Real time road traffic condition information for Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur

The public system still have some way to go before large number of people will leave their cars in their home and take public transport as currently the state of the current public transport still need much improvements. Most have little choice but to take their private vehicles to their workplaces etc. To make life easier to avoid traffic jams, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur has instituted ITIS (close new window to get back to this page), short for Integrated Transport Information System, via which you may find out traffic conditions of major roads through the Internet and telephone before you venture out of your house. With the information, you can thus choose less congested routes, choose to leave at a later time when traffic become less congested thus lessen wastage of petrol and emission of the greenhouse gas CO2 by unnecessary idling, etc.

You can view still traffic images of roads which are updated every 20 seconds (that is what I measured). The roads are KL-Seremban Highway, Federal Highway, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan TAR, Jalan Pahang, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Kuching, MRR2, Lebuhraya Mahameru, Jalan Duta and Bandar Tasik Selatan.

There is also a call center. You can call 03 8947 4002 for traffic information.

Press 1 for English or Press 2 for Bahasa Malaysia

Press 1 again for Traffic Info followed by 2 digit Corridor Code (see table below)

Corridor Name
04 JALAN TUN RAZAK
05 JALAN YEW
10 JALAN ISTANA
11 JALAN DAMANSARA
14 JALAN KUCHING
18 JALAN PAHANG
23 JALAN SULTAN ISMAIL
24 JALAN P RAMLEE
25 JALAN YAP KWAN SENG
26 JALAN KIA PENG
30 JALAN PARLIMEN
31 JALAN DANG WANGI
34 JALAN RAJA MUDA ABDUL AZIZ
35 LEBUHRAYA MAHAMERU
40 JALAN MAAROF
46 JALAN AMPANG
52 JALAN BANGSAR
55 JALAN SULTAN HISHAMUDDIN
56 JALAN HANG TUAH
57 JALAN IMBI
59 JALAN CHENG LOCK
60 JALAN KINABALU
61 JALAN RAJA ABDULLAH
64 JALAN TUN PERAK
67 JALAN SULTAN SULAIMAN

or press 4 to talk to Call Center Agent.

You can also view a map showing the traffic conditions of various major roads. Road are colored green for smooth traffic, yellow for slow moving traffic and red for heavy traffic. See screenshot below for an example (click to enlarge):

To zoom into a particular part of the map, click and drag with your mouse to select the section. You can zoom in or zoom out, etc.

KL Hop on-Hop off City Tour bus service

By the middle of December, visitors to Kuala Lumpur will be able to hop on to luxurious double decker buses to sight see the city. This bus service will be operated by Elang Wah Sendirian Berhad. Initially there will be 4 buses operating, and this will be increased to 10 buses by the middle of April 2007.

The buses will visit 43 tourist attractions in the city. Tourists will be able to hop on and hop off at any 22 designated stops along the route as many times as they like. The buses will operate from 8.30am till 8.30pm at 30 minutes interval.

There will be pre-recorded tour commentary in Malay, English, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Japanese, French and Spanish using headphones on board.

Day pass valid for the whole day will be RM38 (USD10.46) for adult, RM160 (USD44.02) for a family or group of five or RM32 (or USD9.08 per person for group of 5 and above), RM17 (USD4.68) for senior citizens, students and the disabled, and free for children below 5 years of age. For MyKad (Malaysian identity card) holders, the ticket will be RM19 per person during the school holidays.

Tickets can be bought at a ticket counter to be built in Bukit Bintang, on the bus, over the Internet. Hotels and travel agencies will also act as agents to sell the tickets. You can also book your ticket and get more information from KL Hop On-Hop Off

Elang Wah Sdn. Bhd. can also be contacted via telephone at 03-2691 1382 or by email at inquirt@myhoponhopoff.com

UPDATE 28 December 2006: The KL hop on-Hop off City tour semi-glass roof double-decker bus service has been launched with 4 buses. 2 more will be added by April 2007.

Source: The Star

VMY 2007 (Visit Malaysia Year) March to April

These are the events planned for the Months of March and April for the Visit Malaysia Year 2007:

24 March to 22 April 2007: Malaysia GP Sale Carnival
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Grab the opportunity to enjoy amazing discounts and special offers during Malaysia’s biggest annual sales carnival! From designer wear to electronic items, from cosmetic to footwear, there’s something for everyone at the numerous shopping malls and stores nationwide.

More details available from:
Tel: 603-26981033
Fax: 603-26916122
Email:gpsale@mymegasale.com
Website: www.mymegasale.com/gpsale

24 - 25 March 2007: Taman Negara Eco Challenge
Location: Taman Negara, Pahang

This extreme sporting event has the world’s top mountain runners racing up and down the 2187 meter-high Mount Tahan. Winners get to enjoy attractive prizes and all participants will be given recognition as a reward for their effort.

More details available from:
MTPN Pahang
Tel: 609- 5171111
Fax: 609- 5146900
Email:mtpnpahang@motour.gov.my

1 - 8 April 2007: KL GP City Festival
Location: Kuala Lumpur

‘Street Art Festival’ that showcases Malaysia’s art.

More details available from:
MTP Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-26176272
Fax: 603-26983819
Email: mtpnkl@motour.gov.my
Website :
www.kualalumpur.gov.my

6 - 8 April 2007: Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix
Location: Kuala Lumpur (Sepang)
Catch the blazing action at one of the most high-tech track tracks on the F1 Circuit. With its extreme hot and wet conditions, the Sepang International Circuit tests the skill of the world’s finest drivers to the limit! With a spectacular grandstand and panoramic view of the entire circuit, this furious fast-paced event is truly an experience not to be missed.

More details from:
Tel : 603-87782222
Fax : 603-87831020
Email :ticket@malaysiagp.com.my
Website :www.malaysiagp.com.my

10 April 2007: Royal Go-kart Competition
Location: Kelatan

Go-Kart enthusiasts will have the time of their lives at this competition, held in conjunction with the birthday of HRH Sultan of kelantan.

Details from:
Tel: 609-7481957/7485534
Fax: 609-7486652
State Secretary Office- Kelantan Tourism Information Center

Related Posts
Visit Malaysia Year January to Febuary
Visit Malaysia Year May to June
Visit Malaysia Year July to August
Visit Malaysia Year September to October
Visit Malaysia Year November to December

VMY 2007 (Visit Malaysia Year) January and Febuary

These are the events planned for the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 for the month of January and Febuary:

January 6 to December 31 2007 (whole year round):The Eye On Malaysia
Location: Lake Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur

Experience a breathtaking 360 degree panorama over 20 kilometres of Kuala Lumpur in a 60m high Ferris wheel. It will be an unforgettable ride of up to 30 minutes to a height of 60 metres with a panaromic view of Kuala Lumpur. There will be 40 air-conditioned gondolas with a capacity of six to eight passengers for each gondola. There will also be other activities like Jet Ski show, fireworks display and laser shows. There will also be a giant screen featuring Malaysian history from pre-Merdeka (independence) to post-Merdeka

More details can be obtained from
Tel: 603-26937111
Fax: 603-26941146
Email: info@motour.gov.my
Website: www.motour.gov.my

January 6, 2007: Launching VMY 2007
Location: Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur.

Join us as we kick-start the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 celebration with a grand launchn by the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Performances by renowned artistes. Exciting fireworks display and unveiling of the giant Ferris wheel, the Eye on Malaysia. Locals and foreigners alike will have a taste of what Malaysia has to offer in 2007. Come and have a spectacular time filled with fun and enjoyment.

More details can be obtained from:
Tel: 603-26937111
Fax: 603-26941146
Email: info@motour.gov.my
Website: www.motour.gov.my
Unit Acara KPL


January 20 - 4 Febuary 2007: Flora Fest
Flora Fest: Location: Putrajaya and Klang Valley.

Come and see beautifully decorated floats adorned with brightly coloured bloom decorative ornaments. You will be enthralled by the riot of colours and profusion of flowers on display. Cultural performances will keep all visitors entertained.

For more details, see post Malaysia Flora Fest (click "BACK" button to get back to this page).

Details also available from:
Tel: 603-26937111
Fax: 603-26941146
Email: info@motour.gov.my
Website: www.motour.gov.my

20 January 2007: Florathon
Location: Dataran Merdeka, Luala Lumpur

A fun 2km walk from the Dataran Merdeka to the Lake Gardens. People will be dressed in their flower togs and merits will be given to their attraction, not to the speed.

Febuary 1 2007: Federal Territory Day
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

The Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya celebrate Federal Territory Day with exciting parades, firework displays, exhibitions and cultural shows. Most events are open to the public and entrance is free of charge.

Febuary 1 2007: Thaipusam Celebration
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor
This is a day of penance and thanksgiving by Hindu devotees held in honour of Lord Subramaniam. The festival is best experienced in Kuala Lumpur where the deity’s jewelled chariot is led in a mass procession through the streets of the city, culminating at the Batu Caves in Selangor. An unforgettable sight is the thousands of devotees in a trance-like state carrying body-piercing Kavadis or ornate frames.

More details available from:
Ministry Of Culture, Arts and Heritage Malaysia
Tel: 603-26127600
Fax: 603-26935114
Email: info@heritage.gov.my
Website: www.heritage.gov.my

See also Batu Caves

Febuary 2 - 11 2007: Le Tour De Langkawi
Location: Langkawi

One of the best cycling races outside Europe and the richest in Asia, the Le Tour De Langkawi promises to be an action packed race as top international riders traverse spectacular and treacherous terrain from the idyllic island of Langkawi to Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia.

More details can be obtained from
Tel: 603-77256503
Fax: 603-55190480
Email: info@tdl.com.my
Website: www.tdl.com.my

Febuary 8 - 11 2007: Malaysia Open Golf Championship
Location: Selangor

The Malaysia Open provides the platform for a number of amateur and professional Malaysians to compete against the worlds best players.The events has been held at the best venues in Malaysia including The Mines,Saujana Golf and Country Club, Royal Selangor Golf and Country Club,and kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.The event participants from over 40 nations around the world.

More details can be obtained from:
Tel: 603-26158188
Fax: 603-26935883
Email: enquiries@tourism.gov.my
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
www.mgaonline.com.my


Febuary 18 2007: Chinese New Year
Location: Kuala Lumpur all over Malaysia.

Chinese New Year marks the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar and is celebrated over a 15 day period. Mandarin oranges and plum blossom stalks are used as decorations in Chinese homes and shopping complexes for prosperity and good luck. Animated lion and dragon dance performances accompanied by energetic drum, gong and cymbals add to the festive air. On the eve of Chinese New Year, family members hold reunion dinners followed by ‘Open house’ for relatives and friends. In previous years, the Chinese members of the Parliment have held "Open House" where food and drink will flow and which is open to both locals and foreigners. This is something that I believe is not practiced anywhere in the world. Similar open houses are held during Hari Raya and Deepavali.

More details can be obtained from:
Ministry Of Culture, Arts and Heritage Malaysia
Tel: 603-26127600
Fax: 603-26935114
Email: info@heritage.gov.my
Website: www.heritage.gov.my

Related Posts
Visit Malaysia Year March to April
Visit Malaysia Year May to June
Visit Malaysia Year July to August
Visit Malaysia Year September to October
Visit Malaysia Year November to December

Malaysia Flora Fest

Malaysia's Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor announced that a two-week floral festival starting from 20 January 2007 as one of the events being planned for the Visit Malaysia 2007. The Malaysia Flora Fest is inspired by the annual Pasadena Tornament of Roses in the United State.

A grand floral parade themed Colors of Harmony will be held at Putrajaya on 27 January 2007. Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan hope it will become an annual affair, and an international one. Malaysia had inspiring successes at the Pasadean floral parade. Malaysia's entry in 1991 was judged the most beautiful one. It had also won other prestigious awards at the annual floral parade.

Included in the two-week flora festival will be a "florathon" (a 2km walking race), a photography exhibition, a flora bazaar. There will be a Malaysia Flora Fest photography competition, and entry forms for the competition will be available form Tourism Malaysia offices worldwide and from Fujifilm Digital Imaging outlets. The closing date for the competition is 20 December 2006.

Source: The Star (close new window to get back to this page).

A shoe design Institute for Malaysia by the world famous shoemaker, Jimmy Choo?

Malaysia has aspiration to become an educational center for the region. Malaysia have many public and private educational centers and have a large number of foreign students.

World famous shoemaker, Datuk Jimmy Choo (Datuk is the Malaysian version of knightship), in a press conference, announced his intention to set up a shoe design Institute in Malaysia. "I am a Malaysian and I want to give back to the people of Malaysia for the respect and support they have shown me over the years. It is only right that the institute be built in my home country before anywhere else" he said in the conference. He said that there is currently no shoe design institute in Malaysia, and he will like to be the first to set up one. He also hope to sponsor a few young designers abroad to learn about the industry.

Penang-born Jimmy Choo, a couture shoemaker based in the East End of London and recognized for his excellent craftsmanship, is favoured by international stars and elegant women worldwide. He can count among his clients the late Princess Diana. Jimmy Choo was supposed to meet her to present a pair of cream, low-heel shoes at Kensington Palance on September 1, 1997, just 18 hours after her horrific car accident. His other royal clients include Queen Ann-Marie of Greece, Queen Raina of Jordan, the former Queen Noor of Jordan, the Sultanah of Pahang. His othere clientele includes film stars, pop stars and other celebrities. Datuk Michelle Yeoh, now a famous actress from Malaysia, and Madonna were also his clients.

Malaysia now has something to look forward to. Let's hope that comes into reality soon.

Multi-racial and multi-cultural Malaysia, truly Asia

 In addition to this blog, I have another blog Testing Blogger Beta (close new window to get back to this page) which I use to test various features of the newly rolled out Blogger Beta. Since it has been reported that the problem of blogging direct from Picasa (Google's photo software) to Blogger Beta has been solved, I decided to test it out, posting a photo from my album and at the same time, write about multi-racial and multi-cultural Malaysia. The photo you see here is a photo of a beautiful Malaysian Chinese, posted direct from Picasa.

Malaysia comprises 3 major races - Malay, Chinese and Indian. There are also the natives of Peninsular Malaysia (orang asli) and the Borneo island (Dayak, Kenyah, Iban, Murut, Dusun, Kayan, Punan, Kelabit and Bidayuh). In addition to that, there are some Portugese in historical Malacca, the decendents of the Portugese invaders who in 1511, conquered Malacca and established a colony there. In Malacca too, are the Peranakans, the Baba (male) and Nyonya (female) who are the descendents of the Chinese who stayed behind after Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho) visited Malacca in the 15th century. The Peranakans have retained most of their ethnic and religious origins (ancestor worship), but assimilated the language and culture of the Malays. They developed a unique culture and distinct foods.

In the Borneo island (Sabah and Sarawak) are the natives comprising the Dayak, Kenyah, Iban, Murut, Dusun, Kayan, Punan, Kelabit nad Bidayuh.

A visit is like a visit to a microcosm of Asia as the 3 major races of Chinese, Indians and Malays can be found here, and you can experience the diversity of Asian food and culture. That is why the slogan of Tourism Malaysia is "Malaysia, truly Asia" 

BTW I found uploading photos to my blog via Picasa very convenient as I do not need to be logged into my Blogger account to do it. If you are interested in downloading Picasa, you can do so via the text link "Organise your pictures. Get Google's photo software" at the top of the sidebar in this page.

Traditional Bidayuh longhouse accessible by road

The native population of Sarawak consists of various tribes among which are the Bidayuh. Some of them still live in traditional longhouses, often deep in the jungles accessible only by long boat trips along rivers and/or trekking through the jungle.

At the foothills of the Penrissen Range, in the Padawan district there is a Bidayuh village (the Annah Rais Bidayuh village) in which is an authentic well-preserved Bidayuh longhouse which is open to visitors. The village is accessible by a 1 and a half to 2 hour drive by road from Kuching (literal translation: Cat City), the capital of Sarawak. The journey to Annah Rais village is a scenic, winding drive. You may even choose to visit a pepper plantation if you like. The journey also takes you pass by the Semenggoh Wildlife Rahabilitation centre , where you get to see huge Orang utan coming out from the forest during their feeding time at 9 am. To visit, a permit must be obtained from The National Park Booking Office (Kuching) Sarawak Tourist Information Centre, Jalan Masjid, 93400 Kuching. Tel: 082 248088 Fax: 082 256031. At the moment, entrance is free. Visiting hours are from 0830 - 12.00 Noon and 1400 - 1600 hours daily.

If you are pressed for time, a day trip to the Annah Rais longhouse is possible. There will be an admission charge of RM5 (USD1.37) per person. The collections go to the village community.

The traditional longhouse there is made of wood and bamboo and is home to about 120 families. Along the length of the longhouse is a verandah made of bamboo floor. The verandah is often used to dry rice, pepper and rubber sheets spread on mats, and also to conduct various activities like Sunday school for children.

Inside the longhouse is a baruk (headhouse) which in the bad old days are used to store the skulls of their victims and also as a community hall for meetings and also for settling disputes. You need not fear for your head because their head hunting days are over, and the baruk is no longer in use but there is still a display of skulls there from the olden days.

An enterprising Edward Gunuii has set up a small bar-cum-souvenir shop guests are entertained and where you can buy handicrafts make by village folks and traditional Bidayuh musical instruments. Jungle trekking, river rafting, picnics and visits to hot spring and waterfall can also be arranged. Guests can also get a taste of traditional delicacies such as chicken cooked in bamboo and learn traditional dances.
They have a homestay program if a short day trip does not satisfy you. A 2-day 1-night stay will cost RM180 (USD49.28). A longer stay of 5-days and 4-nights will set you back RM460 (USD125.94).

The best time to visit is during the Gawai in June, when they celebrate thanksgiving for a successful harvest.

you can visit The semenggoh Wildlife Rahabilitation centre , where you get to see huge Orang utan coming out from the forest during their feeding time at 9 am.

The best time to visit longhouse is during the Gawai ie in June, when they celebrate Thanks Giving for a successful harvest. Normal time you just get to see the longhouse and not much cultural activities like Traditional Dance and so forth. Be prepared to swim in the Clearwater river in this areas and there is a hot spring here too.

PSD now has an interactive portal which answer queries online and has an online chat

Putrajaya is a brand new enclave carved out of former oil palm plantations and made the Malaysian administrative center of the country. Practically all the headquaters of the Government departments have moved there. Unfortunately, the majority of the population live far away from Putrajaya and having to go there for matters involving the government departments is a hassle. The PSD (Public Service Department or Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia) has its headquaters at Block C2 in Putrajaya
Blok C1 dan C2
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62510 Putrajaya

To make life simpler for pensioners and students, the PSD (Public Service Department) has now an Interactive Portal into which you can log in, post your queries and get it answered by officers immediately, or within 3 days for those requiring specific and detailed answers (Update: I queried them for the full address of their headquater in Putra Jaya at their Website and received a response within an hour. May have been less, as the response may have reached my Inbox earlier). Their full address is as above). The portal even have an online chat every last Friday of the month from 8am to 12 noon. This is according to its corporate communication head Hasnah Rashid.

Their website is at Jababtan Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia (close new window to get back to this page).

Sarawak Famous Kolo Mee in Petaling Jaya

My daughter, married to a Sarawakian, used to bring back packets of Sarawak Kolo Mee each time she visits Sarawak. It was nice. So when I heard that there was a stall in Petaling Jaya New Town serving Sarawak Kolo Mee (dry noodles), and I had some things to attend to in the nearby National Registration Department, I decided to go searching for the stall. I found it in a corner coffee shop opposite Menara MPPJ. The name of that coffee shop was Restauran Fook Yun. The signboard of the stall says Sarawak Handmade Noodles. It was a Monday, and the stall was closed. The next Wednesday, I had another meeting in PJ Hilton, and decided to try my luck again. This time it was opened, by two ladies who said they were from Sarawak.

I ordered a bowl. Didn't specify big (bowl) or small. They served me the small (bowl), probably I was skinny. It was RM4 (USD1.10). A big (bowl) would have been RM4.50 (USD1.23). It was a simple dish of noodles topped with some barbecued pork, a few stem of vegetable and a sprinkling of fried shallots and spring onions, and served with a bowl of soup with 2 beef balls. This friday, I will be having a meeting again in PJ Hilton. After the meeting, I will be going again, but this time for the big (bowl) and see what the difference will be.

UPDATE Friday 17 November 2007: After my meeting at PJ Hilton, I made my way to the kolo mee stall again, but this time equipped with a digital camera, which I am not very proficient at using. So, if the photos turned out to be a bit blur, I apologise. This time, I specified big (bowl), and the difference is slightly more mee (noodles) and more garnishing of minced meat, barbequed pork, 2 fried wan tan (prawn meat I think, wrapped in pastry), a few stem of vegetable, sprinkling of fried shallot and spring onions. Here is a photo of the dish:

Here is a photo of the stall sporting a signboard that says Handmade noodles (I understand that the ladies have to wake up early in the morning to make the noodles):


UPDATE 30 Novembert 2006: Went to the dentist today. As the stall was nearby, I though I might as well try out the kolo mee again. This time I ordered small (bowl) and bought along a digital camera to capture an image of a small (bowl) for you to see the difference. Here us the photo (click to enlarge):

Don't look like there is very much difference between big and small, except for slightly less noodles.

The coffee shop is located at one of the 4 corners of Menara MBPJ (Menara means tower in Malay and MBPJ is short for Menara Majlis Bandaran Petaling Jaya), and facing it. It used to be called MP Menara MPPJ (Majlis Perbandaran Petaling Jaya). The town has recently been upgraded to become a city now, so the change in name. The tower is easily recognisable from a distance. The coffee shop is at 31 Road 51/1, 46200 Petaling Jaya. Here is a photo to Menara MBPJ as a landmark for you to look for the stall should you decide to try it out (click to enlarge):

Penang Homestay Program on the way

Malaysia has a Homestay programs where visitors can stay in traditional villages and experience the way the locals live. There are already a number of villlages participating in the program. According to a Star news article, there will soon be another Homestay program in 4 Malay and Chinese kampungs (villages) - Kampung Sungai Sembilang, Kampung Kuala Juru, Kampung Tok Kangar and Perkampungan Juru, all in Bukit Tengah, Penang (Pearl of the Orient). This is in preparation for the Visit Malaysia Year 2007. According to Bukit Tengah assemblyman Ng Siew Lai, Sungai Sembilang and Kuala Juru are typical Malay fishing villages famous for cockle culture, mee udang (prawn noodles) and ikan bakar (barbequed fish). There is also a quaint floating restaurant in Bukit Kecil. They are also in the process of building several stages for cultural shows there.

Perkampungan Juru is a typical Chinese village with cottage industries, and has about 10 Chinese associations and guilds. There is a pewter factory. Many villagers are involved in making traditional cakes such as kuih bakul, kuih bahulu and nyonya kuih. There are also several cicada farms that supply bait to fishermen.

Additional information: Host families usually gets between RM60 (USD17.11) to RM120 (USD34.21) per day per head.

Xinjiang dazzling cultural show coming to Malaysia

2007 is Visit Malaysia year and many programs are being planned for the extravaganza. Among them will be a 2 hour dazzling cultural show "Mystical Steppes: Along the silk road", staged by the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar Theatre on 26-28 January 2007 at the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) in Kuala Lumpur. The mystical steppes will be coming to Malaysia. A memorandum of understanding had been signed by the theatre, Star Publications (Malaysia) Berhad and Osim Malaysia Sendirian Berhad, the sponsor. There will be a cast of 60 top-class performers featuring mesmerising dances and songs by the colorful Chinese minorities including the Uyghur, Kazakh, Hui, Mongolian and the Han people. Its racial mix is pretty much like multiracial and multicultural Malaysia.

The 60-members cast comprising world class dancers, technical crew, backstage staff and administrative personnel, will present a kaleidoscope of music and dances from Xinjiang.

Tickets for the show will be RM50 (USD14.08), RM30 (USD8.45) and RM20 (USD5.63) for the morning shows, and RM100 (USD28.16), RM70 (USD19.71) and RM50 (USD14.08) for the afternoon, and evening preformances. Nett proceeds will be donated to two charities - the Alzheimers Disease Foundation of Malaysia and Hospis Malaysia via The Star Foundation.

Tickets are available at Menara Star and all Axcess Ticket counters (further information from Axcess website (close new window/tab to get back to this page). Further information available via telephone 603-7711 5000.

So 2007 will be a good time to visit Malaysia as not only will it be Visit Malaysia year, it will also be the 50th anniversary of its independence as a former colony of Great Britain. Plus you will not only be given a taste of Malaysia, you will get a taste of the mystical steppes too.

Travel between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore comfortably

You can fly between these two cities, but it may not necessarily be the fastest way as it involves travelling between the departure and arrival airport terminals and the cities, which may be a considerable distance and require significant time, checking in early, waiting for baggage, time for clearance through the immigrations and the customs, etc. And if you want extra comfort, you will have to pay dearly for first or business class. You will also have to pay airport tax which is not negligible.

Here is an alternative. Aeroline is providing Business Class luxury double decker coach services between Kuala Lumpur city center and Singapore city center. No more commuting between the terminals and the city centers. You board and disembark right at the city centers (Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore). You can travel between the city centers in just 5 hours with first class amenities on board, including ergonomically designed seats, reading lights and power sockets for your laptop or mobile phone charger. Passengers seats are in the upper deck while the lower is a lounge for chatting, business meetings, etc. There is a rest room and a kitchenette where you can get served meals and beverages by a friendly steward. Power sockets are available for your laptop and mobile phone chargers. This will be a good choice if you have fear of flying.

Safety is also ensured by having only carefully vetted and experienced drivers. Performance of drivers are strictly monitored by on-board data loggers and GPS (Global Positioning System).

Faster clearance through the custom and immigration is also ensured by using the Tuas second link which is less used compared with the causeway at Johore Baru.

If you are interested to see more and larger photos of different parts of Aeroline coach, surf over to Photos of the Aeroline luxury coach for the inter-city Kuala Lumpur to Singapore route (close new window to get back to this page).

Boarding points and departure times

Currently, Aeroline operates 12 daily trips. Boarding time and departure points are as follows:

Corus Hotel: 8am, 9am, 10am, 3.30pm, 4.00pm, 6.45pm
Menara Axis: 8am, 9.30am, 6.30pm.
One Utama: 8.30am, 10am. 11am.
(For directions, see below)

The service center at One Utama has a lounge fully equipped with refreshments, magazines and WiFi.

Reservation can be made at:
Aeroline (close new window to get back to this page)
or the Call Center at 03-6258 8800

Check with Aeroline for the latest departure time.

The Singapore terminal and service center is Habour Front Center (formerly World Trade Center) at the southern tip of the island. It is right next to many tourist attractions including Sentosa, Mount Faber and VivoCity, over 50 retail outlets and F&B centers. For transport, there is a MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station and cable cars to Sentosa Island. The telephone number for the Singapore terminal is 65 6341 9338

Fare

Fare: The cost for a one-way trip will be RM80 (USD22) for adult and RM50 (USD13.75) for children less than 12 years of age.
If you plan to return the same way, it will be more economical to buy return fare at RM160 (USD44.01) for adult and RM100 (USD27.51) for children.

The fare from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is Sing$47 (USD30.20) adult and Sing$35 (USD22.48) for children less than 12 years. (conversion at current rate during time of posting/editing using http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi). For your convenience I add here the total fare return fare if you purchase the return ticket in Singapore: USD52.29 as compared to buying return in Kuala Lumpur at USD44.01.

The fare include meals onboard and a free flow of hot beverages. Different meals will be served subject to the time of travel. Normally, morning trip will be served with a light breakfast while the afternoon and evening trips will be served with a medium size meals. Besides providing 1 normal meal, there is a pudding or jelly provided after hot refreshment (subject to the trip).

Locations of boarding points

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Corus Hotel, Jalan Ampang
1 Utama, Petaling Jaya
Menara Axis, Petaling Jaya

Distance between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

The distance between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is roughly 202 miles (325 kilometers).

Do you want to buy a turtle island?

Pulau Upeh (pulau is the Malay word for island) in Malacca, on whose beaches the endangered Hawkbill turtle come to lay their eggs, has been put up for sale by Tenega National Berhad (TNB, the country's electrical generation and distribution company). The island was reported to have been sold to TNB on June 29, 2004 by Yayasan Malacca.

Although the island has a landmass of only 2,8 hectare (108,000 square feet), 14.100 eggs (a third of the state's total) collected between January and September 2006.

The Fisheries Department has been reported to be interested in purchasing the island to turn it into a research and management center for the turtles as a part of its turtle conservation plan.

Chef Loong Restaurant - hotel fare at non-hotel prices

Chef Loong Restaurant, is a restaurant serving "dim sum" (Cantonese term meaning touch the heart translated literally. Consist of many dishes of "tidbit" of small portion), deserts and "tong sui" (translated literally is sugar water, which may be sesame seed porridge, groundnut porridge, etc.) in the heart of Petaling Jaya, now a city about 10km from Kuala Lumpur, the capital. The current chef is Low Kean Fatt, who first started working at the age of 15 cooking Cantonese cuisines and has served at various large hotels and restaurants like Shangri-La KL, Mandarin Oriental KL, Four Seasons Singapore.

The restaurant offers Cantonese (Hong Kong)-style, Szecuan-influenced dim sums and Shanghainese dim sum. Currently, there are 60 items of dim sums and deserts in the menu. It is claimed that colors in the food are natural colorings from vegetable. For example, beet root (purple in color) is used for the Steamed Beetroot Duck Dumpling. They also said that their menu are changed every 3 months, where popular dishes are retained while not so popular ones are replaced by new creations. Currently among the dishes offered are Shanghai Siew Loong Pau (dumpling), Deep Fried Golden Almond Prawn (prawns coated with almond flakes that makes it crunchy) and (I hope no one goes for this one) Assorted Meat Dumpling with Shark Fin Brooth, which at RM11.80 (USD3.24) which they claim to be good value as the servings are generous and the brooth are "real good stuff".

For desert, there is Chilled Aloe Vera jelly with Lemon Grass topped with lime sorbet with aromatic hints of lemon grass. This Low proudly claim to be his own creation at the hotel he worked at, and until now, is still enjoyed by many customers who dine there.

Because of chef Low experience in the hotels, the restaurant claims that dim sum in elegant hotel-style presentation can be had at non-hotel rates. They say that for something similar to items offered at hotels can be enjoyed at RM4 to RM6 (USD1.10 to USD1.64) per plate whereas the prices at the hotels will be two to three times more.

The Chef Loong Restaurant is located at
86 Road SS2/60
47300 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-78774826

Business hours
Tuesday to Friday: 12pm-3pm and 6pm-9pm
Saturday: 9pm-3pm and 6pm - midnight
Sundsy: 9pm - midnight
Monday: Closed

Source: The Star, Metro, page 14-15.

Books from Amazon

Lonely Planet World Food Malaysia and Singapore (Lonely Planet World Food Guides) (Paperback)

The 2000 Import and Export Market for Live Animals Chiefly for Food in Malaysia (World Trade Report) (Ring-bound)

Malaysia Nyonya

Footprint Malaysia And Singapore (Footprint Malaysia Handbook) (Paperback)

The Food and Cooking of Malaysia & Singapore (Hardcover)

Authentic Recipes from Malaysia (Authentic Recipes) (Hardcover)