Malaysia Travel and Tour Information Portal

Malacca: A visit to the historical town of Malacca is both an education and a pleasure. You get to see the vestiges of early foreign occupation-Portuguese and Dutch-that hark back to a glorious past when it was a vibrant maritime trading centre and coveted by several foeign powers. You can’t miss , a fortress built by the Portuguese admiral Alfonso d’AlBuquerque in 1511. and there is of course the striking salmon-red Stadthuys. Built in 1650 as the official residence of dutch governors and officials. It is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East (Circa 1641 and 1660).

SEREMBAN: Some 50km from here is the charming royal town of Sri Menanti. This is the official residence of the Negri Sembilan Ruler or the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar. This is also where you find the Royal Museum. As the Minangkabau culture and tradition is strong in this state, the architecture and design of the museum is a classic show case of this. For history buffs, the museum, which was once a palace, is a repository of the regalia of the Negari Sembilan royal family, including costumes, ceremonial weaponrym bed chambers and documents of the royal lineage on display.

PETALING JAYA: There is good reasonably-priced seafood! Plus great service too. Just get yourself to “Strawberry Fields” restaurant. Décor is nice too. But what an odd name for a seafood restaurant, but who’s complaining. The owner must be a Beatles fan. It is located in what locals call, PJ New Town, around the HSBC building. Delicious buttered prawns, yummy squids and ooh-so-good deep fried Garoupa. Go for it.

KUALA LUMPUR: Meet Ujang at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. Ujang is a magnificent hornbill which we got to know as we were having lunch at the Hornbill Restaurant and Café within the park. Located at Jalan Cenderawasih in scenic Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana), the park is said to be the largest aviary of its kind in the world. Resembling their natural habitat, the park hosts more than 3,000 birds from 200 species and covers about 8.4ha. stroll through the park along a maze of walkways, amidst greenery, scattered with scenic rest stops for picnics. It is open everyday from 9am to 7pm. For enquiries, call +603 22721010.