Activities
In addition to the religious festivals Malaysians celebrate each year, festivals celebrating the arts, music and culture are held in different parts of the country each year. These festivals honour the diversity of Malaysian culture by celebrating traditions of the past and promoting new experiences. A selection of major festivals is shown below. Before you arrive, check the respective festival websites or the Tourism Malaysia website (www.tourism.gov.my) for the exact dates, including the full festival calendar.
Pasir Gudang World Kites Festival (Feb, www.kitefestpasirgudang.com) Kites of all forms, shapes and colours fill the skies of Pasir Gudang in Johor every year as thousands of enthusiasts flock in to watch kite-flying skills on display. In addition to competitions, there are workshops on kite-making and the history of kiting.
Borneo International Jazz Festival (May, www.borneojazz.com) Held annually in Miri, Sarawak, it is performed outdoors in an informal atmosphere. A mix of local and overseas talent performs a range of jazz genres.
Tadau Kaamatan (end May, www.sabahtourism.com) People who have been working in towns and cities return home to their longhouses in anticipation of this festival that marks the end of the rice harvest. The natives of Sabah celebrate it with ceremonies to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest, and then follow with days of merry-making, dance and music.
Gawai Dayak Festival (early June, www.sarawaktourism.com) Sarawak’s version of the rice harvest celebrations. Each tribe has its own unofficial dates for its rituals, held usually after the rice harvest, to thank the gods for the bountiful harvests. The official statewide holidays are on the first two days of the month.
Rainforest World Music Festival (July, www.rwmf.com) Held at the base of Mount Santubong just outside Kuching, the festival celebrates the diversity of world music. It showcases global traditional music and instruments in an environment of fun. Performances, jam sessions, mini concerts and ethno-music lectures are held over three days.
Sabah International Folklore Festival (July, www.sabahtourism.com) Sabah celebrates world cultural diversity through music and dance. International and local folk dances are a highlight of the East-meets-West musical extravaganza.
1Malaysia Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival (nationwide, July–Sept) A travelling art exhibit of established and upcoming young Malaysian artists to promote Malaysian art to a wider community. There are also seminars and workshops during the three-month festival.
Malaysia International Gourmet Festival (Oct, www.migf.com) This gastronomic event promotes the country’s best fine-dining venues and focuses on the artistry of resident world-class chefs in preparing gourmet food for diners. However, participating restaurants are mainly in Kuala Lumpur.
Penang Jazz Festival (Dec, www.penangjazz.com) The festival started in 2004 and is held on the first weekend in December in Penang. Activities include performances, forums, workshops and competitions amongst jazz lovers.
The Arts
Art Galleries
Malaysia’s serious art gained credence only in the 1960s after independence. The appreciation for art is rapidly growing, particularly in Kuala Lumpur and other urban areas. This interest is reflected in the increase in the number of art galleries and correspondingly, in the number of exhibitions mounted. Local galleries tend to focus on local and regional artworks. The diversity is staggering, from Chinese brush painting to abstract art, sculpture, glass and wood. However, it is hard to define what Malaysian art really is. Batik art comes closest to being a unique Malaysian visual art form, which was pioneered by the late Chuah Thean Teng. Yahong Gallery features some of his work including those by his sons.
Kuala Lumpur
Galeri Petronas
Lot 341–343, Level 3, Suria KLCC
Tel: 03-2051 7770
Funded by the national oil company, this is the city’s most accessible, located within the busy Suria KLCC shopping mall. An elegant space for traditional and contemporary art. Tue–Sun 10am–8pm.
Islamic Arts Museum
Jalan Lembah Perdana
Tel: 03-2274 2020
Southeast Asia’s largest museum of Islamic art houses artefacts and texts from Southeast Asia, China and India as well as the heartlands of Persia and the Middle East. Daily 10am–6pm.
KL Lifestyle Art Space
Lot G.36 Ground Floor, Tropicana City Mall, 3 Jalan SS20/27 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-2093 2668
Features modern and pioneer artworks in encouraging the growth of the secondary market for Malaysian art. Daily 10am–10pm.
Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
27 Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)
Tel: 03-2698 3333
Housed in a century-old building next to Dataran Merdeka, it houses prints, photos and miniatures highlighting the development of Kuala Lumpur. Daily 8am–6pm.
National Visual Art Gallery
2 Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-4025 4990
A striking purpose-built gallery housing a permanent collection of over 2,500 works by local and international artists, including ceramics, textiles and sculptures. Daily 10am–6pm.
Shalini Ganendra Fine Art
8 Lorong 16/7B, Section 16, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7960 4740
Established in 1998, this gallery specialises in Asian contemporary art and design, with a focus on emerging movements and regions. Tue–Sat 11am–7pm, public holidays and other times by appointment.
Valentine Willie Fine Art
1st Floor, 17 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Tel: 03-2284 2348
With a busy calendar of exhibitions, this contemporary art gallery has an extensive selection of Malaysian and Southeast Asian paintings, sculptures and drawings. Mon–Fri noon–8pm, Sat noon–6pm.
Wei-Ling Gallery
8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Tel: 03-2260 1106
Caters to local and international art enthusiasts keen to support contemporary art. Mon–Fri noon–7pm, weekends by appointment.
Zinc Art Space
Lot 61, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar
Tel: 03-2282 5388
A multi-dimensional art space with a varied exhibition range that includes photography, art, installation, art toy collectables and sculpture. Mon–Sat noon–7pm, Sunday and public holidays by appointment.
Penang
A2 Art Gallery
27 Bangkok Lane
Tel: 04-227 4985
Features local and international artists, with the focus on young and upcoming artists. Mainly exhibits contemporary modern art pieces. Daily 10am–6pm.
ChinaHouse Art Space
153–155 Lebuh Pantai
Tel: 04 263 7299
This gallery features a mixed bag of exhibitions including drawings, paintings and photography. Works of local and foreign artists are presented here. Daily 10am–10pm.
Yahong Art Gallery
58D Batu Feringgi
Tel: 04-881 1251
Home to the works of the late Chuah Thean Teng and his sons. Chuah pioneered the use of traditional batik techniques in modern works in the 1930s. Daily 9.30am–6.30pm.
Kuching
Artrageously Ramsey Ong
94 Main Bazaar
Tel: 082-424 346
Featuring the works of flamboyant Sarawakian artist Ramsey Ong, as well as those of other local artists. Prints, cards and handicrafts are also on sale. Mon–Sat 9.30am–6.30pm, Sun 9.30am–5.30pm.
Galleria
Suite 1–3, Wesberley House
Lot 2812, Rubber Road West
Tel: 082-246 187
A short taxi ride from the heart of Kuching, this spacious gallery has contemporary paintings by local artists, including those of the talented Iban artist, Melton Kais. Mon–Fri 8.30am–5.30pm, Sat 9am–12.30pm.
Kota Kinabalu
Borneo Trading Post
Lot 16, The Waterfront
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
Tel: 088-232 655
Showcases the art culture of Borneo. The mezzanine level of this quality souvenir store offers original artworks from around Southeast Asia at reasonable prices.
Sabah Art Gallery
Sabah Museum Complex
Tel: 088-253 199
Set adjacent to the main museum building, the gallery houses a collection of paintings and 3D works by local artists. Mon–Thur, Sat–Sun 9am–5pm; charge.
Classical Music
Interest in Western classical music has grown since the establishment of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) in 1998. It has helped to encourage young Malaysians in pursuing a classical music career abroad; a number have since returned to perform with the orchestra. The establishment of the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is another indication of the MPO’s commitment to encouraging Malaysian talent. Local musicals are still rare, but the larger productions with established performers have been successful.
Traditional Chinese opera is staged on temporary platforms set up in the suburbs during the Hungry Ghost (Por Thor) Festival held in the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar New Year. The Chinese believe that the gates of the underworld are opened during this month and spirits allowed to roam the earth. The performances are held to entertain these spirits and the deity known as the King of Hades (Tye Soo Ya) who is in charge of the underworld. Traditional Chinese costumes and heavy make-up are features of these performances. Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) and Penang Performing Arts Centre (PenangPAC) also hold occasional Chinese opera performances.
Other than the Dewan Filhamonik Petronas, which is home to the MPO, there are no major venues that cater strictly for classical music. Other classical musical acts share venues with theatre performances (see list of venues under “Theatre”).
Dama Orchestra
M-2-10 Plaza Damas
60 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas
Tel: 03-6201 9108
The Dama Orchestra blends Eastern and Western harmonies in its performance. Although it specialises in popular Chinese music from the first half of the 20th century, usually featuring the sublime talent of soprano Tan Soo Suan, its repertoire is wide. Dama’s creativity and versatility have been displayed through performances in Australia, China and Singapore.
Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
Ground Floor, Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2051 7007
This purpose-built classical concert hall has a full programme of classical music all year round performed by the resident MPO, as well as by guest orchestras and soloists from all over the world, including renowned jazz and world music exponents. A dress code is imposed for evening performances. The MPO’s performance calendar is available on the website. Sunday matinees are good value for money. Free lunchtime and midweek performances are occasionally scheduled. Mon–Fri 10am–6pm.
Comedy and Theatre
Comedic acts are mainly centred in Kuala Lumpur and are a popular form of entertainment. Well-known Malaysian stand-up comedians include Harith Iskandar, Jit Murad, Joanne Kam Poh Poh and the duo of Indi Nadaraja and Allan Perera. Many of the jokes are aimed at the Establishment and the social quirks of Malaysians. The Comedy Club brings in overseas comics from around the world. Performances are held at different venues including KLPAC, PJ Life Arts Centre and Velvet Underground at Zouk (113 Jalan Ampang, tel: 03-2071 2075).
Like comedy, theatrical activities are mainly centred around Kuala Lumpur, with some productions in Penang and Ipoh. The Actor’s Studio is a major player in putting on local and foreign productions, while Gardner & Wife (tel: 03-2273 1398) brings international acts to perform in Malaysia. Popular overseas musical theatre performances tend to do well here. For listings, check the www.kakiseni.com websites, or daily newspapers.
Kuala Lumpur
The Actors Studio, Malaysia
Rooftop, Lot 10 Shopping Centre
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 03-2142 2009
A small, contemporary performing arts space run by the country’s top theatre company, featuring mainly local productions; scheduled performances are held almost every week. In addition to putting on performances, the Actor’s Studio played a large role in setting up and managing KLPAC and PenangPac. It also has training academies at both locations.
Istana Budaya (National Theatre)
Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4026 5555
Modelled after betel leaves, the country’s largest theatre stages big local and international acts including Broadway musicals and symphonic orchestra performances.
Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC)
Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan
Tel: 03-4047 9000
A beautiful, award-winning space managed by The Actors Studio, with a 500-seat main theatre and various other performing spaces. In addition to hosting performances, KLPAC is home to The Actors Studio Academy which provides training on the performing arts, a community orchestra and theatre for young people. Ample parking space available; however, it’s tricky to get there by public transport. Mon–Fri 10.30am–6.30pm, Sat 10am–2pm.
PJ Live Arts Centre
2A-3 Block K, Jaya One
72A Jalan Universiti
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7960 0439
A 300-seat performing arts theatre that aims to encourage community participation in the arts and nurture young talent. Hosts plays, comedy acts, dances and concerts.
Penang
Performing Arts Centre of Penang (PenangPAC)
Level 3A, Quay One Wing, Straits Quay
Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong
Tel: 04-899 1722
The first major arts centre in the northern region, PenangPAC hosts comedy, drama, dance and music performances. Like KLPAC, it is also managed by The Actors Studio and has a speech and drama academy.
Dance
The dance scene is relatively quiet in Malaysia. An exception is the classical Indian art form with performances held regularly, particularly in temples. The most famous troupe is the Kuala Lumpur-based Temple of Fine Arts, known for its epic productions. It also incorporates contemporary and Malaysian elements in its shows.
Authentic cultural performances are difficult to catch these days, outside official functions. Performances during the National Day celebrations and Colours of Malaysia (Citrawarna Malaysia) festival offer glimpses into modified traditional dances set to contemporary music. A handful of hotels also stage performances, as does Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market.
For indigenous dances, the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching has regular shows, as does the Monsopiad Cultural Village in Kota Kinabalu. The best dances, however, are at longhouses, the further into the interior the better. Plan your trip to coincide with the rice harvest festivals at the end of May and early June to watch these mesmerising dances.
Contemporary dancers have small companies and some are generally good, training and performing internationally. Chinese dances are performed only during official functions, but there are many dance groups who use traditional dance as a base for modern works.
Classical Dance
Kuala Lumpur
Istana Budaya (National Theatre)
Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-4026 5555
In addition to hosting traditional dances and musical performances, the country’s main theatre stages big local and international acts, including Broadway musicals and symphonic orchestra performances. It is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, Malaysian Traditional Orchestra and Traditional Theatre. The building is modelled after the sirih junjung, a traditional arrangement of betel leaves used in Malay wedding ceremonies and guest receptions.
Pasar Seni (Central Market)
Jalan Hang Kasturi
Tel: 03-2031 0399
Cultural performances are regularly hosted in the main foyer area and on the outdoor stage, while alternative music performances are occasionally held in its annexe. Daily 10am–10pm.
Sutra House
12 Persiaran Titiwangsa 3
Tel: 03-4021 1092
Owned by the Sutra Foundation, one of the most vibrant non-government art centres in the country. Spearheaded by classical Indian dance guru and odissi exponent Ramli Ibrahim, Sutra House has a landscaped outdoor stage where Indian dance and music recitals are held under the stars; there is also an indoor art gallery.
Temple of Fine Arts
116 Jalan Berhala, Brickfields
Tel: 03-2274 3709
Non-profit cultural organisation with centres in Malaysia, India, Singapore, Australia and Sri Lanka. It hosts classical Indian art forms. You can also learn dance and play music here.
Kota Bharu
Gelanggang Seni (Cultural Centre)
Jalan Mahmud
Tel: 09-747 7554
Kelantan’s traditional pastimes such as gasing (top) spinning and silat (Malay martial arts) performances are staged here, usually from March to October, but not every day (particularly during the fasting month of Ramadan). Enquire at the Kelantan Tourist Information Centre (Jalan Sultan Ibrahim, tel: 09-748 5534).
Sarawak
Sarawak Cultural Village
Pantai Damai, Santubong
Tel: 082-846 411
Billed as a living museum, this award-winning cultural village is located in the foothills of Mount Santubong, 45 minutes from Kuching and close to the resorts of Damai beach. Sarawak’s ethnic diversity is highlighted in traditional homes and a cultural show at 11.30am and 4pm daily.
Sabah
Monsopiad Cultural Village
Kampung Kuai Kandazon, Penampang
Tel: 088-774 337
Although most famous for its House of Skulls, with trophies taken by the infamous headhunter Monsopiad, this excellent cultural village aims to highlight and preserve the indigenous Kadazan culture. Traditional games, food, a cultural show (daily 11am, 2pm and 4pm) and a guided tour are included. Daily 9am–5pm.
Films
A major source of entertainment, cinemas in major cities are air-conditioned and comfortable, with some offering thx sound system and luxury halls. Tickets are cheaper on certain days and in the mornings. Some of the larger venues and operators offer online or phone booking services. Cinemas screen mainly mainstream offerings from Hollywood, Bollywood and Hong Kong, as well as a scattering of local Malay-language films, Southeast Asian fare and art house releases. Blockbusters often get released the same day – in order to foil DVD pirates – as in the US, UK and Hong Kong, and queues can be long. Non-Malay-language movies have subtitles in Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. English-language films rarely make it to the small towns. For listings, check the dailies or www.cinemaonline.com.my.
In deference to the official religion of the country – Islam – nude, semi-nude and even kissing scenes between unmarried people are diligently, but not always professionally, censored – so sometimes, vital dialogue disappears too.
There are two main cinema operators, whose multi-screen halls are located in malls in major cities and screen mostly mainstream flicks. Golden Screen Cinema (www.gsc.com.my) theatres in Kuala Lumpur are located in the Mid Valley Megamall, Berjaya Times Square and 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya. The other operator is Tanjung Golden Village (www.tgv.com.my), whose Kuala Lumpur theatres are in Capital Square, Suria KLCC, the Mines and Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya. Berjaya Times Square also has a 3D IMAX Theater (tel: 03-2117 3046).
Jazz
Interest in jazz is reflected in the popularity of the jazz festivals held in Miri (Sarawak), Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Penang each year. Outside these festivals, jazz can be enjoyed in pubs and restaurants. In Kuala Lumpur, Alexis Ampang (Ground Floor, Great Eastern Mall, tel: 03-4260 2288) has live performances on Friday and Saturdays, and No Black Tie (17 Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, tel: 03-2142 3737) has performances most evenings. In Penang, The Canteen at ChinaHouse (153–155 Lebuh Pantai, tel: 04-263 7299) has jazz bands playing Fridays to Sundays. Live bands can be found playing at Sully’s Bar (Block B, KK Times Square) in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 9.30pm.
Museums
Traditional museums in Malaysia are still mainly government-run, but there are an increasing number of government-funded and private museums catering to specialised subjects. Some of these subjects are of historical and cultural significance, such the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum in Melaka and Gopeng Museum in Perak. Others are collections of general interest such as the National Automobile Museum (Sepang, tel: 03-8787 4759) and Penang Toy Museum, which is especially fun for children (next to Copthorne Orchid Hotel, Tanjung Bungah, mobile tel: 012-460 2096).
Nightlife
Pubs, discos and karaoke lounges are where Malaysians party at night. The best nightlife is in the capital. Elsewhere, the action concentrates in hotel lounges and discos. Other than in Kuala Lumpur, people tend not to dress up, but shorts and sandals are definite no-nos. For the most up-to-date information, check out the What’s Happening section of social magazines such as Faces, Juice and KLue, which are available free at Dome, Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets.
Kuala Lumpur
Nightlife in the capital tends to congregate in specific areas; the main ones are Jalan Sultan Ismail/Jalan Ampang, Asian Heritage Row around Jalan Doraisamy, Bukit Bintang, Bangsar, and Sri Hartamas.
Generally, club crowds swell after 11pm. Clubs charge an entry fee from 10pm or 11pm, which includes one drink. Wednesday is ladies’ night in most places, which means free drinks for women. Happy hour is usually 5.30–9pm, when drinks are at half price, which should be taken advantage of since alcohol is very expensive in Malaysia. Beers start at RM10 a glass and RM40 a jug, alcohol RM15, and wine about RM20–25 a glass and RM80 a bottle. Wines have become very popular, and a wide range is available, especially in wine and cigar bars. You can keep a tab going until you leave. Waiters generally expect a tip.
KL-ites tend to dress up to go the fancier clubs and some places enforce a dress code which for men stipulates, at the minimum, a collared T-shirt, long trousers and covered shoes, while other places have a “no jeans, shorts and sandals” rule. Most clubs adhere to the 21-year-old age limit (the legal drinking age in Malaysia), but there are cases where this is openly flouted.
Live bands are popular and almost all the larger hotels have bars featuring live music, which usually begins at around 10pm. This is usually broad-appeal, middle-of-the-road music.
Bars and Pubs
Alexis The Bar Upstairs
29A Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Tel: 03-2284 2881
Alexis exudes chic and class with its trendy design and purple-hued bar. Acid jazz plays in the background. Go early if you want a seat at its famous balcony overlooking the Telawi street action.
Lax Club Lounge
56 & 58 Jalan Doraisamy
Asian Heritage Row
Tel: 03-2694 6460
Club-lounge with a sophisticated air. Trendy-looking decor and DJ attracts a hip party crowd. Alternatively, you can chill out on the sofas.
The Library
Ground Floor, e@Curve
Mutiara Damansara
Tel: 03-7726 2602
A great place to unwind while enjoying a drink on the balcony, which overlooks the mall. Good selection of beers and cocktails.
Luna Bar
Menara Panglobal, Jalan Puncak
Tel: 03-2332 7777
A rooftop, outdoor lounge bar with a pool in the middle and views to die for. An exclusive chill-out venue.
The Poppy Collection
18-1 Jalan P. Ramlee
Tel: 03-2141 8888
Several sexy bars share this boutique entertainment space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and alfresco balconies and gardens. Upstairs is the small and sensual lounge, Passion, while Bar Mandalay and the Havanita Cigar Lounge are for serious unwinding.
The Pub
Shangri-La Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 03-2074 3905
A traditional English pub tucked away in a corner, with pub grub, darts, pool and sports action on TV. A great place to drink, chat and relax. Happy hour (5–8pm) should not be missed.
Sid’s Pub
M-5A The Village
Bangsar South
Tel: 03-2287 7437
Sid’s prides itself as a community pub with happy, friendly people having a great time together. Speaking of fun, catch the “Swingers”, who take over a section of the pub each week for a spot of fandango dancing.
Skybar
Traders Hotel
KLCC
Tel: 03-2332 9911
Enjoy the sublime view of the Twin Towers. Simple and sleek, its large sunken alcove and ceiling-to-floor windows allow guests to appreciate the beauty of the Kuala Lumpur skyline at night.
Souled Out
20 Jalan 30/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas
Tel: 03-2300 1955
Chill out in a large airy area outside – the dance floor is upstairs. A favourite with football fans; packed at weekends.
Village Bar
Starhill Gallery
Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2782 3852
Glitzy-looking decor unmatched elsewhere. Glass bottles stacked up as pillars and dangling lanterns give it a unique look. Amongst its wide selection of drinks are Chinese and Japanese rice wines and international beers.
Clubs
The Beach Club Café
97 Jalan P. Ramlee
Tel: 03-2166 9919
A popular tropical-themed hotspot featuring live bands on Sunday and rave parties nightly until the wee hours. The Beach Club plays all kinds of pop music and also serves Asian food. Can be a bit of a meat market late at night.
Elixir
37 & 39 Changkat Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2145 8222
A club that expects its patrons to be well dressed, Elixir is a favourite with the younger crowd. The blend of hip-hop and house music keeps feet moving.
Hard Rock Cafe
Ground Floor, Wisma Concorde, Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 03-2715 5555
This oldie-but-goldie international chain keeps them coming with live local and regional bands playing mainstream music. Attracts a mainly young crowd. Good American-style fare in large portions served in the café.
Qba
Westin Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2731 8333
Samba, cha cha and salsa to a live Latin band at this Havana-style club. Cigars and boutique wines are the other attractions of this classy two-storey place. Be sure to try its rum-based mojitos and caipirinhas.
Rootz Dance Club
Roof Top, Lot 10
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 03-2782 3555
Inspired by Russian museums and palaces – opulence describes Rootz to a tee. High-top couches encourage lounging, but the DJs are excellent in getting the crowd back on their feet.
Rum Jungle
1 Jalan Pinang
Tel: 03-2148 0282
Percussive drumming, reggae, Latin, Spanish and ethnic tunes are played at this tropical-themed club. Decor comes complete with water features, flaming torches and even a trapeze. Seating is on two levels and the dance floor is huge.
Zeta Bar
Hilton Kuala Lumpur, 3 Jalan Stesen Sentral
Tel: 03-2264 2501
Styled after the Hilton London’s namesake nightclub, this sophisticated place is patronised by the who’s who of Kuala Lumpur. DJs spinning rock and 1980s tracks alternate with a live band.
Zouk
113 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2171 1997
This dome-shaped, Singapore-owned club strikes all the right chords. Velvet Underground’s popular Wednesday Mambo Jambo nights draw the crowds with 1980s music, while the Loft’s ever-changing line-up of local and international DJs keep electronic music fans happy.
Blue Boy
50 Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 03-2142 1067
Malaysia’s oldest gay club, which is almost 20 years old now. Packed at weekends, especially after midnight, it’s friendly but smoky. Mainly Malay crowd. Good house dance tracks.
Frangipani
25 Changkat Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2144 3001
A seductive gay bar that attracts a stylish crowd. Offers a large selection of cocktails and shooters. DJs spin house music. Fancy couches and chairs add to its ambience.
Liquid Bar
Mezzanine, 2.04 Central Market Annex, Jalan Hang Kasturi
Tel: 03-2026 5041
Newly renovated with bead curtains, box lounges and interesting bathrooms, this sophisticated gay venue draws people especially on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The music is a mix of different strains of house.
Rahsia Restaurant & Bar
13 Jalan Damai
Tel: 03-2144 0059
Housed in a 1960s bungalow surrounded by greenery, the ambience is peaceful and stylish with jazz in the background. Complimentary cocktails plus 50 percent off beers and spirits daily from 4–8pm.
Shook!
Starhill Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2719 8535
This classy gay-friendly hangout, which is spread over half the basement, has a circular cocktail bar where you can chill while listening to live jazz. There is an enormous array of food choices here and in the surrounding restaurants.
Penang
Most of the action in George Town tends to centre at the Upper Penang Road area near The Garage, Gurney Drive and Batu Feringgi.
Bars and Pubs
Berlin’s Bier House
3E-G-3B Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang
Tanjung Tokong
Tel: 04-899 8887
The Germans guard their brewing recipes closely but share their beer with the rest of the world freely. A wide selection of German and other imported beers is available to go with traditional German pork knuckles, sausage and meatballs. The splendid coastal view is an added delight.
The Canteen at ChinaHouse
153–155 Lebuh Pantai
Tel: 04-263 7299
Fridays to Sunday evenings this is the place to go to for jazz. Enjoy its menu of tapas before the band strikes up at 10pm.
Farquhar’s Bar
E&O Hotel
Farquhar Street
Tel: 04-222 2000
With its deep armchairs and long darkwood bar, Farquhar’s exudes the air of an exclusive private club. Its ambience brings back memories of colonial Penang.
G Spot Live Music Bar & Lounge
G Hotel
Gurney Drive
Tel: 04-238 0000
Hip atmosphere enlivened with live jazz bands. Plush furnishing and stylish interior adds an elegance while maintaining a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. It has a good selection of cocktails and Martinis.
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Hotel
Batu Feringgi
Tel: 04-881 1711
One of the hippest scenes in town, with live bands and a heavy rock ’n’ roll theme.
Hong Kong Bar
371 Lebuh Chulia
Tel: 04-261 9796
Opened in 1920, this institution was a regular hangout for military personnel based in Butterworth. Today, it still attracts an assortment of prominent characters, many of whose photographs, medals and plaques plaster the walls and whose stories fill the guest book.
Lebuh Leith Pub and Wine Bar
20 Lebuh Leith
Tel: 04-261 8573
Housed in a restored mansion in the heart of George Town, guests can choose to dine at its Japanese bistro, or sit at the bar. Cosy atmosphere with friendly staff.
Slippery Senoritas
Lot B3A, The Garage
2 Penang Road
Tel: 04-263 6868
A salsa bar and Mexican restaurant. DJs spin a combination of R&B, house and current hits until 10pm when a live band takes over. Its cocktail menu offers 69 variations, which bartenders will deliver to you with an impressive stunt or two. Ladies’ night is Wednesday.
Soho Free House Pub
50 Jalan Penang
Tel: 04-263 3331
A British tavern with a pool table, football on the telly and hearty pub grub, this tiny place draws local professionals as well as Britons and Australians. Generous servings at lunch and non-stop happy hours keep customers happy.
Clubs
ChillOut Club
The Gurney, Gurney Drive
Tel: 04-370 7000
This club is actually a complex of four bars and clubs, each playing a different style of music, including funk and R&B. The place is packed at weekends and on Wednesdays, when it is ladies’ night. Post-partying, chill out at any of the cafés or 24-hour local eating outlets right on the doorstep of the complex.
Voodoo
The Garage
1 Upper Penang Road
The biggest dance club in George Town, it is housed in large white mansion. Its mix of hip-hop, R&B and popular music makes it a hit with youngish clubbers.
Langkawi
The nightlife here is a little more laid-back. While there are many free-standing and resort bars, nightlife concentrates in Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah in restaurants such as Beach Garden and Bon Ton. These offer places for quiet drinks and good food and conversation.
Beach Garden Bistro
Pantai Cenang
Tel: 04-955 1363
One of the most popular nightspots in Langkawi. Sip margaritas under the stars after a dinner of steaks and pizzas.
Chin Chin Bar
Bon Ton Restaurant and Resort
Pantai Cenang
Tel: 04-955 1688
Enjoy cocktails or wine from an extensive wine list in this bar in a restored Chinese shophouse. Liqueur-flavoured coffee is its signature.
Rhu Bar
Four Seasons Resort
Tanjung Rhu
Tel: 04-950 8888
This Middle Eastern-themed bar with Turkish water pipes and Indian mogul hanging swings is one of the best sites on the island to appreciate the sunset. It also has an extensive wine list.
Sea Shell Beach Café
Mutiara Burau Bay Resort
Pantai Kok
Tel: 04-959 1061
Groove to live music under swaying palms. Café snacks and main courses are also served.
Kuching
Kuching’s nightlife centres on a few areas, such as Jalan Padungan and Jalan Bukit Mata Kuching. There are also bars and nightlife outlets in the hotels and resorts.
Eagle’s Nest
Jalan Bukit Mata Kuching
Another popular place for both pub grub and drinks at reasonable prices, as well as pool and darts. Happy hour is daily 4–9.30pm.
Grappa
58 Jalan Padungan
Favourite hangout for people who appreciate R&B. Reasonably priced drinks.
Jambu Lounge Bar
32 Jalan Crookshank
Tel: 082-235 292
A popular place to hang out, especially on Friday nights when there is live jazz from 8.30pm onwards.
Soho
64 Jalan Padungan
Tel: 082-247 069
Considered the chicest bar in Kuching, Soho is packed to the rafters at the weekend. Plays a mix of jazz, Latin and dance tunes. Serves good bar food and its restaurant caters to patrons looking for a more substantial meal as well.
The Victoria Arms
Merdeka Palace Hotel, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg
Tel: 082-258 000
Upmarket English pub with a restaurant and a wine bar. Friday is ladies’ night, and happy hour is 4–9pm.
Kota Kinabalu
A range of bars and pubs in the downtown area known as The Waterfront offers drinks and entertainment both indoors and on the boardwalk.
Cock and Bull Bistro
The Waterfront
Popular pub with a live band performing every night. Pool table, wide-screen TV broadcasting football, and free Wi-fi internet access. Happy hour is 4–9pm.
Cocoon Restaurant and Bar
Segama Complex
Jalan Fuad Stephens
Tel: 088-211 252
Located opposite the Hyatt, Cocoon entertains with live bands and DJ-spun R&B tunes.
Reef Project Dance Bar & Grill
Beach Street
Set amongst a flora-themed setting is a combination open-air restaurant, bar and karaoke. There is a live band playing most nights. Situated in the city centre.
Shenanigan’s Fun Pub
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Jalan Datuk Saleh Sulong
Tel: 088-295 300
Irish pub Shenanigan’s remains a firm favourite, especially late at night, for its creative drinks and live performances by international acts. Ladies’ night on Thursday, when special door gifts and lucky draw prizes are available.
Shopping
From international brands to hand-crafted ethnic artworks, Malaysia offers variety and choice for shoppers of every budget.
The best times to shop are during the mid-year 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival and the Malaysia Year-End Sale when promotions are on offer and prices slashed. Throughout the year, large department stores also hold sales. Value-added tax does not apply in Malaysia, although restaurants and hotels do add a 6 percent sales tax to the bill.
Open-air night markets (pasar malam) are good for soaking up local atmosphere and finding bargain-priced items, including clothes (which you try on in the open), shoes, trinkets and household items. There is also fresh produce, including fruit and street food. The traders are itinerant, so check locations at your hotel. The pasar malam at Bangsar is located on a slip road running parallel between Jalan Maarof and Jalan Telawi 2 on Sundays. Stalls are open for business from 3pm to 9pm.
Fresh produce is available at supermarkets and wet markets as well as at the agricultural markets (pasar tani), where farmers sell their produce directly to customers. The older generation prefer to shop at the wet markets or pasar tani in the belief that the food is fresher and cheaper. However, supermarkets now offer competitive pricing for fresh produce. You can find a pasar tani on Jalan Cochrane (near Sekolah Cochrane), where trading is done from 7am–noon on Sundays.
What to Buy
Antiques, Arts and Crafts
Handicrafts can be found in stalls, but serious collectors may prefer to make their purchases at shops specialising in crafts and antiques. Bargaining is a must in most places. Pewter, which harks back to Malaysia’s history as a tin-mining country, is available at Royal Selangor outlets. A stroll through Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market with it numerous arts and crafts shops could take up a whole day. Note that the export of antiques and historical products is not permitted unless an export licence has been obtained from the Director General of Museums Malaysia, or unless these items were originally imported and declared to customs at that point. Make sure you check with the seller of the antique on this point.
Kuala Lumpur
Karyaneka
Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Conlay
Tel: 2164 9907
Carries a wide collection of handicraft reflecting Malaysia’s ethnic and cultural heritage. Batik, songket, Sarawak woodcarving and Kelatanese silvercraft can be found here. Mon–Fri 8.45am–8pm, Sat–Sun 8.45am–7pm.
Royal Selangor Pewter
Lot 118B, 1st Floor
Suria KLCC
Tel: 03-2382 0240
One of Malaysia’s best-known brands, Royal Selangor Pewter has a wide range of products including clocks, cufflinks, tableware, trinket boxes and vases. Daily 10am–10pm.
Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
4 Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya,
Tel: 03-4145 6122
visitorcentre.royalselangor.com/vc/
Drop by the visitor centre of this successful home-grown label for a fine range of stylish pewter gifts and tableware, jewellery and sterling silverware. Don’t miss the interesting (and free) factory tour. Daily 9am–5pm; free, but there is a charge for the “School of Hard Knocks” – a pewter dish-making workshop; prior booking is essential.
Scent of the Orient
39-1 Jalan PJU 8/5A, Bandar Damansara Perdana
Tel: 03-7729 3628
Deals in antiques of Chinese and Tibetan origin. Located close to Mum’s Place restaurant. Tue–Sun 10am–6pm.
Melaka
Abdul Antiques
93 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
Tel: 06-282 3633
The first antique shop in Jonker Street, it specialises in lights, tiles and Nyonya-style furnishing. Daily 9am–6pm.
Malacca Antiques & Curios
25 Jalan Hang Jebat
Tel: 06-284 1860
This shop is brimming with antiques and reproductions almost right to the ceiling. The owner, Mr Low, is attentive and chatty. Thur–Tue 10am–6pm.
Malaqa House
70 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
Tel: 06-281 4770
This art gallery, housed in a heritage building, carries a good selection of wood furnishing and decorative items. A small garden within adds to its charm. Daily 10am–6pm.
Markets and Bazaars
Kuala Lumpur
Central Market
Jalan Hang Kasturi
Tel: 03-2031 0399
Probably the best place for souvenirs, with its two levels offering Malaysian and Asian artworks and handicrafts. Check out the more distinctive pieces at Pipit at its annexe.
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman/Jalan Masjid India
Small, interesting shops along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman sell Asian wares such as Chinese embroidery and antiques. Kamdar along this road has affordable clothes and textiles. Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to traffic every Saturday 5–10pm and transformed into a pasar malam (night market) with stalls selling bargain goods. Jewellery, Indian saris and comfy cotton pyjamas are found in Jalan Masjid India.
Petaling Street Bazaar
The famous and crowded Petaling Street pasar malam comes to life from 5pm to 11pm every evening, with a variety of stalls offering clothes, leather goods and copy watches. Watch your bags and pockets, as it is usually packed.
Books
Major bookshops can be found in shopping malls and carry a wide selection of titles. Silverfish is a smaller, independent outfit, which focuses on works written in English by Malaysian authors. With the exception of Kinokuniya and Silverfish, the bookshops listed below have more than one branch in Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur
Border’s
11–13 Lower Ground Floor
Berjaya Times Square
1, Jalan Imbi
Tel: 03-2141 0288
Daily 10am–10pm
Kinokuniya
Lot 406–408, 429–430 Level 4
Suria KLCC
Tel: 03-2164 8133
Daily 10am–10pm
The MNS Shop
Malaysian Nature Society
Jalan Kelantan
Tel: 03-2287 3471
Small but good collection of nature books and journals, including specialist titles about books, insects, indigenous people and national parks. Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–1pm.
MPH
Lower Ground Floor
Mid Valley Megamall
Mid Valley City
Tel: 03-2938 3818
Popular
2nd floor IPC (formerly known as Ikano Power Centre)
2 Jalan PJU 7/2 Mutiara Damansara
Tel: 03-7725 9188
Silverfish
28-1 Jalan Telawi
Bangsar
Tel: 03-2284 4837
Mon–Fri 10.30am–8.30pm, Sat until 6.30pm, open some holidays but call first to confirm.
Times
Pavilion KL
Lot 6.49.1, Level 6
168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2148 8813
Daily 10am–10pm.
Kuching
Borneo Books
Ground and 2nd Floors, Wisma Merdeka
Jalan Haji Saman
Tel: 088-241 050
The ground-floor shop has a range of souvenirs as well as books, while Borneo Books 2 upstairs has an unbeatable selection of books on Asia, particularly Borneo, plus a book exchange. Daily 10am–8pm, except Sun until 5pm.
Fashion and Accessories
Malaysian fashion stores range from the simple to the exclusive. Well-known Malaysian designers such as Bernard Chandran and Zang Toi as well as renowned shoemaker Jimmy Choo have outlets in Kuala Lumpur to complement their international presence. If you are looking for Malaysian ethnic-designed clothing with fresh looks, check out E’tho (Mid Valley Megamall, tel: 03-2282 6168) or Mayfair Designs (Bukit Bintang Plaza, tel: 03-2145 9936). International chains such as Gap, Mango, Miss Selfridge and Topman, and local brands like British India and Salabianca are found at major shopping malls.
Melaka
Orang-Utan House
59 Jalan Hang Jebat
Run by local artist Charles Cham, whose humorous T-shirts and artworks make great souvenirs.
Wah Aik Shoemaker
Lot 02 Ground Floor
Bangunan Lembaga Tabung Haji
Jalan Bandar Kaba
Tel: 06-288 1549
This shoemaker is famous for his tiny shoes made for Chinese women with bound feet, an ancient Chinese tradition that has long since died out. However, fascination with the shoes remains and they are popular souvenirs.
What Not to Buy
Despite the nationwide crackdown on pirated movie and computer software DVDs, they are still available at night markets, and at least one outlet among neighbourhood shops. Sleeves on display in the neighbourhood shop, however, are empty; the actual discs are somewhere else, and after an order comes through on the walkie-talkie, a DVD swiftly appears. Some vendors also approach individuals in coffee shops offering to sell pirated DVDs for as cheap as RM6. Please note, however, that the sale of pirated DVDs is illegal. There may also be bargains offered for luxury items such as branded watches and bags. If the price seem too good to be true, it probably is. If you are looking for the real thing, make sure you buy it from an authorised dealer. Avoid buying items made from exotic animal skin or feathers, as these may be from endangered wildlife.
Where to Shop
Shopping malls are found in every city and usually comprise a supermarket, department store, and smaller stores selling clothing, shoes, watches, electrical goods, computers, mobile phones, books and more. The larger ones also have tour agencies, cineplexes and video game arcades, as well as eateries, including food courts selling hawker fare, Western fast-food chains and restaurants.
In Kuala Lumpur, favourite shopping haunts in the city centre are clustered around the Bukit Bintang area and KLCC. Central Market and Petaling Street, a short walk away, provide cheaper alternatives and a different atmosphere. Suburban malls such as Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens, The Curve/IPC, 1 Utama and Sunway Pyramid offer a good range of shopping alternatives and are well patronised.
Kuala Lumpur Malls
1 Utama
1 Lebuh Bandar, Bandar Utama
Tel: 03-7710 8118
Situated in the suburb of Bandar Utama, one of Kuala Lumpur’s largest malls not only has shops, restaurants and a cinema but also houses Asia’s largest indoor rock-climbing gym wall-climbing, a lush indoor tropical rainforest and Southeast Asia’s largest rooftop garden.
Bangsar Village
1 Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru
Tel: 03-2282 1808
Another upmarket shopping centre catering to the Bangsar neighbourhood with anchors like the Village Grocer, which carries international food items. Its five-storey addition, known as Bangsar Village II, has more dining, lifestyle and fashion choices.
The Curve
Mutiara Damansara
Tel: 03-7710 6868
A family favourite adjacent to IPC and near the 1 Utama shopping mall, The Curve has many restaurants lined up along its outdoor pedestrian walkway. At weekends, stalls take over the walkway selling trinkets, clothes and other knick-knacks.
Mid Valley Megamall
Lingkaran Syed Putra
Tel: 03-2938 3333
Spacious walkways link over 430 outlets, including eateries, an 18-screen cineplex and an entertainment centre for children, in a well-laid-out format. Anchor tenants are Metrojaya and Carrefour. A shuttle operates to nearby Bangsar LRT station, and a walkway connects the ktm Komuter station to the mall. Adjacent to it is the upmarket The Gardens Mall, with Robinsons and Isetan as its anchor tenants.
Pavilion
168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2118 8833
Home to 450 outlets, this upmarket mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang entertainment district houses some of the world’s premier brands. A large food court in its basement serves a variety of cuisines.
Plaza Low Yat
7 Jalan Bintang
Off Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2148 3651
plazalowyat.com
This IT Lifestyle Mall in the shopping district of Bukit Bintang has six shopping floors, each dedicated to a particular technological gadget, while the lower ground floor specialises in feeding the number of people who walk through its doors.
Sungei Wang Plaza
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 03-2148 6109
This popular mall has 500-odd retail shops with moderately priced products and services. A good place for bargains. Check out Malaysian haute couture on the first floor.
Sunway Pyramid
3 Jalan PJS 11/15
Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7494 3100
A slice of Egypt in Petaling Jaya, the Sphinx gives Sunway Pyramid an exterior that stands out. Inside there is an ice-skating rink, bowling alley, cinema and over 800 speciality outlets.
Suria KLCC
Petronas Twin Towers, Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2382 3359
This spacious and classy shopping venue has large department stores, including Isetan, Parkson Grand and Marks & Spencer, and over 270 speciality shops and food outlets. For ethnic goods, check out the Pucuk Rebung Museum Gallery and Aseana.
Penang
George Town’s maze of little shops around Jalan Penang and Jalan Campbell are great for antiques and curios such as antique clocks, old bronze- and brassware, Dutch ceiling lamps, old phonographs, Chinese embroidery and porcelain, and Malaysian batik. Saw Joo Aun at 139 Jalan Pintai Tali has a large range of antique furniture.
Elsewhere in Penang, Little India on Lebuh King and Lebuh Queen has brightly coloured saris and kurta (men’s shirts), brassware and jewellery.
Chowrasta Market specialises in all kinds of cotton, silk and other materials, as well as dried local foods such as nutmeg and preserved fruits.
More bargain-priced Chinese souvenirs are at the Kek Lok Si Temple in Ayer Itam. Batu Feringgi and Teluk Bahang offer brightly coloured, hand-painted batik sarongs and T-shirt souvenirs; the night market at the former sells fake but decent-quality designer clothes and watches.
Modern shopping malls are 1st Avenue Mall in the city centre, Gurney Plaza (on Gurney Drive) and Queensbay Mall (Bayan Baru).
Melaka
Jalan Hang Jebat, formerly known as Jonker Street and once the place to shop in Melaka, has been a victim of money-driven urbanisation in recent years. Traditional craftsmen have been evicted and several historic shophouses have been demolished or else subjected to sham restoration projects where only the facades are kept, while the interiors have been modified beyond recognition. Still, antique collectors and bargain hunters will find what they want if they search hard enough. Authentic artefacts and relics, some over 300 years old, can be found along with a host of other more recent collectables. Amid shops selling traditional crafts are trendy modern and creative handicraft shops. On Jalan Merdeka, the city’s biggest shopping mall, Mahkota Parade, also has an Asian antique and handicraft centre. Other major shopping malls include Medan Samudera and Hang Tuah Mall.
There are more handicraft stalls in Taman Merdeka, and a pasar malam (night market) takes place on Sunday at Jalan Parameswara.
Terengganu
In Kuala Terengganu, the Central Market on Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin is the place to go to for batik and local handicrafts. Outside of town, the Chendering industrial estate offers handicrafts and batik, and along the beachfront to Marang, at Rusila, are numerous batik and basketware shops, as well as vendors of the area’s famous salted fish.
Noor Arfa Batek House
Chendering
Tel: 09-617 9700
Out at the Chendering industrial area is the Noor Arfa Batek House, Malaysia’s largest, which welcomes visitors to watch and even participate in batik production. There is an excellent showroom as well.
Teratai Arts and Craft
151 Jalan Bandar
Tel: 09-625 2157
A lovely gallery/shop owned by renowned artist Chang Fee Ming. It showcases his depictions of local life, as well as curios from all over Asia, including coconut-shell crafts and textiles.
Kelantan
Kelantan is an excellent place to purchase truly unique Malaysian gifts. The ultimate handicraft heaven is the road to PCB Beach (Pantai Cahaya Bulan), along which certain kampung (villages) are renowned for their particular handicrafts – contact Tourism Malaysia for more information.
Bazaar Buluh Kubu
Opposite the Central Market
Four floors of tiny shops display the best array of batiks in the peninsula. There’s everything from hand-painted lengths of silk to hand-stamped sarongs, tablecloths and cushion covers.
Central Market
Kota Bharu
The Central Market has copious amounts of arts and crafts and batik items on the second level and produce stalls on the first.
Kuching
Many of the shopping malls in Kuching are located next to hotels. These malls include Crowne Square (Jalan Petaling), Hills Shopping Mall (Jalan Bukit Mata Interhill Place), Sarawak Plaza (Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman) and The Spring (Jalan Simpang Tiga).
Antiques, Iban textiles, handicrafts, and quality collectables as well as pretty and interesting handcrafted souvenirs are readily available in Kuching, particularly along the Main Bazaar. Here, old trading houses and shophouses have been converted and restored into galleries and shops selling a range of goods.
Anggun Collection
157E Jalan Satok
Tel: 082-422 495
It’s well worth a short taxi ride from downtown if you’re looking for exclusive fabrics and ready-made garments with Sarawakian motifs. Beautiful embroidered kebaya (some in organza), men’s silk shirts, sarong and long scarf (selendang) sets as well as embroidered handbags and accessories are available.
Atelier Gallery
104 Main Bazaar
Tel: 082-243 492
Lucas Goh’s atelier opposite the Chinese History Museum is filled with ethnic and primitive arts including blowpipes and woven fabrics, furniture and tasteful accessories.
Edric Ong
12 Ong Kwan Hin Road
Tel: 082-420 042
Edric’s designs of textiles, outfits, crafts and interior furnishing are influenced by native Sarawakian art. The designer works with traditional weavers and craftsmen of Sarawak in his designs, using raw material sourced from Sarawak’s rainforest.
Fabriko
56 Main Bazaar, Kuching
Tel: 082-422 233
Fabriko specialises in fabric, particularly high-end natural-dye silk and cotton. You can find custom-produced batik shirts, sarongs and T-shirts here.
Nelson’s Gallery
84 Main Bazaar
Tel: 082-411 066
Nelson Tan’s gallery is so well known, it has no shop name displayed. It offers an eclectic collection with some very fine pieces of tribal art and ceramics tucked away under reproductions from Kalimantan.
Sarawak Handicraft Centre
Round Tower, Sarawak Tourism Complex
Watch crafts being fashioned by hand and buy the results; a good range of authentic, high-quality handicrafts.
Sunday Market
Jalan Satok
Despite the name, this street market starts at noon on Saturday and runs until Sunday afternoon. The market is filled with Dayak vegetable sellers, Chinese and Malay stalls selling all manner of handicrafts, jungle products, wild honey, pets and plants, including gorgeous orchids.
Kota Kinabalu
Borneo Trading Post
Lot 16, The Waterfront
Tel: 088-232 655
For quality handicrafts, jewellery, homewares, souvenirs and paintings from Borneo and the rest of Southeast Asia, this attractive, spacious shop is unrivalled. Open 11.30am–9pm.
Centrepoint Shopping Complex
Jalan Centrepoint
This is the largest shopping complex in town. Higher-quality branded goods are available on the 4th level in Palm Square, while food outlets can be found in the basement. Open daily 10am–9pm.
Gaya Street (Sunday Market)
A favourite family hangout on Sunday mornings, you can find batik, handicraft, art prints, souvenirs and food here. Located at the central business district.
Handicraft Market
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
A rabbit warren of tiny stalls filled with handicrafts from the Philippines (hence its local name of Filipino Market), Indonesia, Sabah and Sarawak. Located at the waterfront, a five- to 10-minute walk from the city centre. Take care of your bag, and be sure to bargain. Open daily 7.30am–7.30pm.
Wisma Merdeka
Jalan Haji Saman
Sabah’s first shopping centre still offers a wide range of goods, particularly clothing (most of the cheap and cheerful variety) and shoes. Shops open at 9am or 10am and close around 9pm.
Sport
Malaysia is generally a sport-loving country. Much like the rest of the world, Malaysians adore football (soccer). Badminton would probably come in a close second. Being one of three nations to have won the coveted Thomas Cup (World Men’s Team Championships), Malaysia has had a long, proud history with badminton. Its fiercest rivals are Indonesia, China and Denmark. National Circuit matches played at different venues across the country (www.bam.org.my) feature top local professionals and up-and-coming youngsters, while international competitions are held several times each year, usually at the Putra Indoor Stadium at Bukit Jalil.
Malaysia also plays host to professional tennis and golf events on both the men’s and women’s circuits. Like much of Asia, interest in golf has risen over the last 20 years. This has resulted in an increasing number of golf courses built to meet local and tourist demands. The courses are designed to exploit the natural landscape and offer something for all levels of golfers, be they experienced or beginners, amateur or professional. The quality of courses here is reflected in major professional tours adding Malaysia to their golfing schedule.
Though not widely known as a surfing destination, Cherating (Terengganu) and Desaru (Johor) have hosted Asian Surfing Championship (ASC) events.
Malaysian corporations have increasingly invested in sporting teams in recent years, giving fans more reason to get behind these teams. Petronas has sponsored several Formula 1 teams since the 1990s and is the main sponsor for the Malaysian Grand Prix. AirAsia is the key partner of the Caterham team (formerly Team Lotus) as well as a sponsor of Queen’s Park Rangers football club in London.
Participant Sports – Golf
Generally, clubs are private. However, the so-called “resort clubs” are open to anyone, especially in holiday destinations. Courses are generally of international standard and are well maintained; equal care is taken in the design and facilities of club houses. Equipment can be hired, and bought at affordable prices. Updated lists of golf clubs and resorts plus descriptions can be found in the monthly Pargolf magazine (www.pargolfmagazine.com), sold throughout the country and with listings of major golf courses. The Malaysian Golf Tourism Association (www.mgta.com.my) provides further information on golf courses and packages available to visitors.
Peninsular Malaysia
Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort, Pahang, tel: 03-6436 9000; www.awana.com.my. At a cool 1,000 metres (3,000ft) up in the Genting Highlands, this scenic 18-hole course is fairly demanding but enjoyable. Bunkers, ponds and streams add to the challenge. There is a three-tiered driving range.
Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort, Batu Gajah, Perak, tel: 05-366 7433; www.cwsgolf.com.my. Built on a former tin-mining site, it is set across 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of forest, jungle and lakes. Straight drives are imperative over the 18 holes of the Raintree and Lakes nines. The Wetlands nine is a unique par 3 course for those seeking to master short holes.
Glenmarie Golf & Country Club, Shah Alam, Selangor, tel: 03-7803 9090; www.glenmarie.com.my. There are two 18-hole courses here. The Garden Course meanders through a tropical garden, while the Valley Course is narrower with more water challenges.
Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, off Jalan Bukit Kiara, tel: 03-2093 1111. A 36-hole course with a fully automated computerised driving range. Visitors must produce their handicap cards upon registration.
Pulai Springs Golf Resort, Johor, tel: 07-521 2121; www.pulaigroup.com. The two 18-hole USGA courses – the Melana, designed by Peter Scott, and the Pulai course by Robert Trent Jones II – both pose challenges with their varying terrain, water elements and change in elevation. Accommodation and other recreational facilities are available at the Pulai Springs Resort.
Staffield Country Resort, Negeri Sembilan, tel: 03-8766 6177. Regarded as one of the country’s best, this 27-hole course sits on 136 hectares (335 acres) of transformed rubber estate, with 82 bunkers and seven lakes. The Tudor-style clubhouse offers food and a wide range of sports facilities.
Sarawak
Damai Golf Course, Santubong, tel: 082-846 088; www.damaigolf.com. An Arnold Palmer-designed course, it is popular and accessible with full facilities adjacent to Damai beach and the resort hotels.
Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, Jalan Miri-Pujut By-Pass, Miri, tel: 085-421 010; www.estwoodvalley.com. An 18-hole course carved from a forest setting, with a driving range, timber chalets for rent and a restaurant.
Sabah
Borneo Golf & Country Club, Km 69, Papar–Beaufort Highway, tel: 087-861 888. An 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus, this is located about one hour’s drive south of Kota Kinabalu. Apart from the restaurant, there are chalets for overnight accommodation.
Dalit Bay Golf and Country Club, tel: 088-791 188. Near Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, about 45 minutes’ drive from Kota Kinabalu. Offers smooth greens, sea views and a luxurious clubhouse.
Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai, Sabah, tel: 088-411 215; www.nexusresort.com. This award-winning 18-hole golf course, designed by Ronald Fream, is demanding yet fair. Set between the South China Sea and Bornean jungle, it has a natural feel which may challenge your golfing focus.
Sabah Golf and Country Club, Kota Kinabalu, tel: 088-247 533. A tricky 18-hole course with wide fairways and fast greens. The wind makes play even more interesting, especially during the monsoon months. Facilities include a swimming pool, gym and karaoke lounge.
Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf and Country Club, Kota Kinabalu, tel: 088-318 888; www.suteraharbour.com. Features a 27-hole Graham Marsh-designed course looking out to sweeping views of the South China Sea. Night golfing facility until 11pm.
Local Sports
Aside from popular sports such as futsal (a variation of football played indoors on a smaller pitch), martial arts, table-tennis and sepak takraw (a local game), there are also a number of speciality sporting events that often attract international participants, and hordes of fans. Months indicated are an approximation; check websites for actual event dates.
Le Tour de Langkawi (Feb/Mar, www.ltdl.com.my) is an international cycling event that takes riders across the country covering over 1,000km (621 miles).
Sabah Adventure Challenge (April, www.sabahadventurechallenge.com) A multi-day 150km (93-mile) adventure race on foot, mountain bikes and rafts across Sabah’s rugged terrain. The format of the race changes from year to year. Participants are expected to be self-sufficient in navigating their way around the jungle and mountain ranges.
KL Tower International Towerthon (May, tel: 03-2020 5444; www.menarakl.com.my) A race to the top of the tower. It’s an 800-metre (0.5-mile) run from the bottom of the hill to the base of KL Tower, then a run up 2,058 steps to reach the top of KL Tower.
KL Tower International Base Jump (Sept, tel: 03-2020 5444; www.menarakl.com.my) An exhilarating 421-metre (0.3-mile) jump off KL Tower for brave-hearted souls.
The Most Beautiful Thing (Sept, www.sabahadventurechallenge.com) An ultra trail marathon with competitors running along village trails, open gravel roads and hanging bridges across Sabah’s Crocker Range mountains. There are three categories: 25km (16 miles), 50km (31 miles) and 100km (62 miles).
Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon (Oct, tel: 088-212 121; www.sabahtourism.com) Deemed the “World’s Toughest Mountain Race”; participants will attempt to run up and down Mount Kinabalu in under three hours. This race is part of the Sky Runners World Series.
Penang Bridge International Marathon (Nov, www.penangmarathon.com.my) An annual run across the Penang Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland. In addition to the full marathon race, there are also half-marathon, quarter-marathon and 10km (6.2-mile) fun races.
Monsoon Cup (Nov, tel: 03-7954 2204, www.monsooncup.com.my) Held at Pulau Duyong, Terengganu each year, this competition is part of the World Match Racing tour.
Spectator Sports
Football (soccer)
Support for the national football team, known as Harimau Malaysia (Malaysian Tiger), is strong, with tickets sold out for many of the matches played at its home turf at the Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur. In the Malaysian Super League, the nation’s premier football league, matches are played countrywide. Results and upcoming fixtures can be found at www.malaysiansuperleague.com.
Football matches are screened daily on Astro, a subscription satellite broadcaster. At weekends, many eateries and pubs screen live English league football action. The atmosphere at some of these venues can be loud, as regular crowds turn up to cheer on their clubs in the company of fellow fans. Crowds are especially lively during the screening of the FIFA World Cup every four years, with work productivity taking a hit as fans stay up late to follow matches.
Motor Sports
Malaysia hosts a number of motor-sport events each year. It is home to the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix (Mar, www.malaysiangp.com.my) and Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (Malaysia-moto-gp.com). Both races are held at the Sepang International Circuit (tel: 03-8778 2200, www.sepangcircuit.com), which is close to KLIA. In addition to these two global events, Sepang also hosts other motor-sporting events such as the Superseries races.
Outdoor Activities
Aerial Sports
Taking to the skies is a thrilling way to see another perspective of Malaysia. The 4B Flying Club (tel: 019-5216905; captmd100@yahoo.com) is the country’s only DCA-authorised club for microlight instruction. Based in Melaka, they also offer joy rides over the historic city. Air Venture (tel: 012-290 8358; airventure.biz) are motorised paragliding specialists based in Pulau Indah, Klang, and have the country’s only certified paramotor chief instructor. They offer a minimum of 25 hours of instruction, using trikes in their training. Established in 1994, Paragliding Dot Com (tel: 019-216 7526; www.paraglidingmalaysia.com) offers instruction in paramotoring in Pulau Indah, Klang, and paragliding in Jugra, Selangor. They provide insurance for the sports. Skydive Malaysia (tel: 03-5523 3449; www.skydivemalaysia.com.my) is a Kuala Lumpur-based outfit which jumps in Taiping, Perak, and offers instruction, tandem skydiving and fun-jumping, adhering to US parachuting guidelines. They also do weekend BASE jumps in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur.
Birdwatching
Malaysia’s location on the Australasian cross-migratory path attracts a vast number of bird species. Its rainforests can be generally divided into three distinctive habitat types, each of which attracts particular type of birds. The Common kingfisher can be found at coastal mangroves where salt and fresh water meet. Lowland rainforests are homes to Storm’s stork, Green imperial pigeon and over 200 other species. The Mountain peacock-pheasant and Mountain blackeye can be found in mountain forests where elevation is 900 metres (2,952ft) above sea level.
Birdwatching can be done just about anywhere in Malaysia – in towns and cities or at local parks. You could even join a bird race like the one at Fraser’s Hill in Pahang (June, www.pkbf.org.my) or the Sarawak Bird Race at Padawan near Kuching (Oct, www.sarawaktourism.com). In a bird race, the team with the highest number of bird species sighted wins. If you prefer to hide while birdwatching, you could try the Tree Top Tower in Mulu Park, Sarawak, or the Kuala Selangor Nature Park in Selangor. For more bird sites and bird routes, check www.malaysiabirding.org.
Cave Exploration
Exploring the abundant limestone caves (gua) in the country makes for good adventure. Spelunking or caving enthusiasts can observe the changes in stalagmite and stalagtite formations over mere months, as well as wildlife such as fruit bats and swifts in their natural environment. Favourite caving spots include Gua Tempurung and Gua Kundu (Perak); Gua Kelam (Perlis); Gua Ikan (Kelantan); Gua Telinga, Gua Daun Menari and Gua Luas (Taman Negara), and Gua Taat and Gua Bewah at Tasik Kenyir (Terengganu). In Sarawak, Mulu Caves have some of the biggest and longest networks of caves in the world, whilst the Painted Cave in Gua Niah has wall paintings depicting early civilisation. The Malaysian Nature Society (tel: 03-2287 9422) is able to provide contact information of cavers willing to act as guides.
Fishing
Malaysia offers good fishing, but the sport is not regulated or organised. Boats range from bare basics to converted trawlers, and unless you go with a tour, you have to bring your own equipment. Shops stock the range, but do not rent. Malaysia is a manufacturer of rods and reels and is, in fact, a good and relatively cheap place to buy fishing equipment. Fishing tackle shops are found in all major towns.
Freshwater Fishing
Malaysia’s rivers and lakes provide rich fishing grounds. Fast-flowing rivers offer good fishing of smaller fish upstream. Many of these are found in pristine rainforest environments, usually accessible via four-wheel-drive and some walking. Good spots include upper Sungai Endau in Johor, and the higher reaches of rivers that flow into Kenyir (Terengganu) and Temenggor (Perak). Here, you get the kelah (Malaysia Mahseer), a good fighter with which locals usually practise catch-and-release, and tengas, which also make fun fishing. Bigger-sized kelah are found in the middle river, as are kaloi (giant gouramey), belida (giant featherback), sebarau (Malaysian jungle perch) and the powerful toman (giant snakehead), the so-called shark of Malaysian freshwater fish.
Rivers in Sarawak and Sabah are excellent fishing grounds, particularly near the Kalimantan border, but the distances are great, and they are difficult to get to.
Lakes and reservoirs are where the other big freshwater-fishing opportunities are. Since Malaysia has few natural ponds, anglers head for dammed lakes such as Kenyir and Temengor, where the ferocious toman is the main prize, and the natural lake of Bera in Pahang, which is shallow and classified as a wetland area.
Saltwater Fishing
Deep-sea bottom fishing is expensive, but compared to other countries in the region, relatively affordable. This involves going out with a rod and line with one or two hooks, using bait such as small fish and prawns, and fishing at depths of 50 to 100 metres (150 to 300ft).
There are plenty of boats for hire on the coast. Most are basic, but a handful offer reasonable facilities. Nonetheless, some anglers find this primitiveness an attraction. Minimum numbers are needed before a boat will set off.
Some locations could be up to four hours away. A two-day/one-night trip can be arranged, including boat, ice and bait. Meals can also be arranged.
Anywhere along the peninsula’s west coast is good for fishing all year round, including Bagan Datoh and Pangkor (Perak), and Langkawi (Kedah). Table fish are the norm, including kerapu (grouper) and ikan merah (red snapper). Sarawakian locations include Miri and Tanjung Datu near Kuching.
The peninsula’s east coast is good for blue-water game fishing. A popular centre is Mersing, the jumping-off point to the islands of Aur, Dayang and Pemanggil. Here you get black marlin, mackerel, barracuda and giant trevally. Sailfish are found in abundance near the islands off Rompin. Redang is another good location. In Sarawak, Miri is a centre; in Sabah, Labuan is good for billfish, and Semporna and Sipadan are the spots for yellow fin tuna, great fighters that go up to 100kg (220lb). The best times for this sport are March to September.
Angling operators providing full facilities include:
Cherry Bird Travel & Tours, 31A, 1st Floor, Jalan Barat, off Jalan Imbi, tel: 03-2141 1399
Fook Soon Trading Co., 39 Jalan SS3/35, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, tel: 03-7874 3066
High Adventure Travel, 20 Jalan 21/19, Sea Park Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, tel: 03-7876 1771
Hook, Line & Sinker, 22 Jalan SS22/3, Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, tel: 03-7725 2551; www.hook-line-sinker.net.
It’s also worth checking out angling magazines. Remember to ask about group sizes and facilities.
Horse Riding
Horse riding is still growing in popularity. In Langkawi, Island Horses (tel: 04-959 4753; www.langkawihorses.com) own a stable and stud farm. They provide rides through mountain trails, jungle track or on beaches. Riders Lodge in Sedenak, Johor (tel: 07-652 5330; www.riderslodge.com.my) offers overnight and day packages for rides through jungle and oil palm plantations.
Mountain-Biking/Cycling
Challenging trails in Kuala Lumpur are at Batu Dam, Kampung Pusu and Hulu Gombak Forest Reserve. Pahang’s Sungai Dua site reaches into the Lentang Forest Reserve. The reward at the end of this 40km (25-mile) trail is the sight of the 30-metre (98-mile) high Kerau waterfall. The Kuala Lumpur Mountain Bike Hash (www.klmbh.org) and Pedalholics Cycling Club (www.pccmalaysia.com) offer more information on biking activities in Kuala Lumpur.
In Sarawak, trails around rural areas outside Kuching, and near Damai beach, are increasingly popular with many locals. For inexpensive bicycle rental and off-road cycling, contact WG Cycles, 36A, 1st Floor, Nam Meng Building, Jalan Ban Hock, tel: 082-238 239.
In Sabah, popular trails include rural areas around Kota Kinabalu. A good route is to bike down from park headquarters on Gunung Kinabalu to Tamparuli, passing through magnificent verdant vistas and undiscovered villages. Contact TYK Adventure Tours, tel: 088-232 821; www.tykadventuretours.com.
Rock-Climbing
This is fairly new activity for Malaysians has enormous untapped potential. Rock-climbing enthusiasts have a choice of indoor and outdoor sites offering varied degrees of difficulty. Indoor sites in Kuala Lumpur include Camp 5 (1 Utama Shopping Mall), PutraClimb (Putrajaya) and Shah Alam Extreme Park. Outdoor sites near Kuala Lumpur include Batu Caves, Bukit Takun and Kramat Valley. Contact Nomad Adventure, tel: 03-8024 5152; www.nomadadventure.com to arrange trips.
Water Sports
Sport Diving
Dive operators are divided into on-site operators and those that arrange scheduled trips. Most dive operators are licensed to offer a range of dive courses from the most basic open-water certification all the way up to becoming a dive instructor. Some also offer dive introductory lessons to older children. There are many different diving agencies – PADI is the most popular, but you can also choose to study the syllabus offered by SSI, NAUI and BSAC.
Most operations are dive shops with dive masters and instructors; a few are certified dive centres offering the full range, from retail to rental and equipment servicing. Retail outlets are usually in the city rather than on the beach. Mythasia (tel: 03-4149 2828; mythasia.com) is an experienced specialist dive-tour agency, offering packages in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Peninsular Malaysia
B&J Diving Centre, tel: 09-419 5555; www.divetioman.com. This DSAT and IANTD technical diving training facility offers technical diving education up to trimix instructor. Provides technical diving trips to the various World War II wrecks in the vicinity.
Bubbles Dive Resort, tel: 012-983 8038; www.bubblesdc.com/dive.htm. Located at Tanjung Tukas, Pulau Perhentian Besar, it specialises in macro-diving, muck-diving and diving with photographers.
East Marine, tel: 04-966 3966; www.eastmarine.com.my. Offers dive courses and trips to Pulau Payar and surrounding waters.
Pacific Dome, tel: 03-2330 8142; www.pacdome.com. Reputable company that offers tours and dive instruction anywhere in Malaysia, including Mabul, and to Manado, Indonesia.
Sarawak
Although diving is not a sport normally associated with Sarawak, there is interesting diving off the coast of Miri.
Planet Borneo Tours & Travel, Lot 273 Brighton Centre, Jalan Temenggong, Datuk Oyong Lawai, tel: 085-415 582; www.planetborneotours.com. This tour operator has a scuba-diving division offering dives on the reefs within an hour or less of Miri; wreck dives and night dives are also available.
Sabah
Among operators for scheduled trips, including instruction, are:
Avillion Layang Layang Island Resort, tel: 03-2170 2185; www.avillionlayanglayang.com. The sole resort on an island one-hour’s flight west of Kota Kinabalu. World-class diving and a luxurious resort.
Borneo Divers, tel: 088-222 226; www.borneodivers.info. Dive pioneer specialising in Sipadan, nearby Pulau Mabul and the Labuan wrecks. It maintains a training centre on Mamutik island in Kota Kinabalu, where dive courses are given.
Pulau Sipadan Resort and Tours, tel: 089-765 200; www.sipadan-resort.com. These resorts run their own excellent dive centres on Sipadan, Pulau Kalapai (close to Sipadan) and on beautiful Pulau Lankayan situated to the northwest of Sandakan.
Scuba Paradise, tel: 088-266 695; www.scubaparadiseborneo.com.my. A Kota Kinabalu-based operator that arranges day trips to Pulau Mantanani, an island north of the capital and renowned for its resident dugong.
Whitewater Rafting
Peninsular Malaysia
Minimum numbers are required for whitewater rafting trips. Some companies also arrange transport from the city. Good rafting sites include Sungai Sungkai in Perak and Sungai Selangor in Kuala Kubu Baru. Both are close enough to Kuala Lumpur for a day visit. Sungai Endau, Jeram Pasu, Sungai Lipis and Sungai Tembiling in Taman Negara are further away from the city. Nomad Adventure, tel: 03-7958 5152; www.nomadadventure.com specialises in whitewater kayaking and rafting in Sungai Sungkai and Sungai Kampar, Perak, while the Malaysian Rafting Community (www.raftmalaysia.com) provides rafting opportunities.
Sabah
Sabah has some of the country’s best white-water with trips available to the scenic Kiulu and wild Padas rivers. Call Riverbug, tel: 088-260 501; www.traversetours.com to arrange.
Wildlife Viewing
Malaysia’s rainforests are home to a variety of wildlife, but it’s not very often you can see them unless you know where to look. Ecotour operators are able to guide you to the places giving you the best chance to see the endangered orang-utans, Borneo pygmy elephants, hornbills, birds and bats. On the peninsula, Langkawi, Ulu Muda and Taman Negara are good places to begin with, but Sabah and Sarawak are better known for their wildlife and nature tours.
Peninsula
Earth Lodge, 5–11 The Reef, Jalan Low Yat, Batu Ferringhi, Penang, mobile tel: 019-442 8926; earthlodgemalaysia.com.
Junglewalla, 1C Lot, 1392 Jalan Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, mobile tel: 019-225 2300; www.junglewalla.com.
NKS Travel, Hotel Mandarin Pacific, 2–8 Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03-2072 0336; www.taman-negara-nks.com.
Sabah
Borneo Eco Tours, Lot 1, Pusat Perindustrian Kolombong Jaya, Mile 5.5, Jalan Kolombong, Kota Kinabalu, tel: 088-438 300; www.borneoecotours.com.
Wildlife Expeditions, Lot A 1202-1, 12th Floor, Wisma Merdeka, Phase 1, Jalan Tun Razak, Kota Kinabalu, tel: 088-246 000; www.wildlife-expeditions.com.
Sarawak
Borneo Adventure, 55 Main Bazaar, Kuching, tel: 082-245 175; www.borneoadventure.com.
Sightseeing Tours
The whole gamut is available, from city and night tours to week-long packages that cover several destinations, and any combination of fly, drive and coach choices with accommodation and sometimes transfers and food. Ask at your hotel, the tourism information centre, or check newspapers for the latest listings.
The Eastern & Oriental Express is the ultimate in luxury rail travel, complete with mahogany marquetry and Burmese rosewood inspired by the 1932 Marlene Dietrich film Shanghai Express. The 132-passenger train travels 2,000km (1,260 miles) from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok (or vice versa) and stops along the way in Penang. For reservations, tel: 65-6395 0678 (Singapore); www.orient-express.com.
The naturalists from Dev’s Adventure Tours will guide you to an up-close-and-personal experience with Langkawi’s flora and wildlife without harming the environment. When exploring the mangroves of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, try the mangrove kayak trip, which allows you to glide between the mangrove tree roots and small river channels to see the wildlife that live here and even right up to one of the limestone cliffs. Also includes a visit to the Bat Cave. To book, mobile tel: 019-494 9193; www.langkawi-nature.com.
KTM offers good-value rail packages to various destinations in Malaysia that include train tickets, transfers, accommodation, some meals and tours. Try the Langkawi, Penang, Perlis or the popular Hat Yai (Thailand) package, or book a homestay package, tel: 03-2267 1200.
Licensed nature guide Green John Chan provides visitors with opportunities to soak up nature, heritage and culture – from the headhunters of Batang Ai in Sarawak to rafflesia-spotting in Temengor Forest Reserve, the mystical land of Jahai, and discovering Penang’s back lanes. He runs his tours a few times a year and some only once. Contact him on mobile tel: 016-356 9169; www.facebook.com/greenjohnchan) for details of his next tour.
For people who are unafraid of heights, Langkawi Canopy Adventures provides tours of the forest canopy. Participants have to complete several obstacles – from tree-climbing to walking gingerly on a tightrope high above the trees before the final descent – a 140-metre (459ft) long Flying Fox into a very tall strangling fig tree, and then abseiling 30 metres (98 feet) down to the ground. To book, call mobile tel: 012-466 8027; www.langkawi.travel.
MAS’s subsidiary, MAS Golden Holidays, offers a range of holiday packages including flights, transfers, accommodations, meals and guided tours. There are options of fly-drive and coach holiday packages, as well as golf, scuba-diving and adventure packages. Tel: 03-7843 3000. A professional wildlife photographer manages North Borneo Safari out of his Sandakan base. Together with his team of naturalists/photographers, he brings visitors out on photo safaris to capture the beauty of Sabah’s wildlife and exquisite landscapes in destinations like Kinabalu National Park, Kinabatangan, and Semporna. Enquire on tel: 089-235 525; www.northborneosafari.com.
Kuala Lumpur
City Tours
The Kuala Lumpur Hop-on and Hop-off Bus is an excellent way to experience the city. This service offers a convenient way of visiting the city’s tourist sights on a double-decker bus. Plying 22 stops around the city, the buses run 8.30am to 8pm daily. Waiting time is roughly 30 minutes, and you can board and alight from the bus at any of the designated stops along the way. Prerecorded commentaries in eight languages are available on headsets. One-day tickets at RM38 for adults and RM17 for children and senior citizens can be purchased on board the bus, at selected hotels and travel agents or online at www.myhoponhopoff.com. For enquiries, tel: 03-2691 1382.
The Malaysia Helicopter Tour provides a unique look at the city from the air. Contact Shajasa Travel and Tours (tel: 03-2026 8668) for further information.
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, try the KL Heritage Walk, which takes you on a tour of the old part of the city. This walking tour is organised by volunteers keen to share the history of the city. It is free, but you will need to call Be Guest (tel: 03-2032 1031) to book and provide information such as your arrival and departure dates, entry point, nationality and passport number, as these tours are strictly for foreign visitors only. Meet at the Be Guest office in the Central Market Annexe at 10.30am. The tour lasts for one and a half hours.
Food Trails
If you would like some local company in seeking out the food trail in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, check out Food Tour Malaysia (www.foodtourmalaysia.com) or FoodFoodFood (www.kuchingculture.com). Your guide will take you to the eating spots favoured by locals and for the latter, inclusive of a visit to the produce market.