Free bus services for Lima

If you plan to be in Langkawi for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 09), you may be interested to know that twenty buses have been specially chartered to transport visitors to the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) beginning Tuesday. The bus service is provided to avoid traffic congestion and is free of charge.

The bus would pass through Kuah town, Jalan Pantai Kok and hotels at Pantai Cenang to transport visitors to MIEC.

Besides the bus service, there would also be 12 highpowered motorcycles offering a similar service for visitors, as well as to transport participants from their hotels to MIEC.

Lima will end on Dec 5.

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Kelantan floods disrupt train schedules

If you are heading out by rail to the east coast, i.e., Kelantan, the article below from The Star may be helpful.

Departure and arrival times of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad's (KTMB) intercity train services for the east coast sector, including the Wau and Timuran express services, are likely to delayed between 30 minutes and an hour on Monday.

KTMB corporate communications manager Fazil Ismail said this was because the trains had slow down in areas hit by foods in Kelantan.

"Bukit Abu and Manik Urai in Kelantan are among the flood-prone areas where disruption of train services usually occur," he told Bernama when contacted here Monday.

Apart from the intercity trains, he said the local train service between Tumpat and Gua Musang had to be temporarily halted due to silting caused by landslides.

At present, he said, KTMB had to conduct routine inspections of the track at 5pm and 8pm daily and that the management could not anticipate whether the train service for the east coast sector would run smoothly by the time Aidiladha is celebrated on Nov 27.

"Nevertheless, we are providing shuttle bus services at a few selected stations to transport passengers in case the train services are disrupted along the route.

"KTMB will inform the passengers of the latest development from time to time and we apologise for all inconvenience caused," he added. - Bernama

Monsoon Season has arrived

The monsoon season is here upon us again with rain on a daily basis as early as mid-morning.

This is a picture of a village near Batu Caves.

There is flooding around the country, the worst being in the northern state of Kedah and the east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu where evacuation efforts are underway to move people to higher ground.

If you intend to visit Malaysia this time of the year, having an umbrella would be helpful.


Picture source: The Star


Related article:
Floods in the East Coast of Malaysia

Food Galore in Kuala Lumpur

If you are in Kuala Lumpur and need a food guide, hope the list below will give you a good start.


Dim sum galore

ENJOY delectable dim sum at Golden Phoenix, Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur as it rolls out more than 30 varieties of piping hot dim sum. The unlimited dim sum promotion is available until the year-end. Master chef Yau Kim Yew has introduced many new and creative steamed and fried dim sum. Among his recommendations are Steamed Prawn Dumplings, Steamed Pork Meat Dumplings, Steamed Egg Custard Buns, Steamed Chicken Feet with Beancurd Skin, Steamed Fish Balls, Steamed Beancurd Skin in Oyster Sauce, Steamed Glutinous Rice with Roast Duck. Deep-fried Seaweed Rolls, Deep-fried Chinese Chives Dumplings, Pan-fried Cantonese Radish Cake and many more. The Yum Ley Sek Dim Sum is priced at RM48++ per adult and RM24++ per child and is available from noon to 2.30pm (Saturdays) and 11am to 2.30pm (Sundays and public holidays). For reservations, call 03- 2161 7777 ext 8223.

Italian delight

HAVE a great feast with the Italian dish of Filetto Costola di Vitello Con Funghi at Cellini’s Italian Restaurant, Dorsett Regency Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The meal is wholesome with deliciously grilled veal chop, garlic herbs butter topped with turkey ham, mozzarella and Parmesan. This lip smacking dish is lovely savoured with mushroom sauce and is available throughout November priced at RM79.90 per order (inclusive of a complimentary glass of house wine and dessert). For reservations, call 03-2715 1000 ext 188.

Fish in banana leaf

SAVOUR a diverse range of succulent fish in banana leaf at Sun & Surf Café, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa until Nov 22. A variety of fish choices please every palate. The mild flavoured black snapper is marked by a firm texture that makes it ideal for all types of cooking preparation. Grouper is yet another highly versatile fish, prized for its subdued characteristics, firm flesh and ability to retain moisture. For tastebuds that favour hints of sea flavour, John Dory is bound to satisfy. Otherwise, sink your teeth into the thick, white flesh of perch. Its excellent flavour and delicate yet moist flesh makes it particularly suited for grilling or steaming. With a luscious selection to delight in, take your pick of having it grilled to perfection, baked heartily or steamed fresh. Accentuating the fish flavours are an array of accompanying sauces, including Tamarind Sauce, Chilli Soy Sauce, Thai Lemon Sauce, Thai Curry Sauce and Sambal. Buffet lunch is priced at RM55++, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, and dinner is priced at RM78++ per adult, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Children dine at 50% off at the Restaurant. For reservations, call 03-7492 8000 ext 3169.

PASSAGE THRU’ INDIA, 235 Jalan Tun Razak, KL (Tel: 03-2145 0366) with outlet in Medan Damansara, KL (Tel: 03-2094 4366. Business Hrs: Lunch (11.30am-3pm); dinner (6:30pm-11pm). Halal. Try the Cocktail Basket of six mini-naan breads with chutneys and relishes, PTI Masala Prawns, Murgh Tikka Butter, Mutton Rogan Ghost, Kashgar Kebab and Navratna Kurma. The Medan Damansara outlet has the Executive Set Lunch from RM18++ to RM22++.

BANGSAR SEAFOOD GARDEN RESTAURANT, One Bangsar, 63 Jalan Ara, Bangsar Baru, KL (Tel: 03-2282 2555). Business Hrs: Daily, lunch (noon-2.30pm); dinner (6pm-10.30pm). Halal. Menu lists Nyonya and Malay-influenced dishes with Chinese flavours. Restaurant is equipped with banquet facilities.

EDEN@CHULAN SQUARE, Lot 1, Chulan Square, 92 Jalan Raja Chulan, KL (Tel: 03-2141 4027). Business Hrs: Daily, lunch (noon-3pm); dinner (6.30pm-11.30pm). Halal. Boasts an upbeat décor. Specials are Baked Dragon Fruit Salad, Chicken Consommé with Dried Scallop, Fried Lumpia King Prawns with Beef Fillet and Chicken Breast Fillet with Pesto.

CHARMS CAFÉ, Lot S206, 2nd Floor, Promenade 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, PJ (Tel: 03-7722 2206). Business Hrs: Daily (11am-10pm). Pork-free. The Spicy Gizzie, Rojak, Fried Carrot Cake and Mayo Dip come highly recommended alongside local delights like Lamb Charmer and Charms Laksa.

H&H Restaurant is at 25, Jalan PJU5/12, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara (Tel: 03-6141 8911). Business Hrs: Daily (11am-10pm). Halal. Set Meal for four at RM41.90 with a choice of four dishes. Available daily for lunch and dinner. Other items are Curry Fish Head, Kapitan Chicken and Assam Fish Head.

VICTORIA STATION, 11-17 Jalan Setiapuspa, Medan Damansara, KL (Tel: 03-2093 8833) with outlets in Ampang (03-4257 3388), PJ (03-7955 8988) & USJ (03-5637 3388). Business Hrs: Daily (noon-midnight). Halal. Still a popular haunt for steaks. Other offerings are Deep Sea Prawns with Teriyaki Sauce, Charbroiled New Zealand Fillet Steak and Grilled Cajun Salmon.

OZEKI TOKYO CUISINE, Menara TA1, Ground Floor, 22 Jalan P Ramlee, KL (Tel: 03-2166 4263). Business Hrs: Mon-Sun, lunch (noon-2.30pm); Mon-Sat, dinner (6.30pm-11pm); Sun (6.30pm-10.30pm). Pork-free. Offers Japanese steamboat with seasonal ingredients. Other specials are Zensai Moriawase platter, Ootoro Steak and Kobe Beef Yaki.

KL RAKUZEN JAPANESE RESTAU-RANT, Block B, Lot 2A Chulan Square, 92 Jalan Raja Chulan, KL (Tel: 03-2145 6200). Business Hrs: Daily, lunch (11.30am-3pm); dinner (6pm-11pm). Pork-free. Contemporary décor but authentic food. Value-for-money set meals from RM28++. Extensive menu with raw, steamed, grilled and broiled items.

BANGKOK HOUSE, Pandan Indah Business Centre, 17G Jalan 4/8 Pandan Indah, KL (Tel: 03-4295 7162). Business Hrs: Daily (11am-11pm). Halal. Serves authentic Thai cuisine. Also does free delivery within a 20km distance. Special menus can be designed for parties and special occasions but two days’ advance notice is needed.

SALOMA THEATRE RESTAURANT, Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC), 139 Jalan Ampang, KL (Tel: 03-2161 0122). Business Hrs: Daily (11am-midnight); dinner with cultural show (7.30pm-10.30pm). Showtime (8.30pm-9.30pm). Halal. For a touch of filmdom, some dishes have been named after evergreen Malaysian movies. Specials are Air Jando Pulang, Sup Tulang, and Daging Dendeng.

FRANGIPANI RESTAURANT, 25 Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL (Tel: 03-2144 3001). Business Hrs: Restaurant (Tues-Sun, 7.30pm-10.30pm); Bar (Tues-Thurs & Sun, 6pm-1am); (Fri & Sat, 6pm-3am). Pork-free. Fine dining with a contemporary touch. Menu here changes every three months but classics like Warm Tea Smoked Salmon or Pan Roasted Duck Confit are retained.

RESTORAN SERI MELAYU, 1 Jalan Conlay, KL (Tel: 03-2145 1833). Business Hrs: Daily, lunch (noon-3pm); dinner (6.30pm-11pm). Halal. Serves traditional Malay cuisine buffet-style. There is a live cooking station with the Sudut Warisan featuring Malaysian BBQ Special for dinner (6.30pm-10pm) only. The restaurant which exudes Malay rustic charm features live cultural performances between 8.30pm and 9.15pm nightly.

KORYO-WON KOREAN RESTAU-RANT, Lot 19, West Wing, Crowne Plaza Mutiara Hotel, 2nd Floor, Kompleks Antarabangsa, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL (Tel: 03-2142 7655/03-2142 4939). Business Hrs: Daily (including Public Holidays), lunch (noon-2.30pm); dinner (6pm-10.30pm). Serves Korean royal cuisine set menus and Sunday BBQ Buffet Lunch at RM50++ (adult) and RM25++ (child). House specials include Korean popiah, Five Variety Stew and Syabu Syabu.

O’BRIENS, The Curve, Lot G79 Ground Floor, 6 Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, PJ (Tel: 03-7727 2181). Business Hrs: Daily (10am-10pm). Part of a worldwide chain specialising in Irish sandwiches and gourmet coffees. Features the “made-to-order” concept where customers put-together their own sandwiches.

ECOGREEN ORGANIC CAFÉ, Unit G3, Bangunan Bakti Siti Hasmah, 6 Changkat Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL (Tel: 03-7729 2789). Business Hrs: Mon-Fri (11am-5.30pm); Sat & Sun (11am-9pm). Halal. Serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. No MSG, no artificial preservatives or colouring in the food. The cafe uses only organic and natural ingredients. Take advantage of the Set Lunch with soup, nasi ulam, pitaya jelly and green tea at RM18.80+.


Source.. The Star

AirAsia offering one million free seats

AirAsia, Malaysia's low-cost carrier, is again giving away a million free seats from today to more than 70 destinations in China, India, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand.

Those interested in enjoying the free seats can book their tickets from today until Sunday, for flights between May 1 and Oct 30 next year.

With no fuel surcharge and administration fee, this deal offers fantastic value to travellers.

To complement the free flights, AirAsia’s one-stop travel portal is also offering deals and packages including “free rooms” in more than 180 Asia-Pacific hotels online at http://goholiday.airasia.com.

For more information on free seats and other promotional tickets, visit www.airasia.com or mobile.airasia.com.

Floods in the East Coast of Malaysia

The months of November and December are not the best months to visit the east coast of Malaysia. This is due to the monsoon season where there is heavy rainfall resulting in floods, road closures and evacuations.

An anticipated violent movement of Siberian winds across the South China Sea any time between mid-November and early December will trigger off another wave of thunderstorms leading to massive floods in the east-coast states.


Source: The Star..Sunny respite in last 24 hours may be ‘calm before storm’

Malaysia wins seven Asian travel awards

Malaysia swept seven Asian awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2009’s regional finals gala ceremony here Saturday in London.

While Malaysia Airlines bagged Asia’s Leading Airline award, Resorts World Genting scooped Asia’s Leading Family Resort and Asia’s Leading Casino Resort titles.

Tourism Malaysia’s “Malaysia: Truly Asia” tagline was also voted Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign during the star-studded function at Grosvenor House, a JW Marriot Hotel, in London’s Mayfair.

Two other titles – Asia’s Leading City Hotel and Asia’s Leading Design Hotel – went to Hilton Kuala Lumpur while Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel award went to Pan-Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport Hotel.


Source" The Star..Malaysia wins seven Asian travel awards

Hottest band from Jakarta at the Hard Rock Cafe

For visitors to Kuala Lumpur, the Hard Rock Cafe is one place to visit. Food is great there, ambience is hip and for Hard Rock Cafe item collectors, one can pick up some HRC Malaysia souvenirs.

JOGADANZ Band, one of Jakarta hottest club bands will be performing at the Hard Rock Café, Kuala Lumpur till the end of November. They perform from Monday to Saturday from 11pm onwards.

The seven-piece band thrills patrons with its lively and vibrant performance of the latest chart-toppers to evergreens, hot rock to soothing balads.

The band members are known to have a vast repertoire to accommodate the different musical demands of every city and country they play in. The band strives for maximum versatility in their performance and have excellent crowd interaction.

Hard Rock Café Kuala Lumpur is located in Wisma Concorde, Jalan Sultan Ismail, right in the hub of KL’s nightlife scene.

For inquiries, call 03- 2715 5555.

Carrefour Market Going Green

Malaysia is still not up to what the West is doing in terms of going green but Carrefour is taking the lead by introducing last week, a strictly no-plastic-bag policy at its new outlet, Carrefour Market at the Sphere in Bangsar South in Kuala Lumpur.

So if you plan to shop at Carrefour Market, be sure to have your bag(s) ready.

Malaysia International Fashion Week, Nov 4 to Nov 8 - Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

If you happen to be visiting Kuala Lumpur from Nov 4 to Nov 8, you would be right in the midst of a fashion extravaganza, this period being the Malaysia International Fashion Week.

Head on over to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur along Jalan Bukit Bintang where all the action is.

Welcome to the Malaysia International Fashion Week!

Watercraft expo in Pekan, Pahang

The Watercraft Gallery in Pulau Beram (a small island in Pahang River opposite Pahang State Museum in Pekan) will showcase a range of water crafts, models of a fishermen’s houses and floating huts. It is open from 9am to 5.30pm daily except on Mondays. Admission is free.

Art Exhibition in Penang

If you are in Penang, you may want to visit an art exhibition by a group of eight artists from Sabah who travelled to Penang to showcase their artwork.

The art exhibition themed ‘Ngintom Aku Masa Dedoou’, a Bajau phrase for a recollection of memories showcased a total of 64 paintings at the Penang Malay Art Gallery in Chulia Street

Each painting depicts the artist’s own way of keeping links with the past.

The exhibition is on until Nov 30 from 10am to 6pm daily except Sundays.

For more details about the artists, log on to www.sabah.gov.my/artgallery.


Source: The Star - Capturing the days gone by