Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

Bangsar is a high-income suburban area which is also a popular for its restaurants, watering holes and clubs. The area is frequented by many of Kuala Lumpur’s expatriate community. Midvalley, which is linked directly to Bangsar via an overpass, is a relatively new development which has become very popular for shopping, thanks to the perpetually packed MidValley Megamall and its higher-end extension called The Gardens. Besides shopping, the two malls and surrounding areas also offer plenty of eating options.

Shopping

Although there are three malls in Bangsar, the area still offers more of a neighbourhood shopping experience. Midvalley, on the other hand, is all about mall shopping and attracts the masses, especially during weekends.

Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof – Better known as BSC, this mini shopping centre is a favourite among expats and the locals staying around the Bangsar Damansara Heights neighbourhood. Plenty of cafes restaurants – a good spot to meet up with friends. BSC also features speciality stores plus the Cold Storage Supermarket.

Bangsar Village, Jalan Ara – This is another favourite with those staying around Bangsar Damansara Heights neighbourhood. Bangsar Village 2 is linked to the original Bangsar Village by a covered pedestrian bridge.

Mid Valley Megamall – This really is “mega” with over 430 shops crammed into what claims to be one of South-East Asia’s largest shopping malls. Anchor tenants include big department stores and hypermarkets such as Malaysian arm of AEON Japan called Jusco, local store Metrojaya and French hypermarket Carrefour. If you need to change money, the lower ground floor has several money changers. The Megamall is connected to the upmarket The Gardens at Mid Valley. (KTM Komuter: Mid-Valley)

The Gardens at Mid Valley – This mall is anchored by a high-end shopping gallery (anchor tenants include Isetan, Robinson’s and Market Place), two landmark office towers, five-star Gardens Residences and five-star Gardens Hotel. The mall is linked to the Abdullah Hukum LRT station. (KTM Komuter: Mid-Valley)

Eating Drinking

Bangsar has been a restaurant district for quite some time, thanks to the high expatriate numbers. Midvalley with its malls also offer an amazing array of food choices.

Bangsar has long been one of the busiest places in KL past midnight and the action is around centred on Jalan Telawi and its side streets. Midvalley has a few pubs and coffee places.

Getting There

Although there is a Bangsar station on the Kelana Jaya light rail transit line, it is situated along Jalan Bangsar and not near the restaurant and drinking area of Bangsar Baru. From the station, you’ll have to catch buses RapidKL No U87 to get you to Bangsar Baru. This bus also goes past MidValley.

The easiest way to get to Midvalley is to catch a KTM Komuter train to Midvalley station. The station is linked to the Mall via a covered walkway with escalators. The other alternative is to catch an LRT to Bangsar station and transfer onto a Midvalley free shuttle bus (which runs every half hour) or RapidKL bus No U87/U85/B105/B110 (which runs every 30-60 minutes during off-peak hours).

Another way to travel to Bangsar is by Taxi. There is an abundance of them in Kuala Lumpur and most of them will not hesitate to bring you over to Bangsar. The fares will vary depending on where you are coming from and should not cost more than RM10.00 to RM15.00 from the center of town.

Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

KLIA to KL by Taxi, Kuala Lumpur Transport

From KLIA

Only Airport Limo (Budget, Premier Luxury) are allowed to pick up passengers at the airport, rates vary according to the destination zones . The purchase of the fixed price vouchers are at counter located at The International arrival area just after Customs before the public arrival area, level 3, Main Terminal Building . These taxis are operated by AIRPORT LIMO (M) SDN BHD , and their vehicle registration number has the word “LIMO”.

TIP: Do NOT speak to any of the taxi touts as they will con foreigners, they may charge more than Airport Limo taxis. You will also not be covered by insurance if an accident happens.

You are to pay in Malaysian currency. So, do have some RM currency notes on you upon arrival.

Prices to KL City:
Budget: RM67.40
Premier: RM 92.40
Luxury: RM180.40

There is a midnight surcharge, chargeable ON SERVICE BETWEEN 12 MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM.
Budget: RM86.40
Premier: RM118.40
Luxury: RM233.40

Type of vehicles used:
Budget: Deawoo Tacuma or Proton Wira. Proton Wira is our country national pride- our National car with the collaboration of Mitsubishi (during the early days), then later, we had technical collaboration with Lotus Engineering of UK. Also, occassionally the reconditioned Toyota Crown, which were once used at the Subang Airport.

Premier: Renault Enviro or Mercedes E220 . The E220 is the old version, i.e. without the big front headlights,and of course, the later version of the E series were of the sportier version; with some facelift on rear lights and streamlined body. Also they have expanded the fleet in the premier category, with the Proton Perdana. Also our National Car, but compared to the Proton Wira, this comes with leather seats and longer legbase.

Luxury: Jaguar S-type!

To KLIA from KL

Any taxi can bring passengers to KLIA, including Kuala Lumpur’s metered red-and-white taxis, although you will find it very difficult to get drivers to use the meters. Make sure you agree on a price before getting into the taxi. Fares should be between RM60 and RM90.

General Tips

If there are two or more people travelling together, taxis are often cheaper. And it brings you to the door of your destination!

Alternative Methods

Cheapest way will be an airport bus to KL Sentral and from there to your hotel.

The fastest way is with KLIA express. The klia express goes every 15 mins and is RM35 per adult single. Its convenient at only 28 mins. then either get the monorail or taxi.

Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

Langkawi, Malaysia Guide

Langkawi

Langkawi, a holiday paradise that combines a tranquil setting from the natural world and luxury from the modern accommodation facilities offering opulence and scenery all at once.

The island of Langkawi, Malaysia is an exotic holiday destination that offers accommodation of all kinds (from budget beach chalets to the most sybaritic five star resorts) and amenities sitting side by side with idyllic beaches, ancient rainforests and quaint villages. Langkawi Malaysia is an archipelago of 99 tropical islands (or 104, depending on tide) off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 30km from Kuala Perlis on the mainland. The island was named after two Malay words – ‘lang’ (eagle) and ‘kawi’ (reddish brown), hence the imposing eagle statue at Dataran Lang (Eagle Square), welcoming visitors who arrive on the island through the Kuah Jetty.

Langkawi Fun Map

The archipelago has some of the world’s most pristine rainforests, limestone and karst formations, caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and among the world’s most beautiful beaches washed by clear emerald waters teeming with marine life.

ATMs and Money Exchange booths are available at the Langkawi Airport, at Langkawi Parade Shopping Complex and next to Underwater World at Pantai Cenang.

Langkawi is a duty-free island, and alcohol is significantly cheaper here than in the rest of Malaysia. Hotel tariffs and retail goods are exempt from government duty. Visitors with more than 48 hr stay in Langkawi are exempt on items like wines and liquor (1 liter), tobacco (200 cigarettes), apparel, cosmetics, souvenirs and gifts, food and food preparations and portable electronic items (one item).

Best Time to Visit


Langkawi, Malaysia is warm and sunny all-year-round. Humidity is high and the annual average temperature is 25C – 32C. Even during rainy season, the mornings are usually filled with sunshine, with the rain coming during overcast afternoons. The mid-season (neither dry nor rainy) is from mid April until August. The mornings are again sunny, but the afternoons can be overcast. The dry season is from mid November until mid April, during which time there is very little rain.

Where to Stay


Casa Del Mar Hotel
Jalan Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, Malaysia 07000
A 4 star 34 room boutique resort located on the beach at Pantai Cenang. Offering all sea view accommodation in the tourist area of Langkawi, you are just 10 minutes or 7km’s (4miles) from the airport. read more …

The Danna Langkawi Hotel
Telaga Harbour Park, Pantai Kok, Langkawi, Malaysia 07000
Resting peacefully on the west coast of Langkawi Island, this property is surrounded by 2.8 acres of greenery. Capturing a breath taking viw of the green mountains and the marina, The Danna Langkawi Hotel is a few steps away from the white sandy beach. read more …

Tanjung Sanctuary Langkawi Resort
Pantai Kok, Langkawi, Malaysia 07100
Featuring 67 acres of land and private beach, this romantic hotel presents 30 spacious and airy bungalows that provides magnificent views. read more …

Tanjung Rhu Resort
Tanjung Rhu, Mukim Ayer Hangat, Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Malaysia
Nestled amidst 1100 acres of rainforest, this eco-friendly resort captures a spectacular view of of the Andaman Sea. Tanjung Rhu Resort boasts 136 tastefully designed rooms and suites that incorporate all five star amenities to ensure utmost comfort. read more …

The Andaman
Jalan Teluk Datai, Datai Bay Area, Langkawi, Malaysia
Bordered by an archaic tropical forest, this property is ideal for an eco-vacation. Nestled between the Cincang Mountain and the untouched Andaman Sea, this property combines a tranquil setting from the natural world and luxury from the resort, offering opulence and scenery all at once. read more …

Where What to Eat


There’s a huge variety of food available on Pulau Langkawi, ranging from cheap and good hawker food to a splurge for gourmet food in the restaurants. The famous laksa is not to be missed.

Nightlife


Because of Langkawi’s tax-free status, alcohol is much cheaper than in the rest of Malaysia. Religious Muslims do not consume alcoholic drinks, and while they do tolerate non Muslims who do, try not to behave in a rowdy imbibed manner near them, their houses, mosques, and please respect local culture and communal sensitivities. For those living on a budget, you can obtain alcohol at cheap prices from the local duty free shops – the larger the outlets, the lower the prices. Expect to pay RM25 for 1L Absolut, RM45 for 1L Kahlua, RM60 for 1L Bailey’s, and RM5-12for 330 ml can beer.

Despite low alcohol prices, Langkawi is predominantly popular with couples and families. Single travellers and backpackers may therefore be disappointed with the lack of nightlife. Most bars remain empty, particularly in the low season, and the 1-2 nightclubs may only seem worthwhile in the peak season, and even then only on Friday or Saturday nights. Overall, Langkawi provides a family-friendly alternative to Thai locations such as Phuket and Koh Samui.

My to do List


There’s so much to see and to do in Langkawi; diving and snorkeling in the pristine water filled with rich marine life tops the list for most people. You can also take a cable car ride up the mountain that offers a breathtaking 360 degrees panoramic view of the islands, the rural lowlands and the seas as far as Thailand. For nature lovers, you can explore the lush forests and appreciate the unique wildlife of the islands from a different perspective.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls aka Seven Wells, (Gunung Mat Cincang, Northwest corner of the island, 45 kms from Kuah, walking distance from Oriental village and cable car (10 min)), This waterfall is named after the seven natural pools along its path. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the pools to bathe and frolic. There are 2 viewing areas at Telaga Tujuh. The lower area is at the base of the waterfall and the higher area is where the 7 pools are. You can bathe in the pools and even slide down the slick rock between them. Be warned, to get to the 7 pools, you have to climb 300+ steps which can get quite slippery when wet. As with most Malaysian tourist sites, the toilet facilities are not maintained and rubbish is strewn everywhere. There is also a jungle trekking course available at the site which will lead you through a trail of up to 2,500 m, up 2 different mountains. This trail is achievable with slippers, but it is best to wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots as some segments of the trail are nearly vertical. Be warned that these trails are not recommended for family trips.

Gunung Raya, (take the snaking paved road through the jungle). The tallest mountain on the island, at 881m. Spectacular views from the lookout point on the top. There is a resort hotel serving meals and indifferent coffee at the summit. There is a lookout tower which one may climb for RM 10.

Pantai Cenang – The most popular beach in Langkawi, features fine powdery sand and many beachfront restaurants and bars. Located at the south-western tip of the island, 2 km long.

Stay Away From


Langkawi can have a lot of mosquitoes depending on the time of year and location (ie Mangrove areas), so don’t forget to use mosquito repellent.

Be careful driving around Langkawi at night. Although main roads are well-lit, some of the more minor roads are not very well lit and may pass through Kampungs (traditional Malay villages) or rural areas where the locals seem to take a very casual approach to road safety.

Beware of smart wild monkeys. Those at Tengkorak beach attack humans who have food.

Jelly fishes are also becoming increasingly prevalent and have caused at least one death – a Swedish tourist in early 2010. Do not swim at night or when you have been drinking.

Don’t participate in certain activities such as eagle feeding and monkey feeding as this harms the animals by encouranging them to become reliant on tourists and you may give them the wrong food.

Beware of restaurants telling you that they only have the bigger size lobsters or crabs available, as that is what they tell everyone. When your lobster or crab is served, you will discover that you will definitely be paying for 900g of shell instead of meat!

Getting There


The island of Langkawi can be reached through sea and air.

The Langkawi International Airport is one of the 7 international airports in Malaysia is 25 minutes’ drive from Kuah city center and is the point of entry for most tourists, and connects the island to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Phuket and also Subang. The following airlines offer service to/from Langkawi: AirAsia , Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Happy Airways, and SilkAir.

Malaysia Airlines
Local: 1300 88 3000
International: +60 (0)3 7846 3000

Air Asia
Local: 1300 88 99 33
International: +60 03 7884 9000

Silk Air Singapore
+65 (0)6 223 8888

Langkawi Ferry operates fast A/C boats from Kuala Perlis (RM18, 75 min), Kuala Kedah (RM23, 105 min), Penang (RM60, 165 min), and Satun(RM30 or THB300, 75 min), (Satun ferry to Langkawi: last boat departs Satun at 4PM. Telaga Harbour operates ferries from Ko Lipe, Thailand twice per day during the high season, at 9:30AM and 2:30PM (RM128 1-way, RM248 return, 75 min). These boats dock at the south end of Pattaya Beach. Bookings can be made online.

The Express Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur promises a comfortable and economical journey up to Alor Setar (Kedah) and/or Arau(Perlis). From Alor Setar or Arau, buses and taxis are available to Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis respectively, from where the Ferry Services take you to the island.

Malaysia Islands and Beaches

Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

Pulau Pangkor


Lying off Perak on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, this tranquil island with its white sandy beaches and charming fishing villages will enthrall you.

Currently Berjaya Air is the only airline that is operating flights direct to Pangkor Airport from Kualu Lumpur Subang Airport.

Lumut is the gateway to Pulau Pangkor. Here’s how to get to Lumut.
Air
KTM Train
Taxi
Car
Express Bus

From Lumut, you have to take a ferry to Pulau Pangkor which departs every 30 minutes during the day and cost RM 10 for a return ticket.

Getting around Pulau Pangkor is really simple. You can choose to rent a motorbike, a bicycle or use the unmetered taxis widely available.

The main draw to Pulau Pangkor is undoubtedly the white sandy beaches.
Pantai Pasir Bogak
Teluk Nipah has 2 beaches: Nipah Beach and Coral Bay
Teluk Ketapang
Pantai Puteri Dewi
Teluk Segadas
Emerald Bay (on Pangkor Laut)

However other attractions on Pulau Pangkor makes an excellent full day excursion. You can get to these places easily on a rented motorbike or bicycle.
Pangkor Town
Fishing Villages
Fu Lin Kong Temple
Kali Amman Temple
Batu Bersurat and Tiger Rock
Dutch Fort (Kota Belanda)
The Tombs
Tortoise Hill

Here’s the full hotel list on Pulau Pangkor.

Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island 20-minute boat ride from Pulau Pangkor, it boasts one of the finest beaches in the Straits of Malacca. Pangkor Laut is home to Pangkor Laut Resort an exclusive resort named after the island.

Malaysia Islands and Beaches

Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

Penang


Plan at least three days in Penang, There’s so much to see and do in Penang, good food everywhere, beautiful beaches to relax your mind, excellent well maintained hotels, and fascinating shopping malls and pasar malam (night market). Here are some Penang itineraries …
penang map

Here are maps of Penang, and here’s information on Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport and how to get to Georgetown from there. If you are taking an express bus, you will probably arrive at the new bus terminal Sungai Nibong and the Railway Station is on the mainland, located at Butterworth, Seberang Prai, if you took the KTM train. Ferry services are also available from Langkawi daily.

Most of Penang’s fancier accommodation is in the form of beach resorts on the main tourist beach of Batu Ferringhi. More backpacker-friendly options, as well as a few classical luxury hotels, can be found in Georgetown, Other areas to stay in Penang Island include: Tanjung Bungah, Gurney Drive, and Bayan Lepas. Seberang Perai (Mainland) offers several other accommodation alternatives.

Many of Penang’s top sights such as Georgetown, Penang Hill, Weld Quay Clan Jetties, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple, are in Penang Island. For beach lovers, Penang’s best beaches are on the northern side, particularly Batu Ferringhi, but do be prepared for the heavy tourist crowd especially during peak seasons.

Eating is almost considered a national past time here, so dine on authentic Malaysian cuisine in an excellent restaurant, or simply grab a chair by the countless food stalls. Consume a Char Kway Teow along Penang street, and you’ll realize why it’s my favourite dish in Malaysia.

You can see Penang’s top sights in a rush on an overnight stay, but you’ll need at least two days to do them justice, and three or four days to really get a sense of the island. In a week, you can get a good look at most of what Penang has to offer.

Welcome to Penang, The Pearl of the Orient.