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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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Tourism Malaysia

The First Asia Legoland Water Park at Nusajaya, Johor.

The Legoland Water Park (N1.42755 E103.63188) is officially open for public on 21st October 2013, we were invited for the media preview 2 days before the date.

The Water Park contains over 3 million litres of water and has more than 20 unique water based rides. There are also over 70 specially built LEGO models. It is the largest LEGOLAND Water Park in the world and the only one which can be enjoyed either on its own as a stand-alone attraction or in combination with the Theme Park.

The entrance to the Water Park is located at the left from the main entrance to the Theme Park, the direction signage is clearly display if you stand in front of the Legoland Theme Park.

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The day ticket is having promotion for RM95 (adult), RM75 (child 3-11 years) and both having a RM10 food voucher each for the moment. For more information, please visit the Legoland official website : www.legoland.com.my.

The invited International media were from everywhere around the regions, everyone stand-by for the welcome speech (once the preview started) from the General Manager – Mr Siegfried Boerst and Managing Director – Mr John Jakobsen beside one of the Water Park’s highlights – Build-A-Raft River.

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After the speeches, once Mr Siegfried Boerst and Mr John Jakobsen threw the Lego bricks to the ‘river’, the party began at Build-A-Raft River!

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Then the group walked over to the next Water Park’s highlights – Joker Soaker.

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The two gentlemen company with a group of junior life saver and waiting to the water pour down…once everyone and all the cameras ready, here come the Big Splash!

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A giant bucket pours 350 gallons of water into the wade pool below that surprised everyone with the strong cooling breeze who stand beside and they were all wet! Again, we heard the happy shouting from the children who waited in the Joker Soaker and began their fun!

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After a short rest, we were having the questions and answers session next to the rides…

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The Tengku of Johor, Mr Siegfried Boerst and Mr John Jakobsen were professionally answer all the questions from the media. The session took about 30 minutes and the fun time began!

Let me show some of the attractive Water Park’s rides one-by-one…

Build-A-Raft River
This is one of the popular ride where everyone relax sitting on the rubber tube (dinghy) and float through the lazy river. Along the way, you can collect many soft bricks on the water and built your own raft…

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We met the media filming from Hong Kong…

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Just look at the face of children, they were so relax and enjoyed the ride…

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Joker Soaker
The Joker Soaker is a fun interactive play structure where children can aim water cannons at one another. A fun, interactive playground with various lengths, heights and types of slides that offer something different for every member of the family. Guests can wade in the surrounding pool and be surprised with a torrential spill from a 300-gallon bucket.

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I believe my daughter will stay in this fun area for at least 2 hours…

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LEGO Wave Pool
Families can catch a gentle wave or simply cool off in this perfectly sized wave pool where the waves are just big enough for all ages to enjoy.

This big pool is interesting and many peoples like to soak themselves into it.

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I saw many kids happy and enjoyed themselves in the pool with full of laughter! That was a great moment!
The Beach ‘N’ Brick Grill is just located next to the Wave Pool, convenience for those who want to fill up the stomach and jump back to the pool…

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Red Rush
A family tube slide where up to four people can ride together down a
312-foot-long curving track on an 11-foot in diameter half pipe.
This was fun and with a long queue…

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Some actions captured on the ride…

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I was impressed by the motorized automation which bring up the rubber tube from the bottom to the top…

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Next to the Red Rush is the – Splash Out.
The thrill seekers of the family can ascend to the tallest point of the
water park attraction and choose from one of three unique slides, then
speed down a 60-foot drop and “splash out” into the water below.
“The following swimwear is not permitted: cotton t-shirts, exposed
zippers, wet suits, water shoes, or any lose articles that may get
damaged during the ride, such as hats or sunglasses.”

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Next – Splash ‘N’ Swirl

The others ride of Brick Blaster, Wave Rider and Tidal Tube are also available from the same queue and same platform.

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The end part of the other two rides Wave Rider and Tidal Tube are located at the same area…

LEGO Slide Racer
Race down the slides with 5 others on a mat and see who reached the fastest. A thrilling ride for the whole family.
“The following swimwear is not permitted: cotton t-shirts, exposed zippers, wet suits, water shoes, or any lose articles that may get damaged during the ride, such as hats or sunglasses.”

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And…Yee-Haa!

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The LEGOLAND Water Park view from the highest ground, the LEGOLAND Hotel is at the back of the park which just soft opening on the 29th November 2013.

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Some of my friends asked me how was fun the Water Park… well, I replied…it was a Great Family Theme Park and we shouldn’t judge how fun it it, let the children do the talking and you will realize the joyful moment they have and I say that is “Priceless!”

Please bring your family and children to the LEGOLAND Theme Park and Water Park during this school holiday to enjoy your priceless family moment!

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Categories
Travel to Melaka

Portuguese Settlement : Christmas Decoration 2013

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Tourism Malaysia

Kalamazoo Restaurant & Cafe

December 5, 2013 at 7:28 pm

Recently, a close friend of mine went back to the States for a family vacation. As we were talking about her trip, she mentioned that she took the opportunity to visit all her favourite restaurants that she frequented when she stayed there previously. Though some of the types of food can be found here in Malaysia, there is just something different about it when it is prepared there. I bet she would be one happy woman if they ever decide to open an outlet here in Kuala Lumpur.

One of the items that you should try is their delicious brownies!

I recalled that conversation as I was sitting in Kalamazoo Restaurant Café not too long ago. For those of you who have not heard of Kalamazoo, it is located at Aman Suria, Damansara. The restaurant was born out of the fond memories that the 4 partners had of the food they tasted when they were studying in Kalamazoo, Michigan. What’s even amazing is that none of them were Hospitality major graduates.

It is a quiet and cosy atmosphere as you step into the restaurant

The food served at Kalamazoo Restaurant Café is simple, hearty and delicious. Most of it is similar to those that the owners themselves favoured when they were there, especially the milkshakes. There is the Classic Vanilla or Chocolate shake and other equally delicious flavours up for offer. My friends and I tried their Peanut Butter with Chocolate and Oreo Vanilla. Both were yummy right down to the last drop, but somehow the Peanut Butter and Chocolate shake called out to me more. The outlet also serves a knockout Rootbeer Float and refreshing Lemonade to wash your palate. Don’t worry if you are not a fan of sour stuff because the lemonade was made just right – not too sour and not too sweet.

Root Beer Float

The delicious and sinful Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake

Another favourite – Oreo Vanilla Milkshake

The food… ah… how can I ever forget the food that we had there. We tried Kalamazoo’s Alabama BBQ Ribs and their Signature Pork Burger. Suffice to say that I will definitely be headed back there for seconds! The pork patty was well marinated, so much so that you could taste the flavours in every bite. The one thing that got my attention was the bun. The bun was still soft and delicious even after we subjected the burger to an extended round of photo shoot. The entire burger was well put together, its individual ingredients coming together to form a well-rounded and memorable delight.

Signature Pork Burger

The BBQ ribs were still tender even though it was already at room temperature when we tucked into it. The meat practically came off the bones without much prodding and every bite was heavenly even though I tasted it without the special sauce that is served with it. This is one dish that I would definitely recommend to my pork-loving friends. The Aglio Olio Pork Bacon packs a punch in taste although it looks simple. I have tasted some Aglio Olio dishes where it is either bland or oily, but the one done by the restaurant is just nice. I can still taste the bacon in the oil and the bits are not fried till they are too crispy.

Aglio Olio Pork Bacon

The juicy Alabama BBQ Ribs

Another thing that I really like about this restaurant is that it is one of the few places in Klang Valley that is furkid friendly. Certain areas of the restaurant are designated as furkid area so that the owners can have their dogs seated in case the other customers become wary of the dogs. They also provide knee height chairs for customers to sit their dogs. Though I may not own any dogs for now, I do know where to head to for my meal with my pet in the future!

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Categories
Travel to Melaka

Bide Ride Melaka @ Pantai Puteri

bide-ride-melaka
Join Bide Ride Melaka at this 22nd December 2013 will be located at Pentas Pantai Puteri, Klebang, Melaka. Free registration for whom is interested to join.

Contact +606-2883304 En. Norisyam Odzali / Cik Noraini Jalikin for further details.

Date / Time : 22nd December 2013 / 7am

Location : Pentas Pantai Puteri, Klebang, Melaka