Borneo's Giant Plant - The Rafflesia by Sylvia Arad

Borneo's Rafflesia is found mainly in the rainforests of Sarawak and Sabah. This parasitic flower grows to a diameter of more than 3 feet across with a weight of up to 22lbs. and is part of a family of about 20 species.

As a disembodied flower, the Rafflesia is a rootless, leafless and stemless parasite. It is nourished by its host vine, usually a Tetrastigma, related to a grapevine, and rampant in Borneo forests. The flower grows within the vine and first manifests itself as a tiny bud on the vine's stem. Over a period of 9-12 months, it expands and balloons to a cabbage-like head until it bursts open to reveal an astounding vivid-red fleshy five-petaled flower. The plant only flowers for 5-7 days before it begins to blacken and wither. As it withers, it emits a rotting, repulsive smell like rotting meat, in turn attracting to it insects and flies upon which the carnivorous plant then feeds.

Its rarity makes the Rafflesia difficult to view. In Tanbunen, Sabah, near Kota Kinabalu, a Rafflesia Conservation area has been established which provides information and trekking to view this unusual flower. The center, which serves as the entrance to pristine forest reserves, features an unusually high occurrence of the flower blooming for this otherwise rarely viewed plant.

Borneo's forests are home to thousands of types of flora and fauna, of which several are found only in this part of the world. These include the Nepenthes Raja, a giant carnivorous pitcher plant whose bell-like flower can hold more than 6 pints of liquid, the Paphiopedilum Rothschildianum, an extremely rare slipper orchid, and the Rafflesia, the world's largest flower.

The landscapes of Borneo provide adventure travelers a myriad of unusual flora and fauna - the Rafflesia being on the top of the list for unique viewing.

Little Known Exotic Asian Desserts - Malay Kuih by Noraini Maskuri

An American friend on a visit to Singapore some time back stumbled upon colourful and delicious gooey desserts which he had never tasted or heard before. I said to him those were called Kuih or sometimes spelt as kueh, and these kuihs originated from the Malays, a race of people from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

My friend thought it remarkable that these kuihs were little known to the western world, especially in the USA and Europe, where people love cheesecakes and puddings and fudge, they too would love to not only eat these kuihs, but make them as well. And so of course I packed for him a nice box of kuih as a gift when he left which I am sure he must have eaten them all at the airport.

If you must know, these kuihs were created in the deep Malay villages by resourceful grandmothers who created recipes made from whatever ingredients that were available then like tapioca flour, palm sugar, coconut milk, glutinuous rice, green beans, banana leaves, pandan leaves etc. And of course they had plain flour and sugar as well. They did not have ovens back then, so these kuihs were mostly steamed or grilled.

The end results are moist, rich, chewy desserts and for those that have palm sugar in them, would guarantee the equivalent of chocolate melt. And the colours will make any chef pleased and happy.

The kuih recipes had since then travelled from the deep villages of Indonesia and Malaysia when our forefathers migrated to the cities and other countries.

Today Malay kuih recipes have expanded into many versions but essentially using the base ingredients like coconut milk, sugar (white or brown),eggs, flour (several types), just like western desserts must have their butter, sugar, eggs and cake flour.

But that is not all. Variety is indeed the spice of life, no pun intended - these kuihs also come in savoury version where spices are sometimes added and eaten as snacks or in between meals. In fact, Asians eat sweet or savour desserts for breakfast, as snacks, at teatime or just in between meals. Or served to guests whenever they drop in.

I especially love Kuih Pulut Panggang where grated coconut cooked with spice is wrapped around steamed glutinuous rice and then wrapped in banana leaf and grilled. Imagine the smell and taste contrast of the plain glutinuous rice and the spicy coconut, heightened by the smell of banana leaf.

Many people have made a living from making and selling these kuihs, some at the back streets, at the market and little dessert stores. These days hotel chefs have started to serve them at functions and catering businesses have thrived as well.

Another friend recently arrived in Singapore and I got him about 8 different pieces of kuih. He said he couldn't possibly finish them all and would share with his room mates. But he ended eating them all because they all tasted deliciously and interestingly different.

Look out for the next article where I will share more information, tips and recipes of this glorious and exotic dessert called Malay Kuih.

Malaysia Tours - Explore Beauty of Top Tourist Destinations by Stive

Malaysia is a beautiful tourist destination in South East Asia. The sheer diversity of the tourism destinations is amazing. It is a beautiful country blessed with astounding attractions with rich culture and traditions, colonial hills, numerous pristine beaches, exotic wildlife parks and sanctuaries, world's oldest tropical rainforest and pleasing climatic conditions. On your visit to Malaysia you have wonderful opportunity to see and explore some exciting tourism destinations, which are one of its kinds.

On your Malaysia Tours visit to the famous cities that includes the famous Kuala Lumpur (the capital city), Kelantan (the Land of Lightning), Malacca, Negeri Sembillian, Penang, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, etc. These beautiful tourist destinations of Malaysia provide wonderful opportunity to see and explore some exciting range of attractions which exhibits the beauty and magnificence of Malaysia also called "Truly Asia".

Visit to Kuala Lumpur offers you to see the harmonious mix or medieval and modern charm, rich culture and traditions, sky striking building, ultra modern architectures and magnificent heritage buildings. One of the famous among all the architectural wonder is the world famous Petronas towers, the tallest twin buildings in the worlds. Here one can visit to the lovely Batu Cave, Lake Gardens ( Taman Tasik Perdana), Merdeka Square, Chinatown and the central markets. Beside these you can do lots of shopping in the bustling markets and malls of Malaysia and take back home memories and souvenir for a lifetime memories of tours in Malaysia.

Penang is also a beautiful holiday destination in Malaysia that deserves the attentions of tourists from all over the world. The perfect fusion of medieval and modernity, Penang a beautiful island destination in Malaysia offer tourists to see and explore some exciting tourism attractions that include Batu Ferringhi (top beach destination), Fort Cornwallis, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Kek Lok Si, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Queens Bay Mall (one of the biggest shopping mall in Malaysia), Snake Temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Wat Chaiyamangkalaram. These beautiful attractions have truly enhanced by the beauty and magnificence of Penang and are now one of the major tourist attractions of Malaysia Package Tours. Truly you will have wonderful time in Penang that you will love to treasure to relish in forever.

Cameron Highlands is one of the most beautiful place which is must visit destination on Tours to Malaysia. It is a beautiful hill resorts with evergreen beauty, sprawling tea plantations, strawberry farms, flower nurseries, butterfly farms and on top the place in also famous for its pleasing climatic conditions. This beautiful hill resort never fails to impress the heart of tourists with its scintillating tourist attractions and the pleasing climatic conditions.

Apart from these Malaysia is also very famous for its well organized tourist attractions, hospitable people, rich culture and traditions, excellent infrastructure, easily accessibility of tourism destinations, delicious delicacies and world class accommodation facilities. All these have truly made Malaysia the most demanding holiday destination of South East Asia. Come for Malaysia tour and experince the beauty and charm of truly Asia in a delightful and memorable way.

Enjoy the real taste of Asian cuisine in the truly Malaysian style!!! by awaisminhas

Malaysian food is the representation of different aspects of Malaysian culture which differentiate every region and area. Malaysia has many diverse Ethnic groups which possess a different variety of dishes according to their region. But Malaysian food is also persuaded by Indonesian, Chinese, Continental, and Indian food. So speaking collectively, you might be coming from any part of the world; you can access all varieties of food here according to your taste. If you want to have food of your own region, you can have it and if you want to taste the typical Malay food that is already available. So all international travelers! Just forget all your worries about food when you are in Malaysia. Just think about planning vacation there and catching flights to Malaysia.

Illustrated by intense use of flavors, most of Malaysian food include staple food with rice, curries, boiling food, meat, poultry, pork, mutton, sea food, vegetables, and fruits. Malaysian cuisine is striking with an exhilarating collection of spices and cooking patterns providing the delicious and everlasting gastronomic experience. All these scrumptiousness are just at the distance of a flights to Malaysia Malay food is full of aromas and spices emerging from the utilization of intense and moisty spices by a combination of "rempah" and coconut extract. Famous Malay cuisine include Nasi Lemak which are creamy rice and making your breakfast complete, Rendang which is also famed as dry curry, Sambal which includes many sauces, Satay which is termed for barbequed meat, Mee Rebus which are chilli noodles, and lot more. All food lovers must avail the opportunity to catch flights to Malaysia and explore the wonderful cuisine of Malaysia. Chinese food varieties in Malaysia are very much admired not only by locals but also by the international travelers. These include some specialties like Bak Chor Mee, Bak Kut tee, Char Kui Teow, Chee Cheong fun, fish ball noodles, Hainanese chicken rice, Lok Lok, Steamboat etc. Indian food has very large impact on the Malay food due to its great taste. Famous Indian food includes fish head curry, Nasi Biryani, putu mayam, Rooti Canai etc.

Desserts are very popular and very much admired in Malaysia. Most of them are made in coconut milk and presents a very delicious taste. Few famous desserts are Cendol, Pulut Hitam, Bubur Cha cha, Pengat and a huge variety of pinapple tarts. 

Longhouses in Sarawak- Evidence of Ancient Architectural Excellence by Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Longhouses are ancient residential structures which were usually constructed with the use of wooden material. Evidence of such houses has been found in various parts of the world such as Europe, Asia and North America.

Structurally, these houses consisted of one large living area, as the purpose of these houses was to provide shelter from the forces of nature and animal attacks. Native Americans and several Asian tribes were able to perfect the art of building longhouses which were remarkably sturdy and long lasting. Some of these houses are quite amazingly similar to modern residential designs showcasing the architectural prowess of these ancient civilizations.

If you are interested in learning more about the architectural talents of the ancient natives that occupied Sarawak, you should definitely make the time to pay a visit to Sarawak Cultural Village, which is home to some of the most amazing longhouses ever built. These houses are testament to the innovative thinking of the natives and the engineering skill which they perfected mainly through trial and error. The Bidayuh Longhouse which was built with the use of bamboo is one of the residential structures that you will come across while at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Visitors will be able to see amazing carvings, musical instruments and much more while exploring the interiors of the houses.

The Iban Longhouse is built on stilts which protect the interior from floods and animal raids. Built by wood and held together with strong creepers, these houses are structurally quite sound and have been known to exist for several years, if not more. The Orang Ulu Longhouse, one of the tallest of its kind, can also be found at the Sarawak Cultural Village. As the Orang Ulu tribesman lived near riverbanks their houses needed to be elevated from the ground to ensure that an increase in water level will not affect them.

Looking for a state of the art serviced apartment Kuching? Somerset Gateway comes to mind as a favorable option for travelers to Malaysia. Known for its outstanding service, these Kuching serviced apartments are ideal for both leisure and corporate travelers.

Kelantan's Natural Wonders by Janice Pelayo

Penang and Kuala Lumpur may be the first on the list when it comes to top Malaysia destinations, but for those who are looking for an alternative place to visit that is equally interesting, Kelantan in Kota Bharu is worthy of consideration. The Malaysian state offers numerous natural attractions, giving visitors plenty to see and do during their stay.

Kelantan has several inviting beaches with amusing names when translated into English, such as Pantai Irama or the Beach of Melody, Pantai Bisikan Bayu or the Beach of the Whispering Breeze, and Pantai Cahaya Bulan or Moonlight Beach. For those who look forward to going on a relaxing tropical holiday, Kelantan lets you have your pick of sandy shores and inviting waters.

Another natural attraction that Kelantan proudly offers is its waterfalls. Hidden in lush forests but can easily be accessed by roads coming from the state capital, visitors can go for a relaxing dip at these waterfalls or go trekking and camping in the surrounding area. Some popular ones worth checking out would be Jeram Pasu, Jeram Lenang, and Lata Beringin.

But if you're hard put to pick just one natural wonder to see in Kelantan, it will have to be Gunung Stong. One of Kelantan's highest peaks towering at 1,422 metres, this majestic mountain challenges avid mountain climbers and trekkers. It also treats visitors to fantastic views of the surrounding landscape, and caves that are just waiting to be explored. One of these is Gua Ikan, named after a rock that looks like a fish. It is said that the cave was once a hiding place for treasure during the Japanese Occupation.

If you're considering going to Kelantan for a vacation, an appealing place to stay would be the Dynasty Inn. Situated near most of these interesting local attractions, it makes for an ideal base for those planning to explore them. Offering comfortable, well-appointed accommodations, it is also an inviting place to go home to after a long day of sightseeing. Each air-conditioned room of this Kelantan hotel is equipped with all the necessities for a relaxing stay, having coffee and/or tea maker, daily newspaper, hair dryer, Internet connectivity in room, ironing board, private toilet and bath, telephone, cable television, DVD in-house movies, mini-fridge, small dressing table or writing desk with chair, and two resting chairs with small side table.

Great Finds at Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle by KC Ochoa

At the heart of Kuala Lumpur is the famed Golden Triangle, where the convergence of old colonial heritage successfully blends with the city's modern lifestyle and structures. This area, enveloped by the streets of Jalan Padu, Jalan Ampang, and Jalan Tun Razak, boasts of great attractions and the finest choices in shopping, dining, and accommodations in Kuala Lumpur.

Beneath the Petronas Twin Towers is Suria KLCC, an upscale shopping mall that houses a great variety of stores carrying major designer labels. Pavillion Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Bukit Bintang is a haven of 450 shops featuring the latest trends in fashion, entertainment, cosmetics, and many others. Low Yat Plaza is a great place for electronic gadget enthusiasts and for the avid bibliophile, Jalan Imbi's Berjaya Times Square includes the world's largest Borders bookstore.

For an unforgettable night out in town, Golden Triangle's Jalan P. Ramlee is best known for elite entertainment spots and nightclubs. Luna Bar is a cozy and chic rooftop bar with enchanting nightviews while Rum Jungle features an outdoor bar and great music. Hakka Republic Wine Bar & Bistro is a Chinese-inspired bar serving great cuisine and one of K.L.'s premium wine lists.

When it comes to hotels in Kuala Lumpur, The ZON All Suites and Residences on the Park offers a complete array of lavish accommodations and extensive services for an ideal getaway. The hotel, which is situated in Jalan Ampang, often offers hotel packages like its recent 2D/1N ZON Room Package and 3D/2N Family Package that offers a one and two nights accommodation stay. The two packages, which will be available until December 30, 2010, includes a full line of perks at the hotel, including shopping and dining vouchers.

The Golden Triangle no doubt plays host to a great number of attractions for thousands of tourists yearly. These scenic spots make it a destination on its own in Kuala Lumpur, so make sure not to miss out on these captivating locales.

Batu Caves- Home Of The God Of War by Pushpitha Wijesinghe

The religious site known as the Batu Caves is located in the Gombak District in Malaysia. The cave temples which can be found here are positioned within the massive limestone hill at the site. The name "Batu Caves" was given to these shrines due to its location which puts it within easy reach of the Batu River. Regarded as a Hindu worship site, these temples have been dedicated to the Hindu god called Lord Murugan. Probably the most colorful festive occasion linked to this temple is the Thaipusam Festival which is a celebration that usually takes place during the months of January and February. This festival is said to celebrate a significant event in the history of Hinduism where Parvati handed a spear to Lord Murugan which he eventually used to put an end to the life of a demon known by the name of Soorapadman. This is the same spear Lord Murugan is seen holding in most of the paintings and sculptures done in honor of him by various artists. Lord Murugan's defeat of this demon is seen as a significant happening as the demon is said to have had possessed a boon which gave him the ability to protect himself against attacks by any god. At the base of the steps that lead the visitor to the caves on the hill you will see a larger-than-life golden statue of Lord Murugan himself. While these limestone caves are thought to be over 400 million years old, three primary cave sites and a number of other caves which are smaller in size can be found at the site. A visit to these amazing shrines is an experience not to be missed by anyone who plans to go on a sightseeing holiday to Kuala Lumpur.