Booking ticket is really easy, simply access their site (www.airasia.com) and select your destination.  The tickets purchasing procedures is simple and you just need to follow the step.  As a no frill airline, be warned that your flight tickets does not include baggage, so, be sure to purchase for your baggage.  You may want to pre-purchase your on board meal too, since, as a no frill airline, you will not get anything except toilet access and a safety belt.  Although, you can purchase meal in flight.

We assume you will be travelling within Malaysia (domestic travel), so, be informed that no check-in counter is available for domestic travel, you will need to self-checkin via their checkin kiosks in the Airport, or do a web checkin, which you must have access to a printer to print out your boarding pass.  A useful tip will be to check in your return flight too and keep your return boarding pass.  Counter is only available for baggage drop.

Be informed that AirAsia operates in LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) while other full services airlines, or national carriers operate in KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), thought, these 2 terminals are just side by side, but the terminal is far apart. (15km away).  Therefore, be sure that if you are flying AirAsia and taking a Taxi, tell the driver that you are going to LCCT, otherwise you may end up in KLIA and all the troubles starts.

AirAsia tickets price fluctuate, as a general rule, the nearer to your travelling date, the more experience it becomes, so if you are planning to fly into Kuala Lumpur and then visit East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak), you may want to book your tickets before arriving Malaysia.

With AirAsia, you are now able to explore Malaysia more!

If you are planning to visit Sarawak because you want to experience a unique stay, perhaps you should consider coming in April for the Pesta Kaul, which Mukah is famous for.

Your unique stay will come in the form of a village way of life as offered by Senau Homestay, Borneo’s latest ecotourism destination in Mukah Division.

Senau is a village in Oya that gets its name from a nearby river of the same name.  That river in turn get its name from a fish that once ruled it waters and practically kept people to its banks because of its sting.   Today, Kampung Senau is accessible by both road and river. Just 19km from Mukah town, it has a beautiful beach that draws huge crowds on weekends and public holidays.  It is basically a fishing village, although the people are also involved in farming, gardening and handicraft-making.

Senau Homestay involves nine families who will be providing comfortable rooms for their guests with a touch of exotic warmth and friendly hospitality along with culture and nature at their best. The homestay offers 2D1n package that includes a welcome drink, cultural dance performance, accommodation with 4 meals per day.  It also include food cooking demonstration, prawn form visit and bermukun singing.  This 2d1n package starts from RM254 to RM559 and if you opt for 3d2n, it will starts from RM364 to RM741.

Senau Homestay coordinator Rafidah Hakim said the Homestay’s biggest draw came from the village itself – its 1,000 mixed population of Melanau, Iban and Malay whose simple, yet unique lifestyle will awe any visitor.

“You really have to spend nights with us to know what I mean.” She said, adding that social activities came naturally to the villagers and that visitors keen on gotong-royong events would find themselves immersed anytime they wanted to.  Rafidah can be contacted at +6084-871 416 or +6019 844 7602.

While you are in Cherating, remember to make a trip to Kemaman for Turtle watching. Kemaman is just a short drive north from Chearting (about 20 minutes)

Turtles watching is usually available daily during the period of Feb to August, where Green Turtle return to Cherating long coastline to lay her egg. Check with your resort if they can arrange this once a life time experience. Otherwise, you can contact Dylan Wang (a Ranger) at 012-9599983. You will be informed when a turtle is spotted landing and you then make your way toward the beach at Pantai Telok Mak Nik, Kamaman, usually between 2030 to 2100. Each participant cost about RM40. Remember NOT to wear white coloured shirt and do not use camera flash as it will distract and distress the turtle. You will normally not be charged if the Turtle suddenly decided not to lay her eggs and return to sea, mainly due to the disturbance or fright during the observance.

The whole process takes about 3 hours, starting from the turtles digging, where she may abruptly stopped if she feel unsecured. This could be because of the noise level, flashing of camera, movement etc or the spot was not suitable. While waiting for the turtle to finish digging, those Rangers will provide basic information, such as the turtles spices, how the female turtle decide if she wants to have male or female babies by she selection of location.

While waiting for the female to lay her egg, which take more then 1-2 hours, you will be shown baby turtles, which just hatched hours ago, and you can participate in the release of these baby turtles to the sea.

When the turtle start laying her eggs, then you will be allowed to gather close to her to witness this special moment. Photo-taking is allowed but without the flash. There will be a dim light, just sufficient for capture this special moment. You will get to touch the eggs but must be returned after, as every eggs will be counted, recorded and sent to the sanctuary as Turtle is a protected species in Malaysia.

After the turtle finish laying her eggs, you will see her tiredly working to cover up the big hole before making her way back to the sea and by then, it will be usually past mid-night.

Durian – Love by many, fear by many too!

It is said that Malaysia produces the best durian! Most Malaysian & Singaporean loves Malaysia’s Durian, however, to those who never come across Durian, it is greatly feared. It actually surprise many locals that Durian is being included in the “World Top 10 Feared Food”, even featured in popular reality show “Fear Factor” as one of a challenge. Many Malaysian will love to indulge in it, never hesitated!

Durian plays an important role in many Malaysian life, it is a family affair when come about eating Durian. It is seldom eaten alone, most of the time it is consumed with all family members. As it is consider an expensive fruit compared to other tropical fruits, it is not usually bought frequently, thus, making Durian eating an event to look forward.

As most Malaysian, since young would be introduced to Durian, majority will acquire the taste and naturally fall in love with it, however, a handful will rejected it and stay away from it, and never ever like it. So, it is very special and extreme when it come to Durian, either you love it, or you hate it.

If this is the first time you come in contact with Durian, you must try it, for you will either fall in love with it, or it will be your most remembered moment. So, Durian is a must try food (fruit) when visiting Malaysia.

There are various variance of Durian, from the most common (cheapest) – Durian Kampung, meaning Durian from the village or wild, which every Durian comes with difference taste, thus, the surprise element! You never know what you will get with Durian Kampung. Then come the more expensive type, those that are generic modified or developed, which the more popular variance are D24, IOI, D2 etc, which provide standard & consistence taste, thus, you can buy the Durian Variance which you love most.

Generally, Durian is sweet, thought some come with a bit of bitter. The colour may either look yellow or pear white, depending on type, but if it is your first time trying it out, it is suggested that you take D24. It is a safest bet compared to Durian Kampung, which no know can guarantee its taste.

As Durian is seasonal, usually available in the month between May to August, so if you happen to come across Durian in your visit to Malaysia, You MUST try it!

When you are visiting Petronas Twin Tower or enjoying your shopping in KLCC Suria Shopping Centre, remember to include KLCC Aquaria in your travel itinerary as it is just few minutes walk from KLCC shopping centre, located in Concourse Level of the KLCC Convention Centre. The Aquaria KLCC is a state of art aquarium showcasing over 5,000 different exhibits of aquatic and land bound creatures.

From the tropical waters of the Asian region to the rain-forests of the world, Aquaria KLCC takes you on a journey through water to discover the fascinating nature of aquatic life as well as exploring the unique behaviour of animals and crawly creatures above water.

If you are a certified diver, you can actually dive with Sand Tiger sharks, Reef sharks and other marine creatures in their 2.5 million litres oceanarium (Cost RM400), otherwise, you can get close and personal with these sea creatures in cage (RM199).

The kids will surely enjoy the 90-metre tunnel tank with a moving travelator where you can marvel at Sand Tiger Sharks, stingrays, marine turtles and many other creatures swimming leisurely around unhindered in the vast oceanarium.

Apart from sharks, electric eels, octopus and many other sea creatures, you will be equally amazed with the collection of Arapaima here. Arapaima is the largest fresh water and you can see them being fed every Monday, Wednesday & Saturday at 2.30pm.

Ticket price to KLCC Aquaria is RM45 & RM35 for Adult and Children respectively. Malaysian with MYkad / MYkid will get RM10 discount. Senior Citizen age above 60 is RM25 only.

KLCC Aquaria is open daily from 11am till 8pm, except on Public Holiday and School Holiday, which will open from 10.30am till 8pm. Last admission is 7pm.

Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Northernmost tip of Borneo, a place like no other

It is expected that Mt Kinabalu come to mind when Sabah is mentioned, since it is the highest mountain in Malaysia. However, mentioned Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, many faces turn blank and clueless. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, in the district of Kudat, actaully refers to the northernmost tip of Borneo.

It is located about 215km from Kota Kinabalu and takes about three to four hours by car. The roads leading to the point, being a rural road is quite uneven with many potholes, as it is frequent by plantation vehicles.

A giant globe and flag pole flying the Malaysia National Flag await visitors to the area. Take a closer look at the globe and the history of the place is revealed, including how it got its name. The Rungus people – dominant indigenous group in the Kudat district – call this place “Tanjung Sampang Mangazou” meaning Battle Junction Cape. This is believed that this was where battles were fought by brave Rungus warriors defending their homeland from invading enemies.

Just a short walk down a flight of steps is what most people would come here for, to see for themselves the very tip of Borneo, the world’s third largest island after Greenland and New Guinea. It is here where two seas meet, the South China Sea from the west and the Sulu Sea from the east. Being the meeting point of two seas, strong currents which are responsible for wrecking many ships in the days of old, sending them crashing against the coral reefs.

A little island with a lighthouse to the east serves as a reminder of danger that lies beneath all that beauty. It is not known for sure how many shipwrecks lie in the waters, but their presence in the area is a testament to the power of nature.

Over the years, the infrastructure and amenities have been significantly upgraded with a public rest area, a cafe, souvenir shop and washrooms. A handful of small resorts and homestays have sprung up in recent times to cater to the increasing number of tourists, looking for a place to stay. If you are staying for a couple of days, you will have the opportunity to witness amazing sunrises and sunset. However, if you are a visiting on a day trip, you will need to leave before dark as the drive back to Kudat town in the darkness can be tricky.

The resort operators also offer services such as renting out snorkelling gear and guided tours. Certified scuba divers may also want to enquire about diving trips to explore the beautiful underwater world further out at sea. Some villagers also provide such services and even rent out boats for fishing which is good news for anglers. A variety of beach and sea activities can be enjoyed here. One may choose to laze on the white sandy beach, walk the entire length of the white sandy beach, go snorkelling, or just swim in the warms seas.

So, if you are planning to visit Sabah, you may want to include Tanjung Simpang Mengayau.

A marvel of Chinese Feng Shui Architectural Elements

This majestic mansion was built in the 1880s and belonged to the illustrious Cheong Fatt Tze. This is a traditional paradigm Chinese courtyard house with 38 rooms, it has superb Feng Shui. In the year 2000, this mansion won the “most excellent project” for the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation. You can either stay in the 16 designer room or take a guided tour, which last about an hour to explore this majestic mansion, you will have the opportunity to view exquisite bedrooms, libraries, ceremonial halls, courtyards and gardens. Also displayed are rare porcelain, sculptures, carvings, tapestries, embroideries and antiques.

It is reported that Cheong Fatt Tze actually has other mansions in other countries, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Indonesia, but this one in Penang, is the most elaborate and lavish compare to the others, and even his native home in Tai’pu, China. This is said that there are only two such buildings of its size outside China.

The Mansion’s construction began before the end of the 19th Century, and it was said that Cheong Fatt Tze had hoped to house nine generations of his descendants there. The plot of land was chosen after heavy consultation with the era’s preeminent feng shui masters. Artisans were shipped in from Southern China expressly for the project, and building materials were imported from as far away as Scotland.

Towards Cheong Fatt Tze’s later life, No. 14 served as both an office and a home. It acted as the base for his commercial enterprises and housed the Chinese Vice-Consulate – not to mention his favoured 7th wife.

All significant activities were concentrated in the centre of the mansion, with front halls allocated for business meetings, the administration of the Vice-Consul Generalship and formal greeting of guests. The rear halls were for ancestral prayers, dining and family; while areas on the first floor housed rooms for significant family members. It was understood that preferred family members were housed in the Centre Bay, while those who had lost favour, as well as lesser relatives, were moved to the wings.

Profile of Cheong Fatt Tze

Cheong Fatt Tze’s almost burdensome treasure trove of occupational hats – financier, tycoon, diplomat, politician, philanthropist and minister – not to mention his numerous, calling-card cramping unofficial monikers – ‘Rockefeller of the East’, ‘J.P Morgan of China’ and ‘Last Mandarin & First Capitalist of China’ – belie his decidedly unencumbered beginnings.

As a 16 year-old Hakka in 1856, Cheong followed the route of many Chinese fortune seekers, heading to the Southeast Asian region known as Nanyang, or ‘Land of Opportunity’. Penniless, armed only with determination and a driving need to prove himself, Cheong struggled through sheer hard work and enterprise to epitomize the typical rags-to-riches story. Rising from being a ‘bearer of river water’ in his early years to a ‘one-man multinational conglomerate’, Cheong’s ascent was aided by a merchant father-in-law who perceived potential in the young man, whom he helped establish in the business world.

Captain Of Captains Of Industry
Throwing himself headlong into the world of business and finance, Cheong Fatt Tze invested in banks, glassworks, cattle and textiles – almost all of which proved to be lucrative ventures. As his empire grew, he began operating steamships, eventually inaugurating a trans-Pacific shipping line between China and the United States. His was certainly a success story of which legends are made.

And the legend could certainly afford to ‘toast’ his tremendous successes, as, after developing a passion for European wines, Cheong Fatt Tze went on to establish his very own winery in 1892. Founded in China’s Shantung province, Chang Yu Winery specialized in producing the very Western wines Cheong Fatt Tze adored. Still in operation today, the winery supplies up to 25% of all Western wines consumed in the founder’s homeland, making it the county’s most successful Western wine producer. A virtual household name, Chang Yu Winery also produces popular brands of Chinese herbal wines.

Though a voracious globetrotter, Cheong Fatt Tze was still very much a nationalist at heart – as demonstrated by chairing of the Nanyang movement to China – which helped in the establishment of modern banks, to the realization of capital for funding railroads and technical institutions in his motherland. His efforts were recognized by the Manchu Empress Dowager, who promoted him to Mandarin of the Highest Order and Special Trade Commissioner for Southeast Asia.

In 1896, he established several Chinese banks before returning to China to handle the ministry of Commerce, as well as the railway services of the country. In 1901, Cheong was promoted to Deputy Minister, rising to be a full minister a year later. In 1911, he became a senator in parliament and advised the Chinese government on administrative and trade matters.

Candid Cheong
Displaying an apparent comfortable ease in both Asian traditions and the Western world, Cheong Fatt Tze surrounded himself with manifestation of his success. Splendid mansions were dotted around Asia – along with (8 officially acknowledged) wives, concubines and hand-maidens to meet his needs. The number of children he fathered during his lifetime is unclear, though he officially acknowledged 8 sons and 6 daughters.

He died of pneumonia in Jakarta on September 11th, 1916 – an event which occasioned the British and Dutch authorities to order the lowering of flags to half-mast.

“Rejuvenated” Chalets”

The Avillion Port Dickson has recently “rejuvenated” their water chalets for greater appeal and to keep guests returning. The resort recently refurnished all its 259 rooms including the water and garden chalets and incorporated modern touches that would appeal to the younger crowd while still maintaining its traditional decor. This 24 acre resort was modeled to evoke the feel of a Malay fishing village and that homeliness coupled with modern facilities.

The spacious room was a sight to behold with a large four poster bed, a comfortable pangkin (Day Bed) to lounge on and a big bathroom which has a tub as well as an open air shower. The sliding glass doors of the chalet opened out to a private balcony which affords guests gorgeous and uninterrupted views of the sea. With its traditional charm and modern conveniences such as a flat screen TV, and Ipod dock and rainshower, guests get to enjoy the best of both world.

Walking around the resort, it feel like you are weaving your way through a village albeit one with modern trappings. In this resort, there is an author’s corner in the garden where you can spend some quiet time and pen your thoughts and a petting zoo to keep children busy.

The resort has a romantic appeal and it is no wonder that it has been the site of many wedding proposals. Rooms rates range from RM350++ per night for garden chalets (weekdays) to RM1,500++ per night for two bedroom water villas (weekdays).

Penang is well known for it foods and accordingly to recent CNN Survey, Penang Assam Laska was voted no.7 most delicious food in the World. This is not surprising as Assam Laksa is very much liked by the locals.

According to CNNGo guide to lifestyle, shopping, hotels and restaurants, its describes Penang Assam Laska as “poached, flaked mackerel, tamarind, chili, mint, lemongrass, onion, pineapple…..an addictive spicy-sour fish broth with noodles. It added that the Penang Assam Laska was especially great when fused with ginger “that’ll have your nose running before the spoon even hits your lips.”

Although, this dish originated from Penang, it is commonly and easily available anywhere in Peninsular Malaysia, you can find this in hawker stall, food court as well as exclusive restaurants, of course, the best Assam Laska is still from Penang hawker stall. This is definitely a dish worth going the extra mile for!

Top 5 Diving locations in the world

The internationally famous island of Sipadan lies 35km south of Semporna, on Sabah’s mainland, like many tropical islands it is thickly forested and surrounded by sandy beaches. Sipadan is an oceanic island and was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, which rises 600m from the seabed.

The geographic position of Sipadan puts it in the centre of the richest marine habitat in the world, the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin. More than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this richest of ecosystems. Sipadan is well known for its unusually large numbers of green and hawksbill turtles which gather there to mate and nest and it is not unusual for a diver to see more than 20 turtles on each dive. Another unique feature to divers visiting Sipadan is the turtle tomb, an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles that became disoriented and then drowned.

The residential schooling barracuda and big-eye trevally, which often gather in thousands forming spectacular tornado-like formations, are one of the highlights of every diver’s wish-list. With the possibility of seeing pelagic species such as mantas, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks, each dive at Sipadan is a highly anticipated event.

It is not only the big fish that amaze divers coming to Sipadan, the macro life is equally mesmerizing. Garden eels, leaf scorpion fish, mantis shrimps, fire gobies, and various pipefish are guaranteed at various dive sites. The diversity and abundance of marine found at Sipadan gives it its reputation of being one of the five best dive locations in the world.

Since 2004 to preserve and protect the island’s fragile ecosystem, the authorities has set a daily limit of 120 divers to access Sipadan island

Sipadan Dive Sites

There a total of 12 dive sites in Sipadan Island namely the West Ridge, North Point, The Drop Off, Turtle Cavern, Barracuda Point, Coral Gardens, Whitetip Avenue, Mid Reef, Turtle Patch, South Point, Staghorn Crest, Lobster Lair, and the Hanging Gardens. The most popularly recommended dive sites are the Turtle Cavern, Barracuda Point, South Point and Hanging Gardens.

Barracuda Point
The Barracuda Point is located at the north Coast of Sipadan Island. Famous for its astounding vortex of barracudas (hence the name Barracuda Point), divers have also reported sightings of white tip sharks, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, as well as the bumphead parrotfish. A caveat: currents can get too strong, so don’t go too deep!

Turtle Cavern
This site is famous for its population of green turtles and smaller hawksbill turtles. This cavern which lies 20 meters underwater is believed to be the final resting place of turtles. Divers are reminded to be extremely careful when exploring the caves as visibility can be drastically reduced to zero should the silt be disturbed.

South Point
South Point is one of the most likely sites for the rarer sharks such as the hammerheads and thresher sharks which are normally only seen around the 40-meter point. Divers are advised to be wary of the strong currents at this site.

Hanging Gardens
Named after the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the topography of the Hanging Gardens consists of a 2-meter-deep reef that slopes down to a terrace at about 70 meters which subsequently plunges into an abyss. This is an excellent spot to view soft corals with dendronephthya alcyonarians in multifarious pastel colours encrusting the slope. Do keep an eye also for the diverse macro life.