Where to stay in Langkawi?

An archipelago of 99 islands, Langkawi is the Malaysia’s most promoted tourist destination. Away from the main island’s developed areas, Langkawi is rural with mountainous interior, villages, rice paddies and jungle­covered hills. A duty­free location, Langkawi is also the perfect place to buy cheap luxuries and it’s recognized for its excellent dive sites and what some say are the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia. Besides all that, sightseeing attractions that range from the Underwater World and the Cable Car & Skybridge to natural draws such as Langkawi’s offshore islets and the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls make Langkawi Malaysia’s most popular tourist destination.

Featuring an equatorial climate, Langkawi is suited for year­round travel. Shielded from major winds and storms by the mainland on one side and Sumatra on the other, the island has two prevailing seasons – dry season (November to March) and wet season. Temperatures are fairly consistent during the day, ranging from 30°C to 35°C, while at night they drop to 28°C or 29°C; humidity levels remain high at about 80% throughout the year. The most rainfall occurs in September and October, as a result of the monsoon winds.

Where to stay in Langkawi? We will not answer this question by giving our recommended list of hotels and resorts in Langkawi but introduce major areas to stay and their attractions. There are many nice hotels and resorts in Langkawi and the real difficult part is to determine in which town or around which beach to stay.

Langkawi Map - Source : Malaysia Maps

Pantai Cenang

Dubbed Langkawi’s main vein, Pantai Cenang is not as rowdy as Bangkok’s Khao San Road but it’s still the island’s most popular stretch. 25 km west of Kuah and 500 metres north of Pantai Tengah, the bay forms a white-sand beach strip, and the area is crammed with unobtrusive budget and mid-range beachfront accommodation. Mostly due to the burgeoning package tour clientele, Cenang has plenty of places that offer water sports and boat rentals. Good restaurants with an emphasis on Westernised local dishes, and the best
nightlife in Langkawi, results in an odd jumble of backpackers, expats, Asian tourists and families crowding the restaurants and bars come nightfall.

For resorts and hotels in Pantai Cenang, their room prices, latest deals and discounts as well as customer reviews refer to Langkawi Pantai Cenang Hotels page.

Pantai Cenang in Langkawi is Langkawi's most popular beach.

Pantai Tengah

The first of Langkawi’s western beaches, Pantai Tengah is situated just around the southern bend of the Pantai Cenang road. A family-friendly strip, with some low-key chalets as well as a few all-inclusive resorts, Tengah has the longest stretch of beach on the main island. The bay’s out-of-the-way location means that the water isn’t renewed by the tides and as a result looks quite murky. There’s not much sightseeing here, but there are quite a few spas, and tour operators are abundant. Eating out used to be limited to the various restaurants attached to the motels and resorts along the strip, but lately local enterprise has begun to hit Tengah’s food scene. The nightlife isn’t as prolific as Cenang but it’s popular with the locals.

For resorts and hotels in Pantai Tengah, their room prices, latest deals and discounts as well as customer reviews refer to Langkawi Pantai Tengah Hotels page.

Kuah

With an estimated 11,000 inhabitants, Kuah is easily Langkawi’s largest town. The arrival point for most ferries, it features a strip of modern high-rise hotels and duty-free shops along the main road, which hugs what little beach there is. Sitting on reclaimed land, it’s more of a fishing beach than a recreational one. Kuah’s not an unattractive place – in fact, the whitewashed Al Hana Mosque, which dominates its waterfront, is one of Langkawi’s most popular sightseeing attractions. The town will probably be your first view of Langkawi and it’s the place to settle any business matters as it’s one of the only places on the island for banks, post office, police station, a hospital and fast food eateries.

For resorts and hotels in Kuah, their room prices, latest deals and discounts as well as customer reviews refer to Langkawi Kuah Hotels page.

Kuah and its famous eagle statue (Dataran Lang) in Langkawi Eagle Square.According to folklore Langkawi’s name came from two Malay words – ‘helang’ (eagle) and ‘kawi' (reddish brown): hence lang-kawi.  - Source : Langkawi Info

Padang Matsirat

Located towards the northern end of the island (skirting the airport), a right turn off the main road brings you to Padang Matsirat (The Field of Burnt Rice). It’s only a few kilometres off the road that leads to the west coast beaches, and it offers many sightseeing spots (Makam Mahsuri, Snake Sanctuary and more). You’re going to need to rent a car to get to them as most of these spots are located far from each other. That being said, it takes the top spot as one of the best places to stay, especially if you’d like a quieter atmosphere than
Pantai Cenang or Tengah. There are a few good restaurants and attractions in the vicinity but if you’re looking for nightlife then stick closer to less provincial areas of Langkawi.

For resorts and hotels in Padang Matsirat, their room prices, latest deals and discounts as well as customer reviews refer to Langkawi Padang Matsirat Hotels page.

Pantai Kok

Pantai Kok is on the far western stretch of Langkawi. Hands down it’s the best beach in Langkawi – it’s quieter and more secluded than Cenang or Tengah and enjoys a very intimate feel. Major sightseeing attractions include the popular Oriental Village plus its only 2 km from the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls. High-end resorts like the Sheraton and Tanjung Sanctuary dominate lodging options here, but there are also a number of attractive chalets along the beach. The beach itself is beautiful with clean sand and clear waters, a thoroughly modern marina (Telaga Harbour Park) with a string of good shops, bars and restaurants, plus a
petrol station, bank and post office.

For resorts and hotels in Pantai Kok, their room prices, latest deals and discounts as well as customer reviews refer to Langkawi Pantai Kok Hotels page.

Datai Bay

Halfway along Pantai Kok’s main road, there’s a right turn that takes you down a narrow stretch of road leading to the north coast. After 10km, a road to the left leads to Datai Bay – home to some of Langkawi’s most exclusive resorts. The site of Datai Bay Golf Course (one of Malaysia’s top-ten golf clubs), the area’s crowning glory is located at the end of the curving road that takes you past the headland, where a couple of secluded coves afford great views of several Thai islands in the distance. Back-tracking from Datai Bay, there are a couple of reasonable stretches of undeveloped beach; you’ll find Pantai Pasir Hitam (Black Sand
Beach) here – a strip of beach with sand that looks as if it has been sluiced with tar.

For resorts and hotels in Pantai Kok, their room prices, latest deals and discounts as well as customer reviews refer to Langkawi Datai Bay Hotels page.

Datai Bay (Facilities seen here are Datai Langkawi Resort) - Source : ewtc.com

Where to stay in Penang?

The northern gateway to Malaysia, Penang’s the oldest British settlement in the country. Also known as Pulau Pinang (Pulau means “island” in Malay), the state capital, Georgetown, is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site with a collection of over 12,000 surviving pre-war shop houses. Its best known as a giant beach resort with soft, sandy beaches and plenty of upscale hotels but locals will tell you that the island is the country’s unofficial food capital Georgetown.

Penang enjoys a warm equatorial climate. Average temperatures range between 29°C – 35 during the day and 26°C – 29°C during the night; however, being an island, temperatures here are often higher than the mainland and sometimes reaches as high as 35°C during the day. It’s best not to forget your sun block – the higher the SPF, the better. It’s mostly sunny throughout the day except during the monsoon seasons when the island experiences rainfall in the evenings.

So where to stay in Penang? Most of Penang’s fancier accommodation is in the form of beach resorts on the main tourist beach of Batu Feringghi. More backpacker-friendly options, as well as a few classical luxury hotels, can be found in Georgetown. You can find many budget hotels at Chulia Street, Muntri Street, and Love Lane area.

Penang Map. To view larger click here.

Georgetown

Named after the Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV, Georgetown has a long and illustrious history under its belt. On the northeast point of the island, the state capital, Georgetown (a World Heritage Site since 2008) is defined by four major streets: Lebuh Pantai, Lebuh Light, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and Lebuh Chulia. Playing host to over 12,000 surviving pre-war shop houses built by Chinese craftsmen and a skyline pierced by the Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) skyscraper, the city houses the island’s most popular sightseeing attractions as well as the best hawker fare in the state.

For hotels in Georgetown, room prices as well as customer reviews, you can visit Penang Georgetown hotels page.

Georgetown, Penang

Batu Feringghi

In the past, Penang’s main beach, Batu Ferringhi was best known as a hippie hangout. These days it’s a sprawling three km long white sand strip that plays host to scores of upmarket hotels. Also known as Foreigner’s Rock, the area is mostly frequented by package tourists and is especially in vogue with Middle Eastern visitors. Though the ocean waters of this palm-and-casuarina-tree lined coast aren’t crystal clear (holidaymakers just tend to stick close to the poolside of the plush resorts) it remains wildly popular. Batu Ferringhi’s night market is legendary and good food is ubiquitous along this strip.

For hotels in Batu Feringghi, room prices as well as customer reviews, you can visit Penang Batu Feringghi Beach hotels page.

Penang Batu Ferringhi beach

Tanjung Bungah

A twenty-minute bus ride from Georgetown’s outskirts, Tanjung Bungah is a seaside suburb that was once a sleepy fishing village. It’s risen in popularity in recent years to become one of Penang’s most popular tourist destinations due to its close proximity to both Gurney Drive and Batu Ferringhi. Though the beaches here are not as pristine as those out further west, they’re still pleasant and hotels here are shipshape ventures and generally offer much cheaper rates. The Penang Water Sports Centre is based here.

For hotels in Tanjung Bungah, room prices as well as customer reviews, you can visit Penang Tanjung Bungah hotels page.

Tanjung Bungah

Gurney Drive

Though most people wouldn’t classify this as a separate area in and of itself, Gurney Drive is so wildly popular that you should spend some time exploring it. Otherwise known as Persiaran Gurney, it’s often referred to as ‘the new Esplanade’ (to differentiate it from the original Esplanade in Georgetown). There’s a deluge of hawker centres, seafood restaurants and a healthy nightlife scene that really kicks off the instant the sun goes down here. The waterfront strip also plays host to Gurney Plaza – one of the island’s best known shopping malls.

For hotels in Gurney Drive, room prices as well as customer reviews, you can visit Penang Gurney Drive hotels page.

Penang Gurney Drive

Bayan Lepas

20 km south of Georgetown and 36 km from Batu Ferringhi, Bayan Lepas is Penang’s main industrial hub. Home to the Bayan Lepas International Airport, the area may not be the most aesthetically-pleasing spot on the island – there are a huge number of factories belonging to multinational companies centred here but it’s still moderately charming. Besides sightseeing attractions such as the Snake Museum, Batu Maung, Penang War Museum and the Bukit Jambul Orchid and Hibiscus Garden and Reptile Garden, the island’s biggest shopping mall, Queensbay Mall, calls this area home.

For hotels in Bayan Lepas, room prices as well as customer reviews, you can visit Penang Bayan Lepas hotels page.

Seberang Perai

Penang Island is connected to its 760sqkm peninsular province (Seberang Perai) via the 13km-long Penang Bridge as well as ferry services. Dubbed Province Wellesley by the British, its chief town is Butterworth, an industrial town that doubles as a transportation hub for the whole area. Generally used as a halfway stop between Bangkok and Singapore, Seberang Perai’s bus station, port complex, train station and taxi stand lie right on Butterworth’s quayside. Of Penang’s 1.4 million residents, 54% live on the mainland; rapidly expanding, its one of Penang’s only areas enthusiastically embracing the 21st century.

For hotels in Seberang Perai, room prices as well as customer reviews, you can visit Penang Seberang Perai hotels page.

Red Bull Air Race 2014 Putrajaya Malaysia

Which is the fastest motor sport in the world? You would think it is Formula 1 but there is much faster and powerful one : Red Bull Air Race World Championship. Every season,  world's best race pilots meet in a pure motor-sport competition. It is low level flying and requires speed, precision and skill. With their light weight advanced airplanes, pilots navigate a low-level aerial track made up of air-filled pylons.

Now here are the good news and very good news. The Red Bull Air Race is back in 2014. This year, 12 high skilled pilots including with defending World Champion Paul Bonhomme will race for the top prize. And here is the very good news: One of the legs of Red Bull Air Race 2014 World Championship will be in Malaysia on 17-18 May 2014.

Malaysia will be the 3rd race in the championship, which has given a 3 years break before resuming in 2014. The season started in Abu Dhabi of United Arab Emirates on 28th February and the second race was in beautiful seaside city of Rovinj in Croatia.

Built in the early 1990s, Putrajaya is located 25 km south of Kuala Lumpur. The city is the world's first 'plan driven' city based on two concepts – the garden and the intelligent city. A mixture of rainforest and Government ministries, Putrajaya is a haven for sustainable human development from within this growing nation.


Reigning champion Paul Bonhomme of Britain, who won the last two world championships in 2009 and 2010, will be looking for an unprecedented third straight title in 2014. But he will be up against 2008 champion Hannes Arch of Austria and American Kirby Chambliss, who won the world title in 2004 and 2006. The other pilots in the field include Nigel Lamb (GBR), Matt Hall (AUS), Peter Besenyei (HUN), Nicolas Ivanoff (FRA), Michael Goulian (USA), Matthias Dolderer (GER), Yoshi Muroya (JPN), Pete McLeod (CAN) and Martin Sonka (CZE).

Flights to Nagoya from Kuala Lumpur by AirAsia X

Now there is one more and cheaper alternative to fly to Nagoya from Kuala Lumpur. Long-haul budget airline AirAsia X has started direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Nagoya (Japan) four times a week using Airbus A330-300 aircraft on the route. Kuala Lumpur – Nagoya route makes Nagoya AirAsia X’s third destination in Japan after Tokyo and Osaka.

AirAsia X's inaugural flight to Nagoya from KL carrying 341 passengers, a 90% passenger load arrived at Chubu Centrair International Airport on March 17th 2014.

Nagoya, the third-largest incorporated city and the fourth most populous urban area in Japan, is 50 minutes away from Osaka and 1 hour 40 minutes from Tokyo by train. Nagoya is one of the nation's major economic centers and the Detroit of Japan since many of Japanese automotive companies are based in Nagoya. Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur flights will connect this major Japanese hub to South East Asia and promote tourism in Malaysia. Nagoya being a scenic and historical destination is also a nice tourist destination in Japan.

To celebrate the launch of Nagoya – KL route, AirAsia X is now offering launch fares from MYR 299 (JPY 11,000) in Economy Class and MYR 999 (JPY 29,900) in Premium Class to Nagoya from Kuala Lumpur. Fly Thru launch fares are also available from selected destinations in Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, India and Vietnam to Nagoya. Bookings are available online from 18 to 30 March 2014 for travel between 19 March and 30 September 2014.

"With AirAsia X's renowned low fares, guests from Japan may now travel from our ports in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya when exploring their travel and holiday plans to the Southeast Asia region and beyond via the Kuala Lumpur hub.

"This is very much in line with the government's tourism agenda, and the airline's commitment to boost the Malaysian tourism industry as well as increase tourism traffic across our group network. Similarly, with the addition of Nagoya, guests will have more travel options to explore Japan, and we believe Nagoya being a scenic and historical destination will be a popular tourist destination," said AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani.

An AirAsia X Airbus A330-300 seen here taxiing at Melbourne Airport. With Nagoya, AirAsia X is now flying to
3 destinations in Japan : Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo.

AirAsia X is a long-haul, budget airline based in Malaysia and flies to destinations within Asia and Oceania. AirAsia X is the medium and long-haul operation of the brand AirAsia, Asia's largest low-cost carrier.

Here is the flight for AirAsia X flights between Kuala Lumpur and Nagoya.

Flights From	Departure/ Arrival	Flight No.	Frequency
Kuala Lumpur to Nagoya	00:45/08:20 08:45/16:20	D7 546 D7 542	3,6 1,5
Nagoya to Kuala Lumpur	09:35/15:45 17:35/23:45	D7 547 D7 543	3,6 1,5

1- Monday, 3- Wednesday, 5- Friday, 6-Saturday

Where to shop in Penang?

Antiques are popular must-buy items on most trips to the Penang island but with shopping podiums scattered all over and an abundance of street markets, Penang’s retail landscape is almost as comprehensive as Kuala Lumpur’s. Be sure to wander through the nooks and crannies along the narrow alleyways off Penang Road, Jalan Burmah and Lebuh Campbell – you’ll be surprised at the amazing finds you’ll encounter.

Here is a list of places to go for shopping in Penang. If you are planning to head to Penang, you may also want to check our where to stay in Penang post.

100 Cintra Street

A lovingly-restored late-1800s Chinese mansion that houses a tiny Peranakan museum with furniture and costumes depicting the Baba Nyonya heritage, 100 Cintra Street is a unique venture that doubles as a backpacker hostel. There’s an antiques bazaar on the ground floor – a collection of stalls retailing a variety of merchandise ranging from porcelain pieces and novelty drinking glasses to funky, assorted bric-a-brac.

Chowrasta Bazaar

In operation since the late 1800s, Chowrasta Bazaar is one of Penang’s most popular markets. It’s divided into a number of sections: the wet portion of the market (selling fresh meats including fish and vegetables) is the most popular amongst locals. Additionally, Penang food products such as traditional sweets and pickles can be bought at bargain prices here. On the second floor you’ll find second-hand books, wooden furniture and inexpensive sarees (traditional Indian costumes). You don’t have to shop to enjoy this strip: take a walk to soak in the lively ambiance.

Gurney Plaza

Gurney Plaza may not be the largest shopping mall in Georgetown, but it’s certainly the most flamboyant. There are a number of high end designer stores and shops selling the latest gadgets and gizmos but it’s the vast stretch of alfresco cafés and eateries in the courtyard between the mall and G Hotel that are so wildly popular. Entertainment offerings include the 12-screen Golden Screen Cinemas on the top floor – the north’s largest multiplex.

Him Heang Biscuit

Penang’s known for its local food products – and its most popular one happens to be the tau sar peah (ground green bean) biscuits. Located along Jalan Burmah, locals will tell you that Him Heang Biscuits makes the best ones and you should trust them; a large number of these famous Penang bakery-desserts are made to cater to the large droves of tourists who flock to the store. Besides tau sar peah (also known as tambun biscuits), there’s pnong pneah (pastry filled with caramel or molasses) and brown sugar tau sar peah (a Penang-only specialty).

Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) and Prangin Mall JMB

The view from the observation deck at the top of Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) makes a trip here worthwhile. Penang’s tallest building has two department stores, hundreds of boutiques and some fast food restaurants; KOMTAR Walk (on the ground floor) recently experienced a facelift and now houses a collection of upmarket F&B outlets, a performance stage. It links Upper Penang Road with Prangin Mall – the only place in Georgetown with an ice rink.

Little Penang Street Market

Taking place every last Sunday of the month, the Little Penang Street Market is a small community project that was started in 2006. Clean and well-organized, it’s become an indispensable part of every local’s itinerary and a popular tourist must-visit. Stalls sell crafts and food but it’s the live music performances, cultural shows, visual art displays and book readings that really draws in the crowd. Vendors are all smiles, the atmosphere is vibrant and the street buzzes with activity throughout the day.

Penang Batik Factory

The place to head to if you’re looking for batik prints, beach sarongs as well as Indian fabrics and costumes, the Penang Batik Factory displays a vast collection of batik paintings and creations. Entrance is free and the batik works definitely merit a visit to the factory; demonstrations on how batik is made can be seen to the rear of the showroom.

Queensbay Mall

Featuring the same assortment of brands as Gurney Plaza (though there are more of them and they boast a wider selection) Queensbay Mall is Penang’s latest and largest shopping podium. Located on Persiaran Bayan Baru, it’s conveniently located near the airport (from Georgetown it’s roughly a short drive down the island’s eastern side) and there’s also a good selection of eateries and electronics stores plus Golden Screen Cinemas has an outlet within the mall.

What to eat in Malacca?

Penang may be Malaysia’s unofficial food capital but Malacca’s cuisine isn’t particularly unknown. Home to a thriving Baba Nyonya culture (descendents of 15th and 16th-century Straits Chinese settlers who married local Malays), Malacca’s food scene has been thoroughly saturated by the Peranakan culture. Curries are lighter than Indian ones, vegetables are flavoursome and meats are neither spicy nor bland making Nyonya cuisine perfect for first-time visitors.

If you are planning to visit Malacca, you may also want to check our where to stay in Malacca post.

Nyonya Food 

Malacca’s Nyonya fare is the original and most authentic of the country’s Peranakan cuisine. Heavily influenced by Chinese and Malay ingredients, some of the most common ingredients in Nyonya cuisine are coconut milk, lemon grass, turmeric, screw pine leaves, chillies and sambal. Besides main meals, Malacca’s Nyonya pineapple tarts are uniquely popular – sinfully delicious, there are many stores scattered across Malacca’s landscape selling these pastries and locals will happily point you in the direction of their favourite stores if you ask them. Try San Shu Gong Food Industries’ (Jonker Street) heavenly double-buttered tarts.

Satay Celup 

A Malaccan institution, satay celup is a fondue-style meal with skewered raw and semi-cooked meats (such as chicken, beef, pork and seafood) that are cooked in a communal pot of scalding hot, thick peanut-based gravy. Besides the meats, there’s also a variety of vegetables including tofu, kangkung and more for customers to choose from. The restaurant prepares the skewered meats and vegetables and stores them in huge refrigerators – customers select their satay and then dip it into the boiling sauces to stew. The best places (Restoran Capitol, Restoran Ban Lee Siang) feature thicker, nuttier sauce than that of other places.

Chicken Rice Ball 

The state’s unofficial signature dish, this meal comprises rice, cooked in chicken stock, and moulded into golf ball-sized balls and served with delicious steamed chicken in soy sauce. It’s a simple dish yet it receives rave reviews, in large part due to its relative non-spiciness as well as subtle-yet-strong flavours. The best chicken rice ball restaurants are usually busy during lunchtime and dinner (the queues are well worth it though), so you’ll have to arrive early if you want to grab a table. Try Kedai Kopi Chung Wah and Hoe Kee (Jalan Hang Jebat) – they serve up some of the best chicken rice balls in the state.

Nyonya Food

Ikan Bakar 
Don’t leave Malacca without trying the ikan bakar (literally burnt fish in Malay). This grilled seafood dish has roots in Indonesia but the smoky flavour remains the same wherever you go. The fish (stingray) is marinated for hours with spices and sambal belacan (anchovy and chilli paste) and then grilled to perfection with banana leaves over a charcoal fire; a variation of this dish uses sotong (squid). It’s topped with healthy lashings of sambal sauce and sliced shallots; though it’s said to be a street snack (usually found with hawker stalls), in Malacca there are a few restaurants that specialize in it.

Fried Oysters

Best eaten piping hot, fried oysters are a favourite Chinese dish with Teochew/ Fujian origins and you’ll see this dish sold in almost all seafood restaurants, hawker centres and pasar malams in Malacca. Shucked oysters are stir fried with scrambled eggs, sliced onions, diced garlic, chives, chilli paste and soy sauce – the result is a soft, sticky and flavoursome dish. The best place to grab a plate is the Jonker Walk night market – the cook who stir-fries the oysters in a large wok (on the spot) will take requests – so you can tell him if you don’t want the dish too spicy and he’ll be more than willing to oblige.

Durian Cendol

The sinfully-sweet cendol is a quintessential part of Malacca’s street food culture. Made from coconut milk, lots of gula Melaka (palm sugar) and served with red beans, glutinous rice, grass jelly, creamed corn and pandan-flavoured worm-like ‘jellies’ (made from rice flour and dyed with green food colouring), cendol’s relative popularity makes it easy to find. You’ll come across an array of variants, the most popular one in Malacca being durian cendol. You would think that the durian-flavoured shaved ice drink would be an acquired taste but visitors say that after their first bowl, they’re left craving more.

Roti John

Essentially an omelette sandwich, Roti John is a popular street side snack (Malays are especially partial to it) in Malacca. Minced chicken, diced onions, eggs and diced red and green chillies are fried, then spread on a baguette loaf with tomato and chilli sauce and then grilled. Variations of this dish use beef, mutton and sardines. The seaside strip of Pantai Kundur plays host to more than a few hawker stalls that are Malacca’s roti john specialists.

Nasi Lemak

Malaysia’s official national dish, nasi lemak is so popular even the Chinese and Indians serve their own versions. At its very basic, nasi lemak comprises a plate of white rice cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves. Accompanying it is sambal (anchovy, onion and chilli paste), an egg (boiled or fried), salted anchovies, cucumber slices and peanuts; popular complementary side orders include fried, curry or rendang chicken or beef. Locals say that this dish can be eaten no matter the time of day but tourists should be careful as the sambal can be rather spicy – keep a glass of ice water nearby when you dig in.

Where to stay in Malacca?

Thanks to a rich colonial past, thriving Peranakan heritage and excellent Nyonya fare Malacca is Malaysia’s historical pride. Also spelt Melaka, the state  is  one  of  the  country’s  tourism  industry’s  trump  cards.  First established  in  the  fourteenth  century,  it  quickly  gained fame under the auspices of founder Parameswara, a Sumatran prince. Conquered by the Portuguese,  Dutch  and  British,  remnants  of  their  rule  can  be  seen throughout  the  well­preserved  town  centre,  from  Porta de Santiago (the remaining  gate  of  the  Portuguese­built  A’Famosa  fort)  to  the  nearby Dutch­constructed  Stadhuys.  Malacca’s  a  small  town  so  exploring  it  is fairly easy on foot as you’re never too far from tourist­worthy sights.

Hot  and  humid  throughout  the  year  with occasional rainfall, Malacca is perfect  for  year­round  travel.  Temperatures  range  between  30°C ­35°C  during  the  day  and  27°C  ­  29°C  at  night,  though  after rainfall it could  be  cooler.  Rainfall  occurs  mostly  between  October  and  March while May to July remains the state’s drier months. Wear light clothing, good walking shoes and sunglasses; and you’d be remiss to forget your sun block-the higher the SPF the better!

Here in this post we will talk about where to stay in Malacca. Instead of writing about individual hotels in Malacca, we will talk about the main areas to accommodate.

Malacca City

Malacca City’s Dutch colonial square is perhaps its most striking feature. The terracotta-red buildings along this riverfront are unique due to their louvred windows, chunky doors and wrought iron grilles plus the imposing Stadhuys is the oldest surviving Dutch building in the East. The administrative capital of Malacca, a short walk over a concrete bridge at the southern end leads to Jalan Hang Jebat, which plays host to the Jonker Walk night market as well as a vast collection of antique shops. Southeast from the Stadhuys is the remnants of the Portuguese A’Famosa fort – the lone Porta de Santiago gate.

For hotels in Malacca City, their room prices and customer reviews you can visit  Malacca City hotels page.

Malacca City is the most popular place to stay in Malacca. Source : syazatravel.com

Jalan Hang Jebat

A bridge at the southern end of Dutch Square leads to Jalan Hang Jebat. It’s commonly known as Chinatown or Jonker Street and used to be famous for its collection of antique stores that sell Nyonya porcelain, Victorian mirrors, wooden opium beds, Peranakan blackwood furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl and more. Within the area is Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (also known as Melaka’s Millionaire’s Row) which is lined with opulent 19th century ancestral homes and mansions. The fun and zingy Friday-and Saturday Jonker Walk night market, that sells everything from tasty treats to cheap keepsakes, takes place here.

For hotels in Jalan Hang Jebat, their room prices and customer reviews you can visit  Malacca Jonker Street hotels page.

Malacca Chinatown

Ayer Keroh

Situated just off the highway to KL, about 11km northeast of Malacca City, is Ayer Keroh. It’s known for its contrived tourist attractions ranging from the Melaka Zoo, with a worthwhile night-viewing safari, and the Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary, to a go-kart track and the Ayer Keroh Golf & Country Club – the longest golf course in Malaysia. Housing a 359ha forest, there’s also a Taman Mini Malaysia Complex (13 traditional houses, representing Malaysian states, with works of art and culture in each) and a Taman Mini ASEAN, showcasing abodes of Asian nations. Take bus no. 19 from Malacca City to get here.

For hotels in Ayer Keroh, their room prices and customer reviews you can visit  Malacca Ayer Keroh hotels page.

Source : asiawebdirect.com

Tanjung Kling

20 minutes from Malacca City, about 9km northwest, the journey to Tanjung Kling is a pleasant drive past beachside kampungs. It used to be a mucky, muddy seaside strip with passing tankers spoiling the beach. However, recent progress (the development of seafront apartment complexes and a cleaned-up beach) has resulted in a new and improved Tanjung Kling. These days you’ll see people on the reclaimed beach sunning, flying kites and there’s even a horse riding operator here. Plus, Tanjung Kling’s the best spot in Malacca for seafood with several top notch restaurants and hawker stalls along the roadside at Pantai Kundor.

For hotels in Tanjung Kling, their room prices and customer reviews you can visit  Malacca Tanjung Kling hotels page.

Malacca Tanjung Kling

Malacca Raya

Situated within Malacca City, Taman Melaka Raya isn’t a separate area in and of itself. It’s popular as the town’s favoured food centre especially since, besides a few places in Chinatown, it’s hard to find many restaurants open late at night. It used to house the 60m Eye on Malaysia (which provided 360-degree views of the town centre) until it was dismantled due to a legal dispute. None the worse for the wear, the area will soon see the assembly of a newer, larger Ferris wheel called the Malaysia Eye (December 2011). Malacca’s

two biggest shopping malls – Mahkota Parade and Dataran Pahlawan – are located here.

For hotels in Malacca Raya, their room prices and customer reviews you can visit  Malacca Raya hotels page.

Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall in Malacca

Langkawi Island

As a natural paradise,Langkawi is perhaps unmatched anywhere else in South East Asia. This archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea with the biggest named Langkawi Island,  is perfect for doing everything or nothing at all. You can enjoy nature-based activities, or simply laze by the beach. There are also several unique attractions such as natural parks, caves, infamous cable car, underwater world, many small islands and coral reefs for snorkelling and skuba diving. Langkawi is also a perfect place to charter a yacht and enjoy the wonders of Andaman Sea.

By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 64,792, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Langkawi is also an administrative district with the town of Kuah as largest town. Langkawi is a duty-free island.

Langkawi is definitely one of the best tropical island in Malaysia for holiday. This blog post below is a comprehensive information to Langkawi Island:

Langkawi Island

Kuala Lumpur Shopping Malls

Kuala Lumpur is a popular holiday destination from Singapore. Many good dining, accomodation and shopping options are available in the city, especially in the area called Golden Triangle.

Main Kuala Lumpur Shopping Malls are concentrated in KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center) and Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur’s most prominent retail belt that is home to many landmark shopping centres, al-fresco cafés, swanky bars, night markets, as well as hawker-type eateries.

There are many shopping malls in this area easily accessible by Monorail or Rapid LRT. This blog post below gives a comprehensive list of them:

Kuala Lumpur Shopping Malls

Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, one of the tallest buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur commands spectacular views of the city skyline. The 5-Star KL hotel offers 650 rooms and suites equipped with air-con, 29-inch TV, IDD phone, safe, satellite broadcast, mini refrigerator, tea & coffee making facilities and hair dryer. The hotel offers 6 different room categories: Studio, Superior, 2-Bedroom Deluxe, Premier Studio, Premier Superior and 2-Bedroom Suite. All rooms have free Wi-Fi access.

Big Apple Restaurant in the hotel serves international, local and Asian cuisine. Sampling On The Fourteenth Restaurant serves exclusive fine dining Western cuisine. Boradway Lounge serves cocktail drinks with live music.

The hotel has fitness center, swimming pool, 2 squash courts, Kid's playground and Bunga Raya Spa.

Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The monorail stop is conveniently linked to Berjaya Square Shopping mall. By monorail, it takes 6 minutes to reach KL Sentral from Berjaya Time Square Hotel, and from there it takes just 28 minutes to reach Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). By car, it takes 45 minutes to reach KLIA.

Berjaya Time Square Shopping Mall is a Kuala Lumpur attraction on its own. The mall has Malaysia's largest GSC Maxx 3D and 2D digital hall theatre, 9 screen cineplex, 12 levels of shopping, entertainment and leisure, a large theme park (Berjaya Square Theme Park) with 14 rides, 48 lane bowling saloon, 65 cafes, bistros, restaurants and fast food outlets.

Source : Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi Malaysia

Situated at the edge of a marine sanctuary, on an endless stretch of beach on the fabled Island of Legends, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is the stepping stone to intriguing mangroves, ancient rainforests and dramatic limestone outcrops. All with their own flora and fauna. And all yours to discover.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi offers 68 pavilions with private verandas or spacious terraces 23 villas, including 20 one-bedroom beachfront villas with private plunge pool, secluded outdoor shower and dedicated spa treatment room, 2 two-bedroom villas and a two-bedroom Royal Villa.

The resort features an exceptional spa with traditional Eastern therapies, spa boutique, spa bar and beauty salon, plus pavilion for yoga and meditation, 3 oceanfront restaurants with Asian and international cuisine and 3 bars, Library & Business Center with complimentary high speed Internet access from four dedicated desktop computers, sedicated indoor and outdoor function venues that can accommodate up to 120 guests
, a state-of-the-art gym, 2 freshwater pools including 55-metre Adult Quiet Pool, a tennis court and two 18-hole golf courses nearby and water sports including sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. There is also a complimentary year-round Kids For All Seasons facility

Inspired by distinctive architectural traditions, the Resort is a unique blend of delicate Malay woodwork and artefacts with the timeless refinement and grace of Mughal design. Intimate yet spacious, it offers every modern comfort in an ambience of remarkable serenity and effortless elegance.

Luxuriating in a tranquil setting, where the Andaman Sea spills onto silver sands, the Resort gazes towards emerald isles untouched by time. Whether kissed by the tropical sun, silhouetted by a haunting sunset or bathed with the gentle glow of Moorish lamps, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is a world apart, yet less than 90 minutes from the international gateways of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi villa bedroom private terrace

Generously sized pavilions set amidst tropical gardens create an atmosphere of relaxation with timber floors, soaring ceilings and spacious verandas or terraces. Even more sumptuous, beachfront villas offer their own plunge pools, opulent bathrooms, outdoor garden showers and dedicated spa treatment rooms. The superbly designed bathrooms are an invitation to indulgence. Soak up the languid luxury of a Turkish-inspired hammam bath or bask in the sensuous delight of an outdoor rain shower in your secluded tropical garden.

The Resort’s magnificent pools are accentuated with fountains and water curtains, the eye further soothed by lush palms and flowering shrubs.

Feast upon succulent seafood against a backdrop of ocean and islands. Savour sunset cocktails by the beach. Whether discovering creative Asian gourmet cuisine in the romance of a Rajasthani tent, or savouring sun-drenched Mediterranean flavours on a terrace overlooking the sea, every meal is an epicurean affair. And every setting as spectacular as the cuisine.

Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour Johor Malaysia

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts debuted its third Traders hotel in Malaysia with the opening of the 283-room Traders Hotel, Puteri Harbour, Johor, Malaysia on 1 June 2013. The hotel’s four-storey towers and landscaped walkways are fronted by Puteri Harbour and complete the Little Red Cube that houses the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, alfresco restaurants on the promenade of a marina and retail outlets.

Stay next door to the first Sanrio Hello Kitty Town outside of Japan and The Little Big Club – home to such characters as Thomas and Friends, Barney and Bob the Builder. Just minutes from the hotel is LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort offering over 40 rides and attractions.

Traders Hotel, Puteri Harbour, Johor, Malaysia is easily accessible from Singapore’s Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints and only 20 minutes from Senai International Airport and the shopping haven, Johor Premium Outlets. Within walking distance from the hotel is Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal that provides ferry connections to Harbour Front in Singapore and to Tanjung Balai, Karimun and Batam in Indonesia.

Holidaymakers can arrive geared for golf, a fishing adventure, water sport activities or a boat cruise. For an informative or cultural stay, visitors can tour Kota Iskandar, Johor state’s new administrative centre, to watch parliament debates at the State Legislative Assembly Hall, which is infused with distinctive Moorish-Andalusian elements in its architecture, and admire the surrounding waterscapes and lush gardens.

Other conveniences include free broadband and Wi-Fi Internet access for hotel guests, a rooftop infinity pool, a Health Club with a harbour-facing gymnasium, private massage rooms for singles and couples, an open Jacuzzi, a landscaped rooftop garden, a business centre and basement parking bays completing the quaint marina lifestyle offered at this waterfront hotel.

Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour Johor Malaysia 

Traders Hotel, Puteri Harbour, Johor, Malaysia’s stylish guestrooms and suites range from 33 to 96 square metres in size, and each is outfitted with a spacious bathroom, 40-inch television, IDD dual direct line with voice mail, motorised day and night curtains, iron and ironing board, in-room safe deposit, a mini-bar, hairdryer, and coffee- and tea-making facilities, among other practical features. There are also two rooms with special features designed for persons with disabilities.

Guestroom categories and inventory: 
Deluxe Room 129 rooms
Deluxe Harbour View Room 90 rooms
Premier Room 14 rooms
Traders Club Room 18 rooms
Traders Club Harbour View Room 23 rooms
Executive Suite 8 suites
Specialty Suite 1 suite

A pampering stay on the Traders Club floor ensures the needs of savvy travellers are cared for and provides use of a private lounge with breakfast, refreshments and evening cocktails; personalised check-in and check-out; meeting areas and a Club concierge. Guests will also appreciate the complimentary suit pressing and shoe shine service, daily newspaper and fresh fruits. Shangri-La’s Golden Circle members can enjoy special privileges and earn reward points whilst staying at the hotel.

Meeting and Events

Weddings, annual dinners, birthday parties, meetings, trainings and product launches are just some of the events that can be held in the expansive Iskandar Ballroom. The function rooms, namely, Rawa, Pangkor, Tioman, Langkawi and Penang Rooms, cater accordingly to events requiring smaller venues. 

For reviews, latest and best prices, special offers you can check Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour HotelsCombined page.

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Opened in July 2006, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur is the flagship hotel under the Traders brand. Located in the centre of the city’s commercial and tourist hub, the hotel is integrated with the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, providing a seamless, safe and covered access to conference facilities, entertainment and shopping.

The hotel is a stone’s throw away from the KLCC Park, Suria KLCC-Kuala Lumpur’s premier shopping mall and 10 minutes walk to Bukit Bintang - one of Kuala Lumpur’s shopping districts. It is close to many attractions such as Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, Aquaria, Petronas Art Gallery and Petrosains; with close proximity to a choice of gold courses. Although the hotel is within walking distance to Suria KLCC, a complimentary buggy service is provided to guests shuttling to and from the mall.

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur offers 571 guest rooms and suites, an international buffet all-day dining restaurant, 24 hour business centre equipped with serviced offices and meeting rooms, 24 hour fully equipped health club and an award-winning rooftop bar-SkyBar, that boasts of the most spectacular views of the city in a chic contemporary setting. The hotel provides complimentary WiFi in all guest rooms, public areas and hotel limousines during airport transfers.

Guest Rooms and Suites

Guest rooms at Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur range in size from 32 to 65 square meters (344 to 699 square feet), with unobtrusive views of the KLCC Park and Petronas Twin Towers. 

All rooms are stylishly appointed and designed with comfort in mind, echoing your need to recline and rest with high technology couched in a relaxed but crisp contemporary surrounding. 

All rooms come with a four-feature bathroom, LCD/LED TV, complimentary WiFi and broadband internet access, electronic safe, personalised voice mail, cable television, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities.

For hotel reviews, special offers and latest deals you can visit Traders Hotel by Shangri-La Agoda page.

Traders Club 

Guests booked into a Traders Club floor room will have access to the following exclusive facilities: 

• Club floor check-in and check-out 

• Exclusive lounge facilities 

• Complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails 

• Newspaper and fresh fruits 

• Complimentary suit pressing and shoe shine 

• Purser service 

• Complimentary beverages throughout the day 

• Internet corner 

• Complimentary wireless connectivity 

From our looby through every 571 guest rooms, you will be greeted with the quality of service which you appreciate and makes you feel right at home. 

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Dining and Entertainment

Gobo Chit Chat 

Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur houses a vibrant, trendy all-day dining and international buffet restaurant, Gobo Chit Chat, offering a new dimension and refreshing change from the usual all-day dining concept. 

One of the special features of Gobo Chit Chat is the view – guests can sit and gaze at a kaleidoscope of colour animation accompanied with new-age music that transports the mind’s eye and tickles the deeper senses. The colour ‘dance drama’ performance is achieved by gobo lights projecting light on the ceiling. The expansive height of the curved hangar ceiling contributes to the distinctive feeling of space in Gobo Chit Chat. With table settings and tasteful designs throughout, guests will find dining at Gobo Chit Chat a pleasurable experience. 

As the name suggests, Gobo Chit Chat allows for chit chat and banter. Guests will find it not only conducive for dining, but also a place to relax over trivia, a freshly brewed cappuccino and perhaps a pastry from the Show Bakery. 

Gobo Chit Chat features a wide selection of comtemporary Western and Asian cuisine with a sushi bar, Thai appetiser buffet, front noodle kitchen and a show bakery. The kitchens are displayed in an unusual manner and this arrangement ensures that orders are freshly prepared a la minute and served right away. Guests can catch a glimpse of the restaurant’s team of sushi chefs as they roll colourful masterpieces of sushi. 

Gobo Chit Chat serves a daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with a wide selection of Western and Asian cuisine on a daily rotational basis and is open daily from 6:30am to 11:00pm.

Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill 

Slick, Sexy and New Age is the only way to describe Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill at Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Whilst sipping your favourite martini, the view of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the illumination from the surroundings makes a stunning masterpiece to behold. The Lounge makes for an impressive beverage menu with cocktails being the specialty and is conducive for before or after dinner cocktails and digestives. An extensive range of cigars are available for connoisseurs. At the Grill, enjoy a well-designed dinner in a cosy yet stylish atmosphere. The Grill offers arguably the best steaks with different fine cuts. 

The Lounge is open from 10:00am to 1:00am daily, while the Grill is open from 11:30 to 2:30pm, Monday to Friday, and 6:30pm to 10:30pm daily.

SkyBar 

Perched on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel, this perennial favourite of KL’s party people has emerged from its chrysalis with two gleaming new bars, a revamped seating area and a culinary bay for food preparation. 

The signature 26m-long pool remains the undisputed centrepiece of SkyBar, an oasis of blue amidst the polished glass and steel fittings. 

In the day time, the afternoon sun plays hide and seek with the blinds, brilliant shafts of light spearing into the calm, cool bar interior. Overhead, the Big Ass fan whirrs lazily, and as you sip your refreshing Mojito, all is well with the world. 

Come 6:00 pm and this calm in the midst of chaotic KL vamps up in preparation for a night of revelry. With the setting sun as a backdrop, couples slide into the updated intimate cabanas, fingers entwined as they 

share a bottle of champagne or indulge in a cocktail or two. The droves are drawn in, their fancy frocks and smart suits a perfect match for the sophisticated evening ahead. Sinking into the plump cushions of the sofas, 

they feast their eyes on the breath-taking views of the glittery KL skyline, dominated by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The high chairs and tables which seat four play home to more casual party-goers, popping in for an after-work drink or catching up with old friends.

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur SkyPark

SkyBar was named ‘Best Malaysian Bar’ in the 2007 edition of the Malaysia Tatler Society. Malaysia Tatler Society is published once a year to celebrate high achievers in Malaysia. It has also been voted by the readers of Expatriate Lifestyle as the ‘Best Bar in Malaysia’ and ‘Best Hotel Bar’ in the Best of Malaysia awards for four consecutive years. 

SkyBar has developed a popular following among local and international guests for its combination of great cocktails and panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

Five signature cocktails to enhance the vast selection on offer. 

Kiwitini 

Muddle together fresh kiwi fruit with Belvedere Vodka and a dash of sugar. Finely strain into a champagne flute and top with Moet et Chandon. 

 Lychee Rose 

The Ladies’ Martini. Belvedere Vodka and lychee liqueur is stirred slowly over ice with a hint of rose syrup to wash the martini glass. Garnish with lychee fruit. 

Raised in Manhattan 

The combination of sweet rosso vermouth and Canadian Club rye whiskey infused with dark raisins makes for a rich, full-flavoured twist on the old classic. 

Selangor Sling 

Tanqueray Gin and cherry liqueur are shaken with pressed fresh pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice and a touch of Angostura Bitters strained over ice in a sling glass. Top with soda and Benedictine DOM. Garnish with a slice of lemon rind and maraschino cherry. 

Mata D’or (mocktail) 

 A perfectly refreshing pick-me-up. Hand-pressed passion fruit together with pomegranate syrup served over ice in a sling glass. Charge with Red Bull. 

Source : Traders Hotel by Shangri-La

Frenz Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Frenz Hotel Kuala Lumpur is the latest international hotel to open its doors along the bustling Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Masjid India Shopping Square in the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur. Its prime location in the Golden Triangle is just minutes walking distance to the Central Business District and a short train or bus ride to the internationally acclaimed KLCC, Petronas Twin Towers and Bukit Bintang shopping and entertainment hub.

Dining and Entertainment
A variety of cuisines at different levels of affordability are conveniently available round the clock right at the
hotel doorsteps. Almost all the familiar international food and beverage brands are located around the vicinity of the hotel. Whats more is the hotel allows the guest to take advantage of the Home Delivery service provided by the major fast food restaurants. Just a short walk, the night birds and fun seekers, will discover
a sampling of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant nightlife with its showcase of Clubs, Lounges, Bistros, Pubs, Discos and Karaoke lounges along The Asian Heritage Row at Jalan Doraisamy and at Cap Square. Asian Heritage Row is the place to be seen, with the added hip factor of colonial heritage.

Rooms
Frenz Hotel Kuala Lumpur offers 86 brand new Boutique style’ designed rooms and suites. Guest Room facilities include:

• Complimentary wireless high speed internet broadband 
• 5 Star plush mattresses and duvet cover
• Feather down sleeping pillows
• Your choice of pillow menu
• Overhead reading lights
• Total night blackout curtains and day curtains
• Individually controlled air-conditioning
• 32” LCD TV with local and Astro Satellite Cable TV Channels
• In room radio channels
• DVD player rental is available 
• En suite bathrooms with hot and cold power Rain showers
• Hand bidet in all bathrooms
• Clothes line
• Complimentary Coffee and Tea making facilities
• Complimentary daily bottled drinking water 
• Iron and ironing board in all guest rooms
• Full length mirror
• Shoe rack
• Hair dryer in all guest rooms
• Make up/ Shaving mirrors
• Door locks with electronic ‘ Touch & Enter ’ card with restricted lift access to guest floors
• In room electronic safe with record of opening
• Smoke detectors in all guest room
• International Direct Dialing 
• Mini fridge in all guest rooms
• Accessible friendly standard

For reviews, special offers, latest hotel deals you can check Frenz Hotel Kuala Lumpur Agoda page.

Frenz Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Getting to Frenz Hotel Kuala Lumpur:
From LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal), Home of Air Asia By Skybus to KL Sentral The journey takes
approximately 1 hour. Tickets can be purchased on line , on board an Air Asia flight or upon arrival at the ticket counter or in the Bus.

By Licensed Taxi or Limousine 
From KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport)
By KLIA Ekspres to KL 
Sentral Fastest way into the city at 28 minutes, non-stop operates from 5.00 am to midnight. 

Kota Kinabalu hotel deals by Agoda.com

Rising 4,093 meters above sea level Mt. Kinabalu is one of the highest mountains in South East Asia. Despite this it is relatively easy to climb: if you are relatively fit you can hike to the peak without special gear. And it offers a fantastic view plus six separate vegetation zones to the climbers from steamy Lower Mountain Forest at the bottom to frigid Subalpine at the peak. But although it is relatively easy to climb, the mountain can be quite foggy and the climb can be dangerous when it rains - high winds bring freezing temperatures. For the best hiking there are strict climbing scheduling.

Climb to the peak of Mt. Kinabalu usually takes 2 days and begins with paying the climbing fee, park entrance fee, insurance (122 RM or about 40 USD) and hiring a guide which is mandatory. You have to and indeed must hire a guide because although the climb is considered accessible, it is not easy. And people have died while climbing Mt. Kinabalu usually because they ignored guide's advise or wandered off on their own. Attitude sickness, over-fatigue can easily turn to deadly hypothermia if it rains.

The climb starts at Timpohon Gate. You will take a short bus ride from the park entrance to the gate. From there you will hike to the Laban camp where most climbers spend the night to acclimatze to the altitude and rest up for the second half of the hike next morning. The next morning's slow but steady climb will probably start around "2.30 am" and with this start you should be able to reach the peak by about 6 am. At the peak, if you are blessed with a clear day view the view is just spectacular – looking across a bank of fluffy clouds at the rising sun is something that has to be seen to be believed.

Mt. Kinabalu is relatively easy to climb and offers a breathtaking view from its peak.

Descending from the peak of Mt. Kinabalu and most reach the bottom in the afternoon of the second day. Other than the mountain, the town of Kota Kinabalu itself is well worth visiting. As the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state, it’s a major regional hub for tourism, transport, politics and commerce, with plenty of attractions and sights for any type of visitor, including several nice beaches, parks and museums. The city also boasts a rich multicultural heritage with a variety of religions and ethnicities, including Chinese, Indian, Malay and Filipino. And of course the food – no surprise – is superb.

If you are planning a trip to the top of Malaysia, take a look at these Kota Kinabalu hotel deals by Agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking site. Agoda is providing great new deals on hotels in the Malaysian city of Kota Kinabalu to take advantage of high season climbing opportunities on the beautiful and surprisingly accessible Mt. Kinabalu, only 50km from the main city.

KK-Suites Residence @ Marina Court Resort Condominium 2*
Enjoy 15% off your stay. Expires January 4, 2014.

The Pacific Sutera 5*
Enjoy 20% off your stay. Expires December 31, 2013.

The Magellan Sutera 5*
Enjoy 20% off your stay. Expires December 31, 2013.

Zara’s Boutique Hotel @ Harbour City 3*
Enjoy 10% off your stay. Expires December 24, 2013.

Tambunan Inn 1*
Enjoy 30% off your stay. Expires May 31, 2013.

Tune Hotel – 1Borneo Kota Kinabalu 3*
Enjoy 50% off your stay. Expires June 30, 2013.

The Jesselton Hotel 3*
Enjoy 30% off your stay. Expires December 31, 2013.

Swiss-Garden Hotel Kuala Lumpur Review

Adam Osman & Kelly Latimer goes around South East Asia and reviews hotels for AsiaRooms.com. The video reviews are uploaded on YouTube in a series called The Right Room. In this first episode of the series, the couple visits Kuala Lumpur, the capital and largest city of Malaysia. They stay in and review Swiss Garden Hotel &; Residences Kuala Lumpur.

Swiss Garden Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur is conveniently located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur between bustling Bukit Bintang and colourful Chinatown. With its 310 rooms each with amenities to suit the needs of today's tech-savvy customers, the hotel offers a refined experience for both business and leisure travellers.

Adam and Kelly check out the hotel's family suite, and leave no pillows un-turned as they explore its amenities. They also venture out of the hotel's peaceful haven, into key attractions located nearby.

Room Review

The Family Suite in Swiss Garden Hotel & Residences is spacious and comes with 2 bedrooms. The first thing strikes you when you enter the room is the dining table. The room offers a large space for the kids to run around.

The larger bedroom comes with a large twin bed, descent wardrobe space and a sunken bathroom attached to the room with rain shower. The bed is clean, soft and really comfortable.

One of the main reasons you rent a Family Suite is its kitchen where you can do a little bit of cooking. The kitchen comes with a large fridge and all the space and utensils for you to cook in the suite.

The living space comes with an LCD TV, a large couch facing it and an iPhone doc which can be used as music player while it is charging your phone. The WiFi in the residences is free so you can enjoy internet while resting in your suite.

Facilities Review
The hotel offers an outdoor infinity pool, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, Indonesian Balinese massage and tropical spa treatment at Samsara Spa. The hotel has 3 restaurants . Taste6 is located at the 6th floor and serves the breakfast.

Below is the full video review of this Kuala Lumpur hotel. For more reviews, you can visit Swiss-Garden Hotel Kuala Lumpur reviews page.

Swiss-Garden Hotel Kuala Lumpur Review in The Right Room

Things to Do
Swiss Garden Hotel & Residences provides a free shuttle service to China Town, KLCC and Bukit Bintang. Kuala Lumpur is a heaven for shopaholics of all kinds. Kuala Lumpur alone has 66 shopping malls and it is the retail and fashion hub for Malaysia.

Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia's premier shopping destinations due to its location beneath the Petronas Twin Towers. The Bukit Bintang area in the Golden Triangle is Kuala Lumpur's premier shopping district. It is like Tokyo's Ginza, New York's Fifth Avenue and Singapore's Orchard Road. The area has the highest concentration of shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur and a must visit for all travellers to KL.

KL's symbol, the Petronas Twin Towers, rises above almost everything in KL and is the must see attraction in the city.

Some other hotels around Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang area:

Pacific Regency Hotel Suites

Melia Kuala Lumpur

PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur

Redang island resort: The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort

‘The Taaras’ is a bespoke Redang Island resort, tucked away and hidden from the outside world on the small island of Redang just off the unspoiled East Coast of tropical Malaysia. Considered to be one of the most beautiful Island locations in the South China Sea, the Isle of Redang is home to this natural, yet stylish resort found on one of the most spectacular bays surrounded by one of the bluest oceans on earth.

The resorts ethos is to provide a contemporary, barefoot luxury experience with warm Asian hospitality,
remembered with a smile long into the future. The name of the property is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘TAARA’, meaning ‘Star or Apple of my eye’ as well as ‘Goddess of the Sea’ which are all represented and epitomized by resort's mermaid figurehead.

The resort is managed by The Taaras Luxury Group, and was formerly known as Berjaya Redang Resort
managed by Berjaya Hotels and Resorts.

The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort has 184 stylish suites and rooms, as well as a stunning five bedroom Private Villa perched high up on the cliff overlooking the ocean and resort below. The resort boasts commissioned furniture and bespoke photography of Redang Island and the landscapes of Malaysia. Each suite or room contains oversized beds and hand-picked linens and fabrics for your comfort. Most rooms and all suites have larger washrooms containing both bathtub and separate rain or monsoon shower (some with spa bathtubs looking out over the rainforest or the bay). Most residences have an outdoor balcony or verandah and our suites at the top of the cliff summit have spectacular views over the bay, beach and ocean below.

The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort

For guests who prefer or require further privacy, ‘The Taaras Villa’ our private five bedroom residence perched high up on the cliff more than meets the requirements; private access, a Villa Host at your ‘beck and call’ as well as twenty four hour security; should it be a necessary requirement. The residence also enjoys a sixteen meter Infinity swimming pool, personal fitness room and both interior and exterior lounge decks.

The resort should be seen as a ‘home away from home’, where dedicated hospitality professionals will do their best to attend to your every need and assist you in an unobtrusive way… a team who already knows how important a ‘few days’ vacation is, whether you have traveled from near or far.

Imagine for one moment walking along the white talc like beach, under the warm azure sky, surrounded by tropical plants and coconut palms and a warm breeze blowing with only like-minded people within your view, all of whom are appreciative of the importance of those quiet moments. A space that is simple… yet elegant, where you can dress up or dress down and life is barefoot luxury inspired.

Redang Island enjoys daily direct access flights with Berjaya Air to Redang Island Airport from both Kuala Lumpur (Subang Terminal) and Singapore (Changi Budget Terminal) Airports. In less than sixty minutes from Kuala Lumpur and seventy five minutes from Singapore you can swap ‘City Chic’ for ‘Beach Chic’.

Private transfers are also available from the Mainland of Malaysia through our Reservations Office either by private yacht charter or third party Helicopter charter. (please note this service is subject to availability).

Redang island resort: The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort

The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort Facilities…


Room Category 
72 in total, most with interconnecting options for families or friends travelling together. Beautifully appointed with oversized beds and plush bedding, rain shower, coffee and tea making facilities and balcony or verandah. All rooms enjoy Wi-Fi Facilities.

Suite Category 
112 luxurious suites and depending on your choice with private balcony and views inspired by heaven. Many one bedroom suites have the option of an additional interconnecting twin room for families or friends travelling together.

Suites are designed with bespoke furniture, art and artefacts as well as some with spa bathtubs and all enjoy Wi-Fi Facilities.

Culinary 
Asean All Day Dining - our all day dining/buffet restaurant serving a collection of Asian dishes. Situated in the main resort complex with an outside deck overlooking the swimming pool and bay beyond. Eat at any time of the day to suit your style and taste.

The Beach Brasserie - beachside seafood and western grill with Japanese and Italian corners. Whether on the outside deck or a table near the show kitchen, this modern and open space has the best views of both the white sandy beach and ocean beyond. Choose from a collection of Brasserie inspired dishes and firm favourites with a collection of wines to compliment both the surroundings and your palate.

Asean Terrace Lounge - our terrace bar overlooking the pool with a selection of great cocktails and light
background music for pre or post dinner relaxation. This open space is open all day and is where you can both enjoy your sipping cocktail or linger over a Cafe Latte and decadent afternoon snack until dinner beckons.

Bayu Beach Bar - serving light ‘beach friendly’ snacks, refreshers and cocktails all day long. Situated right on the beach with sprawling chill out deck to pass the time until sunset and serving Snacks, Pizza and Sandwiches as well as cool refreshing drinks for your comfort around the beach.

Experience Dinners - choose from on water or land and make one of your nights on island magical; eat on a floating pontoon in the middle of the South China Sea, enjoy a Robinson Crusoe experience by being
‘castaway’ with your loved one and a picnic or enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner under the stars to name but a few.

Source : The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort - Redang Island, Malaysia