New Malaysia National Palace Marks History

Majestic and spanking new, Istana Negara on Jalan Duta will be the venue for the swearing-in ceremony. Members of the Royal Malay Regiment First Battalion hoisted the personal flag of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Nov 15. – Bernamapic

THE majestic new Istana Negara on Jalan Duta will today bear witness to the swearing-in of the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The ceremony, which is steeped in the tradition of the Malay custom, will be held for the first time at the new palace. As the official residence of the country's Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong, the palace, which sits on a sprawling 97.65ha plot of land in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, is built in rich Islamic and traditional Malay architectural style.

The 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who completes his term today, is the first monarch to occupy the new Istana that was officially opened on Nov 11.Among others, the palace has two large domes, which are adorned with light bulbs designed in the outline of an overlapping betel leaf that will illuminate the night with different colours. The colour of the lights will be according to the type of formal events held that day.

A 40m-high dome above the main lobby in the palace is hung with the largest chandelier made in Malaysia.Eight large paintings, depicting the history of the country from the Malacca Sultanate to the current era, decorate the giant pillars supporting the main dome.Every room and hall in the Istana is specially designed to accommodate specific functions.The palace complex, which boasts a total of 22 domes, is divided into formal, royal and administrative wings.

The formal wing houses, among others, the balairong seri, where the swearing-in of the King takes place, the audience and banquet halls.The royal wing, comprising bedrooms and other facilities, are designed for use by the Agong, his Queen and other members of the royal family.

The palace also comes equipped with a surau to accommodate 1,000 people, a swimming pool, a security office, a visitors' square, an underground carpark, a treatment room, a multi-purpose hall, a sports field, a helipad, and a horse stable.It will also have lifts and escalators.

The Istana is accessible via three gates the Duta Gate for the royalty, the Jalan Changkat Semantan Gate for guests and the Jalan Sri Hartamas Gate for the rakyat and for invited to events.

Malaysia Tourism Award 2010/2011

This award was won by http://www.cedeprudente.blogspot.com/ 

The Ministry of Tourism Malaysia are very optimist to bring the tourism industry to higher level by giving the tour operator a reward to boost their productivity to give good service to tourist. The Minister of Tourism Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen said, the award started to be gave since 1987 to increase the professionalisme of tour operator.

They have some category of reward such as, Best Tour Operator, International Tour Operator Innovation, The most Innovation Tourism Magazine, Best Tourist Guide, Most Innovation Shopping Mall, Most Innovation Spa, and the main award is Ministry Tourism Award.

The Ministry of Tourism receive more than 346 participation from all categories and the winner will get certificated and and trophy. The Tourism Award Night 2010/2011 will be held in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

For those who are interested to participate in Malaysia Tourism Award you may go to this link
http://www.motour.gov.my/bm/muat-turun/doc_download/554-malaysia-tourism-award-2010-2011-nomination-form.html 

Langkawi Intriguing Legends and Nature's Wonders

The Langkawi archipelago consists of 99 islands.

Langkawi situated in the Andaman Sea, south of Thailand. Tourist flock here for the delightful beaches, superb resort and refreshing nature-based activities. The best beaches include Pantai Cenang, Burau Bay, Pantai Kok and Pantai Datai. Accommodation ranges from world-class resorts such as the Four Season Resort, The Datai and The Andaman to affordable family chalets and facilities for budget travelers. Do visit www.mytourguidemalaysia.com for more information that will update frequently.

Royal Selangor Club, Jalan Raja

Royal Selangor Club, Jalan Raja

Adjancent to Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) is the Royal Selangor Club, a charming mock-Tudor structure. Royal Selangor was founded in 1884 as a small plank building with thatched rood, serving as a social cricket clib for the growing expatriate community. The original Royal Selangor Club building was replaced in 1890 by two-storey timber structure designed by AC Norman, a government architect. Royal Selangor Club rebuilt in 1910 with a design similar to a mock-Tudor house by architect AB Hubback.

Royal Selangor Club During Colonial Days

During colonial days, Royal Selangor Club was dubbed 'The Spotted Dog', a nickname purportedly originating from the Police Commissioner's black and white dalmations, often brought there by his wife. The name also said to have originated from its mixed membership at that time. Royal Selangor was again rebuilt to its present for in 1979. Royal Selangor  is exclusively for members and has a wide range of sporting facilities as well as food and beverage outlets.

Pictures of Royal Selangor Club

When you visit Dataran Merdeka, Sultan Abdul Samad Building you can see from there the building name Royal Selangor Club. 

Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)

Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) Located at Jalan Raja

This is a good starting point to explore Kuala Lumpur city's heritage site. On 31st August 1957, the Union Jack was lowered here to mark Malaysia's independent from colonial rule. Hence the name, Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) which means 'Independent Square'.

History of Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) 

The Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) used to be venue for parades, cricket matches, and other important occacions. Today, this historic heart of Kuala Lumpur is preserved with beautifully manicured lawns, terraces and fountains. It is the ideal backdrop for photography. Adjacent to Dataran Merdeka is te Royal Selagor Club, a mock-Tudor structure with an interesting history. 

Pictures of Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square)

Wanted to explore this place ? Why not you use a experience tour guide to bring you to Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) ?