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Tourism Malaysia

Why volunteering in Malaysia is a must?

Want to check out Malaysia in a fun, cheap and rewarding way. Why not volunteer? There are plenty of programmes and non-profit organisations offering once in a lifetime experiences where you’ll truly feel Malaysian. Here are some of the perks:

Integration into culture!
If you volunteer in Malaysia, there is no doubt you will gain a better understanding of the local culture than compared to if rush your way through the country. Little by little, you will be much more integrated into the environment and will have the chance to see, do and experience things that most people don’t. If you work as a teach, your experience with local children will open your eyes to another world and give you exposure to family life. It’s also possible to volunteer at animal sanctuaries where you will be impressed by the treasures of nature and the stunning fauna and flora of Malaysia.

animal-volunteer

Help this guy and his friends live for a thousand more years

Meeting amazing people
When you travel you meet lots of travellers, when you work you meet lots of workers. But when you volunteer you get to know many different people, especially locals. For example, if you teach English you will get to know all your students and their families. They will probably open the doors of their houses for you and invite you to eat with them. You will get to know all the members of the community and try delicious meals and participate in local traditions and customs. Most NGO’s in Malaysia also work with international volunteers providing a great platform to meet people from all over the world. The fact that you are working together for a cause will make it easy to connect with each other. You will build memories and friendships for life!

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Take in the best of Malaysia with new friends

Discover remote and beautiful places
Another beautiful thing about volunteering in Malaysia is all the wonderful places you will discover. You may be stuck in the city teaching during the week, but Malaysia’s proximity to wonderful destinations both local and foreign makes it so easy to explore the region. If you are volunteering in a rural or remote area, you will feel like a local — particularly if you love being off the beaten track, exploring the dense bush land and pristine beaches. You will also meet locals or other long-term volunteers who can give you travel advice on secret spots of Malaysia. Throw away your travel guide for a moment and discover the unexpected secrets of Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.

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Explore the hidden gems of Malaysia

 

Malaysia on a budget
One of the perks of volunteering instead of travelling or being on a holiday is it’s relatively cheap. If you are volunteering in Malaysia, most likely you will receive free accommodation and food. You will also probably live far from tourist hotspots which will help in cutting down costs. This will also help you become accustom to identifying the cheapest forms of transport and where to find a bargain.

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Malaysia currency the ringgit • Image Source

 Challenge yourself
Being a tourist is easy and working in a big company is convenient. Volunteering is a whole different story, full of challenges and surprises. If you are a teacher in an Orang Asli community or if you are working with animals in the rainforest, your days will not be the same. You will improve yourself and become a better person, capable of overcoming the unforeseen. Instead of coming home with some postcards you will be enriched with adventures, lessons and experiences for life.

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No better place to explore your horizons than Malaysia

Your help matters
There are countless benefits of volunteering in Malaysia but the most important is your aid. Sure, you will live an extraordinary life, meet people and have lots of fun, but it’s the chance to improve someone’s life that you will treasure the most. Whether it’s teaching English in the jungle communities or working with turtles in Borneo, you will have a hands on impact in Malaysia and that counts more than anything!

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Malaysia is waiting for you to spread the love

 

Cover photo from yourvolunteers.com

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Tourism Malaysia: Top 7 in September

Mid-Autum Festival
When: George Town, Penang
Where: Sept 15

Also known as the Lantern or Mooncake Festival, this is a very popular celebration in East Asia. Traditionally, it was a harvest festival. Nowadays, Penang transforms itself into a magical place of colours and lights. Lions and dragons dance on the street and people eat the traditional Mooncake sweets. The lantern parades, like the “River of Lights” in George Town, are enchanting. Discover the Wushu competitions and have fun at the Pesta Tanglung Carnival. Every corner in the city will be a party!

More information: http://www.mypenang.gov.my/ • Image source

 

 

Yap Qin  Yap Yi at JB Art Festival 1JB Arts Festival
When: Johor Bahru
Where: Sept 1 – 30

All the culture and arts you can imagine in one month! The whole family will enjoy this event. Music, theatre, dance or comedy, contemporary or traditional: there is a performance for every taste and age. Professionals can learn and enjoy in one of the many workshops. Browse the programme and book a seat for your favourite spectacle!

More information: jbartsfest@hotmail.com

 

 

Songket Weaving
ASEAN Songket Weaving Exhibition
When: Sept 15 – Dec 31
Where: National Textile Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Arts and crafts lovers will enjoy this exhibition on the production and art of songket. This typical brocade textile is wide spread around Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia. It consists of gold or silver thread patterned on silk or cotton. It can be a good opportunity to discover the National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur, a jewel of a museum in the heart of the city. A beautiful explosion of colours and fabrics.

More information: http://www.muziumtekstilnegara.gov.my/

 

 

Borneo Safari Black Backed Kingfisher
Borneo Bird Festival 
When: Sept 15 -17
Where: Rainforest Discovery Center, Sandakan, Sabah

The island of Borneo is home for 688 bird species, four of them are not found anywhere else in the world. Nature lovers and bird enthusiasts will descend on Sandakan in Sabah to spot these marvellous creatures. Visitors can take part in the Bird Race or in the photo contest. Just enjoying the colourful feathers and humming of the birds is also an option. For something slightly different check out the the best bird imitators in the Bird Mimic Contest.

More information: www.sabahtourism.com • Image source

 

 

Congkak
Festival Permainan Rakyat Traditional Games Festival
When: Sept 17 – 18
Where: Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur

In the times of internet and video games, this festival is a breath of fresh air and a beautiful way to spend the weekend. Children and grown-ups will enjoy this opportunity to discover traditional Malaysian games like the Congkak or Batu Seremban which were played by their grandparents. One of the most entertaining ways to discover the local culture and heritage.

More information: Cultural Arts Development Division — amran@jkkn.gov.my

 

 

Sarawak Borneo Bintulu International Kites Festival
Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF)
When: Sept 19 – 27
Where: Old Airport, Bintulu, Sarawak

Malaysians love their kites! This festival has taken place since 2005 and focuses on the creativity and performance of this beautiful art. Visitors can gaze at the most stunning kites entered in the Kite Championship. The Kite Festival is a good moment to discover the traditional Malaysian kites, known as Wau. The old airport of Bintulu, a former fishing village in Sarawak, is the perfect location for this exhibition where land meets sky.

More information: bda@bda.gov.my • Image source

 

 

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KL Tower International Jump Malaysia
When: Sept 30 – Oct 3
Where: KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur

More than 100 extreme sports enthusiast will gather to jump from the city’s iconic landmark. BASE jumpers will make a three second free fall before opening their parachutes. A breathtaking and beautiful spectacle full of adrenaline and amazing views of the city.

More information: www.menarakl.com.my • Image source

 

 

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Your Ultimate Malaysian Golf Adventure

Imagine teeing off from the perch of a mountain, across a jungle filled valley to a green nestled adjacent to the sea. Just you, nature and a strip of land so beautifully cultivated that your challenge of putting that tiny white ball in that little hole is no longer a part of golf, but an adventure.

Golf in Malaysia offers an experience like no other. With over 100 courses to choose from — many in places you never thought possible — Malaysia is the perfect place for your next golfing getaway. Here’s a guide to the most breathtaking golf courses across Malaysia.

 

Shan-Shui Golf and Country Club
Where: 15 kilometres from Tawau town, Sabah

Golf in Borneo is a match made in heaven. This 18-hole championship course sprawls majestically amidst the mountainous backdrop of Tawau’s rich land in the state of Sabah. The undulating terrain and lush surroundings also serves as a natural habitat for wildlife such as exotic birds, monkeys, squirrels and a resident crocodile. Opened in 1998, Shan-Shui quickly rose to fame courtesy of its 15th hole — The Creek — named as one of the Best 500 holes and Top 250 par 4s in the world by US Golf Magazine. It was also awarded the “Best course in Asia” by Golf Monthly magazine in 2000.

ShanShuiPhoto source

 

Cameron Highlands Golf and Country Club
Where: 10 minutes from Cameron Highlands and 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur
The forest-clad mountains of the Cameron Highlands form a spectacular backdrop to this panoramic golf course, providing what is probably the coolest and most pleasant golfing environment in Malaysia. The fairways are wide and forgiving and coupled with the thinner air – the ball travels faster and further – a round here is quite relaxing. The course is not without its challenges, particularly the 15th hole with a dramatic elevation drop of 100m. The course is open to the public, too.

Cameron Highlands Golf 02Photo source

 

Els Club Teluk Datai 
Where: 40 minutes drive from Langkawi International Airport
This Ernie Els piece of mastery was voted World’s Best New Golf Course at the inaugural World Golf Awards in 2014. Prior to Els’ renovations, The Golf Club Datai Bay was already considered the Most Scenic Golf Course in Malaysia by Asian Golf Monthly and is often labelled Asia’s best golf course. Its website says it all, “Welcome to Golfing Paradise”. You’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas of marbled mountain peaks, virgin rainforest and the emerald-green Andaman Sea. And if that’s not enough, the Els Group is opening two more courses in Malaysia just for your enjoyment; the spectacular Desaru Coast and the sublime Desaru Valley, both in Johor.

Screen Shot 2016-08-17 at 11.18.15 AMPhoto source

 

Hornbill Golf Jungle Club
Where: About 70 kilometres from Kuching, Sarawak
Another gem from Borneo, this time in the state of Sarawak. Hornbill offers a true paradise for avid golfers with its brilliantly designed 18-hole layout perched high in the Borneo hinterland. “Golfing in the Clouds” is quite literally the theme, with guests often hitting from above the canopy down into the mist of the valley below. The climate is more friendly too, making it a popular all-year choice for golf vacationers.

HornbillPhoto source

 

Saujana Golf Country Club
Where: Shah Alam near Subang Airport, Selangor.
The crown jewel of Malaysian golf. Offering two 18-hole championship layouts just 20 minutes from the heart of KL, Saujana is a must for all élite golfers. “Deadly but beautiful” and “Jungle golf at its best” are just some of the adjectives used to describe this beast. The Palm course hosted the Malaysian Open between 2001 and 2005, with champions including Thongchai Jaidee, Vijay Singh and Arjun Atwal. The second hole on the Palm course is among CNN Travel World’s 18 most beautiful golf holes.

SaujanaPhoto source

 

Awana Genting Highlands Golf Country Resort
Where: Genting Highlands, 55 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur
Set at 3,100 feet above sea level, Awana provides a new experience for the golfer. While not on the same par as Saujana, this masterpiece nestled elegantly in the Genting Highlands is a refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. But don’t expect an easy stroll around the high country; the fairways are narrow with anything slightly off target sure to find thick jungle or the many water hazards.

Awana GentingPhoto source

 

Royal Perak Golf Club
Where: Ipoh, Perak
Ipoh Golf Club, as it was originally known, is one of the oldest courses outside of Britain and along with Royal Selangor is an icon of Malaysian golf. Formed in 1879, it started as a humble nine-hole course on the race course in Ipoh. It was destroyed during World War II — used as a tapioca farm — and was only restored its current state in 1947. Although not as breathtaking as some of the other courses on this list, it certainly makes up for it in history and prestige.

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Photo source

 

If you want to know more about the best golf courses in Malaysia, please visit www.playmalaysiagolf.com

 

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Tourism Malaysia

Tourism Malaysia: Top 7 in August

1. Penang Hungry Ghost Festival
When: August 3-31
Where: Penang
What: According to Taoism, the gates of hell open every seventh lunar month of the Chinese calendar. Ghosts and spirits walk the streets for a month and visit their descendants. This is a month of bad luck where parents tell their children to stay at home. During the Hungry Ghost Festival in Penang, many puppet and opera shows take place to entertain the spirits. It’s open to the public but the first row at each performance must remain empty for the ghosts. On the last day of the month, believers mark the return of the souls to Hades with big bonfires at midnight.
More Information:
http://www.tourismpenang.net.my/index.php/Festivals/hungry-ghost-in-penang / Photo source

 

Padawan Raft Safari2. Padawan Raft Safari
When: August 14
Where: Padawan, Kuching, Sarawak
What: Go kayaking or rafting into wild Borneo with friends and family… the experience will be unforgettable. Stand up in a bamboo raft and admire the stunning surroundings while paddling along the river. There are different categories for this popular and fun competition in Sarawak. Even if you don’t win a prize, the views and laughs will be an amazing reward.
More Information:
www.mpp.sarawak.gov.my / Photo source

 

Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week3. Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week
When: August 17-21
Where: Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur
What: It’s not all Paris and Milan! Kuala Lumpur has its own Fashion Week, too! For five days, Pavilion will turn into a catwalk for the creative Malaysian fashion industry. A great opportunity for fashion lovers and trend setters to discover Malaysian designers and their ‘Ready to Wear’ collection. An event full of inspiration and style!
More Information:
www.klfashionweek.com / Photo source

 

Rhythm of Gamelan4. Rhythm of Gamelan
When: August 19-21
Where: Kompleks Sukan Negeri, Kuala Terengganu
What: Musicians from Malaysia, Indonesia and Europe meet to explore and learn about this musical art form. Gamelan is a traditional instrumental ensemble of Java, Indonesia, typically including many bronze percussion instruments. Professionals lead the two-day workshop while members of the public enjoy the harmonious sounds. A great opportunity to discover this royal music, now accessible to everyone. 
More Information: www.motac.gov.my / Photo source

 

Mask Festival Malaysia5. Malaysia International Mask Festival
When: August 19-21
Where: Esplanade, KLCC Park, Kuala Lumpur
What: Come enjoy an explosion of colour as elaborate masks from Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and China are showcased to the public. Masks are an expressive art form in many Asian cultures and commonly used in rituals and celebrations. The three days festival in the heart of the city features activities and performances full of folklore and mysticism.
More Information:
https://www.facebook.com/mymaskfest/ / Photo source

 

Jet Ski Championship6. Selangor Open Jetski Championship
When: August 27-29
Where: Tasik Biru, Rawang, Selangor
What: Water sport lovers will be in heaven. Participants from Southeast Asia, Japan and Australia will gather at Blue Lake, Tasik Biru to compete and show off their skills. There are local and international categories, complementary activities and lots of fun.
More Information:
http://www.aseantourism.travel/event/detail/selangor-open-championship-jetski-competition / Photo source

 

Raintown Half Marathon7. Raintown Half Marathon 2016
When: August 28
Where: Taiping, Perak
What: Over 4,000 athletes from all over the world will meet in the ‘wettest’ town in peninsular Malaysia. Taiping, also known as ‘Raintown’, is the scene for this popular half marathon. Participants can opt for the 7km, 10km or half distance event. Hopefully the rain will stay away just this once!
More Information:
www.mptaiping.gov.my / Photo source

For more events, news and deals go to http://www.malaysia.travel/en/my/events

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

A budget guide to travelling Malaysia

By Lloyd Green

Okay, if you’re coming to Malaysia to spend two weeks in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands, you’re probably not going to do it on the cheap. But there’s also plenty of people who pass through Malaysia on their way north from Singapore en route to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

For these people, every dime is important and in a city like KL where extravagance is flashed in your face on every corner, finding things suited to your budget can be difficult. This also applies to travelling across Malaysia, with knowledge of how and when to travel, important to your attempts at saving money.

So let’s start with your arrival.

If, like most people, you arrive in Malaysia by air at either KLIA or KLIA2 terminals and have booked accommodation in Kuala Lumpur, you will have a few options of varying cost and duration to reach your destination. Often backpackers fly blind during this process and can waste money without even knowing it. The KLIA Express train is the fastest way to and from the KLIA airports from KL Sentral, but it is not the cheapest.

shutterstock_209459323 (Picture by Sorbis / Shutterstock.com)

The cheapest route to Kuala Lumpur is by bus with a one-way ticket for adults from KLIA or KLIA2 terminals to KL Sentral priced at 10 Ringgit. Peak hour traffic in Kuala Lumpur can cause lengthy delays, so if you are on a tight schedule and want to get to the city as soon as possible, KLIA Express train is the best option. It takes 28 minutes and is RM55. If you want to save five Ringgit make sure you pay with your credit card at the kiosk and not at the counter. It will be RM50.

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(Picture by Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com)

In terms of accommodation, there are two main places to stay for backpackers; Changkat in Bukit Bintang and Chinatown not far from Pasar Seni LRT station. There’s a host of backpacker accommodation in both areas with single rooms as cheap as RM40-50 and dorms beds priced at around 20 Ringgit. Of course, the quality of your hostel will vary with price. Changkat is closer to KL’s nightlife, KLCC and the Petronas Twin Towers, but Chinatown is more conveniently located near the city’s main transportation hub — KL Sentral. Many coaches to Malacca, Johor Bahru, Penang and Ipoh now leave from TBS bus station, which is approximately 20 minutes from KL Sentral.

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Jalan Alor off Changkat is foodie-central with Chinese seafood restaurants and hawker stalls selling an array of local delicacies and international cuisines until the wee hours of the morning. Petaling Street in Chinatown is also famous for food with its night market chock-full of shops and stalls selling goods and street food. Be aware, both of these areas are aimed at tourists and as such prices can be inflated.

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(Picture by Calvin Chan / Shutterstock.com)

Most of KL’s main attractions are aimed at families, couples and those who are dazzled by the bright lights, so if you prefer a bit of adventure but want to stay within in the perimeters of the city I suggest you check out Petaling Jaya and in particular areas such as Subang where an urban youth culture has evolved. If you are able to make friends with locals, that’s even better and ask them to take you out of KL City. The food in areas such as Klang, Petaling Jaya, Ampang and Cheras is just as good (and cheaper) and is where most of the locals eat. Also keep an eye out for local night markets known as Pasar Malam. They offer amazing delicacies and fresh produce and are more authentic than the ones in the city. If you want a quiet night at the cinema, Wednesday is the cheapest evening with tickets as cheap as 10 to 12 Ringgit.

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Just a stones throw away from KL are a places such as Chilling Falls and Broga Hill. These are quite popular amongst locals and provide a nice respite from the concrete jungle of the city. They are free and relatively easy to get to by car. Check out the best places for hiking, camping and waterfalls in and around Kuala Lumpur here.

Budget guide 3(Picture by Travelblog.com)

The bus and train are the cheapest options for making your way around Peninsular Malaysia. For Ipoh, catch the rain as Ipoh Railway Station is located in the centre of town, whereas the coach terminal is some 15 minutes away. You will only save five Ringgit if you catch the bus. The bus from KL to Penang is the best option as it takes you directly to the island and within five minutes of George Town. If you want relax on Malaysia’s famed beaches like Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands, the bus and ferry is the way to go.

shutterstock_115589299For those interested in checking out Borneo’s wildlife, make sure you book your flights to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu in advance as flights to East Malaysia can be expensive.

Strangely, food prices also vary between Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia with Indian food slightly more pricier in Borneo. Popular music festivals such the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak and the Penang Jazz Festival on the mainland are relatively cheap compared to other international events, but again book in advance to save yourself some cash.

A great, inexpensive way to see Malaysia is to volunteer. Malaysia offers volunteering opportunities for every taste and interest: from wildlife projects in the untamed jungle of Borneo to teaching English to children in urban and rural environments. Most places provide free accommodation and sometimes food and you’ll have access to remote communities you probably never knew existed. Read more here.

When exiting Malaysia, consider the bus trip north to Hat Yai in Thailand. It is less than 60 Ringgit and you can split the journey up by stopping over in Penang for the night. Cheap flights from KL to popular tourist destinations in Asia such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines can be found via Air Asia, but any additional items such as luggage over 20 kilograms can increase the price.

In summary, Malaysia is a wonderful place to explore and the more adventurous you are, the better your experience will be. Doing it on the cheap is possible but having a friend to show you around or give you advice definitely helps with your budget.