Tag: Kuala Lumpur International Airport

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Tourism Malaysia

TOP 5 TRADITIONAL MALAYSIAN VILLAGES TO VISIT NEAR KUALA LUMPUR

Want to get to know the real Malaysia? Why not take a trip outside of Kuala Lumpur’s city limits. Within less than two hours, you will find yourself in some pretty amazing countryside or “kampung” located in the Central Region (Selangor and Negeri Sembilan). Here, you can play like a kid again, enjoy nature, breathe fresh air and really be present in the moment.

Malaysian kampungs are usually small settlements of wooden dwellings in the rural parts of Malaysia. Despite their humble beginnings, modern facilities for clean water, electricity and telecommunications are available.

You’ll immediately notice that kampung life is a far cry from urban routines. Village folk are more in touch with nature and live by the seasons and surrounding environment. They engage in activities such farming, cooking using naturally organic products without relying on highly processed ingredients, fishing, carpentry, traditional folk games, making handicrafts and more.

If you are wondering how you can experience the peace and serenity of a simple kampung life in Malaysia, read on.

Under the Malaysian Government’s Homestay Experience programme, tourists can easily get a dose of life in the village. The programme registers a few hundred villages that have expressed interest in hosting tourists in their private homes to provide them a glimpse of life in Malaysia’s beautiful countryside.

Step into these homes and you will be quickly adopted as their “foster child,” taking care of your needs during your entire stay with them. Essentially, you get to live with a local Malaysian family and really understand the heart of a Malaysian.

The villages in the central region are easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur. Most are within a two-hour drive of the city. Check out some top villages here:

1. Kampung Sungai Sireh, Selangor

This peaceful hamlet of about 1,000 acres is surrounded by nature. Your eyes will be soothed by the green wetlands forest reserve and the carpet of ripening paddy crops ready to be harvested in May and September. The nearby rivers, irrigation canals and sea further add to the charm of this small village.

Local activities are closely attached to the surrounding landscapes. As a guest under the Malaysia Homestay programme, your host family will likely take you out for a trek into the wetlands area. Be prepared to get wet, but you will love the opportunity to observe the unique flora and fauna in the area. Alternatively, explore the rivers in a kayak and let yourself be drifted slowly by the currents as you try to spot the wildlife here.

The village-folk are especially proud of the irrigation system used for the paddy crops – they’ll be more than happy to show you the Korean technology involved. What’s more, the smaller canals are the best places to have a quick splash after a hot day under the sun!

Homestay Sg. Sireh
Kampong PT 1,
Sg. Sireh,
45500 Tanjung Karang,
Kuala Selangor, Selangor
Contact person: En. Abu Bakar bin Moin, Tel: 019 346 7372
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homestaysgsireh/

2. Kampung Banghuris, Selangor

ASEAN Tourism Award-winning Banghuris Homestay is a name representing three villages namely Kampung Bukit Bangkong, Kampung Hulu Chuchoh and Kampung Hulu Teris.

This charming little village located not far from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport has a strong foundation in agriculture. Don’t be surprised to see coffee, rubber, and oil palm plantations alongside fresh-water fish farms and fruit orchards. The small cottage industry also thrives here churning out home-made cookies, tapioca chips and other local snacks. Indeed, the landscape of this village can only be described as abundant!

And so is the culture and heritage here. Visit the village during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and you will witness the cheer and festivities of the village-folk. Often times, the celebrations are an excuse to “merewang,” an activity where everyone would gather at a common place to prepare and cook food together for the festival. Everyone has a designated duty, i.e. as the cook, as part of an army that peels potatoes or slices shallots, or as the clean-up crew.

It is during these festivities that one can truly experience the community spirit of the village folk as they embody all the modern corporate attributes of teamwork, leadership, time management, delegation and more!

Homestay Banghuris
Lot 1829, Jln. Tailong,
Kg. Ulu Chuchuh,
43950, Sg. Pelek,
Sepang, Selangor.
Contact person: Mr. Basir bin Wagiman, Tel: 013 300 3942
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YokMampirBanghuris/

3. Kampung Pachitan, Negeri Sembilan

This village of about 1,000 population in Negeri Sembilan is said to have been pioneered by the Javanese from East Java, Indonesia, who came to settle here in the 1920s as paddy farmers. Later, palm and rubber plantations were opened when water sources for paddy ran dry. These plantations now become a tourist attraction as visitors learn more about crop-growing through hands-on experience.

The scenery in the area is dominated by large tracts of these crop plantations but the nearby beach holds many attractions as well. It’s a favourite spot to go fishing on the jetty or just sit by the beach to collect shellfish for a later meal. One can also opt to canoe along the mangrove area and do a spot of birdwatching.

What’s unique here is the Javanese culture and traditions that still remain strong and is manifested in the language spoken, the food, music and games. For example, visitors to Kampung Pachitan will certainly get a taste of Nasi Ambeng (a meal consisting of steamed white rice served with chicken in soy sauce and beef stewed for hours in thick gravy and other condiments), pecal (a local salad served with peanut sauce), and tempe goreng (fried fermented soy beans) and such.

It recently received an ASEAN Tourism Award in the Homestay category.

Homestay Kampung Pachitan
No.37, Taman Nuri Fasa 1,
Jalan Besar Chuah,
71960 Chuah, Port Dickson,
Negeri Sembilan.
Contact person: Mr. Ahmad Nadzri, Tel : 019 385 9793
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PachitanMalaysia/

4. Homestay Lonek, Negeri Sembilan

This village is simply picture perfect with timber dwellings sitting on wide and well-trimmed lawns and the scenery of paddy fields stretching out as far as the eye can see.

The folks who live here take great pride in their culture and heritage. They speak with a strong Negeri Sembilan accent, and will introduce you to typical Negeri Sembilan cuisine, the famous one being daging salai masak lemak cili api, which is smoked beef cooked in a gravy of coconut milk, turmeric and chilies. Traditional folk games are very much alive here and visitors will learn the Malaysian version of hoop rolling using bicycle wheel rims, bowling with coconuts and tobogganing on palm fronds.

If you don’t mind getting mud on your feet (and hands, face and hair), you can try out the local pastime of “mengocak ikan” or grasping for fish in the paddy fields.

Homestay Kampung Lonek
No. 10, Kampung Lonek,
72200 Batu Kikir,
Negeri Sembilan.
Contact person: Ms. Hajah Nor Asiah bt Haron, Tel : 06-498 1078 / 012 691 5482
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homestaylonek/

5. Homestay Rawa, Negeri Sembilan

Fresh from winning the ASEAN Tourism Award 2019 in the Homestay category, Homestay Rawa has something unique to offer to visitors…horses! Horseriding is a great way to appreciate the beauty of this village. Saddle up and ride through bountiful fruit orchards, acres of rubber plantations and hillsides where you can appreciate a breathtaking view.

During fruiting season, there are plentiful fruits to keep you sated. From mangosteens and durians to rambutans and langsat. These tropical fruits grow abundantly in this village and are a joy to the palate.

For those who love cooking, the ladies of the village would be all too happy to share their secret recipes for their typical sweetcakes such as godok golumang which are fist-sized banana fritters coated in caramelized brown sugar and kuih bahulu (a light and fluffy sponge cake with a crispy outer layer, similar to the French madeleines) traditionally cooked over charcoal fire in brass moulds.

Homestay Rawa
Lot 23, Lorong KRU 10,
Kampung Rawa Hilir
71750 Lenggeng
Negeri Sembilan
Contact person: Ms. Saadiah Othman, Tel: 019 354 4472
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asequine1/

Note: We are excited that on 18 January 2019, the following 5 Malaysian Homestay Villages had won the coveted ASEAN Tourism Award for ASEAN’s Best Sustainable Tourism Products Recognition for both rural and urban areas. The Malaysian winners in the Homestay category are as follows:

3rd ASEAN Homestay Standard (2019-2021)

1.Pachitan Homestay, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
2.Ba’Kelalan HomestaySarawak
3.Misompuru Homestay, Kudat Sabah
4.Banghuris Homestay, Sepang Selangor
5.Rawa Homestay, Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

10 REASONS WHY TERMINAL KLIA2 IS A TRAVELLER’S DREAM

If you are flying into or out of Terminal klia2 (Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2), you’d be forgiven for thinking that you have landed in a shopping mall rather than an airport. That’s because Terminal klia2, currently the world’s largest terminal serving low-cost carriers, has an airport-within-a-mall concept. Everything about it caters to savvy travellers who are looking for that single-stop facility to get all their needs met upon departure or arrival.

To get your bearings right, note that Terminal klia2 is located about 50 minutes by car from downtown Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. If traveling via the KLIA Ekspress, it is just 33 minutes.  It is situated about 2 km away (or between 4 and 10 minutes away depending on mode of transport) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Terminal klia2 consists of gateway@klia2 Mall, the shopping mall; the Main Terminal building on the landside where the arrival and departure halls are located, along with the check-in counters and security and immigrations; and the airside of the terminal where the departure and arrival gates are located.

Overwhelmed? Don’t be…read on to see our favourite picks of outlets and services within Terminal klia2 that will make your trip here smooth and breezy.

 

NAPPING ZONES

Maybe you are in transit in Malaysia, or your flight back home got delayed. For whatever reasons that you need a place to rest, there are more than a couple of options in the vicinity.

Within gateway@klia2 Mall, Aerotel (myaerotel.com) offers 78 cozy wood-panelled guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms for the solo traveller, the couple or the family, with flexible check-in times. Rooms are between 20 and 34 square metres and start from RM280. Don’t rush it, the airport check-in counters are just 5 minutes’ walk away!

Aerotel: Level 2M, gateway@klia2 Mall, Terminal klia2

Capsule Transit (capsuletransit.com), also within gateway@klia2 Mall, is similar to a backpacker’s hostel where you get to make friends with neighbouring guests. Minimalist in nature, it offers a bed, a shower and luggage storage, too, with “pod” rentals in chunks of 3-, 6- or 12-hour stays, starting at RM89. For solo female travellers, there is a females-only zone for extra privacy.

Capsule Transit: Level 1, Lot 1-5, gateway@klia2 Mall, Terminal klia2

On a layover between flights? Then, Sama-sama Express (samasamaexpress.com) at Terminal klia2’s Satellite Building is the perfect solution. Hotel guests do not need to clear Malaysian Customs and Immigrations if they are on a layover between flights. Comfortable rooms — some with spectacular views of the airport runway – between 17 and 48 sq metres are available for a minimum of 6-hour stays. As a plus, this hotel has been acknowledged as a Green Building for its environmentally-friendly practices!

Sama Sama Express klia2: Level 3, Satellite Building, Terminal klia2

Just want a place to relax and refresh while waiting for your flight home? Escape the buzz of the airport by checking into Wellness Spa (plazapremiumlounge.com) to pamper your body, from head to toe. Their menu of spa services includes massages (for neck, shoulder, back or foot), manicures and pedicures, and hair treatments, along with light refreshments and power showers. The lounge offers private resting areas where you can also catch up on the latest news on TV or some light reading. Weary travelers will find this quiet place a haven to relax while you freshen up and recharge your body.

Wellness Spa: Level 3, International Departure, Terminal klia2

CONNECTED IN MALAYSIA

If you have just arrived into Malaysia and are looking to explore the country with uninterrupted Internet connection, then WIYO (wiyo.my) and Samurai Wifi (samuraiwifi.com.my) are a blessing to you with their pocket wifi rental service. So, if you think international data roaming is expensive, local prepaid cards are troublesome and public wifi is insecure, try out this service by making a booking online at their websites a few days before your arrival into Malaysia then pick-up the device upon arrival at their outlets in Terminal klia2. Promotion rates are available, so check out their websites frequently.

WIYO: Level 2, L2-13, gateway@klia2 Mall, Terminal klia2

Samurai Wifi: Level 2, Lot S2-2-211, gateway@klia2 Mall, Terminal klia2

HEALTHY EATS

When traveling, the last thing you want is to have tummy troubles. Why not go for healthy options to avoid any possible problems?

Eat smart, eat fresh and eat healthy at The Green Market over at the Departure Level, a modern dining setting with Japanese, Korean and Malaysian offerings. Expect ramens, udons, Malaysian noodles, kimchi soups, bibimbap, donburi bowls and bento boxes to savour within an open-plan kitchen where you can see the chefs in action. Complete your meal with fresh, slow-pressed juices to set you up for the rest of the day. Oh, and you will love the charging stations, flight information boards and free wifi provided, too!

The Green Market: Departure Level (Level 3), Public Concourse, Main Terminal Building, Terminal klia2

If you think vegetarian food is boring, you probably haven’t tried the selection at BMS Organics. They’ve established themselves as a café serving healthy, organic vegetarian food since 2007, and currently have more than 20 organic cafes around Malaysia and in China. Their KLIA2 café has about 40 healthy meal options including rice meals, soup noodles, and smoothie bowls. Favourites are the Curry Laksa made with soy milk broth; light and refreshing quinoa salad; and brown rice nasi lemak. The café is located at a quieter part of the terminal where you can eat in peace.

BMS Organics Grab ‘n Go: Level 3, L3-22A, gateway@klia2 Mall, Terminal klia2

LOCAL TASTES

Flying home and can’t get enough of Malaysian food and drinks? There’s plenty of local bites to feast on at Terminal klia2, but check out these local flavours which are popular favourites.

Nyonya Colours offers bite-sized local kuih or sweet treats made from tapioca, yam, sweet potato, mung beans, rice flour, sticky rice, coconut milk, brown sugar, desiccated coconut, and local ingredients that result in rich, sticky treats worth remembering.

Nyonya Colours: Level 3, Lot 34 37, gateway@klia2 Mall, Terminal klia2

At Kluang Station Cafe, you can cherish the nostalgia of olden day train stations while savouring the fusion of Chinese culture and tradition in its Hainanese takes on laksa noodle soup, fried Mee Siam noodles, and nasi lemak, all washed down with a strong cup of Kluang coffee.

Kluang Station Cafe: Level 2, L2-23, gateway@klia Mall, Terminal klia2

Crazy about coffee and want something with a local twist? Kofi Kraze2 uses their own Maxtract process, a gradient-diffused method to optimize the smoothness, aroma and intensity of their premium Cold Brew coffee with unique tropical flavours. Try out coffee in durian, yam, chili, jackfruit or pandan flavours – all typically reminiscent of Malaysia!

Kofi Kraze2 Premium Cold Brew Coffee: Level 3, L3-23, gateway@klia2 Mall, Terminal klia2

 

BOREDOM BUSTER

The next time you are stuck at the airport, head over to World Game Museum to pit your skills against friend or foe in a gaming play-off. There’s a good range of more than 100 games available here from classic games using the Atari console, or lose yourself in modern Virtual Reality dimensions. Family favourite card games for kids of all ages such as Old Maid and Snap, and famous board games like Ticket to Ride, offer an awesome collection for everyone. Overall, a great place to hang out if you’re not into shopping!

World Game Museum: Level 3A, Departure Hall, Main Terminal Building Terminal klia2

SOUVENIRS GALORE

Looking for quality Malaysian souvenirs to bring home? There’s plenty to choose from at Terminal klia2, from chocholates to biscuits, from traditional batik to unique arts and crafts, but let’s give you some cool ideas here…

You will never go wrong with chocolates and over at Fidani Factory (fidani.cc), there are some amazing Malaysian-made chocolates under the brands of Fidani, Danson and Farell’s. Look out for popular local flavours such as Musang King durian chocolates, which is guaranteed to be a huge hit!

Fidani Factory: Level 3, L3-17, gateway@klia2 Mall

Royal Selangor (myroyalselangor.com) pewter products also make great take-home gifts due to their quality and legacy in Malaysian history. The Malaysian Landmarks collection will remind visitors of their holiday in Malaysia and include the Petronas Twin Towers pocket lighter, Sarawak-motif coasters, key chains, photo frames and tankards.

Royal Selangor: S2-3-L18, Departure Hall, Main Terminal Building, Terminal klia2

How about doing a good deed while you shop and support a special group of artists with disabilities? These super talented artists have put their skills to use by producing handpainted shoes and bags. Their handiwork can be seen at Amaze Creative in quirky and colourful designs for sneakers, flats, children’s shoes, ladies’ shoes and handbags. Totally unique and one-of-a-kind gifts!

Amaze Creative: Level 2, L2-77, gateway@klia2, Terminal klia2

EXPLORING MALAYSIA

From Terminal klia2, the rest of Malaysia is easily accessible in a variety of transport modes. The Level 1 of gateway@klia2 Mall is dedicated as the Transportation Hub for Terminal klia2, providing access to public transportation services like taxi, bus, rail and car rental. The Express Rail Link (ERL) Train Services is a high-speed train that connects airline passengers to Kuala Lumpur in 33 minutes.

The ticketing counters for buses and taxis are available at this level. The buses transport passengers to KL Sentral, Bandar Tasik Selatan, One Utama shopping mall, Nilai and Seremban, and to other states like Johor, Melaka and Perak.

Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

THE KAHAANI MALACCA

Stately charm of The Kahaani Malacca

By ROBIN AUGUSTIN | streets@nst.com.my

MAGICAL: A stay at The Kahaani is an experience to treasure

MALACCA: THE Kahaani Malacca gets its name from the Hindi word which means story, but spending a night in the lavish mansion is nothing short of a fairytale.

Formerly an official residence of the Malacca state governor, The Kahaani sits on a 0.6ha of land in Taman Tasik Utama, a mere five minutes from the Ayer Keroh Tol Plaza.

The mansion exudes prestige and class with its massive gates, driveway and lawn. The state’s emblem at the entrance serves as a reminder of the mansion’s past status.

Residence Hotels Resorts took over the reins of management last year and spent three months restoring the mansion to its former glory.

The interior decor of the The Kahaani is a tasteful blend of colonial and Peranakan furnishings, antiques, lighting as well as a red-carpet lined spiral staircase.
The management has also brought in new furniture and bathroom fixtures that compliment the mansion’s character.

The Kahaani has six suites under three categories. Each suite is named after a traditional musical instrument. There is Rebana, Angklung, Serunai and Kenong suites. The creme de la creme is the Nafiri and the Japanese styled Tsuzumi, which have their own living rooms.

The largest of the suites is the Nafiri, in which Bollywood superstar, Datuk Shah Rukh Khan has stayed in.

Aside from the Rebana, the other suites each come with an extra king-sized bed and a hot tub. All rooms are large enough to accommodate up to four persons, with extra beds available upon request.
Inside, the rooms are the epitome of luxury. The sheer size and furnishings of the rooms are astounding and are equipped with high speed wireless Internet, an LED television, Astro and a DVD player.

The hallmark of the Kahaani is its personalised butler service, which explains the omission of a mini-bar, coffee making facilities and ironing board from the rooms.

Like the magical cartoon servants that look after the castle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, operations manager Kamal Mohd Zani and his staff of nine, work around the clock, happily serving guests and ensuring the mansion remains spotless.

“Here, guests get to enjoy a first-class colonial experience. Our butlers pamper guests, doing everything for them,” said Kamal, adding that The Kahaani is the only place in Malacca with a personal butler service.

Dining at the mansion is a privilege exclusive to guests staying at The Kahaani. From breakfast to dinner, all meals are served in sets. There are also colonial styled and Nyonya tea sets featuring cakes, scones, authentic Nyonya kuih and, of course, a selection of fine tea.

The quality of food served is immaculate and the portions are generous. For breakfast, which is complimentary, guests have a choice of either continental or American breakfast sets, complete with a selection of eggs, juice, breads, cereals, sausages and more.

Lunch and dinner is a Western affair complete with an appetiser, soup, main course and dessert.
Local delicacies are also available upon request.

Aside from lunch and dinner, light snacks can also be prepared to satisfy those late-night cravings.
The delectable meals can be enjoyed in the cosy setting of the Nyonya Room, outside by the pool, or common balcony. Guests can even have their meals served to them in the comfort of their suites.

If you manage to resist the urge to stay in bed, then head to the mansion’s stunning pool which is surrounded by a wading area with hydro massage jets, a mini-island and water features.

A popular feature of a colonial mansion is a library. The Kahaani has a spacious library and games room with a selection of books, traditional games like congkak and popular board games for adults and children alike.

There are two function rooms in the mansion. The Batik is a board room styled meeting room, equipped with a projector, laptop and audio-visual facilities.

The Batik can accommodate 10 people and also function as a dining avenue.
The Sutera function room is suitable for small dinners or events to the tune of a 100 guests. It is encased by glass walls, giving guests a great view of the pool.

Naturally, the uniqueness and charm of The Kahaani makes it a popular venue for weddings and private functions, which can be organised on the mansion’s vast lawn.

Guests who wish to enjoy Malacca’s many tourist spots can do so as a limousine service can be arranged. Airport transfers to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Low Cost Carrier Terminal are also available.

Rates at The Kahaani start from RM1,500+ per night, but promotional rates are available.
For reservations, call 06-231 3712 or email reservation@thekahaani.com.

For more details, visit www.thekahaani.com/

Read more: Stately charm of The Kahaani Malacca – Central – New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/stately-charm-of-the-kahaani-malacca-1.333796#ixzz2dnhUhfGI

Categories
Wonderful Malaysia

Introducing Malindo Air: Not Just Low Cost

This month new LCC Malindo Air will commence their flights to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. The new airline is owned by the Malaysian government and with Indonesian LCC LionAir as minority share holder. Flights will depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA and not from LCCT) with four daily flights.

Promotional prices are very competitive and are so far cheaper than similar flights with AirAsia; Malindo’s biggest competitor. Also, with Malindo you get free 15 kg of checked baggage (30kg for business class passengers). Besides that you can carry 7kg of hand luggage on board the plane. In addition; it seems that travelers are also allowed to carry along a golf set and other sports equipment free of charge. Contact their service staff to find out more about this.

Malindo is aiming to expand to numerous destinations outside of Malaysia. Possible new routes are Manila, Bangkok, Hanoi and numerous destinations within Indonesia and China.

Malindo starts off great with their brand new 737-900ER’s. These are top of the bill Boeing air crafts that ensure a pleasant flight. This type of airplane is able to fly all routes within 5,5 hours.

Travelers can book their tickets now at MalindoAir.com. Make sure you act now as you’ll never know when the cheap tickets will expire.

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All Malaysia Info

Bagan Lalang beach

Malaysia’s natural landscape never disappoints, with pleasant surprises for weekend getaways. Bagan Lalang beach offers one of the many convenient attractions for city dwellers to tap into for quick rejuvenation.

Bagan Lalang, Sepang

A view from Golden Palm Tree Villas of the Straits of Malacca in Bagan Lalang, Sepang.

The Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Formula One race circuit are two places often associated with Sepang. But curious visitors taking a 30-minute drive south of the airport will be in for a pleasant surprise when they arrive at the lovely Bagan Lalang beach, a perfect spot for rest and relaxation.

It is a popular spot with locals and offers international travellers a place to refresh themselves if they have a few hours to spare during transit, as they await for the next flight out of Malaysia.

Bagan Lalang is located near the Sungai Pelek town in the Sepang district and was once a quiet fishing village. Today the beach has become a popular holiday retreat.

Visitors can choose to spend a day at the beach, enjoying the sunny weather and calm sea or stay the night at one of the many medium-range chalet type resorts offering sea-front views.

Those who are keen for a bit of luxury can opt to relax at the high-end resort Golden Palm Tree Sea Villas, a project by the Sepang Gold Coast which offers holidaymakers an opportunity to enjoy “floating villas” built in the waters of the Straits of Malacca.

The beach is busy during weekends with families and groups of friends enjoying picnics, kite-flying and even camping along the sandy beach. Bagan Lalang beach is also dotted with a number of hawker stalls and eateries, offering fresh grilled seafood and famous “ikan bakar” for foodies.

Map: Bagan Lalang