Marvel Mauritius

Introduction:

Mauritius is reffered to as a high-class, luxurious destination. Hell, if you know what you're doing, you can have mega-fun in Mauritius for a twentieth of the price you're paying a hotel. Of course, the hotels have super luxurious bathrooms, great rooms, organised tours and everything else - but well, no.

Rent a house (a large one) for two hundred us dollars for a whole month - and enjoy yourself. Mauritius has no significant monuments, but there's got loads and loads of beaches around. You can easily rent a car too - and cruise around the country. There are loads and loads of different beaches around - they're not all the same, and it's fun to "try" all of them. By try, I mean, swim in them, and lie on the beach and check out the babes around. Too bad there aren't any nude beaches around.

Shopping is not bad in Mauritius - officially, there's the "Caudan Waterfront" - on the overall, nice place to shop, but with expensive items. There's also the "unofficial" shopping places, and the markets (one in each big town), where you can find exotic flowers (they aren't very useful, they just die out after a few days. Try to get hold of plastic ones) and fruits. I came round during the period where you could get letchi's and mangoes. Those were really nice. I loved it.

Tourism is a flourishing industry in Mauritius. Also, in here, it's piracy heaven (although they've started to crack down on it - but most of the movies and recent releases appear on sale for just a few bucks), but electronics is significantly more expensive than countries such as hong-kong (they import most of their electronics stuff from Asian countries, so...).

Anyway, there's the very neat Jardin of Pamplemousses to visit, which has got loads and loads of exotic and rare trees - and there's also the museum of Port-Louis. Well, the museum's really a dusty old crappy place, with old farty-tourists occasionally dropping by - but there's this cool collection of sea beasts over there. Well, I had second thoughts about going back into the sea - but I was reassured that those creatures couldn't be found in the lagoon. Heh, I was relieved.And there's the ever-so-popular Dodo, an indigenous bird of Mauritius, a bit of a fat ass, really. The Dodo couldn't fly (nor run away it seems. A real dumb-ass-bird) - so they were all eaten up.There's also the small islands, and the big huge Trou-Aux-Cerfs volcano (Dormant. Duh), which are worth the visit. There are beaches everywhere, and life's cool in Mauritius. It's very much worth the visit, and if you have Mauritian friends, you can really get yourself very comfortable for real cheap.

Think of endless white sand beaches and about a hundred shades of blue in the ocean. Add miles of lush sugarcane plantations, abundant birdlife and scenic mountains. Garnish with a fascinating potpourri of cultures, colourful traditions and festivals, and you have Mauritius. Long ignored in favour of Maui or Martinique, Mauritius has come into its own as a tropical island paradise in the popular imagination, a reputation it thoroughly deserves.Less African than Indian, French or British, Mauritius has an interesting history of ethnic immigration that offers to the traveler a microcosm of world cultures in addition to its amazing natural beauty.

Mauritius the land of endless white sand beaches and about a hundred shades of blue in the ocean. with miles of lush sugarcane plantations, abundant birdlife and scenic mountains. A fascinating potpourri of cultures, colourful traditions and festivals, that is Mauritius. Today Mauritius has come into its own as a tropical island paradise in the popular imagination, a reputation it thoroughly deserves.

Mauritius has an interesting history of ethnic immigration that offers to the traveler a microcosm of world cultures in addition to its amazing natural beauty. Mauritius has the unmistakable advantage of being a country whose attractions do not play 'hard-to-get'-once you get to the island of course! Most of the sights and sounds of the island are within easy reach, and you are never further than a couple of hours' bus ride away from spectacular scenery.

Experience Mauritius and the many sights Mauritius offers, from Coloured Earths of Chamarel, giant Victoria Regina water lilies at the Pamplemousse or the Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens to The trendy beaches of Grand Baie on the northern coast. Journeymart offers travellers, holiday packages and tour packages to Mauritius and its sights, combined with airfare on Air Mauritius. If you are looking for a family vacation, incentive tour, conference package or honeymoon package in Mauritius, Journeymart offers ready made tour packages or can customize a tour package for you. You can choose from the many holiday & tour packages to Mauritius listed below or Send us your request for customized holiday & tour package and our travel counselors will help you plan your dream holiday to Mauritius.

Sizzling Singapore

Introduction:

Singapore, an island-state in Southeast Asia, was founded as a British trading colony in 1819 which joined Malaysia in 1963, but withdrew two years later and became independent. Now it is one of the world's most prosperous countries, with strong international trading links (its port is one of the worlds busiest) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Singapore's strategic location combined with a largely corruption-free government, skilled work force, pro-foreign investment and export-oriented led to a successful free-market economy which attracts international investment funds on a large scale despite its relatively high-cost operating environment.

Singapore, an island-state in Southeast Asia, was founded as a British trading colony in 1819 which joined Malaysia in 1963, but withdrew two years later and became independent. Now it is one of the world's most prosperous countries, with strong international trading links (its port is one of the worlds busiest) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe. Singapore's strategic location combined with a largely corruption-free government, skilled work force, pro-foreign investment and export-oriented led to a successful free-market economy which attracts international investment funds on a large scale despite its relatively high-cost operating environment.

Garden City, Instant Asia, Surprising Singapore, and now Uniquely Singapore. What makes this tiny state so unique? Probably a lot of things - culture, cuisine, arts, architecture - Singapore is the perfect blend of all this. Offering the warmth and friendliness of Asia, for centuries Singapore has been the remarkable link between the east and the west. A stay here will be a journey through time, from ethnicity to a contemporary business center, from calm gardens to tapering skyscrapers. With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a new day everyday, your stay will be a memorable mix-and-match of all the things you have always wanted to do. Full of unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the city offers countless experiences awaiting discovery. Enjoy your visit here and take away memories that are really Uniquely Singapore.

This vibrant country is more of a bustling yet relatively relaxing place where one can spend memorable vacations, and at the same time witness some of the unique Asian flavors that this city-state has to present.

Fact File:

Official name: Singapore

Government: Parliamentary

Nationality: Singaporean

Capital city: Singapore city

Ethnic groups: Chinese (77.3%); Malay (14.1%); Indian (7.3%); others (1.3%)

Location: Singapore, a small island with over 60 surrounding islets, is located in Southeastern Asia.

Continent: Asia

Currency: The Singapore dollar (S$) ; 1 SGD = 25.941 Indian Rupee = 0.5957 USD = 0.4906 Euro (subject to change).

Population: 4 million

Languages: Malay is the national language. Chinese (Mandarin), Malay, Tamil and English are the official languages.

Religion: Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Taoist, and Confucian

Area: 683 sq km

Famous for: Shopping

Major cities: Singapore, Johor Bahru

Clothing: In business settings, lightweight conservative clothing, like dress slacks, a long-sleeved shirt, and a tie will fit in well. Suits are reserved for important meetings and formal events. Businesswomen generally wear knee-length or longer skirts with blouses, and understated make-up.

Major events: Roar of a Chinese dragon at NewYear, Vesak Day in May celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, The Dragon Boat Festival (held in May or June), The Chinese Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (September), RamadanHari Raya Puasa, The festival of Thaipusam

Things to buy: clothes, electronic items

Things to do: sightseeing, shopping, visiting the art galleries, attending exhibitions.

Cuisine: Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Peranakan, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Korean cuisine, and more. Nonya cooking is a local variation on Chinese and Malay food, mixing Chinese ingredients with local spices such as lemongrass and coconut cream. The popular spicy, coconut-based soup laksa is a classic Nonya dish.

Visa Permit:

The applicant must have passport valid for six months beyond intended stay in Singapore; one completed visa application form (Form 14, photocopy allowed); one recent passport-size photograph (In Consulate three photographs are required in 45mm x 35 mm in matt finish); confirmed return/ onward air ticket; valid entry visa to the next destination of travel and proof of funds at least USD 600 for a short visit. Passenger may be required to show this on arrival into Singapore. Visa validity is for 90 days with a short stay allowed. Processing time is two working days. For groups, requirements are covering letter from Tour Operator & list of passengers, hotel confirmation from Singapore, acceptance letter from the handling agent in Singapore and their tour itinerary.

Culture:

The country of Singapore is an extremely lively city where fun, food and celebration of every occasion is a common feature. Street performances are held during important festivals such as Chinese New Year where the Lion Dance is a spectacular, acrobatic dance usually performed during Chinese festivals and other dance style include Malay and Indian dances. Chinese opera, an ancient form of theatre, is a colourful mix of dialogue, music; song and dance is popular amongst the older people.

Singapore can be termed as the food capital of Asia. Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and Western foods are all available. Singapore is a great place to discover tropical fruits. Some of the more unusual ones on offer include rambutan, mangosteen, durian, jackfruit, pomelo, starfruit, zirzat, buah duku, chiku and jeruk.

When to Go:

Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. One can co-ordinate one's visit with one of the various festivals and events: Thaipusam is a spectacular festival, occurring around February. For people who love to shop and eat, April brings the Singapore Food Festival and the Great Singapore Sale in June.

Climate:

Climate is tropical, warm and humid; with only slight variations between 23°-31°Celsius. There are two main seasons: the Northeast Monsoon (from December to March) and the Southwest Monsoon (from May to September), separated by two shorter inter-monsoon periods. There are no distinct wet or dry periods.

Getting There:

By Air: Changi Airport is about 20 km. from the Central Business District. The airport is linked by two expressways -- the East Coast Parkway and the Pan Island Expressway -- to other parts of Singapore, providing easy access by taxi, public bus, or car. Travel time to the city is about 25 minutes by car or taxi, 45 minutes by bus. Most airlines fly into Singapore's heavily trafficked Changi International Airport. The best way to get from the airport to the city (20km/12mi away) is by train, but there is also a wide choice of bus and taxi services.

By Train: Singapore is the southern terminus of Malaysia's rail system, and three trains go to Kuala Lumpur each day.

By Bus: Air-conditioned buses link Singapore to almost all large Malaysian cities; fares are inexpensive. A second causeway has opened between Singapore and Malaysia to ease traffic - it links Tuas in Singapore with Geylang Patah - and is known pragmatically enough as the Second Link. It can only be used if you have your own transport.You can travel between Malaysia (just a kilometre away) and Singapore very easily by taxi.

By Sea: A passenger ferry operates between north Changi and Tanjung Belungkor, east of Johor Bahru, and a daily high-speed catamaran links Singapore with Malaysia's Tioman Island. No direct passenger ferries are present between Singapore and the main ports of Indonesia, but it is possible to travel between the two countries via the Indonesian islands of the Riau Archipelago, immediately south of Singapore.

Modern ferries join Singapore to the islands of Batam and Bintan in the archipelago. Speedboats join Batam to Pekanbaru in Sumatra, and several ships a week link Bintan with Jakarta.

Getting Around:

By Road: Metered taxis (although rickshaws are really only in Chinatown and the back streets) provide a convenient way to see the city. Using the MRT subway system or the convenient bus services one can move around in the city. Singapore has a comprehensive bus network with frequent services and is also reasonable and easy to use. Singapore has a convenient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system which is inexpensive.

By Sea: One can even opt to get around the place on the water by ferry or bumboat.Regular ferry services operate from the World Trade Centre to Sentosa and other islands.One can charter bumboats (motorized sampans) or luxurious tours to take various trips the Singapore River, while luxurious junk tours can be taken around the harbor.

Major Attractions:

Singapore History Museum: It possesses a fascinating permanent collection exhibiting the region's diverse cultures and history including the superb 380-piece Haw Par jade collection, donated by the Aw brothers.

Haw Par Villa (Tiger Balm Gardens): About ten kilometers (six miles) west of the city, the Haw Par Villa was originally built by the Aw brothers. It is a theme park of Chinese mythology, with older exhibits of legendary figures and tableaux, currently being restored to its former glory. The Aw family's private jade collection, on loan from the Singapore History Museum, is displayed in the Jade House at Haw Par Villa.

Sentosa Island: Cable cars and ferries run from the World Trade Centre to this former military base half a kilometer (one third of a mile) offshore. It is Singapore's most popular attraction. The island has a wide variety of museums, sights and activities including South-East Asia's largest oceanarium, a Butterfly Park and Insectariums.

Singapore Zoo: Built in the early 1970s it emphasizes on natural habitat and it is a home to more than 2000 animals of nearly 250 species. The Night Safari offers an unrivalled opportunity to study nocturnal animals.

Popular Attractions:

- Night Safari- Singapore Zoo- Chinatown- Mount Faber Cable Car- Asian Civilisations Museum- Singapore Botanic Gardens- Thian Hock Keng Temple- Little India- Mustafa Centre- Orchard Road- Merlion Statue- Singapore Art Museum- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple- Empress Place Building- Sentosa Orchid Gardens- Zouk- Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve- Temple of 1,000 Lights (Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya)- St. Andrew's Cathedral- Fort Canning Park

Deals on Singapore Hotels:

Hotel 1929 - Hotel Asia - Golden Landmark - A Far East Hotel - Quality Hotel Singapore - Gallery Hotel - Hotel 81 - Star - YWCA Fort Canning Lodge - Fragrance Ruby - Fraser Suites Singapore - SHA Villa - River View Hotel Singapore - Summer View Hotel - Robertson Quay Hotel - Orchard Parade - A Far East Hotel - Park View Hotel - Crown Hotel at Orchard - Paramount Hotel Singapore - Hotel 81 - Palace - Parkroyal on Kitchener Road - Hotel Royal - Asphodel Inn Singapore - The Elizabeth - A Far East Hotel - York Hotel - Metropolitan YMCA Singapore - Copthorne Orchid Hotel Singapore - Garden Hotel Singapore - Royal Peacock Hotel - Peninsula Excelsior Hotel - Hotel Supreme - Hotel 81 - Bencoolen - Fragrance Emerald - Fragrance Crystal Hotel - Fragrance Hotel Joo Chiat - Aliwal Park Hotel - Royal at Queens - Fragrance - Rose - Aspinals Hotel - Chinatown Hotel - Hotel 81 - Chinatown - The Inn at Temple Street - Fragrance Hotel Selegie - Claremont Hotel Singapore - Hotel Grand Central - Fragrance Pearl Hotel - Fraser Place Singapore - Hotel 81 - Joo Chiat - Hotel 81-Bugis - Orchard Parksuites- Keong Saik Hotel- Hotel Bencoolen

Other Attractions:

- Thian Hock Keng Temple- Jurong Bird Park- Peranakan Place Museum

Luscious Langkawi

Introduction:

Langkawi, one of Malaysia's most popular tropical islands, is a destination that encompasses mystical legends, scenic jungle covered hills, alluring beaches, fantastic resorts and is marked by a comfortable easy pace.This enchanting resort presents the nature in its natural unspoilt form in combination with rugged beauty and local legends which present an irresistible combination of cultural and natural attractions.

It's an ideal place to witness great outdoor activities like golf, snorkeling, marine park, charter boat or a cable car to the top of the mountain where each activity is equally exciting and full of fun with a punch of excitement.The Malaysian government has spent considerable funds to develop a great infrastructure consisting of excellent roads, modern shopping centres, new marinas and impressive resort hotels. Besides these, Langkawi's Duty free status has also created some fabulous shopping opportunities!

Langkawi also hosts a number of international events including the Tour de Langkawi, an annual cycling competition starting in Langkawi and ending in Kuala Lumpur; The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Show (LIMA) and the annual Royal Langkawi Regatta which draws boats from all over the world. These events make the place a centre of tourist attraction.

Fact File:

Country: Malaysia

Population: 60.000

Languages: English, Tamil, Chinese, Malay

Climate: Temperatures in Langkawi range from 22.35 C to 34.5 C. Rainfall in Langkawi varies from 69.0 to 870.0 (mm/month).

Official Currency: Malaysia Ringgit (RM); 1 RM = 11.454 Indian Rupee = 0.2632 US $ = 0.2173 Euro (subject to change).

Location: Located off the North West coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi is part of an archipelago of around 104 mostly uninhabited islands where hidden coves and deserted beaches were once the haunt of pirates.

Getting There:

By Air: Domestic flights are available from the Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru and Ipoh (Malaysia) with international flights from Changi Airport in Singapore and Kansai Airport in Japan. The airlines that service the Langkawi airport include Malaysia Airlines System (MAS), Silk Air and Air Asia.

By Boat: There are four ferry departure points in Malaysia to Langkawi. Kuala Perlis in Perlis province, Kuala Kedah in Kedah province, Georgetown in Penang Island. Tourists travelling from Thailand depart from Satun in the south.

Getting Around:

By Road: Rented cars are the norm with many car owners doubling as guides to supplement their income. However, one rent a vehicle from one of the beach resorts. The easiest way to get around Langkawi is on two wheels and there are lots of Honda 70cc motorbikes on the island for rent. Public transportation is available in Kuah. Buses run from the jetty to the centre of town. The only other destination for buses is Pantai Cenang.

Accommodation:

The city of has very good hotels to ensure a comfortable stay for the tourists. Mentioned below is a list of some of the hotels in the city:

5 star hotels in the city:

Pelangi Beach & Spa Resort

Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort

4 star hotels in the city:

Sheraton Perdana Resort

The Datai Resort

Holiday Villa Langkawi

3 star hotels in the city:

Four Seasons Langkawi

Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort

Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort

The Andaman Datai Bay Langkawi

Major Tourist Attractions:

Taman Lagenda: This beautiful park with its splendid gardens of delicate local flowers, plants and fruit trees provides a picturesque and perfect background for buildings presenting Malaysia's rich cultural heritage.

Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri Tomb or Mausoleum): This shrine lies in a village about 12 km from Kuah and was erected in the honour of a fair maiden who lived on Pulau Langkawi more than two hundreds years ago and was punished for a crime she never committed.

Telagah Tujuh (Seven Wells): Located in the northwest corner of Pulau Langkawi, it is a geographical marvel. According to a legend fairies used to come down to this waterfall to bathe and frolic. The waterfall is so named because the cascading water is broken by a series of seven natural pools. The lush green forest surrounding the waterfall add a mysterious touch to the splendour.

Gunung Raya (mountain): Located 12 km from Kuah, it is Langkawi's highest mountain at about 893 mtrs. It is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and the road leading to the peak of the mountain takes about 40 minutes and offers a fantastic view from the top of the island below. To the east one can relish the sight of the islands of South Thailand and to the west are views of Kuah harbour and Mat Cincang Mountain

Other Attractions:

Air Hungat Village

Padang Masirat

Pantai Pasir Hitam

Dataran Lang or "Eagle Square

Sangkar Ikan

Perky Penang

Introduction:

Penang is unique in Malaysia because it is one destination that offers everything from beaches to historical sights to diverse culture to shopping and yes of course food. If you don't have too much time in your hand to visit Malaysia extensively, but want to have a wide experience of Malysian tourism, then Penang is the perfect place for you.

Penang gets its name from the Malay word pinang, in reference to the areca plant, which grew on the island in abundance. The nut of the tree, commonly called betel, was chewed habitually in the East. To gather a complete picture of Malaysia one can visit Penang with the assurance that the place will leave you stunned with its pristine beauty and irresistible charm.

Fact File:

Country: Malaysia

Population: 1.4 million

Languages: English, Tamil, Chinese, Malay

Climate: Penang has an equatorial climate which is uniformly warm and humid throughout the year. The average minimum and maximum temperatures range from 23 C to 32 C. There are no recognisable hot or cold seasons as such and the mean annual rainfall of approximately 267cm is evenly distributed throughout the year, although September to November may be considered the wettest months.

Official Currency: Malaysia Ringgit (RM); 1 RM = 11.454 Indian Rupee = 0.2632 US $ = 0.2173 Euro (subject to change).

Location: This beautiful little place is located in southeast Asian country of Malaysia.

Getting There:

Penang is easily accessible by air with daily flights from major capitals of the region.

By Air: The Penang International Airport is about 20 km from the city center. Taxis plying the route follow the coupon system by which fares between the airport and various destinations in Penang are fixed. Air-conditioned taxis and limousines charge higher fares. It has direct links with Singapore, Bangkok, Nagoya, Medan, Xiamen (China) and Madras, operated by Malaysia Airlines. The airline also operates more than 20 flights daily between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Getting Around:

By Road: Taxis, Buses or Trishaws provide a convenient way to see around the city. Most major international and local car rental companies offer a good choice of vehicles and packages. Motorcycles and bicycles also offer inexpensive and fun ways of exploring the island. Stores along the hotel stretch of Batu Ferringhi and in the city offer them for hire.

Accommodation:

The city of has very good hotels to ensure a comfortable stay for the tourists. Mentioned below is a list of some of the hotels in the city:

5 star hotels in the city:

Hotel Grand Plaza Parkroyal

Hotel Evergreen Laurel

Hotel Northam All Suite

4 star hotels in the city:

Hotel Equitorial

Hotel paradise Sandy

Hotel Bay

Shangri La Golden Sands Resort

3 star hotels in the city:

Hotel Eastern and Oriental

Hotel Continental

Hotel City Bay View

Major Tourist Attractions:

Penang Bridge: It is held by cables and is 13.5 km long, 8.5 km over water, the rest consisting of a viaduct on the island side with a flyover on the mainland. Longest in Asia, supposedly third longest in the world. The island end of the bridge begins near the University at Gelugor and the mainland end at Seberang Jaya.

Penang museum and art gallery: Formerly the Penang Free School building, it was built in 1816 and houses a fine collection of historical documents, Malay treasures, Straits Chinese furniture, embroidery and custumes. It exhibits the fishing, agricultural and natural history of the island and its geographical educational and economic life. The art gallery displays several paintings - and holds frequent exhibitions of works - of local artists.

Logan Memorial and high court: A marble statue stands in the high court compound dedicated to James Richardson Logan, a prominent lawyer and one-time editor of the `Penang Gazette'.

St. George's Church: It is one of the oldest Anglican churches in Malaya and Singapore. In front of the church stands a monument to Capt. Francis Light. The building has semi-arches, mouldings, doric columns and pillars; the roof which was originally flat is now gable-shaped.

Kapitan Kling Mosque: This is Penang's first mosque, built around 1800 to replace an old attap structure that had been constructed in 1786 by an Indian Muslim merchant, Cauder Mohideen who was then the `Kling Kapitan' (Indian Muslim Headsman). Its dome shaped with well placed minaret reflecting Islamic architecture of Indian influence is just amazing.

Forest Recreation Park: This beautiful landscaped park on the northwest coast covers 100 hectares has several freshwater pools, footpaths, rest huts, and a children's playground. There is a forestry museum which owns tropical timbers and their products and preserved insect species. It is located at Telok Bahang, 24 km from Georgetown.

Beaches: Penang has attractive beaches that stretch for miles from Tanjong Bungah to Bungah to Batu Ferringhi right up to Telok Bahang. At Tanjong Bungah, the beaches are suitable for swimming.

Other Attractions:

Cheong Fatt Tze

Fort Cornwallis and King Edward Circus Clock Tower

Youth Park

Khoo Kongsi

State mosque

Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple

Kek Lok Si

Glorious Genting

Introduction:

Genting Highlands offers excursion for families with many forms of entertainment, as there are crowds of thrill-seekers who climb 2000 metres above sea level to enjoy the cool mountain air as well as a growing number of indoor and outdoor activities.

The outdoor theme park presents thrilling roller coasters, such as the Cork screw and the Cyclone, as well as other venues for fun seekers such as the Monorail and the Flying Dragon. The indoor theme park has various themes from around the world. Visit Venice, Paris, USA, England and Switzerland in a matter of minutes and enjoy the ride. There are also suspended rides like the Rio Float and the Reindeer Cruiser for your amusement.The Awana Eco Park, on the lower level of the mountain range, presents a variety of eco sports, flora & fauna. For golfers, there is the award winning 18 hole Golf course at the Awana Golf and Country Club. In the vicinity is the mini golf course and a driving range.

Fact File:

Country: Malaysia

Population: 4751

Languages: English, Tamil, Chinese, Malay

Climate: Coastal climate

Official Currency: Malaysia Ringgit (RM); 1 RM = 11.454 Indian Rupee = 0.2632 US $ = 0.2173 Euro (subject to change).

Location: This resort is located at a few kilometers distance from Kuala Lumpur.

Getting There:

There are eighteen scheduled services that leave daily from the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur. The Resort also runs a coach service from KLIA, hotels and other strategic group pick up points in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.

Getting Around:

Taxis and rental cars are the best ways to see the city.

Accommodation:

The city has very good hotels to ensure a comfortable stay for the tourists. Mentioned below is a list of some of the hotels in the city:

1. Genting Highlands Golf & country resort

2. Genting Hotel

Major Tourist Attractions:

Genting Highlands Resort: Popularly known as Genting - 'City of Entertainment' offers world-class leisure and entertainment attractions and is an important tourist attraction in Malaysia. The resort has won numerous awards of excellence such as "Best Deluxe Family Resort/Theme Park" and "Outstanding Achievements in Hotel/Resort Development", 2003-2004 (World Asia Publishing) and "Asia Pacific's Leading Casino Resort 2001" (World Travel Awards).

The resort's attractions include over 50 fun rides, 150 outlets (comprising 80 dining and 70 shopping outlets) and six uniquely themed leisure walk boulevards at First World Plaza - the highest shopping centre in Malaysia at about 2,000 metres above sea level.

Casino de Genting: This is a world-class gaming entertainment area with three mega multi-purpose venues (the 6,000-pax Genting International Convention Centre, 6,000-pax Arena of Stars and 1,800-pax Genting International Showroom) that provide a regular flow of world class shows and events.

First World Plaza: This place offers a unique blend of indoor theme park, themed entertainment areas, enjoyable shopping and dining experiences, world-class entertainment shows and performances.

Genting Highway: Genting Highlands Resort has unusual Genting Skyway - "the longest cable car in Southeast Asia" covering 3.38km from the midhill at Gohtong Jaya to Highlands Hotel at the hilltop. Genting Skyway, at maximum speed of 21.6km per hour is also the fastest mono cable car system in the world.

Magical Malaysia

Introduction:

Malaysia is one of the rapidly growing economies in the world which is located in the heart of South-East Asia and comprises of two parts namely Peninsular Malaysia, bordering with Thailand in the North and Singapore in the South; and East Malaysia, with the states of Sarawak and Sabah sharing the island of Borneo, with Indonesia.Exciting, diverse Malaysia - a destination unrivalled by any other. A fascinating combination of unspoiled beaches, breathtaking highlands, tropical rainforests, an incredible variety of flora and fauna, cosmopolitan cities and a diverse multiracial culture help make Malaysia a destination unrivalled by any other. Situated in the heart of South East Asia, Malaysia is made up of two parts - Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.Peninsular Malaysia is home to the capital, Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant city with a rich mix of western influences and eastern culture and a shopper's paradise. Discover the highlands, retreats and east coast beaches. Many resort islands lie off its coast - Penang, a tropical island with a unique cultural heritage; Langkawai, a tropical paradise for those wanting to relax; Tioman Island, considered one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal clear waters; Redang Island, famous for its popular Marine Park and Pangkor Island with enchanting beaches and rainforests.The easternmost part of Malaysia is located on the island of Borneo and consists of two states, Sarawak and Sabah. In Sarawak you can experience local culture, nature, adventure and the traditional 'Longhouses'. Sabah is one of Malaysia's best kept secrets with lush rainforests, and plenty of wildlife to discover. Malaysia offers an exciting and diverse range of holiday options - choose one destination or combine several to create a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.Malaysia is one of the most pleasant and peaceful countries to visit in South-East Asia. Malaysian society stands on a lively and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs. Malaysia is a land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in color and contrasts, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing images that leave visitors to the country in awe. The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary; wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people would prove to be a very special experience. Malaysia is paradise blessed with sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains. A land of many colors is a popular holiday destination.

Fact File:

Official name: The Federation of Malaysia

Government: Constitutional Monarchy

Nationality: Malaysian

Capital city: Kuala Lumpur

Ethnic Group: 50% Malay, 33% Chinese, 9% Indian, plus indigenous tribes such as Orang Asli and Iban

Location: Southeastern Asia, peninsula and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam

Continent: Asia

Currency: Malaysia Ringgit (RM); 1 RM = 11.454 Indian Rupee = 0.2632 US $ = 0.2173 Euro (subject to change)

Population: 23 millionLanguages: English, Tamil, Chinese, MalayReligion: 52% Muslim, 17% Buddhist, 12% Taoist, 8% Christian, 8% Hindu, 2% tribalArea: 329,750 sq km

Famous for: Tropical rainforests, iydillic beaches

Major cities: Kuala Lumpur, Genting, Langkawi, Penang

Neighbouring countries: Indonesia

Clothing: Lightweight, washable, casual clothes are the order of the day in Malaysia - cotton or cotton-rich/synthetic mix (preferably the former) are recommended. A light sweater is a good idea for cooler evenings

Major events: Hari Raya Puasa,. Hari Raya Haji. Chinese New Year Thaipusam Kota Belud Tamu Besar Things to buy: designer collections, elegant footwear, exclusive watches, optical items, and quality fabrics. Electrical appliances, electronic equipment, computers, and cameras

Things to do: Shopping, sightseeing

Cuisine: Malay, Chinese and Indian

Visa Permit:

The applicant should have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Malaysia; one visa application form; (photocopy allowed); two passport-size recent photographs; confirmed onward/ return air ticket with travel itinerary; onward visa; a typed covering letter from the applicant and foreign exchange endorsement on the passport are mandatory. Visa is valid for 90 days and more upto one year and stay issued is at the discretion of the Immigration Authorities at entry. Processing time is three working days.

Culture:

Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim and conservative country, and observance of local customs and behavior is appreciated. Modesty of dress in public places is expected. For formal or semi-formal occasions men can go for a long-sleeved batik shirt. Outside beach resorts women should not wear dresses or very short skirts or shorts. Topless sunbathing is not acceptable at the beach or poolside. Check the required dress code before entering any place of religious worship. While visiting a Malaysian home it is customary to remove footwear. During trekking one must take care of the wildlife and environment. The Malays are warm, friendly but often shy. Expression of anger or impatience is frowned upon by both Malays and Chinese.

When to Go:

One should avoid the November to January rainy season on Peninsula Malaysia's east coast. The time to see turtles on the east coast is between May and September.

Climate:

Close to the Equator, Malaysia occupies two distinct regions: Peninsular Malaysia, extending from the Thai frontier to the border of Singapore; and the States of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo's northern coast. At lower altitudes the weather is normally warm, humid and sunny year-round, with temperatures hovering around 32°C by day and 22°C at night. The seasons follow the monsoon winds. Rainfall is erratic in nature as it comes in quick, heavy downpours, followed by sunshine within the hour. On the west coast of the Peninsula the rainfall is from September to December. On the east coast and in Sabah/Sarawak the monsoon rains normally occur between October and February. At higher altitudes (in hill-stations, for example) temperatures are much lower, with averages of 23°C by day and 10°C by night.

Getting There:

By Air: Malaysia's main international airport is at Sepang, 50km (31mi) south of KL. Tourists either fly into Sepang or arrive overland from Thailand or Singapore. Penang also has international flights, and Kuching in Sarawak and Tawau in Sabah have flights to/from Kalimantan.

By Road: There are five road border crossings between Malaysia and Thailand (two on the west coast, one in the centre and two on the east coast). There is also a west-coast rail link.

By Sea: To get to/from Singapore, you can cross the causeway at Johor Bahru, catch a ferry or take the train. There are three ferry services between Malaysia and Indonesia (Penang-Medan, Melaka-Dumai and, in East Malaysia, Tawau-Tarakan).

Getting Around:

By Air: Malaysian Airline System (MAS) is the main domestic airline providing service to both the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak. By Road: Peninsular Malaysia has a fast, economical and widespread bus system, and this is generally the best way to get around. Minibuses cover the main routes. Buses ply Sarawak's major trunk road, but hardly anywhere else. Local taxis in Malaysia are metered.Long-distance taxis and rental cars are also available.By Trains: There are basically only two lines: one linking Singapore to Thailand via KL and Butterworth, and the other branching off at Gemas and heading northeast to Kota Bharu.

Major Attractions:

Kuala Lumpur: This ancient city has grown to a modern, bustling city of almost two million people, is the focal point of new Malaysia. The city's bustling streets, its modern office towers, and its cosmopolitan air project reflect an unbounded spirit of progress and symbolize Malaysia's leap into a bright future. The city brings together Malaysia's past and present, its many constituent cultures, and even its remarkable natural treasures, allowing first-time visitors an invaluable opportunity to see Malaysia as a whole before setting off to explore its parts. The botanical and bird parks of the Lake Gardens provide a glimpse of the unspoiled beauty and variety of Malaysia's plants and animals. The vibrant Central Market, the National Museum, music, crafts, and cultural practices from Kelantan to Sarawak can be explored and experienced in the city.Cameron Highlands: It is the centre of Peninsular Malaysia that comprises a series of hill stations at altitudes between 1500-1800m (4920-5904ft). This fertile area is the centre of Malaysia's tea industry and it's the place where locals and visitors come to escape the heat of the plains.Georgetown - Penang Island: This is one of the country's premier resort areas which is 285 sq km (177 sq mi) in area and is located off Peninsula Malaysia's northwestern coast.Penang Island is marked also because of the vibrant city of Georgetown on the island's northeastern coast which has more Chinese flavor than either other countries of Far East.

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