SELANGOR

INTRODUCTION

Location Map
 

Bukit Melawati

Bukit Melawati is situated in Kuala Selangor. Bukit Melawati or also known as Bukit Selangor is now a tourist place and is well known in the history of Selangor. During the 19^th century, there was a fort built on Bukit Melawati The purpose of this fort was to defend the state of Selangor from its enemies which came from the river mouth. Sultan Ibrahim Shah, the second Sultan of Selangor that reigned from the year 1778 until 1826 instructed that a fort be built at the peak of Bukit Melawati for defence. The purpose of building this fort was an effort by Selangor to avoid attacks from the Dutch. As the Dutch was trying to capture Johor - Riau and Selangor had strong relationship with the government of Johor and Riau, the Sultan of Selangor was afraid that the Dutch would retaliate and attacked Selangor.

I-City Shah Alam

  
 

City of digital lights, as its name implies, the best time to visit is at night. There is much to do and see here, from shopping to snow filled indoor park, to beautiful neon lights that adorns the gardens to the many restaurants that offer a gastronomy experience.

FOOD

Nasi Ambeng

Ambeng rice is one of the traditional local food is delicious and is still popular among the Malay community Javanese descent living on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.  Rice Ambeng popular not only in that area but it is still a food that is still preferred by most of the Javanese people live on the island of Java Indonesia and elders say that food comes from the island of Java.

Often the food is prepared in special occasions such as feast and thanksgiving feast either late at night or afternoon.  Symbolic of rice preparation ambeng is to save cost and operational work of the councils.  Besides rice ambeng practitioners believe this practice can bring harmony or happiness in the family.

Ambeng rice consists of rice, Tempe, Kerisik, peanut brittle, coconut floss, Mee or fried rice noodles, chicken and other delicacies appetizers including fruit.  This food will be served in the tray or trays lined with banana leaves.  Normally, a rice dish Ambeng is for 4 people.

SABAH

MOUNT KINABALU

Location Map.

Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung Kinabalu) is a prominent mountain on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is located in the East Malaysian state of Sabah and is protected as Kinabalu National Park, a World Heritage Site. Kinabalu is the highest peak in Borneo's Crocker Range and is the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago. Mount Kinabalu is also the 20th most prominent mountain in the world by topographic prominence.

In 1997, a re-survey using satellite technology established its summit (known as Low’s Peak) height at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level, which is some 6 metres (20 ft) less than the previously thought and hitherto published figure of 4,101 metres (13,455 ft).

Mount Kinabalu includes the Kinabalu montane alpine meadows ecoregion in the montane grasslands and shrublands biome. The mountain and its surroundings are among the most important biological sites in the world, with over 4500 species of plant, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammalian species identified. Among this rich collection of wildlife are famous species such as the gigantic Rafflesia plants and the orangutan. Mount Kinabalu has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status.

Low's Peak can be climbed quite easily by a person in good physical condition and there is no need for mountaineering equipment at any point on the main route. Other peaks along the massif, however, require rock climbing skills.

     

MOUNT KINABALU CLIMBING TRAIL AT LOWER ELEVATIONS AND ON THE SUMIT PLEATEAU

JOHOR

INTRODUCTION

Location Map.

The state of Johor lies at the southern most part of Malaysia. This southern gateway to Malaysia covering an area of 19, 984 sq km, is the second largest state in West Malaysia. The history of early Johor is a chronicle of glory and prosperity during the days when gambir and black pepper was a thriving business.

To the Siamese, Johor is "Gangganu" or 'Treasured Stones'. It was also once known as the "End of the Land" as it occupies the tail portion of mainland Asia. Its present name, Johor, is derived from an Arabic word 'Jauhar' which means Precious Stones.

Johor Bahru has a number of interesting historical buildings and handicraft centers. Outside the state capital in the smaller towns and villages along the coast, are picturesque scenes of rural kampungs and fishing villages. Those who prefer to bask in the tropical sun can choose between the well-known beaches.

DANCE

Kuda Kepang

Kuda Kepang" dancing is the predominate type of traditional Malay folk dances. This dance is the dance of Java with the influence of the cultural heritage of Islam.

In MALAYSIA "Kuda Kepang" dance was well loved by the people of Johor, especially the Javanese descent. "Kuda Kepang" are usually made of wicker, which is like a horse with no legs. It is made of woven bamboo or animal skin colored to make it more attractive.

Typically, there are 10 to 15 people per group of dancers dancing horses moving normally would have a head. In the beginning, all the motion on the direction of exaggerating the dancers are waiting to use the rope to control the game. This dance is usually performed in the councils of the crowd to enliven the atmosphere like when welcoming dignitaries, celebrated the wedding ceremony and feast days. In the past there were many taboos for those who watch the show horses moving like dancers do not lash out or be hit by disasters.



FOOD

                                                          Laksa Johor

Johor is famous for its various food and cuisine style. Original recipe that is of various descends can be found in around the state. Its trademark include the mee rebus which are noodles cooked with potato soup. This is a spicy dish commonly loved by the locals and around the country as well.

The Johor Laksa is an original recipe found here. Known locally as Laksa Johor to the locals, it is totally different compared to laksa found in other states. Variations of the laksa include the Penang Laksa which is also a popular nationwide favourite but the southern version, as it is called sometimes use spaghetti instead of the normally found rice yellow noodles and the gravy is cooked with coconut milk, otherwise known as santan. Usual ingredients here include fish past, peanut and chili pepper.

Over in Muar town, one can try out the Mee Bandung Muar. Having nothing to do with the town of Bandung in Indonesia, it is as original as it can get from Muar.


ISLAND

 

Sibu Island

Sibu is one of Malaysia's unspoilt islands off the Peninsula's East Coast, facing the South China Sea. It is made up of several islands namely Sibu Besar Island, Sibu Tengah Island, Sibu Kukus Island and Sibu Hujung Island.
Approximately 6 km long and 1 km wide, the island abounds with lush tropical vegetation, and is noted for its beaches, hills, cliffs and exotic bird population.

Sunset at Sibu Island

Sibu has retained much of its natural beauty and tranquility. Almost untouched by progress, Sibu Island is the perfect hideaway from the rat-race of city life.

On the Southern end there is a small fishing village with a population of less than a hundred people. The local village continues to take out a living off the seas and a few of the younger generation option to work at the nearby resorts for a steadier income and a change of lifestyle.

The main activities on the island are snorkelling and diving. However one can take walks in the jungle to the fishing village or to the other resorts. There are pathways to most of these places. Fishing trips are regularly organized for the avid fishermen. Boat trips to the other islands can be arranged at the resort.