Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Batu Caves & Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

This is another experience that is fun and memorable for the guests. The thrill of riding an elephant and getting rolled into the river, getting drenched, is rather unique. You are advised to bring along a change of dry clothes.
The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary has been an attraction since the day they brought back a rogue elephant to be rehabilitated. This programme was started to help relocate elephants that has been ravaging crops and threatening the lives of plantation workers and farmers. Today the sanctuary is famous for the river dunking by elephants and is a hit among the many tourists who visit Kuala Lumpur.
Along the way you get to visit the world famous limestone outcrop called Batu Caves. On a clear day, after climbing the 272 steps to the top, you get rewarded with a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding areas. You are also greeted by the dozens of monkeys coming to forage for food from the tourists.
Once a year during the festival of Thaipusam the compound comes alive with hundreds of thousands of devotees congregating to fulfil their vows by going into deep trances and parading with kavadis. It has become such a spectacle that millions of visitors would throng the Caves to be part of the celebrations.

Duration: 9.30am - 5pm
Price: Upon request as it depends on the number of persons

Along the journey you would also visit the Deer Land and Selangor Pewter Factory.

Kuala Selangor Fireflies

This adventure has been considered as one of the highlights of our guests' stay in Kuala Lumpur. There aren't many places around the world with a sizeable community of fireflies like the one we have in Kuala Selangor. If you were not told that they are fireflies you'd probably think they are Christmas lights blinking incessantly on dozens of Chrsitmas trees along the banks of the river.
On the way to Kuala Selangor you will visit an orchid farm just outside of Rawang town. We are constantly amazed at the neverending myriad of colours and shapes from the cross breeding of orchid species. You may purchase test-tube seedlings of the specie of your choice to bring home.
Along the way you will come across quaint small towns with it's laid back lifestyle and oil palm plantations, giving you a glimpse of the rural countryside.
You will visit the old Dutch Fortress overlooking the Straits of Malacca at Bukit Malawati and play with it's most famous inhabitants - the Silver Leaf Monkeys.
A short journey from the Fort brings you to the riverine town of Pasir Penampang where you will have a sumptious seafood dinner while enjoying the sunset over the islands that dot the horizon. After the sunset it is time to go over to Kuala Selangor to take the electric powered boat out to the river to see the fireflies. Here you will witness a spectacle of busy little lights dancing about the trees to eat and mate, oblivious of the tourists sitting quietly in their boats crusing along the banks of the river.

Duration: 3pm - 11pm
Price: Upon request and depends on the number of people

Massage, Foot Reflexology & Fish Spa

Take a stroll along Jalan Bukit Bintang and you find a host of massage and foot reflexology centres. It is quite the thing to do after a hard day of walking and sightseeing. You will be accosted along the Bukit Bintang stretch by dozens of ladies marketing their massage services but you will do well to just stroll the length of the street before deciding on the centre of your choice. Check out the prices as well!
We recommend the Fish Spa at either the Pavilion at the end of Bukit Bintang or the one at the 1st level of the Piccolo Hotel. Just remember not to visit the Fish Spa if you have any cuts or wounds on your legs.
Although Bukit Bintang is nearer to the guest houses we reckon that the massage by the blind in Brickfields is better value for your money. Ask Christina for directions to the massage centre by monorail.
There's a centre in Chinatown which has a great value package for a 2 hour massage. You might want to check it out when in town.
For those who would like to have a massage at the guest house we have a Malay lady masseuse (for ladies only) who does house calls.

Prices ranges according to duration of massage and the setting of the centre.

White Water Rafting Adventure

This is a great outdoor activity for those who like the sun and water. White waters of between Stage 1 - 3 will give you an adrenalin rush, with an experience you will remember for a long time. The journey to the river is an interesting ride across part of Malaysia's mountainous range and you will see the rural side of the country.
The rafting is operated by experienced guides with International Certification.
You may combine the white water rafting with a trip to Cameron Highlands which is about an hour's drive away. For those who would like to stay overnight, there are chalets at the venue.

Duration: About 2hr 30min drive from Kuala Lumpur
Meals provided
Video clip of your rafting experience available
Price: Upon request as it depends on the number of persons

Learn Traditional Batek Painting

Batek painting is one of the traditional crafts of Malaysia and Indonesia. It is an intricate art where the painter uses wax to created patterns on materials such as cotton of silk. There are quite a few templates to choose from for the beginner and you have the satisfaction of taking home the fruit of your labour.
Recommended for those who would like some quiet time in a bustling city and away from the stress of shopping.

Duration: 3 hours hands-on course with the master
All materials provided
Take home your masterpiece
Price: RM60 per person including transfers
About 10 min from the guest houses.

Hop On Hop Off Bus City Tour

Great way to visit the major city attractions - Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC, KL Bird Park, Central Market, Chinatown, Palace, etc
Air-cond double decker bus give excellent views of the city.
Guest who have taken this tour have only good things to say about the tour which you can take from Jalan Tengkat Tung Shin (Stop No. 7) - 5min walk from the guest houses. As the name suggests you are at liberty to hop off the bus at any point, sight see and hop on the next bus and continue your journey. You can also opt to remain on the bus throughout the journey, check out all the stops before deciding which are the ones you would like to go back to.

Duration: 8.30am - 8.30pm daily
Price: RM38 per person
Ticket can be purchased upon boarding and is good for 12 hours. Unused portion of the time can be claimed the following day.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Thursday Night Bazaar

The "Pasar Malam" or Night Bazaar is one of KL's best kept secrets. There exists a traveling market that comprises of hundreds of enterprising vendors moving from one suburb to another everyday of the week taking their interesting wares and specialty food to the local residents.
This is where the locals shop and eat. If you are looking for something with a distinct local flavour this is a must visit.

You must try the salt baked chicken, "carrot cake", Pandan flavoured chinese pancakes, "Otak Otak", durian and of course the "Smelly Tofu", among a host fo other delicacies.
You would be so delighted to find that bargaining is seldom necessary since the prices are set mainly for the locals. Great buys await the visitor. RM10 shoes, skirts, blouses, leather wallets, etc.

The more interesting markets and closest to Sarang Vacation homes are the ones on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.Set out from the city after 7pm to avoid the after-office rush. It takes about 20-30mins by taxi without congestion.
Approx. RM15 and above cab fare one-way.
Usually if Michael &Christina are free they would give you a ride there and take you around the maze of stalls.