Malaysia. Malaysia Destination Guide. Electricity. Time. Currency

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Malaysia Malaysia Destination Guide An exotic mix of high-tech urban living and old-world Asian ambience coupled with countless attractions, tropical beach-fringed shores and mountainous hinterland

1 Malaysia Malaysia Destination Guide An exotic mix of high-tech urban living and old-world Asian ambience coupled with countless attractions, tropical beach-fringed shores and mountainous hinterland make Malaysia a popular holiday destination at any time of year. Located just north of the equator, this thriving nation of 30 million people has all of the comforts of its neighbours Singapore and Thailand mixed with a unique culture and beauty all its own. If you believe the advertising slogans, then Malaysia is Truly Asia. With a multicultural melange that draws in influences from across the continent, particularly India and China, it s hard to disagree with the tagline. Electricity 240V 50Hz Time There is no time difference between China and Malaysia. Currency The official currency is the ringgit (MYR). ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and foreign currency can be changed at banks and hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted. 30

Language English is widely spoken; Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language. When to go Malaysia can be visited all year round, temperatures average 27 degrees throughout the year.

2 Language English is widely spoken; Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language. When to go Malaysia can be visited all year round, temperatures average 27 degrees throughout the year. The wet season on the east coast is between the months of November and March, which is when the west coast experiences dry and sunny weather. On the west coast, the rainy season is from April through to October, with the wettest months coming during September and October. During the west coast s rainy season, these are the driest months on the east coast. Langkawi Penang MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur Kota Kinabalu 31

Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu Direct flights with Malaysia Airlines, Shanghai Airlines Flight duration approximately 4hrs 45 minutes Private Transfers Kota Kinabalu Airport to city hotels from RMB 135

3 Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu Direct flights with Malaysia Airlines, Shanghai Airlines Flight duration approximately 4hrs 45 minutes Private Transfers Kota Kinabalu Airport to city hotels from RMB 135 one-way Kota Kinabalu, widely known as KK, is a buzzing gateway to nearby tropical islands and the ever-popular Mount Kinabalu. But stop to take a break here and you ll quickly fall under the spell of this charming and lively capital situated on the northwest coast of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu is perhaps best known for its natural wonders and population of wild orangutans. But this seaside city also delivers an enjoyable nightlife experience and a sensational open-air night food market the perfect place to chow down on freshly prepared seafood alongside the friendly locals. Explore Hop in a cab and head south of the city centre to Sabah Museum where you ll get an excellent insight into the culture and history of this region. The museum houses many fascinating historical and tribal artefacts and, outside in the heritage village, traditional houses are open for visitors to explore. Don t forget to take some time to visit Kota Kinabalu s orangutans. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park houses orangutans, along with other exotic animals, in a zoo environment. Alternatively a full day tour to the Sandakan Sepilok Orangutan rehabilitation centre is a great way to see orangutans in their natural environment. Take a day trip away from the bustle of Kota Kinabalu and into rural Sabah to visit a cultural village. Adults and children alike will enjoy learning about the indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo and seeing how they lived before the days of electricity. Taste traditional wine and food and try your hand at playing the Murut warrior pipe. Eat and Drink Kota Kinabalu s night market is the place to be for dinner in KK. Located near Le Meridien Hotel, this lively open-air eating hub sets up shops in the early evening and serves authentic cuisine from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and China. Enjoy fresh Experiences local seafood cooked on-site and take in the festive buzz of the locals and tourists who flock here for delicious cheap eats. As far as nightlife goes, you ll find bars, pubs and clubs along the Kota Kinabalu waterfront and within Times Square. Settle in for a quiet drink in a relaxed atmosphere or get set for a raucous night of dancing until the wee hours the choice is yours. Where to Stay There are plenty of resorts and hotels centrally located near the Kota Kinabalu waterfront, which will keep you close to the action. For a quieter, more up-market experience not to mention harbour, island or tropical views stay a little further out from the centre at one of the plush 5-star resorts that fringe the city. Shopping Shop for souvenirs and mementos at the handicraft market that runs along the waterfront (Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen). This is the place to sharpen your bargaining skills and browse through a lovely range of sarongs, textiles, pearls, jewellery, woodcarvings, ceramics, woven crafts and trinkets galore. If you want a taste of a local mall, shop up a storm for big name brands in fashion, cosmetics, toys, electronics and more at Imago Times Square, which is just one of the many shopping centres you ll find around town. Kota Kinabalu like a Local If you want to experience KK like a local, you ve got to eat like a local. Try Kon Lau Mee, a popular egg noodle dish served with your choice of pork or chicken. Then sample a bowl of fragrant Tom Yam seafood noodle soup. Neither dish will disappoint. Catch a sunset with the locals down at the boardwalk or, for something a little more adventurous, head to the Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre where you ll find locals (and tourists in the know) scaling the colourful walls. Mari Mari Cultural Village Half Day Tour Mari Mari Cultural Village is 25 minutes away from KK. Upon arrival, you will see the different homes of the ethnicities of Sabah. Each home was built by descendants of the tribes they represent. Acquaint yourself with each tribe as they let you come into their house and their simple yet intricate lives. Each tribe will showcase how they used to hunt, make fire and cook in the old days. A great way to see, hear, taste and feel the uniqueness of what Sabah truly is. FROM RMB 400 per person 32 Sepilok Orangutan & Sandakan City Half Day Tour Take an early morning flight to Sandakan, the home to the largest Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Witness the Centre's intensive rehabilitation of orphaned orangutans. Watch the keepers feed, encourage and heal the rescued residents before setting them free into the rich rainforest environment of the Sepilok Reserve. Lunch at a local restaurant followed by a tour of Sandakan: visit the Sandakan Market, Observation pavilion, Chinese Temple and water village before flying back to KK. FROM RMB 2,600 per person

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa Pantai Dalit Beach, Tuaran Room types start from Deluxe Garden View up to Ocean Premier Room - 2 bars - 6 restaurants - 2 pools - Adults only pool - Tennis court -

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa located along the 3km long Dalit beach, boasts a golf course, 400 acres of tropical gardens and incorporates its own 64-acre Nature Reserve, sanctuary to native

20 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru Located 10 minutes from the airport, coral islands and city centre, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is a tranquil retreat that offers 492 beautifully appointed

4 Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa Pantai Dalit Beach, Tuaran Room types start from Deluxe Garden View up to Ocean Premier Room - 2 bars - 6 restaurants - 2 pools - Adults only pool - Tennis court - Free resort activities Kota Kinabalu Surround yourself in nature and luxurious indulgence at a secluded 5-star beachfront resort. Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa located along the 3km long Dalit beach, boasts a golf course, 400 acres of tropical gardens and incorporates its own 64-acre Nature Reserve, sanctuary to native Borneo animals. The resort offers two distinct accommodation wings to its guests - an exclusive Ocean Wing and the family-friendly Garden Wing. Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa No. 20 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru Located 10 minutes from the airport, coral islands and city centre, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is a tranquil retreat that offers 492 beautifully appointed mountain- and seaview rooms and suites, seven restaurants and bars and a wealth of enjoyable recreational opportunities for families and leisure travellers to enjoy. Room types start from Kinabalu Mountain View Room up to Presidential Sea View Suite - 3 bars & 4 restaurants - 3 pools including children's pool - PADI dive centre, Tea & coffee facilities Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong Experience five-star Sabahan hospitality at the Hyatt Regency. Located in downtown Kota Kinabalu, close to the tourist attractions, offering stunning views of the famed sunsets. The hotel is an ideal tropical getaway for the business, leisure or sports adventure traveller. Room types start from Hyatt Guest Room up to Presidential Suite - 2 bars & 4 restaurant - Pool including children's pool, Tea & coffee facilities 33

Penang Penang Indirect flights with China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines (Transit in Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur) Flight duration approximately 7hrs 30 minutes Private Transfers

captivating blend of East and West. Located off the northwest coast of Malaysia, this exotic island is known for its dynamic mix of contemporary flair and old-world charm.

5 Penang Penang Indirect flights with China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines (Transit in Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur) Flight duration approximately 7hrs 30 minutes Private Transfers Penang Airport to city hotels from RMB 110 one-way Penang Airport to Batu Ferringhi hotels from RMB 150 one-way A rich melting pot of Malay, Indian, Chinese and European cultures, Penang offers a captivating blend of East and West. Located off the northwest coast of Malaysia, this exotic island is known for its dynamic mix of contemporary flair and old-world charm. Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is home to stunning architecture, a cosmopolitan energy and a vibrant harmony of city and coast. This place is a foodie s haven to boot, having long been regarded as the culinary capital of Malaysia. Explore The main hub and historic centre of Penang, George Town is the starting point for any sightseeing tour. A hive of activity, this bustling city is a fascinating mix of styles, cultures and stories. You ll find mosques in Chinatown and Chinese temples in Little India, chic cafés alongside street food stalls, and British colonial architecture next to modern skyscrapers. For something more relaxing, nearby Batu Ferringhi boasts a lovely beach surrounded by fragrant spice gardens and fruit farms. Eat and Drink Get set for excellent cheap eats this is a city where street food is held in higher esteem than fine dining. Perhaps the most famous of traditional Penang dishes is asam laksa, a sour fish and tamarind soup. Noodle dishes are also popular, with must-eats including char kway teow, hokkien hae mee and laksa lemak. You ll find local specialties at street food stalls all over the city. Where to Stay George Town is the most popular place to stay due to its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to Penang attractions, bars and restaurants. Alternatively, Batu Ferringhi offers a white sandy beach, crystal clear waters, an excellent night market, actionpacked water sports and resort-style hotels. Penang like a Local Dating back to 1890, historic Chowrasta Bazaar on Jalan Penang in George Town is a local institution. This bustling marketplace, which is bursting with vendors selling fresh meat, fish, spices, sweets and pickled fruits, is the perfect place to watch locals going about their daily business. PARKROYAL Penang Resort Batu Ferringhi Beach Room types start from Superior Room up to Ocean Palm Suite with Balcony - 2 bars - 3 restaurants - 2 pools - Adults only pool - Tennis court - Free resort activities PARKROYAL Penang Resort lies nestled amidst swaying palm trees and sands of Batu Ferringhi. A perfect retreat for holidaymakers, Penang offers an array of food, cultural landmarks and breathtaking scenery. 34

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa Batu Feringgi Beach Room types start from Garden Wing Deluxe Garden View Room up to Rasa Wing Penang Suite Property Feature - 3 bars - 4 restaurants - 2 pools -

Home to artifacts of Malay culture, artfully arranged traditional jewellery, batik-printing moulds, coral sculptures and signature items from the prolific Malaysian kitchen, the resort also offers a

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La Batu Feringgi Beach Lone Pine Hotel 97 Batu Ferringhi Contemporary resort with kidfriendly attractions including Splash Zone mini water park, whirlpool and home to

6 Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa Batu Feringgi Beach Room types start from Garden Wing Deluxe Garden View Room up to Rasa Wing Penang Suite Property Feature - 3 bars - 4 restaurants - 2 pools - Adults only pool - Tennis court - Free resort activities Penang The hotel comprises 303 spacious rooms and suites across two distinctive wings. Home to artifacts of Malay culture, artfully arranged traditional jewellery, batik-printing moulds, coral sculptures and signature items from the prolific Malaysian kitchen, the resort also offers a rejuvenating spa, miniature golf, and a number of leisure facilities and services to ensure unforgettable experiences and events. Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La Batu Feringgi Beach Lone Pine Hotel 97 Batu Ferringhi Contemporary resort with kidfriendly attractions including Splash Zone mini water park, whirlpool and home to Adventure Zone, an indoor playground with play area and 4 slides of different heights for a thrilling experience. Kids below 11 years eat free with paying adults at all restaurants. Tucked away in an idyllic spot along Penang s coastline, Lone Pine is Batu Ferringhi s only luxury boutique hotel. Renewed and rejuvenated after a lovingly undertaken restoration, Penang s favourite beachside boutique resort reopened its doors refreshed in design and facilities but still infused with the same colonial spirit and idyllic charm. Room types start from Superior Room up to Executive Suite - 2 bars & 4 restaurants - 3 pools including children's pool Room types start from Deluxe Room up to Grand Premier Suite - Bar & 2 restaurants - 2 pools including children's pool, Tea & coffee facilities 35

Langkawi Langkawi Connecting flights (via Singapore) with Singapore Airlines Flight duration approximately 10 hours Private Transfers Langkawi Airport to Langkawi resorts from RMB 110 one-way Many

it is! The main island, Pulau Langkawi, is a spectacular mix of palm-fringed white sand beaches, tempting ocean and rain forested laden hills.

7 Langkawi Langkawi Connecting flights (via Singapore) with Singapore Airlines Flight duration approximately 10 hours Private Transfers Langkawi Airport to Langkawi resorts from RMB 110 one-way Many people make the mistake of believing Langkawi is simply a single island when, in fact, it is an archipelago of 99 islands known as the Jewel of Kedah, off the west coast of Malaysia, and what a jewel it is! The main island, Pulau Langkawi, is a spectacular mix of palm-fringed white sand beaches, tempting ocean and rain forested laden hills. It offers all the trappings that make for a superb holiday: accommodation catering to all budgets including some first-class resorts, diving, jungle trekking, shopping, restaurants and nightlife to satisfy both a thirst for adventure and the need for quiet contemplation. Explore Beautiful beaches are a key reason why Langkawi Island has become such a favourite family destination. Pantai Cenang, with its glorious white sand and a host of beachfront resorts, restaurants and bars, is the most popular. Other excellent beaches include the nearby Pantai Tengah and the more secluded Pantai Kok, home to several high-end resorts. This is also the embarkation point for the Langkawi Cable Car that will whisk you to the top of Mount Mat Cincang for some amazing views. The Langkawi Sky Bridge perched at the top of Mount Mat Cincang, suspended above the jungle canopy is one of Langkawi s most acclaimed attractions. Eat and Drink Most restaurants and bars are in and around the beachfront at Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah, with an eclectic mix at Pantai Kok and in the main town of Kuah. Our recommendations to check out: Pia s the Padi restaurant, La Sal restaurant and fatcupid. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar Situated on a private beachfront with shopping malls and the jetty just a stone s throw away. With views of the sparkling Andaman Sea, the pristine jewels of nature can be enjoyed from the comforts of the elegantly designed 202 luxurious guestrooms, suites and 20 Private Pool Villas. Room types start from Superior Room up to Five Bedroom Villa - 2 bars - 2 restaurants - 4 pools - Swim-up bar - Tennis court - Free resort activities - Stand alone villa 36

The Datai Langkawi Jalan Teluk Datai The Datai Langkawi lies nestled at the heart of an ancient tropical rainforest on the northwestern tip of Langkawi.

Room types start from Canopy Deluxe up to Two Bedroom Beach Villa - Bar & 4 restaurants - Pool including children's pool, Tea & coffee facilities Langkawi The St.

Regis Langkawi is an elegant resort located on the mystical island of Langkawi, one of 99 islands in the archipelago, offering experiential and bespoke services.

8 The Datai Langkawi Jalan Teluk Datai The Datai Langkawi lies nestled at the heart of an ancient tropical rainforest on the northwestern tip of Langkawi. Guests will be impressed by the superb guest rooms, villas and suites, each of which is beautifully decorated to a highlevel of quality. Room types start from Canopy Deluxe up to Two Bedroom Beach Villa - Bar & 4 restaurants - Pool including children's pool, Tea & coffee facilities Langkawi The St. Regis Langkawi Jalan Pantai Beringin The St. Regis Langkawi is an elegant resort located on the mystical island of Langkawi, one of 99 islands in the archipelago, offering experiential and bespoke services. Situated in a tranquil cove which has a pristine stretch of white sandy beach with swaying palm trees overlooking the glistening waters of the Andaman Sea. Room types start from Premier Rainforest Room up to Sunset Royal Villa - Bar & 2 restaurants - Pool including children's pool, Tea & coffee facilities The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort 94 Jalan Teluk Datai Room types start from Deluxe Rainforest View Room up to Presidential Suite Property Feature - 2 bars - 4 restaurants - Pool The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort is cosily tucked between a 10-million-year-old rain forest and the tranquil Datai Bay with an 8,000-year-old fringing coral reef on Malaysia s Langkawi Island. The resort s 178 exquisite rooms and suites reflect a contemporary Malaysian style, with sweeping views over the Andaman Sea and ancient rain forest. - ipod docking station 37

HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0) +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Offering a little slice of paradise, this sumptuous and romantic journey across Borneo takes in some of the most prized tropical hideaways in Southeast Asia. Staying at a series of