Tuesday 17 February 2009

Penang Pasembor

























Where is the best pasembor / rojak in Penang, Malaysia?

If you had them in Gurney Drive or in Padang Kota before, I would say you didn't miss anything out.
- Pasembor and rojak are two different things in Penang and northern region

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Kajang Satay




















Satay Kajang used to be available only in Kajang but Hj Samuri’s satay outlets had been expanding like nobody’s business. Now you can even find Satay Kajang Hj Samuri outlet at the Dengkil rest area along the highway to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

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Penang Laksa


















So, the next time you are in Balik Pulau, hunt around for Kampong Perlis and drop by for a bowl of Laksa Janggus. The drive to Balik Pulau is worth it because the journey is filled with scenic kampongs, fishing villages, nice hill view and lots of hidden paddy fields.

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Malaysia famous foods

>>Penang Laksa

>>Asam Pedas

>>Kajang Satay

>>Penang Pasembor

Asam Pedas


















Where is the best 'asam pedas' in Melaka?

There is one restaurant near Mahkota Parade called Asam Pedas Orang Kampung. A lot of people love their asam pedas. I think it is about 7 minutes walking from Mahkota Parade. If you are not sure, just ask the information counter in Mahkota Parade.

Monday 16 February 2009

Swiss tour makes you cool and relax

Wrapped with an abundant of tourist destinations in the world, Switzerland makes your travel an enchanting and enthralling. A world class romantic destination, Switzerland is decked with lush serene ambiance. A sip of cold wine while leaning upon your partner’s shoulder in the majestic evening is the magnetic fascination for which every couple longs for. Welcome to Switzerland in this winter season while you will be enchanted to see spectacular mountain scenery, unspoiled nature, legendary hospitality and all the comforts of modern life. A place of chocolates and cheese, Switzerland can make your tour more delicious and yummy. Here the visitors will glad to get excitements in all spheres. Relaxation with adventure is what Switzerland tour vibrantly offers.

Switzerland is an adventurous target for global tourist too. You can take pleasure in mountaineering, hiking, skiing in high mountain peaks. The visitors will find something for every taste and budget. Explore its diversity in case of picturesque villages, cosmopolitan cities, cutting-edge design, lakes bounded by palm trees and snow-capped mountains. Make a travel to Switzerland to view the icy glaciers and the snow capped peaks known for offering the breathtaking views to its tourists. The glacier paradises are the top most popular destinations of Switzerland, where to enjoy and experience the plenty of snowfall and enjoy the exciting ride on the ice flyer to relish the thrilling vacation. A lot of more option is there to be explored in your Switzerland tour. Apart from the natural panorama, you can do world class shopping to make your trip more exciting and enchanting.

Saturday 14 February 2009

Excite with the Peak Tour of Switzerland

Switzerland is a celebrated spot of Europe known for its desirable quality life and for small mountains and peaks. A land of delicious cheese and chocolate to luxurious watches, Switzerland is a popular tourist destination around the world. It offers top ski resorts for being an elegant tourist destination like Zermatt. Its celebrity -studded St Moritz Switzerland's Current distinguished opinionated impartiality and isolated location, ring-fenced by mountains, have allowed it to play a central role in European affairs. Set against blue skies its white peaks of mountains make a magnificent backdrop for summertime hiking. Switzerland is a favorite meeting place for conventions and international conferences, and peak tour will give a break to your Work.


Swiss Peak packages are there for a glamorous and meaningful Swiss tour. Make your adventurous exploration within these world- class peaks of Switzerland. A plethora of travelers are making their way to Switzerland for just to unfurl peaks covered with snow and fog. Here the visitors will glad to get enough opportunities to discover the splendor and charm. Utilize your vacation while trekking the multifarious of peaks and mountains festooned in this tiny land of Europe. Peaks tour to Switzerland will come with the ultimate pleasure of traveling that you ever imagine. Berne, comes with tinge majesty to your peak vacation, provides opportunities for sightseeing and elegant shopping. Swiss nightlife, the Tops of Switzerland, their food and folk music even in discotheques and nightclubs, are additional features of your Swiss peak tour.

Wednesday 4 February 2009

RINJANI NATIONAL PARK

Eternal Flower or Edelweis
The plant or the flowers should not be taken because it grows in the park and in the mysterious world of the spirit kingdom. In the past, someone who wanted this flower must be brave enough to fight and gamble his soul. That is why the flower is called Sandar Nyawa. The flower has never wilted and is as old as the mysterious spirits.

The Peak of Rinjani
The people of Lombok believe that the peak of Mt. Rinjani is where Dewi Anjani, the queen spirit and ruler of Mt. Rinjani lives. To the south-east from the peak in a sea of dust called Segara Muncar is the invisible palace of the queen Dewi Anjani and her followers.

Mount Baru Jari
Gunung Baru is the name of the new volcano which emerged in the center of Segara Anak Lake. People believe that Gunung Baru is the navel of Mt. Rinjani. That is why if Gunung Baru erupted it will not harm the people of Lombok unless the eruption is from the peak of Mt. Rinjani.


Other Things to See or Do
Beside the mountain itself, other things for you to do or see is:

Caves
One of the three famous caves (Goa Susu, Goa Payung, dan Goa Manik), Susu Cave is a good place for self reflection and is often used as a place to meditate.

Healing Hot Springs
Aiq Kalak means hot water and it is used to cure various deseases. One of the hot springs is named Pangkereman Jembangan which is meant a place for dipping. The water which spurts out of the spring is very hot. People also use the hot spring to make medicine from coconut cream. After dipping a bottle of coconut cream in the hot spring if the liquid becomes clear oily it can be used as medicinal oil. Then the medicinal oil is used for good things and is called Siu Satus Tunggal or in Bayan language Siu Satunggal which means that it can be used to cure a thousand kinds of disease.

Segara Anak Lake
Segara Anak Lake is so wide it appears like the sea with its blue water. The name Segara Anak means child of the sea. Segara Anak Lake holds various mysteries and invisible power.

Local Strawberry
This plant grows along the route to Mt. Rinjani. It has thorns like the rose and the fruit is red like strawberry. It has a sweet and slightly sour taste and is good to eat when trekkers are hungry and thirsty.

Eternal Flower or Edelweis
The plant or the flowers should not be taken because it grows in the park and in the mysterious world of the spirit kingdom. In the past, someone who wanted this flower must be brave enough to fight and gamble his soul. That is why the flower is called Sandar Nyawa. The flower has never wilted and is as old as the mysterious spirits.

The Peak of Rinjani
The people of Lombok believe that the peak of Mt. Rinjani is where Dewi Anjani, the queen spirit and ruler of Mt. Rinjani lives. To the south-east from the peak in a sea of dust called Segara Muncar is the invisible palace of the queen Dewi Anjani and her followers.

Mount Baru Jari
Gunung Baru is the name of the new volcano which emerged in the center of Segara Anak Lake. People believe that Gunung Baru is the navel of Mt. Rinjani. That is why if Gunung Baru erupted it will not harm the people of Lombok unless the eruption is from the peak of Mt. Rinjani.

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RINJANI NATIONAL PARK

Mount Rinjani & Segara Anak Crater Lake
Standing at a majestic 3726 m, Mt. Rinjani located in the North of Lombok, is the second highest peak in Indonesia. For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, this mountain is a sacred place where, at the summit, the holy gods live.

A large crater lake Segara Anak, located at 2000 m above sea level is the destination of many pilgrims, who make the annual trek up the steep slopes in order to place offerings to the gods in the lake itself. Within this breathtaking crater lake has appeared a new and active volcano, Mt. Barujari. On the north side of the lake is a hot spring (one of 4 Segara Anak hot springs found there) which is said to cure disease.

To climb such an impressive mountain is an unforgettable experience. Starting points for such a trek can begin at Senaru in the North (or from Sembalun from the east) ‑ this two or three day trek attacks Rinjani from the West with a descent to the awesome crater lake before again climbing up and out and on to the summit.

A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community-based activities are focused on the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru, the most popular starting point for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand Government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani Trek Centre embodies under one roof (satu atap) the unique partnership of the National Park, tourism industry and local communities that has been forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.

Rinjani volcano towers over the beautiful island of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara province. Rising from the sparkling rice terraces to a dizzying height of 3,726 meters, it is the second-highest volcanic peak in Indonesia.

Only Gunung Kerinci in Sumatra is higher, at 3805 metres. Unlike the smooth cones of Bali and Java, Rinjani is more a massif than a single peak: the huge crater is some six kilometres across, and shelters a deep lake.

Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the east, but the west side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230-m-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the east end of the caldera. Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to 1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and consist of moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lake.

The whole of the Rinjani area was gazetted as a national park in 1997, and the mountain is one of the most prized trekking destinations in Southeast Asia.
Rinjani is located in a caldera 2.4 km by 4.8 km in size.
There are two active centres located in the eastern part of caldera - Barujari and Rombongan cones.

Segara Anak Lake is situated inside the caldera.
On 3 November 1994, a cold lahar from the summit area of Rinjani Volcano traveled down the Kokok Jenggak River.

Thirty people from the village of Aikmel who were collecting water from the river were killed.
Eruptions of Rinjani Volcano
2004, 1994, 1966, 1965, 1953, 1949-50, 1944-45, 1941?, 1915, 1909, 1906, 1901, 1900, 1884, 1847

Getting There
We can manage the transport to Senaru or Sembalun Lawang. These two village can be reached by private and charter vehicle, or by public bus. Form the west, catch a bemo to Anyar, from where bemos travel to Senaru about every 20 minutes until 4 pm. If you are coming from, or going to, eastern Lombok, get off at the junction near Bayan (your driver will know it), from where bemos go to Senaru. To Sembalun Lawang and Sembalun Bumbun, from Kali Putih to the north, a few bemos run along the rough road to both villages, usually only in the morning.

Segara Anak Lake
Segara Anak Lake is so wide it appears like the sea with its blue water. The name Segara Anak means child of the sea. Segara Anak Lake holds various mysteries and invisible power.

KUTA BEACH

The best-known place on the south coast is Lombok's Kuta Beach (Sometime spelt Kute Beach) a magnificent stretch of white sand and blue sea with rugged hills rising around it, famous for its surfing spots.

Kuta Beach Lombok attract visitors for its beautiful virgin beaches and surfing spots. Surfers from all over the world find Kuta Lombok as a surfer paradise.

South coast of Lombok is famous for the high waves and Kuta Lombok is a good base for the surfers.

Many visitors come back year after year to surf the famous Kuta waves. Whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner you will find the surf spot for you. Surf boards & boogie boards are available to rent or bring your own.

You will need transport to the waves from Kuta, most guests choose to rent motorcycles which come with a special surf rack attached.

The new International Airport is now being developed and big plans to develop a whole stretch of the superb south coast with luxury hotels.

After many years of speculation there are signs something is happening, with the road from Praya completely remade and big new road running to as yet undeveloped beaches.

Meanwhile, Kuta and South Lombok is now getting famous and raise visitor's curiosity.

GETTING THERE AND AWAY
1. Private Pick Up & Transfer Service
This could be one of the best option if you wish to enjoy your holiday without hassle and bustle. You can pre-book a private transfer service to reputable local tour operator or Lombok Network Holidays by phone: +62 370 6628139, or SMS: +62 81 8369619 for an assistances. Traveling in the group and share the fares will make it even much cheaper.

2. Taxi Service
Metered taxi available upon request or just waive your hand and tell them where to go. It could be pricy for a long distance journey.

3. Public Transportation
Take a minibus from the bus terminal (Mandalika) to Praya, then swift to bemo to Sengkol, then swift another bemo to Kuta. Prices are change every year especially the "Fuel Raise" in Indonesia also affect the land transportation fares. Tips: use your negotiation skills before entering the car, as if they see tourist, they charge double or even unrealistic fare.

4. Shuttle Bus
To eliminate hassle and bustle, shuttle bus could be one of a good option, eventhough travel time can be long because the bus will have many stop over dropping and picking up other passangers from their hub/offices in main tourist attraction like Senggigi or Bangsal Harbour.

SENGGIGI BEACH

Senggigi is the most developed area for tourists on Lombok. You can find a variety of restaurants, bars, discotheques, travel agents, photo processors, money changers, souvenir shop and a range of accommodations starting from budget guest house to 5 star hotels. Restaurants and small cafes line the colorful main beach road. Swimming off the beach is safe.

The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, port for the Gili Islands. Along the way, a fantastic scenery of the north west coast of Lombok awaits. Most travelers start or end their stay at Senggigi because of the easy access to Mataram Airport and accommodations options are available to all budgets. If you are frugal or intrepid and take the slow ferry from Bali, it's best to arrange transport in advance from the ferry dock to Senggigi, since the dock on the Lombok side is in a remote spot several kilometers south of Mataram.

There are plenty of activities you can do to complete your holiday. Sightseeing or touring organized by reputable local tour operators is the best option to discover what Lombok has to offer. Renting a car or motor cycle is also good alternative to get around, either self-driving, or with a driver so you can relax and enjoy the view. Car rental in Lombok is more expensive than Bali. Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for lunch or diner. If you are pleased with service, tip the driver or local guide at the end. If you collide with anything, or it collides with you, you are responsible for all costs.

INFORMATION
Senggigi Post Office located on the main street of Senggigi, opposite from Pamour Art & Antique shop. Health Centre or Puskesmas located near Hotel Puri Saron. Drugstore or Apotik available next to the gate of Intan Lombok Hotel. Dentist available at Meninting Puskesmas 10 minutes drive from Senggigi towards direction to the airport.

Bank BNI available during office hours 5 days a week located near the Post Office. ATM's (Automatic Teller Machine) are easy to find. ATM BCA, ATM BNI, ATM Mandiri are available, you can swift your credit card and withdraw local currency IDR (Rupiah).

Police office located in Senggigi Art Market, near The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort. Telephone Service (Wartel) available near Melati Dua Hotel. Internet Cafes are: Millenium Internet (opposite Papaya Restaurant) and Star Internet Service located in Senggigi Plaza with dedicated broadband speed at reasonable rates. Cellular phone in Indonesia is GSM and CDMA. If you have brought your cellular handphone, you can purchase prepaid calling cards to make outgoing calls at lower cost than calling on your home SIM. Shops which sell these cards are prolific. Major service providers are: Telkomsel, Satelindo and XL Ritel. Look for signs and banners with those markings.

Money changers are available almost in every corner of Senggigi. Double count your money before leaving the money changers to get the accurate amount. Hotel reception also change foreign money with lower rates.

Mini markets are located next to Bank BNI and near the Papaya Cafe.
Local Indonesian Foods sells nasi campur and warung Padang can be found right opposite from Taman Restaurant. At night, you can find the famous Nasi Goreng at Warung Cak Poer.

Tipping
Most larger hotels and restaurants automatically add Government Tax and Service charge up to 21% to the bill. Tipping is expected in main tourist area, but you're not compelled to tip at restaurants. If you like your driver or local tour guide, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated.
Carry small changes with you as taxi drivers often have none.
Airport or hotel porters expect Rp. 2000 - 10,000 per bag depending on the size and weights.

Disabled
Wheelchair ramps and van lifts are non existent. Many major hotels have limited handicapped facilities and accommodation. Advise your tour operators or hotel for special assistance.