Mulu Caves Sunset in Sarawak - Picture of the week

Mulu Caves Sunset in Sarawak - Picture of the week

The Mulu Caves are located in Northern Sarawak near the town of Miri and is part of the Mulu National Park which is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for eco-tourism, nature and adventure, I took this shot from a hill I climbed during one of my exploration trips to  the Mulu Caves in Sarawak, Malaysia.

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Kung Fu Fast Food in Shanghai China

Kung Fu Fast Food in Shanghai China - I thought it was a joke when I passed by one of the chains around the city while taking a train. No one to confirm this I eventually made my way to one of the outlets as my curiosity got the better of me. After all, I was in Shanghai, China and the fact that Bruce Lee was used as the main icon or ambassador, it made me want to try this place even more.

Kung Fu Fast Food in Shanghai, China

Tucked strategically as you enter or exit the main train station, you could not miss the outlets bright red colour with Bruce Lee's famous fighting pose in his yellow track suit from the movie Game Of Death. Without hesitation, I walked straight in and to the ordering counter. It reminded me of a Chinese McDonalds minus the burgers and fizzy drinks.

Kung Fu Fast Food menu board

Greeted by the Kung Fu Fast Food staff and me not knowing a word of Mandarin, I was lost in translation as usual. Luckily for Lilian's basic Mandarin, it was translated as 'Hello - May I take your order sir'. Oh well, the menu board looks pretty interesting with a large variety of sets, the only problem - No fries with my order. I ordered number 3 which looked really appetizing. 

Amazing Chinese selection

Having paid the amount, the order was quickly sent to the cashier piping hot. Beat this - Chinese minced pork with rice, a side dish of boiled vegetables in soy sauce, some ginseng chicken soup and for drinks, an iced milk tea. I have to admit, it was pretty damn good considering this was fast food Chinese styled. Every  single dish was consumed and I wanted more....

Kung Fu Fast Food at West Yan An Road train station

If you ever visit China or Shanghai and want to experience this amazing place, just keep a lookout for Bruce Lee in his famed yellow tracksuit. There are a few of these outlets around town. Or you can simply ask around. I wonder if this will catch on in the western world or even in Malaysia or Southeast Asia.

Kung Fu Fast Food is also owned by Global Fast Food Chains and the company is based in Guangzhou, China. They operate a total of 106 stores throughout China and apparently only 3 in Shanghai. One problem you may face is that the staff do not speak English. If you are lucky enough, the younger staff may know a little broken English. 

Kung Fu Fast Food article on Wall Street Journal

Kung fu Fast Food in Mandarin (For Chinese readers)

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Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Hard Rock Hotel in Penang
The latest resort which has added a touch of rock to the ever busy area of Batu Ferringhi on the island known as the Pearl Of The Orient. This unique resort-styled hotel has been creating a huge buzz from the locals right up to the foreigners and I had the pleasure of staying here to fully experience what the Hard Rock Hotel in Penang was all about.

The 6-storey hotel resort officially opened its doors on September 19th 2009 offering patrons a retro facade  for the main building. A chic and modern interior is carefully designed while tons of Rock and Roll Memorabilia from various rock stars around the world are found throughout the resort.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang sea view

The Hard Rock Hotel and Resort in Penang is situated towards the end of Batu Ferringhi where the old Casuarina Beach Hotel once stood. The resort hotel boasts of 249 unique rooms and suites with mostly views of the sea. These amazing rooms come fully equipped with just about everything a traveler needs.

With such a world renowned brand name, the Hard Rock Hotel here provides guests with unique facilities which include a 26,000 square feet free-form swimming pool which is the largest in Penang and reputedly the largest in Malaysia. Just wandering around the pool area gave me an different perspective of hotel pools. The kids pool, the lagoon room pool area, the pool bar and the sand pool, all interconnected to make this one huge pool. Family activities such as volleyball and dancing sessions at the pool is provided where the staff would participate here.

Reception and Bar at HRH Penang

As we entered the HRH in Penang, we were greeted by the pleasant ushers (known as Rock Agents) who show you to the main reception or check-in area. Don't get me wrong, but I assumed that I was been lead t o the bar when one of the ushers casually noted that the reception doubles as a bar. How unique is that!

Lobby lounge area

The main lobby area which is open air also serves as a lounge come nightfall where on weekends, performances by local or international bands takes place. The designer rattan day beds make you want to just chill and laze there. Some guests even catch the sunset from this area. I personally tried lounging on one of these chairs and it was pretty hard to leave them.

 Mini Rock Shop

Around the lobby area, a mini Hard Rock Shop sells the famous Hard Rock souvenirs but note that they are Hard Rock Hotel and not Cafe merchandise.A larger Rock Shop is situated outside in a stand along building selling everything the hotel and cafe carries.

View from my Seaview Deluxe Room Balcony

After checking in which was a breeze and hassle free, we made our way to the Seaview Deluxe room on the second floor. First thing by habit, i opened the curtains and the view was stunning. I could see the entire pool area and the sea beyond that. Do read about my room experience in my other article.

A lot of people tend to think that the beach at the Hard Rock Hotel in Penang is shared with other resorts. So, I personally had a walk out here just to confirm this and the beach is semi-private - Meaning, outsiders can use the beach and there are third party sports operators around the beach who are not affiliated with the resort. Please take note of this.

Notices for hotel guests about the beach and sea

Sand bottom pool

Most intriguing on my walk around the resort pool was the man-made sand pool to give you the effect of the sea. Special Sand was placed at the bottom of the pool which had a depth of about one feet of sand while rocks were placed throughout. Never have I seen such creativity at a swimming pool so this gets points from me. 

The Shack, a sunken pool bar

At the pool facilities area, a sunken pool bar known as The Shack is found at the back facing the lagoon rooms. Apparently, if you are staying at any of the lagoon deluxe rooms and make any room service orders, the waiters will swim over to your lagoon room private deck and hand you your order of food and drinks. Cool right?

The kids section of the swimming pool was utterly interesting where if I was a kid, I would have jumped in and went wild as the water gadgets and slides looked most inviting. With this, I believe that parents with kids would have a field day here!

Starz Diner or the regular coffee house

Moving over to the coffee house or Starz Diner as it is called there, the decoration was simple yet tasteful with a hint of design. At one end of the restaurant, glass mosaics form a picture with a myriad of colours seen through large pigeon holes. The 150 seat diner is indoor and an outdoor section is available for smokers or for those who prefer the Malaysian warmth.

Buffet breakfast is served until 10am daily where a selection of fusion Asian delicacies are offered. An open kitchen lets you see the chefs in action while they prepare some of the made-to-order meals. À la carte is offered throughout the day while on weekends, special dinner buffets are offered and on Saturdays, a Seafood Buffet Dinner is the special here.

Beatles Memorabilia

For the Hard Rock fans, you will be pleased to know that there are over 500 pieces of memorabilia located throughout the hotel. Some of them pretty unique that you will not find them at the general Hard Rock Cafes. I was also quite impressed by the Elvis Collection at the Kings Club where we checked in. A daily memorabilia tour is available for guests where staff will take you on a tour around the hotel to view the extensive collection of Hard Rock memorabilia's.

Teens Club

For the teenagers, The Teens Club which is a games room where a foosball and pool table is available and coin operated. Funny thing was I saw adults hanging out here when I made a visit to this place which is located just next to the mini rock shop.

Gaming Consoles at Teens Club

Going a little further in the games room and you see three LCD TVs hooked up to a PSP, XBOX 360 and Wii. These are provided for free and is monitored by staff who make sure that others get a fair chance to play their favourite video games. Two internet kiosks are also provided for those who prefer to surf the internet or simply check their emails and facebook. 

Body Rock Gym at Hard Rock Hotel

The Body Rock Gym is pretty cool as it is self operated. Access is via your room card and the view here is very soothing to ones eye. Exercise machines face the swimming pool which is partly decorated with fresh green tropical plants. One can use the gym anytime of the day without supervision. However for children visiting the gym, parents are advised to tag along.

Lil' Rock for the toddlers

Lil' Rock is available for the younger kids aged 4 to 12 where parents can simply drop them off under the supervision of staff while the parents have some alone time at the pool or just about anything they want to do minus kids. Fun activities such as arts and craft, table games, playing area, an internet station and a wide range of movies are available here.

Sunset Stage, open air area above the Pizzeria

The Pizzeria is famous for their wood fired pizzas is located just by the beach in an independent building. A staircase at the side leads up to an open area called Sunset Stage. It is here where one can witness some of the beautiful Penang Sunsets. I was told that some events are even held up here in this open area where you can see just about the entire sea section of the HRH.

Hard Rock Hotel words by the main road

The hotel-resort also shares the same building with the Hard Rock Cafe. However, you need to exit the hotel to enter the cafe which is just next door. A fairly large car park which is free is available and on weekends, it can get pretty full as the occupancy of the hotel peaks to about 95%. The famous Batu Ferringhi Night Market which is a daily event is also accessible by walking down the road while various eateries are also found outside the hotel while nature parks are located about 10-20 minutes drive from here.

If you are visiting Penang Island, I would highly recommend staying at the HRH as it would suit the families perfectly while the Hard Rock fans would find this place very interesting compared to other common resorts. Staff are well trained and friendly and are always looking to assist you while greets will be coming in throughout the day from all directions making you feel always welcomed. For first timers, if you are unsure, take my word for it, it was very different in my usual hotel and resort experience and I walked away  happily with a Rock 'N' Roll Experience never before tried.

Hotel Tip: If you are not a fan of music, please ask for the rooms away from the Cafe.

Hotel Amenities;

• Rock Spa
• Rock Shop
• Body Rock Gym
• Teens Club
• Lil' Rock Kids Club
• Swimming Pool
• Hair Saloon
• Function Hall (Meetings, Events, Launches and Weddings)

Dining and Nightlife;

• Hard Rock Cafe
• Starz Diner
• The Shack
• Pizzeria
• Lobby Lounge

Room Types:

ROOM CATEGORIES	BED TYPE	SIZE
Hillview Deluxe	King Bed or 2 Single Beds	29 m2
Hillview Deluxe with balcony	King Bed or 2 Single Beds	41 m2
Family Room	King Bed with a Single Trundle Beds or 2 Single Beds with a Single Trundle Beds	53 m2
Seaview Deluxe	King Bed or 2 Single Beds	35 m2
Lagoon Deluxe	King Bed or 2 Single Beds	42 m2
Kings Club Seaview Deluxe *	King Bed only	35 m2
Seaview Studio Suite *	King Bed only	53 m2
Rock Star Suite *	King Bed only	93 m2
Kings Suite *	Hollywood King and King Bed	185 m2

For room prices and promotions, please visit the official Hard Rock Hotel Website 

GPS Coordinates for Hard Rock Hotel Penang - N5 28.065 E100 14.509

Directions to Hard Rock Hotel Penang - If you are driving, head on the Batu Ferringhi main road. When you come to the busy part where you see The Ship Restaurant in the shape of a wooden ship on your right, just continue straight for about 900 meters and the Hard Rock Hotel will be on your right side.

Address of Hard Rock Hotel Penang; 
Batu Ferringhi Beach

11100 Batu Ferringhi,

Pulau Pinang,

Malaysia

Get Directions

Telephone: 04-881-1711

Map to Hard Rock Hotel Penang

View Hard Rock Hotel Penang in a larger map

You can also view some of the Hard Rock Hotel Penang in Videos which I have captured during my stay here.

Overall, I must admit that it has been a long time since I stayed in a fun hotel-resort where staff were cheerful and lively. Location wise, it was pretty spot on as the main beach, shopping and entertainment areas were walking distance and good old Penang Food was just a stones throw away. I would also like to disclose that my 3D/2N experience was complimentary on behalf of Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

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Hanoi Beer Junction - Travel Photo and Video

Hanoi Beer Junction - Travel Photo and Video

Hanoi Beer Junction or Bia Hoi Junction is a very popular place at the Old Quarter in Hanoi. This unique place is also located at the corner of Ta Hien and Lương Ngoc Quyen Street where foreigners and locals alike sit on stools and drink local Hanoi Beer watching the traffic pass by. During my trip here in 2010, I made it a point to check it out since I had quite a number of days to spend in Hanoi.

There are three shops at each corner serving Bie Hoi (Cheap Vietnamese Beer) so take your pick. A must-visit place for backpackers and travelers who come to Hanoi. I couldn't help but sit in for a quick beer here sitting on one of those cheap plastic stools watching travelers catch up with traveling stories and hoards of motorbikes pass by in all directions. If you are afraid of noisy traffic and crowds of bikes and people, then  you best avoid hanging out here. For those who love drinking beer, this is one of the best places to enjoy the local lifestyle is here at the Hanoi beer junction.

Video of Hanoi Beer Junction or Beer Hoi 

You can get to Hanoi via Malaysian Airlines from Kuala Lumpur.

Related articles on Hanoi;

Crumpler Bags in Hanoi

Ipa Nima Bags in Hanoi

Weasel Coffee in Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter at Night Pictures

Impressive Hotel at Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Street Life Picture 

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Sabah Sunset - Travel photo of the week

Sabah Sunset - Travel photo of the week

Sabah Sunset is the travel photo of the week and this one features a breathtaking beautiful sunset taken at Kota Kinabalu in Sabah Borneo. Also known as 'The Land Below The Wind', this amazing place in North Borneo is one of the few places in the world to witness some amazing sunsets. Best viewed from the Waterfront in Kota Kinabalu which is the capital of Sabah, you can have a romantic dinner or just have some drinks while absorbing the awesome sunsets here.

To see some other spectacular pictures, check out my Sabah Sunset at Kuala Penyu and also my Sunset at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. If you happen to be here, do make it a point to check out the beautiful sunsets especially from the Waterfront in Kota Kinabalu town. When you travel throughout Sabah be it Mount Kinabalu or any of the islands, make sure you allocate some time to catch the beautiful Sabah Sunset.

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Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront Sarawak

Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront Sarawak

Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront in Sarawak has to be the most visited place in town as it is the number one place to shop for souvenirs, handicraft and also to enjoy the beautiful views of the Sarawak River or simply dine at one of the restaurants or cafes along this place which is also known as the Kuching Esplanade. Known to locals as Kuching Main Bazaar, you can find almost every ethnic handicraft at the shops here along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Kuching Main Bazaar shops

Every tourist that visits Kuching will sure to make a stop at this famous Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman road. Many travel agents who specialize in Eco-Tourism trips, Adventure tours and the most popular which is the Longhouse Visits are found in this street which is dominated by the two storey old pre-war colonial buildings.

Kuching Main Bazaar Handicraft Shop

Apart from the tour services offered here, there are a number of other interesting shops to visit  along the Main Bazaar which are the Handicraft Shops, Souvenir Shops, Restaurants and even at one end, the famous Goldsmith Row. This place attracts all sorts of travelers as from my many visits here, I have noticed local travelers right up to backpackers and foreigners who are seen exploring the area. Chinatown is just around the corner if you should know. 

The beauty about the Kuching Main Bazaar is that the place remains as original as it can be with not much modern development on the main street thus showcasing some of the best and finest ethnic crafts found in Borneo. A number of art shops, collectible shops and handicraft shops make you visit worthwhile if you are into this sort of thing. I for one, always spend a good 3-4 hours here just browsing for additional pieces to feed my ethnic collection of weapons. All sorts of strange wood carvings and wooden masks are found here too.

Kuching Main Bazaar old goldsmith shop selling craft

Some of the older shops have been converted into souvenir shops selling a mix of items. There was one shop which sold raw Sarawak Pepper while half of the shop sold interesting curios. The best times to explore this place would be mornings till afternoon as they start to close by about 6pm.

Kuching Waterfront Sarawak River Cruise Boat

When you cross the main street towards the river, there is a beautiful walkway about a kilometer long. It is here that you will find various cafes, stalls and even restaurants but the river. It is here too where one can ride the Sarawak River Cruise boats or take the famous Sarawak Sampan Taxis across the river which usually costs RM0.50 cents (US$0.15).

The Sarawak River Cruises depart daily at about 5.30pm and costs RM60 (US$20) for adults while children pay half price. Some tour agents from the Main Bazaar sell these tickets as well or you can inquire directly from the jetty where the cruise departs.

On occasion, you will see people fishing bu the river though there are some no fishing signs along the waterfront. This one chap was seen handling four fishing rods at one go. Very interesting so I waited to see what he caught. After ten minutes, nothing came up and I moved on.

Kuching Waterfront walkway

Walking along the waterfront in the evenings are the best if you like sunsets. Sometimes, the beautiful Sarawak Sunset can be quite impressive but on my many visits here, I never got a chance to catch one though I have seen some really nice ones from other photographers who patiently waited day by day for that magical moment. Also, take note of some of the sculptures which are placed along the waterfront. some of them are quite interesting.

There is also a kiosk for the Sarawak Tourist Association along the Waterfront here so if you need information about Sarawak, you can just walk in and get help. They are open from 9am till 5pm.

Main Bazaar shop arch painted in ethnic motifs

Back on the main street, if you walk along the old shop house five foot walkway, you will be greeted with various types of archways cleverly decorated and painted to attract potential business. Most of them are painted to the Iban or Orang Ulu traditional motives. Seeing them would mean a shop selling ethnic items would be there and one could find something really worth getting. Do not worry if the items are too big to carry as most of these shops do postal delivery back to your country for a minimal fee.

Kuching Main Bazaar souvenir shops

One thing I always make a point to stop and get are local handicraft souvenirs. There are a ton of them around and many with unique choices. Most of the beaded items come in form of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Key chains are popular especially those in the shape of the traditional Sarawak Iban Warrior Shield.

Kuching Waterfront at night

Kuching Waterfront is also a beautiful place at night as it is lighted well from one end to the other. Various vendors are seen along the main walkway selling all sorts of 'interesting' items. Food kiosk are abundant at various points while couples and tourist flock to enjoy the walk along here. A number of make-shift stalls sell souvenirs and crafts too but at a slightly higher price than the usual shops. The place usually simmers down around 9pm so, avoid going late as there is nothing to look forward to then. Be advised of snatch theft or robbers after dark along the waterfront too. 

On a side note, there are a few hotels located just near the Sarawak Waterfront namely The Hilton Kuching, Tune Hotels by AirAsia and Holiday Inn Kuching. For food, I would easily recommend Khatulistiwa Cafe and Restaurant. This very unique circular establishment cannot be missed as it resembles one of the Sarawakian Tribes, the Bidayuh people's Warrior House called the Baruk. They serve a good fusion of Sarawakian delicacies, Asian flare and Western food here. If you have been told of the famous Sarawak Laksa noodles, you can try them here too. Prices are above the coffee shop rates.

General Kuching Main Bazaar questions answered;


What is the best time to visit the Kuching Main Bazaar - 10am till 6pm
Bargaining at Kuching Main Bazaar - You may bargain, but not too much. Something within reason.
Cash or Credit Cards - Most Art galleries and craft shops accept credit cards. Small vendors accept cash.
Can large items be shipped for me - Most places offer shipping services back to your country for a fee.
Can I photograph the ethnic items - Most craft dealers will not allow this but then again, ask politely.
Can I book Tours here - A number of tour agencies are found here so yes.

The Kuching Waterfront has also won some awards since it opened and below are some of them;

• 1994 - National Project Award in the Civic Design Category
  (Awarded by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture)
• 1994 - Merit Award in the Overseas Category
  (Awarded by the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture)
• 1994 - Excellence on the Waterfront/ Waterfront Centre Annual Award
  (Awarded by the Waterfront Centre, USA)

Map to Kuching Main Bazaar/Waterfront

View Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront in a larger map
Sarawak Tourism website

Kuching Waterfront History

Kuching History and information from Wikipedia

Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront is a highly recommended place to visit when you travel to Sarawak Borneo. If you collect art and sculptures or ethnic items, this is the place to find them.

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Pullman Hotel and Resort Putrajaya

Pullman Hotel and Resort in Putrajaya is the latest addition of luxury hotels in this Federal Administrative Capitol of Malaysia. This class of its own hotel boasts of a unique architecture following ethnic themes and featuring 283 accommodation options catering to the business, family and all-purpose traveler. Partially surrounded by the huge Putrajaya lake and away from the main core area, you are assured of peaceful and quiet stay at the Pullman Putrajaya.

Checking in

Pullman Hotel and Resorts in Putrajaya is also located about 30 minutes from the city of Kuala Lumpur and about 15 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) which also makes this place a perfect stopover for those traveling with a short transit in Malaysia. 

However, for the locals in Malaysia, this hotel serves as a great weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. The Pullman has four interesting wings which are carefully crafted to suite the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Borneo designs which gives the hotel a different perspective compared to normal hotels.

On arrival, I was greeted by the smiling check-in receptionists in the lobby and looking around, I found the place was quite interesting and not overly decorated. A hint of modern design dominated the lobby area which leads to the main glass lifts and to other various eateries by the hotel itself.

A bar at the end of the lobby area caught my attention with the simplistic modern design where natural sunlight would flow in through the intricately cut cast iron dividers. A chic designed lounge sofa is placed in the middle while a circle seating area serves as a place to just hang out for a drink or chat. 

A chic deli is further back in from the main lobby catering to those who like some coffee, juices and pastries. A side door leads you out back to the hotel grounds where exploring the entire place can be quite fun. On weekdays, it is perfect for those who seek privacy as the hotel caters to more business users.

Pullman Hotel at night

As for facilities and activities here, there are a ton of them to indulge in. An amazing kids pool with sundeck is a family winner here while those interested in water sports, you can arrange with the front desk about this. A state of the art fitness center is available and for those planning a Wedding here, the hotel has a wedding studio too. For airlines, there is an Airline Lounge or the crew and for the business sector, they have 22 meeting rooms which boasts of the best technology in conferencing services offering very interesting rates.

 B's Restaurant serving buffet lunch

B's Restaurant offers beautiful views and food that blends the various flavours of South East Asia while the restaurant features live action stations with food cooked to order so guests can interact with the chefs. Decoration here is pretty interesting  as well. The restaurant also offers guests various types of seating ere with modern to designer tables and chairs.

Shuttle Timings at the hotel

Complimentary shuttle services are available for hotel guests heading around Putrajaya where the main shopping hub would be the Alamanda Shopping Mall. Other routes include the train stations around here while there are hotel pickups from Novotel KL to Putrajaya at selected times.

Vous Spa at Pullman Putrajaya Hotel

The Vous Spa at Pullman Putrajaya Hotel was equally amazing as I took a two hour in-house specialty massage here which was totally amazing. They are also noted to be one of the largest signature spa in Malaysia.

 Waterfront Restaurant

Apart from the five different eateries available here, the waterfront restaurants really make things interesting as it is built over a jetty on stilts while at night, there is a local band that performs for those who want to hang out. There is also a large ballroom and an open air amphitheater here. 

Pullman Hotel Clock Tower in the center court

This is a great place to spend your weekend away from it all and what more better when there are some major events being held at Putrajaya. Examples would be the recent Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Festival or the upcoming Putrajaya International Fireworks Competition just to name a couple.

GPS Coordinates to Pullman Putrajaya: N 2° 54′ 0.81” E 101° 40′ 10.56”

Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel and Resort Address
No.2, Jalan P5/5 Precinct 5
62200 Putrajaya
Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya
Malaysia
Telephone: +603 8890 0000
Fax: +603 8890 0001
email: info@pullmanputrajaya.com

Pullman Putrajaya Map

View Pullman Hotel and Resort Putrajaya in a larger map 
Other related links;

Pullman Hotel Putrajaya Website

Pullman Accore Website

Vous Spa at Pullman Putrajaya
Alamanda Putrajaya Shopping Mall

If you are visiting Kuala Lumpur and want to explore Putrajaya, this place is pretty much a nice area to put up in. As the area here is huge, it would be advised to rent a car to move around. For those who are on transit at KLIA, another option to stay would also be the Pullman Hotel and Resort in Putrajaya.

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