Russia Travel lastminute.com offers

Russia Travel: Deals and travel information for Russia, Asia Mobile site | Security | Your account | Help find - find.html -- Travel to Russia Home > World > Asia > Russia Travel lastminute.com offers a fantastic array of incredible Russia travel deals. Whetherbooking a hotel, flight, holiday or car hire, lastminute.com is your one stop travel shop. So, either check out our special Russia travel deals below,use our search box to find the perfect trip or browse through our vast list of destinations to see all we have to offer. Let lastminute.com help you plan the most rewarding journey you've ever had. Search Travel Flight+Hotel-SAVE £££ Holidays Flights Hotels Holidays search Destination: list destinations Departure area: Show me all Any London Airport / Station Any East Anglia Airport Any Midlands Airport Any North East / Yorkshire Airport Any North West Airport Any Scottish Airport Any South West / Wales Airport Northern Ireland Price: Show me all Under 100 Under 200 Under 300 Under 400 Under 500 Under 600 Under 700 Under 800 Under 900 Under 1000 More than 1000 Day: Month: Any 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 false Any December January February March April May June July August September October November Give or take: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ( days ) Board type: Show me all All Inclusive Bed And Breakfast Fly Drive Full-board Half-board Room Only Self Catering Length of stay: Show me all Short Break / Weekend (1-5 Nights) Week (6-9 Nights) Fortnight (10-16 Nights) Longer (17 Nights Or More) Hotel star rating: Show me all 1* 2* 3* 4* 5* Temperature: Show me all Warm (over 15c) Very warm (over 20c) Hot (over 25c) Very hot (over 30c) Travel time: Show me all Less than 3 hours 3 To 6 hours 6 To 9 hours 9 To 12 hours Over 12 hours Keywords (eg 'Pool'): Jump to... Russia Hotels (50) Russia Flights Russia Guide Deals Area Info Attractions Events Deals Today's Top Deals Moscow Hotel St. Petersburg Make the most of these great prices and spend Christmas in the sun, visit Calangute, Goa, India for a fantastic 14 night holiday. from 309 Hotel Sheraton Palace Moscow Enjoy sunsets and beaches in fabulous Goa, 14 Nights from 299 Area Info Travel to the Chechen Republic and to the north Caucasus region is not recommended. For further information visitors should seek official advice. The Russian Federation covers almost twice the area of the United States of America, and reaches from Moscow in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. The capital, Moscow, was founded in 1147. The focal point of the city is Red Square, on one side of which is the Kremlin surrounded by a thick red fortress wall containing 20 towers. The tsars were crowned here; Ivan the Terrible's throne is situated near the entrance. Those interested in Russia's achievements in the field of space travel should visit Star City, just outside Moscow, which is a cosmonaut training complex open to visitors. St Petersburg, northwest of Moscow, is known both as a cultural centre and for its elegant buildings. The city is spread over 42 islands in the delta of the River Neva. Wide boulevards, tranquil canals and bridges led to the city being known as the 'Venice of the North'. The Palace Square and the Winter Palace are among the most interesting sites for followers of Russian history. The Hermitage houses all the vast treasures of the former tsars. For those wishing to get a better idea of the huge variety of scenery in the Russian Federation, cruises can be taken along the mighty Volga River between Kazan, the cultural centre of the Tartars, to Rostov-on-Don, once an Armenian town and the gateway to the Caucasus. Russian cuisine is based on the staples of buckwheat (to make porridge or blini ), borshch (beetroot soup) or shashlik (shish kebab). Whole roast suckling pig, roast goose stuffed with buckwheat, and roast duck stuffed with apples are served at parties and for special occasions. Russian National Tourist Office (UK office) Address: Orchard House,167-169 Kensington High St,London W8 6SH Email: innteomoscow@innteo-moscow.co.uk Phone: +44 (0) 20 7229 8027 Attractions State Hermitage Museum The Hermitage is one of the world's great museums, with an unbeatable collection of fine and decorative arts. Since its foundation in 1764, when Catherine the Great bought 200 Old Masters, it has grown to include 10,000 paintings and sculptures within its three million exhibits. Tretyakov Gallery Founded in 1856, the Tretyakov Gallery holds the most important collection of Russian painting in the world and houses more than 130,000 works of art. Lenin's Mausoleum Whether you're a die-hard Bolshevik pondering the demise of the USSR, or a keen tourist anxious for some Russian kitsch, not to mention a prime photo-opportunity, Lenin's Mausoleum is hard to beat for sheer drama and a taste of the way things used to be in these parts. St Basil's Cathedral Gaudy and garish, the multicoloured cupolas of St Basil's Cathedral rising out of Red Square have been one of Moscow's most striking and enduring symbols for five centuries. State Academic Bolshoi Theatre One of the most famous theatres in the world, Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre (literally "big" theatre) houses both the Bolshoi Opera and the Bolshoi Ballet. Dominating the square ( ploschad ), the 2000-seat theatre is adorned with a massive eight-column portico topped by Apollo in his chariot. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts Opened in 1912, only the Hermitage in St Petersburg rivals the fine Russian and European collections at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. Fish Fabrique Not certain whether to be a bar or a club, St Petersburg's Fish Fabrique combines the best of both worlds. The live music is good, the atmosphere infectious, especially at the weekends, with a cheap bar that is sometimes manned by local rock star volunteers! Mayakovsky Museum The Mayakovsky Museum opened in January 1974, creating a new way of paying tribute to an artist's legacy. Both anarchic and accessible, the building is worth visiting even if you have never heard of the great man's works. Numerous corridors, stairways and paths are decorated with the poetry, prose and propaganda of one of the leaders of Russian Futurism. This revolutionary zeal guides you into his mode of thinking and through one of the most creative periods of Russian history. Dostoyevsky House Museum Established in 1928, the Dostoyevsky House Museum is a reconstruction of the family home based on the diaries and recollections of the author's childhood. Visitors will be pleased to know that the building now has central heating, so that the cold (which led to Dostoyevsky's mother catching tuberculosis- which she subsequently died from) shouldn't bother them. Svalka Literally translated, Svalka means "dump" and the club is themed around this idea of a wasteground. The chillout room is littered with derelict foreign cars and TV sets playing MTV. A favourite with students, Monday through Wednesday features industrial techno DJs, with live music concerts at the weekend. Events Bolshoi Opera Sep 2005 - Jun 2006 (annual) Bolshoi Theatre Bolshoi Ballet Sep 2005 - Jun 2006 (annual) Bolshoi Theatre Pushkin Festival Jun 2006 (annual) Pushkin Estate Museum (Mikhailovskoe Estate) Easter Sunday Apr 2006 (various dates) Kolomenskoe Russian Winter Festival Dec 2005 - Jan 2006 (annual) Izmailovo Park ; Part of the lastminute.com group. lastminute.com , travel4less.com , travelselect.com , holidayautos.co.uk , medhotels.com , holidayhotels.com , onlinetravel.com , ifyouski.com , exhilaration.co.uk , gotofrance.com Holidays Hotels Citybreaks Gifts Experiences Entertainment Flights Site map Search site Skip navigation links Home Travel World Asia In Russia... Arkhangelsk Flights Ekaterinburg Flights Kaliningrad Flights Kazan Flights Khabarovsk Flights Krasnodar Flights Moscow 29 Hotels Flights Murmansk Flights Penza Flights Perm Flights Samara Flights Saratov Flights Siberia Flights St. Petersburg 21 Hotels Flights Stavropol Flights Tyumen Flights Ulan-Ude Flights Ulyanovsk Flights Volgograd Flights Popular areas Omsk Magadan Irkutsk Novosibirsk Chelyabinsk Hotels in... Moscow St. Petersburg More Russia Hotels --

Ski Vacation

Ski Vacation - Ski Vacation Packages from Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Ski Vacation - Ski Vacation Packages from Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Barbados Bermuda Canada Mexico Monaco United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Fairmont Gold Destination Map Hotel Finder All Hotels New Hotels Resorts St. James Resorts Fairmont Hamilton Princess Fairmont Southampton City Hotels Calgary, Alberta Edmonton, Alberta Montréal, Québec Ottawa, Ontario St. John's, Newfoundland Toronto, Ontario Vancouver, British Columbia Winnipeg, Manitoba Resorts Banff, Alberta Jasper, Alberta Charlevoix, Québec Lake Louise, Alberta Montebello, Québec Mont-Tremblant, Québec Québec City, Québec St. Andrew's, New Brunswick Victoria, British Columbia Whistler, British Columbia Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Fairmont Vancouver Airport Fairmont Waterfront Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello Resorts Acapulco Riviera Maya Resorts Monte Carlo Fairmont Acapulco Princess Fairmont Pierre Marques City Hotels Dubai City Hotels London City Hotels Boston, Massachusetts Chicago, Illinois Dallas, Texas Kansas City, Missouri New Orleans, Louisiana Newport Beach, California San Francisco, California San Jose, California Santa Monica, California Seattle, Washington Washington, D.C. Resorts Scottsdale, Arizona Kohala Coast, Hawaii Maui, Hawaii Sonoma, California Miami, Florida Residence Telluride, Colorado Experience Fairmont Packages FairmontSAVERS Package Finder Entire Site Hotels Packages Press Releases Introduction Member Benefits Enroll Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy FAQ Newsletter Already a member Sign In In Your Opinion -- In Your Opinion My Profile Corporate Rewards Gift Certificate High Speed Internet ResPlus Sign In ResPlus Information Our Philosophy Environment Our History Press Room Contact Us Careers Programs & Partners Fairmont Community Investor Relations Destination Map Vacation Planner Fairmont Experience Slideshow Online Demo -- Hotel Fact Sheets Weddings Meeting Planners Discover FAIRMONT SKI DESTINATIONS Skiers will marvel at the natural beauty of Fairmont's Canadian ski destinations. Ragged peaks, high cliffs, and impossibly blue lakes overlaid by snowy blankets that dazzle in the bright sunlight. Whether it is the drama of the Rocky Mountains in Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise, the rolling Laurentians of Tremblant and Charlevoix, or the inspired setting at Whistler, voted North America's finest ski destination - skiing with Fairmont guarantees you the experience of a lifetime. After an invigorating day on the slopes, step into consummate luxury. Our ski resorts offer unmatched hospitality. Have a massage and whirlpool soak at Willow Stream - The Spa at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Delight in fine dining in The Wildflower at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, or test your luck in the Casino de Charlevoix at the elegant Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. If you crave waist-deep powder and black diamond runs, or just an afternoon on the bunny hill, ski holidays don't get better than this. With hundreds of marked runs, short lift lines and a vast selection of well-groomed cross-country trails, ski enthusiasts of every calibre from around the globe come to experience the world of skiing at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Slideshow The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Ski and Breakfast Package Whistler, British Columbia, Canada 11-24-2005 to 4-23-2006 Enjoy the convenience of The Fairmont Chateau Whistler's Ski & Breakfast Package. More Information Similar Packages Discover Ski Destinations at Fairmont. Ski Destination Map sPathName/CDA/Home/Hotels/Facilities/CDRecreationFacilities -Select a Ski destination- Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Fairmont Tremblant The Fairmont Banff Springs The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise The Fairmont Chateau Whistler The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Fairmont Heritage Place FranzKlammer Lodge -Select a Property- United States - Residence - Fairmont Heritage Place Franz Klammer Lodge Canada - Resort - Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Fairmont Tremblant The Fairmont Banff Springs The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise The Fairmont Chateau Whistler The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2005 2006 2007 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2005 2006 2007 2008 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 Non-Smoking Smoking King or Queen Two Beds No Preference Best Available Rate FairmontSAVERS Bed & Breakfast *ID required at Check-in * if applicable More Information -- Choose a Category Celebration Discovery Family Food & Wine Golf Spa Culture Signature Package Special Offers Ski Fairmont SAVERS Bed and Breakfast Destination The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club Fairmont Heritage Place Franz Klammer Lodge Fairmont Newport Beach The Fairmont Chicago The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston The Fairmont Dallas The Fairmont Kansas City at the Plaza The Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica The Fairmont New Orleans The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle The Fairmont San Francisco The Fairmont San Jose The Fairmont Washington, D.C. The Savoy The Fairmont Acapulco Princess The Fairmont Mayakoba The Fairmont Pierre Marques Fairmont Monte Carlo Fairmont Kenauk at Le Château Montebello Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Fairmont Tremblant The Fairmont Algonquin The Fairmont Banff Springs The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise The Fairmont Chateau Whistler The Fairmont Empress The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Fairmont Château Laurier Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver The Fairmont Newfoundland The Fairmont Palliser The Fairmont Royal York The Fairmont Vancouver Airport The Fairmont Waterfront The Fairmont Winnipeg The Fairmont Hamilton Princess The Fairmont Southampton The Fairmont Royal Pavilion The Fairmont Dubai 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2005 2006 2007 After a day of ski revitalize yourself at Willow Stream Spa. Replenish Your Energy R ECENT NEWS 11/4/2005 - Lake Louise To Host Top Hollywood Celebrities 9/6/2005 - Cold Play at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler More News -- FAIRMONT RESERVATIONS: 1(800) 257-7544 Last Updated: 12/28/2005 Fairmont Hotels & Resorts © 2005

European vacation with Gate1Travel,

European Travel, London Vacation Packages, Dublin Vacations, Britain and Ireland Tour Packages Book Online or call (800) 682-3333 Europe Asia Americas Caribbean Mediterranean Pacific Cruises Home Hotels Find a Vacation Specials Contact Us Italy & Sicily Spain & Portugal Britain & Ireland France Belgium & Holland Central Europe Scandinavia Greece River Cruises China & Japan Southeast Asia Thailand India South America Brazil Peru Costa Rica Bahamas Caribbean & Mexico Bahamas Cancun Riviera Maya Punta Cana Jamaica Greece & Turkey Israel Egypt Morocco Australia & New Zealand Tahiti China & Japan Southeast Asia Sea Cruises River Cruises Britain & Ireland Vacations : Explore London and Dublin with Gate 1 Travel. We offer Ireland and London vacations, custom-made for your time, family and vacation budget. Experience Europe with luxury vacation packages. Trust your European vacation with Gate1Travel, your Western Europe specialist. Call Gate 1 Travel today or click on one of the tour packages or vacations below for more information. Prices below include airline fuel surcharges but do not include airport taxes, fees and September 11th Security Fee which vary between $50 and $130 per person. Multicity Programs Ireland Escorted Tours European Cruises London and Dublin Vacation Packages Vacation in London and Dublin with these independent vacation packages including flight. London Vacations 5 Days from $479 Thursday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 6 Days First Class London from $529 Wednesday-Thursday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 6 Days from $529 President's Day departures: Feb 15 6 Days from $539 Valentine's Day departures: Feb 11 6 Days from $559 Tuesday-Thursday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 5 Days from $629 Thursday departures: Apr - Oct '06 Dublin Vacations 6 Days from $749 Wednesday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 6 Days from $749 Wednesday departures: Apr '06 - Oct '06 Multi-city London and European Vacations Tour Europe with these independent vacations featuring budget flight, hotel and train. 8 Day London & Amsterdam Wednesday departures: Apr - Oct '06 8 Day London & Amsterdam Daily departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 8 Day London & Dublin Monday departures: Apr - Oct '06 8 Day London & Dublin Saturday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 8 Day London & Paris Monday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 8 Day London & Paris Monday departures: Apr - Oct '06 8 Day London & Rome Wednesday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 8 Day London & Rome Wednesday departures: Apr - Oct '06 9 Day London, Paris & Amsterdam Monday & Wednesday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 9 Day London, Paris & Amsterdam Saturday departures: Apr - Oct '06 9 Day London, Paris & Rome Friday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 9 Day London, Paris & Rome Friday Departures: Apr - Oct '06 Ireland Escorted Tours Tour Ireland with these escorted tour packages including a flight. 7 Day Ireland Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, Limerick European Cruises 16 Day Taste of Europe Departing: July 30, 2006 - Ship: ms Prinsendam HOT DEALS: discount prices for Britain and Ireland Tours 5 Day Weekend in London from $479 Holiday Specials President's Day Spring Specials Mother's Day Specials Memorial Day Specials Summer Specials Labor Day Specials Thanksgiving Specials Christmas Markets New Year Specials -- Valentine's Day President's Day February Winter Break Rio Carnival March Spring Break Easter Vacation Specials Travel Extras Sightseeing & Transfers Browse & Book Hotel Nights Protect your investment: Buy travel insurance Travel Tips & Tools Britain & Ireland Travel Tips Terms & Conditions Central London Transfers Passports & Visas The Comforts You Expect Map of Western Europe FAQ Email This Page to a Friend © 2005 Gate 1 Travel Home | About Us | Travel Agent | Free Brochure | Help | Site Map | (800) 682-3333 Read our privacy policy . Contact Us . This site can be best viewed using Internet Explorer 4.0, or higher. The browser software can be downloaded, free of charge, from the Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com . All external sites will open in a new browser. Gate1travel.com does not endorse external sites.

Orlando vacation homes are

Florida Vacation Rentals - Orlando Villas and Condos by Owner Search Properties Late Availability Contact Vacation Articles Owners-Join Us Buy A Home Links About Us Florida Villas Gulf Coast villa, private pool near golf course Special offer price of 350 per week ****ONLY 450/$790 PER WK***OUTSTANDING VALUE*** More Information... Email Address: Password: Windsor Hills Emerald Island Resort Lake Berkley Windsor Palms Resort Crescent Lakes Calabay Parc Formosa Gardens Hampton Lakes Indian Creek Rolling Hills Terra Verde Welcome to Florida Villas Vacation Rentals in the Sunshine State Florida is now the premier vacation destination in North America. Why stay in a cramped hotel room when you can spend your vacation in a luxury rental home. Florida vacation rentals are the best way to enjoy your vacation time with your family and friends. Vacation rentals by owner are often better value than a typical hotel room yet offers all the conveniences of your own home. Please browse the luxury homes and villas we have on offer. Choose your vacation property from some of the finest Florida vacation homes. Search for Florida Vacation Homes Send a General Enquiry Email? If you do not have the time to search through our listings you may send a general enquiry. If any owner has availability they will reply to you directly. Panhandle Central / Disney Gulf Coast Florida Keys Atlantic Coast The sunshine state boasts a wonderful climate, miles of gorgeous coastline, vibrant cities and every kind of activity you can imagine from golf courses to museums to shopping malls. Orlando is the theme park capital of the world and is best known for its major attractions - Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom; Universal’s Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. With thousands of restaurants and shops to choose from it is no wonder that Orlando is regarded as the vacation capital of the world. Most of the Orlando vacation homes are based in Kissimmee , which is extremely close to all the main theme parks. We have some of the best equipped Orlando villas on some of the most desirable communities, which include Windsor Palms Resort, Windsor Hills, Emerald Island, Southern Dunes and the recently added Reunion Resort. By staying in an Orlando vacation rental you can be assured of comfort space and privacy. Rent your Orlando vacation home today direct from the owner. Because of the climate, Florida also calls numerous visitors to the pristine beaches that line the peninsula, from the eastern coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the western beaches and panhandle areas that line the Gulf of Mexico. The Florida gulf coast prides itself on having the warmest coastline in Florida and comprises a succession of picturesque towns like Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Clearwater Beach. Why not rent a charming Gulf Coast vacation home today! The Florida Keys is a necklace of islands where eccentricity and congeniality reigns and none so than some of the more famous small towns that grace this Florida paradise like Key West, Key Largo, Islamorada and Duck Key to name but a few. A spectacular 220-mile coral reef and a cultural heritage that fuses Floridian, Spanish and Caribbean, explains why the atmosphere of the Florida Keys is laid back. Pensacola is a popular hot spot for vacationers in the Florida Panhandle , a charming blend of ‘old south’ and the Caribbean. More than 200 miles of Gulf waters and sugar white sand beaches intersected with well known towns like Panama City Beach, Cape San Blas and Seagrove Beach have brought visitors from all over the world. Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast is the famous ‘birthplace of speed’ and is forever linked with speedway and motor sport and over 23 miles of hard packed sand on the Atlantic coast. From Amelia Island in the north right down to Key Biscayne there are so many popular vacation spots to choose from on the Florida Atlantic Coast . Cocoa Beach, Hutchinson Island, Melbourne Beach and New Smyrna Beach are just some of the exciting vacation rental hot spots. Are you new to renting a vacation home? We have put some information together in this article Orlando Vacation Rentals Hints and Tips which is relevant to all Florida vacation homes. In this article Orlando Vacation Rental Far Better Than a Hotel Room we explain what advantages there are staing in a vacation rental home over a hotel room. In Orlando Vacation Homes Saving Money read on how much money you can save by staing in an Orlando / Florida villa. Vacation Articles Wet `n Wild Orlando Florida (1) Wet `n Wild is located at 6200 International Drive Orlando, Fl 32819. Themed Dining In Orlando Florida (2) Orlando also has the best themed dining around youll be spoiled for choice!!! Themed Dining In Orlando Florida (1) Orlando has an abundance of restaurants including all-you-can-eat buffets, character dining Privacy Policy Disclaimer Florida Vacation Rentals Sitemap Reunion Resort

Asia Travel || Malaysia

Travel Information of Malaysia Malaysia Country and Travel Information Malaysia Hotels & Resorts Reservation GENERAL INFORMATION Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. Consisting of 127,000 sq. miles (330,200 sq. km), Malaysia is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo. These two regions are divided into thirteen states and federal territories. Although East Malaysia occupies the larger portion of Malaysia's total area, it is primarily comprised of undeveloped land and jungles. Malaysia is a land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in colour and contrasts, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing images that leave visitors to the country in awe. The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary; wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people would prove to be a very special experience. Malaysia is paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains are among the best in this region. Many visitors have discovered Malaysia's other attractions: a shopping haven, a versatile conference venue, an incentive destination, an adventure land and much more. WEATHER CONDITIONS With temperature that fluctuates little throughout the year, travel in Malaysia is a pleasure. Average temperature is between 21 to 32 degree celcius. Humidity is high. Rain tends to occur between November to February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah. On the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia the rainy seasons is April to May and October to November. PEOPLE AND CULTURE Malaysia has a combined population of over 18 million people. Because of its central location, between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has traditionally been a meeting point for traders and travelers from both the East and West. As a result, Malaysia has a multicultural and multiracial population consisting of Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous peoples. Although Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business, and the English language is a compulsory subject in all schools. With such a varying ethnic composition, it is no surprise that a great diversity of religions is prevalent throughout Malaysia. Although the official religion is Islam, freedom of worship is practiced. As a result, it is a common to see temples, mosques and churches within the same area. Ethnic Groups: 59% Malay and other indigenous, 32% Chinese and 9% Indian. Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Mandarin, Hakka dialects, Cantonese, Tamil and numerous tribal languages. Religion: Muslim (primarily Malays), Buddhism (Chinese), Hindu (Indian), Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and tribal religions. LOCAL CUSTOMS General: When visiting Malaysia, the visitor should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follow:- Although handshakes generally suffice for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge an introduction with a gentleman with a nod of her head and smile. A handshake is only to be reciprocated if the lady offers her hand first. The traditional greeting of "salam" resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend's outstretched hands, then brings his hands to his chest to mean, " I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the "salam". It is polite to call before visiting a home Shoes must be removed when entering a Malaysian home. It is also customary to do so upon entering a mosque or an Indian temple. The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or when giving and receiving objects The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with the four fingers, folden under is preferred usage. Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcoholic bevergaes. THINGS TO KNOW Population: 20 million Capital: Kuala Lumpur Flag: Fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the U.S. flag. Shop Hours: Department stores and supermarkets are usually open from 10am to 10pm and shops from 9:30am to 7pm. In Kuala Lumpur, as well as in most major towns, there are several 24-hour stores. Bank Hours: Most states: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-4.00pm Sat : 9:30am-11:30am Sun : Closed Kelantan and Terengganu: Sat-Wed: 9:30am-4.00pm Thur : 9:30am-11.30am Fri : Closed VISAS AND PASSPORT Visitors must be in possession of a current passport or other internationally recognized travel document. They must be endorsed for traveling to Malaysia and have a period of validity of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia. No visas are required for citizens of British Commonwealth countries (except India), British Protected persons, and citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, San Marino, Switzerland and the United States (for social, business or academic purposes only). No visas are required for stays not exceeding three months for citizens of: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Tunesia, U.S.A. , France and Germany (except for local employment). CUSTOMS REGULATIONS Duty-Free Items: Items such as cameras, watches, pens, portable radio-cassette players, perfume, cosmetics and lighters are duty-free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable on departure - usually 50% of the value (carry receipt of purchase and obtain an official receipt for any tax or deposit paid). Asia Travel || Malaysia Hotels & Resorts Reservation