Category: Wonderful Malaysia

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Wonderful Malaysia

Changkat Bukit Bintang

Changkat Bukit Bintang is definitely the place to visit if you are looking for a place that is both trendy as well as hip. In fact, the locals have compared Changkat Bukit Bintang to other major entertainment districts around the world such as New York City’s Times Square and Piccadilly Circus in London. However, what differentiates it from Times Square or Piccadilly Circus is that Changkat Bukit Bintang has managed to merge contemporary chic with historical charm, making it a popular attraction for both the locals as well as foreigners.

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Changkat Bukit Bintang consists of a network of alleys and streets that make up part of the Bukit Bintang area. What is so special about this is the fact that each of these streets is unique in its own charming way. You are bound to come across a blend of old and new charm – buildings from the pre-war era but have now been converted into upscale pubs and restaurants.

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If you come to Changkat Bukit Bintang to dine, you will be spoilt for choices. It is here that you will be able to find the most vibrant restaurants that the city of Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Gastronomic delights are plenty abound and there is definitely something for everyone, whether you are looking for some authentic local food, a foreign flavour or even fusion dishes are readily available at the restaurants here.

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In the day, there is not much activity but by nightfall, you will be able to see why people come here. Establishments are in full swing and there is a certain energy here that only you would be able to experience firsthand, so come and experience it for yourself. As cliché as this sounds , the entire street will come alive with colourful lights of the signboards, music coming from the establishments playing their own specific set of music and people just generally having a good time.

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Having said that, you may just want to come around for a visit in the daytime even if there is nothing much going on at that time. Even though Changkat Bukit Bintang is located right at the heart of a busy metropolis, the street is strangely peaceful and quaint which allows you to better explore the area and see it for what it truly is. Once you have done exploring during the day, it is still recommended that you come back at night to appreciate what Changkat Bukit Bintang has to offer.

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How to get to Changkat

Changkat is located within Bukit Bintang, one of the most popular areas of Kuala Lumpur. If you are staying in the city center you just walk along Jalan Bukit Bintang until you reach BB Plaza. From there you cross the road and head into the street where you see the souvenir shops. This already is Changkat Bukit Bintang, though the fun part starts a little bit further down the road. Before you get there you also walk past Jalan Alor, a famous ‘food street’ in Kuala Lumpur. When you are coming from outside KLCC, take the monorail and get off at station Bukit Bintang.

Map with the location of Changkat

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Wonderful Malaysia

Touch ‘n Go

It was way back in 18 March 1997 that the first Touch ‘n Go service was installed and it was used at the Jalan Pahang Toll Plaza. Other toll plazas were soon installed with the Touch ‘n Go service such as the toll plaza in Jalan Cheras as well as the East-West Link Expressway. Towards the end of the year, the system was brought to the 848 km North-South Expressway; this was made possible when the northern sections of the expressway were fitted with the technology.

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Touch ‘n Go makes the electronic toll payment one of the longest in the world as travelers will be able to use the smart card and travel from Jitra in Kedah to Kempas in Johor or all from the north to the south without using cash. The launch of the services was held as the Sungai Dua toll plaza where Datuk Dr Ramli Mohamad the then chairman of Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd officiated the event.

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Today, Touch ‘n Go is not just for payments at toll plazas and public transport. A number of popular malls such as Sunway Pyramid, Subang Parade, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Sungei Wang Plaza, Tropicana City Mall and Mid Valley Megamall have started accepting payments by Touch ‘n Go for parking. Simply touch your card at the entrance point and your time of arrival will be captured. At the end of your visit, the time spent and subsequently the parking charges will be tabulated and deducted from your card.

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Your Touch ‘n Go is good for dining too. Have some fast food at AW, Japanese fare at Sakae Sushi, dessert at Baskin Robbins or a cuppa at Starbucks and pay with your Touch ‘n Go card. Your card is as good as a debit card now. You can also grab some munchies at 7-Eleven before catching a movie at Cathay Cineplexes, both retailers accept payment by Touch ‘n Go.

All in all, Touch ‘n Go still provides a convenient cashless system especially to those who travel daily on the highways as well as those who commute by KTM, LRT, Monorail and Rapid KL buses. Drivers and commuters need not carry around or store loose change and they also save time from not having to queue at the cash lanes. Touch ‘n Go is indeed convenient to use, on top of having numerous value top-up centers and banks that can perform the reload transactions.

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Travelers love using Touch ‘n Go because of its convenience. You don’t have to get in line for LRT or monorail tickets every single time. Just buy the card and use it throughout your stay in Malaysia. A new card without balance costs RM10. You can immediately add balance to the card, with RM10 as minimum charge. The card will never expire. After your holiday in Malaysia you can always make someone else happy with your card, or you just take it home as a souvenir.

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Read more at the official Touch ‘n Go website.

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Can I visit Malaysia during Ramadan?

Ramadan is known around the world as the Muslim month of fasting, during which Muslims refrain from eating and drinking (among others) from dawn until sunset.

In 2012 Ramadan started in Malaysia on the 21st of July and lasts until Hari Raya Puasa that marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated by a 2 day National Holiday (19th and 20th of August 2012).

You would probably think that Ramadan is all about not eating, but in Malaysia it actually is still about eating, but contrary to normal days it is not possible 24/7.

During Ramadan travelers may experience the days to be a bit dull and less vibrant, especially in local areas. You have to keep in mind that to some it is quite difficult to go on with their daily lives without any food or drinks. People still work, do business and exercise, but they can only eat before sunrise and after sunset.

We clearly notice that people have to get adjusted to not eating during the day. During the first days of Ramadan we usually encounter people that are grumpy or plain frustrated. This especially goes for traffic, the amount of accidents are always much higher during Ramadan.

In bigger cities like Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown you will hardly notice anything different, mainly because the percentage of Muslims is much lower over there. For example residents of Chinese origin will still eat during the days, so travelers should be on the lookout for Chinese restaurants in order to enjoy a nice local lunch. In almost every popular tourist spot in Malaysia you can easily get a meal during the day. The same goes for the eateries within modern shopping malls, here too business is as usual (albeit rather quiet during the day in some areas).

In other cities and more local areas Ramadan is clearly visible. For example, in states like Kelantan, Kedah and Kuala Terengganu, shops and restaurants often stay closed during the days. Only around noon do they open, in order to be able to sell food to the people. This food is not eaten on the spot, but everything is bought for later that day, as people can only start eating after sundown.

We once visited Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu during Ramadan, and experienced a special atmosphere. During the day both cities seemed deserted, but at night it pleasantly came back to live again. Travelers have no reasons to stay away from these areas during Ramadan. Though days might be quiet and perhaps less vibrant, the nights absolutely make up for it.

Another amazing example of Ramadan we experienced was in the city of Kuantan. Here we were strolling down the streets in the city center and suddenly we noticed a food court that was full with people, but everybody was quiet. What struck us odd was that all had a hot dinner plate on the table in front of them, but nobody was eating. Then the prayer started and soon after everybody started eating, and the food court made that typical buzzing sound again.

During Ramadan all major hotels and restaurants have a special Ramadan Buffet. Here you can eat as much as you want for a fixed price. Often the best hotels are competing with each other on which one has the best Ramadan Dinner Buffet. Locals (even non-muslims) bring their whole families to these restaurants to ‘break the fast’ (also known as berbuka puasa or iftar).

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It is also customary to invite people over for a intimate dinner at home. It is not uncommon that travelers are invited by locals, as Ramadan is also about doing good things for others. Welcoming foreigners into their houses is a good example of friendliness towards others.

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An open house is usually done the first few days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri (after the end of Ramadan), but sometimes you even get invited for an open house weeks after Aidilfitri. We’ve been invited to many ‘open houses’ ourselves over the years and it’s safe to say that if you decline an invitation you are missing out on a wonderful cultural experience.

Every day during Ramadan you can witness local Ramadan Bazaars. Here you can buy food, groceries, fruits and snacks. Some snacks are typically sold during Ramadan, often very sweet. Food at the Bazaar is usually very cheap. We sometimes get our food there too, and for RM25 (which equals to about €6) you have a dinner table full of dishes and snacks. Ramadan Bazaars usually start around 4.30pm and close at 7.30pm.

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Typical dishes you can buy at the Bazaar are fried chicken wings and legs, char kway teow, roti murtabak, rendang, satay, ketupat and much more. Popular snacks are kuih lapis (in several colors), kuih dadar, ondeh ondeh, cucur, caramel jelly cake and of course dodol. No Bazaar is complete without a sugar cane juice vendor. The great thing is that everything is prepared fresh on the spot.

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So to get back at the main question, can I visit Malaysia during Ramadan, the answer is a wholehearted ‘yes’. The Holy month of Ramadan is a special month with many cultural highlights. Travelers are able to experience this up close when they are in Malaysia during this time, and we are certain that they will love it!

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Wonderful Malaysia

What is the Residence Pass-Talent?

There is a new pass for highly educated expatriates that want to move to and work in Malaysia; the Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T).

The RP-T was introduced in April 2011 by the Malaysian Government. It aims to attract and retain top talent in the country with a range of benefits. The RP-T will be offered to highly qualified expatriates seeking to continue living and working in Malaysia on a long-term basis.

The RP-T is a 10-year visa for working expatriates that does not need to be renewed with each new employer. The pass covers spouses and children up to the age of 18. Spouses are allowed to work under the RP-T and children are eligible to study in the country. Any dependants over the age of 18 (including parents) are eligible for a 5-year Social Visit Pass.

Applications can be made online and there are certain requirements that applicants must meet, including possessing five years work experience in the chosen field, three years work experience in Malaysia, and a gross taxable income of RM144,000 per annum.

For more details, visit http://www.talentcorp.com.my.

Check all available types of visa for Malaysia here.

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Lake Gardens Kuala Lumpur

Situated right smack in the city is the Lake Gardens but despite being in a central location, many have not ventured into this lovely park. Many working in the area are not even aware of its existence, which is such a shame!

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The Lake Gardens covers 91.6 hectares spanning parks and gardens. Established in 1888, the place was built around an artificial lake and many joggers and families flock there for a stroll, jog or just a fresh breath of air. There is a jogging track for the runners who can also work out at the many exercise stations along the jogging route. Families with kids in tow might favor the playground more where the kids can squeal in excitement as parents give them a gentle shove on the swing or bounce them up and down the see-saws – definitely quality family time indeed.

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If a playground sounds boring for you, get in touch with your environmentalist in you by getting to know the 3,000 over birds within a walk-in aviary in the KL Bird Park within Lake Gardens. There are even daily stage feedings and bird shows at around noon each day, so time your visit around then for some bird-fun. The admission fee to the aviary is RM45 for an adult and RM35 for children.

After a long stroll admiring the colorful feathery friends, you’d be thirsty and hungry for some refreshments. Stop at the Hornbill Café which is just next to the bird park’s main entrance. While a spotting of a hornbill is not guaranteed, the café does serve sandwiches, soups and pasta as well as a kids’ menu for the little ones who really love tea time snacks.

If you are game for more of God’s flying creations, there is the KL Butterfly Park within the Lake Gardens too which is home to 6,000 butterflies of 120 species. The park has a landscape of 15,000 plants to create a natural rain forest environment for the butterflies. If you are coming in a large party, maybe the butterfly park would be easier n your pocket as the entrance fees costs lesser than the bird park at RM18 for adults and RM8 for children. The park opens from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

If you’ve had enough of birds and butterflies fluttering around you, the beautiful orchid and hibiscus gardens would be the perfect stops for a breezy stroll. Don’t worry as there are no charges for these! If you have more time on hand, you can also explore the deer park located on the undulating slopes and valley of Kuala Lumpur lake gardens. There is also the National Monument that you can visit close to the Lake Gardens which was built in the commemoration of those who died fighting for the nation’s freedom.

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Life isn’t just all about waking up and braving the traffic to work, and braving the same traffic on the way home. On weekends, it is likely the same routine but probably battling others to get to the mall this time. Take some time out to appreciate the simpler, more beautiful things around us, which is why spending time with family or just alone at the Lake Gardens will relax your weary mind.

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A nice attraction at Lake Gardens is a fun boat ride around the lake. Besides rowing a small boat you can also rent a water bicycle. Next to the mini-jetty is a small shop that sells snacks and drinks.

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Nearby attractions

Popular attractions nearby Lake Gardens are the National Monument which lies just northwest of the park, and the National Museum and National Mosque to the east of the park.

Opening hours

The outdoor park is opened daily, and officially you are only allowed in between sunrise and sundown. Most of the attractions (Bird Park, National Planetarium and Hibiscus Park) within the park are open between 9am and 6pm.

Entrance fees

Entrance to the park is free of charge. There are fees for visiting the attractions within the park (Bird Park, Hibiscus Park, National Planetarium) and when you want to use the rowing boats or water bicycles.

Contact details address Lake Gardens

Jalan Parlimen
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: + 603 2693 4132

How to get to Lake Gardens

Take a KTM Komuter train to the Old Kuala Lumpur station. From there cross the street and walk past the National Mosque. You can also walk from KL Sentral, but this is a tricky path along the highway; the distance however is shorter. Alternatively, buses B115, B112, and B101 all stop within a 5-minute walk of Perdama Lake Gardens. Every taxi driver knows how to find the park. To get a taxi back to KL you are best off by walking to the Bird Park, as there are always taxis waiting for customers there.

Video Lake Gardens

Map of Lake Gardens

Suggestions?

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

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