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Wonderful Malaysia

Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra

Malaysia prides itself in its unique variety in cultural difference housed under the same flag. Due to the many races and different ethnic groups living in Malaysia, culture has become an integral part of Malaysia’s identity with tourism focusing on its multi-cultural society. And what culture does not have music integrated into them? Music has been the epiphany of the representation of emotions. Music has its way of connecting to the very soul of the audience no matter race, culture or belief.

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This appreciation of music has led to the founding of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), residing at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (Petronas Philharmonic Hall). In 1997, founder and first music director, Kees Bakels opened the halls for the first concert in 17 August 1998. The hall is located in one of Malaysia’s most prestigious and monumental skyscraper, the Petronas Twin Tower (KLCC).

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The Philharmonic Orchestra embraces a variety of genre ranging from traditional pieces and the classical to the more modern arrangements. One can enjoy musical arrangements from traditional ethnic music to the pioneers of classical music such as Beethoven, Vivaldi and Mozart. The Philharmonic Orchestra will let down their hair and play informal pieces from time to time as well and at other times one can enjoy more modern arrangements. The multi-cultural exposure includes as well music from Mexico, Germany and Russian and the orchestra regularly invites guest musicians and conductors from other countries to create a diversified field of talents.

Music has a universal language of expression and is widely used not only within the musical field but in visual as well. Movies and video games use music to amplify the cinematic and emotions and these pieces are highly appreciated by the Philharmonic Orchestra and are offered as well in concerts from time to time.

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In addition to its efforts in encouraging and fostering an appreciation of all kinds of music, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra hosts as well the Malaysia Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) to foster the young talents of Malaysia under the ideals of late Petronas Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Azizan Zainul Abidin. The MPYO was established in 13th January 2006 with 500 talents strong. Its first public concert was held on the 25th August 2007. Its reception was overwhelming and has been since slotted for regular concerts under the direction of its principal conductor, Kevin Field.

One can definitely expect the best from the multitude of musical talents from the country with diversified genre and style of music. With its strict standards in recruiting its musicians, high quality and excellence is expected of and a guaranteed fundamental when attending any of the concert events held. As all their proceedings are formal with a small exception of informal events, all patrons are required to be dressed formally, so if you are attending an orchestral event in MPO, ensure formal attire with the inclusion of ‘Batik’ is what you will be wearing.

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Cuisine in Melaka

ERL EXTENSION TO MELAKA?

This blogspot is being created to compliment our main Tourism Melaka website at www.tourism-melaka.com.

We hope to write our comments and views on the development of the tourism sector in Melaka so that old cultural jewels can be retained and new ones generated to attract more visitors to our Melakan shores.

For us to continue our journey, we like to invite visitors to pen their comments and views so that we can create a sustainable and vibrant tourism sector in Melaka.

Enjoy.

TW Kang

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Wonderful Malaysia

The Best Wet Markets in Kuala Lumpur

In Malaysia, a wet market typically refers to a fresh food market with fish stalls. The stalls are usually run by individual owners and normally lack amenities like refrigeration. As such, traders rely heavily on polystyrene boxes filled with ice cubes so that the fish and seafood stay fresh. The wet markets tend to open very early in the morning and would be closed by lunchtime. Every small town in Malaysia has at least one wet market housed in a covered building at a fairly central location, with traders generally focusing on local products, but also providing a full range of fresh produce.

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Despite some city folk in modern Kuala Lumpur who prefer to shop for fish, meat and vegetables in a more comfortable supermarket in major shopping centres compared to the wet markets which can become hot, crowded and unpleasant in smell, there is still a fairly large population who prefer the freshness and prices at the wet market. For the wet markets’ believers and also those who have chance of being converted, here are some of the best wet markets in Kuala Lumpur:

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1. Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) wet market

Situated at Jalan Wan Kadir 2, the Taman Tun wet market has existed for over 25 years old with close to 268 stalls. It is probably the cleanest wet market around. Choices are plenty and the prices are reasonable, from fresh meat and poultry to a wide selection of fruits and vegetables.

2. Chow Kit wet market

For generations, the Chow Kit wet market has been frequented by residents in the vicinity to obtain the freshest ingredients for their household. The market is also popular among restaurant owners. This place may not strike a chord with visitors who might be put off by the smell, crowd and heat; however, those who are game will be rewarded by local foods and wet goods at a very low price. The market here begins as early as 6 a.m. Everything you’d need for your kitchen can be found here, ranging from dried salted fish to chicken feet to fresh spices and herbs.

3. Pasar malam Bangsar

Although not exactly a wet market (hence the name pasar malam or night market), the night market in Bangsar is still worth a mention. The night market takes place every Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Popular with both expats and locals alike, the stalls offer a whole range of items, from freshly cooked food to clothing and fresh flowers. If you don’t have a car, it is then recommended that you take a cab to the night market as the closest LRT station in Bangsar is a 30-minute walk away.

4. Sri Petaling wet market

Perhaps considered as one of the best wet markets to date, Sri Petaling is the place for fresh seafood. Most of the stalls sell fresh shellfish, fish, fruits and vegetables at a much cheaper price.

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Cuisine in Melaka

SIKHS CONVERGE AT MELAKA SOLE GURDWARA

This blogspot is being created to compliment our main Tourism Melaka website at www.tourism-melaka.com.

We hope to write our comments and views on the development of the tourism sector in Melaka so that old cultural jewels can be retained and new ones generated to attract more visitors to our Melakan shores.

For us to continue our journey, we like to invite visitors to pen their comments and views so that we can create a sustainable and vibrant tourism sector in Melaka.

Enjoy.

TW Kang

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Wonderful Malaysia

Fun things to do in Brunei

Brunei is located on the north coast of the island of the exotic island of Borneo, surrounded completely by the South Asia Sea and Sarawak. Brunei isn’t exactly a popular tourist destination but that is because they have not discovered what there is to see and do! The four most popular places that people will drop by at while in Brunei are:

Ulu Temburong National Park

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The jungles of Brunei are an excellent attraction by itself. Over 80% of Brunei is still virgin jungle, which is a great piece of news for nature lovers. Take a step back in time at the Ulu Temburong National Park as you explore its beautiful untainted forests. Make your way through lush, thick jungle and you may be rewarded with a crystal clear, cool waterfall. One example is the Jalan Dadap Waterfall where you can just take a dip and enjoy the sounds of the water and the forest – an extremely tranquilizing environment given the absence of crowds at these nature spots.

Tasek Lama

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Those who prefer not to break into a sweat hiking can visit Tasek Lama. The park is located right in the middle of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city. The park is a great way to see the livelihood of the locals as they come for their morning exercise. Monkeys loiter the grounds of the park, so be careful of your belongings. Walk through the park and enjoy the serenity of the atmosphere, occasionally punctuated by the sound of falling water from the nearby man-made waterfalls. Tasek Lama is also an ideal place for families as it has several playgrounds all around the park.

Kampung Ayer

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If Venice is too much out of your range, then the Venice of the East is something you can go to while you are in Brunei. Kampung Ayer, literally meaning ‘water village’, is South East Asia’s largest floating village. Take a boat across the river and you will see how the locals go about living in houses on stilts. There are schools, a fire station, a police station, shops, restaurants and a mosque to cater to the needs of the 30,000 villagers who inhabit this water village. After cruising around the villages, ask your boatman to take you further down the river to try catching a glimpse of the proboscis monkey that is only endemic to Borneo.

Muara and Berakas Beaches

If you are one who loves barbecues, you will notice that the locals share your penchant for charring their food too! Barbecues are popular in Brunei especially at the Muara and Berakas Beaches, the two most popular spots to go for a day in the sun. The beaches are also great for some treading in the water or a game of ultimate Frisbee or soccer.

In Brunei, you will see many barbeques going on. This is because barbeque is a really popular cooking form in Brunei. So once here, take some time and join the locals at the public barbeque grounds! Muara Beach and Berakas Beach are two popular places where you can go and barbeque some food and join the locals in a game of ultimate Frisbee or soccer.

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No visit to Brunei is complete if you don’t visit their mosques. The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque, also known as the floating mosque, is breath-taking when lit up at night. The Jame’Asr Hasannal Bolkieh mosque isn’t too bad itself and is definitely worth a visit for its architectural beauty and design. Plan your visit to coincide outside the prayer times as these houses of worship will be quieter then. Do dress modestly when entering these places.

If you are looking for a holiday where most of it is spent drinking in bars, then Brunei is not the place for you. In fact, do not drink in public even if you are a non-Muslim. However, if you are looking for a relaxing holiday, spent mostly sightseeing and getting up close with nature, then Brunei should be in your bucket list.

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