What do you think about the health care in Malaysia?

Hello all,

I need to ask you all for a big favour which will just take a few minutes of your time.
A friend is completing her final project for her MBA and she would really appreciate your point of view on the Malaysian Health Care system.

If you are an adult living in Malaysia, simply click on the link below to share you opinion anonymously on this topic!

Thank you very much for your time, it is very much appreciated.


Your opinion: Click here.

New notes and Coins: Malaysian Ringgit

 Old ringgit bills to the left and new bills to the right.

 

 

You may be wondering why there are two sets of notes and coins in Malaysia. There seems to have been a change made recently around August 2012 to print new bills and mint new coins. So now, we not only have old and new currency floating around but we also have a new 20 Ringgit note.

 

Old coins are to the left.

Austrian, German, Swiss Christmas Bazaars 2012 in Kuala Lumpur

If you have missed out on the Christmas Bazaars that were held in November 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, you still have a chance this weekend to attend the Austrian, German, Swiss Charity Bazaar.

Date: Saturday 1st December, 2012:
Austrian, Swiss, German Bazaar at Luther Centre, Jalan Utara, PJ



More info: here: Weihnachtsbazaar 2012

I believe this is the last Christmas Bazaar in KL for 2012.

Best Radio Station in Malaysia: BFM Radio 89.9

I always enjoy listening to BFM radio, 89.9. Great topics, great interviews and a good mix of music. Best of all they are not like other radio stations that play the same music over and over again!

Recently, I found out that BFM's founder Malek Ali was inspired by  Capital Radio 95.8 and  LBC radio in the UK. So now it all makes sense!  These were radio stations I tuned into whilst living in London and loved them.

You may have also seen their bumper stickers around KL with catchy and funny acronyms: a play on the letters BFM.
For example: "Bickering Frustrates Malaysians" , "Bring Forth Money", "Bribe Free Malaysia." and many others...

Tune in and let me know what you think.

More info on their team of DJ's and presenters, have a look here:

BFM Radio 89.9

Where to find second hand motorcycle/ motorbike in Kuala Lumpur.

If you are looking to buy a motorcycle in Malaysia have a browse through this website:

http://www.mudah.my/

To obtain your motorcycle licence in Malaysia have a look here for further information:

Get a motorcycle licence in Kuala Lumpur.

Diwali/Deepavali 2012: How to celebrate in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

I was asked this week whether I " have any tips on where to find Diwali/Deepavali public celebrations here in KL?"

In brief, Deepavali is mainly celebrated at home. So once you have settled in Kuala Lumpur and have made some Malaysian friends, you will be invited to their home (which is also known as "open house") to enjoy the festivities with them.
Otherwise Indian temples are your best bet such as Batu Caves or Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in China town.
Most neighbourhoods also have independent firework displays and all shopping malls will display a wonderful, colourful Rangoli/Kolam at their entrances. These beautiful, artistic designs are usually made up of coloured rice. Very intricate and very beautiful, these Rangoli's will make you stop and admire the painstaking detail that goes into them: one rice kernel at a time!
Below is a Rangoli from KL Sentral this year: 2012.



Rangoli at KL Sentral Train station, Deepavali 2012, Kuala Lumpur.

This year there was a Deepavali Carnival hosted at the Bukit Jalil Sport Complex.
Have a look here to find out more:
Deepavali Carnival

Lastly Brickfields and Masjid Jamek are slowly, year on year, beginning to host mini celebrations. This year there were some stalls in Brickfields to mark the celebrations.

If any readers have further tips, you are more than welcome to share them here. Thank you.

Kuala Lumpur skyline: Petronas Twin Towers

Magical images of the Petronas Twin Towers by night. By courtesy of Andy Knight. Thanks Andy!

Image of Petronas Towers at Night.

 

 

Image of Petronas Towers: like two ice sculptures!

 

Malaysia is 10th most friendliest country in the world: 2012

HSBC carried out a survey during May and July this year to find out which are the world's most friendliest countries according to expatriates. 5339 expats in 97 countries took part and the results are:

1.Cayman Islands
2. Australia
3. Britain
4. Canada
5. New Zealand
6. Spain
7. U.S.A
8. Bermuda
9. South Africa
10. Malaysia
11. Mexico
12. Germany
13. Bahrain
14. China
15. Singapore

Malaysians will be very pleased to be in 10th place, 5 places ahead of Singapore!! (There is an ongoing rivalry between these two nations.)

For more information on criteria and how the listing was decided have a look at these 2 articles:

New Strait Times
The choice.my

One of the best steaks in Kuala Lumpur: Suzi's corner

Suzi's corner in Ampang must be my favourite restaurant in KL for steaks. The steaks are delicious and great value for money. The restaurant is not posh and is actually a mamak store but the steaks are better than in some of the most expensive hotels and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.

 

 

 

 

Only open in the evenings and closed on Tuesdays and public holidays, Suzi's corner is located near Ampang Point.

For a map and directions on how to get there have a look here:
Suzi's corner map

Freecycle in Malaysia

Good news Freecycle is active in Malaysia!

Freecycle is a great website and portal that helps people get rid of unwanted items to other people in need and it is completely free. The only thing you need to pay for is your own fuel to go and collect the items being given away.

So if you have items you want to give away post them on Freecycle. If you are looking for something, check out Freecycle- you might be lucky and find what you need. If you are moving house or leaving the country and can't sell all of your things: put them on Freecycle.

Please help spread the word as this is such a great initiative full of good will. It also helps us all recycle our unwanted things and reduces unnecessary wastage, landfills etc..

Check it out here:
Freecycle Malaysia

On the lines of being good to our planet and to yourself have a look at these other links for further inspiration:

Good Guide

Midway Film

Malaysia on a shoe string!

Below is a great site for visiting Malaysia on a budget. Bargains and things you can do for free are to be found there. Check it out!

Back packing Malaysia

For some budget accomodation have a look here:

Budget-accomodation in KL

Hostel World

Free Bus Service in Kuala Lumpur!

There is now a wonderful free bus service in Kuala Lumpur called GO-KL! It has 2 great routes: 1 is from Pasar Seni/ China Town to Pavillion and Bukit Bintang and the 2nd is from KLCC to Bukit Bintang. This great system was launched at the end of August, 2012 as a result of public demand. This service is also hoping to improve on the current public transport service and encourage others to park their cars and go public. GO-KL buses run from 06.00 to 23.00, Monday to Sunday.

For GO-KL route Maps have a look via this link or see below:
GO-KL Bus service routes

Images by courtesy of Spad.

Oktoberfest in Kuala Lumpur.

The famous Oktoberfest from Germany can also be enjoyed here in Malaysia. This weekend alone (5th to 7th October) there have been different events you could join. For example Carlsberg have set up a massive tent outside 1 Utama and Souled Out (Desa Sri Hartamas) had dirndle girls and fun games on tonight!

 

 

Information site for Expats around the world.

Have just discovered another site with great information for expatriates around the world.
Anglo Info.

Have a look here:

Angloinfo

Which Washing Powder? Clothes in humid climate.

When we first moved to Kuala Lumpur, we encountered a lot of issues with our washing machine.
The water often over-flowed and our clothes seemed to have soapy residue on them. The technician who came to look at the machine advised us that we were using the wrong washing powder.
So that you do not make the same mistake, always go for Persil washing powder. It may be more expensive than some of the other brands but it is made to wash with low suds and therefore, best suited for your washing machine!
The other two brands I tried: Daia and Fab are terrible for the washing machine and I guess are best for hand washing only.

Softners: we like Soflan.

 

 

You may find that because of the humidity some of your clothes do not dry properly and leave a musty, mouldy smell. To counter this use a rinse in your washing machine like the one by Dettol.
We also tumble dry our towels and bed linen as this really helps get them completely dry.

Some great tips via the link below on preventing mould attacking your leather bags in humid climate:
Silica gel to control humidity

Please share any of your discoveries on detergents, mould-prevention etc in KL. Thank you!

Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club

For you golfers out there, you must explore all the courses that Kuala Lumpur has to offer!

Photos below of the KLGCC, Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Additional to their course they also have a driving range for beginners, golf lessons and rainy days.

There is a big golf event coming up on the 11th to 14th October 2012.

For location and further details have a look at their website via the link below:
Golf Club

Ode to 100 plus!

I have really fallen in love with the soft drink 100 plus and I missed it severely whilst on holiday abroad. This isotonic soft drink by F&N in Malaysia is so so so good when you are feeling dehydrated and it has often rescued me during illness. The best natural alternative would be fresh coconut juice. I wish they would export this stuff around the world. More people need to taste it's goodness.
Having said that when I first came across it I was put of by the ingredients label. Words like: " permitted food conditioner", "additives", "synthetic origin" did not appeal to me. I can't even remember how it happened that I did end up trying a sip. Now I stock bottles of the original flavour in my fridge. There are several flavours but I do prefer the original. I am interested to hear other people's verdict on this drink. Post a comment or drop me an email.

For more information go to their site:
www.100plus.com.my

 See images below.

Wisak Celebrations in Kuala Lumpur.

The buddhist celebration of Wisak took place on the 5th of May 2012 in Kuala Lumpur.
A wonderful event with a moving atmosphere. See for yourself.

Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Training and Executive Coaching in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

For more information on Leadership Training, Emotional Intelligence training, Executive Coaching and Behavioural safety training: please visit this website:

www.blueprintfive.com

Kuala Lumpur Landmark Buildings as Icons of Malaysian Culture

As per an article by Loshana K Shagar- in "Going Places" May 2012, please see a list below of buildings in KL that represent something traditionally Malaysian.
I promise to post some photos at a later stage.
For now have a look at the list and see if you can spot them when you are next out and about in town.

Menara Maybank -Keris (traditional Malay Sword)
Menara Telekom- Rebung (bamboo shoot)
Tabung Haji - Five Principles of Islam
Wisma Tun Sambanthan- Gopuram (tower at entrance of Hindu temples)
National Library- Tengkolok (Malay Headgear)
National Art Gallery- Traditional Malay House
Bintulu Development Authority- Tudung saji (Food Cover)
Istana Budaya- Sireh junjung (Malay Wedding gift)

Restoran Rose 911 in Pandan KL for original Malay Food

For a unique and in-expensive way to experience original Malay food from Negeri Sembilan you must go try out Restoran Rose 911 in Pandan KL!! The restaurant is simple like most Mamak stores but it is unique in the food that has on offer!

If you are taking foreign guests they will love the daging salai masak lemak (smoked beef cooked in coconut milk) which reminds one of smoked sausages/salami. The chicken and fish dishes are very tasty too and there are plenty of vegetable dishes and tofu for any vegetarians.

For more adventurous gustatory tourists, the tempoyak/sambal durian (fermented durian) will blow you away! There is no other taste like it in the world- as far as I am aware!! And there are also the "stinky beans" to try which make a nice accompaniment to any dish. The beans themselves do not stink, infact they are similiar in taste to peas. The stench is supposedly produced post consumption!

By the way very little English is spoken there, but most is buffet and you can point at things on the menu. Better still take a Malaysian friend to explain things to you!!

A very big thank you to my collegues, for taking me there for lunch!
For more details on the history of the restaurant and how to get there have a look here:

Restoran Rose 911

Cruise Tasik Putra Jaya and Floating Pink Mosque in KL.

A nice way to spend the afternoon in Kuala Lumpur is to cruise past all the sites in Putra Jaya.
Cruise Tasik runs a regular boat service that costs 50RM per adult. There are discounts for students, my second home visa holders, mykad holders etc

It is a 45 minute boat ride with a tour guide explaining the facts and statitistics of all the major sights.

Of course the beautiful pink mosque: Masjid Putra floating on the Putra Lake, cannot be missed and the boat leaves from the dock next to this wonderful Mosque.

To get to Putra Jaya, you can take the train from KL Sentral. Putra Jaya is situated between Kuala Lumpur and the International Airport.

If you have a large group of 12 or more you can hire the cruise boat for lunch or dinner & drinks.
More details on their website below:

www.cruistasikputrajaya.com

Durian Puffs and Fermented Durian in Kuala Lumpur

Now these are not for the faint hearted!! Durian is a much loved fruit by Malaysians but receives mixed reactions from foreigners! Therefore, I always try to ease my guests and friends very gently into Durian.
I must admit that we do have a great amount of fun surprising our friends with "Durian delights!"

One of these delights was recommended to me by my fellow blogger Stephanie-(Thanks Stephanie!).
They are called "Durian Puffs!" They look like profiteroles and can be bought in a delightfully simple bakery in China Town. They are creamy and fill your mouth with a "parfum of durian."

These Durian Puffs are a nice way to introduce people to Durian and get them used to the acquired taste.

For the more adventurous of you, you can try Durian fruit! Ideally start with the best quality known as Musang King. Fruit sellers can be found all over Kuala Lumpur and in Wet Markets such as TTDI.

If you still can't get enough of Durian then upgrade your taste buds to Sambal Durian/ Tempoyak (fermented Durian.) You can find this at the up- market restaurants Bijan or Songket or at a local restaurant such as Restoran Rose 911.

More information on these restaurants to follow: Bijan and Rose 911.
For Songket have a look here:

Songket Restaurant KL

Weather forecast for Kuala Lumpur

I just discovered this great site that will give you the weather forecast for anywhere in the world!

Have a look via the link below, type in the city or town and it will give you a 5-10 day weather forecast.

Simple, free and very useful!!

5-10 day Weather Forecast

Fish spa therapy in Kuala Lumpur.

If you haven't tried this yet you must-it is such a good laugh!!
It will be a foot massage that you will never forget! How does it work?
Different sizes of fish tickle and massage your feet by nibbling away at them. Don't worry it doesn't hurt but it will really get you screaming with uncontrollable laughter!
There is no describing the sensation- you just have to give it a go!!

Where in KL can you go and experience this?
There are several places and I have mentioned 2 of them below:

Central market, Pasar Seni, ground floor has one Fish Spa which is inexpensive and simple. Here you will find 2 sizes of fish as well as a hand spa (fish nibble your fingers!!)

The Pavillion Mall (Near Mono Rail Bukit Bintang) has a more expensive Fish Spa which offers other massages as well. Have a look at their website here:http://www.kenko.com.sg/

Enjoy!

Frasers Hill- Outing from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

You can either drive or take a train to Fraser's hill from Kuala Lumpur. Plan around 1 and half hours to get there by train from KL Sentral to Kuala Kubu Bharu.. It is nice place to visit if you want to experience a cooler climate in Malaysia and some English nostalgia similar to that found in Cameron Highlands. A day trip is sufficient unless you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and are longing for a cool, peaceful and green hideaway. If so you can make it a weekend stay.

Taxi from the train station ( Kuala Kubu Bharu) to Fraser's Hill can cost up to 180 ringgit plus waiting and touring. If you want to pre plan a pick up from the station contact  Apoo
+6 (0)193686531  or pillai452@gmail.com  

For more information on how to drive there have a look at this link:
How to get to Fraser's Hill

Luggage Storage Lockers at Kuala Lumpur Airport

I have recently been asked if one can store luggage at KLIA, Kuala Lumpur's international airport. The answer is yes! So if you are on a short visit to KL and do not wish to drag your luggage around with you, you can store it at the airport.
Further details and pricing structure as of June 2012, can be found by clicking on the link below:

Luggage Storage KL airport

Fresh fruit juices in Kuala Lumpur.

I am back on my fresh fruit juices craze and am so glad I have found a place that offers some really good fruit and vegetable juice combinations which you can mix and match yourself. The place is called Juice works and they have several outlets all over Kuala Lumpur. They do also offer slushes, detox juices, joghurt and wheat grass juice but I stick to the pure veg and fruit juices (without ice). I love their drink: 'Royal Juiceiness' with asparagus.

 I do not like Boost Juices as they mix carton juice in with their fresh stuff and that's a big no no for me!!

Check them out at : Juice Works
Midvalley, Curve, KLCC and others....

Art in Kuala Lumpur Tourist Information Centre

The Malaysia tourist information centre (Matic) is a great place to get information and brochures on what to see and do all over Malaysia. There is also a souvenir shop attached. Best of all there are some art and cultural shows and exhibitions from time to time. Go have a look at and enjoy the Art in the Gallery behind the Tourist Information Centre. Some pictures of the Artwork are shown below.

Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC)
109, Jalan Ampang,
50450, Kuala Lumpur,
Tourism Centre Website

Eyebrow Threading: Kuala Lumpur

For eyebrow threading it is best to go to Brick Fields near KL Sentral. There are plenty of Indian beauty salons in the area. Below are photos of one near the budget De Sentral Hotel. Good prices too!

Central Market, Pasar Seni in Kuala Lumpur.

Central Market is the closest thing in Kuala Lumpur to Chakutchat Market in Bangkok though you cannot compare the two really! Chakutchat is huge and full of bargains galore. Central Market is smaller and more pricey in comparison but it is the best alternative in KL to the mega malls with only branded, designer goods.
If you are looking for some Batik to take home have a look in Central Market and at the Batik Store at Bukit Nanas.
See link below for details.
Batik at Bukit Nanas