THE METROPOLIS OF KL, KLANG, SEREMBAN & MELAKA

In my opinion, we will see the cities of Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Seremban, Port Dickson and historical Melaka merged into one large metropolis where people and visitors can enjoy the different attractions of each city.

Melaka is already the World Heritage City where history lurks and has flourishing cultures living together for the past 600 years. She is a living heritage in her own right.

For Kuala Lumpur, the modern city with numerous restaurants and entertainment centres offer a different experience to locals and visitors alike. The Petronas Twin Towers are the international icon and symbol which people recognise as KL, Malaysia. Food and different cultures prevail.

For Klang and Shah Alam, we have the main port to Malaysia and near to Port Dickson, we have the KLIA and LCCT Terminal. Soon, we will have a newer LCCT complex at Labu, Negeri Sembilan. All these airports are located within the cities of KL, Klang, Seremban and Melaka which visitors can reach within 1 hour's drive.

For visitors who want to enjoy the sun and sea, they can either go to Port Dickson and Pantai Puteri/Pantai Bidara in Melaka.

Signs are there as we see development along the North-South Highway at Bangi, Nilai, Seremban and Port Dickson. Maybe in the next 25 years, we will see more development at Labu, Alor Gajah and surrounding areas towards Melaka. Time will be our witness.

A BRIDGE FROM MELAKA TO DUMAI, INDONESIA?

2008/12/24


A Bridge from Melaka to Dumai, Indonesia in the future?

It will be nice that we can drive across the Malacca Straits in our own car to Sumatra, Indonesia. We can have a relaxing weekend in Indonesia while Indonesians can travel over for their medical check-ups in Melaka.
From the engineering & civil construction of point of view, the bridge can be built as there are many high span bridges built around the world eg. in Japan, China and other countries. The only constraints will be the financial burden and political consideration between Malaysia and Indonesia. Being a mega project, a lot of details have to be worked out before construction can start. No point having an uncompleted bridge hanging over the Straits of Malacca if the works grind to a halt.
It is certainly an idea worth exploring for the future of Malaysia and Indonesia in fostering neighbourly ties and the coming together of the ASEAN countries into one trade grouping in the future.
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Feasibility study first for bridge to Sumatra

MALACCA: The government will conduct a feasibility study on the suggested 52km bridge linking Malacca to Dumai in Sumatra, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.
He said the study would determine the viability of the bridge, taking into consideration the cost, expected revenue and present economic situation."It may become a reality in the near future. But for now, I think the ferry service is sufficient.

"The Malacca government had earlier suggested the construction of the bridge which was estimated to cost US$11 billion (RM38 billion).Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam had said that the bridge would have great economic potential, considering the population in Sumatra had reached 70 million compared with Singapore with only four million.

He said the idea of the bridge had been raised in 1995, but was put on hold a few years later due to the financial crisis then affecting both countries."There are numerous factors to consider before we can embark on such a huge project. We will decide after a feasibility study is done." Najib was speaking at the opening of the Ninth Malay and Islamic World (DMDI) Convention here yesterday.

In his speech, he urged Malays in the region not to forget their roots and play their part in helping the community grow stronger and more united in facing challenges."Despite the changes around us, we must never forget our roots and should take all relevant steps to foster greater unity, understanding and cooperation among each other." In urging the community to master as many languages as possible, Najib reminded them not to neglect the use of their mother tongue, Bahasa Malaysia.

He also called on the Malays to reject all forms of extremism and the use of militant force to achieve political goals.Later, Najib launched the DMDI Finance House, which he said would begin with an initial investment of RM10 million and an authorised capital of RM1 billion.Ali, who is also DMDI president, said he hoped that if the bridge project was approved, it would be financed by the private sector."

I hope the idea will become a reality because the Malacca-Dumai bridge can not only boost economic development, but also strengthen ties between both countries."

He said the number of tourist arrivals from Indonesia had increased from 1.2 million in 2006 to 1.8 million last year.The number of Indonesian tourists who visited the Unesco World Heritage site here increased from 105,986 in 2006 to 128,057 last year, he added

NEW LCCT AT LABU, NEGERI SEMBILAN

It is heartening to read that the Malaysian cabinet has given approval to a private sector initiative by Sime Darby Berhad, AirAsia Bhd. and private investors, to set up a new LCCT terminal at Labu, Negeri Sembilan.

Covering 2,800 hectares, the LCCT terminal will be the hub to develop 5 townships for various industries. Moreover, the Express Rail Link and KTM Komuter, will be extended to the new LCCT when completed.

Located about 7 km from the North-South Highway near to Nilai/Labu, the new LCCT will be nearer to Melaka than currently. On the long term, with projection that AirAsia will bring in 30 million passengers by 2014, this figure can only benefit Melaka - World Heritage City. If we can get 2% of this projected traffic to visit Melaka, it will translate to 600,000 new visitors!!!

It is important that tour operators, bus companies and taxis that ply Melaka-KL and KL-Melaka routes, be creative in their routings. Long distance buses can use the LCCT terminal as a stop when travelling from Melaka or KL. For passengers who want to LCCT, they can also board on these buses at reduced fares. The key is that we provide accessibility to intending passengers, locals or foreigners, who want to visit Melaka.

In the future, we can certainly see the region of Kuala Lumpur,Klang, Seremban, Port Dickson and Melaka City becoming one large Metropolis whereby visitors can enjoy history, entertainment, shopping, beaches and food.

Mokpo korean old town best tourist attractions

Mokpo (Mokpo-si) ( 木浦市) is a major port city in South Jeolla Province , South Korea ,surrounded by hills facing the sea on the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula with a population of about 260,000. From Mokpo there are ferries to Tadohae Haesang National Park, Chin-do, Hong-do and Shinan island . The cheapest ferries to Chejo island also depart from Mokpo and the is now a ferry to Shanghai . Mokpo is the hometown of President Kim Dae-jung, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001

Mokpo best tourist attractions and things to see in Mokpo including Park, Museum, Festival, Hall, and so many things here :

1. Yudal San park
A short climb gives a commanding view of the city with many pavalions . There are many scultures to be see here, If you wander off the main trails you can find old carving on the hilside . The building in front of the park is historical site #289, which used to be the Japanese consulate . There is a statue there of Yi-Sun-shin, who gazes at Nojok-bong hill. According to legend Yi-Sun-shin covered the hill with straw bags to imitate bags of rice to fool the invading Japanese army that he had more troops than there really were .
2. Yudal beach
3. Daebandong
4. Mokposisa
5. National Maritime Museum
Here you can see the remains of the yuan Dynasty junk ( which is quite large ) and the relics found with it, along with other items from Korean naval history
Take 111 Bus in front of Mokpo MBC, Hadang Geumho apartment, 25 minutes by taxi
6. Mokpo Natural History Museum
7. Mokpo Folklore Museum
8. Yongsan Dam and farming Museum
9. Regional Cultural Center Hyangto Munhwagwan
10. Namnong Memorial Hall
11. Mokpo Cultural Festival
Held every September or October since 1959, and it shows lives and spirits of Namdo people. During the festival, there are various kinds of events such as Play Festival, Music Festival, Jazz Concert

Yudal San Park in Mokpo


Mokpo Old Town view


Mokpo City


Downtown in Mokpo

Tips on traveling to Vietnam

Authentic and unforgettable
Vietnam is no longer only rice fields, mines and anti-exotic foods.

Bustling, happy and proud to show its charms. Vietnam is one of the few remaining communist countries in the world, it takes a few years to open tourism, so we're anxious to show its wonders. Here tourism is not yet massive and still remain almost untouched corners, although the construction of luxury resorts on the beaches is growing at dizzying speeds.

Vietnam is no longer only rice fields, mines and anti-exotic foods. So is the boat trips on the landscape, almost unreal, of Halong Bay, long beaches of turquoise water of its nearly 3,500 km of coastline or the colorful tribes of the northern mountains. Of course, the war continues to weigh on his mind. But rather than look back with bitterness, the Vietnamese have managed to exploit that war and have become tourist attractions of the Vietcong tunnels, or places where they fought the bloodiest battles.

In a single trip can travel around the country and visit the most interesting places. Although it is a country full in length, has few kilometers wide, and you can travel comfortably by train or bus. Vietnam will learn about the two: the south, wet, floating villages of fishermen and business, and the north, cultural, artistic, with stories of great kingdoms and remote enclaves.

Ho Chi Minh, the show begins

International flights often land in Ho Chi Minh city where is the commercial and business heart of the country. Like most Asian cities, the noisy traffic and pollution are the worst, although large areas of parks and boulevards relieve the strain. Here is the Vietnamese tradition blends with modern life: sellers of crickets and put soup on the street next to Internet cafes, ciclotaxis and women wearing the shoulder with the typical seesaw baskets, along with terraces cafes and distinctly French influence.

The best way to get around is by bike (motorcycle riders will be offered to take: 2 dollars per journey or 5 dollars per hour), or ciclotaxi (3 dollars per hour). Although the buses are air conditioned and have exceptional (VND 3.5 ).

The most interesting is concentrated in District 1 or Saigon. Here are the cathedral of Notre Dame and the City, and most luxurious hotels, such as the Continental Rex and the historic. In the latter was filmed much of The Quiet American, based on the novel by Graham Greene. Also here you will find silk shops, souvenirs or electronic objects. Try one of the great ice cream Bo Gio Café (Nghiep street).

To make purchases, the market is the most popular Ben Thanh, south of downtown, but when they tour will have to bargain hard. You'll find crafts in wood and silk dresses. Behind the market, savor the typical food of Hue, in Nam Giao (dishes by VND 3).

In the area of Pham Ngu Lao, the accommodations are more affordable. Its restaurants and bars have until dawn atmosphere. In the Saigon Café can enjoy Vietnamese dishes, a kind of pancakes that it fills a pig and prawns.

There are several interesting temples and pagodas. Of the Giac Lam, west, is the oldest of the city (seventeenth century), with the same ornamentation since 1900.

On the Mekong delta

Since the Ho Chi Minh City are one step away from the long chain of rivers and canals that form the giant Mekong River delta, south of the country. The water has resulted in a unique way of life, in which everything takes place on its surface: wash, sailing, fishing ... On a day trip can visit any of the floating villages closest to Ho Chi Minh, as My Tho or Vinh Long. Although if you want to go deeper into the Delta city of Can Tho is located about four and a half hours by bus VND 15). It is worthwhile to spend the night in the village, because when they are most active markets is 6 to 9 pm .Hire a rowing boat is worth about $ 2 an hour.

Sapa and the triangle of opium

Sapa is the place where the Himalaya mountain range is slowly hiding between vertical rice terraces and bamboo trees. Fantastic green valleys covered in rice, split by rivers and waterfalls and inhabited by ethnic minorities, such as Hmong, the Dzao and Thai, which despite the time and in spite also of the flocks of tourists, still live as they have done for generations, wearing their colorful costumes and working the land that was born.

The first day we went to visit inside the valley. This is a village called Cat Bai inhabited by one of the ethnic minorities I have mentioned above. Along with some English that I met on the path we followed the path and entered into the valley. When we came here, the children were frightened and hid to see us. I walked along and tried to take as many photographs as possible. The British stopped to eat and I followed the path through the valley that I took away from the spectacular planting of rice.

The road then seemed to get lost among the weeds and here the real trek began. I knew the proximity of a road bordering the valley and follow my instincts. I started to climb a river between a thick jungle that I leave the clothes which over the dark skin of a native of the area.

After half an hour of following the upward course of the river came to a spectacular waterfalls of more than 40 meter drop that was more or less left to climb. Upon reaching the top, the sound of a motorbike. I was already tired of the noise of jet throughout Vietnam but this time I was able to return to glory hear that buzz! A couple of more jumps between the weeds and I was able to reach the road and stepping on firm ground. Just at that moment passed and I watched four Vietnamese side with rare, they also noted the hole in the thick vegetation that came and I returned to face with a look of "these tourists are like a goat!"

The local people, they invited a cigarette and holding them with my return to civilization! Tom had come to Tram Pass, a neck between valleys to 2000 meters and 16 km of road from Sapa where appropriate. The view of both valleys with the Fansipan to my side of 3143 meters were wonderful. I returned quietly by the road stomping ground and went back to find me after a while with the British and a group of Belgians who had shown them a way short and not so bumpy. Back to the people, a shower and went out to dinner and just all in a Vietnamese karaoke drinking rice wine (a kind of spirit) to the many.

On the second day we took it more quietly through the gardens of Ham Rong, a few mountains north of Sapa where he lived with another ethnic tribe in the area.

Today, final day in Sapa, rent a bike and gave us a tour of this spectacular valley covered with nearly vertical rice terraces and waterfalls that are covering the road from natural pools. And finally we were able to recognize the clothes you were Hmong and the Dzao another.

For now it seems that tourism and tradition are still in a positive balance. The village has been enriched in 10 years to move from absolute oblivion to receive flocks of tourists with dollars in hand. For now, and perhaps thanks to communism, tourists staying in Sapa where the Indians traded on the markets and take advantage of something that neither expecting nor can they stop because they are those who handle other threads and tickets fat. The salts that few kilometers from Sapa, the reality is different: it is like to escape in time, the backpackers and immerse yourself in the real world where these tribes have inhabited for thousands of years, with their oxen, their goats, their bamboos , Their opium plantations and rice and are grateful to the government unless we put a little difficult for tourists.

Tomorrow we cross the border at Lao Cai and we are living in China, where the Himalayas will grow gradually to reach Nepal and communication will be even more complicated than in Vietnam. But in the end, the culture shock is where the adventure, and that China, here I come!

Jeju Island best bars pubs casinos beach

Jeju Island (제주도) formerly Cheju Island, is an island off the southern coast of South Korea.Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese. Scenic beaches, waterfalls, cliffs and caves lie in harmony, and the mild weather makes Jeju island an even more ideal tourist destination.

Although tourism is one of the main industries on the island, many of the hotels and other tourist areas are run by mainland companies, so much of the income never gets put back into the local economy. Also, since the attractions are geared towards tourists, many of the entrance fees can be hefty (although the locally owned and operated ones tend to be cheaper). Similar to Gyeongju and some other areas, local residents can enter most places for free or for a steeply discounted price.

Jeju has so many nightlife attractions. Bars,Pubs, and casino can be found easily in the city especially located in the "old city" near city hall. This is where the young college kids and Jeju-do's English teachers hang out.

Nightlife in Jeju, South Korea is abound with many options namely Bars&pubs in Jeju, Casinos in Jeju and nightclubs in Jeju. One of the high points of nightlife in Jeju is the wide array of bars&pubs in Jeju. Most of the bars and pubs here are operated by the luxurious super deluxe hotels and resorts in Jeju.

In Seogwipo, the nightlife is centered around the luxury hotels and resorts. The Jungmun Tourist Complex has a bunch of upscale hotel lounges and karaoke bars. Also, many major hotels have casinos.

Jeju Island has a beautiful beaches


Street in Jeju City

Andong Korea city of Hahoe Masks

Andong is a city in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea. It is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seoul. It is the largest city in the northern part of the province with a population of almost 185,000.

Andong is famous for its “Hahoe” masks and a picturesque folk village surrounded by a river, a mountain and a breathtaking pine tree forest. It also has a high concentration of people with the family name Ryu.

Andong has so many beautiful sites and places to attract the visitors. Don't forget to visit such famous sites like this :

1. The Korea National Tourism Office has a small Tourist Information Center at the Andong train station. It is staffed by volunteers and the level of English proficiency tends to be low, but they have several good guides to the area in English and Japanese, as well as Korean. Stop by and pick up one of their area maps.
2. Andong Dam- Built in 1976, the multi-purpose dam provides hydro-electric power and recreational areas for the surrounding areas.
3. Andong Folk Museum- Built to preserve the cultural assets endangered by the creation of Andong Dam, the museum contains over 3,700 items representing the Confucian culture of the Andong region.
4. Andong Folk Village- The village contains the Andong Folk Museum, as well as many reconstructed and relocated traditional buildings, many of which also function as restaurants.
5. Andong Market- Andong actually has numerous markets, as it functions as the central trading area for the surrounding areas. The locally produced cloth is especially famous.
6. Chebiwan Seokbul (Amitaba Buddha)- A 12+ meter high stone Buddha, with the body and head carved separately from different pieces of granite.
7. Hahoe Folk Village- The 600+ year old village is truly a living museum as the inhabitants have maintained the traditional way of life through the generations.
8. Hahoe Mask Museum- The museum contains over 200 Korean masks and 100 foreign masks, concentrating on the Hahoe Pyolshingut T'alnori, the famous mixture of entertainment and shamanistic ritual for which the Hahoe area is famous.
9. Pongjong-sa Temple- Dating from 672, this beautiful temple contains many cultural properties, including Keungnakcheon, Korea's oldest wooden building.
10. Shinsae-dong 7-story Pagoda- Built during the Shilla Dynasty, this 17 meter high pagoda is Korea's tallest and oldest brick pagoda.
11. Tosanseowon (Confucian Academy)- Established in 1574, it was the center of Confucian studies in the surrounding region for over 400 years, and is designated Historical Site.
12. Yonggye-ri Ginko Tree- Over 37 meters in height and 16 meters in width, this is one of Korea's oldest and largest trees, and it is reputed to "moan" whenever Korea is about to suffer misfortune.


Hahoe village of Andong


The Andong International Mask Dance Festival

Malapascua Diving Spot, Philippines

Just off the north coast of Cebu, Philippines nestled another unspoiled idyllic paradise island ideal for those tourist looking for best destination in the Philippines. Its name literally means "Unfortunate Christmas”, Malapascua, boasts its name as Philippines’ perfect vacation destination for all tourist and beach lovers. Malapascua is a beautiful sleepy island with white sandy beaches cover with green palm trees and surrounded by blue clear waters, which is one of the best in the Philippines. The island’s exceptional long white beach stretches around the south-east coast of the island facing Cebu, Leyte and Biliran.

Malapascua also called "Logon" is located about 8 km. northeast of Cebu mainland and 25 km. west of Leyte. In the island you cannot see cars and most buildings are only one floor high that makes Malapascua Island seemed to be a lonely planet and labeled as new Boracay but without the crowds. But behind that silence laid the natural beauty of the island that will certainly keep your day busy.

Malapascua’s main attraction are the beaches that is best for diving and snorkeling that often ideally located at the west cost of the island. With its wonderful place to dive most visitors are divers or backpackers, making Philippines as their destination for newest diving spots. Diving at Malapascua will make worth of your stay to enjoy with thresher shark sightings in the world, seasonal hammerheads, white tip sharks, mantas, mandarin fish, pygmy seahorses, cuttlefish, beautiful coral gardens and a huge diversity of marine life that well-preserved.

As for those who love to feel the nature, Malapascua’s white sand beaches would be ideal to take a walk around to see the local villages and feel the natural breeze along the shore. The island is small that it only takes about 3 hours to walk around and witness the fantastic views over from the lighthouse that is open to the public will surely worth your visit.

The island is suitable for families and young children too. There are resorts in Malapascua with swimming pool ideally for family vacation and relaxation. If you want to completely unwind massage services are also available around the island. When you are in the island you will not feel your stomach to be empty. Malapascua has some excellent restaurants with excellent quality, and is generally a mix of Filipino and European dishes. The next time you seek for best white sand beach and diving spot in the Philippines consider Malapascua.

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Philippine Best Tourist Vacation Destination

• Ilocos Norte Surfing Capital
• Philippines' Chocolate Hills
• Banaue Rice Terraces
• White Sand Boracay
• The Philippine Tarsier
• Magellan's Cross
• Malapascua Diving Spot
• Palawan: The Last Frontier
  

Surfing Capital in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Aside from Siargao, the Philippines treasure, for being acclaimed as surfing capital in the world nestled another place in the northern part of the Philippine archipelago that every surfer would love to visit. At the coast of Pagudpud, northern tip of Ilocos Norte a new paradise quietly laid Kapuluan Vista Resort. This resort is a leading-edge destination in the Philippines for tourist backpackers and surfers. Kapuluan Vista Resort distinguished itself by combining natural beauty, a diversity of activities and events, and delightful accommodation. Kapuluan Vista Resort apart from other resorts is that one will indulge more than just comfort but also adventure. It endowed with not just a comforting breeze but of those also breathtaking cloud nines that every surfer will be delighted which corroborates from its location. Who says that the best surfing capital in the archipelago is in Northern part of Mindanao only? Here in the upper north of Luzon, Philippines also rest a new found surfing capital that will surely invite more tourists to visit the place.

The resort’s location is approximately one hour and thirty minutes from the Laoag International Airport. If you are from Manila, Pagudpud can also be reached by land via air-conditioned bus or if you want to rush to savor your moment reaching the place you can take an air travel to reach Laoag International Airport. The International Airport in Laoag serves as the main gateway to the Ilocos Region. Airline flights schedules are regularly available via Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. For a delightful accommodation Kapuluan Vista Resort offers pickups to its visitors from Laoag to Pagudpud and vice versa.

So the next time you want to enjoy the best tourist destination in the Philippines try Kapuluan Vista Resort.

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Philippines' Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Chocolate Hills Preview
In the Philippines Bohol is the place that one must also try to visit. Aside from its beautiful white-sand beaches but the place is magnificent too because of its signatured landmarks. The Chocolate Hills are Bohol’s most famous landmark for tourist attraction spread over the municipalities of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan.

The world-renowned cone-shape Chocolate Hills is Bohol’s expression of its natural beauty. Most people are can hardly believed that these hills are not man-made landscape. These natural beauties consist of not less than 1268 hills though some claim it as the exact number. The chocolate Hills got it name after not only of its uniform shape but because it turn into chocolate brown at the end of the dry season seemingly endless rows of chocolate cones. Most hills are approximately 30 to 50 meters in height. Though in the hills are associated with a chocolate color it doesn’t imply to be as it at all since before the dry season it is covered with grass thus; every hill also looks green.

The Chocolate Hills is not only covered by beauty but also with romance and mystery. Legend has it that when giants lived with mortals, Agoro a gentle giant fell in love with a village girl named Aluya. Formed centuries ago by tidal movements, the hills are considered as a National Geologic Movement. Right now the highest hills have been developed and provided with facilities such as a restaurant, hostel and view deck.

Getting into the Chocolate Hills
When you plan to get there plenty of tourist guides and tour operators are ready to transport you to the Chocolate Hills, whenever it is a special trip or as part of your day tour. However if you want to feel more of adventure you can reach it by your own. From Tagbilaran you will have to go to integrated bus terminal in Dao and catch a bus going to Carmen. There is no need for you to feel a complete stranger in the place you won’t have much hard time to find one. But in case you find it hard the people in Bohol are friendly that they will surely give you the right direction. When you aim for the bus much better if you’ll catch the first one to leave and ask the driver to drop you at the Chocolate Hills complex, just about 4 kilometers before the town of Carmen. As you will reach the place it takes you a 10 minute walk winding up to the complex.

To get back to Tagbilaran, you will have to take a walk back to the main road. From there you’ll wait for a bus to pass. The last bus from Carmen will leave at 4 pm going to Tagbilaran. For alternatives you can also take some drivers For-Hire service vehicles intended for tourist and local visitors that includes motorbike, taxi and “haba-habal”.

If ever you came from Tubigon, Bohol via a ferry from Cebu, a few bus go to Carmen daily. But from there, sometimes, you have to take a little more patience to fill up the bus with passengers. Upon arriving in Carmen, you can catch the next bus or jeepney in the direction of Bilar, Loay or Tagbilaran, or look for a 'habal-habal' driver to get you into the Chocolate Hills Complex.

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