malaysia - Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Disco
ver M
ore Ab
out Yo
ur Ho
me Aw
ay Fro
m Hom
e | PP
14962
/02/20
12(02
7092)
| www
.theex
patgro
up.co
m
CON T E N T S
basic info
education
08
Geography & Climate
56
International Schools
10
Money
58
A World of Choices
12
Malaysian History
14
People of Malaysia
16
Useful Translations
18
Tastes of Malaysia
20
Social Etiquette
22
Religion
92
Meeting Friends
24
Major Events
93
Expat Associations
26
Immigration
94
Hosting
96
Shopping
98
Theatre & Culture
99
Movie Theatres
settling in
around malaysia
100
what you need to
know about
Museums &
Galleries
60
Kuala Lumpur
62
Putrajaya & Cyberjaya
102
64
Selangor
106
66
Negeri Sembilan
KL Nightlife
Attractions for
Families
28
Renting a Property
68
Melaka
108
Staying Healthy
30
Where to Live
70
Johor
110
Dining out
32
Insurance
72
Penang
116
MM2H
34
Work Permits
74
Perak
36
Crime & Security
76
Pahang
38
NKRA Corruption
77
Kelantan
40
Motoring
78
Terengganu
42
Travelling in Malaysia
79
Kedah
118
Useful Websites
44
Postal & Courier Services
80
Perlis
120
Airlines
46
Phone, Mobiles & Internet
81
Labuan
122
Honorary Consuls
48
Banking
82
Sarawak
124
50
Bringing Your Pet
83
Sabah
52
Paying Bills & Fines
84
Essential Malaysia
126
Public Holidays
54
Domestic Help
90
Health Tourism Malaysia
130
Useful Info
4
www.expatKL.com
Embassies &
High Commissions
Welcome to Malaysia!
Reaching the International Community
since 1996
PUBLICATIONS
WEBSITES
EVENTS
MEMBERSHIP
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www.theexpatgroup.com
publisher
consultant director
group editor
J. Andrew Davison
Marybeth Ramey
William Citrin
([email protected])
Amy de Kanter
Chai Siew Kim
Charles Lee & Nadzim Zainal
Rusli Arshad
Katrina Marion Melvin
Rozalin Mahmood
A. Saiful Safuan Abu Yazid
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features editor
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IT director
online content editor
web designer
IT technician
media director
sales director
director
business development
director
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distribution
Suriah Ali
MM2H manager
Farzana Ali
finance / Admin
Khoo Poh Lian (senior manager)
IT support: The PC Doctor
tel: +603.2093 9539 / 2094 9664
THERE are many things that make Malaysia beautiful –
the huge collection of postcard-perfect tropical beaches,
the rainforest full of secrets yet to be discovered, the
mouth-watering food, traditional cultures and friendly
people. There are very few other places in the world that
can offer Malaysia’s great natural and cultural richness.
For an outsider, your first exposure to Malaysia can often
be one of wonder, surprise, confusion, enjoyment and
dismay – sometimes all at the same time. We were all new
expats once, just learning our way around our new home
– taking in the cities, cultures, roads and so on. With every
new experience we adapted our own ways of doing things
to better suit life in Malaysia. For some of us, the process
was long and frustrating, often having to totally forget life
at home and retrain ourselves to our new surroundings.
In our monthly magazine, The Expat (you can find a free
subscription form for resident expats on page 97), we
strive to keep abreast of expat concerns and provide the
information needed to enjoy a wonderful stay in Malaysia.
Our audience is a mixture of newcomers and “long
stay” expats so sometimes catering to such a wide mix
of people means skimming over some of the basics, like
what a Ringgit is worth or how you pay your bills. This
Expat Welcome Guide is intended to address the needs
of a newly arrived expat. We want to help make your
assimilation into Malaysian culture as quick and as painless
as possible.
Inside you’ll find the basics of Malaysia – the geography,
systems of government, summaries of its people and
tastes. You’ll learn how to rent a property, how to find a
maid, how to connect your phone. You’ll discover ways
to meet people, how to protect yourself and where to go
to have fun. We also provide you with the most current
information about holidays, events, emergency services
and anything else that we think will help you settle in your
new home.
You will remember your time in Malaysia
forever. We hope that this Welcome
Guide can help support your first steps
into this amazing country.
Enjoy your stay!
printer: Print Scope Sdn Bhd (596276-T)
No. 38 & 40 Jln PBS 14/3,
Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang,
43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
for more information: Borneo Vision Sdn Bhd (295020-P)
7th Floor, Tower Block,
Syed Kechik Foundation Building,
Jalan Kapas, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
tel: 03.2093 9539 / 2094 9664
fax: 03.2094 9670 / 2094 9690
website: www.expatKL.com
e-mail: [email protected]
J. Andrew Davison
Publisher
6
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basic info
Kudat
MALAYSIA
KOTA KINABALU
Sandakan
Labuan
SABAH
Padang Besar
South China SEA
THAILAND
KANGAR
KOTA BHARU
ALOR SETAR
Pulau
Langkawi
KEDAH
Tanah Merah
Baling
BRUNEI
Miri
Pasir Puteh
Tawau
Sungai Petani
KUALA TERENGGANU
Butterworth
KELANTAN
PENANG
GEOGRETOWN
Taiping
Bintulu
Kuala Kangsar
Gua Musang
Dungun
BORNEO
IPOH
Chukai
Tapah
PAHANG
Stra
Raub
Tanjung Malim
SELANGOR
Pekan
SARAWAK
Sibu
Temerluh
KUALA LUMPUR
NEGERI
f Ma
its O
Petaling Jaya
Port Klang
KUANTAN
KUCHING
SHAH ALAM SEMBILAN
Kuala Pilah
SEREMBAN
Gemas
Port Dickson
Tampin
Segamat
lacca
N
Mersing
KALIMANTAN
(INDONESIA)
JOHOR
MELAKA
Muar
JOHOR BAHRU
W
E
Indication
Major Road
Batu Pahat
Railway
SINGAPORE
Airport
Port
State Capital & Town
S
92 Longitude East from Greenwish
97
102
107
112
117
122
Geography and Climate
MALAYSIA is made up of two regions: Peninsular
Malaysia which lies between Thailand and Singapore, and
East Malaysia across the South China Sea on the island of
Borneo. The combined land area of both regions is about
330,400 sq km (127,000 sq miles).
The Peninsula is divided into the east and the west by the
mountain range known as Banjaran Titiwangsa, which runs
from the Malaysia-Thai border in the north to the southern
state of Negeri Sembilan. Geographically, East Malaysia is
rugged, with a series of mountain ranges encompassing the
interior regions of both Sabah and Sarawak.
The Crocker Range in Sabah is the site of Mount
Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia. Low’s
Peak, at 4,093 metres above sea level, is the highest
point of the mountain.
The country is generally warm throughout the year with
temperatures ranging from 21° to 32° Celsius in the
lowlands. This can however be as low as 16° Celsius in
8
the highlands. Annual rainfall is heavy at 2,500mm (100
inches). On a rainy day, thunder and lightning often
accompany the heavy downpour which normally lasts for
about an hour or two. The high humidity level at 80%
throughout the year favours light and sweat-absorbent
material like cotton for daily dressing.
Generally, Malaysia has two distinct seasons. The southwest monsoon generally lasts from May to September,
during which time the north east of the country is dry.
The north-east monsoon brings the rainy season to the
beautiful islands and beaches of the east coast from midNovember to March.
If heat is your enemy, the only alternative is to ensure
the home you choose for yourself has excellent
ventilation with lots of windows for better air
circulation, and is fitted with air-conditioning. Most
accommodation in Malaysia has air conditioning
although many houses and apartments have it only in
the bedrooms.
132
AMBASSADOR
WORLDWIDE
MOVERS
(MALAYSIA)
SDN. BHD.
(376185-W)
Lot 17,
Lorong Enggang 31,
Off Jalan Enggang,
Taman Keramat,
54200 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
E-mail:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tel: 603-4253 2000
Fax: 603-4252 1000
Website:
www.ambassador.com.my
basic info
Financial Facts
C UR R E N C Y
The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM) which
equals 100 sen. Currency notes are in denominations of
RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50, and RM100. Coins are
issued in 5, 10, 20, and 50 sen pieces. Licensed foreign
money changers are found in all urban centres, key entry/
exit points and shopping complexes.
TR AVE LLE R’S C HE QU ES
Travellers cheques can be exchanged for Malaysian Ringgit
at commercial banks, hotels or at authorised money
changers. All major hotels are only licensed to buy, but not
sell, foreign currencies in the form of notes and travellers
cheques. Credit cards including American Express, Visa,
Master Card and Diners Club are accepted at most hotels,
shopping centres and major restaurants.
BUSINESS HOURS
In 10 states, the government’s business hours begin
at 8.30 am, with a one-hour lunch break at 12.45 pm
before continuing at 2 pm until 4.30 pm from Mondays to
Thursdays. On Fridays, the afternoon break is from 12.15
pm until 2.45 pm. This is to allow Muslim workers time
to attend Friday afternoon prayers. On Saturdays, office
hours end at 12.45 pm. The public sector in Terengganu,
Kedah and Kelantan keeps different hours. The working
week is from Saturday to Wednesday from 8 am to 4
pm. Thursday is a half-day, ending at 12.45 pm. Friday is
considered the weekend. Private sector hours are generally
from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and from 9 am to 1
pm on Saturdays.
BANKING HOURS
Banking hours are normally from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
on weekdays. Saturdays are a half-day from 9.30 am to
11 am. Every first and third Saturday of the month is an
official day off, though this may vary among individual
banks or financial institutions.
to expand by at least 5% in 2011 - the government is
aiming for a year-on-year increase of 6% by to reach a
gross domestic income of RM38,850 by 2015.
The petroleum industry still tops the list in terms of
contribution to GDP. In line with the government’s
emphasis on technology-intensive industries, the exportoriented manufacturing sector has been given strong
emphasis, resulting in the setting up of many industrial
estates. A big contributor to this sector is the country’s
national car which is marketed under the name Proton.
Besides the domestic market, Proton cars have penetrated
many foreign markets amidst fierce competition from car
manufacturers worldwide.
Although industrialisation has taken a bigger role in
recent years, agriculture is still important with palm
oil, rubber, rubber wood, pepper and cocoa beans
being major exports. Another major source of income
is the tourism industry, coming a close second to the
manufacturing sector. Another area of growth is the
Islamic Banking & Finance sector, with Malaysia being the
world leader in this area.
K E Y E C O N O M I C I N D I C AT O R S
Population
GDP
GDP Growth
Per Caipta Income
Inflation Rate (CPI)
Labour Force
Unemployment
Total Exports
Total Imports
Major Exports
EC O NO MY
In 2010, Malaysia had the 30th largest economy in the
world and the 3rd largest in South East Asia by purchasing
power parity, with a GDP of an estimated $387 billion
(USD). GDP contracted slightly in 2009, but it is expected
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Major Imports
2009
2010
28.3 million
28.9 million
RM512.4 billion
RM525.4 billion
-1.7%
6-7%
RM24,055
RM24,661
0.6%
2.25%
12.1 million
12.2 million
3.7%
3.6%
RM553.3 billion
RM559.0 billion
RM439.9 billion
RM452.8 billion
electrical and electronic products
palm oil and palm oil based products
liquefied natural gas
crude petroleum
chemicals and chemical products
refined petroleum products
electrical and electronic products
machinery, appliances and parts
chemicals and chemical products
metal products transport equipment
basic info
Malaysian
History
MALAYSIA’S recorded history dates back to the first
century BC. Located strategically at the crossroads
between the East and West, Peninsular Malaysia has
attracted early travellers from different parts of the world.
Evidence of ancient civilisations (such as tombstones) has
been found in the Bujang Valley and the Merbok Valley in
the state of Kedah, as well as Hindu-Buddhist influences
from India and China.
Islam came during the Melaka Sultanate in the 1400s with
traders from the Middle East and India. It spread across the
nation when the Sultan of Melaka embraced the religion
and personally helped spread it across the nation. The
reign of the Melaka Sultanate also saw the establishment
of trade ties with the Kingdom of China.
Melaka’s spice trade led to its attack by the Portuguese
in 1511, resulting in the fall of the Sultanate. Together
with their conquest, the Portuguese brought in Catholic
Christianity to the locals. In 1641, the Dutch took over
control of Melaka. The British came at the end of the 18th
century in the wake of the Industrial Revolution in Europe.
the “White King”) for 100 years. In 1941, the Japanese
invaded the country and ruled for about three years before
their surrender to the Allied Forces after the bombing of
Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The end of World War II saw the
beginning of the birth of nationalism in the country.
On August 31, 1957 at 9am, Tunku Abdul Rahman
(who became the nation’s first Prime Minister) read the
Proclamation of Independence and declared the Malay
States of Malaya “with God’s blessing, shall forever be a
sovereign democratic and independent state…” Freedom
had been won peacefully. In 1963, Malaya, Singapore,
Sabah and Sarawak joined together to form Malaysia
(though Singapore seceded in 1965).
Since independence, Malaysia has had five Prime Ministers,
namely, Tunku Abdul Rahman (known as “Father of
Independence”), Tun Razak (“Father of Development”),
Tun Hussein Onn (“Father of Unity”), Tun Dr Mahathir
(Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003), and Tun Abdullah
Ahmad Badawi (Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009) and
current Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak.
KU A LA LUMPUR HISTORY
They formed crown colony states of the Malay Peninsula
called the Straits Settlements and subtly intervened in the
administration of these previously independent states.
In East Malaysia, Sabah became a British protectorate under
the Chartered Company British North Borneo, while the
Brooke family ruled Sarawak as the White Rajahs (meaning
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Kuala Lumpur grew from the area now known as Dataran
Merdeka (Merdeka Square), the centre of the British
administration for the Federated Malay States. In just over
a century, Kuala Lumpur has transformed from a few
colonial brick buildings to a modern Asian city, combining
historical landmarks with some of the world’s most
modern buildings.
Most historians agree Kuala Lumpur was founded in
1857, when Raja Abdullah Raja Ja’afar sent a group of
87 Chinese miners upriver from Klang in search of tin
deposits. They landed their supplies at the confluence of
the Gombak and Klang rivers, the farthest their heavily
laden boats could reach. This landing point is said to
have given rise to the name “Kuala Lumpur” (“muddy
confluence” in Malay). Other historians assert there were
already several small settlements, miners, and trading
posts in the area before this group arrived. However, their
arrival and the beginnings of concentrated mining of the
rich tin deposits led to the settlement’s rapid growth.
Much of Kuala Lumpur’s growth is due to the industrial
revolutions in North America and the British Empire,
which significantly increased the world demand for
tin. The Chinese, with considerable mining experience
in their own country, were the first foreigners to bring
Malaysia’s tin deposits into production. By the latter half
of the 19th century, there were thousands of Chinese tin
miners in Malaya.
Eleven years after Raja Abdullah’s initial expedition,
Yap Ah Loy was declared the third “Kapitan China”.
Physically strong, a skilled fighter, and willing to get
personally involved, Yap Ah Loy is regarded by many
as the founder of Kuala Lumpur, and the settlement
expanded considerably under his leadership. He assumed
the position during a period of intense conflict among the
Malay rulers. The civil war eventually forced Yap Ah Loy
to leave Kuala Lumpur. When he returned in 1873, much
of the town was in ruin. At the request the merchants
of the Straits Settlements, the British intervened to end
the civil war, and in 1874 they brokered the Pangkor
Engagement that empowered a new British-supported
ruler for Selangor.
The Pangkor Engagement introduced the concept of British
Residents, which had a profound effect on Kuala Lumpur.
As consultants to the various Sultans around Malaysia, the
Residents (British civil servants) advised on all matters except
those touching on Malay religion and customs. In 1880, the
British Resident for Selangor, Bloomfield Douglas, relocated
his office from Klang to Kuala Lumpur.
Sir Frank Swettenham, one of Britain’s most famous
colonial officers, was Selangor’s British Resident from
1882 to 1889. Under his direction, Kuala Lumpur’s
architecture began to take its present form. In 1889,
Swettenham became the British Resident for Perak. Seven
years later, he persuaded four of the Sultans to unite
under the Federated Malay States (FMS). Swettenham
became Resident General and chose Kuala Lumpur as the
capital of the FMS.
During World War II, Kuala Lumpur was briefly occupied
by the Japanese, who overran Malaya in 1942. Although
the city sustained some damage during the war, it was
not devastated.
Malaya obtained independence in 1957, with Kuala
Lumpur as its capital. Kuala Lumpur was separated
from Selangor State in 1974, creating the Federal
Territory (“Wilayah Persekutuan” in Malay) consisting
of 240-sq.km – essentially Kuala Lumpur city and its
immediate surroundings.
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13
basic info
People of Malaysia
MALAYSIA IS A VAST CORNUCOPIA OF CULTURES, A DIVERSE AND HARMONIOUS
ETHNIC MIX THAT’S HARD TO FIND ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD. MALAYSIA’S
TOTAL POPULATION OF 28.3-MILLION IN BORNEO AND PENINSULAR MALAYSIA IS
COMPRISED OF MALAY, CHINESE, INDIAN, AND OTHER INDIGENOUS PEOPLES. OF
THIS, ABOUT 80-PERCENT OCCUPY PENINSULAR MALAYSIA.
TO MAINTAIN THIS RICH DIVERSITY, MALAYSIAN CULTURE EMPHASISES THE VALUES
OF COURTESY, MODERATION, TOLERANCE, HARMONY, AND CORDIAL RELATIONS
AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS, NEIGHBOURS, AND COMMUNITY.
M A L AY
As Malaysia’s largest ethnic group,
the Malays account for over half
the population of Malaysia. They
are Muslim, and with the oldest
indigenous peoples, they form a
group called “bumiputra” – the
“sons” or “princes of the soil.”
Traditionally, Malay culture centres
around the kampong (village) and
a strong responsibility to family.
Today, however, urban settings and
exposure to Western culture have
changed these customs somewhat,
though Islamic values are still firmly
embedded in their culture. There
are some Malay families who speak
mainly English within their household.
In Kuala Lumpur especially, road
traffic, work ethics, and common
ambitions do not stray too far away
from what is happening in the
Western world.
14
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But it is interesting to note the
communicative easiness between
contemporary and the devout
Malay youth. It is a common sight in
Malaysia to find girls whose hair is
covered. This piece of head covering
is called “tudung” in the Malay
Language, literally meaning “to
cover”. In Malaysia, Muslim women
are encouraged to practise modesty
in terms of their attire, but are given
the freedom to choose whether they
want to wear the “tudung”. For most
Malaysian youths, family life is an
important component that completes
their daily lives. Despite their busy
climb on the corporate ladder, the
ambitious still have a strong sense of
family values.
during the nineteenth century,
when word of riches in the South
Seas spread across China.
Chinese-Malaysians now comprise
about 25 percent of Malaysia’s total
population.
The first Chinese to settle in the
area, primarily in and around
Melaka, gradually adopted elements
of Malay culture and intermarried
with members of the existing local
community. Known as “babas” and
“nyonya”, they combined Malay
and Chinese traditions and created
a newly-synthesised culture. Later,
Chinese immigrants – those who
came to work in the tin and rubber
industries – preserved much more of
their original Chinese culture.
CH IN ESE
The Chinese traded with the people
of the Malay Archipelago for
centuries, then settled in number
INDIAN
Malaysia’s Indians account for about
7.5-percent of the total population,
and are mostly Hindu Tamils from
Southern India. Indians had been
visiting Malaysia for over 2,000
years, but did not settle en masse
until the 19th century, when many
came to work as rubber tappers,
infrastructure construction workers,
or administrators for the fledgling
British colony.
O R ANG AS L I, IB AN, A N D
O T HER S ...
The remainder of Malaysia’s
population (aside from Eurasians and
expats) consists of indigenous tribes
found in both East and Peninsular
Malaysia. The Orang Asli occupy the
peninsula in small scattered groups,
although some of them have been
absorbed into modern Malaysia.
‘Dayak’ is the collective term used for
the indigenous people of Borneo. Of
the estimated 200 Dayak tribes there,
the largest are the Iban (395,000)
and Bidayuh (107,000) of Sarawak,
and the Kadazan of Sabah. Though
small in number, these groups make
Borneo quite culturally distinct from
Peninsular Malaysia.
C U LT U R A L M I X
Though Malaysia’s main ethnic
groups come from disparate
backgrounds, over time they’ve
blended in ways to form a unique
mix. Malaysia’s Malay wedding
ceremony, for example, can
incorporate elements of Hindu
costume. Muslims have adapted
the Chinese “ang pow” custom
of giving small packets of money
at festivals. In cities as diverse as
Kuala Lumpur, it’s no wonder this
mixing occurs; walking along a
street, you’ll hear Tamil, Hokkien,
Malay, and English being spoken.
On TV, you’ll see Chinese opera
interspersed with ‘Bollywood’
movies and Malay dramas.
Malaysia’s many cultural festivals
also exemplify this unique mix.
Though different and seemingly
self-contained, all of Malaysia’s
communities have “open house”
policies during their respective
festive seasons, when members of
all cultures (including yourself) are
invited to partake.
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15
basic info
Useful Translations
BAHASA MALAYSIA (also called “Malay”) is the official language of Malaysia. Malay is an Austronesian language, which
most scholars agree originated in the Riau region of Sumatra. Over time, the Malay lexicon and vernacular have been
influenced by Sanskrit, Kawi, Jawi, Tamil, Portuguese, Chinese, and English. Though most Malaysians speak at least some
English, a little effort to learn Malay will earn their respect, and will most often bring about a smile and some timely assistance.
The vowels in Malay are as: “a” as in “hard”, “e” as
in “other”, “I” as in “ink”, “o” as in “orchid”, and
“u” as in “loot”. Consonants “c” is pronounced “ch”
as in “chin”, “sy” is pronounced “sh” as in “shy”.
Some useful translations for words and phrases in
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) for you to get started:
English
Numbers
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Satu
Dua
Tiga
Empat
Lima
Enam
Tujuh
Lapan
Sembilan
Sepuluh
Common Phrases
Hello
Goodbye
Please
Thank you
I am sorry
What is your name?
My name is...
How are you?
Fine
Male
Female
Friend
I don’t understand
Toilet
Where are the toilets?
How much?
Hello
Selamat jalan
Tolong
Terima kasih
Saya minta maaf
Siapa nama awak?
Nama saya
Apa khabar?
Baik
Lelaki
Perempuan
Kawan
Saya tidak faham
Tandas
Di mana tandas/tempat mandi?
Berapa?
Days of the Week
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Ahad
Isnin
Selasa
Rabu
Khamis
Jumaat
Sabtu
Time
Good morning
Good afternoon
Good evening
Good night
Selamat pagi
Selamat tengahari
Selamat petang
Selamat malam
16
Bahasa Malaysia
www.expatKL.com
Traffic
Turn left
Turn right
Straight ahead
Intersection
Bus
Car
Taxi
Entry
Exit
Open
Road
Lane
Highway
North
South
East
West
Caution
Stop
Give way
Ahead
No overtaking
Speed limit
Keep right
Keep left
One-way street
Slow down
Detour
Sharp bends
Keep left unless overtaking
Belok kiri
Belok kanan
Berjalan terus
Simpang
Bas
Kereta/Motokar
Teksi
Masuk
Keluar
Buka
Jalan
Lorong
Lebuhraya
Utara
Selatan
Timur
Barat
Awas
Berhenti
Beri laluan
Di hadapan
Dilarang memotong
Had laju
Ikut kanan
Ikut kiri
Jalan sehala
Kurangkan laju
Lencongan
Liku tajam
Ikut kiri kecuali memotong
Food
Food
Eat
Rice
Noodles
Not too spicy
Chicken
Water
Drinking water
Makanan
Makan
Nasi
Mee
Jangan pedas
Ayam
Air
Air minuman
Geography
Hill
Lake
Mountain
River
Village
Valley
Waterfall
Beach
Island
Sea
Bukit
Tasik
Gunung
Sungai
Kampung
Lembah
Air Terjun
Pantai
Pulau
Laut
basic info
The Tastes of Malaysia
MALAYSIANS ARE RENOWNED FOR THEIR AFFINITY FOR GOOD FOOD. EACH
CULTURAL GROUP HAS ITS OWN TRADITIONAL DISHES. MOST ARE DELICIOUS,
AND ALL ARE WORTH TRYING AT LEAST ONCE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
THE TASTES OF MALAYSIA, VISIT WWW.DINEMALAYSIA.COM.
M A L AY C U I S I N E
The Malays have a distinct cuisine,
with ingredients such as coconuts,
herbs, and spices, often strongly
influenced by Thai and Indian cuisine.
Most traditional Malay food varies
from state to state - even the everpopular “satay” (skewered sliced
pieces of chicken, lamb, or beef
cooked over hot coals and eaten
dipped with a sweet peanut sauce)
varies from one state to another.
Rice is always eaten with “lauk” (a
curry or sauce), quite often cooked
in coconut milk. The preparation of
Malay food involves the blending of
shallots, garlic, and chillies, which are
pounded and fried, then mixed with
dry spices such as coriander, cumin,
aniseed, cloves, cinnamon, and
cardamom. A popular Malay dish is
“nasi lemak” (steamed rice cooked in
coconut milk with anchovies, a hardboiled egg, cucumber, and toasted
peanuts, all wrapped up in a banana
leaf). This dish is often eaten for
breakfast. Malay curry differs from
Indian; it has the slightly tangy
flavour of various herbs such
as lemongrass, lime leaves, and
coriander. Another favourite is
the use of screw pine leaves for
flavouring in rice or desserts.
A spread of Malay food must include
“sambal belacan”, which is a dried
shrimp paste, ground with fresh
chillies. Beef rendang is also distinctly
Malay. Cubes of beef are cooked in
a thick gravy of coconut cream and
herbs, and served with “lemang”
(glutinous rice cooked in bamboo).
Variations of noodles in gravy are
another Malay specialty, adopted
from the Chinese. “Mee rebus’
(yellow noodles in a lightly spiced
sauce of sweet potato, usually
topped with a hard-boiled egg and
green chillies); “mee soto” (yellow
noodles with bean sprouts served
in chicken stock and topped with
chicken meat); another favourite is
the hot and spicy “laksa”, in which
rice noodles are served in spicy
coconut milk with chicken and eggs.
Malay desserts are sweet and tasty,
such as “ais kacang” (also called
“ABC”) – a mountain of ice shavings
made colourful by red and green
syrup and evaporated milk poured
over the top. Below are fillings of red
beans, jelly, and sweet corn. Another
is the “cendol” (ice shavings added
to a concoction of coconut milk and
red beans, sweetened further by
brown sugar syrup).
The best time to sample authentic
Malay food is during the uniquely
Malaysian custom of holding an
“open house” during Hari
Raya Puasa, which marks
the end of Ramadan
fasting. You can
also sample Malay
foods at hawker
stalls, food courts,
and Malay
restaurants.
www.expatKL.com
INDIAN FOOD
During the rubber boom of colonial
Malaya, various ethnic Indian groups
arrived: Tamils, Malayalees, Punjabis,
Bengalis, Sri Lankans – who each
added their own characteristic
cooking styles to the melting pot.
Today, Indian food is found at hawker
stalls and restaurants all over the
country. The preparation of some
ubiquitous favourites, “roti canai”
and “teh tarik”, is not to be missed.
Prepared dough for the “roti canai”
is slapped upon the counter and
spread out, then twirled high up
above the cook’s head and brought
down back again with flourish, over
and over until the cook is satisfied.
The bread is then grilled with oil and
served hot with lentils. Preparing “teh
tarik” (“pulled tea”) is similarly a
sight to behold - sweetened tea with
condensed milk is poured (or ‘pulled’)
from one glass to another.
The basis of a lot of Indian food is
a blend of spices known as “garam
masala”, which includes black
pepper, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom,
cloves, nutmeg, and coriander.
These are then added to a wet base
of shallots, ginger, garlic, and any
amount of fresh chillies.
The three main types of Indian food
in Malaysia are North Indian, South
Indian, and Indian Muslim. South
Indian food is both hot and spicy,
and traditionally served on banana
leaves. A typical banana leaf meal
is rice with a variety of condiments,
vegetables, and a choice of meat or
fish. The traditional way to eat the
entire meal is with your fingers.
“Tosai” is another unique creation of
flour with coconut milk and pan fried
on a hot plate, served with chutney
and lentils. North Indian food has
rich creamy sauces, and perhaps
its most notable dish is tandoori
chicken cooked in a clay oven. A
typical curry is cooked in yogurt
with dried fruits and nuts. Bread is
often served instead of rice, with
many different types baked in a
clay oven or pan grilled, including
“naan” and “chapatti”. North
Indian fine dining is now popular in
many parts of the country.
Indian Muslim food is a mix of Indian
and Malay cooking. There are sweet
and spicy dishes such as “rojak” or
hot and spicy dishes such as “mee
rebus”. “Roti canai” is also an Indian
Muslim speciality.
CHINESE FOOD
Malaysia truly became a melting
point of cultures with the arrival
of immigrants from all over China,
including the Hokkiens, Hakkas,
Teochews, Foo Chows, and the
Hainanese, whose cuisines blended
well with the already existing potpourri.
The most popular Chinese food in
Malaysia is Cantonese. A Chinese
culinary experience can be anything
from a roadside stall for a simple
bowl of noodles to a 10-course
banquet at a sophisticated restaurant.
Rice noodles come in various shapes –
thin, thick, flat, and colours of white
or egg-yellow. These can be soaked
in a fine coconut milk sauce, soya
sauce, or drowned in a combination
of prawn or chicken stock. Noodles
can also be fried in a variety of ways
and ingredients. “Char (“fried”)
kuay teow” is a popular meal of flat
noodles with loads of garlic, bits
of prawns, clams, fish cake, bean
sprouts, chives, and an egg.
Many Chinese coffee shops have
stalls serving: chicken or pork rice
(steamed or roasted chicken or pork
served with rice cooked in stock);
noodles (served dry, with soup, or
fried); “chap fan” (rice with a choice
of different dishes); and “yong tau
foo” (fish cakes stuffed in okra or
other vegetables).
Chinese banquets are a culinary
adventure. Hot and cold hors
d’oeuvres (“Four Seasons”) are
normal starters, followed by soup
(often shark’s fin or hot and sour
Sichuan). The exotic selection can
continue with Peking duck, suckling
pig, abalone, and fish. Most fish is
steamed. Crabs are cooked, baked,
steamed, or fried with chillies.
Dessert is normally fresh fruits or
Chinese dumplings.
Less popular than Cantonese are the
cuisines from the North and the West
of China – Sichuan, Shanghai, and
Peking. Sichuan is the fiery food of
China, where pepper and chili really
get into the act. Where Cantonese
foods are delicate and understated,
Sichuan foods have strong and
dramatic flavours – garlic and chillies
play their part in dishes like diced
chicken and hot and sour soup.
On a gastronomic tour of Malaysian
Chinese cuisine, a steamboat dinner
or a Sunday brunch of ‘dim sum’
should not be missed. Dim sum are
little snacks that come in wooden
tiffins in a large steamer. Some dim
sum delicacies are fried or baked, and
many are served with a sauce.
Popular dim sum dishes include
baked egg custard, carrot cake,
shrimps, chicken legs, and prawn
dumplings. At a steamboat dinner,
a variety of raw meats, fish, and
vegetables are put around a large
stock pot on a gas burner. Put what
you fancy into the stock and cook
through or just slightly blanch it.
N Y O N YA F O O D
Nyonya (or Peranakan) cuisine is an
amalgamation of Chinese and Malay
dishes most prominent in Penang,
Malacca, and Singapore.
Many traditional Chinese
ingredients and Malay spices
and herbs are used, but Nyonya
cuisine is eclectically seasoned
and has a taste uniquely its own.
Malacca Nyonya food is generally
sweeter, richer in coconut milk,
and includes more Malay spices
like coriander and cumin.
Meanwhile, the Penang Nyonya
style of cooking drew inspiration
from Thai cuisine, including a
preference for sour food, hot
chilies, fragrant herbs, and pungent
prawn paste (“belacan”).
www.expatKL.com
19
basic info
Social Etiquette
IT will help your integration into Malaysian culture to
recognise and respect the diverse cultural and religious
customs. When interacting with Malaysians, bear in
mind that it is a multicultural country, so practices vary
between the different cultural groups. Below we outline
some guidelines to help you avoid offence, but do use
your judgment and observation skills when deciding how
to proceed.
Shoes are commonly left at the front door of houses and
some other buildings. A collection of shoes at the door
means you should probably remove yours. Another sign is
if you notice you are the only one wearing shoes!
Many Malaysians greet each other with a light handshake,
and may place their right hand over their heart after
greeting you. Watch what happens and follow their lead.
Be aware that some Muslims prefer not to shake hands
with members of the opposite sex, so it’s always safer to
let them initiate the greeting.
Presentation of business cards or name cards often follows
an introduction. It is considered polite to inspect a card
carefully before putting it away, and in meetings these are
often placed neatly on the table in front of the recipient.
It is your prerogative whether you give out your card and
to whom; use your discretion and excuse yourself for not
carrying any of your own if you feel you’d rather not share
your contact details.
Displays of physical affection in public are generally
frowned upon, particularly in the more conservative
eastern and northern states. Take your lead from those
around you, and err on the side of caution if in doubt.
Certain areas of mosques and temples should not be
entered by those of different faiths. Signs are often
displayed and you can always ask those around you if
you are unsure. Conservative dress is always required
in mosques, and some temples, and you will often be
required to remove your shoes.
Many older people are simply referred to as uncle
(pakcik) or aunty (makcik). People younger than you may
address you in this manner - take it as a compliment and
a sign of respect.
Some Malaysians eat with their hands, especially when
eating more traditional types of food. If you’d like to dump
the cutlery and give it a try, remember to use only the right
hand - the left is used for more basic bodily functions!
20
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While eating, paying in a shop, shaking hands, or any
other transaction, use your right hand. The left hand
is considered unclean. If invited to a Malaysian home,
the host will be most appreciative if you come bearing
gifts, though this is not a must. Whatever you choose to
bring - be it a souvenir from back home, some fruits or
drinks purchased from a store around the corner - will be
accepted with warm thanks. Bringing a gift is known as
carrying “buah tangan”, which literally means “fruit of
the hands.”
Many Malaysians are superstitious, and there is a fascination
with lucky and unlucky numbers. As an example, never give
four of anything to a Chinese Malaysian (four sounds like
the word for “death” in Chinese).
The Chinese word kiasu is loosely translated to mean a
fear of missing out. This surfaces in many situations drivers being aggressive on the road, wearing branded
clothes and accessories, using mobile phones loudly,
and piling one’s plate the highest at a buffet. What does
it all mean? It’s about keeping up with the Jones, as a
declaration of social status. This doesn’t mean expats have
to be kiasu, but being aware of its presence will help you
understand many situations.
As in many Asian countries, Malaysians don’t often show
anger in public. When others do, many Malaysians are
unsure of what to do next. Remain calm, firm, and avoid
shouting when things do not go your way.
Many Malaysians take a more relaxed view of time and
deadlines than you may be used to. When meeting
friends don’t be surprised if you arrive on time to find
yourself alone perhaps for another 30 minutes. Events
will also often start later than billed. In the business
world, however, punctuality is advised and an apology
and excuse (it’s common to blame the traffic) are
expected if you arrive late.
Face is difficult to explain, but most Malaysians do
not like to “lose face”, which means they want to
avoid embarrassment and humiliation at all costs. You
can “give face” by being understanding if something
goes wrong - by not reminding people of this, by
compensating for small mistakes and by averting
attention from failings. Humility is another aspect of
face - be honest about your faults and modest about
your achievements.
basic info
Mosques, Temples, Churches,
and Shrines - Religion in KL
RELIGION plays a large role the lives of many Malaysians,
and all around Kuala Lumpur you’ll find examples of
Malaysia’s various faiths.
and embellishments. Many are well worth a tour, but as with
touring mosques, pay attention to signage concerning attire
and behaviour within the temples.
Islam is the religion of all Malays in Malaysia, and is also
the country’s official religion. Islamic mosques in Malaysia
generally have a domed ceiling for the main prayer
hall and a tall minaret from which the call to prayers is
broadcast five times a day. In many places around the city,
you’ll likely hear the call to prayers coming from one (or
more) mosques.
Most popular with tourists are: Chan See Shu Yuen
Temple (on Jalan Stadium) with its exquisite glazed
ceramic carvings and sculptures; Sin Sze Sin-Ya Temple
on Jalan Tun H. S. Lee (the oldest Buddhist temple in
KL); and Thean Hou Temple atop Robson Hill (off Jalan
Syed Putra).
Many of the mosques accept visitors and are well worth
a tour, though all will ask you to respect the customs.
Suitable dress is required, and if you are female or a
non-Muslim, you may not be permitted into all areas
of the mosque.
Hindu temples are also found throughout KL, and are
generally characterised by an open design and extremely
intricate statues and bright colours. Tourists are most
likely to see the temples at the Mid Valley Megamall and
Sri Maha Mariamman temple on the edge of Chinatown,
but the most stunning examples of Hinduism are found
at the Batu Caves just north of the city.
Masjid Negara (National Mosque) on Jalan Sultan
Hishamuddin was built in 1960 and is one of the largest
mosques in Southeast Asia, able to accommodate up to
8,000 worshippers. Masjid Jamek (Jamek Mosque) on Jalan
Tun Perak was designed by the same architect who designed
the KL Railway Station and the Sultan Abdul Samad building,
and is a great example of neo-Moorish architecture found
around the older parts of KL. Further away, Putra Mosque in
Putrajaya is breathtaking.
There are also numerous Christian churches in KL, several
with unique stories that are interesting to history buffs
(and most will surely welcome Christian tourists). The most
photogenic churches in KL include the small, unpretentious
St. Mary’s Cathedral on Jalan Raja (consecrated in 1893)
and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (built in 1918, and
home to the International Church of KL).
Buddhism is the predominant religion for many Malaysian
Chinese, and the Buddhist temples found around KL are
generally characterised by arched ceilings, ornate carvings,
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Unlike elsewhere in the world, the followers of these
various faiths share Malaysia quite harmoniously, and
are respectful of others’ beliefs. At times of festivals and
feasts, this pleasant mix is especially prevalent. Enjoy!
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www.alice-smith.edu.my
Primary campus: t: (603) 2148 3674 f: (603) 2148 3418
Secondary campus: t: (603) 9543 3688 f: (603) 9543 3788
basic info
Malaysian Highlights for 2011
For more information, log on to www.tourism.gov.my
T HAI PUS AM
19 January 2011
Thaipusam is a day of penance and
thanksgiving for Hindu devotees.
This national festival is best
experienced at the Batu Caves in
Kuala Lumpur where thousands of
devotees pierce themselves.
oranges and plum blossom stalks are
used as decorations in Chinese homes
for prosperity and good luck.
parade which showcases stunningly
decorated floats from Malaysia
and abroad.
HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI
30 to 31 August 2011
Hari Raya marks the end of the
fasting period during Ramadhan.
Look out for ‘open houses’, where
friends are served with a generous
spread of food.
PETRON A S MA LAYSIAN
F1 G RA N D PRIX
8 to 10 April 2011
Venue: Sepang International Circuit.
The skills of the world’s finest drivers
are put to the test with the extreme
hot and wet conditions at the
Sepang circuit.
NATIONAL DAY
FE DER A L T E RR IT ORY D AY
31 August 2011
Malaysia’s Independence Day.
Activities are held nationally, including
parades, exhibitions and fireworks.
1 February 2011
Venue: Kuala Lumpur, Labuan &
Putrajaya. The federal territories of
Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya
celebrate Federal Territory Day with
exciting parades, fireworks displays
and cultural shows.
LE T O UR DE L ANGKAWI
23 January to 1 February 2011
Venue: Langkawi, Kedah
The world’s finest cyclists meet at
Asia’s Le Tour de Langkawi. The
route starts on the serene island of
Langkawi and ends in Kuala Lumpur.
D E E PAVA L I
RA IN FOREST WORLD
MU SIC FESTIVAL
8 to 10 July 2011
Venue: Miri, Sarawak
Malaysia’s most celebrated music
festival: international acts and a
jungle setting.
C HI NES E NE W YE AR
M A L AY S I A F L O R A F E S T
3 and 4 February 2011
Chinese New Year marks the first day
of the lunar calendar and is celebrated
over a 15-day period. Mandarin
March to May 2011
(to be confirmed)
Venue: Dataran Merdeka, KL
This event will feature a floral
24
www.expatKL.com
26 October 2011
The triumph of good over evil
is celebrated by Hindus as they
observe Deepavali or the Festival of
Lights in the seventh month of the
Hindu calendar.
PENANG BRIDGE
INTERNATIONAL
MARATHON
20 November 2011
Venue: Penang Bridge
The third-longest bridge in the
world plays host to a most
unusual marathon.
basic info
Immigration Services
A WORK permit (called an “employment pass” in
Malaysia) is the most important documentation required
for those seeking employment in the country. Normally,
this is obtained for the employee by the employer once
in the country. Employees and their family members are
allowed to enter the country on social visas issued by
Malaysian Immigration officials upon arrival.
The documentation for a work permit is a precise and
its processing is sometimes quite lengthy and involved.
Completing this by yourself is possible, but may prove to
be a frustrating experience – perhaps your first encounter
with “culture shock” and government bureaucracy. There
are authorized agents who, for a fee, do the running
around for such permits, and for first-timers, this is highly
recommended. Many larger companies will arrange the
work permit for their employees.
Permits will be issued for varying periods, but are usually
given for a period of two years. The permit will be placed
in your passport and will note your position, employer’s
name, and address. Dependants will also be given a
permit stating that “any form of employment is strictly
prohibited.” Should any dependant want to work,
they will have to go through a separate and personal
application for a work permit.
Some people choose to work without a permit and leave
the country every three months (when their social visa
expires) to re-enter a day or so later with a new social visa.
This is a risky practice, as your passport will be stamped
each time you enter and exit, and may lead to difficult
questions and deportation.
The immigration department is now located in Putrajaya
(half way between Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur
International Airport). If any documentation is incorrect or
26
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missing, you will be asked to resubmit, requiring another
round trip. It’s best to try and get it right the first time,
and some people choose to use an agency to help them
through the formalities. The primary factors in deciding
whether to do it yourself or use an agency are money
and time. Many people have done it themselves, but the
vast majority found it a slow, frustrating experience. For
example, if you are issued a new passport when you are
living here and want to transfer your visa, you will be
asked to submit a written request for the transfer written
in Bahasa Malaysia. If you fail to bring it, you may well be
sent away to get a properly written request.
The East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak have
their own immigration procedures, and travelling from
the Peninsular (West) Malaysia to East Malaysia requires
separate formalities (this means taking your passport when
you travel there). Work permits must be obtained in these
respective states upon arrival.
Department of Immigration in Putrajaya
Address: Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia
Kementrian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
Bahagian Visa, Pas dan Permit
Tingkat 3, (Podium) Blok 2G4 Precint 2
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62550 Putrajaya.
Telephone: 03.8880 1000
Website: www.imi.gov.my
Business Hours:
7:30am – 4:45pm (Monday to Thursday)
7:30am – 4:45pm (Closed Fridays for lunch and
prayers from 12:15 to 2:45)
7:30am – 1:15pm (Saturday)
More Than Just
Academic Excellence
Adaptable
Lifelong
Learners
Active
Citizens
Resilient
Individuals
Effective
Communicators
At Garden International School we have a well-deserved reputation for
academic excellence. However, we also recognise that our students require
more than academic skills and competencies to succeed in life. Education
at Garden International School therefore focuses on achieving our Student
Vision of developing adaptable lifelong learners, active citizens, effective
communicators and resilient individuals. The broad programme we offer,
both inside and outside the classroom, provides more than just academic
excellence to prepare our students for a lifetime of success.
To Ànd out more about
Garden International School,
please visit our website at
www.gardenschool.edu.my
16, Jalan Kiara 3, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 603-6209 6888 Fax: 603-6201 2468 Email: [email protected]
what you need to know about
Renting a Property
at the end of the rental period provided that all utility
bills have been paid in full. Most tenancy agreements in
Malaysia are for a period of two years and often include
the option to renew for another one or two years,
providing notification is given by a specified date. Make
sure the agreement clarifies who pays for minor repairs
incurred during tenancy.
AS a new arrival, it’s easiest to find an apartment, condo,
or house through an agency. You can find a list of
recommended agencies and search our extensive property
database at www.PropertyinMalaysia.com.
When you find a place to rent, the normal procedure is to
pay one month’s rent as a security deposit. This payment
guarantees the agreement between you and the landlord
until all payments have been made and contracts signed.
This security deposit will eventually become your first
month’s rent. At the same time, you and the landlord
usually sign a letter of agreement.
Within seven days, you will be required to conclude
the tenancy agreement and pay the remainder of the
upfront payments. This generally includes two months’
rent as a deposit to be returned at the end of the rental
period. Stamping (the process of having a layer validate
the tenancy agreement) is usually organised by the agent
or landlord but paid by the tenant and will cost around
RM100. The agent’s fees should be paid by the landlord
(agents are typically paid one month’s rent).
In addition, you will probably be required to pay a deposit
for the utilities of approximately RM1,000 (or, in some
cases, half a month’s rent). This will also be repaid when
28
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Most leases specify that the landlord pays for normal wear
and tear but the tenant pays for any additional damage.
Also be sure to clarify who is responsible for maintaining
air-conditioning and white goods - air conditioning units
should be serviced at least once a year, and this may be
written into the tenancy agreement.
At the end of the lease period, you may be required to
restore the property to its former condition. This may involve
repainting the walls and cleaning the carpets, the costs of
which will be deducted from your deposit. It’s a good idea
to have the landlord check out the property two to three
months before the end of the lease, to try and reach an
agreement on what has to be done. It’s always easier to
negotiate the details when you are still in the country, and if
you get all the work done before you move on you will have
a better chance of getting your deposit back.
Most leases for expatriates have what is often called a
“diplomatic clause”. This allows expats to terminate the
lease early without penalty if they are transferred out of
the country or if their work permit is cancelled for any
reason. If this is not included in your tenancy agreement,
it is a good idea to insist on it being written in. Usually
the diplomatic clause can only be exercised in the second
year of the lease and requires proof of the change in
circumstances as well as two months’ written notice of the
intention to terminate the lease.
Mix of modern contemporary asian charm where form and function meet. We offer a vast selection
for every dream home, where detail and quality are given full attention. Be it rent or purchase, a
choice from our collection or a customized design can be tailored to match your imagination.
what you need to know about
KL Areas to Live
UNLIKE other cities, there are no
huge expat compounds in KL, and
expats tend to live wherever they find
suitable accommodation, though
some areas have proven more
popular than others.
When choosing a place to live,
consider the travelling distance to
your place of work, as traffic can be a
problem, and if you do not own a car,
access to public transportation and
taxis is an important consideration.
Taxis are not always easy to find on
the street or by phone. This is most
often a problem during business rush
hours and when it rains heavily –
usually late afternoon.
Families with children of school age
will probably choose a place close
to the school or their children may
have a lengthy commute. Proximity to
shopping, bars, and restaurants may
also be something many people
will find important. Here’s a list of
areas that are most popular with
expats:
A M PA N G
Ampang is fairly close to central
KL, and is a short drive along Jalan
Ampang or the new overhead
expressway. Most of the foreign
embassies are close to the KL end of
Jalan Ampang, and therefore many
diplomats choose to live here. There
are many older houses in this area
and some newer condominiums.
While there aren’t as many air
conditioned restaurants on this
side of KL, good ones can still be
found. There are several clubs
in this area and shopping malls,
including the Great Eastern Mall. The
proximity to central KL increases the
entertainment options.
Nearest Schools: ISKL (American
School), Fairview International School
and Sayfol International School
(both UK system)
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Indicative rentals: Apartment
from RM3,000 - RM14,000; House
RM2,000 – RM25,000
greenery, trees, and secondary jungle
around here. Expect to see monkeys
in the garden and by the side of the
road. Great for nature lovers.
CEN TRA L KU A LA LUMPUR
For those who like proximity to all
the shopping, the Twin Towers, and
the many other happenings KL has
to offer, living in the city centre is a
good choice. This generally means
paying more, but there are some
older condominiums with lower
rentals. There are very few houses still
available in the city centre, so most
people choose an apartment.
Nearest Schools: French
International School, most other
schools involve some commute
but Alice Smith primary school
(UK system) is quite close.
Indicative rentals: Apartments
RM2,000-RM15,000; Houses up to
RM25,000.
Nearest Schools: Indonesian
International School. Other schools
can be reached relatively easily.
Indicative rentals: Apartments
RM3,500 - RM16,000 for penthouse;
Houses RM8,000 - RM20,000.
DAMANSARA HEIGHTS
After Kenny Hills, this is the
next most exclusive area with
plenty of large detached houses.
It’s a relatively easy drive to
entertainment in Bangsar Baru
and there are a few outlets in Bukit
Damansara. Bangsar Shopping
Centre is also close.
KENNY HILLS
Nearest Schools: Several
kindergartens in this area and
not far to Garden International
and Mont Kiara International school.
This is one of the most exclusive areas
of Kuala Lumpur, situated close to the
centre of of the city. Close to Putra
World Trade Centre, there is plenty of
Indicative rentals:
Apartment RM3,000 – RM18,000;
Houses RM6,000 – RM20,000.
B ANGSAR
The development of Bangsar Baru
as an entertainment hub has
attracted many expats to this area.
The immediate vicinity around
Bangsar Baru is mostly terraced
houses but there are some detached
properties. There is a cluster of
apartment buildings within walking
distance (20 – 30 minutes) of Bangsar
Baru, and it’s an easy drive. There
are two shopping complexes in the
area - Bangsar Shopping Centre and
Bangsar Village. Bangsar is about
5 km from central KL and there is
a light rail system connecting it to
the city.
Nearest Schools: No major
schools in this area, but plenty of
kindergartens and it’s not far to
Garden International School.
Indicative Rentals: Apartments
RM2,000 - RM10,000 for 4 bedroom;
Terraced House around RM2,000
– RM4,000; Houses RM6,000 –
RM20,000
P E TA L I N G J AYA
This is further out and is a town in
Selangor (next to Kuala Lumpur).
With the expansion of both KL
and PJ, it’s hard to tell where one
ends and the other begins. There
are plenty of companies located in
Petaling Jaya, and for expats working
in this part of the Klang valley,
choices include plenty of detached or
terraced houses, as well as a number
of apartment buildings.
Nearest Schools: Deutsche Schule,
Japanese School, Lorna Whiston
language school, ELC (UK system) in
Sungai Buloh is a relatively short drive
form PJ along the highway, as is the
Australian School.
Indicative rentals: Apartments
RM1,500 – RM8,000; Terraced
Houses RM2,000 – RM3,000;
Houses RM4,000 – RM10,000.
SH A H A LA M
This is the capital of Selangor, and
only suited for people who are
working in the area (unless you
don’t mind a long commute). It has
lower rentals and offers houses with
gardens at more reasonable prices
than places closer to KL.
Indicative rentals: Apartment
RM1,500 to RM5,000 Terraced
Houses RM2000 – RM5000;
Houses RM4,000 – RM10,000
and houses most of the Federal
government buildings. It is located
in the Multi Media Super Corridor.
It has a number of man-made
attractions like the lakes it’s built
around, botanical gardens, and
Putrajaya Wetlands. Cyberjaya
adjoins it and is in the heart of the
Multimedia Super Corridor (a world
class telecommunications hub). Both
areas are connected to downtown
KL by highways and a fast train. An
increasing number of IT companies
are located in this area. Choosing to
live here only really makes sense if
you work in this area.
Nearest Schools:
Nexus-World School.
COUNTRY HEIGHTS
A sizeable development just outside
the centre of Kuala Lumpur along
the main highway to the Southern
part of Malaysia and the KLIA
airport. It offers large houses and
apartment living with a more “open
living” concept. Security is one of
the features, with security guards
controlling access to the area.
Nearest Schools: Australian
International School. Alice Smith
secondary school.
Indicative rentals: Apartment
RM3,000 to RM8,000 Houses
RM3,000 – RM15,000
PU TRA JAYA /CYBERJ AYA
The new administrative capital
Putrajaya was built in the 1990s
MONT KIARA/ SRI
H A RTA M A S
This is a newer area that has emerged
in the last 15 years, and is now
home to many high-rise apartment
buildings. Some of the apartment
buildings are quite luxurious, with
plenty of facilities. There are many
small shops, restaurants, and bars in
the area. The older part of this area
still has some terraced houses.
Nearest Schools: Garden
International School
(UK system) Mont Kiara
International School
(American system)
Indicative rentals: Apartment
RM2,000 – RM15,000; Terraced
House RM2,000 – RM4,000.
www.expatKL.com
31
what you need to know about
Insurance
MAKING sure you have good
insurance coverage is common
sense. Employees of major
companies will be given some
insurance coverage, but it is worth
finding out exactly what is covered.
If you already have insurance in
your home country, make sure it
covers you while you’re an expat in
Malaysia (and also be sure to keep
your payments up to date). We set
out below the types of coverage you
may want to consider.
The insurance industry is highly
regulated in Malaysia so often the
rates are fixed. This is the case with
car insurance, although the speed
at which companies settle claims
can vary greatly. However, some
inclusions and exclusions are worth
noting. As in many other countries,
insurance sales people are less likely
to explain the various exclusions, so
it’s best to do your research before
deciding on a policy and to ask plenty
of questions.
If you have shipped your personal
effects to Malaysia, make sure you
report any damage immediately,
as you may find it harder to claim
once the removal men have left
your premises. It makes good sense
to take a detailed inventory prior to
shipping as well as photographs of
any valuable items, alongside any
32
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other documentation that will support
a claim. It is also prudent to take
photographs of any damaged items as
you unpack. The majority of shipping
agencies will include insurance in the
shipping costs, but be sure to read the
policy carefully and opt for alternative
cover if necessary.
TH E FOLLOWIN G
I N S U R A N C E I S W O RT H
CON SID ERIN G :
Car Insurance
Covers damage to your vehicle and
other vehicles. Fully comprehensive
insurance is not mandatory
in Malaysia, but is strongly
recommended. There is usually a
relatively small excess.
Life Insurance
Covers death and or/dismemberment.
It’s an unpleasant thought, but
your family will need protection to
provide a reliable income to replace
your earnings if you die before you
reach retirement age. Fortunately life
insurance is generally low cost and
you can easily buy cover providing up
to 20 times your annual salary for a
low monthly premium.
Again, remember that any domestic
life insurance plans you have taken
out at home may not pay out in
Malaysia, so look for an international
plan designed with the expat in mind.
Medical Insurance
Covers medical treatment,
hospitalisation, surgery, etc. Malaysia
‘s medical services are among the
best in the region, however if you
need medical treatment you’ll need
to visit one of the many private
hospitals or clinics and pay for your
treatment. Private medical insurance
is designed to cover these costs – but
make sure that the policy you buy
is an international policy geared
to expatriate needs as a traditional
domestic policy from your home
country or country of residence is
unlikely to provide the level of cover
you need in Malaysia and other
countries you visit.
Check the policy provides full
emergency medical evacuation
cover in case you are taken ill
in a remote area where medical
facilities are scarcer and local 24/7
emergency assistance is limited.
Different international medical
insurance policies are designed
either to cover essential healthcare
needs if you’re on a budget or
higher levels of protection if you
want to cover a wider range of
conditions such as maternity care
or cover for the treatment of
chronic illnesses. If you are living
with your partner and children buy
a family policy which covers you
together as these are generally
Regency Tower
Renovated Units Available for Rent Ideal for Expatriates
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available at a lower premium than
buying individual policies. Medical
emergencies are not the only financial
risk you will face. If you suffer an
illness or accident that leaves you
unable to work, you’ll need an income
wherever you recuperate as once an
expatriate, you may not be entitled
to full state-funded benefits – which
are minimal in most countries to
start with. Income protection policies
are designed to provide you with a
replacement income while you are
unable to work. Again it is prudent
to buy a plan designed specifically
for expats as you are likely to find
restrictions in domestic policies which
will make it difficult to claim if you are
working overseas. Plans can replace
up to 75 per cent of your salary with
payments made continuously until you
are either fit to return to work, or right
up to retirement age if necessary.
Household Insurance
Covers household contents
and personal effects. High-rise
apartment living and the fact that
most apartment complexes, low
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and high, have security guards
and CCTV cameras, means that
home burglaries are uncommon.
Petty crimes and crimes against
your person are quite rare for
international residents in Malaysia.
Rainstorms or leaking plumbing
from the upstairs apartment are
more likely to cause damage to
your property. This is what you
need to have clarified in your
insurance policy. It is also important
to clarify with your landlord who is
responsible for insuring the policy,
and to establish what that insurance
covers and whether you will need
additional cover.
Worldwide All Risk Insurance
Covers personal effects and valuables
anywhere in the world.
Personal Liability
Covers accidental bodily injury to third
parties or damage to their property.
Domestic Help
Covers death, injury and medical
expenses for domestic helpers under
your employ. If you hired a maid
through an agency, the agency will
often cover this cost for the first
two years. As the employer you are
responsible for her health care costs
whether she has the flu or falls off
a ladder - you must either insure
your maid yourself or ensure that
the agency has done so. Expenses
on visits to GPs are borne by the
employer. If you plan on extending
the services of one particular maid
for more than two years, take
out comprehensive insurance that
covers her medical care including
any injuries she incurs during work.
Golfing Insurance
Covers golf-related accidents,
damage to golfing equipment,
and even a hole-in-one bar tab.
If you are looking for a highlyrecommended and reliable insurance
broker, we can put you in touch
with someone who has nearly
40-years experience and several
expatriate clients. Contact Anne at
The Expat Group on 03.2094 9664
for more information.
www.expatKL.com
33
what you need to know about
Work Permits
A WORK permit is normally
obtained by your company either
before you arrive in Malaysia or
once you arrive here. Employees
and their family are allowed to enter
the country on social visas issued by
Malaysian Immigration officials upon
arrival, however strictly speaking you
should not start working until the
visa is issued.
It is worth noting that the East
Malaysian states of Sarawak and
Sabah are semi-autonomous. If you
travel from Peninsular Malaysia or
Sabah into Sarawak, your passport
will be checked on arrival and a new
stay-permit issued, either for 30
days or for the same period as your
original Malaysia entry visa.
Malaysia needs foreign workers in
selected industries but not all. If you
are being offered a job here it can
be assumed that your employer has
already determined this. If you come
here seeking employment do not
assume that the country requires your
services. In fact many expats have
come here looking for work and been
disappointed. Even those offered
jobs often found the promised work
permit was never obtained.
34
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Completing the required
documentation for a work permit is
a detailed and sometimes lengthy
process. There are agents who, for a
fee, do the running around for such
permits and for first timers, this is
highly recommended. Work permits
will be given for varying periods from
six months up to five years depending
on the position and the approving
committee. Usually first timers
get a two year visa, unless their
employment contract is for a shorter
period and up to five years can be
given for renewal.
The permit will be placed in your
passport and will note your position,
employer’s name and address.
Dependants will also be given a
permit stating that: “any form of
employment is strictly prohibited”.
Should any dependent want to
work they will have to go through
a separate application process for a
work permit.
People with employment passes
will also receive an “Expatriate
Identification” card called an I Kad,
which can be carried around as an ID
card in place of carrying a passport.
It is understood that eventually
dependents will receive this card.
Students at international schools will
also receive ID cards.
Some people choose to work without
a permit and leave the country every
three months (when their social visa
expires), to re-enter a day or so later
with a new social visa. The dangers
of such a process are obvious. If done
more than a couple of times, it may
raise the suspicion of the Immigration
Department as to whether you are
merely visiting or actually working
in the country. Apart from being
illegal, the odds of being found out
and the possibility of being deported
home are quite high as Malaysia has
stringent laws prohibiting foreigners
from working in the country without
proper permits. Therefore this is not
recommended.
For more details, check out
the Immigration Department’s
website at www.imi.gov.my.
There is a section in English.
The Expat Group can also refer
an agency to you for processing
a work permit. For more
information, please contact us at
[email protected].
CRIME in Malaysia takes many forms. Visitors may find
themselves victims of snatch thieves, burglars or con
artists. As in any other country and with all crimes, the best
protection is awareness and vigilance.
S NAT C H T HIE VE S
These thieves often travel in pairs, sometimes in cars but
more often on a motorbike. As the driver rides alongside
you, the passenger grabs your bag and in the worst cases,
victims get dragged along behind.
Though the police have cracked down on snatch thefts, these
incidents still occur, and you should protect yourself as best
you can. Wear your bag strap across your body, walk against
the flow of traffic, keep anything you are carrying on the
side of you furthest from the street. Snatching is a crime of
opportunity and if you make things too difficult for thieves,
they may not find you worth their effort.
P I C KP OC KE T S
Cities are full of crowded places, and this is where
pickpockets strike. In crowds, keep your wallet where you
can feel it and continually check that it is there, especially
after you’ve been jostled. Pickpockets use distractions
to make their move so be constantly aware of your
surroundings.
BURGLARS
You can minimise the fear of home invasions and burglaries
by staying in a guarded condo or hotel. As always, be
vigilant; consistently lock your doors, and don’t forget to
activate your security system.
C O N A RT I S T S
Beware of the “stranded tourist” who tries to borrow
money, the “newly-arrrived businessman” who asks to
see what Malaysian money looks like, or any situation that
involves pulling out your wallet. Also check credentials of
tour guides, or anyone offering investment opportunities or
shortcuts to getting your official paperwork done.
For more information, check out the message boards
on www.expatKL.com
If you have any problems during your stay in KL, call the Tourist
Police at 03.2149 6590 or look for one of the Tourist Police kiosks
located in the downtown areas.
36
www.expatKL.com
“Community at the school is amazing…
i:PV GFFM MJLF QBSU PG UIF %BMBU GBNJMZ UIF NPNFOU ZPV XBML PO DBNQVTw —Dalat parent
At Dalat International School, we offer a community that’s designed to help your child flourish in BMM
t FEVDBUJPO GPS UIF XIPMF DIJME
aspects of life. We provide: t BDBEFNJD FYDFMMFODF
t B OVSUVSJOH DPNNVOJUZ
t B RVBMJUZ SFTJEFODF MJGF QSPHSBN
t CJCMJDBM XPSMEWJFX DVSSJDVMVN
t POMJOF FEVDBUJPO
education for life
Dalat International School educates children in preschool to grade 12. Located in Penang, Malaysia, Dalat is a
leader in international education, with more than 470 students from 28 nations. The school offers an American,
college-preparatory, biblical worldview curriculum, and its academic and boarding programs are fully accredited.
Dalat International School, Tanjung Bunga, 11200 Penang, Malaysia Phone: 604-899-2105 Email: [email protected]
www.dalat.org
www.expatKL.com
37
what you need to know about
Quashing Corruption
Dato’ Hisham Nordin
MALAYSIA HAS DECLARED WAR ON CORRUPTION.
AMY DE KANTER TALKS TO THE MAN AT THE FOREFRONT OF THIS BATTLE.
FOR the past 6 years, Malaysia’s
CPI (Corruption Perceptions Index)
ranking by Transparency International
has been falling steadily. From
39th place in 2004, it dropped to
56th place, indicating worsening
corruption. In 2010, a survey
conducted by The Expat showed for
the first time that corruption made
it to the top ten list of what expats
dislike about Malaysia.Whether this
indeed indicates that corruption is
getting worse or whether it simply
means that more cases have been
brought into the open is uncertain.
What is generally agreed upon is that
something has to be done.
In 2009, Prime Minister Dato’
Seri Najib Tun Razak unveiled the
Government Transformation Plan
(GTP) to set the nation on track
for Vision 2020. Six National Key
Result Areas (NKRAs) were identified,
including better rural infrastructure,
higher standard of living for the
poor and better access to affordable
quality education. Minister at the
Prime Minister’s Department, Dato’
Seri Nazri Aziz, was made lead
minister of the NKRA corruptionfighting initiatives and he entrusted
Dato’ Hisham Nordin with heading
the Delivery Management Office
of these NKRA initiatives. “The 26
initiatives come under 3 groups:
Regulatory and Enforcement,
Government Procurement and Grand
Corruption,” explains Dato’ Hisham.
“Even now I’m feeling the change,”
says Dato’ Hisham, one year since the
initiatives were determined. Steady
progress and measurable results
have given the people pause. People
know corruption has to be fought by
the whole country.” The target is to
achieve all 26 initiatives by 2012.
Expats and visitors face a lot of the
same corruption that locals do. On
top of that – especially for those
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new to Malaysia – there is the
fear of a double-edged sword that
could cost them more than money.
They may believe that if they do
not respond to a hint for a bribe,
they will find their business papers
slowed down or their visa or work
permit revoked. If they initiate or
do respond to what they perceive
as a request for a bribe, they are
breaking the law and could be asked
to leave the country anyway or even
risk imprisonment.
Dato’ Hisham explains that
the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC – the
enforcement arm of Malaysia’s
anti-corruption effort) is in the
process of clarifying the law in this
area so expats will know exactly
where they stand and what they
can do in difficult situations. The
Whistleblower Act, for one, protects
both locals and foreigners. “It is very
important [for expats] to tell us what
is happening, rather than to go back
to their countries and say, ‘I’m not
going back to Malaysia.’ We want
them to tell us.”
Whistleblowers are encouraged to
come forward even if they cannot
produce evidence. If someone is
soliciting a bribe from one person
or company, he is likely had
done the same with others. “All
complaints to the MACC have to be
addressed,” says Dato’ Hisham. If
several complaints are made against
the same individual “we can set up
a sting operation but not leading
to entrapment.”
One way of fighting corruption is
simply to increase public awareness
of how things work. Someone new
to the country may be under the
impression that Malaysia is more
corrupt than it actually is. Middlemen
who call themselves agents or
consultants convince visitors, expats
and investors that special connections
and expertise are needed to make
anything happen.
The middlemen are not doing
anything illegal, you are free to pay
someone as much as you want to do
something for you, but the overall
impression becomes that an agency
that would have processed a request
honestly and efficiently is in fact
bureaucratic, slow and corrupt. This
impression travels throughout the
international community so the next
person to come, worried about the
headache, also employs an “agent.”
Dato’ Hisham is quick to point out that
there are real consultants and agents
there for certain programmes and that
one might choose to use them if one
is conducting business from overseas,
but individuals should be able to get
a clear picture of exactly how much
work the agent is saving them and
understand that bribes are not part of
the cost of getting things done.
Dato’ Hisham is inspired by what
he has seen in other countries.
While understanding that things
are different in Malaysia, “We are
studying countries like Denmark,
Sweden, Japan and the US. “ He has
seen the effect of better corruption
control in these countries. He has
also seen how corruption, worse than
Malaysia’s, affects other countries and
is resolute not to let his country be
dragged down in the same way. “
Reporting Corruption
Reports of corruption should be
made to the Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commision (MACC)
Tel: 03.8886 7000
Fax: 03.8889 4329
E-mail: [email protected]
Toll Free Line: 1800.88.6000
Website: www.sprm.gov.my
what you need to know about
Motoring
ONE of the most enjoyable things about living in Malaysia
is getting behind the wheel and heading out on the
open roads which take you through vibrant cities, coastal
stretches, past highland mists and verdant jungles. Unlike
most countries in South East Asia, Malaysia offers great
driving opportunites as there is an impressive network of
highways in peninsular Malaysia.
want to apply for a local licence and you currently drive on
an American or British licence, you can go to the Putrajaya
JPJ (Road Transport Department) office with your driver’s
licence, passport (plus photocopy), two photos and your
work permit. Their address is: Pejabat JPJ, Bahagian Lesen
Memandu, Aras 3, Blok D 4 Parcel D, 62620 Putrajaya.
Tel: 03.8886 6400.
Our recent car survey showed that although most
companies have cut down in offering company cars
to expats, 73 percent of expats do own personal cars
while 26 percent said they planned to purchase a new
car in the next year. Though some expats prefer to use
public transport, the majority like the extra freedom and
mobility that comes with owning a car.
They will take around two weeks to issue, and you will
be notified by mail when your new licence is ready for
collection. You then have to go to a designated JPJ
office to collect the licence, with RM50 to cover the
administration fee.
Many expats start driving without familiarising themselves
with the local rules and regulations, which can make for
a very steep and slightly scary learning curve. This section
of our website is intended to help expats explore the open
road safely and legally. There’s a lot to see in Malaysia so
we hope you have a pleasant and safe driving experience.
GETTING A DRIVER’S LICENSE
You are allowed to drive on Malaysian roads if you have
a valid driver’s licence from most other countries. It is
best to check with your own embassy if you are unsure.
International driver’s licences are recognised as long as
they are still vaild, and having one will ensure you do not
get into difficulties.
If you plan to be here for a while it may be a good idea
to get a local licence. The British High Commission
recommends “British subjects staying in Malaysia for
longer than one year to obtain a Malaysian driving licence
or an annually reviewed International Driving Permit”.
However, we know of many expats who drive on foreign
licences for many years without any difficulties. If you
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For most other countries, we recommend you check with
your embassy. You usually have the choice of using a
driving school or agent to apply for the licence. Expats
from countries except American and Britian may have to
obtain a letter from their embassy confirming the validity
and contents of their driving licence.
In some cases the Road Transport department may not
accept your current licence and insist you take a local
driving test. If this is the case, please refer to the article
below on taking the test.
MM2H – THE TAX-FREE CAR PRIVILEGE
People moving here under Malaysia My Second Home
(MM2H) are entitled to one tax-free car. They can either
bring their own car into the country tax-free or purchase a
locally assembled car free of taxes. If you choose> to bring
in your own car, you must do so within six months of your
visa being approved. Since Malaysians drive on the left
side of the road it should be a right hand drive car. If you
want to buy a car in Malaysia tax-free you have one year
to make the purchase from the date your visa is approved.
In both cases you have to obtain formal approval first from
the Ministry of Finance.
When you come to sell your tax-free car the buyer will have
to pay the applicable duties which will be based on the age
of the car. The customs department will not disclose the
formula so it is not possible to predict what the duty will be
but it will of course be less than that on a new car.
If you decide to buy a duty-paid car you may well find that
overall it does not cost much more than your car back
home. The lower petrol and servicing costs go a long way
to offsetting the higher price you originally pay for the car.
You can find out the latest rules regarding duty-free
cars as well as some tax-free car prices on our website
www.MM2H.com.
TAKING YOUR
DRIVING TEST
If your overseas licence is not vaild, or you would like to
learn to drive in Malaysia, you will need to take a driving
test. You will have to attend an approved driving school.
A list of driving schools can be found at
www.drivinginstitute.com.my. Once you have chosen a
school, they will assist you in applying for your provisional
permit, which is required before you take practical lessons.
A full description of the driving test process can be found
in the motoring section of www.expatkl.com.
from previous years with 92 percent recorded in 2006.
The reasons were because they felt that cars were quite
expensive to purcahse and tax was too high. Of those
having a company car, one third chose the cars themselves
while others stated the cars were chosen by the company.
Of those who had a company car, 73 percent said they
also owned personal car.
Indeed, of the 73 percent, 16 percent said they owned
two cars. Of this figure, 83 percent chose to buy new cars
while 16 percent bought pre-owned vehicles. A total of
26 percent of expats said they also planned to purchase a
new car in the next year.
The survey also showed that the expats owned a diverse
range of cars. Hyundai topped the list, followed by Toyota,
Honda and lower-priced local cars.
The survey also asked expats about how safe they felt
about driving in Malaysia. 32 percent said driving
here was ‘safe’ while 7 percent said it was ‘very safe’. 32
percent of the expats said the roads were unsafe because
of fast, reckless and inconsiderate drivers.
To participate in our driving polls, visit
www.expatkl.com’s motoring section
COMMON MALAY ROADSIGNS
Awas
Berhenti
Beri Laluan
Dihadapan
Dilarang Memotong
Had Laju
Ikut Kanan
Ikut Kiri
Caution
Stop
Give Way
Ahead
No Overtaking
Speed Limit
Keep Right
Keep Left
THE EXPAT CAR SURVEY
Expats are less likely than ever before to be given a
company car with their job, according to our third annual
Motoring Guide survey. According to our findings, the
percentage of expats in Malaysia using company cars
has dropped. In 2005, it was 35 percent. This matches
anecdotal evidence that many companies are cutting costs
by no longer providing company cars.
City Motors Sdn Bhd, established and trusted since
1965, has served the expatriate and diplomat community
with much success in buying or selling their cars.
GPS navigation system available.
Thank you for finding me a good and clean used car
when I arrived in Malaysia and making the process of
purchasing it very easy. I also appreciate the advice
you freely gave me during my two years of KL
motoring and when I came to sell the car when
leaving. It was a real comfort to know that you were
there to help. Mike Jasztal, British Expat
Although we did not buy through Peter, he definitely
prevented us from making a costly mistake. Olwyn
Stewart, Association of British Women Malaysia.
Feel free to call Peter for assistance
Our latest survey was carried out to determine the current
status of car ownership. It also included questions on the
readers’ plans to purchase vehicles in the near future.
The Expat Group’s ability to carry out reliable surveys
among the expat community is due to having maintained
a database of many thousands of expats’ names and
addresses. Once again, most expats said they owned
their cars, with 86 percent of those asked saying that
they’d bought a car. However, the number has declined
www.expatKL.com
41
what you need to know about
Travelling in Malaysia
MALAYSIA has very good land, air
and sea connections. Domestic travel
is easy, comfortable, and affordable.
The major towns and cities are served
by air-conditioned trains, buses and
by regular flights. Peninsular Malaysia
has a well-developed network of
roads, but in East Malaysia, where
many roads are unpaved, having
four-wheel drive is recommended.
ROAD
Driving in Peninsular Malaysia is a
wonderful experience. The scenery
is lush and green, and there are
good hotels in most towns. Buses,
taxis, and coaches, both interstate
and local, also travel between
various destinations.
On the west coast, stretching from
Thailand to Singapore is the most
travelled highway in Malaysia, the
North-South Expressway (NSE). The
speed limit on the NSE is usually
110km/hr, but in some areas it is
only 90km/hr. NSE is a toll road and
amounts are calculated based on
distance travelled and type of vehicle.
You collect a transit ticket at the
point of entry and pay the toll at the
exit plaza.
Located along the NSE are several
rest and service areas with food stalls,
toilets, public telephones, petrol
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stations, and parking areas. If your
vehicle breaks down or if you’re
involved in an accident, contact the
24-hour PLUSRONDA for assistance
by using the Emergency Telephones
placed every 2km on the NSE. The
Traffic Monitoring Centre handles
inquiries from NSE users and can be
contacted at 1-800 88 0000.
To drive on Malaysian roads, you
need a driver’s licence (Malaysian or
International). Your home embassy
or high commission will be able to
tell you whether your home driver’s
license is valid in Malaysia. Please
note all vehicles travel on the lefthand side of the road and that the
use of passenger safety belts
is mandatory.
A I R T R A N S P O RTATI O N
Malaysia has five international
airports, 14 domestic airports,
and 18 airstrips. The international
airports are at Sepang in Selangor,
Penang Island, Langkawi Island, Kota
Kinabalu in Sabah, and Kuching in
Sarawak. Malaysia Airlines (MAS),
the country’s national carrier,
operates domestic flights within
and between West and East
Malaysia. Pelangi Air, a private
operator, also operates scheduled
domestic flights from Subang;
mostly to island resorts. Air Asia,
Firefly, Transmile, and Berjaya Air,
and other carriers operate flights to
domestic and regional destinations.
In East Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines
also operates its Rural Air Services,
which flies Twin Otters to a host of
rural airstrips. SEAGA Airlines also has
flights from Kuching, Sibu, and Kota
Kinabalu to Mulu National Park.
R A I L T R A N S P O RTAT I O N
Malayan Railways or Keretapi Tanah
Melayu Berhad (KTM) connects all
major towns in Peninsular Malaysia,
and on to Singapore and Thailand.
First, Second, or Economy Class
air-conditioned coaches are available
at very reasonable prices. All express
services have a restaurant coach serving
local and continental cuisine, and many
are fitted with sleeping berths for first
and second class passengers.
SEA TRANSPORTATION
Many popular island destinations
like Langkawi, Pangkor, Redang, and
Tioman are linked to the mainland by
regular ferry services. Other smaller
islands are accessible by charter
fishing boats. Ferry services are also
available from Tanjung Belungkor,
Kukup, Desaru, Johor Bahru Duty
Free Zone, and Sebana Cove (all
in Johor) to Singapore, and from
Butterworth to Penang.
Public Transportation
TERMINAL PUTRA
RAWANG
Taman Melati
SENTUL TIMUR
Wangsa Maju
Kuang
Sri Rampai
Sentul
Sungai Buruh
SENTUL
Setiawangsa
Titiwangsa
Kepong
Jelatek
Visit us at booth B35 for a Retreat!
Dato Keramat
Segambut
Chow Kit
KL Monorail
Ampang Park
PWTC
Pudu
Star LRT
Sultan
Ismail
Putra LRT
Express Rail Link
KLCC
Medan
Tuanku
Cahaya
Kampung Baru
Cempaka
Bukit Nanas
Pandan Jaya
Bukit Bintang
Interchange
Maluri
Miharja
Chan Sow Lin
Imbi
Masjid
Jamek
Hang Tuah
Pasar
Seni Maharajalela
Kuala Lumpur
Tun Sambanthan
Mid Valley
KL SENTRAL
Bangsar
Abdullah Hukum
Kerinchi
Universiti
Taman Jaya
Asia Jaya
Taman
KELANA
Paramount
JAYA
Taman
Bahagia
Angkasapuri
Pantai Dalam
Cheras
Salak South
Seputeh
Salak
South
Bandar Tun Razak
Petaling
Jalan Templer
Tasik Selatan
Kg Dato Harun
Seri Setia
Setia Jaya
Sungai
Besi
Bukit jalil
Serdang
Kajang
UKM
Subang Jaya
Bangi
Batu Tiga
SRI PETALING
Padang Jawa
Putra Jaya
Bukit Badak
Kelang
Teluk Pulai
PORT KLANG
Pandan Indah
Raja Chulan
Bandaraya
Bank
Negara
KTM
AMPANG
Damai
Batang Benar
Nilai
Labu
Salak Tinggi
Tiroi
Teluk Gadong
Kg Raja Uda
Jalan
Kastam
KL INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
SEREMBAN
Rail transportation is easily accessed in town with a few
companies offering transport to different locations throughout Klang Valley.
TO AND F ROM T H E A IRPORTS
KL is serviced by two international airports - KLIA (for most international carriers)
and LCCT (for Air Asia and smaller domestic carriers). The KLIA Ekspres train runs
between KLIA and KL Sentral station costs RM35 (one-way, RM15 for children aged
2 to 12) and takes about 28 minutes, operating from 5am to midnight. Malaysia
Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Royal Brunei offer check-in counters at the City
Terminal in KL Sentral.
You can reach the LCCT by taxi, or by shuttle buses that run from KL Sentral (RM9),
KLIA (RM1.50), and elsewhere.
For more information about KL’s airports, visit:
www.klia.com.my and lcct.airasia.com
www.expatKL.com
43
what you need to know about
Postal and Courier Services
THE postal service in Malaysia is efficient and easily
accessible. Post offices can be found all over KL and other
cities, as well as in smaller towns. The Malaysian postal
service is known locally as Pos Malaysia. Letters and
packages are graded and charged according to weight,
size and distance. A full list of Pos Malaysia’s locations,
services and postage rates can be found at www.pos.com.
my or call 1.300 300 300.
Bill payments are also done in Pos Malaysia, so go a little
early if you’re rushed – the queue can be quite long. Pos
Malaysia also provides remittance services in the form
of money orders and postal orders for the easy and safe
transmission of money. The money service comprises the
local and international money order service, telegraphic
money orders, and trade charge money orders.
The staff in Pos Malaysia usually converse in Malay. Be
patient, as this may mean occasional communication
problems. A simple ‘Apa Khabar?’ (How are you?)
followed by ‘Minta Tolong’ (Please help me!) might help.
Along with standard postal services, the premium service
offered by Pos Malaysia is Poslaju, which literally means
fast post. If you are sending a letter or package as far as
Europe or the States, it usually takes 3 - 4 days to arrive
with Poslaju. If you want it to arrive sooner, you can also
opt to use a private courier service. There are quite a few
available in Malaysia, both national and international.
However, they are more expensive than Poslaju. Among
the most common are DHL, Fed Ex and City Link:
Poslaju EMS - National Courier Service
Jalan Tun Sambathan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03.2263 2626, Fax: 03.2274 4000
Web: www.pos.com.my
44
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POS
Express
DHL Worldwide Express
Level 27, Menara TM off Jalan Pantai Baharu,
50672 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 1.800 888 388, 03.2241 8899/8000
Web: www.dhl.com.my
FedEx
17, Jalan TSB 8, Taman Industry Sungai Buloh,
off Kota Damansara, 47000, Selangor.
Tel: 1.800 88 6363 (Customer Service),03.2179 0370
Web: www.fedex.com/my
UPS - United Parcel Service
11 Jalan Tandang, Wisma Ali Bawal 1,
46050 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03.7784 1233 (Customer Service)
Web: www.ups.com/asia/my/engindex.html
City-Link
3A Jalan Akitek U1/22, Seksyen U1,
HICOM Glenmarie Industrial Park, 40000 Shah Alam
Tel: 03.5033 3800 (Customer Service)
Web: www.citylinkexpress.com
TNT Express Worldwide
17B, Menara PKNS, Jalan Yong Shook Lin,
46050 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 1.300 882 882 (24-hours), 03.7962 3333
Web: www.tnt.com
what you need to know about
Phones, Mobiles and Internet
GET CONNECTED IN
M A L AY S I A
Malaysia has a highly advanced
communications infrastructure.
Landlines for home and business
are available almost anywhere in
the country. Broadband and wireless
Internet services are accessible in
a growing area of KL and other
major cities - broadband penetration
currently stands at 21% and
internet penetration at 63.5%.
Handphones are everywhere with
1,026 mobile phone subsribers per
1,000 inhabitants. Indeed, in some
parts of Malaysia, you can’t take four
steps without hearing a personalised
ringtone.
HOW TO CHOOSE A
M O B I L E NE T WORK
Mobile phones, often referred
to handphones in Malaysia, are
widespread. The GSM service
46
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is extensive and reliable, and
competition between providers has
made voice calls, SMS messaging,
and other services quite economical.
All service providers offer both prepaid and post-paid accounts. As postpaid handphones are subject to the
same deposit as landlines (see below),
most expats choose the pre-paid
route. Pre-paid service means you pay
for calls and messages as you go.
When your account runs low, you can
top up your handphone by buying
a reload card from your service
provider. Reload cards are available
at most convenience stores and
other locations. Several companies
provide a pre-paid service, and each
has its own code (see below for a
corresponding list). Before choosing,
visit the company’s website to see its
coverage area, and ask around about
the merits of each.
SIM cards can be bought in most
malls. The government has made it
compulsory for all pre-paid users to
register, so don’t forget to take your
passport and address with you. Prepaid SIM cards can be used on any
Malaysian-standard phones, allowing
you to shop around for the right
phone. Competition for handphone
sales is incredibly intense, so don’t be
afraid to haggle! After buying and
charging up, buy your first reload
card, top up, and you’re ready to go.
Mobile Service Providers
Maxis www.maxis.com.my
Celcom www.celcom.com.my
Digi www.digi.com.my
Celcom www.celcom.com.my
HOW TO GET A LANDLINE
One of the first creature comforts an arriving expat looks for is a home
telephone line. Telekom Malaysia is the national phone company, and
service is generally reliable. To get hooked up, you must first visit the
nearest Telekom Malaysia office and fill out an application form
(see below for a partial list of locations). The form is available in
Bahasa and English.
Expats arrive and leave Malaysia frequently, and in
the past there have been problems with some expats
defaulting on their outstanding telephone bill. As a result,
foreigners are either a) required to pay a rather hefty
RM1000+ deposit, or b) have a local Malaysian co-sign their
application. As your co-signer is ultimately responsible for
settling your bill, it may be difficult to find a volunteer!
After you submit your application,
expect a one to two week waiting
period before your telephone is
hooked up (Tip: If you’ve already
purchased a handphone, give this
contact number, and make sure to be
present when the workmen arrive).
Your phone bill can be paid via online
banking, or at one of many post
offices and TM stores. Refer to your
phone bill to find out more.
HOW TO MAKE AN
I N T E R N AT I O N A L C A L L
By far, the most economical way to
make an international direct dial (IDD)
call is to purchase a pre-paid IDD
card, available at most convenience
stores throughout Malaysia. Just
punch in the correct connection
digits, dial the telephone number
complete with the country and area
code, and you’re through. These
can be used on either landlines or
cellphones, but do check with your
mobile service provider regarding
any additional charges. Lines are
generally clear and static-free, but
you may experience a slight time lag
in conversations.
WIRELESS CON N ECTION
The easiest way to get online in
Malaysia is also the most advanced
– connecting via a wireless access
point (WAP), located in many coffee
shops and restaurants in Malaysia’s
larger cities. There are a few ‘free’
access points in Malaysia, and if you
have a wireless-enabled notebook
computer (or an older notebook with
an additional plug-in wireless card),
connecting can be as easy as sitting
down, turning on your computer, and
starting to surf.
The majority of the telecoms
networks are also now offering
wireless broadband delivered
through a USB modem. This means
that you can access the internet
via your account from numerous
locations. However, coverage can
be sketchy, particularly with the
smaller providers, so be sure to find
out if your area is covered before
you sign up. It’s always a good idea
to ask your neighbours and building
management for advice - they are
likely to know which network is
super fast and which will have you
bashing your head on the keyboard
in frustration.
HOW TO GET ONLINE
Malaysia’s Internet infrastructure is
growing rapidly, and compared to
other countries in the region, it’s
incredibly advanced.
DIAL-UP CONNECTION
Numerous companies offer basic
dial-up Internet services. Though the
‘low end’ of technology, the services
offered are all quite affordable, and
depending on where you live and
the state of your phone lines,
you should be able to achieve a
reasonably fast connection.
BROADBAND
CONNECTION
Though coverage and competition
are, at present, somewhat limited,
wired broadband Internet access
(ADSL) is coming on strong in
Malaysia. You can compare prices
and learn more about providers by
visiting www.tm.com.my.
Internet Service Providers
Dial-up:
www.jaring.com.my
www.tm.net.my
Broadband:
www.tm.net.my
www.celcom.com.my
www.maxis.com.my
www.p1.com.my
Wireless:
www.tm.net.my
www.airzed.com
www.yes.my.
www.expatKL.com
47
what you need to know about
Banking
SOME banks offer premier banking (a bit like business
class vs economy class) for good customers – usually
those with a minimum account balance. Such banking is
preferable, as mainstream banking can be extremely slow.
To avoid all forms of queuing, many banks offer Internet
and telephone banking services. This includes bill payment.
Either form of service is highly recommended as it saves
sending cheques through the post or standing in long
queues to pay bills.
In order to open an account you will need to be referred
by someone. This can be done by a Malaysian contact or
your company can assist with this.
The Malaysian Ringgit is not freely convertible, and if you
take the currency overseas with you it will be difficult
to exchange it for foreign currencies. However you can
buy foreign currency Travellers Cheques with Ringgit.
Sending more than RM10,000 overseas in one transaction
or taking a similar amount out of the country in cash
requires the National Bank’s (Bank Negara) approval. This
is normally more a requirement than a problem.
Most major banks have automatic teller machine
(ATM) systems where deposits, passbook updating,
and bill payments can be done besides the usual cash
withdrawals. Many ATMs are shut down by midnight for
customer safety purposes, though some may extend to
2am and beyond.
Cheques are widely accepted, though companies will
probably need to know you before starting to accept
them. According to the latest banking rules, full names
are required for cheques (initials are not allowed).
48
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Credit cards and charge cards are widely used in Malaysia,
though the former is much preferred due to convenience
and wider acceptance. It is possible to apply for a local
credit card, billed in Malaysian Ringgit but some issuers are
reluctant to give them to expatriates.
To apply, you’ll usually need supporting documents such
as photocopies of your passport and work permit, pay
slips, and returned income tax statements. Required
documents differ by issuer and the class of credit card
applied for.
Credit card classes are:
UÊ,i}Տ>ÀÊVÀi`ˆÌÊV>À`]Ê܈̅ʫÀi‡>««ÀœÛi`ÊVÀi`ˆÌʏˆ“ˆÌÃ
UÊ
…>À}iÊV>À`Ã]Ê܈̅Ê>˜Ê՘ˆ“ˆÌi`ʏˆ˜iʜvÊVÀi`ˆÌÊ̅>ÌʓÕÃÌÊ
be paid in full every month
Credit card issuers in Malaysia include Affinbank
(www.affinbank.com.my), Alliance Bank
(www.alliancebank.com.my), AMBank
(www.ambg.com.my), CIMB (www.cimbbank.com.my),
Citibank (www.citibank.com), EON Bank Group (www.
eonbank.com.my), Hong Leong (www.hlb.com.my),
HSBC (www.hsbc.com.my), Maybank (www.maybank2u.
com.my), MBF (www.mbfcards.com), RHB (www.rhbbank.
com.my), Standard Chartered (www.standardchartered.
com.my), and UOB (www.uob.com.my).
If you already have a credit card from your home
country, you might consider keeping it as long as you
are in a position to make the payments in the foreign
currency. Nearly all major shopping outlets, hotels
and high end restaurants accept Visa, Mastercard and
American Express.
Learning the Best from East and West
what you need to know about
Bringing
your Pet
SO, you’re moving to Malaysia and
you want to bring little Mr. Doodles
with you? Bringing a pet to Malaysia
is controlled like in many other
countries. These are guidlines you
need to follow:
1. Dogs and cats must be a
minimum of 3 months of age at
the time of travel.
2. There is no limit to the number of
pets you can import. However, local
authorities may have regulations
pertaining to the number of dogs
that you can keep in a residential
premise.
3. Some dogs are banned from
importation into Malaysia. These
include: Pit Bull Terrier, American
Bulldog, Neapolitan Mastiff,
Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentina
and Fila Brazilero. Other breeds are
restricted and subject to special
conditions: Rottweiller, Doberman,
German Shepard, Alsatian, Bull
Mastiff, Bull Terrier, and Perro de
Presa Canario.
4. Before leaving your home country,
have your pet’s veterinarian issue
a Veterinary Health Certificate,
and a complete copy of your pet’s
vaccination record.
5. For importation into Peninsular
Malaysia, you need to obtain an
import permit from the Directors
of State Veterinary Department, or
the Director General, Department
of Veterinary Services Malaysia.
50
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For importation into Sabah
and Sarawak, you must make
enquiries and applications directly
to those states.
6. To obtain an import permit,
you must submit an application
form, copies of your pet’s health
certificate and vaccination record,
and RM5 per pet (by cash, bank
draft, money order, or postal order,
made payable to the Director
General of Veterinary Services
Malaysia). You may submit this
application by post, or by visiting
an office of the Department of
Veterinary Services.
7. Import permits are generally
issued within a day, and are vaild
for 30 days from the date of issue.
The import permit also acts as a
reservation for quarantine.
8. Pets can only be imported as
manifested cargo, and shall be
declared to the Animal Quarantine
Office at the landing point for
entry clearance. Pets that require
quarantine may only land at KLIA,
Penang or Padang Besar airports.
Entry is subject to veterinary
inspection charges.
9. Upon entry, submit original
copies of the import permit,
health certificate, and CITES
approval (where necessary) to
the Animal Quarantine Officer.
All documents must be in Bahasa
Malaysia or English.
10. Dogs and cats from the UK,
Ireland, Sweden, Australia, New
Zealand, Japan, Brunei, and
Singapore are not subject to
quarantine provided the animals
are healthy and all documents
are in order. Dogs and cats from
other countries are subject to a
minimum 7-day quarantine.
11. The quarantine charge for dogs
and cats is approximately RM79
and RM72 respectively. This
charge is exclusive of feed and
any treatment costs incurred.
12. During quarantine, you may
visit your pets in the quarantine
station between 8am and 4pm.
Things to consider:
If you are moving to Malaysia from a
cold or temperate climate, bear in mind
that your pet could suffer in the tropical
heat. This is particularly important for
older and long-haired pets.
There are several stray and
abandoned pets in Malaysia who’d
benefit from the love and attention of
a caring owner. Look up the Society
for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Malaysia if you’d like to know more
about pet adoption and fostering.
For more information about
importing your pet and a printable
application for the import permit
form, please visit The Department
of Vetinary Services.
Animal Medical Centre in Kuala
Lumpur also provides the services
for a fee which frees you of the
headache in paper work and
department hopping; call them at
603.4042 6742 or fax 603.4041 3660;
or e-mail to [email protected]
what you need to know about
Paying Bills and Fines
MOST households will have to settle their own telephone
and electricity bills (and possibly water bills). If you have
cable TV (“Astro:), you will also have to pay the monthly
connection charge. There are a number of payment
options, but it can be confusing because most of the
payment instructions are written in Bahasa Malaysia.
Apart from paying bills directly to the company, there are
many other options. If you have an American Express card,
you can arrange to have the charges billed directly to your
card. Some companies let you pay online or through bank
debit, and in most cases you can pay bills through any Pos
Malaysia office.
To help read your bills, here are a few common Bahasa
Malaysia terms translated to English:
Tenaga Nasional
National Electricity Company
Bil Elecktrik
Electricity Bill
Kedai tenaga
Electricity outlet (shop)
Bill Puas
Water Bill
Puas Berhad
Water Company
Indah Water
National Sewerage Company
Bayaran Boleh
Payment can be made
Tunai
Cash
Cek
Cheque
Kad kredit
Credit card
Dibayar di atas nama
Payable in the name of
Cek hendaklah
dipalang
Crossed cheque (all cheques
are now printed crossed)
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PAY I N G P O L I C E F I N E S
Many expats pick up tickets for traffic offences.
You can pay police fines by mailing a cheque
to the address on the document recording the
offence, (called a “compound” in Malaysia), or
by going to any police station in the state where
the offence was committed. With police radar
traps in operation all over the country, your first
notification of a speeding fine might be by mail.
You can check if there are any fines outstanding
for your vehicle by visiting www.eservices.com.my
on the Web.
Effective 2008, police slashed the price of
compound fines in half for traffic summonses.
Previously, it stood at RM300. This, however,
does not apply to serious offences. You will be
eligible for the 50 percent discount if you pay
the summonses before or on the last day of the
30-day deadline.
At one time it was common for motorists,
including expats, caught breaking the law to
make a payment to the policeman who caught
them to avoid a ticket. However, the government
is cracking down on this, and it is an offence to
make such a payment. You have been warned.
www.expatKL.com
53
what you need to know about
Domestic Help
WHY HAVE A M AID
HOW TO FIND A MAID
COSTS
Labour is cheap in Malaysia and there
are many people who maximise these
opportunities to get others to do the
more menial tasks in life - domestic
cleaning and cooking, driving cars,
cleaning cars, gardening, painting
and household repairs. Most of this
work is not done by Malaysians and
the country depends on foreign
workers (from Indonesia, Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Philippines and Cambodia)
to complete these tasks. Such people
generally live in the house with
you, and most larger houses and
apartments have accommodation
specifically intended for live-in
domestic help. Live-in maids also
often take on childcare duties. Some
Malaysian women provide domestic
service on a part time basis. You can
find out from your neighbours or
Malaysian friends about this.
Some expats will move straight into
an existing house that may already
have staff employed. Failing that,
there are employment agencies for
sourcing help.
Domestic labour, as mentioned
earlier, is very cheap in Malaysia.
Salaries and working conditions differ
depending on the level of experience
and nationality of the maid:
It’s always safer to acquire full-time
help through agencies, unless you
know and trust a local who has
highly recommended one person. The
agency will also be able to arrange
the appropriate visas and paperwork
for foreign maids.
Indonesian maid
Uʈ˜ˆ“Õ“ÊÃ>>ÀÞÊ,ÎxäÊ«iÀʓœ˜Ì…
UÊ7œÀŽÊÇÊ`>ÞÃÊ>ÊÜiiŽ
UÊ->viÀÊvœÀÊi“«œÞiÀÊ̜ʜ«i˜Êœˆ˜ÌÊ
bank account with maid in case she
leaves without notice
UÊ->>ÀÞÊ̜ÊLiÊL>˜Ži`ʈ˜ÌœÊ…iÀÊ
account at the end of every month
as she is not allowed to carry cash
for the first two years working in
Malaysia
In planning to hire help, you must
consider if you are open to having
a “stranger live with you”. She will
probably get to know you better than
some of your friends or relatives. She
will see you at both extremes - at
your best and at your worst.
So it’s best to keep the relationship
strictly on an employer-employee
basis while maintaining mutual
respect, setting clearly defined roles
and boundaries.
54
www.expatKL.com
As there are very few Malaysian
women who work as maids, you are
likely to employ an Indonesian or
Filipina maid. The former is subject to
strict rules and regulations according
to Malaysian law, while the latter
is allowed more freedoms. Many
Indonesian maids will only speak their
own language, which is very close
to Bahasa Malaysia, whereas most
Filipinas speak reasonable English.
The agencies will help you find “the
right one” for a fee. You will be given
a host of resumes to look through
before making your choice of the
maid you want. It would be advisable
to request a meeting with the maid
before making your final decision.
This is particularly important if your
maid will be responsible for looking
after your children.
Filipina maid
Uʈ˜ˆ“Õ“ÊÃ>>ÀÞÊ,ÇääÊ«iÀʓœ˜Ì…
UÊ7œÀŽÊÈÊ`>ÞÃÊ>ÊÜiiŽ]Ê-՘`>ÞÃʜvv
UÊ œÌʘiViÃÃ>ÀÞÊvœÀÊi“«œÞiÀÊ̜Ê
open joint bank account with maid
as there are no restrictions on her
carrying cash
Part-time maids are also available
via agencies. The frequency of work
per week depends on your needs.
Charges are different but it averages
>ÌÊ>LœÕÌÊ,näÊ̜Ê,£ääÊ«iÀÊÃiÃȜ˜Ê
œvÊ>LœÕÌÊÎÊ̜Ê{ʅœÕÀÃÊi>V…Ê̈“i°
For more insights, visit our
Domestic Help section at
www.expatkl.com
Entrance for EXPATS
WHEN YOU’RE RELOCATING, BE SURE TO GO TO THE RIGHT PLACE.
FURNITURE RENTAL - A START OF EASY LIVING
education
International
Schools in Malaysia
WITH Malaysia being home to an increasing number of
expats, international schools have mushroomed to bring
educational excellence, pastoral care, and support for
children in an affordable and enterprising way. You may
choose one that fits your bill, including those like Dalat
International School (in Penang), the International School
of Penang (Uplands), and Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar in Negeri
Sembilan that provide boarding facilities. Other prominent
institutions in the Greater Klang Valley are the Australian
International School, Garden International School, Alice
Smith School, ELC International School, International
School of Kuala Lumpur, and Nexus World School.
There are three leagues of price ranges. The lowest of the
scale are Cempaka International, Mutiara International
Grammer School, ELC International, and International
Islamic School. The mid-range are Australian International
56
www.expatKL.com
and other nation-specific schools like International School
of Indonesia, and also Garden International School. In the
top tier of price are Alice Smith, International School of KL,
and Mont Kiara International, with fees hovering at about
RM50,000 per annum for one year tuition for a grade 12
student. There is usually a non-refundable registration fee
and an annual re-enrollment fee to factor in as well as
the yearly tuition. In most schools, the higher the level or
grade, the higher the tuition.
All schools provide dining facilities for lunches and
breakfasts for their students. These can range from
vendors such as Starbucks and local hawker food, to the
school preparing its own menus in cafeterias.All schools
also provide special pricing for families (more than one
child enrolled).
You don’t need a generous expat package to send your
child to a quality international school in Malaysia, but keep
in mind there are these three different rankings of rates.
All schools now have a website, or visit www.ExpatKL.com
and read the education supplement which includes
a directory listing of all international schools.
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY HOUSE
4VU[LZZVYP7YLZJOVVSMVY[V`LHYZVSK:JOVVSOV\YZMYVT !HT[V!!!!WT
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY HOUSE
4VU[LZZVYP
At Children's Discovery House, learning experiences are balanced between self discovery and guided lessons,paving the way to achievements and success.
MONT KIARA
Ground Floor,
i-Zen@Kiara II
No. 1, Jalan Kiara,
Mont Kiara, 50480
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
T: (03) 6203 7001
M: 016 252 4767
F: (03) 6203 7002
BANGSAR
No. 40, Jalan Bangkung,
Bukit Bandaraya,
Bangsar, 59100
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
T: (03) 2093 9592
M: 014 228 7880
F: (03) 2093 9591
5L^)YHUJO6WLU
MVY9LNPZ[YH[PVU
AMPANG
74A, Jalan Damai
(entry/exit Jln Tun
Razak or Jln Ampang)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
T: (03) 2144 7001
M: 016 381 9541
F: (03) 2144 7002
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education
Expat Parents
Spoilt for
Choice in our
Melting Pot
WHEN i first arrived in Malaysia in 1998, education for my
two children was of prime concern. They had spent their
entire educational experience outside of their native United
States in various school mediums. My husband, a hotelier,
was posted to Seremban when our children were 11 and
16 years old. We were pleasantly surprised by the selection
offered throughout Malaysia, particularly the plethora of
excellent international schools in greater Kuala Lumpur.
We opted to send our 16-year old to the renowned
boarding school with a national stream as well as UK
A-levels, Kolej Tuanku Jaafar in Mantin, Negri Sembilan;
and our 11-year-old son to the British-based Alice Smith
School campus in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, a 45-minute
drive from our resort home in Seremban.
Our son later successfully passed 11 GSCEs and enrolled
in Informatics College for an ICT Diploma. Our daughter,
with her A-levels completed, enrolled for one semester
at HELP Institute, now HELP University College, in their
American Degree Programme, and then transferred to
an Australian university. We believe our children vastly
benefited from their diverse educational experiences
here in Malaysia. As a former university academic in the
US and on faculty at Nilai University College in the late
1990s, as well as faculty head and school librarian at
preparatory schools in the US, I have had the opportunity
to evaluate the state of international education in
Malaysia over the past decade.
Currently, international school education in Malaysia
is thriving. More than a dozen international schools
have been built since I arrived, as well as the several
academically outstanding K-12 and British Primary
through A-levels schools in East Malaysia such as
International School of Kota Kinabalu and Tunku Putra
International School that have expanded campuses
and curriculum. Penang is also well served with the
International School of Penang at Uplands, Dalat
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International School with its renowned IB (International
Baccalaureate) programme, and the St Christopher’s
Primary Elementary School among others.
Most United Kingdom- and US-based schools, including
schools also offering the IB Diploma, along with
international schools including the French and Indonesian
International Schools have waiting lists. And more are
under construction including the soon to be opened British
International School.
Meanwhile, the International Islamic University Malaysia
operates the International Islamic School which is highly
regarded with over 60 different nations represented in
their student body.
The majority of schools use English as the medium of
instruction. However, major exceptions are the German
School (Deutsche Schule of KL) and French International
School (Lycee Francais de KL) which use their national
language and find this to be of broader appeal to
expat parents who want their children fluent in other
major languages.
Another important trend to note is the privatisation
of education in the country. For example, the Taylor’s
Education Group owns and manages Taylor’s University
College as well as three international schools: Garden
International School, Australian International School and
the newest, Nexus-World School.
Sunway University owns the Sunway International School
with its well regarded Canadian stream while developer SP
Setia Bhd has designed the Tenby International School into
its Setia Eco Park residential enclave in Shah Alam, Selangor.
Many of the schools, such as the Alice Smith School and
the American, International School of KL, are nonprofit
organisations controlled by a board of directors.
But it is not just expats who are spoilt for choice in
Malaysia; local students are also allowed to attend if they
can afford the fees. Two years ago, laws were enacted
giving international schools a quota to fill for local
students and they were quickly topped out.
For people not yet involved in international education,
the nature of what are termed international schools
can be puzzling. Most of us go to school within one
educational system. It is this experience that forges
our educational beliefs. When families first explore
international education, they discover a world of
differences which often collide with some of the beliefs
and values that families hold dear.
First, we need to dispel some of the myths that surround
international schools. The term “international” is
confusing and ambiguous. Do we mean the curriculum or
syllabus is international in scope? Are we referring to the
teachers in the school? Is it the assessment procedure that
is international? Before we can answer these questions,
we should look at the way in which international schools
are established. It is generally recognised that the first
schools describing themselves as “international” began in
1924 (International School of Geneva and just after this,
Yokohama International School).
There were many such schools by the 1960s, but it is in
the last 40 years that international schools have
come of age.
Most are set up to serve the needs of a particular group of
expats working in an overseas location. The founders of
such a school generally design the curriculum to reflect the
education system of their home country. This accounts for
much of the diversity in international education.
The many international schools are rooted in the various
traditions of the groups they were founded to serve,
almost by definition an educational system other than that
of the host country. The result is that a given international
school will relate to a particular national education
system. While the students attending the school may be
international, the curriculum is usually not.
To meet the needs of expat communities, international
schools tend to base their programmes on the education
system of the country representing its predominant group
of parents. This also means a range of choice, including
but not limited to, as host country Malaysia can attest –
French, German, American, Australian, Japanese, Korean,
and British schools.
International schools meet four criteria that almost all
international schools have in common: They have a
curriculum that differs from the host country, they serve the
educational needs of an expat community living in a host
country, they have a student population that is international
and inclusive of local students, and they have modified their
curriculum to make the most of the international setting
and emphasise the host country’s customs.
For parents considering international schools, an awareness
of the diversity that is offered in Malaysia is crucial. Parents
need to understand the varying natures of each school
if they are to make the best decisions for their children
when moving abroad. Understanding and managing the
differences in international schools is the key to ensuring
that the family makes a smooth transition to their new
location. Inability to consider educational issues can lead to
unnecessary failure in the overseas assignment process.
For children of school age, school placement is a prime
consideration. The decision about whether to place a child
in an American, British, private, parochial or even a local
school is a decision to be carefully researched. The age,
grade level, maturity and social skills levels, special needs,
and interests of the child are of paramount importance.
The school’s curriculum, language base, distance from
home, transportation to and from, and costs lie on the
other side of this equation.
A desired balance will be vital to discourage any
unhappiness, resentment or anger the child may be
feeling, and these feelings can easily result in behavioural
and academic problems at the new school, all of which
serves to undermine the success of the posting.
By Marybeth Ramey
www.expatKL.com
59
around malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Garden City of Lights
U Population: 1.60 million U Area: 243sq.km U Industries: Hotels, tourism, commerce
U Tourist Information: www.kualalumpur.gov.my
Capital city of Malaysia, the “muddy confluence” of the Klang and Gombak rivers has grown to become
a modern marvel of epic urban proportions.
W H AT T O S E E
Also known as KL’s “green lung”,
KLCC marks the northern end
of Malaysia’s famed Multimedia
Corridor. Amid the Petronas Twin
Towers, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel,
Menara Maxis, the KL Convention
Centre and other pillars of gleaming
glass and steel, you’ll find a
picturesque park with a small lake,
dancing fountains and children’s
playgrounds. Inside the twin towers
you are also spoiled for choice with
Suria KLCC shopping mall, worldclass concert hall Dewan Filharmonik,
Galeri Petronas, Petrosains discovery
centre and much more.
The most popular park in KL, Taman
Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens) is 92
hectares of beautiful tranquillity
amid the modern pace and stresses
of KL’s modern setting. The park
encompasses the KL Bird Park,
the Butterfly Park, Orchid Garden,
Hibiscus Garden, Deer Park, paddle
boats, the National Monument, herb
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and spice garden and the ASEAN
Sculpture Garden. Each of these
is a separate and worthy tourist
attraction but you don’t need a
specific reason to visit the Lake
Gardens. If you’re a naturalist, you
will find many days of recreation
strolling the grounds, taking
photographs, or just breathing
the jungle-purified air.
Located on 2.3 hectares between
the Istana Budaya (National
Theatre) and the National Library,
the National Art Gallery is a
space for the preservation,
development, exploration, and
experimentation of art in Malaysia.
Facilities include permanent and
temporary exhibits, a sculpture
garden, and a bookshop.
The oldest Taoist temple in KL, the
Sze-Ya Temple in Chinatown is a fine
example of traditional architecture,
with ornate interiors
and elaborate roof ridges. Sze-Ya
is accessed through a lane entrance
in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. It can be tricky,
but once you get there you will be
glad you made the effort.
W H AT T O D O
A wonderful display of Malay
architecture, the National Museum
is a treasure trove of Malaysia’s rich
history. Displays include currency,
weapons, musical instruments,
vintage cars, and more.
See KL from above. KL has some of
the best vantage points of any world
class city. See the sights from atop
the 421m KL Tower or the Sky bridge
that connects the Petronas Twin
Towers.
Find for excellent deals at Central
Market or Petaling Street. Central
Market is a great place to buy local
crafts and souvenirs for friends and
family, while Petaling Street is a
great exploration into the murkier
side of retail sales. Bring your
bargaining skills.
Attend a concert by the Malaysia
Philharmonic Orchestra Said to be
one of the region’s finest ensembles,
the MPO makes its home in Dewan
Philharmonik, nestled at the foot of
the Petronas Twin Towers.
Shop the Bintang Walk, one of
KL’s most popular shopping spots.
Bintang Walk is packed with
shopping malls, eateries, and smaller
shops. Another good place for
bargaining, it’s also a great place to
people-watch.
One of the most popular spots
to enjoy KL’s nightlife, the Telawi
district of Bangsar is an oasis of
clubs, bars, and restaurants, and a
favourite nightspot for tourists and
expats alike.
Visitors to KL always rave about the
amazing variety available to anyone
who wants to satisfy a craving for
great International food. Japanese?
Try Yoko’s along the Tengkat Tong
Shin strip. Tapas? La Bodega in
Bangsar. Asian blends? Tamarind
Springs in Ampang. Malay? Enak in
Starhill Gallery on Jalan Bukit Bintang.
The list goes on and on.
to KLIA, rail links to Singapore and
Thailand, arrival/departure areas for
local buses, and counters for taxi
service, it’s a major connection point
in the city.
WHERE TO GO
KL’s Golden Triangle is the
commercial, entertainment, and
retail heart of KL, dominated by
the Petronas Twin Towers. Hotels,
restaurants, and nightlife come in all
forms and shapes, and mostly cater
to an upscale crowd. It’s a perfect
starting point for anyone looking for
the “beat” of KL.
Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC)
was originally constructed as a
residence in 1935, and since then
the MTC building itself has a long
and storied history. Today it serves as
KL’s premiere tourist information and
welcoming centre, offering a tourist
information counter, a Tourist Police
kiosk, money changers, access to
tourist websites, ATMs, and more.
There are also regularly scheduled
cultural shows, as well as displays of
handicrafts and traditional games.
If you’re visiting KL without a car,
you’ll very likely pass through
KL Sentral Station. With major
connections to the city’s Light Rail
Transit (LRT) lines, an express rail link
Site of the proclamation of
Independence in 1957, Merdeka
Square is where Malaysia began its
climb from colony to autonomy.
The Square, where the English once
played cricket, is surrounded by
some of KL’s most historic buildings,
including the Royal Selangor Club,
the National History Museum, and
the magnificent Victorian-Moorish
Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
www.expatKL.com
61
around malaysia
Putrajaya & Cyberjaya
Intelligent Cities
P UT R AJAYA
25km from KL, Putrajaya is just over a decade old, and
this new seat of Malaysia’s federal government has grown
from a palm forest into an architectural wonderland.
At the centre of Precinct 1 is the Dataran Putra (Putra
Square), a 300m circular plaza bordering Putrajaya Lake.
A symbol of unity, the concentric circles are laid out in
pointed stars that represent the 11 States of Malaya at
Independence, the 13 States of Malaysia in 1963, and
the addition of the Federal Territories. The Perdana Putra
Complex, which houses the Prime Minister’s offices,
along with the offices of the Deputy Prime Minister
and Chief Secretary to the Government, sits next to
Dataran Putra and overlooks Putrajaya Lake. Beautifully
designed, culminating in a magnificent domed ceiling,
the Perdana Putra Compex rates as highly as any
nation’s seat of government.
Nearby is Masjid Putra. Constructed of rose-tinted
granite, its dome stretching far into the sky, the mosque
can accommodate 15,000 worshippers at any one time.
The mosque’s single minaret is 116m tall, overlooking a
large courtyard (the “sahn”). In all, Precinct 1 is truly an
amazing sight (and site). Dubbed the “Intelligent Garden
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City”, Putrajaya is also home to the Botanical Gardens,
the largest of its kind in Malaysia. Complemented by
the Putrajaya Wetland and the Nature Interpretation
Centre, Putrajaya is very much an eco-tourist’s favoured
destination. As Tan Sri Azizan Zainul Abidin, President of
the Putrajaya Corporation, has stated, keenly pointing
out the value of Putrajaya as a day-trip from KL: “Both
cities complement each other. Kuala Lumpur provides
the urban environment such as cafés, pubs, and
shopping centres, while Putrajaya is tops with our
eco-tourism products.”
CYBERJ AYA
The twin city of Putrajaya, Cyberjaya is a ‘truly intelligent
city’ that features a unique mix of eco-friendly
environment and the latest IT infrastructure. Though
still a work in progress, Cyberjaya is quickly becoming a
destination – if only to see what all the talk is about. This is
a dreamy place of perfectly blended homes, environment,
and high technology. The Cyberjaya Neighbourhood Park
and its beautifully landscaped grounds was given the
prestigious ‘Best Landscaped Community Park Award’
in 2004, and Cyberjaya has also received awards for the
Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa, the Street Mall, and the
Cyberjaya Lake Gardens.
around malaysia
Selangor Gateway to Malaysia
U Population: 4.8 million U Area: 7,956sq.km U Capital: Shah Alam
U Tourist Information: www.selangortourism.com.my
Progressive and diverse, Selangor completely surrounds Kuala Lumpur.
W H AT T O S E E
Discovered over a century ago,
the Batu Caves are a year-round
attraction, but most popular during
the Hindu festival of Thaipusam,
when an estimated one million
devotees make the pilgrimage up its
long stairway. One word of advice:
Do not take any food up with you
and make sure your camera is
strapped on tight. As famous as it
is for the 100m-tall Temple Cave,
Batu Caves is infamous for its
cheeky, thieving monkeys!
About 9km from Kuala Selangor,
Kampung Kuantan is where you can
see one of the largest firefly colonies
in the world. Come in the early
evening for some excellent seafood,
and then hire a boat (or
join an arranged hire) for a night
river tour to see the amazing
natural luminescent display.
24km from Kuala Lumpur, the
Muzium Orang Asli (Orang Asli
Museum) is a fascinating showcase
of the ancient customs and traditions
of Malaysia’s indigenous peoples.
Displays include crafts, costumes,
musical instruments, tools, animal
traps, and even homes.
Also known as the “Blue Mosque”,
the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul
Aziz Shah Mosque is an immense
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www.expatKL.com
building that can accommodate up
to 24,000 worshippers under its vast
blue dome.
some trekking, and the Kanching
Waterfalls here offer picnic spots and
a few swimming spots.
Officially opened in 1963, Zoo Negara
houses over 400 species and 4,000
animals within a total area of 25ha
of land. A perfect family outing for
those who want to learn more about
Malaysia’s wildlife, the zoo has both
day and nocturnal tours.
Selangor offers some of the best
places to go shopping. With
countless malls, including 1 Utama,
Ikano Power Centre, and Sunway
Pyramid. Visit during the Malaysia
Mega Sale Carnival to get more bang
for you buck!
W H AT T O D O
The shopping malls in Selangor aren’t
just for shopping; they also cater
to active people who can’t find the
time to get out and enjoy Malaysia.
Go skating at Sunway Pyramid, wallclimbing at 1 Utama, try your hand at
archery or bowling, the list is endless.
Watch a Race at Sepang. One of the
best facilities in the world, Sepang
International Circuit comes alive
every March/April as a stop on the F1
circuit. Other races are held there and
it provides areas for go-karting and
motocross riders.
WHERE TO GO
Located 16km northwest of KL, the
Forest Research Institute of Malaysia’s
forest reserve is a “must do” for
any eco-tourist. No visit is complete
without a walk along the suspended
walkway atop the FRIM canopy 30
metres above the ground. Other
attractions include arboretums, a
botanical garden, a waterfall and
nature trails.
Travel 20 minutes north of KL, to
visit Templer’s Park which sits
within 500ha of jungle, near the
picturesque limestone hill, Bukit
Takun. It’s a great place to do
Selangor’s capital city, Shah Alam
offers a day-tripper from Kuala
Lumpur a lush green respite and
broader perspective of Islam. The
Shah Alam Lake Gardens is a great
place to picnic, but the city has many
other green spaces hidden among its
mosques, monuments, and museums.
Kuala Lumpur is completely
surrounded by neighbouring cities in
Selangor, including Petaling Jaya (PJ),
Subang Jaya, Ampang, and so on.
With a little exploration, you’ll find
the charm and attraction of each
of them.
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around malaysia
Negeri Sembilan
The “Nine States”
U Population: 897,900 U Area: 6,643sq.km U Capital: Seremban
U Tourist Information: www.tourismnegerisembilan.com
Picturesque and undulating, Negeri Sembilan is a destination for beach lovers, gourmands,
history buffs, and everyone else.
W H AT T O S E E
Make certain to visit Gunung Tampin
Recreational Forest just 15 minutes
by road from Tampin. The climb
to the summit of Gunung Tampin
(Tampin Mountain) gives you an extra
workout and an awesome view.
Formerly a palace, Taman Seri Budaya
(Cultural Handicraft Complex) in
Seremban is home to the Teratak
Pepatih (State Museum) and the
Istana Ampang Tinggi. Along with its
many cultural performances, this is
a great place to see some traditional
Minangkabau architecture.
Located atop Bukit Gajah Mati, Kota
Lukut was built by chieftain Raja
Jumaat in 1826 to control a thriving
tin trade. Among the ruins you’ll find
the courtyard used to practice martial
arts and other traces of this period
of history.
Pengkalan Kempas Historical
Complex is Malaysia’s version of
Stonehenge, with megalith stones
equally enshrouded in mystery.
Local myths have dubbed the trio
of carved stones “Batu Hidup” (the
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Living Stone). The Complex also
houses the mausoleum of Sheikh
Ahmad Majnun, rival of the Sultan of
Malacca from 1457–1477.
The sandy stretches at Port Dickson
have a lot to offer as a weekend
getaway. Whether you prefer an
awe-inspiring sunset across the Straits
of Malacca or wish to take part in any
of the water sports on offer, Negeri
Sembilan’s beaches are popular with
locals who want a weekend or even a
day away from the city.
Famed throughout Malaysia for its
cultural diversity, the eateries of
Seremban are a haven for a true mix
of Malay, Chinese, and Indian food.
Negeri Sembilan opens its natural
splendour as the backdrop for anyone
with an adventurous determination
to trek its wild paths. If you prefer
waterfalls, visit Jeram Toi, a 10m
thundering falls made conveniently
accessible with bus service, camping,
and wilderness trails. A little further
away from Seremban (and a bit more
of a trek) is Jeram Panjang and its
stunning 33 cascades. Even further into
the jungle is Lata Kijang... two hours by
4WD from Kuala Klawang along steep
and slick roads, an hour’s hard trekking
through the forest, and you finally
arrive at a spectacular 45m falls.
For those with quieter spirits, Negeri
Sembilan has plenty of places to
relax and enjoy a good book, or just
picnic with the family in splendid
surroundings near well-beaten paths.
WHERE TO GO
Known for its food, culture, and
historical locations, Seremban, the
capital of Negeri Sembilan, is just
45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, and
makes for a relaxing day or overnight
trip. For a start, take a day-trip to the
Seremban Lake Gardens, one of the
most picturesque in Malaysia.
Only about an hour from Kuala
Lumpur, Port Dickson is the nearest
beachfront along the Straits of
Malacca. A favourite for urban jungle
dwellers to escape the noise and the
traffic, Port Dickson or“PD” has all the
trappings of a quaint seaside village
(and depending where you are, some
great beaches!)
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Melaka
History Unfurled
U Population: 713,000 U Area: 1,683sq.km U Capital: Melaka Town
U Tourist Information: www.tourism-melaka.com
Arguably the most historically interesting of the states, Melaka still retains remnants of its Chinese, Sumatran,
Portuguese, Dutch, and English heritage.
W H AT T O S E E
W H AT T O D O
Melaka is teeming with reminders
of the past and Melaka’s historical
town lets you see it all. St. Francis
Xavier’s Church overlooks most of
Melaka, while St. Peter’s Church
was constructed in 1710 and is the
oldest functioning Catholic Church
in Malaysia.
Melaka is brimming with history of
inhabitants past, both those who
settled here temporarily and those
who made Malaysia their new and
permanent home. Go exploring and
you will find centuries-old Chinese
temples, Dutch churches, Malay
mausoleums, and more.
In the heart of Melaka’s historic
district is Christ Church which was
built by the Dutch in 1753 and
remains a testament of their heritage
and occupation. Perhaps Melaka’s
most famous landmark is A’ Famosa,
built in 1511 by the Portuguese,
and today an enduring symbol of
Melaka.
Lined by a row of houses and
shops with hints of Dutch, Chinese,
and English architecture, Jonker
Street is the ideal place to do a bit
of shopping. It is also known as
Antiques Row for its many antique
dealers and second-hand shops.
Scattered about Melaka are some
incredible museums that vividly
portray the region’s long and
fascinating past. Among those
that give you great insight to the
town’s history are the Maritime
Museum, the Baba and Nyonya
Heritage Museum, and the Cheng
Ho Museum.
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One of Melaka’s signature tourist
activities, trishaw rides are a great
way to tour the city. Usually found
near Christ Church, these colourful
carts are for rent on an hourly or
per-trip basis.
Finally, here in ‘Malaysia’s melting
pot,’ you’ll find many dishes
in Melaka that you won’t find
elsewhere. Try some Nyonya
dishes, the chicken rice ball,
satay kajang, or “ikan bakar”
(grilled fish).
10km from Melaka is Klebang Beach,
where you’ll find roadside stalls
selling tasty deep-fried bananas.
WHERE TO GO
Melaka (town) is the most popular
tourist destination. Home to
museums, temples, and living history,
Melaka will not disappoint the history
buff or the enthusiastic shopper.
Just 16sq.km, Pulau Besar has clean
sandy beaches, clear waters, and
snippets of Melaka’s ever-present
history (Japanese bunkers). Close to
several cities, Pulau Besar is a good
day-trip for a family outing.
Just off the Ayer Keroh Toll on the E2
North-South Expressway (an alternate
route to Melaka), you’ll find a bevy
of tourist attractions like the Butterfly
Farm, Crocodile Farm, Mini Malaysia,
Mini ASEAN, and the Ayer Keroh
Recreational Forest.
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Johor
Southern Gateway
U Population: 3.17 million U Area: 18,986 sq.km U Capital: Johor Bahru
U Tourist Information: www.johortourism.com.my
Third largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, Johor is a mix of modern culture, island life, urban settings,
and ancient biodiversity.
W H AT T O S E E
Start with Johor’s Beaches, including
Desaru Beach. Twenty-five kilometres
of white, sandy beach and lush
tropical greenery makes up Desaru
– just one
visit will tell you why this is the
most popular beach in the state.
Located 98km northeast of Johor
Bahru, Desaru, also known as
the “Village of Casuarinas”,
was developed by the South
Johor Development Authority
(KEJORA) to boost the tourism
industry in Johor.
Desaru is a great destination for
family vacations as it offers a
variety of activities for the whole
family. No matter what age,
there are plenty of things to
do, including swimming, fishing,
snorkeling, canoeing, horse
riding, jungle trekking, go-carting,
golfing and windsurfing.
JB is a great place to sightsee. Look
for the hilltop Sultan Abu Bakar
Mosque. The Sultan Ibrahim Building,
its blend of Western
and Saracen design, and its
dominating tower are also worth
a stop.
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The Royal Abu Bakar Museum houses
a large collection – treasures of
the Royal Family, an extensive art
collection, and much more.
Endau-Rompin National Park is one
of Malaysia’s few remaining lowland
forests, and a good place for a
jungle trek. 16km from Kota Tinggi
is the 30m Kota Tinggi Waterfall, a
great place for picnics or overnight
stays. Orchid lovers will enjoy Orchid
Valley located 28km northwest of
Johor Bahru.
W H AT T O D O
One of this country’s best kept secrets,
even to Malaysians themselves, are the
enchanting sites to go scuba diving,
scattered around the islands in the
east and west coast of the peninsula,
Sabah and Sarawak.
In fact, visitors are so spoiled for
choice than something else you can
choose to do is go island hopping
and get a little more of everything.
While many have enjoyed sunbathing on the cotton-white
beaches, admiring the sway of tall,
graceful coconut palms and taken
delight in a swimming or snorkeling
trip in the turquoise waters, only a
relatively small number have had the
opportunity to enjoy its underwater
treasures.
From the peninsular west coast
islands of Payar and Sembilan, to
the farthest east coast island of
Sipadan, Sabah, over 40 islands and
at least twice as many individual dive
sites lay in the cradle of one of the
world’s richest and most biologically
diverse marine habitats.
Finally, you can always choose to go
golfing at any of the dozens of golf
courses and resorts dotting Johor.
WHERE TO GO
The capital of Johor, Johor Bahru,
is located at the tip of Peninsular
Malaysia, just across the Causeway
from Singapore. Shopping and dining
are popular, as is sightseeing.
A departure point to Tioman and
Johor’s islands, Mersing is only 15km
south of Air Papan, a popular beach
and picnic area. Muar, on the other
hand, is known for its delicious
and inexpensive food stalls. Muar
is also a good place to see some
of Johor’s colonial buildings.
Nearby is the Gunung Ledang
Recreational Forest.
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Penang
Pearl of the Orient
U Population: 1.47 million U Area: 1,030 sq.km U Capital: George Town
U Tourist Information: www.tourismpenang.gov.my
Known for its food and rich history, this former Straits Settlement exudes an old-world charm in a tropical climate.
W H AT T O S E E
About 3km from Bayan Lapas
International Airport, the Snake
Temple is named for the many
poisonous snakes coiled around
the temple’s pillars and beams. The
smoke of burning incense is believed
to render the snakes harmless.
With brightly painted ‘naga’ serpents
outside and a 33-metre gilded
reclining Buddha inside, Wat Chaiya
Magkalaram is one of many temples
worth visiting to discover the roots of
Penang’s cultures and history.
Formerly the site of a 1930’s British
military fortress that protected the
island from its enemies, the Penang
War Museum now protects artefacts
from times in which the vulnerable
island played a pivotal role in both
World Wars.
The five-acre Bird Park is home
to about 800 avian guests from
around the world. The park features
picturesque ponds complete
with ducks, swans, and carp amid
the water lillies and ornamental
plants, a walk-in aviary, and a
children’s playground.
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Created by the British in 1884, the
Botanical Gardens are a haven of
Penang flora. A favourite spot for
tranquil picnics by the waterfall, tai
chi and jogging, the 30ha garden is
also known for its bold monkeys.
The star-shaped Fort Cornwallis is
where Francis Light landed on 11
August 1786 to take possession of
the island from the Sultan of Kedah.
The fort offers a unique look into
Britain’s military past. Among the
displays are the fort’s chapel and the
infamous Sri Rambai cannon.
W H AT T O D O
A short walk in Georgetown shows
you the indigo blue Cheong Fatt Tze
Mansion, the famous E&O Hotel, the
Penang Museum & Art Gallery, St.
George Church, Fort Cornwallis, and
George Town’s Clock Tower. Upper
Penang Road is also becoming known
for its nightlife.
Penang has a reputation as a
fabulous food paradise. There’s
Chinese, Nyonya, vegetarian, Indian,
Malay, Hakka-style Western, and
many hybrids. Nasi kandar, asam
laksa, satay... the list goes on and
on. These dishes are available
everywhere you go, from sidestreet
hawker stalls to open-air restaurants
and upmarket hotels.
Ride the Cable Car at Penang Hill
Malaysia’s first hill station, Penang Hill
is 830 m above sea level, and visitors
can reach it either by tackling the
four-hour hike or riding the historic
funicular railway. Cool and refreshing,
the summit offers fantastic views, as
well a kiosk for refreshments.
Though not the most famous beaches
in Malaysia, if you’ve come to Penang
for the food and history, you can
still enjoy the sun and sand at Batu
Ferringhi, also known as “Foreigner’s
Rock”, and Teluk Bahang near the
Batik Factory and Butterfly Farm.
WHERE TO GO
The capital of Penang, Georgetown
is located on the northeast corner of
Penang Island, which is connected to
the mainland by one of the longest
bridges in the world. Established
in 1786, George Town is a unique
blend of new and old – colonial and
modern architecture, rickety trishaws
and brand new luxury automobiles.
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Perak
Tin and nature
U Population: 2.2 million U Area: 21,000 sq.km
U Tourist Information: www.peraktourism.com
U Capital: Ipoh
Second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, almost half of Perak’s area is covered by lush green tropical rainforests
and mangrove forests.
W H AT T O S E E
W H AT T O D O
Formerly known as Maxwell Hill, Bukit
Larut this is the oldest hill station in
Malaysia and some 10 minutes from
picturesque Taiping. After a winding
forest drive up the 1000m hill, the
view from the summit’s Larut Rest
house offers magnificent views
and some much sought-after
mountain air.
Bring your clubs and hit the links,
for this is where visitors from all over
the world come to play golf. Perak is
dotted with some of Malaysia’s finest
courses, including the picturesque
Meru Valley Golf Club, Bukit Jana
Golf & Country Club, the Teluk
Rubiah Beach & Golf Resort, and
the Royal Perak Golf Club. (Check
for membership and handicap
regulations before planning a
golf vacation)
Ipoh’s most famous Cave Temples are
the Perak Tong and Sam Poh Tong
temples, each about 5km from Ipoh
(Perak Tong to the north, Sam Poh
Tong to the south). At Sam Poh Tong
you’ll find a pond with hundreds of
tortoises; at Perak Tong, numerous
Buddha statues and murals and a
great view of the countryside.
If you are travelling with your family,
beat the heat at Lost World of
Tambun water park where you can
all have a restful or exciting day of
cool fun.
a walking tour to see the Moorinfluenced Railway Station, the Birch
Memorial Clock Tower, and the
State Mosque.
Perak’s royal town of Kuala Kangsar
is dominated by Istana Iskandariah
(official residence of the Sultan of
Perak) upon Bukit Chandan, and
Istana Kenangan. Other sights to
see here are the Pavilion Square
Tower, Masjid Ubudiah, and the
Royal Museum.
Once a thriving mining town,
Taiping’s past is now hidden under
the greenery of the gorgeous
Lake Gardens. It’s also home to
the Taiping Zoo (the oldest zoo in
Malaysia), and the Taiping Museum.
WHERE TO GO
Located near Simpang Pulai, Kellie’s
Castle is named for rubber tycoon
William Kellie Smith. Kellie died
before the castle could be completed
and remains as it was. Today, it is
rumoured to be haunted and to have,
somewhere, a network of secret
tunnels and hidden rooms.
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Perak’s state capital, Ipoh grew
from a small kampong around the
flourishing tin mining industry. Today
it is known for its delicious cuisine
(a mix of Chinese and local Malay)
which makes it popular with
Malaysians taking an “eating
holiday.” Ipoh is also worthy of
A very popular west coast island
destination, Pangkor Island caters
to all budgets and interests. White
sand beaches, clear waters, dive
and snorkelling sites, a full range of
water sports, and a leisurely bike ride
around the island, and “keropok”
(delicious prawn crackers) await!
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Pahang
Beautiful Beaches
U Population: 1,37 million U Area: 35,967sq.km U Capital: Kuantan
U Tourist Information: www.pahangtourism.com
Famous for its range of natural extremes – exotic islands, mountainous forests, cooling highlands,
and beautiful beaches – Pahang is Peninsular Malaysia’s largest state.
W H AT T O S E E
Malaysia’s oldest National Park,
Taman Negara also encompasses
the world’s oldest tropical
rainforest (about 130 million years
old). Here you can spend days
jungle trekking, take the treetop
canopy walk, go caving, shoot the
rapids of the Tembeling River,
take one of the four-wheel drive
night safaris, watch wildlife from
a jungle hide, and much,
much more.
Tioman Island is an island-lover’s
paradise amid the crystal blue
waters of the South China Sea.
Divers forever remember the
amazing coral reefs, while nondivers never forget their first
Tioman sunset.
Buddhist monks and nuns. Explore
the caves, including the one that
houses a stone sculpture of the
reclining Buddha.
W H AT T O D O
Established to assist elephant
capture and relocation programmes,
the Kuala Gandah Elephant
Sanctuary is a permanent base for
the capture unit. It offers visitors a
unique chance to get close to these
majestic mammals.
Three hours from KL, Jeram Besu is
gaining popularity as a challenging
and exhilarating places for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Sungai Lembing’s glory days are
preserved in a museum that focuses
on the area’s tin mining industry,
showing how tin was mined and
what it was like to work in the tin
mines during the tin boom.
The Belum national park is a
natural jewel full of wildlife (many
of which are endangered) that runs
north to the Thai border. Although
the battle for conservation
rages on, this could be one of the
“last chances to see what is
truly rare” of Malaysia’s precious
natural history.
Site of a revered Buddhist sanctuary,
the Charah caves (Gua Charah)
are located 25km northwest of
Kuantan, and continue to serve
as a solitary meditation retreat for
Pahang’s east coast is a paradise for
beach lovers, with beautiful stretches
of white sands at Balok, Beserah,
Chendor, Lanjut, Cherating, Teluk
Chempedak and more..
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WHERE TO GO
Capital city Kuantan offers some
great food and a wealth of traditional
handicrafts like batik painting. And as
long as you are there, do not miss the
city’s impressive State Mosque!
A 45-minute drive from Kuantan,
Cherating has grown from a small
unknown village to a haven for tourists
of all budgets. Along its fabulous
stretch of beach (where the water is
only waist deep far out from shore),
there are mini-markets, food stalls,
and art galleries. Further up the road is
the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary, where
you can learn more about Green,
Leatherback, and Hawksbill turtles.
One of Pahang’s most inviting
attractions are its cool and picturesque
highlands. The dew rolls over the hills,
the chilly night air brings relief to those
who spend most of their times in the
searing lowlands. Learn about the
history to enjoy your visit all the more.
The three main hill stations –
Cameron Highland, Fraser’s Hill, and
Genting Highlands – are all within a
short drive of KL; each has its own
special attractions, and all offer
a pleasant change of scenery for
anyone who visits.
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Kelantan
Cradle of Culture
U Population: 1.4 million U Area: 14,920 sq.km U Capital: Kota Bharu
U Tourist Information: www.tourism.gov.my
Kelantan also means the Land of Lightning. It is a land rich in culture and heritage, influenced by its Siamese and Chinese
neighbours. This state borders Thailand in the north-east and Perak in the west, Terengganu in the east and Pahang to
the south.
The major towns are Kota Bharu, Bachok, Pasir Puteh, Tanah Merah, Tumpat and Gua Musang. As a travel destination,
Kelantan is well known for its golden beaches, marvellous handicraft and as a haven for food connoisseurs. You can find
dining options to suit your taste buds practically everywhere, from traditional Kelantanese food to Siamese cuisine. Shopping
is also a must for visitors and there is a duty-free zone for shoppers at Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubor.
W H AT T O S E E
As Kelantan was the landing point
of the invading Japanese Imperial
Army in World War II, Kota Bharu
is home to the War Museum
(itself a previously occupied army
headquarters) that details and
preserves the history of this
turbulent period.
Other museums in Kota Bharu –
the Royal Museum and the
Islamic Museum – tell equally
fascinating stories.
A cascading 120m waterfall near
Kuala Krai, the verdant surroundings
of Lata Beringin and an awe-inspiring
view make this a very popular
camping spot.
At 1,422m, Gunung Stong is
Kelantan’s highest peak in the
Dabong Forest Reserve. Also found
in the Reserve is Gua Ikan (Fish
Cave, a huge chamber filled with
stalagmites and stalactites) and
seven waterfalls, including Jelawang
Falls – at 305m, it’s the highest drop
in Southeast Asia.
W H AT T O D O
Take it in. For most visitors, the charms
of Kelantan are found in the vitality
of its culture and its remote, unsullied
beauty. The traditional sports of giant
kite-flying, top-spinning, silat, wayang
kulit, bird-singing competitions and
the making of exquisite handicrafts
such as songket, batik, silverware
and mengkuang products still remain
fixtures here, offering a glimpse of
traditional Malay culture in a truly
spectacular setting.
Kelantan’s coastline is almost
completely undeveloped, and offers
a number of idyllic beaches. Vast
stretches of tropical forest cover the
state, and its southeastern corner
forms part of the Taman Negara
National Park. With names like Beach
of Whispering Breeze (Pantai Bisikan
Bayu), Beach of Melody (Pantai Irama),
Beach of Seven Lagoons (Pantai
Seri Tujuh), and Beach of Moonlight
(Pantai Cahaya Bulan), it’s no wonder
Kelantan’s seafronts are one of its
major tourist attractions. All are fairly
close to Kota Bharu, and each has its
own attraction to the casual tourist.
Also nearby is Pantai Sabak; now a
pleasant beach and a Malay fishing
village, it was the site of invading
troops in 1941.
Famed for handicrafts, Kelantan is
also a wonderful place to go shopping
and you’ll find some great deals in the
bazaars and markets of Kota Bharu.
Bazaar Bulu Kubu (Bamboo Fort Bazaar)
is packed with silverware, batik, and
more; New Central Market is a nice
stop for authentic ambience and fresh
produce; the Night Market is a great
place to dine al fresco under the stars.
About 4km north of Kota Bahru
(on the road to Pantai Cahaya Bulan)
is Kampung Penambang and the
Songket (Cloth of Gold) Bazaar.
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Terengganu
East Coast Exotica
U Population: 898,825 U Area: 12,955sq.km U Capital: Kuala Terengganu
U Tourist Information: www.tourism.terengganu.gov.my
One of Malaysia’s pre-eminent East Coast states, Terengganu is known for a picturesque 225km stretch of white sand
beaches and the paradise islands just off its mainland shores.
W H AT T O S E E
A great place for a picnic, you’ll find
Sekayu Waterfall near Kuala Berang
after a delightful drive through
some lush jungle hills. Campgrounds
and chalets are also available for
longer stays.
The beach at Rantau Abang is nice,
but the primary reason why tourists
flock here is to see the leatherback
turtles that wade ashore to lay eggs.
The best time to go is between March
and November.
W H AT T O D O
Whether it is to go diving and
snorkeling or merely to relax on
powdery white beaches, boatloads
of tourists make their way over the
water to visit the islands.
Some of the islands are perfect for
nature-loving backpackers, others
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are more commercialised and
serviced, with excellent hotels and
restaurants to cater for a luxurious
beach holiday.
Boats ferry passengers regularly from
mainland to island, leaving from a
number of different jetties. The Kuala
Besut jetty is where to get a boat to the
Perhantian islands. To get to Tenggol,
catch a boat at the Dungun jetty and
for Kapas, Redang and Lang Tengah,
get transport at the Merang jetty.
(Waiting for a speedboat in Kuala
Besut? Check out the LA Hot Springs,
acclaimed for their mineral content
and temperature).
The pristine settings above the
waterline of Terengganu are only
half its beauty; open your eyes to
the undersea worlds. The reefs are
teeming with life, easily accessed by
snorkellers, while divers can reach
some truly amazing dive sites.
If sea travel is not your thing, mainland
Terengganu has some great beaches at
Tanjung Jara and Pasir Pajang.
WHERE TO GO
Not just a hopping-off point for
air travellers, capital city Kuala
Terengganu has some attractions that
make it worth visiting before heading
to the beach or an island.
Chinatown and its shop houses
attract many tourists, while Central
Market at the end of Jalan Bandar
bustles with vendors selling all sorts
of wares and sundries.
Whether on mainland or island, town
or beach, Terengannu’s appeal is its
slow pace which invites you to match
it for a truly relaxing holiday.
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Kedah
Rice Bowl of Malaysia
U Population: 1,78 million U Area: 9,430sq.km
U Tourist Information: www.tourism.gov.my
U Capital: Alor Setar
Kedah has the distinction of being the “Rice-bowl of Malaysia” – a term that takes on aesthetic significance when
one sees the rice fields for themselves: the flat expanse of paddies set against a backdrop of rolling hills provides a
picture of utter serenity that lulls the senses.
Off Kedah’s western shores are clusters of sun-drenched islands that comprise the legendary archipelago of
Langkawi, easily the most popular resort location in the country. More than a land of mere scenery, however,
Kedah is also the site of Malaysia’s most extensive ruins. In the Bujang Valley are the sprawling remains of a Hindu
kingdom believed to date back to the 6th century A.D.
W H AT T O S E E
An absolute must-visit is Lembah
Bujang Archaeological Museum
Dating back to the 6th century,
the historical records of Chinese,
Arab, Indian, and Greek scholars
describe the fabled land of Kataha
(Kedah), Srivijaya, and Trambalinga.
With over 50 temples and shrines
stretching out across 224sq.km,
the area was once a powerful
maritime empire that controlled
the Straits of Malacca.
The museum, which is located 26km
from Sungai Petani, was built in
1978, and exhibits a good selection
of artifacts found in the area. You
can also view the excavated sites,
and guided tours are available (by
appointment).
A favourite with locals for swimming
and trekking in the nearby jungle,
the four-level Puncak Janing Waterfall
is breathtaking, and a beautiful
place to stop between your outdoor
adventures here.
Langkawi isn’t Kedah’s only beach
paradise; 60km south of Alor
Star is Pantai Merdeka, a 1km
stretch of white sand that’s
perfect for sunbathing, picnics,
swimming, and water sports.
Designated as a marine park in
1985, Pulau Payar Marine Park
is a study centre for marine research
(though many divers also say it’s
one of the best dive sites on the
west coast). Access to the park
is by ferry from Penang.
W H AT T O D O
Kedah offers many opportunities
for eco-tourism and adventure
sports such as jungle trekking,
mountain climbing, white-water
rafting and diving. There are
ample attractions on the mainland
to keep visitors occupied. They
can soak in the hot springs at
Baling, bathe in waterfalls all
over the state, or pamper
themselves at the luxury resort
in Pedu Lake.
Kedah has a wide range of Malay,
Chinese, Indian and Thai delicacies
in its cuisine, which comprises such
traditional dishes as gulai nangka
(jackfruit curry) and pekasam (fish
preserved in salt and pounded,
fried paddy). Nasi ulam, which is
prepared by blending rice with fresh
vegetables and spices, is a favourite
among locals.
WHERE TO GO
Capital of Kedah, Alor Setar retains
quite a bit of its old world charm, and
has a large number of attractions that
make it worth a visit for any tourist
with a day to spare there. There’s the
Muzium Di-Raja, Balai Besar, Masjid
Zahir (The Zahir Mosque), the State
Museum, and the octagonal Balai
Nobat tower to name a few.
Kuah is the centre of “urban” life
on Langkawi Island. It may not be
huge but Kuah has enough malls,
franchise restaurants and assorted
outlets to maintain your island
stay indefinitely.
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Perlis
Land of Dreams
U Population: 198,335 U Area: 810sq.km U Capital: Kangar
U Tourist Information: www.tourism.gov.my
Malaysia’s smallest and most northern state, Perlis is a crossing point to Thailand, a ferry trip from Langkawi, and a
welcome stop for the urban-weary tourist.
W H AT T O S E E
The Bird Park, Batu Pahat River Recreational Park, Snake
and Reptile Farm: All these are just 10km from Kangar and
close enough for a quick day trip from the state capital.
The Bird Park has countless beautiful birds on display, the
Snake and Reptile Farm is home to 34 species of snakes,
and the Batu Pahat River Recreational Park is a good place
for a lazy picnic.
One of strongest attractions of Perlis is its proximity to
Thailand. Crossing into Thailand at the Padang Besar
border, you’ll find ample opportunity to shop for
duty-free goods, handcrafted items, and clothing.
Try your hand at golfing against some magnificent
Batu Pahat scenery. The Putra Golf Club (near the Bird
Park) is said to be one the most challenging courses in
Malaysia. This 18-hole, par-72 won’t disappoint.
W H AT T O D O
If your spririt of adventure needs some attention, Perlis
is the perfect place to go caving. This state home to
many amazing cave systems including Gua Kelam (“Dark
Caves”) located at Kaki Bukit which is a huge 370m-long
limestone cave. Walkways and lights make it a good
attraction for amateur cavers.
More advanced cavers will enjoy the muddy underworld
and rock formations of the Wang Burma Cave, though
hiring an experienced guide is necessary as part of the
state park’s rules.
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WHERE TO GO
The Perlis capital city, Kangar is low-lying and scenically
bordered by vast stretches of verdant padi fields.
Though no longer a part of Kedah and now a federal
territory, the stunning island of Langkawi is easily
accessible by ferry from the terminal in Kuala Perlis.
However, there are more reasons to visit and even if you
are just there to wait for the ferry, take some time to
check out the nearby Kota Mayang Museum or visit the
Perlis Craft Cultural Complex.
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Labuan
Offshore financial hub
U Population: 88,000 U Area: 92sq.km U Tourist Information: www.labuantourism.com.my
A tiny presence of six islands off the coast of East Malaysia, Labuan is fast becoming an offshore financial giant.
W H AT T O S E E
Surrender Point is where the 32nd
Japanese Southern Army formally
surrendered to the 9th Division
Australian Imperial Forces on 9
September 1945. The retaking of
Labuan served as a base for the
Allies that eventually helped to
recapture Singapore.
Close to Surrender Point is Peace
Park, whose landscaped gardens
and pavillion serve both as a
memorial and a promise that the
horrors of war will neither be
forgotten nor repeated.
A large boulder in the shape of a
stooping man, the myth surrounding
Batu Si Bongkok tells of a master of
magic, his beautiful daughter, and
a promising student who became
forever turned to stone.
Beneath Labuan’s northern tip is an
expansive network of tunnels and
deep wells, which once supplied
coal to the burgeoning 19th century
Industrial Revolution. The mines are
no longer used, but you can enter
one of the lower tunnels, including
Tanjung Kubong Tunnel and
(with the help of a short rope)
emerge at the top.
If you can, take this opportunity to
visit Labuan’s beautiful Marine Park.
Labuan Marine Park is located 2km
off the southern part of Labuan’s
main island, and encompasses
10 sq.km of crystal clear water
and three secluded islets.
W H AT T O D O
The waters off Labuan Island attract
sport fishing enthusiasts from around
the world. Join them for a day of
fishing, where tuna, mackerel, black
marlin, and sailfish are abundant in
the warm ocean currents, and all are
biting year-round.
Its shallow waters and stunning
coral reefs make the Marine Park
an ideal spot for eco-diving and
snorkelling. Visitors will find it
very easy to rent the equipment
they need, as well as to get
guided excursions and even diving
classes by qualified instructors.
For some underwater sightseeing,
Labuan is also a popular place for
wreck diving. Further into deeper
waters are four wrecks that await
exploration by diving enthusiasts.
The Australian Wreck, the American
Wreck, the Blue Water Wreck, and
the Cement Wreck are all accessible
to experienced divers, each with
interesting submarine sights and an
accompanying history.
For a change of pace, trade in
your moneybags for saddlebags
and go horse riding! The Labuan
Horse-Riding Centre gives you the
opportunity to trot Layangan Beach,
and gives you a unique and elegant
way to sightsee.
WHERE TO GO
Formerly known as Victoria, Bandar
Labuan is a bustling business centre
mixed with shopping complexes,
relaxing pedestrian zones, and tasty
ethnic eateries. Sharing dominance
on the Labuan skyline are the
futuristically designed Masjid
Jamek An’nur and the Financial
Park Complex.
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Sarawak
Land of the Hornbill
U Population: 2.3 million U Area: 124,450sq.km U Capital: Kuching
U Tourist Information: www.sarawaktourism.com
Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak stretches over the rainforests and flowing rivers of Borneo and is inhabited by
Malaysia’s most ethnically diverse populations.
W H AT T O S E E
W H AT T O D O
WHERE TO GO
Located on seven hectares about
40 minutes by car from Kuching,
the Sarawak Cultural Village gives
you the opportunity to “see” all of
Sarawak in one place. Here you’ll find
replicas of traditional longhouses,
huts, and roundhouses around a lake.
There are storytellers, the chance
to participate in the various cultural
activities and daily performances of
music and dance.
Established in 1975, Semengoh
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
is a favourite destination for animal
lovers, both local and international.
The centre is dedicated to the
rehabilitation of Borneo’s surrendered
and confiscated wild animals such as
orang utan and hornbills.
Sarawak’s capital, Kuching is a mix of
modern facilities, colonial buildings,
and Chinese and Malay shop houses.
Set on the Sarawak River, the
waterfront is a great place to start
touring the city. Across the road is
the Main Bazaar, where vendors sell
antiques and curios, ideal for buying
antiques, crafts and souvenirs
Sarawak’s main beach resort area,
Damai Beach is a 40-minute drive
from Kuching (near the Sarawak
Cultural Village). Internationalclass resort hotels offer jet skiing,
windsurfing, and much more. Nearby
is the Damai Golf & Country Club,
and the fishing villages of Buntal
and Santubong offer excellent fresh
seafood dishes.
With over 52,000 ha of rainforest
and criss-crossed by rivers and jungle
streams, Gunung National Park offers
an amazing diversity of natural caves,
dominating mountains, and some
great opportunities for adventure
trekking. Added to the UNESCO
list of World Heritage Sites in
2000, the park is famous for the
Sarawak Chamber and its 2,377m
sandstone mountain.
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The National Parks and Nature
Reserves of Sarawak have many
opportunities for the eco-tourist. For
caving, you can explore the world’s
largest cave passage (Deer Cave),
the world’s largest natural chamber
(Sarawak Chamber), and the longest
cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater
Cave), as well the Wind Cave and
Fairy Cave at Bau.
Within a few hours of national
parks and adventure travel, the
oil and timber boomtown of
Miri is becoming known for its
nightlife as well as shopping and
accommodation to suit all budgets.
You’ll also find a number of travel
agents here, specialising in local
adventure excursions.
A walking tour of Kuching is
an enlightening tour through
time. More than surpassing the
expectations of any history buff, a
tour lets you drop in on Chinese
History Museum, the Sarawak State
Museum, the Timber Museum, and
the Islamic Museum. Take a trip
across the river and you can get
a close look at the the impressive
Fort Margherita. Nearby is also the
Astana which was built 140 years
ago by Sarawak’s second White Rajah
Charles Brooke.
Founded by Foochow immigrants
at the turn of the 20th century,
Sibu is Sarawak’s third largest town,
and offers a unique glimpse into its
underlying Chinese origins. The Tua
Pek Kong Temple, a seven-storey
pagoda, and a bustling centre of
small shops selling anything from
name brands to handicrafts to jungle
produce welcome you at Sibu,
while its pasar malam will hone
your bargaining skills. Sibu is also
the staging point of Rejang River
adventure trips into the Iban interior.
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Sabah
Land below the Wind
U Population: 3.0 million U Area: 73,620sq.km U Capital: Kota Kinabalu
U Tourist Information: www.sabahtourism.com
Lush rainforests, sub-aquatic splendour, magnificent mountains, colourful cultures... Sabah is a rugged place for
adventurers, a playground for divers, and a paradise for explorers.
W H AT T O S E E
83km from Kota Kinabalu, is the
Kinabalu National Park which
was added to the UNESCO list
of World Heritage Sites in 2000.
Designated as a Centre of Plant
Diversity for Southeast Asia, the
park is exceptionally rich in species of
flora from China, Australia, Malaysia,
and the Himalayas.
Best of all Kinabalu National
Park, surrounds the majestic
Mount Kinabalu. At at 4,095m,
not only is it Malaysia’s highest
mountain, it is also the highest
peak between the Himalayas and
New Guinea.
20 minutes away from Kota
Kinabalu by speedboat, is Tunku
Abdul Rahman National Park. This
marine park is comprised of Pulau
Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Marnutik,
and Sulug, and characterized by
white sand beaches, beautiful coral
gardens, and a shallow-water reef
ideal for novice divers.
The islands off Sabah’s coasts
are legendary among divers and
eco-tourists. Each is known for
its own niche: Mabul Island is
one of the best ‘muck-diving’ sites
in the world; Pulau Tiga is home
to some very rare mammals and
birds (and once the setting for
the Survivor TV series); the
isolated Pulau Layang-Layang
is one of the world’s top ten dive
locations; and though visitation
is now tightly regulated by the
government, divers still line
up to visit the magical island
of Sipadan.
W H AT T O D O
The primary reason so many visitors
flock to the state is to go diving.
Sabah is teeming with fantastic dive
sites and established, affordable
diving tours.
Many of the sub-ethnic groups of
Borneo warmly invite you to visit
the longhouses in which they live.
Guides advise you on protocol.
Few can resist the challenge to climb
the towering Mt. Kinabalu Those
in good form who take up the
challenge to make the two-day
trek are rewarded with a stunning
sunrise in perfect tranquility and
incomparable views of Sabah.
WHERE TO GO
More than just a landing strip
and a stop off before heading on
to further destinations, capital
city Kota Kinabalu has its own
list of attractions. Explore the
Sabah museum and its Heritage
Village, or take a short drive out to
the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve
and trek out to see the Rafflesia, the
largest flower in the world.
The beating heart of Boreno’s
eco-tourism, Sandakan is the
jumping-off point for the
Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary,
the Danum Valley Conservation
Area, Gomantong Caves, Turtle
Islands National Park, and much,
much more.
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Malaysia’s Top 20 for 2011
DAVID BOWDEN, ONE OF SOUTHEAST ASIA’S MOST PROMINENT TRAVEL WRITERS,
PRESENTS HIS “TOP 20” LIST OF THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MALAYSIA. IF YOU
HAVE FRIENDS OR FAMILY VISITING YOU HERE IN 2011 USE THIS LIST TO HELP YOU
SHOWCASE YOUR NEW HOME WITH THE BEST MALAYSIA HAS TO OFFER.
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