Sunday, May 30, 2010

Top 5 day trips from Kuala Lumpur


KL has lots to offer, but here are 5 reasons to escape for a day

Melaka


Dutch architecture in central Melaka

This historic sea-town is the first port-of-call for anyone interested in Malay culture and cuisine. It epitomises Malaysia’s multi-cultural history. Not only does it display the country’s more common Islamic, Chinese and Indian influences, it also harbours a rich European history too.

Why go?: Over the centuries Malacca (Melaka in Malay) has been colonised by the Portuguese, Dutch and British and there is plenty of evidence of its chequered past. Its strong historical importance has earned Melaka UNESCO World Heritage status and its small size makes it easy to navigate the shaded alleys and passageways by foot or trishaw.

The colonial heart of the city is situated on the east side of the Melaka river (Sungai Melaka) and boasts ruins of the old Portuguese fort ‘Porta de Santiago’ and St Paul’s Church. St Paul’s Hill provides great views over the city. The town square offers reminders of Melaka’s Dutch past and the old Stadhuys (Town Hall) and Christ Church look like a small slice of Amsterdam.

It’s not all ruins and architecture though. Visitors can also fill up on some renowned local cuisine called Nyonya, which is hard to find anywhere else. It’s a fragrant fusion of Chinese and Malay cooking that was formed over centuries of mixed marriages in this area.

Top tip: A 15 minute walk to Kampung Morten in the north of the city is worth an evening visit. A stroll along the riverside boardwalk provides views of traditional Melakan fisherman’s homes and some interesting river wildlife, including monitor lizards and the bizarre mudskipper fish. The whole area is also beautifully lit up at night.

Price: The Porta de Santiago and St Paul’s churches are free. Entrance to the Stadhuys is RM5.00

Getting there: It’s a two hour drive south from Kuala Lumpur down the North-South expressway, or there are half-hourly buses from Puduraya bus station for RM12.30 one-way. There are also a lot of tour operators that organise day trips to Melaka from around RM120.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary


An elephant leaves the river after a relaxing bath.
This is the only centre of its type in Malaysia. The sanctuary helps track, relocate and care for displaced or orphaned elephants from across South East Asia.

Why go?: The forest elephants of Asia are rare and elusive animals and Kuala Gandah is the best place to get up close and personal with these giants of the jungle. The elephants can be fed by hand and brave visitors can even ride them into the murky river, plunging under the water in a frothy squall of muddy bodies and nervous laughter. There’s also a visitor centre with educational videos and detailed information about the centre’s important conservation work.

Top tip: Anyone wishing to frolic in the river with the elephants needs to bear in mind that the water isn’t just brown with mud - the elephants also use the river as a toilet! However, there are showers to purge away any filth after the fun has ended. Bring a change of clothes.

Price: The entrance fee is by donation only, but it’s still important to book ahead because only the first 120 people are admitted each day.

Getting there: The sanctuary is in the state of Pahang near Lanchang, about two hours drive north-west of KL. It is worth booking an organised tour through a travel agent (starting at around RM200), as the rural route from KL is not a simple one. Detailed directions from KL can be found at http://www.myelephants.org/directions.html

The fireflies of Kuala Selangor


Tourists marvel at the fireflies from their sampan.
Fireflies or ‘Kelip-kelip’ are actually small flying beetles that emit a bright glow caused by a chemical reaction in their abdomen. They live on the mangrove (Berembang) trees along the bank of the Selangor River near Kampung Kuantan. Both males and females create a light to attract a mate.

Why go?: Drifting down the Selangor river in a small sampan (flat bottomed boat) as the mangroves throb with thousands of pulsing lights is a wondrous sight. This is one of the finest places in the world to see these captivating creatures, although bear in mind that flash photography is largely forbidden.

Top tip: Try to time your visit on a dry, moonless night, just after dark and no later than 11.00pm, when the mating ritual tails off. It’s also wise to go on a week-day to avoid the crowds.

Price: RM10 per person for the 45-minute boat ride. Each sampan takes four people.

Getting there: The two hour trip north to Kampung Kuantan (9km east of Kuala Selangor) from KL isn’t simple, particularly when you get to the nearby back-roads. It’s wise to book a tour from around RM195 or haggle on a return taxi from Puduraya Station. The last bus from Kuala Selangor to KL is too early, so you could only take the bus on the way there and then catch a taxi back.

Port Dickson


Great sunsets can be seen from the west coast.
The attraction of Port Dickson (locally known as PD) is not so much the town itself, but the 18km of nearby beaches against a backdrop by palms and banyan trees.

Why go?: KL isn’t missing much, but one thing it lacks is a beach to cool off at. The only sandy beaches close enough for a day trip are the ones that stretch out along the coastal road south of Port Dickson. The road traces the coastline so it’s easy to find a suitable place to stop.

Top tip: Ten miles south of Port Dickson is the Blue Lagoon, a small bay next to Cape Rachado. The small coral reef a short distance from the beach helps protect the lagoon, ensuring it has some of the clearest water in the area.

Price: Nothing – just don’t forget to bring some suntan lotion!

Getting there: 90 minutes drive south of KL on the North-South expressway and take the exit to Port Dickson. Stop off anywhere along the coastal road between Port Dickson and Cape Rachado, although Teluk Kemang is the most popular beach. Regular buses from KL to Port Dickson leave from Puduraya station for RM6.15

Fraser's Hill


Nature trails snake all over Fraser’s Hill
Malaysia meets Scotland in this quaint little hillside resort up in the clouds. Fraser’s Hill is named after James Fraser, a Scottish pioneer who mysteriously disappeared after setting up a tin-ore trading post in the 1890s. It rises 1500m above the heat and humidity of sea level and it blends an intriguing mix of cloud forest and British colonial architecture.

Why go?: The cool, fresh air and wide variety of outdoor activities help invigorate weary bodies and refresh jaded minds. Nature trails wind under a tropical canopy that chatters and hums with bird and insect life. Trek 5km out to Jeriau waterfall and bathe in the invigorating pool beneath. Frasier’s Hill holds an annual bird-watching event in June which is testament to the area’s rich fauna.

If walking seems like hard work then take a paddle boat on a small lake called Allans' Water, or hire some modestly priced fishing rods. There’s even a 9-hole golf course at Royal Fraser's Hill Golf Club.

Top tip: When travelling to and from the resort bear in mind that the last 8km up Fraser’s Hill is alternate one-way traffic. Going up to the resort there’s a 35 minute window to start the ascent every two hours, starting at 7am.

Price: Boating: RM6.00 (for 15 minutes), Fishing: RM5.00 adults, RM4.00 children (for a full day), Golf: RM30 weekdays, RM40 weekends

Getting there: Fraser’s Hill is 100km north up the Karak Highway and it’s a bit tricky to get to without your own wheels. However, you can get one of the half-hourly buses from Puduraya bus station to nearby Kuala Kubu Bharu and then get a taxi for around RM70. It’s worth haggling on a return taxi fare as they’re hard to catch on Fraser’s Hill.

Dan Waters is a writer and photographer who specialises in travel and wildlife. Although he's based in the UK, Dan's marriage to a Malaysian travel consultant has resulted in a rather special insight into Malaysian culture; he has the knowledge of a local and the enthusiasm of a tourist.
Read more about Dan Waters

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

REINSTALLING RAIL TRACK FROM TAMPIN TO MELAKA SENTRAL?

Last week, the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to shift KTM Rail Terminus currently located at Tanjung Pagar, Singapore to Woodlands by 1st. July 2011.

A private company owned by Khasanah Nasional and Tumasek Holdings will be set up to develop the Tanjung Pagar site and other sites owned by KTM Malaysia in Singapore.

A thought occurred to me that once the railway stops at Woodlands, the railway tracks from Woodlands to Tanjung Pagar, will become redundant. If that is the case, why not we recycle the railtracks and re-use them from Tampin to Melaka?

The distance from Tampin to Melaka is about 32 km while the tracks from Woodlands to Tanjung Pagar is around 30km. If that can be done, we can get our railway back to Melaka Sentral.

Our Malaccan railtracks were removed by the Japanese Army during the 2nd. World War for the building of the "Death Railway" in Thailand. That is why we still have the land but without the tracks!!!

Certainly like to hear your comments.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010


Vesak Day - The birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha will be celebrated by Buddhists around the world on 21st. or 28th. May 2010.

May we take the opportunity to wish all Buddhists a Blessed Vesak Day and gear the World towards Peace and Enlightenment.

HAPPY VESAK DAY

Saturday, May 8, 2010

A TALE OF TWO HERITAGE CITIES - MELAKA & MACAU



Had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong and Macau last week.

I was particularly keen to visit Macau which her historic centre was listed as a World Heritage City by Unesco in 2005.

It was a fruitful and as it is late spring, the weather was cool and not too hot to walk about. The trip was both eye opening and an experience as it was from Melaka that the Portuguese ventured out and up to China and established a trading base in Macau. Saint Francis Xavier also travelled from Melaka to Macau to spread Christianity in the 16th. Century.

Being from Melaka, my home city, Macau and Melaka share some similarities both in history, cultures and cuisines over the past 600 years. In tourism, Melaka and Macau are listed by Unesco as World Heritage cities. Macau historic Centre in 2005 while Melaka together with Georgetown,Penang in July 2007.

If we compare Melaka and Macau, there are some interesting similarities. Both cities have a compact historical zones. Melaka has her Red Square (Stadthuys) by the Dutch, while in Macau, it is the Senando Square.

Then, Macau has the ruins of St.Paul which was unfortunately burnt down in late 19th. Century. This is the most famous landmark of Macau where millions of tourists visit Macau each year both for her history, casinos, food and shopping. Beside the ruins of St.Paul, is the Fortress on the hill overlooking Macau. The canons on this fortress were only fired once when the Dutch wanted to conquer Macau, which they failed. Macau remained under Portuguese rule until December 31st. 1999 before it was handed over to China.

Melaka on the other hand, has a world renowned Stadthuys built by the Dutch. St. Paul's Hill is located behind Stadthuys and we have the ruins of 'A Famosa'. As Melaka has no casinos, we are blessed with our Melaka River that runs through the city.

Food are great attractions for Macau and Melaka. Portuguese cuisines in Macau are mouth watering and they even have pork chop buns. A surprise is that shops are selling grilled meat slices which Melaka/Malaysia have for many years. I was told that these food products were not done in Macau/Hong Kong years back!!! Maybe, they see a new product which the Macanese adapted to sell Macau to visitors.

One distinct difference between Melaka and Macau are visitors to these two places. In 2000, before Macau was handed over to China, tourists arrival totalled only 7.1 million. Now, after 10 years, the tourists arrival has reached 22 million - much to the arrivals and visits by mainland Chinese.

Melaka on the hand receives about 8.9 million visitors in 2009 only. Melaka need to do more to attract visitors to her shores. With just 3hours flight from Melaka to Hong Kong/Macau, we can tap the Chinese market as Melaka are well known to them via Zheng He. We need to market Melaka as part of a package.