Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

With its rugged landscape and stunning tropical flora and fauna, the coastal capital of Sabah teems with a myriad of experiences.

Located in Malaysian Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is home to 130-million year old rainforests and part of the Indo-Pacific basin of coral diversity; it's a haven for nature lovers and divers. The city's laidback charms are intact, its attractions endless, and modern facilities make it all conveniently accessible.

Kuching, Sarawak

Boasting a population of just over 600,000 people, the capital city of Sarawak is lauded for its relaxed pace and potpourri of ethnicities.

The word 'kuching' means cat in Malay; a rather befitting name for this East Malaysian town, given the characteristically lazy feline nature of life Kuching is known for. Many of its historic buildings escaped damage during WWII, and have been renovated and beautified. Combined with the lively eating and drinking scene, it's little wonder Kuching is the pride of Sarawak.

Kuala Lumpur

One of the most colourful cities in the world, shaped by its multi-racial population.

From its humble beginnings as a tin mining state, KL has become one of the coolest and most desirable cities in South East Asia. Named one of the 31 places to visit in 2010 by the New York Times, it has built a reputation for itself as a haven for die hard foodies, fashion fanatics and those in search of a unique cultural experience.
Nowhere else in the world does a fusion of cultures live so harmoniously together, each influencing the character of the city, creating a completely unique experience for its visitors.

Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

Whether you’re looking for a laidback holiday or one full of activity, there’s something for every predilection here.

Famed for its heavenly beaches, Langkawi - the biggest island among an archipelago of 99 (104 during low tide) surrounding islands off the northern tip of Kedah-is also appreciated for its historic landmarks, geological diversity, beachside action, exotic cuisine and duty-free shopping.
Touted as "Malaysia's best kept secret", Langkawi is a haven for a diversity of visiting tourists and those who make the island their permanent residence - be it backpackers, international personalities or millionaire moguls.

Penang, Malaysia

Also known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, the northern state is an island chill out and so much more.

Penang is an instantly likeable city with its abundance of delicious food, island breezes, heritage buildings and a laid-back nature.
Within the city, you'll discover a delightful array of new experiences, from the tantalising local desserts to the fantastic retail bargains.
Outside of the city, take a break from the urban realities with a well-deserved laze under the tropical palms on Penang's famous soft and sandy beaches.

Malaysia's Mahathir: Western countries 'failures'

Malaysia's ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad said Sunday that Muslim-majority countries should look east for development models and not at Western nations, which he described as "failures".

The outspoken former long-time leader, who is known as a fierce critic of the West, said countries like South Korea, Japan and China were "swimming in money", while Europe and the United States are mired in debt.
"Right now, there are so many problems with Western countries. The problem in the West is that they have borrowed too much and cannot repay. You cannot have that kind of a country as a model," Mahathir, 86, was quoted by the national news agency Bernama as saying.
"If you want to copy or learn something, learn from the successful people, not from the failures," he told an international conference on Islamic finance in northern Malaysia.
"So, we should continue to look to the East and not to the West. The West is going bankrupt," he said.
He attributed the debt crisis to greed.
"Greed will cause this. Today, we are seeing failed countries in the developed world," he added.
Mahathir ruled Malaysia for 22 years until 2003. During his tenure he introduced the "look east" policy to emulate work ethics and business techniques from Japan and South Korea.

Haunted Hotspots for Halloween

1. Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania, USA

As the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the American civil war, it's no surprise that this patch of Pennsylvania is thought to be one of the most haunted places in the U.S. Ghostly figures are said to walk the fields, and visitors have reported hearing eerie battle sounds on the wind. It's also where one of the most compelling videos of ghostly activity ever was captured. In 2001, Tom Underwood shot footage of what he claimed were 13 spectres walking through woodland off the Triangular Field.

2. Aokigahara Forest



This dense forest in the shadow of Mt. Fuji is one of Japan's most spine-chilling locations and has become famous as the world's second most popular suicide spot. On average, 30 people a year take their own lives beneath the dense canopy, with the current annual record standing at 100 in 2010. Local residents take part in a gruesome annual 'body hunt' to recover cadavers, and authorities have even resorted to putting up signs in an attempt to persuade suicidal people to reconsider their actions.
The popularity is often blamed on the 1960 novel 'Nami no Tō' by Seichō Matsumoto, which ends with two lovers taking their lives in the forest. However, prior to that it was believed to be a centre of the ancient practice of Ubasate, where sickly relatives were allegedly taken to remote locations by their family and left to starve to death. The spirits of the victims of this practice are said to haunt the forest.

3. Catacombs, Paris, France



As the population of Paris grew during the 18th Century, the city's cemeteries began to fill up and authorities resorted to the imaginative, if somewhat insensitive, measure of storing bodies in an underground ossuary converted from Paris' ancient stone mines. Around 6 million people's remains are believed to be interred there. With such grave disrespect for the dead shown on such a grand scale, it's no wonder the catacombs are reportedly haunted. Visitors have claimed to have been touched by invisible hands and felt the sensation of being followed. In rarer, more extreme cases, some have had hysterical breakdowns or claimed to have been strangled.

4. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland



The historic cobbled streets and grey stone buildings of Edinburgh are evocative of times gone by, so it's unsurprising that the Scottish capital's 900-year-old castle, which towers above the city atop a craggy rock face, is renowned for its ghosts. In fact, some will say that Edinburgh itself is the most haunted city in Europe.
Visitors to the castle have reported seeing phantom pipers and headless drummers, as well as the spirits of prisoners of war spanning several centuries. Some have even claimed to have seen a ghost hound wandering around the castle's dog cemetery.

5. Changi beach, Singapore



Despite being such a tiny country, Singapore has reported more than its share of paranormal activity. Changi beach, in the east of the island nation, was used as a killing ground by the Japanese during the Sook Ching massacre of the Second World War, during which thousands of Chinese were tortured and murdered. Witnesses have reported mysterious crying and screaming and headless bodies walking along the beach. On top of this, the Old Changi Hospital and Changi Beach House are said to be two of the most haunted buildings in Asia

6.  Ballygally Castle, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
 

Ballygally Castle is the only 17th Century castle in Northern Ireland still used as a residence and, more importantly, is considered the Emerald Isle's most haunted building. The castle's most famous ghost is that of Lady Isobel Shaw. Her husband is believed to have taken to withholding food from her after she was unable to produce a male heir and, rather than starving to death, she chose to take her own life by jumping out of a window. Her ghost is said to walk the halls at night, waking guests by knocking on doors, only to mysteriously vanish once they're opened.

10 must-see opera houses around the world

An absolute treat for opera lovers! Here are the top 10 best places to watch your favourite powerhouse performers.

1. Amazon Theater, Manaus, Brazil

The Manaus opera house was opened in 1896, at the height of the region's rubber boom.
2. Hungarian Opera House, Budapest, Hungary



Lonely Planet describes the Hungarian State Opera House as 'one of Budapest's most beautiful buildings'.

3.  Festspielhaus, Bayreuth, Germany



The Festspielhaus is the home of the Wagner Festival, which draws some 60,000 devotees every year.

4. Palais Garnier, Paris, France



The Palais Garnier is one of Paris's most famous tourist sites and most beautiful attractions.

5.  Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia




The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most famous landmarks and easily the most recognizable icon in the city.
6. Colon Theater, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Colon Theatre was the southern hemisphere's largest theatre until the opening of the Sydney Opera House, and it remains one of South America's most famous tourist attractions.
7. Staatsoper, Vienna, Austria



The Staatsoper is arguably the world's most prestigious opera venue and has played host to some of the most famous operas in history.
8. La Scala, Milan, Italy



The sumptuous interior of the La Scala opera house features six stories of gilt and crimson lined boxes.

9. Operahuset, Oslo, Norway



The modern look of the Operahuset is enhanced by its glorious roof terrace.
10. Verona Arena, Verona, Italy



The Verona Arena is nearly two millenia old, but it's still listed by Lonely Planet as one of the world's finest operatic venues.

Malaysian islands to visit

Behold your very own castaway paradise; the hidden gems of Malaysia unveiled.

Malaysian islands to visit

Behold your very own castaway paradise; the hidden gems of Malaysia unveiled.

If you're an escapist at heart, craving for a taste of tiny well-preserved islands, look no further.

Weather tip:
The east coast is afflicted with monsoon rain from November to March (some islands may be closed); the West Coast, however, has welcoming weather all year round.

Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu

Photo: Rachel Lai

Are you ready to experience il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing)? Situated between Redang and Perhentian Islands, this is the perfect respite for those seeking isolation. Occupied by only three resorts development, crowd wrestling will be the least of your worries.

Pulau Rawa, Johor Bahru

Photo: Rachel Lai

Imagine a private island on the South China Sea, a 45-minute boat ride from Mersing, or four hours from Singapore. Secluded and serene, it takes the idea of remoteness to a whole new level. A gorgeous sunset everyday perfects the picture.

Pulau Mabul, Borneo

Photo: Doreen Loo

This 'baby Sipadan' will definitely inspire you to get your diving license! Its sublime sea and the precious world beneath the surface have garnered the interest of divers and photographers from around the world, seeking for exotic creatures amidst the huge coral reefs.

Pulau Tioman, Pahang

Photo: Aina Ghani

Being the habitat to wildlife and lush greeneries, this is home to environmentalists aiming to conserve Mother Nature. Famous for its turtle watching season, many volunteers reside there to help preserve turtle sanctuaries, for shelter and food in return. What better way to contribute to the environment than on a blissful setting? Join The Juara Turtle Project program, for RM120 per day.

Pulau Langkawi, Kedah

Credit: Aina Ghani, Tourism Malaysia

A cluster of 99 islands 45 minutes way from Kuala Kedah, this duty-free haven is a mystical one with much to explore. Pantai Cenang has evolved into a whole new exciting scene. Reggae bar is now known as 'Babylon', and nestled on the beach itself. Don't forget to get onto the cable car on Pantai Kok, unwind by the 7 well waterfalls and island hop to Pulau Payar, Pulau Singa Besar & Pulau Beras Basah.

Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu

Credit: Tourism Malaysia

This heavenly spot, 21km from Kuala Besut Jetty, is a favorite pick amongst international backpackers with a wide array of budget chalets and fancy resorts to choose from.

Pulau Kapas, Terengganu

Credit: Tourism Malaysia

6km off Marang Jetty, this snorkeling sanctuary has cotton like sandy beaches. From diving with dazzling coral reefs, to lazing and sunbathing on soft sands, you'll find creative ways to pamper yourself.

Pulau Sapi, Kota Kinabalu

Credit: Tourism Malaysia

Want to walk underwater with a spacesuit? Try it with the 'Borneo Seawalking Company', in a tiny part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, one of Sabah's 5 preserved magic isles. Only 15 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu by boat, this is a perfect destination for a day trip.
Entry fee: RM3 for Malaysians, RM10 for foreigners

Pulau Tinggi, Johor

Credit: Thinkstock.com

As one of the unknown paradises hidden long the Southern tip of Johor, its placidity is one of a kind. A soaring 600 meters above sea level, it's an hour boat journey from Tanjong Leman Jetty. Pay a visit to one of the 3 fishing villages residing on the land for the ultimate local experience

 

Malaysians offended with rapper Nelly’s tweet: “50% of the crowd can’t even speak English”

Rapper’s tweet sparked debate in the Twitter-verse after his performance at ‘Suara Kami’ – but was he misinterpreted?

Wireimage

The Malaysian Twitter-verse was none too pleased when rapper Nelly tweeted that "...50% of the crowd can't even speak English but they can sing every word!"

Twitter

The rapper - who was in town for Astro's 'Suara Kami' concert on Saturday - seemed to have cause offense with his comment, prompting many Malaysians to tweet in response:

Twitter

While Nelly apologised for causing offense to his Malaysian fans, heated responses had already started to flood his timeline.
It wasn't all angry messages though, as some fans (including local songstress Yuna) tweeted 'thank you' messages to the rapper for his performance.
Click through to see the tweets from Nelly and some of the responses from Malaysians.

Top-ranked taxis around the world

London's cabs have been voted the best in the world in a new survey from Hotels.com, coming in ahead of New York, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Here, a look at some of the other contenders for the title of world's greatest taxis.

1. London



London's cabs are a globally recognized symbol of their city, almost as familiar as its red buses. There are 21,000 on the road.

2. New York



The yellow New York taxi is a favorite with audiences the world over, making regular appearances in TV shows and movies.

3. Hong Kong



Hong Kong's taxis are either red or green, but they're almost always manufactured by Toyota.

4. Tokyo



Tokyo's taxis are expensive but high-tech; many include on-board Wi-Fi.

5. Singapore



Singapore boasts a fleet of over 25,000 taxis.

6.  Bangkok



Bangkok's taxis are cheap and cheerful, often decorated in bright colors that would be unthinkable in London or New York.

7.  Berlin



Almost all German taxis are a neutral beige color, although there aren't that many in Berlin - around 7,000.

8. Dublin



It is said that there are more taxis in Dublin than there are in New York, making getting a lift in the Irish capital very easy.

9. Madrid



There are some 15,000 taxis in Madrid, all white with the diagonal red bar and the Madrid coat of arms.