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.