Malacca -State And Attractions

Malacca -State And Attractions | Melaka, dubbed "The Historic State"  is the third smallest Malaysian state after Perlis and Penang. It is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, next to the Straits of Malacca.

It borders Negeri Sembilan to the north and Johor to the south. The capital is Malacca City, which is 148 km south east of Malaysia's capital city Kuala Lumpur, 235 km north west to Johor's largest city Johor Bahru, and 95 km north west to Johor's second largest city Batu Pahat. This historical city centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 7 July 2008.

Although it was the location of one of the earliest Malay sultanates, the monarchy was abolished when the Portuguese conquered it in 1511. The head of state is the Yang di-Pertua Negeri or Governor, rather than a Sultan.

Melaka Popular Historical Attractions

Fort A Famosa: Constructed by the Portuguese in 1511, it suffered severe structural damage during the Dutch invasion. The plan by the British to destroy it was aborted as a result of the intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1808.

St. John's Fort: Reconstructed by the Dutch in the third quarter of the 18th century, the cannons in this fort point inland because at that time, the threat to Malacca was mainly from inland rather than the sea.

St. Peter's Church: Constructed in 1710 under the Dutch administration, the church is the oldest Catholic church in Malaysia. Its facade and decorative embellishment is a mix of both eastern and western architecture. Its bell was delivered from Goa in 1608.

St. Paul's Church: Constructed by the Portuguese captain, Duarte Coelho, this church was named "Our Lady of The Hill", but was later turned into a burial ground by the Dutch for their noble dead, and renamed "St. Paul's Church". Currently the church is part of the Malaccan Museums Complex. The body of St. Francis Xavier was interred here temporarily before it was taken to Goa, India.

Christ Church: Constructed in 1753, the structure reflects original Dutch architecture. The building houses hand-crafted church benches, jointless ceiling skylights, a copper replica of the Bible, a headstone written in the Armenian language, and a replica of "The Last Supper".

Francis Xavier Church: This Gothic church was built by a French priest, Rev. Fabre, in 1849, to commemorate St. Francis Xavier who is also known as the "Apostle of the East". St. Francis Xavier is credited for his Catholic missionary work in Southeast Asia during the 16th century.

Stadthuys: Constructed in 1650 as the residence of the Dutch Governor and his deputy, the structure reflects Dutch architecture. It is today the "Museum of History and Ethnography". The museum exhibits traditional wedding clothes and artifacts of Melaka, dating back to its days of glory.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple: Located along Jalan Tokong (formerly Temple Street) in the core zone of the Malacca Unesco World Heritage Site. It is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia and grandest temple in Malacca.

Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat): This street is known for its antique goods.
Portuguese Square: Located within the Portuguese Settlement, the square is the culmination of Portuguese culture in its full splendour and colours.

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple: This is the oldest Hindu Temple in Malaysia.It was built in 1781 on land given by the Dutch to the Chitty community.

Tranquerah Mosque: The oldest mosque in Malacca.

Kampung Kling Mosque: Kampung Kling Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. It was built around 1784 with the influence of Sumatran architecture. Firstly, there’s no Byzantium dome around. It was replaced by a tiered pyramidal roof. Secondly, just look at the minaret which is structured like a pagoda. There are even Chinese characters carved on the side roof of the mosque.



source
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malacca

Sarawak - State And Attractions

Sarawak - State And Attractions | Sarawak is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Known as Bumi Kenyalang ("Land of the Hornbills"), Sarawak is situated on the northwest of the island, bordering the Malaysian state of Sabah to the northeast, Indonesia to the south, and surrounding Brunei.

It is the largest Malaysian state. The administrative capital is Kuching, which has a population of 658,562. Major cities and towns include Miri (pop. 269,380), Sibu (pop. 209,616) and Bintulu (pop. 189,695). As of the last census (2010), the state population was 2,420,009.

The eastern seaboard of Borneo was charted, though not settled, by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. The area of Sarawak was known to Portuguese cartographers as Cerava.

During the 17th century, Sarawak was self-governed under Sultan Tengah. By the early 19th century, Sarawak had become a loosely governed territory under the control of the Brunei Sultanate. During the reign of Pangeran Indera Mahkota in 19th century, Sarawak was facing chaos.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II (1827–1852), the Sultan of Brunei, ordered Pangeran Muda Hashim in 1839 to restore order and it was during this time that James Brooke arrived in Sarawak. Pangeran Muda Hashim initially requested assistance in the matter, but Brooke refused. In 1841, Brooke paid another visit to Sarawak and this time he agreed to provide assistance. Pangeran Muda Hashim signed a treaty in 1841 surrendering Sarawak and Sinian to Brooke.

On 24 September 1841, Pangeran Muda Hashim bestowed the title Governor to James Brooke. He effectively became the Rajah of Sarawak and founded the White Rajah Dynasty of Sarawak, later extending his administration through an agreement with the Sultan of Brunei. Sarawak was thus an independent kingdom from 1841 until 1888, when the state was placed under British protection.

5 Attractions in Sarawak 

1. Bako National Park - A National Park since 1957, Bako offers the perfect introduction to Sarawak's forests and wildlife. The park covers the northern tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula, an area of 27 sq km. Despite its seemingly small size, Bako contains a wide range of vegetation - swamp forest, scrub-like padang vegetation, mangrove forest, dipterocarp forest, delicate cliff vegetation and more. In fact, at Bako it is possible to see almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo. Bako also contains a rich variety of wildlife and a coastline covered with small bays, coves and beaches. 

2. Bakelalan

Bakelalan (formerly Ba'Kelalan) is the most important of the Lun Bawang settlements in the northern highlands. The village is famous for its apples and organic vegetables, and for the local musicians and their 'bamboo bands'. The village is connected to Lawas and Miri by air, and it is also possible to travel to Lawas via an old logging road.

3. Batu Lawi
Mountaineers can tackle Gunung Murud (2,424m, reasonable going) or the famous Batu Lawi (2,043m, very tough) located within the Kelabit Highlands area. However, these are both serious expeditions and guides and porters will need to be hired (RM 80 per day) in Bario or Bakelalan. For Batu Lawi, mountaineering equipment and experience is also necessary.

4. Borneo Highland
Borneo Highlands is where the Borneo Highlands Resort and the Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club located. The challenging 18-hole golf course winds its way around the natural features of the highland plateau whilst the Jungle Spa offers herbal treatments and traditional massages. About 70km from Kuching, this hill resort is situated at the Sarawak-Kalimantan border, at an altitude of 600 to 1,000 metres. If you fancy something at a lower altitude, go to the Annah Rais Longhouse at the foothill instead.

5. Gunung Gading National Park
Gunung Gading is home to the world's largest flower, the rafflesia, which can grow up to one metre in diameter. When in bloom the flower gives off a nasty smell which attracts flies and other insects. The rafflesia has no specific season but the rainy season provides better blooming frequencies. It takes nine months to mature and flowering lasts only 4 or 5 days before dying.




source
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarawak
http://www.sarawaktourism.com

Travel Tips For Visit Malaysia

Travel Tips For Visit Malaysia | Once you have overcome your jet-lag fatigue, step into the real heart of Malaysia--the citizens of the country. You would be pleasantly surprised at the warmth of Malaysians. For deeply entrenched within each of the different races is the engaging charm and traditional hospitality for which Malaysia is renowned.

Malaysians enjoy meeting people from other lands. So, do go right ahead and strike up a conversation. After all, the whole point of travelling is to know other cultures.

When greeting a Muslim, offer your right hand then bring it towards you, fingertips lightly touching your heart. This is the traditional Salam or 'greeting of acceptance'. Hindus greet with a Namaste (in Hindi) or Vanakam (Tamil). Both palms are brought together as in prayer at mid-chest level. With a Chinese, you may shake hands. If you are really unsure about all the different forms of greetings, just smile and nod your head slightly when introduced.


Passport/Travel Documents

Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of valid passport/travel documents with a minimum validity of six months beyond the period of intended stay. In the case of a national passport not recognised by the Malaysian Government, the holder must be in possession of a document in lieu of passport obtainable at the nearest Malaysian Mission abroad. The national passport must also ensure his re-entry into the country of his citizenship.

• Every visitor to Malaysia has to fill in a Disembarkation Card (IMM. 26). The card has to be handed over to the Immigration Officer on arrival together with the national passport or other internationally recognized travel document endorsed for travel into Malaysia. A passport/travel document is also necessary for travel between Sabah and Sarawak.
• Visitor passes issued for entry into Peninsular Malaysia are not valid for entry into Sarawak. Fresh visit passes must be obtained on arrival at the point of entry in Sarawak. However, subject to conditions stipulated, visit passes issued by the Immigration Authorities in Sabah and Sarawak are valid for any part of Malaysia. 

Visa Requirements:

• Commonwealth Citizens (except Bangladesh/India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British Protected Persons or Citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not need a visa to enter Malaysia.
• Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Italy, United States of America, Bahrin, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, North Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia,Qatar United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Tunisia do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding three months.
• Nationals of ASEAN Countries do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one month.
• Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, South Yemen do not require visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding 14 days.
• Citizens of Bulgaria, Romania and Russia do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one week.
• Nationals of the Republic of China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cuba, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, North Korea, Nepal, Myanmar, Taiwan, Vietnam and all Certificate of Identity (CI) holders must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia.
• Citizens of nations other than those stated above (except Serbia Montenegro and Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one month without having a Visa.
• A visitor intending to visit any part of Malaysia is required to be in possession of only one visa to travel direct from one part of the nation to another.

Visas are issued by Malaysian Diplomatic Missions abroad or British Consulates which act for Malaysia in countries where no diplomatic representation of Malaysia is established. All visitors to Malaysia should inquire at the nearest Malaysian Diplomatic.
Mission for the latest entry procedures and requirements.

Tourist Police
Lost your way? Need help? Look for a tourist police officer. Tourist police officers are recognized by their checkered hat bands, dark blue shirts and trousers, and the letter "I" (for information) on a red and blue badge on their breast pocket.

Public Holidays
With its multi-ethnic population, it is not surprising that almost every month sees a different festival. Some of these are declared as Public Holidays. As festivals vary from year to year, it is best to check the dates with the nearest Tourism Malaysia Office before you plan your trip.

School Holidays
There are five term breaks in the year for schools throughout Malaysia. The term breaks vary slightly from state to state. However, they fall roughly during the later part of the months of January (1 week), March (2 week), May (3 weeks), August (1 week), October (4 weeks).

Water
It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap. Bottled mineral water, however, is easily available in shops and supermarkets.

Electrical Supply
Electric supply is on a 240-volt 50-cycle system.

Newspapers
English Language newspapers are available i.e. The New Straits Times, The Star, Business Times, Malay Mail, Daily Express, Sabah Daily News and Sarawak Tribune. International newspapers can be obtained at most bookshops and newsstands. Several dailies in other languages include Utusan Melayu, Berita Harian, Nanyang Siang Pan, Sin Chew Wit Poh and Tamil Nesan. There are also weeklies, such as the Leader and Straits Shipper.

Radio
Radio services are in Bahasa Melayu, English, Chinese, and Tamil.

Television
There are 5 television stations with TV 1 and TV 2 being government networks while the other three are privately run.

Health Services
In the event you need medical care, there are private clinics in most towns. It is a good idea to take out a medical insurance before you travel as Malaysia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations. For over-the-counter prescriptions, there are pharmacies and 'Chinese medical halls'.

Health Regulations
No vaccination is required for cholera and smallpox.

Climate
With a temperature that fluctuates little throughout the year, travel in Malaysia is a pleasure. Average temperature is between 21 C and 32 C. Humidity is high. Rain tends to occur between November to February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah. On the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia the rainy season is April to May and October to November.

Clothing
As Malaysia's climate is sunny almost year round, light clothing is ideal. It is advisable for ladies, when entering mosques and temples, to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts.

Time
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time.

Etiquette
To avoid "cultural offenses," here are some tips:

• Remove shoes when entering homes and places of worship.
• Dress neatly in a suitable attire which covers arms and legs when visiting places of worship.
• Handle food with your right hand.
• Do not point your foot at someone.
• When giving or receiving money gifts to/from a Malaysian, do so with your right hand.

Source
http://www.geographia.com/malaysia/traveltips.htm

Kelantan - State And Attractions

Kelantan - State And Attractions | Kelantan is positioned in the north-east of Peninsular Malaysia. It is bordered by Narathiwat Province of Thailand to the north, Terengganu to the south-east, Perak to the west, and Pahang to the south. To the north-east of Kelantan is the South China Sea.

Kelantan is located in the north-eastern corner of the peninsula, Kelantan, which is said to translate as the "Land of Lightning" (see alternate theories below), is an agrarian state with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches. Kelantan is home to some of the most ancient archaeological discoveries in Malaysia, including several prehistoric aboriginal settlements.

Due to Kelantan's relative isolation and largely rural lifestyle, Kelantanese culture differs somewhat from Malay culture in the rest of the peninsula; this is reflected in the cuisine, arts, and the peculiar Kelantanese Malay dialect, which is unintelligible even for some speakers of standard Malay.

Districts

Districts in Kelantan are called Jajahans, though actually the direct translation of Tanah Jajahan in Malay to English is 'Occupied Territories'. Kelantan was a divided feudal state, a common situation in the Malay Peninsula, with separate petty local rulers. However, a strong one managed to rise and conquer all these small petty territories. In the end, Kelantan became united under one Sultan.

1. Jajahan Kota Bharu
2. Jajahan Pasir Mas
3. Jajahan Tumpat
4. Jajahan Pasir Puteh
5. Jajahan Bachok
6. Jajahan Kuala Krai
7. Jajahan Machang
8. Jajahan Tanah Merah
9. Jajahan Jeli
10. Jajahan Gua Musang
11. Jajahan Dabong
12. Jajahan Kota Mahligai

Kelantan  Attractions 

1. Wat Phothivihan
Wat Phothivihan is a one of 25 temples found in Tumpat. The temple houses a 40-metre statue of a sleeping Buddha, which is the longest of its kind in Southeast Asia.

2. Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Beach)

3. Pantai Bisikan Bayu  (Beach of Whispering Breeze)

4. Pantai Irama (Beach Of Melody)

5. Handicraft Village and Craft Museum
6. Kota Baharu Walking Tour
7. Siti Khadijah Market
8. War Museum
9. Kuala Krai Dabong River Cruise
10. Gunung Stong State Park
11. Istana Balai Besar (The Grand Palace)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelantan

How To Survive Road Trips With The Kids

How To Survive Road Trips With The Kids |Everyone loves holidays but not everyone loves the car ride to get there - especially if you have the kids with you! Any long car trip can start to feel a little cramped with everyone squeezed in tight. If you're looking for ways to keep the kids occupied in the back seat and just generally survive your next road trip, follow a few of these tips. With any luck, you'll have a comfortable, happy car for the whole drive!

Plan Your Breaks

Kids in cars for too long does not equal a good time! Look up your route on Google Maps before you head out and plan your breaks. Make notes of a few fun places to stop, pick somewhere for lunch and try to find locations where the kids will be able to run around and burn off some energy before they jump back in the car. It might take a couple of hours longer but the time spent in the car will be far less toxic.

Don't Bring Sugary Treats

It is hard not to, but it's generally a good idea to leave the more sugary treats at home. Snacks should be salty and savoury - leave the juice boxes in the fridge. Always pack water and never pack Skittles; it can be hard to follow but it will mean less hyperactivity and a much quieter, calmer car ride. Alternatively, load up on sugary snacks when the trip begins and the kids will be out cold within an hour! Kidding... of course - but if you do have to bring a few sweets, make sure they take a while to chew.

Portable DVDs and Videos

Don't be those parents that believe technology is evil during family time! Some feel it's "for the best" to keep the fun toys at home, but really there is no better time to have the portable DVD player, Nintendo or iPad with you. A bit of technology to keep the kids occupied isn't going to ruin the trip and you'll get to enjoy a break while they're occupied watching cartoons and playing Pokemon.

Play Car Games

Car games are great. They're lots of fun for everybody in the family and, even if they only kill a half an hour, they're still making the time go a little faster. I Spy is a classic but every family seems to have their own favourites. They won't do for the whole trip but don't forget to make the most of them - you don't get to play car games any other time!

Enjoy the ride and have fun with a few of these suggestions. Plenty of entertainment, lots of healthy snacks and pre-planned stops are all you need to survive a long road trip with the kids and make it to your destination in one piece.

At Pegasus Rental Cars Christchurch Airport we are a 'second tier' company, which means we do not have new cars rentals, but instead offer a wide range of vehicles; size and age are competitively priced and provide the customer with a car hire that meets their need and budget.

So if you are looking to rent a car for your Christchurch holiday contact us today at Pegasus Rental Cars Christchurch Airport: www.carrentalschristchurchairport.co.nz


How To Survive Road Trips With The Kids

Article Source:
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Survive-Road-Trips-With-The-Kids&id=7544626
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_C_Brown
http://EzineArticles.com/7544626

Travel Tips With Kids

Travel Tips With Kids | Every experience in this world teaches us something or the other, so is the case with traveling with kids. Traveling with kids can be the most wonderful moments for both kids and parents. These are the times which are going to be in their memories for their lifetime. Holidays are important for both the kids and the parents. Because this is the time when parents can teach their children how to behave in different places and adapt to various situations.

For children, these are the times when they will go to new places, meet new people and enjoy their time with their family. However, parents need to be very cautious during this time. That's because, some kids tend to become aggressive or polite because of the change in environment. Also, it is important to take care of them as it is a new place.

However there are some tips which need to be followed while traveling with kids. They are:

1. Don't give your children too much of freedom.

2. Don't bind them to restrictions either.

3. Don't advice them like "be with this child only or don't be with this kid." (No, this should never be done because these are times when they should be exposed to different kids with diverse mind sets).

4. Be careful that when you are traveling with kids, make sure they won't flaunt their costly items like video games. (Because there is a possibility that the other kid's may not be able to afford them. So there are chances of insecurity between them).

5. Do leave them with other kids too.

6. Main thing never plan the vacation after the completion of which, your child has exams or tests.

7. Always take along with you different medicines if you think it's the place very risky for your kids especially in terms of weather.

8. While traveling with kids don't just be talking to your partner. Be talking to them as well.

9. If by chance your kid makes a mistake don't scold him/her very badly in front of everybody. (The kid might take it as an insult.)

10. Be careful about the snacks which you buy during the travel. (Because the oil/ ingredients of other area may not be suitable for your kid to take in. So it's always better to take homemade food or purchase from place which suits your kid the best.) After all, health is wealth.

11. Always be careful about the deadlines while traveling with kids. (If the situation demands your kid to be in the school on 24th. Be back to your place on 21st or 22nd).

12. While travelling do keep taking rests from the regular driving and allow your kids some rest too.

13. Educate your child about the place that you are going to and even about the route which you are taking for the travel.

Rashmi is a freelance writer. She likes reading story books and watching television. She does sometimes watch cricket when India is playing.

Article Source:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Travel-Tips-With-Kids&id=7540719
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rashmi_Deshpande
http://EzineArticles.com/7540719

Negeri Sembilan - State And Attractions

Negeri Sembilan - State And Attractions | Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus is just south of Kuala Lumpur and borders Selangor on the north, Pahang in the east, and Malacca and Johor to the south.

The name is believed to derive from the nine districts or negara (now known as luak) settled by the Minangkabau, a people originally from West Sumatra (in present-day Indonesia). Minangkabau features are still visible today in traditional architecture and the dialect of Malay spoken.

Unlike the hereditary monarchs of the other royal Malay states, the ruler of Negeri Sembilan is known as Yang di-Pertuan Besar instead of Sultan. The election of the Ruler is also unique. He is selected by the council of Undangs who lead the four biggest districts of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol, and Rembau, making it one of the more democratic monarchies.

Negeri Sembilan  Districts

1. Seremban
2. Port Dickson
3. Rembau
4. Jelebu
5. Kuala Pilah
6. Jempol
7. Tampin

Negeri Sembilan Attractions

1. Craft Complex Negeri Sembilan

Craft Complex was built to preserve the rich culture and heritage of Queensland communities. This fine handicrafts are also on display and sale in this complex.

Kompleks Kraf is located at Jalan Dato Abdul Kadir, Seremban is managed by the State Handicrafts Corporation Nine also houses handicrafts from all over the State.

2. Seri Menanti Royal Museum
The Istana Seri Menanti, also known as the Istana Lama Seri Menanti, is one of the famous landmarks in Negeri Sembilan. It is a timber palace constructed between 1902 to 1908. Today, the palace has been turned into a royal museum. This four-storey building is special because it was constructed without using any nails. Hardwood rods were instead used to piece the timber together. The roof of this palace represents a buffalo's horns. The buffalo horns are widely regarded as the protective symbol of the palace

3. Port Dickson (Beach)
4. Blue Lagoon (Beach)
5. Blue Lagoon (Beach)
6. Kampung Pelegong Homestay 
7. Army Museum
8. Rembau Crystal
9. Jeram Gading
10. Kg. Stay Padang Lebar
11. Jelita Ostrich Farm
12. Hutan Lipur Ulu Bendul 
13. Kota Lukut (Fort)
14. Lenggeng (Forest Reserve)
15. Gunung Besar Hantu (Mountain)

source
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negeri_Sembilan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istana_Seri_Menanti