION
Malaysia celebrates its 51st year of Independence. Highlights include parades, fireworks displays and much more! Join in the merriment!
Venue: Kuala Lumpur
Details: Call 03-2615 8188/8888 1957

TILL OCT 25, BEYOND ORIENTALISM: HOW THE WEST WAS WON OVER BY ISLAMIC ART
The exhibition looks further than Orientalist art. Instead of being about how European and American artists depicted the Islamic world, it shows how the Islamic world changed aesthetics in the West. This is most visible in the decorative arts, especially glass and ceramics, but it also applies to architecture and ‘fine’ art.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Jalan Lembah Perdana
Time: 10am - 6pm
Details: Call 03-2274 2020

Colourful Sentul Market

2008-07-20T09:07:00.005+08:00

Interesting architecture. The building is very simple in design, with small coloured glass windows to allow light to stream in. This is the main Sentul Market building.

This is one section of town that you probably won't see in your tour itinerary of Kuala Lumpur simply because it is way out the promoted tourist belt.

But sometimes, this is where the excitement lies. When travelling, if you are slightly more adventurous, a more meaningful tour would be places that are out of the beaten track.

Quaint sundry shops in the market where you can get anything from rice to horsegram and chickpeas.

The Sentul Market, which was established somewhere in the late 70s, started off as a morning market even much earlier, catering to the needs of the Sentul community which in the 70s comprised of mostly Indians and Chinese. Here the green grocers operate in the mornings, starting as early as 5am, bringing supply from town to be sold to village folk then.

Take a walk into colourful Malaysian daily life.

In the late 70s, the market was rebuilt with a main concrete structure to house the traders but as development moved in, demand exceeded supply and the market simply outgrew its intended size.

Today, there are several sections to the market, with the original main building housing traders selling greens, poultry and fish. Meat stall lie beside this.

The extended area which was built later.

Adjacent to the main building, which is an extended area built much later, is the main vegetable section. Surrounding the vegetable stalls are small sundry shops and coconut merchants.

Sandwiched between the main building and the greens section is the eating area selling Chinese food mainly. The other eating area lies about 30 metres away, where you can find Malay and Indian stalls. There are two Indian stalls selling traditional working-class fare and several Malay stalls selling Indian prata, known locally as roti canai, noodles and the likes.

One Indian stall - known simply as Breakfast Corner - which is highly popular lies at the entrance, selling traditional putu mayam. Here you can choose to have traditional Indian fare such as thosai, putu, vadei, and the likes - including fresh cow milk wrapped in plastic bags.

One of the few left operating this dying trade. The putu mayam corner and the apparatus he uses to steam the coconut-flour cakes (below).

The putu mayam maker is among those very few left in the city, or possible the whole country, selling these steamed delicacy as can be seen from the pictures. As far as we know, not many in the city ply such a trade using tiny steamers as shown.

If you are in Kuala Lumpur and staying near the northwestern side of town, reserve a morning and drop by the Sentul Market. Best day to visit is on a Sunday, when activity starts as early as 6:45am. Drop by for breakfast or grab some of the delicacies and fruits and what have yous. Experience life reflective of what a man-in-the-street in Kuala Lumpur go through daily.

Flora Fest Malaysia 2008

2008-07-04T21:02:00.000+08:00

Likened to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in USA, the floral event, which started in the days of Malaysia Fest, will be a feast to the senses, especially if you are a flower lover.

It celebrates the diversity of Malaysian flora each year, with parades and flower shows.

Themed Colours of Harmony, the event will be held from July 18 to Aug 3 at several venues around the Klang Valley, participated by private and governmental organisations in Malaysia. International participants are also invited.

For more information, please contact its organisers at 03 2696 3171

Kuala Pilah - Sleepy Hollow Left By British

2008-07-02T21:15:00.003+08:00

You can't miss this welcome sign on top of a hill if you are coming in from the highway into Kuala Pilah.

KUALA PILAH is one of the many sleepy hollows in Negri Sembilan. Basically it is a valley town, with the main streets dotted with predominantly pre-war buildings.

Ulu Bendul Forest Reserve on the way to Kuala Pilah

One of the many attractions within Ulu Bendul recreational forest.

There is a main street fed by several feeder streets with angled car parking bays. The early settlers of this township were Chinese miners and loggers. This is evident in the Chinese-architecture styled arch dedicated to the first Resident of Negri Sembilan, Martin Lister.

The sleeping hollow caught in its slumber on a Saturday afternoon. Plenty of parking space.

Life in the town is quite slow moving. Except for the quaint architecture, there is not much to see in this transit stop-over town.

However, if you are into exotic food, there is a food square which houses several Chinese eateries serving freshwater turtle soup. At RM8 a bowl, it is quite a steal. The soup, cooked in herbs, and of course turtle meat, is believed to be good for ashmatics.

One of the many turtle soup stalls in town.

But if you are not game for turtle soups, there are also other fare like this run-of-the-mill 'kon lou meen' is also available.

I was told that you can get quite good Minangkabau food at the few Malay restaurants in the town. And they are quite cheap too.

Getting There: Travel South via the Sungai Besi exit till you see the Senawang-Kuala Pilah exit (route 51). Just follow the main traffic and the signs and you won't be lost. Thirty minutes from the toll, the road winds upwards ascending a small mountain known as the Mount Angsi (825m high). You will see the sign KUALA PILAH emblazoned by the hillside. Fifteen minutes away is the Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest and among attractions here, besides the Nature, is a Python Park. Kuala Pilah town is about 20 minutes from here.

Map: From Kuala Lumpur City To Port Dickson

2008-07-01T22:27:00.000+08:00

This is a map from Kuala Lumpur city to Port Dickson, using the North South Highway, via the Sungai Besi Toll.

View Larger Map

Map: Kuala Lumpur City - Tourist Attractions

2008-07-01T22:13:00.000+08:00

This map features the attractions in Kuala Lumpur city, together with prominent transport hubs.

View Larger Map

Click on the placeholders for the places of interest.

Map: KL to North Port, Port Kelang

2008-07-01T21:54:00.000+08:00

This is the map leading from Kuala Lumpur City to North Port of Port Kelang. It lists the seaside esplanade where you can get good seafood and if you are an angler, good fishing ground. At one end is a private fishing farm where you get to fish at hourly rates.

View Larger Map

July Happenings in Kuala Lumpur

2008-07-01T07:22:00.005+08:00

Portraits of Paradox - Massgathering by Yau Bee Ling

TILL JULY 4, WOMEN IN ISLAM
Muslim women have occupied positions of power for as long as Islam has existed. This ranges from the trading might of the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, Khatija, to the more formal position of the 12th century Yemeni ruler, Malika Arwa. The Qur’an alludes to women of power from as long ago as the Queen of Sheba. In more recent times, the political leadership of Islamic states such as Pakistan and Bangladesh has drawn heavily on the female half of the population. The exhibition Faith & Power: Women in Islam explores a rich history that has often been overlooked. Examining the lives of these women, and attitudes to them, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is also able to provide a physical dimension with artefacts from distant times and places. Jewellery, clothing and the accoutrements of power bring new vigour to the lives of forgotten queens, consorts and wielders of influence from behind the throne.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum, Jalan Lembah Perdana (next to National Mosque)
Time: Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays: 10am - 6pm
Entrance: By tickets, purchasable at the museum entrance/
Details: Call 03-22742020

TILL JULY 5, ELAINE ROBERTO-NAVAS: STANDING ROOM ONLY
First solo exhibition of Filipino painter Elaine Roberto-Navas in Kuala Lumpur. Elaine's skillful use of colour and texture gives a powerful and sensual life to still objects. Through her signature thick impasto layers of paint, her work, acquire a nervous energy, leading viewers to consider painting beyond the subject matter but also its physical aspect, or 'materiality'.
Venue: Valentine Willie Fine Art, 1st Floor, 17 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Time: 12 - 8pm Monday to Friday, and 12 - 6 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Details: Call03-2284 2348

TILL JULY 10, TWIST - MULTHALIB MUSA
Twist’ by Multhalib Musa, features new pieces which are an extension of a series he created in response to a suite of paintings by Yusof Ghani entitled, ‘Biring’. Just as Yusof Ghani has drawn reference to the swirl of energy, drama and dynamism present during a cockfight, Multhalib’s ‘Twist’ works similarly echo this mood.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7
JULY 1-31, KUALA LUMPUR FESTIVAL
KL celbrates the arts! City wide celebration of the arts with cultural offerings at various venues, featuring a wide range of genres.
Venue: City Wide
Details: Call 03-2615-8188/2052-3600

JULY 2, WAGASHI - THE JAPANESE TRADITIONAL CONFECTIONARY DEMONSTRATION AND WORKSHOP
Time: 10am ~ 12pm, 2nd Session: 2pm ~ 4pm
Venue: Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur, Bentley’s Pub (1st Floor)
Details: Call 03-2161 2104

JULY 5, CHIRIMEN POCKET TISSUE CASE MAKINGTime: 10am – noon
Venue: The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur
Participation Fee: RM15
Details: Call 03-2161 2104

JULY 14-AUG 5, PORTRAITS OF PARADOX
Yau Bee Ling holds her first solo exhibition ‘Portraits of Paradox’ after an illustrious career spanning nearly thirteen years. Born in Klang in 1972, she studied painting at the Malaysian Institute of Art(MIA),graduating in 1995. Since then she has exhibited her works extensively both locally and abroad, and is a well-known artist on the Malaysian art scene.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

JULY 20, 24TH JAPANESE SPEECH CONTEST (Kuala Lumpur rounds)
Time: From 1pm
Venue: The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur Hall
Details: Call 03-2161 2104

Super GT in Sepang next Weekend

2008-06-14T05:35:00.003+08:00

Inspired by the success of the recent Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang International Circuit, is hoping that the Super GT International Series Malaysia, to be held at the circuit from June 20-22 will just be as great.

Advertisement efforts both on flyers and buntings, as well as TV ads have been taken profusely to draw fans to what is touted as "a showcase of motor racing actions at its best."

The organisers are targetting a modest attendance of 65,000 spectators.

The Super GT race features road cars, which can be owned and seen travelling along the normal roads, allowing fans to relate themselves better.

Apart from the main race, support races - Asian Touring Car Series, the Asian Formula Renault, Asian GT Challenge, Formula V6 Asia Series and the Aston Martin Cup - will be making heads turns literally.

Tickets from RM75 can be purchased by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 603-87782222 or via internet at www.malaysiangp.com.my.

June Happenings in Kuala Lumpur

2008-06-01T08:00:00.003+08:00

JUNE 1, SHIFTING BOUNDARIES
This is an annual charity art exhibition under the Art for Nature theme. It explores how the boundaries that we have extended for short-term gains are at the expense not just of other species, but of our own long term survival.
Venue : Rimbun Dahan Gallery, Kilometer 27, Jalan Kuang, Selangor
Time: Sat and Sun: 10am - 6pm (Weekdays: By appointment)
Admission: Free

TILL JUNE 2, LIVE ANIMALS INSIDE!
Exhibition by photographer Azril Ismail. Azril sees his photographs as being very much ‘alive’ as they are so much a part of his life that they ‘co-exist’ within his life, and thus have to be handled/treated with care and love.
Venue: Wei-ling Gallery 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri,12-7pm, Sat 10-5pm. Closed Sundays.
Details: 03-22601106/07, 012-3025302

JUNE 7-28, ESTON TAN, THOUGHTS OF LIFE II
The exhibition will showcase new works of oils and charcoal on canvas. Painting scenes close to his heart, such as fishing villages and idyllic landscapes, Tan conjures up dreamy and atmospheric impressions of places that have remained untouched over the years.
Venue: NN GALLERY, 53A - 56 Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir,
Time: Mon-Sat (9am-6am); Sun & Public Holiday (Closed)
Details: Call 03-42706588

TILL JUNE 14, IDYLLE: NEW PAINTINGS BY CHONG SIEW YING
Features the work of one of the Southeast Asian region's most powerful portrayers of the human face and figure (above). Chong's work has been described as profoundly emotive, and she is able to capture the expressive qualities of the human form.
Venue: Valentine Willie Fine Art, 1st Floor, 17 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Time: Monday to Friday (12 - 8pm) and Saturday (12 - 6 pm). Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Admission is free.
Details: Call 03-22842348

TILL JUNE 15, RAMLEE THE MUSICAL
A musical about the life of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, musician extraordinaire.
Time: 3 pm, 8:30pm
Venue: Panggung Sari, National Theatre
Details: Call 03-40265558

TILL JUNE 30, REFRESHING JOURNEY
This is a solo exhibition by artist Yeoh Eng Peng featuring the artist's debut into the art scene.
Venue: Dong Zen Gallery, FoGuang temple, Jenjarom, Selangor
Time: From 10am daily
Admission: Free

TILL JULY 4, WOMEN IN ISLAM
Muslim women have occupied positions of power for as long as Islam has existed. This ranges from the trading might of the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, Khatija, to the more formal position of the 12th century Yemeni ruler, Malika Arwa. The Qur’an alludes to women of power from as long ago as the Queen of Sheba. In more recent times, the political leadership of Islamic states such as Pakistan and Bangladesh has drawn heavily on the female half of the population. The exhibition Faith & Power: Women in Islam explores a rich history that has often been overlooked. Examining the lives of these women, and attitudes to them, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is also able to provide a physical dimension with artefacts from distant times and places. Jewellery, clothing and the accoutrements of power bring new vigour to the lives of forgotten queens, consorts and wielders of influence from behind the throne.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum, Jalan Lembah Perdana (next to National Mosque)
Time: Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays: 10am - 6pm
Entrance: By tickets, purchasable at the museum entrance/
Details: Call 03-22742020

JUNE 6–22, JACK TING - DRIFTED GLIMPSESThis is a solo exhibition of recent paintings by Sarawakian born artist Jack Ting, featuring 24 paintings of variable sizes done in oil.
Venue: The Gallery @ Star Hill, FF03, Muse Floor, Starhill Gallery
Admission: Free
Details: Call 03-2143 3323

Fraser's Hill

2008-05-30T06:37:00.002+08:00

Fraser's Cool Hill Station Retreat

Fraser's Hill, located 1,524m above sea-level on the Titiwangsa mountain range in the State of Pahang in the heart of Peninsula Malaysia is another tourist attraction reachable by car from Kuala Lumpur within two hours or so.

Discovered and subsequently named after Scottish pioneer Louis James Fraser in the late 1890s this hill resort has been described as an engineering marvel of the British when they started the idyllic township in the clouds that had been likened to 'mini' England.

Fraser's Hill lies about 107km north of Kuala Lumpur. For many years, the only way up the hill resort is through a one-lane 9km road known as the Gap. Traffic was regulated hourly, with uphill and downhill traffic designated to alternate hours.

Realising the importance of the hill station resort, the authorities built a new road in 2001. The entrance of this new road lies on the west site of the foothills of Fraser's Hill and it is used for traffic going up the hill. Unfortunately, this road is again closed because of a minor landslide a year ago. To date, it is not known if it will be reopened again.

The old road, which is on the East side lies about half a kilometre away and is only used by traffic going down Fraser's Hill in days of old will now have to cater to twin-tidal traffic flow.

When driving up, be advised that thick mist sometimes envelop the road when the weather gets colder such as after rain. For those who are not accustomed to the winding terrain, motion sickness may result. Usually, this can be remedied by switching off the car's air conditioning and taking in the refreshing cool mountain air.

Getting there:
One way to get to Fraser's Hill is by road via Pahang side - by about110km from Kuala Lumpur. Head towards the Karak Highway and the towards Bentong and then Tranum. There are signboards indicating the road to Fraser's Hill. Just follow them and you will get to the entrance at the foothills of Fraser's Hill.

If you decide to approach Fraser's Hill from Selangor side, use the North-South Expressway and exit at the Tanjung Malim toll plaza and ehad for Kuala Kubu Baru and follow the signboards indicating the direction towards Fraser's Hill.

Another way is to use the new Ulu Yam road towards Kuala Kubu Baru. However, you can only access this road from the Batu Dam in Selayang at Batu Caves. This road is a bit tricky although it is a much shorter way to get to Kuala Kubu Baru and subsequently Fraser's Hill.

Note: To check out the road conditions before heading for Fraser's hill, you can call the Fraser's Hill police station at 09-3622222 to inquire. Other numbers you can check out is the Fraser's Hill Development Corporation at 09-517 1623/4.

Things to do:
Fraser's Hill is most popular as a bird watcher's paradise and haven for nature lovers. It is believed to be the home and stop-over point for over 270 species of local and migratory birds as well as a treasure trove of Malaysian highland fauna.

The cool temperature fluctuates between 26 degrees and 15 degrees (night) Celsius, making Fraser's Hill a refreshing addition to the tropical holidays in Malaysia (which was why the British called it 'mini' England in the past).

The town centre is the heart of Fraser's Hill with its offering of souvenir shops and eateries. Most of the economic activities are concentrated here.

Apart from bird watching, you can also discover the many marked trails located all over the hill resort - getting a proper guide is advised for the newcomer, however.

Photography opportunities abound at the town centre and the object of attraction is none other than the quaint edifices surrounding the equally popular clock tower.

An information centre is also located here where you can get a walking map of Fraser's Hill for exploration later. There is also a large inn overlooking the town centre for budget travellers.

Where to stay:
Accommodation comprises the many apartments and resorts offering accommodation between RM80 to RM200 a night per room. For up-market accommodation, try the quaint and exclusive bungalows priced from RM300 a night.

Best Nasi Dagang In Town

2008-05-29T06:49:00.000+08:00

If you like nasi dagang, you will surely agree that the Terengganu nasi dagang has no rival. And if you are in KL, and looking for Terengganu nasi dagang, you must have not much luck looking for an authentic nasi dagang.

Well, if you are reading this, you have come to the right place. There is one called Ulek Mayang Restoran along the Middle Ring Road II between TAR College junction and Gombak-Batu Caves turnoff. I discovered it by chance while travelling via the road and decided to stop over to check it out.

Unfortunately, that day, the nasi dagang was sold out. Instead, we had nasi kerabu - real nasi kerabu Terengganu-style, complete with herbs and budu (fermented fish which smells like hell but taste like heaven).

We also tried the satar (fish meat marinated in herbs and spices) wrapped in banana leaves and barbecued to perfection.

For dessert we had tapai or fermented rice which was wrapped in rubber tree leaves. Check out the pictures (from top): The Menu, The Restaurant, Nasi Kerabu, Satar and Tapai.

Hakka 'Green Tea' Noodles

2008-05-27T06:22:00.000+08:00

The hawker centre.

The lady chef

If you have heard of the Hakka Lui Char (Green Tea Rice), you would have heard it all - or not yet?

Well, I was in for a surprise when I stumbled upon this stall somewhere near Desa Aman Puri in Kepong. It is located within the Wang Seng Hawker Centre amidst some workshop area, well-known among regulars and those who drive past this place.

Clockwise (from bottom left) Lui Char Pan Mee, Pumpkin Pan Mee, Seven Veggie Pan Mee,Hot and Spicy Pan Mee and Yong Tau Foo (centre).

The stall is operated by Ms Nancy Choo, who is the lady chef (her card says that). The stall offers reasonably priced fare of which the star is the Lui Char Pan Mee (home made noodles). The Lui Char soup is very well made, lots of green tea and ginger to boot. The noodles are soft and smooth. Best thing is they are all hand-made with quality in mind. You dont get these often these days.

Apart from the noodles, you can also try out other dishes such as the Seven Veggie Pan Mee, Pumpkin Pan Mee, Curry Pan Mee, and a host of others. Prices vary from RM3.50 to RM6.00 (Tom Yam Pan Mee). She serves Yong Tau Foo (Hakka ones) too.

Since it was my first time there, I can't give you any directions. But here's her email - ng_lim7@yahoo.com .

You don't get many web savvy stall owners today, so ask her for a map and tell her you found her from here. Who knows, she might give you a greater helping!

Tactical gear - Shopping for 'weekend commandos'

2008-05-23T21:07:00.000+08:00

This one's not real. Just a dummy commando abseiling.

Are you a weekend commando? Or an arm-chair combat gear collector?

Well, if you are in Kuala Lumpur, don't miss this outlet. It is simply known as Tactical Gear and is located at Jalan Bulan, in Bukit Bintang.

It is situated right opposite the exit/entrance to Metrojaya, at Bukit Bintang Plaza. Bukit Bintang Plaza is the shopping complex adjoining the more famous Sungai Wang Plaza. If you don't know the way, just ask around.

And when you are at Jalan Bulan, you will not miss the sight of the Jeep sticking out of the building like a sore thumb, just like the car crashed out of the building facade. Or the commando repelling down the wall.

Plenty of army (US Army) stuff to keep your imagination occupied as you role play. You name it, they probably got it. From SEALs T-shirts to Desert Storm hats, Commando belts, helmets and TOP Gun wrist-watches. The prices? You find out yourself.

How about this one?

Step into the kopitiam of old at Yut Kee's

2008-05-21T22:16:00.000+08:00

IF you are in Jalan Dang Wangi, previously known as Campbell Street, you will see this shop (picture). It's like stepping into a time zone - back, say 30 years? - as you see the rickety wooden tables with marble tops and black varnished chairs.

This is one tue Hainanese coffeeshop that you won't want to miss when in KL - serving its own concoctions as well as age-old successful recipes that have been handed down by the forefathers.

Pay it a visit during the morning and check out its breakfast fare of roti kawin (toast with kaya and butter) and good old coffee (see picture). It is something that you don't find at many places in KL these days.

Those who have been into coffeeshops during the 60s and 70s will remember the aroma of bread toasted over coal fire and the fragrance of the kaya (a kind of egg jam) as it is being stirred over low fire.

Of course, there are other fantastic things you can feast on while at Yut Kee's (also known as Jack's Place).

Among them are the famous Swiss Roll and the roti babi (their kind of hamburger and bread.

Not to be missed are the noodles as well as the chicken and pork chops which comes in huge helpings and tasty gravy.

To make sure you get a place to sit, go early. Preferably by 8am. The crowd builds up towards lunch time and towards the later part of the afternoon.

Sundays are also best as the morning crowd is quite sparse and chances are that you will find a place to sit.

WE HAVE MOVED! NEW LOOK, BETTER CONTROL FOR KL THIS MONTH!

2008-05-21T05:51:00.005+08:00

Greetings!

If you are a first timer here, welcome. If you have re-discovered us, congratulations.

Because the site is getting too BIG to manage using traditional web-design software, we have decided to upgrade the content management to use Blogger's Blogging engine.

This is done for several reasons, including ease of writing content as well as allowing for feedback and content syndication.

We would appreciate if you will update your Favourites accordingly since the old pages will only return an error message as this new site becomes fully functional.

The content in the old site is still there but in new pages. Site navigation has not been changed much. All the things you are looking for are at left and the tools at right.

Additions to this new site is the subscribe feature which will be implemented soon, as well as the Comments section, which is fully functional. The categories section has been used to make it easier for you to surf and bookmark content. In short, we will continue to improve our content for your ease of use despite the financial constraints of doing so. Please inform your friends if they share the same bookmark and update your favourites accordingly.

If you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to write to us.

Thank you for your patience!

Alice
EDITOR

Sungai Besar Fishing Town

2008-05-20T05:52:00.003+08:00

Fishing Boat At Sungai Besar

Big River Enclave

About 120km north of Kuala Lumpur along the west coast of Selangor lies Sungai Besar, which means Big River in Malay. It is also known as 'Tua Kang' or 'big river' in Hokkien.

The town is a one-street sleepy hollow which branches off into the riverine fishing villages dominated mostly by Teo Chew fishermen. There is nothing really exciting in this quaint township except maybe the fishing boats that line both sides of the river.

Haisan Association Building

Among locals, this fish landing area offers choice pickings of fresh produce from the sea. In the mid mornings and evenings, when the fishing boats come in, the place is abuzz with activity fish lovers from all over congregate to look for bargains in fish and other marine catches.

Making Fishballs.

In town, seafood restaurants that operate from noon till early night offer delectable dishes at reasonble prices.

Getting there:
From Kuala Lumpur, head for the Sungai Buloh-Kuala Selangor old trunk road. You may access this via the North South Expressway and exit via the Sungai Buloh Toll and head for the Kuala Selangor Road. Just follow the signboards and the mainstream traffic and it should take you to Kuala Selangor junction.

Turn right and head north towards the Kuala Selangor town. When in Kuala Selangor Town, take the right branch of the main road to bypass the town, cross a bridge and head towards Pasir Penambang, then Tanjung Karang and Sekinchan.

Continue straight beyond Sekinchan and you will find Sungai Besar.

Main town area.

(If you like to visit the Kuala Selangor town, just take the left turn into the town. Parking may be a problem on working days.)

Note: When driving along this coastal road, do not drive too fast. Villagers use this road to move from one village to the other. Domestic animals, although rare, may emerge unannounced. Fish transport lorries are also plentiful. Most of the stretches are straight and may encourage speeding. A comfortable speed would be between 70kph to 90kph.

Attractions:
Fishing villages offer plenty of photography opportunities. gain an insight into the lifestyle of west coast fishermen here.

HAPPY WESAK

2008-05-19T06:49:00.003+08:00

WE at KLTHISMONTH.COM wishes all our visitors a Happy Wesak. May you all be well and happy.

These are the images taken at the Buddhist Vihara in Brickfields on the eve of Wesak. As usual, the crowd is big but orderly. The whole temple ground has been turned into a carnival of sorts, with stalls selling anything from sweetmeats to vegetarian foods.

Times are bad and donations boxes have been set up almost at every corner.

As it is annually, the disabled and the less fortunate, including the able-bodied have thronged the temple grounds to seek alms, from the road leading into the temple as well as on both sides of its entrance. Give generously to these pitiful peole if you can afford to.

The price to light an oil lamp has been raised to RM20 per person. The increase was from last year - previously it was RM10. If you wish to light one, there is a counter catering to this within the temple ground.

Check out the festivities if you are around. The whole KL city is abuzz with activities this Wesak.

Tonight, there will be a procession from the Buddhist Vihara to the city centre from 7pm.

May Happenings In Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-18T06:03:00.000+08:00

MAY 4-11, SINGAPORE-MALAYSIA CHINESE SEAL CARVING AND CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING EXHANGE EXHIBITION
Time: 11am - 6pm
Venue: Wisma SGM, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Details: Call 03-21412003

MAY 9-18, RANDAI KASIH MENANTI - THE MUSICAL
A post modern approach to a Minangkabau classic. Randai Kasih Menanti reveals the dark secret of an island and a mothers hopes for her sons return. A spectacular performance combining the elements of song, dance, music, martial arts and acting. Randai Kasih Menanti the Mu.
Time: 3 pm, 8:30pm
Venue: Panggung Sari, National Theatre
Details: Call 03-40265558

MAY 11-31, ANTHONY CHAN SAI WENG - LANGKAWI GEOPARK
Solo exhibition by established abstract painter Anthony Chan Sai Weng showcasing 30 new paintings in oils on linen from 2007/8
Time: Open:9am-6m Mon-Sat/Closed: Sun and Public Holiday
Venue: NN Gallery, 53A & 56 Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir,
Details: Call 03-42706588

MAY 13-JUNE 2, LIVE ANIMALS INSIDE!
Exhibition by photographer Azril Ismail. Azril sees his photographs as being very much ‘alive’ as they are so much a part of his life that they ‘co-exist’ within his life, and thus have to be handled/treated with care and love.
Venue: Wei-ling Gallery 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri,12-7pm, Sat 10-5pm. Closed Sundays.
Details: 03-22601106/07, 0123025302

MAY 18-JUNE 1, SHIFTING BOUNDARIES
This is an annual charity art exhibition under the Art for Nature theme. It explores how the boundaries that we have extended for short-term gains are at the expense not just of other species, but of our own long term survival.
Venue : Rimbun Dahan Gallery, Kilometer 27, Jalan Kuang, Selangor
Time: Sat and Sun: 10am - 6pm (Weekdays: By appointment)
Admission: Free

MAY 19 - JUNE 30, REFRESHING JOURNEY
This is a solo exhibition by artist Yeoh Eng Peng featuring the artist's debut into the art scene.
Venue: Dong Zen Gallery, FoGuang temple, Jenjarom, Selangor
Time: From 10am daily
Admission: Free

MAY 28-JUNE 15, RAMLEE THE MUSICAL A musical about the life of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, musician extraordinaire.
Time: 3 pm, 8:30pm
Venue: Panggung Sari, National Theatre
Details: Call 03-40265558

TILL JULY 4, WOMEN IN ISLAM
Muslim women have occupied positions of power for as long as Islam has existed. This ranges from the trading might of the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, Khatija, to the more formal position of the 12th century Yemeni ruler, Malika Arwa. The Qur’an alludes to women of power from as long ago as the Queen of Sheba. In more recent times, the political leadership of Islamic states such as Pakistan and Bangladesh has drawn heavily on the female half of the population. The exhibition Faith & Power: Women in Islam explores a rich history that has often been overlooked. Examining the lives of these women, and attitudes to them, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is also able to provide a physical dimension with artefacts from distant times and places. Jewellery, clothing and the accoutrements of power bring new vigour to the lives of forgotten queens, consorts and wielders of influence from behind the throne.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum, Jalan Lembah Perdana (next to National Mosque)
Time: Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays: 10am - 6pm
Entrance: By tickets, purchasable at the museum entrance/
Details: Call 03-22742020

To have your events listed, contact us. Listing is FREE

WiFi for Entire Kuala Lumpur City

2008-05-18T06:00:00.000+08:00

This piece of news caught our eyes. If true, then KL will be among the first cities in the world in this region to have free WiFi connectivity. So, bring your WiFi devices and stay connected!

Packet One to deploy 3,500 WiFi hotposts in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR: Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd intends to deploy 3,500 WiFi hotspots in Kuala Limpur over a few phases in collaboration with KL City Hall and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Abdul Hakim Borhan said this project, known as the Kuala Lumpur Wireless Metropolitan, was part of the government’s initiative to spur demand for broadband.
“This initiative targets to achieve 90% household broadband penetration in the Klang Valley by 2010,” he said at the launch of the project yesterday.
The project also aimed to provide citizens with free 512-kilobits per second broadband connectivity for two years.
“We would be the first city in the world to be deployed on the WiMAX 2.3GHz (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) backhaul infrastructure,” he said.
To date, 200 WiFi hotspots have been set up in the KL City Centre in conjunction with the World Congress on Information Technology 2008 to be held from May 18 to 22.

More here

Doing Business In Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-17T07:34:00.002+08:00

THERE are plenty of business opportunities in Kuala Lumpur. Many foreign companies and individuals have benefitted tremendously from doing business in this multi-racial metropolis.

If you are thinking of setting up business in Kuala Lumpur (whether it is a small dealership selling specialised products or services or a multi-national corporation), you can either obtain specific information from the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA), the principal agency for the promotion and coordination of industrial development in Malaysia. They have offices in Europe, United States and teh Asia Pacific.

If you are already in Kuala Lumpur, perhaps you may want to contact MIDA direct. It also has a Business Information Centre which offers one-on-one business guidance. The centre is open from Mon - Fri (8.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m) on weekdays.

It is located at:

Ground Floor, Block 4

Plaza SentralJalan Stesen Sentral 5

Kuala Lumpur Sentral

50470 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2267 3663/Fax: 03-2274 7970

Studying in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2008-05-17T07:22:00.003+08:00

If you are looking at primary, secondary or even tertiary education in Kuala Lumpur, you don't have to worry. There are plenty of international schools and private colleges offering academic as well as professional courses. Most, if not all, are governed by the education laws and are licensed.
We have compiled a list of international schools and private colleges in and around Kuala Lumpur. As we update the site, we will connect each to their respective websites.
(Note: Being mentioned here does not consititute to a recommendation.)
International Schools in Kuala Lumpur

British Curriculum

Alice Smith International School (Primary) 2 Jalan Bellamy, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03)2148 3674Fax: (03)2148 3418Website: www.alice-smith.edu.myEmail: klass@alice-smith.edu.my

Alice Smith International School (Secondary) 3 Jalan Equine, Taman Equine, Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Tel: (03)9543 3688Fax: (03)9543 3788

Cempaka International School, Persiaran Awana, Cuepacs Garden, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03)9076 8400Fax: (03)9076 8194

ELC International School Lot 3664, Jalan Sierramas Barat, Sierramas, Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Tel: (03)6156 5001Fax: (03)6156 5003

Fairview International School 260 Jalan Ampang, Selangor
Tel: (03)4253 2233Fax: (03)4253 2223

Garden International School Kuala Lumpur 16 Jalan Kiara 3, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03)6209 6888Fax: (03)6201 2468

MAZ International School No 1, Maz House, Road 20/19, Paramount Garden, Petaling Jaya
Tel: (03)7874 2930Fax: (03)7874 0727

Mutiara International Grammar School Lot 707, Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama, Ampang Jaya
Tel: (03)4252 1452Fax: (03)4252 3452

Sayfol International School 261 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03)4256 8781Fax: (03)4257 9464

Utama International School Blok B3, Lot 27A, Jalan Usahawan 5, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur53200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03)4021 2490Fax: (03)4024 5227

American Curriculum

International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) P.O Box 12645, 50784 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03)4259 5600Fax: (03)4257 9044

Mont'Kiara International School (Elementary) 22, Jalan Kiara, Mont' Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03)2093 8604Fax: (03)2093 6045Website: www.mkis.edu.my

Others

Australian International School, Malaysia 22 Jalan Anggerik, The MINES Resort City, Sri Kembangan,Selangor
Tel: (03)8943 0622Fax: (03)8948 4522Website: www.aism.edu.my

CAHP (Handicapped Persons)Ukay Heights, Ampang, Selangor
Tel: (03)4256 3531

Deutsche Schule Kuala Lumpur Lot 5, Lorong Utara B, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: (03)7956 6557Fax: (03)7956 7557Website: www.dskl.edu.my

French International School of Kuala Lumpur 8A, Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03)2691 3850Fax: (03)2693 6450Website: www.lfkl.edu.my

Indonesian School of Kuala Lumpur Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03)2692 7682

Japanese School of Kuala LumpurSaujana Resort Seksyen U2, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: (03)7846 5939Fax: (03)7846 5949Website: www.jskl.edu.my

International Islamic School 2230, KM 17, Jalan Gombak Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03)6186 1521Fax: (03)6188 6751Website: www.iis.edu.my

Private Colleges and other institutions of higher learning

ALC College - Advanced Learning Centre 6 Jalan Kapar, 41400 Klang, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-33447961, Fax: 03-3344 5861

Alif Creative Academy 5 Jalan 20/14, Paramount Garden, 46300 Petaling Jaya
Tel: Call 03-7873 8288, Fax: 03-7877 2680

Aman College Jalan Bukit Sentosa 2, Seksyen BS2, Bukit Sentosa, 48300 Rawang, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-6021 1000, Fax: 03-6021 2000

Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology(APIIT) Lot 6, Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-8996 1000, Fax: 03-8996 1001

Axismatics Professional Institute 12B-07, 14th floor, Wisma Zelan, 1 Jalan Tasik Permaisuri 2, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-9173 5686, Fax: 03-9173 8782

Binary College 22-26 Jalan Ipoh Kecil, 50350 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-4041 8562, Fax: 03-4041 8568

Binary University College of Management and EntrepreneurshipPersiaran Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8070 6590, Fax: 03-8070 6594

Brickfields College 210 Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2274 4165, Fax: 03-2274 4174

British Malaysian InstituteBatu 8, Jalan Sungai Pusu, 53100 Gombak, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-6184 1000, Fax: 03-6186 4040

Center for Advanced Design (CENFAD) 24 Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2144 7077, Fax: 03-2148 7077

Co-operative College of Malaysia 103 Jalan Templer, 46700 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-7957 4911, Fax: 03-7957 0434

Cosmopoint Level 13, Wisma Public Bank, 300 Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2694 9455, Fax: 03-2694 4079

Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus Sarawak Campus Malaysia, CDT 250, 98009 Miri, Sarawak
Tel: 085 44 3939, Fax: 085 44 3838

Cybernetics International College of Technology (CICT) 154 - 3 - 7, Kompleks Maluri, Jalan Jejaka, Taman Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-9281 4881, Fax: 03-9281 4854

Dika, College 22-3 Jalan PJS 11/28A, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-5636 6223

Fashion Academy of Creative Technology (FACT)Lot 3A-01, Wisma Bukit Bintang, 28 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2144 1318, Fax: 03-2144 6022

Federal Institute of Technology (FIT) Campus Taynton, Jalan Bee Eng Satu, Taman Taynton, 6th Miles, Jalan Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-9131 9546, Fax: 03-9132 4977

Flamingo Institute of Further Education2nd Floor, Bangunan Institut Flamingo, Tasik Ampang, Jalan Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-4257 6808, Fax: 03-4257 6806

Gemilang, College 22 Jalan Medan Pasar, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2026 9010, Fax: 03-2026 4341

Genting Inti International College12 Persiaran Jati 3A, Gohtong Jaya, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang
Tel: Call 03-1288, Fax: 03-6100 1269

German-Malaysian Institute 119 Jalan 7/91, Taman Shamelin Perkasa, 3 1/2 Miles Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-9286 1706

Go Academy W10-3 Business Park, Subang Square, Jalan SS15/4G, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-5621 8090, Fax: 03-5621 7090

HELP University College BZ-2 Pusat Bandar Damansara, 50490, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2094 2000, Fax: 03-2095 7100

IBMS College 211 Jalan Bukit Mata Kuching, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: 082 25 2566, Fax: 082 23 1355

IIUM Management Centre Management Centre, International Islamic University Malaysia, PO Box 10, 50728 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-6196 4181, Fax: 03-6196 4856

Imperia Institute Of Technology Level 6, Kelana Brem Tower 2, Jalan Stadium (SS 7/15), 47301 Kelana Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-7492 3288, Fax: 03-7492 6788

Informatics Group Malaysia E-3A-2, Block E, Phileo Avenue 1, 189 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 1 800 88 2388

INTI College Subang Jaya 3 Jalan SS15/8, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-5634 3244, Fax: 03-5631 8960

Institut Megatech 141A Batu 3 ½, Jalan Kelang Lama, PO Box 192, 58700 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-7983 1348, Fax: 03-7983 7595

Institut Teknologi Tun Abdul Razak c/o Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, 16-5, Jalan SS 6/12, 47301 Kelana Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-7627 7337, Fax: 03-7627 7447

Institute Advertising Communication Training (IACT) 75 and 77 Jalan SS 21/1A, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-7729 7451, Fax: 03-7727 5622

International Fashion Training Center (Fashion design courses6th Floor, Bangunan Yayasan Selangor, 99 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2145 9011, Fax: 03-2148 9016

International Graduate Studies College IGSSouth City Plaza, Block A, Persiaran Serdang Perdana, Taman Serdang Perdana, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8948 4811, Fax: 03-8945 4066

International Medical University (IMU) Sesama Centre, Plaza Komanwel, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-8656 7228, Fax: 03-8656 7229

International University College of Technology Twintech (IUCTT) Blok F, Sri Damansara Industrial Park, Persiaran Industri, Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-6275 1110, Fax: 03-6277 1463

International Worldview College 1 Jalan Tiara 3, Bandar Baru Klang, 41150 Klang, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-3341 424, Fax: 03-3341 4343

INTI Centre for Management Learning B-0-14, Ground Floor Block B, Megan Avenue II, 12 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2163 2853, Fax: 03-2163 2909

Kasturi College 11th Floor, Plaza First Nationwide, 161 Jalan Tun H S Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2032 3001, Fax: 03-2031 3228

KBU International College 1 Persiaran Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya
Tel: Call 03-7727 3200, Fax: 03-7727 2733

Kemayan Advance Tertiary CollegeBangunan Tunas Utama, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2031 0266, Fax: 03-2031 0261

KDU College SS 22/41, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-7728 8123, Fax: 03-7726 9941

KDU Management Development CentreLevel 19 and Level 20, Block 3A, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2273 8286, Fax: 03-2273 5933

Kuala Lumpur College of Art 1 Lorong Medan Tuanku 1, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2698 8548, Fax: 03-2693 1037

Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University CollegeCorporate Block, Ikram Park, Jalan Serdang - Kajang, 43000 Kajang, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8926 6993, Fax: 03-8734 1021

LaSalle International Design School2 Lorong Damai 3, Off Jalan Aman, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2161 1066, Fax: 03-2161 1063

Life College Level 6, Bangunan Pan Global 1A, Jalan Tandang, 45060 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 1 300 88 5258, 03 7785 8590, Fax: 03-7785 4336

Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology Innovasi 1-1, Jalan Teknokrat 1/1, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8317 8888, Fax: 03-8317 8988

Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy (MAHSA)Level 6, Block A, Pusat Damansara, Damansara Heights,50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: Call 03-2093 8892, Fax: 03-2094 8995

Malaysia University of Science and Technology Unit GL33 (Gr Flr), Block C, Dataran Usahawan Kelana, 17 Jalan SS7/26, 47301 Petaling Jaya
Tel: Call 03-7880 1777, Fax: 03-7880 1762

Malaysia France Institute, Universiti Kuala LumpurSection 14, Jalan Teras Jernang, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8926 2022, Fax:03 8925 8845

Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) Institut Seni Lukis Malaysia, 294-299, Jalan Bandar 11, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-4108 8100, Fax: 03-4108 1543

Malaysian Institute of Management (MIM)227 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2164 5255, Fax: 03-2164 3171

Mantissa Institute Level 1, Bangunan AHP, 2 Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 3, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-7726 3333, Fax: 03-7728 5801

Mc Orange Institute 54-56 Jalan Hang Lekiu, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2031 9898, Fax: 03-2032 2282

Metropolitan College 1 Jalan Subang Utama, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-5634 4711, Fax: 03-5634 4718

Monash University Malaysia 2 Jalan College Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, 46150 Selangor
Tel: Call 03-5636 0600, Fax: 03-5636 0622

MSC International College Lot 3.66D 3rd Floor, The Summit, Persiaran Kewajipan USJ 1, 47600 UEP Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8600 1777, Fax: 03-8600 1999

Olympia College Wisma Budiman, Persiaran Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2050 3688, Fax: 03-2050 3689

One Academy - Here and here28 Jalan PJS 11/28A, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-5637 5510, Fax: 03-5637 5508

Open University MalaysiaJalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2773 2002, Fax: 03-2697 8824

Professional Advancement Achievement Centre B-7-8, Block B, Unit 8, 7th Floor, Megan Avenue II, 12 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2710 6606, Fax: 03-2710 6610

PRIME College 4th Floor, The Summit, Persiaran Kewajipan USJ 1, 47600 UEP Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8600 1888, Fax: 03-8600 1999

PTPL College Block A Equestrian 13/25, Off Persiarann Sukan, Seksyen 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-5513 6688, Fax: 03-5513 5888

Reliance College - Travel and Tourism SchoolA-2-3, 2nd Floor, Block A, Megan Avenue I, 189, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2161 4818, Fax: 03-2166 4980

RIMA College 54 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2072 2055, Fax: 03-2070 3119

SAL College: here and here1 Jalan 9/27A, Section 5, Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-4142 2422, Fax: 03-4142 4822

SAE Institute Malaysia - Audio and media technology 10-1, Jalan USJ 9/5R,Subang Business Center, 47620 Subang Jaya
Tel: Call 03-8024 0935, Fax: 03-8024 9650

SEG International Group 10th Floor, Menara Summit, Persiaran Kewajipan USJ 1, 47600 UEP Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8026 5888, Fax: 03-8026 5999

Selangor International Islamic University CollegeBandar Seri Putra, Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8925 4251, Fax: 03-8926 8462

Sentral Education GroupSuite CS/3A/2, Level 2, Block 3A, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2274 2278, Fax: 03-2274 2279

SIT International College (formerly Sepang Institute of Technology)Level 5, Klang Parade, 2112, Jalan Meru, 41050 Klang, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-3343 0628, Fax: 03-3343 0240

Stamford College Lot 7A Jalan 223, Section 14, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-7955 1563, Fax: 03-7958 2087

Summit International College Lot 3.66d 3rd Floor, The Summit, Persiaran Kewajipan USJ 1, 47600 UEP Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8600 1777, Fax: 03-8600 1999

Sunway University College 5 Jalan College, Bandar Sunway, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-7491 8622, Fax: 03-5635 8630

Systematic College Bangunan Systematic, 33-35 Jalan Hang Lekiu, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2070 2078, Fax: 03-2034 2759

Taylor's College 1 Jalan SS15/8, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-5636 2641, Fax: 03-5634 5209

TM Multimedia College - Telekom Training College Jalan Gurney Kiri, 54100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-2020 6611, Fax: 03-2693 1812

TPM Academy Technology Park Malaysia, Lebuhraya Puchong Sg. Besi, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-8998 5001, Fax: 03-8998 4082

University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-8924 8000, Fax: 03-8924 8001

University College Sedaya International1 Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: Call 03-9101 8880, Fax: 03-9102 3606

Workers Institute of Technology CollegeJalan Banting, Off Jalan Pandamaran, 42000 Port Klang, Selangor
Tel: Call 03-3168 8859, Fax: 03-3167 5046

If you are a college administrator and your college is not listed here, please write to us and we will include it immediately.

Vegetarian Restaurants and Non-Meat Food Suppliers in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-15T21:26:00.002+08:00

IF you are a vegetarian, finding a place to eat need not be a problem. As we have said earlier, Kuala Lumpur is a food haven and if you are a vegetarian, for health or religious reason, there are restaurants and eateries that cater to your needs as a vegetarian.

We have compiled a list of restaurants serving vegetarian food. Also listed are some vegetarian food suppliers.

This list is not complete but we shall try to gather and improve it as time goes by.

As some numbers change and restaurants move, this list is correct at print time. If you have found them to be invalid, kindly inform us by email.

Editor's Note: These are names of restaurants and suppliers taken at random and in good faith to assist tourists on vegetarian diet to check out where they can eat or purchase vegetarian food. This list does not constitute to an endorsement nor recommendation by the editors of KL This Month website.

Vegetarian Eateries and Suppliers in KL

Amata Vegetarian Restaurant Bhd
2, Jln Panggong, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 03-2026 6422

Annalakshmi (M) Sdn Bhd
Ground Floor, The Boulevard, Mid-Valley, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 03-2284 3799

Bakti Woodlands Vegetarian Food Cafe Sdn Bhd
55, Lbh Ampang, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-2034 1399

Bamboo Vegetarian Court
16, Jln Perdana 5, Taman Indah Perdana, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-6274 9120

Cameleon Vegetarian Restoran
1, Jln Thamboosamy, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-4042 3526

De Health Paradise Organic
14, GF, Jln 1/109e, Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-7980 6825

Fai Cai Xiang Vegetarian Restaurant
23, Ground Floor, Plaza Danau 2, Jln 2/109f, Danau Desa, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-7981 9812

Giant Bowl Vegetarian Food Sdn Bhd
10, Jln Klang Lama Batu 4 1/4, 58000 Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-7982 3869

Green Grass Organic Vege Shop
3-18A, 1st Floor, Jln Desa 2/2, Desa Aman Puri, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 03-6276 3014

Jing Si Healthy Vegetarian Shop
146, Ground Floor, Jln Selar, Taman Chantik, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-9286 2637

Kaoyi Vegetarian Food Mart
16, Lrg Brunei 2, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-2141 6919

Kedai Makanan Vegetarian Hon Kee
3, Ground Floor, Jln Pandan 2/4, Taman Pandan Jaya, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-9283 0616

Kuan Fatt Vegetarian Restaurant
147, GF, Jln Matang 2 Off Jln Kuching, Taman Sri Kuching, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-6253 3750

Lotus Vegetarian Foodstuff Sdn Bhd
3, Jln 3/33b Off Jln Kepong Bt 6 1/2, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-6251 3378

Madras New Woodlands Restaurant
42, 1st Floor, Jln Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru, ,Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 03-2282 5826

Mahligai Vegetarian Restaurant
1-068, Taman Sri Endah, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-9543 1382

Mamitas Vegetarian Food
4, Lrg Ara Kiri 3, Taman Lucky, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-2093 9152

Nature's Vegetarian Restaurant
24, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Phone: 03-2300 1631

Peijinyuen Vegetarian Restaurant
116, LG, Jln Loke Yew, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-9222 4298

Pinewind Vegetarian Restaurant Sdn Bhd
6, 1st Floor, Jln 2/114, Kuchai Business Centre, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-7984 3940

Rich Land Vegetarian Food Enterprise
549, Jln 20, Tmn Perindustrian Ehsan Jaya, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-6277 1718

Saravana Bhavan (M) Sdn Bhd
52, Jln Maarof, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-2287 1228

Vegetarian Spring Town Sdn Bhd
40, Jln 2/96a, Taman Cheras Makmur, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-9132 1054

Vegetarian Emporium Sdn Bhd
42, Jln Ambong Kiri 1, Kepong Baru, Kuala Lumpur,
Phone: 03-6251 3303

Wai Ming Vegetarian Health Food
66, Jln Ampang, Ampang, Selangor
Phone: 03-4297 8322

Make Kuala Lumpur Your Second Home

2008-05-15T21:22:00.001+08:00

Malaysia welcomes people from all over the world to stay in Malaysia as long as possible on a social visit pass with a multiple entry visa in its Make Malaysia Your Second Home project.
The Social Visit Pass is initially valid for ten years (depending on the validity of the applicants' passport) and is renewable. As such, if you have fallen in love with Kuala Lumpur, you can consider moving here.

Who is eligible?
The programme is open to all citizens of countries recognised by Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or age. Applicants are allowed to bring along their spouse and children (below 18 years old, and who are not married).

Incentives:
Extensive information on the incentives given by the Government if you make Kuala Lumpur (or anywhere in Malaysia) your second home. They include purchase and sale of properties, tax exemption on cars, and many more which you can check at the ministry's website.

For details of making Kuala Lumpur or any town in Malaysia your second home, you may check out the details on the Ministry of Tourism Website.

Alternatively, you may write to them via snail mail to:

MALAYSIA MY SECOND HOME CENTRE (MM2H)
Ministry of Tourism Malaysia,
c/o Tourism Division, Level 34, Menara Dato' Onn,
Putra World Trade Centre,
50695 Kuala Lumpur,
MALAYSIA.
Phone: +6 (03) 2693 3160/3140/3972/7111
Facsimile: +6 (03) 2693 2399

Or email mm2h@motour.gov.my

Organisations for Travellers With Disability

2008-05-15T21:19:00.002+08:00

Useful Numbers for Travellers with Diasbility in Kuala Lumpur

The following are the contact and addresses of organisation representing the disabled. These offices are based in Kuala Lumpur and while every effort is taken to ensure all information are accurate, they may have changed. Kindly inform us if you detect any change in numbers of address and we shall change it immediately.

Organisations for the Disabled in KL

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND (NCBM)
(Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Orang-orang Buta Malaysia)
94, B, Jln Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: 03-2273 9471

MALAYSIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
(Pertubuhan Orang-orang Buta Malaysia)
40, A, Jln Padang Belia, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: 03-2273 2809

MALAYSIAN COUNCIL FOR REHABILITATION
(Majlis Pemulihan Malaysia)
16, 4th Floor, Bgn Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Jln Utara, Seksyen 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 03-7955 3510

MALAYSIAN CONFEDERATION OF THE DISABLED
(Gabungan Persatuan Orang Cacat Malaysia)
931, Jln 17/38, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 03-7956 2300

MALAYSIAN DISABLED ATHLETES ASSOCIATION
(Persatuan Sukan Orang-orang Cacat Malaysia)
4, A, Jln Thambapillai, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: 03-2274 5668

MALAYSIAN FEDERATION FOR THE DEAF
(Persekutuan Orang Pekak Malaysia)
Sek Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan, Jln Keledek Off Jalan Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: 03-9284 6781

NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE DEAF
25A, Jln Kampung Pandan, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: 03-9287 0739

NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY OF MALAYSIA
(persatuan Kebangsaan Autisme Malaysia)
4, Jln Chan Chin Mooi, 53200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: 03-4022 3744

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
(Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Orang-orang Terencat Akal Malaysia)
c/o The Selangor Association For Retarded Children
522, Jln Tun Sambanthan 4, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: 03-2274 1457

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHESHIRE HOMES IN MALAYSIA
c/o Selangor Cheshire Home
10875, Jln Rawang Batu 7 1/2, 68100 Selayang, Selangor
Phone: 03-6138 7118

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SOCIAL WELFARE MALAYSIA
(Majlis Kebajikan Masyarakat Kebangsaan Malaysia)
28, 3rd Floor, Bangunan Ehsan, Jln Hang Lekiu, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: 03-2078 7744
(For addresses of the various State Social Welfare Councils, contact the Council)

ASSOCIATION FOR THE WELFARE AND CARE OF SPECIAL CHILDREN
(Persatuan Kebajikan dan Penjagaan Kanak-kanak Istimewa)
2, Jln Wangsa Siaga Satu, Wangsa Melawati, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: 03-4142 2953

Malaysians Abroad

2008-05-15T21:09:00.004+08:00

Malaysians have travelled far and wide. Some have gone abroad to study, others sent abroad by their employers. Others have chosen to move abroad out of professional or business affairs.

These are the websites by Malaysians who have moved, are studying and/or working abroad in their respective countries.

This section was set up following requests from friends who want to get in touch with their friends via the web and check on what's happening on in the respective countries through their Malaysians Abroad portals.

This is not an exhaustive list as the URLs of sites set up by Malaysians abroad are given by readers of this website.

If you wish to submit a website by a Malaysian or Malaysians abroad, or one dedicated to our overseas community, please contact us. We will include it here for free.

List of websites set up by Malaysians living, working or studying abroad include:

Malaysians in the Orient
Malaysians in Kansai (Japan) Club
Malaysians in Hong Kong

Malaysians in Europe
Malaysians in Denmark
Malaysian Association in France
Malaysian Danish Association
Malaysian Association of the Netherlands
Malaysian Association of Belgium and Luxembourg (MABL)
Malaysian Association of Geneva (Switzerland)
Malaysian Swiss Association

Malaysians in the Scandinavian Countries
Malaysians Living In Sweden
Finland-Malaysia Association

Malaysians in the UK and United States
Malaysian Students Department for the United Kingdom and Eire (MASDUKE)
Malaysian Association of Canada Malaysian Singapore Brunei Cultural Association of Vancouver
Borneo Cultural Association of Alberta (BCAA)
Malaysia Association of Southern California

Malaysians in the Middle East
Malaysians Living In Qatar

Updated: May 26, 2008

Found any association we have not listed? Then inform us so that we can list them for you.

Healthcare - Hospitals & Medical Centres

2008-05-15T20:57:00.008+08:00

Medical Centres in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley

KUALA Lumpur has one of the best medical facilities in the country, if not the region.

Basically, medical centres here are divided into government and private hospitals. These comprised full fledged medical centres as well as the smaller clinics provided by single operator clinics. Apart from that, there are 24-hour medical centres as well as clinics.

In this guide, only the larger medical centres in Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas are listed. If you are an operator who wishes to be listed in this guide, please get in touch with us. Listing is free of charge.

Numbers may change and while efforts have been taken to ensure the list here are current ones, we appreciate if you can inform us of any change you have come across.

However, only provide those that are in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang valley.

In Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Sentosa Medical Centre,
36, Jalan Chemur, Damai Complex, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4043 7166 / Fax: 03-4043 7761

Tung Shin Hospital,
102, Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2324 0367 / Fax: 03-2300 345

Pantai Medical Centre,
Jalan Bukit Pantai, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2282 5077 / Fax: 03-2282 1557

Lourdes Medical Centre,
244 Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4042 5335 / Fax: 03-4042 0479

Dato' Dr Harnam ENT Clinic,
Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4041 0092 / Fax: 03-4042 6970

Sambhi Clinic and Nursing Home,
Medan Tuanku, Jalan TAR, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4043 4900 / Fax: 03-4043 5399

Damai Service Hospital,
Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4043 4900 / Fax: 03-4043 5399

Samuel Specialist Maternity Clinic,
Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9618 736 / Fax: 03-9810 395

Pusat Rawatan Islam,
Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4041 4922 / Fax: 03-4041 4884

Roopi Medical Centre,
Damai Complex, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4042 3766 / Fax: 03-4042 5644

Tawakal Specialists Centre,
Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4023 3599 / Fax: 03-4022 8063

Chinese Maternity Hospital,
Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2382 055 / Fax: 03-2325 250

Pantai Cheras Medical Centre,
Taman Cheras Makmur, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9132 2022 / Fax: 03-9132 0687

Taman Desa Medical Centre,
Taman Desa, Off Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7982 6500 / Fax: 03-7982 0705

Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre,
Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-4257 1300 / Fax: 03-4257 9233

Cheras Geriatric Centre,
Taman Cheras Makmur, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9132 5223 / Fax: 03-9132 4435

Institut Jantung Negara,
Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2617 8200 / Fax: 03-2698 2824

Apollo TTDI Medical Centre,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
Tel: 03-7726 6911 / Fax: 03-7727 9991

Poliklinik Kotaraya,
Taman Melawati, Hulu Kelang
Tel: 03-4108 4622 / Fax: 03-4105 8786

Sentul Hospital,
Jalan Sentul, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4041 6962 / Fax: 03-4042 2231

Imran Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Hospital,
Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2274 0599 / Fax: 03-2274 0577

Hospital Pantai Indah,
Jalan Perubatan 1, Pandan Indah
Tel: 03-4278 2727 / Fax: 03-4289 2829

Medical Centres Outside Klang Valley (Outskirts of Kuala Lumpur)

Assunta Hospital,
Jalan Templer, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7782 3433 / Fax: 03-7784 1749

Pantai Klang Specialist Centre,
Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Klang
Tel: 03-3372 5222 / Fax: 03-3371 5705

Klinik Puravi and Maternity Home,
Jalan Nanas, Klang
Tel: 03-342 3206 / Fax: 03-343 8855

Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7956 1511 / Fax: 03-7957 6128

Damo Clinic and Maternity Centre,
Telok Gadong, Klang
Tel: 03-3372 6333 / Fax: 03-3373 2360

Subang Jaya Medical Centre,
Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-5634 1212 / Fax: 03-5633 5910

Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital,
Ampang
Tel: 03-4270 2500 / Fax: 03-4270 2443

Damansara Specialist Hospital,
Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7722 2692 / Fax: 03-7722 2617

Selangor Medical Centre,
Shah Alam
Tel: 03-5543 1111 / Fax: 03-5543 1722

QHC Medical Centre,
Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-5631 7730 / Fax: 03-5631 6342

Klinik Pakar Wanita Sheela dan Rumah Bersalin,
Batu 3, Klang
Tel: 03-3341 4500 / Fax: 03-3343 6926

Lam Surgery and Maternity Home,
Batu 3, Klang
Tel: 03-3342 5807 / Fax: 03-3342 5809

Kajang Specialist Maternity and Surgery,
Jalan Bukit, Kajang
Tel: 03-8733 3644 / Fax: 03-8736 3053

Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre,
Jalan Mohet, Klang
Tel: 03-3373 3636 / Fax: 03-3324 3288

Arunamari Specialist Medical Centre,
Bayu Perdana, Klang
Tel: 03-3324 3288 / Fax: 03-3324 3288

Sunway Medical Centre,
Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7491 9191 / Fax: 03-7491 8181

Kelana Jaya Medical Centre,
Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7052 111 / Fax: 03-7063 505

Damansara Fertility Centre,
Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7729 3199 / Fax: 03-7727 8066

Tee Maternity and Gynae Specialist Centre,
Klang
Tel: 03-3341 2277 / Fax: 03-3342 4479

Darul Ehsan Medical Centre,
Seksyen 9, Shah Alam
Tel: 03-5880 8868 / Fax: 03-5880 4594

Damai Service Hospital (Melawati),
Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4108 9900 / Fax: 03-4108 9388

Salam Medical Centre, Seksyen 19,
Shah Alam
Tel: 03-5548 5161 / Fax: 03-5541 0503

Az-Zahrah Islamic Medical Centre,
Bangi, Selangor
Tel: 03-8925 2525 / Fax: 03-8925 9525

Government Hospitals

KUALA LUMPUR

Hospital Besar Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2691 5555 / Fax: 03-2691 1681

Institut Perubatan Respiratori, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4023 2966 / Fax: 03-4021 8807

Hospital Putrajaya, Presint 7, Putrajaya
Tel: 03-8888 0080 / Fax: 03-8888 0137

SELANGOR
Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang
Tel: 03-332 3333 / Fax: 03-332 9089

Hospital Kajang, Jalan Semenyih, Kajang
Tel: 03-834 3333 / Fax: 03-836 7527

Hospital Tanjung Karang, Tanjung Karang
Tel: 03-879 8333 / Fax: 03-879 5907

Hospital Kuala Kubu Baru, Jalan Hospital, Kuala Kubu Baru
Tel: 03-804 1333 / Fax: 03-804 3039

Hospital Tengku Ampuan Jermaah,Sabak Bernam
Tel: 03-886 3333 / Fax: 03-886 4333

Hospital Banting, Banting
Tel: 03-867 1333 / Fax: 03-867 1153

Hospital Selayang, Lebuhraya Selayang-Kepong, Batu Caves
Tel: 03-6136 7788 / Fax: 03-6137 7097

Hospital Sungai Buluh, Sungai Buluh
Tel: 03-656 1324 / Fax: 03-656 2470

Not listed? Get yourself listed by writing to us

Embassies in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-15T20:50:00.002+08:00

Afghanistan
Level 2, Wisma Chinese Chamber, 258 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-4256 9400, Fax: 03-4256 6400

Albania
2952 Jalan Bukit Ledang, Off Jalan Duta
Tel: 03-2093 7808, Fax: 03-2093 7359

Algeria
5 Jalan Mesra, Off Jalan Damai,
Tel: 03-2148 8159, Fax: 03-2148 8154

Argentina
3 Jalan Semantan Dua, Damansara Heights
Tel: 03-2095 0176, Fax: 03-2095 2706

Australian (High Commission)
6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
Tel: 03-2146 5555, 03-2146 5787 (after office hours), Fax: 03-2141 5773

Austria
Suite 10.01-02, Level 10, Wisma Goldhill, 67, Jalan Raja Chulan
Tel: 03-2381 7160, Fax: 03-2381 7168

Bangladesh (High Commission)
Block - 1, Lorong Damai 7, Jalan Damai
Tel: 03-2148 7940, Fax: 03-2141 3381

Belgium
Suite 10.02, 10th Floor, Menara Tan and Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2162 0025, Fax: 03-2162 0023

Bosnia and Herzegovina
854 Bellamy Road
Tel: 03-2144 0353, Fax: 03-2142 6025

Brazil
Suite 20-01, 20th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2171 1420 (Gen), Tel: 03-2171 1425 (Consular), Fax: 03-2171 1428

Britain
185 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2170 2200 (Main Office) , 03-2170 2345 (Consular Section), Fax: 03-2170 2360

Brunei Darussalam
19th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2161 2800, Fax: 03-2163 1302

Cambodia
46 Jalan U-Thant
Tel: 03-4257 3711, 03-4257 1157

Canadian (High Commission)
17th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2718 3333, Fax: 03-2718 3376

Chile
8th Floor, West Block, 142-C Jalan Ampang, Wisma Selangor Dredging
Tel: 03-2161 6203, Fax: 03-2162 2219

China
229 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2142 8495 , Fax: 03-2141 4552

Colombia
19A-26-1, Level 26, UOA Centre, 19, Jalan Pinang
Tel: 03-2164 5488, 03-2164 5489

Croatia
3 Jalan Mengkuang, Off Jalan Ru, Off Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-4253 5343

Cuba
20 Lingkungan U Thant, Off Jalan U Thant
Tel: 03-4251 6808

Czech Republic
32 Jalan Mesra, Off Jalan Damai
Tel: 03-2142 7185, 03-2141 3205

Denmark
22nd Floor, Wisma Denmark, 86, Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2032 2001, 03-2032 2004, 03-2032 2005

Ecuador
8th Floor, West Block, Wisma Selangor Dredging, 142-C Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2163 5078, 03-2163 5094

Egypt
28 Lingkungan U Thant, Off Jalan U Thant
Tel: 03-4256 8184, 03-4256 8745

Fiji
Level 2, Menara Chan, 138 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2732 3335, 03-2732 1937, 03-2732 1939

Finland
5th Floor, Wisma Chinese Chambers, 258, Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-4257 7746, 03-4257 7332, 03-4257 5880

France
196 Jalan Ampangr
Tel: 03-2053 5500, Fax: 03-2053 5501

Germany
3 Jalan U Thant
Tel: 03-2142 9666, 03-2142 9825, 03-2148 3989 (Consular Section)

Ghana (High Commission)
14 Ampang Hilir, Off Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-4252 6995, 03-4257 9703-

Guinea
5 Jalan Kedondong, Off Jalan Ampang Hilir
Tel: 03-4257 6500, 4252 6501, 4252 6502

Hungary
Suite 30C, 30th Floor, Empire Tower, City Square Centre, Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2163 7914, 03-2163 7915

India (High Commission)
2 Jalan Taman Duta, Off Jalan Duta
Tel: 03-253 3504, 03-253 3509, 03-253 3511, 03-253 3522 (Passport and Visa)

Indonesia
233 Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-603-242 1354, 03-242 1151, 03-241 5228

Iran
1 Lorong U Thant Satu, Off Jalan U Thant
Tel: 03-4251 4824, 03-4251 4830 (Visa Section)

Iraq
2 Jalan Langgak Golf, Off Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2148 0555, 03-2148 0650, 03-2148 0721

Ireland
Ireland House, The Amp Walk, 218 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2161 2693

Italy
99 Jalan U Thant
Tel: 03-4256 5122 , 03-4256 5228, 03-4256 4371

Japan
11 Persiaran Stonor, Off Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2142 7044, 03-2167 2314

Jordan
2 Jalan Kedondong, Off Jalan Ampang Hilir
Tel: 03-4252 1268, 03-4252 8549

Kazakhstan
Suite 6.07, 6th Floor, North Block, The Ampang Walk, 218, Jln. Ampang
Tel: 03-2166 4144, 03-2166 7872

Kenya (High Commission)
7A Gerbang Ampang Hilir
Tel: 03-4257 2431

North Korea
4 Persiaran Madge, Off Jalan U Thant
Tel: 03-4256 9913 Fax: 03-4256 9933

South Korea
9 & 11 Jalan Nipah, Off Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-4251 2336, Fax: 03-4252-1425

Kuwait
229 Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2141 0033

Kyrgyz
1 Lorong Damai 10
Tel: 03-2164 9862, 03-263 2012

Laos
12A Pesiaran Madge, Off Jalan Ampang Hilir
Tel: 03-4251 1118

Libya
6 Jalan Madge, Off Jalan U Thant
Tel: 03-2141 1035, 03-2141 1158

Luxembourg
Suite 16.03, 16th Floor, Menara Keck Seng, 203, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2143 3134

Mauritius (High Commission)
14th Floor, Bangunan Angkasa Raya, Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2141 1870, 03-2141 1126

Mexico
Menara Tan & Tan , 22nd Floor, 207 Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2164 6362

Morocco
7th Floor, East Block, Wisma Selangor Dredging, 142-B Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2161 0701, 03-2161 0705

Myanmar
10 Jalan Mengkuang, Off Jalan Ru
Tel: 03-4256 0280, 03-4257 0680

Namibia (High Commission)
11 Jalan Mesra, Off Jalan Damai
Tel: 03-2143 3593

Netherlands
Suite 7.01, 7th Floor, The Ampwalk, South Block, 218 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2168 6200, 012 235 3210 (Emergency after hours), Fax: 03-2168 6240

New Zealand (High Commission)
21st. Floor, Menara IMC, 8 Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 03-2078 2533

Nigeria (High Commission)
85 Jalan Ampang Hilir
Tel: 03-4251 7843, 03-4251 8512

Norway
53rd. Floor, Empire Tower, Jalan Tun Razak
Tel : 03-2163 7100

Oman
6 Jalan Langgak Golf, Off Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2145 2827, 2145 2829

Pakistan (High Commission)
132 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2161 8877, Fax: 2164 5958

Palestine
63, Jalan U Thant
Tel: 03-456 8905, 03-456 8906

Papua New Guinea (High Commission)
46 Jalan U-Thant
Tel: 03-453 2400

Peru
6th Floor, South Block, Wisma Selangor Dredging, 142-A Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2163 3034, Fax: 03-2163 3039

Philippines
1 Changkat Kia Peng
Tel: 03-248 4233, 03-248 4654, 03-248 4682, 03-248 9989

Poland
495 Jalan Ampang, Ampang
Tel: 03-4257 6733, 03-4257 6719

Romania
114 Jalan Damai, Off Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2142 3172

Russia
263 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4256 0009, 03-4256 7252

Saudi Arabia
4th Floor, Wisma Chinese Chamber, 258 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-4257 9825, Fax: 03-4257 8751

Seychelles (High Commission)
50, 2nd Floor, Jalan SS19/1D, Subang Jaya
Tel: 03-5638 9881, 03-5638 8964

Singapore
209 Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2161 6277, 03-2161 6404, 03-2161 6506

South Africa (High Commission)
12 Lorong Titiwangsa 12, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa
Tel: 03-4026 5700, 03-4024 4456

Spain
200 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2142 8776, 03-2148 4868, 03-2148 4655

Sri Lanka (High Commission)
116 Jalan Damai, Off Jalan Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2161 2199, 03-2161 2206

Sudan
1 Persiaran Ampang, Off Jalan Ru
Tel: 03-4256 9104, 03-421 6054, 4252 5631

Swaziland (High Commission)
Suite 22.03-& 22.03A, Menara Citibank, 165 Jalan Ampang,
Tel: 03-2163 2511

Sweden
6th Floor, Bangunan Angkasa Raya, 123 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2148 5433

Switzerland
16 Persiaran Madge, Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2148 0622, 03-2148 0751

Thailand
206 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2148 8222, 03-2148 8350

Turkey
118 Jalan U Thant
Tel: 03-4257 2225, 03-4257 2226

Ukraine
22nd Floor, Menara Tan and Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2166 9552

United Arab Emirates (UAE)
1 Gerbang Ampang Hilir, Off Persiaran Ampang Hilir
Tel: 03-4253 5221, 03-4253 5420

United States of America
376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2168 5000, Fax: 03-2148 5801

Uruguay
21 Jalan Taman U Thant, Off Jalan U Thant
Tel: 03-243 3364, 03-243 3379

Uzbekistan
Suite 6.03, 6th Floor, North Block, The Ampang Walk, 218 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2161 8100, 03-2161 8101

Venezuela
Suite 20-05, 20th Floor, Menara Tan and Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2163 3444, 03-2163 3445

Vietnam
4 Persiaran Stonor, Off Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-248 4036 (Visa), 03-248 4534 (Protocol), 03-248 4692 (Commercial)

Yemen
6 Jalan Kedondong, Off Jalan Ampang Hilir
Tel: 03-4251 1793, 03-4252 2481

Zimbabwe (High Commission)
124 Jalan Sembilan, Taman Ampang Utama
Tel: 03-451 6779, 03-451 6782

Financial Services

2008-05-15T20:47:00.003+08:00

Banks are open five days a week, from Monday to Friday. Banking hours are from 9am to 4pm daily. The following are the major banks in Kuala Lumpur.

Bank Negara Malaysia
(Central Bank of Malaysia)

ABN AMRO Bank Berhad
Tel: 03-2162-6666(KL), 04-228-9999 (Penang)

Affin Bank Berhad
Tel: 03-2055-9000, 1-800-88-3883

Alliance Bank Berhad
Tel: 03-2694-8800,1800-1818-22

AMBank Berhad
Tel: 03-2162-6888 (24 hour call centre)

Bank of America
Tel: 03-2032-1133

Bangkok Bank Berhad
Tel: 03-2072 4555 / 20724552 / 20705615

Bank Of China (Malaysia) Bank Berhad
Tel: 03-2162-6633

Bank Of Tokyo-Mitsubishi (Malaysia) Berhad
Tel: 03-2078-9100 / 2078-5855

Bumiputra-Commerce Bank Berhad
BCB Phone Banking Hotline - 1300 880 900

Citibank Berhad
Tel: 03-2383-0000

Deutsche Bank
Tel: 03-2053 8730

EON Bank Berhad
Tel: 03-2694-1188

Hong Leong Bank Berhad
Tel: 1-800-38-8888

HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad
03-2050 7878 (24 hour call center)

J.P. Morgan Chase Bank Berhad
Tel: 03-2270 4350

Malayan Banking Berhad (with online banking)
Tel: 03-2072-7788

OCBC (Bank) Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 03-2055-1000

Public Bank Berhad
Toll Free 1-800-88-3323 (Office hours)

RHB Bank Berhad
Tel: 03-9206 8118 (Phone Banking)

Southern Bank Berhad
Tel: 03-2077-7345

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia
Tel: 03-7710-8888

Bank of Nova Scotia Berhad
Tel: 03-2141 0766 / 2147 3037

United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd
Tel: 03-2612 8121(KL)

State Tourism Sites

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Below is a list of websites of tourism authorities in different states in Malaysia. You can find information about the various attrations in each state. We will update the information as regularly as possible so you may bookmark this page for ease of use.

The tourism sites are:

Kuala Lumpur
http://www.dbkl.gov.my
http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws
http://www.kualalumpur.gov.my

Labuan
http://www.labuantourism.com.my

Johor
http://www.johortourism.com.my
http://www.johorpark.com
http://www.tourismjohor.com

Kedah
http://www.kedah.gov.my
http://www.mylangkawi.com

Kelantan
http://www.kelantan.gov.my/dir bi.htm

Melaka
http://www.melaka.gov.my

Negeri Sembilan
http://www.sukns.gov.my
http://www.tourismnegerisembilan.com

Pahang
http://www.pahang.gov.my/tourism/
http://www.pahangtourism.com.my

Penang
http://www.penang.com.my
http://www.pdc.gov.my
http://www.exoticpenang.com.my
http://www.visitpenang.com.my

Perak
http://www.perak.gov.my/
http://www.tourismperak.com/main.cfm
http://www.perak.gov.my/english

Sabah
http://www.sabahtourism.com

Sarawak
http://www.sarawak.com.my
http://www.sarawaktourism.com
http://www.sedctourism.com

Selangor
http://www.selangor.gov.my

Terengganu
http://www.tourism.terengganu.gov.my
http://www.terengganutourism.com

Tourism Malaysia Addresses

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Tourism Malaysia Headquarters17th Floor, Menara Dato' Onn, Putra World Trade Centre,45, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.Tel: 03-26935188 Fax: 03-26935884, 03-26930207Website: http://www.tourism.gov.my/main/default.aspor http://www.tourism.gov.my/E-mail: tourism@tourism.gov.myTourism Infoline: 1-300-88-5776
Tourism Malaysia Local OfficesNorthern RegionNo.10, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, 10200 Penang.Tel: 04-2619067,04-2620066 Fax: 04-2623688E-mail: mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
Southern RegionSuite 5-2, Johor Tourist Information Centre (JOTIC)2, Jalan Ayer Molek, 80000 Johor Bahru.Tel: 07-2223591, 07-2240288 Fax: 07-2235502E-mail: mailto:mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
East Coast Region5th Floor, Menara Yayasan Islam Terengganu,Jalan Sultan Omar, 20300 Kuala Terengganu.Tel: 09-6221433, 09-6221893 Fax: 09-6221791E-mail: mtpbkt@tourism.gov.my
Sabah OfficeGround Floor, EON CMG Life Bldg, No.1, Jalan Segunting, 88000 Kota Kinabalu.Tel: 088-248698,088-242064,088-211732 Fax: 088-241764E-mail: mailto:mtpbkt@tourism.gov.my
Sarawak Office2nd Floor, Bangunan Rugayah Jalan Song Thian Cheok, 93100 Kuching.Tel: 082-246575, 082-246775 Fax: 082-246442E-mail: mtpbkch@tourism.gov.my

Tourism Malaysia Overseas Offices
AUSTRALIAPerthTourism Malaysia, Ground Floor, MAS Building, 56, William Street, Perth, WA 6000.Tel: 08-9-4810400 Fax: 08-9-321-1421E-mail: mtpb.perth@tourism.gov.my
CANADAVancouverTourism Malaysia, Vancouver 830, Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C., CANADA V6Z 1X9Tel: 604-689-8899 Fax: 604-689-8804E-mail: mtpb.vancouver@tourism.gov.my
GERMANYTourism Malaysia, Rossmarkt 11, 60311 Frankfurt Am Main, GERMANYTel: 069-283-782/ 783 Fax: 069-285-215E-mail: mtpb.frankfurt@tourism.gov.my
FRANCEOffice National du Tourisme de Malaisie,29, Rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris, FRANCETel: 01-4297-4171 Fax: 01-4297-4169E-mail: mtpb.paris@tourism.gov.my
HONG KONGTourism Malaysia, Ground Floor, Malaysia Building, 47-50, Gloucester Road, HONG KONGTel: 852-2528-5810/ 5811 Fax: 852-2865-4610E-mail: mtpb.hongkong@tourism.gov.my
ITALYTourism Malaysia, Secondo Piano, Piazza San Babila 4/B, 20122 Milano, ITALYTel: 02-796702 Fax: 02-796806E-mail: mtpb.Milan@tourism.gov.my
JAPANTokyoTourism Malaysia, 5F Chiyoda Building, 1-6-4 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo100-0006, JAPANTel: 03-35018691 Fax: 03-35018692VOICE FAX INFOSERVICE Tel: 03-32497210/ ACC CODE 4371#E-mail: mtpb.tokyo@tourism.gov.myWebsite: http://www.tourismmalaysia.or.jp/OsakaTourism Malaysia, 10th Floor, Cotton Nissay Building, 1-8-2, Utsubo-Honmachi,Nishi-ku, Osaka 5500004, JAPANTel: 06-6444-1220 Fax: 06-6444-1380E-mail: mtpb.osaka@tourism.gov.my
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIATourism Malaysia, c/o Cosulate General of Malaysia, Lot 241, Al Mualiffin Street, Al RehabDistrict, P.O Box 593, Jeddah 21421, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIATel: 966-2-672-8019 / 672-7740 Fax: 966-2-676-0877E-mail: mtpb.jeddah@tourism.gov.my
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINABeijingTourism Malaysia, Embassy of Malaysia 13, Dongzhimenwai Dajie Chaoyang District,100600 Beijing PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINATel: (8610) 6532-2531 / 2 / 3Fax: (8610) 65325032E-mail: mtpb.beijing@tourism.gov.myShanghaiConsulate General of Malaysia Units 1101, 1110 & 1112 Level 11,CITIC Square, 1168, Nanjing Road West, Shanghai 200041PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINATel: (8621) 52925424 / 5 Fax: (8621) 52925951E-mail: mailto:mtpb.beijing@tourism.gov.my
INDIANew DelhiTourism Malaysia, c/o High Commision of Malaysia, 50-M Satya Marg,Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, INDIATel: (9111) 611-1291 / 92 / 96 /97 Fax: (9111) 688-1538 E-mail: mtpb.newdelhi@tourism.gov.myChennaiOffice of The Assistant High Commision For Malaysia in Chennai6, Sriram Nagar North Street, Alwarpet, Chennai 600018, INDIATel: 434-3048 / 434-8624 Fax: 434-2893 / 434-3049E-mail: mtpb.chennai@tourism.gov.myMumbaiTourism Malaysia, c/o High Commision of Malaysia, 123 Jolly Maker II, 12th Floor,Nariman Point, Mumbai, 40021 INDIATel: 0091 2223 52085 / 6 / 7 Fax: 0091 2223 90702E-mail: mtpb.newdelhi@tourism.gov.my
INDONESIAJakartaTourism Malaysia, c/o Embassy of Malaysia, Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav.x/6 No,1-2,Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12940 INDONESIATel: 6221 5220765 Fax: 6221 5220766E-mail: mtpb.jakarta@tourism.gov.myMedanTourism Malaysia, c/o Consulate General of Malaysia, 48 Jalan Diponegoro, 20152Medan, Sumatera Utara, INDONESIATel: 6261 4531342 Fax: 6261 4534681 Tel/ Fax: 62614523179E-mail: mtpb.medan@tourism.gov.my
RUSSIAN FEDERATIONTourism Malaysia, c/o Embassy of Malaysia, Mosfilmovskaya Ulitsa 50, Moscow 117192,RUSSIAN FEDERATIONTel: 095-147-1512 / 14 / 23 Fax: 095-937-9602E-mail: mtpb.moscow@tourism.gov.my
SINGAPOREMalaysia Tourism Promotion Board, 80 Robinson Road, SINGAPORE 068898Tel: 65-532-6321 / 6351 Fax: 65-535-6650E-mail: mtpb.singapore@tourism.gov.my
SOUTH AFRICATourism Malaysia, 2nd Floor, Hutton Court, Cnr.Jan Smuts Avenue & Summit Road, Hyde park, 2196 Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICATel: 011-327-0400 / 0401 Fax: 011-327-0205E-mail: mtpb.johannesburg@tourism.gov.my
SOUTH KOREATourism Malaysia, 2nd Floor, Hansung Building, 47-2 Seosomun-dong, Chung-ku Seoul 100-110, SOUTH KOREATel: 02-779-4422 Fax: 02-779-4254E-mail: mtpb.seoul@tourism.gov.my
SWEDENTourism Malaysia, Klarabergsgatan 35, 2 tr, Box 131, 10122 Stockholm, SWEDENTel: 46-8-24-99-00 Fax: 46-8-24-23-24E-mail: mtpb.stockholm@tourism.gov.my
TAIWANTourism Malaysia, Suite C, 8th Floor, Hung Tai Centre, 170, Tun Hwa North Road, Taipei,TAIWANTel: 02-2514-9704 / 9734 Fax: 02-2514-9973E-mail: mtpb.taipei@tourism.gov.my
THAILANDBangkokTourism Malaysia, Unit 1001, Liberty Square, 287, Silom Road, Bangkok 10500, THAILANDTel: 02-631-1994 / 9734 Fax:02-631-1998E-mail: mtpb.bangkok@tourism.gov.myPhuket183/ 81, Phang-Nga Road, Amphur Muang, Phuket 8300, THAILANDTel: 076-220-192 / 193 Fax: 076-220-196E-mail: mtpb.phuket@tourism.gov.my
TURKEYTourism Malaysia, Istanbul Valikonagi Caddesi 11/ 1 80220 Nisantasi, Istanbul, TURKEYTel: 90-212-2252761 Fax: 90-212-2403691E-mail: mtpb.istanbul@tourism.gov.my
UNITED ARAB EMIRATESTourism Malaysia, c/o Consulate General of Malaysia, Lot 1-3 & 6-10, Ground & MezzanineFloors, Al-Shafeena Building, Near Lamcy Plaza, Al Zabeel Road, AlHamriya, P.O Box 4598, Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATESTel: 971-433-55528/38,971-050-4573613 Fax: 971-433-52220E-mail: mtpb.dubai@tourism.gov.my
UNITED KINGDOMTourism Malaysia, London 57, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DU,Tel: 020-7930-7932 Fax: 020-7930-9015E-mail: mtpb.london@tourism.gov.my
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Los Angeles
Tourism Malaysia, 818, Suite 970, West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017-3432, U.S.A.Tel: 213-689-9702 Fax: 213-689-1530E-mail: mtpb.la@tourism.gov.my

New York
Tourism Malaysia, 120 East 56th Street, Suite 810, New York, NY 10022, U.S.A.Tel: 212-754-1113 / 1114 Fax: 212-754-1116E-mail: mailto:mtpb.la@tourism.gov.myWebsite: http://www.visitmalaysia.com/

Travel Associations & Organisations in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-09T09:26:00.004+08:00

Travel & Tourism Associations Based in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Association of Tours and Travel Agent
Address: 11 Jalan 1/76 Desa Pandan Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 6-03-92876881Fax: 6-03-92876880
Email: admin@matta.org.my
Website: http://www.matta.org.my

Malaysian Association of Hotels
Address: C5-3 Wisma MAH Jalan Ampang Utama 1/1 One Ampang Avenue, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 6-03-4251 8477Fax: 6-03-4252 8477
Website: http://www.hotels.org.my

Malaysia Budget Hotel Association
Address: 52, Tengkat Tong Shin, 50200 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: 6-03-2141-2313Fax: 6-03-2143-9313
Website: http://www.budgethotel.org.my/

Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS)
Address: c/o 78 Jalan SS22/21 Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya Selangor
Phone: 6-03-77272616Fax: 6-03-77272616

Kuala Lumpur Tourist Association
Address: National Museum Ground
Phone: 6-03-22740831Fax: 6-03-22747702
Email: klta@streamyx.com
Website: www.klta.org.my

PATA Malaysia Chapter
Address: Foyer of Wira Hotel123 Jalan Thamboosamy Off Jalan Putra 50350 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 6-03-40432448Fax: 6-03-40458113

Malaysian Tourist Guides' Council (MTGC)
Address: c/o Unit 7-1, Jalan USJ 1/1B, Regalia Business Centre, Taman Subang Mewah, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Email: mtgc@po.jaring.my
Phone: 6-03 8024 0385Fax: 6-03 7980 5055

Malaysia Association for Shopping and Highrise Complex Management
Address: A113, 1st Floor, Block A Jalan SS20/27, Damansara Intan, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 6-03-7727 6202Fax: 6-03-7727 6203
Email:
Website: ppkm.org.my

KL Hawkers & Petty Traders Association
Address: 36A, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 6-03-2387827Fax: 6-03-2387827

Car Rental Association of Malaysia
Address: c/o Sime Darby Rent A Car Sdn Bhd Lot 2, Ground Floor, Kompleks Antarabangsa, Jln Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 6-03-21486433Fax: 6-03-21428481

Malaysian Association Of Hotel Owners
Address: 21st Menara Tun Razak, Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 6-03-26914644Fax: 6-03-26912918

The Association of Homestay Programme Malaysia
Address: Kampung Ketam 1, Kerdau, Temerloh, Pahang.
Phone: 6-03-3263-0048Fax: 6-03-3263 0049

Kuala Lumpur Tourist Guides Association (KLTGA)
Address: No 163-3, 3rd Floor, Persiaran Jubilee Off Jalan Loke Yew 55200 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 6-03 9221 0688Fax: 6-03 9221 2910
Email: b1014@pd.jaring.my
Website: http://www.geocities.com/kltga

Selangor Tour Guides Association
Address: No 1-3-17, Jalan 3/91, Taman Shamelin Perkasa, 56100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 6-03 3250 9608, 013 365 2467, 012 330 3548Fax: 6-03 - 3250 9560

Malaysia Chinese Tourism Association
Address: 37B, 1st Floor, Medan Imbi Off Jalan Imbi 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 6-03-21434457

Persatuan Pemandu Pemandu Pelancong Bumiputra (BTGA)
Address: c/o Lavender Holidays & Management, 35B, Jalan SG 3/10, Pusat Bandar Sri Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Phone: 6-03 6186 0405, 013 729 4940, 019 786 8535Fax: 6-03 6186 0063, 607 223 5502

Taman Negara Nature Guide Association (TNTGA)
Address: Lot 20, Kg Belebar, Kuala Tahan, 27000 Jerantut, Pahang Darul Makmur
Phone: 6-09 266 9093,/ 1122Fax: 6-09 266 6890
Email: tntga@hotmail.com

Immigration Matters - Immigration Offices in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-09T09:25:00.001+08:00

Immigration & Visa Requirements:

For the latest list of Immigration requirements needed to enter Malaysia, please visit the Malaysian Immigration Department website at http://www.imi.gov.my.

Also visit the website of the Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry for the latest visa requirements as well as any recent health regulations imposed on travellers from certain countries.

Drug Law
Malaysia has very harsh drug regulations. The mandatory penalty for trafficking is death.

Complaints against retailers/service providers
The retail trade and service providers come under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs. If you feel that you have not been given a raw deal with a purchase or use of a service, you may lodge a complaint online here.

Tour Guides and Services in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-09T06:13:00.003+08:00

Tour Guides and Services in Kuala Lumpur

Most tour guides operating in Kuala Lumpur are licensed and belong to an authorised tour guide association or body.

If this is your first time visiting Kuala Lumpur, it is advisable that you engage the services of a licensed tourist guide. Standard rates apply.

If you feel that you could have been taken for a ride, you may want to contact the various tourism and tour guide organisations here for advice.

But as a rough guide, here is an estimate of what you might be paying:

The above are further subject to the following conditions:

Local languages refer to Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, English, Tamil, and local Chinese dialects.

Foreign languages refer to all languages other than those stipulated under the local languages group.

Minimum meal allowance of RM 25 for overland assignments if meals are not provided.

Accommodation must be provided by hirer/operator. Female or male guides are to be provided rooms, or share rooms with female or male companion respectively.

Upon exceeding the hours indicated in the Half Day or Full Day Tours shown above, overtime rates are applicable regardless of whether a full hour is incurred or not.

Midnight surcharge of additional 50% on normal guide fee for all assignments or services extended beyond midnight and before 0600hours the next day.

Cancellation of overland assignments must be given 3 days’ notice in advance, otherwise a 1-day professional fee will be charged.

Cancellation of all other assignments must be given 24 hours notice in advance, otherwise the full assignment fee must be paid.

Guides’ Fees are doubled on the following eight (8) Malaysian festive days:

New Year – Jan 1

Labour Day – May 1

Hari Raya Puasa – Day 1 and Day 2

Chinese Lunar New Year – Day 1 and Day 2

Deepavali

Christmas Day - Dec 25

NOTE: These have been adapted from the Malaysia Tourist Guide Council's schedule of fees. Kindly contact them for details.
Malaysian Tourist Guides’ Council is located at
Unit 7-1, Jalan USJ 1/1B, Regalia Business Centre, Taman Subang Mewah, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan,
Tel: 603-8024 0385, Fax: 603-7980 5055 and Email: mtgc@po.jaring.my

Travel Agencies in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-09T06:12:00.002+08:00

Listing of Travel Agencies

When seeking the assistance of travel agents, you can check with your local hotel's information desk. Usually they can provide you with better deals with their regular agents.

But if you wish to seek your own, always go for the more established ones. Registered travel agents carry authorised licences and prominently display them at their outlets.

Below are some of the travel agencies you can find in Kuala Lumpur. There are more we could have missed. Numbers may also have changed. If you are an operator whose numbers and address is not listed here or whose numbers have changed, please inform us here.

Travel Agencies in Kuala Lumpur

MC Travel Sdn Bhd
No. 87, BS, Wisma Phoenix, Jln Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2144 3448

BMC Travel Sdn Bhd
2nd Floor, Megan Avenue 1, Jln Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2161 1448

Chan Brothers (PK) Travel Agency Sdn Bhd
7th Floor, Uoa 2, Jln Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2161 1168

Desinyo Travel Agency Sdn Bhd
2nd Floor, Plaza Berjaya, Jln Imbi, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2148 1511

Desinyo Travel Agency Sdn Bhd
No. 126, 6th Floor, Kl Industries, Jln Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2145 4833

Desinyo Travel Agency Sdn Bhd
No. 1, 4th Floor, Wisma Dani, Jln Jejaka 4, Taman Maluri, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-9283 6255

Desinyo Travel Agency Sdn Bhd
No. 29, Jln Jejaka 2, Taman Maluri, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-9282 5853

Economy Travel & Tours Agency Sdn Bhd
1st Floor, Wisma Central, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2161 9030

Fu Sin Tours (M) Sdn Bhd
1st Floor, Blok B Kl Plaza, Jln Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2141 1105

Ganesh Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd
1st Floor, Palace Hotel, Jln Mesjid India, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2693 8610

Hamsa-Vahini Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
No. 44, Jln Maarof, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2282 3788

Hamsa-Vahini Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
No. 134, Jln Berhala, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2273 5788

Kingfisher Tours Sdn Bhd
11st Floor, Bgn Yayasan Selangor, Jln Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2142 1454

M S Star Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd
2nd Floor, Wisma Pkns, Jln Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2697 7777

Mamtaj Agencies
1st Floor, Selangor Mansion, Jln Mesjid India, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2693 0413

Mamtaj Travel Agency Sdn Bhd
1st Floor, Wisma Tun Sambathan, Jln Sultan Sulaiman, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2278 1046

Marco Polo Holidays Sdn Bhd
No. 60, Jln Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2078 8300

Marco Polo Holidays Sdn Bhd
2nd Floor, Wisma Mca, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2163 7605

Master World Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
No. 54, Ground Floor, Jln Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2034 1637

Master World Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
No. 162, M, Jln Hang Lekir, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2070 8936

Mupah Travel Agency Sdn Bhd
1st Floor, Wisma Kosas, Jln Melayu, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2693 2319

Pacific World Travel Sdn Bhd
2nd Floor, Angkasaraya, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2148 0644

Reliance Shipping & Travel Agency Sdn Bhd
3rd Floor, Sungai Wang Plaza, Jln Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2148 6280

Reliance Shipping & Travel Agency Sdn Bhd
L1, Putra World Trade Centre, Jln Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-4043 5784

Reliance Shipping & Travel Agency Sdn Bhd
Blok A Megan Avenue Ii, Jln Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2163 5153

Ros Line Shipping & Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd
1st Floor, Wisma Rampai, Jln 34/26, Taman Sri Rampai, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-4149 4322

Seasonice Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
No. 35, 1st Floor, Jln Kaskas 2, Taman Cheras, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-9131 1553

Skyzone Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd
No. 106, Deluxe Tours Sdn Bhd, Jln Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2143 4594

Skyzone Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd
3rd Floor, Shaw Parade, Jln Cangkat Thamby Dollah, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2142 9288

Takzim Tours & Express Agency (M) Sdn Bhd
250D, Ground Floor, Jln Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-4045 5460

Trans Malaysia Tours & Agencies Sdn Bhd
No. 2, Ground Floor, Jln Gereja, Kuala Lumpur,
Call: 03-2072 8258

KL Hop on - Hop Off City Tour

2008-05-09T06:10:00.001+08:00

LAUNCHED in December 2006, the Hop On-Hop Off double-deck tour buses service 22 stops in Kuala Lumpur. These buses are equipped with facilities for the disabled.

Operating under the KL Hop On - Hop Off City Tour, these tour buses offer you the chance to explore the city at your own pace.

You can choose to stay on through the full circuit tour (the ticket is valid for 24 hours upon purchase) or hop and off at the destination of your fancy. It is a convenient way of seeing Kuala Lumpur. And it covers over almost all major hotels in Kuala Lumpur in its route.

Pre-recorded commentaries in eight different languages - Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Japanese, French and Spanish - are played in the buses as they take you through the more than 40 tourist destinations within the city.

Tickets are at RM38 per person. Group purchases (min of 5) are priced at RM32 per person. Senior citizens, students and the disabled only pay RM17 while children below five years old ride for free.

Malaysian MYKad holders only pay RM19 during promotions.]

Tickets can be purchased on the bus itself, through the Internet or from agents (hotels and travel agencies). Each ticket comes with a service booklet with information and map of Kuala Lumpur.

Operating seven days a week, the service is available from 8.30am to 8.30pm daily over 30-minute intervals.

For enquiries, call 03-2691 1382. Or visit their website here.

Self-Tour

2008-05-09T06:06:00.002+08:00

See Kuala Lumpur On A Budget

Although Kuala Lumpur looks big and complicated at first glance, the city capital is actually very organised.

A good public transportation network covering all major areas in Kuala Lumpur sees to it that you can get from one end of the city to another with relative ease - whether it is using buses and taxis or any of the three rapid transit systems comprising the Light Rail Transit systems (Rapid KL) or the KL Monorail.

Kuala Lumpur's tourist attractions too are grouped within walking distance and if you are up to it and health is no problem, you can even take in the sights and sounds at leisure.

Below are suggested itineraries that you can plan for yourself if you decide to go for a self-guided tour of Kuala Lumpur. I have included a simple walking map which you can download at your hotel business centre and have it printed. The files are pretty small and the maps have been simplified and should come in handy as your discover Kuala Lumpur on foot:

City Centre Tour - Self Discovery, Light and Easy:
1. Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad Tour - Sights to take in include the Sultan Abdul Samad and the Clock Tour, Textile Museum, Merdeka Square, St Mary's Cathedral, Historical Museum, KL Memorial Library, and the British Council.

2. KL Railway Station Tour - This takes you to the southern end of the city. Attractions nearby include the National Mosque, National Planetarium, Islamic Civilisation Museum, General Post Office, and the British Council. End your day's discovery at the National Museum.

3. Lake Gardens Tour - Start at the National Monument and the Cenotaph, head straight into the Lake Gardens area. Sights here that you should not miss when in Kuala Lumpur include the Orchid Garden, Deer Park, Hibiscus Garden, Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Tun Razak Memorial, the Lake Garden(known also as Sydney Lake in the past).

4. Shopping at Chinatown Tour - Start at the western end of the Petaling Street, at the Central Market. Shop for souvenirs at the Central Market and move from there into the Chinatown area. Sights to take in include quaint shops and eateries, Sri Mahariamman Temple, Sze Ya Temple, and more. This is one of the oldest historical areas in Kuala Lumpur.

5. Starhill escapade - Bukit Bintang Tour. This is the ultimate shopping experience when in Kuala Lumpur. It comprises visits to Sungai Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Lot 10, Starhill Complex, KL Plaza, Low Yat Plaza and Berjaya Times Square. Discover the multinational restaurants and eateries, boutiques and fashionhouses along the roads.

6. Intellectual Tour - The National Art Gallery, located at Jalan Tun Razak, is neighbour to the National Theatre and National Library. Check out Malaysian literature at the National Library or take in the country's artistic heritage at the National Art Gallery. The National Theatre organises frequent concerts and shows and if you are for the arts, check it out, too.

7. KLCC - Must not be missed when you are in Kuala Lumpur. Located within this mega shopping complex are the Aquaria (one of the largest aquariums in the country), the Petronas Science Centre (Petrosains), the Petronas Art Gallery, and the Suria Shopping Mall housing international class eateries as well as fashion houses. Outside, within walking distance is the KLCC park which offers photography opportunities. Other shopping complexes nearby are Ampang Park and the City Square.

8. PUTRA, STAR and KL MONORAIL tours - Fancy a rail-ly guided tour of one end of Kuala Lumpur to the other? Then go aboard one of the above - or even tackle all three in one day - and see the city from above and below. For ticket prices, check these links - Rapid KL lines and KL Monorail.

Tips:
Kuala Lumpur is generally a safe city but basic commonsense applies when walking around in the city, especially alone. These are some general tips when touring the city on foot.

Bring a good supply of water as the city can be quite hot for those from temperate countries. Drink lots of water. All places of interests are equipped with generally clean toilet facilities.

Wear light clothes and carry an umbrella or wear a hat if walking under the hot sun. Sunblocks are optional but can be useful.

There are bus stops and taxi stands indicated by their respective signages. Buses can only stop at designated places but taxis, can sometimes pick up passengers at any spot unless specific taxi stops are indicated.

If travelling by taxis, make sure cabbies go by the meter - this is the only authorised means of charging passengers. Some taxis even have receipts and don't be afraid to ask before your board them.

Most places of interest open to public by between 9 and 10am, but to visit at the latter hour is generally a safe bet.

Some places, such as places of worship, discourage the wearing of shoes into the premises. Observe and follow - this is the best way of not offending the hosts.

When touring the city on foot, basic commonsense applies when it comes to personal safety. Travel at least with a friend and avoid dark alleys at night fall.

When in areas of high traffic such as night markets, be careful with your belongings. Keep your wallets and handbags safe. Although it is very rare, snatch thiefs and pickpockets may lurk in these areas. Keep an open eye.

Tourist police can be found around the city and even normal policemen are most willing to help. Most of them are conversant in English, so do not hesitate to ask for help - whether it is directions or other types of assistance.

Locals are also very helpful and many speak and understand English. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance if the need arises.

Indecent behaviour in public areas are discouraged.

Moving About

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Getting Around In Kuala Lumpur

KL is linked by a network of efficient transportation services. - TDC

BUSES
City bus operators include the following:
Rapid KL Bus (Tel: 03-7625 6999)
Intrakota Bus, (Tel 03-7726 2944)
City Liner, (Tel: 603-7982 7060)
Metro Bus, (Tel: 03-5635 3011)
Park May, (Tel: 03-7982 6904)

Tickets are priced according to destination or flat rate of RM1.00

Destinations & Stations:
Destination: Petaling Jaya, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Shah Alam and Port Klang.
Station: Klang Bus Station

Destination: Jalan Pantai Baru, Bangsar, Petaling Jaya (Old Town), Kelana Jaya, Bukit Damansara and Subang.
Station: Jalan Sultan Mohamad Bus Station

Destination: Selayang Baru, Segambut Dalam and Batu Caves. Pudu Raya Bus Station To Seri Kembangan, Sungai Besi Camp, Balakong, Taman Seri Serdang and Kajang.
Station: Bangkok Bank Bus Station

Destination: Taman Greenwood, Kg. Air Panas, Sri Gombak, Taman Setapak and 12th Mile Gombak.
Station: Lebuh Ampang Bus Station

Destination: Jalan Cheras, Sri Petaling, Serdang Lama, Taman Goodwood, Salak South, Sungei Besi, Kampung Pandan, Bandar Tun Razak and Taman Maluri.
Station: Kota Raya Shopping Complex/Menara Maybank

Destination: Kg. Datuk Keramat, Ulu Kelang, Ampang, Cheras, Salak South, Sungai Besi, Petaling Jaya, jalan Kelang Lama, Bangsar, Damansara, Kepong, Jinjang, Segambut, Selayang, Sentul, Gombak and Jalan Genting Kelang.
Station: Chow Kit Bus Stand

Intercity Buses:
Destination: To KLIA
Station: Hentian Putra Station

Destination: To the East Coast
Stations: Putra Bus Station, opposite the Putra World Trade Centre (Tel: 03-4042 9530)
Pekeliling Bus Station, Jalan Tun Razak
(Tel: 03-4042 7256)

Destination: To the North, East Coast, South and Singapore
Stations: Pudu Raya Bus Station, Jalan Pudu (Tel: 03-230 0145):

Destination: To the North & South
Station: Bangunan MARA, Medan MARA, Jalan Raja Laut (Tel: 03-2691 8113)

TAXICABS
RM2 for the first 2km and 10 sen for every subsequent 200 metres. 50% surcharge levied from midnight to 6.00am.Call cabs charge RM1 additional to the fare.

Town Cabs:

Comfort - Tel: 03-8024 2727

City Line Cab - Tel: 03-222 2828

Hotline Cab - Tel: 03-255 3399

Konsisma - Tel: 03-4041 8862

KL Taxi - Tel: 03-9221 8999

Mesra Cab - Tel: 03-4042 1019

Public Cab - Tel: 03-6259 2020

Radio Cab - Tel: 03-9221 7600

Sakti Radio Taxi - Tel: 03-4042 0848

Saujana Cab - Tel: 03-2162 8888

Selasih Muara - Tel: 03-6185 5555

Supercab - Tel: 03-7875 7333

Sunlight - Tel: 03-9058 9986

Teletaxi - Tel: 03-9221 1011

Utusan Radio Taxi - Tel: 03-7983 5555

Wira Cab - Tel: 03-2144 3630

Airport Taxi:
Airport Taxi - Tel: 03-238 0123

TRAINS:
Commuter Trains
KTM Komuter electric train service: From the KL Railway Station other city stations. It also services the Port Klang, Seremban, Kajang and Rawang out-of-town routes.

KTM Komuter, Tel: 03-2272 2828

KL Light Rail Transit (LRT)
RapidKL and KL Monorail systems operate from 6.00am to midnight daily. Tickets can be purchased at the station. For details, check out their websites:

KL LRT/Rapid KL (Tel: 03-7625 6999)

KL Monorail (Tel: 03-2267 9888)

Railway
KL Sentral is the main hub, connecting the peninsula in two lines:

West Coast Line: Singapore - Kuala Lumpur - Butterworth route.

North-East Line: KL-Gua Musang (Kota Baru).

SELF DRIVE
Car-Rental agencies offer self-drive and chauffeured cars for hire. Rates depend on car model and duration.

A valid international driving licence is required if you wish to self-drive.

The driver and the front passenger must fasten their seat belts and using a mobile phone while drive is an offence.

Road maps can be purchased at bookshops and newsvendors.

The Tourism Malaysia offices also produce an excellent road map of Malaysia if you wish to drive out of Kuala Lumpur.

Note: Amazon also carry some good Guides and Maps which can really help a lot. Check them out.

Road distance estimates:
From Kuala Lumpur to major towns in the Peninsula (in kilometres). Listings arranged alphabetically with State names in brackets.

Alor Gajah (Malacca) - 120

Alor Setar (Kedah) - 462

Baling (Kedah) - 421

Batu Pahat (Johor) - 239

Bukit Fraser (Pahang) - 99

Bukit Ibam - 238

Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah) - 510

Butterworth (Penang) - 369

Brichang (Pahang) - 214

Dabong - 556

Desaru (Johor) - 436

Dungun (Terengganu) - 390

Gemas (Johor) - 168

Gerik - 359

Gua Musang (Kelantan) - 290

Ipoh (Perak) - 205

Jeli (Kelantan) - 503

Johor Bahru (Johor) - 368

Kajang (Selangor) - 22

Kangar (Perlis) - 507

Klang (Selangor) - 33

Kluang (Johor) - 296

Kota Bahru (Kelantan) - 474

Kota Tinggi (Johor) - 383

Kuala Kangsar (Perak) - 255

Kuala Lipis (Perak) - 171

Kuala Selangor (Selangor) - 67

Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu) - 455

Kuantan (Pahang) - 259

Lumut (Perak) - 288

Maran - (Pahang) 183

Melaka (Malacca) - 144

Mersing (Johor) - 353

Muar (Johor) - 189

Padang Besar (Perlis) - 544

Pasir Putih (Kelantan) - 458

Port Klang (Selangor) - 41

Pontian Kecil (Johor) - 312

Port Dickson -(Negri Sembilan) 90

Sabak Bernam (Selangor) - 130

Segamat (Johor) - 197

Seremban (Negri Sembilan) - 64

Shah Alam (Selangor) - 25

Sitiawan (Perak) - 276

Sungai Petani (Kedah) - 404

Taiping (Perak) - 291

Teluk Intan (Perak) - 166

Temerloh (Pahang) - 133

Highways:
KL is linked by a superb system of highway network, so driving should be no problem. These highways also come with modern food, toilet and fuelling facilities at rest stop and truck stops. As such, driving along the Peninsula's highways are most pleasant although you may, occasionally, come across crawls and slight jams because of accidents.

Accommodation is also least of your problems as most of the connecting towns have at least some basic accommodation, from motels to hotels.

Mobile phone networks also give a good coverge of the highways, in particular, the North South Highway connecting Malaysia with Thailand in the north at Bukit Kayu Hitam and Singapore in the South.

Setapak Hot Springs

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Hot Springs In The City

THE name Air Panas in Setapak, in case you don't know, actually comes from a hot springs which was very popular in the 60s and 70s. In those days, it was the centre of the community and people living nearby would converbe at the fifteen-foot wide natural thermal pool each morning to wash their clothes or take a bath.

The hot spring is located about half a kilometre from the junction of Jalan Air Panas and Jalan Genting Kelang. Back then, Air Panas was one of the new villages set up in Kuala Lumpur.

Visitors to the pool were charged 10 sen for use of a crude 'timba' (a trough used for scooping water) made using a large can and tied using a rope. This timba is lowered into the pool to collect scoop up the water for bathing or washing.

Locals believe the sulphur laden waters of this hot sprint could cure skin diseases and ward off rheumatism. Today, with development, the Air Panas hot spring is not as popular with locals as it was in the past - what not with sauna and steam baths available almost everywhere.

Only the faithful and those in the know still flock to the Air Panas hot spring. The faciility today is much cleaner, having been made part of the Resource Springs apartment complex.

Good landscaping for the flowing hot springs pool. You can boil eggs in the afternoons in the pool!

Unlike in the past, there are proper cubicles for men and women for bathing. There is also foot soaking troughs around the hot springs pool. Specially made water spouts are also available for those who wish to do their washing.

Coins at the bottom of the algae-ridden pool. Believers cast coins to ask for their wishes to be fulfilled. Whether it works or not, who knows?

Entrance:
Fee is at a nominal RM1 per adult and 50 sen per child below 12 years old. The water is believed to be hotter during rainy seasons and between January till April.

Getting There:
Best way is to drive towards Hulu Kelang in the direction of Zoo Negara. When you pass Setapak town go straight till you pass the Setapak Police Station. After the Police Station, keep right till you get to a traffic lights. This is the turn into Air Panas.

Turn right at the traffic lights - the hot springs is located about half a kilometre from here. Keep a look out for the Resource Sprints condo/apartments. This is your marker. If you are lost, just ask around.

Putrajaya Wetlands and Park

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YOU would be surprised what you can find in the Government's administrative centre in Putrajaya. The third Federal Territory of Malaysia and named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Putrajaya holds many interesting fare - ranging from its beautiful landmark buildings to its parks and boulevards.

Located about 45 minutes' drive south of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya is well connected by a fine system of roads and highways. It is approachable from Kuala Lumpur via the North South Expressway.

Among landmarks you can find here are the Putrajaya Mosque, the Prime Minister's Office Complex, the main square and various bridges. However, did you know that the parks in Putrajaya too are very popular among locals?

One of the attractions in Putrajaya is the wetlands located Precint 13. If you are coming here, you can't miss it as the local authority has put up various signboards to guide you here.

So, what's interesting about Putrajaya Wetlands? Well, on the lake, recreational activities are allowed. These include fishing and boating, and if you are game, there is a guided boat tour, too. For anglers, you may fish for a fee. There is a canteen here and bathing facilities as well.

This park is highly popular among health buffs in the mornings and during weekends, picnickers throng its surroundings. Pergolas are available if you want to have a shaded picnic with tables and benches. Otherwise, plenty of trees offer a cool respite from the tropical heat.

Not far away from the Putrajaya Wetlands is the Wetlands Park. This is sort of a small nature park with its collection of flora and fauna indigenous to Malaysia. Entrance to the park is free. Guided tours are available for a small fee. Birdwatchers can rent binoculars here at only RM4 (USD 1.60 thereabouts) an hour.

Best time to visit the park is in the morning when the animals such as iguanas, tree shrews, yellow-breasted sunbirds, starlings and cowells are active. You may also enjoy the fragrances of the wild flowers and ginger plants as the scents are strongest at between 9am to 10am.

There is also a toilet facility, a small handicraft centre and a watch tower here. Check out the latter and see what is over the horizon...

Getting There:
Drive south towards and exit at the Sungai Besi Toll into the North South Expressway. After about 20 minutes, you should see the signboard on the left showing you the way to Putrajaya (and kajang). Just follow this sighboard and exit at the Kajang Toll. Take the turn to Putrajaya and just follow the signages.

Pasir Penambang

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Sleepy hollow Pasir Penambang is a small one-street fisherman's cove by the Sungai Kuantan river. Quaint shops line both sides of the street.

Fishermen's Town

Pasir Penambang is often confused with Kuala Selangor although it lies on the northern side of the seaside district in Selangor, about 80km from Kuala Lumpur city centre.

The sleepy hollow is actually a fishing village similar to the many along the west coast.

The main population in the town comprises mostly Mandarin-speaking Chinese who are mainly fishermen or traders in marine products.

Fresh catches from the sea and preserved marine products such as fish and prawn crackers, shrimp paste, etc. can be found in abundance here.

Fresh fish are only available at certain times of the way when the fishermen return from the sea.

This one street town used to be an important stopover for travellers (especially truckkers) plying the west coast of the Peninsula. They stop here to replenish their supplies and have a quick meal. For locals living in the vicinity, this is one place to shop for fresh fish.

Seafood and stuff are cheap. Some go at 3 for RM10 and you can mix and match.

Later, with development and better road links, Pasir Penambang began drawing tourists and seafood lovers during weekends - some of them from as far as Singapore who were on the way north.

The main street runs through the town, with shops sitting on both sides. There is a wet market in the right of the entrance to Pasir Penambang.

Present day requirements have transformed many of the single-storey, wooden shops into modern, concrete two-storey buildings at the end of the main street today, from which a host of seafood restaurants operate.

If you are into seafood, try the restaurants away from the riverside. In particular, one shop by the name of Sin Hai Ping. Prices are pretty reasonable. Tell the lady boss you found her place from KLTHISMONTH and you might just get a good discount.

However, you can still see the remnants of old businesses such as several blacksmiths (who had been there for over 50 years) operating from the original single-storey wooden shophouses.

There is not much to do in this town except eating and buying seafood and souvenirs.

One of the marine products shop. Bargains, bargains, bargains!

Getting there:
You can either reach Kuala Selangor via Sungai Buloh old road or the highway via the Guthrie Corridor (North South Expressway). You can also use the Klang-Kapar old road. Just follow the signboards to Kuala Selangor till you get to the town.

Once you are at the town, take the right turn and go across the river. About one kilometer or so from the bridge, at left (again plenty of signboards) is the Pasir Penambang.

There is a jetty in town which formed part of a restaurant. You can see across the river from here.

On weekdays, leave your car at the entrance (near the wet market) and walk. Driving in when traffic is high is asking for trouble and you may need to reverse all the way out just to turn.

Port Dickson

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Negri Sembilan's Popular Sea Front

The upper reaches of Port Dickson near Lukut is less crowded.

Port Dickson is about 120km south of Kuala Lumpur city. This seaside resort town is located in the state of Negeri Sembilan and is about 90 minutes' drive away via the North South Expressway.

Vantage point. Lukut viewed from 11th floor of a hotel.

Traditionally, Port Dickson is famous for its beaches and weekends will see people living the the vicinity congregating at its long stretch of beaches.

Yellow puffer caught by the receding tide. Don't eat this fish. The poison will kill you.

However, there are more to Port Dickson (also known as PD) than meets the eye. For instance, there are old forts (Lukut Fort), ancient architectures, a military museum, and other historic edifices that you can visit.

However, the most famous in Port Dickson is the stretch of beach known as Teluk Kemang, where most of the beach activities are concentrated at.

Lovely sunset from Teluk Kemang area.

Not far from Teluk Kemang is Cape Rachado or Tanjung Tuan where you can find a forest reserve and the famous Tanjung Tuan lighthouse.

This place is famous among bird watchers from the month of March to April annually for the Raptor Watch which has gained international fame.

It is here that bird watchers count the number of raptors, in their migratory flight home to the north hemisphere, as they fly pass the Strait of Malacca.

The jetty area near the town.

Getting There:
Use the North South Highway, exit via the Sungai Besi toll at the southern gateway out from Kuala Lumpur. Then turn off the left just after the Seremban Rest Area towards the signage that reads: Port Dickson/Seremban. Exit at the toll there and just follow the signboard to Port Dickson. Three kilometres from the toll you will come to the new Port Dickson highway. Use this road and just follow the signboard which will take you to either Lukut (where the Fort and Museum are located), Port Dickson town or Teluk Kemang (the popular beach front).

There is a night market on Friday evenings at the Third Mile.

If you wish to stay overnight, there are plenty of hotels to pick from. Usually on weekdays, the crowd is sparse and chances are that you can get a room walk-in. On weekends and holidays, this may be quite difficult. Accommodation comes in the form of hotel rooms, condomuniums or seaside bungalows, depending on your needs and the size of your group.

Klang - North and South Ports

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Royal Town of Selangor

IN the 70s, Klang is well-known for its crows. In fact, it is one of the most obvious features the minute you travel beyond Shah Alam into Klang. Today, however, there are not many of them. Perhaps the lack of food or drawn by the bright lights of the city of Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, the crows have abandoned Klang - much to the delight of the locals.

In fact, some of the local elders have confided in us that the crows' disappearance is somewhat a mystery and much missed by those who grew up with this royal capital of the state of Selangor, located about 32km south-west of Kuala Lumpur.

Klang is believed to have been derived from the Klang River which runs through the town - and the river was said to have been derived from the Burmese word of Klong. South of Klang are the two main ports - North Port and South Port. These are the busiest sea ports in Peninsula Malaysia. Not far from the two ports is West Port where the Star Cruises terminal is located.

What can you find in Klang? Well, to the Chinese, Hokkiens especially, Klang is famous ofr its Pork Ribs Soup or Bak Kut Teh. This is a concoction of Chinese herbs stewed pork ribs and believed to be an aphrodisiac. In the old days, this formed the basic breakfast for the coolies working at the port and warehouses, eaten at roadside stalls and under makeshit tents.

Today, this meal is accorded a much higher status as Bak Kut Teh restaurants expand far and wide and even internationally - some even with the Klang Bak Kut Teh proudly emblazoned across its facade.

North Port/Tanjung Harapan

Foolhardy father and son trying their luck at the sewer at North Port. If the waves don't get them, the bacteria in the fish would.
The North Port, known also as Tanjung Harapan, is the Esplanade of Klang. This is a favourite venue for picnickers and anglers in the evenings and during weekends.

At the other end is the Bagan Hailam, which is well known for cheap seafood and commercial fishing ponds.

For RM30 per three hours, you get to try your luck in a fishing pond where there are more lines than fish.

These fish, mangrove jacks (also known as Bangla, by fishing jokers), can be hooked up at the many commercial ponds here.

South Port
South Port is the launch point should you wish to go to Pulau Ketam. There is a jetty here where you can board the jet-ferry. This jetty also serves as the launch point to Tanjung Balai, Indonesia.

Getting There:
Taxis and buses ply the Kuala Lumpur-Klang-Port Klang route. KTM Komuter also offers regular service (about 30 min intervals) from Sentul through the KL Sentral and South Port's Pulau Ketam terminal jetty.

If you intend to drive there, you can either use the North Klang Valley Expressway or the Federal Highway. Signboards are plentiful so you should not be in trouble. When approaching Klang, however, drive with caution as there are many trailers plying the route to the ports.

Kuala Selangor

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Estuary of the Selangor River

You have arrived! See the transmission tower atop the Bukit Melawati?

Kuala Selangor is a seaside town that has gained popularity over the last half decade. It is a favourite destination among cityfolk who throng this sleepy hollow for its cheap seafood fare as well as marine products, including fresh fish and crustaceans.

Lying about 70km to the northwest of the city centre, Kuala selangor is approachable via the coastal road from Klang town or from the city via the Sungai Buluh rural mainroad. Either way, expect an eventful ride as you cruise through the tiny villages that dot both sides of the road until Kuala Selangor.

Stalls selling traditional made pillows feature prominently along the roads as you approach Kuala Selangor. These pillows are stuffed using natural fibers taken from the 'kapok' tree pods. They are softed and more springy than goose feathers or cotton and much cheaper.

You will also see signboards advertising another tourist attraction within Kuala Selangor - the fireflies at Kampung Kuantan. Although these nocturnal creatures are getting fewer these days, you just might want to check them out if you have not see fireflies. Just follow the signboards to Kampung Kuantan and you will be taken there.

Meet Nathan, the ginger ale man. Not exactly ale, but close. Ginger soup, with over 50 herbs he claims. Very good!

As you approach the Kuala Selangor town, you will notice a hillock in the distance, on top of which is a telecommunications tower. This is Bukit Malawati, a tourist attraction itself. Atop this hillock is an old fort, complete with ancient cannons and observation decks. This old fort was used in the old days to spot invaders coming from the sea.

The mudflats of Selangor can be seen over yonder.

You can drive up Bukit Malawati although caution is advised as the road is a single-lane one-way traffic setup. There are limited parking areas, so you might as well consider a walk which is a better alternative.

The cannons that once guarded the hill and shore from pirates and invaders.

On top of Bukit Malawati are several attractions, such as the Lighthouse (which is not open to public), mausoleums, rock structures and the star attraction - a whole colony of the silvered leaf monkeys which have made the hillock their home.

The lighthouse at the peak, still in use to guide ships through Malacca straits. Indonesian illegal immigrants are believed to use this to get to Malaysian shores, too.

Chances are that you will be tempted to feed them as most visitors do, but we suggest you don't. These are sensitive creatures and while their friendly gestures beckon you to pass a pretzel or a peanut to them, they are still wild creatures. And what is in your diet may not be suitable for for their diet.

Getting to know each other. The silvered hair monkeys are not shy. No, the smaller ones that is.

Another natural resident of Bukit Malawati are the eagles, white-breasted sea eagles and the Brahminy kites. These can be seen riding the thermals searching for prey in the afternoons.

On the foothills of Bukit Malawati lies the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Accommodation is available here for a nominal fee if you decide to stay overnight and discover the mangrove flora and fauna. You can get more reading material about the Nature Park just by Googling for it here.

The Kuala Selangor town can be a sleepy hollow during weekends and public holidays but will be quite a busy thoroughfare on weekdays as locals go on their daily work.

Here you will find a quaint mosque, old shophouses amid new ones and some restaurants.

Some of the restaurants serve quite reasonably priced seafood if you wish to check them out.

The taxi stops and bus station are located within the town area which is fast expanding.

If you wish to visit a fishing village nearest to Kuala Selangor, take a drive over the bridge northwards to Pasir Penambang.

Game for seafood? You've come to the right place.

Getting There:
You can use the Klang coastal road if you are coming from the south or if you are from Kuala Lumpur city, use the Sungai Buluh rural thoroughfare. There is only one road to Kuala Selangor and there are ample signages to lead you there, so no worries.

Nilai 3

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Largest Warehouse Shopping Centre

NILAI lies approximately 75km south of Kuala Lumpur via the North South Expressway in the state of Negri Sembilan. Nilai 3, a recently developed district within Nilai, has become quite well-known among locals for its low-price shopping - what locals term as 'wholesale prices', or something that is priced at a fraction of what you would have to pay if in the city.

Nilai 3 is perched on a hilltop and is entirely made up of single-storey warehouses offering a wide variety of goods ranging from furniture and artificial flowers to porcelain and car accessories as well as tidbits and knicknacks.

Textile dealers occupy quite a large section of the township, selling various type of local and imported fabric at low prices. Clothings too are quite cheap here and branded ones, too. And this is probably why Nilai 3 has caught on well with the middle and low-income earners.

Furniture dealers have also set up shop here selling anything from ironwood and rosewood furniture or cast iron and terracotta garden benches and tables.

The wood furniture come mostly from Indonesia and Vietnam, but there also some from Thailand and Myanmar according to some of the dealers there. Also check out clay and stonewware products.

Car lovers should not miss the chance of getting their cars souped up for a fraction of the cost at the many car accessory shops here. Check for best prices.

If you are a homemaker, you will like Nilai 3 - there are many shops selling kitchen utensilsand you can find practically anything here - from saucepans to forks and spoons!

There are restaurants and hawker centres at Nilai 3, so you don't have to worry about your meals when there. And you know what? There are plenty of enthnic food to choose from.

There are quite a number of convenience stores there, too, including a 7-Eleven.

Parking is not a problem but if you are thinking of purchasing large items, such as garden furniture sets, you may have to talk to the sellers to see if transportation is included in the price. But if you are arranging for your own transportation, then just go shop!

The best time to visit Nilai 3 is after 11am (and on weekdays when the crowd is not so big!) when all shops are open.

On weekends, parking space may be a little difficult to find near to the shops but you can always park a short distance away and walk. Just bring an umbrella though as Nilai 3 is pretty unshaded as the trees planted along the streets are still young and their sparse foliage offer no respite from the heat. And it can get quite hot here in the afternoons!

Getting There:
The best way to get there is by driving - on your own or chauffeured. We are unsure whether public bus transport to the township has begun although a bus station has been built there quite some time ago.

If driving from the city, head for the Sungai Besi Toll and south. There are several exits from the North South Expressway but to play it safe, just hit the one that says Nilai.

Once you exit the Nilai Toll gate, follow the single lane road till you come to a T-junction where you will see a giant L-shape arrow (see picture) pointing towards Nilai 3.

Just follow this arrow all the way and you will be unlikely to be lost as these signages have been prominently displayed at any fork in the road or junction.

Nilai 3 is located on a hilltop so you can't miss it. There are plenty of signboards (just follow the direction pointed by the L-shape arrow). On weekends, chances are that there will be a continuous stream of city cars heading in that direction.

Morib

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Seaside town that time forgot

SITUATED at the fringe of the state of Selangor, south-west alongthe coastline, lies the beach town of Morib. It used to be a popular seaside resort and picnickers' haven in the 70s.

Clam collectors used to frequent this five mile long beach during the evenings when the tide go out to hunt for the delicious bivalve known locally as lala in Chinese dialect or kepah in Malay.

Clam hunters digging up the beach at low tide.

Rare sight now. A lone clam found at low tide. This bivalve used to populate the beach in the 70s.

Morib was also a favourite camping ground in the 70s and 80s during the school holidays and scout jamborees used to be held here.

As far as the eye can see, the Morib beach is one of the more popular spots in Selangor.

Today, with so many beachfronts opening up and more areas being cleared for hotels and resorts and motels, Morib is often overlooked except for the faithful few who still frequent its shores.

However, its less frequented status has made it a much more vistable place since you would not have to swim through the sea of people on certain days.

Compared to that of yesteryears, Morib today is more tourist friendly in terms of amenities here. There is a public playground and public bathing facility. there is even a tourism centre at the northern end.

The memorial marking the landing of the Indian Beach group of the British army on Morib beach.

If you are not fussy, basic food and drinks are available at the few stalls here. Some are open early in the morning, others in the afternoons or evenings. Some may not open on weekdays and concentrate on the weekends when the crowd makes it economically worthwhile.

In the evenings when the tide comes in, you might want to try your hand at shorecasting - although the likelihood if catching a whopper is as rare as seeing a comet across the nightsky here.

The quietitude here, during weekdays, will certainly be appreciated and it is definitely a place to curl up on the hammock with a good book in hand. There are plenty of shade and the old casuarina trees make ofr a restful respite, especially when the sea breeze blows inland.

If you want to go for a swim, the sea floor is pretty flat. However, you may not like the colour of the water which sometimes can be quite murky because the waves churn up the low-lying mud.

There are several motels here but we have yet to check their quality or service. If you still want to put up the night, check with the information centre.

If you want to camp here, ask the stall owners where are the best places. And make sure you inform the nearest police station of your intention so that they can check on you to ensure your safety. There is a police station (nearest) in Banting is we are not mistaken.

Note: During certain months of the year, the beach can teem with sandflies. Although these are harmless insects, you may want to bring some insect repellent. Sandfly bites can be painful to the allergic.

Getting here:
You can get to Morib via Klang through Banting. There are buses which ply from Klang to Banting and there on to Morib.

However, the best bet is driving there and appreciate the change in scenery from the developed cityscape to quaint village towns as you make your way there. From Kuala Lumpur, via Klang and Banting, the drive will take approximately two hours. Drive slowly as you will be passing small villages every now and then.

You may also use the North South Express and get off at the Sepang exit and head for Bagan Lalang, another seaside town. From Bagan Lalang, Morib is about 20km.

Batu Caves

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Limestone Temple Extraordinaire

SITUATED about 13km from the city centre is the Batu Caves a limestone outcrop that is visible for miles away. It is located on the north west side of the capital and is believed to have gotten its name from the river that flows nearby, the Batu River. The caves are believed to have been discovered by an Indian trader in the 1800s but became famous only after it was rediscovered by American Naturalist, William Hornaday in 1878.

The limestone complex which makes up the Batu caves is believed to the of the same backbone of limestone range that reached Ipoh and beyond.

The Batu Caves comprised three caves - the Art Gallery Cave (ground level), the Dark Cave (on the left of the main cave) and the Temple Cave reachable via the 272 steps made of concrete. The Dark Cave has been closed since the mid-80s because neaby quarrying activities had rendered the cave tunnels unstable.

In the past, visitors could do a trip into the Dark Cave which is inhabited by bats and other cave flora and fauna. It is believed that this cave contains a network of tunnels measuring no less than 2km long.

Back in the 70s, another attraction to the Batu caves was a five-legged bull which was revered by the Hindus. The bull died and was immortalised into a statue (see picture above) which now sits beside the entrance to the Art Gallery Cave.

Today, only the Temple Cave (which ceiling is said to be as high as 100m) receives visitors - particularly during the annual Hindu religious festival of Thaipusam. There is a shrine within this Temple Cave.

On the eve of Thaipusam, a silver chariot procession carrying the deity Sri Mahariamman will begin from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in city centre towards Batu Caves. Thousands of Hindu devotees carrying kavadis will join in the procession to fulfil their religious vows.

As you climb the steps towards the Cave Temple, you will also come across monkeys that live in the jungle area by the cave. They may look quite tame and many are quite bold enough to approach you for handout titbits. Refrain from feeding them, however. There are also plenty of pigeons on the temple ground. A lake a a bridge leads to the Art Gallery Cave on the left of the temple ground. This gallery houses the various sculptures of Hindu deities. A nominal fee is charged for entrance.

Getting There:
The Batu Caves tour is usually in the itinerary of the Kuala Lumpur City Tour. But if it is not on your tour, and would like to visit it, the best way is to do so by taking the LRT from KLCC. Take the Wangsa Maju line and get off at the last stop at Taman Melati. Here you can hail a cab to take you to Batu Caves for about RM7.

Bagan Lalang

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Fishing boats moored at the Sepang rivermouth, which feed right into the Bagan Lalang coast.

Fishermen's enclave and popular seafood haunt
THIS stretch of beach in souther part of Selangor only gained its popularity about one and a half decade ago when development spilled over from its nearest township, Sepang.

Good, uninterrupted stretch of beach at Bagan Lalang. Fishing is good too.

Next to its neighbour Morib which is located about 27km away, there is nothing special about this former fishermen's enclave except for its rather flat beach where during low tides, clams could be found.

When the tide's out, the water is a mile away.

Located about one hour's drive from KL city, it is today one of the many destinations for seafood lovers. The beach is usually very quiet during the weekday and life is only aroused during weekends when campers storm the beach for a little quiet (if they can find any after the mile long stretch is filled up by Saturday evening) and enjoy the sea breeze.

This is also a kiters' haven. What you are looking at are the amateurs. Wait till you see the pros at work!

When the tide is out, picnickers throng the shallows to look for clams and horse-shoe or king crabs. This beach is also a favourite among kiters because of the steady stream of wind during the day.

Fresh fish for sale... at the fishermen's village. Good for barbecue, eh?

Clams, too, if you wish. Fresh from the Sepang river!

If you are looking for seafood, there are several at one end of the beach. An old one straddles the Sepang estuary but it only comes alive in the evenings and usually on weekends.

The fishermen's wet market. Get your fresh seafood here but watch the price!

Each year, a water festival is held in April where you can find mile-long stalls doing roaring business selling anything from attire to handicraft.

There are several chalets for rent here but the most sought after is still the Seri Malaysia, a three-star accommodation located just at the entrance. Rates start from RM115. If you are looking for other accommodation, perhaps the Sepang District Office can assist. Their number is: 03-87061211.

Mosques

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National Mosque
National Mosque is located within the tourist belt along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. With a capacity of 15,000 people and located on 13 acres sprawling gardens, the building's features include a 73-metre-high minaret and an 18-pointed star concrete main roof shaped like an open umbrella. Beside the mosque is the Heroes' Mausoleum, a burial ground of several Malaysian politicians. The building comprises a 7-pointed star concrete roofed structure. It was opened in 1965.

Masjid Jamek
Probably as old as Kuala Lumpur itself, Masjid Jamek is located where it all began - the confluence of the Klang and Gombak River. It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback and was opened by then Sultan of Selangor in 1909. The mosque was built on the first Malay burial ground in the city took two years to construct. Before the national mosque was built, Masjid Jamek served as the city's main mosque.

As Syakirin Mosque
This mosque is located just behind the Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), named after a prophet.

Federal Territory Mosque
Located near the Government offices complex at Jalan Duta, this mosque is one of the largest in Kuala Lumpur and built in the late 90s. Designed in a Middle Eastern and Malay architecture, its form is heavily influenced by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It was opened to the public on October 25, 2000 by the 12th King, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalulail. It is the 44th mosque built by the Government within the city limits and can take 17,000 people during prayers.

Hindu Temples

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Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple
Built in 1873, this elaborate Hindu temple is located at Jalan Bandar near Chinatown. The facade comprised ornate sculptures of Hindu deities and is believed to be one of the country's oldest Hindu temple. During Thaipusam, the temple is a hive of activities with devotees converging to pay their respects and fulfil vows. A silver chariot carrying the statue of Lord Murugan will set off from this temple on the eve of Thaipusam to a 20km journey to Batu Caves.

Court Hill Sri Ganeshar Temple
This temple, which is located along Jalan Pudu Lama, is run by the Sri Mahariamman Hindu Temple in Jalan Bandar. Although not as grand in architecture as the Mahariamman Temple in Jalan Bandar, this temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, is just as popular. Located nearby the temple are several vegetarian restaurants and if you wish to try Indian vegetarian food, here is your chance to do so.

Batu Caves Sri Subramaniam Temple
Discovered in the late 1800s, Batu Caves is a limestone cave complex rising over 100 metres high. In days of old, it is the site of limestone quarries. However, to preserve the cave complex, quarrying activities was stopped in the late 70s. The cave temple, located on top of the cave complex, is accessible by climbing 272 steps. This cave temple is where Hindus converge each Thaipusam to pay respect the deities.

Churches

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St Mary's Cathedral
THE St. Mary's Cathedral, located at the northern corner of the Merdeka Square, was originally housed in a structure built in timber at Bluff Road, now known as the Bukit Aman, in Kuala Lumpur. It served as the centre for worship a group of Anglicans around Kuala Lumpur and notable parishioners included British Residents of Selangor, Treacher and Swettenham. The current site of the church was picked in 1893 and the foundation stone was first laid on Feb 3, the following year by then British Resident of Selangor, Sir W.H. Treacher. The church's pipe organ was built in 1895 by Henry Willis, the famous English organ maker who also made the organs for St Paul's Cathedral in London and the original Grand Organ of the Royal Albert Hall. Although a competition was held to come up with the design of the new church, none of the entries were considered good enough and then Government architect, A.C. Norman, was asked to come up with a design. His work, based on Early English Gothic architecture, was approved and the church was built.

Church of the Holy Rosary
Located at Jalan Brickfields, the Church of the Holy Rosary was set up in 1883 to serve the needs of the Chinese community. This can be seen from the Chinese characters on the church's facade. Featuring typical Gothic features of churches of Europe, the church underwent an expansion in 1955.

Chinese Temples

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Sze Ya Buddhist Temple
Located at 14A Lebuh Pudu, the Sze Ya Temple (or Sin Sze Si Ya Temple) is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples in Malaysia. The original temple was fashioned out of a timber hut. It was rebuilt in 1882 in brick and tiles, and has a main hall and two side halls.

According to history, the first Chinese Kapitan of Kuala Lumpur Yap Ah Loy built the temple in memory of Kong Seng, a tin mine tycoon who was murdered in one of the many gangfights between business rivals from Kuala Lumpur and Seremban.

Kwong Siew Temple
Built in 1886, this is a Taoist temple dedicated to the deity Kuan Yu (also known as Kuan Kung), Patron of Literature and God of War. At the entrance are two stone lions. There are several dieties at the altar and if you like to have your fortune told, you may seek "divine" help by shaking the divining sticks. Just ask the temple assistants how to go about it.The temple is located behind Hotel Malaya!

Thean Hou Temple
The Thean Hou Temple is a six-tiered Chinese temple sited on a 1.7 acre hillock near Robson heights overlooking the Federal Highway. Completed in 1987 and officially opened two years later, the temple is owned by the Hainanese Association of Selangor and Federal Territory and is dedicated to the Goddess Tian Hou or The Heavenly Mother, worshipped by seafarers.

This temple which has elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism is an imposing structure which has become a popular tourist destination - both among locals and foreigners. On auspicious days, it is also a favourite site for photo shoots by newly-weds. The temple also has a marriage registration office for those who want to get married there.

Chan See Shu Yuen Association
The building, constructed in 1906, looks deceptively like a Chinese temple but is in actual fact a clan house. It has a beautiful open courtyards, pavilions and the Shek Wan style roofing and exterior wall decor originating from southern China. You can see various terracotta figurines fashioned from figures in Chinese history and myths.

Spiritual Tours

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Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of religious tolerance and you can see this in the number of religious edifices in and around the city. Some of these places of worship have gained fame as a tourist attraction. If you are interested in checking out these places, please check out the links below:

Chinese Temples

Churches

Hindu Temples

Mosques

Pewter Craft

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IF you are looking for good quality pewter, not just any tin-antimony-copper alloy that will grey in time and lose its shine faster than the autumn sun, seek no more. Give Royal Selangor a visit.

Known formerly as Selangor Pewter, the company, founded in 1885, is a storehouse of over 600 skilled craftsmen creating world-class pewterware.

Said to be one of the largest pewter factories in the world, the Royal Selangor has its humble beginnings in making incense burners and candlestands in the 18th Century.

Thanks to the British occupation, the pewter market expanded to the manufacture of tankards, ashtrays and tea implements.

In 1992, the 'Royal' was adopted by the company to reflect the status bestowed by the Sultan. And the rest is history.

If you seek classy souvenirs, you may visit the factory at 4, Jalan Usahawan 6 in Setapak Jaya.

Here lies a Visitors' Centre where you can feast your eyes on the wide range of pewter products, nicely tailored to suit your pocket - deep or shallow.

Although there are representative offices and franchisees selling Royal Selangor products, it is here, at the headquarters that you will find most awe inspiring.

A trip through the shop floor of the factory, where skilled damsels lend their feminine touch to shaping molten metal into objet d'arts - from dimpled tankards to picture frames.

Here you can also see how pewter ware is made, polished and engraved. It is an enlightening experience as well as an entertaining one.

Other pewter makers in Kuala Lumpur
Apart from Royal Selangor, which is reputedly the largest pewter maker in the country and possibly the region, there are also other manufacturers in Kuala Lumpur which you may like to visit. Although these companies have outlets in major hotels and shopping complex, nothing beats having a first hand experience at watching how pewter is made although prior arrangement is advised.

Night Shopping - Bazaars and Markets

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This is one facet of Kuala Lumpur's lifestyle that you should not miss - the Night Market (known as Pasar Malam) and Night Bazaars (known as Bazaria Larut Malam).

While the latter is a recent development (see below for details), the Pasar Malam or night market was set up about three decades ago as an alternative for small-time traders to sell their goods in the evenings.

Basically, the pasar malam was created to help farmers, poultry breeders, fishermen and small-time producers to sell their goods directly to the consumer, without going through a middleman, so that any cost saving is passed on to the consumer.

With this mechanism in place, the consumer gets to purchase goods at competitive prices and the seller gets to make more than he would have if he decided to use the services of a middleman. (A video of the pasar malam/night market can be viewed here.)

What started as localised nocturnal open air markets grew by leaps and bounds. In addition to agricultural produce, clothes, toys, food and other knicknacks are sold too. The usual five or ten stalls expanded to sometimes miles long evening social activity.

Usually held in the evenings from 5pm to about 11pm, along a dedicated venue (usually a stretch of road closed to motorised traffic) once or twice a week, the pasar malam has become a facet of city life. If goods at supermarkets were fixed, those at the pasar malam are not and you can bargain to your heart's content to get at what you think is best prices.

The night markets have appealed to many and is an mistakable feature of most housing areas within Kuala Lumpur. Today, you see all sorts of ware being sold here.

If you ever get a chance to stumble upon a night market, by all means check it out. It's fun. Check out the traditional food which are not in the normal fare of your hotel menu and you will be amazed by the variety the traders offer.

Clothes and novelty products should also be on your shopping list as they make interesting souvenirs to bring back home. Trinkets, silver jewellery, leather belts, T-shirts with catchy slogans, and the like await your discovery.

Take your time and browse through the items. If you spot a good bargain, don't settle for the price the trader offers. Bargain and see how low can he go. It's fun and part of KL life normal tour routes cannot take you to.

The following are pasar malam locations throughout the week. This list is provided by by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

Mondays

Seksyen 1 Wangsa Maju

Taman Len Seng, Cheras

Jalan Air Panas, Setapak

Jalan Laxamana Off Jalan Peel

Kampung Kerinchi, Bangsar

Sentul Pasar Dalam 4B

Jalan Kangsar Off Jalan Ipoh

Desa Pandan, Kampung Pandan

Taman Miharja Fasa II

Taman Koop Polis Fasa 2

Taman Sri Sinar, Segambut

Tuesdays

Taman Desa Bakti, Selayang

Kampung Kasippillay Off Jalan Ipoh

Rumah Pangsa Razak Mansion

Jalan Bangsawan, Bandar Tun Razak

Taman Datuk Senu, Sentul

Rumah Pangsa Gombak 1A

Taman Kok Lian, Segambut

Kampung Pasir Lama Off Jalan Klang Lama

Rumah Panjang 1A, Jinjang

Taman Pertama, Cheras

Jalan Chemur, Pekeliling

Taman Sri Petaling, Sungai Besi

Jalan Air Bah, Setapak

Taman Intan Baiduri, Kepong

Jalan 133 Kepong

Wednesdays

Taman Desa Petaling

Kuchai Enterprenurs Park

Jalan Chengal, Taman Setapak

Jalan Kolam Air Off Jalan Ipoh

Rumah Pangsa Sri Melaka, Cheras

Jalan K, Taman Batu, Segambut

Taman Connought, Cheras

Taman Beringin, Jinjang

Kampung Malaysia Tambahan, Sungai Besi

Kuaters Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Pantai Dalam, Bangsar

Jalan Wira, Kampung Pandan

Jalan Gempita, Salak Selatan

Seksyen 10, Wangsa Maju

Rumah Pangsa Sri Pahang, Bangsar

Thursdays

Jalan Ikan Emas, Cheras

Jalan Berhala, Brickfield

Jalan Hujan Emas, OUG

Flat Sri Terengganu, Sentul

Jalan Sri Rampai, Setapak

Taman Taynton, Cheras

PKNS, Jalan Kuching

Jalan Kas-Kas, Taman Cheras

Kampung Haji Abdullah Hukum, Bangsar

Taman Sri Sentosa, Klang Lama

Jalan Jujur, Bandar Tun Razak

Fridays

Taman Melati, Gombak

Taman Desa Off Klang Lama

Taman Mastiara, Segambut

Taman Sibu 6, Taman Wahyu

Taman Segar, Cheras

Taman Kok Doh, Segambut

Taman Sri Endah, Sungai Besi

Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfield

Bandar Baru Sentul

Kampung Cheras Baru, Cheras

Saturdays

Taman Bukit Anggerik, Cheras

Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Jalan Udang Siar, Segambut

Pekan Sungai Besi

AU2 Keramat

Jalan Rejang, Setapak Jaya

Jalan Kelab, Jinjang

Taman Sungai Besi

Taman Miharja Fasa 1

Jalan Lazat, Happy Garden

Pantai Dalam, Bangsar

Taman Midah, Cheras

Sundays

Titikaya, Jinjang

Jalan Semarak

Taman Maluri, Cheras

Jalan Selesa, Happy Garden

Jalan Telawi Bangsar

Taman Bukit Maluri, Kepong

Taman Tun Dr. Ismail

Jalan Mergastua, Kepong

Jalan Kelapa Gading, Segambut

Rumah Pangsa Sri Selangor

(Editor's Note: As with all public places where crowd traffic is high, be careful with your belongings. Beware of pick-pockets.)

Midnight Bazaars
The night bazaars or Bazaria Larut Malam is a new phenomenon in Kuala Lumpur. This concept of open-air shopping started in Damansara Uptown and has now spread to Kuala Lumpur as well as other areas of the Klang Valley.

At the moment, there is a big one in Taman Danau Kota, off Jalan Genting Kelang. This bazaar opens from 9pm to 4am daily except Thursdays.

The difference between a night market (pasar malam) and a night bazaar (bazaria larut malam) is that the latter sells mostly clothes, accessories, car parts, electronic gadgets, and other non-agricultural produce. The operation hours are usually from 8:30pm to 3am the next day.

So, if you are in KL, ask about these bazaars at the hotel front desk and if you can, pay one a visit if it is nearby. You will be amazed with the assortment of goods offered in this carnival-like atmosphere.

Midnight Bazaar Locations:
Taman Danau Kota (Off Jalan Hulu Kelang) - Nightly from 9pm except Thursdays.
KL Velodrome Carpark in Bandar Baru Tun Razak (Cheras).
Sentul Raya, Sentul
Taman Setiawangsa

Museum Hopping

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Oneof the most interesting things you can do in Kuala Lumpur is to go to the many museums here and dive into a little bit of history.

There are several prominent museums that you can check out, apart from the National Museum which perhaps has the largest collection of artefacts in Malaysia.

Other museums, some private, some government funded, are no less interesting and each has its own speciality. These museums are listed here for your convenience should you like to go off the beaten track to visit them.

Note that some museum may charge a small fee for the upkeep of the place. Please get in touch with the respective museums on this and directions on how to get there or other details.

NATIONAL MUSEUM
Has the largest collections of artefacts related to Malaysia and its history.
Location: The Department of Museum and Antiquities Malaysia, Jalan Damansara
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm daily. Closed on Hari Raya Puasa and Haji
Phone: 03-2282 6255; Fax: 03-2282 7294

ASIAN ART MUSEUM
Local and Asian sculptures, ceramics, art and textile.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri (9am-4.30pm); Sat (9am-12pm); Fridays (12.30pm-3.30pm)
Location: University Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baru
Phone: 03-7967 3805

BANK NEGARA MONEY MUSEUM
Features coins and bank notes of Malaysian currency.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri (9am-4.30pm); Sat (9am-12.30pm)
Location: Central Bank of Malaysia, Jalan Dato' Onn
Phone: 03-2698 8044

BIOMEDICAL MUSEUM (Institute of Medical Research)
Medical research materials and exhibits from the institute's archive.
Location: Jalan Pahang
Phone: 03-2698 6033

CRAFTS MUSEUM(Karyaneka)
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am to 6pm.
Location: Section 63, Jln Conlay, KL.
Phone: 03-2162 7459.

FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE MALAYSIA MUSEUM (FRIM)
Malaysia's rich forest heritage and wood (and their products) are displayed at the museum. The park is a huge forest reserve.
Opening Hours: Museum (Daily 8am-4.30pm) Park (Daily 5am-7.30pm)
Location: Kepong
Phone: 03-6272 4470

ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM
Artefacts of the Islamic civilisation.
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-6pm; Closed on Mondays
Location: Jalan Lembah Perdana
Phone: 03-2274 2020

MAYBANK NUMISMATIC MUSEUM
Collection of coins dating back to the Malay Sultanate.
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Location: Menara Maybank, 100 Jalan Tun Perak
Phone: 03-2070 8833

SHIPPING MUSEUM
Features Malaysia's shipping history. Gallery is hosted by the Malaysian International Shipping Corporation (MISC)
Location: Wisma MISC 2, Jalan Conlay
Phone: 03-2273 8088 (By appointment only)
To visit, call the Corporate Communications Dept.

MUSEUM OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
Also known as Orang Asli Museum. Showcases the history, culture and lifestyle of the indigenous tribes of Peninsular Malaysia.
Opening Hours: Daily 9am-5pm; Closed on Fridays
Location: KM24 Gombak
Phone: 03-6182 2122

NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
An exhibition and resource centre showcasing the history of Malaysia.
Opening Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
Location: 29 Jalan Raja
Phone: 03-6189 2122

ROYAL MALAYSIAN POLICE MUSEUM
Showcases the rich history of the Royal Malaysian Police.
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-6pm; Closed on Mondays
Location: 5 Jalan Perdana
Phone: 03-2272 5689

TELEKOM MUSEUM
Showcases the history of the telephone in Malaysia dating back to the 1870s.
Opening Hours: Daily 9.30am-5pm; Closed on Mondays
Location: Jalan Raja Chulan
Phone: 03-2020 6839

Go Fly A Kite

2008-05-08T21:05:00.001+08:00

If you take a trip to the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, particularly the hilly areas of the city's perimeter, chances are that you will stumble upon groups of kiting enthusiasts enjoying their favourite past time - flying single-line kites or groups performing aerobatics with their sport kites.

Indeed, watching sport kites in action can be an enthralling experience. And in KL, you just might find a kite buddy somewhere.

In fact, one place in particular is the Metropolitan Park, located in Kepong, north of the city and approachable via the Middle Ring Road, just about 5km from Batu Caves heading towards the Kepong town. The park is on your left.

Blessed with a hilly terrain and surrounding a lake, the park is quite windy all year round.Recently opened, is well suited for kiting - whether you fly single-liners or stuntkites (or sport kites).

During weekends, in the evenings, kiters of all ages, creed and colour can be seen engaging each other in this favourite past time.

Both modern and traditional kites can be seen here. From paper kites to modern sport ktes that are made from waterproof and tough ripstops.

From arm-length miniature single-liners to giant sleds measuring tens of metres long are launched here each weekend. Amazing in their aerobatics are the sport kites of various shapes, sizes and colours. From super fast Symphony to the noisy Revolution, from Rokakus to NPWs. You can find all of them here.

If you are a kiter, you can also find a number of kite suppliers around the park and if you need any information, just ask. This is one sport that is not exclusive to your profession or wealth.

Be it flying sport kites or single-liners or even the huge traction kites, you will find a friend or two at the Metropolitan park.

Mini Korea in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-08T21:03:00.001+08:00

If you are looking for all things Koreans, from food to education, in Kuala Lumpur, there is one place you might want to check out when you are here. It is at the Ampang Jaya Business Avenue in the upper reaches of Jalan Ampang just opposite the Ampang Point shopping complex.

Here lies various shops that offering all things Koreans, supermarkets that carry Korean products that you probably cannot find elsewhere - from kimchi to Korean ice creams. So, if you are thinking whipping up a Korean dish, visit this place. Chances are that you will get what you are looking for quite easily.

There are two major Korean supermarkets here, similar to the Malaysian sundry store, and they sell quite a good stock of Korean goods, some imported straight from Korea.

Most of the shops are open from 10am and closes about 10am at night. The shop keepers are well-versed in Korean and Mandarin as we found out.

The business district is quite busy in the day and if you are driving there, keep a look out for the signboards - most of the roads are one-way traffic.

In the evenings, this business district comes alive with Korean restaurants offering various cuisines.

For locals, it will be an experience to check them out. For Koreans living in Kuala Lumpur, this is home away from home. Korean barbecues and other gastronomic delights are offered at affordable prices. Parking is also not a problem here even at night.

How to get there:
If you are from Kuala Lumpur city, head for the upper stretches of Jalan Ampang and go up the fly-over when you see Ampang Point complex at your left. As you get down the fly-over, keep to the right till you come to a traffic light and turn right.

Immediately after you turn, on the second left lane lie the various Korean supermarkets and restaurants. You can't miss them.

Urban Jungle Trekking

2008-05-08T21:01:00.001+08:00

You never thought you'd find a jungle within the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur, did you?

Well, there is one. Flanked by three thoroughfares - Jalan Sultan Ismail (aka. the Golden Mile), Jalan Ampang, and Jalan Weld - is a clump of greenery measuring some 16ha known as the Bukit Nanas Recreational Forest.

The forest reserve represents one of the oldest in the country and is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Territory Forestry Department. It serves as a reminder of what Kuala Lumpur used to be before development crept in.

The local authorities, working hand in hand with the private sector, have turned this green-lung into a tourist attraction as well as a recreational spot for urbanites living in Kuala Lumpur.

There are several entrances to this splendid rainforest, leading to three wonderful trails namely - Denai Merbau, Denai Kapur and Denai Jelutong - each measuring between 300m to 400m long.

For the first timer, make the approach via Jalan Weld (Raja Chulan) where information can be obtained from the Forestry Information Centre in the form of booklets and multimedia info kiosks.

You may also ask the forest rangers stationed here for further information.

Trees along the trails are labelled for you to get to know the many indigenous species there. Along the trail is also an open air mini-gymnasium and even a jogging track made of concrete.

According to the rangers manning the reserve, there are 204 species of plants - 100 species of medicinal plants, six of bamboo and seven of palm trees.

Birders reveal that there are at least 19 species of birds that make this place their home in the city. There are also several species of monkeys and squirrels, not to mention various types of insects.

According to regulars, the Merbau Trail is popular among birdwatchers and if you are one, it helps to equip yourself with a good binoculars.

Good and reasonably priced ones can be purchased at Petaling Street open air bazaar. These Russian made binos are priced between RM50 to RM100 each or about USD15 to USD30.

The start of all trails are made with concrete steps. If you are healthy and have no major health problem, you will enjoy a good workout jungle trekking in this urban forest. However, when approaching these trails in the morning, be extra careful of your steps and overnight dew can make the footing a little slippery.

The Bukit Nanas forest reserve is open 7 days a week, from 8am to 6pm, and entrance is free.

Advice for safe jungle trekking:

Dress lightly and comfortably.

Bring plenty of water as in the afternoons, the weather can get quite humid.

Wear trekking shoes or boots.

When climbing the stairs, be extremely careful. Use the ballusters and guard rails provided. the steps can be mossy and wet in the mornings due to dew and you may slip if you are not careful.

Keep to the trails and obey all instructions along the routes. Also, do not throw your rubbish everywhere. Bins are provided, use them.

Bring some mosquito/insect repellents and use them.

Do not pluck the vegetation here; some may be poisonous.

Do not disturb the wild animals here, especially the monkeys and tree shrews. Do not feed them.

The best time to explore the forest in from 10am when the environment is lightly warmer.

Note: The Kuala Lumpur Tower organises the Forest in the City Package, including guided trekking and night walks. Prior arrangement can be made by calling 03-2020-5444.

Jungle Trekking Equipment and Supplies

In Kuala Lumpur, there is no shortage of outdoor equipment shops that offer you a wide range of jungle trekking accessories.

You may check them out at the Mid-Valley Megamall, Pertama Complex, Sogo, Sungai Wang Plaza and the Campbell Shopping Complex. Be it boots, haversack, waterbottles or jackets - chances are that you will find them there.

Golfing in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-08T20:59:00.002+08:00

If you are a golfer, Kuala Lumpur needs no introduction. Some of the clubs here have gained international reputation, having hosted world ranking golfing events.

Prominent players like Tiger Woods, Thongchai Jaidee, and the likes have teed off from the greens in some of these courses.

Golf equipment too are easy to find in Kuala Lumpur city as golfing pro shops are many. With the favourable exchange rates, chances are that you will walk away with a good deal if you look hard enough.

If you are not a member of a club, there are plenty of golfing ranges for you to work on that swing.

Below are some of the golf resorts you might like to check out while you are here.

Golf Courses in Kuala Lumpur

Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Resort
Jalan 3/155B, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-8994 1600

Golf Club Angkatan Tentera
TUDM, Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2141 1113

Golf Club Perkhidmatan Awam
Bukit Kiara, Off Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7957 1958

Golf Club Sentul Raya
Jalan Strachan, Off Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4041 5068

Golf Club Titiwangsa PDRM
Titiwangsa Lake, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2693 4964

Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club
10, Jalan 1/70D, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2093 1111

Royal Military College Golf Club
Sungei Besi Army Camp, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9050 2960

The Royal Selangor Golf Club
Jalan Kelab Golf, Off Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9206 3333

Golf Courses outside Kuala Lumpur (within Selangor)

Bangi Golf Resort
No.1 Persiaran Bandar, Bandar Baru Bangi
Tel: 03-8925 3725

Beringin Links
Lembah Beringin, Kuala Kubu Bahru
Tel: 03-6460 3838

Bukit Beruntung Golf and Country Club
Bukit Beruntung, Serendah, Hulu Selangor
Tel: 03-6028 1841

Bukit Kemuning Golf and Country Club
Lot 6031, Batu 7, Jalan Bukit Kemuning, Shah Alam
Tel: 03-5121 7188

Bukit Unggul Country Club
Lot PT 2180, Dengkil, Sepang
Tel: 03-8920 2888

Carey Island Golf Club
West Estate, Carey Island
Tel: 03-3371 8611

Darul Ehsan Golf Club
Taman TAR, Ampang Jaya
Tel: 03-4257 2333

Glenmarie Golf and Country Club
No.1, Jalan Kerjaya, Glenmarie, Petaling
Tel: 03-7803 9090

Golf Club Brigade Tengah
Jalan 6, Batu 7 Â½, Kajang, Selangor
Tel: 03-9075 5643

Golf Club Negara Subang
Jalan SS 7/2, Kelana Jaya, Subang Jaya
Tel: 03-7876 0388

Golf Club Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah
No.1 Rumah Kelab, Jalan Kelab Golf 13/6, Shah Alam
Tel: 03-5519 1512

Guthrie Golf Academy Pitch and Putt Course
No.2A, Persiaran B, Seksyen U8, Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam
Tel: 03-7846 3505

Golf Club Seri Selangor
Persiaran Damansara Indah, Kota Damansara
Tel: 03-7806 1111

Ilsas Recreational Golf Club
Sultan Ahmad Shah Training Institute, TNB, Serdang
Tel: 03-8733 2633 ext 240

Impian Golf and Country Club
14th Mile, Jalan Cheras, Kajang
Tel: 03-8734 4195

Kajang Hill Golf Club
Lot 1917, Off Km.29, Jalan Semenyih, Kajang
Tel: 03-8723 7777

Kinrara Golf Club
Jalan Kinrara 6, Bandar Kinrara, Puchong
Tel: 03-8076 2100

Kota Permai Golf and Country Club
Kota Kemuning, Section 3, Shah Alam
Tel: 03-5122 3700

Kuala Kubu Bahru Golf and Country Club
PO Box 203, Kuala Kuku Bahru
Tel: 03-6064 2693

Kundang Lakes Country Club
Km.28 Jalan Kundang, Rawang
Tel: 03-6034 2725

Monterez Golf and Country Club
Seksyen U9, Shah Alam
Tel: 03-7846 5989

Palm Garden Golf Club
IOI Resort, Putrajaya
Tel: 03-8948 7160

Perangsang Templer Golf Club
No.1 Jalan Ipoh-Rawang Km.20, Templer Park, Rawang
Tel: 03-6091 0022

Port Klang Golf Resort
North Port, Port Klang
Tel: 03-3176 1323

Rahman Putra Golf Club
Bukit Rahman Putra, Sungai Buloh
Tel: 03-6156 6870

Royal Kampung Kuantan Golf and Country Club
Bukit Rotan, Kuala Selangor
Tel: 03-3289 1069

Saujana Golf and Country Club
Saujana Resort, Shah Alam
Tel: 03-7846 1466

Serendah Golf Resort
Km.38 KL-Ipoh trunk road, Serendah,
Tel: 03-6081 1077

Sri Morib Golf and Country Club
Morib, Banting
Tel: 03-3198 1419

Sungai Long Golf and Country Club
Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang
Tel: 03-9076 2233

Tasik Puteri Golf and Country Club
Bandar Tasik Puteri, Rawang
Tel: 03-6034 4722

Templer Park Country Club
KM21 Jalan Rawang, Rawang
Tel: 03-6091 9617

The Mines Resort and Golf Club
Mines Resort City, Seri Kembangan
Tel: 03-8943 2288

Tropicana Golf and Country Club
Tropicana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 03-7804 8888

Unit Golf Universiti Putra Malaysia,
UPM Serdang
Tel: 03-8946 6000

Valencia Golf Club
Lot 4403, Sungai Buloh
Tel: 03-6140 3842

Note: The contact numbers are correct at time of update. If you feel that the listings are in error, please contact us. Clubs who wish to be listed can contact us using the Submission Form.

Fishing in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-08T20:55:00.003+08:00

You think it is impossible to fish in Kuala Lumpur, right? Wrong! There are plenty of places you can cast your lines and get a bite.

Fishing in the city is possible and there are places here where you can still fish, albeit for a fee, and in some areas, fishing is still allowed for free.

Lakes and Ponds
There are a number of disused mining pools and ponds on the outskirts of the city such as in Ampang, Batu Caves, Kepong, Gombak and Puchong which you can cast your lines, for free, but chances of a good catch are very slim, unless you have good local knowledge.

Ponds and lakes in public parks such as Lake Titiwangsa, Lake Perdana, and Tasik Permaisuri (in Cheras) in the city are out of bounds. Fish and you will be given a fine.

However, during specific periods, such as City Day, the KL City Hall organises fishing contests here. Otherwise, you can't fish here - no matter how tempting it might be to you.

Rivers
You may have seen some foolhardy folk casting their lines into the Kelang River in the city centre. These waterways are out of bounds for the obvious danger they pose. Besides, the fish in the river are contaminated anyway, so forget about it.

Sea
You can fish for free by the sea but the sea (at Port Klang) is more than 50km away! But if you still itch to cast your lines into the blue yonder, you can get there by the KTM Komuter which services the route from Sentul to Pulau Ketam jetty at the South Port. Once at South Port, get down at the last station which is the Pulau Ketam jetty.

The train fare is about RM20.00 for a return ticket. Get down at the Pulau Ketam jetty and ask the locals where you might be allowed to fish.

Or you can take a boat ride to Pulau Ketam and ask locals there where you might get to fish, which is at fish farms and aquaculture centres there.

Pay Ponds
If you know where to look, there are several in Kuala Lumpur itself.The rest are spalttered all over the outskirts of the city.

These are commercial ponds offering saltwater, freshwater and prawn fishing. You pay a fee to get in, fish for a specified period, and get to take the fish home. Fish baits are sold here.

So are food and fishing equipment, such as reels, rods, hooks, lines and sinkers. If you don't want to buy a full gear, rod and reels are also available for rent.

Fee are usually at RM10 per hour for a minimum of three hours' fishing. Additional hours are chargeable at RM10 per hour and discounts are given after five hours' bookings.

Fish hooked are sometimes entered for a weekly contest where the heaviest fish wins. Lucky draws - ie. tagged fish landed - are also held and prizes range from kitchen utensils and fishing equipment to bikes and even cars.

Saltwater ponds: Fish species available here include snappers, barramundis, jewfish, rock cods, and in some places, even one odd sting ray or two.

Freshwater ponds: These are built for freshwater fish only such as the red tilapia, marble goby, river catfish, pacu (a fruit-eating variant of the piranha) and carps.

Prawn ponds: Udang galah or Malaysian king prawns are not only delicious when cooked in chili but provides a good fight when hooked on prawning gear. Prawn ponds are smaller than the commercial fish ponds and some small operators even operate from within coffeeshops.
To find out where you might find a fishing pond, write.

Fishing Equipment
Even if you are not fishing here, you might want to check out some of the tackle shops in the city. Considering the favourable exchange rates, you might even get away with a good bargain for hooks, lines and sinkers.

Reels, too, such as Shimano, Penn, Okuma, and the likes can also be quite cheap in Kuala Lumpur.

The range should also be quite interesting in some angling supply shops because of the large number of anglers in Kuala Lumpur.

Fishing Charters
If you are in Kuala Lumpur for more than just a few days, and you are an angler, perhaps you might want to try out the local fishing charters. The best place to check for the availability of such tours is the local travel agent or the tourism promotion body. Usually they may have something to suggest. Travel companies, realising the importance fishing has become to the travel industry, are also offering this package although it may not be listed under the usual packages offered.

Generally fishing charters are chargeable per boat size. The cost us usually spread out among the number of anglers taking part in the charter. Baits are usually provided on the charter and fishing guides, who also double up as the captain or deckhands of the fishing boat, are on hand to show the best spots.

Journeys may begin late at night or very early in the morning and lasts between eight hours for a 'one-day fishing trip' to a 'five-day three-night' packages. For one-day trips, usually smaller boats are used and even smaller groups are accepted by the boat operator. For longer trips, larger and more powerful boats are used and these are 'mini' luxury cruisers with cooking and bathing facilities, and some even, airconditioned.

Bookstores

2008-05-08T20:51:00.002+08:00

If you are camped out in Kuala Lumpur for a few days, chances are that you will be looking for books to buy and read within the comforts of your hotel room in the city.

Well, compared to other cities in the country, and even Singapore, Kuala Lumpur has the most number of book stores and chains operating individually or from within shopping complexes.

Most of the bookstores carry recent titles and you can be rest assured that if a book is released in the United Kingdom or the United States, you just might be able to get one here within days in our local bookstores.

There are also public libraries for you to browse around in airconditioned comfort, but to borrow, you may have to sign up as a member and membership can be free or paid at a nominal fee. So, if you are a book worm, don't worry. KL is a bookworm's paradise - the number of bookstores and libraries are mind boggling.

There are a few prominent large bookstores in the city. The first I would like to recommend is the Kinokuniya, located at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. This is the biggest bookstore that I have known at the moment, covering two floors and even has a book cafe for you to have tea and cookies while browsing. The fact that it is located at a prominent complex makes Kinokuniya a busy place from 10am to 10pm daily.

Although the prices of books here are a bit on the high side, their range is amazing. Book sales are also held occasionally in the form of dumper bin offers. The service is good, and they even wrap books for you.

If you have known Borders, then you are in luck. There are two outlets in Kuala Lumpur - one in Berjaya Times Square and the other at The Curve in Mutiara Damansara. This is a relative new outfit but the range of titles they carry is quite impressive.

The next I am going to recommend is not a single bookstore but a chain, the Popular Books. Why it is popular is obvious - it caters to mostly academic and Chinese books and the range of books from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Not to be belittled is its range of magazines. Stationery of various types are also sold here, and Popular Books have a large collection of dainty daily desktop necessities. If you are seeking out a Popular Books outlet, the biggest and best equipped I think is at Ikano Power Centre in Mutiara Damansara. There is also one in Sungai Wang Plaza (3rd Floor), two in Chinatown which are buildings by themselves and one in One-Utama.

MPH Bookstores is also another place to check out. It is among the top bookstores in Kuala Lumpur and the most prominent one is at the Mid Valley Megamall. Another is located at the Bukit Bintang Plaza, which is probably one of the oldest MPH Bookstores in Kuala Lumpur.

Times Bookstores, now not as famous or as popular as they used to is available here in Kuala Lumpur. The only one I know is at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Quite big but the range is not as impressive as Kinokuniya.

There are smaller bookstores all around Kuala Lumpur which I cannot list here simply because there are too many of them. If you are looking at local academic books in English or Malay, try the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman area from the junction of Jalan Dang Wangi (Campbell) and Jalan Tun Perak. There are plenty here and you can't miss them.

KINOKUNIYA BOOKSTORES AND LOCATION
4th Floor, Suria Klcc, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2163 0279
Business Hours: 10am to 10pm

BORDERS BOOKSTORES OUTLETS AND LOCATIONS

Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur 55100
Tel: 03-21410288
The Curve, No. 6 Jalan PJU, Petaling Jaya, Selangor 47800
Tel: 03-7725 9303

POPULAR BOOKSTORES

POPULAR BOOKSTORES CHERAS LEISURE MALL
Taman Segar 6-1/2 Miles, Jln Cheras, 56100 KL
Tel: 03-91322435/437 / Fax: 03-91322443/91301906
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri : 11.00am - 9.30pm /Sat and Sun : 11.00am - 10.00pm

POPULAR BOOKSTORES JALAN HANG LEKIR
34 - 36, Jln Hang Lekir, 50000 KL
Tel: 03-20700687/689
Fax: 03-20317025
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri : 10.30am - 8.30pm/Sat and Sun : 10.00am - 8.30pm

POPULAR BOOKSTORES KOMPLEKS MUTIARA
Lot 2.01, 2nd Floor, Kompleks Mutiara, 568, Batu 3 1/2 Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-62504426/4427/4973 / Fax: 03-62504434
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri : 11.30am - 9.30pm / Sat and Sun : 11.00am - 10.00pm

POPULAR BOOKSTORES SUNGEI WANG PLAZA
Lot G012 -G015 and F007 -F015, Gr and 1st Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza, Jln Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 21458848 / Fax: 21458500
Business Hours:
Mon - Sun : 11.00am - 9.00pm

POPULAR BOOKSTORES METRO PRIMA SHOPPING CENTER
Lot F11, 1st Floor, Metro Prima Shopping Center, Jalan Metro Prima, 52100 Kepong, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-62583673 / Fax: 03-62587245
Business Hours:
Mon - Sun : 10.00am - 11.00pm

POPULAR BOOKSTORES 1 UTAMA SHOPPING CENTRE
Lot S32,S33,S34, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 7727 9185/9085 / Fax: 03 â€“ 77279241
Business Hours:
Sun-Thur: 10.00 am - 10.30pm / Fri-Sat,Pub: 10.00am -11.00pm

POPULAR BOOKSTORES BANGUNAN LEE RUBBER
Ground and 1st Floor, Bangunan Lee Rubber, No.145, Jalan Tun HS Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel:03-2078 1953/6159/2196 / Fax: 03-20722955
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri : 10.30am - 8.30pm / Sat and Sun : 10.00am - 8.30pm

POPULAR BOOKSTORES IOI MALL
Batu 9, Jln Puchong, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong
Tel: 03-58820263/ 236 / Fax: 03-58820260
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri : 11.30am - 9.30pm
Sat and Sun : 11.00am - 10.00pm

POPULAR BOOKSTORES THE SUMMIT SUBANG USJ
Lot F1-136B, 1st Floor, The Summit Subang USJ, Persiaran Kewajipan, USJ 1,
47600 UEP Subang Jaya
Tel:03-80243588/6454/80235273 / Fax:03-80244588/1658
Business Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11:00am - 9:30pm / Sat,Sun,Pub: 10:30am - 9:30pm

MPH BOOKSTORES AND LOCATIONS

ALAMANDA PUTRAJAYA
LG22-23, Lower Ground Floor, Alamanda Putrajaya Shopping Centre, Precinct 1,
62000 Putrajaya.
Tel: 03-03-8889 2601 / Fax: 03-03-8889 2602
Business Hours: 10.00am - 10.00pm

MPH BOOKSTORES ALPHA ANGLE WANGSA MAJU
F 11-12, 1st Floor, Alpha Angle Shopping Centre, Jalan R1, Section 1, Bandar Baru Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-4142 1246 / Fax: 03-4142 1245
Business Hours: 10.00am - 10.00pm

MPH BOOKSTORES BAKTI SITI HASMAH
Unit G6, Blok B, Bangunan Bakti Siti Hasmah, No.6, Changkat Abang Haji Openg,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail,60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-7724 2913 / Fax: 03-7724 2912
Business Hours: 8.00am - 8.00pm

MPH BOOKSTORES BANGSAR BARU
No 2, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2282 7300 / Fax: 03-2282 7293
Business Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES BANGSAR VILLAGE
Lot F7, 1st Floor, Bangsar Village Shopping Centre, No. 1, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2283 1098 Fax: 03-2283 1097
Business Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES BB PLAZA
GF002, Ground Floor, BB Plaza, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2142 8231 / Fax: 03-2142 9729
Business Hours:
10.30 am - 9.30 pm (Sun - Thur) / 10.30 am - 10.00 pm (Fri and Sat)

MPH BOOKSTORES GREAT EASTERN MALL
Lots 5 and 6, Level 1, Great Eastern Mall, No. 303, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-4253 4835 / Fax: 03-4253 4204
Business Hours:
10.00 am - 9.00 pm (Monday - Thursday) / 10.00 am- 10.00pm (Fri - Sun and public holidays)

MPH BOOKSTORES KL CITY AIR TERMINAL
Unit 24, Departure Hall, Level 1, KL City Air Terminal, KL Sentral Station,
50470 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2273 0560 / Fax: 03-2273 0569
Business Hours: 9.00 am - 9.00 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES MID VALLEY
Unit JA1, Ground Floor, Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City, 58000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2938 3800 / Fax: 03-2938 3811
Business Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES TAMAN MALURI
F1 and F2, 1st Floor, Jusco Taman Maluri Shopping Centre, Jalan Jejaka, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-9285 1317 / Fax: 03-9285 1069
Business Hours: 10.30 am - 10.30 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES SUNWAY PYRAMID
LL2.05, Lower Level 2, Sunway Pyramid, 3 Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway,
46150 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-7492 5805 / Fax: 03-7492 5806
Business Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES THE SUMMIT
LG50A, LG56 and LG 57, Lower Ground Floor, The Summit, Subang USJ, Persiaran Kewajipan, USJ1, 47600 UEP Subang Jaya.
Tel: 03-8024 2261 / Fax: 03-8024 1442
Business Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES SUBANG PARADE
G 26A(1),G26B-CandG26D(1), Ground Floor, Subang Parade, No 5, Jalan SS16/1,
Subang Jaya, 47500 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-5633 9079 / Fax: 03-5637 9729
Business Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

GIANT STADIUM SHAH ALAM
Lot A22-A24, Giant Hypermarket Stadium Shah Alam, Lot 2, Jalan Persiaran Sukan, Seksyen 13, 40100 Shah Alam.
Tel: 03-5511 8978 / Fax: 03-5511 8976
Business Hours: 9.30 am - 10.00 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES BUKIT RAJA
F38, 1st Floor, Bukit Raja Shopping Centre, Persiaran Bukit Raja 2, Bandar Baru Klang, 41150 Klang.
Tel: 03-3342 8580 / Fax: 03-3343 1345
Business Hours: 10.30 am - 10.30 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES TESCO KLANG
Lot 6A 1st Floor Tesco Klang, No 3, Jalan Batu Nilam, 6/KS6, Bandar Bukit Tinggi, 41200 Klang
Tel: 03-3324 2650 / Fax: 03-3324 8071
Business Hours: 9.30 am - 10.30 pm

MPH MEGASTORE, 1 UTAMA
F319 and S319, 1st and 2nd Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, No 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7726 9003 / Fax: 03-7725 9003
Business Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES THE CURVE
Lot 147A, 1st Floor, The Curve, No. 6, Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7725 6353 / Fax: 03-7725 1726
Business Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

MPH BOOKSTORES SHAH ALAM CITY CENTRE
Lot 1F-07 and 1F-08, 1st Floor, SACC Mall, Precinct 1.1 and Precinct 1.2, Jln Perbadanan 14/9, Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam
Tel: 03-5513 9677 / Fax: 03-5513 0776
Business Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

Chocolate Haven in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-08T20:32:00.010+08:00

You can't miss it. Watch out for this arch announcing the location.
You love chocolates? So do we!

If you are in Kuala Lumpur, you should check this place out. It's actually a private company's effort to promote its chocolate making activity, and its products - chocolates, of course.

Located at Jalan Utara off Jalan Imbi (it is also approachable via Bukit Bintang), the Beryl Chocolate Kingdom is more of less a large showroom for this Malaysian chocolate maker.

This is where the milk and cocoa butter is mixed to make chocolates.

You will see things related to chocolate - from the cocoa sapling to various chocolate making procedures and finally various chocolates at the end of the production line.

The Beryl Chocolate Kingdom is housed within a double-storey old bungalow that has been converted into a huge showroom.

Posters of the history of chocolate and chocolate making equipment greet you as you enter the showroom. If they are not too busy, the staff will brief you about the various processes involved in chocolate making. Otherwise, I suppose you can approach them and ask for a briefing.

After you have been acquainted with the chocolate-making methods, it is on to the various chocolates that the company produces - from coffee flavoured ones to durian chocolate, a real innovation if you ask me, although we wonder if it is safe for you to bring into hotel rooms. Anyway, if you don't open your mouth or munch them at the hotel lobby, and get a whiff out, no one will know, right?

More than one type of chocolate to please your palate.

You will be spoilt for choice as you will find various chocolates to suit your taste and budget.

The place also sells souvenirs related to the brand name and if you are a die-hard loyal customer, you might want to check them out, too If you have never seen a cocoa sapling in your life, you might want to check them out just outside the building. They are planted in pots.

Cocoa trees at the compound for those who have never seen one.

New to Kuala Lumpur? Would you like a visit to this place? Get in touch with us at editor@klthismonth.com

Art Galleries in Kuala Lumpur

2008-05-08T06:18:00.006+08:00

Art Galleries in KL City
Name: Aoyama Sri Hartamas Gallery
Address: 16, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, KL
Phone:: 03-6201 6618
Fax: 03-6201 6943

Name: Art Folio Gallery
Address: T116, 3rd Floor, City Square, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
Phone:: 03-2162 3339

Name: (The) Art Gallery, KL
Address: KL College of Art,, Level 4, No.1, Lorong Medan Tuanku, KL
Phone:: 03-2694 3486
Fax: 03-2693 1037

Name: Art House Gallery
Address: Lot 2.39-2.42, 2nd Floor, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, KL
Phone:: 03-2148 2283
Fax: 03-2142 4177

Name: Art Loft Gallery
Address: 4th Floor, Starhill Gallery, No.181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL
Phone::

Name: Art Salon
Address: 4, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, KL
Phone:: 03-2282 2601
Fax: 03-2282 1878

Name: Art Space Gallery
Address: S162, 2nd Floor, City Square, 182 Jalan Tun Razak, KL
Phone:: 03- 2161 7128
Fax: 03- 2161 7128

Name: ARTalk Gallery
Address: 22-1 & 22-2, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL
Phone:: 03-2282 8633 / 8863
Fax: 03-2282 9633

Name: Artcase Galleries (City Square)
Address: F128, First Floor, City Square, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
Phone:: 03-2163 5160
Fax: 03-2163 5160

Name: Artique Fine Art
Address: Lot E-01-03, Ground Floor, Block E, Plaza Mont' Kiara, KL
Phone:: 03-6201 9809

Name: Artist 3 Gallery
Address: H-O-12, Block H, Plaza Damas, 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, KL
Phone:: 03-6201 7663

Name: Artseni Gallery
Address: 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Muse floor (4th floor), Starhill Gallery, KL
Phone:: 03-2144 0782
Fax: 03-2144 0782

Name: Central Academy of Art Gallery
Address: 168A-D, Batu 3 1/2, Jalan Klang Lama, KL
Phone:: 03-7980 6155
Fax: 03-7981 0607

Name: Darling Muse Art Gallery
Address: 142 Jalan Bukit Pantai, KL
Phone:: 03 - 2284 7441

Name: Elle Six
Address: 73-1, Mezzanine Floor, Jalan Setiabakti, Damansara Heights, KL
Phone:: 03-2093 5925
Fax: 03-2093 5926

Name: Elm Quay Fine Arts
Address: G.09, MiCasa Shoppes, 368-B,, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
Phone:: 03-2161 5260
Fax: 03-2161 5268

Name: Evelyn Dillon's Studio
Address: 1, Jalan Taman Duta, KL
Phone:: 03-2095 9907
Fax: 03-2092 5022

Name: Florence Art House
Address: Lot 2.61, 2nd Floor, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, KL
Phone:: 03-2148 2283
Fax: 03-2142 4177

Name: Galeri Citra
Address: W-M-2, Mezzanine Floor, West Wing, Rohas Perkasa,, 8, Jalan Perak, KL
Phone:: 03-2161 6066
Fax: 03-2161 6011

Name: Galeri Dataran Maybank
Address: MaybanLife Tower, Dataran Maybank, 1, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, KL
Phone:: 03-2297 1990
Fax: 03-2297 2828

Name: Galeri PETRONAS
Address: Lot 341-343, Level 3 Suria KLCC, PETRONAS Twin Towers, KL City Centre, KL
Phone:: 03-2331 7770 / 7773
Fax: 03-2331 7170

Name: Galeri Seni Maya
Address: 12, 1st Floor, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL
Phone:: +03-2282-2069
Fax: +03-2282-2069

Name: Galeri Tangsi
Address: PAM Centre, 4-6 Jalan Tangsi, KL
Phone:: 03-2691 0805/13
Fax: 03-2691 0805

Name: Galeriiizu
Address: Mezzanine Floor (above EON Bank), UOA Centre, Jalan Pinang, KL
Phone:: 016-380 5999

Name: Gallerie TAKSU
Address: 17, Jalan Pawang, Bukit Keramat, KL
Phone:: 03-4251 4396
Fax: 03-4251 4331

Name: Gallery @ Starhill, The
Address: 4th Floor, Starhill Centre, 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL
Phone:: 03-21433323

Name: Gemarimba Gallery
Address: B-8, Taman Tunku Apartments, Taman Tunku, Bukit Tunku, KL
Phone:: 03- 6201 3505
Fax: 03- 6201 3505

Name: Heng Artland
Address: FF8-9 Star Hill Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Phone:: 03-2141 6898
Fax: 2141 5898

Name: Islamic Arts Museum
Address: Jalan Lembah Perdana, KL
Phone:: 03-2274 2020
Fax: 03-2274 0529

Name: Izzu Gallery
Address: 11B Jalan Mentakab, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, KL
Phone:: 03-4025 1060

Name: Mun Sen Art Gallery
Address: 10-1 & 12-1, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, KL
Phone:: 03-2282 8321
Fax: 03-2282 8321

Name: National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Lukis Negara)
Address: 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak, KL
Phone:: 03-4025 4990
Fax: 03-4025 4987

Name: Nikko Galleria
Address: 1st Floor, Nikko Hotel, Jalan Ampang, KL
Phone:: 03-261 1111

Name: Pelita Hati
Address: No 22, Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar, KL
Phone:: 03-2284 8380
Fax: 03-2284 8380

Name: Picture This & That
Address: 183, Jalan Ampang, KL
Phone:: 03-2145 2430
Fax: 03-2145 2479

Name: Pucuk Rebung
Address: Pucuk Rebung, Gallery-Museum, Lot 302-A, Level 3, Ampang Mall, Suria KLCC, KL
Phone:: 03-382 0769, 382 1109
Fax: 03-382 1108

Name: Sandra Knuyt Art Gallery
Address: Level 1, Shangri-La Hotel, 11 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250, KL
Phone:: 03-2032 4073

Name: Sandra Knuyt Studio
Address: 35, Jalan Wangsa 5, Bukit Antarabangsa, Ampang, KL
Phone:: 03-4103 3996
Fax: 03-4103 2544

Name: Seksan Design
Address: No. 67 Jalan Tempinis 1, Lucky Garden, Bangsar, KL
Phone:: 03-22824611
Fax: 03-22820366

Name: SpaceKraft
Address: Benteng, River Walk, 20, Jalan Medan Pasar, KL
Phone:: 019-351 1975

Name: TINTA Gallery
Address: 8, Lengkok Abdullah, Bangsar Baru, KL
Phone:: 03-2283 4008

Name: TJ Fine Art
Address: D.08G Plaza Damas, Jln Sri Hartamas 1, KL
Phone:: 03-6201 4718

Name: TMS Art Gallery
Address: No.10 Jalan Wangsa Budi 6A, Wangsa Melawati, KL
Phone:: 012-257 9775 (Emilia)
Fax: +03-4142 8154

Name: Tomlinson Collection Bangsar Gallery
Address: 30, Jalan Telawi Lima, Bangsar Baru, KL
Phone:: 03-2283 2196
Fax: 03-2283 2181

Name: Townhouse Gallery
Address: 19A, Jalan Medang Tanduk, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, KL
Phone:: 03-2094 3381

Name: Valentine Willie Fine Art
Address: 1st Floor, 17, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL
Phone:: 03-2284 2348
Fax: 03-2282 5190

Name: Yan Fine Art Gallery
Address: Lot T137, 3rd Floor, City Square Centre, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
Phone:: 03- 2161 9462 Art Galleries Outside KL City

Name: Artcase Galleries (Bukit Antarabangsa)
Address: 8, Jalan Kelab Ukay 2, Bukit Antarabangsa, Ampang, Selangor
Phone:: 03-4107 7329
Fax: 03-4107 7329

Name: Galeri Shah Alam
Address: Laman Budaya, Persiaran Tasik Barat, Shah Alam, Selangor
Phone:: 03-5510 5344 / 6045
Fax: 03-5510 2081

Name: NN Gallery
Address: 53A & 56, Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir, Ampang, Selangor
Phone:: 03-4270 6588
Fax: 03-4270 3357

Name: Private Gallery, The
Address: Section 16, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone:: 03-7958-2175

Name: Reka Art Space
Address: GL29, Block C, Kelana Square, 17 Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, Selangor
Phone:: 03-7880 5982
Fax: 03-7875 8006

Name: Rimbun Dahan
Address: Kilometer 27, Jalan Kuang, 48050, Kuang, Selangor
Phone:: 03-6038 3690

Name: Sandra Knuyt Art Gallery
Address: Lobby Level, Hilton Hotel PJ, No. 2 Jalan Barat, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone:: 03-7960 7213

Name: Shian's Art & Sculpture,
Address: Gallery 1 / Shop, G42-1, Ground Floor, The Summit USJ 1, Persiaran Kewajipan USJ 1, 47600, Subang UEP, Selangor
Phone:: 03-8023 4669

Name: Silver Gelatin
Address: 34-B, Jalan SS2/67, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone:: 03-7877 1477

Name: XOAS Gallery
Address:76G Jln University, Sect 13, Petaling Jaya
Phone:: 03-7955-0601
Fax: 03-7958-3601

Gallery owners and artists who wish to be listed here, please write to us.

Art Scene

2008-05-08T06:15:00.007+08:00

If you have been paying attention to the surroundings, the people and the colours of the city, you will see that Kuala Lumpur is a unique melting pot of artistic flair - right from the colours of the current fashion scene to the age-old architecture that have become landmarks in their own right here in Kuala Lumpur.

In fact, KL is a treasure trove of Malaysian culture and art. Although the artistic community is small and not comparable in any sense to those in Paris or Venice, it is nevertheless growing as can be testified by the many art galleries, art centres and performance arts bodies that have sprouted over the last five years in Kuala Lumpur.

One of the biggest of galleries is the National Art Gallery, a contribution by the Government towards promoting art. It is located along Jalan Tun Razak, not far from Lake Titiwangsa. Opening hours are from 10am to 6pm daily except Mondays. However, the gallery is now closed for renovations till sometime in April.

Next to the National Art Gallery is the venue for performing arts or the National Theatre, known locally as Istana Budaya. Here local and international class performances are held.

Alternatively, if you prefer to watch artists at work up close, we suggest you try the Artists Colony in Jalan Conlay. Located within the Infokraf or the International Crafts Complex is a small cluster of huts rented out to artists who work in-situ. Here you can have a less formal conversation with the artists and works are also sold here.

We have compiled a list of art galleries for your convenience below. We will appreciate it if you could provide some feedback here.

Art gallery Listings

KL-Happenings

2008-05-07T22:23:00.003+08:00

There are plenty of things happening in Kuala Lumpur right from sunrise to sunset.Exhibitions, conventions, meetings, shows and such take place at easily accessible venues comprising major hotels and shopping complexes, not forgetting the Kuala Lumpur International Convention Centre at the KLCC, as well as the grand dame of convention and exhibitions - the Putra World Trade Centre.

Below are some of the events happening in Kuala Lumpur this month.

(NOTE: All events are listed in good faith that they are correct at time of print. Kindly confirm with the organisers or venue handlers the exact dates, time and availability by calling the respective contacts - ed.)

Sightseeing

2008-05-07T22:20:00.005+08:00

Places of Interest

THE AQUARIA KLCC: Located within the KLCC complex is the world-class, fully interactive, commercial aquarium showcasing over 5,000 aquatic and land-bound animals from 150 different species. Go on an educational journey taken by the path of the water, starting from the highland streams that grow as they pass through rainforests, coastal lowlands and mangrove swamps, and ending at the sea. Opening hours are from 11am - 8pm, with final admission at 7pm. Fees: Adults - RM38 (RM28 with MyKad); Children (3-12 years old) - RM 26; Child with MyKad - RM 22; and Child (below 3 years) - Free. For details, call 03 2333 1888

KUALA LUMPUR TOWER: Standing at 515m above sea level this majestic 421 metre tower is one of the most unmistakable feature of the city skyline. It is located atop Bukit Nanas at 94m above sea level and was constructed as a Telecommunications tower to improve telecommunications and broadcast transmissions. It is built with 45,000 cubic metres of concreteand weighs about 100,000 tonnes. It is currently the tallest tower in Southeast Asia and ranks fourth amongst the tallest telecommunications towers in the world. Work took four years and was completed in May 1996. It is open daily from 10am - 10pm. Admission: RM8 (Adults), RM3 (Child from 4 to 12 years).

MERDEKA SQUARE: This was originally a cricket pitch in front of the Royal Selangor Club. The field used to be apopular meeting point for city residents until it was refurbished into what is known as the Merdeka Square today. Covering a total area of about 8.5ha, the square's main feature is the 100m flagpole which marks the spot where the Malaysian flag (today known as the Jalur Gemilang) was hoisted on Aug 31, 1957, when Malaysia won its independence from British Rule. Underneath the Merdeka Square is a shopping complex known as Plaza Putra, which houses a host of food, shopping and entertainment outlets.

SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING: This historic edifice of Moorish design sits grandly overlooking the Merdeka Square. Built in 1897 to house government offices during the British rule, the building also houses the famous Kuala Lumpur Clock Tower. The building complex also forms the backdrop to important events such as the National Day celebrations. Today, it houses the Courts while its south-eastern end has been turned into the Textile museum.

CENTRAL MARKET: A short walk from the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Merdeka Square across the Kelang River lies the grand dame of Kuala Lumpur, the Central Market. Having spent its early years as a wet market, the Central Market or Pasar Seni, is today a haven for souvenir hunters. It is also a meeting point for artists of all media. Also approchable by the Light Rail Transit, the Central Market opens from 10am to 10pm daily. During weekends, cultural performances are also offered.

CHINATOWN (PETALING STREET): Chinatown or 'Chee Cheong Kai' as it is known in Cantonese is a hive of activity from dawn till dusk. In the mornings, the mile-long street comes alive with gastronomic attractions from dumpling soups to push-cart barbecued duckmeat. In the evenings, the street takes on an entirely new identity with boisterous stalls offering anything from costume jewellery to copy watches, gemstones and other knick-knacks. The keyword to remember when shopping in Chinatown is "Bargain". Everything has a price but if you are tough on the bargain, you might get away with a steal. And of course, watch out for pickpockets...

LAKE GARDENS: Situated just a short distance away from the Merdeka Square like the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur's most popular park. Located at Jalan Perdana, the sprawling 91.6 hectare garden of all terrain is a popular spot in the evenings for health buffs. It has two lakes and an unlimited showcase of exotic tropical flowers, plants and trees. In the vicinity of the Lake Gardens are several other attractions such as the Deer Park (9am - 6pm daily; Free Admission), Hibiscus Garden (9am - 6pm daily, except weekends and public holidays; Free Admission), Bird Park (9am - 5pm; Admission by fee), Butterfly Park (9am - 6pm daily; Admission by fee) and the Orchid Garden (9am - 6pm daily; Free Admission).

NATIONAL PLANETARIUM: It is located atop a hillock in the Lake Gardens area and houses various exhibits related to space and space science. There is also an observatory where you can view planets and stars. It is opened daily from 10am to 4pm, except Fridays when it is closed.

NATIONAL MONUMENT: The 15.54m high bronze monument was designed by Felix de Weldon and built in 1966 to honour Malaysia's fallen heroes in the country's fight with the Communists. Within the National Monument area is the Cenotaph. At the foothills lies the Asean Sculpture Garden which is a collection of sculptures by top ASEAN sculptors.

NATIONAL MOSQUE: With its umbrella-shaped blue, the National Mosque is the main mosque for Muslim residents. The main building features contemporary Islamic architecture and most distinct is the 73m high minaret. Across the road from the National Mosque is the Islamic Museum. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays and public holidays from 10am - 6pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.

NATIONAL MUSEUM: Located at Jalan Damansara, at the fronge of the Lake Gardens, the museum offers insights into the history, political development, culture, economy, arts, and flora and fauna of Malaysia. On display within its ground are old locomotives, vintage cars and a replica of an ancient Malay palace. Opening hours are from 9am - 6pm daily. Admission: RM1 (Adults). Children below 12 years enter free.Note: Apart from the National Museum, there are other museums in Kuala Lumpur which are not in the standard tours itinerary.

NATIONAL ART GALLERY: Located at a 5.67 acres site at Jalan Temerloh, next to the National Theatre and the National Library. View works of local artists here. There is a creative centre, a sculpture garden, auditorium, a library, and a cafe. Gallery opens 10am-6pm daily and admission is free.

NATIONAL THEATRE: Houses the National Theatre Company and the National Symphony Orchestra. It is responsible for theatrical and other performing art in Malaysia. Musical performances, drama and dances are are held regularly. Call 4025 2525 for details.

NATIONAL LIBRARY: Located next to the National Art Gallery, the National Library houses a huge collection of books and other reading materials. Admission is free. Opening hours are
Tuesday to Friday (10.00 am - 7.00 pm), Saturday (9.00 am - 7.00 pm) & Sunday (10.00 am - 5.00 pm). The library is closed on Monday & Public Holidays.

LAKE TITIWANGSA: One of the biggest lake gardens within city limits, the Lake Titiwangsa is the meeting point for health buffs and nature lovers. The verdant flat terrain is suitable for evening strolls. Among facilities available here are a sports complex, tennis courts, canteen and water sports facilities.

CRAFTS COMPLEX: Located at Jalan Conlay, this is one of the best places to check out local handicrafts. Various stalls offer an insight into how crafts are made. Visitors can also take part in batik painting at the stalls. Within the complex is an artists' community where one can view artists at work. there is also a restaurant here.

ZOO AND AQUARIUM: The National Zoo is located 13km northeast of Kuala Lumpur at Hulu Kelang. In its collections are over 200 species of animals, birds and reptiles. The aquarium has some 80 species of marine and freshwater creatures. Animal performances are also available at certain times of the day, as do animal rides. On Saturday evenings, the zoo is also open for Night safari experience. The zoo is open daily from 9am to 6pm, except Saturdays when it closed at 10pm. Admission: RM5 (Adults) RM2 (Children)

SHOPPING DISTRICTS: shopping is synonymous with Kuala Lumpur with its wide range of shopping complexes, malls, department stores, hypermarkets, specialty stores, duty-free shops, bazaars and nightmarkets.

Shopping

2008-05-07T22:14:00.005+08:00

Kuala Lumpur is a Shopper's Paradise.

Even if there is not much that you wish to buy, on a hot day, you can certainly do some window shopping in Kuala Lumpur's many shopping complexes. These are airconditioned, comfortable, and many are equipped with a food court and restaurants for you to have your meals in between your shopping spree.

If you like, go off the beaten shopping track when in Kuala Lumpur. Try the Night Markets (or pasar malam as we call it), Farmers' Markets (pasar tani as they are known), and the many shopping alleys around the city such as Chinatown or Petaling Street areas, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman bazaars, Chow Kit road and Kampung Baru.

Bargains are available all year round in Kuala Lumpur and not only during designated Mega Sale periods (held nationwide in March, September and December).

Retailers are required to display price lists and while bigger shopping complexes offer fixed priced goods (or at listed discounts), the roadside retailers may give discounts at discretion.

The trick here is to ask if you can get a better deal - bargaining is a well-accepted norm when doing street shopping in Kuala Lumpur.

Indeed Kuala Lumpur is equipped with plenty of shopping destinations, ranging from hypermarkets to designer boutiques, from street stalls to shopping alleys.

Shop till you drop, from morning into the wee hours of the night. Kuala Lumpur is indeed a shopping paradise.

Midnight Markets
This is the latest where shopping in Kuala Lumpur is concerned. We have nightmarkets which operate from 5pm to 10pm and now, midnight bazaars have joined the bandwagon.

They can be found at Sentul Raya, Danau Kota and the Bandar Tun Razak's velodrome carpark. Operating from 10pm to 3am, all sorts of things can be found here - from souvenirs to clothings, gadgets and even cars.

Below are some of the shopping areas you might want to check out.
Key shopping areas in Kuala Lumpur include (with shopping complexes listed below):

1. Jalan Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang Plaza
Sungei Wang Plaza
Low Yat Plaza Shopping Centre
lmbi Plaza
Lot 10
Starhill Plaza
Kuala Lumpur Plaza
The Pavilion

2) Jalan Raja Chulan/Jalan Conlay

The Weld
Crafts Complex

3) Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Sogo
Pertama Complex
Kamdar, Tang Ling and Harrisons
Jalan Masjid India
Saturday Night Market

4) Jalan Ampang/Jalan Tun Razak

Suria KLCC
Ampang Park Shopping Complex
City Square
Ampang Point

5) Jalan Sultan/Jalan Tun H.S. Lee

UDA-Ocean
S&M Plaza
Sinarkota
Petaling Street (ChinaTown)

6) Jalan Cheng Lock/Jalan Pudu

Kota Raya
Central Market
Shaw Parade
Pudu Parade

7) Jalan Putra

The Mall

8) Bangsar & Vicinity

Bangsar Village
Bangsar Shopping Complex
Mid Valley Mega Mall

Eating Out

2008-05-07T22:10:00.008+08:00

Kuala Lumpur is the melting pot of the best in Asian cuisine. If you are not fussy, food in all forms, shapes and sizes can be found anywhere, sold throughout the day – from street vendors and hawker centres to fast food joints like Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King's, Nando's, Pizza Huts and McDonald's to posh restaurants.

You will notice that when you are in Kuala Lumpur, there are three major food outlets - the Malay, Indian and Chinese food operators. And within these three, you can sometimes find something interesting to suit your tastebuds.

We will not delve into the nitty gritties where food is concerned but as a guide, we will take you through some of the common items on the food list of an average cityfolk.

Generally there are three types of dominant cuisine influenced by the three major races in Malaysia – Chinese, Malay and Indian food.

BREAKFAST:

Chinese:

Noodles (dry or soup)
Flour dumplings (pao)
Meat dumplings – called dimsum
Fritters – yow char kuay
Rice – known as bak kut teh or rice eaten with meaty soup and Chinese tea.

Note: Generally pork is used but there are some 'halal' Chinese restaurants offering cuisines that conform to the religious requirements of Muslims. Always look out for a 'halal' logo or ask the proprietor if the food is 'halal' if you are a Muslim.

Malay:
Kuih-muih – traditional cakes which can be sweet or spicy
Rice – in various types such as nasi lemak (rice steamed in coconut milk), nasi kerabu (spicy herbal rice), nasi goreng (fried rice)
Noodles – usually fried

Indian:

Sugee dumplings – known as idli, eaten with curry dips
Leavened breads eaten with curry gravy – made either of flour or fermented rice such as roti canai (flour), capati (wholewheat flour) and thosay (fermented rice flour).

Breakfast beverages:
Common beverages include Chinese tea, tea, coffee and Nescafe (powdered processed coffee) but here is no hard and fast rule. A common phenomenon is ‘teh tarik’ where prepared tea is poured from a height to aerate it. It is supposed to add flavour to the beverage while cooling it. Another is the ‘si’ adjective added when ordering beverages such as coffee or tea – called kopi-si or the-si. This ‘si’ thingy is to imply that you want unsweetened evaporated milk - healthier alternative.

LUNCH:
Rice makes up the main menu for the three races although what you can find for breakfast can usually be extended into the lunch or even dinner, especially where Chinese cuisine is concerned.The most common lunch fare of the three major races is the mixed rice (called chap fun by the Chinese and nasi campur by the Malays), where you are given a plate of white rice and you pick your own dishes. You pay according to the number of dishes you pick.

DINNER:
Dinner fare is almost similar for the three major races and can sometimes include somehing from the breakfast fare.

SUPPER:

KL never sleeps and this 'supper' phenomenon was probably started by Kuala Lumpur cityfolk. Eating goes right into the night and sometimes into the wee hours of the morning - which is why you can find 24-hour restaurants practically everywhere. Supper time is one of socialising with friends after work, exchanging office tales or simply enjoy a game of football on HBO or a drama on TVB.

What can you expect at the food outlets in Kuala Lumpur? Generally these are the main types of food operators:

Hawker Stalls - these are single operators, located at any nook and corner of Kuala Lumpur, compirising hamburger stalls, satay stalls, and tea-stalls where you can get a quick bite. Comfort level is basic. You order your food, which comes quite cheap, have your meal and be on your way.

Hawker Centres or Food Courts - these are one-stop centres for a quick meal in Kuala Lumpur and prices are usually quite competitive. It caters to the middle class, usually office workers. Over the years, these have evolved into much more comfortable eateries - some with airconditioning or demisters. Prices can be slightly more than your usual hawker stall meal but you get variety all within walking distance. If you are a first-timer to Kuala Lumpur, check out the food courts and hawker centres here.

Fast Food Outlets - these modern franchised outlets such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Nando's, Pizza Huts, Burger King, McDonald's, Kenny Rogers Roasters, and other 'migrant' food joints need little introduction. Pricewise, they can be pretty competitive and all are airconditioned. In Kuala Lumpur, you may find some homegrown varieties such as Jake's Place, Marrybrown, etc. Check them out, too, and you will be surprised at how good they are.

Restaurants - these are categorised according to Chinese, Indian and Malay food, halal, non-halal, etc. Quite a number of foreign restaurants have also made their way into the Kuala Lumpur food scene, so don't be surprised to find a kebab, pasta and biryani joint located amidst a row of local restaurants. For the comfort and specialised menus, food can be a little bit more expensive and bills may include service and Government tax.

Mamak Restaurants - You can't miss them when you are in Kuala Lumpur - their yellow and bright signages say it all. The Mamak (Indian Muslims) Restaurants are the pioneers of 24-hour dining in Kuala Lumpur. They usually serve 'halal' food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and suppers. Comfort level is basic and food is cheap. In Kuala Lumpur, you find many of them sporting giant TV screens for their diners to watch the latest news or sports programme. During major soccer tournaments, these restaurants are packed with soccer fans throughout the night to watch live telecasts on satellite TV. Note that beer and other alcoholic drinks are not served here.

Vegetarian Meals in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a food haven even for the vegetarian. Typically, there are two major types of vegetarian food, or rather restaurants. They are Chinese and Indian vegetarian restaurants. The former serves a wide variety of 'mock meats' (items made using gluten flour dough and resembles various meats), vegetables and soya products. The latter, usually features lentil, vegetable, nuts and other bean and soya products.To help you, we have included a new section on vegetarian food available here.

Halal Food in Kuala Lumpur
MUSLIMS visiting Kuala Lumpur can rest assured that eating out will be no problem as halal food can be found in many places - from hawker stalls owned by Muslim vendors to restaurants operated by Muslims and Indian Muslims (fondly known as Mamak Restaurants) to most international fastfood chains.

If in doubt, look out for the symbol which certifies whether an outlet serves food that are prepared according to Islamic religious requirements.If you have any query on halal food, you may visit the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) website. There is a directory of premises and food manufacturers which have been certified Halal operator. You may also check the status foodstuff which carries the Halal Logo by checking its barcode status.