Tasik Chini: the Lotuses Will Bloom Again in Kampung Salong, Pekan Pahang, Malaysia

Tasik Chini is the second largest freshwater lake in Malaysia after Tasik Bera, both in Pahang, and a worthwhile eco-tourism destination.

Its natural splendour added with the legend of the Seri Gumum dragon draws a parallel with Loch Ness in Scotland.

Yet it only received about 17,000 visitors last year, a paltry number compared to other tourist hotspots in this country. How come a panoramic lake rich in flora and fauna, and with an accompanying legend, failed to attract more visitors?

The answer probably lies in the deteriorating condition of the lake that is now a cause of concern, especially for those who were once awed by its beauty. They certainly want action taken to protect this invaluable heritage.

ACTIVITIES
- Jungle Trekking / Mountain Climbing
- Lake Chini Tours
- Orang Asli Village
- Experience Life As A Farmer


TOUR ITINERARY
03 Day 02 Night
Day 01 - Welcome Ceremony.
- To meet and to know foster parents.
- Past time games.

Day 02 - Visit rubber and oil palm plantation.
- Lake Chini tours.
- Visit Orang Asli village.

Day 03 - Activities with foster parents.
- End of programme.


HOW TO GO THERE?
COORDINATOR
En. Abdul Majid bin Idris
1-071. RKT Kampong Salong
26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia.
Tel: 09-420 1125
H/P: 019-366 9821

Royal Mulu Resort, Sarawak, Borneo Malaysia

Royal Mulu Resort, Sarawak, Borneo Malaysia
Designed in the style of ethnic longhouses, Royal Mulu Resort was built on wooden stilts, three metres above the ground. Linked by a series of wooden walkways, the Resort stands on the banks of the Melinau River, in the midst of a breathtaking natural splendour.

Royal Mulu Resort is an international class nature and activities destination, offering the best combination of resort activities, nature and comfort. The Resort is located near the Gunung Mulu National Park, home of lush rainforest and some of the most amazing cave systems in the world.




ACTIVITIES:
Adventure Caving
Board Rafting
Night Cruise
Four Show Caves
Nature Walk
Boating
Archery
Biking
Kayaking
Rock Climbing
River Safari
ATV Jungle Safaris

Mulu is located in the state of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. It is part of the Baram district, and lies adjacent to the Gunung Mulu National Park on one side, and the Brunei border on the other, on the shores of the Melinau River. The next larger settlement is Marudi, and the nearest larger town is Miri. See our location page for further details.

HOW TO GO THERE?
MASWings operates two daily flights from Miri into Mulu, both of which are Fokker 50s. In addition, there are three weekly flights from Kota Kinabalu into Mulu. Please contact MASWings for flight schedules and pricing - flights from Miri to Mulu take about 30 minutes. Mulu can also be reached by boat or overland by four wheel vehicles over rough timber tracks, both of which will approximately take 8-10 hours to reach the resort. There are no taxi or public bus services between Miri and Mulu ! See our travel routes page for further details.

CONTACT:
SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD
6th & 7th Floor, Bangunan Yayasan Sarawak,
Jalan Masjid, 93400 Kuching,
Sarawak, Malaysia.
Tel: +60 (0)82 423600
Fax: +60 (0)82 416700
E-mail: stb@sarawaktourism.com

The Regency Pelagus Resort, Sarawak, Malaysia

If the comforting sanctuary of nature's best secret is your idea of a holiday, we would like to invite you down to The Regency Pelagus Resort!

Located deep within the enthralling Borneo forests, this idyllic Resort overlooking the swirling waters of the mighty Rejang River is a tropical paradise in every sense:

Lush tropical ancient rainforests rich with flora & fauna

Iban longhouse styled accommodation in traditional Sarawakian authenticity

Verandahs with and open 'Grandstand' view of the Pelagus rapids among other delightful offerings

How to get there?
Daily flight schedules on Malaysia Airlines (MAS) from Kuala Lumpur or Kuching are available to Sibu Airport . Sibu is a small and colourful river town. From Sibu town take a comfortable 3-hour public ferry ride on the Rejang River to a small fishing village of Kapit . At Kapit hop on a speedboat for 30 minutes to the Regency Pelagus Resort. There are no roads. The river is your highway.

Also Your can choose journey will start from Sibu Wharf in an express boat to Kapit Wharf, a 3-hour journey. From Kapit onwards, it will take another 45 minutes on our speedboat. At the Resort, take a guided tour on our various graded jungle trails. Our resident guide is always willing to share his jungle knowledge with you.

Take an excursion to the Iban longhouse and observe the friendly Ibans in their daily lifestyle. In the evening, take a dip in our swimming pool or the waterfall which is an easy 40 minutes walk from the Resort. Try your skill on the blowpipe and learn the Iban Ngajat dance.


CONTACT:
Mr. Nyaring Bandar (H/P: 013 - 817 7972)

The Regency Pelagus Resort
P.O. Box 176
96807 Kapit
Sarawak
Tel : 084 - 799051
Fax : 084 - 799050

Warisan Homestay Kuala Terengganu Malaysia

Today, I will bring you to Warisan Homestay. It is conveniently located in Teluk Ketapang Homestay Village, Kuala Terengganu in Terengganu.

Airport is only 5 minutes away and about 2km to the beach. There are afternoon hawkers selling nice foods at the beach. You can get a taste of many local afternoon foods which includes fish, cuttlefish, coconut drink etc.

In the morning, there's a stall (Bakar's foodstall) where you can get your breakfast. But beware, locals start their days early so you might not get your 'nasi lemak' (rice) after 8:30am.

For muslims, the nearest Surau is about half a kilometer away. About 1km, there will be Terengganu Sports Complex and a driving school which also offers Go-Kart circuit. To go to the town, Kuala Terengganu, you can either drive about 10km (about 10 minutes) or, take a boat (locally called penambang) and you will arrive at Pasar Kedai Payang - the main market.

About the homestay. There are 2 types of package: homestay and chalet. If you opt for chalet, the charge is per room (up to 4 person) per day. If you opt for homestay, the charge is per person. But the owner only take up to 4 person at one time. With homestay, you will be given a schedule of activities. I will write about the homestay package later.

HOW TO GET THERE?
Anybody interested? Just dial 019-9756539 (Cikgu Hj Ismail) or 019-2192129 (Ahmad) to get more information.
It's worth it!

Anuja Backpackers Inn

FACILITIES:
Travel information, free city maps, 24 hours hot and cold shower, restaurant, roof top garden, money exchange, laundry, left luggage, books exchange, internet, free movies and sports channels; free safe keeping, free black tea, transport service to Taman Negara and the national park etc.

Welcome to the Friendliest guest house located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur. It provides neat and clean accommodation with a common bathroom running hot and cold shower for 24 hours. We are open for 24 hours and serve local Malay, Indian and Chinese dishes in our restaurant. Don’t worry about arriving late night or early morning because there is always someone at the reception to welcome you. Seeing is believing!

More about rooms and (dorms only for Europeans;) we have two dorms with 6 beds and 4 beds in another one. We also have single, double, triple and family rooms for 6 or 7 people; these come with air-conditioning and some of the rooms have a fan.

Wishing you a pleasant stay in our Guest House.

WHERE TO WALK AROUND
Puduraya bus terminal just opposite, China Town, Golden Triangle, Little India, KL Tower, Petronas Tower; the post office, clinic and the pharmacy; shopping malls and many other places of entertainment!


LOCATION
No. 28 Jln Pudu 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 603-20266479

TIOMAN ISLAND - Homestay

Tioman is still rated as one of the world's most beautiful islands. It presents itself as a paradise island in the tropics. But sometimes you have to search for this paradise off the beaten track.

Tioman was discovered as a holiday destination quite some time ago. It was the setting for the supposedly mythical magical island of Bali Hai from the 1958 Hollywood movie 'South Pacific'. In the 70s the Time magazine selected Tioman as one of the world's most beautiful islands.



HOw TO GO THERE?
The main gateway to Malaysia is through the new K.L. International Airport at Sepang located approximately 50km south of Kuala Lumpur. The Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang serves a few domestic and regional airlines. Other major international airports which serve as entry points are Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi.

The main entry point by sea to KL is Port Klang, about 50km away from KL. Malaysia is also accessible by rail and road from Singapore and Thailand.

Drive to Kota Tinggi from Tebrau Highway and proceed your journey to Mersing, a quiet fishing town. The town is approximately 138 km. Well, you will never miss it as you can see the signboard to the town. At Mersing, you need to take a ferry to Tioman Island. There are secured parking spaces at a very cheap rate (around RM5/nights) so you don't have to think about your vehicle safety!





HOMESTAY LOCATION
NAZRI'S PLACE
Kampung Air Batang
Pulau Tioman
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel : 609-4191329
Fax : 609-4191435

NAZRI'S PLACE II
Kampung Air Batang
Pulau Tioman
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel : 609-419 1375/013-789 2742

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah left an indelible impression

LOCATION
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was established in 1964 to return orphaned "apes back to the wild. The centre was being administered by the wildlife section of the Forestry Department which in 1988 was upgraded as a department under the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development. All administration and management was given to the new Wildlife Department of Sabah.

ORANG UTAN
Orang utans emerged from the trees and headed towards the platform. A few young ones trailed behind. The small crowd started taking pictures. The orang utans seemed to enjoy the attention as they posed for the camera.

All the wild monkeys were afraid of the orang utans. As the orang utans came nearer, the monkeys grabbed their food and fled from the platform. The orang utans took their own sweet time to eat the fruits.

The guide explained to us that they gave the orang utans bland food because they wanted to encourage the orang utan to venture deep into the jungle once they have been rehabilitated and become independent. However, during the fruit season, the orang utans eat whatever is in season, otherwise they might get so bored of the usual bananas and sugar cane that they might venture out of the sanctuary and steal food from the neighbouring areas.

HOW TO GO THERE
Daily flights link to Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau from Kota Kinabalu or approximately 6 hours air-conditioned coach and mini bus transfer.

The world’s largest orang utan rehabilitation center is just 40 minutes away from Sandakan Town. To visit, take a taxi or ‘sepilok’ buses from the station near Central Market in Sandakan

Contact Information
For further information about Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, please contact:
Coordinator
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
Sabah Wildlife Department
W.D.T. 200, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, East Malaysia.
Tel: 6089-531180 Fax: 6089-531189

PERHENTIAN ISLANDS - THINGS TO DO

Pulau Perhentian or Perhentian Island - What you Can Do

The Perhentian Islands are a small group of beautiful, coral-fringed islands off the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, not far from the Thai border.

Activities on the Perhentians are basically limited to scuba diving, snorkeling and sunbathing. Those with excess energy may attempt the jungle trails crisscrossing both islands.



Scuba diving

The Perhentians offer excellent diving and draw divers from far and wide. In addition to coral and fish, the Perhentians are home to sea turtles and many species of shark -- none of them dangerous unless provoked though. Visibility is often in the 20 meter range (although it will temporarily go down after storms) and no wet suit is required, although you may wish to use a dive skin for protection from coral and the occasional jellyfish. Popular dive sites include the Pinnacle (aka Tokong Laut, "Temple of the Sea"), a pinnacle jutting out from the sea bed, and the Sugar Wreck, an easily accessible 3500-ton sugar hauler. The (more expensive) single-day trip to Redang Island offers diving a notch above the local options, well worth every dime - but be prepared for a rough ride in a small speedboat.

Competition for divers is fierce and consequently diving is quite cheap, averaging out to RM60-80 per dive depending on how many dives you do and whether you bring your own gear. All dive shops also arrange introductory dives (no training required) and PADI training.

There are 5 dive centers on Kecil's Long Beach: Spice Divers, Coral Sky Divers, Seadragon Divers, Turtle Bay Divers and Sunlight Divers.

* Sunlight Divers, (tel. 012 307 1952), A dive centre which has earned its reputation from having friendly,professional members of staff, well maintained equipment and its frequent eco work. One of the smaller shops on the beach. Has shops on Long Beach and Coral Bay , Kecil

* Coral Sky Divers, (tel. 019 910 1963), Located on Kecil's Long Beach, this is one of the longer-running scuba (not actual sky diving) outfits with a good reputation. RM150 for an intro dive, RM800 for a 3-day PADI Open Water course.

* Turtle Bay Divers, (tel. 019 333 6647), Another long-running outfit which has shops on both Kecil's Long Beach and the main beach of Besar.

* Alu Alu Divers, (email: alualudivers@yahoo.com), A small, friendly dive center on beautiful island of Besar which offers a personalised and unique diving experience.


Snorkeling

All resorts rent out snorkeling gear (typically RM30 a day for mask, snorkel and fins) and arrange snorkeling tours around the islands. You can get some cheaper equipment from some local restaurant. Popular snorkeling spots on Besar include Teluk Pauh (to the left of the beach in front of the PI Resort), Shark Point and Tanjung Basi. The best place to see sharks (black tip) is in front of an extremely small "beach", only accessible by boat, between Shark Point and the Teluk Dalam large beach. They are usually seen cruising the bottom of the reef. For turtles, best place is the middle of the beach in front of Perhentian Island Resort, where the sandy bottom is covered with algae.


Jungle trekking

The islands are crisscrossed by small paths connecting one beach to another, but be prepared to sweat and swat off bugs if you tackle any of these.

Anjung Bonda Homestay

Homestay guest will not just be immersed in the lifestyle of the locals; they will also quickly establish a bond with their warm and welcoming families who will treat them like family. Visitors will experience the full spectrum of village life. Home-cooking lessons and meal times will surely be a memorable part of your stay. The wide variety and sumptuousness of painstakingly prepared dishes can sometimes be enough to confuse most people! Guests will learn how to prepare the food. This might include gathering, cooking and washing it as well. The lucky few will also have the opportunity to harvest fruits that are in season or try their skill at plucking coconuts out of palm trees 30-40ft. above the ground with a bamboo pole! Spend time with the children after they return from school and indulge in traditonal games that are still popular, such as kite flying, top-spinning, and congkak. Or you can choose to explore your surroundings, spend some time at the local pond, trying your hand at riverside fishing or perhaps indulge in a spot of farming a la Malaysia. In the evenings, you'll enjoy cultural dances, musical performances and even a mock-wedding, all of which you will be encouraged to participate in. Experience the charm of Malay traditions that have been preserved throughout the ages, which remain very much alive. Live with your hosts, eat with them, be a part of their family. And when you return home, take with you a memorable cultural experience, and the friendships of a family happy to welcome you whenever you return to Malaysia!

The amenities in Malaysian villages offer basic comforts. Electricity and running water are available all over Malaysia, while all these villages are connected to big cities via modern highways and public transport. The kampungs, or villages, that are involved in the homestay programme are committed to ensuring that you experience village-style living first-hand. and are used to welcoming a variety of foreign guests from around the world. These kampungs have been carefully selected and conform with strict guidelines set by the Ministry of Tourism so as to bring out the best of Malaysia.


How to go there:
En. Omar Bin Md. Diah
Homestay Anjung Bonda
JA 5475 Jalan Omar
Sempang Bekoh
77100 Asahan, Malacca
Phone: 06-523 5475
Mobile: 017-3184 460

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Those who miss the proboscis monkeys at Sungai Klias can always visit the newly-opened Lok Kawi Wildlife Park along the old Penampang-Papar Road route south of Kota Kinabalu.

The park even uses the monkey as its mascot. Above the entrance is a large, painting of the monkey with its signature pinkish snout.

In their enclosure, the monkeys looked more passive than in the wild. They looked as if they wished they were on the outside. Proboscis monkeys have a wise look, with long pink noses (younger ones have black noses) and almost yellow eyes.

An orang utan did a “Tarzan” swing on a rope suspended between poles in its back-to-nature home while two otters below glided and swam with their bodies bobbing up and down a moat.

A group of gibbons excited us with their single syllable “wok” for several minutes before swinging on a rope to a wooden structure, letting out more frenzied “woks”. They seemed to be responding to the sounds of monkeys from other enclosures. “Welcoming them,” I thought.

A medium-sized clouded leopard was so adorable that we spent almost 10 minutes admiring the spots and dashes on its skin as it slept on a crisscross of branches with its legs and paws dangling.

Some mynahs (burung tiong) had acquired simple English words and used them now and then, surprising tourists. Many visitors encouraged them with short greetings like “Hello”, “Assalamualaikum” and “Selamat Datang”.

One deer surprised us by walking towards the fence to be cuddled. We were sad to see the Sumatran rhinoceros and Malayan tigers looking quite bored. Perhaps with more visitors and children, and with some games, their moods would be lifted.

Children can enjoy elephant rides daily from 10.30am to 11.30am and from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Borneo Pygmy elephants are an attraction here as are ostriches and sun bears.

The aviary was very impressive. One walked on a wooden walkway to view exotic birds such as egrets, hornbills and pigeons in their almost natural habitat with a stream and cascading water.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park sprawls over 70 hectares of land and costs RM30 million to set up. It is very convenient to watch the animals as the zoo’s 1.4km pedestrian walkway leads from one section to another with informative signposts.

Tickets cost RM10 for adults and RM5 for children while non-Malaysians pay RM20 and RM10 respectively. It’s free for citizens aged 60 years and above and the handicapped.

For more information, contact the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Sabah at 088-765710.

Alex’s Homestay Guesthouse, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Comfortable home living in the heart of the city. Prestigious neighbourhood with commuter station, restaurants, laundry, mini market, medical clinic across the road. Megamall + KL Sentral for Commuter, Monorail, LRT, ERL to KLIA is 5 mins drive.










Owner/Agent Alex

Address 21, Jalan Tanjung 12, Taman Seputeh,
Kuala Lumpur
, Malaysia 58000
Malaysia

RESERVATION HERE

Sipadan Island Diving - "The Best Shore Dives in the World"

Pulau Sipadan Island was at the top of Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine Gold List for 'The Top Dive Destination in the World'. In fact the island shared its top spot with two other destinations known for the amazing diversity of their marine life - the Galapagos Islands and Truk in Micronesia.

The list of attractions is quite staggering and all the more exceptional as it involves plenty of big fish encounters - at Barracuda Point you can find yourself surrounded by a spiralling vortex of barracudas, so large that the sunlight is often clouded out. At South Point there are scores of reef sharks, large schools of passing trevally and herds of massive marauding bumphead parrotfish. This is one of the big fish capitals of the world!

When diving in Sipadan everywhere you turn you'll see turtles, munching on the sponges and algae, or lazing on the wall ledges. If you take the time to look closely at the walls you'll see a wealth of macro life and fish species to rival most destinations, although this is often overlooked due to the other major attractions vying for your attention




How to Get There
Flights - Boat Transfer
The recommended flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau leaves at 7:00 hrs and arrives at 7:45 hrs, with Malaysia Airlines (www.MalaysiaAirlines.com). This is the flight most resorts favour and guests will be collected here and driven for around one hour to Semporna, where the resort boat will transfer you the 45 minutes to Mabul Island. Your diving will start in the afternoon.

Later flights are available but can cause problems with transfers and will almost certainly mean no diving on the first day. Air Asia (www.AirAsia.com) is free-seating and Malaysia Airlines is not. Both have emergency exit seats with acres of leg-room. For Air Asia you need to be at the front of the queue to secure one of these.

There are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau (07:20-10:05) and from Johor Bahru to Tawau (07:50-10:35) with Air Asia - there may be transfers available to meet these flights but you are still not guaranteed diving on the first day. Malaysia Airlines has a later flight (13:15-14:00), but this will probably mean an overnight in Semporna and pick up from your hotel at 08:00 hrs. Semporna has a couple of hotels such as the Dragon Inn and the Seafest Hotel.

Due to the dangers of flying after diving, some Mabul resorts may require you to sign a waiver. This is because some guests want to squeeze in as many dives as possible regardless of the risks. Guests who will be flying within 24 hours after departure from the resorts may be subject to diving restrictions on the last day.

Flights back from Tawau are Malaysia Airlines to Kota Kinabalu (14:40-15:25 hrs or 21:00-21:45 hrs). If you do not wish to stay overnight in Kota Kinabalu, you can fliy direct to Kuala Lumpur with Air Asia (10:30-13:15 hrs or 21:00-21:45 hrs) or back to Johor Bahru (11:10-13:45 hrs).

CONTACT :
Tawau Office
Telephone / (60-89) 765200
Fax / (60-89) 763575/763563
Address / 484 Bandar Sabindo, PO Box No 61120, 91021 Tawau, Sabah, East Malaysia.

Sandakan Office
Telephone / (6089) 673999 / 674999 / 675999
Fax / (089) 673777
Address / Pulau Sipadan Resort and Tours Sdn Bhd Block C, Ground Floor, Lot 38 & 39, Mile 6, Bandar Tyng, 90000 Sandakan Sabah Malaysia.

Romantic Getaways in the East Coast of Malaysia

Pulau Perhentian

Pulau Perhentian - located off the coast of Terengganu - is a marine park divided into two islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar around which menagerie of aquatic life thrives.

Diving or snorkelling hand-in-hand with your loved one is a wonderful way to explore the colorful marine life. If you start off at D'Lagoon to the north of Perhentian Kecil, the currents will take you along a haven of soft and hard corals, large angelfish, parrotfish and blackspotted snappers flitting in and out of corals. Green turtles and manta rays also make occasional appearances here.

Off the west end of Perhentian Besar is another dive site for coral connoisseurs. Known as Tanjung Besi, or Iron Cape, large tracts of staghorn corals play home to shoals of gaint groupers. Humphead parrotfish frequently stop at the reef to snack on shrimps while the crevices between the corals are inhabited by large moray eels.

Must See:

The famed Long Beach at the north end of Perhentian Kecil is great for a leisurely night shore dive. Look out for blue-spotted stingrays, cuttlefish and plenty of reef fish. Also renowned for its buzzing nightlife, Perhentian Kecil has many cafes and watering holes that are open till late.

Must Stay:

Tropical Reef Chalet: Located on Perhentian Besar, it is the perfect place for peace and calm. Prices from RM 40. http://www.pulauperhentian.com.my/

Petani Beach Chalet: This waterfront chalet offers gorgeous views. Prices from RM 90. http://www.pulauperhentian.com.my/

Getting There:

The only way to reach Perhentian is by sea from the Kuala Besut jetty in Terengganu. Get there by

- Road: Drive or take a bus from Singapore to Kuala Terengganu.
- Plane: Fly to the Kota Bharu airport in Kelantan.
- Rail: Take the railway train to the Tanah Merah train station in Kelantan.

Tanjung Piai Homestay

Stay at Kampung Perpat homestay and enjoy the famous mangrove swamplands of Tanjung Piai - home to many exotic aquatic life froms which include multi-coloured mangrove crabs, beady-eyed mudskippers and crab-eating macaques."

Experience true village life close to one of Malaysia's verdant mangrove forests. Kampung Perpat Timbul homestay programme near Tanjung Piai, lets you in on true to life village activities. Visit the local apiary where you can see how honey is collected and taste fresh honey straight from the honeycomb. You can also try your hand at creating various delicacies from coconuts, including fresh and baked treats, cakes and candies. You can also see how 'Gula Melaka' is processed the traditional way.

Visit one of several acquaculture farms or kelongs by the sea or take a boat trip around the mangrove swamps to get up close and personal with mangrove wildlife. And after a long day's fun, take a break and eanjoy a refreshing drink of fresh coconut juice straight from the tree. A true-to-life experience of the lifestyle of a typical Malay kampung community awaits you at Kampunr Perpat homestay programme in Tanjung Piai. About 30 families in Kampung Perpat Timbul are currently participating in a homestay programme organized by Agrotourism Tanjung Piai.

Home stays generally cost RM35 per day for accommodation only, or RM50 for accommodation, breakfast and dinner. For details, bookings, contact:

Agro Tourism Tanjung Piai, Encik Aziz Samad at (+607) 696 0220 / +6012-750 2140 or Homestay Coordinator, Hamjat Hj. Idris at (+607) 6960389.
Last viewed - January 02, 2008

Banghuris Homestay

Address
Kampung Hulu Chuchuh, Sungai Pelek,
43590 Sepang
Selangor, Malaysia

Telephone
+603 3141 2050 / 3141 2188


With more than 3,000 villagers, you will surely be fascinated with their lifestyle, culture and tradition. Banghuris also offers various activities related to agro-tourism. You start by staying with a Malay family in their wooden house and experience their way of life.

Dine with your hands and savour local fare for breakfast to dinner. Attend a local hands-on cooking class. Participate in a traditional Malay wedding and its rich tradition that follows. Witness a colourful cultural dance in all its splendour. And mesmerising silat, the local Malay martial arts. Or simply unwind with a traditional herbal massage.

Useful Information
The Coordinator,
JKKK Kampung Hulu Chuchuh,
43590 Sungai Pelek,
Sepang, Selangor.

Tel:+603 3141 2050 / 2188 / 1345 SRT Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.,
No. 23, Jalan SS 5B/4, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel:+603 7874 0825
Fax:+603 7874 0108


How To Get There

Situated in the Sepang District in the state of Selangor, it is only 50 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur city, or 30 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Wan Kay (WanKay) Homestay, Terengganu

Homestay program is the best way to experience Malaysian culture

Just to inform blogger friends that if you intend to visit or enjoy your vacation in Kuala Terengganu, alone, in pairs or with family, you can drop in at WKH.
Special rate for all....
Please call to confirm.

Rate valid till 31st Dec 2007
Rate per room per nite - Superior Garden View - RM 100.00 nett
All rates are nett quoted in RM
Term: CASH

ADDRESS
1, Taman Abadi, Jalan Gong Badak, 21300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.
INFORMATION
Rating : Homestay
Check-in time - 14:00pm
Check-out time - 12:00nn

ROOM AMENITIES
The homestay currently has one tastefully decorated guestroom comprising a superior triple room. The accommodation is separated from the main house and guests have a view of the garden. The room is fitted with king size and a single bed, individually controlled air conditioning, en suite bathroom with hot and cold water, television , complimentary coffee making facilities and WIFI.

FACILITIES
The homestay has ample parking space, the main feature in the landscaped garden is the attractive pool with beautiful koi fish and a mini waterfall. For leisure one can choose to do cycling and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
The ‘warong’ or eating places and restaurants around the vicinity offer delicious local traditional delicacies like nasi dagang, nasi lemak, nasi kerabu, nasi minyak, nasi kuning , satar, otok-otok and keropok lekor. Other various Terengganu traditional food are also available.

GETTING AROUND

Wan Kay Homestay is close to the traditional fishing village of Mengabang Telipot, Seberang Takir and Batu Rakit, 15km from Kuala Terengganu City Center and 4km from Kuala Terengganu Sultan Mahmud Airport, on the North East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The homestay is set amidst landscaped gardens and is surrounded by natural tropical vegetation in this peaceful and kampong area of Terengganu. It faces clean surrounding fringed by greens.
THE SITE
Located strategically at about 15 kilometres from the Terengganu state capital, this serene, unspoilt location is tucked conveniently within the vicinity of Kuala Terengganu , Sultan Mahmud Airport, Gong Badak Industrial Area , University Darul Iman Malaysia formerly known as KUSZA campus, Kuala Terengganu Teachers Institute (IPKT),University Malaysia Terengganu, Mengabang Telipot .
The area, is connected by smooth, jam-free roads which in turn leads to all major landmarks such as Pulau Bidong, Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, Tasik Kenyir, Sekayu Waterfall and wonderful beaches like Batu Buruk, Merang, Batu Rakit, Penarik and Tok Jembal.
A sense of peacefulness, quietness in the natural setting. So, welcome to WKH, where good and easy lifestyle, clean fresh air breezes gently from the South China Sea.
A place made more enchanting in a truly beautiful TERENGGANU

HOW TO GET THERE
Terengganu is 55 minutes flight away from KL, both MAS & Air Asia operates daily direct services from Kuala Lumpur as well as connecting services from other major cities and towns.
Guests can also take Firefly, which offers daily flights from its hub in Penang and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (SAAS) Airport to Kuala Terengganu.
Whilst there are a number of coach services from every major city and town within Peninsular Malaysia. It'll take an eight hours coach ride from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu.
Guests will find most places in Terengganu easily accessible. There is a host of transportation modes that one can choose from, when travelling and within Terengganu, i.e. by air, road, buses, coaches and taxi.

Wan Kay Homestay
1, Taman Abadi, Jalan Gong Badak,
21300 Kuala Terengganu,
Terengganu, Malaysia

Beib: 019-983 4360

WK: 019-984 4360
E-mail : iqhabib@hotmail.com

Malaysia : One of the Backpackers destinations for 2008

djennay said : top 10 for 2008 would be:

1. Morocco: This North African gem is growing from strength to strength and shows no sign of stopping this trend in 2008. With new cheap flights on offer, loads of culture to soak up and some of the world's best scenery Morocco is all set for another super year.

2. Turkey: With coverage from Time Out magazine and Michael Palin's recent TV series, Turkey looks set to be back amongst the big boys in 2008. Forget package holiday stereotypes there is so much more to this wonderful country.

3. Malaysia: Think Thailand with a much more considered eye for development. On the back of a successful Visit Malaysia 2007 campaign, the Malays look set to reap the benefits in 2008. from the jungle walkways of Tamaneggara to the sleepy beaches of pehrentian and Tioman islands and the hill stations of the Cameron highlands, Malaysia is a country well worth exploring. Word on the grapevine is that Air Asia are introducing a low cost flight between London and KL. Keep your eyes on the prize!

4. UK holidays: With more and more people becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprint and the damage caused by flying, the UK is set to recieve a tourism boom this year with big numbers of people expected to flock to our local hot spots of Cornwall, Devon, Gower and the Lakes. Let's hope the rains of 2007 don't put people off!

5. Tribe Wanted! Just check out the website www.tribewanted.com - looks amazing and def something I would consider doing!

6. Andaman islands: In the middle of the sea (I suppose you could say off the coast of India, loosely) these little gems wereravaged by the Tsunami but are now starting to get back on their feet.

7. Argentina: Definitely on my list for 2008. I have been devouring literature on argentina, Buenos Aires in particular. It looks incredible - full of culture, music, smells and of course steaks!

8. Alaska: Watch the movie Into the Wild and you will see why! Stunning.

9. China: With good recent coverage in Wanderlust magazine and some excellent TV documentaries (not to forget the forthcoming olympics), now is the perfect time to go and visit this incredible country (I know I want to!)

10. Nepal: Some really decent routes have just opened up to Kathmandu from the UK and although prices are still quite high, it is well worth the cost. I have numerous friends who have been there as part of larger trips and have all said it is sensational - culture and scenery like nowhere else.

I am sure there are some contraversial selections here so email me your ideas with a short description on why you think it is a hot pick for 2008 and I will post the best.

RAFTING HISTORY

Rafting is one of the earliest means of transportation, used as a means for shipping people, hunting, and transferring food.

In 1842, Lieutenant John Fremont of the U.S. Army first journalized his rafting expedition on the Platte River. Horace H. Day designed the equipment he used in rafting. Day’s rafts were constructed from four independent rubber cloth tubes and wrap-around floor. [1]

In 1960s, rafting was then recognized and paths like Grand Canyon were routed and whitewater rafting companies were established.

In 1970s, rafting marked its major development as a leisure sport when it was then included in the Munich Olympic Games.

In 1980s, as rafting continued to gain its popularity, many rivers were opened for rafting activities including rivers in South America and Africa.

In 1990s, rafting was included in major game events like the Barcelona Games in 1992, Atlanta Games in 1996, and the whitewater events of the Summer Olympic Games hosted by Ocoee River in Tennessee Valley. In addition, the International Federation of Rafting was instituted in 1997 and in 1999 the first Official International Championship was held.

Currently, river rafting is still gaining popularity among extreme water sports in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers.[citation needed]

Whitewater Rafting in Malaysia

Malaysia's tropical forest are full of wild rivers ready for whitewater rafting, WILD ASIA gives you the head's up on where to go in the peninsula and Borneo.


Although native groups in Sabah have been using rafts for centuries, white water rafting has only been a popular recreational and tourist activity in Malaysia since the 1980s. Experiences range from the high adrenaline Grade V rapids to the more tranquil family rides. Some rivers are very remote, traversing through Orang Asli settlements and ancient forests full of bird and animal life, and some flow past limestone caves and prehistoric archaeological sites. White water rafting can be experienced on day trips, or as part of a longer group trek. Malaysia has plenty of amazing rivers to raft and operators to choose from.

Peninsular Malaysia

Sungai Selangor

Only 90 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Sungai Selangor is one of the most popular rafting destinations. A trip on the river takes about half a day. There are usually two runs a day at 10am and 2pm. Changing rooms, toilets, showers and camp sites are available. Most operators also offer kayaking courses and a white water rescue module.

Jeram Besu

Jeram Besu on the Lipis River (Sungai Lipis) is fast gaining popularity as one of the most challenging white water rafting areas in the country. As the most easily assessable rafting site, it is perfect for a day trip. It is a good introduction and learning spot with mostly grade 1 and 2 rapids, with one grade 3.

Sungai Telom

This river is for the adventurous. It is located in Malaysia's scenic Cameron Highlands, 1829 metres above sea level in the northwest corner of Pahang. Access is via 4-wheel drive and hiking, and the whole trip could be as long as 50 km. The best rafting season is February to September when the flow is moderate. This river also hosted Malaysia's only white water rafting race, The Cameron Descent, for 3 consecutive years in the mid 90s.

Sungai Anak Jelai

This river isn't huge but it does have strong grade 2 rapids. It's ideal for family rafting with fast clear water. Sungai Anak Jelai eventually joins Sungai Telom

Sungai Tembeling
Sungai Sungkai
Sungai Itik (Sungai Kampar)
Sungai Nenggiri



Malaysian Borneo

Sungai Padas

Sungai Padas is Sabah's most popular rafting destination. For thrill seekers only, it is 9 km of grade 3 to 4 rapids through the Padas Gorge. Padas is a day trip, and includes rapids with names like Headhunter, Adrenline Flow, and Merry-Go-Round. Heavy rains during the wet season can cause this river (and Kiulu) to flood, temporarily putting a halt to any rafting trips.

Sungai Kiulu
This river provides a milder alternative to Padas with gentle rapids passing lush green jungle forests, orchards and villages. During the dry season the water level of the river is too low for rafting.

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