Mahsuri’s Mausoleum (Makam Mahsuri), the Famous Legendary Place in Langkawi.

Thinking of travelling to Langkawi Island, Malaysia? Don’t forget to visit the Mausoleum of Mahsuri, the most significant place in Langkawi Island, located about 12 kilometres from Kuah Town.

There has been so much difference in term of facilities and architecture of the Mausoleum, since my last visit there in 1996. The place has been upgraded and renovated from time to time to attract more tourists to visit the place. Apart from the “tomb of Mahsuri”, there are several Malay traditional houses built to show the lifestyle of the villagers at the time of Mahsuri.

During my visit to the Mausoleum in December 2004, I had an opportunity to watch a “drama performance on the Legend of Mahsuri” and a traditional malay dance and music performance. I feel really excited to watch the cultural performance, very fresh and energetic. And the drama performance, also very touching…many tourists cry (including me) while watching the drama…especially the ending part, watching the death of innocent lady… Pity Mahsuri, a fair maiden, who was unjustly accused of adultery and was sentenced to death. According the legend, none of the soldiers at that time could kill her with their weapons until she was stabbed with her very own weapon. She bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. In her dying breath, she placed a curse on Langkawi that this island would not prosper for seven generations.

While watching the very interesting cultural performance shows at that place, I had tasted the various traditional Malay delicacies, such as “kuih karas” and “kuih peneram”…emm…so delicious…fresh from the pan…also bought some stock to bring back to Kuala Lumpur…If you want to buy some souvenirs, you can visit the kiosks nearby or the gift shop at the Mausoleum. There’s so much things to choose from…and the prices are also reasonable…

Aquarium KLCC ... Let’s experience the ocean life in Kuala Lumpur (Aquaria KLCC)

Where can you experience the ocean life in Kuala Lumpur? Before this, you may have to travel to Langkawi to visit the Underwater World Langkawi…or go for snorkeling at any beautiful islands in Malaysia, such as Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang in Terengganu or Pulau Tioman in Johor. But now, you can have that experience here…in Kuala Lumpur… a huge aquarium located at KLCC… It is known as AQUARIA...or " AQUARIUM KLCC ".

Using the Living Ocean concept, Aquarium KLCC will become a new tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur, especially those who visit the Suria KLCC. Aquarium KLCC houses more than 5,000 freshwater and marine animal exhibits. Even though the concept is similar to the Underwater world Langkawi, what makes Aquarium KLCC so special is its long tunnel, which made out of 90m of fibreglass. Along the tunnel, you can see so many species of fish and marine life swim above your head. You will feel like you are under the sea…snorkeling…without having the oxygen gas…without even have to put the “special clothes”. So, it’s good for those who don’t know how to swim…ha..ha..ha…

Another specialty at Aquarium KLCC is that the place has facilities for the disabled. There are computer screens and multimedia presentations throughout the area to help educate visitors about sea life, as well. Exhibits will also place emphasis on Malaysia’s sea life, including unique species found in East Malaysian waters.

You can find more information here: http://www.klaquaria.com/

Maritime Museum in Melaka….a giant ship in town…

I had an assignment to Melacca last Tuesday…On my way to the Melacca’s town, I saw a giant ship just beside the main road. The ship is similar with the ship I used to see in “Pirate of the Carribean” movie…heheh…but, it’s not a movie set…It is actually a museum.

After I finished my assignment, I had an opportunity to visit the GIANT SHIP, that is the MARITIME MUSEUM in Melacca. The giant ship is used a s a replica to show that many ships used to land in Melacca Strait to do their business.

In other word, Malacca used to be a commercial centre for merchants around the world. If you don’t believe me...you can check in the history book...I was impressed with the unique design and architecture of the ship…It looks like a real ship....

Inside the ship, you can see a lot of historical artifacts being exhibited for viewers. Among my favourite is the treasure box…I wonder what’s inside…heheh…

You can also read many historical stories about commercial activities held in Melacca along time ago. It’s very interesting…I spent around 30 minutes to explore things inside the ship…

Since the Maritime Museum is located in front the Craft Centre, you can visit the craft centre after visited the museum.

At the Craft Centre, you can buy souvenirs, foods, etc. Most of souvenirs here are hand-made. It shows the creativity and art of Melaccan...You can choose from begs, accessories, shirts, pants, etc. For food lovers, you can buy Cencaluk, which is a very popular food in Melacca, and also Belacan (shrimp paste). Others includes tits-bits...snack (keropok, kerepek), dodol daun melaka...

You can visit this website for more info http://www.virtualmuseummelaka.com/