Shopping Malls in Petaling Jaya

Shopping Malls in Petaling Jaya, Selangor are one of the very popular places for many local and tourist. There are super malls right down to family malls offered for all walks of life and basically the city has gone into this 'Mall Culture' where weekends or even weekdays are spent at these popular shopping malls. With this, I have created a list of popular shopping malls located through Petaling Jaya and in no particular order. The picture above is of the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall, picture taken from archuletafanscene.com.

1Utama Rainforest, picture taken from backpackingmalaysia.com

1. One Utama Shopping Mall (Also known as 1U)

One Utama is noted as the biggest shopping mall in central PJ and with the addition of a new wing, this makes the place one of the top shopping malls to visit in Petaling Jaya. There are a total of 6 floors of shopping with over 5 million square feet of retail and entertainment here. A tropical rainforest section offers nature lovers a break away from the shopping while the award winning mall caters to two start of the art cinemas and endless choices of eateries here.

Special: One Utama is also connected to the 5-Star One World Hotel which makes staying here a bonus for the business or shopping traveler.

Getting to One Utama Shopping Mall:

• Takes about 15 to 20 minutes via taxi from Kuala Lumpur city.
• If you're boarding a bus from KL Sentral, take the Rapid KL Bus No. U82. If coming from Putrajaya Sentral, take Bus No. T43. 1 Utama is also connected via buses No. U86 and U89.
• LRT Train: Get off at the Kelana Jaya LRT stop and take a taxi to 1 Utama, which is just 10 minutes away on the LDP (Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong)

One Utama Shopping Mall Website

Address: 1 Leboh Bandar Utama, 

Persiaran Bandar Utama,

Bandar Utama, 47800

Petaling Jaya

Telephone: 03 7726 6033

 The Curve Shopping Mall, Pic from Skyscrapercity.com

2. The Curve Shopping Center

This shopping mall is also one of the popular places to visit as it is cleverly located in Mutuara Damansara amongst other big names like Ikea, Ikano Power Center, Cineleisure and Tesco making it a one stop shoppers heaven. The Curve also boasts of having Malaysia’s first pedestrianized shopping mall where all entrances are interconnected to the other malls and buildings around it. A total of 180 retail outlets offer various choices here. A popular area here is The Street where an opened air street concept of 50 eateries awaits the hungry shopper while on weekends, this place hosts one of the best Flea Markets around. 

Special: The Curve is also connected to a 4-star boutique hotel called The Royale Bintang Damansara. 

Getting to The Curve:

• Takes about 15 to 20 minutes via taxi from Kuala Lumpur city.
• If you're boarding a bus from Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, take RapidKL Bus U88.
• LRT Train: Get off at the Kelana Jaya LRT stop. There is a Free IKANO Shutle Bus or take RapidKL Bud U89.

The Curve Website

Address: 6 Jalan PJU 7/3,

Mutiara Damansara,

47800 Petaling Jaya

Telephone: 03 7710 6868 


3. Amcorp Mall
A medium sized mall located in the business district of Petaling Jaya,  Amcorp Mall is well known for their Flea Market since 1998 and is the biggest indoor market in Malaysia. The mall is also located by the famous 24 hour A&W restaurant in PJ and gets really crowded on weekends due to the popularity of the unique Flea Market here. All five floors of the mall is utilized for vendors to sell all sorts of items where the lower ground floor is the most popular with stalls selling antiques, collectibles, stamps and more.

Special: On weekdays, the place is quiet serving only the business workers so best to visit on Sunday for the Amcorp Mall Flea Market.


Getting to Amcorp Mall;

• By Train: Located along the Kelana Jaya LRT Line, you need to get off at the Taman Jaya LRT Station and it is a 2 minute walk to Amcorp Mall. 
• Taxi: 15-20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur

Amcorp Mall Website



Address: 18 Jalan Persiaran Barat,
Off Jalan Timur,
46200 Petaling Jaya 
Telephone: 03 7958 5318

4. Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall 
Another award winning mall, this is Malaysia's first Themed Shopping Mall. Located in the Sunway district of Petaling Jaya and next to Malaysia's first theme park - Sunway Lagoon, the mall has been in operation since 1997 and caters to over 4 million square feet of retail therapy. As you approach the mall, you will see a huge Egyptian Lion as the main icon while a replica pyramid dominates the back where once it used to shoot light into the sky at night similar to The Luxor in Vegas. The mall recently went through a 50 million dollar revamp and now caters to over 800 shops for some serious shopping. 

Special: Sunway Pyramid is connected with the 5-star Sunway Hotel and Sunway Lagoon Themepark. Another highlight here is the indoor Ice Skating Rink in the mall.

Getting to Sunway Pyramid Mall;

• By Train: LRT to Kelana Jaya Station, then take the RapidKL Bus T623
• By Bus: Can be complicated from KL so best to take the LRT Train.
• By Taxi: About 20-30 minutes from KL, avoid peak hours.

Sunway Pyramid Website
Address: No. 3 Jalan PJS11/15,
Bandar Sunway,
46150 Petaling Jaya
Telephone: (603) 7494 3100

5. Jaya 33 Shopping Mall
One of the new malls in Section 13 near the famous Jaya Supermarket, this Office Mall caters to mostly locals with 2 retail floors and 11 restaurants. A grocery supermarket and fitness center called True Fitness are the popular choices here. Not a shopping place for tourist but more towards the locals and expatriates. The famous Digital Mall, and all IT center is a 5 minute walk from here. 


Getting to Jaya 33;

• Taxi: From KL, 20-30 minutes
• Train: Stop at Asia Jaya LRT Station. From here is it a 15 minute walk or you can take a taxi to Jaya 33.

Jaya 33 Website
Address: Lot 33, No.3,
Jalan Semangat, Seksyen 13,
46100 Petaling Jaya
Telephone: (603) 7958 3388

6. Digital Mall
The most popular IT Mall in Petaling Jaya which caters to everything in the Information Technology.  Known as the one stop IT Mall, it is spread over 4 floors and you can find Mobile Phones, Computer Software and Hardware, Electrical Products and Cameras in this 80,000 square feet area. Everything related to the Internet Technology can be found here so if you are those who constantly crave the latest IT products, this is your place. A Mac Shop is also available here while a Digi  Service Center is on the ground floor. Multiple Broadband services are usually seen on promotions at the mall entrance. An IT Market is located on the top floor offering competitive prices. This mall which gets very busy on weekends is also located 5 minutes from the Jaya 33 Mall.

Special: Everything IT, Camera Shops.

Getting to Digital Mall;

• Train: Stop at the Asia Jaya LRT Station, then a 10 minute walk here.
• Taxi: 20-30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur City.

Digital Mall Website
Address: No. 2, Jalan 14/20 Section 14,
46100 Petaling Jaya
Telephone: 603 7968 3311 / 603 7955 4394

Empire Gallery

7. Empire Gallery Shopping Mall
Empire Gallery is the latest addition to shopping malls in Petaling Jaya and is located in Subang Jaya, a township in between Klang and Kuala Lumpur. This 600,000 square feet mall offers a unique concept of live, work, shop, play and eat in one place which is now fast catching on with the locals. A more refined selection of shops and entertainment spots have been sourced by the mall owners so you can expect something a little different than the usual shopping malls. The Empire is also located just nearby Subang Parade Shopping Mall.

Special: An 8th Floor Entertainment Club.

Getting to Empire Gallery;

• LRT Train: to Kelana Jaya Station then take RapidKL Bus T623
• Commuter Train: KL Sentral to Subang Jaya KTM Komuter Station then walk 5 minutes to the mall.
• Taxi: From KL City, a 20-30 minute drive.
• RapidKL Buses: From KL Sentral to Subang Jaya, take Bus #U67, MidValley Megamall to Empire Mall, take Bus #U76.

Empire Gallery Shopping Mall Website
Address: Jalan SS16/1, 47500 Subang Jaya
Telephone: 603 5635 9818


8. Subang Parade Shopping Mall
One of the oldest shopping malls in Petaling Jaya, the Subang Parade has been around for over 22years. Totaling 500,000 square feet of retail space, there are also over 160 shops spread over 3 floors here. A number of popular eateries are found here while the mall is across the road from Empire Gallery and Carrefour.

Special: IT Center and the main tenant, Parkson Grand Department Store.

Getting to Subang Parade Shopping Center;

• LRT Train: to Kelana Jaya Station then take RapidKL Bus T623
• Commuter Train: KL Sentral to Subang Jaya KTM Komuter Station then walk 5 minutes to the mall.
• Taxi: From KL City, a 20-30 minute drive.
• RapidKL Buses: From KL Sentral to Subang Jaya, take Bus #U67, MidValley Megamall to Subang Parade, take Bus #U76.

Subang Parade Website
Address: No 5 Jalan SS16/1,
47500 Subang Jaya
Telephone: 603 5032 9778

9. Sunway Giza Shopping Mall
Another of the latest specialized malls to open is Sunway Giza Shopping Mall located in the Kota Damansara area of Petaling Jaya which opened on Dec 2009. This neighborhood mall with 3 floors totals 86,000 square feet and is a covered boulevard style shopping mall with over 70 specialty shops. More catered towards those who love around the area.

Special: Located in the high traffic Kota Damansara business area.

Getting to Sunway Giza Shopping Mall;

• Taxi: From Kuala Lumpur to Kota Damansara about 30-45 minutes
• LRT Train: To Kelana Jaya Station, then take RapidKL Bus U89
• RapidKL Bus: Take Bus U88 from Pasar Seni or KL Sentral to Kota Damansara.

Sunway Giza Website
Address: No.2 Jalan PJU5/14, PJU5,
Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya
Telephone: 603 6148 1600

Tropicana City Shopping Mall

10. Tropicana City Mall
Another new mall in the Damansara area, Tropicana City Shopping Mall is one of the popular places for the people living in Petaling Jaya that opened at the end of 2008. With a total of 450,000 square feet, this mall with four unique floors offer shoppers a wide selection of shops and eateries. Branded 'The New Pulse of PJ', the mall tries to cater to the middle class individual and family spenders offering many unique entertainment, eateries and lifestyle shops. Highlight of the mall would be the new GSC Multiplex Cinema.

Special: Excellent Cinemas and Grocery Shopping here.

Getting to Tropicana City Shopping Mall;

• LRT Train: To Kelana Jaya Station, then use the complimentary bus service from Tropicana City Mall. This is the best option for public transportation.
• Taxi: From Kuala Lumpur, 15-20 minutes

Tropicana City Shopping Mall Website
Address: No 3, Jalan SS20/27
47400 Petaling Jaya
Telephone: 603 7710 1818 / 7710 0101

You can also check out my 8 Shopping Malls in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur List.

Just so you know, there are a few more malls that I have not listed here but you can give them a miss as those listed are the most popular places. Not listed are - Atria Shopping Center, Summit Shopping Center,  Ikano Power Center (This is just opposite The Curve), Jaya One and Plaza OUG to name a few. For the shopaholics, these places are located around the city of Petaling Jaya which is a satellite city from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getting to these malls take about 20-30 minutes from KL with consideration to the traffic. If you haven't have enough of shopping in KL, you can try the 10 Shopping Malls in Petaling Jaya.

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AirAsia Budget Airlines

AirAsia Budget Airlines is no doubt the most popular airline brand to operate out of Southeast Asia catering to over 25 countries and 400 destinations. Working closely with the sister companies - AirAsia X, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia, AirAsia was created with one purpose with their catchy tag line ‘’Now Everyone Can Fly’’. Having also won multiple awards in the airline industry since 2003, AirAsia's goal is simply to be the largest Low Cost Airline in Asia serving all walks of life.

AirAsia was established in 1993 by government owned company DRB-Hicom in Malaysia but was eventually taken over by Tony Fernendes in 2001 where he made a remarkable turnaround for the troubled company bringing in massive profits with the term 'Low Cost Budget Airline'. Ever since then, the airline company sky rocketed into the largest budget airline in Asia with over 100 airplanes in the company, a stake in the Lotus Racing Formula One Partnership and many other related companies.

While most Southeast Asians would have heard of AirAsia due to the aggressive marketing campaigns offline and online, many would have flown the budget airlines due to the price factor. The term 'Now everyone can fly' was also conceptualized for all walks of life, from the businessman right to the low income earners making air travel one of the biggest things in the region. The one big thing that consumers are always on the look out for is the famous Free Seats Promotion that AirAsia offers a few times a year. Apart from that, the airline constantly introduces monthly flight promotions and new routes around the region through the main website or through AirAsiaGo, their flight and hotel booking site. In the last 7 years, I have managed to secure a number of Free Seats Promotions to various countries around Southeast Asia every year. 

LCCT in Sepang, Malaysia

One of the current services I found using this airline very convenient was the 'Self Check In' Terminals located at the LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) Airport in Sepang. Here, you simply visit the unit, key in your booking number and then get your check in ticket. If you have luggage, you simple head to Baggage Drop Counter No.13-15 and hand them your luggage bags to be checked into your flight.

AirAsia Bookings

Among the bookings they offer, there are General, Mobile, Group, Corporate, Travel Agent, Government and Chartering a Flight.

Latest AirAsia News

• AirAsia and MAS told to work on a Win-Win Formula by Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.
• Richard Branson to be Flight Attendant on AirAsia X Flight to UK on 21st February 2011.
• AirAsia allows you to book online 4 hours before your flight. This excludes pre-booked meals and comfort kits.
• AirAsia Philippines is the latest sister company to join the group in 2011 so many are excited about this partnership and services offered which will have the AirAsia hub in either Clark or Subic Bay.

Some of the useful links related to AirAsia can be found below;

AirAsia Website (Flight Booking Only)

AirAsiaGo Website (Flight and Hotel Booking)

AirAsia on Wikipedia

AirAsia on Twitter

AirAsia on Facebook

AirAsia Mobile (For BlackBerry, Android and iPhone)

AirAsia MegaStore (Online store for products)

Thai AirAsia

Indonesia AirAsia

VietJet AirAsia

AirAsia X (International Long Haul Flights)

Tune Hotels (AirAsia Hotels)

Tune Money (AirAsia Financial Services Portal)

AirAsia Lotus Racing Formula One Partnership

For those of you who have never flew Air Asia, you will need a valid credit card to make your bookings via the online site unless you buy your tickets from a travel agent. Note that this is a  Low Cost Budget Airline and extra weight for baggage is charged after 15kgs while food and drinks on flights are also charged a nominal fee.

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Sunset at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Sunset at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is my picture of the week. I took this picture while heading to the Kota Kinabalu (KK) Waterfront to capture the evening sunset in May 2010. Before I reached the waterfront, the Marlin Statue stood out in a silhouette against the evening sky which caught my attention. This famous statue serves as a roundabout along the coastal road at KK's busiest areas. Nearby is the Suria KK, a new upmarket shopping center in Kota Kinabalu. View my other Sunset Pictures

For the many times that I have been here, I have hardly seen an evening go by without an amazing and beautiful Sabah Sunset. Another place which I managed to get a decent photograph is of the Sabah Sunset at Kuala Penyu, a district about 2 hours out of KK. If you plan to visit this coastal city, make sure you check out the waterfront area here and for those who have been to KK will know that this is one of the best places to catch a beautiful sunset in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 

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Hot Spring Spa in Krabi, Thailand

Hot Spring Spas in Krabi are currently the trend for visitors headed to this Eco-Tourism haven in the Southwest of Thailand. Called the Waree Raksa Hot Spring and Day Spa, this beautiful place is located about one hour from the main town of Krabi. On a recent visit here under Thailand Tourism, I was fortunate enough to experience a full Hot Spring Spa and Wellness Treatment.

The journey took us out of town through a scenic drive passing various local villages in the Klong Tom district of Krabi. The van then turned off the main road while we must have traveled in for another five minutes passing nothing but shrubs and what looked like a secondary jungle. Within minutes, we arrived at a traditional wooden Thai home which did not look like a spa at all. Feeling unsure, I asked the driver again and he assured me this was indeed the Day Spa we were visiting.

Waree Raksa Day Spa, Krabi

We were greeted by the Waree Raksa Spa manager who invited us under the house, literally underneath the beautifully reconstructed traditional house where an open air lounge cum restaurant with wooden tables and benches were placed. Here, the manager give us the run down of the entire process from start to finish. After our welcome drinks, we were ushered by the staff to our changing huts which were about 50 meters away.

The two huts were made from semi brick and thatched roofing with male and female changing rooms complete with a bathroom and outdoor shower at the back. Lockers were provided and we got into our shorts and robes while Croc-like shoes were also available. Upon exiting the hut, the staff led us down a pathway through the beautifully landscaped grounds. Along the way, I noticed some traditional outdoor gazebos which were about 15 meters apart. The path kept going until we passed some bushes only to be greeted with various pools of crystal clear water. They were man-made and creatively done too. Looking around, I noticed that there were multiple pools in that huge area hidden from the public eye.

Waree Raksa Spa walkway

Outdoor Cabanas or Gazebos for massage

As the spa manager joined us, he then explained the concept of their hot spring pools here. Two natural spring water sources were discovered here and instead of just making two main pools, they opted to share the source of water through an advanced system and coming out with six different pools here. The spring waters were an average temperature of 40-45 degrees Celsius which was also odorless, rich in minerals and with a PH value of 6.9. The multiple pools in one section had different temperatures ranging from 38 to 45 degrees Celsius including a cold pool for that perfect hydro-therapeutic experience. 

Multiple hot spring pools in Krabi

Natural Hot Spring Pools

Hot Spring Pools

As we started our spa session here, it was rather funny when we were asked to start with the cold pool for five minutes, then hop into the medium pool and then into the hot pool. This went on back and forth for about 20 minutes until it was the outdoor massage. Well trained masseurs then invited us to benches near the pools where a salt and herbal scrub was performed onto our entire body. When the scrub was done, a quick outdoor shower was taken nearby and then we were back into the pool for a repeat of the first session. Shortly after adjusting to the hot pool, one of the staff who was a yoga instructor came by to give us a Yoga Relaxation Session while were in the pool. During this basic experience, I noticed another staff member prepping the medium pool with natural flowers and pandanous shaped flowers for the final process. I took a look at some of the other pools and to my surprise, I even saw a waterfall with hot spring water. That was a first for me.

Traditional Thai massage outdoor

Flowers in the hot spring pool

When the spa and wellness treatment was finished, one of the staff walked in with a tray filled with little green cups and from a distance, I could have sword they were cups. As she walked closer towards me, I was taken aback that the cups were actually little mini coconuts for our refreshment drinks. Heading back to the main entrance of the place, we were stopped at an open area where a buffet of local Thai fruit was displayed. Here, we were invited to feast on these exotic fruits which were Durians, Rambutans, Longkongs, Watermelons and Mangosteens. Being local, my choice was clear as I headed straight for the Durians. The Thai Durians were plucked from the local plantations and as a durian lover, I have to say that they were incredibly tasty.

Local fruit buffet

Traditional Thai massage room

Changed and feeling refreshed, a late lunch was provided for us under the wooden house. Local food was the highlight where stick rice and mango was served while a selection of Thai dishes complete with barbecued chicken on sticks and grilled beef made our meal complete. Not helping was the fact that most of us stuffed our faces with the Durians earlier but that did not stop the host from bringing more of the thorny fruits for dessert. You can imagine our journey back to Krabi town after this session. Half of us fast asleep in the van while I was just too filled to even close my eyes. 

Krabi has always been a popular getaway for many Southeast Asians and Europeans while the place has also been nicknamed the second Phuket. A complete range of activities are available here and many of them which are new include Eco-Tourism and Wellness Tourism. Strangely, I always thought of Krabi as an Island or  Beach getaway and after fully experiencing this coastal town, I now understand why many are heading here nowadays.

The Waree Raksa Spa is a day spa where bookings can be done from the hotels or even some of the travel counters in town. Transport can be arranged to and fro while they only operate as a day spa for now. A half or full day package can be arranged to suit your style while local Thai massages are also provided in the traditional houses here. Huge thanks goes out to the staff and management of the Waree Raksa Hot Spring and Day Spa and also to Tourism Authority of Thailand for arranging this trip.

Waree Raksa Spa address and contact;

Krabi
P.O. Box 25,
Krabi 81000
Thailand
Telephone - (66 75) 637 130-3
Fax - (66 75) 637 134-5

Bangkok Office
140/389 Sathorn House,
North Sathorn, Silom,
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Thailand
Telephone -  (66 2) 236 4141, 236 2345
Fax - (66 2)236 3344

Website: Waree Raksa Hot Spring Spa
Reservation: reservation@vacationvillage.co.th
Sales: sales@vacationvillage.co.th

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Penang National Park

The Penang National Park (Taman Negara Pulau Pinang) is located all the way at the end of Teluk Bahang and is also currently the smallest national park in the world. Nature lovers and outdoor fans who enjoy hiking or trekking would be pleased to know that the place offers a number of treks at this park covering 2563 hectares. Having said that, I visited this place in October 2010 only to find that it was indeed a hidden gem of Penang Island. Formerly known as Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve, the new name was given in 2003 together with a revamp on infrastructure and amenities here.

Starting of the trek

My trips are usually self driven around Malaysia so as I arrived towards the end of the road, there was a parking lot in the main registration area of the park headquarters. It is here where everyone who intends to go into the park needs to register with the park office for security purposes. For those seeking a park guide, there is a charge of RM5 where he will take you on your trek. For me, I had arrived a little after lunch so my options were narrowed down to a simple trek to the center of the park. With this being said, I would recommend that you visit the park as early as possible to see the many interesting places and beaches here. Some of the treks here can take up to three hours one way.

Gets interesting as you go in further

A local wooden jetty seen from the trek

The good thing about this trek was that the main pathway was paved with concrete for the first 1-2 kilometers so walking here was easy for all levels. As I got in about one kilometer, a lot of flora dominated the pathways with some unique plants seen. From a report back in 2006, there are an estimate 417 flora and 143 fauna species found in the park here. At one point after you start, you suddenly see the sea on your right side with the trek running alongside. Wooden tables and benches are strategically placed along this part for those coming here to have a picnic. A small beach is also scattered throughout the area here while sea breeze blows towards the park.

The natural trek begins

After the first stretch of beach, the trek slowly turns into a proper pathway where the concrete ended. The journey still continues alongside the sea here while the path starts to go a little uphill. I recommend some proper trekking or hiking shoes for this place and bring a poncho just in case it rains. It can get a little slippery while there are railings of rope and wood at various sections of the hike.

The first junction and lookout area

One of the natural beaches at the Penang National Park

As we arrived at the first intersection of the hike, there was a modern wooden structure providing shelter and a bridge over one of the rivers. Crossing the bridge, you come to an intersection with multiple signs showing the directions of the many other treks and places at the park. Also in the signs are the distances to these places. Educational boards are also put up here with information on the Mangrove, Flora and Fauna here.

For those who want some private time on a beach, the Penang National Park boasts of 8 of the best beaches in Penang Island! They are located throughout the park and these are the beaches;

1. Teluk Bahang
2. Teluk Tukun
3. Tanjung Aling
4. Teluk Duyung (Monkey Beach)
5. Teluk Ketapang
6. Pantai Kerachut
7. Teluk Kampi
8. Pantai Mas

Signs showing the many places around the park

Detailed information on the park

After a brief exploration around this area, I headed to a Canopy Walk which is right in the center of the park. The total time it took me to reach the canopy walk was about 25 minutes as I had made various stops along the way. For those eager to visit Monkey Beach, it would take an estimate 2 hours to trek there one way. But I was told that the place is amazing and one of the nicest beach in Penang and most likely, I will make another visit here on my next trip to the island. By the time we reached the Canopy Walk here, it was time to turn around as nightfall was around the corner. Overall I have to say that this was indeed a surprise for me because all the years of visiting Penang Island, I never did explore the nature apart from usually doing the food and heritage run here. 

If you have kids, this would be a lovely place to introduce them to the Flora & Fauna of Malaysia. An estimate half day here would be sufficient and if you would like to plan a picnic, this would be perfect. because of the amenities provided. Barbecue (BBQ) Pits are also provided at various spots in the early trek of the park. Bird Watchers would also find this place interesting as there are quite a number of species to be found here. When I was trekking the park, I noticed a number of locals who came here for their evening walks too so for the expatriates living in Penang, this would be a fantastic place to exercise.

Park Opening Hours: 7am till 6pm

Getting to Penang National Park; 
Buses: From Komtar Building in Georgetown, take Hin Bus No.1-1 or ask the bus companies.
Taxi: From anywhere around the island. Note it takes about 30-45 minutes from Georgetown to the park.

Self Drive: Drive along the main Batu Feringgi Road and head towards the end of Teluk Bahang. You will see the park entrance on the left just before the jetty. There is parking available.
Picnics/BBQs: Allowed at allocated areas
Camping: You need to contact the Park Headquarters

Admission to the park: Free. However if you need a guide/trekker, there is a charge of RM5.

Penang National Park Official Website

Penang National Park on Wikipedia

Address for the National Park in Penang;
Penang National Park
Jalan Hassan Abas,Teluk Bahang,
11050 Penang
Pulau Pinang

Telephone: 604-881 3530/ 881 2016,
Fax: 604-881 2016

Apart from the great food and Unesco Heritage Site Zone in Georgetown or even Chulia Street Penang, there are also beaches and markets around the island to visit. Also, photographers will find that taking Pictures of Penang will be exciting as there are many old colonial buildings around the main town area. For those who love the outdoors or simply nature, you have many choices to explore the island and one of them is right here at the Penang National Park.

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Travel Pictures - Messy Moments while Traveling

This article is dedicated to the messy moments that we encounter during our travels. Sometimes when we visit a country, our eyes tend to focus on these unique sights and some of us would capture it on camera for that memorable moment. So here, I decided to start an article where you can share your unique pictures from your travels. Pictures can be of a traffic jam, crowds, multiples of something and as long as it looks really messy or confusing.

To do so, just follow the format I have done below and email the pictures to - msia.asia [at] gmail.com

Title: Wires, wires and more wires!

Location: Pattaya, Thailand

Date: November 2010

Submitted by: David from Malaysia Asia

Description: Walking along the main streets of Pattaya in Thailand, I turned off into a smaller road and looking up at some shop lots, I saw this massive mess up on a pole. 

Title: Thailand Wires!

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Date: February 2009

Submitted by: Jenny Hite on her friends site Thai Girl

Description: Hubby, Paul Hite took this picture and shared this with Andrew Hicks, an English author and blogger on-line friend who lives in Thailand with his Thai wife.

MalaysiaAsia Comment: Wow, I honestly wonder how the technicians work on them. 

Title: Messy Food Situation?

Location: Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Date: August 2008

Submitted by: Ilya Houben from Wonderful Malaysia (http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com) and Veelzijdig Maleisie http://www.veelzijdigmaleisie.nl - A popular Dutch travel website about Malaysia).

Description: My girlfriend and I were about to take a taxi to Singapore when we discovered this very nice looking 'messy sitution' in the trunk of this taxi. Still we could only think about how good the food would probably taste :)

MalaysiaAsia Comment: Oh my god! this has got to be the first picture I have seen food being sold literary  from the trunk of a taxi with an LPG gas container. 

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Masarap Restaurant, Filipino Food in Sandakan Sabah

It has been a long time since I did a food review and during my recent trip to Sandakan, Sabah Borneo, in October 2010, I explored the area around my hotel and found this amazing place called Masarap Restaurant serving authentic Filipino Food. Located at the 4th Mile from Sandakan Town, this cozy little place was hidden from the main roads and had a signboard which required you to wear sunglasses to look at. As I walked in at about 2pm that hot afternoon, the establishment was quiet and the staff looked like they were about to go back. I politely asked if they were still serving lunch and without hesitation, the supervisor (I Think) said they were going to close from 3pm to 6pm for the afternoon break and I could still order if I wanted to.

Masarap Restaurant Sandakan Sabah

Filipino food has always interested me but there seems to be a lack of these kind of restaurants around the city of Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya where I usually frequent. Therefore I was all out to try this place as the menu looked really good here. The selections were totally different from the usual menus I always come across so this looked very promising indeed.

Ginisang Pinakbit, a Filipino vegetable dish

To start, I honestly had no clue. It was a late lunch after a heavy breakfast and there were only the two of us so we didn't know how or where to start. I called the supervisor over to get her recommendations and without hesitation, she pointed to the Kaldereta Baboy. My next obvious question was if it was spicy and she casually  said that they could control the spiciness. Great I said and what was next. She continued with a number of other dishes but told us that we would need to be really hungry. Giving it a pass, we opted for something safe like vegetables and she recommended the Ginisang Pinakbit which was a shrimp paste based mix vegetable dish. And to follow, two plates of white rice.

 Kalderata Baboy, a Filipino pork dish

Because we were the only customers there, the dishes came out pretty fast. I estimated that it probably took them ten minutes or less to send out the first dish which was the Kalderata Baboy. It looked really good and spicy, but a test of the sauce confirmed that it was mild spicy. The pork was really tender and flavorful as the sauce was perfectly induced into the pieces. which was a pork curry Filipino style. They use Pork Belly and a tomato bean based sauce which is cooked with carrots, potato, capsicum and onions. Shortly, the mixed vegetables came and both dishes looked just nice for two people. The Ginisang Pinakbit had a very unique flavor as the shrimp paste or sauce (belachan) used in this dish was somewhat different from the usual taste we get in Peninsular Malaysia. (Yes foodies, so much different!) as it was non pungent and had the perfect balance in it as it went well with the mixed vegetables such as eggplants, long beans, okra, bitter gourd and pumpkin. You could actually taste the multiple flavours used in creating this dish. This was a major thumbs up from me as I never expected the dishes to taste so good. 

Local Filipino Dessert

And to finish out afternoon lunch here, we tried the local Filipino dessert which was a Tiramisu styled caked with a biscuit layering of cream. Called Crema de Fruita, it was a combination of fresh mango, cream and biscuit and  it was their top selling dessert here. Portioning was generous though we should have ordered two instead as it was amazingly delicious.

A simple menu greeting the customer

One thing I would like to highlight here is that the restaurant specializes in everything pork. From stew, boiled, deep fried, curried right till satay and judging from the dishes we ordered, it should taste really good. On a side note, I met some friends at the airport on my way back to Kuala Lumpur, and they informed me that they just had dinner at the restaurant before coming to the Sandakan Airport. Asking them how it was, they raved highly of the many various pork dishes they ordered and it was all good things said. Apparently, there is a live band that performs around 8pm in the restaurant so this place doubles as a restaurant/bar.

So, I guess my next trip to Sandakan, I will be making a re-visit to this restaurant. If you are on holiday or on a business trip to Sandakan, please make it a point to try out this local hidden gem called Masarap Filipino Restaurant at Mile 4, as they seem to be serving the best Filipino Food in Sandakan.

Masarap Filipino Restaurant Menu

Prices: Slightly above local average but still very affordable (not your hotel prices)
Halal: NOT Halal
Alcohol: Yes, served
Service: Excellent
Cleanliness: Spotless
Extras: Live Band during/after dinner
Opens: 10am-3pm, 6pm-Late


Masarap Restaurant Address:

Block 33, Lot 4A,
Bandar Indah Mile 4,
Jalan Utara 90000
Sandakan
Sabah
Telephone:  014 352 8778

Landmark: Located just behind The Mark's Lodge - a boutique hotel here in Sandakan.

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Turtle Island in Sabah Borneo - Picture of the Week

Turtle Island in Sabah Borneo is my picture of the week. In the photo above, you see guest laying around the beach doing nothing but relaxing. I visited this unique turtle sanctuary and hatchery in October 2010 to experience what one would expect to find here and to my surprise, it was absolutely stunning to know about how the turtles come in to lay eggs and the routines that take place here. 

Turtle Island has only one resort and four main beaches. Guest who come here to observe turtles namely Hawksbill and Green Turtles who come up nightly to lay their eggs on the beach will spend an overnight trip here. In the day, you can simply laze around this private island while the turtles start to come in after dinner at around 9pm. Turtle Island or Pulau Selingan is located about an hours boat ride from Sandakan town in East Sabah. Tour companies arrange packages for singles, doubles or families to do an overnight trip.

For more info on Turtle Island, you can visit the Sabah Tourism Website and for more information on Sabah, please see my Sabah Labels as I have over 40 articles about Sabah, the Land Below The Wind. If you love all things nature, Turtle Island is one of the places you have to visit when you go to Sabah Borneo.

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Kontes Peraduan Menang RM6,000

Peraduan Menang RM6,000 dengan Kontes Malaysia Asia

Peraduan ini telah TAMAT. Ada Peraduan Baru dibawah;

Menang RM16,500 dengan Peraduan Malaysia Asia bulan January 2011

Peraduan ini adalah senang dan anda cuma mengikut 4 langkah untuk masuki peraduan menang ini. Jumlah Hadiah bernilai RM6,000 termasuk;

Hadiah Utama: Trip untuk 2 orang yang dibayar semua ke Manila, Filipina untuk 4 Hari / 3 Malam. Ini termasuk tiket kapalterbang, bilik hotel, sarapan pagi, tour and airport pick up. (Bernilai RM3,500)

Hadiah Pertama: Jam tangan SUUNTO Bernilai RM1,199
Hadiah Kedua: Bilik Holiday Villa Resort dan Spa di Sanur, Bali untuk 2 orang (3 Hari / 2 Malam)
Hadiah Ketiga: Langganan Majalah Travelution untuk setahun

Di peraduan perlancongan ini, anda tidak perlu membeli apa, tidak perlu mengisi slogan, tidak perlu 'upload' gambar! Cuma ikuti 4 langkah mudah and e-mel jawapan anda sahaja.

Siapa yang boleh menyertai? Sesiapa pun dapat bergabung dengan kontes ini.
Syarat: Setiap orang hanya di bagi sekali untuk menyerti peraduan ini.
Tempoh Peraduan - 2 Disember hingga 31 Disember 2010

Cara Memasuki Kontes Peraduan Menang Malaysia Asia

1. Anda perlu 'LIKE' (Suka) Malaysia Asia Fan Page di Facebook

2. Anda perlu 'LIKE' (Suka) Sponser Hadiah Utama Fan Page di Facebook

3. Anda perlu 'SHARE' laman in di dinding Facebook anda.

   Klik di atas 


4. Anda perlu menjawan 5 soalan yang terdapat di bawah ini.



SOALAN


1. Apa nama SPA di Pattaya terkenal dengan "Pijat 4 Tangan" atau "4 Hands Massage"?
Ikuti link ini untuk jawapannya - http://su.pr/1TWUAI

2. Apa nama PULAU ini yang terletak dari Pattaya?
Ikuti link ini untuk jawapannya - http://su.pr/7yzb7E

3. Apa nama STESEN MRT di Pasar Chatuchak, Bangkok?
Ikuti link ini untuk jawapannya - http://su.pr/1EJCKx

4. Apa nama KLINIK GIGI Malaysia Asia dikunjungi di Pattaya?
Ikuti link ini untuk jawabannya - http://su.pr/30IgIk

5. Apa nama HOSPITAL untuk Hati dan Jantung Stres Test di Pattaya?
Ikuti link ini untuk jawapannya - http://su.pr/9oBzJR

Ingat untuk e-mel jawapan anda ke:

msia.asia [at] gmail.com

Contoh Email

Tajuk Email - Peraduan Menang Malaysia Asia Disember
Name: Abu Bakar Bin Abu Bakar
Negara: Johor, Malaysia
Nombor Hubungi: 011-987654321
Jawapan:
1. [Jawapan anda]
2. [Jawapan anda]
3. [Jawapan anda]
4. [Jawapan anda]
5. [Jawapan anda]

Selepas anda telah menghantar jawapan anda melalui e-mel, saya akan mengesahkan bahawa anda telah menyelesaikan semua langkah yang diperlukan  # 1, # 2, # 3 dan # 4 sebelum menerima kemasukan anda.

Bagaimana pemenang yang dipilih.

    * Pemilihan peserta dengan jawapan yang betul untuk semua 5 soalan dan telah menyelesaikan 4 langkah.
    * Saya akan menggunakan Randomizer Senarai http://www.random.org/ dimana 'cap waktu' atau time code dihasilkan untuk transparansi dalam peraduan ini.
    * Setiap pemenang akan dicabut secara individual sehingga akan ada 4 merujuk pada 4 hari yang berbeza.
    * Hadiah Ketiga - 3 Januari 2011
    * Hadiah Kedua - 4 Januari 2011
    * Hadiah Pertama - 5 Januari 2011
    * Hadia Utama - 6 Januari 2011
    * Hadiah pemenang akan dimaklumkan melalui e-mel dan juga diposting di sini pada halaman kontes.

SPONSOR PERADUAN INI

Equator Adventure Tours specializes in all tours related to Sabah Borneo and around the region of Southeast Asia handling inbound and outbound tours. Some of their signature tours include exploring the world-renowned Maliau Basin or Lost World of Sabah, Visiting the Lost Tribe of the Bonggi and Diving around Mabul and Sipadan Islands.

AD Time is the distributor of Suunto Watches and many other trendy to classy watches and are based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts is an international hotel brand that provides the conveniences of accommodation, services and amenities that both a business and leisure traveller would appreciate and has hotels and resorts from London to Bali.

Travelution is one of the new Malaysian Travel Magazines that cater to those who enjoy photography and travelling. Being around for the last 8 months, this magazine showcases travel destinations, experiences and also reviews on travel products and travel news from the region.


The Fine Print

Terms and Conditions

• Once an entry is submitted, you are in agreement with all the terms and conditions below.
• Participants must be aged 18 years or above.
• Closing date of the contest is 31st December 2010, on 23:59, GMT +8
• Only one email entry per individual is permitted.
• Multiple participants are not permitted to share the same email address.
• Only one winner will be selected per prize.
• In the event there is an International Winner for the Grand Prize, he/she will have to make their way to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia.
• In the event there is an International Winner for the 2nd Prize to Bali, he/she will make their own way to Bali, Indonesia.
• Additional expenses not covered by prize are sole responsibility of the winner for selected prizes.
• The winner will be notified by email and must respond to the email within 3 (three) working days or else a new winner will be selected.
• The winner's name and location may be published on Malaysia Asia.
• The prizes are strictly non-transferable or redeemable for cash or exchange.
• Automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties are not permitted and will be disqualified.

Contest Terms

• There is no entry fee, slogan or purchase required for participants.
• Decisions of the judges are final.
• Malaysia Asia is not responsible for late, lost, misdirected, incomplete, or illegible e-mail or for any computer-related, online, or technical malfunctions that may occur in the submission process.
• Submissions are considered void if illegible, incomplete, damaged, irregular, altered, counterfeit, produced in error, or obtained through fraud or theft.
• Submissions will be considered made by an authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at time of entry.
• No cash equivalent for the Prize(s). The Prize(s) is non-transferable and no substitution will be made except as provided herein at the Sponsor or Administrator's sole discretion. The Sponsor and the Administrator reserve the right to substitute any listed Prize for one of equal or greater value for any reason. Any unused portion of the Prize value is forfeited. Neither the Sponsor nor the Administrator is responsible for the weather conditions or activity availability and no refund or credit will be issued and no alternate date will be made available should the selected dates limit any element of the Prize usage.
• The Prize winner for Holiday Villa Packages will be responsible for the cost of his/her transportation to and from the Holiday Villa Resort. The Prize winner is responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documentation including air tickets, passports and visas, as applicable and for compliance with any customs and immigration requirements. It is recommended that the Prize winner obtain sufficient personal health insurance prior to departure. All expenses and travel costs, including but not limited to, transportation, personal charges at lodging, security fees, taxes, meals, beverages, room service, entertainment, merchandise, souvenirs, local and long distance telephone calls, gratuities, applicable taxes, incidentals, and all other expenses not expressly mentioned as included in the Prize description are the sole responsibility of the winner.
• The odds of winning the Prize depend on the number of eligible entries received up until the point of the drawing. 

ELIGIBILITY

• This contest is open to everyone around the world who is above the legal age of 18 years.
• Employees, officers and directors of the main sponsors, their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, dealers, advertising and promotion agencies and their immediate family (parents, children, siblings, spouse) or members of the same household (whether they are related or not) are not eligible to enter.

Kontes Peraduan Menang RM6,000 adalah ciptaan Malaysia Asia.

Peraduan ini telah TAMAT. Ada Peraduan Baru dibawah;

Menang RM16,500 dengan Peraduan Malaysia Asia bulan January 2011

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Pattaya Walking Street, Thailand

Pattaya Walking Street must be the most busiest area in the entire beach side city and for those of you who have not been here, this is entertainment central! During my trip to Pattaya for the Medical Tourism Blog Contest, my entire daily schedule was pretty much packed so by the time I was done, it would be around 9-10pm. 'What else can I do around here?' I asked Patty, my guide and she suggested that I pay a visit to the famous walking street. Without hesitation, I was there in a flash and to my delight, it was a photographers heaven, provided you like to shoot live moving subjects and risk getting shouted at or chased away. 

Arriving at the Pattaya Walking Street, the entire length estimates about one kilometer long and is closed off to traffic during the nights. Hoards of Thai police men are seen moving around to keep the peace while literally thousands of tourist are seen moving about this lively street. So, what it is here that attracts the common tourist? Well, from a first timer here without reading any information of this place, I would clearly say that this is a men's heaven. But then again, the early parts of the street provide various seafood eateries and interesting live show bars and lounges - some of them very intriguing, which include an Elvis Presley Show, a Beatles Bar, Rock Live Bands and the spanner thrown in. Yes, Entertainment is the word here and probably everything under the sun could possible be found here too. 

 Reception girls promoting the various outlets

 A lady boy in action

As I walked along the street, my eyes could not focus at any one point as there were too many distractions with all sorts of people, neon signs, local Thai people calling me, drag queens or lady boys giving me the eye, young Thai girls inviting me into their establishments... the list goes on. Go Go Bars are on top of the list here with all sorts of catchy and cheesy names which are found at every nook and cranny along this walking street. There are lanes than branch off the main streets and here you would find more detailed and specialized bars and clubs. An influx of Russian tourist in Pattaya has also created a demand therefore you see a number of establishments and clubs that cater to their own kind and even having signs in Russian. Trust me, it's a real challenge trying to pronounce those Russian words. Apart from that, the Middle Eastern demand is up and coming as I noticed a number of Shisha or Hookah joints filled with Middle Eastern men and women. 

After about an hour of walking and photographing the many interesting subjects here, I came to the end of the street which lead into another entertainment area with Karaokes and Discos. It looked like the street never ended so I decided to make a u-turn and head back out. Even the walk back was distracting with many other things I missed along the way in. One live bar lounge caught my attention as a local band was heard playing Deep Purple's My Woman From Tokyo and sounded very original. At these open aired bars, guest simple sit around and people watch while having their Thai Beer. An observation also showed that the unsuspecting common tourist with his family were totally caught unaware of the adult entertainment scene here and were seen quickly hurrying out. So, if you have children, it would be best to avoid this place. Tuck them to bed or get a baby sitter before proceeding to the Pattaya Walking Street. I could go on into details about the other interesting places here but I would rather leave it to you to explore further when you visit here.

Below are some random pictures of my first experience visiting this lively place.

Rock Dancers? A signage to one of the many clubs

Shisha or Hookah Joint

Colourful Afro wigs on sale

Cheep beer promoted by local Thai Girls

Neon signs of the various outlets

Lucifer's Disco, wouldn't you want to go here

 I love this sign

 If you get lost...

 One of the interesting cafes

Seafood signs all over the Walking Street

Interesting club

Pattaya Walking Street in general

If you are visiting Pattaya, be sure to check out the Walking Street here as it is located along the Pattaya Beach Road and connects to this place. The atmosphere here is very lively and a great place to people-watch or simply explore your fancies. On a side note to the male traveler, be careful of the approaching women as one may never know if it is a lady boy or woman. If you are walking alone, chances are that you will be approached by girls or women asking you if you would like to hang out of have a drink. Overall it is a very safe place with the local police seen around this area. Photographing the people here should be dine discreetly and not in their faces or you may be harassed, though when I was here, it was relatively easy as every other tourist seemed to be having a camera phone or camera shooting away. 

Seafood is on the pricey side so if you don't mind it, then by all means. There are a few reputable seafood restaurants along the walking street that have been there for over 30 years. Shopping here is pretty decent with some unique items for sale. Have fun and be safe here at the Pattaya Walking Street. 

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