Waterworld.

Waterworld
Blessed with some of the best beaches and diving spots in the world, Malaysia is famed for its island getaways and marine parks. The islands of Pangkor, Langkawi and Kapas offer breathtaking beaches while other islands such as Sipadan, Redang, Perhentian, Tioman, Layang-Layang are top diving spots.
Located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific Basin area famed for the greatest marine biodiversity in the world, Malaysia gives an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful marine sights imaginable.
Equally breathtaking are the majestic rivers of Sedim, Chilling, Kampar and Padas which are a hit amongst adrenaline junkies indulging in a spot of white water rafting. The gentle Sarawak and Melaka rivers, on the other hand, offer an alternative way to view the quaint cities. The river cruises will give you an unobstructed view of the towns and its surroundings that is impossible to experience from dry land. And nothing beats taking a boat ride along the undulating Rajang and Tembeling - rivers which cut through some of the best rainforest views of the country.
Malaysia also has the largest man-made lake in South East Asia – Kenyir Lake which is home to a variety of fish species and an angler’s delight. Along the Tambun, Hulu Langat and Poring area are some of the country’s most refreshing hot springs one should not miss out on.

Travel to Kelantan information.

Kelantan is known as the “Cradle of Malay Culture”. The Kelantanese have kept alive their rich traditions and customs, giving the State an old-world charm. Kelantan is not only renowned for its batik cloth production but is a thriving centre of cultural arts like Wayang Kulit and Rebana Ubi. It is also famous for the traditional sports of kite-flying and top-spinning.

Reputed to be the cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan offers a delightful profusion of colourful traditions, charm and scenic beauty to the visitor. Located in the north-eastern corner of the Peninsula, Kelantan is an agrarian state with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches. With a population of around 1.5 million, Kelantan is primarily a Malay state although around 7% of the population are of Thai, Indian and Chinese ancestry.
The Kelantanese have carefully preserved their customs, traditions and craft skills over time. One might be pleasantly surprised to see adults, indulging in pastimes such as flying giant kites or spinning giant tops. Renowned for their warmth and hospitality, the Kelantanese display an old world charm that captivates visitors.
 
Kelantan was known from earlier times as a seat of powerful kingdoms which established trading links with the Chinese Empire. Early Chinese records indicate the existence of 4t trade links with China, which referred to Kelantan as Ho-Lo-Tan.
The state has at various times in the past been a vassal of Siam. In the 18th century, a Kelantanese Prince, Long Yunus, ascended to the throne and the present-day royal family is descended from him.
Kelantan along with the other states of the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which gained its independence on 31st August 1957.

Welcome To Kelantan .

Kelantan is an agrarian state with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches. Located in the northeast corner of the peninsula, the charms of Kelantan are found in the vitality of its culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. Kelantan offers plenty of opportunities for tourists such as river cruises, river rafting, bird watching and jungle trekking.


History
Though not much is known about Kelantan's early history, Chinese historical documents date back the history of Kelantan between 8000 and 3000 BC. These documents chronicle the existence of a government, which maintained links with China. Kelantan was subsequently referred to as "Ho-lo-tan", "Chih-Tu" and "Tan-Tan" in these records.
The territories of Kelantan and Patani came under Siam in the 14th century. Around 1411, Raja Kumar, the ruler of Kelantan, became independent of Siam and Kelantan became an important centre of trade by the end of the 15th century.
In 1499, Kelantan was conquered by forces of the Malacca Empire and became its vassal state. With the fall of Malacca in 1511, Kelantan was divided up and ruled by petty chieftains. With the conquest by the Siamese in 1603, most of the Kelantan chiefs became subject to Patani. Around 1760, a petty chieftain of Kubang Labu in Kelantan succeeded in unifying the territory of the present Kelantan. Soon after in 1764, Long Yunos seized the throne and proclaimed himself Raja of Kelantan. With his death, Kelantan came under the influence of Terengganu.
In 1800, Raja Muhammad declared himself as the first Sultan of Kelantan. In 1812, he broke from Terengganu's influence and became a separate tributary state of Siam. In 1831, Siam divided up the old Malay Kingdom of Patani into 7 provinces each under a Siamese Governor. Siam played an important role in Kelantan throughout the 19th century.
In the 1909 Anglo-Siamese treaty, Siam surrendered its claims over Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis in exchange with the British government for territorial claims in Siam. Kelantan thus came under the control of the Straits Settlements as one of the Unfederated Malay States.

Kelantan was occupied by the Japanese on 8th December, 1941. After the defeat of Japan in August 1945, Kelantan and the rest of Malaya came under the British Military Administration in September 1945. Kelantan became part of the Federation of Malaya on 1st February, 1948 and together with other states attained independence on 31st August, 1957. On 16th September 1963, Kelantan became one of the component states of Malaysia.

Climate.
Kelantan enjoys a pleasant tropical climate. It is almost summer all year round with refreshing intermittent rain. Longer and heavier rainfall is observed in November, December and January. Daily temperature ranges from 21°C to 32°C.
Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kelantan is between February and May as rainfall is relatively less at this time of the year. The July festival that is held here also attracts lots of tourists.

Travel to Sabah.

Sabah - Land Below the Wind

Sabah is located in the northeastern tier of the island of Borneo. Overlooking the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu, its capital, serves as the gateway to the varied attractions of the state. Known as Jesselton during the British era, it was totally destroyed during the last World War 2. The present day town has blossomed into a thriving commercial centre and holiday destination. A short boat-ride away takes one to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a haven for camping and sea sports. A 2 1/2, hour ride from the town brings you to the 754 sq km Kinabalu Park and Mount Kinabalu, the pride of Sabah. This 4095 m peak is easily accessible and is a favourite for jungle-trekking and mountainclimbing and offers a breathtaking view ofthelush surroundings. If you are lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the exotic Rafflesia, the world's largest flower.
The world's largest Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is located at Sepilok, a 20-minute drive from the town of Sandakan. Here, one can observe first hand, these primeval apes (in their natural habitat) roam and play in non-captive breeding. Further south, in the interior of the state, lies the Danum Valley Conservation area, a lowland tropical forest endowed with an abundance of flora and fauna. Several hours away into the hinterland of Sandakan at Sukau, nature lovers will have a thrilling once-in-alifetime experience of sighting the unique proboscis monkey (orang utan) in its natural habitat, a variety of wildlife and perhaps, the rare clouded leopard.
Sabah is an enchanting mosaic of cultural diversity with at least 31 indigenous groups with their rich cultures and interesting traditions. The tamu, a weekly open bazaar, offers a vividglimpse into the colourful blend of local cultures. The tamu is where natives gather to trade in farm produce, local curios, handicraft, food and even buffaloes. Kota Belud is a favourite spot for tourists to capture this exotic occasion.
For those who are keen to taste the thrills of whitewater rafting, Sabah is the perfect destination. Its fast flowing rivers and turbulent rapids have attracted an increasing number of rafting enthusiasts. The Padas River offers a challengingand hearts top ping experience of this sport. The Kiulu River is also another popular spot for whitewater rafting as well as wholesome family fun.
The engrossing thrill of turtle-watching can be experienced on the islands of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan, located approximately 40 km from Sandakan. Here, one can witness almost every night, especially during the peak season between July and September, turtles crawling to the beach to lay eggs. Layang - Layang, an oceanic atoll located 165 nautical miles north-west of Kota Kinabalu, is the ultimate destination for serious divers. Its 2000 m drop provides excellent wall-diving and the opportunity to see fascinating seascapes and encounter diverse species of sea creatures and corals such as turtles, manta rays and sharks. The island is also a sanctuary for numerous migratory birds.

The Bajau, who make up the second largest indigenous group, live mainly on the east and west coasts. East coast Bajau are sea nomads, coming ashore only to sell their fish catches. The west coast Bajau are farmers and are noted for their skilled horsemanship. These handsomely attired 'Cowboys of the East' add a distinctively Sabahan touch to local festivities.

Travel to Negeri Sembilan.(Malaysia).

Negeri Sembilan, translated literally as "nine states", is so called because it once consisted of nine separate districts, each ruled by a Malay chieftain. Seremban,its capital is wellconnected by road and rail to Kuala Lumpur, 50 km away. It houses a cultural handicraft complex, the State Museum, the State Mosque and the Lake Gardens.
The state is often identified with the pervasive influence of Minangkabau migrants from Sumatra as seen in the unique hornshaped roofs of many of its buildings. The Minangkabaus who brought with them their "adat" or traditions, are also credited with many aspects of life in Negeri Sembilan, in particular the matrilineal kinship system. This system is evident until today especially in the marriage customs, ownership of property and dance forms.
The Sri Menanti Palace, converted to the Royal Museum in 1992, is a classic showcase of Minangkabau structure and design. Built at the turn of the century by two local craftsmen, the wooden palace took six years to complete and is an architectural wonder as no screws or nails were used in its construction. Elsewhere, the pretty village settings are reminiscent of the Minangkabau influence.
Negeri Sembilan has a popular beach at Port Dickson, on the shores of the Straits of Malacca. This resort town with its miles of golden beaches and a wide range of accommodation is a favourite 'playground' for the city dwellers of KL and Singapore as well as the neighbouring towns.

Travel to Johor.

Welcome to Johor.

Johor is the third largest state and the most southern state of Malaysia. With eight districts, Johor offer you sandy beaches, exotic islands, virgin tropical rain forests, mist-shrouded mountains, culinary delights, and an enchanting cultural experience. Johor Bahru (JB) is the state capital and just across the causeway from Singapore, is a popular weekend getaway for many Singaporeans and others peoples for the great food as well as cheap bargains.

If you are a golf lover, Johor also boasts the largest number of golf courses in Malaysia; some of the best golf courses are lined up within less than an hour drive of each other.

For beach and water sports lovers, Johor’s eastern coastline is lined with more than a dozen of sandy beaches and more than 10 islands in Johor waters. The magical islands of Johor (Pulau Rawa, Pulau Sibu, Pulau Aur, Pulau Besar and Pulau Pemanggil) are endowed with crystal clear waters, powdery white sand and colourful marine life. All these idyllic islands offer excellent scuba diving, snorkeling and other water activities.

Nature enthusiasts will find their sanctuary at Endau Rompin National Park situated in the north eastern border. It is also one of the few remaining lowland forest in Malaysia and possibly the oldest, with rock formations dating back some many years. Pulau Kukup an island located South-west of Johor offshore is entirely covered by mangrove forest and surrounded by mudflats, is the second largest wetland sanctuary in the world, will amaze many with its richness in biological diversity.

The Endau Rompin National Park also has some of Malaysia’s best waterfalls namely Buaya Sangkut, Upeh Guling and Batu Hampar about 2 hours trek of each other.

The weather is usually hot and humid, with a chance of rain, while the nights can be quite cool. Conditions vary with the time of year. Rainfall is heaviest between October and January. Temperatures range between 25C and 32C. The rainy season between December and January often renders the park inaccessible. Always check with the park authorities beforehand before making your way in.

A minimum stay of four days / three nights is ideal in order to cover the many activities and attractions in the park. Of course it’s not hard to spend a week to get lost amidst the breathtaking rivers and forests. Unless you’re an experienced jungle trekker, it’s best to stick to the packages offered the Johor National Parks Corporation organizes the most reasonably priced ones.

Malacca history.

History
In the 14th century, Melaka was just another fishing village – until it attracted the attention of Parameswara. Parameswara had thrown off allegiance to the Majapahit empire and fled to Temasek (modern-day Singapore), where his piracy and other exploits provoked a Siamese attack in 1398, forcing him to flee once more to Melaka, where he established his new headquarters.

Under Parameswara, Melaka soon became a favoured port for waiting out monsoons and resupplying trading ships plying the strategic Selat Melaka. Halfway between China and India, and with easy access to the spice islands of Indonesia, Melaka attracted merchants from all over the East.

In 1405 the Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho, the ‘three-jewelled eunuch prince’, arrived in Melaka bearing gifts from the Ming emperor and the promise of protection from Siamese enemies. Chinese settlers followed, who intermarried with local Malays and came to be known as the Baba-Nonya (also called Straits Chinese or Peranakan). The longest-settled Chinese people in Malaysia, they grafted many Malay customs to their own heritage. Despite in­ternal squabbles and intrigues, by the time of Parameswara’s death in 1414, Melaka was a powerful trading state. Its position was consolidated by the state’s adoption of Islam in the mid-15th century.

In 1509 the Portuguese came seeking the wealth of the spice and China trades, but after an initially friendly reception, the Malaccans attacked the Portuguese fleet and took a number of prisoners. This prompted an outright assault by the Portuguese, and in 1511 Alfonso de Albuquerque took the city, forcing the sultan to flee to Johor, where he re-established his kingdom. Under the Portuguese, the fortress of A’Famosa was constructed, and missionaries like St Francis Xavier strove to implant Catholicism. While Portuguese cannons could easily conquer Melaka, they could not force Muslim merchants from Arabia and India to continue trading there, and other ports in the area, such as Islamic Demak on Java, grew to overshadow Melaka.

The period of Portuguese strength in the East was shortlived, as Melaka suffered harrying attacks from the rulers of neighbouring Johor and Negeri Sembilan, as well as from the Islamic power of Aceh in Sumatra. Melaka declined further as Dutch influence in Indonesia grew and Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) developed as the key European port of the region. Melaka passed into Dutch hands after an eight-month siege in 1641. The Dutch ruled Melaka for only about 150 years. Melaka again became the centre for peninsular trade, but the Dutch directed more energy into their possessions in Indonesia. In Melaka they built fine public buildings and churches, which remain the most solid suggestions of European presence, while Medan Portugis is still home to Portuguese Eurasians, many of whom are practising Catholics and speak Kristang (Cristao), a creole littered with archaic Portuguese.

My earliest memory of Melaka, or Malacca as it was spelt in English, was from my history lessons during my school days. According to a legend, Parameswara, a prince from Palembang, was resting under a tree while hunting when he saw a deer pushed a dog into a river in self-defence. He was so impressed by the courage of the deer and took it as a good sign to create an empire in that area. He decided to name the place "Melaka" after the tree that he was sheltering under.

After many (failed) plans of going up to Melaka, we finally put our foot down and decided to drive up there in June 2009. With two cars and together with some of my colleagues, we drove up to Melaka from Singapore for a weekend trip. The plans were, or rather the only plan, was to eat, eat and eat! However, as it would be my first in the city state, I decided that I wanted to do a little sightseeing as well. Melaka was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with my hometown, Penang, in July 2008.

Our first stop once we reached Melaka was to find a place to park near Jonker Walk and to start eating! We started in a small shop that served laksa, a coconut curry noodle soup (below left), chendol (below right) and some other food. Chendol is probably my favourite local dessert. The ones in Melaka has very thick fragrant gula melaka (local palm sugar).

Melaka Today.

Malacca travel infomation.

Resourceless Malacca with a Iand area of only 1,638 sq. metres practises a two-pronged development via industrialisation and tourism.
The state started inviting over foreign investors in the early 7Os and since then has met with commendable success. By end of 1997, the state had registered a total investment of over RM16 bil., leading about 80,000 job opportunities.
There are now 23 industrial estates with about 500 factories coming from the United States, Germany, Japan, Taiwan and also Singapore.
Their products range from rubber gloves and from footwear to computer parts.

The state is also keen on the development of small-scale industries and to accommodate these, a number of estates have been earmarked for them. The Tanjung Kling and Batu Berendam areas are Free Trade Zones where imported materials used in manufacture are tax-free.
Current projections include developing Malacca into a manufacturing haven to help achieve developed country status by 2020.
Over 140 acres in Pegoh, Alor Gajah, have been marked for the automotive industry for the production of defence trucks by DRH-Hicom.
This industry is expected to provide opportunities for supporting industries, like mould , metal stamping, plastic injection, alternators and many others.

People

Of the state of Malacca's 758,000 people, a majority of residents are Malay, with Chinese. Malaysians like Penang, is a center of Peranakan culture, which evolved from a mix of Chinese and Malay influences.
There is also a small community of Kristang people, Eurasians of Portuguese descent who practice Christianity and continue to speak their unique creole, known as Cristão or Kristang.
In addition, Malacca is home to a sizeable Indian Malaysian population.

Things to See in Malacca

1)Fort A Famosa:
Constructed by the Portuguese in 1511, it suffered severe structural damage during the Dutch invasion. In 1808, the fort was barely saved from destruction by the British as a result of the intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of the British colony in Singapore.

2)St. Paul's Church:
Constructed by the Portuguese in 1521, this church was named "Our Lady of The Hill," but was later turned into a burial ground by the Dutch for their dead and renamed St. Paul's Church. Although the church is now in ruins, you can still see the tombstones along the walls. The body of St. Francis Xavier was interred here in 1553 before it was taken to Goa, India.

3)Cheng Hoon Temple:
Built in 1645 by Kapitan Lee Wei King with building materials imported from China, Cheng Hoon Teng served as the main place of worship for the local Hokkien Chinese community and is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. The main hall was added in 1704 and was rebuilt in 1801 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong, who made magnificent structural additions to the building.

Pulau Besar of Malacca.

Pulau Besar is an island off the coast of Melaka. This island has many legends associated with it.
Pulau Besar looks like a pregnant lady lying on her back. The locals around Pulau Besar revere the island and attribute it to many legends. It has also become a place of pilgrimage to a large number of Indian Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore. Many pilgrims come to Pulau Besar to visit a mausoleum believed to be of a Wali, Sultan Ariffin Syeikh Ismail Waliallah. There are also numerous other graves visited by pilgrims such as that of Datok Janggut, Datuk Puteh and Nenek Kebayan.
At the highest point on the island exist a large boulder that is split down the middle. It is named "Batu Belah" and is a favourite destination for local pilgrims.
The island is considered a holy place by local believers. Visitors are advised to abstain from consuming pork on the eve of the day of visit and throughout their stay there. They are also to be in their best behavior while on the island. Visitors can board motorboats at Pernu, Umbai for the short trip to the island.

Post by Wong WS.

History of Malacca.

The city of Melaka is known for its connection with the history of the Malay Sultanate of Melaka which traced its origin back to some 600 years ago. During the 16th Century, Melaka became famous due to its strategic location as a major regional commercial port.
This has made Melaka a coveted possession among the western powers of that era and was subsequently seized by the Portugese, Dutch and English. Presently, the Melaka State Government has taken initiatives to preserve buildings and artifacts left by the colonisers and transform these as major historical sites that will attract both domestic and international tourists.

BUSINESS HOURS
Government offices are open from 8 a.m. up to 4.00 p.m. on Monday - Friday and 8 a.m. up to 12.45p.m. on Saturdays with Sunday a day of rest. Banking hours are generally from 10 a.m. up to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 9.30 a.m. up to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. Department stores and supermarkets are open daily from 10 a.m. up to 10 p.m.

LANGUAGE
Bahasa Malaysia is the national language but English is widely spoken. Other main languages are Chinese and Tamil.
 
CLIMATE
Generally warm throughout the year with temperature ranging from 21 ºC to 32 ºC. Humidity is high all year round.
 
WHAT TO WEAR
Light, cool and casual clothing is recommended all year round.
 
TIME
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard time.
 
NEW CURRENCY CONTROL LAW
With effect from 1 October 1998, all travellers are required to fill in the Travellers Declaration Form (TDF) on arrival/departure.
Residents and Non-Residents are allowed to bring in not more than RM1,000 in cash and an unlimited amount of foreign currency.
 
Failure to declare is an offence. Prohibited amount in the possession of a travellers may be seized.


Should your need to carry ringgit notes, foreign currency notes and traveller's cheques in excess of the permitted limits, prior written permission may be obtained from:-

Head of Department
Balance of Payment Department
Bank Negara Malaysia
Jalan Dato' Onn
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 603-291-0772
Fax : 603-293-7732
 
Post By Mui.