Updated with map Checkout the Look Out Point at Ampang, the latest and coolest place to catch a bird’s eye view of the city. Situated 10 km away from Ampang town, it sits on a slope along the winding road of the Pekan Batu 14-Ampang trunk road. Sometimes it can be pretty cold at night.

Though it was just newly launched early this year, the Look Out Point has already begun to slowly but surely pick up in its popularity. Families and lovebirds hang out at the Look Out Point; some for a brisk upward climb to its observation tower (Menara Tinjau) where you can have a tremendous view of the Kuala Lumpur city. There, viewers can catch a breath-taking view of the entire landscape with unmistakeable landmarks from Menara Telekom in Petaling Jaya to KL Tower, to Petronas Twin Tower.

There is also an interesting mini bird park on the other side of the Look Out Point, truly a place that nature lovers out there should not miss.

There is also dining place to have a coffee break called Kopitiam Rimba: Brother Joul’s at the entrance of the look out point. They serve nostalgic food such as steamed bread, toasted bread, and steamed sweet potato.

A perfect place to unwind and breakaway from the hustle and bustle of the city; without having to leave the city!

Main entrance gate to go up to Look Out Point, the road is quite steep, watch out!

Stairs climb up to observation tower, glad its not as high as Batu Caves stairs.

One of the main hall, still empty but looks like going to be a restaurant setup there.

Another observation area below the main hall, nice view!

Map to Look Out Point below:

Watch out for this road sign before the last traffic light, turn left towards Kajang

Follow the signboard to Look Out Point, the road is winding, becareful!

Kuala Kedah is a fishing village located at the mouth of Kedah river (Sungai Kedah). It’s about 20 minutes journey from the city of Alor Setar with the new upgraded 4-lanes road leading to it. Along the road to Kuala Kedah, try to stop at one of the many road side stalls selling the infamous Laksa Telok Kechai.

Kuala Kedah also served as a gateway to Malaysia’s renowned Langkawi island via the Kuala Kedah jetty with ferry. Ferry rides from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi took approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Try to seat at the right hand side of the ferry, one will be able to see the beautiful castle-like Kuala Kedah marina. Though the marina has been completed 2 years ago, there’s no new development and it’s not open to the public. Recently, ambitious local authorities announced plan to develop the marina into a waterfront city. Hope the Kuala Kedah marina will not be another white elephant baking under the hot sun.

Kota Kuala Kedah

Just beside the marina, there’s an old historical fort built to protect from naval attacks with loose canons known as Kota Kuala Kedah or Kota by the locals. Above picture shows the lighthouse inside the newly repaired rectangular fort. Kota Kuala Kedah can be accessed by road via the Tok Pasai bridge which connect the two sides of Kuala Kedah seperated by the Kedah river.

When visiting the south of Malaysia and the state of Johor, Danga Bay is a must go. You can find Danga Bay strategically located along Jalan Skudai between central Johor Bahru and the major new developments such as Bandar Nusajaya and the Second Causeway.

Danga Bay covers the waterways at the mouth of Sungai Skudai, Sungai Danga and Sungai Melayu and straits that separate Johor from Singapore. Its waterfront is a scenic and popular spot for lovers with lots of unique and beautiful landscapes.

The next unmistakable attraction – food! It is fast becoming a popular spot for suppers, dinners, lunches. There are so much offered at the Bay Leaf food court, from Malaysian to Italian, Singaporean to Japanese, Chinese cuisines to western food. Visitors who seek the convenience of leisure and food, Danga Bay is the place to go.

Danga Bay is alive with events and activities. Trams carrying passengers for rides around the parks (you can hitch a ride at the Tram Central, there are trams picking up visitors every 8-10 minutes) , youngsters showing off skateboarding and biking stunts, live band singers spicing up the evenings and much more.

Despite having so much stuff at the present time, there are more to come. Danga Bay is said to be continuously developed over 15 years. Danga Bay aspires to bring to focus the significance of water on the Malaysian culture and heritage and the broader value of water as an important lifestyle amenity. It envisions to create communities with water as the central focus.

More pictures below:

Danga Bay unique landscape entrance

Small and beautiful botanical garden inside Danga Bay

Danga Bay leaf symbol

Mataking Island, another hidden gem off Sabah east coast in the Celebes Sea. Its located approximately 1 hour speedboat ride from Semporna, Sabah. On a sunny and calm sea day, it’s a pleasant and breathtaking boat ride. Mataking is make up from 2 relatively small islands which are connected by a sandbar. The only resort, The Reef Dive Resort is located in the bigger island.

Mataking Island is an ideal place for people seeking quiet and relaxing holiday. The scenery over Mataking island is simply breathtaking with it white and soft sandy beach surrounded by dark blue sea. For a little bit of adventure, one can choose to do diving off the island.

The town of Semporna in the east of Sabah, lives up to its name: Semporna – which is a Malay word meaning perfection.
A perfect beach holiday spot it is indeed, Sempurna is pristine and panaromic. Do not be surprised to find crystal clear sea water around Semporna, which is clearer than many beaches in Peninsular Malaysia.

Island lovers will love Semporna, for it is a gateway town to all famous islands in eastern Sabah. Pulau Sipadan, which is one of its best, will definitely ring a bell. When visiting Semporna, you must not miss its buzzling town. Visit the town’s main market for delighful, fresh seafood. The main difficulty any visitor will find when in Semporna is the language as the population mainly is Bajau. Many local people in Semporna live in sprawling stilt villages over the water on the outskirts of Semporna town.

To reach Semporna from Kuala Lumpur, visitors need to take a domestic flight from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to Tawau. The direct flight from KLIA to Tawau takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. After arriving at Tawau airport, board a taxi to Semporna which is about 1 hour away.

Updated Alor Setar Tower of Kedah is the 2nd tallest tower in Malaysia and 19th tallest communication tower in the world. It stands at a height of 165.5 metres above ground level. There are two levels which are opened for visitors’ preying eyes. On one of the levels you will find Seri Angkasa Restaurant, where one can indulge a meal at the height of 100 metres. For those who would like to have a bird’s eye of Alor Setar, they can purchase a ticket and take a high speed lift to the observation deck at the height of 88 meters. Across the clear sky on a sunny day, visitors can see as far as Langkawi Island and enjoy the green scenery around Alor Setar.

Below are pictures taken during the night, no doubt the Alor Setar tower majestically brighten up Alor Setar in one way or another.

Observation Deck Entrance Fee

Adult: RM6
Children: RM3
Student (With uniform): RM2
IPT Student (With student pass): RM4
Golden Citizen (50 years and above): RM4
Foreigner: RM10
Observation Deck Contact Information
Telephone number: 04- 720 2234
Fax number: 04- 720 2073
Website: http://www.menaraalorstar.com

Restoran Berputar Seri Angkasa Alor Setar

Ala Carte Operating Hours: 11:00am – 10:30pm
Lunch Operating Hours: 12:00pm – 3:00pm (Except on Friday)
Dinner Operating Hours: 7:00pm – 11:30pm (Except on Friday)

Restoran Contact Information

Booking number: 04- 730 1122
Fax number: 04- 735 5651
Email: enqalorstar@serimelayu.com
Website: http://www.serimelayu.com

Although Alor Setar has been accorded the status of a city but in comparison with other cities in Malaysia, there still are lots of improvement to be done. Nevertheless Alor Setar remains as one of the cities in Malaysia with low living cost. It is relatively easy to find a meal which costs below RM2.00 and a drink for less than RM1.00. For the past 2 years, a handful of 7-Eleven convenience store have mushroomed throughout the city of Alor Setar. However, one is yet to find Starbuck or Coffee Bean in Alor Setar…