Malaysia Truly Asia

Monday, December 20, 2010

Hindu Temples in Malaysia - by R. Pathmanaba Pandian



One Of the Hindu Temple that can be found Selangor Malaysia

Temples are called aalayam or kovil in Tamil. The word aalayam comes from anma which means 'soul' and layam which means 'a place where one's anma can find sanctuary'. Similarly ko means 'God' and vil or il means 'place'; thus, kovil means 'God's abode'.

A Hindu temple can be a separate structure or a part of a building. A feature of most temples is the presence of murtis of the Hindu deity to whom the temple is dedicated. They are usually dedicated to one primary deity, called the presiding deity, and other subordinate deities associated with the main deity. However, some temples are dedicated to several deities, and some have symbols instead of a murti.

To a Hindu, a temple is more than a place of worship. It is a place specially choosen as the residence of the Supreme Being as the ruler of the universe. The Hindus has chosen three places to worship the Supreme Being: in his heart, in his home, and within a consecrated temple.

The Temple structure itself is conceived of as the universe, and it's principles of construction, form and decoration , as well as the rituals that take place within it's walls, are all aimed at achieving the sublime.

Architecturally, Hindu temples are an ancient art form born of a great religious tradition. Their design has changed little over the centuries.

The structure of the temple: -

The hindu temple is constructed to resemble the form of a human body lying on its back with the head of the temple positioned towards the west and the feet towards the east. This composition underlies the symbolic functions of a Hindu temple.

Author Name:
R. Pathmanaba Pandian

Article Source:

e-mail me at azharzaratin1985@gmail.com if you need a local tour guide or car rental will arriving in Sabah, Malaysia. Sabah is one of the place that have a lot of place of interest where you can visit.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Malaysia Holiday - Places and Activities of Interest - by Sam Walker S


Sipadan Islands one of the best Islads in the World located in Sabah Malaysia
The 'Land of Contrasts', Malaysia is undoubtedly one of the most sought after holiday destinations in South-Asia. It's a land that boasts of gleaming skyscrapers, heritage quarters and offers unforgettable experiences to visitors who come to explore its magical landscape. No wonder innumerable tourists search for cheap Malaysia flights each year to experience a land that is famous the world over for its serene beaches and enchanting natural beauty.

Driving through the roads of the city from the Kuala Lumpur Airport, one encounters the remarkably built Kuching Sarawak State Mosque and the ultra-modern An'nur Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur which impress visitors with their inspiring architecture. Kuala Gula Bird sanctuary, Penang Bird Park and the Taman Negara National Park are places that you should visit if you want to explore Malaysia's wildlife heritage in greater detail.

But if you want to delve deeper and explore Malaysia's rich cultural heritage then a trip to the Southern state of Johor would be a good idea. Here, one can witness trance-inducing Kuda Kepand dances in Muar along with stirring ghazal music that will soothe your mind, body and soul. Participate in the chanting of hymns along with other devotees and you will surely feel relaxed, refreshed and invigorated.

However, if it is some sun, sand and serenity that you are looking for then Penang is one destination that you should visit in Malaysia. Blessed with glorious sunshine and fresh air, Penang is not only famous for its beaches but also houses numerous temples, mosques, museums & art galleries that highlight the pluralism of Malay society.

Langkawi, another popular holiday destination in Malaysia should not be missed at any cost as it offers visitors a peek into Malaysia's rich natural heritage visible in the Taman Lagenda Theme Park, Langkawi Snake sanctuary, Crocodile farm and the Dataran Lang (Eagle square).

The Underwater world in Langkawi houses more than 5000 species of aquatic life and is one of the largest man-made marine aquariums in South Asia. Langkawi also offers its visitors a chance to experience rice cultivation first hand in the Laman Padi Rice Garden and visitors can even savour farm fresh produce in Langkawi numerous restaurants.

Tourists who return from a tour of Malaysia often confess that the place has a certain magnetic appeal about itself and you will feel like coming here again and again. If you are one of those who are yearning to get cheap airline tickets to Malaysia then we suggest that you contact a Malaysia expert travel agent who would be your best bet as you will get the best fares for all low cost flights to Malaysia.

Author Name:
Sam WalKer S


Sabah, Malaysia, or know as "Land below Wind" has a lot of intresting place to visit. In Sabah, we have tallest mountain in South East Asia (Mount Kinabalu) and also one of the best Islands in the world (Sipadan Islands). Get a local tour guide or Car Rental to make it for you to visit Sabah. e-mail at azharzaratin1985@gmail.com for more info.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Guide to Malaysia - by Alex Sunggin



View at top of Mount Kinabalu at Sunrise season

Despite its recent economic crisis, Malaysia continues to careen along the fast track of development. For visitors, this means that Malaysia is a comfortable country to explore, as the roads are smooth, public transportation is good, and familiar comforts abound in all but the smallest of kampungs (villages).

For centuries, Malaysia has been a crossroads for trade in materials, traditions, and ideas. The region was originally settled by the Orang Asli people and migrants from southern China; Indian traders subsequently spread their cultural and religious traditions throughout the area. Islam took root there during the 15th century, when Prince Sri Paremeswara--who founded the empire of Melaka--became a Muslim after marrying a Sumatran ruler's daughter. In 1511, the Portuguese invaded Melaka, only to lose power to the Dutch in the late 1600s. The Dutch maintained control of the region for almost three centuries, until the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1874 ceded the Malaysian kingdom states to the British. On August 31, 1957, the Peninsula was granted independence as the Federated States of Malaya. Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak joined the Federated States of Malaya, which became Malaysia in 1963. Then Singapore assumed independence in 1965, leaving the peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak as the Malaysia that remains today.

Travelers seeking both relaxation and the stimulation of a different culture will find that Malaysia offers the perfect mix of serene coastline and spicy street life. Though Malaysia's beaches are not the most spectacular in Southeast Asia, stretches of coastline on the peninsula's east coast, as well as on islands such as Pangkor and the Pehrentians, offer seaside seclusion that is difficult to find in other parts of the world. Away from the lapping tides, the streets of Georgetown and Kuala Lumpur pulse with the energy of big-city life. Open-air markets attract throngs of people seeking fresh fruit and vegetables. Hawkers at sidewalk stalls dish out tasty pan-fried food like nasi kandar (curry rice) and ormee goreng (spicy noodles). There is also a spiritual flavor to the city streets--Islamic mosques stand beside Hindu and Buddhist temples, bearing testimony to the intertwined history of these Eastern religions.

Langkawi

Malaysia is a country on the move. Its official mission is to become industrialized by the year 2020. But despite the rapid pace of its growth, Malaysia will likely keep its welcoming atmosphere, as the warmth of the people is as unchanging as the tropical weather. The population is a diverse mix of ethnic Malay (58 percent), Chinese (26 percent), and southern Indian (eight percent). Though tensions exist, fomented by blatantly pro-Malay policies enacted by the majority government, interactions among ethnic groups remain remarkably open and peaceful.

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands is a lush area of mountaintop jungle in a remote corner of Pahang State. It's easy to see why the British chose this spot for retreat--the temperature is ten degrees cooler than low-lying Kuala Lumpur, and the landscape is an enchanting patchwork of rolling jungle and terraced plantations. There are three towns in the Cameron Highlands: Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang. Tanah Rata is the main town, and it offers hostels and mid-scale hotels, as well as many restaurants and shops. Trails snake for miles through the jungle, leading to breathtaking mountaintop vistas and cascading waterfalls.

Cherating

Cherating lies off a quiet stretch of highway about 12 miles (20km) north of Kuantan. Hiding behind ramshackle restaurants is a beautiful half-moon beach, one of the most dazzling beaches on the peninsula. This is one of the top 10 windsurfing spots in the world, and every afternoon the ocean is dotted with colorful sails flapping in the breeze. Inexpensive but comfortable cabanas cluster in the shade of palm trees at the edge of the beach. Club Med owns a gorgeous section of coast a little more than a mile (2km) away from Cherating's main beach.

Kuala Lumpur

The bustling capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is proof of the country's movement into the industrialized world. KL (as it is commonly dubbed) received a citywide facelift for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, and since then the capital has boasted a buffed atmosphere of almost Singaporean standards. Travelers should see the Petronas Towers (the tallest buildings in the world), stroll in Merdeka Square, visit the elegant marble Masjid Jamek (a lovely mosque in the center of the city), and enjoy the booming nightlife in a city rivaling Singapore as a hotspot for clubs and bars.

Langkawi

The big island of Langkawi is one of 99 islands in the Langkawi group that cluster off the northwest coast near the border with Thailand. More so than perhaps anywhere else in Malaysia, Langkawi exhibits extremes in untouched landscapes and developed coastline. The island is lovely to drive around. There are many pristine beaches and waterfalls to see, as well as fishing kampungs (villages) and magnificent caves to explore. Because of its remote locale and relatively large size, those who stay for at least two full days best enjoy Langkawi.

Melaka

Whereas Kuala Lumpur is the Malaysia of the present and the future, Melaka is the Malaysia of the past. A virtual living museum, the old town makes for a pleasant stroll past crimson buildings in the Dutch square, around vendors hawking local handicrafts, and through the narrow alleyways of Chinatown. There are many fascinating museums housed in the old Dutch government buildings. The ruins of a Portuguese-Catholic-cum-British-Protestant church surrounded by Dutch tombstones is testimony to Malaysia's checkered colonial past. This is a good place to try nyonya food, a spicy blend of Chinese and Malay cooking.

Mount Kinibalu

Mount Kinabalu is located in the northern region of Sabah, on the island of Borneo. Kinibalu is Southeast Asia's tallest mountain, peaking at 13,451 feet (4,101m) above sea level and rising every year. Untouched jungle-covered mountain slopes surround Kinabalus' granite core; a breathtaking setting typifying many travelers' ideals of tropical Southeast Asia. Climbing to the Kinabalu summit is no small feat, and should be attempted by only those who are fit and prepared.

Penang

Though Penang's beaches are arguably the least interesting of all of Malaysia's island beaches, the island remains a highlight because of its combination of lovely coastline and the bustling cultural center of Georgetown. Georgetown is a feast for all senses. Open-air markets, congregations of food hawkers, and throngs of pedestrians and motorbikes are sure to excite young and old. The resorts at Batu Ferringhi offer an antidote to the Georgetown racket. The luxury hotels that line the northeastern coast of Penang are a perfect beachfront destination for those who like convenience and creature comforts.

Perhentian Islands

Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Island) and Pulau Perhentian Besar (Big Island) are located about 12 miles (20km) off the northeast coast of the peninsula. These isles are the perfect getaway destination for those who are willing to sacrifice resort-style luxury for solitude and pristine stretches of sand. The Small Island is famous for Long Beach, where the sand is wide and white and the water is ideal for swimming. The Big Island is less popular (though the west coast attracts young divers) and therefore offers more seclusion.

Pulau Pangkor

Pangkor is a small island off the west coast that is located roughly equidistant from Penang and Kuala Lumpur. In size and atmosphere, Pangkor is like Penang's and Langkawi's little sibling. The island is small enough to drive around in half an hour. Its compact nature lends the isle a charm conducive to relaxation. Pangkor's smallness also precludes monotonous strips of resort development, allowing for the simple enjoyment of sun, surf, and sand. The Pan Pacific Resort offers luxury accommodations and water sports on Golden Sands Beach; there are also mid-market hotels at Pantai Pasir Bogak and budget cabanas at Teluk Nipah.

Taman Negara

Taman Negara National Park, located in the center of the peninsula, is one of the last remaining areas of indigenous rain forest on the peninsula. Though the larger animals, such as elephants, tigers, rhinos, and leopards, rarely venture near the developed parts of the park, there are plenty of magnificent birds to be seen. The most convenient place to stay is the Taman Negara Resort, which runs a ferry service from Kuala Tahan. There are guided treks and a canopy walk that allows visitors to see the forest from planks suspended above the treetops.

Tioman
Though Tioman's land is becoming overcrowded, its waters are still a diver's paradise. The azure-blue waters are clear to a depth of more than 10 yards (or meters). Diving and snorkeling excursions depart from Kumpung Tekek and Kampung Salang. Those who simply want a peaceful retreat will find lovely chalets on stilts at Kumpung Air Batang (Bamboo Hill Chalets) and more isolated accommodations at the Juara Bay Resort, cut into the hills at Kampung Juara.

Author Name:
Alex Sunggin


Mount Kinabalu is one of the highest mountain in South East Asia which are located in Sabah Malaysia. E-mail me at azharzaratin1985@gmail.com if you need to find a local tour service or car rental service while your arriving in Sabah Malaysia.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

An Article Informing You About Tourist Attractions in Malaysia - by Nancy E



Cente Point Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia - One of the best shoping complex in Sabah

Malaysia is a country blessed with innumerable natural tourist attractions. Located in the East Asia, the country is developing at a great pace. Noteworthy fact about Malaysia is that it contains a diverse population which comprises people following religions such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. Nonetheless, with governmental efforts various tourist attractions in Malaysia such as Langkawi, Genting and Cameron Highlands have become a known name among travelers around the world. All efforts are being made to show true Malaysia to travelers.

For tourists, Malaysia is one of the more beautiful and appealing destinations in entire East Asia which offers exclusive cuisines and exciting touring experiences. People in Malaysia know and understand English well; therefore, travelers do not face problems in communication. Malaysia has everything, ranging from spectacular mountain ranges to exotic beaches to beautiful and historic temples which you can find attractive in the country. Keluang Hill Beach in Malaysia is one of the premier beach destinations in the country and is renowned for its exquisite and mesmerizing beautiful ambience

Located at the distance of 140 km north of Kuala Terengganu, Keluang beach is an exciting traveling experience. Various caves near to the beach are primary attractions which show that these caves must have been in use by men. Accommodation facilities are provided by various beach resorts and huts. Travel to the beach is exciting as you can see children playing games, cows grazing in the field, swinging coconut trees, fresh cool breeze and stunning white sandy beach, etc. at the same time. Travelers from neighboring countries flock in large numbers to see Terengganu beach in Malaysia.

Another tourist attraction in Malaysia is Danum Valley. Located at around 83 km southwest of Lahad Datu, the valley has rich wildlife and huge virgin forests. Rare species of wildlife could be seen in the Danum Valley and adjoining forests which may include the Sumatran rhinoceros, orangutans, gibbons, mousedeer and bearded pigs, etc. Additionally, there are over 270 species of birds in the area. Sabah Foundation has formed the Danum Field Research Centre in 1986 to research in existing wildlife in the forest. Moreover, the research center provides standard accommodation to travelers.

Malaysia boasts to have the most beautiful capital in the world. Kuala Lumpur offers sophisticated dinging and shopping facilities to travelers. And, that might be a reason that people from the region prefer to shop in Kuala Lumpur than in Singapore or Hong Kong. The city Along with Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong, has become center of attraction in world trade and commerce. Iconic Petronas Towers, at 452 meters is the world's tallest building and is a major tourist attraction in Malaysia.

The capital city of Kuala Lumpur is situated at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang River and houses some most attractive tourist destinations in Malaysia. The literal meaning of Kuala Lumpur is 'Muddy Confluence.' Travel to Malaysia would be incomplete without visiting Negeri Sembilian, Penang, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Kelantan, Malacca, and many other tourist attractions in Malaysia. Accommodation in Malaysia is offered by hundreds of hotels spread in all parts of the country.

Author Name:
Nancy E

Article Source:

Sabah, the land below wind Malaysia is one of the place with a lot of intresting to visit. e-mail at azharzaratin1985@gmail.com for more info about sabah. You can e-mail me if you need a local tour guide or car rental will you arriving at Sabah.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

What You Don't Know About Malaysia 1 - by Teng ky-Gen


Map Of Malaysia
Hello there. 'Selamat Datang ke Malaysia'. That means, 'Welcome to Malaysia' in our national language Bahasa Malaysia. It would be impossible to tell you everything about Malaysia in such a short period of time, but I will give you a general idea so that you are able to appreciate this beautiful country better.

History

Firstly, let's start with a bit of history. I don't know if you're a history buff, but an understanding of Malaysia is an understanding of its history.

Let's take a step back in time... and I mean back to 35,000 BC.

Starting with ancient Malaysia, we are talking about a time period between 35,000 BC to 100 BC. The oldest known evidence of human habitation is a skull from the Niah Caves in Sarawak or East Malaysia dating from 35,000 BC. On the peninsula itself, Stone Age tools and implements from about 10,000 BC have been found. Some archaeologists suggest that they were left there by the Negrito aborigines - one of the earliest groups to inhabit the peninsula. The tribe still exists in Malaysia today.

We also know that about 2,500 BC, another group migrated to the peninsula all the way from China. They are called the Proto-Malays and they were seafarers and farmers. Their eventual advancement into the peninsula forced the Negritos into the hills and jungles. With waves of migration, another group was soon created, the Deutero-Malays. This group was a combination of many peoples- Indians, Chinese, Siamese, Arabs, and Proto-Malays. They mastered the use of iron. In combination with the peoples of Indonesia, the Deutero-Malays formed the racial basis for the group many today call, the Malay.

Early writings from India describe a place called Suvarnabhumi, otherwise known as the Land of Gold. This far away, unknown land was described as a mystical, wealthy, opulent kingdom. This mysterious land was what drew the first Indians to the Peninsula. Coming from the Bay of Bengal with the reliable winds of the southwest monsoon, they landed in Kedah up north sometime around 100 BC. If it was indeed the mystical land they sought, no one will ever know, but whatever they found in Malaysia at the time certainly guaranteed a steady stream of Indian traders arriving in search of gold, aromatic wood, spices and much more.

History soon tells of the Hindu Kingdoms that lasted from 100 BC to 1400 AD. Besides trading goods, the Indians also brought a pervasive and strong culture with them. Ancient religions like Hinduism and Buddhism swept through the land. Local kings who sent emissaries to the subcontinent became impressed by the efficiency of the Hindu courts and began to refer to themselves as "rajahs." It became the integration of the best Indian ruling traditions, which historians refer to as "Indianised kingdoms." There is still remaining evidence in Lembah Bujang up north, where you can find Malaysia's most extensive archeological site- the sprawling ruins of an ancient Hindu kingdom dating back to 300 AD. Over 50 tomb temples dot the site, and hundreds of relics are on display in the nearby Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum. Much of Malay, and local culture retain aspects of Indian culture, and this can be seen in the use of Sanskrit in the national language, through similar wedding ceremonies, the use of henna, dances, performances and much more.

In the 7th century, came an important kingdom- the Srivijaya Empire, which was lauded with the title of having the best trading port in the region. We know this through the records of Chinese, Indian, and Arab traders. Other ports were quick to emulate it, hoping to achieve the same success. During the 13th century, as other ports emerged, Srivijaya's influence declined. The lack of a strong central power, coupled with the nuisance of pirates, increased the need for a secure, well-equipped port in the region. Fate would take care of this. This port would soon be none other than Malacca.

The Malay Annals say, that a fleeing Palembang prince named Parameswara founded Malacca, down south, in 1400. Palembang is in the south of the Indonesian province of Sumatra, just across the straits. One day, while the prince was scouting for a new area to build his new kingdom, he saw a tiny mouse deer wrestling with a big dog while he was resting under the Melaka tree. Guess what? The tiny mouse deer won. Taking this as a good omen, he decided to establish a kingdom called Malacca, named after the tree that he was resting on. He built and improved facilities for trade, and within 50 years; it became the most influential port in all of Southeast Asia. At any given time, ships from dozens of kingdoms great and small could be seen anchored at the harbor. Imagine, hundreds of traders all trading and seeking their fortune in this new world with their spices, jewels, silks and much more.

Along with these traders came the religion of Islam, and Malacca's rulers now referred to themselves as "Sultans." The sultans were the heads of a highly organized municipal government. A multilingual harbor captain met each incoming ship, and his staff would see to all the vessel's needs. Besides that, there were also guarded storehouses where goods could be stored until traders arrived, or for safekeeping until they left. Most importantly, Malacca was attractive to traders because it was able to control what had been the bane of trade in the Straits - the pirates. And how did they do this? Well, by building alliances with outlying tribes and ports. They managed to establish a regional "navy" that policed local waters and escorted friendly vessels.

With the success and power it enjoyed, Malacca came to control the entire west coast of the Malay Peninsula including the kingdom of Pahang, and much of Sumatra. At the height of its power or as most Malaysians would say - Zaman Kegemilangan Melaka, the Glorious Age of Malacca- it became one of the most prosperous areas in South East Asia.

But its popularity lured the Portuguese; keen on replenishing their stocks of spices and other wares. The Portuguese would soon become the first of many to colonize this once independent and blossoming kingdom. The Portuguese would also begin a colonial legacy that would stretch well into the 20th century.

It was in 1511, when a Portuguese fleet led by Alfonso de Albuquerque sailed into Malacca's harbor, opened fire with cannon, and captured the entire city. Malacca's golden age came to an end.

Without further ado, the Portuguese constructed a massive fort in Malacca, which you can still visit, called A Famosa. The Dutch eventually captured the fort in 1641. This gave the Dutch an exclusive lock on the spice trade, until 1785, when the last but longest of colonizers- the British, convinced the Sultan of Kedah to allow them to build a fort on the island of Penang up north. The British were interested in having a safe port for their ships on the way to China. Instead of handing Malacca over to the French, the Dutch government in exile at the time agreed to let England temporarily oversee the port. The British returned the city to them in 1808, but the Dutch handed Malacca back to the British again as a trade off for Bencoleen in Sumatra. The Dutch continued to control the region until 1819 when Britain sent Sir William Raffles to establish a trading port in Singapore. This would eventually see the three British colonies - Penang, Malacca, and Singapore - be known as the Straits Settlement. This effectively sealed the British as the new superpower of the Straits.

In the late 1860s, fights for the control of the throne of Perak led to a war, causing the British to intervene. That eventually led to the signing of a peace treaty known as the Pangkor Agreement in 1874. The treaty gave Britain an even greater role in the region and helped maintain its monopoly on tin mining.

Together with the White Rajas or the Brookes in Borneo, Britain ruled over Malaya. Until the Japanese invaded and ousted them in 1942. During this time, many Chinese fled to the jungle and established an armed resistance that, after the end of the war, became the basis for a communist insurgency. In 1945, when World War II ended, Britain resumed control of Malaya again. But this time, the locals were ready to ask for independence. They eventually organized themselves in an alliance under Tunku Abdul Rahman. When the Union Jack was finally lowered in Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square in 1957, Tunku became the first prime minister of Malaya.

After the independence, a series of difficulties laid ahead for Malaya. The biggest question was, which territories would be included in the new state? So, in 1963 Malaya became "Malaysia" after Tunku convinced Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak to join Malaya in a federal union. Singapore was later kicked out from Malaysia in 1965, after it challenged the supremacy of the Malays.

What a long journey it has been. But that's not the end.

There was also the problem of determining national identity. Malaysia was, and still is, a mix of people from many races and cultures, and uniting them under a common flag was problematic. The Malays represent the majority. Thus the constitution gives them certain privileges; it also made Islam the official religion, and made Malay the national language. However, it was the Chinese who were firmly dominating business and trade, and most Malays were going through economic hardships. On May 13th 1969, after the opposition party won a significant number of seats, riots swept through Kuala Lumpur and the country was placed in a state of emergency. The government, controlled by the United Malay National Organization, passed the New Economic Policy or the NEP. The NEP attempted to increase economic opportunities for the Malays by establishing various quotas in their favor. This continues to be a hotly debated issue in Malaysia until today. The emergency has not been lifted since, and continues to be a painful moment that most Malaysians talk about with much dread.

Of course, in the last few decades since, Malaysia has undergone growth and prosperity, and has made significant progress in race relations. Issues continue be discussed and a newly elected government after the 2008 elections saw a stronger Opposition presence. Currently, Najib Tun Razak serves as the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Well, that's the end of our short history of Malaysia. I know I took quite long but hey, this is a history spanning 37,000 B.C.

Political System

Now, what is the political system in Malaysia like? Well, the political system uses the framework of 'federal constitutional elective monarchy'. The federal head of state in Malaysia is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or the King of Malaysia. Yang di-Pertuan Agong means "He who is made Lord". His title, including the honorific is pretty long- here it goes: Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which means, "The Dust Under The Feet Of His Royal Highness, Conqueror Majesty The Supreme Lord of the Federation". The current King is the Sultan of Terengganu, from the east coast and his name including his title and honorific goes like this- take a deep breath: Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah. Would you like to repeat that?

The King is elected to a five-year term among the nine hereditary Sultans of the Malay states, a practice that is continued from way back in the Malay sultanate. The other four states, which have Governors, do not participate in the selection for the King. The Malaysian system of government is closely modeled after the Westminster parliamentary system. This is undoubtedly a legacy of British colonial rule. Since independence in 1957, Malaysia has been governed by a coalition known as the Barisan Nasional.

On to legislative power. The Legislative branch is divided between federal and state legislatures. The Parliament consists of two houses. The first is the lower house, which is the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat, which means Chamber of the People. The second is the upper house, the Senate or Dewan Negara, which means Chamber of the Nation. There are 222 members in the lower house and they are elected for a maximum term of five years. As for the members of the upper house, all 70 Senators sit for three-year terms.

Besides the Parliament at the federal level, each state has a state legislative chamber whose members are elected from single-member constituencies.

Parliamentary elections are held at least once every five years, with the last general election being in March 2008. The prime minister must be a member of the lower house of parliament who, in the opinion of the King, commands a majority in parliament. The cabinet is chosen from among members of both houses of the Parliament.

On to foreign relations. Malaysia is one of the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN and participates in the United Nations. Also, as a former British colony, it is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, and a member of the Developing 8 Countries. Malaysia manages good diplomatic relations with many countries, with the exception of the State of Israel, which it does not recognize. Those bearing Malaysian passports will have a stamp that does not allow for visits to Israel, although travel to Jerusalem is sometimes permitted for religious reasons.

Geography

Alright. Let me give you an idea about the geography of Malaysia. It is the 66th largest country in the world, with a land area of over 320,000 km2. That's not very big actually, roughly the size of Norway and Vietnam and the US state of New Mexico. Population: 43rd most populated country in the world, similar to Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

There are two distinct parts of Malaysia as you already know, separated from each other by the South China Sea. They are the Peninsula Malaysia, where you most probably are right now, and East Malaysia in Borneo Island in the east. Mount Kinabalu is over there at East Malaysia in the state of Sabah and it stands at 4,095 metres. Mount Kinabalu is also the tallest peak in Southeast Asia. The local climate is equatorial, which simply means hot and sweaty all year round.

The Straits of Malacca is still considered the most important shipping lane in the world, much as it was in the time of the Malaccan sultanate.

Malaysia has 13 states and 3 federal territories. Let's see how many you can remember. The states- they are: from north, Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang or Penang if you like, and Perak. In the central region we have Selangor, where Kuala Lumpur is, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka. On the east, and by east I mean the east of the peninsula, we have Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Down south, we have Johor. On the east side of Malaysia or Borneo if you like, we have two states over there, Sabah and Sarawak. As for the 3 federal territories, they are Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city in Malaysia. Putrajaya is the federal administrative capital. Many executive and judicial branches of the federal government moved to Putrajaya because the long-suffering inhabitants of Kuala Lumpur have been complaining of traffic congestion. Kuala Lumpur is still recognised as the legislative capital of Malaysia as it houses the seat of the Malaysian Parliament. Kuala Lumpur is also the main commercial and financial centre of the country. Some other major cities in Malaysia include, let's see how many you know: George Town, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Alor Star, Malacca Town, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu, Kuantan and Petaling Jaya. You will encounter some of them in other audio guides, so watch out for them!

Part of the reason Malaysia or Malaya was of such interest to the British was due to its rich natural resources. Malaysia is one of the top exporters of natural rubber and palm oil, together with sawn logs and sawn timber, cocoa, pepper, pineapple and tobacco. Palm oil has also become a major generator of foreign exchange.

Logging in Malaysia only began to make a substantial contribution to the economy during the 19th century. Today, an estimated 59% of Malaysia remains forested, though logging has brought about a serious erosion problem in the country's forest resources.

Malaysia was once the world's largest producer of tin until the collapse of the tin market in the early 1980s. Petroleum and natural gas took over from tin as the main mineral. Petroleum and natural gas discoveries in oil fields off Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu have contributed much to the Malaysian economy. Other minerals include copper, bauxite, iron-ore and coal as well as clay, kaolin, silica, limestone, barite, phosphates and stones such as granite. Also, small quantities of gold are produced.

End

This is the end of part one of About Malaysia. I hope you've enjoyed learning about the history, politics and natural resources of Malaysia. Hopefully, this will give you a better understanding of Malaysia, and a deeper appreciation of this beautiful country.

In part two of About Malaysia, we will get to know its people, economy, healthcare and education system, a short language course and some general tourist tips.

Until next time, Selamat Tinggal and goodbye.

Author name:

Teng ky-Ken

Article Source:


E-mail me at azharzaratin1985@gmail.com if you need a tour service, car rental will arriving at Sabah malaysia. e-mail me also if you need info about Sabah.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

About Sabah Malaysia - by Alix Sunggin



Tanjung Aru Beach at Sunset, Kota Kinabalu Sabah

The second largest state in Malaysia, Sabah is the northernmost province on the island of Borneo and together with Sarawak, is known as 'east Malaysia'.

Called the 'Land below the wind', probably due to it being situated just south of the typhoon belt it is a popular destination for people looking for something a little different from the rest of Malaysia.

Despite its closeness to Sarawak it shares little of its neighbor's tribal diversity and its culture tends to follow the lines of the nearby Philippines though, unlike Sarawak it shares strong Islamic traditions with the rest of peninsular Malaysia.

For those with a taste of adventure, Sabah has got it all. From her golden sanded beaches to her towering mountains and jungles where one of the highest mountains in South-East Asia and popular attractions, Mount Kinabalu proudly reigns. Among nature lovers, Sabah is legendry and her jungles teem with life, some species of fauna and flora still undiscovered or unrecorded today, lie hidden in her generous, though rapidly decreasing lap.

It is here that you will see the rare and endangered Orang-utan, often known as the 'Wild man of Borneo', but due to deforestation throughout the area, sightings of these chestnut apes in the wild, is becoming a rarity.
The gateway to Sabah and its capital is the relatively new town of Kota Kinabalu or K.K. as it's usually called. This is an excellent stepping off point when visiting other parts of the state and offshore islands in the area.

Climate

Sabah has an equatorial climate. Temperatures rarely rise above 32°C except on exceptionally hot days and along the coastal areas rarely drops below 20°C at night. Although in the interior and at higher altitudes it can get quite cold at nights. Relative humidity is usually 85-95 per cent.

Rainfall is common throughout the year and varies from about 150 cm to over 450 cm per year. In most parts of Sabah the wetter period occurs during the north-east monsoon from October to February and the drier season during the south-west monsoon from March to September.

Author Name:
Alix Sunggin


Want to go to Mount Kinabalu, Dive at Sipadan Islands or to Kinabalu National Park at Sabah? Then get your tour service or car rental service to go this fantastic and amazing area in Sabah. e-mail me at azharzaratin1985@gmail.com for more information.




Malaysia - Truly Asia by Mohan singh


Masjid Negara, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Malaysia is the most beautiful tourist place which most of the people have not discovered. Malaysia is just not be said a big city but also includes a number of attraction spots comprised in it. This includes the crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and also many beautiful skyscrapers. The trip of Malaysia still becomes lively when we travel to the high tech cities like Kuala Lumpur, and islands of Lankawi. Kuala Lumpur is one of the blessed places of Malaysia with rich heritage. Malaysia truly lives to its tag line Truly Asia showing us so many wonders which includes

• Petronas Twin Towers is the tallest building in the world which is built with a combination of both Islamic design and modern architecture.

• Parliament house is also one such place known for its architecture which is situated on the most beautiful place in Kuala Lumpur.

 
• Dayabumi complex is a skyscraper which was first building built in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian style architecture.

• National mosque which is positioned near railway station has an impressive collection of tiles look of a half opened umbrella.

• Lake gardens which was developed in 1880s which covers an area of about 170 acres of huge trees, and beautiful colors of flora and two lakes. Also it has children playground, jogging tracks, and many more.

• The most admiring place of Malaysia is the parks in Kuala Lumpur. The butterfly park is very popular which inhabits around 120 species of butterflies and several thousand of plants.

• The smallest hoofed animal is the mouse deer is found in the Deer Park.

Tourism in Malaysia has undergone an immense growth in promoting it to international level. Malaysian cuisines are the most favorite of all with diverse styles and flavors. For the convenience of tourists all, Malay food with desserts, Indian, even Chinese food are available.

Author name:
Mohan Singh

Article Source:

Lost will arriving at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah? Then try get a tour service or car rental will arriving at Sabah.
e-mail me at azharzaratin1985@gmail.com for more info.


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

What You Don't Know About Malaysia 2 - by Teng Ky-Gen

Menara Tun Mustapha (Yayasan Sabah) - Kota Kinabalu Sabah

Hello there. 'Selamat Datang ke Malaysia'. That means, 'Welcome to Malaysia' in our national language Bahasa Malaysia. It would be impossible to tell you everything about Malaysia in such a short period of time, but I will give you a general idea.

People

One of the things you will find most fascinating about Malaysia is its people and culture. Being a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual society of 28 million is no easy feat, as race continues to be a hotly debated issue and permeates almost every aspect of Malaysian life.

The Malaysian population consists of 62% Bumiputeras, which includes Malays and the Indigenous peoples, 24% Chinese, 8% Indians, and the rest are other minorities. Or as we say in Malaysia, 'lain-lain' or others. Citizenship in East Malaysia or the states of Sabah and Sarawak are a little different from citizenship in Peninsular Malaysia for immigration purposes. When West Malaysians visit East Malaysia, they are required to bring their MyKad, a biometric smart chip identity card, which must be carried by citizens of Malaysia at all times.

The Malays form the largest community, and they are defined as Muslims in the Constitution of Malaysia- in other words, if you are Malay, you are automatically Muslim. The Malays are the big brothers of politics, dominating the political scene. Their native language is Malay, the national language of the country. They are also sometimes called 'bumiputra', or 'princes of the soil' and are favoured with certain affirmative action policies. This has been a point of discontent with a lot of minorities. Among others, getting a 10% to 25% discount when buying a house and receiving government tenders and scholarships are some of these benefits. How did this come about? I'll tell you more in the economy section.
The second biggest group are the Chinese. They are mostly Buddhists, Taoists or Christians. The Chinese community speaks a variety of Chinese dialects including Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka, and Teochew- all from the native familial provinces in China. But today, many Chinese speak English as their first language; in fact there are some who speak only English. If the Malays dominate the political scene, the Chinese dominate the business scene. There is a sizable middle class consisting of the Chinese.
The third biggest group are the Indians. The Indians in Malaysia are mainly Hindu Tamils from southern India whose native language is Tamil. Of course there are other Indian communities living here and they speak many dialects like Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. Many middle to upper-middle class Indians in Malaysia also speak English as a first language. There is also a vigorous 200,000-strong Indian Muslim community that thrives as an independent cultural group. In fact, if you get hungry in the middle of the night, you most probably will head to a 'mamak', a kind of 24-hour restaurant that is often owned by an Indian Muslim. There is also a sizable Sikh community in Malaysia numbering over 100,000.
The largest non-Malay indigenous tribe is the Iban of Sarawak, who number over 600,000. Some still live in traditional jungle villages in long houses along the Rajang and Lupar rivers, though many have moved to the cities. Then, there are the Bidayuhs, who number around 170,000 and are concentrated in the south western part of Sarawak. Then there are the Kadazans, the largest indigenous tribe in Sabah and they are mostly Christian farmers. Then there are the 140,000 Orang Asli, or aborigines, living in Peninsular Malaysia. Traditionally nomadic hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists, many have been partially absorbed into 'modern' Malaysia.

Besides that, through interracial marriage, there are a significant number of racial groups such as the Eurasians, who are descendants of marriages among the British, Dutch and Portuguese and the locals. They speak a Portuguese-based creole, called PapiĆ” Kristang. There are also Eurasians of Filipino and Spanish descent, mostly in Sabah. Descended from immigrants from the Philippines, some speak Chavacano, the only Spanish-based creole language in Asia. Then there are Cambodians and Vietnamese, who are mostly Buddhists. Then there are Thai Malaysians, who populate a big part of the northern peninsular states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan and Terengganu. Besides speaking Thai, most of them are Buddhists, celebrate Songkran or Water festival and can speak Hokkien, but some of them are Muslim and speak the Kelantanese Malay dialect. Then there are the Bugis and Javanese, who make up a part of the population in Johor. In addition, there have been many foreigners and expatriates who have made Malaysia their second home, also contributing to Malaysia's population. Then there are the Babas and Nyonyas, or Straits Chinese; descendants of Chinese who came to trade in ancient Malacca who married local Malays. They combine Malay and Chinese traditions in such a way as to create a new culture. Most of them dress in typical Malay fashion, wearing the kebaya ketat, which is a Malay traditional costume, and they speak a special kind of Malay, and cook food that is a mix of the both cultures.

Being a multiracial country, cultural exchanges and cultural integrations are inevitable. For example, this can be seen in Malay wedding ceremonies, which incorporates elements of the Hindu traditions of southern India. The bride and the groom dress in gorgeous brocades, sit in state, and feed each other yellow rice with hands painted with henna. Another example is that the Muslims and Hindus have adapted the Chinese custom of giving little red packets of money or 'ang pau' at festivals such as Aidilfitri, and Deepavali. The colours of the packets vary, but the practice is similar.

In Malaysia, it is entirely possible to go from a kampong or a village, to a rubber estate to a Chinese coffee shop and feel as if you've seen so many different sides to one country. Travel to any Kuala Lumpur suburb and observe. A Chinese house will have a mother praying and lighting joss sticks for her ancestors, an Indian family will be playing the radio featuring the latest Tamil hit, while the Malay family will be getting ready to walk to the closest mosque.

Racial relations remain a thorny issue that permeates every aspect of the Malaysian life. Stereotypes are then inevitable. The Malays are lazy and slow, the Chinese are greedy and like to gamble, and the Indians are always drunk and they beat their wives. You can still hear this very often in the streets, most of the time as a joke, but sometimes as an insult. To be identified with your race is very common. For instance, job interviews require you to state your race, though this practice is slowly diminishing. When you tell a Malaysian that you saw a road accident, he would likely ask you if it was a Malay, a Chinese or an Indian. If you got robbed, you'd be asked if it was a Malay or an Indian. If you get paid peanuts, your boss is likely Chinese. If you ride a motorbike, you're most likely Malay. If you live in a high-end neighbourhood, you're most likely Chinese. I could go on, but I encourage you to find out these stereotypes yourself!
Besides being a melting pot of various races, Malaysia is also a multi-religious society with Islam as the official religion. Roughly 63 percent of the population practice Islam; 18 percent Buddhism; 7 percent Christianity; 6 percent Hinduism; and 2 percent traditional Chinese religions such as Taoism. The remaining numbers are accounted for by other faiths, including Animism, Folk religion, Sikhism, while 1 percent has no religion.

While the Malaysian constitution guarantees religious freedom, Malay Muslims are obliged to follow the decisions of Syariah courts when it comes to matters concerning Islam. Converting out of Islam in Malaysia is a largely problematic issue, and while it has been attempted by some, it is a process that requires long legal battles and is not well-received by the majority of the Muslim faithful. The Islamic judges in the Syariah courts are expected to follow the Shafi`I school of Islam, which is the main denomination of Islam in Malaysia. The power of the Shariah court is limited only to Muslims over matters such as marriage, inheritance, apostasy, religious conversion, and custody. No other criminal or civil offenses are under the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts. But there have been moves by the Pan Islamic Party to implement the hudud law, or Islamic law.

That was a lot to digest. But it's worth understanding how culture, race and religion work in Malaysia in order to understand Malaysian life. Now go out and see if you can recognize who's Malay, who's Chinese, who's Indian, and who's, as we Malaysians love to say, Lain-lain, or others.

Economy
Let's take a quick look at the Malaysian economy now.
Spice trade used to be big business in Malaysia during the time of the Malaccan Sultanate. When the British took over, rubber and palm oil trees became big business. Soon, Malaysia became the world's largest producer of tin, rubber, and palm oil. With these three lucrative commodities, Malaysia was poised for great economic growth.

During this growth period, the government tried to eradicate poverty with the controversial New Economic Policy, or the NEP, after the May 13 Incident of racial rioting in 1969. At that time, the economies were raced based- the Malays worked as farmers in the paddy fields or civil servants, the Chinese owned businesses and the Indians tapped rubber trees in the rubber estates. The policy's main objective was the elimination of the association of race with economic function as it was during the time of the British. However, the New Economic Policy was laden with controversial affirmative policies that favoured the Malays, and it was a source of discontent even until today.

Back then, Malaysia was very reliant on agriculture. It needed to move to an economy based on manufacturing. Inspired by the Asian Tigers in the 70s, which were South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore, Malaysia moved from being reliant on mining and agriculture to an economy based on manufacturing. Then, Malaysia consistently achieved more than 7% GDP growth along with low inflation in the 1980s and the 1990s. Today, Malaysia is home to one of the world's largest computer hard disk manufacturing sites.

The Asian Financial Crisis hit in the fall of 1997 and delivered a shock to Malaysia's economy. Foreign direct investment fell sharply and, as capital flowed out of the country, the value of the ringgit dropped from 2.50 Ringgit versus 1 US Dollar to, at one point, 4.80 Ringgit versus 1 US Dollar. A National Economic Action Council was then formed to deal with the monetary crisis. Bank Negara, the country's central bank imposed capital controls and pegged the Malaysian ringgit at 3.80 to the US dollar. Malaysia refused economic aid packages from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, much to the surprise of many analysts.

Rejuvenation of the Malaysian economy coincided with massive government spending and budget deficits in the years that followed the crisis. It eventually enjoyed faster economic recovery compared to its neighbours. Malaysia's rapid economic growth and prosperity is symbolized by the building of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the tallest twin buildings in the world and the headquarters of the national oil giant.

While the pace of Malaysia's development today is not as rapid, it is seen as more sustainable. Malaysia is also the world's largest Islamic banking and financial centre.

Eventually, the fixed exchange rate was abandoned in July 2005 in favour of a managed floating system within an hour of China announcing the same move. In that very same week, the ringgit strengthened one percent against various major currencies and was expected to appreciate further.

Currently Malaysia is recognized as a newly industrialized country and as of 2008, has a GDP per capita of 14,215 USD, ranking the country 48th in the world, and 2nd in Southeast Asia, but lagging far behind its Southern neighbour, Singapore.
Healthcare

Let's take a quick look at healthcare in Malaysia. Malaysia generally has an efficient and widespread system of healthcare. It implements a universal healthcare system, and co-exists with a private healthcare system. Anyone can walk into a government hospital and get treatment for free, though waiting time is usually longer. Prescriptions may cost money but are often given to the patient at a subsidized rate. Infant mortality rate - a standard in determining the overall efficiency of healthcare - in 2005 was 10, coming in favourably in a comparison with the United States and Western Europe. Life expectancy at birth in 2005 was 74 years.

If you need medical assistance in Malaysia, you're free to walk into any government or private hospitals, but as a tourist, you will not be able to enjoy the free healthcare.
Education

Before we get into some language lesson, I'd like to tell you how the Malaysian education system is organized. Why do different children go to different types of school? At this point, you'd not be surprised if I tell you that the education system is very much based on race too.
If you're between 3 to 6 years old, you'd most likely go to a kindergarten. Usually they are run privately, but some are run by the government.

When you turn 7, you'd move on to primary school for the next six years. There are two types of primary school you could go to. The first is the SRK, or Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan, which are government run schools. You'd be using the Malay language as the medium of instruction.

Or, if your parents are Chinese or Indian, they could choose to send you to the second type of school called SJK, or Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan. Here, you will be using either Mandarin or Tamil, depending on which school you go to. If you're a girl, you will wear a dark blue pinafore, coupled with a white shirt, or the dark blue and white baju kurung, or Malay traditional costume. If you're a boy, you will wear dark blue pants or shorts and a white shirt. And you'll happily slog through 6 years, and by the end of year 6 or when you're 12 years old, you'll be taking a much-dreaded exam called the Primary School Achievement Test or Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah, UPSR.

Then, you'd move onto Secondary education where you will study for the next 5 years. National secondary schools use Malay as the main medium of instruction. At the end of Form Three when you turn 15, you will sit for another much-dreaded exam called Lower Secondary Assessment or Penilaian Menengah Rendah, not so fondly known as PMR. And finally, in the last year of secondary education or Form Five when you turn 17, you sit for the really dreaded Malaysian Certificate of Education or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, SPM. It is similar to the British Ordinary or 'O' Levels, and more comprehensive that the American SATs.

You'll realize there are a lot of exams for Malaysians students to take. This is because we take after the British system of 'qualification by examination', a legacy of our colonial days.
While English and Maths used to be taught in English for a short period, the government has decided to scrap this measure and revert to Bahasa Malaysia, starting in 2012, a move many have protested.
Here's another stereotype. Due to the stringent teaching methods, Chinese schools are noted for producing some of the top students in the country, making some Malay and Indian parents send their children to these schools as well.

Oh, your education journey is not over just yet. At 17, if you're lucky enough to be born Malay and bumiputra, you get into a fast track called matriculation and secure a safe seat at university. In line with affirmative action policies that favour your race, you won't have to worry much if you'll get a place. If you're Chinese, Indian or Lain- Lain, you'll have to go through two years of upper secondary education called Form Six, divided into Lower Six and Upper Six, at the end of which you will be rewarded with the most dreaded of all exams- the Malaysian Higher School Certificate or Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia, or STPM. It is the Malaysian equivalent to the British Advanced or 'A' levels. However, if you have money to burn, you can buy your way out of STPM by enrolling yourself in a matriculation course in private colleges.

And finally, the pinnacle of education- the university. The number of public universities in Malaysia is few, in fact less than 20, so places are very limited. Finding a place in a public university is an annual source of frustration, with many qualified students going to the media to complain they have been denied a place. If you're Malay or bumiputra, you can save your parents' retirement fund and secure an almost guaranteed place in a public university, where schooling fees are minimal. However, if you're Chinese or Indian and you fail to secure a place, your other option is private college education, where you will need to ask your parents to postpone their retirement by a couple of years.
I did tell you that race plays an important role in the Malaysian society.
Then, after 3 to 6 years of university, you graduate with a degree and can choose to continue your post graduate studies.

Language

Alright, that's the end of our education on education. And now, comes the practical part. Here are some handy tips for you to make your stay in Malaysia better.
Communication is easy in Malaysia. Contrary to popular belief, most of us speak English, at least some English. Bahasa Malaysia or Malaysia language is the official language. Here are some helpful conversational Bahasa Malaysia phrases you can try. Let's begin!
Good morning! Selamat Pagi
Good evening! Selamat Petang
How are you? Apa Khabar?
I'm fine, thanks! Khabar Baik, Terima Kasih
Thank you! Terima Kasih
You're welcome! Sama-sama
Good night! Selamat Malam
See you later! Jumpa Lagi!
Good bye! Selamat Jalan!
If you need to ask for some help or directions, these are some useful phrases:
I'm lost Saya Sesat
Can you help me? Boleh Tolong Saya?
Where is the toilet? Mana Tandas?
Go straight! Then turn left/ right! Jalan Terus/ Kemudian Pusing Kiri/ Kanan
I'm looking for my friend. Saya Cari Kawan Saya.
How much is this? Berapa Harga Ni?
Excuse me!Maafkan Saya...
If you're really enthusiastic about trying out even more Bahasa Malaysia, here are some more advanced phrases.
Do you speak English? Awak Cakap Bahasa Inggeris ke?
Just a little. Sedikit sahaja.
What's your name? Apa nama awak?
My name is... Nama Saya...
Where are you from? Awak Dari Mana?
I'm from...Saya Dari...
Where do you live? Awak Tinggal Di mana?
I live in...Saya Tinggal Di
I have to go Saya Pergi Dulu.
I will be right back! Saya Akan Pulang Nanti.
I Don't Understand! Saya Tak Faham!
I Don't Know! Saya Tak Tau!

Now that you know some simple phrases, get cracking and converse with some locals, and get them to teach you more! There's no better way to make friends than by taking some effort in learning their language. Malaysians will love you for it!

Tourist Tips

Here are some tips for you. If you're being introduced to a Malay Muslim for the first time, extend both your hands, grasp theirs and bring yours back to your chest. This is the traditional Malay 'salam.' To keep it simple, smiling and nodding is fine if you don't know whether to shake hands or not. With Muslim women, in general, if a hand is not offered, it's best not to shake hands!

If you ever get lost or need any help, look for the tourist police officer. They can be recognized by their chequered hat bands, dark blue shirts and trousers, and the letter "I" for information on a red and blue badge on their breast pocket. They usually stand around tourist areas. However, if you're looking for regular policemen, the number to call is 999 from your phone. Emergency calls in Malaysia are free.
Malaysia has approximately 20 public holidays in a year, so plan your trip wisely and check with the Tourism Malaysia website. Also affecting travel are school holidays, as families take days off with their children, so certain parts of the country, like tourist sites and beaches could get crowded.
As you'll be doing a lot of walking, you can always buy mineral water bottles for drinking, and it's generally not safe to drink straight out of the tap. The electrical supply is on a 240-volt 50-cycle system, similar to Britain.

Should you wish to catch up on local news and events, the English language papers that are available are The New Straits Times, The Star, Business Times, Malay Mail, Daily Express, Sabah Daily News and Sarawak Tribune. If you want international newspapers, you can most certainly find them at any major bookstores and newsstands. For events, try Time Out and Klue magazines.

The two significant climate changes centre on the monsoon season, but besides that, the weather rarely changes. It is either hot with rain, or hot without rain. The temperature ranges between 21 C and 32 C, but with high humidity. Rain tends to occur between November and February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, western Sarawak, and the north-eastern part of Sabah.

Due to the climate, light clothing is ideal. It is advisable for ladies, when entering mosques and temples, to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts. Or you could carry a shawl- it's a lighter alternative.
If you need to adjust your watches before arriving, Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Remove shoes when entering homes and places of worship. Malaysians do not wear shoes around the house.

While sitting down or resting in a group, do not direct your feet towards someone, or any religious statues.

Public display of affection in larger cities like Kuala Lumpur is generally tolerated but might invite unnecessary attention from the public. Public displays of affection in more rural areas are frowned wupon and should be avoided. Also, same-sex relationship is taboo in Malaysia, so gay and lesbian travellers should avoid outward signs of affection, and this includes holding hands in public. Due to strong influence from Islam, homosexuality is technically illegal, although there are many underground gay and lesbian clubs.

End

This is the end of part two of About Malaysia. I hope you've enjoyed learning more about the people of Malaysia, and its economy, healthcare and education systems, as well as the short language course and general tourist tips.

Now that you've gotten an idea of the country, it's time to go out and explore! Do make sure you take your time to soak in the essence of the country, its people and most importantly, its food! Have a great time in Malaysia.

Until next time, Selamat Tinggal and goodbye.

Author Name:
Teng Ky-Gen

Article Source:

for more info you can e-mail me at azharzaratin1985@gmail.com , if you need a car rental service and tour services while you arriving at sabah, malaysia.


Malaysia Islands Tour - A Great Holiday Spot! - by Jason Born

Pulau Mantanani - Sabah Malaysia

Malaysia has become one of favorite tourist's destinations due to various attractive locations that are there in Malaysia. Some of the most unequaled beauties can be witnessed by seeing the natural splendors of Malaysia. A number of national parks and beautiful islands add to the beauty of the Southeast Asian nation. In this part of the Asian continent Malaysia possibly is one of the most rapidly growing nation that has come up as a major tourist destination. What makes Malaysia so much fascinating is a number of incredible islands that it comprises of. Langkawi Island has lovely beaches like Pantai Cenang and Pantai Kok, Penag beach, Pangkor Island, Port Dickson, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Kok, Pan, Desaru, Tioman, Cherating, Terengganu Islands and Beaches, Sabah Islands and Beaches.

Malaysia is enriched with many beautiful islands. These islands consist of tropical rainforest which are must for nature lovers. It fascinates various international tourists as they can enjoy and indulge various fun games such as boating, sailing, river rafting and paragliding etc. you can easily enjoy various water sports and those who are not so sporty can definitely try fishing on the islands of Malaysia. You can even spot many tourists taking sunbath or just enjoying swimming.

Malaysia islands tours enable you to dine in some of the best restaurants and enjoy mouth watering delicacies. You can try Chinese cuisine or you can even expect some of authentic Indian food as well.
The south East Asian nation is swamped with some of the top class hotels on the islands of the country. So while being on a Malaysia islands tour you can get to stay in the various luxury beach resorts and hotels that offer you with great services. On these islands there are a number of other attractions such as museums, national parks and even marine parks. If you are in the planning to enjoy an adventurous vacation then the diving spots on the islands can please you.

To plan your trip conveniently and make it good you can easily consult a travel dictionary or itinerary that offers maximum information about this holiday destination. Also the information provided is reliable and can help you plan according to your budget.

Author Name:
Jason Born

Source of Article:

e-mail me at azharzaratin1985@gmail.com if you need a tour service and car rental when youn arriving at sabah malaysia.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Malaysia: An Oriental Tourist's Haven and an Anthropologer's Delight! - by Lopa Bhattacharya


Pulau Tiga, Sabah

Malaysia Travel/Tourism:

A glorious haven comprising of island life, adventures, city excitement and oriental culture & heritage, Malaysia has been attracting tourists from all nook and corner of the world as an ideal travel destination for over a decade now. With energetic, entertaining dance forms, with a mythical culture that represents fertility, vigilance and dignity, with elaborate traditional festivals like the bamboo dance and the warrior dance, and with a strong sense of community, Malaysia is truly a land of many cultures, wonders and attractions in the heart of Asia.

A land of fascinating extremes, where towering skyscrapers look down upon primitive longhouses, it truly accounts for a memorable eco-holiday. Above all, with some of the best beaches and diving spots in the world, it is ideal for island getaways. It is no wonder then, that with promoting Malaysia as a destination of excellence, the travel/tourism development department of Malaysia has been able to increase the number of foreign tourists and also extend their average length of stay, thereby increasing Malaysia's tourism revenue considerably over the years.

Island Life highlights in Malaysia consist mainly of the Langwaki Island, Kedah, and the Pangkor Laut, Perak. While the local legends, beautiful beaches and natural marvels make the Langwaki Island especially enchanting and unforgettable as a fascinating Island getaway, the Pangkor Laut, Perak, is basically a private island whose market value has increased dramatically after it was voted as the 'Best Island in the World' by the UK-based Conde Naste Traveller Magazine. Aficionados of adventure would just love to explore Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia's first World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia's highest mountains (4,093 metres). Towering amidst a veil of clouds, while the largest cave chamber in the world at Mulu Caves beckons the tourists with its inexplicable mystery, on the other hand, lush tropical jungles teeming with wildlife for millions of years, like the Taman Negara, Pahang, would be tempting one to experience the exhilaration of endless escapades.

Those looking for city attractions in Malaysia like glamour, shopping, fine dining and more will definitely be able to satisfy their fine tastes and sensibilities. With the ultra-modern Petronas Twin Towers (in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre), the classic Moorish-style old Railway station, the luxurious and extravagant shopping malls and restaurants with succulent Chinese and oriental food fests, one cannot fail to revel in the umpteen alluring attractions of Malaysia.

With all these and much more in store, its no wonder that global tourists continue to return to Malaysia time and again to explore its mixture of cultures and environments for a fantastic, inspiring holiday.

Author by,
Lopa Bhattacharya

klik this source of article link to read more: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lopa_Bhattacharya

If you need a tour service and car rental service in Sabah, e-mail me at azharzaratin1985@gmail.com . You vacation in Sabah Malaysia will be enjoy and far more fun if you can get a tour agents.