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Tourism Malaysia

Penang Durian Fair

Penang Durian Fair

Durian lovers should not miss the Penang Durian Fair where the King of Fruits is featured as the main item. Savor fresh durians categorized according to grades as well as sumptuous delicacies made from durians. Although it is an acquired taste for the uninitiated, this controversial fruit will win the hearts of those who are brave enough to try!

Date: 1st – 31st July 2015

Venue: Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau Penang Times Square

Organizer: Penang Tourism Development Culture Office

Phone: +604-650 5316 / +604-210 8000

http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Durian, love it or hate it?

“Its taste can only be described as… indescribable, something you will either love or despise. … Your breath will smell as if you’d been French-kissing your dead grandmother.”
– Anthony Bourdain

With its sharp and thorny exterior, the King of Fruits gives a menacing impression. Coupled with a strong aroma, the controversial fruit has defeated many, including culinary expert Andrew Zimmern, the king of eating weird stuff. However, for those brave enough, the creamy flesh from the exquisite fruit is simply divine.

In Malaysia, over 300,000 metric tonnes of durians are produced yearly, with a large portion grown in Johor, Pahang and Penang. There are over 30 types of durian varieties, each with its own characteristics. Some are sweet, some are bitter; some are creamy, others are firm.

Become a durian expert with our visual guide of the most popular durians in Malaysia.

Durian, Durian - A beginner's guide to the King of Fruits

 


 

Want a taste of the King of Fruits? Head over to the nearest fruit farm or go on a durian tour with our special travel packages.

For more information, visit www.tourism.gov.my

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Wonderful Malaysia

Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple

The Reclining Buddha is a sight to behold. ‘Reclining’ for about 33 meters in length, the massive Buddha is also a gold-plated statue. The Reclining Buddha in this Wat Chayamangkalaram is considered to be the 14th biggest reclining Buddha in the world.

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According to history, Queen Victoria has granted a land for the Thai temple to be built in 1845 and even until this day about over a hundred years later, the Thai temple still attracts throngs of devotees and visitors alike, both local and from abroad.

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With great detail in its architecture, the temple and the reclining Buddha within is definitely worth a visit. The temple opens from 6am to 5.30pm daily and the entrance is free but it is always great to donate to contribute to the upkeep of the temple. There are also books for sale here where proceeds will go towards the temple’s funds.

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This colorful Thai temple is situated just across a Burmese Temple. As you set foot into the grounds of Wat Chayamangkalaram, two ‘guards’ of two mythical dragon-headed serpents on their feet greet and welcome you into the temple. Upon looking around the temple, you will see that the temple grounds have many shrines along with brightly colored statues of Devas as well as other mythical creatures in Buddhism mythology.

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As you walk further inside the pagoda, you’ll find a gold-plated statue of the Reclining Buddha and upon walking behind the statue, you will see plenty of urns containing the ashes of devotees behind the statue. With a peaceful and smiling face, this Buddha lies on his right side with his head resting in the palm of his right hand.

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The reclining Buddha represents the historical Buddha at his death. It is said that the Buddha knew death was approaching and asked his disciples to prepare a couch for him in a grove. Having a unique blend of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architectural designs and was built in the 19th century and declared open in 1956 by Thai King Bhumipol Ayudayej, Wat Chayamangkalaram even has the 12 idols representing the animals in the Chinese zodiac. As the Reclining Buddha is simply a majestic sight, you could take a picture with the statue as visitors are given the permission for photography. Remember to take your shoes off before entering the temple and respect the monks who go about the temple with their religious duties.

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How to get to Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple

To get to the temple, there’s an easy RapidPG bus ride from the center of Georgetown. Be sure to take the one that’s heading to Burma Road (bus number 103 should take you there). Every taxi driver knows the place, but it might be difficult finding a driver that agrees on using the meter. If you are exploring Penang by rental car, you can park it directly in front of the temple. When you leave a parking guy comes to collect a few ringgits.

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Opening hours entrance fees

The temple is op daily between 6.00am and 5:30pm and the entrance is free. The best time of the day to visit the temple is early in the morning before other tourists arrive. We had a fantastic time at the temple, as we were almost the only ones there (around 7.30/8am). While you are there, you could also head to Dhammikarama, a Burmese temple just a stone’s throw away (directly opposite the Thai Temple), for another dose of learning. During Buddhist festivals like Wesak Day (in May) it is especially interesting and fun to visit both temples.

Video Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple

Map of Thai Buddhist Temple

Suggestions?

Got any good tips to share with us? Do you know of any great things to do in Penang, or tips on the best places to eat? Let us know by leaving a reply below!

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Tourism Malaysia

A light in the dark

On a good night, thousands of fireflies come out to play (or rather, mate) at theFirefly Park in Kuala Selangor.On a good night, thousands of fireflies come out to play (or rather, mate) at the
Firefly Park in Kuala Selangor.

WE had just clambered into a little boat from the jetty of the Firefly Park in Kuala Selangor (also known as Kelip-Kelip Kampung Kuantan), and the boatman was taking us out on the river to observe the fireflies.

There we were, sitting in the dark and being lulled by the hypnotic sounds of lapping water all around, when hundreds of glowing dots of light appeared out of the darkness. It seemed as though the entire firefly colony at the park had come out to play.

They were perched on or hovering around the mangrove trees along either side of the muddy river bank. In this area, the Pteroptyx tener species is king. It is among those that practise synchronised flashing.

The boatman skilfully manoeuvred his boat, weaving in and out among the tree branches that hung over the water, to give us a better view of these dancing lights. The fireflies drifted lazily over tree branches and leaves, glowing a warm yellow against the night sky.

Yes, the experience on the Selangor river that night was surreal. It felt like Christmas came early this year.

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All Malaysia Info

Top 10 Perth city experiences

So you’re in Perth, Australia and you’ve just figured out that this vibrant, energetic city has plenty to offer. But you’re wondering where to start.

Well, wonder no longer; here is a list of the top 10 city experiences:

1) Discover charming hidden laneway-bars, and eat, drink and explore!
There’s a selection for all tastes as new watering holes continue to open around the city, each with a unique offering. Join the hip crowds in bars down Howard Lane, Wolfe Lane and Queen Street.

Perth - Kings Park Festival

Kings Park Festival. © Christian Sprogoe Photography

2) Spend a lazy afternoon in Kings Park Botanic Garden.
Stretch your legs and walk from the city or hop on the city-sites tram. One of the largest inner city parks in the world, the views from Kings Park over-looking the Swan River and city skyline are superb. Pack a picnic, see a movie at the open air cinema during summer, or marvel at the colour of native wildflowers as they bloom in the spring. (For more:  www.bgpa.wa.gov.au)

3) Be entertained by a full line-up of music, sport, food, theatre and cultural events.
Check out the Hyundai Hopman Cup (January), Perth International Arts Festival (February), Sculpture by the Sea (March), Perth Fashion Festival (September), or Perth International (October) plus many more throughout the year. (For more:  www.westernaustralia.com/sg/Things_to_See_and_Do/Events/Pages/events.aspx)

4) Check-out Perth’s inner city precincts.
Easily accessible from the city, the high streets of Leederville, Mount Lawley, Subiaco, Mount Hawthorn, South Perth, and Victoria Park all present their own unique flavour of restaurants, bars, and boutique shopping.

5) Visit the World’s oldest gold mint.
The Perth Mint is still operating from its original premises and is home to the World’s greatest collection of investment gold bars and Australia’s largest gold nugget collection. (For more: www.perthmint.com.au)

6) Indulge in a cultural feast at Perth’s Cultural Centre, home to the Art Gallery of WA (artgallery.wa.gov.au), the WA Museum (museum.wa.gov.au), State Library, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (pica.org.au) and the State Theatre (statetheatrewa.com.au).
This hub in Northbridge is the perfect place to spend the day awakening your cultural senses. All venues are just a gold coin donation and exhibitions change frequently.

7) Take a scenic flight for a birds-eye-view of the city
A view from above will make you realise just how spectacular Perth’s surrounds, including the Swan River and white coastline is.

Cappuccino Strip

Mix with the locals on the ‘cappuccino-strip’ (South Terrace) in Fremantle.

8) Take a day trip.
There are plenty of destinations within easy reach of Perth city centre – perfect for day-tripping or spending the night. Take a ferry to Rottnest Island; tantalise your tastebuds in the Swan Valley wine region; enjoy the historic sights of York; explore the seaside city of Mandurah; or mix with the locals on the ‘cappuccino-strip’ (South Terrace) in Fremantle.

9) Shop local and international designer labels.
Fashionistas flock to King Street to pick-up the latest designer looks or trendy suburban precincts, while on William Street in Northbridge it’s all about vintage finds.

10) Sail down the Swan.
Named after the black Swans that call it home, the Swan River is truly the heart of Perth, and meets the Indian Ocean just a few kilometres west. A ferry from Barrack Street Jetty is one of the best ways to enjoy the Swan River as well as see some of Perth’s best real estate.

For more Perth deals visit http://www.bestperthdeals.com/

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Pristine Perth

Animal lovers get to hand-feed red kangaroos at the Caversham Wildlife Park in Swan Valley, Perth

No dearth of fun in Perth

Pinnacles Dessert

Extraordinary regional experiences away from Perth