I could spend a lot of time telling you how to get to Europe and do it on the cheap; but frankly, I think most of us, even the Europe travel diehards, are planning to "do America first," this year; and perhaps for the foreseeable future.

Here are 5 spots to visit in our own hemisphere that will provide a pleasurable get-away. These 5 just happen to be in California.

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Whether you are an East-coaster or a west-coaster, a trip to California will provide a variety of vacation categories. If you like crowded freeways, smog and high temperature in summer, then Los Angeles may be your thing. But California is so much more than Hollywood and crowded L.A. beaches. I need to add a disclaimer here; I am a Californian, but there are some beautiful areas to visit, with lots of outdoor activities or city entertainment without having to cross into southern California, at all.

San Francisco Bay Area

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The San Francisco Bay Area is beautiful. The city itself is one of my favorite in the entire world, if I may say so myself. You could spend two weeks in the City by the Bay and never get to see and do everything on your agenda. From Golden Gate Park to world-class shopping, San Francisco has it all.

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I recommend a hotel near or on Union Square. From this point, you can walk to great restaurants, shopping venues, Theatres and more. Hotels here are a bit pricey. Forego the St. Francis; Try the Hyatt on the Square for a less pricey stay. The Hilton on O'Farrell is also not so pricey. Be sure you get a room in the main, or old tower. Some of these rooms offer views of the Bay and/or Golden Gate Bridges. Off-season, (not summer) rooms are reasonable for San Francisco. The Prescott is one of my old favorites in this area and a travel bargain for San Francisco. Wolfgang Puck's Postrio Restaurant is attached to the Prescott's lobby.

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A day spent in Golden Gate Park with a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden and the Steinhart Aquarium is a must. Have a picnic in the park, stroll to the Conservatory of Flowers where rare plants are housed in a glass building that is one of the most memorable of San Francisco's landmarks. The DeYoung Museum features world-class exhibits, visit the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco for information on all of San Francisco's museums.

Wine Country

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Napa Valley/Sonoma, Northern California Wine Country is a fabulous area to visit. From San Francisco, The northern wine country is just a 45-minute drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. We enjoyed our last visit so much that we plan to take the entire family this summer; a cottage rental, perhaps, will be in order...something with a pool because this area can be very hot in summer. The best times to travel to the Napa wine country would be in spring or in fall. But if you like warm weather, summers are very nice but hot.

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Most wineries have complementary wine tasting. The knowledgeable folks who pour will give you a real education in the science and enjoyment of fine wines. The California Wine industry is the world's largest, by value, according to the California Wine Institute. For my money, give me a good California Chardonnay and I'm a very happy girl. The French can keep their whites; except for the champagnes, of course.

Consider the Wine train for an unforgettable wine experience including meals on board, if you wish. Check their website for seasonal rates and event packages.

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Many of the Wineries, tasting rooms and their properties are so beautiful that the whole family will enjoy visiting. Bring your designated driver, however. The local police have very little tolerance for drunk drivers.

As in San Francisco, you can pay just about whatever you want to pay for accommodations in the Northern California wine country. The further you get from the wineries, the more you will spend for a hotel or inn room. Try Petaluma hotels for a bit of a bargain, in Napa, the New Meritage Resort and Spa Terra is very nice for a mid-range Hotel. The spa is fabulous. Check my review here.

The Central Coast

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I live on the Central Coast of California, and I truly believe I live in the most beautiful place on Earth. (It takes a really enticing out of town trip to get my husband and I off of our deck and away from Carmel; why leave when Carmel is so amazing?) Carmel is the focal point of the central coast. Once an artist colony, still an enclave of storybook cottages and a strip of white-sand beach that is drop-dead gorgeous.

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Just on the southern outskirts of Carmel is Point Lobos Preserve. Pack a lunch, hike, cycle or drive in for a small fee and spend the day with your camera shooting some of the most pristine and lovely coastline undamaged by human interference. Watch the sea lions and sea otters at play and hike the trails to get different views of the sea. You can scuba dive here, but nothing is to be disturbed or taken from its natural habitat. Looking only, no touching is the rule at Point Lobos.

Be sure to take a drive through Pebble Beach on 17-Mile-Drive. Stop off at the Lodge for a glass of wine and unobstructed views of Monterey Bay while standing in a landmark building that looks as if it stepped right out of "The Great Gadsby." If you love to golf, The Monterey Bay Area has a plethora of world class golf courses. I don't want to forget about Spanish Bay Resort. While in the "Forest," stop at Spanish bay for a beverage by the fire pits at Roy's at Spanish Bay.

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If you drive along the coast 40 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, you will enjoy spending the day in Big Sur. From high on the cliffs, enjoy lunch at Ventana Inn or Nepenthe. Perhaps not the greatest restaurants, but the views and ambiance make up for it in spades.

In nearby Pacific Grove, a scenic path begins and stretches along the oceanfront for 20 plus Miles northward past beaches, the Monterey Wharf and sand dunes farther north in the Seaside/Marina area. Cyclists and rollerbladers, as well as walkers and joggers can use the path for a good day's worth of exercise combined with sightseeing. Check Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Trail for information on specific scenic path routes in Monterey County.

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You might also schedule some time to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is no average aquarium. Watch sea otters, penguins, fish native to Monterey Bay and learn why The Monterey Bay is a protected sanctuary. Explore the Aquarium's website for specific information regarding hours and entry fees. Also, you may want to look into a sanctuary cruise or other educational opportunities available to you.

Santa Cruz

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Santa Cruz, about 40 miles North of the Monterey Peninsula, is actually considered part of the central coast but has a flavor all it's own. Santa Cruz and Aptos have warmer summer beach weather than does the Monterey Peninsula. If surfing or other water sports are more your thing, or if you want to sunbathe on the beach, you would have better luck in the Santa Cruz area. You will want to put aside time for a stroll through the little enclave of Capitola, as well.

A trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will afford the entire family with a day of entertainment at an old-fashioned yet modernized, seaside park. There are rides as wild as the Big Dipper Rollercoaster to rides in the kiddy section for children as little as 2 years old. I'm not the theme park enthusiast, but once a year we do make a pilgrimage to the Boardwalk for the kids, and it certainly brings back memories of my own childhood with summer days spent there.

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With all of the first three vacation spots, consider the weather for the best time to visit; San Francisco and The Monterey Peninsula can be foggy in summer, especially during years when the central valley of California is scorching hot. Santa Cruz, however, has early morning fog but it lifts for sunny, warm summer afternoons.

The best months to visit San Francisco and The Monterey Peninsula are May and early June and also, September and Early October. These are rules of thumb; of course, I've been known to soak up the beach sun in Carmel in February, for instance.

The Sierras

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A summer vacation in Lake Tahoe will never be a disappointment. Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevadas, spans two states, California and Nevada. It is a beautiful lake, clear, blue and seemingly untouched by human destruction. If you love to boat, fish, hike, mountain bike, party or just ride the lawn chair, as I love to do, you will fall in love with Lake Tahoe.

Be forewarned that North Shore and South shore are very, very different. South Shore offers Large Hotels, Harrah's and Harvey's, just to name two, with name talent in the showrooms and 24 hour gambling, or as we like to say, 24 hours worth of chances to lose your money! But, very entertaining as your pocketbook shrinks, I must admit.

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North Shore is much more low-key with little enclaves clustered along the lake from Incline Village to Squaw Valley. For the family who wants a family-style vacation, perhaps in a vacation cabin or a condo, North shore would be more to your liking. Also, consider the VERY quiet West shore. The West Shore is less crowded, more "woodsy" with lots of old "Tahoe-style cabins." If you want a quiet retreat away from crowds and you don't care that there isn't much to do at night but vege, (sounds great to me!) look into the west shore of Lake Tahoe.

I am not a gourmet or a gourmand; however, I love to taste. Being familiar with the areas I've listed, I will give you my favorite restaurant picks in each, if any.

Monterey Peninsula: Carmel: The Rio Grill Located in the Crossroads Center, Mouth of Carmel Valley Rib Eye steak to die for on nights when it is served. The best smoked chicken with baby artichoke hearts and baby red tomatoes. Penne pasta with grilled shrimp and Creole cream sauce ... yum! But, if you don't like really spicy foods, ask them to tone it down a bit!

Bahama Billy's, located in the Barnyard, Carmel Rancho, Mouth of Carmel Valley.

I usually don't care for Jamaican/island cuisine but Billy's food is excellent. Try the Sashimi if you like sashimi, this is served wonderfully different. Lightly seared, blackened and served with a unique wasabi sauce. The Lobster bisque is also fabulous. **Billy's also has a sunny, beautiful patio for lunch.

Tarpey's Roadhouse Located on Highway 68, just outside of Monterey on the highway between Monterey and Salinas. **They get the award for best outdoor lunch patio.
Joe Rombi's La Mia Cucina Located in Pacific Grove. Locals' favorite Italian food. The delicate, light, portabella mushroom raviolis are wonderful.

The Montrio Located in Downtown Monterey is another locals' favorite. If you love prime rib, on Thursdays only, The Montrio serves the most mouth-watering roasted, then fire flamed, prime rib ever. Sauce style and accompaniment s vary but all are excellent.

When in Napa:

Brix in Napa Located on the St. Helena Highway in Yountville. Brix' s ambience is very nice, the food is awesome! We loved the New York steak cooked just the way we ordered it, and the butter leaf salad.

When In Santa Cruz/Capitola/Aptos:

I'm sorry to say that this area is a bit gastronomically challenged, save the pub-style foods that the UC students love. However, Bittersweet Bistro is the exception. Bittersweet is a beautiful little restaurant with fabulous food and wonderful service. They have a fun locals tavern-style bar with a lively crowd on "events" days. Food is also served in the pub for a more casual dinning experience if you wish.

If anyone has other suggestions for this area, I would love to hear them because Bittersweet is the only place we have found that we return to each time we are in the Santa Cruz area. Located on Rio Del Mar Blvd. in Capitola, just off Highway 1.

Every year, millions of tourists come to Turkey to see the natural beauties of my country. Most of these tourists are Russian, German and people coming from North Europan countries like Finland, Sweden and Norway. There are many historical and touristic places in Turkey but most of them are found in Aegean and Mediterranean region. Izmir, Antalya, Didim, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Fethiye, Bodrum and Ephesus are all great examples to these beauties. All of these places are located near the sea. Some of them have a historical background while some don't have. This article is about a small town Patara.

Patara is an ancient town in Mediterranean region. It is located in city of Kas which is one of the touristic cities of Antalya Province. According to the historians, Patara is the birth place of Saint Nicholas who is known as Noel Father in Turkish culture. Most of you know him as an old man who drives his deers and gives presents to the children in Noel nights. He lived all his life nearby Patara, in the town of Myra..

Patara was founded by Patarus. So, it is known with his name. Patarus was one of the sons of famous Greek commander Apollo. In the past, Dorians coming from city of Crete lived in this small town. It witnessed many wars of Greek and Egyptians. In 1. century B.C, it was joined to Roman Empire and Rhodians occupied the ancient Patara. It was joined to Pamphylia in the year of 43. According to the quotes in Bible, Paul of Tarsus and Luke changed their ships in Patara.

Patara has a small hill and a ruined temple on one side of the hill. Currently, It is under ruins. Every year, Europan and Turkish archaeologists come to Patara to search about ancient civilizations living in this region. Excavations are made.Most of those excavations are made on the hill and ruined temple nearby. Off-shore part of Patara is under sand. After the latest excavations, archaeologists announced that Patara has a main street and amphitheatre.

One day, if your steps take you away to Turkey, you should visit Patara. Sure that, you can find many interesting things which have not been discovered yet.

One of these trips was with a friend and involved the use of a 17 foot aluminum canoe in order to see the canyon from the river. The shortish first (and only, in our case) portage of 420 m was near the beginning of our trip and was not bad to negotiate with our light load as this was only a day trip. The portage allowed us access for canoeing the next 3 or 4 km to make our way towards a cliff face about 3 or 4 km up river. I had wondered about how this area of the canyon looked from river level for several years since I had walked the trail a couple of times years before, once in winter and once in summer. We were fortunate on the day that we chose for this venture for three reasons.

First, we were blessed with almost perfect weather with lots of sun and a slight breeze to help cool us and keep the flies away. Secondly, the current was not so strong as to completely exhaust us after the distance we needed to paddle (although, for me, it was a pretty good workout). And thirdly, when we arrived at the location beneath the main cliff, we were surprised to see two or three people rappelling down the rock face. We saw this as a great opportunity to take a breather while we were entertained by these adventurous rock climbers as they made their way down the 200+ foot, almost-vertical cliff face. Unfortunately, neither of us had brought a camera with us (major mistake) and so have no record but our memories of that day. It was several years before digital cameras hit the market so it would have had to have been the 35 mm camera. I didn't really know what to expect that day and so had left it at home. The trip back down river was much less work but no less enjoyable, being a beautiful, untouched piece of Ontario. Good memories were made that day.

Years later, and a couple of years ago, my significant other and I hiked the 1.5 km trail once more to refresh our memories. This time, we had a digital camera with us, and we were able to capture a few photos that give some idea of the natural beauty of the canyon as seen from the trail. I must say, though, that as I have aged, so has my nervousness increased at certain parts of the trail. I find that even though years before, I had ventured out to peer over the edge of precipitous rock edges, now I felt too uneasy about the danger, and enjoyed the wonderful views from several feet back. The canyon is kept as a natural area and so there is no man-made protection or fencing to prevent a person getting into trouble by being too bold and approaching the edge too closely. This should be kept in mind if one is to visit the area with younger folk.

I am not sure if one would be allowed to visit the canyon trail in winter these days. I haven't checked. I did visit with a friend about 30 years ago and I must admit, it was as beautiful in winter as in summer. There is an added advantage in winter. There are no black flies or mosquitoes. However, the trail needed to be negotiated very carefully as it was difficult to tell exactly what was underfoot. After some sight-seeing, we eventually decided on a great spot for our lunch and hot coffee. There, we spent a relaxed hour or two, chatting and in awe of the sight before us. There is a wonderful calmness that invades you when faced with such an experience. While there, we noticed cross-country skiers far below us traversing the river, now frozen and covered in a thick blanket of snow. Two sets of tracks extended behind them, barely disturbing the virgin surface. It is difficult to convey the feeling that one gets in the beauty of a sunny winter day in January looking over the surrounding country with the canyon below.

It is my hope that the natural beauty of the Barron Canyon can be preserved for generations to come so that more may experience it's unique offering.

I met a chatter whose name is Ulrich in my favourite chat channel. She was very sweet and charming girl. I spoke with her for fifteen minutes. I was stunned when she told me that she lived in small village called Fucking.For a sudden, I thought that she was joking with me. She was serious and insisted on living there. I opened my Google Earth map and searched for Fucking. She was right.There has been a village called Fucking for more than 1400 years.

Fucking: A small village in Austria

Fucking is a small village in Upper Austria. The exact location is 33 kilometers north of Salzburg and near German border. It is in the municipality of Tarsdorf.

It takes it's name from a traveller whose name is Focko. As far as I know, Focko is the name of a man who travelled this village in the 6th century. Fucking means “the place of Focko's people”.

The most surprising thing in Fucking is the traffic signs at the entrance and exit of the village. Most of the people seeing this sign stop there and take the photo of it. However, this sign has been stolen many times.

Fucking is rich in oxygen and fresh air since it is situated in the forest region. Due to it's natural beauty, it is one of the beautiful picnic areas of Tarsdorf. Even though it is a very small village and it's population is only 93, it is one of the well-known villages in Austria as a natural result of media interest.

Would you like to go Fucking and be one of the Fuckers? So, this is your guide.

Life at North Shore Tahoe in summer is warm and wonderful. Leave your dressy duds at home; dinner out at one of the finer restaurants in the area will be the sole occasion to dress up a bit. Evenings can be cool in the mountains, so be sure to pack some sweats and light jackets.

To become a part of the area during your North Shore escape, rent a condo, home or one of the older, charming Tahoe cabins; cute but be prepared to wash your own dishes! Be sure you rent an abode with outdoor deck or garden; space for relaxation, reading or quietly enjoying the climate and beauty of the mountains and lake; all of which are my favorite Tahoe summer activities.

Tahoe's North Shore has been our home away from home since the "60"s. The gaudy glitz of the casinos at South Shore is not the focal point here. That is not to say that there is no night-life at North Shore. There are, in fact, several small casinos in which to party, but they are found only at “Stateline,” in Crystal Bay.

About one mile North of Crystal Bay is King's Beach. In recent years, this area has become quite desirable; at least on the lake side of the highway. The beach itself is dirty and not great for sunbathing; choose your lodging with lakefront or pool by which to relax and lounge.

If you would like to participate in water activities, King's Beach is where you can find wave-runner rentals, take water-skiing lessons or parasail. As you are floating high above the lake, tethered to the boat by a single line, look down; I'll be the one on the deck at Jason's, with a margarita in hand, watching you sail! There is a boat launch at King's beach, and a place to park your car and trailer while you enjoy cruising the gorgeous lake.

Just a note: If you do plan to water ski on Lake Tahoe, you need to do some major squats and build up those quads before you go! Skiing on Tahoe is more like ocean, rather than lake skiing, and I'm not exaggerating! Even in summer, bring your summer-suit (a short wetsuit) for the summer season. The water is quite COLD, even in summer.

Farther north, just a few minutes drive, is Tahoe City. Tahoe City is Family-friendly, as it is easy to walk to restaurants, from fine dining to fast food, and there is a movie theatre for a family night out. I find Tahoe City a bit more trafficked and crowded than other enclaves to the south such as King's Beach, Tahoe Vista and Carnelian Bay. However, if you like a more upbeat, young crowd, Tahoe City may be attractive to you.

There are miles and miles of hiking trails at the north end of the lake, fishing both in the lake and on the river, and the best activity of all; lounging or walking in the warm Tahoe sun, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and taking in the awe-inspiring views of one of the world's most beautiful lakes.

The first time I went, it was breathtaking, the panoramic view from the top, and looking down at every thing makes you realize how good those birds have it that they can see something of great magnificence from such a perspective. But it should not be surprising to that Pilot Mountain is home to some of the most wonderful creatures such as squirrels, quails, etc. It's a haven for any breathing thing.

However, besides sightseeing and bird watching, you can do a lot more on Pilot Mountain. Elevated at about 2,500 feet, it's ideal for rock climbing and hiking, as well as camping. It is a little chillier than ground level, but that can be to your advantage during the summer. If you are a parent, with teenagers, or even pre-teens, this is the perfect summer destination for you and your family. The hiking is my favorite, but I never really have to climb the rocks. Bummer! However, the best part of the whole experience is the time I got to spend with family and loved ones.

So before you pack your bag and book your airline tickets, I have put together my top ten list of things to do on a 10 day trip!

1. Tour the Tulips of Table Cape

   

   This one is an absolute beauty, truly a photographer"s paradise. Table Cape is best viewed in the first week of October, and is located on the north coast, about 2 hours west of Devonport, on Bass Highway towards Stanley.
   Best of all you can look and take photos from the road side for free. The farms also have great display's, bulbs and souvenirs for sale to remember your experience.

2. Feed a Tassie Devil!

   

   Made famous by the Warner Bros cartoon character, these little guys have the world's strongest jaw! They devour absolutely everything when fed, flesh, skin, and bone - not a scrap left behind! Don't worry about them while your camping, they are only scavengers! Please only feed them under supervision at the many wildlife parks scattered around tassie! While they are friendly, one bite could break every bone in your hand! Get in and see them soon, as unfortunately there is a bad face tumor disease that is really wiping them out.

3. Walk with the Penguins in Stanley

   

   Many places around Australia make you pay to see the Fairy Penguins come up from the beach. In Stanley you can see them for free! You can find them just down on the beach in front of the graveyard. They come out of the surf about 15 to 45 minutes after sunset. I even had one walk between my feet when I was there!
   Stanley is about 4 hours west of Devonport on the Bass Highway. Please don't touch, disturb or shine your bright torch lights on these birds, as they just want to come home and go to bed!

4. Drive the Western Explorer!

   

   This little known, but spectacular drive, traverses the windswept plains and valleys from Murrawah in the North, to Corinna in the South. Enjoy the spectacular views across the north west wilderness area and the appropriately named, savage river national park. It is a great days drive from Stanley, and there is accommodation and camping available in Corinna. Suitable for 2 wheel drives in good weather.

5. Discover the Southern Caves

   

   Well worth a day trip out from Hobart, are the Hastings Caves There are over 50 spectacular limestone caves in the area, all of them still very much alive and growing.
   The caves are managed by Parks Tasmania, and there is a small charge to go on a tour. You can get to them via Hastings Caves Road, off the A6, Huon Valley Highway.
   Enjoy your journey through the Huon, and take time to stop at all the craft, local fruit and vege and wood working shops on the way. The lush spectacular local scenery is not to be missed. Just out of Geeverston, you may like to visit their latest tourist attraction, the Tahune Air walk. This attraction boasts a 600m walk up to 50 meters above the forest and river below. This is a great way to enjoy the splendor of the majestic Huon Pine forests.

6. Tramp around the Majestic Dove Lake

   

   Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park, deserves the title of Tasmania's most popular tourist attraction. The ancient cold climate Huon rain forests have you looking for elves and fairies around every tree trunk. You may not see those elusive creatures, but you will find the park bursting with life! Wallaby's, echidna and wombats galore are everywhere. A 3 hour walk around the mysterious Dove Lake is not to be missed.

7. Walk with the Wombats in Cradle Mountain

   

   Included with your Parks Tasmania entry fee, are nightly wombat walks in the Cradle Mountain. Starting on the board walk, just down from the cradle mountain car park, you'll see dozens of the creatures out foraging, digging new burrows or out guarding their territory. Contact Parks Tasmania for more information, and don't forget to rug up. Wombat's enjoy a funny sort of weather!

8. Climb to Wineglass Bay

   

   Arguably, the most scenic beach in the world, it is only accessible after a 1.5 hour climb over a hill from the closest car park. Trust me, it is worth every step! The fine yellow white sand, granite boulders rocks, sky blue waters and rugged mountain back drop makes this place very special. Only the dedicated walkers reach this spot, so you don't have to worry about the crowds spoiling your photo. The only people you do see a lot of are the photographers with large format cameras, out to soak up every lumen of this place's beauty.
   You can get to Wineglass bay, via Coles Bay Road, off the Tasman Highway (A3). It is about 4 hours north of Hobart. Beware during the summer months the park can get closed due to bush fires, so contact Parks Tasmania for more information.

9. Smell the Lavender Fields of Scottsdale.

   

   The sweet smell of lavender puts a spring in your step, and a smile on your face. The lavender fields of Scottsdale are an awesome sight in full bloom, and are at their peak around January. Unfortunately, this does not line up with the tulip peak, so if you want to see these fields in full bloom, you may need to make a second trip. Take your time traveling around the farms, they nearly all have shop fronts, where you can buy lavender products, souvenirs and have a coffee or lunch all year round.

10. Laugh at the Launceston town monkeys

    

    Free council run zoos are very much a rarity in modern Australia, so this is delightful find. You can find these amusing creatures, right in the heart of Launceston's “City Park”, only a short stroll from the main shopping precinct.
    There are about 20 Japanese monkeys that are kept in the enclosure, which is open from 9am to 5pm each day. It makes a great place to have lunch, or to bring the kids

Pack Your Bags and Visit!

So, I hope I have inspired you to pack your bags and board a ferry / plane to come and visit the most beautiful isle in the world. Whilst these are only my top ten, there are so many more highlights that you should experience, including:

• The snowy top of Mt Wellington, Hobart.
• The Cadbury chocolate factory, Hobart
• Lake St Clair
• The chairlift and "Nut" at Stanley
• The blowhole and penguins of Bicheno
• The super cheap cheese factory at Burnie
• The flowery beaches of Swansea (see the picture on the right)
• The beautiful farmland, craft stores and murals of Sheffield
• The rugged beauty of the south west wilderness

Enjoy!

City Centre :Kuala Lumpur

Administrative center :PutraJaya

Location : Southeast asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one- third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam.

MAP OF MALAYSIA

Ethnic groups:

Malay 55.%, Chinese 25.0%, Indigenous 10%, Indian 6.1%, others 4.8% (2005)

Religions:

Muslim, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu, Christian, Sikh
note: In addition, Shamanism is practiced in East Malaysia

Languages:

Bahasa Melayu (official), English, Chinese dialects (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai

note: In addition, in East Malaysia several indigenous languages are spoken, the largest are Iban and Kadazan

Langkawi Island

Langkawi Maps

Most popular Island in Malaysia.This Island is duty free Island . white sandy beach,clear water, and the island also free from pollution.Many activity can do here such as snorkeling,just laze at the white sandy beach, and discover beautiful underwater world when u diving.

Also this Island have many place of interest like Kuah town.In this town all product is duty free .Also palce like makam mahsuri,Beras terbakar,gunung raya,cenaang beach,underwater world,kampong tok senik, and etc.

How to go there?For those who want to go here by air,can fly by AIR ASIA or MAS airlines from Kuala Lumpur International Airport .For those who are driving down from KL, Johor, Singapore, and other places on main land, you may choose the nearest Jetty Terminal. There are signboards indicating the junctions to get off the highway, after reaching Kedah, look for the sign "Alor Setar Selatan" and "Langkawi". After reaching, Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, you may park your car at the private car park which will cost around RM6-8 per day. Vehicle can only be brought over to Langkawi via cargo vessel (at RM160.00 return) which will take 1 night to cross over, meaning the vehicle can only by retrieve the next day at Langkawi Port (Tanjung Lembung).

Form Singapore, Johor and Kuala Lumpur, there're buses running daily to Alor Setar/Kuala Kedah. Please contact local bus operators for more information. There's another option is by train, KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) which start it's journey from Singapore interchange at Kuala Lumpur all the way down to Alor Star Train Station and Arau. From Alor Setar Train Station to Kuala Kedah Jetty Terminal with taxi (RM16.00). From Arau to Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal with taxi (RM12.00).

REDANG ISLAND

Located at state of Terengganu Darul Iman White sandy beaches, crystal clear blue sea, brilliant underwater world. Redang archipelago comprises 9 islands Island and the main Redang Island that abound with marvelous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs that ensure great snorkelling and scuba-diving. Ping Anchorage package tours from camping to luxury beach resort, the choice - is always yours

Redang maps

Pemanggil Island

Pemanggil Island was nominated as one the best fishing pots in Malaysia.Among the favorite fish to catch is black merlin.Also this island also has white sandy beach and also many good location for snorkeling.The water also free from pollution.

How to get to there?From mainland State of Johore Darul Takzim requires a 4 or 5 hours boat ride from mersing.

Tioman Island

Most beautiful Island in east cost.white sandy beach,clear water, and the island also free from pollution.Many activity can do here such as snorkeling,just laze at the white sandy beach, and discover beautiful underwater world when u diving.

Also their has many place of interest such as Marine Park,Monkey Bay,Tulai Island, and Renggis Island.

The third largest of Hong Kong's islands after Hong Kong and Lantau, it is home to about 6,000 people who live mainly around peaceful villages of Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan.

There are also remote settlements. At Yung Shue Ha, members of the founding Chinese clan all have the same surname: Chow.

Lamma is a day trip haven from the big city: soak up the relaxed lifestyle of the locals, the idyllic beaches and the countryside walks. Life is simple here, with no cars on the island at all. There is a very special villagey atmosphere that makes it a spellbinding place to visit and charms both Chinese and expats who have set up home there.

The majority of the island is green and untouched: beautiful beaches such as Sham Wan are left untainted by developers and Mount Stenhouse dominates the south of the island at 353 meters high. But where there is life, the communities are vibrant.

Yung Shue Wan is home to a main street, running from a ferry pier, lined with shops and some curious bars and restaurants, a bank and a post office. For a day visit, this is a good place to begin. Stock up on water and snacks and set off on a gentle hike over to Sok Kwu Wan.

If you have time, explore other areas of the island. Take a towel and beachwear and find a beach to relax on or just make use of your hiking boots to get a feel for the coves and treasures. Like many others, you may find it hard to leave.