Friday, November 13, 2009

Malacca Rich in History of Malaysia

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1. Tranquerah Mosque

This is a historically important landmark as the tomb of Sultan Hussain of Johor, who gave Singapore to Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, lies within its grounds. This mosque is also unique in its architecture which reflects both Indian and Chinese influences.

2. Kampung Morten

Names after J.F. Morten, who was the Commissioner of Land in the early 1920s, when the site housed a cluster of wooden houses on stilts. Originally a swamp, it has now been paved overand the village is a tourist attraction as it is a living museum of a traditional Malay village along the Malacca River.




3. Bukit China

The sacred grounds of Bukit Cina are popular with tourists, especially those from China, who come to trace their family members who venture to Malacca. Nice and breezy, this sacred ground is worth a visit and even for a jog, starting from the Sam Poh Kong temple.

4. Kampung Kling Mosque

This is one of the oldest surviving mosques in the country and its architecture is of Sumatran influence. It is still used as a place of worship by the Muslims in Malacca today.

5. The King's Well

Better known as the Hang Lin Po well, it was built by the followers of the Chinese princes who married the reigning Sultan Mansur Shah in the 15th Century, in 1549. It is now a wishing well, although it is said that the well, which was the main source of water for the town, never dries up.

6. St Francis Xavier Church

This church was built by Reverend Favre in 1849 and dedicated to the Saint Francis Xavier who was canonised in 1622 and known as the patron saint of foreign missions of the Catholic Church. It is built over part of the old Portuguese fort ruins.

7. Kampung Hulu Mosque

Said to be the oldest mosque in Malaysia, it was built in 1728 by one Dato Shamsudin. It is one of one of the most visually arresting and unique mosques architecturally, without any discernible parallel or resemblance anywhere else in the country. The roof is multi-tiered and shaped like a pyramid.

8. Malacca Sultanate Palace

This is a reproduction of what the annals deemed as the palace of the ruler of the ancient Sultanate. It currently also houses the Cultural Museum of Malacca on the grounds. Entrance fee is RM1 for adults and 50 sen for children.

9. Tribal Art Gallery

If you are into art, then here is where you can find some primitive art works. Cleverly-designed by the owner, the place is dimly-lit and resembles a tribal shack with strange and menacing-looking objects seemingly lurking in the shadows.

10. Chicken Ball Rice

This is just like Chicken Rice found everywhere except that the rice is made into balls by hands. Famosa Chicken Rice Ball is one of famous outlets here besides Hoe Kee, all in the town centre. It was initially created by the Hainanese in Muar, Johor and expanded to Malacca.

Malaysian Beaches

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With a coastline running thousands of kilometers, Malaysia has plenty of beautiful beaches, some of which are reputed to be the best in the world. The islands are also home to equally magnificent and pristine beaches with white and gold sands and swaying casuarinas. Accommodation is not a problem as various types of hotels and resorts can be found.

Cherating, Pahang

Located about 50km away from Kuantan, it is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the sun, sea and beach. It was first popularised by backpackers attracted by its white sandy beach and quaint kampong life of the locals.

Pantai Cenang, Langkawi

Langkawi’s most popular beach, it is located the near the airport and 25km from Kuah town. It has a long stretch of beach and numerous hotels. The scenery is fantastic, especially at sunset and sunrise.

Burau Bay,Langkawi

Located on the west coast of the island, this stretch is known for its peaceful and tranquil environment. The view, notably in the evening, is picturesque.

Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi

It got its name from the many casuarina (rhu) trees found in the area. Located 20km from Kuah, the water is shallow and warm as the beach is sheltered. A favourite spot for photography buffs.

Pantai Kok, Langkawi

It is a little isolated, wherein lies its attraction as there is less crowd. Another plus point is that much of the natural scenery is still preserved, giving it a touch of tranquility. The water is clear and relatively shallow and the white powdery sand makes the beach an ideal place to laze about and do nothing.

Datai Bay, Langkawi

The beach is secluded, making it a perfect getaway for those wanting to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, or those looking forward for some private moments. The area, facing the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, is famous for its luxurious and five-star resorts.

Emeral Bay, Pangkor Laut

A stunning bay with emerald green water, and unspoilt by development. However, this is not a public beach as it is located on the privately-owned Pangkor Laut. The bay has been hailed by many travel writers and columnists as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Port Drt Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

Perhaps the most popular public beach in the country. Better known as PD, it is located less than an hour’s drive from the Klang Valley, which makes it a popular choice among beachgoers and holidaymakers from Kuala Lumpur. Another plus factor is this coastal town has numerous spots of beaches. It can crowded on weekends and public holidays.

Golden Sand, Pangkor

Pantai Puteri Dewi is a superb stretch of beach. The only drawback is that it fronts a five-star hotel, which means no land access except for the quests. Like most beaches in the country, the best time to be here is in the evenings.

Teluk Nipah, Pulau Pangkor

Some attest this is a better choice compared with other beaches on the island. Perhaps, the verdict is arrived due to its clear emerald-green water and tranquility.

Pulau Redang, Terengganu

Like Tioman, this is a popular island holiday destination, with visitors attracted to its fine beaches and underwater world. The island has some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the country.

Pasir Bogak, Pulau Pangkor

The most popular beach and also the largest on the island, it has been described as the “largest swimming pool in the world”. Large trees provide the shade and idyllic picnic spots. Its clear and shallow water ensure one a splashing good time, especially as various water sports activities are available. The beach is located near Pangkor town, so getting there is a breeze.







Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Kelantan

Formerly known as the Beach of Passionate Love or Pantai Cinta Berahi, this is perhaps Kelantan’s most famous beach. It is a popular and ideal spot for picnics, camping and relaxation. Also a perfect getaway for the world-weary.

Tioman, Pahang

The beaches of Tioman and its surrounding islands need no introduction. Visitors are bound to be mesmerized by the beauty of this tropical paradise. It is considered one of the world’s ten most beautiful islands. Popular spots include those around the villages of Tekek, Genting and Salang. Enjoy its perfect sunset setting.

Teluk Chempedak, Pahang

Another popular beach located near Kuantan, it is popular among the locals. It is a vibrant place due to its numerous eating and entertainment outlets. The beach is lined by casuarina trees but quite rocky at certain spots. A nearby jungle offers a fair share of Malaysia’s flora and fauna.

Batu Ferringhi, Penang

Without doubt, this is the island’s most popular and famous beach, especially among foreign tourists. It has everything to offer-long and wide stretch of sandy beach, scores of resorts and hotels, water sports and eateries offering mouth-watering dishes. This is not to mention its popular night market which operated until midnight.

Pantai Lanjut, Pahang

This stretch of beach is located near Kuala Rompin and is noted for its long and gently-sloping beach. An added attraction is the lush greenery and nature related activities. Experience the joy of a stroll under a moonlit sky.

Pantai Balok, Pahang

Balok is another beach area near Kuantan and a focal point for wind surfers. An ideal place to relax, with swaying casuarinas, a long stretch of while sandy beach and tropical breezes that can lull one into a slumber.

Rantau Abang, Terengganu

Rantau Abang, lacated 60km south of Kuala Terengganu, is synonymous with leatherback turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Though this is the main attraction, its beaches are comparable with the popular ones in the country.


Damai Beach, Sarawak

A pristine beach area, with the idyllic view made complete by Gunung Santubung in the background. It is Sarawak’s main beach resort area. For nature lovers, they will find the jungle trails up the mountain challenging.

Morib, Selangor

Located at the south of Selangor, Morib has its own attractions. It is less crowded, hence suitable for those wanting to escape the hordes of people who normally descend onto the popular beaches like Port Dickson. Its greatest appeal is its peaceful atmosphere and tranquility. An interesting activity is to comb the beaches for seashells during low tide.

Karambunai, Sabah

It has a five-star resort, the Nexus Resort Karambunai. The beach front is inviting, especially for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Eiffel Tower Travel Gallery

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Eiffel Tower Travel Gallery
The structure was built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch for the Exposition Universelle, a World's Fair marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution. Eiffel originally planned to build the tower in Barcelona, for the Universal Exposition of 1888, but those responsible at the Barcelona city hall thought it was a strange and expensive construction, which did not fit into the design of the city. After the refusal of the Consistory of Barcelona, Eiffel submitted his draft to those responsible for the Universal Exhibition in Paris, where he would build his tower a year later, in 1889. The tower was inaugurated on 31 March 1889, and opened on 6 May. Three hundred workers joined together 18,038 pieces of puddled iron (a very pure form of structural iron), using two and a half million rivets, in a structural design by Maurice Koechlin. The risk of accident was great, for unlike modern skyscrapers the tower is an open frame without any intermediate floors except the two platforms. However, because Eiffel took safety precautions, including the use of movable stagings, guard-rails and screens, only one man died.The tower was met with much criticism from the public when it was built, with many calling it an eyesore. Newspapers of the day were filled with angry letters from the arts community of Paris. One is quoted extensively in William Watson's US Government Printing Office publication of 1892 Paris Universal Exposition: Civil Engineering, Public Works, and Architecture. “And during twenty years we shall see, stretching over the entire city, still thrilling with the genius of so many centuries, we shall see stretching out like a black blot the odious shadow of the odious column built up of riveted iron plates.” Signers of this letter included Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier, Charles Gounod, Charles Garnier, Jean-Léon Gérôme, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, and Alexandre Dumas.
Novelist Guy de Maupassant who claimed to hate the tower supposedly ate lunch in the Tower's restaurant every day. When asked why, he answered that it was the one place in Paris where one could not see the structure. Today, the Tower is widely considered to be a striking piece of structural art.

One of the great Hollywood movie clichés is that the view from a Parisian window always includes the tower. In reality, since zoning restrictions limit the height of most buildings in Paris to 7 stories, only a very few of the taller buildings have a clear view of the tower.

Eiffel had a permit for the tower to stand for 20 years, meaning it would have had to be dismantled in 1909, when its ownership would revert to the City of Paris. The City had planned to tear it down (part of the original contest rules for designing a tower was that it could be easily demolished) but as the tower proved valuable for communication purposes, it was allowed to remain after the expiration of the permit. The military used it to dispatch Parisian taxis to the front line during the First Battle of the Marne, and it therefore became a victory statue of that battle.
By: Wikipedia.com

The London Eye Travel









The London Eye Travel

The London Eye, at 135 metres, is the tallest observation wheel in the world. I believe that the London Eye is most spectacular to non-riders when it's illuminated in the evening.One of the nice things about the London Eye is that you can combine it with other attractions. One time I went on a riverboat cruise that left from just in front of the Eye, touring the river from Westminster down past Tower Bridge and back. We got off the boat and got right into the queue for the Eye, on one combined ticket.
London Tower Bridge
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London Tower Bridge Image
Tower Bridge was originally painted green, then brown, before becoming the current red, white and blue in 1977 for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Thankfully for the British taxpayer it was decided not to cover the bridge in gold leaf for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. The bascules currently lift around one thousand times a year, or three times a day. Originally powered by pressurised water from the engine room housed on the south side of the bridge, when first opened the bascules were up and down with more regularity than a vicar in a brothel, and with this in mind the design called for two pedestrian walkways joining the tops of the towers.