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

Central America Travel to

Nicaragua, Central America - Travel Tourism Vacation Information  You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors > Nicaragua Travel Go Mexico Essentials Packing List for Travelers to Mexico Health Information Mexico / C. America Safety Considerations Travel Books Mexico and Central America Tourism Offices Mexico/ Central America Articles & Resources Mexico Mexico City Acapulco, Mexico Cancun Yucatan Baja Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Other Places Photos of Mexico Belize, Central America Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Mexico / Central America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Mexico / Central America for Visitors > Nicaragua Nicaragua, Central America - Travel Tourism Vacation Information A selection of online travel related resources to the country of Nicaragua, Central America, with information on accommodations, attractions, history, culture, geography and more. Nicaragua Travel Tourism Vacation Information. Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Ecotourism in Nicaragua Read about the natural environment of Nicaragua and the many opportunities available in the country for ecotourism. The site has a directory of environmental travel providers. Experience Nicaragua Learn about the history, economy, culture and people of Nicaragua. This site has some very nice photos. Maps of Nicaragua Find dozens of maps of locations in Nicaragua organized by city and region. From the Multimap Web site. Nicaragua Fishing Tours Nicaragua's Caribbean coast has some of the best fishing in the world. On this site you may reserve a space on a boat for giant tarpon, bonefish and snook fishing. Nicaragua Info This easy to navigate side has comprehensive background information on Nicaragua. The topics covered include travel, culture, news, sports and shopping. Pictures of Nicaragua Browse some excellent photos of Nicaragua's Pacific beaches, the city of Managua and more. All photos are in color. Travel Document Systems - Nicaragua Obtain information on entry requirements and visa applications here. This site also provides travel tips, advisories, maps and information on Nicaragua's people, culture, geography, economy and history.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Headlines Top 6 Travel Books for Mexico and Central America There are many travel guidebooks devoted to Mexico and to... Health Information for Visitors to Mexico and Central America This article provides a summary of the more important health... Safety Considerations for Travelers to Mexico and Central America Travel to Mexico and Central America is not significantly less... Acapulco, Mexico Once a favorite destination of honeymooners, celebrities and the...

Japan Travel

Japan National Tourist Organization Website Add to Favorite | Home | Site Map | Contact US | Operation hours of Tourist Information Center (TIC) on the New Year's Day Good Dealh Hotel Special Promotion ! Akasaka Prince Hotel (Tokyo) Aranvert Hotel Kyoto (Kyoto) Fujiya Hotel (Hakone) Hotel New Otani Tokyo Hotel New Otani Osaka -- Tokyu Hotels Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel (Tokyo) Shibuya Excel Tokyu Hotel (Tokyo) -- ANA Hotels ANA Hotel Hakata, Fukuoka -- Kyoto Takaragaike Prince Hotel Hakata Tokyu Inn, Fukuoka -- more Luxury Hotel Four Seasons Tokyo at Chinzan-so Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Tokyo Sign up for site updates! Enter your email address: New Kyoto Tours Combine Serenity, Tradition and Elegance of the Geisha -- 60th Anniversary of the United Nations Special Exhibition in NY Japanese New Year's Special "Hatsumoude" Go back in time for a limited time at Mitsui Echigoya Station (Kimono Outlet) The Imperial Palace opens its grounds to the public for one of only two open houses during the yearI A chance to win a round-trip ticket to Japan! -- offered by Kintetsu International. The Mitsui Memorial Museum opened in October 2005 Fantastic Seasonal illuminations in Tokyo and Kobe! A Winter Wonderland in Hokkaido Reserve your place for the Sapporo Snow Festival The Spiritual Japan Program Japan Vacations 2006 to Fit Your Taste & Budget Last Minutes Winter Special Tour: "Sake" - gOnsenh(Hot Spring) 9 days 7 nights Highlight Japan plus Beyond (Tokyo, Kyoto, Seoul Package) Art Journey in Shikoku Tour Japan Cherry Blossom Tour 2006 g Bonsai h Exhibition Tour The Golf and gHanamih ( Cherry Blossom) Tour Ancient Treasures of Japan and Korea 7 days Japan Escorted Tour from Christmas Eve to the year end!! Last Minutes Tour Deals by JNA Travel. Two other dates available. gKOIh ( Colored Carp ) and gGARDENh Tour Other Kyoto experiences and Geisha Tours IACE's Package Tour Special:Sumo Tour, etc Frank Lloyd Wright's Japan,gTHE WRIGHT WAYh -- A Collectorfs Passion Japan Experience Spring 2006 Package Tokyo and Beijing, Yangtze River Cruise Japan Railways moves closer to non-smoking service. Can an obaasan (with nine grandchildren) visit Japan on her own? -- A story of 5 nights in Japan written by a sweepstakes winner. I entered a contest sponsored by Jalpak, the tour company for Japan Airlines .... in March. I had quite forgotten about it and was surprised to find out in June that I had won a flight to Japan [more] Bathing Monkeys: In Nagano's Yudanaka Onsen not only humans enjoy the hot spring waters Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen are the two most prominent of more than half a dozen hot springs, clustered together in Yamanouchi Town in northern Nagano Prefecture. [more] Japan Airlines All Nippon Airways United Airlines American Airlines more Current Japan time HOME • SITE MAP • WEBSITE INFO © Japan National Tourist Organization

France Travel Trends: What's

France Travel Trends: What's In & Out for 2005  You are here: About > Travel > France for Visitors > Money, Safety & Issues > Issues, News & Hot Topics > France Travel Trends: What's In & Out for 2005 Travel Go France Essentials New Year's Eve in Paris and France Worst of France 2005 Paris Travel Guide Top French Ski Resorts Best New Year's Eve Champagne Articles & Resources Destinations Trip Planning Transportation Interests & Situations Money, Safety & Issues Things to Do in France Where to Stay in France Staying Connected Blogs Picture Galleries Culture, Language & People Fun, Freebies & Quizes Relocating to France Nudism, Sex & Gay Travel D-Day & Historic Travel Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Sites Selling French Products Before You Buy the Gift of Travel Gifts for the France Fanatic Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the France for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search France for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Related Blogs Dispatches from France Blog Paris Blog French Word-a-Day Blog La Coquette Blog Chroniques dune Fraise Nice Blog Rsidence Les Marronniers Provence Blog L'Oiseau Blog Chocolate and Zucchini Blog Forty Days in Paris Blog Most Popular "Naked City" Christmas in Paris Photo Tour Paris Sex District Top Paris Attractions Christmas in France What's Hot New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France Related Topics Europe for Visitors French Language French Cuisine Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Wine France Travel Trends From Kelby Carr , Your Guide to France for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! What's In & Out for 2005 There are always travel trends. Spots that used to be hot become not-so-hip. With the dollar getting increasingly weaker against the euro, travelers are more inclined to stay in more modest accomodations. While Provence enjoyed its heyday in the wake of Peter Mayle's novels, Languedoc is emerging as the underrated darling of southern France. Look below to find out more about what is in and out for France travel this year. In Out Lesser-known cities Paris Languedoc Provence Recreational travel Luxury travel Small inns Upscale hotels Living in France Visiting France Driving Riding the rails Bringing your cellphone Using a phone card Packing light Packing heavy        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France

Hotel Travel

Sydney hotels reservations, cheap hotels, travel, discounts and vacations Sydney Hotels 100,000 luxury, chain and discount hotels worldwide, Cheap hotels, accommodation and hotel reservations. all-hotels.com, travel lodgings and reservations Sydney Hotels Sydney: Often mistaken as Australia's capital city, Sydney is one of the most popular tourist vacation destinations in the world. With an average of 240 days of sunshine a year, and access to some of the world's most famous attractions, it's not surprising! Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is Australia's oldest city and is situated on Port Jackson - arguably one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours. The harbour is best seen at the weekends when it fills with a spectacular array of cruisers, yachts and sailing boats. A boat trip on the harbour will offer visitors unparalleled views of the world famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Search Hotel Directory " name="Join" class="subsgo_v" Where's your next vacation? Sydney hotel guide Hotels in Sydney Darling Harbour Sydney Airport Travel Guide & Information Cheap hotels European vacations US City breaks Discount hotels, lodgings Travel resources Currency converter Hotel Search Find out the availability of hotels in Sydney Where? Arrival Date DD 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 No. of Nights NN 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 No. of Adults 1 2 3 4 Hotel name? " name="Join" class="searchbutton" title="Search Accommodation and Lodgings" Refine your seach for other hotel deals and Discount hotels by using our.... Multiple Room Search Featured Sydney Hotels Grace Hotel Sydney Star Rating 77 York Street, Sydney, Australia, 2000 The Deluxe Grace Hotel is just 20 minutes from Kingsford Smith Airport and is right in the heart of the central business district. This hotel is only 500 meters from the Town Hall and the Wynyard Train Station. The Darling Harbors Convention and Exhibition Center and the Cockle Bay Wharf are within walking distance from the hotel. Hotel guests are just moments away from The Queen Victoria Building and the... Grace Hotel Sydney Reservations... " name="citypagehotel" class="subsgo_v" title="View Cheap Hotel Rooms and other Discounts" onclick="window.location='http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/ChooseDates?hotl_id=306083'" Metro Sydney Star Rating 300 Pitt Street, Sydney, Australia, 2000 Located at 300 Pitt Street Sydney and situated in the very heart of the city, the new Metro Hotel Sydney stands ideally in the centre of the exciting business, tourism and leisure heart of Sydney. Only minutes away from the museum, Town Hall and Central Railway Stations and with monorail and buses at the hotel doorstep, traveling is effortless. There is a licensed restaurant on- site, Portobello, which features colorful... Metro Sydney Reservations... " name="citypagehotel" class="subsgo_v" title="View Cheap Hotel Rooms and other Discounts" onclick="window.location='http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/ChooseDates?hotl_id=319230'" Travelodge Sydney Star Rating Corner Wentworth Ave/Goulburn STR, Sydney, Australia, 2000 Welcome to the Travelodge Hotel Sydney! This chain of hotels provides a consistent blend of modern quality accommodation and friendly service. Situated on the edge of the Central Business District, you will be perfectly positioned to explore the city of Sydney. Restaurants, theatres, a great range of shops and nightclubs are within easy walking distance. Major attractions that you won't want to miss include the Darling Harbour... Travelodge Sydney Reservations... " name="citypagehotel" class="subsgo_v" title="View Cheap Hotel Rooms and other Discounts" onclick="window.location='http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/ChooseDates?hotl_id=306203'" Radisson Sydney 72 LIVERPOOL STREET, Sydney, N S W, Nova Scotia, Australia, 2000 The Radisson Hotel and Suites is a superior deluxe hotel located 20 kilometers from the Kingsford Smith International Airport. This boutique hotel is situated in the heart of Chinatown, within easy reach of Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Sydney Entertainment Centre. At your doorstep you will find some of Sydney's major attractions including Queen Victoria... Radisson Sydney Reservations... " name="citypagehotel" class="subsgo_v" title="View Cheap Hotel Rooms and other Discounts" onclick="window.location='http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/ChooseDates?hotl_id=194974'" Marriott Sydney 30 Pitt Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 The Sydney Harbour Marriott is ideally located in the central business district just one block from Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour. Guests can enjoy views of the botanical gardens, the city skyline, historic Macquarie Park, the world-renowned Sydney Opera House and beautiful Harbour Bridge. The main business and financial district, shopping, sightseeing and "The Rocks" restored historic area are all within easy... Marriott Sydney Reservations... " name="citypagehotel" class="subsgo_v" title="View Cheap Hotel Rooms and other Discounts" onclick="window.location='http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/ChooseDates?hotl_id=208394'" Quality Hotel Sydney Star Rating Corner Wentworth Ave & Goulburn St., Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 The Quality Hotel SC Sydney is a 192 room, 4 star hotel, providing accommodation that is both cheap and friendly with courteous service. Located at the crossroads of Sydney, the hotel is only 15 minutes drive from the airport, and an easy stroll to Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, Chinatown and downtown Sydney. Shopping, theatre, cinema, museums, and the many attractions Sydney has to offer are all within easy reach. Guest rooms are spacious... Quality Hotel Sydney Reservations... " name="citypagehotel" class="subsgo_v" title="View Cheap Hotel Rooms and other Discounts" onclick="window.location='http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/ChooseDates?hotl_id=272161'" Crown Plaza Darling Harbour 150 DAY ST. PRIVATE BAG Q600, Sydney, Australia, 2000 The Crowne plaza Darling Harbour is perfectly located on the city side of Darling Harbour. Not only are we on the fringe of the CBD, we are within walking distance to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and many of Sydney's best tourist attractions.In a five to ten minute walk from your accommodation, you could be at the Darling Harbour Harbourside complex, Sydney Aquarium, Powerhouse Museum, Chinatown, Cockle Bay Wharf or... Crown Plaza Darling Harbour Reservations... " name="citypagehotel" class="subsgo_v" title="View Cheap Hotel Rooms and other Discounts" onclick="window.location='http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/ChooseDates?hotl_id=198329'" Avillion Hotel Sydney Star Rating 389 Pitt Street, Sydney, Australia, 2000 The Avillion Hotel Sydney is a superior deluxe- class hotel located 12 kilometers from Sydney International Airport. This outstanding hotel is situated in the cultural and theatrical heart of Sydney's Central Business District. A myriad of tourist attractions of this harbor city is within easy walking distance such as Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney Aquarium and Chinatown. The theaters and cinema complexes and... Avillion Hotel Sydney Reservations... " name="citypagehotel" class="subsgo_v" title="View Cheap Hotel Rooms and other Discounts" onclick="window.location='http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/ChooseDates?hotl_id=306040'" Hotel search around the world: Amsterdam Anaheim Atlanta Barcelona Berlin Boston Brussels Canada Cancun Chicago Dublin Edinburgh Florence Hong Kong Houston Istanbul Italy Las Vegas London Los Angeles Madrid Miami New Orleans New York Nice Oregon Orlando Paris Prague Rome San Antonio San Diego San Francisco Seattle Spain Sydney Tampa Toronto Venice Washington DC Our site works best on Explorer 5 + Netscape 7 + Firefox 1 Also to use our site you must have cookies enabled. About Us - Affiliates - Hotelier Services - Advertising - Privacy Policy - Disclaimer - Terms and Conditions All-Hotels is a registered trademark (RN 2,516,395) 1997 - 2005 OTC / Lastminute.com All-Hotels Home Featured Hotels Hotel Directory Cheap Hotels Promotions and Deals Help and FAQ Site Map