Malaysia Truly Asia

Malaysia – Truly Asia. Welcome to one of Southeast Asia's most culturally diverse nations. This is a country with paradise islands, hillside retreats, tropical rainforests and cosmopolitan cities – truly a landscape that defies imagination.

Explore this amazing destination with our easy to use Hotel and Information Guide here. Choose from a wide variety of hotels and resorts catering to every budget across Malaysia, selected by our team of dedicated professionals bring you the best in accommodation.

Don’t miss out on our top recommendations, impressive package deals, exquisite special offers and much more!!

Homestay

Homestay is where you get to stay with a selected family from a different background and culture as your foster family for duration of time. During the period, you will get to learn their way of life especially the socioeconomic life.

In Sabah, homestay program is a new industry. We have been given acknowledgment and full support from the tourism ministry to develop this homestay program to be one of the main attractions in Sabah.

The direction we are leading you are our Homestay destination - homes that are situated in undisturbed, natural, breathtaking and scenic surroundings, some places that are even located in the rural area of Borneo, Sabah. Situated far from the busy and hectic life of the city, at our homes you will be experiencing the unique yet peace-of-mind traditional lifestyle of the native's village folks of Sabah. That's why there is the "social immersion into the lifestyle of the native of Sabah, at nature's best".

Not only that, our homestay destinations are in the proximity icons of world class tourism sites; which means not only you will get an experience staying with the native people of Sabah but also explore the wonders of nature's gifts.

Kundasang War Memorial

The Kundasang War Memorial was established as a tribute to the brave 2,428 Australians and British POWs who died in Sandakan, Ranau or on the infamous Sandakan Death Marches. The beautiful memorial was initiated by Major G.S ‘Toby’ Carter, a New Zealander who served in the Royal Australian Engineers and organized native resistance in the Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak during the War. He was so moved by the atrocities of the Death March that he passionately lobbied for the construction of the memorial. His efforts paid off in 1962 when the Government approved the National Park Bill and the establishment of the Kundasang War Memorial. However, over the years, the memorial suffered a series of vandalism and maintenance was poor. It underwent a major restoration process in the late 2004.

Designed by resident architect, J.C. Robinson, the Kundasang War Memorial is reminiscent of a fort, built on a sloping hill. As you climb up the cobbled steps, visitors usually start their visit with a quick video presentation at the open air sitting area to give them a better understanding of the Sandakan Death March. The highlight of the Memorial is none other than its four beautiful Gardens, specially built to represent the homelands of those who died in the Death Marches and the locals who risked their lives to help the POWs. The Australian Garden is truly beautiful, with its lush green lawn and in its centre is a map of Australia made of smooth white pebbles. At its far end stands the Memorial plaque. The English Garden truly reminds you of a sunny and bright summer’s day! Like a traditional English garden, it is filled with rose bushes, leaving a light rosy scent lingering in the air. The Borneo Garden showcases a treasure of orchids, endemic to Borneo. A special honour is given to the plant that served as staple food during the War – the tapioca. For a quiet moment, step into the Contemplation Garden and Pool. This is where most services and prayers are held in remembrance of the fallen who never returned home. A plaque is placed here with the inscription of the words sung by a Death March survivor: I’m dreaming of Australia, The land we left behind. Dreaming of the loved ones, We could always bear in mind Although its only fancy, Our hearts within us year. But we’ll make up for lost moments When to Australia we return. There’s be sailing on the harbour, The Showboat our first choice. Or maybe we’d be dancing Listening to our sweetheart’s voice. Although it’s only fancy, Our hearts within us yearn. Gee we’ll make up for lost moments When to Aussie we return.

The Kundasang War Memorial was established as a tribute to the brave 2,428 Australians and British POWs who died in Sandakan, Ranau or on the infamous Sandakan Death Marches. The beautiful memorial was initiated by Major G.S ‘Toby’ Carter, a New Zealander who served in the Royal Australian Engineers and organized native resistance in the Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak during the War. He was so moved by the atrocities of the Death March that he passionately lobbied for the construction of the memorial. His efforts paid off in 1962 when the Government approved the National Park Bill and the establishment of the Kundasang War Memorial. However, over the years, the memorial suffered a series of vandalism and maintenance was poor. It underwent a major restoration process in the late 2004.

Designed by resident architect, J.C. Robinson, the Kundasang War Memorial is reminiscent of a fort, built on a sloping hill. As you climb up the cobbled steps, visitors usually start their visit with a quick video presentation at the open air sitting area to give them a better understanding of the Sandakan Death March. The highlight of the Memorial is none other than its four beautiful Gardens, specially built to represent the homelands of those who died in the Death Marches and the locals who risked their lives to

help the POWs. The Australian Garden is truly beautiful, with its lush green lawn and in its centre is a map of Australia made of smooth white pebbles. At its far end stands the Memorial plaque. The English Garden truly reminds you of a sunny and bright summer’s day! Like a traditional English garden, it is filled with rose bushes, leaving

a light rosy scent lingering in the air. The Borneo Garden showcases a treasure of orchids, endemic to Borneo. A special honour is given to the plant that served as staple food during the War – the tapioca. For a quiet moment, step into the Contemplation Garden and Pool. This is

where most services and prayers are held in remembrance of the fallen who never returned home. A plaque is placed here with the inscription of the words sung by a Death March survivor:

I’m dreaming of Australia, The land we left behind. Dreaming of the loved ones, We could always bear in mind Although its only fancy, Our hearts within us year. But we’ll make up for lost moments When to Australia we return. There’s be sailing on the harbour, The Showboat our first choice. Or maybe we’d be dancing Listening to our sweetheart’s voice. Although it’s only fancy, Our hearts within us yearn. Gee we’ll make up for lost moments When to Aussie we return.

Articles Source : NewSabahTimes/Nelson Short

Mabul Diving

Located some 25 minutes north of Sipadan Island, this island offers a different world of diving opportunities from most other diving locations. Here is a macro diving paradise where you will be able to find rare macroworld inhabitants hard to find at other dive sites.


Among the international diving community, the island's reputation as one of the world's best muck diving site is no secret. Muck diving in Mabul, a term used to describe limited visibility dives at shallow sites with usually sandy bottoms, is one of diving's new rages. It focuses on encounters with unusual little critters popularly known as macro-life. Muck diving is a world away from steep wall and coral reefs, with their almost limitless visibility and easy-to-spot reef and pelagic life.

In other words, muck diving offers you the opportunity to flirt with the more bizarre and unusual life marine life to be found. Needless to say, Mabul diving gives macro photographers some great opportunities to capture some extremely rare ecological species which have carved a niche for themselves in the underwater lworld around here. Look out for species like multicoloured nudibranches, devil scorpionfish, stonefish, mantis shrimps, mandarin fish, ribbon eels, snake eels, and crocodile fish, all of which make these sites their home.

Crocker Range

Crocker Range, the longest mountain chain in Sabah, stretches from Sorinsim, in the state’s northern district of Penampang, south to Maligan, in the Tenom district. Rising to an average height of about 5,000 ft, it effectively separates Sabah‘s west coast from the interior villages. Crocker Range Park, covering about 139,919 hectares and extending from Penampang district to Tenom, was gazette in 1984. The Park Headquarters are situated in Keningau district, on the Kimanis–Keningau highway, with sub-stations in Penampang, Tambunan, Papar and Tenom. The Salt Trail was originally created by the natives of Sabah’s interior who, for 100 years, walked along it to carry their jungle products across the Crocker Range to the coastal Penampang villages, where they engaged in barter trade for salt. Several salt routes were established, but the one most frequently used, linking Tikolod in Tambunan to Inobong in Penampang, is that now known as the Crocker Range.

SALT ROUTE

In 2003/4, Sabah Parks officially created the Salt Route constructing two Crocker Range Park substations, one in Tikolod and another in Inobong, to facilitate Sabah tour operators wishing to extend their range of adventure tourism products. As the track traverses thick primary forest and incorporates many river crossings, it is compulsory for those wishing to trek along this historic route to engage the services of a park guide, obtain the necessary permits and insurance, and pay conservation fees. The Salt Trail can be walked in either direction, between Tikolod sub-station in Tambunan and Inobong

sub-station in Penampang, a distance of about 45 kilometers. The ideal time frame for this trek, which allows trekkers to enjoy the scenery, culture and natural beauty along the way, is a total package of 5 days and 4 nights, with overnight stays at Terian, Buayan, Kionab and Melungung. The area between Melungung to Kionob is thick primary forest, while the sector from Kionob to Buayan passes across numerous large rivers, including the Papar and Kionob. From Buayan to Terian, and onward to Inobong, the range is steep and densely forested. For adventurers who wish to embark upon something completely different, the Crocker Range Salt Trail is an unforgettable experience. For more information, visit www. tykadventures.com.

Article Source: NewSabahTimes

Penang, Pearl Of The East!

Here, you'll find everything you need to know about Penang as a travel destination.

The exciting island of Penang, is located just off the west coast of Malaysia. The island of Penang, with its sandy white beaches and beautiful sea shores have always made Penang a top tourist destination in Malaysia. Penang is an island with around three million people. Penang oh-so-effortlessly combines a charming village vibe with a cosmopolitan edge, Malaysian style. We traveled to Butterworth where we transferred to a ferry for a short ride to Penang, a large island off of Malaysia. The island is connected to the mainland by the Penang bridge (one of the worlds longest). Today, the coastal Malaysian island of Penang is as industrial as it is colonial. This came to be reflected in the form of an active freedom movement in the island of Penang.

George Town, which is Penang's capital is located at the north-eastern tip of the island. Or if you prefer to get away from it all, take a trip to Penang Hill and enjoy a panoramic view of the island. Somewhere near the head lies a cluster of good beaches that lends Penang the euphemism of a resort island. Penang is as oriental as the Chinese coolies and merchants who settled on the island in increasing numbers.

The real Penangites love the food so much, that they have a warm meal in the morning at the hawker stalls. More countries should take a lesson from the people of Penang.

Hotel

There are many excellent hotels for tourists on Penang island. After all, Penang is a very famous tourist destination. Check out the Hotel Channel website, which presents a quick guide to top hotel choices in the Penang area that can be booked online. And now with priceline, staying comfortably at your favourite Penang hotel is a simple mouse-click away.

Articles : Goarticles.com

Guide To Borneo

Borneo; a land of adventure in vast rainforests, beautiful valleys, sun-kissed islands, raging rivers and towering mountains. Around the world, Borneo has become renowned as a destination for eco-tourism and scientific research due to its rich diversity of wildlife, flora and geological formations. Borneo has also been the subject of countless documentaries and travel videos. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Borneo today!

Sabah has an astounding amount of beautiful islands off its coastlines on both its eastern and western regions. This is why Sabah is regularly sought after by divers as the seas are abundant in coral reefs and marine life. The islands also make a fantastic gateway for those who want an exciting vacation on the beach.

The ecological richness of Sabah has given birth to a whole host of nature-based attractions. Climb the highest mountain in South East Asia, Kinabalu, or play with the gentle Orang-Utan primates in Sepilok. It’s all here in Sabah!

Sabah, at the North Eastern part of Borneo, is rich not only with magical islands, but deep tracts of virgin rainforest. What is believed to be the highest mountain in South East Asia resides in Sabah, the Kinabalu Mountain. In addition, the national parks in Sabah are rich in plants, flowers and wildlife of many different kinds.