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Tourism Malaysia

JATA Tourism Forum & Travel Showcase

The Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Tourism and Travel Showcase organises, in support of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan Tourism Agency, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government – a mega event specializing in the travel and tourism industry.

The annual affair showcases the numerous popular and unexplored destinations in a new light. The event is eagerly awaited by the travel and tourism industry and generates massive interest from visitors and exhibitors alike.

For more information, please visit: http://www.jata-jts.jp

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Tourism Malaysia

Hop On and Off in Kuala Lumpur

August 21, 2011 at 8:00 pm

After having always seen the double decker bus all over Kuala Lumpur, we finally checked out the KL Hop On Hop Off City Tour. This bus tour is not your typical tour, as it allows its passengers to disembark and explore at their own discretion. And the best part is, your ticket is valid for 24 hours or 48 hours, depending on the type of ticket you get. So what does all that mean?

KL Hop On Hop Off

The KL Hop On Hop Off Information Counter is located within the Malaysia Tourism Information Centre (MaTic) building

It means that if you are a visitor to Kuala Lumpur, you get a convenient means of travelling around the city. The tour stops at 22 different locations in the city, all chosen for convenience and tourism in mind. Taking all the locations into consideration, there are over 40 tourist attractions that can be visited during the tour, which is actually a lot of places to visit in one day to be honest. That is probably why a 48 hour ticket comes in handy for most visitors.

KL Hop On Hop Off

The KL Hop On Hop Off Tour bus

What is even more convenient is that passengers can begin their tour at any of the stops. The buses travel in a so called loop, repeating the 22 stops all around the city from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm daily. The first stop in the tour is Malaysia Tourist Centre at Jalan Ampang and the last stop is at Petronas Twin Towers. The tour bus is comfortable, and is actually a very easy and convenient method of sightseeing. The upper deck has wide windows and also a glass roof panel to enable visitors to view the various sights and the entire skyline of Kuala Lumpur. The air conditioned bus offers a welcomed respite to those who are unaccustomed to the tropical climate of Malaysia, and there is an open air deck at the back of some of the buses for those who want to have an unrestricted view of Kuala Lumpur without the hassle of actually walking.

KL Hop On Hop Off

The KL Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour will stop at major tourist destinations all around Kuala Lumpur, like the Kuala Lumpur Tower.

Although the private pre-recording tour guide, which allows visitors to listen to a commentary via earphones in nine different languages, was being upgraded at the time of our visit, there was an English language audio guide playing in the bus for the visitors. While the bus tour maintains a half an hour schedule, delays should be expected because of the traffic jams that Kuala Lumpur is notoriously known for, especially during evenings of workdays, most notably Friday.

KL Hop On Hop Off

The interior of the bus is spacious and comfortable. Tourists who opt to sit in the whole tour around Kuala Lumpur can do so in a comfortable manner.

All in all, we were rather satisfied with Kuala Lumpur KL Hop On Hop Off City Tour. It really is an easy and convienent way to get around Kuala Lumpur without any hassle and worry, especially in having to deal with taxi drivers or getting all weary with walking all around the city. And don’t worry about having to buy your ticket in advance. Just wait for the bus at any of the 22 stops and when one comes along, purchase your ticket from the tour guide, hop onboard, and enjoy your tour!

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Cuisine in Melaka

Taming Sari Guest House @ Kampung Morten

Part 1 Introduction.

An authentic traditional Malay house in an urban heritage village

The front view of No. 134, Kampung Morten, Jalan Tun Ali, Melaka.

The side view of the house with the immaculate grounds.


Urban villages located in town centres can be found in most cities. However, picture perfect villages with well-preserved and maintained buildings, beautiful landscaping and neat layouts are extremely rare. Kampung Morten started out as a Malay village in early 1920s and takes its name after Joseph Frederick  Morten, then Commissioner of Land in Malacca. Over the years, it has evolved into a model village which attracts tourists, both local and foreign, all year round. Strategically located along the historic Melaka River, it is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Melaka. Now, for the very first time, the Melaka State Government is offering tourists a chance to stay in this historic village in an authentic refurbished traditional Malay house. Operated by a government linked company, Taming Sari Sdn Bhd, the house is named Taming Sari Guest House and visitors can be assured of the best amenities, modern facilities and old fashioned furnishings.

A view of the wooden “anjung” or verandah.

The steep wooden staircase leading to the loft. The loft is directly under the zinc roof.

For visitors who have never stayed in a traditional wooden house, the experience can be quite unforgettable. This is because a house built with wood emits “sounds”. It responds to the movement of its inhabitants. For example, when you walk on the wooden verandah, it will creak.  It is also not possible to climb a wooden staircase silently.  Some people may say this is unnerving but others may relish the experience especially when this is an antique building with its own heritage and history.

The view in front of the house. The bridge over the Melaka River is in the foreground.

A closer view of the bridge. Notice the intricate artwork.

The whole package of staying in this house isn’t just the building itself. Kampung Morten is a heritage village and it is a chance to experience first-hand, the living heritage and traditional culture of the Malays in Melaka. The location of the village is also perfect for tourists. Located at the buffer of the core heritage zone (Melaka is a UNESCO World Heritage City), it is literally a stone’s throw from many historic sites and attractions. Visitors can also walk along the Melaka River which is famous for its own history and the iconic Melaka River Cruise. A walk at night is highly recommended as the river is beautifully lighted up. Many quaint cafes, souvenir shops and art galleries can be accessed by a walk along the river promenade.  Within the village itself, the house of one of founders of Kampung Morten, Othman Haji Muhammad Nor, has been converted into a living museum and named Villa Sentosa. The house was built in 1920 and has on display household items, pictures, memorabilia  and furniture which hark back to a bygone era.

Retro iron grills on a window. They don’t make grills like this anymore!

One of the neighbouring houses. Almost all the houses in Kg Morten are well-preserved and in immaculate condition.

So, don’t wait any longer. Seek adventure in Melaka and chart your own travel course.  Coming up in the near future are articles on the history of the house, Kampung Morten and retro photographs. Perhaps even an interview with the original owner.  Also, what to see and do in Melaka when you book a stay at Kampung Morten Taming Sari Guest House.  Stay tuned!

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Tourism Malaysia

Tips on Travelling With Kids

Travelling With Kids

Kids are a blessing, but travelling with them can be a big challenge if you aren’t prepared. It won’t be long before your kids start the ‘are we there yet’ and ‘I’m bored’ mantras. Kids tend to be distracted and restless easily. They constantly need something new to do – whether you are driving down to your holiday destination, or you are flying, or going on a boat, unless you are equipped with many things to keep your children occupied, it might be a stressful trip.

Travelling should be fun for everyone. Besides, nothing teaches you more than travelling does. You learn essential life skills, you learn to appreciate the small things, you learn to be independent and understand different ways of different people. It needs to be a much enjoyed experience for your kids as well. Here are some ideas to help you help your kids:

If you have a very young baby, pack all that you are going to need. Food, bottles, sanitisers, antiseptic, change of clothes, diapers, toys etc. If your baby can only consume a particular kind of food, it is a good idea to carry a generous supply. Don’t rely on your destination for supplies for your baby.

If your kids are a bit older, involve them in the travel plans from the very beginning. Kids love it when you make them feel that they are an absolutely essential part of the planning of the trip. Give them responsibilities. For example, tell them they are in charge of packing the picnic baskets and choosing the music that you are going to play. Also make them in charge of gadgets – cameras, video games etc. When they feel grown up, they will act grown up.

It is a good learning experience, apart from imparting a great deal of confidence in your child, to sit down with a map and trace the path you are going to be taking. If you are going to drive, mark out the spots on the map where you will stop at.

Have enough games that you can play while you drive. Even simple games where you ask your child to count the number of animals you see on the way will keep them interested for a while. Play words games or memory games. When on a plane, carry colouring books, illustrated story books etc.

Having snacks handy can relieve you of a lot of stress. Kids like to munch. Although, remember to keep the sugar intake low – you don’t want your child testing everybody’s patience!

In the end, even if your experience travelling with your kids isn’t very peaceful, it will be worth it as it will be an experience that you will look back on and wish you could relive it.

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Tourism Malaysia

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Hello everyone!

It is such a refreshing experience, coming into 2011! New travel destinations, or undiscovered previously have always been on top of travel destinations throughout the world.

Maybe this year, we’ll discover more of Malaysia’s unique experiences and travel hideaways. Who knows?

If you have any travel suggestions, do drop us a line. We’ll try and write about the place, and share our experiences (the ups or downs).

Till then, have a wonderful year and hope you have many wonderful travel tales in Malaysia!

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