Meet the Deputy Minister

Meet the Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Information,Communication and Culture Malaysia at his own Facebook page for real so,join him at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Datuk-Maglin-Dennis-Dcruz/119618234810289

Put a stop to animal cruelty

Malaysia is undergoing a problem on animals abuse unsolved,so the SPCA of Malaysia will be gathering signatures for the petition to be sent to the Prime Minister of Malaysia to put a stop on animal cruelty by irresponsible and arrogant pet ownership and the municipal council workers have also been abusing strays with brute force.Please help the unspeakable,join us at http://www.spca.org.my/v51/ (Malaysians please help sign the petition)

FB page visit Malaysia

Visit this page http://www.facebook.com/CutiCuti1Malaysia by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia.

At Port Dickson

  I am at Port Dickson right now it is a wonderful place and the seaside is very beautiful.We can say that PD is the most famous beach side place and there is also many tourists comes to visit, but the bad part is the place is quite dirty thats all.
 There are many activities to do like the banana boat,diving,and many more can't remember, many attractions to.There is many hotels and chalets for tourists but the locals from Kuala Lumpur the Federal Territory will also get here away from the city living.
 I would recommend for tourists to get here is by airasia or malaysia airlines.

Hit Chinatown for budget hotels including Oasis Guest House (125 Jalan Petaling), which overlooks the busy street markets from its rooftop terrace, from 20 ringgits a single a night, and Grocer's Inn, 50 ringgits a double with airconditioning (78 Jalan Sultan, grocersinn.com.my). Tune Hotels is Malaysia's one-star budget chain. The downtown KL hotel has 173 rooms with en suites and a self-service laundry and is near the Medan Tuanku monorail station. Specials start from 15 ringgits a night, though a quick look turns up doubles from 100 ringgits. Book early, get promo rates and pay extra for airconditioning and internet. (316 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, tunehotels.com).

Mid-range

There are plenty of good options in the shopping nirvana of Bukit Bintang including the business-like Berjaya Hotel Times Square, a good bet for thrifty shopaholics, from 435 ringgits a night (2117 8000, berjayahotel.com). On the same strip, the newly renovated, swanky, four-star Piccolo Hotel sits between shopping malls Lot 10 and Fahrenheit 88 on Bintang Walk, from 275 ringgits a night (2146 5000, piccolohotel.com.my). Nearby, revel in the Novotel Kuala Lumpur's outdoor pool between shopping trips, from 293 ringgits a night (1300 656 565 toll-free from Australia, novotel.com). Opposite Putra World Trade Centre, the Seri Pacific is 10 minutes from the Golden Triangle, with views of the twin towers and Genting Highlands, from 266 ringgits a night (4042 5555, www.seripacific.com).

Luxe

Hotel Maya's celebrated contemporary design has an intimate, boutique feel despite its 207 rooms. A swim in the open-air hydrotherapy pool is a must, as is a drink in its guests-only Sky Lounge, looking on to the Petronas Towers. From $US150 a night (2711 8866, hotelmaya.com.my). The 571-room Traders Hotel also overlooks the towers and is the choice for canny travellers who want a base in the city centre. From 365 ringgits a night, add about 25 per cent for a tower view (1800 222 448 toll-free from Australia, shangri-la.com). The iconic 643-room Mandarin Oriental has just opened its luxe new Arabian lounge, Casbah, complete with a DJ and meze. From 683 ringgits (Jalan Ampang, mandarinoriental.com).

Lash out

Carcosa Seri Negara is KL's most famous boutique hotel, hosting US presidents and Queen Elizabeth. Recently reopened after renovations, the two colonial mansions' 13 rooms overlook the Lake Gardens, from 1089 ringgits a night (2295 0888, carcosa.com.my). KL's top hotel for business, the contemporary-style Westin, is also a shoppers' haven, thanks to its location on Jalan Bukit Bintang. From 520 ringgits a night (2731 8333, westin.com). The Club at the Saujana is a 105-room luxe hotel 35 minutes from the city centre, set in 160 hectares of gardens, flush with spas, pools, golf courses and more, from 789 ringgits a night (Shah Alam, 7843 1234, thesaujana.com).

SHOP + PLAY

Go shop

Malaysians are accomplished shoppers and KL enjoys twice-yearly mega-sales — mid-year (July to September) and before Christmas. The main mall strip is Bukit Bintang, where you'll find Sungei Wang plaza for bargain fashion and shoes, Imbi and Low Yat plazas buzzing with electronics and Berjaya Times Square shopping mall for more cheap fashion and high-street chains as well as an indoor theme park (including Asia's longest and possibly most frightening indoor roller-coaster). Further down, new Fahrenheit is underpinned by the Japanese version of Cotton On, Uniqlo, Lot 10 is chic high-street, while impressive Starhill Gallery and Pavilion are for seriously big spenders. Out of the city centre, Mid Valley Megamall is spectacularly large and as good as anything within the city. Beneath the Petronas Towers, upmarket Suria KLCC mall is home to Malaysia's third Harrods — you get the picture.

Market love

Chinatown's Petaling Street reeks of fake leather goods and sunglasses but be prepared to spend time haggling. The art deco Central Market looks unpromising at first but reveals some cute batik fashion and thongs and a good food court. Jalan Alor is predominantly a Chinese night hawker food street awash with happy snackers and beer drinkers, who pack in after dark. The pasar malam (night market) in the Malay suburb of Kampong Baharu runs every Saturday until the early hours of Sunday, good for authentic snacking, as is Little India's frenetic pasar malam, which starts on Saturday afternoons.

Listen in

The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra's box office is at the base of the Petronas Towers — tickets for chamber concerts start at 10 ringgits, up to 95 ringgits for full-orchestra recitals (2051 7007, mpo.com.my). Roll up to Urbanattic and you might find swing bands, comedy, a discussion by design boffins or a jam session in the open-air bar and performance space. Closed Sundays (7 Persiaran Capsquare, off Jalan Ampang, Little India, attickl.com).

In the groove

Jalan P. Ramlee, in the Golden Triangle, is packed with bars full of tourists and "accommodating" local ladies, though the bars' palm-leaf roofs look a bit tired in the sunlight. Girls, the higher the heels, the cheaper the drinks every Saturday night at Neo, a tapas and luxe lounge with a mean line in cocktails on Jalan Sultan Ismail. Zouk Club, beside Petronas Towers, is a sister branch of the celebrated Singaporean club, though fickle local clubbers say it has had its day. They're all heading to Rootz nightclub on top of Starhill shopping mall. Join celebrities and young royals in the hilariously decorated loos.

SEE + DO

Icons

Top of the list for KL sights is, of course, the 88-floor Petronas Towers (pictured), which — at 451.9 metres — are the second-highest buildings in the world. Visitors can catch a lift to the skybridge on the 41st floor between 9am-7pm. Tickets are free but issued on the day, so get in early. Closed on Mondays. Allegedly, the most visited Malaysian site is Sunway Lagoon and Pyramid, an Egyptian-themed shopping centre and theme park with an ice-skating rink, man-made surf beach and 23-metre volcano, about 45 minutes from the city. (sunwaypyramid.com). Malaysia's Chelsea Flower Show gold-winning gardens are best epitomised by KL's Lake Gardens, dating from the 1880s. They include an orchid garden and bird, butterfly and deer parks.

Culture craze

The Islamic Arts Museum has temporary exhibitions drawn from across the world, as well as permanent galleries featuring architecture, Korans and manuscripts and a reconstructed 1820s Ottoman Syrian room (Jalan Lembah Perdana, 2274 2020, iamm.org.my). To sample Malaysia's mixed cultural roots, visit the city's oldest Taoist temple, Sze Ya temple (Jalan Tun H.S. Lee), the nearby intricate Hindu Sri Mahamariamman temple (Jalan Bandar) and the Mogul-influenced Jamek Mosque (Jalan Tun Perak). Snappers will love the Sultan Abdul Samad building, a Moorish fantasy and once the Sultan of Selangor's seat of power (in front of Merdeka Square).

On foot

Wander rainforest trails in the middle of the city in Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, topped by the Menara KL tower. Get a free guided nature walk if you've bought a tower ticket (38 ringgits/adults, 28 ringgits/kids). The Asian Heritage Row on Jalan Doraisamy is a series of cute pre-war houses converted into cafes, bars and clubs, which is ideal for wandering and late-afternoon aperitifs. For a different kind of footwork, visit the Kenko fish spa in the Pavilion shopping mall, where doctor fish chomp the dead skin from your feet, from 38 ringgits for 30 minutes. You can find cheaper (but not cleaner) in the Central Market.

Follow the leader

The hop-on, hop-off bus runs from 8.30am daily, covering the main sights with on-board commentary (full-day tickets 38 ringgits/adults, 17 ringgits/kids, myhoponhopoff.com). To see KL's surrounds, Viator's three-hour tour picks up from your hotel and heads to the Batu Caves Hindu temple (complete with monkeys and 272 steps) and the Thean Hou Chinese temple, then visits a batik or pewter factory with local guides (from $21.10 a person, viator.com). Learn the tricks of the Malaysian kitchen at the hands of local celeb chefs, beginning with a morning market and lunch (from 90 ringgits, rebung.com.my).

EAT + DRINK

Cafe culture

Precious Old China in the Central Market is a spinoff of the Old China Cafe, a gracious, old-style cafe serving Malay specialities: cool down with tart soursop juice or stay for lunch. Try the kari kapitan chicken and blue coconut rice, tinged with essence of pea-flower. Mains start at 16 ringgits. National Geographic's fourth cafe opened recently in Lot 10 on Bukit Bintang, a visual feast of photographs and travel books to peruse over coffee or snacks. English afternoon tea on the wide verandahs of the Carcosa Seri Negara hotel is legendary. Open to non-guests from 3-6pm. Phone 2295 0888 for reservations.

Snack attack

Some say they're the best chicken wings in KL and Wong Ah Wah's, in Jalan Alor, are pretty damned good. It'll set you back just a handful of ringgits for plump, slow-roasted wings — marry them with a few ice-cold local beers. The street Lebuh Ampang, just north of Chinatown, is the place for Indian food and banana-leaf rice. Take a seat in Lakshmi Vilas vegetarian restaurant, close your eyes while drinking chai and you could be in India: breakfast of dosai and roti canai costs less than five ringgits. You know you need chocolate, so do it in style at Armani Dolce in Starhill, with one or two absolutely perfect, handmade gold-leaf chocolates to revive flagging energies.

Top tables

Glamorous Teeq rooftop above Lot 10 shopping centre has open-air and indoor seating, with four kitchens to cater for all tastes, from Japanese to European to Thai or Malay, and lures the cashed-up, late-dining crowds. Beautiful Gonbei, in the basement of the Starhill gallery, specialises in Japanese grill — a favourite for the weekend crowds but quiet midweek. You could run around the city tasting all the second- and third-generation famed makers of hokkien mee, beef noodles, dim sum or nasi lemang, or just head to Lot 10's basement food court, which has wooed these revered cooks to open second kitchens here. Clean, cheap and popular with local city workers.

By the glass

Named the best bar in Malaysia by the local Tatler, the SkyBar in Traders Hotel is feted for its views of the Petronas Towers. It's not the only one — head to Lebanese restaurant al-Amar for a spot of star-gazing (look up and look at Robert De Niro) and shisha smoking, with live music on weekends (Level 6, Pavilion shopping mall). The happening rooftop Luna Bar, up 30 floors atop the Pacific Regency Hotel Suites, boasts a pool and sun lounges as well as views of the twin towers, so you can take a dip and cool off in KL's steamy heat at any time of the day or night (Jalan Punchak, off Jalan P. Ramlee).

Hot tip

Your brolly is your friend: equatorial KL's monsoon season runs from September to April, with May-June the driest months (though there's always a chance of rain). Temperatures average from a minimum of 23 degrees to a maximum 33 degrees. PS: "jalan" means "street" in Malay.

Getting there

KL has two international airports near each other and both are about an hour from the city. Kuala Lumpur International Airport receives main airlines including Malaysia Airlines, while the low-cost carrier terminal, LCCT, is where budget airline AirAsia operates from. Airlines on the KL-Sydney route include Jetstar, Qantas, British Airways and Singapore Airlines (all via Singapore), Emirates (via Melbourne) and Garuda Indonesia (via Jakarta).

Visas and currency

Australians don't need a visa to visit Malaysia. The local currency is the Malaysian ringgit, $1 = 3.2 ringgits.

Calling Kuala Lumpur

The Malaysian country code is +60 and 03 for Kuala Lumpur. To call KL from abroad, add +603 to the numbers listed.

More information

(02) 9299 4441, tourism.gov.my.

Qantas premium to be set up in Malaysia

 

Qantas is said to be planning to set up a premium airline in Malaysia to widen its network in Asia and service the region's fast-growing corporate travel market.

The airline yesterday rebuffed speculation that it had applied for an air operator's certificate in Malaysia, but said ''all options are on the table'' as part of a review of its international operations.

A team led by a senior executive, Lesley Grant, has been reviewing the airline's loss-making international operations since January, including looking at whether to revamp inflight products, open new routes or ditch underperforming services.

Liverpool FC to visit Malaysia

Singapore - Liverpool football club's legion of fans in Singapore will have to travel to Kuala Lumpur if they want to catch their favorites in action, when the club visit Malaysia for a pre-season tour ahead of the 2011-12 Barclays Premier League campaign.

Sources closed to the club have informed Today that the Reds will be in the Malaysian capital on July 13.

The visit to the Malaysian capital, and pre-season tune-up with possibly the Malaysian national team - the current ASEAN champions - will generate huge interest in the football-mad country, and here in Singapore, especially if new star signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll make the trip. 

The last time Liverpool, whose main sponsor is Standard Chartered, were in Singapore was in July 2009 and fans here will be disappointed the Reds will not have the Lion City pencilled down as a destination on their Asian tour schedule. 

With the National Stadium already torn down for construction work to start on the Sports Hub and its new 55,000-capacity stadium - scheduled to be completed in March 2014 - Singapore currently lacks a decent-sized venue for such marquee friendly matches.

Sources say that one or two Liverpool players may make an appearance in Singapore to meet fans in the Republic, either before or after their KL date. However, those details have not been confirmed and are still under negotiation.

Try your luck

Win: A three days, two nights stay in a deluxe room at the RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort, Chiang Mai worth RM3,800 (inclusive of breakfast for two).

There’s no better place to admire the serene Mae Ping River than the luxury boutique resort RatiLanna. Standing stately along the river bank, the resort captures the essence of Chiang Mai’s Lanna ancestry that subtly emerges in its architecture and interior decór. All the 75 guestrooms are well-pointed, featuring amenities like widescreen plasma TVs, bathrooms with built-in LCD TVs and a private balcony. Parked in the middle of Lanna historical city, this means that you’re also minutes away from the popular Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and the Chiang Mai Airport.

Visit www.asiawebdirect.com for more details on RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai, join the community of travellers on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/asiawebdirect or follow them on Twittertwitter.com/asiawebdirect

Answers 1 and 2 can be found in the March issue of Time Out KL, while the answers to questions 3 and 4 can be found on the RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai website.

Justin Bieber to Malaysia

Justin Bieber is coming to Malaysia on 21st April 2011.Many Malaysians are so exited so for more details about tickets visit http://www.ticketpro.com.my/jnp/concert/561484-justin-beiber-my-world-tour.html

KL Nightspots

Kuala Lumpur Nightspots

Bukit Bintang, Bangsar, Hartamas, Ampang

The heart of the city is where most of the big clubs are. During the day, the working offices and shopping malls are the centre of activity but come night, the clubs and discos take over! Pubs and bars, on the other hand, tend to root themselves in urban areas outside the main city areas.

It is not uncommon to find a few pubs and bars in non-Muslim residential areas as well. Karaoke is fast catching on as another popular activity, especially among the Chinese.

For night-time excitement in the big city, head to the areas of Bukit Bintang, Ampang/P.Ramlee and Sultan Ismail. Those who seek quieter, but no less vibrant, night pastures should check out Bangsar and Sri Hartamas. Because this is a Muslim country, topless shows or any other performance that is deemed sexually excessive in nature, are not allowed to be held thought there are a few in the past who have held illegal ones.

In Bukit Bintang

• Planet HollywoodNestled on the ground floor of the KL Plaza shopping centre, Planet Hollywood is par of the global chain of Planet Hollywood bars cum restaurants, where you can taste great American food and drinks.
• Club De VegasClub De Vegas is a popular bistro with Chinese that has many karaoke lounges. The club is also famous for its 'social escorts', sweet young girls that accompany bored male patrons at the club on a drinking spree.
• QBaNestled inside the Westin Hotel, QBa carries a Latin theme in its décor and style. Low-key lighting and live bands provide the relaxing ambience while a large range of fine wines lets you imbibe in style.
• MoussandraWell known for its Mediterranean cuisine, patrons can choose from a wide range of Greek, Spanish and Italian food as well as sample 'tapas' from the bar; Spanish snacks served with cocktails.
• Little HavanaAs its name suggests, this is a Cuban bar where patrons can smoke cigars to their fill while enjoying the indoor or outdoor dining.
• NewayThis popular karaoke lounge is located inside the Times Square shopping centre. The highlights are its spacious rooms, wide selection of songs and a nice dining menu.
• FrangipaniThe Frangipani is a chic bar with a nice selection of cocktails and shooters. Their speciality is House music with frequent appearances by guest DJs.

In Sultan Ismail

• Hard Rock CaféAlways the perennial crowd favourite, Hard Rock Café attract both locals and tourists. Stage performances by international artistes are held frequently. On other days, there's plenty of rhythm and blues music with some great American food.
• CarnegiesCarnegies has chains across Asia and the Kuala Lumpur chapter is no less exciting and fun to visit. Combining both retro and modern themes in its décor, Carnegies becomes a merry pub in the evenings and a fantastic disco at night.
• Finnegan'sFinnegan's is a popular Irish pub that attracts a good crowd of expatriates and locals alike. Their beers are top notch along with some great food.
• EspandaFormerly Emporium, the Espanda nightclub has a futuristic feel with lots of dance music to go around. It has a club, lounge, restaurant and a garden for al-fresco dining.
• NouvoNouvo has been one of the long-staying residents in the clubbing stretch of Sultan Ismail. The club offers a cosy environment with red cushion lounges and occasional guest DJs from overseas.
• RuumsOne of the newer joints in Sultan Ismail, Ruums is popular for its variety of polished music from hip hop to R&B and retro to trance

In Ampang

• Club De MacauClub De Macau is a huge karaoke club with two levels and karaoke rooms that can fit up to 30 people. Extremely popular with the Chinese crowd, patrons can sing a mix of Canto-pop, Japanese, Korean and English songs.
• Poppy/PassionPoppy is a club with a modern outlook that plays mainly R&B and hip-hop music, popular with the ladies. Upstairs is another club called Passion, which caters to a young crowd with a mix of house and techno music.
• NouvoNouvo has been one of the long-staying residents in the clubbing stretch of Sultan Ismail. The club offers a cozy environment with red cushion lounges and occasional guest DJs from overseas.
• Rum JunglePopular with the older crowd, Rum Jungle is a club with a tribal theme, playing reggae, Latin, Spanish and sometimes cultural beats.
• Beach ClubA Hawaiian-themed club which is mostly outdoors, Beach Club attracts a huge crowd of tourists, especially Caucasians. This is easily one of the noisiest clubs on the block.
• Thai Club & BistroA little piece of Thailand's crazy nightlife in KL! The Thai Club & Bistro is built with traditional Thai element incorporated in its architecture. They do celebrate Thai cultural events such as the Water Festival with promotions each year.
• Grand Modesto'sThis Italian hang-out area has a good balance of dining and clubbing opportunities. Also enjoy their sister bars which attract a strong Malay crowd; Bar Uno which is just next door for some great drinks or visit Bar Ibiza, also under the same roof, for dancing.

In Bangsar

• Absolute ChemistryAbsolutely Chemistry in Telawi Street is an extremely popular and outgoing club, with a mostly young crowd. There's a neat dance area and plenty of drinks to go around.
• AlexisAlexis is a cool, fancy hangout bar in a two-storey shop lot in Telawi. The ground floor is where the bistro, which serves a good range of food and drinks is, while upstairs is the hangout area.
• Bar FlamAnother great joint on Telawi Street, Bar Flam serves a large array of cocktails and fine food. This is also a great place to dance as most of the expatriate crowd here love to do.
• Club 11:15A new kid on the block, Club 11:15 has an outrageous style of promotion and service, where its staff are dressed according to changing fantasy themes from time to time.
• La BodegaMore of a fine dining restaurant, this Spanish outlet has a good range of Tapas with red or white wine. The lounge is where patrons can chill for some great music.
• T Club & BistroT Club & Bistro in Telawi is another fantastic place to hang around that's not too noisy with mostly slow music until after 11 pm, when house beats take the air waves. This place is very popular with young, working professionals.
• Telawi Street BistroAn elegant and classy bar at a corner of Telawi Street, the bistro serves fine cocktails and gourmet food. It also opens during the day time for lunch.
• The SocialThe Social is a hive of noise and activity as this club attracts sport enthusiasts, especially for English Premier League Football. The food is also pretty good.
• The TalkThis is a Japanese bistro with cooling interiors that are tinged with white and blue. The sushi is really delicious and you can enjoy a wide range of drinks too.

In Sri Hartamas

• Backyard Grill & PubA long-standing pub that is dedicated to European football, as you will see from the paraphernalia adorning the walls. Enjoy good steaks as you listen to classic tunes and modern rock.
• BreakersBreakers is famous for its excellent pool tables, attracting crowds of young pool-players. Foosball is another popular activity here while TV sets switched on sports channel light up the club.
• KarmaAnother senior club, Karma has long been one of the most popular nightspots in Hartamas. The interior and décor feature wood and organic themes heavily. The crowds are mostly local Indians.
• Soda ClubSoda is a new lively club for partying with a nice dance floor accompanied by the latest hits on the music air waves. Live bands perform here occasionally.
• Souled OutA solid reputation for good food and casual atmosphere, Souled Out attracts large crowds of youngsters and even families who dine in its spacious outdoor area. A bar is located upstairs with a small stage. During important football matches, the place becomes packed to the brim.