I'm off to Malaysia... I'll be back in a jiffy

I'm not be able to blog for about the next 5 days as I will be on a well-deserved vacation in Kuala Lumpur a.k.a. KL and the pre-colonial trading hub of Melaka a.k.a Malacca in Malaysia. This will be my 3rd time to go to Kuala Lumpur, 1st time in Melaka and 7th time to be in Malaysia but I still look forward to go to this beautiful country every time. This year is Visit Malaysia 2007 as they celebrate their Golden Year as an independent country this coming August 31.

The month of August will be filled with a myriad of parades, cultural performances, street shows and carnivals to commemorate Merdeka Day (Independence Day). It was on August 31, 1957 when history was made as the Union Jack was lowered and the Malaysian flag hoisted.

Malaysia has fervently embraced modern technology as it boasts the tallest twin towers in the world (the Petronas Towers). But the country still has some of the world's most remote jungle in Sarawak and Sabah and an atmospheric colonial hill station in the Cameron Highlands. Even in the capital KL which bristles with ambitious new building projects, one can still find exotic markets and plenty of local color.

The tallest twin towers in the world

And of course my favorite, The Malaysia Food Festival 2007 which coincides with my visit where visitors can expect unique gastronomical multi-sensory culinary adventures that will be experienced not only through delicious food but through competitions, interactive cooking demonstrations and celebrity chef appearances. There will be an overflow of mouthwatering, local and traditional delights like my favorite chicken satay, beef rendang and ais kacang.

ais kacang (the local halo-halo)

chicken satay with peanut sauce--more than the usual barbecue

For several decades, Malaysia has industrialized rapidly, transforming itself from an economy whose livelihood relied primarily on the production of mineral and agricultural export commodities into an economy dominated by manufacturing and services.

I encourage everybody to come and be mesmerized by a unique multicultural populace celebrating 50 years of nationhood in harmony and peaceful co-existence.

For more travel information concerning Malaysia just click the Holiday in Malaysia icon below.