Tag: Cameron Highlands

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Tourism Malaysia

10 Unconventional Souvenirs to Bring Back From Malaysia

Remember the last souvenir you received? Chances are, it’s hidden deep in your closet or collecting dust somewhere. So the next time you’re souvenir hunting, forget the fridge magnets, keychains, t-shirts and little trinkets that your friends won’t know what to do with. Here are some unconventional souvenir ideas to bring back from Malaysia that your friends will love.

 

1. Textiles – Batik Songket
Batik and songket are traditional Malaysian textiles, each with its own unique designs. Malaysian batik is renowned for its vibrant colours and bold prints. The songket on the other hand, is a brocade of woven silk or cotton interwoven with either silver or golden threads. The intricate designs on the textile make great decorations around the home as tablecloths, pillow cases or even as a statement art piece.

Where to buy:
Central Market or Kraftangan Malaysia

 

2. Durian Chocolate
Whether you’re a fan of durian or not, durian chocolate is a great gift to introduce friends to the king of fruits. Love it or hate it, it’s sure to bring a great reaction out of them!

P/S: Get to know more about durian with our beginner’s guide to the king of fruits

Price:
Approximately MYR 20-25 for a box of chocolate

Where to buy:
Supermarkets, Airport Duty Free

 

3. Instant White Coffee
The coffee culture in Malaysia began in the olden kopitiam (coffee shop) days. It was a common sight to have the young and old enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee while reading the newspaper or chatting with one another. While kopitiams have evolved, Malaysian coffee has remained a favourite among the locals. Thanks to a special roasting technique involving margarine, Malaysian white coffee has a unique flavour and aroma that is loved by many. Creamy and rich in taste, the instant packs offer a convenience for the perfect cup of coffee at any time. Some of the more popular brands are OLDTOWN, Ah Huat and Aik Cheong.

Price:
Approximately MYR 12-15 for a pack of 15

Where to buy:
Supermarkets, OLDTOWN coffee shops

 

4. Curry Paste, Spices Sauces
Share a taste of Malaysia with those at home. From curry pastes to satay sauces, there are many different types of ready-to-cook sauces for you to bring home. Look out for Brahim’s or Baba’s for the most authentic flavours.

Price:
Approximately MYR 4-7 for a pack

Where to buy:
Supermarkets

 

5. MyKuali Penang White Curry Instant Noodles
Ranked seventh in The Ramen Rater’s list of spiciest instant noodles of all time, the MyKuali Penang White Curry instant noodles is as authentic as it gets for instant noodles. What sets this instant noodles apart is the chilli paste and non-dairy creamer that gives the soup a rich and creamy texture. When it was first launched, these noodles were so elusive that people were going into a frenzy trying to get their hands on them. Some would even buy them in bulk from the factory in Penang, to share them with friends back home. Thankfully, they are now easily available at most supermarkets.

Price:
Approximately MYR 6.90 for a pack of 4

Where to buy:
Supermarkets

 

6. Gamat Products
A species of sea cucumber, gamat is rich in protein and has medicinal healing values. Processed gamat is available in a pure liquid type, also known as “air gamat” (gamat water) that can be consumed, and a mixed type, known as “minyak gamat” (gamat oil) that is used for external application. It is useful in healing cuts, burns, injuries and even toothaches.

Where to buy:
Gamat products can be found in pharmacies and supermarkets, but the best products can be found in Langkawi, home of the gamat industry in Malaysia.

 

7. Nutmeg Oil
Nutmeg oil is traditionally used to relieve muscular pains, sprains, cramps, headaches and stomachaches. It is made from the extract of the nutmeg seed. Just apply the oil on affected areas, and you’ll find relief. A popular brand of nutmeg oil is Cheong Kim Chuan which has a shop in Penang where you can find other nutmeg products too.

Where to buy:
Penang is the largest nutmeg producer in Malaysia, but nutmeg oil/balm can also be found in pharmacies nationwide.

 

8. Boh Tea
You might have seen the spectacle of teh tarik —Malaysia’s local tea—at mamaks, but the British also brought their love for English-styled tea when they colonised Malaysia. Founded in 1929 by J. A. Russell, BOH Plantations is the largest tea producer in Malaysia with tea gardens along the slopes of Cameron Highlands. Besides black tea, they also produce unique flavoured teas such as passion fruit, lime and ginger, mango, earl grey with tangerine and lemon mandarin.

Price:
Approximately MYR 5 for 25 teabags

Where to buy:
Supermarkets or Boh Tea plantation in Cameron Highlands

 

9. Half-Boiled Egg Cooker
Half-boiled eggs remain a breakfast favourite across generations in Malaysia. This useful, nifty gadget makes it easy to make the perfect half-boiled eggs – soft egg whites, with runny yolks. Just put your eggs in, pour hot water up to the indicator line, and wait for the water to slowly drip into the bottom container. No fiddling with timers and stoves early in the morning!

Price: Approximately MYR 10

Where to buy: Supermarkets

 

10. Adopt a Turtle
Want to give a gift that makes a difference? Adopt a turtle in your friend’s name and help save the turtles in Terengganu. By adopting a turtle, you will be helping WWF in their efforts to protect this national icon to ensure that they are around for generations to come. You’ll receive a cute turtle plush toy, an info card and a certificate that you can give to your friend.

Price:
Donations start from MYR 38 monthly

Where to buy:
WWF Malaysia – Adopt A Turtle (www.pandashop.my/adoptaturtle)

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All geared up for shopping? Get more bargains at the 1Malaysia Year End Sale from 15th November 2014 to 4th January 2015.

For more information about Malaysia and what to see and do, visit www.tourism.gov.my

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not represent Tourism Malaysia. Products, brands and items mentioned are not endorsed by Tourism Malaysia.

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Wonderful Malaysia

Christmas in Malaysia

I am traveling in Malaysia during Christmas, what can I expect?

When someone mentions ‘Christmas’, snow, decorated pine trees, presents and of course, Santa Claus comes to mind. It’s close to impossible to have a white Christmas in Malaysia but this doesn’t mean that the celebrations are less festive, for Christmas is celebrated the Malaysian way!

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Many look forward to the Christmas decorations put up by the shopping malls. The set up is certainly pretty with gigantic Christmas trees; some are even as tall as six storeys and are heavily decked with baubles, candy canes and angels. The malls change their theme each year and try to outdo each other, only to our benefit. One year, we had one mall ‘scattered’ with life-sized teddy bears in line with their ‘Beary Christmas’ theme while another had real fake ‘snow’ falling, leading to an elderly man exclaiming, ‘Wow, there’s snow, there’s snow!’. We were actually there the first time Pavilion KL started this snowwy tradition. Hundreds came to the square in front of the mall, to see the snow coming down (it was actually a soap-like substance, but nobody minded and everybody had a great time).

As Christmas approaches, don’t be surprised to find the Christmas spirit in even the non-Christians. Malaysians from all walks of life spend the Christmas holidays visiting their friends with their families. At Christmas countdowns in selected locations, you can see people enjoying the festive cheer and wishing each other happy holidays and Merry Christmas.

You can see people wearing the signature red cap of St Nicholas and grooving to the beat of Christmas songs. There is even caroling in some malls and the audience are from different walks of life and religion too. At the workplace, colleagues organize a secret Santa event to exchange gifts, where every member of the team shares the spirit of giving, regardless of status, age or race. Christmas is not exclusively for Christians here in Malaysia but it’s celebrated by all in their own unique way without disrespecting their own religion.

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Most Malaysians, celebrating or not, flock to the shopping malls – a typical Malaysian past time. There, they enjoy the activities and events organized by the malls and even do some shopping, taking advantage of the Christmas and Year End Sale. On the night of Christmas eve, when the clock strikes twelve, various locations perform firework displays to welcome Christmas with a bang. Malaysians flock to these locations earlier during the day to get good spots to view the magnificent displays of fireworks. As usual, you can find Malays, Indians, Chinese and even foreign visitors enjoying the show together. In Malaysia, you don’t need to be a Christian to enjoy Christmas and have the holiday spirit in you.

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In Malaysia, Christmas is only celebrated on Christmas Eve. The actual first day of Christmas is often business as usual for many Malaysians. The lush decorations cannot be taken down soon enough after Christmas, as then all the mall will repeat the same ‘contest’ for the nearing New Years Eve (which is immediately followed by Chinese New Year preparations). The is no second day of Christmas, as this is only custom in a few countries in the world. Many restaurants have special Christmas Eve menus. This is your chance to eat out at a fancy restaurant, as due to competition prices are often very low. Usually western oriented restaurants also have a special Christmas menu for the 25th of December.

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Many expats in KL take a few days of holiday during Christmas, to travel to a nice destination within Malaysia. Though it is quite fun to spend Christmas at one of the islands of Malaysia, for example at Langkawi or Penang, the most popular place in Malaysia to visit around Christmas is Cameron Highlands. The highlands have a cold(er) climate, and the setting is perfect to replicate that cold Christmas Eve. Many hotels and resorts are fully booked during Christmas, so make sure you book beforehand. This goes especially for the more exclusive and romantic places. Three very popular places to stay overnight during Christmas are The Smokehouse Hotel ***, The Lakehouse **** and Cameron Highlands Resort *****.

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Wonderful Malaysia

Traveling with kids in Malaysia

Traveling to Southeast Asia with children is not particularly advertised. However, most holidays in region are perfectly suitable for children. Always check beforehand to determine if a certain organized trip is age appropriate. Visitors of Wonderful Malaysia often ask the question if it is possible – and if it is wise – to travel to Malaysia with small children. Looking only at all fun attractions in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, it is clear that the answer is ‘Yes’. However, as parents, you do need to take certain things into account that you do not have to think about in non-tropical countries. Malaysia is a fantastic country for children. There is an enormous variation and so there is always something to do. The kids will not get bored that easily in this country.

Great things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park

kids-travels-berjaya-times-square-theme-park

In every city in Malaysia, there are a few big shopping malls and because they also serve as a social meeting point for the locals (also kids), you will often find many fun attractions within the malls. Each mall has a cinema and a big bowling alley. For example, the Berjaya Times Square mall has a bowling alley – Ampang Superbowl – with a whopping 48 lanes. However, the shopping mall is mainly – world – famous due to the indoor Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, where a roller coaster with loops thunders past the railings of the balconies of the various levels.

Sunway Lagoon

kids-travels-sunway-lagoon-water-park

Next to the big Sunway Pyramid Mall – which is quite a distance from the Kuala Lumpur city center – lays the enormous aqua theme park called Sunway Lagoon, very popular amongst the locals and lots of fun as a day trip away from the big city.

Genting Highlands Theme Park

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One of the biggest (and most hectic) kids’ paradise in Malaysia is about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. Genting Highlands is an entertainment city with many attractions (including numerous casinos) and with a huge kids’ theme park. A big advantage of this theme park is the coolness of the highlands; a possible disadvantage are the crowds. We had never seen so many families with kids in one place. The theme is currently closed for renovations and expected to open in 2016 as the world’s first Twentieth Century Fox Theme Park.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

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Within the beautiful Lake Gardens, the biggest park in Kuala Lumpur, you can find the popular KL Bird Park. Here you can see thousands of birds. Children will have a great time, and they will learn a lot about all the bird species you can see here too. Especially popular is the World’s Largest Free-flight Walk-in Aviary; where you can see birds flying around you or even have birds sitting on your shoulder.

KLCC Aquarium

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Another popular attraction for kids is the KLCC Aquarium. Here you can see thousands of fish species, many species can also be found in the seas surrounding Malaysia. This great attraction is located right in the center of Kuala Lumpur, nearby the huge Suria KLCC shopping mall.

KidZania

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If you are traveling with young children and are looking for a fun day out in Kuala Lumpur, you should consider KidZania; an indoor family educational and entertainment center which offers an interactive learning and entertainment experience for kids in a kid-sized city to deliver the first-of-its-kind edutainment fun. The KidZania experience is about real-life experiences, empowering, inspiring and educating kids through role-play. It is located near a nice shopping mall, so you can combine this with some nice shopping afterwards.

Adventure trips with kids

Apart from the big cities, you also have many beautiful attractions which are equally pleasant for children and adults.

There is enough to do on the Malaysian peninsula. Visiting the beautiful National Park Taman Negara is absolutely a highlight of your trip; though you will spot few big animals, there are lots of smaller ones, birds and insects. The longboat trip to the nature reserve on its own will be liked by the children. The highlands are also great as a change (it is a lot cooler and you can go for lovely walks). Especially popular are the Cameron Highlands, where your kids can also visit one of many tea plantations.

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The islands of Langkawi and Penang can also be visited with children, usually visiting these islands is an excellent finale of a tour organized by the travel agency.

At the Oriental Village at Langkawi Island there is an enormous cable car – Panorama Langkawi – which takes you to the top of the mountain to see the beautiful panoramic view of the island. Langkawi has numerous other great attractions that your kids will love.

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Penang has a tropical fruit farm and a beautiful butterfly garden. There are quite a few nice temples and numerous other sights. The night market in the small coastal town Batu Feringghi is also great fun for kids.

If you want to visit the best dive and snorkel islands during the dry season – April until October, then you should travel to east coast islands like Perhentian, Redang, Kapas or Tioman. You can snorkel, swim and even dive together with the children. Besides many beautiful fish species, there is a big chance you can swim with huge turtles (especially abundant in the seas around Perhentian Island).

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Kuala Gandah is a small village just a few hours away from the capital Kuala Lumpur, where you will find an elephant sanctuary. You can feed and wash the elephants, which is yet another great experience for the kids (please do not ride on the back of elephants as they weren’t built for that). Also nearby Kuala Lumpur is the small village of Kuala Selangor. Here you can visit the firefly park (in the evenings) and witness millions of fireflies (lightning bugs) once it is dark.

In Borneo you can for example easily discover the jungle (basic level). You will choose an easy to reach and accessible nature park instead of the really hard core jungle trips. A visit to one of the traditional indigenous people will also be memorable for the kids. In the northeast of Borneo (close to Sandakan) you can also visit Sepilok, the orangutan reserve.

There are also various other attractions, such as the humongous Gomantong bat cave, Turtle Island where you can observe turtles and the amazing Kinabatangan river (3 to 4 hours’ drive from Sandakan); where you can see elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and many other kinds of animals and birds. A true adventure for children!

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If your kids love theme parks, you should consider a visit to Johor Bahru in the south of Malaysia near Singapore. Here you have Legoland Malaysia; with over 40 rides, shows and attractions. Highlight is Miniland; where over 30 million bricks of lego where used to recreate numerous Asian landmarks.

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All in all there is so much to do with children on tour through Malaysia. Apart from all these huge attractions, there are often also small activities which will be of extra fun for the kids. The locals are always very nice and sweet with children. They will often be spoiled and will get far more attention than they need.

A beautiful description of a proud parent with children

Our kids traveled with us for a couple of months, they spent a long time in airplanes and buses but still were easy to handle. Most travelers are surprised when they realize that you can still go backpacking once you have kids. Our kids talk to everybody and get a lot of attention in return. Observing things with the kids gives you another view on the country, because they will notice completely different things than you. Children’s simplicity … A new world opens up. And if they cry from time to time…it doesn’t matter. Give them some attention and they are fine again. For years our kids have behaved so well on the plane. It is the biggest experience in their lives. And why do you travel….because as parents, you enjoy it. You want something more than Center Parcs, European beaches or similar. And kids like everything…So, you travel because as an adult you like it, you are doing it for yourself. In the process, you try and make it fun for the children too and you organize some activities that they really like. So, people with kids, keep flying!!!! Everyone has been young and has cried before. No reason to miss out on these great adventures…

Malaysia is a safe country

Malaysia is an exceptionally safe country, but rule of thumb is not to do or undertake any crazy things (the ones that you would also avoid in your own country). Driving in Malaysia is safe too, highways are often in excellent conditions. Roads in local towns might force you to drive slowly. Self-drives are particularly popular at the peninsula.

Protect yourself and your children

You should always be well prepared (for example during day trips): take enough water, enough DEET to protect yourself against mosquitoes, Dengue does occur a lot and it is not pleasant (read: life threatening!). If your family doctor advises malaria treatment, then go ahead with it. Only in a few regions in Malaysia there is a risk of Malaria. If you do not like Malaria treatment for your children (for example because they are too young for it), just avoid those areas.

It is also important that you and your children are well informed in advance regarding the tropical regions. Apart from the vital protection, you should also carry sun screen wherever you go. Adults usually get sunburn within the hour, children are often a lot more sensitive. You can buy sun screen in Malaysia too.

Visit Malaysia 2014

2014 will be an important year for Malaysia, as it has been branded ‘Visit Malaysia 2014‘. During this year there will be many events to celebrate Malaysia’s tourism achievements and potential. Many events are also great for kids, so if you are planning a trip to this wonderful country, make sure you do so in 2014.

Have fun in Malaysia.

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Tourism Malaysia

The Cameron Highlands – A walk through history

The Cameron Highlands – A walk through history

The Malaysian Cameron Highlands is undoubtedly one of the world’s most scenic locations, offering some excellent hiking trails, taking visitors through history, across hills and mountains, and up and above the hectic world down below. One of the most overlooked trails is the Gunung Mentigi Trail which leads hikers past and through some of the country’s most historic monuments.

The Cameron Highlands, located approximately 150km north of Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital, is an area of spectacular natural beauty and as such is very popular with tourists and professional hikers alike. The highest point, Gunung Irau, stands at 2110 metres above sea level, and along with the height comes a moderate climate with temperatures rarely rising above 25 degrees centigrade, or getting any lower than 10 degrees centigrade. These cool temperatures can be a refreshing alternative to the steamy temperatures in the cities.

The Highlands were named after a British Government surveyor named William Cameron who was on a mission to map out Malaysia during the colonial years. Neat rows of tea bushes began to pop up shortly after the expedition mission when the true potential of the highlands were realised.

One of the most famous mysteries involving the Cameron Highlands is that of the disappearance of Jim Thompson, the founder of the Thai silk industry. He went for a walk from his bungalow in the hills in 1967 but was never seen again; nobody knows what happened to him.

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Cameron-Highlands.

For lovers of all things history, the Gunung Mentigi walk is ideal, with colonial architecture, prehistoric land formations, and tea plantations aplenty. There are no specific signposts along this hike, but if you are brave enough to find your own way around the sites then it really will be worth it, and will give you something to tell the family and friends about back home – don’t forget the camera!

Driving north from Kuala Lumpur along the main highway is the best way to begin the historic journey. The tea plantations will gradually begin to give way to tall mountains, unspoiled forests, and breathtaking waterfalls. Along the way don’t miss the Boh Tea Estate which was founded by John Archibald Russell in 1929. If you really want a “taste” of the history then the Russell family will be more than happy to take you all on a guided tour of the plantations, the tea factory, and of course there will be a chance to sample the various varieties of tea.

One of the highlights of the area around the Boh Tea Estate is a visit to the native aboriginal highland people’s village. The Orang Asli have lived in the village for thousands of years, and are self-sustained with wooden huts for houses, clothing manufactured from local plants, and food grown and bred within the village. Who knows, you may get a chance to meet the Batin (head of the village), which is a great honour!

OrangAsliVillage

Orang-Asli-Village

If you continue walking up the hills past Orang Asli Village you will undoubtedly come across the Gunung Mentigi hill fort, which was built by the British as one of the main forts in Asia.

After the war the fort was handed to the locals when the British moved on. Abandoned British army Land Rovers, 4×4 tyre tracks, and bomb shells can still be seen scattered all around. Definitely a sight to behold!

Tea picker

Tea picker

Former hill train stations can be found throughout the Cameron Highlands. These were built by the British to make travel easier. The major former hill train station is the Pahang station. The station used to provide a link to Pahang state, hence the name, but is no longer in use. The station features British colonial architecture and really is something to see whilst in the area.

The only way to reach the highlands now is by road. From Kuala Lumpur visitors take the North-South Expressway (NSE) towards Ipoh, from where they can reach Tapah within two hours. After the Tapah tollbooth a 60km winding road leads the way towards the legendary Highlands.

The Cameron Highlands are well worth a visit, but why should you just settle for an ordinary run of the mill hike when you can take a walk through history? Discover for yourself what the hills are hiding away.

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Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia’s hill country: The Cameron Highlands

Malaysia’s hill country: The Cameron Highlands

The bus from Tapah to Tanah Rata winds slowly and steeply through jungle-clad and mist-wreathed hills. I’m on my way to Malaysia’s biggest hill station, the Cameron Highlands.

Every one hundred metres or so is a palm frond shelter, built with varying degrees of sophistication, where a man or a boy waits, hoping to sell fruit or oversized beans hung up in rows.

Small children watch the bus go past with interest, sitting outside villages made up of wood and frond-thatch or corrugated iron shacks perched up the hillside.

With a name like that you won’t be surprised to hear the British had a hand in establishing this hill retreat. British surveyor William Cameron mapped the region for the colonial government back in 1885.

Cameron highlands

As the bus gains the heights and approaches the Cameron Highlands administrative centre of Tanah Rata the vast tea plantations come into view.

Terrace upon terrace of camellia sinensis bushes undulating up the steep hillsides; squatly low-growing from the ceaseless plucking. There are also market gardens, strawberry farms, rose gardens and roadsides thick with wildflowers.

Nestled in a mountainous region at an elevation of 1,200 metres, temperatures rarely rise above 25 degrees Celsius during the day and can drop to 12 degrees at night. It is a strange and welcome change from the steaming plains below.

The fun came to a grinding halt with the Second World War and the Japanese occupation but in the post war years the Cameron Highlands began its slow transformation into the tourist retreat we know today.

The serenity of the Camerons has not been ruined by overdevelopment. Traditional village life goes on uninterrupted, with ancestor shrines and conservative Muslim and Hindu values alongside the guesthouses and restaurants.

Malaysia’s glorious multi-cultural mix is quickly apparent in Tanah Rata, with Malay, Chinese and Indian people and food everywhere. On the main road at Sri Brinchang I enjoyed (every day I was in the Camerons) the best vegetarian Thali I’ve ever had, served on large banana leaves. Then there’s the tea…

Walking up the winding road to the Boh Tea Plantation at Sg Palas, I come across a handful of workers gathering up piles of green leaves into enormous sacks.

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The Boh Company produces a not insignificant four million kilograms of tea every year – around 70 per cent of Malaysia’s total tea production – and Fairlie here in the Camerons is one of their prettiest plantations.

Surrounded by the green terraces, a little ‘village’ of long, blue-painted buildings house the workers, tea processing machinery, storage and of course a lovely tea house.

Leaves are plucked every three weeks in the morning; then rushed to the factory to undergo stages of withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, sorting and finally tasting.

The guides at Sg Palas proudly describe their teas as having the character of fine wines; influenced by the altitude, cool temperatures and acidic soil of the Cameron Highlands.

cameron highlands

The region has a number of popular walking trails and I set off on one from near my guesthouse on the outskirts of Tanah Rata.

There are enormous Birds Nest ferns in the trees, which are draped with epiphytes and the exotic Pitcher plant or Monkey Cup.  I can hear strange birds and monkeys screaming.

Leaping across streams with the aid of large liana vines – Tarzan style – it is a world away from the genteel tea plantations and former colonial mansions.

On my last day I took a taxi to the observation point on Mount Batu Brinchang. The views from the 2,301-metre (6,663-foot) peak are stunning.  Lushly green mountains shrouded in mist plunge into valleys where the curving lines of the tea plantations are just visible.

If you have visited the Jim Thompson house in Bangkok you will find the final act in the life story of this wealthy American silk trader here. Thompson mysteriously disappeared from his holiday bungalow in 1967.

Despite massive public and private searches, he was never found. Whether he got lost in the trackless forests, was abducted, or staged his own disappearance may never be known. I can think of many reasons to not want to leave the Camerons.