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| Dec 01, 2006 10:48 am |
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re: re: Malaysia Anyone??? |
Michelle Lee
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Hi Somit
1st of all, let me WELCOME you to my beloved country, the beautiful MALAYSIA :-) I stay in Kuala Lumpur which is about 60km from the Sepang International F1 Circuit. Have been there once when my Thailand friends flew in for this spectacular event.
Here are some info for your reference. Again, this is extracted from the F1 website. I am sure you have already read it. Anyway, don't mind sharing with all of you again here....
WHY GO MALAYSIA?
Malaysia offers a fascinating mix of urban sophistication and rural charm. The cities - and particularly the capital Kuala Lumpur (KL) - are developing extremely quickly, but the countryside has maintained its innocence. The people continue to farm the land and the sea, as they have for centuries.
“Malaysia is a fantastic place,” says Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt. “I love spicy food, so when I'm in Kuala Lumpur, I go and visit one of the local restaurants in Petaling Street or Chinatown. I also like to have massages in one of the traditional spas, or go shopping near the Twin Towers.”
The bulk of KL’s development has occurred since it hosted the 1998 Commonwealth Games, in accordance with the government’s ‘Vision 2020’, which is for Malaysia to be a fully-developed country by 2020.
The Sepang Circuit is in keeping with that vision. It was built in 1998 and, so good were its facilities, it became the inspiration for all of Formula One’s subsequent new tracks.
At 452 metres, Petronas Towers in the centre of Kuala Lumpur remains the world’s tallest twin-towered public building.
TRANSPORT
Over 50 international airlines fly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is five kilometres from Sepang Circuit and 60 kilometres south of the city.
A train service operates from the airport into Kuala Lumpur (25 minutes only), though there is no train service to the track. Hiring a car is advisable, particularly if you want to visit the coast or surrounding countryside, but a taxi from KLIA to the track is also an inexpensive option. Taxis are also the best way to get around Kuala Lumpur itself. Book a package.
USEFUL TIPS
Huge grandstand capacity at the Sepang International Circuit makes for great viewing, particularly in the double-fronted stand opposite the pits. However, general admission is a good option as well because some of the best corners on the track - Turn 5, for example - are only accessible by foot. All tickets are competitively priced in an effort to make the race as affordable as possible to local people and visitors alike.
Malaysia’s weather is generally glorious, though 70 percent humidity is not unusual, so take lots of water with you to the track. Book a race ticket
WHERE TO GO?
The Golden Triangle in the centre of KL is home to the best shops and restaurants, but to balance your experiences of the city, take the time to visit Chinatown or Little India. The bustling markets, food stalls and hawker restaurants give a colourful insight into indigenous living Malaysian-style.
You can find surprising tranquillity in the centre of Kuala Lumpur. The green square of Dataran Merdeka was once the centre of the old, colonial city and is now a place where shoppers and office workers go to relax.
WHERE TO STAY?
There is every type of accommodation available in Kuala Lumpur and hotel prices are modest by western standards. For the race, however, you could also try staying outside the city.
Most of the Formula One fraternity stays at the airport hotel for convenience, but the coast is only a 40-minute commute from the track and the luxurious resorts of Putrajaya are a short drive inland.
”There are two hotels that I recommend,” says Todt. ”The Mandarin Oriental, which is just a stone's throw from the Twin Towers, and the Carcosa Hotel, which is very exclusive and colonial-style.” Book a hotel
EXTENDED STAY
There are literally hundreds of holiday destinations available to you in Malaysia. You can stay in Kuala Lumpur, head to the beaches and temples of Penang or the island of Langkawi, or even the rain forests of the Kinabalu National Park.
“I suggest people visit the east coast of Malaysia,” says Todt. ""That area boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the whole of south-east Asia. There are also the mountains and jungles for the adventurous - again, east Malaysia is the best place to go.” Book a package
Ernie is right, YMCA is a good bargain and it is within walking distance to the transport hub of KL. 5 star Hotels like The KL Hilton and LeMeridien Hotel are located here at KL Sentral.
Back to hotel accommodation, let me know if you need help. I can help you to get a 5 star hotel in KL paying only USD70 which I am currently enjoying as a corporate client.
Will update you again from time to time on the fun things to do in KL :-)
Cheers!
Michelle
Private Reply to Michelle Lee (new win) |
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