Tag: palm oil

20 Must-Have Souvenirs from Malaysia

Post author By melakatour
Post date September 24, 2019
No Comments on 20 Must-Have Souvenirs from Malaysia

If you are anything like me,
you will look for the MOST interesting, out-of-the-ordinary souvenir from
places you’ve been.

It used to be very
conventional, like postcards, keychains, decorative plates and the like but
these stuff take up space and require some kind of maintenance as years go by.

The novelty of a souvenir has
changed, and it is no longer something that you show off as a statement of
“I’ve been there!” It has evolved into something else, where we want to share
with our loved ones back home a little piece of the adventure, so to speak.

So, here’s my take on some of
the things that you just HAVE to take back with you:

#1 – If
you travel to the state of Melaka,
then look out for the dainty Nyonya beaded
slippers. They may not be the most practical footwear, but then again, they
ARE unique, and quite fancy!

Nyonya Beaded Slippers and Embroidered Kebaya Top

#2 – If
you got yourself that beaded slipper, then you just HAVE to bring back a
traditional kebaya top! The intricately-embroidered tops are a must-have in
any wardrobe.

#3
#4 – If you have a passion for cooking, and are always on
the hunt for that ‘umami’ flavor, bring back some shrimp paste, or belacan,
and if you’re brave enough, cencalok. Cencalok is a condiment made
of fermented small shrimps or krill, and is usually served together with sliced
chillies, finely sliced shallots and lime juice.

Bottom – A stall selling *belacan* and *cencalok*

#5
– Look out also for the sticky coconut
‘cakes’, or dodol, available in a variety of flavours including pandan and durian.

#6 –
Moving further South to Johor, you can visit the herb farm along the way and
get yourself some stingless bee honey
or madu kelulut. Stingless bee honey is twice as nutritious as ordinary honey,
according to the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI).

#7 – A
trip to Johor would be meaningless without bringing back the mandatory 434 Coffee. Malaysian Coffee a.k.a
Kopi-O is special in color, flavor and taste, thanks to its special roasting
technique and recipe that commonly includes margarine and sugar as ingredients.
It has been long enjoyed by the locals and also is popular among coffee lovers
in South East Asia. While the sweet, hot beverage may take some getting used to
for those who are used to taking it black, you will definitely fall in love
with it by the time you sip the last drop.

#8 – If
you travel to the north of the Peninsula, then Penang will be one of the places for the best souvenirs. The
Chowrasta Market will be a good place to start, where you can get nutmeg-based products. More than just a
spice, you can get massage oils, ointments and even candy made from nutmeg.

#9 –
Another product of Penang that is worth bringing home is Tambun biscuits, or Tau
Sar Pneah. This delicacy is a mixture of sweet and savoury, and is flaky
and soft at the same time. Traditionally, it is made from wheat flour, sugar,
green bean paste, fried onions, lard and salt. However, there are many
available in the market which are lard-free to cater for the Muslim market.

#10
– Pickled fruits are also a must-buy
when one visits Penang. It is a popular souvenir especially among Malaysians. Among
the most well-known is from Pak Ali’s,
best known for its distinct aroma and taste. They claim to use apple cider
vinegar and honey in the pickling process, which sets them apart from the rest.

#11
– Also known as the Food Paradise of Malaysia, especially Indian food, you can always
bring back a mix of your favourite spices
so that you can replicate the dish back home. Head to Little India in George Town, and you’ll be
spilt for choice!

Packed dry spices or ready-cooked pastes to bring home

#12
– If you are into White Coffee, then
by all means, buy a pack or two to bring home. For those who don’t know, the
coffee beans used to produce white coffee are not white. Instead, coffee beans
are roasted with palm oil margarine, ground, brewed and served with
sweetened condensed milk. The drink gets its color from the milk that is
used.

If
you are in Kuala Lumpur, or any other major city in Malaysia, the following
suggestions are for you.

#13
– Malaysia batik or songket are also great souvenirs to take home. These
hand-crafted textiles are versatile and can be made into clothing, soft
furnishings and even wall decorations. Malaysian batik differs from others in
the region in terms of design and motif, as well as technique.

#14
– A fan of durian? You may not be
able to bring back the fruit, but there are a whole multitude of products made
from the King of Fruits available in most supermarkets, and packed safe for
your journey home. There’s durian chocolates, cakes and even coffee!

#15
– Believe it or not, instant noodles!
Seriously. The flavours available out there is UNBELIEVABLE! Even if you might
not buy them, it’ll still be nice to walk into a supermarket and browse the
aisle. You will be amazed at the array of choices you have! Locals enjoy curry
flavor, but there’s also a whole array of flavor combinations that might peak
your curiosity.

#16
– BOH tea is one of Cameron
Highland’s product that is worth bringing home, too. BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd is
the largest black tea manufacturer in Malaysia, with both domestic and
international distribution owned by BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd.

#17
– Asian drinks. I kid you not! There
are fizzy and non-fizzy versions, in all imaginable flavours and combinations.
From winter melon to passionfruit, pear and ginseng to watermelon and lychee,
feel free to indulge!

#18
– Another one of the things that will sound weird, but go try (and buy!) 100 Plus. 100 Plus is the first thirst-quenching, isotonic beverage to be
launched in Malaysia in 1983. It is caffeine-free, specially formulated to help
restore what the body has lost during physical exertion and rehydrate the body
to its optimal hydration balance. Its unique formula combines fluids,
carbohydrates and electrolytes for quick and efficient absorption of fluids
into the body.

#19 – Pewter goods are also a favourite among tourists. The best
place to get your pewter items are of course from Royal Selangor Pewter,
located in Kuala Lumpur. Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian pewter
manufacturer and retailer, the largest of its type in the world.

#20
– Adopt and animal! While you cannot
bring the animal home with you, you have at least left a piece of yourself
here, and helped conserve a little bit of Malaysia for our future generations.
A lot of programs are available, and offered, online where you can adopt a
tiger, elephant, turtle, even an orangutan, and receive a certificate and
regular updates on your ‘child’.

Tags beverage, BOH, Cameron Highland, George Town, head, Johor, King, Kuala Lumpur, Little India, Malaysian Coffee, Pak Ali, palm oil, Penang, Royal Selangor Pewter, South East Asia, Tau Sar Pneah, travel, White Coffee

Malaysia Travel Guide

Heritage Trails in the Highland of Sarawak: From Long Semadoh to Ba Kelalan

Post author By melakatour
Post date August 16, 2018
No Comments on Heritage Trails in the Highland of Sarawak: From Long Semadoh to Ba Kelalan

Heritage Trails in the Highland of Sarawak: From Long Semadoh to Ba Kelalan

August 15, 2018

The Long Semadoh region is home to 7 villages, namely Puneng Trusan, Long Telingan, Long Semadoh Rayeh, Long Semadoh Nesab, Long Tanid, Long Beluyu and Long Kerabangan.

Most of the villagers of this region get their income from rice farming, buffalo herding, cow herding and the planting and harvesting of palm oil.

Ba Kelalan is home to the Lun Bawang, Kayan and other ethnicities, with three weekly flights by the 18-seater Twin Otter planes under MASWings, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

DAY 1: The Journey to Long Telingan

The journey to Long Semadoh began in Miri, with a 45 minute flight to Lawas followed by a 2 hour 4WD ride to Long Telingan (one of the longhouses in the Long Semadoh region). On arrival at Long Telingan, the local tour guide gave a short brief on the upcoming trek to the Long Telingan Homestay.

The trek was exciting, leading the group over rivers and onto suspended bridges, through farms and jungle areas.

The first stop along the trek was Batu Narit, a megalith that stood upright with spiral carvings. Though most of the meanings for these stones are lost to time, most agree that the stones commonly mark the achievements and lives of important people from the past, stories of legendary strong men such as Upai Semaring (a ‘giant’ that lived in the Ba Kelalan area) or mythical creatures.

For more information on some of the local legends or a more in depth account of experiences trekking in Ba Kelalan, visit the blog Footsteps on Fringe written by Carolyn Hong.

Along the way, the group stopped at the hiding place of the escaping missionaries during World War II. A temporary plaque was placed to mark the area where the missionaries stayed.

Tapak tempat tinggal C.Hudson isteri Winsome Southwell bersama Geraldine Anderson (isteri kepada Resident Limbang) Dari March-August 1942.

John Wilfinger menyertai mereka sejak mei 1942. August-September mereka bersembunyi di sungai matang. 21^st sept. mereka kembali dalam perjalanan untuk menyertai diri. Atas arahan tentera Jepun.

1 October mereka memulakan perjalanan ke sundar selama 9 hari kemudian dibawa ke Brunei sebagai tahanan rumah sebelum dibawa ke Batu Lintang”

Translation:

“This is was the hiding place of C. Hudson his wife Winsome Southwell together with Geraldine Anderson (wife to the Resident of Limbang) From March – August 1942.

John Wilfinger joined them in May 1942.

August – September, they hid at Sungai Matang. On the 21^st of September, they continued their journey resulting in surrender.

At the order of the Japanese soldiers, on 1^st October they began their 9 day journey to Sundar.

They were later brought to Brunei and kept under house arrest before being brought to Batu Lintang.”

The trek ended as the group arrived at Long Telingan homestay for the night.

DAY 2: Onwards to Ba Kelalan

After leaving the Long Telingan Homestay, the group stopped along the Tagang River at Long Lidung.

The river is so full of fish, one can even try their hand at hand fishing.

Instructions from the Master

First attempt

Success!

The group then traveled by 4WD for two hours on the logging roads to Ba Kelalan. They stopped over Buduk Aru Missionary Bible School and visited the Pendita Meripa and Pendita Ganit memorial. Pendita Meripa and Pendita Ganit in fact the honorable names bestowed upon Reverend Alan Francis Belcher and his wife Reverend Madge Belcher by the locals, two well recognized and loved individuals who spent their days translating the bible to the local Lun Bawang and Lun Dayeh languages.

Before retiring to the Buduk Nur homestay, they stopped at the house of their driver and guide Mr. Robert Agong, where they viewed the creation of the local traditional crafts to be sold. These include the local bead necklaces, belts and sashes, traditional clothes as well as house decorations of the Lun Bawang people.

DAY 3: Farewell

As the group prepared to return to Miri, they contemplated their experiences among the Lun Bawang and Lun Dayeh people.

They remarked on the genuine and warm ‘highlander hospitality’, on the wonder of the stories of Upai Semaring and other mythical warriors as well as the strong bonds between the different Lun Bawang and Lun Dayeh communities in Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan. They did not have the opportunity to attend the Irau Aco Lun Bawang Festival held in June, but were regaled with tales and shown pictures of the joy and fellowship the event brought the local communities.

The journeys over paddy fields, past mountains, across rivers and through rainforests were breathtaking and unlike anything anywhere else; a challenge and a memorable adventure.

Malaysia Travel Guide

Heritage Trails in the Highland of Sarawak: From Long Semadoh to Ba Kelalan

Post author By melakatour
Post date August 16, 2018
No Comments on Heritage Trails in the Highland of Sarawak: From Long Semadoh to Ba Kelalan

Heritage Trails in the Highland of Sarawak: From Long Semadoh to Ba Kelalan

August 15, 2018

The Long Semadoh region is home to 7 villages, namely Puneng Trusan, Long Telingan, Long Semadoh Rayeh, Long Semadoh Nesab, Long Tanid, Long Beluyu and Long Kerabangan.

Most of the villagers of this region get their income from rice farming, buffalo herding, cow herding and the planting and harvesting of palm oil.

Ba Kelalan is home to the Lun Bawang, Kayan and other ethnicities, with three weekly flights by the 18-seater Twin Otter planes under MASWings, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

DAY 1: The Journey to Long Telingan

The trek was exciting, leading the group over rivers and onto suspended bridges, through farms and jungle areas.

For more information on some of the local legends or a more in depth account of experiences trekking in Ba Kelalan, visit the blog Footsteps on Fringe written by Carolyn Hong.

Along the way, the group stopped at the hiding place of the escaping missionaries during World War II. A temporary plaque was placed to mark the area where the missionaries stayed.

Tapak tempat tinggal C.Hudson isteri Winsome Southwell bersama Geraldine Anderson (isteri kepada Resident Limbang) Dari March-August 1942.

John Wilfinger menyertai mereka sejak mei 1942. August-September mereka bersembunyi di sungai matang. 21^st sept. mereka kembali dalam perjalanan untuk menyertai diri. Atas arahan tentera Jepun.

1 October mereka memulakan perjalanan ke sundar selama 9 hari kemudian dibawa ke Brunei sebagai tahanan rumah sebelum dibawa ke Batu Lintang”

Translation:

“This is was the hiding place of C. Hudson his wife Winsome Southwell together with Geraldine Anderson (wife to the Resident of Limbang) From March – August 1942.

John Wilfinger joined them in May 1942.

August – September, they hid at Sungai Matang. On the 21^st of September, they continued their journey resulting in surrender.

At the order of the Japanese soldiers, on 1^st October they began their 9 day journey to Sundar.

They were later brought to Brunei and kept under house arrest before being brought to Batu Lintang.”

The trek ended as the group arrived at Long Telingan homestay for the night.

DAY 2: Onwards to Ba Kelalan

After leaving the Long Telingan Homestay, the group stopped along the Tagang River at Long Lidung.

The river is so full of fish, one can even try their hand at hand fishing.

Instructions from the Master

First attempt

Success!

DAY 3: Farewell

As the group prepared to return to Miri, they contemplated their experiences among the Lun Bawang and Lun Dayeh people.

The journeys over paddy fields, past mountains, across rivers and through rainforests were breathtaking and unlike anything anywhere else; a challenge and a memorable adventure.

Tourism Malaysia

My trip to the Machapking Durian Farm at Machap, Johor.

Post author By melakatour
Post date April 28, 2014

Visited the Machapking Durian Farm (N1.90353 E103.24766) on the end of March 2014. We reached the farm around 10am and met up with the farm owner – Mr Cheng who is a humble, polite and knowledgeable guy. According to Mr Cheng, his farm has about 50 acres, one thousand of durian trees, palm oil trees and many more…
It’s located quite a distance from the main road of the Machap town, and only 4WD is able to drive through. We were riding on Mr Cheng’s 4WD into the farm…

He was explaining all the way since our farm trip started, and he introduced to us the different types of Durian trees one-by-one…

After a while, he stopped the car and let us enjoy the aromatic durian’s flower…that was a great moment during the trip!
The photo below was the very initial stage before the flower…

Before blossom…

The photo above showed that all these will be blossom in the evening around 5-7pm…

And some of them were beautiful with flowers…

After the flowers withered, the branches are going seeding…

The whole area was so beautiful and this was my first time in life surrounded by durian tress and flowers!

Normally the blossom session will be in the evening, and most of the flowers will wither after 6-7am. If you be able to witness during that moment, it’s just like watching a flower rain! I can only visualize the beautiful scene…too bad I can’t be there during the flowers rain…

According to Mr Cheng, sometime they will collect all these flowers and cook for dinner, it’s just like stir fried the vegetables, and it’s delicious! Said Cheng. I would like to taste it too if I have a chance…

We even tasted and drank the nectar, it was really sweet!

Mr Cheng said, basically he only concentrated on the four (4) main species which are : Musangking ???, Machapking, Tek-kah ?? and Kim-Hong ??. Beside that, he also has D24, D78, nai-you-bao ??? (his own creation) and many more…

There are also other fruits in his farm, like Philippines rambutan, mangosteen and many more which I didn’t manage to get the name…

And this…I didn’t get the name of the fruits…

Mr Cheng showed us another hut which produce the ‘enzymes’ which use as the ‘fertilizer’ for all his fruits in the farm.

The water supply for all the trees in the farm is also designed by Mr Cheng himself, once he power on the motor from the water source, the water will goes to all his trees in the farm automatically! Fully automated for the whole fifty (50) acres, amazing!

Mr Cheng visit his farm 3 times a day to monitor and observe the grow of all the fruits, it is become his hobby to take care the trees and the fruits. He ‘generously’ shared with us his past experience since the day one inherited from his father.
We were having a precious lesson on that day and definitely worth the trip! I will be back to the farm again during the ‘golden season’ when all the trees full of fruits, before the harvest season.

His durians will be selling at many area within Johor Bahru, his own stall is at opposite the Daily Point Kopitiam, Tmn Molek. And all his durians will be available start from middle of June till August.

Tags Johor Bahru, Mr Cheng, palm oil, Tmn Molek

Wonderful Malaysia

Overall growth of tourist arrivals Malaysia

Post author By melakatour
Post date September 3, 2012
No Comments on Overall growth of tourist arrivals Malaysia

Malaysia recorded an overall growth of +1.2% tourist arrivals with 9,438,592 tourists for the first five months of 2012 as compared to 9,323,827 for the same period last year, according to the Tourism Minister, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen. ASEAN region still contributed the largest number of tourists to Malaysia with 73.4% of the total arrivals. The positive growth come from Indonesia (+19.3%), Philippines (+41.7%), Vietnam (+35.2%), Myanmar (+6.9%) and Laos (+19.9%). Other notable progressive medium and long haul markets include Saudi Arabia (+50.7%), China (+34.1%), Japan (30.6%), Russia (25.8%), Kazakhstan (25.2%), Denmark (14.4%) and India (+7.8%).

Total receipts by tourists from January to May 2012 rose by +1.9%, generating RM21.8 billion to the country’s revenue as compared to RM21.4 billion in 2011. The tourists’ per capita expenditure for that period is estimated at RM 2,309 an increase of 0.7% as compared to RM 2,294 in 2011.

The minister added that in line with the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 towards achieving 36 million tourist and 168billion in receipts by 2020, it is important for Malaysia to shift its focus on growing yield per tourist rather than to rely heavily on growth in tourist arrivals. “To attract the higher yield segment, we will need to enhance connectivity to key priority markets.” For a start, Tourism Malaysia works to increase flight frequencies to 6 priority countries namely China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan besides developing an air-rights allocation framework to facilitate efficient development of these key routes and others.

One of the most successful programs that have been identified by the Ministry to develop rural based tourism is the Homestay Program. The tourism program recorded a significant increase with 38.4% of occupancy rate compared to 24.9% for the same period last year. A total of 133,689 tourists visited our homestay from January to May 2012 of which 110,322 were domestic tourists and the rest 23,367 were foreigners. This is a 70.7% increase compared to the same period last year where we only received 78,333 tourists. Tourist receipts from homestay program for the first five months of 2012 also proliferated to RM 7,376,446.50 (+53.1%) compared to RM4, 817,158.30 in January to May 2011. Increased spending by these tourists has stimulated the rural economy. The homestay tourism program has encouraged local communities to be a part of rural based tourism whilst maintaining their traditions and identities.

Recognized as one of the National Key Economic Areas, the tourism industry remains as one of the major contributor to Gross National Income, foreign exchange earnings and employment. In 2011, tourism ranked seventh (7th) largest contributor with a GNI total of USD12.3billion and the third (3rd) largest foreign exchange earner after manufacturing and palm oil. The Malaysian tourism industry in 2010 provided 1.8 million jobs (15.9%, share of employment in tourism to total employment). Amongst the 12 Entry Point Projects are duty free shopping, luxury tourism, designating KLCC–Bukit Bintang area as a vibrant shopping precinct, improving business tourism and increasing the supply of 4 5 star hotel rooms, etc.

The percentage on tourist shopping recorded from January to May 2012 shows 32.3% (RM7.04 billion) of the total tourist receipts. This is an increase compared to 30% last year. The covered walkway connecting Bukit Bintang and KLCC completed early this year to facilitate shopping has shown a positive impact.

To attract high yield tourists, we need quality four five star hotel rooms. Currently there are 59,804 four five star hotel rooms available in Malaysia. By 2020, 37,000 additional four five star hotel rooms are required. The Ministry of Tourism targets to increase 3000 four five star hotel rooms in Malaysia as at end 2012. Currently 71% of the target is achieved with 2,123 rooms completed. The government’s liberalization policies and lucrative tax incentives have resulted in domestic and foreign investments on hospitality assets across Malaysia.

Malaysia has premised itself as a world class destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). The Malaysia Convention Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) successfully secured 33 major events throughout January to May 2012, attracting total delegates of 50,770 and generating an estimated economic impact of RM499.9 mil. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Rankings 2011 ranked Kuala Lumpur number 21 in the world and number 5 in Asia Pacific. Malaysia ranked number 29 in the world and number 7 in Asia Pacific.

Domestic tourism is also another important part of Malaysia’s tourism industry. The number of domestic tourists in 2011 increased 15.7% (45,731,000 as compared with 39,539,000 in 2010). In 2011, the spending by domestic tourists was RM27.0 billion, registering a 13.9% increase as against RM23.7 billion spent in 2010. This is the success of the “Cuti Cuti 1Malaysia” Campaign.

In order to grow the tourism industry, efforts have been intensified towards enhancing existing tourism products and developing new, creative and innovative tourism products. This included the “1Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2012?, “1Malaysia International Tourism Exchange 2012?, “1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism 2012? and the recently concluded “1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade 2012?.

The Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Malaysia: Truly Asia’ branding is recognized worldwide and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has ranked Malaysia the ninth most traveled to destination in the world.