Batu Ferringhi|Interesting Places In Pulau Pinang|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Batu Ferringhi is situated along the coastal road north-west of Georgetown and lined with a string of international-standard resorts and it is the most popular beach in Penang. Soak in the sun or unwind on the Batu Feringghi beach while you enjoy a host of aquatic thrills from wind-surfing to canoeing. For a spine-tingling adventure, try para-sailing to enjoy the view of the beach from the sky.

The beach is kept clean, even on weekends when hordes of day-trippers visit. Bathing areas are often cordoned off by floating buoys to protect swimmers from speeding jet-skis and water-skiers. Along this famous beach area, there are numerous large hotels, restaurants, transport rental services, and souvenir stores. Batu Feringgi is located adjacent to Teluk Bahang and Tanjung Bungah.

For tourists, Batu Feringgi features hotels such as Hard Rock Hotel, Hydro Hotel, Holiday Inn, Bayview Beach Resort, Golden Sands Resort, Grand Plaza Parkroyal Penang, Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, etc. The roadside of Batu Ferringhi's beach hotels transforms into a bazaar after sunset every day. In a tribute to free enterprise, traders from all over the island set up their stalls under colourful canopies all along the stretch.

Royal Abu Bakar Museum|Interesting Places In Johor|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Located within the palace grounds, the Royal Abu Bakar Museum is easily accessible from Jalan Air Molek and Jalan Ibrahim. The museum occupies the Istana Besar (Grand Palace) which was specially commissioned in 1864 by the Father of Modern Johor, Sultan Abu Bakar. Completed in 1866, the Grand Palace incorporated some of the Sultan's creative ideas in its architecture.

In the early 1990s, Johor's present ruler, His Majesty Sultan Iskandar, decided that members of the public should be given the opportunity to view the Royal Family's collection in a proper museum setting. His Majesty consented for the Grand Palace to be converted into a museum but concurrently it still serves the traditional royal and state ceremonial functions. Sultan Iskandar officially declared the museum open on May 11, 1990.

Housed within the museum are vast arrays of treasures, works of art, antiquities and furniture belonging to the Royal Family. The picture gallery features past and present rulers of the Sultanate and their consorts. There is also a large collection of their personal memorabilia, an impressive array of Orders, Decorations and Medals in the gallery. Other rooms within the Grand Palace display silverware, crystalware, gold and silver jewelry, priceless vases, furniture, traditional Malay weapons, the State Regalia, a numismatic collection, silver trophies and other family treasures within their natural setting.

Ostrich Farm|Interesting Places In Johor|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The farm just opened in March 2001, and offers an enjoyable tour to see these fascinating birds. The public will be able to know more of these birds, while being able to see them up close. Children and adults alike will love the educational tour and to find more about these flightless birds. Visitors have an opportunity to come up close to these majestic, tutu-totting bird ballerinas at the Ostrich Farm. The 500-odd ostriches thrive in this environment that is close to their natural habitat in the wilds.

Friendly ostriches will even allow visitors to pet and stroke them. In addition to the ostriches, there are other varieties of birds reared in the farm such as the Polish Chicken, which is a variety of the stunted Bantam chicken. Activities at this farm include ostrich rides for children and purchasing ostrich-based products such as the huge ostrich egg (equivalent to 25 chicken eggs and can weight up to 1.5kg) used to make cakes, decorative lamp shades, kaya, etc. The farm receives 6,000 to 7,000 visitors per annum.

The farm showcases the full spectrum of the Ostrich Industry, ranging from ostrich eggs being hatched into young chicks using state-of-the-art incubators. These chicks are then nurtured and fed till a mature age of 1 year, weighing about 100kgs. From there, they are either culled for their meat, feathers, skin, fat, tendon and bones, or kept in the farm as subsequent breeders. These raw products are then processed, packed and sold in restaurants in Johor and Desaru Ostrich Farm.

Petaling Street|Interesting Places In Kuala Lumpur|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

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

At the end of Petaling Street, you can further explore the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple which dates back to 1906. The interior of this building features open courtyard pavilions, intricate carvings and paintings. On the exterior, the temple depicts elaborate glazed ceramic sculptures which grace the facade and roof ridges.

Further down from Petaling Street is the South Indian Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. This temple is situated at Jalan Tun H.S.Lee which is within walking distance from Chinatown. Built in 1873, the temple is said to be the most ornate and elaborate Hindu temple in the country. The design and decorative features include intricate carvings of Hindu deities, gold embellishments, precious stones and hand-painted motifs. Exquisite Italian and Spanish tiles provide further ornamentation. A silver chariot housed within the premises features prominently in religious processions, transporting the statue of the deity through the city streets.

Old Johor Fort|Interesting Places In Johor|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Old Johor Fort or Kota Johor Lama is approximately 27 km from Kota Tinggi town, in Teluk Sengat. Kota Johor Lama (Old Johor Fort), was the site of fierce wars amongst the local Malays and outside invading forces. The Old Johor Fort was built in 1540 during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II (1528-1564). This fort was the best defence fort among the defence forts built along the Sungai Johor.

Its strategic location right by Johor river, the clever use of the natural terrain and the construction of fort walls, enabled Johor Lama to become a secure trading post for the region. Its elevated location allowed for a strategic view of the river estuary. But around 1587, the settlement was attacked and destroyed by the Portuguese invaders.

You will still be able to see remnants of the historical settlement, though not as impressive as it once must have been. Surrounded by earthen walls, some 10 to 25 feet high, the fort managed to fend of marauding enemies until the defeat to the Portuguese. Two tombs can be found near the fort, which are believed to be of Sultan Alauddin and his warriors.

P. Ramlee Memorial|Interesting Places In Kuala Lumpur|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The P.Ramlee Memorial or Pustaka Peringatan P Ramlee is located at the former residence of P. Ramlee at Taman P Ramlee (formerly Taman Furlong),Setapak in Kuala Lumpur. He lived with his wife Saloma and children until his death on 29 May 1973. Ask anyone in Malaysia of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, and chances are you'll get references of his famous films ' Bujang Lapok', 'Madu Tiga' or even the funny 'Keluarga 69'. The late P. Ramlee was an extraordinary artiste; he was an actor, singer, composer and director.

The one storey bungalow was later acquired by the Malaysian Government as a national heritage. The memorial project was launched by Anwar Ibrahim, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport on 27 February 1984. Officially opened on 22 March 1986, it has collections of P.Ramlee's awards, clothes, musical equipment, documents, personal artefacts, photos and scenery from his old films. His old car Datsun Sunny 1200 (1971 model) with registration number BAD 3608 is parked outside the house.

Following a renovation in 2002, a mini cinema for viewing his films was demolished to make way for bigger display hall. Various P.Ramlee merchandise are also available for sale. The memorial is maintained by Arkib Negara Malaysia (Archive of Malaysia).

Putrajaya International Convention Centre|Interesting Places In Putrajaya|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) is located strategically on top of a hill, and faces the lakes at Putrajaya. Putrajaya International Convention Centre is the main convention centre in Putrajaya. It was constructed from 2001 to September 2003. Its first conference was the 10th Organisation of Islamic Conference in October same year. Since October 2004, the Putrajaya Convention Centre is officially known as Putrajaya International Convention Centre or PICC to give the impression it is at par with other international conference centres such as in London, Tokyo and Paris.

The design idea of this unique and impressive building is based on the shape of the eye of 'pending perak' (a silver Malay royal belt buckle). However, the structure of the roof was designed similar to a folded origami to alleviate the plain roundness of the structure. From the frontview, the building's eaves or wings are lifted at the sides, creating broad overhangings over the raking wall. Most of the walls are made of glass, so natural sunlight can easily illuminate the auditorium through the raked and shaded windows.

Putrajaya International Convention Centre, designed to incorporate and reflect 135,000 square metres contiguous of space is having differing types of events, functions, or corporate meetings. The Plenary Hall, for major conferences, allows a capacity of up to 3,000 people with a podium stage. The Heads of State Hall has a circular seating arrangement for 180 people. Perdana Hall has an extensive kitchen serving 3,000 diners seated at any one time and, 2 unity halls that can each be divided for seminars, exhibitions or banquets for 2000 people. All the halls are equipped with interpreter rooms with 13 different languages.

National Monument|Interesting Places In Kuala Lumpur|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The National Monument or Tugu Negara is right next to Lake Gardens and is right off Jalan Parlimen. It was built to recognise and honour those who gave up their lives in the cause for peace and freedom, particularly during the nation's struggle against the threat of Communism. Within the National Monument grounds is one of the world's largest free-standing bronze sculptures. It was sculpted in 1966 by Felix de Weldon, who was also the creator of the famous Iwo Jima monument in Washington DC.

The monument stands at 15.54m high, and is made up of a diorama of seven bronze human figures, atop an oblong base. Each figure at the National Monument denotes one of seven qualities:

.courage
.leadership
.sacrifice
.strength
.suffering
.unity
.vigilance

The topmost figure, at the centre, holds aloft the Malaysian flag. He is flanked on the left and right by two other soldiers, both armed; the figure on the left is armed with a machinegun, while the other carries a rifle and a bayonet. Beside the National Monument are the ASEAN Gardens and the Memorial Tun Razak which, houses memorabilia of Malaysia's second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.

Putra Bridge|Interesting Places In Putrajaya|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Putra Bridge is considered the most prestigious bridge in Putrajaya, Malaysia. It is analogous to Khaju Bridge in Esfahan, Iran. With a span of 435 metres, this bridge connects the Government Precinct to the Mixed Development Precinct and links Putra Square with the Boulevard. Formal procession between the Boulevard and the Dataran Putra would pass through this bridge.

The upper level of the bridge forms part of the Boulevard. This huge three-deck bridge provides vehicle, monorail and pedestrian access. Besides providing the link between Precinct 1 and Precinct 2 on the Core Island, it has been designed to be a special feature of Putrajaya. The piers also accommodate fine dining restaurants within its main pillar supports.

Bridge Structure:

. Upper Level which is at RL 35m forms part of the Boulevard that connects to the Dataran Putra and the Prime Minister's Office Complex

. Lower Level at RL 29m is used for service tunnel, LRT track, service road to Dataran Putra, and pedestrians

. Lowest Level at the piers will be utilized for restaurant overlooking the water of the Lake and places for boat berthing.

Istana Budaya|Interesting Places In Kuala Lumpur|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Istana Budaya or National Theatre is located on Jalan Tun Razak, next to The Heart Institute (locally known as IJN). Among the top ten most sophisticated theatres in the world, Istana Budaya (meaning 'Palace of Culture') is proud to be the first theatre in Asia equipped with cutting-edge stage equipment that is on par with the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The main building takes the form of the 'sirih junjung' (a traditional arrangement of betel leaves used in Malay weddings and welcoming ceremonies), and is divided by function, based on a traditional Malay house. The interior of the Istana Budaya is something you won't want to miss as it is built from Langkawi marble and decorated with tropical wooden doors which feature hand-carved flower and leaf motifs. In short, this place is a work of art in and of itself.

On its annual calendar are international cultural and musical performances as well as concerts and ballet performances. These performances are dependent on the promoter's annual schedule.

Cocoa Boutique|Interesting Places In Kuala Lumpur|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur; the Cocoa Boutique is within the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC) in Jalan Ampang. Cocoa Boutique is the place where you can savour all the chocolates that are truly and uniquely Malaysia. Created by their own chefs and the chocolates are always fresh and made from the highest quality ingredients, bringging an exciting sensation to your taste buds.

Cocoa Boutique offered chocolate connoisseurs a wide selection of the finest locally produced chocolates. The range of fine chocolates are created and made to original Belgian recipes, using 100% pure cocoa butter in accordance with authentic Belgium formulation. Durian Chocolate is sought after for its unique taste and was awarded The Winner of Most Innovative Chocolate Product 2004 by the Malaysian Cocoa Board. The Vezzo and Harriston brands are exported to China, Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Australia and the South-East Asian region.

Most of the cocoa ingredients are from Belgium but also use products from Ghana and Malaysia. They are constantly creating new and innovative products at their factory. Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) and stringent quality control that complies with international standards of hygiene.

Kuan Yin Temple|Interesting Places In Pulau Pinang|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Kuan Yin Temple is in Central Georgetown on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kling (Lebuh Pitt) in between Lorong Stewart and Lebuh Farquhar. The Kuan Yin Temple was built in the 1800s by early Chinese settlers of the Hokkien and Cantonese communities. The temple was originally named Kong Hock Keong temple (Cantonese-Hokkien Temple) and was once used not only for religious but also for social functions within the Chinese community. However, the temple lost some of its importance when the current Chinese Town Hall was constructed in the 1880s.

The Goddess of Mercy Temple, or Kuan Yin Temple, is the first temple ever built in Georgetown, Penang, by Chinese settlers. The temple honours Kuan Yin, a devout Buddhist who was said to have attained the coveted state of Nirvana but had chosen instead to remain on earth in order to provide guidance and help to those who are themselves striving to reach Nirvana. The temple interior is usually filled with the scent of sandalwood incense, burnt by devotees who visit the temple to pray and seek guidance from Kuan Yin.

The temple also honours Ma Chor Poh, the patron saint of seafarers, who was highly regarded by the Chinese settlers, many of whom had travelled great distances, crossing the seas from China to Penang. Enjoy the temple's many beautiful features like the dragon-entwined pillars, carved from a type of green stone, which support the temple's high roof. Also look for the statue of Kuan Yin, located in an inner chamber, which depicts a woman with 18 arms, who has a countenance which exudes inner peace and worldly contentment.

Matang Mangrove Forest|Interesting Places In Perak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Gazetted as a Permanent Forest Reserve in 1906, the Matang Mangrove Forest spreads over 40,000 hectares and is the largest mangrove forest reserve in Peninsular Malaysia. The Matang Mangrove Forest is located in the Larut Matang District, in Perak, Malaysia. It is also recognised internationally as the best managed sustainable mangrove ecosystems in the world.

Matang is teemed the rich and diverse wildlife and habitats that live in the mangrove and mudflats. About 80% of the reserve is made up of sustainable-yield production forest, consisting mainly of the Bakau Minyak and Bakau Kurap species.

It is the perfect place for anyone wanting to beef up on their knowledge of nature, with boardwalks leading you into the mangrove swamps for close observation on the forest structure and get up close and personal with the wildlife, such as the Long-tailed Macques and the many migratory birds that stop by. There are also scheduled boat rides down the river at night to see the fireflies.

Souq Bazaar|Interesting Places In Putrajaya|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The word 'souq' originates from mid-Eastern countries and is used to describe a market place or a bazaar. So you can expect the Souq bazaar at Putra Square (Precinct 1) to be a little bit like the bazaars of Istanbul. Located at the lower ground level, under the Putra Mosque, the Souq is no ordinary bazaar. This business district, while still new, is slowly, but surely becoming a happening place in Putrajaya.

Some 50 trade stalls sell goods ranging from domestic items to light home-based industrial products. Souq also offers high-quality goods such as fashion and accessories, gifts and handicrafts, as well as designer goods such as Renoma, U2, Adidas and lots more. You will also find a comfortable Food Hall where you can enjoy a meal at one of several distinguished food and drinks outlets.

The Souq aims to capture the true essence of the market bazaar through the use of rich and highly patterned materials, exquisite murals and artwork.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion|Interesting Places In Pulau Pinang|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, was a prominent community of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world, especially in the Straits Settlements (Penang, Malacca and Singapore) hence its other name, the Straits Chinese. Adopting selected ways of the local Malays and later, the colonial British, the Peranakans had created a unique lifestyle and customs which had not only left behind a rich legacy of antiques but its cultural influences like cuisine and language are still evident in Penang today.

At the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the typical home of a rich Baba of a century ago is recreated to offer a glimpse of their opulent lifestyle and of their many customs and traditions. It is situated on a busy section at Church Street,Pulau Pinang,Malaysia. With over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles of the era on display, this Baba-Nyonya museum is also housed in one of Penang’s heritage mansion of eclectic design and architecture.

Built at the end of the 19th century by one of local history’s famous personalities, the ‘Hai Kee Chan’ or Sea Remembrance Store had once served as the residence and office of Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee. Though not a Baba himself, his Chinese courtyard house was much like a typical large Baba home of eclectic style, incorporating Chinese carved-wood panels and English floor tiles and Scottish ironworks. Having survived the many decades of neglect and decay, the mansion has now been restored to its former glory of a stately home.

Kota Tinggi Museum|Interesting Places In Johor|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Built in 1997, the museum traces the history of the Johor Sultanate. The site was chosen for a museum due to its historical significance as the seat of the old Johor Sultanate. The valleys of Johor River was also the start of the new era of the Malay Sultanate after the fall Malacca in 1511 to the Portuguese.

The museum will enthral you with its complete explanation on how the Malaccan Empire settled and magnified its rule in Johor and how the conflicts between Portuguese, Achehnese and other super powers took place in the span of hundreds of years. The Malaccan Sultanate line of descendents also ended in Kota Tinggi when the last ruler Sultan Mahmud Shah was assassinated by his own admiral Megat Seri Rama who was also known as Laksamana Bentan.

The spaces on the two storey building display a vast variety of rare exhibits from the 19th century to the present, ranging from century old porcelain, big paintings on canvas, ancient musical instruments to house models. Besides the old historical view, the museum also highlights the lineage and recent important occurrences in Johor. The cultural entity of Johor includes a certain identity in its architecture, music, costume and dances.

Jalan Satok Sunday Market|Interesting Places In Sarawak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Jalan Satok Sunday Market locally known in Malay as 'Pasar Minggu', is a Kuching institution that dates back several decades. For many years, Jalan Satok market have been the best place to buy all assortment of local products, food & jungle produces. Not only that, you would probably see many of Sarawak Ethnic groups people doing their business here.

This vibrant Sunday market along Jalan Satok, comes alive Saturday afternoon when local traders from the outskirts of Kuching peddle their wares. The Jalan Satok Sunday Market is at the junction of Jalan Satok and Jalan Palm, opposite the Miramar Cinema. Catch a glimpse of the fat squirming grubs, sieet, or unique wild ferns "midin" and other jungle produce sold in makeshift stalls by the roadside, or simply on empty rice sacks lain on the ground.

The place truly comes alive with a riot of colours, smells and dialects as the locals converge to buy their weekly produce. Traders sell handicrafts, clothes, fresh produce, food and drinks and much more. This is also an excellent excuse for picture taking opportunities. Take an outing to the market, and be prepared to face a bevy of smiles, fierce haggling and friendly faces in the true Sarawakian warmth and charm.