マレーシアお祭り事情

My wife wrote another post for Travel Wire Asia. This one's about some of the bigger festivals Malaysia has to offer.

Malaysia has many rich and colourful festivals, such as Thaipusam, Chinese New Year's and Deepavali. You can read more about them in the Japanese post on Travel Wire Asia, マレーシアお祭り事情 .

This article was part of a publication for Tourism Malaysia. If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more about travelling to Malaysia, please visit the Tourism Malaysia website.

この記事を読んでマレーシアへの旅行について更に詳しく知りたい方はマレーシア観光局ウェブサイトをご覧ください.

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マレーシアのレンゴン渓谷でタイムスリップ

That Japanese title translates roughly as, "Malaysia’s Lenggong Valley Takes You Back in Time." It's a blog post my wife wrote as part of a project about Malaysia.

The Lenggong Valley recently became Malaysia's newest Unesco world heritage site. It was interesting to discover the Lenggong Valley and its rich history, dating back thousands of years. 

If you'd like to learn more about the Lenggong Valley, you can check out the original Japanese post on Travel Wire Asia: "マレーシアのレンゴン渓谷でタイムスリップ。"

This article was part of a publication for Tourism Malaysia. If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more about travelling to Malaysia, please visit the Tourism Malaysia website.

この記事を読んでマレーシアへの旅行について更に詳しく知りたい方はマレーシア観光局ウェブサイトをご覧ください。

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Some Asia travel tips

Asia occupies a quarter of the earth's land mass, and spans several time zones. Having a single travel guide for all of Asia is virtually impossible, but here are some basic travel tips for Asia's more popular destinations:

Vietnam
The country's recommended tourist spots are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are both modernized. All tourists in Vietnam, except Thai and Philippine nationals, need a tourist visa before entering the country. Healthwise, malaria is prevalent in Vietnam, so it would be best to bring insect repellant with you.

Indonesia
Aside from the usual prohibition of narcotics and deadly weapons, radio cassette players are banned on the island of Bali, a prime tourist spot in Indonesia. Any object with Chinese characters written on it is also prohibited in Bali.

Thailand
Thai people are religious and loyal to the monarchy. You often see pictures of the king around the cities, so never make fun of him.

The Thai also consider the head as the highest part of the body, whether spiritual or physical. Refrain from touching anyone on the head, and try not to point at anything with your foot.

Malaysia
It's best to bring light, cool clothing to Malaysia. You'll usually find food stands in the cities selling local delicacies, such as "teh tarik," a creamed tea, and "roti canai," a type of pancake.

Malaysia also has many religions, so you'll see a variety of Christian churches, Muslim Mosques, and Buddhist and Hindu temples.

Philippines
The Philippines has 7,107 islands and islets; beaches are the main tourist spots in the country. There are several museums and historical landmarks in Manila, the country's capital. Boracay Island boasts white sand beaches.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a key destination for many travelers. It is located in eastern Asia, near China and the South China Sea. Formerly leased to Great Britain, Hong Kong was officially returned to China in 1997. Hong Kong is known for its unique energetic vibe, its wonderful food and beautiful skyline.

General Tips
Each country in Asia has its own currency. Although upscale establishments will accept U.S. dollars, there are few of these around. It is best to have your money changed at a local bank. Some hotels also offer money changing, but usually at a lower exchange rate.

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Churchill, Manitoba: Polar Bear Capital of the World

Are you a wildlife enthusiast looking for something a little different? Then, a trip to Churchill in northern Manitoba, Canada is just the thing.

Indulge yourself in a little retro luxury with a sleeper ticket on VIA Rail’s Hudson Bay, a 2-day and night trip from Winnipeg to Churchill. The indulgence is worth it, since the destination, Churchill, is a no-frills sub-arctic town. 

Churchill, with a permanent population that fluctuates between 800 and 1100, is known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. The town, sitting between the Churchill River and Hudson Bay, is on the polar bears’ annual migration route.  

Peak season for polar bear sighting is from mid-October to mid-November each year. Polar bear viewing is best done by arrangement with one of the many tour operators in Churchill who will take you out in a tundra buggy, vehicles specially designed for the safety of people, polar bears and the local tundra.

Manitoba’s beluga whale population also migrates to the Churchill River and Hudson Bay every July and August. There are about 20,000 belugas living in the area, and about 3,000 of them summer in the river estuary to give birth. Visitors have a chance to view, and, with many tours, swim with, these beautiful creatures.

Bird-watching enthusiasts should try to make the trip to Churchill sometime between mid-June and mid-July. According to the Churchill Northern Studies Institute, birdwatchers can expect to see about 100 species over the course of a four- to seven-day trip.  

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A drive through North Dakota

You might think there isn't much to North Dakota, but that is part of the state's charm. It is a small state, with a sparse population, but with a lot to see.

The people in the small towns are part of the quaint charm of North Dakota. Visit any small town  from Jamestown, where you can see the world's largest buffalo, to Devil's Lake, where a trip to the local feed lot can be a learning experience.

Another thing about North Dakota is each small town has festivals each summer, complete with booths, street dances, and arts and crafts. You can visit each of these in small towns, such as Minot, and you can get a glimpse of what real small-town North Dakota life is like.

You can also check out the state's cities, such as Fargo and Grand Forks. These cities offer you a wealth of interesting things to see and do, and you will be able to see many different attractions, such as museums and other historical sites.

Shopping is also big in North Dakota, and on any given day, farmers from the small towns make their way to the larger cities to shop.

History is big in North Dakota, too. Historical landmarks all over the state give you a look into the lives of settlers, and you can learn what life on the prairies was really like just by visiting the small-town museums.

Driving is the best way to get through North Dakota, and it is worth it because if you are driving, each time you come to a small town with a local attraction, you can stop and check it out. Many of these attractions are not on maps and are not in tourist guides; the best things about North Dakota are those you discover yourself.

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Mount Kinabalu: Southeast Asia's highest mountain

The tallest peak in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu is also a national park in Malaysia. Towering 4,095 metres above sea level, the mountain is in Sabah, the East Malaysian state on the isle of Borneo. The mountain is located about two to three hours away Kota Kinabalu, Sabah's capital.
 
Top 3 things about Mount Kinabalu:

1. Scenic Walk:  Take in the fresh air as you walk up and notice your surroundings change from the large tropical trees to scrubs to rock.  The whole mountain area is a national park — many flora not found at sea level are sighted here.  The large Venus Flytrap is one to look out for as you walk. You may see wildlife, too.

2. Leisure Climb: At 4,095 metres, Mt. Kinabalu is manageable for the average tourist. There are steps cut all the way up to the top of the mountain, good water supplies and rest houses. You must be accompanied by a guide when you climb, and these folks are willing to carry up to 10 kg. of your equipment up the mountain for you.

3. Sunrise: You must see the sunrise from up the top of the mountain; for many people, it may be the highlight of the climb. From Laban Rata, where you stay overnight, there is a buzz as you hike up to get to the peak by sunrise. As you are walking up, the sun just breaks through the clouds, the air is cool and the scenery 360 degrees all round is a nice reward for 2 days of climbing.

Watch out, however, for:

1. Rain: Being in the tropics, raincoats are essential to make sure you don't get drenched.

2. Mountain Sickness: To prevent this, walk slowly, especially as you get higher. You can also take measures like eating plenty of carbohydrates, drinking a lot of water and staying away from alcohol during your overnight stay.

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An Overview of Japan for Travelers

Extending along the eastern coast of Asia, Japan is a country consisting of a collection of islands. The mainland is the island of Honshu. There are three other large islands, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and about 3,000 smaller islands.

Put together, the total land mass is slightly smaller than California. The geography throughout the islands is mountainous, best exemplified by Mt. Fuji at 12,385 feet.

Japan is an urban nation, with most of its 127 million people living in major cities. The two prominent religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. The belief systems are harmonious and often share the same temples.

According to legend, Japan was founded by Emperor Jimmu around 600 BC. The current emperor is a descendent of the first.

The first interaction with the West was in 1542, when a lost Portuguese ship landed in Japan. Over the next century, more Westerners came, but they were not trusted. The Japanese shoguns eventually banned all foreigners and the country remained isolated for more than 200 years.

It wasn't until 1854 that Japan opened its doors to the world under the Convention of Kanagawa with the United States. Once this occurred, Japan quickly evolved from a feudal state to a more modern society.

World War I was a boon for Japan. Fighting on the side of the victorious Allies, Japan gained new respect as an economic and military power. But, the emperor of Japan went in a different direction after the war, seeking dominance of China and Asia in general.

In 1937, Japan became an ally of Nazi Germany, eventually leading to Japan's decision to attack Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Following four years of war, the loss of 3 million Japanese lives, and two atomic bombings, Japan surrendered to the U.S. on September 2, 1945. Japan was stripped of most of its territorial holdings and was ruled de facto by General Douglas MacArthur, the Allied Forces Supreme Commander.

Following World War II, Japan turned to a democratic system through reforms. The U.S. and allies returned complete control to Japan on April 28, 1952 via the Treaty of Peace. Although its days as a military power were over, Japan once again became an economic giant. Despite its relatively tiny land mass, Japan still has the third-largest economy in the world.

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Air Travel Tips for Families

Are you taking a family vacation soon? If you are, you may be looking for some guidance, especially if you and your family are traveling by plane.

As stressful as it can sometimes be planning a trip and flying with a family, there are some steps you can take to ensure everyone has a good time.

One of the first things you will want to do is make your airline reservations early. You will likely be better off when doing so, for a number of different reasons. Perhaps the greatest reason is the comfort and peace of mind you get from knowing all of your travel arrangements are out of the way.

As for packing for your flight, you will want to make sure your children’s bags are properly packed. Not only will you want to make sure they have all the necessary supplies for your vacation, but you will also want to make sure they have items for the plane ride as well. Each person gets to have one carry-on bag. You will want to make sure that each of your kids have one.

Speaking of carry-on bags for your children, be sure to fill them will fun activities for the plane ride. What you choose will all depend on your child’s age.  

Younger kids, for example, may enjoy books and a few small toys. For older children, portable DVD players, handheld video games, toys and magazines are safe bets.

Make sure you also bring extra snacks. This is important, because you don’t want to have to spend too much money at the airport. It can get costly to feed a whole family, even just with snacks. 

For the same reason, try to have everyone eat a full meal before you leave for the airport. This step, combined with your extra snacks, can help reduce hunger, possibly resulting in shared meals during airport layovers, which can also help you save money.

As for drinks, do not bring any with you to the airport, unless you have a newborn or an infant. If you have a baby, bring a prepared bottle of formula, but make sure to have some dry formula powder with you to prepare during a layover, too.  

Drinks, with the exception of drinks for kids, are not allowed past airport security checkpoints nowadays and will have to be thrown away. When buying drinks at the airport, past security, look for items that are reasonably priced or see if some family members can share a drink.

When you arrive at the airport, stay together. Also, be sure to set ground rules with your children.  These rules should include sticking together, not speaking to strangers, etc.  

In fact, you will want to help each other out. If you have an older child, like a teenager, for example, let them help you with finding the right gate, carrying bags, or keeping younger children occupied.  Your trip will likely be much less stressful when everyone works together.

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Viva Excalibur!

If you are thinking of visiting Las Vegas on vacation, you should consider a stay at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. This hotel will have you feeling as though you've stepped into the fairy tales of your childhood.

The hotel boasts a casino, swimming pool, links golf,  shopping, and a midway. One of the most memorable and impressive offerings is the Tournament of Kings dinner show. The show happens nightly at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. You will eat like they did in medieval times, without utensils, while watching the evil wizard Mordred as he invades the evening festivities.

The Excalibur has several other dining options, including the Roundtable Buffet, the Steakhouse at Camelot, Regale Italian Eatery, Sherwood Forest Cafe, and Sir Galahad's Pub and Prime Rib House.

And if you're looking for a fairytale wedding, the Excalibur has packages for you. You can even rent medieval costumes for your ceremony. There are many different packages available to fit various budgets and wedding needs.

Wedding packages start around $400 plus $55 for the cost of the minister to around $1,575 plus the cost of the minister. These are all rather basic packages and do not include extras such as costume rentals, extra poses for the wedding photos, or video and candle services.

Before your big day, make sure you make use of the Excalibur's spa services. Some of the spa services offered at the Excalibur include: facials, wraps, Aveda facials, and massages. There are add-on services that can be purchased and packages available.

Once you've finished getting pampered at the spa, step on over to Kristina's Salon and get primped. You can enjoy everything from manicures to full service hair-styling services. Whether you are preparing for your big day and saying "I do!" or simply for a romantic evening on the Vegas Strip, this is a great place to start.

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Travel tips to European Countries: The UK

The United Kingdom once ruled nearly the entire world a century ago. The glory might have been lost, but people are still proud of their country and heritage. The UK consists mainly of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The country is full of scenic locales and energetic cities. The UK is home to nearly two million heritage points. The capital city of the UK is London. A city beyond comparison, representing itself as an icon of diversity with people from different races, creeds and all walks of life blended into its culture. It is also home to many architectural marvels, such as London, or Tower, Bridge.

While York and Durham manifests the bygone era of country, Liverpool and Newcastle are modern industrial marvels. The scenic Lake District and Edinburgh attract tourists from all over the world.

Population & Languages

The population is around 61 million and the official language is English. Other regional languages spoken include Welsh, Gaelic and Irish.

Electricity

The voltage is 230-240 volts and the frequency is 50 Hz. The type of plug used is a rectangular blade.

Location

It is located in Western Europe and consists of islands, including the northern one-sixth of Ireland. It is 22 miles from the France border and linked by a under sea tunnel. The terrain is mostly rolling lowlands and low mountains.

Climate

It has a moderate climate, but lots of rain with around half of the year being overcast. The lowest temperatures never go below −15 °C (5 °F) and in summer the average maximum is 34 °C (93.2 °F). It also gets snow in winter and early spring.

Local Customs

The handshake is customary when you are meeting somebody for the first time. When visiting someone’s house, a small gift like flowers or chocolates is customary. Waiting until everyone is served before eating is also good etiquette. Tipping is usually 10-15% for hotels, restaurants and taxi drivers. Smoking and non-smoking areas are clearly designated.

Places to see

• London – Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Whitehall Palace and the Tower of London
• Scotland - The Bannockburn Heritage Centre and Ben Lawers Mountains
• Wales - Aberdulais Falls, King Arthur's Labyrinth, Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Great Orme Mines, Portmeirion Village, Rhossili Visitor Centre, Taff Valley Activity Centre and TechinQuest  

Travel

• By Air – The domestic airline is British Airways, which also connects almost all major world destinations. Most major airlines connect through London's Heathrow or Gatwick airports.
• By Sea – Since the UK is surrounded by water, it has many ports. There are many ferry services operating between Europe and the UK. 
• By Rail – Trains connect ferries at Dover, Folkestone, Newhaven, Portsmouth and Weymouth, sailing for Belgium, France, Germany and Spain (you need to board at Victoria Station in London); and at Harwich, sailing for Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia (you need to board at Liverpool Street station). Eurostar trains connect London with Brussels and Paris through the channel tunnel, or "Chunnel."
• By Road – Vehicles can enter the UK through the channel tunnel. Cars, motorcycles, coaches, minibuses, caravans, campervans and other vehicles more than 1.85m (6.07ft) can also use the channel tunnel, as can bicycles. 

Duty Free Items

• Up to 3200 cigarettes 
• 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars
• 1 liter of spirits over 22%, 2 liters of wine or 32 liters of beer
• Perfume
• Gifts up to ₤145

Prohibited Items

Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks, and alcoholic beverages that contain more than 60 per cent alcohol.

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