Year 2009 is coming. We wish you a Happy New Year and we hope that 2009 is your lucky year. Plan your exciting holiday to Malaysia now.

JUST as only an interested handful know about the Orang Asli, very few people know about the Orang Asli Museum in Gombak, Selayang, Selangor.

The museum, fringed by Senoi (Temiar and Semai) and Proto Malay Orang Asli villages, is about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur.

The Orang Asli in the peninsula is divided into three main groups: the Negritos or Semang, the Senoi and the Proto Malays which are further divided into 18 subgroups who speak a very distinct language from the other.

The Negritos are found mainly in the north, the Proto Malays in the south and the Senois occupy the central region.

The Orang Asli Museum is a must-visit place for tourists with an interest in anthropology as it features a few hundred exhibits detailing the Orang Asli way of life. This includes farming, hunting, marriage rites, musical instruments, charms and carvings which all add up to a very riveting and informative experience of the people we have so little contact with.

Varied Subgroups

The two-storey museum, with a grand looking layered arched brown roof, features two large pickaxes to mark its entrance. The pickaxe is the symbol of the Orang Asli as it is the most important tool in their daily life. It is mainly used for cutting and farming.

The museum is divided into various sections, starting with a wall filled with myriad black and white portraits of the different subgroups of Proto Malay, Senoi and Negrito.

One shortcoming was apparent. The museum still shows the Orang Asli population at 92,529 (according to 1993 Census figures) instead of 113,541 (2000 Census which excludes those living in designated Orang Asli settlements).

One of the main surprises is to find out that the Orang Kanaq, a Proto Malay subgroup found only in Kota Tinggi, Johor, is now almost non-existent. There are only 64 of them (73 during the 2,000 Census).

The Jakun, also Proto Malay, are the largest subgroup with 21,484 people, found mainly in Johor and Pahang. The Proto Malay is quite a large group comprising Jakun, Semalai, Orang Seletar, Temuan, Orang Kuala and Orang Kanaq.

The Negritos are smaller in number and subgroups include the Bateq at Taman Negara in Pahang as well as Jahai, Kensiu, Kintak, Lanoh and Mendriq.

The Senois are the largest of the three main groups and they comprise Temiar, Semai, Semoq Beri, Che Wong, Jahut and the Mah Meri who are particularly noted for their skilled wood carvings, especially Harimau Berantai (a mythical tiger holding a chain with a ball in its mouth).

Wall Of Fame

From the introduction section, one enters a section displaying pictures of Senoi Praaq, an army unit comprising Senois, which was formed in 1957, the year of Independence.

Some pictures show their operations in the jungle against the communists. In 1968, the group joined Pasukan Polis Hutan (Forest Force) as Battalion 19 (based in Kem Kroh, Pengkalan Hulu, Perak) and Battalion 20 (Kem Bidor, Perak) as Pasukan Gerak Am (General Force). It now has 2,000 members.

So detailed are the exhibits that even the promotion of an Orang Asli, Long Pandak, to the post of inspector in the Royal Malaysian Police, is featured.

Prominent Orang Asli featured include senators like Datuk Long Jidin and Osman Bongsu. This gives us another facet of the Orang Asli’s achievements and contributions to society.

Unique Mah Meri

The Mah Meri (meaning jungle people) is found mainly in the southern part of Selangor, especially Pulau Carey. A large section of the museum is dedicated to exhibiting their carvings. Besides Harimau Berantai, carved masks or moyang bojos and patong moyang belangkas are also exhibited.

The Mah Meri believe in a Creator God who shows little interest in human affairs. They believe that only the spirits of their ancestors can help them, so they carve figures of their ancestors for offering them prayers.

Their carvings are made from the roots of Pulai trees and a hardwood called Nyiris Batu.

Also featured is the Mah Meri wedding ritual which resembles that of Muslim and Hindu weddings.

Temiar Longhouse

The natives of Sarawak live in longhouses. Do you know the Temiar used to live in longhouses too? The only difference is that their longhouses were shorter than that in Sarawak.

For instance, unlike the Iban longhouse which can hold up to 50 doors (each door represents a family), the Temiar longhouse had between five and 10 doors as depicted in the model in the museum.

There are also exhibits of Negritos wooden sheds lined up in a semi circle.

Interesting Exhibits

Bamboo and mengkuang are the two most common forest products used by the Orang Asli to make everyday tools such as blowpipes, fish and animal traps and musical instruments like seruling hidung (nose flutes) and seruling belapis as well as bangles, combs and bags.

One section shows examples of bark clothing and how they are made.

In the music section, interesting exhibits include nose flutes of the Semais and Negritos as well as the Temiars’ jaw harp, which has been described as the hallmark of the Orang Asli as it can be used to produce sounds of birds and insects. Then there are gamelan, semarang drum, tambur, buluh centong and gendang.

There are also models of river transports such as perahu kulit kayu (bark boat), rakit buluh (bamboo raft) along with a plethora of ingenious rattan traps for catching crabs, prawns, fish, birds and even mice. One giant black bubu (rattan fish trap) measures at least 1½m. A compartment shows bamboo spikes used in a trap.

The museum provides an amazing spectrum of exhibits of how Orang Asli make and set animal traps. Many of these work on the principle of maiming the animals.

Herbs, Charms & Black Magic

Never offend an Orang Asli unnecessarily because they have all sorts of ways to get back at you. One way is the use of black magic. The Orang Asli believe that even Orang Halus (spirits), when offended, are capable of casting spells that would result in pain.

On the first floor, there are needles, shaving blades, glass fragments and wood chips that Orang Asli bomohs have removed from the bodies of patients. Many of these are said to be the results of black magic. In a glass

compartment is a log labelled pokok paku gajah, said to be used in black magic.

There also charms for children. For instance, a shell is used to get a child to stop drooling saliva and buah kulim tied to a child’s sleeping place to frighten away spirits.

Those interested in herbs can also learn a thing or two at the museum. Orang Asli use herbs such as buah sumba, kijai, duri rotan, ubi jaga and bunga pakma for various ailments.

One interesting section showcases in detail the birth process and items used by pregnant women, such as herbs, incense and items like batu tunku and akar wangi for post-natal treatment.

If doing nothing is your favourite holiday activity, you’d find Rebak Marina Resort a dream come true.

EVEN at the check-in counter, regular guests will notice a change in the ambience of Rebak Marina Resort. After 18 months of quiet, the resort is now fully refurbished and rebranded as Rebak Island Resort – A Taj Hotel.

Its last name refers to an India-based hotel brand that is renowned for its world-class hotels in India, Maldives, Mauritius, Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.

Rebak Island Resort, the group’s only hotel in Malaysia, is also the only resort on tiny Rebak Island, about 15 minutes by boat from the main Langkawi Island.

With its new image, the rooms and main areas like the reception house and the food and beverage outlets have a warm elegant touch that still reflects the Malaysian identity.

Besides the Taj brand name, its other selling points are its high level of privacy and exclusiveness. Though the resort only occupies one-third of the 390-acre island, it is big enough for guests to not bump into each other except during breakfast or dinner.

Doing Nothing

The number one leisure activity at Rebak is to simply do nothing but laze around at the pool or the sandy beach to watch the day go by.

If you’re not in the mood for water, escape to the reading room, Safa Wangi Spa or indulge in the comfort of your room balcony.

When you finally get your fill of doing nothing, here are some suggestions. Start the day with a 60-minute morning walk to learn about the flora and fauna. Led by resident naturalist, the walk starts from the reception to the marina before going uphill along a concrete path that turns back to the resort.

Midway, there is a trail that leads to a small patch of beach that, at low tide, exposes black rocks. About an hour’s trek from Pantai Batu Hitam, is another beautiful beach called Red Beach after its reddish-coloured limestone cave.

At 3pm, join the crowd at the pavilion to watch a giant 2.5m monitor lizard gobbling down a basket of chickens. Feeding the lizard is probably the only adrenaline-pumping thrill of the day here.

GETTING THERE
There is a dedicated Rebak Island Resort jetty on the main Langkawi island. The Port Langkasuka jetty is five minutes drive from Langkawi Airport. From the jetty, it’s only 15 minutes the resort marina. The ferry ride is free for resort guests and RM5 one-way for visitors.

MAIN ATTRACTION
The Taj hotel brand. It’s also the only resort on the privately-owned 390-acre Pulau Rebak. This one-resort one-island concept promises absolute privacy and a sense of exclusiveness.

FIRST IMPRESSION
Changes that come with Taj Hotel are very apparent. The block that houses the reception lounge, Minum Minum Bar and Senari Café is warmer, friendlier and more comfortable.

ROOMS
Only 82 rooms in six categories – superior garden and sea view, deluxe garden and sea-facing and one and two-bedroom deluxe villas. These timbered villas and rooms are set in clusters surrounded and shaded by matured gardens of local herbs, tamarind and orchid trees and palm trees. While these matured trees enhance the rainforest ambience, clear views of the Senari Straits from the rooms are not obstructed. Inside, the rooms are beautifully set in warm earthy tones.

F&B OUTLETS
Minum Minum is an chic bar with live entertainment nightly. Senari Cafe, on the other hand, has a more subtle and relaxing ambience with pendant lights inspired by Malay traditional bubu (fish trap). This fits its purpose as an all-day dining restaurant that serves Malaysian, Indian and continental specialities. Among its best features are its Indian food and the unique curry buffet.

OVERALL SERVICE
Superb.

PLACES WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
Everywhere on the island.

FACILITIES
Fully-equipped marina, a swimming pool, a nine-hole mini golf course, airport transfer, reading room, ample parking at Port Langkasuka jetty and recreational activities like kayaking, morning walks, beach volleyball and bicycle riding.

Credit card or cash? When it comes to travelling, it may be better to use a credit card

WHEN travelling, it’s often better to carry credit cards instead of cash. This way, if the cards are stolen, you can call and cancel your cards. With stolen cash, you’ll not be able to get it back and will then be stranded without money.

Before you leave on your trip, especially to a foreign land, call your credit card company or bank to tell them about your trip and that you’ll be using your card there.

Make sure you have ample credit balance. You may also want to inquire about getting a higher credit limit in case of contingencies.

Planning ahead will save you a lot of hassle and headaches should you be caught in a situation that requires extra cash when travelling overseas.

It may be a good idea to carry more than one credit card. This is because banks or credit card companies may block a card if they suspect purchases to be fraudulent and it may take a few days to get a card unblocked.

Keep you credit card company’s toll free number in your cell phone so that you can call them immediately in an emergency.

Never give details of your credit card to anyone, including people who call you to ask for such details. Always check with your credit card company before divulging such information.

When making purchases by card, check the amount on the card slip twice before signing as anyone can make a mistake, whether intentionally or by accident.

It’s also good to check your billing statement promptly to see if there are “suspicious” charges. If there are, report them immediately.

Only allow people to use a machine you recognise on your card and make sure it’s swiped in front of you. There are skimmers that allow people to copy all your card details in seconds. If in doubt, use cash.

Keep details of your credit card including the number, security number and date of expiration, somewhere safe and separate from your wallet.

FOUR of 22 awards went to Malaysia at the recent Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) Gold Awards 2008. The coveted awards were presented during the Pata Travel Mart 2008 in Hyderabad, India last month.

Tourism Malaysia won two awards: Marketing Media Awards – Travel Advertisement Broadcast Media for Visit Malaysia Year 2007 and Marketing Media Awards – CD Rom for Travel Manual Interactive CD.

The VMY 2007 TV commercial featured the Prime Minister welcoming the world to join in the country’s One Golden Celebration while instilling Malaysian warmth, hospitality and pride against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

The CD serves as a comprehensive guide for the travel trade to design holiday packages as it contains detailed information on holiday regions.

Another Marketing Media Award went to Sarawak Convention Bureau for its promotional travel video titled Recharge In A New World.

Taylor’s College’s School of Hotel Management’s Empowering Youths For A Brighter Future programme bagged the Education and Training Award.

In addition to the 22 Gold Awards, Pata presented four Grand Awards for “best of show” entries. The categories were Environment, Education and Training, Heritage and Culture and Marketing Campaign.

The Grand Awards were won by Indonesia, Maldives, India and Singapore, respectively.

Pata, the region’s leading travel trade association based in Bangkok, Thailand, helps members develop and increase business opportunities through a wide array of activities done through the Pata brand.

Hi everyone,

Today I’m not going to write anything about tourism in Malaysia..Yeap! Nothing. Instead, I like to hear from you.

I like to hear your opinion about what I had done before. Did I gave you the solution to your problem? Did you got information you need? Did the information here valuable? Or you have any suggestion?

Can I know what else you want to know that can benefit you and others about tourism in Malaysia? Maybe you’re looking for other information or any SERVICES in Malaysia or before come to Malaysia?

It’s doesn’t mean that I have no more idea to write. Actually, I have so many ideas in my head right now. But I’m just worried if what I had wrote before cannot give you the solution to your problem.

So, your response and feedback can help me to  upgrade/enhance my writing skill for your benefits.

Thanks

Don’t leave your honeymoon plans to the last minute. Early planning can get you great deals and cheaper rates.

GETTING married soon and planning for your honeymoon? Don’t wait until the 11th hour. Plans for the honeymoon and wedding should be made together, in fact some six to 12 months earlier.

This will give you enough time to work on a budget and get a good travel agent who will be able to advise you on some of the best places, local or abroad, to spend the beginning of your marital life together.

Or do research on some of the wonderful places you would like to go on your honeymoon and speak to your travel agent about getting the best discounts.

If you book ahead, at least six months earlier, some of these destinations, even the high end resorts, offer early bird discounts with savings of up to 40 per cent, provided it is not the peak period.

Make your plans together. This way, you will be able to work out your budget and the different activities that appeal to you both.

Talk about what you can save on and what you’d like to splurge on. It may be advisable to spend a bit more on accommodation, food and activities that you can both enjoy, like a massage and a sunset cruise.

Some couples are shy about their new marital status. But it pays to inform the hotel staff that you are on your honeymoon. They may surprise you with chocolates, fruit basket, a champagne bottle or even spa treatments.

What should you pack for your honeymoon?

It depends on where you are going. If you are staying at a seaside resort, bring along lots of beachwear and a few pieces of evening wear which can be mixed and matched.

For those going skiing in some mountain resort, wear appropriate clothing. Women can include a sexy dress and a warm shawl while men can bring a semi-formal jacket to wear with long pants. Please keep the shorts or bermudas for the beach or hiking.

THE Langkawi archipelago is Malaysia’s largest cluster of islands. Located off the north-west coast of the peninsula, the archipelago is made up of 99 islands at high tide and another five islets at low tide — all occupying a total land area of 528 square kilometres.

The nearest islet is 22km from the Perlis coast and the furthest 54km away, close to the Thai border. However, the archipelago belongs to the state of Kedah.

The islands are surrounded by different waters — the Andaman Sea on the western side, Straits of Malacca on the eastern sides, and Straits of Chinchin on the northern side. The five islands that appear during low tide are located in the open Andaman Sea.

The Langkawi archipelago is also a sanctuary for some of the world’s most ancient rainforests, teeming with exotic and rare flora and fauna.

Recognising this heritage, Unesco has awarded the World Geopark status to Langkawi. The status includes three main Geopark components, namely Mount Mat Chincang Geoforest Park, Kilim Geoforest Park and Pulau Tasik Dayang Bunting.

Langkawi Island itself is the largest, covering 478.5 square kilometres, and is the only one which is well settled, with a population of 50,000. The other inhabited island is nearby Pulau Tuba.

Langkawi is also an administrative district with its own municipal council and Kuah is the largest town on the island.

Besides its natural beauty and wonders, Langkawi is also known for its duty-free status since 1987.

It has carved its name as one of the country’s preferred holiday destinations, offering a string of highly-acclaimed resorts and hotels, and world-class facilities like the Langkawi Cable Car and the Underwater World.

WITH its rimba setting, the forest-concept Malaysia Airlines’ Regional Golden Lounge is a “sanctuary” of relaxation and good food for first/business class passengers departing or on transit to Asean or the Oriental sector.

Here, you can enjoy Malaysian hospitality at its best. KLIA now has three lounges - the satellite, regional and domestic. The regional lounge will take a load off the Golden Lounge Satellite KLIA for international passengers.

According to Malaysia Airlines’ general manager, corporate marketing and loyalty programme, Datuk Raja Nordiana Zainal Shah, the recently-launched lounge is popular with passengers who are impressed by the forest concept, inspired by the airport itself which is surrounded by lush greenery.

“We want this lounge to set the standard for all future lounges that are in the pipeline.”

Enrich platinum and gold members also have access to the lounge irrespective of their class of travel. Enrich silver members also gain access to the lounge when they opt for the Golden Lounge Privilege Programme or redeem their Enrich miles on a per entrance basis.

The lounge, which can accommodate 190 passengers at any one time, is at Level 5, Contact Pier, Main Terminal Building, Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. It’s open from 5am to 2am.

What does the Regional Golden Lounge offer?

For a start, there are world-class Italian wines, South African grape juice, a selection of liquors and gourmet coffee to mamak noodles.

The food ranges from healthy to sinful, light to heavy and regional dishes are based on recipes handed down through the generations.

The noodle station offers mamak mee, Vietnamese beef noodles and herbal vegetable soup with noodles, among others.

There is also a selection of soups, breads, pastries, salads, hot meals and dessert besides items on the a la carte menu.

Raja Nordiana says there are some passengers who prefer to drink and eat at the lounge while others may want to drink here and take their meals later, on board the plane.

“We have a great variety of food to cater to even the most discerning passengers. Frankly, most passengers prefer this lounge to the Golden Lounge Satellite for international passengers.”

There is also a business centre with fax and photocopying services. There are four personal computers with Internet access, a conference room and a prayer room for Muslims.

There is a cloak and luggage area and a reception area to deal with boarding calls, delay announcements, flight information, bookings and re-bookings and international call facilities.

For a truly relaxing time, check out the Santai Spa’s signature Kilat massage. While everything else is free in the lounge, the spa service is chargeable. At RM78, the 20-min session comprises a non-oil shoulder, neck and foot massage.

Peeing on the wound doesn’t help. Nor does washing it with vinegar.Find out the hard way when a jellyfish stung YOU.

OBOR-OBOR or jellyfish may look harmless but its tentacles can deliver deadly stings. The tiny “stingers” on the tentacles are not visible to the naked eye but all the same, a brush with one will give you a nasty, stinging rash.

This boneless creature floats and bobs in the sea like a discarded plastic bag. Its victims are mainly small fish that swim unawares into the tentacles that also look like seaweed and end up as food for the jellyfish.

In turn, jellyfish is food for turtles which is why turtles sometimes mistakenly swallow plastic bags as, in the water, these resemble jellyfish.

We hear of so many incidents of turtles ending up dead after swallowing plastic bags discarded by humans.

Here are some tips to avoid jellyfish.

1. Keep your eyes open for jellyfish, even when in shallow waters.

2. Don’t swim alone. A jellyfish sting may paralyse your body and you’ll need help to get out of the water.

3. Avoid swimming in deep waters away from your group.

4. Seek immediate treatment from a doctor.

6. Jellyfish usually appear during turtle egg-laying season as turtles feed on them. Find out from locals when this is.