Unique Adventure: Tempurung Cave, Perak Malaysia

Gua Tempurung (Tempurung Cave) is considered the longest cave in Peninsula Malaysia at 4.8 km. It is a popular destination for caving fans. Part of the cave has been developed as a show cave with electric lighting and walkways.

Gua Tempurung is located in Gopeng, Perak and can be reached using the PLUS NorthSouth Highway. It is a fine river cave, the river passage runs about 1.6 km through the hill. There are three very large chambers and some spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

There are 4 options of tours for the cave visitors from easy and exciting to a very challenging and strenuous adventure.

For more information about Tempurung cave:

Gua Tempurung Malaysia

Hotel ratings to ensure better service

Kuala Lumpur, July 23 - Tourism Ministry announced tighter criteria to reclassify hotels and apartments rating in order to provide better quality service. Ratings for hotel apartments were also introduced.

The classifications for both star and orchid hotels follows the standard set by the United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); adjusted to local cultures.

"The tourism industry will always work towards upgrading the hotel services in Malaysia from time to time," said Tourism Minister Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor at the press conference in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.

Five criteria are added in the new rating scheme; providing WiFi access for all floors in a hotel building, tightening the marking system for hotel ratings, promoting warmer welcome practices a la Malaysia and requiring hotels to send feedback forms from hotel guests straight to the ministry.

Tengku Adnan said the main change is in the criteria for a hotel to be given a five-star rating.

"Five-star hotels would now have to provide 24-hour room service, ensure shops and restaurants in the hotel operated for a minimum of 18 hours (depending on approval of local authorities) and use only Malaysian-themed decorations," he said.

A minimum price of US$80 (RM275) for room charges per night must also be implemented, while at least five satellite TV programmes - sports, children, news and two movie channels - are also required.

Tengku Adnan said the steps were necessary to ensure hotels were given appropriate ratings. Orchid ratings are given to hotels, which do not qualify for the one to five-star rating requirements. All hotels will be rated based on their qualitative and aesthetic requirements, common areas, bedroom requirements, services, safety and hygiene standards, and staff.

In the Hotel Monitoring Team, there are 430 personnel involved; consists of personnel from the ministry, local authorities, several NGOs and government departments. Tengku Adnan said there was a need for more personnel, as there were 992 registered hotels in addition to more than 2,200 tourist accommodation premises nationwide.

source: VIRTUAL MALAYSIA - The Official Portal of Ministry of Tourism

Pangkor a thriving tourist destination

Nothing is more enchanting than getting away from the noisy and stressed city life and relaxing at a calm beach in a beautiful island like Pangkor. A piece of heaven where you can enjoy a wonderful sunny day on fine sandy beach watching the calm blue waters.



Pangkor is situated in the western coast of peninsular Malaysia and is part of the state of Perak. It is known as well with the fishing settlements or fishing villages where the visitors get a chance to observe the lifestyle of the local fishermen.



Several fascinating beaches are there in Pangkor. You can go to Pantai Puteri Dewi where you can enjoy your favourite water sports and activities, or may be you would choose to to head to Pantai Pasir Bogak where you can find more simple accommodation for reasonable rents.



The taxis in Pangkor do not use meters so you have negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the journey. Buses also can be found, and several car and motorbike rental agencies. To get to Pangkor you can take the ferry from Lumut on the mainland the journey would take around 40 minutes.



A great selection of resorts, hotels and different types of accommodation offered in Pangkor. Whether your choice is a 5 stars luxury hotel or a small chalet on the beach I'm sure you will be satisfied with the selection there.

Historical Journey in Melaka

Brief History

You will not find any other place in Malaysia as rich in history as Melaka(Malacca). Founded more than 600 years ago and thrived as an important port for merchants and explorers from all over the world. Colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British and have been independent with the rest of Malaysia since 1956.

Places of Interest

The attractions and places of interest in Melaka include a number of Museums, Memorials, Mosques and Churches..

• Museums: Museum Rakyat(the people's museum) includes Melaka's economic and social progress particularly in the period after the independence. Maritime Museum this one is constructed after "Flor De La Mar". Malaysia Youth Museum this museum is dedicated to the youths' contribution in the country.


• Mosques: Kampung Kling's Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the country. Kampung Hulu's Mosque, built in 1728 and considered the oldest mosque in Malaysia. Tranquerah Mosque..


• Churches: Christ Church, built in 1753 by the Dutch. St. Paul's Church, built by a Portuguese captain by the name of Duarte Coelho. St. Peter's Church, the oldest roman catholic church in Malaysia built in 1710.


• A'Famosa: The famous hallmark of Melaka. This fortress was built by the Portuguese in 1511.


• Other attractions: Butterfly Farm, Crocodile Farm, Mini Malaysia, Melaka Zoo, A'Famosa Water World, A'Famosa Animal World Safari...

Hotels and Accommodation

In Melaka you can find a wide range of accommodation from budget hotels and guest houses to 5 star Luxury hotels. Some of the popular hotels in Melaka:
Equatorial Hotel - Jalan Parameswara
Renaissance Hotel - Jalan Bendahara
Grand Continental Hotel - Jalan Tun Sri Lanang

Sarawak Travel Tips

Climate
Sarawak enjoys a tropical climate with average daytime temperature of 23 to 32 degrees Celsius. The rainy season from November to February brings heavier rain and cool evenings.

Language
Malay is the national language, however, English is widely spoken through out the sate.

Getting Around
Regular flights connect the capital city, Kuching, to the major towns of Sarawak, as do express buses and boats. Hire cars, charter planer, boats and helicopters can also be hired for travel between the towns. Taxi are available in all the major towns; however they are not metered and a fare should be negotiated at the start of your journey.

Religion
The official religion is Islam, there are also Christians, Buddhists and followers of various traditional beliefs. Freedom of worship is respected and churches and temples of all major religions can be found in most major towns.

working Hours
Private sector offices are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, banks from 9:30am to 3:30pm from Monday to Friday with a half day on Saturday. Shops are open from 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Saturday.

Currency
The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Money can be exchanged at banks, hotel and licensed money changers. There are also ATM machines in the towns and major airports.

Water
It is safe to drink from the taps in the major towns in Sarawak, however bottled water is readily available.

Etiquette
Appropriate dress is appreciated when visiting places of worship. Shoes should be removed before entering homes or longhouses. Nude sunbathing is unacceptable.

Tipping
A service charge is levied in Sarawak on food, drink and accommodation. Tipping is not customary.

Source: Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2007

Malaysia mega sale carnival is an event that is held once a year. This year the carnival is more special as the nation will be celebrating its 50th year of Independence. The carnival has started on 16th June and goes on until 2nd September 2007.

The Mega Sale is the largest annual sale in Malaysia and offers special discounts, bargains, promotions and lots of activities. Much more will be expected this year as the 50th Golden Anniversary of independence falls during the carnival period.

Happy shopping everyone!

Travel guide to Langkawi Island

Langkawi is the main island within a 99 islands group in the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It's been an ideal vacation spot for its beautiful beaches and enchanting resorts. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the beauty of its nature.

• Langkawi cable car: I will start with this one because it was for me one of the most amazing experiences i've ever had. A cable car that takes you over 700m above sea level at 42 degree incline.. Amazing! when you reach up there you'll be stunned by the magnificent view, hopefully the weather will be clear and not so cloudy or rainy. Tickets (adults RM25 - Child RM18) Website:Panorama Langkawi Cable Car

• Waterfalls: there are several waterfalls in langkawi where you can swim and take wonderful photos. Durian Perangin waterfall, Temurun waterfall and there are also the hot springs in Telaga Air Hengat.

• Beaches: Pantai Cenang, Pantai tengah and the black sand beach are among the island's enchanting spots that will make you love this place. Many resorts and luxury hotels stands along these beaches, but you will also be able to find budget hotels and guest houses around the island.

• Other attractions: crocodile farm, Snake sanctuary, Underwater world, Seven wells, Bird park and make sure you drop by the Lang square before you leave. This is the most famous symbol of the island (the eagle square). Go there and take some photos to remember your unforgettable trip to Langkawi.

World Music Festival 2007 – Penang

This month Penang is hosting an international music festival starting tomorrow 20th and spans over 3 days. the event is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia jointly with Tourism Malaysia, Penang Tourism Action Council and Sarawak Tourism Board. Musicians from various parts of the world are participating (11 international bands and 3 Malaysian bands). This will be one of Visit Malaysia 2007 main events.

Venue: Quarry Garden (near the botanical garden)
Date: 20-22 July
Tickets: adult RM40
child RM10
(tickets available online)

Penang.. The pearl of the Orient

Along the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, The Pearl of the Orient "Penang Island". Let me here introduce you to some of the best places to go in penang.

• Penang Hill: or bukit bendera this is one of my favorite places 830m above sea level magnificent view from over this hill. Some people who like hiking can find their way up to the top of the hill, but you also can take the railway which has been operating since 1922! this in itself is a unique experience. There are all the facilities there and you will love to take tons of photos. My favorite time to go there is around 5pm so that you can catch the sunset view.

• Batu Feringgi: the best known beach along coastline in penang. A large number of hotels, restaurants and shops can be found there. Some of the famous hotels there are: Shangri-la Rasa Sayang Resort, Shangri-la Golden Sands Resort, Mutiara beach resort, Parkroyal Penang, Holiday Inn Resort.. All these are luxury hotels and the rates from RM300 upwards.

• George Town and Komtar: George town is the administration and commercial hub of penang state. Also it is the busiest part of the island. some places of interest here are: Kapitan Kling Mosque in jalan kapitan kling this mosque was built in 1880. Khoo Kongsi is a Chinese temple built in 1998 by the Khoo family who emigrated from south china. Komtar (Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak) is a landmark in george town. 65 floors and you can get a panoramic view of the island, the penang bridge and the mainland from the 58th floor. there is a shopping mall and many outlets downstairs and Komtar is the public transport hub where you can find buses to all the other areas.

• Some of the other places of interest and attractions you can visit when you travel to penang: The State Mosque, Kek Lok Si Temple, Botanical Garden, Penang bird park, Penang butterfly farm...

Don't miss out the world's largest covered bird park

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

With more than 3000 birds and 150 species this park is a must see for everyone. You can enjoy watching the daily bird shows and birds feeding, or you can just enjoy the experience with all these birds around you.

The park is located in the Lake Garden area (Taman Tasik Perdana) in kuala lumpur. It opens daily from 9am to 6pm and the admission fees are RM22 for adults and Rm15 for children.

There are a lot of facilities around the park. Souvineer shops, restaurents, picnic areas and car parks in the outside. I enjoyed waching the bird show especialy the intelligent parrot. Don't forget to check it out when you're in KL.

Petronas Twin Towers - KualaLumpur

Currently the world's second tallest two freestanding towers. The twin towers are connected by a skybridge. You will have a chance to get on the skybridge for free if you wake up early and be there before the others!






Within the towers there is the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Gallery Petronas and Suria KLCC. A great shopping experience for KL visitors in Suria KLCC shopping mall. You can find a huge variety of famous brands in this convenient air-conditioned mall and don't forget to try some of the local delights in the food court.


You can reach Petronas Twin Towers by taxi, by bus or by LRT (Light Rail Transit). It is located in the ultra modern Kuala Lumpur city centre (KLCC).