Rhinoceros Hornbill Picture

Rhinoceros Hornbill is my Picture of the Week. These are the largest species of Hornbills found in the world and this particular one was taken at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.These majestic birds are mostly found in the island of Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and also in Thailand. They grow to about 40-50 inches long (3-5 feet) and weigh about 2-3 kilograms. They spot stunning colours of Orange, Yellow and Red on the top part while the entire body is black. The tail feathers are long and black and white.

Side profile shot of the bird

What is unique about these birds are that they lay their eggs inside tree trunks and the females stay inside with the eggs and then with the chicks, while the male will bring them food. After the eggs are laid, the male hornbill collects mud and the pair pack that mud, along with food and feces, to "mud-up" the tree cavity entrance.Another thing to watch for is the hornbill 'bark' or call. It sounds very different compared to normal birds too. At the KL Bird Park, there are two of these huge birds in an enclosed aviary specially for them only. A Hornbill Restaurant is also in the area so one can sit outside and watch these amazing birds. 

 

 A close up profile of the hornbill

Frontal view of the bird

If you would like to see these birds, you can do so at most Southeast Asian zoos namely the Singapore Zoo, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park and for those who are a little more adventurous, you can make a trip to Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo to see them in the wild. Some places in Sabah offer a Kinabatangan River Safari Cruise where you can catch many of these birds in the wild. Nothing beats being there personally to capture a Rhinoceros Hornbill Picture for your collection.

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David Foster Live Concert in Kuala Lumpur

David Foster and Friends will be performing a Live Concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the Saturday, 22nd October 2011. The show will be held at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil and will start at 8pm.For this concert, there will also be a bonus where a special appearance by Michael Bolton will make it worth while. Also performing are Philip Bailey, Russell Watson, Charice and Ashanti. With a line up like this, it is worth every cent spent as this would be a one time show with so many big names in the music industry performing under one roof and here in Kuala Lumpur.

David Foster and Friends Concert Malaysia 2011

David Walter Foster was born November 1, 1949 and is a Canadian musician, record producer, composer, singer, songwriter, and arranger, noted for discovering singers such as Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Charice Pempengco; and for producing some of the most successful artists in the world. Throughout his career, he has produced recordings for a wide range of musical artists, including Bryan Adams, Tamia, Christina Aguilera, The Bee Gees, Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey, Chicago, Destiny's Child, Neil Diamond, Céline Dion, Earth Wind and Fire, Gloria Estefan, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Beyonce Knowles, Kenny Loggins, Madonna, Olivia Newton-John, Nsync, Prince, Kenny Rogers, Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer and Shania Twain.

In 1995, Foster became the recipient of the Order of British Columbia, the highest honour awarded in his native province of British Columbia. Foster became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006. Foster has won 15 Grammy Awards (three for producer of the year) and has been nominated a total of 46 times. He has been nominated three times for an Academy Award for Best Song and won the 1999 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for the song “The Prayer” (sung by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion) from the film Quest for Camelot. He has been named BMI's "Songwriter of the Year".In June 2010, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

Foster performing at one of the recent concerts

This amazing concert is also brought to you exclusively by Enrich and Malaysia Airlines. From 26th August till 9th September 2011, Malaysia Airlines Enrich members with Maybank Visa Credit or Debit Card are given the privilege and priority to select premium seats for the show. Enrich Members also enjoy a 10% discount. You can find out more about David Foster on his official website. 

 David Foster Live in Malaysia Poster

Ticket seating and prices 

Concert Details

Date: 22nd October, 2011

Venue: Putra Indoor Stadium, Bukit Jalil

Time: 8pm

Tickets: RM103, RM153, RM383, RM483 and RM58

Tickets for David Foster and Friends Concert in Kuala Lumpur

How to get to Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil;

• LRT Train - From KL Sentral main station, take the LRT Ampang Line and disembark at the Bukit Jalil LRT Station. From there it is a 1.1km walk to the Putra Indoor stadium. (est. 20 mins)
• STAR LRT/Kommuter Train - Take the KTM Komuter from Mid Valley, and exit at Bandar Tasik Selatan Terminal. Change trains and take the Star LRT from BTS to Stadium Putra.
• Taxi - Most taxis will head there but getting one back can pose some difficulty so you should have some taxi numbers on hand.  

View other Concerts in Malaysia for 2011 

Those traveling from other states and countries, please be sure to check your hotel bookings before buying your tickets to this show. Sometimes on the comment section here, you may find some people selling off tickets as they are unable to make it. There will also be a Pre Concert Carnival from 4pm to 8pm on the 22nd October 2011 before the show starts so visit the official website for further details. For fans of music, this is a very good opportunity to catch David Foster Live Concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Peranakan Mansion Museum in Penang

The Peranakan Mansion and Museum in Penang is one of those must visit places when you are traveling around this former British ruled island.Located in the core Unesco World Heritage Zone along Church Street or locally known as Lebuh Gereja, this very old building has an interesting story to it. As it was left to rot many years ago, a property developer purchased the place from the descendants and refurbished the entire place. Carefully putting it back to its original Straits Eclectic look and feel, the museum now is a masterpiece for the Baba Nyonya culture and heritage of the north.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion in the old white wall color

As I visited this place back in 2009, the building which was once known as 'Hai Kee Chan Museum' has now been painted where the white color has been replaced with a bright green color. The iron intricate balconies and fittings have a tinge of influence by the early European and British times. A beautiful mix showcases this one-of-a-kind museum with Scottish ironwork, Chinese carved wooden panels and traditional English tiles.

As you walk in the main entrance, you will step into the main courtyard of the building which serves as a covered air well. Rooms are in three directions while a grand staircase leads you to the first floor. On the first floor, you see beautiful iron work on four sides of the inner balcony. The wooden flooring leads you into multiple rooms here which showcase many different Baba-Nyonya artifacts and relics.

Baba Nyonya Antique Dressing Table

In one of the rooms upstairs, you see an actual Baba Nyonya wedding bedroom with complete traditional bed and dresser. Intricately carved and refurbished, these priceless items show how lavish the Peranakans used to live back in the day. Inspecting around, I saw many unique items spread around the bedroom.

Penang Peranakan Museum first floor

On the other end of the first floor, a tiger rug sits on the wooden flooring among some antique Peranakan silverware and ornaments housed in multiple antique glass casings. You will not find detailed description on each of the items but the premises offers guided tours twice a day so if you want to find out more, you should go for the tours.

Vintage standing camera in Penang

Baba Nyonya clothing and accessories

Exploring further on this level was very interesting as there was a room filled with traditional Baba Nyonya apparels and accessories. Some of the unique Peranakan Kebayas are more than 50 years old while an antique cabinet houses more of these clothing.  Walking out, I could not help notice a very old 19th century vintage standing camera in perfect condition.

Kitchen with complete collection of pots and pans

 Moving downstairs, I headed to the back of the main mansion where the Baba kitchen was housed. Here, you could actually see a replica set up of how they used to cook and eat. A vast collection of pots, pans and dinnerware filled up antique cupboards and racks. These pieces have been collected over the years to make it one of the most complete collection of a Peranakan Kitchen.

Baba Nyonya Kandar Basket

 A truly amazing collection, they even had an antique Baba Kandar Basket. This intricate designed kandar basket was used in the early days for selling food along the streets. The person would carry this over his or her shoulder and walk by foot. If you ask me, this is a very rare item which is hardly seen around these days. It was more commonly used by the Mamaks (Indian Muslims) of Penang to sell Nasi Kandar back then too.

 Mortar and Pestles in various shapes

China bowls laid out for lunch setting

Peranakan Tiffin Carriers

A collection of Tiffin Carriers caught my attention. About 18 different tiffin carriers were placed on top of an antique wooden display cabinet. They were an important household item in the early days where the enamel based carriers donned flowery and animal designs. Usually in tiers of three to four, I saw some 10 tier tiffin carriers on display. Each of the tiers would house a food dish and one main to hold the rice.  

English room at the Peranakan Museum

After scouting the entire kitchen area, I made my way round the back through what is now an English room. Here, traditional English furniture is juxtaposed alongside oriental paintings. Apparently the English had a very strong influence on them back then therefore there the well-heeled people would mix their furniture with English or European styles for their homes.

 Alleyway towards the temple area

As I continued my way towards the ancestral area or Peranakan Temple, the alleyway led into a side door of the main court yard here. Looking more like a Chinese temple, I was told that this was in fact a proper ancestral hall where prayers were conducted to the past generations of ancestors. 

Temple wooden doors

 The main doorway which leads back to the main road was fitted with two beautifully painted doors donning a Chinese warrior on each of the doors. Two giant brass door knockers in the shape of a lion holding a ring was ever prominent. Once you walked in the main entrance and looked up, you would see an antique European glass chandelier above you. Walking straight in would lead you to the open aired air well where it looks like an old Chinese movie set. 

 

Peranakan Chinese Courtyard 

Apparently this ancestral hall was once used by the famous Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee who resided here. He was not a Peranakan but enjoyed the eclectic mix of designs for the place back then. Throughout the court yard, there were many paintings, plants and carvings. One of the unique items which lay hidden from the common eye was a antique love-making wooden chair. If you are on the guided tour, do ask about this item as the story behind this is very interesting.

Antique Rickshaw which is hand pulled

A Penang Beca or Trishaw on display outside the ancestral hall

Overall, a visit to this place would be very educational and interesting to know how the Peranakans used to live back then. There are over 1000 items from the Baba Nyonya era which are displayed here making this the largest museum dedicated to this unique culture in the north. Also, there are CCTV cameras throughout the museum so please do not touch anything in there as they are very strict about it. If you are bringing kids here, please keep an eye on them too.

Pinang Peranakan Museum
29 Church Street, 10200 Penang
Telephone: +60 4 2642929
email: rmhbaba@streamyx.com

Opening Hours
Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 5pm
Daily Tours at 11.30am and 3.30pm

Ticket Prices
Adults (Ages 12 and above) : RM10.00
Children (below 12) : Free
School children (in uniform) : RM5.00
Complimentary tours are only available with prior arrangements for a group of 5 persons and above. Discounts are available to school bookings and other large groups.

Visit the Pinang Peranakan Museum Website for more information. Alternatively, you can also visit the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum website in Melaka and also the Singapore Peranakan Museum Website.

For those who are visiting the Pearl of the Orient, you will most definitely take a walk around Georgetown which is a Unesco Heritage Site and is one of the most popular places to do a site seeing walk. There are many famous areas like backpacker paradise Chulia Street and Little India to explore. Apart from the old pre-war buildings, temples and churches found here, you can also head to Church Street where the Peranakan Mansion and Museum in Penang is found.

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Malaysia Airlines Confirms oneworld Alliance

Malaysia Airlines (‘MAS’) Confirms oneworld Alliance and has announced, that it had been unanimously elected by the chief executives of the alliance’s member airlines at the 2011 IATA conference in Singapore. MAS is currently a member-elect for the oneworld alliance, sponsored by Qantas Airways.

Today, MAS remains focused in joining the oneworld alliance, following the formal invitation to join oneworld on 6 June 2011. The airline is currently working diligently to meet the alliance requirements, to ensure that it becomes a full member soonest possible, subject to the relevant regulatory approvals being obtained. The airline is hopeful that the oneworld alliance membership can materialize within the first half of next year, and would coincide with the introduction into service of its flagship A380 aircraft.

Malaysia Airlines A330 Plane

MAS is also reviewing its product offering on its new long-haul aircraft deliveries, especially the wide-body A380 and A330 aircraft to ensure its products are “best-in-class”. With the combination of oneworld membership, “best-in-class” product and the airline’s world renowned service standards, Malaysia Airlines is confident that revenues and yields would improve, and that 2012 would see a positive turnaround for the airlines finances. MAS’ impending oneworld membership will also lead to easier transfers, code-shares, joint ventures and greater route access amongst alliance partners, as well as benefit passengers in terms of miles points, lounge and other rewards. Many have awaited for this partnership of Malaysia Airlines and oneworld.

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Malaysia Travel Bloggers List

Malaysia Travel Bloggers List is a compilation of travel blogs from around Malaysia in both English and Bahasa Malaysia. You will find a wide selection of bloggers who mostly write about Travel, Food, Lifestyle and Photography and are based in Malaysia. What makes these people special is the passion of sharing their experiences with everyone via their travel blog. If you are a Malaysian Travel Blogger and not listed here, please do leave a comment and I will review your site to be included in this list which is in no particular order.

Trail of Asia

TrailofAsia is an independent travel blog documented by the founder and other travelers who travel all over Asia for different reasons. The founder constantly looks out for passionate bloggers and photographers to share their travel tips and experiences to the world through guest blogging. Founded by Elaine Chung, a seasoned traveler from Malaysia who has lived in the South-East-Asian region most of her life. She has traveled to big cities like New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Hong Kong, Sydney and still counting. The experiences and inspiration she gained through traveling were remarkable therefore sharing it on the website.

Cumi dan Ciki

CumidanCiki claims to be another food, travel and adventure blog that is written in 99% English – a mix of US English and British English. Why? She blames it on the idiot box and both their mixed formal education! The remainder 1% has names of dishes and places in its original form or in its common usage. Ciki is born and raised in Malaysia, then left for her studies in the UK  and ended up working in London for several years, whilst Cumi also born in Malaysia, studied and worked in Australia as well as the USA for many years. It was during this time that they both traveled extensively in our different geographical locations.

Travel Living Bliss

Shelyn travels every year but it doesn’t really satisfy her. Here is what she says: "I want more than just a short holiday so that I can actually spend a longer time in a place and to simply blend into the local culture. I have spent almost a year to hypnotize myself to quit my great job that paid well as an IT Auditor in Ernst & Young into believing that only travel can complete my life. My new life has just begun and I’m looking forward to see some achievements in my baby, my lovely Travel and Living Bliss website." To escape from the rat race is her goal, to travel freely is her dream, to attract loyal readers to her travel blog is her inspiration.

Places and Foods

Wilson Ng who blogs for PlacesandFoods has been traveling in his early 20s. Having traveled to places like Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, Cambodia, United States of America and lately Argentina, he also hopes in this upcoming few years that he can visit more places. Wilson also blogs for food and events apart from travels.

My Trips

My Trips is a Travel and Food Blog which focuses around Malaysia and Asia. Run by Robo aka Jason Lee, he hails from the state of Johor and fell in love in traveling around after purchasing a GPS unit in 2003. His blog is basically about a travel and food guide of Malaysia and Asia and also provides GPS coordinates for each of his articles. Jason has traveled to Bali, Taiwan, Singapore and extensively around Malaysia.

V Keong 

A Malaysian food and travel blog by Bukit Mertajam guy VKeong. His reason for blogging is: "There are two reasons why I started this blog: passion for good food and photography. 4 years ago, there weren’t many food blogs around and it was my biggest influence in starting my own food blog. After taking thousands of photos, I am now more interested in photography compared to hunting for food to be honest. So, sometimes I eat or travel just for the sake of taking photos." Except working hours, V Keong is never without his camera.

CJ Go Travel

Run by Catherine Jimai, CJgoTravel is a Travel and Food journal. Cath claims not to be a writer as she writes the way she likes and talks which makes her blog unique. As a Sabahan staying in Selangor, she is an avid family traveler who blogs about her experiences all over Southeast Asia. Cath is also one of those travel bloggers who enjoys taking pictures and visiting local places around Malaysia.

Mylo Is My Life

Another travel blogger, Myloismylife is headed by Alex SH Loke. Traveling and photography are the most rewarding and enriching experiences in his life. Photography is all about discovery, enjoying himself, having adventure, learning people and nature. The greatest experience for him is the connection he feels with nature. Alex's simple tag line is - If you haven’t seen Malaysia, you haven’t seen the world!

Motormouth from Ipoh

J2Kfm  is a guy in his late 20′s – Born and raised in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, he has a strong penchant for good food, an even stronger desire to travel, and naturally, rant and ramble incessantly on any topics under the sun. Why Motormouth? Because he eats like one heck of a bulldozer. And he speaks his mind on most issues, sometimes getting himself in a knot for his rants. J2Kfm has been a nick he has used since the Millennium Bug fiasco. Don't ask him why as there is no proper meaning.

Thristhan.com

Run by Thristhan himself, he dedicated his articles towards everything travel, events and food. Thristhan.com started as a repository to key down all of his thoughts and encounters of his unique and challenging life. A year later it concentrated on Travel and Food. Now with the addiction of eating and exploring new horizons, this has become one of Malaysia’s fast growing Travel and Food online hangout. Most of his journeys take him around Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Five Feet Flat

Walk, Don’t Run is a collection of travel articles, personal accounts and tips written by Anis Ibrahim, a journalist and photographer who has been travelling for the past 10 years. The name comes from the writer’s preference for slow, unrushed, long-haul travel- the kind where she can sit back in a café and watch the world go by while she writes. Although the writer’s main passion is solo travel, she also writes about travel literature (not the guidebook variety), group travel, road trips and travel by rail. Walk, Don’t Run focuses on Asia, Europe and North America.

Fienuts

Fie is almost five feet and lives in a sunshiny place called Malaysia. Despite being vertically challenged Fie has decided to balance both work and play instead of just work (24/7). She has since been bit by the travel bug and would like to spread this friendly infection to everyone she encounters through Fienuts. She has also traveled quite about around the world too.

Popia.My

"Why popia? I love popia, or popiah, hence the name of this blog." Popia is a local name for spring roll, or whatever is equivalent to it. But Lan Othman states that this blog has nothing to do with this popular Malaysian food. As you can see from the home page title, Popia.my about travel and technology. Though he may blog about any particular things that crosses his mind at that particular moment.

Aviation, Travel and More

Azuan Zahdi blogs about the finer things in aviation and travel. Born and raised in Shah Alam, he considers himself a pure Shah Alam-ian after spending 28 years of living in this city he calls home. Since he was a little boy, areas that interest him the most have always been aviation, food and traveling. These three areas form the core of his blog is his virtual corner where he shares with the whole world what he has in his mind. From the fun ‘un-planned’ backpacking adventures to his future plans in being part of the challenging corporate world, you’ll get a piece of him right here at his blog.


Travel and Living Journal of DT
Diana Teo writes about her travel experiences on Diane Teo-DT where she has traveled quite a bit around the world. Born in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, she shares travel experiences and adventures to satisfy the wanderlust around the globe. Traveling around the world is always within her blood and bones. She also has a passion in cameras, music and movies. Previously, Diane studied at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. The moment she misses the most was her "Study Life" at TAR College, Kuala Lumpur.


Sketches of Life 
Mei Tzeu Lee is a blogger who loves to experience different kind of cuisine, traveling and generally enjoying life. She uses blogging as a platform where she could voice out her thoughts and making the world seen smaller on her travel blog Sketches Of Life. Living in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MeiTzeu is a management trainee with a established tour company there.

There you have it, 16 Travel Bloggers from Malaysia who are passionate about their hobby. As for me, Malaysia Asia Travel Blog has been around for three years now and you can check the About MalaysiaAsia for more details. For those of you who think you make it into this niche area, please do leave a comment or contact me if you would like to have your site indexed for the Malaysia Travel Bloggers List.

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Louis Vuitton Handbag Wheel Picture

Louis Vuitton Handbag Wheel is my Picture of the Week. I took this picture when I was exploring Champs-Elysee in Paris while I attended the Paris Air Show in June 2011. As it was my first time in the city of love, I had to see this city on my own and took a long walk from day to night. Arriving at the famous street, I noticed the Louis Vuitton Flagship Store with a fairly huge crowd outside which were mostly Asians. I crossed over and watch in amazement on how the women were spotting smiles from ear to ear. At the side of the building, I saw the famous hand bag wheel showcasing the many Louis Vuitton or LV Bags. As I took this photo, a number of other Asians started to pose and take their picture there. I have to say, the sheer madness in owning one of these bags simply amazes me.

Louis Vuitton Flagship Store in Paris, France

Overall, people from all over the world, especially Asians love owning if not one, a few of these designer bags. Well, in Paris, this is the mother of all stores and I am told that each person is entitled to purchase only one or two bags using their passport in order to curb mass buying. Someone also told me that if you were a husband of boyfriend waiting outside, a local person would approach you and ask if you had bought anything from the store and if you did not, they would give you a list of a few designs and some money to go in and buy the LV bags. After that, you give it to them and get a nice commission. How about that? 

You can also check out my other classic funny photograph of a Louis Vuitton Bag in Shanghai Picture. If you are non Asian who happens to pass this place and love these designer bags, do check out the amazing Louis Vuitton Handbag Wheel on display outside of the store.

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Budget Airlines

Budget Airlines in Malaysia and Southeast Asia are the current trend in the last five years with similar names such as Low Cost Airlines and also Cheap Airlines. Many companies have resorted to creating these affordable airlines to suite all walks of life and one of the most popular ones are AirAsia which has taken the region by storm. Below is a breakdown of the budget airlines operating out of each country in no particular order.

Malaysia 

AirAsia

Asia’s leading airline was established with the dream of making flying possible for everyone and since 2001, AirAsia has swiftly broken travel norms around the globe and has risen to become the world’s best budget carrier. With a route network that spans through more than 25 countries, the airline continues to pave the way for low-cost aviation through our innovative solutions, efficient processes and a passionate approach to business. Together with our associate companies, AirAsiaX, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia, AirAsia Budget Airlines is set to take low-cost flying to an all new high the catch tagline - "Now Everyone Can Fly".

AirAsia Website

 

AirAsiaX

Focusing on the low-cost, long-haul segment - AirAsia X was established in 2007 to provide high-frequency and point-to-point networks to the long-haul business. AirAsia X’s efficient and reliable operations are fully licensed and monitored by Malaysian and international regulators, and adhere to full international standards. The airline is also committed in offering X-citing low fares, X-emplary levels of safety and care, and an X-traordinary in-flight and service experience to all our guests - spreading the amazing experience to destinations in Australia, New Zealand, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, India, Middle East and Europe. 

AirAsiaX Website

Malindo Air
Launched in March 2013, this hybrid airline which is a first of its kind here will be the next budget airline to take on AirAsia. They are currently serving KL-Sabah and Sarawak for their inaugural launch and is planning to expand to more cities around Borneo. Internationl destinations are planned for the year end of 2013. Many travelers are anxious to see where they will fly too. Malindo Air also flies from KLIA and soon from KLIA2 by Q3 in 2013.
Malindo Air Website

FireFly

Launched on April 3, 2007, Firefly, your community airline, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysian Airline System Berhad (MAS). Operating out of the Penang and Subang hubs initially and now the Main Terminal Building of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Firefly provides connections to various points within Malaysia, Southern Thailand, Singapore and Sumatera of Indonesia, aligning itself with the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) agenda. Currently, it flies to 22 cities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

FireFly Website 

MasWings

MASwings, Malaysia 's first commuter airline was officially launched on 1 October 2007. It caters to the air travel needs of Sarawak and Sabah's traveling population by providing affordable fares, convenient schedule and connections within the two states in the Malaysia Borneo. The airline also serves 21 destinations in Sabah and Sarawak, with 451 weekly flights.

MasWings Website 

Berjaya Air

Berjaya Air was formerly known as Pacific Air Charter and was incorporated on the 15th August 1989, to meet the needs of the nation's booming economy. The company today has its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang). The airline also owns and operates the DeHavilland Dash 7 aircraft. The "Dash 7" as it is commonly known in the travel industry, has a capacity of 48 seats. With short landing or take-off (STOL) capabilities, the Dash 7 is the most suitable aircraft for destinations with short airstrips such as the ones in Tioman and Pangkor islands. Incidentally the Dash 7 is the biggest commercial aircraft to operate to Tioman and Pangkor islands.  

Berjaya Air Website 

Sabah Air

Sabah Air Aviation provides air transportation of passengers, cargo and aviation-related services in Malaysia, with Kota Kinabalu as its Headquarters giving you the opportunity to discover and experience the magical, breathtaking islands in Sabah. Fascinating sea life, Water Villages and white sandy beaches are among the wonders of Sabah's hidden paradises. For those who enjoy sightseeing, take your passion to another level with Sabah Air. Our aircraft are modified to accommodate various kinds of services which include leisure for aerial sightseeing and joyrides, commercial services such as VIP charters and filming as well as for industrial work.

Sabah Air Website

Singapore 

JetStar Asia

Jetstar is a Qantas-backed LCC currently flying from Singapore to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh, Manila, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Siem Reap, Taipei, Osaka and Yangon. Flights to India have been terminated. Jetstar's subsidiary brand Valuair flies to Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Denpasar (Bali). 

JetStar Website

Tiger Airways

Tiger Airways is a low-cost airline set up in Singapore jointly by Singapore Airlines and the people who started Ryanair. Services currently operate from Singapore's budget terminal to Australia, Perth), China (Guangzhou, Haikou, Macau, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Xiamen), Indonesia (Jakarta, Padang), Philippines (Manila), Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket), Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), India (Chennai,Tiruchirapalli and Trivandrum). India, In addition, the airline has also set up a subsidiary in Melbourne, Australia from which it flies to many domestic destinations across the country. No free food or drinks are provided on Tiger flights. If you buy any while on-board your change will be given in Singapore dollars, even if you're flying from Macau to Manila. Please note that Tiger charges extra for check-in luggage, pre-allocated seats and credit card fees on top of the usual fees and charges, so consider these when you compare prices.

Tiger Airways Website

Silk Air

Silk Air is an airline based in Singapore. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines and operates scheduled passenger services from Singapore to 31 cities in Southeast Asia, South Asia and the People's Republic of China. It has its head office on the fifth storey of SIA Superhub. As the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, it serves 31 out of 50 short-haul destinations in the Singapore Airlines Group network.

Silk Air Website

Thailand

Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Air promotes itself as a boutique airline, it flies routes not normally covered by other airlines such as Phuket to Ko Samui, Bangkok to Ko Samui, its prices are high compared to a budget airline, US$100 per leg being typical but it provides services more typical of major airlines including free beverages and snacks at the airport lounges. 

Bangkok Air Website

Orient Thai Airways

Orient Thai flies domestic flights in Thailand as well as international flights to Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Seoul from both Bangkok and Phuket. They stopped flying for a while in 2008, but as of March 2009 are flying again. 

Orient Thai Airways Website

Nok Air

Thai Airlines low-cost spinoff Nok Air took to the skies in 2004 sporting a lurid purple paint scheme with a bird's beak painted on the nose, and employing a price scheme similar to that of Air Asia. Currently, they fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Udon Thani, Trang and Loei, from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Pai and Mae Hong Son.

Nok Air Website

Thai Smile (Starting in July 2012)

Thai Smile will start flying in July next year. The airline is characterized as a light-premium airline segmented between full-service and low-cost.Thai Smile will operate using THAI's TG airline code with 11 Airbus A320 planes in its fleet, four of which are slated for delivery next year. In the first year of operation, Thai Smile will fly to Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai and Surat Thani. In 2013, the airline will begin operating short-haul international routes within Asean, and to India and China.

Indonesia

Merpati Air 

Merpati Nusantara flies to many destinations missed by those listed above including Nusa Tenggara, Kuala Lumpur, Papua, Maluku, and East Timor. Merpati like Jetstar is technically not a discount airline, but due to its large number of short haul routes it must compete and therefore offers competitive pricing. 

Merpati Air Website

Batavia Air (No longer in service)

Batavia Air is a low cost airline operating an extensive domestic route network in Indonesia from their main hub in Jakarta. Currently offer services to four international destinations - Guangzhou, Singapore, Kuching and Jeddah.

Lion Air

Lion Air flies from Jakarta to domestic destinations and Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Singapore. Payment can be made via many popular Indonesian ATMs. Wings Abadi Airlines are the regional feeder airline to the Lion Air national trunk routes.

Lion Air Website

CitiLink Garuda

Garuda Citilink operates a domestic route network in Indonesia. Fares start from 125,000 Indonesian Rupiah ($15). This subsidiary of Garuda Airline accepts credit card purchases online or at its call center, as well as payment via a limited number of ATMs in Indonesia or directly at their office in Jakarta. 

CitiLink Airline Website

Sriwijaya Air

Sriwijaya Air is one of the Indonesian domestic leading airlines. It  carries over 500,000 passengers per month, from its hub at Soekarno Hatta International Airport to more than 35 destinations in 2 regional countries, including extraordinary and popular tourism spots in Indonesia. Sriwijaya Air serves 37 destinations: 35 domestic destinations and 2 international destinations (Penang and Singapore). At the recent Paris Air Show 2011, the airline announced that they agreed to buy 20 Embraer 190 jets, with purchase rights of 10 more.

Sriwijaya Air Website
 

The above are various low cost airlines which service most sectors in the region. Some of them fly in from long haul flights while most of them service the less popular towns in each country. For those backpackers looking for cheap flights in Southeast Asia, this list will come in handy while most general travelers will usually take advantage of the promotional fares offered by these Budget Airlines in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

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