• Jalan Petaling (1)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Kuala Lumpur - Moving Around
The fare is RM2 for the first 2km and 10 sen for every 200 metres thereon. A surcharge of 50% is levied between midnight and 6.00am. top
Commuter Trains
KTM Komuter operates speedy electric train services from the KL railway station to designated points within the city as well as to Port Klang, Seremban, Kajang and Rawang. top
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
There are 2 LRT lines - STAR and PUTRA. Daily operating hours are 6.00am - 12.00pm. Stored value tickets can be purchased at any LRT station. top
Railway
In Malaysia, all tracks lead to Kuala lumpur. Two main railway lines operate for passenger service. One runs along the west coast from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and Bufterworth, then meets the Thai railways at the border. The other line travels up to the north-eastern part of the peninsular near Kota Bahru, also meeting up with Thai railway. top
Buses
Travelling in public buses is one of the best ways to see Kuala lumpur. Major bus lines servicing the city and suburban areas are lntrakota, Metro and Cityliner.
Bus stations:
Klang Bus Station
To Petaling Jaya, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Shah Alam and Port Klang.
Jalan Sultan Mohamad Bus Station
To Bangsar, Petaling Jaya (Old Town), Kelana Jaya, Jalan Pantai, Bukit Damansara and Subang.
Bangkok Bank Bus Station
To Selayang Baru, Segambut Dalam and Batu Caves. Pudu Raya Bus Station To Seri Kembangan, Sungai Besi Camp, Balakong, Taman Seri Serdang and Kajang.
Lebuh Ampang Bus Station
To Taman Greenwood, Kg. Air Panas, Sri Gombak, Taman Setapak and 12th Mile Gombak.
Kota Raya Shopping Complex/Menara Maybank
To Jalan Cheras, Sri Petaling, Serdang Lama, Taman Goodwood, Salak South, Sungei Besi, Kampung Pandan, Bandar Tun Razak and Taman Maluri.
Chow Kit Bus Stand
To Kg. Datuk Keramat, Ulu Kelang, Ampang, Cheras, Salak South, Sungai Besi, Petaling Jaya, jalan Kelang Lama, Bangsar, Damansara, Kepong, linjang, Segambut, Selayang, Sentul, Gombak and Jalan Genting Kelang.
Hentian Duta
To KLIA
There are also several bus companies which operate intercity, stage and express bus services to various destinations in the peninsula. Bus stations for interstate buses are located at:
Putra Bus Station (Opposite the Putra World Trade Centre)
To the East Coast. Tel: 03-4042 9530
Pekeliling Bus Station, Jalan Tun Razak
To the East Coast Tel: 03-4042 7256
Pudu Raya Bus Station, Jalan Pudu
To the North & South and Singapore.
Tel: 03-230 0145
Bangunan MARA, Medan MARA, Jalan Raja Laut
To the North & South. Tel: 03-2691 8113
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Self-Drive
Several Car-Rental agencies offer self-drive cars for hire. If you possess a valid international driving licence, you might prefer the added convenience of driving yourself around town. Arm yourself with a Kuala Lumpur road map, fasten your seat belt (compulsory for front passengers) and you're on your way.
Car Rental
Car rental companies are stationed at the airport, hotels, shopping and office complexes.
ACME
Rent-A-Car 2nd Floor, Ming Court Hotel, Jalan Ampang Tel: 03-21611136
Avis Rent-A-Car
40, Jalan Sultan lsmail Tel: 03-2417144
Budget Rent-A-Car
29, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng Tel: 03-2425166
Hertz Rent-A-Car
Lot 214A, International Complex, Jalan Sultan lsmail Tel: 03-2433433
National Car Rental
G47, Wisma HLA, Jalan Raja Chulan
Tel: 03-2480522
Orix Car Rental
No: 5, Jalan Leiu Weng Chee Tel: 03-2488553
SMAS Rent-A-Car
Lot 9, 1st Floor UBN Tower, Jalan P. Ramlee
Tel: 03-2307788
Thrifty Car Rental
Ground Floor, LPPKN Building, Jalan Raja Laut
Tel: 03-26932388
Toyota Rent-A-Car
Gr. Floor, Federal Hotel, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2438142
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Kuala Lumpur on Foot
Set your own pace by taking in the Kuala Lumpur scene on foot. Most streets are lined on either side with wide beautifully paved sidewalks which combine with the shade of the trees to facilitate leisurely walking. There are also ample road signs and guide books to help you find your way around. If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult the friendly locals. top
Kuala Lumpur
Introduction
Kuala Lumpur, a city covering 243.6 sq km. with a population of 1.3 million people, is situated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just about midway between north and south and approximately 35 kilometers from the coast. The days are generally hot and humid but the nights are pleasantly cooler, while the average annual rainfall is about 220mm.
Kuala Lumpur, which is also the capital of Malaysia, function as the center of Malaysia's political, commercial and social life. It is a city of delightful contrast - a combination of modern cosmopolitan, sophistication and lingering old world charm; a juxtaposition of gracious colonial edifices, pre-war shop houses and gleaming copper domed roofs against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers. Narrow streets of quaint old shop houses open out to wide-open tree-lined avenues. The favorable climate accounts for the lush greenery and profusion of tropical blooms in a riot of colors - a truly fitting background for its happy mix of multi-racial populace of Malays, Chinese, Indians and other races. The end result is unique blend of age-old customs and traditions: colorful festivals, songs and dances and a rich variety of foods to tempt the palate. Experience the multi-faceted fascinations of Malaysia - right here in Kuala Lumpur.
Accommodation in Kelantan
• Gua Musang (2)
Kelantan - Getting There
Kelantan - Getting There Travel Tips Malaysia Airlines links Kota Bharu to the major towns in the peninsula. Trains are available at the Wakaf Bharu Station and Sungai Golok Station. There are adequate taxis and buses plying between the capital and outlying districts. Car rental agencies are plentiful. Travel agents can easily plan a hassle-free holiday for you. By Air Daily flights are available to and from Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johore Bahru. For reservations please contact, Malaysia Airlines : Tel: 09-7447000 / 7443482 / 7443346 Airport Tel No: 09-737000 By Road There is an excellent network of roads linking the major towns in Peninsular Malaysia to Kelantan. From Kuala Lumpur, the overland route takes one eastward along the Karak Highway to Kuantan in Pahang a journey of about 3 hours. The rest of the journey from Kuantan to Kota Bharu takes about 4 1/2 hours. The route heads northward along the coast passing through picturesque villages and providing scenic vistas of the palm-fringed beaches overlooking the azure waters of the South China Sea. The inland route to Kota Bharu turns off the Karak Highway at Bentong and proceeds northwards to Raub and then to Gua Musang, before reaching Kota Bharu. An alternative route exits the Karak Highway at Temerloh and passes through Jerantut, Benta and Gua Musang en-route to Kota Bharu. From Penang, one has to get to Grik via Sungai Petani in Kedah and then travel along the scenic East-West Highway to Jeli in Kelantan before continuing the journey to Kota Bharu. There are regular air-conditioned express bus services between Kuala Lumpur, as well as major towns in Kota Bharu. By Taxi Taxi services are available on a basis of four passengers to a taxi. Time of departure will depend on its full loads.
By Rail There are two stations in Kola Bharu. Both stations are accessible by bus No: 19 or 27. Visitors are advised to use Wakaf Bharu Station. Express trains depart daily for various destinations throughout Kelantan and major towns in Peninsular Malaysia right up to Singapore. Train schedules are subject to alteration at short notice. Please contact the nearest station master for further details. For enquiries please call: 09 - 796989, 966168, 966169. (Traffic Division). By Bus Air-conditioned bus services are available from Kota Bharu to various major towns within Peninsular Malaysia and up to Singapore at reasonable rates. |
Kelantan
Introduction
Kelantan, which translates as the "Land of Lightning" is a veritable treasure throve of delights - rustic fishing villages, verdant padi fields and languid, palm-fringed beaches.
Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, the people of Kelantan have managed to keep alive age-old customs and traditions, thus earning the state a reputation as the Cradle of Malay Culture.
Introduction Kelantan, which translates as the "Land of Lightning" is a veritable treasure throve of delights - rustic fishing villages, verdant padi fields and languid, palm-fringed beaches. Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, the people of Kelantan have managed to keep alive age-old customs and traditions, thus earning the state a reputation as the Cradle of Malay Culture. Here, colourful kites soar upwards defying gravity and giant drums reverberate. Shadow puppets mesmerise audiences and giant tops provide hours of endless fun.
Kelantan has a population of about 1.4 million ; 95% is Malay with Chinese, Indians and Orang Asli making up the rest. Kelantanese are renowned for their warmth and friendliness. Kelantan Darul Naim is a world of gracious beauty, retaining an old-world charm that few can resist. Come, let her natural attributes work their magic on you!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Accommodation in Kedah
• Alor Setar (19)
Town & Districts, Geography & Climate, Economy
Town & Districts, Geography & Climate, Economy
The state of Kedah is the most ancient in Malaysia with records dating back to the 5th Century. It was once a prosperous centre for traders in the early days, especially those from India and China. This is reflected in the numerous ruined-temple sites and artifacts recovered in Kedah.
Kedah was originally a vassal state of the Sumatran Kingdom Srivijaya. After Srivijaya's downfall, Kedah went under the protection of the Siamese before being conquered by the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century. Kedah was later fiercely attacked by the Portuguese and Acheh in the 17th century.
In 1821, Kedah fell to the Thais. In 1907, the Thais handed Kedah over to the British and it would only be in 1957 that Kedah would become independent as part of Malaysia.
Today, modernisation proceeds at a slow pace. Rural areas abound in Kedah and the people have a peaceful, laid-back mentality. As you travel through Kedah, vast paddy fields will greet you, stretching over the horizon like a carpet of green.
For the visitor, Kedah holds some charming attractions in terms of nature and their biggest money-spinner, Langkawi Island. For a good taste of northern Malaysian culture, you won’t go wrong with Kedah.
The rustic state of Kedah has some warm accommodation to offer. Most hotels are located in the quiet city of Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah. For a taste of nature, reside in the resorts that line Pedu Lake, a place of great tranquillity and abundance of flora and fauna. The hotels in Kedah are attractively priced to suit any budget!
Town & DistrictsThe capital is Alor Setar, a bustling city progressing gradually into the future. All in all, the state of Kedah has eleven main districts called Kota Setar, Baling, Kubang Pasu, Kuala Muda, Bandar Bharu, Kulim, Langkawi, Padang Terap, Sik, Yan and Pendang.
Geography & Climate
Kedah is located in the northwest corner of the Peninsular Malaysia, bordered by Perlis in the north, by the Straits of Malacca on the west, and by Penang and Perak in the south. Kedah covers an area of 9,425 sq. km, and its highest peak is Gunung Jerai, standing at 1200 meters.
The climate of Kedah is tropical monsoon, with a uniform temperature between 21°C to 32°C throughout the year. It is generally dry and warm from January to April, and wet from May to December. Humidity is consistently high in the lowlands, averaging 82-86 percent per annum. Kedah's average annual rainfall falls between 2,032 mm to 2540 mm.
EconomyToday, the state thrives on agriculture as its source of income. Kedah produces the most rice among the other states but the Government is attempting to diversify its economy, namely in industrial development.
Hence, Kedah is fast developing its manufacturing industry, with numerous industrial parks being built to sustain this growth. A sizable portion of the state's economy is contributed by tourism, most particularly through Langkawi island.
Food
The cuisine of Kedah is all about specially prepared dishes using a combination of spices, herbs and market fresh ingredients. Rice is, of course, the staple of Kedah's diet, but variety is still the spice of life.
Tempting traditional dishes are gulai nangka, a spicy dish of jackfruit, sayur keladi and pekasam. Pulut or glutinous rice is the northerner's all time favourite. It is usually eaten with fruits like mangoes, durians and bananas. Pulut also make fine deserts. Other pulut-based delicacies are the mouth-watering pulut sambal, pulut inti and tapai pulut.
And when in Kedah, never forget to schedule a stop at the Pekan Rabu in Alor Setar for the much sought after sweetmeats of baulu and dodol!