kaboom: how is the flight on Malaysian airlines ?? being a Muslim airline do they server alcohol etc ??

Hi all

We're off to MY in Feb

Happy to hear recommendations on places that are not too touristy!

At this stage we are looking at KL and Sabah but keen to get off the beaten track too esp. by the sea that is clean

tioman 

redang

and fro tripadvisor: from this guy https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Profile/Lee_D_Traveller?tab=forum

if you travelling to Kota Kinabalu, there are few islands that u can consider of snorkeling:

1. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park considering Manukan Island, Sapi Island, Mamutik Island can u can do beach snorkeling there. Time: Flexible

2. Mantanani Island: Day Trip Snorkeling - Boat Snorkeling - 7.30am -6pm (inclusive of land transfer)

3. Pulau Tiga Survivor Island: Day Trip Snorkeling - Boat Snorkeling - 7.30am -6pm (inclusive of land transfer)

4. Menggalum Island: Day Trip Snorkeling - Boat Snorkeling - 7.30am -5pm (inclusive of land transfer)

If you are travelling to Tawau/Semporna - There are Mabul Island, Kapalai Resort, SIpadan Island, Pom Pom Island- Which are all diving paradise. Of course, snorkeling is also awesome.

For Wildlife - you can considering Sandakan + Sukau Trip - River cruising along Kinabatangan River. If you are lucky enough, u can find wild pygmy elephants and wild orang utan here.... Island at Sandakan considering Selingan Island (Turtle Island) and also Langkayan Resort if you are looking for a nice resort to enjoy your holiday.

Try to share your interest of visit so that we can give u some opinion on itinerary arrangement~

Make sure to check things before you do them.

Was posted to the RAAF base at Butterworth in 1979 and spent all my off time on the island of Penang. Really loved it. Back then there were only ferries to and from the main land (Butterworth) Returned with my partner in 2010 there are now 2 bridges and no ferries and it is quite built up. They have placed protections on the old parts, mainly George Town. Stayed at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in the Heritage Wing Suite (special deal). This time round saw all the heritage sites and did most of the tourist things. Places of Interest & Sightseeing in Penang

A must see though is a small family owned bar called the Hong Kong Bar (google it) in the old part of George Town. This has been a maritime/serviceman's bar since 1927. Unfortunately it had a fire in 2000 and a lot of the memorabilia was destroyed. However the photo albums were not. These albums go back to the beginning and does include photos of the Japanese occupation forces enjoying their R 'n' R at the bar. I enjoyed many a long night, sober & drunk, at this bar. Fearing the worst with the albums I took my photos when I returned in 2010 to present to the owners. They quickly dived into the slightly smoke & water damaged albums of 1979 and pulled out the originals. Nearly bought tears to my eyes. They still ran a 'tab' for the 'stayers', they used to cash bank rate travellers cheques, T-shirts, free hot & cold snacks, and of course the obligatory photo's. My partner could never understand my love affair with this bar in a foreign land - he did after that night. All the patrons during our visit were current and past military (Kiwi, Aussie & UK). This bar has an atmosphere that I have never experienced in any other bar around the world. A must visit.

As @chiefie suggested , take the train into town if you have little luggage.  KLIA Ekspress.

If you are too tired to lug suitcases, then use the designated taxi kiosk at the airport and refrain from using random ones 

trying to get you cheap fares.

Its visa on arrival for NZ passports but they will scan both your index fingers to take your finger prints.

If you are changing money eg: US to Ringitt , use a money changer.   Better rates than banks for larger amounts and larger denominations get better rates  eg:  a US$100 vs  US$100 in $1 bills.

Do try the Nasi Lemak   I just love it.  Use food courts as they are very affordable and delicious. Nearly all big malls

have them,   If you want to try shopping  there is Mega mall.  But I think there is a larger one that is open.

If you want to escape the heat take a trip to Genting Highlands.  

I got a sim card with data from a provider in town.   Make sure that the sim they provide gets messages like credit balance data used, etc in English.

A nuisance if you dont speak the lingo Bahasa Malaysia, you can get this corrected but takes 24 hrs for it to activate.  Make sure that the sim is 

working before you walk out of the door of the service provider.

Be  a bit vigilant and keep an eye on your wallet.  just normal common sense.  

If you have time, why not do a side trip to Singapore!

cheers