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Tourism Malaysia

12 LUXURY LOVE NESTS FOR SNUGGLING WITH YOUR PARTNER IN MALAYSIA

There’s nothing like a nice, romantic holiday to celebrate those relationship goals. If you are looking for dreamy getaways with your partner — whether for a holiday, a honeymoon or a romantic tryst — then look no further than Malaysia. We share with you here some of the romantic “love nests” that’s perfect for enjoying each other’s company with lots of cuddles, hugs and kisses, along with the opportunity to experience more of this tropical country!

Scenic by the Sea
Besides gazing into your lover’s eyes, these two seaside retreats are also quite soothing to the eyes with great expanses of sun, sea and surf to enjoy!

Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi Island, Kedah

The Four Seasons Resort, featured in the film, Crazy Rich Asians, offers luxurious villas in a Malay-style village setting. Its beautiful white beach with a view of the Andaman Sea and unique rock formations is the perfect lazing spot for two.

 

Japamala, Tioman Island, Pahang

On Tioman Island in the east coast of Malaysia, JapaMala has created a niche for itself as a jungle-luxe boutique resort situated amid the lush green surroundings of Malaysia’s forests. With only about a dozen villas with stunning sea views all around, lovers will think it’s heaven on earth just for two.

 

A Little Bit of Culture
How about injecting a bit of local culture into your love life? Malaysia’s diverse population is a chance to immerse yourself in unique cultures and traditions.

The Majestic Malacca, Melaka

A stay at this 54-room 90-year-old mansion with its beautiful teakwood fittings, porcelain flooring and European roof tiles and exquisite service quality, will easily bring to life the elegance of Melaka past. Immerse yourself in therich Melaka heritage with a cooking class with a local chef or walking tours to the surrounding UNESCO heritage areas.

 

 

Terrapuri Heritage Village, Terengganu

Experience what it’s like to live in a century-old classic Malay home, set in a resort that’s inspired by the 17th century Terengganu Palace and its courtyards. These architectural beauties recognize the genius of yesteryear architects and each house has a stunning story to tell! If you and your partner are a fan of built-design and local aesthetics, then you will fall in love with Terrapuri, too.

 

Seven Terraces

Roam about the UNESCO Heritage City of George Town from the opulent setting of the Seven Terraces Hotel. Dripping in traditional Chinese architecture and the romance and splendor of the Peranakan era, the hotel is a restful oasis to relive the elegance of the past.

 

Healthy Retreats
Keep the romance healthy by spending time with each other in these wellness resorts where the focus is on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health through tailor-made programmes covering healthy eating and fitness, set within the natural landscapes of Malaysia.

Orchard Wellness, Melaka

Here, guests can enjoy nature, space and tranquility while indulging in treatments that follow wellness and medical concepts specifically designed for individual guests. It is set in a tropical fruit farm where guests can go fruit-picking for durian, mangosteen and rambutan while getting their chakras aligned!

 

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Perak

This spa-type resort is just the place to relax and unwind with your loved one for a healthily-ever-after! Surrounded by beautiful natural limestones, guests can dip into geothermal hotspring pools, meditate in 280-year-old natural caves, improve a stagnant chi or revitalize a tired chakra at the Spa and Wellness Centre.

 

Adventures in Love
If you and your partner want to get up to some thrilling adventures, then let us suggest something smack in nature!

Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

Whether you consider yourself a bird lover, a herpetologist or a casual nature lover, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the largest in the country, has plenty of adventures to keep you occupied and amazed. And after you tire of your adventures at the end of the day, cuddle up in their cozy lodges before taking on the next day’s explorations.

 

Belum Rainforest Resort, Perak

Enjoy the beauty of the Belum-Temengor Rainforest literally at your doorstep when you choose to stay at Belum Rainforest Resort. You and your lover can enjoy many thrilling adventures such as jungle trekking into the 130-million year old rainforest, kayaking on the vast Temengor Lake and more!

 

Love in the City
Want to spend some intimate moments without being too far from the conveniences of the city? Check out our romantic city retreats.

23Love Lane Hotel, George Town, Penang

With a name like this, surely it would be perfect for lovers! 23Love Lane is a charming 10-room hotel restored to retain its heritage quality, with a garden courtyard located in a quiet lane within Penang’s UNESCO Heritage City. Enjoy the still and cozy atmosphere just steps away from lively George Town where you can easily explore the mélange of cultures.

 

The Ruma, Kuala Lumpur

Nestled in the very heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle and just steps away from the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC, The RuMa has created an elegant and serene sanctuary right in the middle of the city. It captures the intimacy of a home run by an accomplished host who will take care of all the things that need taken care of, so you can focus on showering much love to your lover.

 

The Village House, Kuching, Sarawak

This idyllic hideaway is just a few minutes’ away from the hustle and bustle of Kuching city, yet it offers an oasis of calm for couples wanting to reconnect. This adults-only sanctuary (they only accept guests aged over 12 years) is one of the best places to marvel at the magnificent Borneo sunset in total privacy.

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Tourism Malaysia

LUXE AROUND THE CAPITAL

It has been a thriving year for tourism in Malaysia with an array of accommodations making prominent marks as new hotels and resorts are built and officiated. Many new premises mean travellers have more options to choose from in terms of location, service delivery and price.  Having said that, some are not looking for a low published rate, but they are looking for the luxury that money can buy…and Kuala Lumpur offers just that!

FOUR SEASON KUALA LUMPUR

Coming in at the top of our latest list of luxury hotels is Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur located adjacent to the Petronas Twin Towers, and within the Golden Triangle neighbourhood, the city’s exciting business, shopping and entertainment hub.

The location makes it an ultimate choice for travellers looking to indulge in ultimate comfort within walking distance of a high-end shopping experience in central Kuala Lumpur.

With 209 tastefully-designed rooms and suites, as well as serviced apartments for those guests looking for an extended stay, Four Seasons offers more than just a bed. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the cityscape; eight treatment spa rooms ease away the stresses with Malaysian healing traditions and the latest global therapies; an outdoor pool oasis with private cabanas and bar and grill facilities is the perfect place to relax; and signature cocktails made with locally-sourced ingredients are the perfect way to end the day while enjoying sunset views of the city.

Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur opened on 1 July 2018.
Address:          145, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Website:         www.fourseasons.com/kualalumpur/
Phone:             03-2382 8888

BANYAN TREE KUALA LUMPUR

The renowned Banyan Tree brand has finally stepped on Malaysian soil with the opening of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur adding to another major landmark in the city.

Touted by many as a luxury urban sanctuary, it pledges a 5-star service that will pamper you from head to toe. Styled as a resort in the city, it is conveniently located in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle district, the heartbeat of the city’s business, shopping and leisure activities.

The elegant 60-storey Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur features 55 well-appointed rooms and suites starting at a spacious 51 sqm, state-of-the-art fitness facility, 3 boardrooms to hold private executive meetings, as well as 4 stylish restaurants and bars with breath-taking views overlooking the city skyline.

And how about the Open Air pool on Level 53 for more serene time all by yourself? To completely indulge yourself, check out the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa. Some of the signature spa treatments include Master Therapist Experience, a specially tailored treatment using a repertoire of massage techniques and tools, drawn from the expertise of the Master Therapist; or try out the Nusantara treatment package, Malaysian Bliss, for an indulgent local experience.

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur opened on 1 July 2018.
Address: 2 Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Website: www.banyantree.com/en/malaysia/kuala-lumpur
Phone: + 603 2113 1888

SHERATON PETALING JAYA

Just south of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, a new gem has taken shape in the form of Sheraton Petaling Jaya. This delightful hotel offers a 5 star service with rooms with a view.

Located just 20 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur – and 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur International Airport — Sheraton Petaling Jaya is accessible from Federal Highway, the main arterial road linking PJ and the city centre. The new hotel brings a new definition of pampered stay, with full amenities and facilities.

For a start, its 253 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, will certainly inspire leisure and business travellers alike. The selection of signature restaurants offers local and international flavours at six different eateries. Enjoy local favourites buffet-style dining at Feast; savour refined Japanese dishes at the contemporary Miyabi restaurant; try inventive Chinese specialties at Yue; relax at Link@Sheraton Café for quick bites; wind down with cigar and whiskey at Chime Lounge; or enjoy Latin-inspired fare at Sala Bar.

On top of that, those looking for a refreshing and serene encounter, please try the 33rd level outdoor pool that brings you close to the sky and the whole city.

Address:          Lot 55, Lorong Utara C, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Website:         https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/szbsi-sheraton-petaling-jaya-hotel/
Phone:             +603 7622 8888

Categories
All Malaysia Info

Top 5 family getaways

Planning a holiday is tough enough, but planning a kid-friendly holiday? Where to go? What to do? With the many activities Malaysia has to offer, parents would have a tough time making arrangements that cater to everyone’s needs.The beach? But Sally doesn’t swim. The mall? But John would rather go skate-boarding. Fear not, for we have taken into consideration the needs of beach bums, mall rats, adrenaline junkies, nature and animal lovers, to come up with a list featuring the top five destinations for families.

1. Pulau Langkawi
With the array of amazing beaches Malaysia has to offer, families should not miss out on the clear, cool waters and the golden sand. Perhaps the most famous of them all, Pulau Langkawi in Kedah packs a punch, offering sparkling beaches and a wide variety of activities to choose from.

The Pulau Payar Marine Park are surrounded by coral reefs and attract visitors to swim, snorkel and scuba dive.

Take the cable car ride to the top of Mount Mat Chinchang for one of the most breathtaking views of Langkawi at the height of 708m above sea level. Then come back to solid ground to shop in the Oriental Village – a shopping zone built around a lake against the scenic backdrop of the mountains. Or catch a glimpse of the mysterious deep as the Pulau Payar Marine Park Snorkeling Tour takes you South of Langkawi Island to discover untouched corals and unsoilt marine life. For all you nature lovers, take the Langkawi Mangrove Forest and Eagle Watching Tour to experience Malaysia’s unusual ecosystem of mangroves, monitor lizards, limestone crags and mud crabs that brings to the viewer a delightful kaleidoscope of flora and fauna. With so much to do and more, the whole family would never know what “boredom” feels like in Pulau Langkawi.

The entrance to PETROSAINS cleverly not giving away the many wonders behind.

2.  Suria KLCC
Shopping is a necessity, wherever you go. The urge to dress up the little tykes and purchase items for their delight is a mutual feeling among all parents. That being said, where better to shop, yet keep your kids entertained than at Suria KLCC? Malaysia’s premier shopping centre, Suria KLCC boasts shops on six floors and a cinema with a seating capacity of up to 2400 visitors.

Also, visit the next generation aquarium at Aquaria, the nation’s state-of-the-art oceanarium which houses over 5000 exhibits of aquatic and land-bound creatures. For starters, visitors will be able to touch the horseshoe crab, spotted starfish, and the gentle bamboo shark.

For those who are seeking a more adrenaline-driven activity, jump into in a custom made cage and experience diving with wildlife predators!

Another popular attraction for families is the 50-acre public park right in the heart of the golden triangle. Have an outdoor picnic under the canopy of greens in the middle of a bustling city, and then jump into the cool waters of the public pool for a refreshing change.

But family trips to KLCC will never be complete without spending a day at PETROSAINS – an interactive discovery centre that embraces and showcases general science in a fun and interactive manner. Visitors will be able to touch, feel and manipulate tangible exhibits that combine futuristic elements and a constructive learning experience to provide a wholesome exposure to all.

3. LEGOLAND Malaysia
Theme parks will always remain a popular attraction for both adults and children. With its exhilarating rides and mind-stimulating activities, the whole family can be sure to go back exhausted yet satisfied. Malaysia’s latest theme park attraction brings us to Johor, with the recent launch of LEGOLAND Malaysia.

Putting aside the fact that they have over 40 fun rides, shows, and attractions, the best part is that nearly everything requires a hands-on approach! Kids will love the pedalling, pushing, squirting, steering, splashing, programming and of course, the building experience!

Located right at the heart of LEGOLAND is MINILAND, where Asia’s beloved landmarks have been painstakingly recreated using more than 30 million LEGO bricks. With just a touch of a button, watch the animated characters in MINILAND come to life! A day-long voyage notwithstanding, LEGOLAND Malaysia puts the kids at the forefront, with them using nothing but creativity to take things a step further.

4. Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens
Fancy taking some time off from the hustle and bustle of the city? With numerous hiking trails, recreational parks, and zoos, families will enjoy valuable time with one another, all done within the vicissitudes of nature. Take a trip to the Taman Tasik Perdana, or known as the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, the city’s most popular park. Among the attractions here include the national monument, orchid garden, hibiscus garden, deer park, butterfly park, and the bird park.

At the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, visitors can get really close to the birds who call the place home.

Visit the “World’s Largest Free-flight Walk-in Aviary” at the Bird Park, which is designed to imitate the natural habitat of birds, to provide visitors with an up-close-and-personal moment with a large variety of bird species. Children will enjoy the bird-feeding and bird-shows, while surrounded by mother nature. Or have your kids get in touch with Malaysia’s national flower in its most panoramic setting yet at the Hibiscus Garden, which houses over 500 species of hibiscus plants from all over the world.

5. Taiping Zoo
As far as zoos go, the national zoo would be the top pick for visitors, but for those who enjoy a smaller, more intimate setting, then the Taiping Zoo is the way to go. Nestled in the Taiping Lake Gardens, the abundance of natural flora gives the zoo the upper hand of being able to expose visitors to the wonders of nature. While it offers the usual daytime admission to all, both children and adults will be mesmerized by the night safari.

With the lighting specially designed to imitate the moonlight, visitors will be able to view nocturnal creatures in their natural settings. Dubbed “a window to the creatures of the night”, numerous sounds by these creatures can be heard in their peaceful environment. Home to over 180 species of animals including tigers, elephants, hippopotamus, giraffes and many more, visitors are welcomed to visit them in the “open concept” animal enclosures. The concept features natural barriers to separate them from visitors instead of cages.Visitors will also enjoy the cultural performances such as tribal dances and blowpipe demonstrations. Also, don’t miss the Creatures of the Night Show specially put up by the animals in the Night Safari.


Map: Top 5 Destinations for Families


Legoland

Legoland Malaysia on track

Legoland

Legoland Malaysia ready to receive visitors

Taiping Lake Garden

The most beautiful Lake Garden

Legoland

Building frenzy

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Wonderful Malaysia

Top10 shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur

I love to shop. What are the must-visit shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has numerous shopping malls. Tourists may find it difficult to decide which of them are absolute must-visits and which are the ones that can easily be skipped during their stay in Kuala Lumpur. First off; if you are visiting Kuala Lumpur with the sole purpose of going on a serious shopping spree you should know that there is actually only one place to stay and that is in a hotel around Bukit Bintang. Most of the malls in our top10 are located in this area. Luckily many of the popular 5-star hotels are located in this area, so it should be easy to find proper accommodation. But also budget travelers are able to find accommodation that suits their budget; as there are many guesthouses located in the Changkat Bukit Bintang area (only a 5/10 minute walk from all major shopping malls).

In our list we took multiple factors into account. Not all malls are perhaps interesting for every type of shopper. Some of the great malls are located well outside of Kuala Lumpur, perhaps still very much worth a visit to some, for others probably not worth the hassle.

1. Pavilion KL

Pavilion KL shopping mall Kuala Lumpur

Our personal favorite by far is Pavilion KL. Pavilion was opened in 2007 and has been an instant hit since then. Pavilion offers many nice shops, and caters to the more general type of shopper. There are many luxurious shops, but also enough regular shops. Pavilion has a great food court but also many restaurants and (coffee) bars. Definitely the place to be (visit) for tourists.

2. Suria KLCC

Suria KLCC shopping mall Kuala Lumpur

Suria KLCC has been one of the most popular tourist malls for ages. Locals always call it a tourist mall, but still many tens of thousands come to this mall every weekend to relax and hang out. Tourists may find many shops offer different products that at other malls, Suria KLCC has many shops that sell familiar international brands (and is also know for carrying western sizes).

3. Plaza Lowyat

Plaza Low Yat shopping mall Kuala Lumpur

Not all tourists will like Lowyat as it is small, crowded and often very noisy. Lowyat is the premier IT, Gadget and Lifestyle mall in Kuala Lumpur. Here you will find hundreds of small shops selling luxurious products like cameras, phones, laptops, tablets and much more. If you are looking for electronic accessories, this is definitely the place to be. Do know that you can only get great discounts after some tough bargaining.

4. Midvalley Mega Mall The Gardens

The Gardens shopping mall Kuala Lumpur

This is the first mall that is not located within the city center of Kuala Lumpur. It means that you have to get into a taxi and travel for a bit first before arriving at one of the biggest and most popular (local) mall in the city. Midvalley is already a few years old. Here you can find many regular shops selling all kinds of products. Midvalley is connected to The Gardens, a luxurious mall (and also one of the prettiest) with many exclusive brands.

5. Lot10

Lot10 shopping mall Kuala Lumpur

Lot10 is perhaps the most centrally located mall in Kuala Lumpur, right along Jalan Bukit Bintang. It has quite a few nice shops and also a National Geographer Flagship Store. In the basement you can find Hutong, a wonderful food court with mainly Chinese hawkers. Lot10 lies conveniently between numerous other popular malls in Bukit Bintang. If you enter this area by Monorail then the station to embark is right next to Lot10.

6. Fahrenheit88

Fahrenheit88 shopping mall Kuala Lumpur

Fahrenheit88 is a modern mall near opposite of Pavilion KL. It used to be known as KL Plaza, but the new owner wanted to rename the mall after a huge renovation. Fahrenheit88 has some very nice stores. At the top floor you find Signature IT, a huge IT department store. Fahrenheit88 became one of the places to be among locals because of the huge Uniqlo clothing shop that occupies a few floors.

7. 1Utama

1Utama shopping mall Kuala Lumpur

Though pretty far away from Kuala Lumpur City Center, 1Utama is a not to be missed shopping mall. After the huge renovation it again it a wonderful place to shop for all kinds of products (and also one of the biggest). There is also a huge Foodrepublic food court, where you can try many local dishes. 1Utama is not really popular among tourists because of the distance from most of the tourist hotels; still it is very much worth a visit.

8. Sunway Pyramid

Sunway Pyramid shopping mall Kuala Lumpur

Sunway Pyramid is extremely popular among locals that live outside of Kuala Lumpur. It could very well be the most popular mall in Malaysia when looking at absolute amount of monthly visitors. Sunway is more than a shopping mall; it is a huge entertainment complex with numerous bars, restaurants, hundreds of shops, hotels, resorts and even a huge amusement park (and water park). Those that travel with children will probably do them a huge favor by visiting Sunway Pyramid.

9. The Curve

The Curve shopping mall Kuala Lumpur

The Curve is neither the biggest nor the most popular mall in Kuala Lumpur. It is also located pretty far out of the city center. Still it is a nice place to visit. Besides the mall there are many bars and restaurants. Opposite the Curve is Ikano Power Center, where you can find a few flagship stores of popular local and foreign brands. The Curve is especially popular among the local expat community.

10. Berjaya Times Square

Berjaya Times Square shopping mall Kuala Lumpur

Last in our list is Berjaya Times Square; the biggest shopping mall in Malaysia. It has well over 600 shops, ranging from huge stores at the lower levels to numerous small shops at the higher levels. There is even an indoor roller coaster inside this shopping, which makes it the perfect mall to visit if you are traveling with children. Berjaya Times Square is also located within the Bukit Bintang area; at a 10 minutes’ walk from Lot10 or Lowyat Plaza.

Other very popular malls in and around Kuala Lumpur

Malls that didn’t make it into our top10 are still very much worth a visit, especially the ones within the Golden Triangle (Bukit Bintang area and KLCC area). Below we listed a few other shopping malls and explained the main reasons you might have for visiting them.

11. Starhill Gallery: probably the most exclusive and luxurious mall in Kuala Lumpur.

12. Sungei Wang BB Plaza: together the most popular local malls in Kuala Lumpur.

13. AvenueK: modern but small shopping center opposite of Suria KLCC.

14. Pertama Complex: the best mall to buy sports products.

15. Bangsar Village Shopping Mall: very popular expat mall in one of the biggest expat enclaves.

16. IMBA Plaza: the best (or worst) place to buy pirated dvd’s, software and other media.

17. Great Eastern Mall: biggest mall in the Ampang area. Especially popular among expats.

18. Tropicana Mall: popular ‘family mall’. Many furniture and children stores.

19. Plaza Mont Kiara: modern mall catering to expats that live in the Mt. Kiara area.

20. Bangsar Shopping Center: most popular expat mall in the Bangsar area. Best place to buy products like cheese, bread and other typical western products.

Looking for specific brands? Just let us know below and we will find it out for you!

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