Gay & Lesbian Malaysia

My Partner and I are visiting KL and Langkawi in July for our Honeymoon - (we are 2 women).

We were wondering if there are any gay/lesbian bars in KL or Langkawi (Pentai Chenang)? Are there many other lesbians there? Is it gay/lesbian friendly?

Thanks

Gay %26amp; Lesbian Malaysia

Because Malaysia is a muslim country, homosexuality is not openly flaunted or discussed. That said, my gay friends usually hit Frangipani on Changkat Bukit Bintang in KL. There%26#39;re a couple of other pubs but I don%26#39;t remember them. Side note: PDA not encouraged and frowned upon, even between straight couples. As long as you%26#39;re sensitive to your surroundings and the people around you, you%26#39;ll both have a blast!

Gay %26amp; Lesbian Malaysia

HI

to add to Jules excellent post, you will find Langakwi very reserved to gay couples compared to KL. Just be respectful to the muslim country and you will have a great time.

buying a campervan in Kuala Lumpur

I am researching the feasibility of purchasing a campervan in Kuala Lumpur and then taking off around Malaysia and beyond.

Has anyone done it and any advices appreciated.

Thanks.

Chris.

buying a campervan in Kuala Lumpur

I know it has been done before but the vehicle was on a round the world trip. In all our travels, and 3 years of living in Malaysia I never saw one campervan.

We have driven from Malaysia to Thailand in our own vehilce and that can be done easily provided you have the necessary papers..insurance, ownership, rego etc.

We have some pics and stories of our trips here www.bobandjanette.com which may help.

Happy %26amp; safe travels

buying a campervan in Kuala Lumpur

I%26#39;ve never seen a campervan in S E Asia, be it rented or privately owned. Not even sure if they%26#39;re sold here. The biggest non-commercial vehicles we have are MPVs or multi purpose vehicles (those 8 or 10 seater types). Maybe it%26#39;s because accommodation%26#39;s comparatively cheap? Point to note when you%26#39;re thinking of renting a car: you can%26#39;t drive it into Singapore. I%26#39;m not sure about Thailand.

great, thanks for your advice. Good starting point, will have a look at your travels! Cheers.

Mabul Island - Where to stay?

Hi,

Me and my partner are looking for some advice on where to stay on Mabul island. We are planning to spend 4 days there. I want to do a day of diving at Sipadan and spend the rest of time relaxing on the beach and doing some snorkeling. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to stay that is not too expensive?

Thanks for any help

Ash

Mabul Island - Where to stay?

Have a look at sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/鈥?/a>

One way Car Rental KK-->Lahad Datu/Tawau

Hi Everyone

We%26#39;re looking for advise please on car rental in Sabah. We would like to hire a car in KK airport and make our way to Lahud Datu or Tawau and fly back to KK. Does anybody know of any car rental company that will allow us to do this?

Thanks a million

One way Car Rental KK--%26gt;Lahad Datu/Tawau

Hi rebelsafc

Not to worry,many companies providing this service.

Outside the terminal there are many rental counters providing this service.

Hire at KK and drop off at any dedicated airport/destination.

Comfirm with the staffs where to drop off keys after office/working hours???

Normal procedure to hide keys beneath floor mats and lock off all the doors at appointed airport drop off.

Cheers

One way Car Rental KK--%26gt;Lahad Datu/Tawau

Thank you leopang. Would it be better to prebook the car before we arrive in KK or will we wait until we arrive to book it? Would we get a cheaper rate prebooking it?

Thanks again

Hi rebelsafc

You will get better rate at the airport due to intense competition.

Not to worry ,plenty of bargain over the next counters and you can back tracked if other are not cannot match.

Try this method%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;hey!!! your competitor giving better discount and better make of cars%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;you can do better???

Cheers

Hi! We are considering the same, but driving from Sandakan to KK. Would the car hiring be as easy in Sandakan?

makeup hair tips

Sarawak Cultural Village and Permai Rainforest Resort

Hi,

I read that the 2 places are very close to each other. Would like to make it in a day trip.

Intend to visit SCV in the morning.

Qtn 1: Any bundle deal that include the SCV admission and transport to-and-fro the city to Damai?

Qtn 2: what option do I have for lunch in SCV? How%26#39;s the price?

After lunch, proceed to Permai resort, interested to look at the treehouses, enjoy the jungle pool, stream, beach of the Permai resort. (Don%26#39;t intend to stay there)

Qtn 3: is it possible to walk from SCV to the resort? How long would it be?

Qtn 4: I can enter the resort after paying the entrance fees and do those activities I mentioned above?

Sarawak Cultural Village and Permai Rainforest Resort

Q1 - not unless you arrange with a travel agent. There is a shuttle bus from Kuching Hotels. Pay for SCV when you get there - note, it is quite expensive at rm60 (I think) per adult - and I am not sure it is value for money. IMO.

Q2 Food is not so good and very expensive for what you get.

Q3 Don%26#39;t know how far, but to far to walk.

Q3 Check their web site.

Sarawak Cultural Village and Permai Rainforest Resort

Mrslye,

Permai%26#39;s car park is just next to the SCV so yes of course they are close to each other and you can most definitely walk. From the reception counter at Permai, it should only take you 10 minutes to walk to the SCV.

Go in the early morning and walk about the place. Locals pay only half price so the entrance isn%26#39;t too expensive for me (the difference in price is to encourage local Sarawakians to appreciate our own ';backyard'; - because as you know, we all tend to take for granted what%26#39;s in our own state or country - and not necessarily because they want to milk foreign visitors). There are two cultural shows, one at 1130am and another at 2pm. However, be sure to check their website or ring them up to confirm the show times.

You can:

Check in at Permai, rent a cabin for day use (they paid only RM80 or so, for use till 5pm), head to the beach have fun etc etc. Check out at 12pm, walk over to the SCV and explore the sprawling gardens and surroundings and watch the show at 2pm.

You could of course NOT rent a day-use cabin and instead just use the public showers to shower after swimming in the sea etc. If you rent a cabin, you will not have to pay entrance fees. Entrance fees are RM5 per adult and RM1 (or RM3 I don%26#39;t remember!) for children. Senior citizens should get a discount as well so inquire about that.

Lunch - there is a cafeteria in both Permai and SCV. To me, food at Permai is not bad but is too expensive. RM15 for a plate of fried rice and RM5 for a can of Coke. It didn%26#39;t use to be that expensive and we%26#39;d enjoy drinks and some food after fun at the beach but now we almost never eat there anymore because of the cutthroat prices!

Don%26#39;t know about the food quality at the SCV, we only bought drinks there.

After paying the entrance fees at Permai, you can do all that you listed above. You only need to pay extra if you choose to do any of the courses there or if you want to rent a kayak.

share printer on 2 computers

Langkawi Markets

I heard that Langkawi holds markets/night markets at different locations throughout the week. Does anyone know the schedule for where the markets are held or is this something we will easily learn when we arrive on the island?

Thanks

Langkawi Markets

Hi

These markets are more for locals and not really geared for tourists. They sell things like fruit/veg, household stuff and shoes so I hope you are not expecting fake DVD%26#39;s, handbags and tee-shirts!

I enjoy going to the one in Kuah Town which is on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, as I like to sample the food they cook there.

I have a schedule of the different locations but it%26#39;s at home. I will post this later for you unless someone replies in the meantime.

Lesley

Langkawi Markets

Thank you for this. I thought there would be more touristy things to be bought. Nevermind, i will make sure we stock up in KL :)

Hi

Yes, the markets in KL are great. You will be able to buy lots of stuff there.

Lesley

Just in case if you are still interested:

Monday - Jalan Makam Mahsuri Lama (off Ulu Melaka)

Tuesday - Kedawang

Wednesday - Kuah

Thursday - Bohor Tempoyak (off Pantai Cenang)

Friday - Padang Lalang (Near Tanjung Rhu)

Saturday - Kuah

Sunday - Padang Matsirat (1km from Airport)

Daily Tourist Night Market in Chenang

Diagonally opposite Underwater World and directly opposite Papadam Ria Indian Cuisine Restaurant.

Hi Bas

Thanks for that. I have lost my list of market dates.

What is the tourist market in Pantai Cenang like?

Hope you are all ok.

Lesley

Hey Lesley,

No problemo! We are here to help.

We%26#39;re okay with your blessings Lesley.

The one in Chenang is nicer actually. More touristy but nice.

See you soon!

This night market that moves around the island, I have always thought the same thing, much like many tourists that have been. I used to overhear them saying ';what a waste of time';.

Greasy fried food, secondhand shoes (stolen - think mosque), crappy toys from China, second rate veg, Islamic materials and overall nothing of interest to a traveller.

Try Petaling Street while you are in KL. Jalan Petaling.

Give the night market on Langkawi a miss unless you are really stuck for something to do. Boring !

Do not pay just to go there.

I have just come back from Langkawi and we loved the night market in Kuah. It was interesting to sample all the foods - and we fell in love with the ';donats';!!

Thanx. Langkawi is hoping to see you again here...

Putrajaya

Hi guys,

will be coming to Kl in May 09 and looking at staying at the new Pullan Putrajaya Lakeside Resort. Has anyone got any idea how far from KL this is, and if so is it easily accesible. Would like to spend a couple of days in KL and maybe go and relax the resort looks good.

Putrajaya

From KLIA to PutraJaya by KLSentral just 15 minutes only. The fares if i not mistaken only RM10.00.

You can take taxi around Putrajaya Station to around that place.

May is good season to relax at Perhentian Island,Kapas Island,Gemia Island,Redang Island,Lang Tengah Island and Tenggol Island.With clean beach and clear water blue,more fish ,turtle and beautiful coral..you will enjoy the snorkeling and diving trips.

Putrajaya

Putrajaya is the government adminsitrative centre of Malaysia. Its about 30km south of KL city centre. I think most lakes and gardens there are man made. You can take the KLIA transit from WWT building at Precint 7 to KL or a cab using the Putrajaya - KL highway.

Problems of staying in Putrajaya:

Geographical. The pullman is somewhere near Precinct 20/5. That%26#39;s near the convention centre but nothing much around. The train station is at Precinct 7 which is way across the lake

Many taxi drivers do not know how to steer around Putrajaya. You won%26#39;t find taxi drivers around at night or on Friday afternoons. Many KL taxi drivers won';t bring you back there for a meter priced.

The feeder busses around the area are not very reliable. Some don%26#39;t even come by at certain times in the evening.

Nothing much to do at night in Putrajaya, especially near Precinct 5 because everything is closed.

A much better choice is the Shangrila Putrajaya which offers free shuttle services to KL city and the train station. Unless you are on a company conference with all meals included and transport planned, I would not advise you to stay down there. The Shangrila is nearer to the main attractions and the they have better facilities, but you will still face the problems of transportation and getting out of the place.

If you would like a resort styled acommodation in KL city without feeling like you are stuck inside a city, a few nicer hotels like the Carcosa Seri Negara and the Micasa All suites hotel do offer nice rooms, nice gardens and a whole range of other facilities right in the middle of busy KL. Do take a look at the two hotels, and happy planning!

Pullman Putrajaya is located in Precinct 5 very near to the convention centre. (of course you mustn%26#39;t expect it to be something like KL City where there%26#39;s plenty of entertainment, bars etc.) The town is quite a nice town with convenient facilities and you won%26#39;t feel as it you%26#39;re in a desert,kay! Been to the hotel and the hotel is superb. Altough some may not like the hotel being away from City, I personally feel that it is a resort which is away from the City. City is only about 1/2hours drive away from KLCC (twin towers) using the highway. Don%26#39;t worry, most hotels in Putrajaya offers free shuttle to the City for both pick up and drop off. So, you could still get into the city without a hassle.

Enjoy it and let me know if I%26#39;m right when you stay there! Good luck!

Pullman is a beautiful property by a lake. In fact, I%26#39;m planning to stay there for their opening specials, will let you know how it is.

Hi LindyAussie

Transportation from putrajaya to KL is not conveience unless you hire a cab but the taxi here will not use the meter,you will be quoted a ';lump'; for the trip.

To sum it up%26gt;%26gt;not easily accessible from putrajaya to KL.

Not much entertainment at putrajaya .

For relaxation OK,comfined around the resort only.

Cheers

Depends on what you plan to do in KL. Unless you have a car, it is quite inconvenient to get to and from KL, especially at night.

You can considering spending a few nights in a city hotel and then go over to Putrajaya for a night or two just to relax. Even then, I would suggest going to an island beach resort instead.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for our comments. But we will spend 3 days in Kl, then go to Hong Kong, Singapore and return to Putrajaya for 2 days relax before we head home. I%26#39;ll let you all know how it is.

Hi, I have just booked a one-night stay at the Pullman for 8 March, taking advantage of the hotel%26#39;s opening special.

My question has to do with transport - we will fly in on Air Asia (LCCT). From LCCT, do we make a connection to KLIA for the cab service or do we take a cab straightaway at LCCT to Putrajaya?

After the stay at Pullman, we wll go back to KL city centre for a few more nights at the Novotel...

From Putrajaya (assuming that Pullman doesn%26#39;t provide shuttle bus to KL sentral), what is the best way to get to Novotel (which is near the Pavillion Mall)?

Thanks in advance for advice.

Victoria

Singapore

Victoria,

There%26#39;s a taxi service (prepaid) at the LCCT. As Pullman will be very new, do print out their map available on their website so that the taxi driver knows where it is.

Not sure if Pullman provides shuttle service to their sister property in KL, else you have to take a taxi to Novotel KL. Ask the concierge.

Thanks, RioJ for quick response!

I just had dinner tonight with a friend who spoke of her experience for a very long wait for a cab at LCCT. I forgot to ask her how recent was that experience.

When you said ';prepaid';, did you mean what they normally do for getting a cab at KLIA? Go to a counter, pay and get a ticket and then wait outside?

I have been to KL many many times on SIA or M%26#39;sian airlines but it%26#39;s my first time travelling on Air Asia and a budget airline, so I am not very sure...

Do you know how long will it take for us to reach the Pullman by cab?

Many thanks!

Victoria

Kota Bahru - Good Hotel to stay?

Hi. Am planning a family holiday to Kota Bahru sometime in June%26#39;06. Looking for a good hotel located close to town area. Have been recommended Renaissance and Perdana hotels. Any comments or feedback much appreciated. We%26#39;re 4 adults and 2 children travelling.

Cheers.

Kota Bahru - Good Hotel to stay?

Really need help on this! Now we%26#39;re considering to stay at the beach, PCB. There%26#39;s either Perdana Beach or PCB Resort? Any comments on either is much appreciated!

Thanks..

Kota Bahru - Good Hotel to stay?

perdana hotel is under renovation

renaissance hotel is not close to the town -- it is about 2-3 minutes drive to the town. a good hotel i can suggest is flora place, ridel hotel.

or just try a guesthouse in the town

http://www.atoqa.com

http://www.dikelantan.com

Hi,

I recomment you to stay at Pasir Belanda Resort. Please view this website, www.kampungstay.com

There are a lot of tourist stay there. Not far from Kota Bharu. You can experince Authentic Malay Life.

It%26#39;s conducted by couple of Dutch. I guarantee your family will enjoy if you stay there.

bukit bintang hotel

Hi i%26#39;m going to visit kuala lumpur this coming april for 6 days.

Can anybody help me to narrow down my options for the strategic hotel in bukit bintang, which is close to the shopping area and restaurants, with just a walking distance. What we need is the 4 or 5 star hotels. Need the clean hotel with good service since I bring along my family.

Thank you so much.

bukit bintang hotel

whats your budget? how many people, how many rooms, how much per room?

bukit bintang hotel

If you are looking for 4/5star hotels in Bukit Bintang area:

Westin / Ritz-Carlton / JW Marriott / Grand Millenium / Park Royal / Royal Bintang / Melia / Coronade / Berjaya Times Square / Capitol / Dorsett Regency / Federal are well located.

I will need 2 rooms there will be 2 adults and 1 child in each room. My budget will be from 300 to 400 ringgit.

I check on the website, the location of the federal hotel, it seems to be nice, surrounded by the shopping centre and food centre, but it%26#39;s only 3 star hotel. What%26#39;s the 4 or 5 stars hotel more or less the same with this federal hotel in terms of the surroundings?

thank you so much.

btw the budget is for each room, 300 to 400 ringgit.

thank you

Book early; its only a month away. Try the Crowne Plaza Mutiara and hotel Istana. Both are close to the Pavilion Mall and you just need to walk across the mall to get to the the main Jalan Bukit Bintang. Both 5 stars and going for under RM 350:

Crowne Plaza:

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298570-d536312鈥?/a>

www.marimari.com/asp/malaysia/rate.asp鈥?/a>

Hotel Istana:

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298570-d301004鈥?/a>

www.marimari.com/asp/malaysia/rate.asp鈥?/a>

Both are in front of the Raja Chulan Mrt, both hotels have been renovated (the Istana most recent). Istana has got larger rooms than the CP. Hope it helps!

ty global traveller, i%26#39;ll check both hotels.

i think you can try berjaya times square, a five stars hotel. highly recommended. below is the shopping center and there are many neighbouring shopping centers too. it also has its very own indoor theme park, so u can bring your family there. very convenient as in front of the hotel/shopping center is a monorail station.

but i am not sure what is the price like :P, all i know is that when i book it, it is so much cheaper than other five star hotels. reasonable price.

stayed there in 2006, was not disappointed - even though shopping at berjaya times square was quite boring as most shops were not open (upper levels). but the neighbouring shopping centers will make up for it. will be travelling to KL again and will be staying at the exact same hotel again. :)

hi. the federal is nice. pool area v. pretty. royal bintang has a lovely garden and pool but we got ripped off for 拢140 charged to our credit card after we left. took 3 months to get it back. also the concierge was ripping off american tourists by privately changing money and telling them the money exchangers were closed. needless to say they wern%26#39;t and the rate he offered was crap. we asked him to get us a taxi and he phoned a friend with no taxi licence. beware!

hi thanks for the suggestions.

I browse the map from asia travel, the location of federal hotel is quite good, i like it.

What are other hotels along the road of this federal, i know there is capitol, what else, anybody know? i want the 4/5 star hotels, i read the bad experiences from federal, i won%26#39;t stay there.

thanks lot

My honest opinion: every hotel listed on TA has bad reviews; be it a 5 star or 1 star hotel. There is no hotel with ONLY good reviews.

Its not very realistic to contain your choice of hotel to ONE ROAD; Bukit Bintang is no doubt a nice shopping area; but a horrible place to catch a cab, to get into and to get out of. Unless you only want to walk from the hotel to the shops outside? Else, get ready to be stuck in traffic and meet horrible taxi drivers.

Federal is OK from the location; but the rooms are pretty small and old; much like these hotels along that area, many hotels need refurbishment.

I myself; have stayed in many hotels in KL and after years of experience with bad taxi drivers and traffic jams; Jalan Bukit Bintang or anywhere along the stretch of Prince Hotel to Pudu Prison/Puduraya is probably not the most practical place to stay along mainly because of the bad traffic, traffic humes, mental motorcyclists, really terrible taxi drivers, (even if you get one with a meter its going to cost much more because of the traffic jams). I had a very good experience staying at the Istana and CP which was right outside that busy area, thank goodness, and a even better experience with coupon cabs/nice lake and garden views/good pool facing the forests at the Hilton and Le Meridien.

Have fun choosing; and btw; the rooms at the Istana were renovated in mid-2008; the rooms at CP early 2005, just in case you read a bad review dating back these dates.

Buying Cheap Clothes - Tshirts etc

Hi

I am going to KL and Langkawi in July, was hoping to buy most of our holiday clothes there. We are in KL first, is it better to buy them there or are they just as available in Langkawi?

Thanks

Buying Cheap Clothes - Tshirts etc

Hi

I think you are in for a couple of shocks!

If you are over a female UK size 8 or 10 with curves, then don%26#39;t bother - you will need to take your clothes with you. Not many shops cope with the western shape and size, and only have small petite asian women in mind with their stock. Males have a bit easier, but Ls and XL etc have less choice.

There are no cheap clothes in Malaysia at the moment. With around 5ringitt to the pound you will find things actually quite expensive. When we were getting 6.3-7myr to the pound things where much cheaper than the UK, but you will find it is not the case now. OK you may well find some cheap tat, but no decent stuff.

Langkawi only has a couple of small malls, so not much choice. Ok, its a duty free island, but thats on the cigerettes and alcohol in the duty free shops, not in the hotels and restaurants. You will find sarongs etc but otherwise the selection of %26#39;holiday clothes%26#39; is limited for the western woman. Limited choice in the shops compare to KL.

Places like Chinatown / Petaling Street and the lower end of Bukit Bintang do have the replica goods, but the good stuff costs more. Shops like FOS (like our TJ Hughes or TK Maxx) do have some western sizes and are resonably cheap - bought a pair of cut off for ￡5. We like Sungai Wang Plaza for its choice and resaonbly priced shops. But the prestigious malls will have you reelling!! British India sells western sizes, but the prices!

I would stock up with your clothes at home from TK Maxx, TJ Hughes or QD, Poundwise shops, and forgot the buy cheap clothes in Malaysia.

Shop for other stuff rather than clothes.

Buying Cheap Clothes - Tshirts etc

Hi, it depends on what kind of clothes you want to buy. I find that some things are cheaper than in the UK, some are about the same price. If you are looking for PROPER clothes that won%26#39;t fade after one washing and tear after one night at the disco, I would seriously avoid Sungei Wang Plaza and Jalan petaling. Most stuff there are made of bad quality jersey and thin polyester. Try heading to the KLCC suria mall. They have quite a number of fashion retail shops there like TopShop, Zara, Esprit etc. I have seen many ';curvy'; girls walking into the TopShop in and out again with large bags; so I don%26#39;t think its much of a problem there. T-shirts are pretty cheap everywhere; head to local stores like Isetan and Parkson or Metrojaya for cheaper unbranded but OK quality stuff. The Pavilion has quite a number of fashion stores are well; but they are mostly branded like Dorothy Perkins, Adidas, Billabong etc. Shops like Bata, Nine West (you%26#39;ll find them in KLCC and Pavilion as wel) sells cheap but good flip flops, sandals and shoes. If you are looking for ethnic clothing/sandals with lots of beads and sequins, head to the Central Market or Jalan Masjid India for ethnic stuff. KL has definitely more choices than Langkawi. Happy shopping!

makeup hair tips

make a video smaller

Duty free/sim card at LCCT, Concorde vs. Crown Regency

Hi!

Need some tips from the experts in this forum -

1) I will be arriving in KL by Air Asia at LCCT. Is there any duty free shop at LCCT (both at arrival and departure lounges)?

2) Can I buy a malaysian sim card at LCCT when I arrive at 11.00 pm?

3) Which would be a better place to stay - Concorde at KLCC or Crown Regency suites in terms of -

a) Access to KLCC malls and nightlife

b) Hotel friendliness if I end up in picking a female friend from a nightclub

c) Commuting to Sepang circuit for formula 1 races

4) Will there be sale going on during 1st-5th April at the malls?

5) Is there any place to buy discounted formula 1 merchandise?

Duty free/sim card at LCCT, Concorde vs. Crown Regency

1) Yes, but the duty free shops are pretty crappy and they sell cheap stuff; not the usual high-end brands and there are only 2-3 shops, as far as I remembered.

2) Most probably at the supermarket at LCCT. If not, you can just hop down to KLCC suria mall the next day and get a phone card (they open at 10am)

3) Both are very close to each other, maybe 100m apart?

a)Both are close to KLCC mall, the CR is closer by 100m. The CR is right between Beach Bar and Modestos. Both are popular hangouts for SPGs or Sarong Party Girls, esp the Beach bar.

The Concorde is right next to the Hard Rock Cafe, which has pretty good burgers. Also a very popular hangout for SPGs.

b) No idea what you mean with hotel friendliness; but don%26#39;t expect the bellboy to smile and be friendly when they see a indecently dressed drunkard lady or guest coming in. They will probably try to get you out of sight from the other guests as soon as possible; but its none of their business who you bring to your room as long as the bills are paid.

c) Both are the same, I presume you will take the mrt to KL Sentral then the KLIA Express or KLIA transit to KLIA and the shuttle bus. Concorde is right in front of the Bukit Nanas Station which goes directly to KL Sentral.

4) Currently a GrandPrix going on till 11th april.

5) Sorry, I can%26#39;t help.

Concorde and CP are both pretty old. Maybe the CP has the advantage because the rooms are much larger and some have good views of the twin towers; whereas the Deluxe rooms at the concorde are really small and all the rooms either face the mrt line or the forest.

Duty free/sim card at LCCT, Concorde vs. Crown Regency

I feel I%26#39;m going to regret this but I have to ask (I%26#39;ve done a quick forum search and can%26#39;t spot an easy answer) ... SPGs?

We%26#39;re staying in the Concorde for the specific reason that it has forest views, but would like to know an SPG should I spot one - my goodness, I might even be one and not know it!

Thanks a lot, Global Traveller. Really appreciate the help.

A Sarong Party Girl, is a local girl who is attracted to a white-man.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarong_party_girl

You wrote Sri Lanka, not sure if you are white...if not...bad luck.

Hi, on item (5),yes,on board Air Asia,if you are Williams fan.

then at departure hall of LCCT,also F1 merchandise.

yes, there are duty free shop,selling typical cigarettes, chocolates, liquor in LCCT;though for liquor,selection is limited.both available at arrival and departure lounges.

Yes, there is a convenience store in LCCT to get the phone SIM card- there are three main cellular operators- maxis(hotlink), celcom(Xpax) and Digi.

as for item(3)-as advised precisely by earlier threads.Hope you really pick up a female friend-the third gender is also popular around this area.

With present global economic contractions, there will be sales-presently a lot of retails shops are having sales now.

As for commuting to Sepang for F1,both locality provides easy access onto the monorail to KL Sentral,then the ERL transit to KLIA,then free shuttle bus to the circuit.

colors, you are welcomed! But as maic and mkiara mentioned (they certainly know lots about this area!); be careful who you ';pick-up';; there are plenty of Ah Kuas or tranvestites around the beach bar; and they do look pretty convincingly lady-like.

Pandachris, no worries there; but the rooms at the Concorde are pretty old and worn down. You might see a few pretty things tagging along with 60 plus balding old western men in the lobby and along the corridors; but that%26#39;s the closest you will get to the ';action';, have fun in KL everyone and happy planning!

Well I%26#39;m not an SPG, by any stretch of the imagination. I%26#39;m a bit short of 60 but I%26#39;ll be travelling with my own ';action'; so won%26#39;t have cause to embarrass myself.

I%26#39;ll add that to my list of SPG expansions, allong with Self-propelled Gun and Special Patrol Group.

As long as Concorde is reasonably clean, then we%26#39;ll be happy. Hotels are not one of our reasons for travelling, they%26#39;re just there to assist with the real stuff. I%26#39;ll be in Bukit Nanas park with my binoculars about 5 minutes before sunrise to see if I can find 20 new bird species before breakfast.

*Starwood Preferred Guest* People ask me for my SPG CARD when I dine at the hotels and check in with them.

have you tried the Bird Park in KL?? Those poor creatures have a higher chance of a longer life inside cages than outside in the city!

Heheh.

I don%26#39;t really %26#39;do%26#39; zoos and the like. I can be convinced of the conservation value of certain establishments or indeed the value of other organisations, such as those that rescue and care for donkeys, orang utans etc. but I have little interest in seeing wild creatures in captivity.

From what I%26#39;m told the birds in the Bukit Nanas park do pretty well. I%26#39;ve never done any serious birding in a major city in the tropics before, so it could be quite an experience.

Hi all!

This is fun! I never knew SPG has such a wide range of meaning. So I went to wiki and here are some more Submersible Pressure Gauge, Special Protection Group (the organization responsible for protecting the Prime Minister of India and the Prime Minister%26#39;s family), Service Provider Gateway (a provisioning gateway in a telecoms network), Slumber Party Girls, Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (a missionary society of the Church of England, from 1701 to present), State Protection Group (a unit of the New South Wales Police Force) ..... guys do you need more?

Anyways, back to my point 3 -

Maic - I am not white, so what happens next? Does it mean I am likely to get negative responses from all SPGs?

mKiara - Thanks for the info. Good to know I can get a sim card at LCCT. Hope they remain open at 11 pm!

Global Traveller - Thanks for the wishes. Seems like I will need plenty of them for my mission since you have already warned me of Ah Kuas! Any suggestions/tips in this regard are welcome.

Need some more help -

a) I already booked myself at Novotel for 1st-3rd April. Got an Executive room at RM 150/night in their ';1 million room sale';. What are ';must do';-s around the hotel (including SPG options!!!)?

b) I am now looking for hotel for 3 nights from 3rd to 6th April. I found a deal at Istana hotel at RM 330/night. How is the hotel location and comfort wise? Also there is a deal at Sheraton Imperial which is arouns RM 430/night. Though its expensive, I heard its one of the nicest hotel? Any views?

c) Any other suggestion for a good hotel at a decent price if I want to be around the SPG hotspots? Feel free to share your views.

Lastly, this forum is cool. And guys I really appreciate your time and excellent feedbacks. Lets keep it this way!

Cheers

Sukau B&B?

Hello,

I read about the Sukau B%26amp;B in Lonely Planet - have you been there, and if so, how does it compare to other accommodation in the area in terms of quality and price? LP quotes the price at RM 20pp, which seems like exceptionally good value.

Many thanks for your advice!

Sukau B%26amp;B?

Sukau B%26amp;B is a family-run place. Very basic facilties but still not maintained well enough. Not much food is available for visitors. Cheap, but I would pay a little more for better facilities.

Ever been to Balung River Eco Resort?

Somewhere near Tawau, Sabah. Can%26#39;t get good information about this plantation, resort. Would be great with some help./J

Sandakan Prison Camp Memorial – How do I get there?

Hi, Do anyone know how I get there? How much is a taxi?

If it waits an hour and a half?

How far away is it from Sandakan? Can we take at bus back to town? Entrance fee? Best Regards. /J

Mutiara Inter-Continental

Any idea when this place is supposed to opend for business, as we used to love it during the Mandarin Singapore days??

Mutiara Inter-Continental

Mandarin and Intercontinental are the same group?

As Travellingmitch says, it will open when it opens..;p

Mutiara Inter-Continental

Not sure the purpose of the previous post since its very obvious the poster has absolutely no knowledge on the subject.

I believe the OP is refering to the former Mutiara Beach Resort in Penang which was managed by the same group as the Mandarin Singapore (now known as Meritus Mandarin).

The resort was closed for quite a while before renovations commenced and is supposed to be rebranded as an Inter Continental resort when it reopens. However midway during the refurbishments the owner of the property wanted to convert some rooms to apartments for sale. If I am not wrong they changed their mind again later on and scrapped the plans for apartments altogether. Hence the longer than expected delays, dont expect it to reopen anytime soon ...

The Mutiara Penang has been closed for Years! They say its closed for ';refurbishment';; but the hotel is just standing there, no refurbishment activity at sight; so I guess, you might have to wait several more years.

odp.net charakterset

Royal Johor Palace in KL, what place is that?

On Jalan Changkat Kia Peng. I see a building here on the map,

but can´t get any info about this place. Anyone been there? Old building? Interresting place, architecture? Nice suroundings? Can I come inside? Just curious. /J

Royal Johor Palace in KL, what place is that?

Hi

think you will find it is a Government Building, and not on the tourist trail, hence why no information out there.

Royal Johor Palace in KL, what place is that?

Thank you TravellingMitch. I will try to look it up when I come to KL. /J

makeup hair tips

orangutans

We are thinking of visiting one of the orangutan sanctuaries, can anyone recommend one and where would be the best place to stay so we could visit easily any hotel recomendations would be helpful

thx

orangutans

HI

Visit the Santuary at the Shangri-la Rasa Ria hotel, very easy and much cheaper than travelling to Sepilok.

RFI Chalets at Kuala Selangor

Hi

We%26#39;re planning two or three nights at Kuala Selangor, mostly for bird and wildlife watching.

Have any forum contributors stayed in the chalets as described here ...

journeymalaysia.com/citykselangornaturepark.… ?

If so, what can we expect viz toilet/bathroom facilities? As I read it, each chalet has its own. Is that the case?

We%26#39;re not hugely fussy about luxury accommodation and have stayed in chalets, grass huts, tents etc. in several parts of the tropics, but we like to know what to expect. If it%26#39;s a cold shower open to the sky, that%26#39;s fine as long as it%26#39;s not an unpleasant surprise :)

RFI Chalets at Kuala Selangor

The park has its own cheap accomodation but it is very basic. The chalets are simple wooden houses, very basic and not flash.

I have not stayed in the chalets itself, just taken a look from the outside but what was told to me is that the chalets have electric lights and ceiling fan but no power points. There is a simple bathroom attached with only cold water (and cold shower). No toiletries, paper or towels are provided.

You are likely to find insects inside despite some screening so a mosquito net is recommended. Also due to the humidity, everything tends to get a bit damp without air conditioning. You may find some small lizards (called ';Cicak';) sharing the accomodation, as they can get in easily.

If you are used to camping and the great outdoors, you should have not too much problems with the chalet.

RFI Chalets at Kuala Selangor

Thanks Jadramos

I like the sound of the cicaks. They%26#39;ll keep the bugs down.

Any idea how much we%26#39;d have to pay for a mosquito net and a towel or two each? We wouldn%26#39;t bring them with us but will have a car so can easily purchase them in KL or on the drive down.

KL to Genting and Shopping in KL

Hi all,

May friends and I would be going to Genting and KL in a few days time. Would like to check is there any transport from KL to Genting? Cause from what I know there is a free transport to Genting, however the last bus leaves all pickup points at 7pm. We would like to stay in KL longer before we proceed back to Genting.

And if there is no buses up to Genting and we were to take a taxi from KL, how much would it cost?

Please also advise whether we should make a trip to midvalley megamall or 1 Utama. I know they are quite a distance from KL central and maybe not very accessible. Are the shops there very similar to those at Bukit Bintang. Or should we just shop at Bukit Bintang area.

Please advise. Thank you very much. All your help is very much appreciated. :)

KL to Genting and Shopping in KL

There is no such thing as free things in this world.

The journey to Genting (all the way up there is going to take 1.5 hours). The outdoor theme park closes at 7-8; so why stay in KL longer before going? I would go there earlier and come back earlier because most shops and malls in kl are open til 10pm. The buses depart every hour from many many stations in KL; please look here for a schedule and pricing.

genting.com.my/en/鈥xpress_bus.htm

Taxi might cost up to RM 200-300 depending on taxi driver. Fixed price is usually RM 120 but only if you buy a coupon from KL Sentral and get the cab from there.

Midvalley is ONE Train stop away from KL Sentral. There is no need to go there because all the shops there are almost the similar to shops in BB, KLCC and Pavilion. Midvalley, 1U and the Curve are slightly different in terms that there are mostly locals there, more freshfood choices; all taxi drivers I%26#39;ve met there willingly use the meter without even asking; but most retail outlets are pretty similar to the ones in the city.

Hope it helps and happy planning!

KL to Genting and Shopping in KL

hi there,

thanks so much for your help. will redo the itinerary again. :)

Abduls chalets

Hi can anyone tell me if the beach infront of Abduls is coral strewn ?

Abduls chalets

Hi,

yes, Abdul chalet is near with coral site...

There are many other sites too.

Bye!

Abduls chalets

Hi sizuka thanks for your reply, is there much dead coral on the sand?

Hi,

I%26#39;m not sure about that. In my experince 2 days last 2 week ago, I didn%26#39;t found any dead coral on the sand.

I%26#39;m so happy spend 2 days at Perhentian Besar and i wonder if I go there again I want to do snorkeling because until now I still dont have enoungh time to do snorkeling. :)

Hope you will do snorkeling if you have go there!

Hi again, we shall certainly be snorkelling when we are on the perhentians and again when we move down to kapas island

hair gel

Japamala

Hi,

I麓m planning a stay, during next August, in Tioman at Japamala Resort.

Are there any excursion really good?

How is the snorkelling?

Can anyone help me about the costs of meals and drinks?

Any suggestions???

Thanks

Japamala

Hi,

The snorkeling is great. When the sea is in, because of the rocky beach, you will get different fishes close to the beach. I am not very good swimmer but I managed to snorkl there.

We didn%26#39;t do any excursions as they were quite pricy and we wanted to relax for the 5 days we were there.

Our final bill came to around 1200 ringitts (for 5 nights), that included all dinners, couple of cocktails (we are not big drinkers), all other non alkoholic drinks and coffees and one massage.

Japamala

Thanks

Best Beach in the region or Malaysia?

Have you experienced a beautiful beach with clean blue water in Malaysia. We were just about to book Rebat Island Resort and I read a review that said the water was ';alright'; but ';garbage'; floated in.

Help...we are in a hurry to get booked!!

Best Beach in the region or Malaysia?

Redang and Perhentian Islands are probably the best beaches along Peninsula Malaysia.

Best Beach in the region or Malaysia?

Hi there,

I love beaches in Malaysia, and Langkawi always be my top 10 place to go because of the accomodation, activities and things to do for tourist however the beaches are not good compare in the east coast.

I would suggest redang island, its only small little island and very quiet, We spend there about a weeks and feel to long, maybe 5 nights would be enough. Have a look on this web

http://www.berjayaresorts.com/ and select berjaya redang beach resorts.

Have a good trip

Side note to those beautiful islands off Peninsula or West Malaysia: they%26#39;re closed annually between 1 Nov to about mid March.

makeup hair tips

Batang Ai to Miri by road

After staying in Batang Ai, we want to go to Miri by car.

Itinerary:

from Batang Ai ( 3 nights) to Sibu (1 night )

from Sibu to Similajau NP ( 2 nights)

from Similajau to Niah ( 2 nights)

from Niah to Lambir ( 1 night)

and then to Miri ( 1 night)

then we fly to Kota Kinabalu and spend 2 weeks in Sabah.

We are not sure, if it%26#39;s worth to go by car from Batang Ai to Sibu or better to fly from Kuching to Sibu. But we think its the same distance going to Kuching or Sibu. What can we expect from the landscape and so on?

Has anybody experience with the accomodation in Similajau NP or is it better to stay in Bintulu?

And what about the accomodation in Niah NP. Are there also double- rooms for 2 persons only ?

Can anybody suggest a freelance guide for this tour?

Thanks Lili

Batang Ai to Miri by road

Sibu is a town to pass thru as quickly as possible.

Better fly Kuching to Bintulu - a nice town with very few tourists. Stay in town - I don%26#39;t think there is any accommodation in Similajau NP (maybe, there is now?) - maybe, camp on the beach? No services here last time I checked.

Have to go from Bintulu to Niah

Niah to Lambir - you may have to go via Miri.

DO NOT DRIVE - roads are bad, driving terrible and not much to see.

if you must use the road - get a bus/coach/mini van.

You don%26#39;t need a guide - it is so very easy to do it all your self.

PM me with u%26#39;r email addy - I will give you lots of info.

Batang Ai to Miri by road

Lili,

Kuching to Batang Ai is about 4 hours and Batang Ai to Sibu is another 4. Contrary to what some may tell you, YES you can self-drive! The trunk road is good and fully tarred all the way and you shouldn%26#39;t have much problems if you choose to self-drive in a rental.

Rentals are cheap, especially if you pick up your car from Hertz through Air Asia%26#39;s website (click on GoCar) as there is currently an East Malaysia-only promotion going on.

The road from Kuching to Serian is a wide dual carriage-way (2 lanes each way) and is a comfortable journey. When you get to Serian the road to Batang Ai is variable, when it passes through villages it narrows into one lane each way. At certain stretches, the road will widen into four lanes especially at slopes to allow for slow heavy vehicles to take the outer lane and for cars to overtake them.

Along the way there are road signs indicating interesting attractions but I have never stopped at any of those attractions. I just drove at an average of 100km/h and got from Kuching to Sibu in 6.5 hours (normal driving takes 8 hours - go slow, say 80km/h - don%26#39;t do what I did, I was lucky to speed through with no problems!).

You will NOT miss the Batang Ai turning, it is clearly indicated and very obvious.

From Batang Ai, drive on to Sibu. You will see longhouses along the way. I suppose you could even drop by one although you do need to request permission before entering one. Many of the longhouses are not as ';authentic'; anymore however, because people are more afluent now and some longhouses have been rebuilt with concrete. Some are even dual storeys with tinted glasses, AC and satellite dishes dotting the rooftops. I took some pictures but they are crappy camera phone pics not worth posting.

You will get then have the opportunity to drive to Bintangor and Serikei just before Sibu. These are small riverside towns and I am not sure what would be interesting to you here. I suppose you could drop by for some food or something. We only ever go to Serikei to buy dried seafood. There is a nice park along the way just outside of Serikei.

From Serikei, it is just an hour to Sibu. You will pass through a toll bridge just before entering Sibu. The toll is RM5 if I remember correctly. After this bridge, just drive on and you will be right in the town center. Many hotels to choose from here.

Mobile phone reception is clear and good all the way from Kuching to Sibu so pick up a local number/SIM card (it has to be registered to be activated) when you arrive in Kuching.

Now, about Sibu... I suppose everyone%26#39;s perception of a place is different. I find both Sibu and Bintulu to be VERY boring. You may find them differently. I love the food in Sibu however, there are many places to eat at and very good food too (Sarawak has very good food anyway). If Kuching is famous for its Kolo Mee (handmade noodles) and Sarawak Laksa, Sibu is famous for its Mee Sua and Kampua (fine noodles and handmade noodles respectively).

From Sibu, it takes about 3-4 hours to Bintulu by car. Again the road is fine and you can self drive.

Bintulu to me is a dead boring town with nothing to do. There is a bird park by the sea and a stretch of beach and little else to do except to drive to the Similajau National Park about 40 minutes from town. It%26#39;s a nice, small national park, check here for more info:

…sarawak.gov.my/forweb/np/np/similaj.htm

You can find local guides in all the towns you go to or are you referring to one who would go with you the entire Sarawak leg? If you need a guide to explain things to you or to provide info about local history and culture, you could inquire with the Sarawak Tourism office when you%26#39;re in Kuching. When I visited the interiors of Sarawak, friends took us and the locals served as our guide. It is a lot of fun to visit places like Kapit and Song. Life is so very different there compared to the bigger cities. But perhaps next time?

Have fun!

Hallo mysarawak

thank you very much for your detailed description.

We dont want to drive by ourselves, we want to take a driver and a guide.

We are thingking about Song and Kapit . You would recommend to go there by boat from Sibu? Which other places do you suggest to visit in Sarawak. We have only booked our hotel in Kuching (last time we visited Bako NP)and than we have 10 days time to explore Sarawak. We are older people and we dont want to go trecking und we dont like basic accomodations.

Computer Systems used to manage hotel reservations

Hi I am a student in a local college here in Penang and I am in my final year which means I have to complete a thesis. I am task to create/code a mock hotel management software system. Is there anyway i could know what are the most common computer system used in the hotels around Penang? I have to create a mock survey and I need to list down the available software used in a particular hotel.

I hope someone here can help me as I am all exhausted of resources. Any help I can get is very much appreciated. Thanks =)

Computer Systems used to manage hotel reservations

see your duplicate post

one night \ something different

Hello, We will be in KK for 4 nights. Have secured 3 nights at the Le Meridien (Promotion deal) and looking at one nights accommodtion, before we stay there. Has anyone got aany suggestions. Thought of an Island retreat, but it is looking too expensive and too rushed for one night.So is travelling to MT Kinabalu for the night. Is there a Boutique hotel or B %26amp; B that could be recommended.? Does not have to be 5 star, but a special place. Any follow up would be appreciated. Thanks RSA

one night \ something different

Ok, here%26#39;s something random - try the Borneo Beachouse (sic) - yes, it%26#39;s a backpackers guest house, but you can get a private room for yourself. Why there?

Well, main selling point is that it%26#39;s just 5 minutes from the Tanjung Aru beach and the First Beach complex where you can have hawkers food and a drink and watch one of Sabah%26#39;s incredible sunsets.

But it%26#39;s also a super friendly place, not just the staff but the people who generally stay there, so you%26#39;re sure to meet some great people.

Then you can also hook up with some Ultimate frisbee players on the beach (Tuesdays and Fridays) and have yourself a nice game and meet even more people who are bound to recommend great places to eat and go. Age or gender doesn%26#39;t matter here, they welcome everybody.

This will be a %26#39;grass roots%26#39; introduction to the people of Sabah and will make you appreciate your nice digs at Le Meridiene too :)

one night \ something different

HI

but why not go for something special, like Gayana Island Resort on Gaya Island and really enjoy yourself in a special location.

A much nicer way to finsh your stay.

how to curl hair with rollers

buying a suit...

is there anywhere i could buy a tailored suit/shirts, could i do the measurements when i arrive then pick it up 3 weeks later?

anyone know a rough price?

thanks

buying a suit...

Hi

There are several Tailors in Sungai Wang Plaza on Bukit Bintang. Give them a shot.

A couple of years since I had a suit made up, it will depend if Ladies or Gents and of course your size.

buying a suit...

My English guy friend just had his done ... took about a week and cost RM2,000 for an Italian wool fabric. I reckon it%26#39;s a very good deal especially since my husband bought his Canalli off-the-rack in Vancouver for over RM5,000. Swank (say nothing!) Tailors in Bangsar (a suburb about 15 mins on a good day from downtown KL).

hiya idchere when we wer in kl laast week we went to pick up a suit from a tailorrs in sungei wang called PAGE tailors it was on the 1st floor we brought it back for one of my daughters work mates when we picked it up i looked at it and i must say it was nice!! it was sort of a charcoal colour with a lovely fine line through it it looked very classy and th suit material was so soft had a lovely lineing in it and had his name embroidered inside , just thought id mention thiis one to you maggieomx

cool, i really hope i can get one done.

Bugs and Insects in KL & Langkawi

Hi

We are visiting KL %26amp; Langkawi in July, we were wondering what insects might affect us and what insect repellant we need, do we need it just at night or during the day as well and do we need a bug plug in the room?

Thanks

Bugs and Insects in KL %26amp; Langkawi

HI

Mozzies are not a real problem in Kuala Lumpur. They are more obvious in Langakwi and a bug plug is useful, but not essential.

A good repellant with DEET will be a good idea. Boots do a good one.

Bugs and Insects in KL %26amp; Langkawi

What%26#39;s a bug plug? I can translate mozzies - mosquitos.

Hi

Bug plug or Plug-in Mosquito Killer is a small electrical Mosquito Coil that is the size of an electical plug and is pluged into an electrical socket with small mozzie killing tablets that slot into it, which when the power is switched on warm up and slowly release bug killing fumes. Simple but effective.

How to kill a few hours - hotel advice?

We will be flying in to LCCT from Bali for one night in KL before heading home to Australia the next day. We land at 9:30pm and fly out again at 1:30 the next afternoon, so was looking for a nice, convenient hotel to spend a bit of time in. We don%26#39;t really want to waste time in traffic, so was hoping for something easy, yet nice to spend the last day of our holiday in - was thinking of a couple of options.....

- Stay near the airport terminal (Pan Pacific is a bit out of our price range)

- Catch the express train into the city and stay near KL Sentral

- I heard that Putrajaya is relatively nearby as well..

Any advice? Cheers!

How to kill a few hours - hotel advice?

No express train from LCCT to KL Sentral, you will have to take a cab from LCCT to KLIA and then take the train; but its not really worth the money the amount you pay for both cab and train is going to be almost the same if not more than what you pay for getting to KL Sentral directly from LCCT with a cab.

What if you price range? There are a few nice hotels around Putrajaya like the Marriot, Shangrila and Pullman Putrajaya. The Pullman has got opening rates going for RM 250 on their website

accorhotels.com/gb/鈥ndex.shtml

You won%26#39;t have much time to enjoy the pool or the hotel; so stay somewhere close to the airport like at Putrajaya. Hope it helps!

How to kill a few hours - hotel advice?

Thanks for the advice globaltraveller - I%26#39;ve been checking out the websites for the Pullman and the Marriott, and I%26#39;m definitely leaning in that direction....do you know how long it would take to get there from LCCT, and the best way?

Take a cab from LCCT, the Marriot is slightly further than the Pullman, about 20 minutes from LCCT. Most drivers might not have heard about the Pullman yet; so tell them its in Presint 5, convention centre Putrajaya; and print a small map of the hotel (from their website) just in case - its dark and night time when you arrive in Putrajaya.

Have you thought about Jawadene Bed and Breakfast, out near LCCT but might be nice to chill out near the pool for your last half day? Gets great reviews.

You don%26#39;t say when you are arriving, as the Tune Hotel should open right opposite LCCT during April, which would say a whole load of time and money.

The Pan Pacific is nearer and cheaper to get to from LCCT as it adjoins KLIA (the non-budget carrier terminal at KUL). The hotels at Putrajaya are 20mins away, and are very nice, although rather like KLIA/LCCT there is not a lot to do. Getting to the city will take an hour each way on the Airbus, or get over the KLIA via bus or taxi to catch the train - but a taxi from LCCT is probally the quickest.

Have fun whatever.

We hated Jawadene, and if you read recent reviews you will see that others have been disappointed recently too. If the Pullman at Putrajaya is available stay there - Putrajaya isn%26#39;t all that interesting but at least there are eating places, a mall and the botanical gardens. Jawadene is in the middle of nowhere, and if the host is having an off day you will be stuck.

Thanks for all the advice everyone - I think we%26#39;ll most likely head for Putrajaya if it%26#39;s only 20 minutes. How%26#39;s the traffic by the way? Just wondering how much time we%26#39;ll have to allocate to get back to the airport the next day...

We%26#39;ll be there in July, so am definitely interested in reading the reviews on both the Pullman and Tune when they open.

:) Cheers again!

makeup hair tips

Good place to rest and eat from Singapore to Melaka

Hi all,

Will be driving to Melaka from Tuas checkpoiont and along North South. Is there any nice restaurant/cafe along the highway which I can divert for breakfast before going all the way to Melaka? Will be stopping once only.

Kindly provide me the name of the place or restaurant so I can enter into the GPS for bringing me there. Thanks!!

Good place to rest and eat from Singapore to Melaka

Your only choice is to stop-over at one of the Rest and Service Areas (RSA) along the North-South Expressway.

Most Malaysians generally do the stop at Pagoh, which is roughly halfway between KL and Singapore. The Pagoh RSA is between the Pagoh and Tangkak interchanges.

Good place to rest and eat from Singapore to Melaka

Hi raffaello

Kulai or Senai will be nice for breadfast

Pagoh is too far.

Hi raffaello,

There is no restaurant/cafe along the highway, there are food and drinks stalls at the Rest and Service Area along the highway. You can get a variety of (mostly) Malay food, like nasi lemak, nasi campur and roti prata for breakfast.

Just look out for the rest and service area sign when driving along the north south highway, no need the GPS.

From Singapore to Melaka, driving via second link, along the north south highway, there are 4 RSAs - Gelang Patah, Machap, Pagoh, Ayer Keroh.

I%26#39;m not sure how early and where do you depart from Singapore, and what time do you prefer to have your break. The first RSA after Tuas checkpoint is at Gelang Patah, might be too early for your break. The one at Pagoh(still in Johor, but almost reaching Melaka) is probably too late for your break. So, I%26#39;d suggest make a stop at Machap%26#39;s RSA.

For information on the RSA, here%26#39;s the link:

http://www.plus.com.my/rsa.asp

Ami

Hi All,

Thanks a lot for the replies. Now I can plan on where to stop and what to eat along the NSHW. Have a nice day ahead!

Itinerary Help for 6Hours in Downtown KK

I have a free day (Sunday) where I would like to spend in downtown KK for a little shopping, strolling and local food hunting. I want to cover the famous markets, visit a couple of malls, and try out the local dish (preferably cheap but good, if possible around 5USD per meal or less) but I don%26#39;t know where to start.

I%26#39;d highly appreciate it if someone can make me an outline on how to maximize the 6-7hours I have: including basic walking directions starting from point A until point X. Do include personal dish/restaurant recommendations and where I can find them.

Thank you in advanced.

Itinerary Help for 6Hours in Downtown KK

Also, are there any interesting nearby (walking-distance) commercial establishments from STAR? I also have a couple of free hours on the next day.

Itinerary Help for 6Hours in Downtown KK

About 15 minutes walk from STAR is the First Beach development - there are hawker stalls where you can sample some local treats - try the %26#39;keropok lekor%26#39;, very morish - not sure if they%26#39;re open early morning though.

As for Sunday - if you get up early you can go to the Gaya Street market, which is an interesting concentration of local wares, food and people. Asam Pedas at the shop near the library end of the market is an unusual (for me) but interesting breakfast option.

From left to right the KK business district is about 3kms wide and you can start from Wisma Merdeka shopping centre on the one end right down to Wisma Wawasan shopping centre on the other end - interesting shoplots in-between.

Centrepoint, the connected City Parade and Warisan Square is a nice shopping focal point. From there you can catch a free shuttle to 1Borneo, which is about 10kms from town and is a big shopping centre with more commercial food options.

thanks.

how far is karamunsing shopping center from the city center by taxi? do most taxi drivers speak english? how i do know if the price is ';right';?

On the one end of town is a complex called Wisma Wawasan - the Karamunsing Shopping Centre is about 2 blocks away from there (10 mins walk), but it%26#39;s across some very busy roads - the pedestrian facilities now are a lot better than it used to be, but be very careful - cars speed up when they see pedestrians.

Yes, most taxi drivers will understand English. The taxis are not metered, but they will tell you how much if you ask them (negotiate the fare before you go).

But from anywhere in the centre of town you%26#39;re looking at about a 5 minute taxi ride, so it should be no more than RM10 (but probably less).

how about from shangrila TA to the city center? approximately how much should that cost?

i found a map of downtown KK online. this is what i%26#39;m planning to do right now. kindly correct me if my assumptions are wrong:

take a taxi from STAR to wisma merdeka. from wisma merdeka, walk to gaya sunday market. take a taxi to asia city (anything interesting here?) then walk to centre point. take a taxi to karamunsing complex, then walk to wisma 2020 (is this the same as wisma wawasan?)

sorry if i have so many questions but this is my 1st time travelling to a totally new country alone.

thank you very much.

From START to town is a fixed rate, but I can%26#39;t remember if it%26#39;s RM15 or RM20.

There%26#39;s nothing much in Asia City - at the moment there%26#39;s a %26#39;side walk%26#39; exhibition where you can find some local arts and crafts - not sure if its there on Sundays.

Karamunsing is about as far from Asia City as it is from Wisma Wawasan, so if it%26#39;s not sweltering hot like it is today (33 degrees and blue skies), then you can walk that. In fact, you can probably walk everywhere :)

And yes, I think Wisma 2020 is the as Wisma Merdeka, although I could be wrong here.

Asia City is also literally across the road from Centre Point, which is about 2 blocks from Wisma Wawasan.

KK%26#39;s city centre is not that big really :)

it seems we have the same weather here in manila but i doubt i can walk around the city under this heat. thank you very much for your patience. i won%26#39;t be bringing a lot of ringgits that%26#39;s why i%26#39;m very particular with the taxi rates. i might be able to glance at the city on the previous day as part of the half day city tour, hopefully this will give me an idea if i can walk the city or not.

side question, where can i get the same steamed/hainanese chicken famous in singapore somewhere in the city center?

since you have been to hong kong, can you compare the length of the city center to a part of hong kong? let%26#39;s say it%26#39;s as long as the length of tsim sha tsui along nathan road. :D

Hi Greenarcher - I was in Hong Kong in 1998 and can%26#39;t even remember the streets you mention nevermind how far the walk is.

I%26#39;ve created a quick Google map for you highlighting the places we%26#39;ve been talking about and from the furthest end of the Gaya Street Market to Wisma Wawasan is a mere 1.85km - so even shorter than I thought :)

But yes, to walk that far could be a potentially sweaty affair :)

maps.google.com/maps/ms…

wow thanks a lot for going that far to help me! i%26#39;ll make sure to post a trip report when i get back. thanks again. and if you know the answer to a recommended steamed white / hainanese chicken restaurant, just post it in this thread since my trip is still 2 weeks away. thank you very much again.

black hair

Honeymoon itinerary

Hi there people,

I hope some of you will be able to help me review the itinerary I%26#39;ve put together for my honeymoon. I%26#39;ll be arriving in KL on 04/04/09 and leaving 07/04/09, as the first leg of my honeymoon. So I%26#39;ve put together the dates and consulted the things-to-do lists and tried to assign stuff for each day. We%26#39;ll be staying at Traders.

04/04 - arrive and settle. Go to the Central Market for souvenir shopping, lunch, etc. Come back and enjoy the hotel for the evening.

05/04 - visit the Batu caves in the morning. Have lunch and return to the hotel. Travel to Sepang Circuit for the F1 (we%26#39;ve got tickets to the race) in the evening.

06/04 - cue up early for the Petronas Towers and visit. Go to the shopping mall in the lower floors and shop. Possibly go to the Menara KL Tower. Return to hotel for dinner.

07/04 - check out late and hang around the Central Market until early evening flight.

Does anyone have any suggestions about the itinerary? Is there anything huge I%26#39;ve missed? I%26#39;d like to know if there%26#39;s a better way of spending the days.

Cheers!

p.s. look out for my other post in the Langkawi forum.

Honeymoon itinerary

Well it all depends on what%26#39;s your interest.

Tell us what you like, disikes..etc

04/04 I suggest go to central market after lunch and then continue on to Petaling Street (Chinatown) in the early evening instead. Chinatown street market only opens in the later part of the afternoon. Why not go to Menara KL in the morning? Maybe do a lunch at the revolving resturant before heading to central market?

05/04 I%26#39;m more concerned about your F1. Have you arranged your transportation? The official race starts at 5pm, but there are activities there starting as early as 9am

http://www.f1-malaysia.com/schedule/index.htm

it can takes 2 hours or longer to get there as the roads will be full of cars and access will be slow. So do plan ahead.

It may be hot and tiring too, so if you do go to Batu Caves, do ensure to get back to the hotel early, and drink lots of fluids before heading out to Serpang.

06/04 Do some research on the Kuala Selangor Fireflies. Its very nice and you do have the evening free on this day anyway.

Honeymoon itinerary

Agree with Maic%26#39;s comments.

My suggestion is go to the Petronas Towers on the morning of 05/04. It%26#39;s nearer to your hotel and less tiring than a trip to Batu Caves before departing for the Sepang Circuit in the afternoon. Suggest you go right after lunch to avoid the jam.

For 06/04, you can then make your trip to Batu Caves and maybe check out the fireflies in the evening.

Hi

I would also include

Bukit Bintang – A great place for shopping and eating. Sungai Wang/BB Plaza [500 shops and a real Malaysian treat of all sorts of bargains hidden away], KL Plaza, Times Square [which also has a theme park], Pavillion [Mid to top end shops and also the best food court which is reasonably priced, very good mix of restaurants plus a supermarket], Lot 10 [also has a supermarket], Starhill Gallery [very top end but some very nice reasonably priced restaurants], Plaza Low Yat [IT mall], YTL Plaza, BB Park, Imbi Plaza for shopping, plus there are many open fronted shops which offer some great bargains and are identical to those in Chinatown and then there is Jalan Alor is a great place for street food and many restaurants along Bukit Bintang. Ain Arabia or Arab Street is just around the corner in Jalan Berangan, the shopping haven and food and culture of the Arabs in Malaysia. No end to the variety at Bukit Bintang.

or

Independence or Merdeka Square / Sultan Abdul building / Royal Selangor Club / St. Mary%26#39;s Cathedral / Kuala Lumpur Railway Station - Colonial heritage (walking distance to Little India)

or

Little India - Masjid Jamek Bandaraya / hawkers / fabulous Silk and fabric stores / jewellery / India Street (Jalan Masjid Jamek), oldest parts of the city, Jalan Masjid India is the original shopping haven that has dated back over a century ago

and

Chinatown / Petaling Street / night market / street food / Sri Mahamariamman Temple plus other temples / UDA Ocean traditional Chinese shopping mall junction between Jalan Sultan and Jalan Dato H S Lee. (walking distance to Central Market)

Central Market is much smaller than the inside market at Covent Garden and you will be done in an hour.

I would not bother enjoying the hotel or eating a the hotel, head out to the streets for much better value and tastier food, as you will not really get to see teh best bit of Malaysia. Food is cheap and safe to eat.

You will get better views from KL Menara Tower, as you can only go to floor 41/42 at the skybridge at Petronas.

Have fun!

Thank you very much for the contributions guys. Maic and owl, I like your ideas. Think I’ll go to one of the towers on the morning of the race, then enjoy a good part of the race from earlier on. Batu on 06/04 sounds perfect. Cheers!

Plus I%26#39;ll have a consideration of the various shopping bits Mitch. I%26#39;ve put in time at the hotel just because its such luxury, and I thought we%26#39;d enjoy it. But we%26#39;re likely to head out for dinner.

We’re not really big on the touristy stuff as its our honeymoon, but I’ve put in the bits I know we’d like. Oh and I%26#39;m looking into the fireflies - any good tours?

Thanks again.

Rehashed:

04/04 - arrive and settle. Head to the Menara KL Tower, and have lunch in the restaurant. Then on to the Central Market for souvenir shopping, lunch, etc - and to Chinatown. Come back and enjoy the hotel for the evening.

05/04 - Petronas Towers in the morning. Have lunch and return to the hotel. Travel to Sepang Circuit for the F1 in the evening.

06/04 - Batu Caves and fireflies in the evening if we feel like it.

07/04 - check out late and hang around the Central Market until early evening flight.

Langkawi in October with Baby

We are travelling to Langkawi in Oct/Nov with our 7mth old baby and have been told that it is not a safe/healthy place to take small children. Can anyone who has taken a baby please help me understand what the issues/risks are, do we need to vaccinate her, and how do young babies handle the travel? Appreciate any advice you have. Thanks

Langkawi in October with Baby

Dear beiths, I really have no idea what people mean by telling you that Langkawi is not safe for a baby! Actually, I am almost sure that Melbourne, London or Munich is far more dangerous for babies! We are living in a clean, safe, and very healthy and extremely kids friendly country !!! You surely have not the idea to go to the jungle or mangrove kajaking with the baby and surely you will not leave the baby alone where monkeys are around. And last but not least you will not take your baby on a motorbike as many poor locals have to as they have no other choice (no public transport system and taxis for us are cheap; for them far too expensiv) Forget about vaccinations! You are as safe with the baby as could be! I hope that helped you! Come back if you have any more questions!

Eva

Langkawi in October with Baby

Hi

I must agree with what Eva says. I cannot imagine a more healthy environment than Langkawi.

As long as you take the usual precautions with your baby as you would at home, and I%26#39;m sure I don%26#39;t need to tell you what they are.

Malaysian people adore children and everywhere is very child friendly. The only thing to watch out for is that your baby will probably cause so much attention with the hotel staff you may find it has disappeared into, say, the kitchens to be shown around and this can sometimes cause a bit of a panic for the parents!!

As for the travelling - I think very small children handle this better than older people as they tend to sleep most of the time.

Lesley

I do agree with previous posters.

I have traveled last year with my 1 year old baby, and I had a fantastic time. Hotel employees are so nice with babies! and yes, they offer to baby sit and love to take care of them.

I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ll have a great time in Langkawi!

Thanks everyone, I feel very relieved.

I think they probably mean in terms of vaccinations etc... is it a malaria area?

Anyone know?

Hi

There is no malaria in Langkawi but please check with your own GP/health centre for updated information.

Lesley

hi! although there is no reported malaria the mosquito which carries it is present. it may only be a matter of time. also dengue could be risk as soon as this year. it is already present on penang. prevention of bites is the key. get advice from your doctor. as far as vaccinations are concerned i dont know what is routine in australia. polio and diptheria should be done as a minimum. travel wise, remember to feed her, either breast or bottle, during take off and particularly during the long descent to keep the pressure in her ears correct. babies cannot equalise the pressure for themselves so suffer unless you help. please see your doctor for advice then enjoy!

Hi, Beiths,

I am a local Malaysian and I have been in Langkawi twice. I would say there is no specific vaccination required for baby who come to Langkawi, I was there with my two kids age 4 and 6. Malaysian are friendly and Langkawi is a small Island which is really suitable for family travel. By the way, would you mind share with us the source of Langkawi is not a safe place for babies? Frankly speaking, I am very queries about that. Also since you will be there, Malaysia will be having MATTA FAIR (biggest travell fair in Malaysia) from 13th March to 15th March 09(hope I did not mistaken the date). If possible, grab the hotel and the air ticket, its much cheaper.

Prince hotel

Hi Guys,

How would you compare the Prince Hotel to the Pacific Regency Hotel and which one would you choose.

My other hotels are the Novotel and the Istana.

Help Please

Thanks

Pauline Perth

Prince hotel

HI

I%26#39;d probaly go for the Prince, then the Istana, then Novotel then Pacific Regency, all location and price.

Prince hotel

Thanks Mitch for the reply why the Prince any particular reason, say over the Istana. We can get a club room with continental breakfast for $640 p/p for 8 nights.The Prince is a little bit more p/p.

Thanks

Pauline

Were you after an apartment? Both hotels are well located. Just check on the room sizes you have been quoted for. The Prince hotel is very cleaned and directly opposite the Pavillion - so its slightly closer to BB.

Favourite Cenang Restaurants and Bars

Hi

Can you please recommend your favourite restaurants and bars in Cenang and Tengah so we can make a list of the ones to seek out when we arrive. I would appreciate knowing why it is your favourite, such as beach setting, friendly staff, etc.

We would like to hear about the cheaper eating places as well as the more expensive ones for a nice evening meal. We%26#39;re not fussy what we eat and like all types of food, Malaysian, Thai, Chinese, Indian, European. Bring it on!!!

Paul

Favourite Cenang Restaurants and Bars

Well, you asked for detail so here goes:

Beach setting

The Lighthouse: Excellent menu (personal highlights have included Chateaubriand streak, lamb shank, seafood pasta) plus daily specials and catch of the day. Overall, great quality food, professional waiting service and little touches like warm bread roll when you sit down. Good wine list. Fabulous setting. This place must have one of the best restaurant settings being literally on the beach. I’m used to London prices and I would say this is cheaper, although noticeably pricier than other restaurants on Langkawi. Definite evening venue, but also snacks available at lunchtime. Recommend booking a table.

Oasis on the Beach: The entry road is a little bit potholed but once down there this place is a great find. Again, good for lunch or dinner. They have alternative days of Indian or Western. The Indian menu is wonderful and superbly cooked. Good ambience either during the day or evening when it becomes quite romantic with candles on all table which are on the beach. OK wine selection, but also good cocktails.

Suggestions for Dinner

Sunsutra : Part of the Sungroup which in my view has come to stand for quality in food and great and unique restaurant designs. Half way down Tengah, set just off the road. Fusion food. Their Beef Rendang stands out in my mind. Excellent wine list. Service is impeccable.

Cactus: Food is only average, although they have a menu which must surely offer something of interest to everyone. This place however offers a cheap and cheerful place with buzzing atmosphere and great for music. I’d say this is more of a good drinking hole where you can buy adequate food and it%26#39;s good if there is a group of you also.

The Boat: Ridiculously cheap and tasty Chinese restaurant with good menu options. Good for lunch or dinner as a quick fill.

Suggestions for Drinks

Suncafe: This is a good option for lunch and dinner, good quality food and first class service. However, we also like to come here sometimes just for drinks, be it tea/coffee or cocktails. Good music and great ambience.

Sunba: Closest to a pub I think you’ll come across on Langkawi. Happy hour in the early evening. Also they do have live music at times which was good fun.

There are so many options and you will find your own dynamic just by walking around.

Favourite Cenang Restaurants and Bars

Wow! Anne,

You are good! I would really agree with you...

Dear Rowey,

Anne has already given you some great ideas and she made my mouth watery...

To add a few ideas:

Red Tomato for pizza, salad and breakfast. Tanja makes the joghurt herself and bakes the bread fresh according German tradition.

Beach Garden for international food, the chef, JJ, is a Swiss guy and the owner is also a German. The setting on the beach is gorgeous, your feet in the sand.

Casa del Mar for the most romantic but posh dinner. Go for a sun downer at happy hour and enjoy it. Dinner is superb.

Bon Ton!! My top of the list personal favorite on the whole island but not cheap. Also, come early enough for a sundowner.

There are plenty of smaller restaurants on the stretch; some cheap and very nice. The local lunch is normally buffet style and some places are really great although that food mostly comes cold.

Have a great time in Langkawi.

Eva

Hi all.. =)

Could you help me with the exact location of Cactus, The Boat %26amp; Sun Cafe? Will stay at Langkawi for one night during April and I%26#39;m really interested in going there.

Thanks for your help first :)

Cactus is in Pantai Tengah, diagonally opposite Holiday Villa, Sun Cafe is also in Pantai Tengah, in Sun Mall actually. You can miss it at all. The Boat, I am not so sure. I%26#39;ll check it out and let you know shortly...

Happy Planning!

Thanks Baskie! You%26#39;re really helpful :)

Just found out that there%26#39;s a ';Boat'; seafood Chinese restaurant in front of Holiday Villa, but I%26#39;m not sure if that%26#39;s the one Anne suggested.

Hi - the Boat I refer to is indeed also opposite Holiday Villa and next door but one to Cactus. Enjoy!

Yeah! Thank you Anne!

Yes! Found it. I guess that is the only %26#39;The Boat'; retaurant in Langkawi.

Italian food - Losteria at Pantai Tengah. Always packed with local expats and tourists. Excellent pasta, pizza, entree. Nice ambiance and trendy crowd.

Indian food - Tulsi Gardens, next door to Losteria. Best Indian food in town. Always full up. The wonderful thing about these two places is u can order food from both outlets while sitting in one of the restaurants!

Chinese food - Orkid Ria Pantai Chenang. One have to queue sometimes to get in. Prices are similar to the rest of the chinese restaurants.

Bon Ton - local and western fare. Rated the best restaurant in the world in a British daily. Balinese ambiance, excellent food and extensive wine list. London prices but worth it!

Sheela%26#39;s Pantai Tengah. Local and western fare. Fresh-cooked Malay food. Beer garden ambiance. Always full up.

Champur-Champur Pantai Chenang. Fusion food. also a favourite among tourists. nice bar too. Also always full.

makeup hair tips

Hotels in Bangkok, KualaLumpur & Singapore

Has anyone stayed at Novotel Bangkok Lotus in Bangkok, Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Hotel Ibis Singapore?

Iam particular about their location, I am looking for a very centrally located place in the main city. Let me know guys.

Hotels in Bangkok, KualaLumpur %26amp; Singapore

Re Singapore and KL hotels: The Novotel KL is centrally located with most of the dining precinct and shops closeby. There are other hotels closer to Bukit Bintang though of course. That specific hotel is roughly between Petronas and BB. You could try to get a hotel closer to BB if you really need to. But there is a monorail stn called Raja Chulan about 1 kilometre away, the start of BB would be slightly over 1 kilometre away (walking) I estimate given that I stayed at the Prince and would have spent about 10 mins walking to the beginning of BB from that hotel.The hotel in Singapore is in the Bugis region which is a shopping area - it might be a bit of a hot walk if you want to walk to attractions. otherwise you can go by train at Bugis.

Hotels in Bangkok, KualaLumpur %26amp; Singapore

Hi Alex,

Try the Pathuwan Princess hotel in Bangkok it is very close to the sky train you dont even have to get wet you just walk through the MBK shopping centre a few flights and through Tokyos and you are at the train. Absolutley the best position. Also try the Siam @ Siam that is a newer hotel and very close to train not as close as PP but close enough.

Have a great time.

Pauline

best way to solve