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Malaysia Travel Guide

In Search of the Red Banded Langur in Maludam National Park

In Search of the Red Banded Langur in Maludam National Park

August 14, 2018

A 3Day/2Night experience in the Maludam National Park.

The itinerary for the ‘Search for the Red Banded Langur’ in Maludam was pioneered by adventure tour company, Paradesa Borneo (One Wayang Tours Sdn. Bhd.)

The Maludam National Park is protected area, critical for the protection of the only viable population of the Red Banded Langur remaining in the world today. A visit to the national park offers glimpses at the rare monkey and some 61 other species of mammals recorded in the area.

To get to Maludam, visitors have to drive about 170 kilometers from Sri Aman, bypassing the small town of Pusa before crossing the Batang Saribas by ferry. Proceed then to Kampung Maludam till the end of the coastal road at Triso, a small village by the sea.

This three day and two night itinerary takes advantage of the stretch of the Borneo Coastal Road, stopping by the local kampungs to experience the culture and interact with the people.

For more information on the National Park, visit the Sarawak Forestry’s website here.

Day One, Getting to Maludam

The group departed from Kucking at 8.00am, heading for Maludan through the Semarahan Batang Sadong Bridge. They arrived at Kampung Hilir Maludam by 2.00pm, where they got to enjoy the kampong (village) activities.

They explored the grounds of the village, watched a traditional performance by some young villagers and even learned how to prepare kuih sepit.

Learning to make kuih sepit

Day Two, The Search is ON!

The group had a quick safety and itinerary briefing before heading for the Maludam National Park at 8.00am.




The only entrance to the national park is by boat to ‘Station 2’ jetty. The early morning boat ride gives the group a chance to admire the tranquility of the protected peat swamp area. On arrival, the travel guide prepares the group for the trails and animals they may see throughout the walks.

The Red Banded Langur ©sarawakforestry.com

The group learns a little about the behavior of the beautiful primate, and return to Kampung Hilir Maludam at 3.00pm.

At the Kampung, they experienced ocean fishing on a traditional fisherman boat and get to see how salted fish, jelly fish and prawns are dried and processed at the factory. For more information on the jellyfish processing factory, you can visit this blog.

Fishing at Kampung Hilir Maludam


 

Jellyfish and prawns being processed at the factory

After enjoying a day on the water catching fish and seeing how the local catch is processed, the group took a beautiful sunset cruise over the coast of Maludam.

On returning to the village, they enjoyed a traditional performance called “Bergendang” or ‘drumming’ by the Persatuan Nelayan Kampung Maludam at 7.00pm. They then retired to the Kampung Hilir Maludam Homestay for the night.

Persatuan Nelayan Kampung Maludam

Day 3, the Pasar Tani

It’s bright and early the next day, with the group departing from Maludam at 7.30am to head to the Pasar Tani Maludam. By noon, they head back through Triso, Pusa and Sri Aman, seeing the sights in the towns like Fort Alice.

By 8.00pm, the trip comes to an end in Kuching.

The Tour Package

  • The Tour Package of 3 days and 2 nights totalled at a RM1,150 per pax and came inclusive of:
  • An English speaking tour guide
  • Tour van and driver
  • All activities in Maludam village
  • Homestay accomodations for the two nights
  • boat trip to and from Maludam National Park
  • Sun Set Cruise

The group found the trip to be a great experience, with friendly hosts and good facilities awaiting them at the homestay. As for the attractions surrounding the village and the National Park, they were excited to be a part of the fishing and cultural activities and found there were also proboscis monkey and crocodile watching tours available to the public, though there wasn’t enough time for them to enjoy it for themselves.

All in all, the Maludam National Park and its surrounding communities area  great place to visit, to perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare Red Banded Langur, or at the very least see the rest of the wildlife that flourishes in the protected area and enjoy the good company of the people of Kampung Hilir Maludam.

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Tourism Malaysia

PLANE IN THE CITY

It is indeed true that people go to restaurants not just for the food but also for the ambience. A wonderful atmosphere and tasty food are a lethal combination for people who are out to have an immersive dining experience. However, restaurants with wonderful ambience are a dime a dozen in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. So, why don’t we go out hunting for a unique dining experience instead, you know the kind that will take us a bit out of our comfort zone?

Actually, I have found at least one in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It calls itself “Plane in the City,” where patrons of the restaurant get to enjoy a unique 90-minute experience dining in a grounded Boeing 737 aircraft.

I believe this is a wonderful concept of a restaurant for those who’s afraid of flying but really want the feel of being in an aircraft. And of course you’ll get more than you bargained for because not only do you get to have a fine meal in an actual plane while being serenaded by the latest hit music, but you also get to walk on the wings of the aircraft, take a selfie while sticking your head out of the Pilot’s cockpit and pose confidently and beautifully at the plane’s turbine.

The Plane in the City is also the perfect venue to propose to your wife-to-be. With this real-life flight simulation, you don’t have to deal with cramped aisles, unpredictable turbulence or crying babies. To make it more interesting, you can propose on the wing of the airplane, and that experience my friend, will be unforgettable.

Located in the heart of the city at Jalan Bukit Bintang, one cannot miss the aircraft while driving past, as it stands out against the city’s many skyscrapers.

Here’s what you can expect once you’ve done your bookings with Plane in the City:

  1. There is a welcome lounge where guests will ‘check-in’ for their flight.
  2. Guests will be given a tour around the plane and this is when you can take pictures/selfies.
  3. A fun-filled safety announcement with a twist will be given by their stewardess.
  4. A three-course menu prepared by Le Meridien, a well-known five-star hotel, will be served on the plane.
  5. Guests will be ushered back into the lounge and they may collect their photographs.

Guests can book from a choice of three tiered packages according to your budget. Below are the packages offered by Plane in the City:

Economy Class RM189 per pax

  • Entrance to SKYLAND lounge
  • A window seat for one person on the PITC flight
  • Exclusive 3-course dinner menu prepared by 5-star hotel, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
  • Free flow of drinking water during meal
  • Visit to the aircraft’s cockpit
  • Aircraft’s Wing Walk experience

Business Class RM379 per pax

  • Entrance to SKYLAND lounge
  • A window seat for one person on the PITC flight
  • BUSINESS CLASS upgraded 4-course dinner menu prepared by 5-star hotel, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
  • Free flow of drinking water during meal
  • Visit to the aircraft’s cockpit
  • Aircraft’s Wing Walk experience
  • 2 complimentary glasses of cocktails/mocktails upon arrival in lounge
  • 4 pieces of Boston lobster in each mini buns with lemony dressing upon arrival in lounge
  • Priority Boarding

First Class RM939 per pax

  • Entrance to SKYLAND lounge
  • A window seat for one person on the PITC flight
  • FIRST CLASS exclusive upgraded 4-course dinner menu prepared by 5-star hotel, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
  • Free flow of drinking water during meal
  • Visit to the aircraft’s cockpit
  • Aircraft’s Wing Walk experience
  • Free flow Cocktails/Mocktails upon arrival in lounge
  • 4 pieces of Boston lobster each in mini buns with lemony dressing upon arrival in lounge
  • 4 pieces of Harenka caviar each, sour cream lemon upon arrival in lounge
  • Priority Boarding (First to Board)
  • 1 Night stay in Deluxe room inclusive of Breakfast for 2 pax at 5-star hotel, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur worth RM1,170

Seating only 20 people per session to maintain exclusivity, food aboard the aircraft is served in 3 or 4 courses (depending on package chosen) by Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, a well-known five-star hotel, appointed based on their exciting menu and great-tasting cuisine. The duration of each dinner session is one and a half hours.

As for the operating schedule, from Tuesday to Thursday, the Plane in the City flies twice a day at 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm, thrice a day on Friday at 6.00 pm, 8.00 pm and 10.00 pm, and also thrice a day during the weekends at 5.00 pm, 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm.

Fun fact: The light fittings around the aircraft are actual runway lights that are used globally in airports around the world.

For further inquiries, please visit www.planeinthecity.com.

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Tourism Malaysia

LUXE AROUND THE CAPITAL

It has been a thriving year for tourism in Malaysia with an array of accommodations making prominent marks as new hotels and resorts are built and officiated. Many new premises mean travellers have more options to choose from in terms of location, service delivery and price.  Having said that, some are not looking for a low published rate, but they are looking for the luxury that money can buy…and Kuala Lumpur offers just that!

FOUR SEASON KUALA LUMPUR

Coming in at the top of our latest list of luxury hotels is Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur located adjacent to the Petronas Twin Towers, and within the Golden Triangle neighbourhood, the city’s exciting business, shopping and entertainment hub.

The location makes it an ultimate choice for travellers looking to indulge in ultimate comfort within walking distance of a high-end shopping experience in central Kuala Lumpur.

With 209 tastefully-designed rooms and suites, as well as serviced apartments for those guests looking for an extended stay, Four Seasons offers more than just a bed. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the cityscape; eight treatment spa rooms ease away the stresses with Malaysian healing traditions and the latest global therapies; an outdoor pool oasis with private cabanas and bar and grill facilities is the perfect place to relax; and signature cocktails made with locally-sourced ingredients are the perfect way to end the day while enjoying sunset views of the city.

Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur opened on 1 July 2018.
Address:          145, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Website:         www.fourseasons.com/kualalumpur/
Phone:             03-2382 8888

BANYAN TREE KUALA LUMPUR

The renowned Banyan Tree brand has finally stepped on Malaysian soil with the opening of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur adding to another major landmark in the city.

Touted by many as a luxury urban sanctuary, it pledges a 5-star service that will pamper you from head to toe. Styled as a resort in the city, it is conveniently located in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle district, the heartbeat of the city’s business, shopping and leisure activities.

The elegant 60-storey Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur features 55 well-appointed rooms and suites starting at a spacious 51 sqm, state-of-the-art fitness facility, 3 boardrooms to hold private executive meetings, as well as 4 stylish restaurants and bars with breath-taking views overlooking the city skyline.

And how about the Open Air pool on Level 53 for more serene time all by yourself? To completely indulge yourself, check out the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa. Some of the signature spa treatments include Master Therapist Experience, a specially tailored treatment using a repertoire of massage techniques and tools, drawn from the expertise of the Master Therapist; or try out the Nusantara treatment package, Malaysian Bliss, for an indulgent local experience.

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur opened on 1 July 2018.
Address: 2 Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Website: www.banyantree.com/en/malaysia/kuala-lumpur
Phone: + 603 2113 1888

SHERATON PETALING JAYA

Just south of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, a new gem has taken shape in the form of Sheraton Petaling Jaya. This delightful hotel offers a 5 star service with rooms with a view.

Located just 20 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur – and 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur International Airport — Sheraton Petaling Jaya is accessible from Federal Highway, the main arterial road linking PJ and the city centre. The new hotel brings a new definition of pampered stay, with full amenities and facilities.

For a start, its 253 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, will certainly inspire leisure and business travellers alike. The selection of signature restaurants offers local and international flavours at six different eateries. Enjoy local favourites buffet-style dining at Feast; savour refined Japanese dishes at the contemporary Miyabi restaurant; try inventive Chinese specialties at Yue; relax at Link@Sheraton Café for quick bites; wind down with cigar and whiskey at Chime Lounge; or enjoy Latin-inspired fare at Sala Bar.

On top of that, those looking for a refreshing and serene encounter, please try the 33rd level outdoor pool that brings you close to the sky and the whole city.

Address:          Lot 55, Lorong Utara C, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Website:         https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/szbsi-sheraton-petaling-jaya-hotel/
Phone:             +603 7622 8888

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Tourism Malaysia

MEALS-ON-WHEELS IN MALAYSIA

As your tummy growls, you only look for one thing: Food. Yes, food is an essential nourishment for the human body. In Malaysia, we’re really lucky to have such a great variety of delicious cuisines originating from many different races and ethnicities. From Malay lauk, Indian curries and Chinese desserts, as well as the many lovely snacks and treats from other ethnic origins, there’s just a great choice so you’ll never go hungry again!

You might imagine going into a restaurant, with a server to welcome you and take you to your table as he makes recommendations off the menu. Well, this is not a story about dining in a restaurant, but this is a story about dining in at food trucks.

Besides the huge number of restaurants, cafes and street-side stalls cropping up almost everywhere in Malaysia, you can also find food trucks at certain parking lots, at central parks, corners of every building, and pretty much everywhere. They are also seen, these days, at any festivals or public events!

That’s right, food trucks are becoming a trend in Malaysia.  Some offer local dishes, others serve Western choices, and still others cook up a fusion of the two.

To sample some of the best food offered by these food truck vendors, we’ve compiled our top three recommendations of food truck “ports” where several food trucks gather in a common yet comfortable space for diners to enjoy a hassle-free meal any time of the day.

Photo courtesy of MALAY MAIL

Food truck with a view
One of the food truck parks gaining popularity for being everything “hipster” and cool in Malaysia is “TAPAK Urban Street Dining.” Just look up the hashtag “Tapak Urban Street Dining” and you’ll see Instagram flooded with pictures of people dining away with the Kuala Lumpur Petronas Twin Towers lit up spectacularly in the background. That’s right, besides the awesome food (mostly local menus with an urban twist such as Nasi Kukus with grilled chicken by Meltshack and coconut and mango jelly shake by The Hut), the big draw is the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers. But honestly, gather up some friends, enjoy some good food and drink in the awesome views…what could be better?

More info on the web at www.ilovetapak.com

Where east meets west
If you are looking for an unconventional dining experience, then head north to Ipoh, Perak, and find your way to “Food Truck Garden”. Since its debut on March 2017, this port is notably known as “The legacy of food truck generation in the state of Perak,” providing a diverse selection of local food and beverages, but with a little Western twist added. Imagine dining on the likes of the ubiquitous rice that’s given a Swedish twist in Nasi Goreng Meatball by Le Reussi FoodTruck; the Keropok Lekor Cheese created by KualiQib which elevates the local fish crackers with generous dollops of gooey, melted cheese; and the Melted Lamb, a deliciously moist and tender meat made by Puffer on the Move. With over 30 (maybe more!) food trucks to choose and feast from along with live bands performing every night, the garden offers an open-air dining concept for friends and family to gather and feast.

More info on:

Facebook  – Food Truck Garden at Bulatan Amanjaya

Instagram  – silverstatefoodtruck

International flavours in one spot
Heading south of Malaysia lands you in Melaka, yet another state capital of delicious proportions! Instead of the usual local Portuguese and Baba Nyonya cuisine, the Melaka Food Truck Park at Ayer Keroh takes you on an international food journey. Here, you can satisfy your cravings for Italian food (pastas), Korean food (Jipangi Korean ice cream), Japanese food (takoyaki), Spanish food (churros), Mexican food (tacos), and more! The ambience is chill with fountain water features, lanterns overhead and buskers serenading the night away. Just a stone’s throw away is the Melaka Mall where you can continue your hang-out session with friends either shopping away or catching a movie at its cinema.

More info on:

Facebook – Melaka Food Truck Park

Instagram – Melaka_foodtruckpark

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Tourism Malaysia

TOP THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR DURING HARI RAYA

When the takbir is heard echoing from far, we can immediately see smiles on the faces of everybody. That marks the end of one month of fasting during Ramadan, and Syawal is knocking on the door, ready to be celebrated. Eid Day, or commonly known as Hari Raya comes once per year and is a day where families and friends get together and celebrate with various types of traditional delicacies after a full month of fasting in Ramadhan.

For first-timers to Malaysia, you might be wondering what to do on Eid Day. Well, read on to know how Malaysians celebrate the day and the iconic things not to miss during Hari Raya.

HARI RAYA OPEN HOUSE
It’s a common thing for fellow Malaysians to invite friends, neighbours, even strangers to their houses to celebrate together, especially on the first day – this is in the spirit of the Malaysian Open House. It’s a great way to try out the typical Hari Raya dishes and join in the fun. Keep an eye out for Open House invitations by some popular local personalities, Government agencies, and even the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

FOOD AND DELICACIES
Rendang, Ketupat and satay are the signature dishes of Hari Raya. It would not be Hari Raya without these dishes. Rendang is a spicy meat dish made from meat, coconut milk, chili, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, turmeric and onion (shallot). Each state will have a slightly different version of the recipe (and claim theirs to be the best!). For example, chicken Rendang from Negeri Sembilan would look and taste differently from chicken Rendang made in Kedah.

Ketupat is a type of dumpling made out of rice packed inside a diamond-shaped pouch of woven palm leaves eaten with a thick and spicy roasted peanut gravy. You can also eat ketupat with rendang.

Another type of ketupat is made with starchy glutinous rice wrapped in daun palas into a triangle shape. These are usually found in the northern region of Malaysia.

Satay is a seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, served with Kuah Kacang. It is eaten on sticks and served hot right after being grilled, garnished with ketupat, cucumbers and onions.

SWEET TREATS
Every household celebrating Hari Raya will definitely have some Kuih Raya to serve the guests. There are a variety of Kuih Raya and snacks, but all are bite-sized sweet delights. Our favourites are the pineapple tarts and London almonds!

Cakes are also served on this day to sweeten the celebration. There are a few signature Hari Raya cakes that are so special, they only make an appearance on the day of celebration.

Kek Lapis or Layered Cake is also typically served during Hari Raya. It is especially popular in Sarawak where a whole table is often dedicated to displaying all the different and colourful varieties.

Also famous in Sarawak is the black-as-soot steamed Hati Parek cake made of black raisins, caramelised brown sugar and lots of eggs.

FIREWORKS – AN ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL
It’s habitual for Malaysians to celebrate Hari Raya with one of the most compulsory things: fireworks. Don’t be surprised to hear fireworks going off or see them in the sky, it’s a sign that Hari Raya will be tomorrow. As for kids, you will see them lighting up sparklers, ground spinners, rocket-style Thunderclaps and others to welcome the celebration.

FASHION
What is celebrating Hari Raya without wearing new clothes? For Malays, we have our own traditional clothing worn during Hari Raya, which is Baju Melayu (for men) and Baju Kurung (for women). You can find these two traditional clothings in many different colours and designs. Visit shopping malls during the month before Hari Raya and you will see all the trendy designs. If you wait right till the last day of Ramadan to shop for your clothes, you may even get them at deep discounts.

HARI RAYA MALL DECORATIONS
Hari Raya is a great time to head down to the nearest shopping centre and witness the most amazing mall decorations. Shining lights, decorative walls and attractive scenery will get you in the festive mood! In fact, the malls in Malaysia will often try to out-do each other with their mall decorations and festive activities so shopping in Malaysia is definitely not dull!