<BR>My grandmother and i will be visisitng the above 3 places in June /July and would appreciate any tips on must see attractions, shopping, tours etc. We visited Bali same time last year and had a ball. Thanks for any comments.

Donna, <BR>We will be going to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi on our trip next month. I will be happy to tell you what we saw after we return.

<BR>Dear KAy, I would appreciate any info you can give me after your trip. Where are you staying in each of the places? <BR>Thanks Donna.

Donna, <BR> <BR>Kuala Lumpur (known as K.L. to the locals)is a modern city with a cocktail of styles; chic, modern high rise towers rubbing shoulders with colonial buildings and other buildings appropriating a futuristic, mega buck look which won't look out of place in New York. K.L. has a population of friendly and warm people who are generally eager to please. There are enough monumental interests to keep you busy for a week or so. <BR>Places to visit: <BR>1. Railway Station <BR>2. Chinatown <BR>3. Petronas twin towers <BR>4. The Muzium Negara <BR>5. Little India <BR>6. Lake Garden <BR>7. Orchid Garden & Hibiscus Garden <BR>8. State Mosque <BR>9. Sultan Abdul Samed Building <BR>10.Merdeka Square/Royal Selangor Club <BR>11.Bukit Jerik Sport Complex <BR> <BR>Accommodation <BR> <BR>Hotel prices in K.L. are reasonable by international standard. There a variety of hotels to everyone's budget. <BR> <BR>Luxurious and expensive hotels: <BR>Carcosa Seri Negara, Ritz Carlton, Regent, Istana, Sheraton and Shangri-la. <BR> <BR>For a bit of local colours, I would recommend both Carcosa Seri Negara and Istana Hotel. Carcosa Seri Negara, once occupied by the colonial governor of the Malay States, is situated in 40 acres of land above the Lake Garden. Each of the 13 suites is of a different size and location but all exude the luxury of a bygone era. <BR>Hotel Istana is quite centrally located, built in traditional Malay style with modern comforts. Relaxed atomsphere with palace-like decor, tropical plants, swimming pools and a massive ball rooms. <BR> <BR>Value for money hotels: <BR>Swiss Garden <BR>Quality Hotel City Centre <BR> <BR>You can take a day trip to Melaka(Malacca)or Cameron Highland, two to three days trip to Taman Negara (National Park). <BR> <BR>Many local tour companies offer city tours and out of town tours, but you can walk or catch the cab (cheap if compared to other Western countries)to do all the sight seeings. <BR> <BR>I'll do Penang and Langkawi in my next posting. <BR> <BR>

I lived in Penang for twenty years before I moved to England so my report may be a little bit bias. I still visit Penang once a year to visit my parents and relations; in fact I shall stop over there in late February for one week before proceeding to Sydney. <BR> <BR>Penang is like Asia in miniature - history, culture, food, shopping and beaches - it is all there and certainly cannot be beaten for variety in one destination. <BR> <BR>Sights: <BR>1.Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion <BR>One of very few stately Chinese dwelling houses outside China. Built in 18th and 19th Century by a Cantonese business for his extended families. The halls of ceremony, living room, bedrooms and libraries are linked by numerous courtyards, small gardens and heavy wooden doors. Ancient tiled roofs, cobled courtyards, russet brick walls and spiral stairways add its charm and beauty. The mansion also houses a rare procelain collection, sculptures, carvings, tapestries and embroideries, lacquers, bronzes and antiques. Major scenes of the critically acclaimed French film 'Indochine' were shot here. A must see. <BR>2.Khoo Kongsi (Khoo Clan House) <BR>This Chinese clan house,over 100 years old, is a magnificient building with intricate carvings on its walls, pillars and roof, all are created by a team of master craftmen from China. The richly ornamented beams are made from finest wood and the roof has been estimated to weigh 25 tons! <BR> <BR>3.Kek Lok Si temple and pagoda <BR>The 30 meter high pagoda of ten thousand buddhas can be sighted as you approach the temple. Kek Lok Si,the biggest Chinese temple in Malaysia, is not only the major tourist attraction but also a serious place for worship. Flags and lanterns bedecking various fantasy temples, imaginative statues, gold leafed ceiling and the sheer exuberance of this place make it hard to dislike. There are lots of stair and steps to climb so wear comfortable and sensible shoes. <BR> <BR>4.Sri Mariamman Temple <BR>This Hindu temple house a priceless statue of Lord Subramariam which is richly decorated with gold, silver, diamonds and emerald. The statue is normally used to lead a charriot procession during the Thaipussam festival usually held in late Janaury. <BR> <BR>5.Kapitan Keling Mosque <BR>one of the oldest mosques in Penang. Its rich yellow facade and dome shaped minaret reflects Islamic architecture of Moorish influence. Women visitors in shorts, vests and short skirts will be not admitted to mosques. <BR> <BR>6.Kuan Yin Temple <BR>This temple, devoted to Goddess of Mercy, was built in 1800 by the first Chinese settlers, it is the oldest Chinese temple in Penang. Devotees burn joss sticks and offerings to the Goddess for health, wealth and longevity. During the goddess birthday, street Chinese opera is staged. <BR> <BR>7. Eastern & Orient Hotel (E & O) <BR>A hotel built in 1885 was the leading hotel at the time and still is a favourite of many visitors today. Past guests include Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipping. The hotel has updated its facilities but loses none of its old charm. Older than the Raffles of Singapore. <BR> <BR>8.Penang Hill <BR>A Small hill station can be accessed by funicular railway. This was once the retreat of many wealthy colonial administrators but now a popular weekend excursion for the locals. Some colonial holiday bungalows and hill villas are still in use. At the peak, it offers you the panoramic view of the Georgetown, it's at its best at dusk when lights are lit. If you are energetic, you hike up the hill from Botanical Garden, which should take you two to three hours. On Sunday it is a good time to meet the locals, as loads of them will be hiking up the hill, the excercise craze has caught on in Penang. <BR> <BR>9. Fort Cornwallis <BR>The very spot that Captain Francis Light landed on this island in 1786. There is an open air amphitheatre inside the fort. Former Town Hall, with fine Corinthian columns and large windows, is next to the fort. So is the Moorish style clock tower which was elected to mark Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. <BR> <BR>10. Botonical Garden <BR>A 30 hectacre garden which has a fine collection of Malaysian flora and fauna. The main attraction of this garden to the locals is the monkeys which are tame enough to feed from hand. <BR> <BR>Most hotels offer the island tour, but you can do it yourself by hiring a car, a motorbike, taxi and ride a bus. Another popular local transport is trishaw, a three wheeled, one man powered vehicles. It is fun and perfect for a slow paced ride around the town. Agree a price before you board. <BR> <BR>Penang has one of the best local cuisines in Malaysia. The staggering variety from various communities of Chinese, Malay and Indian provide such a culninery delight that has few rivals. <BR>Don't be afraid to eat outside hotels, the food sell by hawkers or foodstalls are safe to eat and they serve the best local dishes. <BR> <BR>Food to try: <BR>1.Satay <BR>2.Laksa asam - a Penang specialty. A spicy noodle dish in fish stock top with onion, pineapple, mint, cucumber and shrimp paste. <BR>3.Hokkien mee - noodles or vermicelli served with bean sprout,prawns, boiled eggs in spicy shrimp soups <BR>4.Gado Gado - blanched vegetables with tufu, sliced boiled eggs and sliced potatoes served with peanut sauce. <BR>5.Mee Goreng(fried noodles) <BR>Sold mainly by Malay or Indian hawkers. Noodles are fried with chilli, bean sprouts, smoke tufu, prawn fritters, boiled potatoes - garnished with shredded lecttuce and half lime. <BR>6. Char koay Teow <BR>Broad noodles fried with soya sauce, chilli (optional), prawns, clams, bean sprouts, eggs and spring onion. <BR>7. Roti Chanai <BR>A flaky version of nan which is usually served with vegetable curry. A Malaysian specialty. <BR>8. Ice Kacang <BR>Shaved ice with red beans, sweet corns, raisins and palm seeds. It's one of my favourite desserts. <BR>9. Chendol <BR>A cold coconut milk drink with jelly strips, served with palm sugar. Another favourite dessert of mine. <BR> <BR>You can ask the hawkers or foodstall to make the dishes less spicy if you are not used to spicy food. <BR> <BR>I have answered your question on your choice of hotel in another posting, so I won't repeat here. My favourite hotel is Rasa Sayang, I stay there whenever I am in Penang. It is on the expensive side, I know, but the weak Malaysian ringgit make it almost a bargain. You would pay that sort of price just stay in a small bed & breakfast in London. Kid you not. <BR> <BR>Langkawi is very good for beaches and relaxing. You will spend a lot of time in your hotel as hotels are only places with entertainment after dark. Stock up your booze when you are in town, as the prices charged by hotels are exorbitant. The Malay stores nearby your hotel will not stock <BR>alcohol because Muslims are forbidden to touch alcohol. <BR> <BR>Topless sunbathing is not encourged generally in Malaysia as it offends the Muslim population. <BR> <BR>The sights you can take it or leave it. See it if you happen to pass by. Do go to other parts of island, there are quite a few stunningly beautiful beaches dotted around the island, e.g. Tanjung Rhu, Pantai Kok, Pantai Cenang, Datai,Burau Bay and Pantai Tengah. Island cruise is quite interesting as you get to see other small islands. <BR> <BR>If you need more information you can email me. <BR> <BR>

Thanks. Your postings gave me all the information I wanted on Kuala Lumpur and Penang. I am looking forward to my trip in February.

This is the way posts used to be. Very informative, can we all go back to these type of posts?

Back from Malaysia last month.<BR><BR>Just add a few points to Ivan's post.<BR><BR>KL<BR>- make sure to visit Sultan Abdul Samed Building at night. the whole building is decorated with light bulb and it's the most beautiful place at night in KL<BR>- go to Central Market to buy local/traditional handicraft.<BR><BR>Penang<BR>- i stayed at Rasa Sayang with the online discount offer from Shangri-La at US$86 for double-room. It's expensive in local standard but the facilities are excellent. We are so regret that we only stayed there for one night.<BR>- George Town is pretty small. Whole day is more than enough to visit most sights in George Town (exclude Penang Hill / Kek Lok Si temple). In a bit hurry, you can even do it in half day.<BR>- we took bus between KL and Penang. it took 5 hours, but the seat is more comfortable than economy flight.<BR><BR>Last point, make sure to bring the umbrella with you. During my trip, it rains nearly every day, but fortunately, it usually stops less than an hour.<BR><BR>If you have further questions, feel free to email me.<BR><BR>

When in KL, go up the KL Tower, not to the Petronas Towers. The trip up Petronas is not as easy to get in on, and you only go up as high the sky bridge. From KL Tower (&quot;Menara KL&quot you get a view of Petronas, too.<BR><BR>For a really spectacular view of the twin towers, and a great hotel stay, book your room at the Mandarin Oriental.<BR><BR>Melaka (where I live) is a great day trip from KL. I would not agree with Ivan... Cameron Highlands is MUCH too far for a day trip - it's at least 3 hours each way. Genting Highlands is accessible as a day trip, but it's a tourist trap and not really worth the visit unless you want to gamble.<BR><BR>You've got great tips for Penang, just give the Snake Temple a miss because it's very disappointing.<BR><BR>Haven't been to Langkawi yet - sorry!

<BR><BR>xxx, you are fighting a losing battle here. The Asia board seems to swarm with 'trip report up for grab' posters. And they are in great demands too, just look at 'Lynn's Bangkok trip report', over 300 requests for a two- year old trip report! These 'trip report up for grab'postings only appear here(Asia board), I wonder why?<BR><BR>Jen, I am glad to see you back in action again. How's the baby?

KL is a facinating city.....<BR><BR>i am suprised that not more people plug Batu Caves which is only about an hour from city center.<BR><BR>On our 17 day trip through singapore kl and bangkok it was one of my greatest memories.<BR><BR>Go to Batu Caves!<BR><BR>also go up in the Kl tower right around dusk and get to see the lights of the city and the petronas towers come up<BR><BR>have a good trip

Hi Carrie (sorry to get off topic here). The baby is great! Wanna see pics? She's a cutey-pie!<BR><BR>members.tripod.com/expatsinmalaysia/id68.htm<BR><BR>(Also pics of places around Malaysia in there for anyone else who wants to poke around. Just go &quot;home&quot; first.)<BR><BR>Oh dear, yes Donna, the last poster is right - Batu Caves are well worth a visit! In fact one of the best sites in KL... can't believe I didn't catch that omission!

Just arrived back from a trip to Malaysia. Visited Langkawi (second time in space of a year); Penang and KL. Langkawi is great for relaxing and my family thoroughly enjoyed staying (again) at the Sheraton Langkawi. Car hire and petrol are cheap and the roads no problem. Beach at Tanjung Rhu is absolutely gorgeous and at low tide you can walk out to the islands. Another excellent beach (great for children) is Pantai Tengkorak. Stayed also at Penang at the Rasa Sayang - this is a lovely resort. Plenty for children and families. Lots of sights to see and hiring a taxi guide is very cheap - many things to see here. Georgetown is okay - one day is more than enough time. Penang Hill is fabulous - very interesting and relaxing and a wonderful sight from which to view the 13-1/2 km. bridge to the mainland. Have a wonderful trip. We are looking forward to returning at the end of the year.

ttp for geenie. Enjoy your trip to Penang.

ttp for mhairi

I second all the good things already said about KL and Penang. As for a hotel on Penang, I stayed in Hotel 1826 in Georgetown last November and was very pleased with it. ZZ

Ivan...Thanks. Where can I have a kebaya made? I want to have one made to go with my Indonesian tulis batik sarong that I got in Singapore last summer(2004). I regularly vacation in Southeast Asia and have been to KL, but at the time I was there wasn't thinking of having a kebaya made and on that vacation...plus I wouldn't have time to zip over to Penang to try to locate a maker anyway. I plan to contact two kebaya makers in Singapore on my upcoming August trip,to Singapore and Bangkok, but in December/January I will be, on vacation, in Bangkok for three weeks and have thought of zipping down to Penang to find a kebaya maker there. Happy Travels!

Excuse the editing mistake on the above post. I'm typing quickly. Happy Travels!

Hi, Guenmai,

Sarong Kebaya is not very popular as it was forty years ago. You only see Airline crews and waiteresses wearing it these days. Sad but this is urbanisation for you. I bought one for my colleague two years ago in one of the little shops in Komtar shopping centre. My colleague had it copied in London by her seamtress friend in Thai silk, I must say she looked ravishing in it.

I am going to Penang in two weeks' time and bringing a jacket I want it copied, so I'll let you know.