Tourism Of Malaysia: Langkawi island

Langkawi,(Jawi:لانكاوي ) officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Malay: Langkawi Permata Kedah[1]) is an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. On July 15, 2008, Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah had consented to the change of name to Langkawi Permata Kedah in conjunction with his Golden Jubilee Celebration. 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 the capital and largest town. Langkawi is a duty-free island.[2]

EtymologyLangkawi means reddish brown eagle in colloquial Malay. The Malay word for eagle is helang - shortened is "lang". Kawi means the colour reddish brown.[citation needed]

[edit] GeographyLangkawi, a cluster of 99 islands separated from mainland Malaysia by the Straits of Malacca, is a district of the state of Kedah in Northern Malaysia and lies approximately 51 km west of Kedah. The total land mass of the islands is 47,848 hectares, while the main island of Langkawi itself has a total of 32,000 hectares. The main island spans about 25 km from north to south and slightly more for east and west. The coastal areas consist of flat, alluvial plains punctuated with limestone ridges. Two-thirds of the island is dominated by forest-covered mountains, hills and natural vegetation.

The island's oldest geological formation, Gunung Matchincang, was the first part of South-East Asia to rise from the seabed in the Cambrian period more than half a billion years ago. The oldest part of the formation is observable at Teluk Datai to the north-west of the island, where the exposed outcrop consists of mainly sandstone (quartzite) in the upper parts and shale and mudstone in the lower parts of the sequence.

Climate and WeatherA sunny, hot and humid, tropical climate with an average annual temperature of about 32 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is during August/September, although there are occasional showers throughout the year.

DemographicsKedahan Malay made up the majority in Langkawi, followed by Chinese, Indians, and Thai. Other Malays include Pattani Malays.[citation needed]

Islam is practised primarily by the Malays. Other major religions are Hinduism (mainly among Indians), Buddhism (mainly among Chinese and Thai) and Christianity (mostly Chinese).

PopulationOnly four of the 99 islands are inhabited - Pulau Langkawi (the main island), Pulau Tuba, Pulau Rebak and Pulau Dayang Bunting. The population is approximately 99000 of which 90% are Malays. The other ethnic groups consist mainly of Chinese, Indians and Thais.

Politics Federal Parliament

Langkawi district representatives in the Federal Parliament (Dewan Rakyat)

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langkawi

Tourism Of Malaysia: National Monument (Tugu Negara)

The National Monument is a sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom, principally against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency , which lasted from 1948 until 1960. It is located in the Federal capital, Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian Houses of Parliament is situated near the monument.

It is the world's tallest bronze freestanding sculpture grouping. Every year on July 31 on Warriors' Day, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Prime Minister and heads of military and the police pay their respects to the fallen heroes by laying garlands at the monument.

First National MonumentThe original national monument was not the one in the form of human figures but was a cenotaph that was situated in the middle of a roundabout. The British administration set up the first monument, a 10m flat grass-covered ground to commemorate the wars and honour the fallen heroes from World War I, World War II and the Malayan Emergency.

It was moved to the present site during the construction of a flyover in 1964 connecting Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin and the Parliament roundabout. Therefore the original name for Jalan Tugu, where the National Monument is currently situated, was Cenotaph Road.

On the monument, it is written “To Our Glorious Dead with dates of the First World War (1914-1918), Second World War (1939-1945) and the Emergency (1948-1960).

[edit] Second National MonumentThe monument was later replaced with the National Monument, an idea mooted by Malaysia's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman and was commissioned in 1963.

The huge tall bronze figures of soldiers standing and supporting their fallen comrades, which is opposite Lake Gardens, are the work of sculptor Felix de Weldon, who also did Washington’s Iwo Jima Monument and it is regarded as the largest bronze monument grouping in the world.

The National Monument was completed and officially opened on February 8, 1966, by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. It was proclaimed a memorial park dedicated to the 11,000 people who died during the 12-year Malayan Emergency (1948-1960). Thereafter, a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the monument every July 31 on Warriors Day.

On 27 August 1975, the monument suffered extensive damage due to an explosion set off by a communist terrorist. But the communist had denied their involvement and instead alleged it was the work of the government itself to damage the monument in order to rationalize the rebuilding of the monument statues which was perceived of having statues of the Caucasians to resemble the looks of Malaysians to avoid being alleged racist and any embarrassment on the government part by blaming the communist. It has since been restored to its original state with the new looks on 11 May 1977. A fence was then erected and the complex was declared a protected area between sunset and dawn. Every day at dawn, a soldier raises the national flag and lowers it at dusk.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom has stated that from 2010, the Warriors' Day commemoration service would be held elsewhere after Malaysia's National Fatwa Council guidelines declared the statues "un-Islamic" and potentially idolatrous. Defence Minister Zahid Hamidi added that a new "Warrior's Square" would be built in the country's administrative capital Putrajaya. When asked why the decision was made only after almost four decades of celebrating Warriors' Day at the present site, Jamil evaded comment, saying "Alhamdulillah, we are serious in solving this issue".[1]

[edit] DesignConstructed in 1966, the monument is 15 meters (49.21 feet) tall, made of bronze and was designed by Austrian sculptor Felix de Weldon, who was also responsible for the famed USMC War Memorial in Virginia, United States.

The granite base of the monument bears the old coat of arms of Malaysia, flanked on either side by inscriptions in English with Roman script and Malay with Jawi script:

"Dedicated to the heroic fighters in the cause of peace and freedom,

May the blessing of Allah be upon them"

The monument depicts a group of soldiers holding the Malaysian national flag, the Jalur Gemilang, aloft. Each of the bronze figures symbolizes leadership, suffering, unity, vigilance, strength, courage and sacrifice.

Jalan TuguIn the 1960s, Jalan Tugu was Cenotaph Road named after a monument that was located at the intersection of the road and Victory Avenue which is now called Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin.

Jalan Tugu now connects to the roundabout that leads to the KL KTM Station opposite the National Mosque.

Along the road you will find the Ministry of Health, Town and Rural Planning Department and Jalan Cenderasari, which leads to the various parks in Kuala Lumpur like the Bird Park, Lake Gardens and Butterfly Park.

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Monument_(Malaysia)

Tourism Of Malaysia: Jay Chou, Nicholas Tse movie set for KL shoot

KUALA LUMPUR: It's official Taiwanese superstar Jay Chou and Hong Kong actor Nicholas Tse will be shooting their latest movie in Malaysia.

Tentatively titled Against War, the big-budget movie will be directed by acclaimed Hong Kong director Dante Lam, whose award-winning films include Beast Stalker, Hit Team and The Stool Pigeon.

The key location for the film shoot here will be the majestic old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.

Superstar team: Tse (left) and Chou will team up for their latest movie ‘Against War’ which will be shot in Malaysia.

China Press had previously reported that other possible locations for the shoot were Chow Kit, Brickfields and Port Klang.

Confirming the good news, a spokesman from KTM Berhad said “discussions were in progress” for the movie shoot.

“We're currently discussing their filming requirements with their Malaysian location manager. We will be finalising the matter by next Tuesday,” the KTMB official told The Daily Chilli.

Topping the list of items requested by the shooting crew is the railway's rolling stock while the rail tracks will also be used extensively.

Although no date has been fixed for the shoot in Kuala Lumpur, it is believed that Chou, Tse and their crew will be here at the end of April after wrapping up filming in Jordan

source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/9/nation/8448864&sec=nation#13023717007181&if_height=464

Tourism Of Malaysia: Liverpool Set For Kuala Lumpur

Liverpool will tour the Far East as part of their pre-season preparations with matches in China, Malaysia and South Korea.

The club have a huge fan base in the region and it links in commercially with sponsors Standard Chartered, who have major business interests in that part of the world.

Liverpool, who staged a 10-day pre-season tour of Thailand and Singapore in 2009, will take on opposition in Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur and then Seoul in July.

"Whenever we go to Asia, the fans are always amazing," said captain Steven Gerrard.

"The supporters over there are fanatical about Liverpool and it's great that we can give so many of them a chance to come and watch the team play."

Managing director Ian Ayre, who was instrumental in securing the Standard Chartered deal in his previous role as commercial director, is confident the three-game tour will be a success.

"The last one in 2009 was a real success and we're delighted that we are returning this summer after a break last year due to the World Cup," he said.

"Nothing beats watching the team live and by visiting China, Malaysia and Korea, we are allowing fans from all three countries to experience just that.

"We will work closely with our main sponsor Standard Chartered and our other partners in the region to ensure we can deliver our best ever pre-season tour."

Gavin Laws, group head of corporate affairs at Standard Chartered, added: "It is fantastic news for Liverpool FC's fans in Asia and yet another sign of the commitment of the club and Standard Chartered to the region."

Source : http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/liverpool-set-for-far-east-tour-15139438.html?r=RSS#ixzz1IyTHEAQO

Tourism Of Malaysia: Sunway Lagoon

Sunway Lagoon is an amusement park in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. It was officially opened by the Prime Minister Tun Mahathir bin Mohamad on April 29, 1993. It features rides in both the water park and the adjacent dry park. The park has slowly been adding rides and play areas, with the aim of substantially improving the attraction by 2008. In late 2008, new parks had been added and had cleaned the place slightly.

sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunway_Lagoon

Tourism Of Malaysia: Menara Telekom

Menara Telekom (or Menara TM) is the headquarters of Telekom Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

It is 310 m (1,017 ft) tall, has 55 floors, and is shaped to represent a sprouting "bamboo shoot". It is located along the Federal Highway, Sprint Expressway and Jalan Pantai Baru and is served by the Rapid KL Kerinchi LRT station. It was designed by Hijjas Kasturi Associates and was constructed between 1998 and 2001 by PECD Berhad.

The complex also includes a theatre able to seat a 2,500 audience, a large prayer hall (surau) and a sports facility. A unique feature of the tower is its 22 open skygardens alternating every three floors. The office floors are separated into north and south wings served by express double-deck elevators.

Near the building is Kerinchi Pylon, the tallest electricity pylon in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Menara Telekom also houses several well-known tenants, namely DaimlerChrysler, Hapag-Lloyd, Unilever, Henkel Malaysia, Penerbangan Malaysia Berhad, Takaful Nasional and the IT Department of Tenaga Nasional.

Tourism Of Malaysia: National stadium bukit jalil

Bukit Jalil National Stadium (Malay: Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil) in Bukit Jalil, located in the National Sports Complex to the south of the capital city of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, is a 87,411 capacity all-seater, multi-purpose stadium that was built in 1998 to host the 1998 Commonwealth Games. It also served as the main stadium of the 2001 Southeast Asian Games. The Bukit Jalil's capacity makes it the 25th largest stadium in the world and the 10th Biggest Football Stadium. It was built by United Engineers Malaysia, Bhd, and completed three months ahead of schedule. Designed to host a multitude of events, the National Stadium is the central and most prominent sports venue at the 1.2 km² National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil.

The stadium is considered the best stadium in Malaysia and is home of the Malaysian national football team. Initially built for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, the stadium is now used for a variety of events, most recently being one of the venues for the AFC Asian Cup 2007.

Home Stadium is the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. The stadium capacity is 87,411 which makes it the second largest stadium in Southeast Asia behind Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, and is also the 10th biggest football stadium in the world. Malaysia's previous national stadium was the Merdeka Stadium before the Bukit Jalil sports complex was constructed. Malaysia also uses Shah Alam Stadium besides the Bukit Jalil. The stadium hosted the Opening and Closing ceremonies and the Athletics competitions of the 1998 Commonwealth Games. There were many other sports venues that were built for the Commonwealth Games, such as Bukit Kiara Sports Complex and the National Sports Complex, Malaysia. Malaysia also uses other stadiums for their matches such as KLFA Stadium, MBPJ Stadium and the Shah Alam Stadium.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Stadium,_Bukit_Jalil

Tourism Of Malaysia: Mid Valley megamall

Mid Valley Megamall is a complex comprising a shopping mall, an office tower block, 30 signature offices and 2 hotels located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was opened in November 1999. The mall has 4.5 million square feet (420,000 m²) of total floor area, out of which 1.7 million square feet (158,000 m²) is leasable space. [1]

It has about 430 shops on five and a half floors. It has five anchor tenants; Carrefour, Jusco, Golden Screen Cinemas, Metrojaya and Harvey Norman. It also houses an 18 screen Cinema. Then there is a state-of-the-art bowling centre, a One-Stop IT Centre, two mega food courts and also a mega bookstore called MPH.

It houses a 48,300 square foot (4,500 m²) convention centre and it is situated adjacent to a 646 room business hotel named Cititel Midvalley and 30 units of exclusive 11 storey signature offices. A second hotel, Boulevard, opened in mid 2005. It has 390 rooms. Mega Mall is a key part of Mid Valley City, one of the country's largest urban development projects. It was awarded the Best Shopping Complex Award 2000 by Tourism Malaysia and Best Retail Development Award 2001 by FIABCI Malaysia. It has become one of Malaysia's most popular tourist destinations.

After The Gardens completed in 2007, it is linked to Mid Valley Megamall through a bridge and an underground corridor, with many restaurants and snack shops.

sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid_Valley_Megamall

Tourism Of Malaysia: Sepang International Circuit

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is a racing circuit in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia. It is located near Kuala Lumpur International Airport, approximately 60 km south of the capital city Kuala Lumpur. It is the venue used for the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix, A1 Grand Prix as well as the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix. It is also used as a venue for many other major motorsport events.

The circuit was designed by German designer Hermann Tilke, who would subsequently design the new facilities in Shanghai, Bahrain and Turkey

The main circuit, normally raced in a clockwise direction, is 5.54 kilometres long, and is noted for its sweeping corners and wide straights.[1] The layout is quite unusual, with a very long back straight separated from the pit straight by just one very tight hairpin.

Other configurations of the Sepang circuit can also be used. The north circuit is also raced in a clockwise direction. It is basically the first half of the main circuit. The course turns back towards the pit straight after turn 6 and is 2.71 kilometres long in total.

The south circuit is the other half of the racecourse. The back straight of the main circuit becomes the pit straight when the south circuit is in use, and joins onto turn 8 of the main circuit to form a hairpin turn. Also run clockwise, this circuit is 2.61 km in length.

Sepang International Circuit also features kart racing and motocross facilities

sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepang_International_Circuit

Tourism Of Malaysia: Petronas twin tower KLCC

The Petronas Towers (also known as the Petronas Twin Towers or KLCC) are skyscrapers and twin towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 until surpassed by Taipei 101, but remain the tallest twin buildings in the world.The building is the landmark of Kuala Lumpur with nearby Kuala Lumpur Tower

The Petronas Towers were the tallest buildings in the world for six years, until Taipei 101 was completed in 2004. The height of the towers is measured to the top of their structural components such as spires, but do not include antennas.Spires are considered actual integral parts of the architectural design of buildings, to which changes would substantially change the appearance and design of the building, whereas antennas may be added or removed without such consequences. The Petronas Towers still remain the tallest twin buildings in the world.

sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petronas_Twin_Towers

Tourism Of Malaysia: States in Malaysia

Malaysia consists of thirteen states and three federal territories which is

Kuala Lumpur

Labuan

Putrajaya

Pahang

Negeri Sembilan

Selangor

Perak

Malacca

Johore

Perlis

Kedah

Kelantan

Terengganu

Sabah

Sarawak

Pulau Pinang

Tourism Of Malaysia: Introduction

Malaysia (i /məˈleɪʒə/ mə-LAY-zhə or i /məˈleɪsiə/ mə-LAY-see-ə) is a federal constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia. It consists of thirteen states and three federal territories and has a total landmass of 329,847 square kilometres (127,350 sq mi). It is separated by the South China Sea into two regions, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo (also known as West and East Malaysia respectively). Land borders are shared with Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei, and maritime borders exist with Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Peninsular Malaysia is connected to Singapore via two bridges, one which transports water and one just for traffic. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The population is over 27.5 million.

Malaysia has its origins in the Malay Kingdoms present in the area which, from the 18th century, became subject to the British Empire. The first British territories were known as the Straits Settlements, with the other states forming protectorates. The states on Peninsular Malaysia, then known as Malaya, was first unified as the Malayan Union in 1946. Malaya was restructured as the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and achieved independence on 31 August 1957. Malaya united with Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore to form Malaysia on 16 September 1963. However, less than two years later in 1965, Singapore withdrew from the federation, and became an independent city state. Since independence, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5% for almost 50 years. The economy has traditionally been fuelled by its natural resources, but is now expanding in the sectors of science, tourism, commerce and medical tourism.

The head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, an elected monarch chosen from the hereditary rulers of the nine Malay states every five years. The head of government is the Prime Minister. The government system is closely modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system and the legal system is based on English Common Law. The country is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, factors that influence its culture and play a large role in politics.

Malaysia contains the southernmost point of continental Eurasia, Tanjung Piai, and is located near the equator and has a tropical climate. It has a biodiverse range of flora and fauna, and is considered a megadiverse country. It is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, and a member of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia