At the end of our holiday to Laos and Borneo we spent four nights in total luxury at the Rasa Ria just outside Kota Kinabau. This is a fabulous hotel resort but a long way from the city and many activities. My husband was really…Read More

At the end of our holiday to Laos and Borneo we spent four nights in total luxury at the Rasa Ria just outside Kota Kinabau. This is a fabulous hotel resort but a long way from the city and many activities. My husband was really not keen on doing anything except relaxing but I managed to persuade him to do this firefly trip on the Klias River nearby.

We booked this through the hotel so it was probably a bit more than if you booked it direct with a tour company but as we were a way out it was very convenient to have them pick us up from the hotel lobby and return us there afterwards.

We booked through the activities desk in the main reception of the resort and give them your room number. We were not charged for this until they were certain that the trip was taking. You are to be at the lobby about ten minutes before departure in order to pay and sort everything out. The trip usually leaves around 7o clock in the evening but it doesn’t go every night so if you fancy doing this keep an eye out on the activities board and book. We were there out of season so not many were on the trip but it may get busy at school holiday time and numbers are limited to about ten or twelve each trip.

Fireflies do not like rain so if it is raining then the trip is cancelled and you are not charged. It was touch and go for us as it had been raining on and off early that evening. What is handy about booking through the hotel is that the staff will give you a call in your room about an hour before your departure time to confirm that the trip is going ahead or if has been cancelled due to adverse weather. Fireflies also do not like full moons or very windy conditions so the tour is not offered at full moon and is cancelled if windy as well. The hotel tour organising staff check with previous groups to see whether they saw the fireflies and so you can get told all this before you go out on your trip.

We were collected in an air-conditioned mini bus with another couple and driven about half an hour away. We were down dirt tracks to get to the jetty passing local villages and small holdings which was interesting too even though it was getting pretty dark they were all lit up so you could see inside the houses.

When we arrived at the jetty it was pitch black except for a couple of hanging lanterns . The men taking us on the boat trip lit the way with large torches and we had our own little torches with us to help pick our way down the wooden jetty and onto the lepa-lepa boat that we were going to travel in. I say jetty but this was pretty basic, realistically it was a few planks of wood floating on some barrels and I said said it is very dark so you do have to watch your step and make use of the wooden handrails.

These lepa lepa boats are canopied craft beautifully decorated. They are the traditional crafts of the Bajau people . This tribe of people have been a nomadic, seafaring people for most of their history and were often called sea gypsies. The Bajau are the second largest indigenous people in Sabah and are sunni Muslim with a combination of spiritualism.

Sadly as all things traditional these days even the seafaring Bajau are losing their boat-building craft skills because they are changing from using their beautiful hand-built lepa-lepa boats with commercially built ones. One of Sabah's largest festivals on the southeastern coast feature these lepa-lepa boats This is the annual Semporna festival when the colorfully decorated boats are raced against each other in a celebration of Bajau culture.

I was really looking forward to seeing these boats so it was a bit of a shame that we spent the whole time in the dark not really being able to see the boat that well. They are wooden craft and ours had a sort of cloth canopy over the top that hung down to give shade on each side. These wooden boats have a large decorated flag in the front as well as flags over the top. The front prow is elongated and they are slim and elegant craft.
Back to our firefly trip. There were four of us and two guides and another man driving the boat. Although the conditions were touch and go on the evening we went we saw hundreds so we were really lucky.

The guide shone or flashed his torch towards the trees in possible spots and if there were fireflies there they shone their little tails back in completion. It was quite amazing. We had been on a boat trip to see fireflies near KL but this was a much smaller oat and we were so much closer to them. It really was like one of those led Christmas trees all lit up and flashing on and off. Once one group had finished showing off we moved on to another light show up the river.

We had the motor off and drifted so that all you could hear was the water lapping at the boats edge and otherwise silence. It was truly magical to have nature’s light display in such a perfect setting. They took the boat pretty close to the trees so you get a really good look. I didn’t bother taking my camera as it isn’t good enough to take things like this but my husband had a try and some were okay but it was pretty near impossible really.

There was a bit of an anxious moment as one time when the motor was switched off it took some starting and I had visions of having to call out a rescue boat. In these days of mobile phones this is not such a huge problem of course. It did get started and we made it back safely of course.

On one of the occasions when we stopped the guides caught a firefly and I held it in my hand. They are about the size of a housefly which surpised me as I had thought they would be really tiny. One stayed flying around the boat for quite some time. I even got a photo of one in my hand which was pretty magical.

On the way back we had another of nature’s magical surprises and the water that splashed up beside the boat was glowing with phosphorescence. If you dragged your hand in the water it came out glowing. I was pretty amazed by this as I had not seen it before.

We also saw a few local people fishing in the river in the dark which seemed a risky occupation considering there are crocodiles in the river. They actually stand in the river with their nets. They waved as we passed by and the guides had a quick chat. I asked if they had caught anything and yes they had a few so their efforts had proved fruitful.

If you do choose to go on the trip then wear long sleeved light clothing and long trousers with shoes and socks. This keeps the mosquitoes away. The proper sturdy shoes also makes it easier to walk along the jetty and get in and out of the boat. They told us NOT to wear insect repellent as the fireflies are also insects and obviously they would be affected by the repellent too. I would say the tour took around an hour and a half so we were back for a late evening meal in the hotel. I thought that the price of around £5 or £6 was pretty good for the tour as I found it quite wonderful.
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Kuala Lumpur is a large city in Malaysia with several distinct neighbours. For tourists planning on exploring the city independently, there are several options available to get from one place to another. These methods are outlined below:The Metro:This transportation option proved to be invaluable during…Read More

Kuala Lumpur is a large city in Malaysia with several distinct neighbours. For tourists planning on exploring the city independently, there are several options available to get from one place to another. These methods are outlined below:

The Metro:
This transportation option proved to be invaluable during my time in Kuala Lumpur. The metro runs throughout the entire city, with convenient stops nearby to most of the attractions. For visitors like myself without a pass, the best option is to pay as you go. To do this, you must buy your tickets from the booth rather than using a machine. The metro was very affordable, and most of my tickets were purchased for less than 2 Malaysian Ringgit which isn't even a dollar in USD. Most of the metros run over the city, so in addition to being transported, you actually get great views too.

Taxis:
Taxis are not the best way to get around in Kuala Lumpur, but if it's late at night or you did a considerable amount of shopping, it might be your safest bet. Taxis can be flagged down at just about any point in the city, but keep in mind that there are several different charges that may be applied to your base fare. Fees are charged for baggage and if the taxi gets stuck in traffic. There is no set fare, and taxis have been known to rip off unsuspecting visitors.

Bus:
The bus system in Kuala Lumpur is quite extensive and affordable. It's not as easy to get around with the bus as with the metro, but asking locals for advice will set you on the right path. Bus stops are located all over the city, and I never had to wait long for a bus to arrive.

On Foot:
I would say that Kuala Lumpur is favourable for pedestrians. There are sidewalks on most of the streets, and it's safer to cross the streets there than in other countries in SE Asia such as Vietnam. Crossing highways was trickier, and one must move very fast as lulls in traffic don't occur frequently. I did quite a bit of walking during my trip and I didn't have any problems. If I couldn't find my way, the locals were more than willing to point me in the right direction. Tip: Bring an umbrella with you if you're going to be walking. Kuala Lumpur seemed to rain everyday and I was unfortunate enough to get drenched!

Getting To/From the Airport
The airport was located about an hour's drive away from downtown Kuala Lumpur. I was travelling alone, so it made sense for me to use public transportation to make the journey. After leaving the departures hall, I followed the signs to the bus stop and caught a large shuttle to Kuala Lumpur for 35 Malaysian Ringgit.

With a bit of advance planning, Kuala Lumpur doesn't have to be an expensive destination to get around in. If you can't figure out the public transportation, a local will be willing to help you.   Close

Penang is often known as "The Pearl of the Orient". Its history began when the island was leased to Captain Francis Light, an English trader-adventurer working for a Madras-based firm, in exchange for military protection from the Siamese and Burmese armies who were threatening Kedah.The…Read More

Penang is often known as "The Pearl of the Orient". Its history began when the island was leased to Captain Francis Light, an English trader-adventurer working for a Madras-based firm, in exchange for military protection from the Siamese and Burmese armies who were threatening Kedah.

The architecture in Penang is a durable testament of her history - outstanding colonial buildings include the Municipal Council and Town Hall buildings, Penang Museum, the Eastern and Oriental Hotel, St George's Anglican Church, and buildings in the old commercial district - all of which are part of the UNESCO Heritage Site.

Penang is linked to the Peninsula by a 13.5 km (9 miles), three-lane, dual carriageway Penang Bridge. Penang Bridge is one of the longest bridges in Asia. Alternatively, there is a ferry service for passengers, and vehicles from Butterworth in the Peninsula. Driving from Kuala Lumpur is about 4 to 5 hours.

Penang was recognized as having the Best Street Food in Asia by TIME magazine in 2004. I couldn't agree more. The food reflects an ethnic mix of Chinese, Nyonya, Malay, and Indian in Malaysia. The best places to savor Penang's food include Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus, New Lane, Penang Road and Chulia Street. In retrospective, Penang is truly a cosmopolitan city with communities of Burmese, Filipino, Ceylonese, Japanese, Eurasian, Arab, Armenian and list goes on. It has a sizable expatriate population under the Malaysian My Second Home Program, and this has greatly influenced the local cuisines in Penang which you don't find often anywhere else in Malaysia.

One of Penang's best known attractions is Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. Located at 14 Keith Street, the structure was erected in the 1880s by Hakka merchant, Cheong Fatt Tze. The mansion is built in a traditional Hakka-Teochew style. The stately manor as 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases, and 220 timber-framed windows.

The Khoo Khongsi is a Chinese clanhouse for individuals with the same surname, Khoo. The clanhouse represents the family's social and spiritual commitments between ancestors and the extended families. The Penang Khoo Khongsi (known as Dragon Mountain Hall) has an impressive architectural feat that personifies good luck and wealth. Stone carvings adorned the entrance hall and pavilions, fantastic murals portraying birthdays, weddings and most impressively, the 36 divine guardians sprinkle the interior. The Khoo Khongsi has retained its authentic historic setting, which include an association building, a traditional theatre and the late 19th century rowhouses for clan members, all clustered around a granite-paved square.

Fort Cornwallis is another well-known landmark in Penang. The fortress’ 10-feet walls are laid out in the shape of a star, and within those walls, some of the original structures built over a century ago can still be seen – a chapel, some prison cells, ammunition storage area, a harbor light, the original flagstaff and some old bronze cannons, which include the infamous 17th-century Dutch cannon called ‘Seri Rambai’, believed by the locals to have an encouraging effect on women’s fertility. As for Captain Frances Light, his final resting place is at the Catholic Cemetery, located less than a block from Penang Road.

There is a lot more in Penang that meets the eyes. "The Pearl of the Orient" has a unique architectural and cultural landscape without parallel anywhere in Southeast Asia. It is also the most livable city in Malaysia and it has the lowest crime rate in the country. It is definitely one of the best islands to explore in Asia.


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Malacca Town and Penang's George Town were formally inscribed as UNESCO Heritage Sites in 2008.Malacca is rich in culture and it bears several places of historical interests. Tourism is an important industry in Malacca. "Visiting Malacca Means Visiting Malaysia" is a slogan adopted by Malacca…Read More

Malacca Town and Penang's George Town were formally inscribed as UNESCO Heritage Sites in 2008.

Malacca is rich in culture and it bears several places of historical interests. Tourism is an important industry in Malacca. "Visiting Malacca Means Visiting Malaysia" is a slogan adopted by Malacca because it was the location of one of the earliest Malay sultanates, and it was the birthplace of the Baba Nyonya heritage.

I took a day trip to Malacca with some friends. Jessica, our tour guide and driver, drove us from Kuala Lumpur. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to reach Malacca Town. Jonker Street is the main street in the town. Well-preserved prewar buildings turned into shops selling souvenirs, antiques, and local designs. On Fridays and Saturdays, the street turns into a night market where tasty treats and delicious knick knacks are sold at dirt cheap prices. A handful of bars turn the street into a mini street party with tables oozing beyond the sidewalks and a mix of live music beating throughout the area.

Traffic was pretty slow here. Jessica showed us the oldest and grandest temple in Malacca, Cheng Hoon Teng. It is located along Jalan Tokong (formerly Temple Street) in the core area of the Malacca Heritage Site. Dating back from 1646, the temple continues to serve the Buddhist community in Malacca. The temple is dedicated to Kwan Yin, is noteworthy due to its craftsmanship and preservation. A robed effigy of the Goddess of Mercy can be found within the main hall and remains the focal point for the entire shrine.

Malacca is well-known for its food. Its Baba Nyonya cuisine is a fusion of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, British and Malay cooking with most dishes being spicy in nature. We had 'Chicken Rice Ball' for lunch. It's basically chicken rice with the rice comes in the size of a ping-pong ball. Other famous local fares in Malacca are 'Nyonya Laksa' (a Peranakan cuisine, which is a fusion of Malay and Chinese cooking) 'Itek Tim' (a sour duck soup with salted vegetables), and 'Ayam Pong The' (miso soy braised chicken).

Malacca has a laid back atmosphere. Between the scattered historic spots are Chinese prewar shop fronts and traditional Malay houses. Time stands still as we head to the Main Square, where Stadthuys and Christ Church are located. Stadhuys, a salmon-pink town hall and the governor's residence, is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East, houses several museums. Christ Church is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. Built in 1753 to commemorate a century of Dutch rule in Malacca, it is one of the most recognizable buildings in the country. The square is never short of activities: trishaws adorned with plastic flowers (lots of them) and Malaysian flags to attract tourists, man with a white 'motionless' python that you pay a fee to pose with it, and street vendors selling souvenirs and tidbits.

Porta De Santiago (A'Famosa) is a must for anyone planning to visit Malacca. Constructed by the Portugese in 1511 as a fortress, it suffered severed structural damage during the Dutch invasion. What is remained today was saved by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1808 when the British planned to destroy the structure was aborted.

Malacca is a city mix of the old and new, historical sites and prewar shophouses stand close to modern shopping centers and offices. Here you will find old folks relaxing in their houses and young adults enjoying the life texting with their iphones. Malacca once a sleepy town, is slowly becoming a major tourist destination in Malaysia. And, before we drove back to Kuala Lumpur, we had Malacca famous satay celup, it's skewered raw fish or meat cooked in peanut sauce!   Close

The Golden Triangle area of Kuala Lumpur lies adjacent to the office district of the city centre and is home to the major shopping centres. There is little here for the sight seer, but it is an absolute must for shoppers everywhere.The newest shopping centre…Read More

The Golden Triangle area of Kuala Lumpur lies adjacent to the office district of the city centre and is home to the major shopping centres. There is little here for the sight seer, but it is an absolute must for shoppers everywhere.

The newest shopping centre is right at the top of the triangle and is called Time Square. It is an absolutely massive building that features two huge towers spanning fourteen storeys. There is every kind of shop you can imagine in this complex as well as expansive food halls, an IMAX cinema, a bowling alley and even an indoor theme park. The theme park is worth the visit alone and includes a series of white knuckle rides as well as some suitable for younger visitors.

My favourite area of the golden triangle was the main street which was lined with lots of familiar and less familiar shops. I loved how busy this area was and it really gives the feeling that you are in a thriving capital city.

This area is a great place to stay as well as there are many hotels here including lots of the big name chains including Crown Plaza, Marriott and Melia. We visited the Federal hotel as well which has a revolving restaurant at the top. It is only open in the evening though and reservations are strongly recommended.

Food wise, you are once again spoilt for choice. Whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat or a more extravagant sit down affair, you'll find it here. One of the most amusing things we found about Kuala Lumpur was the number of KFC restaurants they have - they are literally everywhere. They have though adapted the menu to suit local tastes and alongside the chicken you will find lots of deep fried fish and even mashed potato!

If you want a nice evening meal, your best bet is to look in the restaurants within the hotels, between them they offer almost every kind of food you can think of, but at the price you would expect too.

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The Colonial core is located on the Western side of kuala Lumpur and offers an alternative to the high rise modern buildings and the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city.The area centres around Merdeka Square and is very much reminiscent of olde…Read More

The Colonial core is located on the Western side of kuala Lumpur and offers an alternative to the high rise modern buildings and the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city.

The area centres around Merdeka Square and is very much reminiscent of olde worlde England, with its mock tudor style buildings and large grassy areas. It is the oldest part of the city and we very much enjoyed the completely different experience it offered us.

The area is very much at a slower and quieter pace than the rest of the city and it is a lovely place to while away a very hot afternoon in Kuala Lumpur. There are plenty of areas to sit and admire the views and enjoy the relaxation, especially by the beautiful waterfalls and fountains which give you a very welcome spraying of cold water!

There are a couple of things to see here too, the most notable being the huge one hundred metre high flag pole, which is the tallest in the world and is adorned by a massive Malaysian flag. It really is quite pretty fluttering over the square.

The surrounding buildings were built in the 1890s and formed the old cricket club. It really does feel like you've taken a step back in time and you can easily imagine what it might have been like there back in the day.

There are also a number of small museums in the area, namely the Bank Negara Money Museum and the Museum of National History, both of which are free to enter, although they do only house very small collections. At the side of the square opposite the flag pole is a cute little church called St Mary's. It is the oldest Anglican church in Malaysia and was built in 1894. It is a very pretty building and worth a look.

Down the road from Merdeka Square in the Colonial Core is the old railway building. It is still used as a station, but maintains much of its old charm. Many of the features are original including the waiting room, the signs and the station clocks.

This area in general is a must visit for something completely different to everything else in Kuala Lumpur and it really is a very pretty place to go.   Close

Kuala Lumpur Internatial Airport (KLIA) is obviously the main entry point into the city and it is located around 70 kilometres from the centre. There are various ways of getting into the centre. You can take a coach which departs every half an hour for…Read More

Kuala Lumpur Internatial Airport (KLIA) is obviously the main entry point into the city and it is located around 70 kilometres from the centre. There are various ways of getting into the centre. You can take a coach which departs every half an hour for about £5 each way or you can use the train which goes to the Chinatown area for about £7 each way. The bus takes around an hour and the train about half of that and both run from 5am until around midnight. The bus goes to the main hub in the city centre, from which you can get on another bus for about £1 that goes around all of the city centre's major hotels.

After a fourteen hour flight, we were in no fit state to be working out bus or train timetables, so we decided to take a taxi which we picked up outside the arrivals hall and took us directly to our hotel in about thirty minutes and cost us around about £25. Be warned though: the taxis in Kuala Lumpur are all pretty old and air conditioning consists of opening the window and driving fast. Suspension is pretty much non-existent too, so expect a bumpy ride!

Getting around Kuala Lumpur is a strange thing. The city isn't really designed with pedestrians in mind as it is quite a sprawling city and the main attractions are spread out far and wide. That said, we did quite a lot of walking and found that, as long as you look both ways twice when you are crossing the road, it is a fairly safe way of getting around. The only problems that we encountered were the muggy temperatures that made being outside for long periods of time uncomfortable - so make sure you take plenty of water with you wherever you go.

We enjoyed walking around because the Malaysian people are so very nice and friendly. The street sweepers so hello as you walk past and even the busiest of locals will stop and offer you assistance if you are puzzling over a map - it really was a lovely change from the usual way of life we have come to accept over here in England.

Having said all that though, we did make good use of the Kuala Lumpur Monorail system, which we thought was fantastic. The monorail circles the city above street level and has stops near to most of the major tourist points of interest. It is only 20 pence per ticket and that will take you as far as you want along the system. The monorail carriages are all air conditioned, are relatively quiet most of the time and run every few minutes throughout the day and night. The best thing about them though are the views you get over the city as you travel around - it's great fun spotting the major buildings from the floor to ceiling windows.   Close

One of the trips you can organise from the Rasa Ria resort is the fireflies boat trip which is absolutely a must. Check before you book / go though because the fireflies cannot be seen if it is raining or if it is a full…Read More

One of the trips you can organise from the Rasa Ria resort is the fireflies boat trip which is absolutely a must. Check before you book / go though because the fireflies cannot be seen if it is raining or if it is a full moon or if it is very windy. The booking staff will actually give you a call in your room about an hour before your departure time to confirm that the trip is going ahead or if has been cancelled due to adverse weather. They also ask previous tours if they saw the fireflies and how many, so you can get a good idea before you go.

My understanding is that if you go at the right time, the trees completely light up. We went a couple of days after the full moon, but still saw enough of the fireflies to make it an enjoyable trip.

Booking is simple; you go to the activities desk in the main reception of the resort and give them your room number. You will not be charged for the trip until you are ready to go, in case it is cancelled. They require that you are at the meeting point ten minutes before departure (which is about 7pm, every other night), although I’d recommend getting there a little before so you have enough time to pay. I’d also recommending booking a few days in advance as they only allow around 12 people per trip and it is quite popular.

After being picked up from the resort, you get a small mini bus to the jetty about ten minutes away. You go through a local village to get there, which in itself is quite interesting. The jetty is little more than a couple of planks of wood floating on some barrels and the traditional wooden boats are moored up here. It is all very dark so you will have to watch your step, but there are a couple of friendly guides to assist.

Initially I had some reservations about the boat as it stunk of petrol and didn’t seem particularly eager to start, but once I’d got over that, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The guide does an excellent job of describing the river, the surrounding mangroves and the habits of the fireflies. The boat remains completely unlit for optimum viewing, but the guide has a torch with which he searches out the fireflies. There are extremely pretty and look a lot like little fairy lights in a Christmas tree. They get the boat pretty close to the trees so you get a good look – but taking a picture is pretty much impossible unless you are a super professional! We ended up with lots of black screens. The guide uses a flashing red and blue light to attract the flies to the boat so you can get a good look at them and even hold one if you so wish.

In total, the trip lasts about an hour and a half, which is a perfect length of time to enjoy everything without it becoming tiresome. It costs about £5 per person, which I thought was excellent value. I would recommend that you wear sturdy shoes cover your arms and legs and take plenty of mosquito spray and a bottle of water, because you are sailing through the mangroves and it is warm.

All in all, an excellent trip that shouldn’t be missed!
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I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur. The city is constantly evolving; changing as Malaysia is on track to a fully developed nation by the year 2020. It is one of the finest cities in South East Asia although traffic is also one of…Read More

I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur. The city is constantly evolving; changing as Malaysia is on track to a fully developed nation by the year 2020. It is one of the finest cities in South East Asia although traffic is also one of the worsts in the region. However, Kuala Lumpur has a lot to offer to tourists (both locals and foreigners) making it the fourth most visited city in the world in 2009. Tourists have the options to choose from budget hotels to luxury boutique hotels; high end local designs to international famous designers; local food fare to international cuisines; and the list goes on.

Chinese New Year falls early in the beginning of the year. 2011 is the Year Of The Rabbit, and it is supposed to create visibility of an energetic and carefree year ahead. With the New Year less than a week away, anything red are adorned in most shops and malls across the city. The best place to visit around this time is Petaling Street or Chinatown. It is infamous for pirated clothes and accessories along with bootleg DVDs and CDs. Haggling is a common sight here and the place is usually crowded. It is definitely the place to be to capture the essence of the coming New Year with waxed ducks, and Chinese sausages, Mandarin oranges and pomelos all trying to outshine each other . Not too far away from here is the Central Market, located at Jalan Hang Kasturi. It is a one stop shopping centre for Malaysian products such as handicrafts, art, kebaya, songket, batik and a wide variety of Malaysian cuisine.

Two other major shopping areas are surrounding the Golden Triangle and Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC), which is also the location of the tallest twin tower in the world.

Although Kuala Lumpur is not famous for its arts and museums, it still has a lot to offer. A mix of cultures, KL is a salad bowl of Chinese, Indian and Muslim and more. Diverse cultures intertwined making this cosmopolitan city of 2 million inhabitants well worth visiting. Visits to its mosques, temples and other places of worship can be interesting although one may have to adhere certain rules before entering.

Other places of interests in Kuala Lumpur include Dataran Merdeka, Taman Negara, and Royal Selangor.

The rapid development in recent years has exhausted the roads and its mode of pubic transportation in the city. Public transportation in Kuala Lumpur is not well integrated, and this has made it quite impossible for the KLites to get to work on time without a car. Therefore, it is no surprise that each household owns more than one car. Taxis can be a hassle at times. As a tourist, one will encounter unscrupulous cab drivers who will take advantage of any inexperienced tourist. Sometimes, this can happen to locals as well.

Malaysian cuisines are beginning to gain popularity among the world of culinary arts, and rightly so. From its roti to pulled tea, fried kuey teow and assam laksa, nasi lemak and satay, foodies are taking notice. Food may be comfort to the stomach, but in Kuala Lumpur, it is part of the conversation. People talk about lunch even before they finish their breakfast.

Despite its shortcoming, Kuala Lumpur is still a delight. And, if you happen to be in Malaysia during Chinese New Year, don't forget to try 'Yee Sang' - raw fish with a variety of shredded vegetables and sauces - which is only serve during this time of the year, and it's a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor for the coming New Year. As for me, being in Kuala Lumpur for the Chinese New Year is a great way to begin the New Year!   Close

Tawau, situated on the island of Borneo, is the third largest town is the state of Sabah, Malaysia. Known for its burgeoning eco-tourism industry, this little known treasure is home to the 27,000 acre Tawau park. The park creates is a habitat for a plethora…Read More

Tawau, situated on the island of Borneo, is the third largest town is the state of Sabah, Malaysia. Known for its burgeoning eco-tourism industry, this little known treasure is home to the 27,000 acre Tawau park. The park creates is a habitat for a plethora of natural beauty from pygmy elephants and probiscis monkeys to macaques, forest tortoise and waterfalls. Visitors come from all world the world to hike, swim and bird watch in this jungle paradise.



Budget Hotels

Tawau has a large selection of budget hotels available. The Soon Yee is a favorite with backpackers since being "discovered" by Lonely Planet guides. Situated directly across from the Parkwell Supermarket, the hotel offers rooms with either private or shared baths. Private rooms are air conditioned; shared bath rooms have fan ventilation. The Soon Yee is within walking distance of several open air food stands and night markets. The hotel doesn't take online reservations; it is highly recommended to call or write in advance of your stay.

Soon Yee Hotel
1362 Stephen Tan Street
P.O.Box No: 326,
91007 Tawau, Sabah.
Tel: 089-772447


Midrange Rooms
Most of the hotels in Tawau fall into the midrange price category. The properties usually have food available on the premises and are closer to many of the shopping and sightseeing districts.. The Grace Inn is a good example of a midrange Tawau hotel. With picturesque flower boxes fronting the bright, pepto-pink building, the Grace is a charming and welcoming site. There is a restaurant on the premesis that hosts the weekly meeting of the area Toastmasters, and food booths within walking distance. Like the budget hotels, few of the mid-range hotels have online booking available. It is wise to call or mail ahead of your arrival to insure they will have a room waiting for you.

Grace Inn
TB.533,Bandaran Baru
P.O Box 60077
Tawau, Sabah
Tel: 6 089 764477


High End Rooms
Hotels in the higher price range tend to be geared to business and luxury travelers. Included in this group are apartment accommodations as well. Several of these properties are new, or newly renovated, including the King Lee Hotel, the Promenade Hotel, and the De Choice Hotel. All have food available on the premises and offer business services for their guests.

The Promenade Hotel is Tawau's only four star property. The rooms are spacious (compared to the budget and midrange hotels) and have in room television and room service available. The facility includes a business center, an on site gym and laundry services. The Promenade has a 24 hour restaurant and buffet on the 7th floor that serves a variety of international cuisine. The Lobby Lounge serves light snacks and specialty beverages. The basement level Zsa Zsa Zsu nightclub has live music and cocktails Monday through Saturday with a daily happy hour from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m..

Promenade Hotel Tawau
Eastern Plaza, Jalan Kuhara,
Mile 1, 91000
Tawau, Sabah
Tel: 60 89 982888
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