Sep 26, 2011

(Jenkintown, Pa., September 21, 2011) - Southeast Asia’s dazzling rainforests, dynamic cities, and exotic culture has made it an alluring destination for travelers from around the globe. Due to distance and cost, this type of Asian vacation has typically been out of reach for most Western travelers. But, Friendly Planet Travel’s all-new

Feb 27, 2011

I only noticed the leathery old grandmother much later, when the general hubbub of a boatful of excited tourists had finally mellowed into a peaceful lull, and the munching mouths were silenced by sleep. It was then that I noticed her; a native Malay woman seated across the aisle cradling a boy no older than five. She was very old; a spidery web of wrinkles had

Now, I am not particularly green-fingered. Nor am I particularly botanically minded. To tell you the truth, I have never felt the particular urge to drive into the wilderness for several hours in search of a flower before. But this flower was different, some how. Maybe it had something to do with it being the ‘world’s biggest.’ Whenever I am the

I am sitting in an internet cafe in Philadelphia, checking my email when I received a note from the Malaysian Tourism Board. I almost forgot, Malaysia has just turned fifty! So I wanted to wish all of my Malaysian friends (during my visit last year I had made a couple good friends) a special and wonderful 50th anniversary of independence — it’s a big

Right before I left for my visit to Sweden and Denmark, I showed up bleary-eyed and met Muhamad Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin. Better known, thankfully, as Qobin, and as “the youngest Muslim, the youngest SE Asian, and the youngest Malaysian” to climb Mount Everest (During our interview I thought he was the youngest man period, sorry for the confusion). I

Today Devin gets in the know with some folks at Malaysian Tourism. Specifically, focusing on the island of Borneo and some of the native culture found there. Don’t miss the pouring of Teh Tarik (stretch tea), Borneo Native costumes, and target practice with a blow dart. Another Wayfarer Digital production for In The Know Traveler. For more on destinations

My driver picked me up at dusk from the Bonaventure Hotel in Kuala Lumpur’s Mid Valley City area before heading off to Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower) for dinner. We then sat in Malaysia’s notorious traffic, driving along streets that meandered in a way that would make an Escher painting or Warner Brothers cartoon proud. Although our rush-hour ride moved in

The South China Sea is a grey-green color reminiscent of a turtle shell, relatively flat and calm. The sun was strong, but with solid cloud cover, not uncomfortable. My wife and I parked ourselves on the deck of our home for the next 8 days, the Thai vessel Ocean Rover, a beautiful blue and white ship based out of Phuket and operating throughout Indonesia,

Kuala Lumpur has been described as a kaleidoscope of old-world culture and modern life, mixing Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures with Portuguese, Dutch and English influences. It is a vibrant, busy city replete with museums, world-class sporting venues, outdoor activities shopping, and nightlife. There are many high-end luxury hotels and restaurants to choose

Located just outside Kuala Lumpur city in Malaysia, Putrajaya is a modern planned city built to accommodate the political and government facilities for Malaysia. Currently, the primary government offices are located in KL, mostly in leased space. Putrajaya will allow for better inter-office communication and access to the various government agencies, and

Today we went on a hike up Pulau Tioman, reputed to be the most beautiful island in the world. I am not sure who gave it this designation, but it was quite interesting and very beautiful to say the least. It was a true jungle hike, with huge banyan trees, monkeys, and creeping vines everywhere. It is vibrantly green, but if you look closely there are unusual

After a somewhat grueling flight from Los Angeles that included plane changes in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, we had arrived in Kuantan, Malaysia. Situated on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, this was to be our final destination for a few days until the Ocean Rover SCUBA boat picked us up—right here in the bay outside the hotel no less—for a week of

Sometimes it’s the people met along the way. The folks and brief exchanges become memorable even though, at the time, it was just a moment. A simple time. I had bought a traditional Islamic prayer hat from one of the roadside kiosks across from the Kelantin Mosque. While I am not a Muslim, I could not resist. It sort of looked like a white ornate cloth salad

I grabbed Michael Tay in between television interviews and the mayhem of the Citrawarna media event in Melaka last month. There was a certain buzz in the air that mostly came from inviting journalists from 33 countries and putting them in one big room and asking them to sit quietly. It was a noisy, but good interview. I also highly recommend Citrawarna. It is a

Before leaving Malaysia, I couldn’t help but notice that KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) was recently awarded, “World’s Best Airport.” I couldn’t help but notice as the free newsletter and the signs promoting the award were everywhere. I suppose this is quite an achievement. To me, “Best Airport” is comparable