Malaysia Is Beautiful

The process of publishing the book for Malaysia sure gets me a lot of research. Ive been reading so many materials - from hardcopy to softcopy, and the vast information online.

Being Malaysian, and quite updated with the ongoings in the country, I thought this would be a simple & easy task. In a way, just like any other Malaysian, it should be rather easy - we roughly know the culture, people, places to visit, etc. However, I realised that the knowledge I know is rather general in a way! Even one of the simplest ones - travel was difficult.

Im lucky to have visited the many popular sites in the country, and even had a fun time snorkeling in Redang (Beautifully Refreshing). That actually help me to understand the diving sites better, and why
Malaysia is really so beautiful - above & under the sea!

IMG_0072, originally uploaded by aquanerds.

Ive never been to Sipadan, but just see how beautiful it is. What a discovery on the Sipadan island, and also on diving - picture really tells a thousand words!.

To add, the diving sites like these found at Sipadan & other areas in Sabah & Sarawak are just part of Malaysia. There is much more to see from heritage buildings, new modern buildings with great architecture, and other nature places - from North to South Peninsula, West Coast to the East Coast... and East Malaysia!

This brings me to mind on a comment made by an acquaintance on tourism in Malaysia being too diverse. That time, I agreed with him, but now I see the reason. It's mainly because the country has lots too offer! And tourists whether local or foreign, can choose what they like - all in one country!

In a way, Im enjoying myself discovering something I thought I knew! Its a lot of information & knowledge gained.

Most of all, it makes me feel that this Malaysia Book project is a good one - to share Malaysia to everyone - locals & foreign. Im sure that there are more we need to know about the country (the positive part) - more of like the first step of 'recognition' :)

*No need to guess where one of my next holiday trip is gonna be!

Inspiring Destination: Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok isn't a destination most people would be aware of. Like many beach lovers of South East Asia, I am more aware of the other islands like Bali, Langkawi, Phuket and the many other beaches in Thailand & Malaysia.

It was a suggestion from a family member about the island, and I thought, why not give it a try. Afterall, it is the sister island to Bali, and in fact, has been recently promoted together with Bali as tourist destination.



The first impression about Lombok is that it is less crowded as compared to Bali. This in a way affects the tourism industry, with some resorts not doing too well.

However, don't let those turn you off, as at the flip of the coin, is an island that is less crowded compared to the other beach islands, and this can best be felt when you drive along the roads, where you will encounter more locals than tourists. At some point, you can be the only tourist on the road!

One of the many beauty of Lombok is its resorts at very affordable rates, which mainly are located at the beach tourist strip of Sengigi. These boutique resorts have the sea as its view for picturesque sunsets and strong breeze. For the price, they are a good bargain.

For those into sea sports like snorkeling & diving, the Gili islands are recommended. And for those who are a lil more laidback like myself, I head to the black sandy beaches (yes the sand is uniquely black) for a good evening swim.




A drive along the island took me to beautiful views from the cliffs, and witnessing local lifestyle of farmers & fishermen. I got a chance to witness the fishermen as they pulled up the shore. This was a rare sight, with family members all waiting anxiously to see the catch. There were some happy faces, while others were rather glum, depending on their catch which then affects their living for the day. These fishes are then brought to the market for sale.



The people, who are mainly Sasaks are rather friendly, and exudes the Balinese warmth. Of course it helps with a lil Bahasa Indonesia, although many of the service staffs being able to speak English, as some come from Bali.

The town of Mataram, which is similar to the other small Indonesian towns is very busy & crowded, and may not appeal to those seeking to relax. This was however still a nice experience of seeing the colours of the town.

Ikat & Songket are hand woven works that are popular here. These works which may take up to 1 full month to complete are mainly used as cloths for decorations or sarungs. Apparently, the motifs have a meaning and are used for different occassions. Some are from the weaver's dreams. The ikats & songkets are more popular than batik here, though there is a number of workshops of the latter too. These painting are mainly on the lifestyle of the farmers with nature as backgrounds.

For holidaymakers who like a good budget holiday of staying at good resorts with friendly staffs... and who don't mind a different beach (black sand), then Lombok will be the place to head to.

Inspiring Destination: Langkawi

I have always been in love with Pulau Langkawi, or Langkawi Island, since my first trip many years ago. And ever since, I've returned to the island every once a year, simply to enjoy nature at its best.

Every turn & corner on the island is like a postcard view - from paddy fields, hills, sunsets, and waterfalls. The island is really best enjoyed with a car, which can be rented at affordable rates.



Owned by state of Kedah, Langkawi is strategically located in between the Andaman Sea & the Strats Of Malacca, and just 2 hours from Penang by boat. There are also flights from KL & Singapore.

And just like the rest of the beaches and islands at the Andaman Sea, Langkawi too has its white sandy beaches - the popular Pantai Cenang famous for its long stretch of white sand & water sports, plus beautiful sunsets (I fully recommend a walk during sunset here & even a swim); the upmarket Tanjung Rhu Beach which houses the big resorts or the lesser known Pantai Tengah & Pantai Kok (more quiet, but still very beautiful).



The yatchs & boats along the island also gives a beautiful sea view. One of them is at the Telaga Harbour Park, which is the parking area for the yatchs/ boats. It also houses a few fine dining restaurants.



Locals are involved in farming, but there is a growing number of people involved in the tourism industry which has been improving, ever since it has been promoted since the lates 80s/ early 90s. Many tourists shops selling local souvenirs & crafts can be spotted at Pantai Cenang and even in Kuah town.

The town is more of like the business centre - with banks, shopping centres & local businesses. Many duty free shops are also available here with relatively cheap chocolates & liquor (as Langkawi is a tax-free zone).

There is also a growing number of batik workshops on the island, as it begins to become popular with tourists. It is here that I managed to meet with a local artist & his family, who does beautiful batik paintings with local themes - of both Langkawi & Malaysia. Though deaf, he is very humble, and his skills can be seen from his artworks.

Just like the artist, most people of Langkawi are rather friendly, and most are willing to strike a conversation with you... adding to the beauty of the island.

Ever since Langkawi has been opened up for tourism, there has been quite a number of resorts & man-made visiting places popping up. One of the recent additions to Langkawi island is the cable car, which goes all the way to the top of Gunung Machinchang, giving visitors a good view of the island.



Another part where I saw a good view of the island is from the top of the Seven Wells (Telaga Tujuh). This however require a climb of over hundred steep steps. But upon reaching the top, there is that sense of achievement... And visitors can chill out swimming on the top!



If you have more time, then I would suggest the island hopping trips where the tour guides will bring you to the nearby islands - Pulau Payar, Pulau Singa Besar, Pulau Tuba, Pulau Dayang Bunting & Pulau Beras Basah. This trip was very refreshing, and I managed to swim at the fresh cool water of the lake at Pulau Dayang Bunting, watch eagles at the eagles sanctuary and even go snorkeling & diving. The waters are clear blue!



Together with its 99 other 'magical' islands, Langkawi gives a tourist everything they can bargain for. A good 4 days will enable you to see Langkawi in full, but of course, if you have more time, you could simply spend weeks here... And as for me, I'll definitely be back again to the island for its beautiful scenic nature, shopping & warm people :)



Cheap Offers To Langkawi!

Inspiring Destination: Krabi, Thailand

Amazing Thailand. I'm sure many of you have heard that tagline.

Thailand has never failed to amaze me, ever since I set foot on this beautiful country with one of the most friendliest people.

This time, I would like to share about a little destination, the province of Krabi. Located south of Thailand and known for its beautiful white sandy beaches of Ao Nang and of course, its famous island of Kho Phi Phi, where the movie, The Beach was filmed.

The scenes are exactly like postcard like, and I get the feel of walking into a photograph. The long stretch of white beach and coconut trees, plus its facing the Andaman Sea makes Krabi a beautiful beach destination.



Tourists can laze at the beaches or go to the national parks, or simply take a stroll at the many tourist shops where you'll get handicrafts, souvenirs and t-shirts & 'branded goods' from mid range to upper. A lil laidback, with activities buzzing more towards the night, Krabi is rather quiet and serene.



And like many other Thai destinations, you get to see world class resorts & hotels at affordable prices. Of course, the many budget hotels gives budget travellers more options as well, especially those who would like to stay for a longer period... in fact, I wouldn't mind doing staying there for more than 1 week (a rare for Asians!), as these hotels do come with good facilities.

What makes Krabi more unique is the people - Thai, and although many are Muslims, but they treat everyone equal, and still has that Thai friendliness and humble behavior. One of the lady at the stalls was very pretty and though she spoke lil English, but she gave that charming Asian smile, making tourists feel comfortable and at home.

Some restaurants serve good local Thai food as well, and the lemon grass drink is simply refreshing!

For a short break, Krabi serves as a good-value-for money destination :)