malaisya tourism

Destinations
State / Terengganu / Pulau Perhentian
Pulau Perhentian

Pulau Perhentian, meaning 'stopover island', is not to be missed. Situated 21km off the coast of Terengganu, it consists of the islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Covered by unspoilt jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters, Pulau Perhentian is a sanctuary for fishermen, migratory birds and of course, discerning holiday-makers.

Located just off the edge of the Pulau Redang Marine Park, Perhentian's coral-fringed waters have excellent underwater seascapes for snorkelling and scuba diving. Arrangements can also be made for island cruises, and boats can be hired to go exploring for private bays and secluded coves. A trip to these tropical islands is also a must for those who enjoy windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and deep-sea fishing.

Of the two islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil is more geared towards backpackers. Here, you'll find a wide range of budget options for both food and accommodation. Pulau Perhentian Besar, on the other hand, is more developed and therefore offers better facilities. Nevertheless, there are chalets, dormitories and campsites on both islands.

Key Tips
For the best sunsets in the Perhentian Islands, go to Coral View Island Resort , get a cool drink at the café overlooking the sea, and soak in the view.
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How to get there
By Road
From Kuala Terengganu, take a taxi or bus to the fishing port of Kuala Besut. It lies about 1 hour north of town. The jetty is here.

By Boat
Board a boat at the Fisheries Complex for Pulau Perhentian. The boat ride to the island takes about an hour.

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Who to contact
For more information, please contact Terengganu Tourism Office Tel: +609-622 1433 / 1893
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Accommodation Overview
The twin islands offer an astounding range of accommodation, from budget guesthouses to a 4-star resort. If you are here for diving, it is best to book them as part of an organised dive tour so that meals, diving and accommodation are all-inclusive.

To book travel packages, click here

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iTaLy TouRism

Rome and Latium

Roma caput mundi: Rome center of the world. That is how the Eternal City used to be called in ancient times. Today Rome, the capital of Italy, is a vibrant and lively city with reminders of its past everywhere: a spectacular fusion of the ancient and the modern, which presents its unique heritage like no other city in the world.

We have 22 villas and apartments for rent in Rome and Latium. Listed below are rental property 1 through 12. Please click on the photo or on the name of the rental property to view the details.

Follow the links to see all the properties for rent in Rome and Latium.

Rome and Latium

Tuscany

Famous for its Chianti wines, its magnificent historic towns, such as Florence, Siena, Arezzo, San Gimignano, Cortona, Lucca and Volterra, and its peaceful nature, Tuscany reveals its very soul with placid hills, wide pastures and neatly harvested vineyards and offers travelers a continuous sequence of stimulating highlights.

We have 149 villas and apartments for rent in Tuscany. Listed below are rental property 1 through 12. Please click on the photo or on the name of the rental property to view the details.

Follow the links to see all the properties for rent in Tuscany.

Tuscany

Lake Como

Between the Alps and the plain, close to the Swiss border, Lake Como offers to its visitors incredible sights made of calm waters, steep mountains, sweet hills, valleys, woods and enchanting lakeside towns. Its mild climate soothes the roughness of the landscape, and makes it possible to grow gardens of amazing beauty, some of which hide tiny precious museums filled with artworks. A place that you will never forget.

We have 27 villas and apartments for rent in Lake Como. Listed below are rental property 1 through 12. Please click on the photo or on the name of the rental property to view the details.

Follow the links to see all the properties for rent in Lake Como.

Lake Como

Our newest discoveries...

We are always on the lookout for properties with character and charm, friendly and hospitable owners, stunningly beautiful locations -- and, of course, the best possible value for our guests. Here are our most recent discoveries, at special introductory prices -- we hope you will be as enchanted by them as we are!

Please click on the photo or on the name of the property to view the details.

The beach of Marina Grande, in Positano

Sorrento Coast

Sorrento is one of the best known resorts in Italy, situated on a tract of coastline of unrivalled beauty, on the northern slope of the Sorrentine Peninsula, in a sheltered spot, surrounded by luxuriant hills where vines, olives and above all high quality citrus fruits are grown. The site of patrician villas during Roman times, it has been a highly prestigious retreat since 700. Sorrento has been nicknamed “La Gentile” because of the gentleness of its climate, the refinement of its streets and gardens and of the friendliness of its inhabitants.

We have 79 villas and apartments for rent in Sorrento Coast. Listed below are rental property 1 through 12. Please click on the photo or on the name of the rental property to view the details.

Follow the links to see all the properties for rent in Sorrento Coast.

Sorrento Coast



A romantic getaway in Italy...

...where else would you spend a romantic vacation, maybe your honeymoon, with your loved one?

Italy is, without doubt, one of the most desirable destinations for a lovers' escape. It could be the spectacular view of the mountains that dive into the lake, or the fresh breeze of the Mediterranean sea and the lights of the coast on a starry night, or maybe a sunset on a landscape made of rolling hills and castles... Italy is ready to give you unforgettable thrills.

Among our properties there are a few that have been specially selected for those longing to a romantic time in this corner of paradise.

We have 13 romantic properties. Listed below are property 1 through 13.
Please click on the photo or on the name of the property to view the details.

Amalfi by night

Venice

The city of Venice is so unique and so famous that you might feel you know it without ever having been there. St Mark's Square, the Carnival, the canals and the bridges, and, of course, the gondolas. Haven't you seen them a thousand times in brochures and movies? Yet, with its dazzling architectural heritage, some of the world's finest art museums and churches, Venice transmits an indefinable feeling of mystery and romance. It is a city too special on this globe to be rushed.

We have 4 villas and apartments for rent in Venice. Listed below are rental property 1 through 4. Please click on the photo or on the name of the rental property to view the details.

Venice

Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame 


 The major french religious building, masterpiece of gothic architecture.  
Monuments in France: Notre-Dame cathedral - Paris, France


Proceeded by a Gallo-Roman temple to Jupiter, a Christian basilica, and a Romanesque church, construction of Notre-Dame de Paris began in 1163 during the reign of Louis VII. Pope Alexander III laid the foundation stone. Construction was completed roughly 200 years later in about 1345.

In 1991, a 10 year program of general maintenance and restoration has begun, and sections of the structure are likely to be shrouded in scaffolds for the foreseeable future.

During its history, Notre Dame has been the site of numerous official and other ceremonial occasions. In 1430, Henri VI of England is crowned here. The 2nd December 1804, after the anointing by Pius VII, Napoleon seizes the crown from the pontiff and crowns first himself, then Josephine. The 31st May 1980, after the Magnificat of this day, Pope John Paul II celebrates Mass on the parvis in front of the Cathedral.


  
Not to be missed !  
Before leaving, do not forget to walk round to the public garden at the east end for a view of the flying buttresses supporting the choir, and then along the riverside under the south transept, where you can sit in springtime under the cherry blossom.

And in front of the cathedral, in the square separating Notre Dame from Haussmann's police Headquarters, is what appears to be and smells like the entrance to an underground toilet. In fact, it is a very well-displayed and interesting museum, the crypte archeologique, in which are revealed the remains of the church which predated the cathedral, as well as streets and houses of the Cite dating as far back as the Roman era.

On the pavement by the west door of Notre-Dame is a spot known as kilometre zero. This is where all of the main road distances in France are calculated. For the Ile de la Cite is the symbolic heart of the country, or at least of the France that in the school books fights wars, undergoes revolutions and launches space rockets.


  
Practical information  
How to get there
Metro line 4 : Cité, St-Michel
RER B or C : St-Michel

Opening hours
8 am to 6.45 pm

Fees
Cathedral : free
Visit of the towers
maximum persons by visit: 20
Full: 7,00 euros
Reduced: 4,50 eurs
Group: 5,50 euros
School: 30,00 euros


PARIS

Eiffel Tower


Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300m it was then the world's tallest building. Not everyone was happy when it was first built but today it is one of the world's most visited monuments. The Eiffel Tower remained the highest monument in the world until the construction of New York's Chrysler Building in 1930.  
monuments in Paris: Eiffel Tower - Tour Eiffel



  
History  
In 1889, when the Tour Eiffel was completed, it was the tallest building in the world at 300m. The Tour Eiffel was originally built as a tempory structure to commemorate the centenary of the Revolution. And since, the Eiffel Tower has become an enduring symbol of the city of Paris.

The Tour was originally built for the 1889 Exposition. This steel construction defied all traditional rules in architecture. It is now the television transmitter for the greater Paris region. 

The Tour selected by a competition which was won by Gustave Eiffel, an engineer who had experience of constructing high level railway viaducts. In the public eye, the tower had many mixed opinions, celebrated and loathed in equal measure. Throughout its construction, the residents became convinced that it would collapse, and Eiffel had to reassure them personally. The author Guy de Maupassant left Paris permanently to avoid looking at its 'metallic carcass' but others who espoused more self-consciously modern views championed the tower: Seurat and Douanier Rousseau were among the first to paint it, in 1889 and 1890 respectively. On a clear day, it is possible to see Chartres Cathedral from the high level viewing platform.

There are three floors. The first is at 57 m., the second at 115m., and the third at 276 m. The top of the aerial is 320 m. above the ground. And on a nice day, you an see from the top of the platform, the whole of Paris and even the distant suburbs.
The 12,000 steel girders are held together by 2,500,000 rivets to produce a smooth, curving profile. Its functional elegance heralded the dawn of Industrial Art, and has met with much sarcastic comment from more conservative observers ever since it was finished in 1889.
And in 1986 the external night-time floodlighting was replaced by a system of illumination from within the tower's superstructure, so that it now looks at its magical best after dark.


  
Practical Information  
How to get there
METRO : Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Ecole Militaire
RER : Ligne C - Station Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel
BUS : 42,69,72,82,87
TAXI : Station Quai Branly, Pilier Ouest

Opening
From January 1 to June 18: 9:30 am - 18:30 pm (11:00pm via lift)
From June 19 to August 29: 9:00 am - midnight 
From August 30 to December 31: 9:30 am - 18:30 pm (11:00pm via lift)
Last admitance 1 hour before closing.

Fees:
Stairs - all visitors: 3,80 euros
under 25 years old : 3,00 euros
Adults
Lift to 1st platform 4,10 euros
Lift to 2nd platform 7,50 euros
Lift to 3rd platform 10,70 euros
Children
Lift to 1st platform 2,30 euros
Lift to 2nd platform 4,10 euros
Lift to 3rd platform 5,90 euros

RIAU

Riau province is one of the fastest growing parts of Indonesia in terms of economic, population and tourism. Riau Province occupies the central part of eastern region on Sumatra Island, which straddles between Malacca Straits, South China Sea and Berhala Straits. The Province is a strategic region as it directly faces Malacca Straits and Singapore, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

Riau is one of the richest provinces in Indonesia. This province is rich with natural resources, particularly petroleum and natural gas, rubber, and palm oil. The majority of the province is heavily forested lowland; logging is a major industry in the province.



Geographically
Geographically, Riau Province lies on 445' North Altitude up to 115' South Longitude or 10003' up to 10919' Greenwich and 650' up to 145' West Longitude Jakarta, with natural borders as follows:
North side: North Sumatra Province, Malacca Straits
South side: Jambi Province 
West Side: West Sumatra Province 
East side: Riau Archipelago

Administratively
Riau Province is administratively divided into 9 Regencies (Bengkalis, Indragiri Hilir, Kampar, Kuantan Singingi, Pelalawan, Rokan Hilir, Rokan Hulu, Siak) and 2 cities (Pekanbaru, Dumai), with Pekanbaru as the capital city.

Climate
This region is dominantly characterized by the sea climate with average temperature of 30°C at day and 23°C at night throughout the year. Rainy season falls on November (sometimes October) up to April while dry season begins in July. Riau has tropical climate and in general is classified into climate type "A" with relatively high rainfall, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 mm per year in average.

Topography 
Most areas in Riau are lowland plain, including alluvial islands scattered along coastal line with average elevation less than 200 m above sea level. In mainland region, there are four big rivers, i.e. Rokan River, Siak River, Kampar River and Indragiri River. These rivers spring from Bukit Barisan mountain range stretching along the border Riau Province and West Sumatra Province, and flow down to Malacca Straits. The rivers play an important role as the means of transportation, sources of irrigation, energy, and clean water as well as fishery resources. Archipelagic region of Riau, on the other hand, is formed of volcanic formation in the form of islands, big and small. The soil is in general of Organosol type (Histosol), containing much organic substance. Wide Area 
The territorial size of Riau Province is 329,867.16 km consisting of land area 94,561,61 Km2 and water area 235,306,00 Km2. Riau population is 4,948,000 

Vacations in Sweden: Gothenburg for the Family

Gothenburg has so much to offer when it comes to exciting sights and superb attractions. Familiarizing its various tourist spots will assure you a worthwhile stay in one of Sweden's most modern cities.

Sweden is considered as the world's most modern country. It is also more popular to international visitors because of Gothenburg. This city has become one of the popular city break destinations due to its culture and attractions.

Aside from this, it is known for its friendly atmosphere and cosmopolitan scenes. Building its reputation globally, Gothenburg's many sights and attractions became the most enjoyable hubs in Northern Europe. In fact, most shops, restaurants, hotels and cafes are merely a walk away.

Sights and Attractions

Castles and Fortresses - Alvsborgs fortress has a tower church on the island top. Family picnics are considered special due to its lush green lawns that surround the entire area. Seeing the archipelagic seascape and the 17th century dramatized tours, it is a worthy experience for a 30-minute boat ride. Aside from this, the Gunnebo Neoclassical Castle offers leisure shops and strolls for a family day trip.

The Botanical garden - This is considered as the finest botanical garden in Northern Europe. It measures about 150 acres, laying its doors with perennial beddings, kitchen, rocks and herb gardens. Other attractions include the Japanese glade, orchid collections, Easter Tree and the Tradgarsforeningen Park. This park is very popular for concert venues during the summer season. Kids can also enjoy the Palm House because of its popular rose garden and tropical trees.

The Slottskogen Park - This Park is Gothenburg's most popular green recreation area for picnics, Frisbee or a football game, skaters and joggers. The family can choose from several restaurants, along with sights such as a miniature zoo, theme parks and pools for children.

TanumStrand Holiday Village - TanumStrand is a family-friendly resort for outdoor enthusiasts. They provide seasonal sport activities like kayaking, inline skating, swimming and tennis. Playrooms, pools, mini zoos and the Haves Hus aquarium are also amongst children's favorite spots. You will also be amazed with the Nordens Ark animal sanctuary for endangered species.

The University Science and Technology Museum - Children will have fun exploring the underwater world of ocean tropics as well as the Baltic Sea. Another remarkable experience includes learning like experimenting with robots and communication satellites.

Liseberg Amusement Park - Liseberg is Sweden's most popular attraction. It boasts of 35 rides and an adventure-filled day for all ages. Famous rides include the "Star" which features a giant balder roller coaster and the Kanonen (The Canon), having terrifying loops and twists set at a maximum speed.

The park also showcases a variety of daily performances and shows as well as fine dining restaurants. Visitors from other countries, especially during the Christmas season urge tourists to experience a Scandinavian atmosphere at this park. Hence, it became more attractive due to its Christmas market, ice skating, and skiing opportunities among others. In fact, this even extends to Gotaplatssen Square and Avenyn Boulevard. Avenyn also has in line outdoor restaurants, cafes and nightclubs for added attraction.

Other top-rated attractions include the Vasa Museum, Skansen Open-Air Museum, Lund Cathedral, Drottningholm Palace and Court Theater, along with Gamla Stan and Junibacken. Museums like the Hallwayl, the Nobe, ABBA Museum and the Skansen Open-Air Museum are also added attractions.

For Arts and entertainment lovers, The Art Museum of Nordic Art collections and the Gothenburg Opera House offers modern and classical shows.

For shoppers, Gothenburg offers indoor shopping center such as Nordstan. It is the largest shopping mall in Sweden. Hence, the streets of Kungstan and Vallgatan are also amongst the main shopping districts for fashionable boutiques, arcades and gift shopping. You will find department stores and popular shops at the Avenyn Boulevard as well. Teenagers and kids can look into interesting trendy design clothing, handicrafts, gourmet restaurants and other art galleries along Haga district and Linnegatan Street.

An open air food market is also within reach at Kungstorget square. Aside from this, the Saluhallen food market offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, meats, shellfish, and other specialties of gastronomic pleasure. Sports bars like O´Learys Bar and Restaurant situated along Östra Hamngatan 37 and Score at Bellmansgatan 7 are some of the popular bars you can visit for a sporty ambiance.

Hence, hotels at Gothenburg offer families with children satisfying amenities at reasonable prices. Some of their popular hotels for tourists include Hotel Vasa, Hotel Riverton, Hotel Liseberg Heden and Spar Hotel Garda.

With this multitude of sights and attractions, families will adore Gothenburg as their favorable vacation destination in Sweden.


Sweden : History and more...
SurfaceSweden has a total land area of 410,934 sq km. 

Population:  Sweden has a population of 9,031,090 (July 2007). It predominantly comprises Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities.

System of government: Sweden is a constitutional monarchy. 

Capital: With a population of 786,510 inhabitants, Stockholm is the capital of Sweden.

Religion: Lutheranism is the most dominant religion in Sweden.

Official Language: Swedish is the official language of Sweden.

Government: Sweden is a constitutional monarchy.

Climate: Sweden has a temperate climate in the south; sub-arctic, in the north.

Units of measure and electricity: Sweden follows the metric system and the official electricity unit is 230 V, 50 Hz.

Time Zone: Sweden follows CET, which is GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 in summers).

Currency: Swedish krona (1 € = 9.19911 SEK).

Travel documents required: One requires a visa to travel to Sweden.
Economy

Sweden has a market economy, heavily dependent on foreign trade. Timberhydropower and iron-ore form the resource base of the economy. Telecommunications as well as the automobile and pharmaceuticals industries are very important. Swedes are considered to be highly skilled.

Sweden is considered relatively expensive. Though, more and more inexpensive options are now available to visitors. The average daily expense of a tourist in Sweden varies between 200–500 SEK.

Cities: Vacations and Tourism
ArildBåstadGothenburg
Gotland IslandHelsingborgKiruna
LandskronaLundMalmo
MölleÖland IslandStockholm
TorekovUppsala-

Vacation Planning Tips for Families

When you want to take a vacation, careful planning must take place in order to get the best trip for the best price. If you really want your vacation to go well and be carefree while you are exploring your favorite destination, you will want to start planning for your trip at least three months before departure, especially if you are traveling to a foreign country. 

Vacation planning begins with making a list of the places that you would like to visit, and ones that you will be able to afford. Your goal is to choose a place that will provide you with plenty of cultural and entertaining experiences for the best price. Let's assume that you are traveling to a foreign country. The first step you need to take in order to prepare for your trip is to apply for a passport. And after you have applied, make sure to pay attention to the US State Department travel warnings in case your destination ends up on the list. 

It is also a good idea to make arrangements with neighbors a few months ahead of time to take care of your house. You will not want to find someone last minute and get stuck with the wrong person. This also goes for any pet care arrangements you will need to make for the dog, cat, or other pet you may have. 

Another step you will need to take plenty of time to check on is your health insurance policy. Make sure that it will cover expenses that occur while you are out of the country. If it doesn't, you will want to think about purchasing additional insurance that will cover you for the duration of your trip. 

Now you are ready for the fun stuff. About a month before the trip you will want to start purchasing any special items such as different clothing for the climate of your destination. Not sure what the weather will be like when you get there? You can always check online travel networks that can provide you will detailed information about your destination. You will also want to check with your hotel to see if they provide iron, hair dryers, shampoo, and any other things that you will need to pack if it is not provided. 

By this time, you will need to check to see if any shots are required to go to your destination. And you will want to get identification that states any of your medical problems or allergies. And if you take and prescription medications, you will want to stock up on these so that you will have plenty for your trip. 

It is probably a good idea to stop mail delivery to your house while you are gone unless you have someone house sitting for you who can pick it up everyday. And on the day that you leave, give yourself plenty of time to get through airport security and get to your flight on time.