Friday, November 17, 2006

KL Tower - Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur Tower

The KL Tower is a 421m high telecommunications and broadcasting tower which actually appears to be taller than the Petronas Towers, because it is built on a hill. Amidst the city of Kuala Lumpur stands the Menara Kuala Lumpur at 515m above sea level.It's a joke, and everybody knows, that the Petronas Towers are the highest buildings in Kuala Lumpur. It also claims to house the highest McDonald's in the World. This tower has an observation deck, where you finally can manage to get a bird's eye view of the city.Menara Kuala Lumpur ranks fourth amongst the tallest telecommunications towers in the world and was constructed over a period of four years and completed in May 1996. Menara Kuala Lumpur is designed to withstand wind pressures of up to 90mph.


Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide

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Sunday, July 30, 2006

Pahang (State)

PAHANG - MALAYSIA

History of Pahang

Evidence of habitation in Pahang dates back to the Mesolithic Era during which the Mesolithic people lived in caves and mountains of Pahang. According to anthropologists and historians, Pahang was also home to the Middle Age men and the Last Stone Age (early Bronze Age men) and the Semang aborigine tribe.

Long famous for the deposits of tin and gold found along the upper reaches of Sungai Tembeling (Tembeling River), Pahang had attracted the interest of outside powers even before the founding of Melaka in 1400. Under the control of the maritime empire of Srivijaya (centered around Palembang in southeast Sumatra), Pahang had expanded to cover the entire southern portion of the Malay Peninsula in the 8th and 9th centuries.

With the collapse of Srivijaya around 1000, Pahang was claimed first by the Siamese and then, in the late fifteenth century, by Melaka. After Melaka fell to the Portuguese in 1511, Pahang became a key part of the territorial struggles between Acheh, Johor, the Portuguese, and the Dutch. Repeated raids, invasions, and occupations devastated the state until the decline of both Achenese and Portuguese power in the early 17th century that allowed Johor to re-establish its influence and became the great Johor-Riau Empire.

When the Johor-Riau Empire collapsed, one Bendahara Wan Ahmad proclaimed himself as Sultan of Pahang in 1882. Not long after that, the British imperialism manifested itself in Pahang with the appointment of a British Resident to the Sultan of Pahang in 1888.

Like others, the Pahang State also suffered during the Japanese occupation of Malaya until the year 1945. Then in 1948, it joined the Federation of Malaya, which gained Independence in 1957. Today, Pahang is a prosperous state with an expanding economy, fuelled by agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

Genting Highlands

The fun never stops at Genting - City of Entertainment - perched on the top of Genting Highlands, which is accessible by road or cable car.

There is a choice of outdoor or indoor theme parks, indoor splash pool with warm water, or outdoor water park.

In the evening, there is spectacular entertainment at the Genting International Showroom or Pavilion, be it a thrilling magic show or an ice-skating extravaganza, shopping at First World Plaza, games and feasting on a wide range of delicious food.

The First World Plaza indoor theme park cum shopping complex features a series of fun rides and six theme areas named after famous cities and landmarks from around the world - France (Champs Elysees), England (London), Italy (Venice), America (Times Square and Universal Walk), Switzerland (Swiss Alps) and Malaysia (Genting Walk).

In Genting's Venice, you can cruise on a canal in the Venice Gondola Ride before hopping over to London to ride the Ferris Wheel beside the mini Big Ben. Around the corner are Universal Walk, Times Square and replicas of the Statue of Liberty and the Oscar trophy. A mini Eiffel Tower and a mini Arc de Triomphe make up the France theme. The suspended overhead rides such as the Euro Express, Reindeer Cruiser, Rio Float and the Monorail provide an excellent bird's eye view of the bustling First World indoor theme park that extends over four levels.

The Snow World at the Swiss Alps features a log cabin, an igloo, toboggan slides and snow play area. It's cold in here so remember to wear warm clothing. Children will surely love the Rainforest Splash Pool as the pool is filled with warm water even though the air all around is chilly.

To the adventurous: Are you ready to fly? The First World Plaza also boasts the Genting Sky Venture, the only free fall skydiving simulator in Asia, and to challenge you further is the Genting X-pedition Wall, an international-standard rock climbing wall stretching 10 to 15 metres in height, with a 6-metre overhang. Then get ready to scream on the Haunted Adventure Funicular Train that travels up a 45-degree slope into the Horror House.

You and your friends can next have a friendly game at the 28-lane Genting Bowl or at the Q-bowl, where the game is similar to pool. More entertainment awaits at the Funtasy World video arcade and the Cineplex. With 48 retail and 52 food/drinks outlets at the First World Plaza, there will never be a dull moment.

Over 30 rides can be enjoyed in the Outdoor Theme Park. Thrill-seekers will want to try all four roller coaster rides - the Double Loop Corkscrew, Rolling Thunder Mine Train, Cyclone and Flying Dragon. The brave will also want to ride the Spinner Flying Carousel, the Super Toboggan, and the intense Turbo Drop that drops 185 feet down and then instantly shoots upwards. On the Sungai Rejang Flume Ride and at the Genting Splash, the only water park experience available at 6,000 feet (2,000 metres) above sea level, be prepared to get wet. Hey, it's part of the fun!

There are numerous children's rides and family rides including the Monorail and Theme Park Skyway cable cars. Younger children can enjoy rides such as the Flying Baby Jumbo, Teacup, Pirate Train, Rodeo Rider and Astro Fighter. The Indoor Theme Park boasts three more thrill rides - Space Odyssey, Disco Bumper and the Motion Master Simulator that maneuvers around sharp turns and dives into deep gorges. A rich variety of skill games and video games are also available for your enjoyment until late at nights.

Getting there:
About 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak Highway. Kuala Lumpur-Genting taxis are available from the Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur. The Kuala Lumpur-Genting direct coach service is available from KL Sentral, Jalan Duta Coach Station, Puduraya and Gombak LRT Station.

Opening hours:
Outdoor Park: Weekdays 10am - 6pm & Weekends 8am - 8pm / Indoor Park and First World Plaza rides: Daily 8am -Midnight.

Admission:
Outdoor Park for unlimited rides RM29 (adult) & RM18 (children) for all seasons. For the indoor parks, pay per ride.

Supporting facilities: Fast food outlets, restaurants, shopping, car park.

Hotel accommodations: Available

Information: +603-2718 1118

Pahang Nature Activities

Sungai Relau

Sungai Relau is an alternative entry point into Taman Negara. It is located west of Taman Negara, about 7 km from the small town of Merapoh. Noted for its diverse biological resources, Sungai Relau is where you can enjoy kayaking, caving and even a night safari. This is also one of the three embarkation points to Gunung Tahan. The trail here to the summit is shorter than the main route from Kuala Tahan with a return walk taking five days. Accommodation includes hostels and campsites.

Contact
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Merapoh Office
Phone: 609-9124894

Lake Bera

Lake Bera, measuring approximately 35 km long and 20 km wide, is the largest natural freshwater lake in Peninsular Malaysia. It is also Malaysia's first Ramsar site, a recognition given to wetland areas for its international importance in nature conservation. Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover nearly 328 species of flora, 200 species of birds, 50 mammals and more than 95 species of fish in the lake area.

Enjoy a river safari or go trekking to catch sight of monkeys and flying squirrels. A boat ride around the lake will be a memorable experience as the boatmen skillfully navigate through the maze of vegetation. Spend a night at the resort and visit the Semelai tribe to watch their interesting method of collecting resin from Keruing trees. Lake Bera is situated 163 km from Kuantan.

Lake Chini

About 100km south-west of Kuantan lies Lake Chini, Malaysia's second largest natural lake. It teems with a variety of freshwater fish, and the surrounding wilderness is home to unique flora and fauna. Primates such as White-handed gibbons, Long-tailed macaques, Pig-tailed macaques and Banded langurs have been sighted here.

At certain times of the year, the lotus-filled lake is an awesome sight to behold. Legends and folklore enshroud the lake with a mystical aura. Lake Chini is said to be the site of a submerged Khmer City, guarded by a mythical creature.

A host of activities can be enjoyed here, including boat rides, fishing trips and jungle trekking. For a fascinating experience, visit the Jakun settlement, one of Pahang's indigenous peoples and take home a unique handicraft. Overnight visitors can enjoy a stay in the solitary lakeside resort.

Jeram Besu

Jeram Besu or Besu Rapids is definitely a must for those raring for adventure and thrills. Just 30km from the town of Raub, Jeram Besu is one of the best white-water rafting sites in the country. Other thrilling activities here include flying fox, off-road adventures, abseiling, caving and jungle trekking. Visitors can choose to camp out in the wild and take a relaxing dip in the Lata Berembun waterfalls nearby.

Contact
Countryview Recreation Park
Phone: 609-323 0230
Fax: 609-323 0200

Kota Gelanggi Caves

Marvel at the astonishing geological formations of this million year old cave system, located 30km east of Jerantut. Explore its cave chambers, once home to prehistoric communities. Among the popular show caves here are Terang Bulan, which takes about an hour to explore. The Kota Gelanggi Service Center offers further information on the caves, and exhibits artifacts such as pottery and bones of early humans.

Contact
Tekam Plantation Resort
Phone: 609-471 8300.

Tekam Plantations Resort

Fresh air, chirping of birds and lush greenery greet visitors to this hideaway. Located approximately 130km from Kuala Lumpur, this resort offers a refreshing ambience of being surrounded by tropical trees and fruit orchards. Tempt your palate with exotic fruits such as durian, rambutan, mango, banana, guava and mangosteen.

Visit the cocoa, coffee, oil palm and rubber plantations and be greeted by the sound of geese and roosters. The Tekam Plantation Resort is popular with groups for its 9 hole golf course and many recreational facilities.

Contact
Tekam Plantation Resort
Phone: 609-471 8300.

Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest

This recreational forest is a paradise for nature lovers. The Gunung Senyum and Jebak Puyuh Caves, the main attractions here, offer avid explorers hours of thrills. The former consists of approximately 18 caves, a favorite among explorers and researchers for their impressive formations and million year old fossils.

An ancient tomb within the caves is of archaeological interest. The Jebak Puyuh Cave system, located further away, contains seven caves. Lucky visitors may even chance upon albino pythons that inhabit the cool, dark crevices of the cavern. A host of outdoor activities can be arranged for groups.

Contact
Temerloh Forestry Office
Phone: 609 - 296 2755.

Seladang Conservation Center

This 50-hectare area in South Jenderak, about 130km from Kuantan, is a sanctuary for the endangered gaur. It is the second largest land mammal after the elephant. Enjoy this rare and thrilling opportunity to stand close to them!

Open: Mondays-Friday (9.00 am to 4.30 pm)

Contact
Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
Phone: 609-286 1827.

Elephant Conservation Center

Located in Kuala Gandah, 40km from Bentong, this center is dedicated to rescuing and protecting the country's elephants. Take a close look at these friendly jumbos during their feeding times or watch the fun as they enjoy a muddy splash in the nearby river. Open daily (8.00 am to 4.30 pm) Activities are held from 2.00pm to 3.45pm.

Contact
Elephant Conservation Center
Phone: 603-9075 2872.

Deerland Park

This deer sanctuary is situated in Bukit Rengit, Lanchang, about 140km from Kuantan. Traverse the park's 'Nature Garden' on an elevated boardwalk and marvel at its varieties of herbs and plants. The highlight of a visit here will be the interesting and fascinating deer-feeding session.

The park's 'Animal World' offers attractions such as ostriches, peacocks, deer and a sunbear. Visitors can also go camping or join a guided tour to learn basic jungle survival skills.

Animal World is open daily from 11.00am to 6.00pm, except on Fridays. Visit to the Nature Garden is by appointment.

Contact
Phone: 609-277 9305 or 012-962 7249

The Seladang Sanctuary, Elephant Conservation Center and Deerland Park are situated within the Kuala Krau Wildlife Reserve, which straddles Raub, Jerantut and Temerloh.

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Saturday, March 25, 2006

The Iban Long House - In Sarawak (Malaysia)

THE IBAN LONG HOUSE
ENDURING THE TEST OF TIME

The dancer strikes dramatically Iow stances and skillfully maneuvers his shield around him in time to the pulsing beat of the gendang. The warrior looks up and down, his arms taking on the movement of flapping wings, bringing to life the rhinocerous hornbill in his every step.





"Huha! Huha! Huha!" The chief of the Ngemah Longhouse, Juan, Son of Belulok, intones as he raises his gloss of Tuak, the festive rice wine. All around him the Iban men and women raise their glasses echo lng his cry. The benevolent spirits have been summoned to bear witness to the proceedings. Tonight, with the sweet and potent rice wine smoldering in our veins, we witness the Iban ritual that invokes the protection of the guardian spirits, en- suring that no harm shall befall any of us. Deep in the rainforest of Kuching, along the churning waters of the clear Lemanak River, the proud Iban people dwell. For centuries, this has been their home. This ancient river with its spirit trees leaning vainly over their reflections, has borne the struggles of the legendary warriors and headhunters of yore. Here beneath the glorious ruby blossoms of the Ngsurai trees, where the water runs clear as molten glass, traditional Ionghouses still stand, enduring the test of time. The re-mote and secret locations of these sanc- tuaries keep the Ibaa people and their culture alive and untainted. We sit on mengkuang woven mats in the communal hall of the Ngemah Ionghouse, named after the tributary that runs from the kemanak River. (All Ionghouses derive their names from their tributary. And it is no wonder, for it is from this source that life flows.) All around us, the jungle is alive, its rhythm gaining momentum as the night approaches. Oil lamps are lit across the communal hall, and the thirteen families that reside here are gathered to add their voices to the petition for protection, as well as to join in the festivities.

The haunting melody of the Ngkrumong fills the hall. The poignant tones produced by these small gongs is punctuated by the feverish beat of the Tawak and Bendai, brass gongs customarily used in tribal ceremonies, to drown out the sounds wrought by bad omen birds, As the rhythm increases, a sinewy Iban man, swathed in a dark blue loin cloth with the feathers of the pheasant and hornbill adorning his hair, and bearing the ornately carved oblong wooden shield and parang of the warrior, begins his dance. Bathed in the warm light of the oil lamps, his movements are strong and firm. Colourful beads swing around his neck as he lets out a bird-Pke cry, and swivels into a near squatting position, his thighs bulging with muscle. He strikes dramatically Iow stances and skillfully maneuvers his shield around him in time to the pulsing beat of the gendang. The warrior looks up and down, his arms taking on the movement of flapping wings, bringing to life the rhinocerous hornbill in his every step.

As the rhinoceros hornbill shrieks for the last time, the melody dies down and the dance of the pheasant commences. This is performed by a barefoot Iban woman, attired in an exotic tribal dress. On her head, she wears the carved sugu comb topped with a delicate tiara. As she dips gracefully, moving her hands in a soothing motion, the brass bells that encircle her ankles clink and jingle adding to the alIure of the dance. The dances of the hornbill and pheasant are performed by another Iba, man and woman. Finally, the dancers come together and begin dancing in a circle, twirling, a blur of brilliant colors and feathers. The Ngkrumong is hushed, the beat of the gendang, tawak and bendai begins to slow down, and the ceremony is over for tonight.

With rice wine spilling over onto the finery woven mats, we get ready for the night. Whilat the families disappear into their rooms, we sleep in the communal hall, called the 'ruai', where sheer canopies of mesquite nets have been erected over soft mattresses, the lamps illuminating these most personal of spaces, Perhaps, an explnation is necessary far this statement. I say 'most personal' because, the way of life of the Iban people seems so open, personal space is limited. Everthing seems to be shared, The only space that seems private is within the confines of the mosquito net. To fully understand this, one has to observe the amazing structure of die tonghesso. The amazing longhouse, like all others, is accessed by climbing a flight of steep and narrow steps carved from the bark of a tree. The first step on this unique stairway has a tail carved into it symbolizing the bottom, whilst at the peak, a face peeks somewhat eerily, Upon passing this threshold, one enters the realm of the longhouse. A long patio of split bamboo rolls along, extending to the very end of the house. This area is used for drying produce, clothes or simply for enjoying the light evening breeze, with the full view of the steep rice hills rising like brilliant jade mountains in the back- ground. Entering the wooden longhouse from any of the numerous doorways, one stumbles upon the 'mai' where many a languid afternoon is spent sheltering from the rays of the sun, weaving rattan bas kets, sharpening toeIs, mending fishing nets or simply snoozing in this peculiar sphere, the paragon of private publicness. Here neighbors are family. The close proximity that would have most families flying at each other's throats creates a strong bond here, and squabbles are hardly heard of. In light of such clustered sharing, it should net come as much of a surprise to note that the 'bilik' or family room affords as much privacy as the shrubs by the riverbank. Consisting of just one living area, where the whole family resides, this space often hosts up to three generations at a time, When a man and woman are married, they join the man's parents in their quarters. In this space their very awn family will take root and grow too, an ancestral room for the many generations of apai(fathers) and inai(mothers) who will live, love and pass on to the next world.

Discussion of privacy and matrimonial affairs is net complete without mention of the old courtship custom or 'ngayap', which has ceased to be practiced today for various reasons. It seems, in the old days, when toiling in the fie/ds left little time for the young to socialize, it was acceptable for the suitor to visit his intended in her family room at night, And so, in the darkness, accompanied by the busy buzzing of the nocturnal insects and prob- ably the rapid thumping of his head, the earnest suitor would steal into the girl's family 'biIik' and after a brief introduction, enter her mosquito net to get better ac-quainted. How cozy! Next to her net, the girlwould keep an oil lamp burning. Should the girl wish to reject the advances, she would relight the oil lamp, and the suitor would disappear into the night. Shouldshe allow the lamp to go out, this would signify her acceptance. It was impera-five that this nocturnal visit proceed for three consecutive nights, in order for the couple to become adequately acquainted to make a decision regarding marriage. During this time, the couple would only be permitted to converse, nothing else. But although this tropical paradise seems like the Garden of Eden, this is not utopia, and ieevitahtv an overtg amorous suitor would have just a little more than talking on hfs mind. After all, the mosquito net rouses strange feelings. And so, in light of
decaying chivalry, this charming practice has been abandoned.

It seems that women who sleep past 7.0Oem, are considered lazy, and therefore undesirable. But, what about holidays or weekends? In the Ionghouse, time as we know it holds no significance. They are not bound by days on a calendar, but by the moon, the rain, the changing of the seasons that leads up to the harvest. Everyday is a day of work, and work is a way of life.

Just as I am about to nod off, the chief comes to call me to share in his popcorn eating session. Curious as to the taste of this traditional snack, I follow him to where his family is seated around bowls of hat corn. The texture is simply gaf geous. The hot buttery corn grains which I painstakingly helped to detach earlier this evening are crunchy and soft at the same time. Fried with a little salt, the corn takes on a lush flavor. Even this evening, when the chief offered me the opportunity to share in the painful corn peeling fun, the sense of hospitality and acceptance seemed se natural. Never in a million years did I ever think I would be eating popcorn with the chief efa great tribe, the grandson of a mighty warrior and head hunter. As fatigue slowly crawls over me, I excuse myself and slide under my mosquite net, the tinkly laughter of the Iban people wafting over me, till I fall into a light slumber, oceasienally awakened by the howling of the six dogs and the mewing of the innumerable cats.

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Pleasure in Pulau Tioman

PULAU TIOMAN ( ISLAND TIOMAN)











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Set like a glittering jewel amidst the South China Sea the largest of a group of 64 volcanic islands, Tioman Island beckons the visitor with its white beaches and crystal clear azure seas. A sense of excitement and mystery pervades the island and the visitor will be enchanted by the picturesque beauty of this tropical paradise.

Tioman Island has its origins shrouded in mystery. According to legend, it is the resting place of a magical dragon princess, who was on her way from China to visit her prince in Singapore. This beautiful maiden stopped by at Tioman Island to seek solace during her flight and fell in love with the charms of this alluring isle. Enraptured by the wonder of Tioman, the princess discontinued her journey and vowed to spend the rest of her days giving pleasure and comfort to weary travellers.

Nowadays the dragon shaped outline of Tioman Island still draws visitors eager to experience the warmth and hospitality of this idyllic locale. Populated by friendly villagers who live an unhurried lifestyle, Tioman Island has a way of making your troubles seem like a thousand miles away. Untouched with its natural beauty, Tioman Island draw thousands of tourist yearly to its beaches.

Rest And Relaxation
A visit to Tioman Island is the perfect opportunity to get away from it all. Sun lovers and those who are fascinated by seashells will find the miles and miles of palm-fringed beaches a sheer delight with their myriad varieties of those lovely sea creatures.

You can spend hours just languishing on the white pearly beach, looking up the sun for the perfect tan. Popular beaches include the ones around the villages of Tekek, Genting and Salang and a walk on one of these beaches at sunset is truly enchanting and will simply take your breath away

The Sporting Life
For the restless and adventurous you'll find a lot to do on Tioman island. Indulge in a variety of water-sports like skiing, wind surfing, boating or a ride in a glass bottom boat around the island. These activities at Tioman Island Resort in addition to table tennis, tennis or golf at the 18 holes International standard course. Glass bottom boat rides offer those wishing to see the fascinating underwater life an opportunity to do so without putting on your diving gear.

Accommodation
For visitors accustomed to living in luxury, Berjaya Tioman Beach Resort offers 375 rooms that comes complete with all the trappings usually found at luxury hotels, including local and continental cuisine and fresh seafood. Those looking for adventure and willing to rough it out will find cheaper but comfortable accommodation in the villages. These A-frame huts and chalets are rented out by Malay families in the villages of Tekek, Salang, Genting and Air Batang for as low as RM 15 per night. Medium accommodation is as low as RM40 or RM50 per night.

You may make meal arrangement at your place of accommodation, but those living close to Tekek village will find the many eating spots there a real delight. Try the assortment of local dishes available at the little shops along the beach, they're simply delicious.
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