Ministry of Tourism Malaysia – Wangechi Gitahi Travels

Asia

Blast from the past in Melaka

By Wangechi Gitahi

Melaka also referred to as Melacca is a beautiful city located to the South of Malaysia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is currently my favourite place in Malaysia as it is full of culture. There are many old buildings, some in their natural old state with others having been rehabilitated by the government. Things to do in Melaka/Melacca 1.Visit the historical buildings a) I got to visit Christ Church Melaka, which is the oldest functioning Protestant Church in Malaysia. Its construction begun in 1741 and was completed in 1743. It has been beautifully refurbished and one of the main buildings you will see upon arrival. b) A FAMOSA This was a former Portuguese fortress that was built in 1511 and is the oldest surviving European architectural remains in South East Asia. It was partly renovated by the Dutch and as you walk around it, you can see…

Asia

Shocking Penang

By Wangechi Gitahi

Penang is located on the North Western coast of Malaysia and is the second largest city. Its capital city George town is one of the oldest towns in Malaysia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you move around the town you will at times feel like you took a time travel into the past. My Highlights : 1)History and culture George Town is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a walk through the town will enable you to appreciate its history and culture. The area is inhabited more by the older generation and most of the buildings are really old. The government however, has tried to restore some of them. 2) Sweetenham Pier Cruise Terminal: This place is a beauty to behold. This is both the entry point and exit points of those travelling here over water. The pier handles millions of passengers yearly from the public…

Asia

Kuala Lumpur

By Wangechi Gitahi

My arrival into Malaysia was met by excitement, pomp and galore, I actually felt like a VIP. How had the government learnt of my arrival and therefore planned for me to be received by a group of Malaysian Dancers, to be welcomed by their songs and dances and get an immediate fix of my cultural appeal. I wish this greeting was all mine, but instead, it was for all visitors arriving at that time as they were promoting their tourism campaign-Visit Malaysia 2014. I was in Kuala Lumpur for very few hours but managed to experience the below: Petronas towers: A trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia would not be complete without a visit here. It held the title of the tallest building in the world while having 88 floors from 1998-2004 and still holds the title of the worlds tallest twin towers. Batu Caves: It is prominently known for the…

Asia

Malaysia 101

By Wangechi Gitahi

1.Malaysia is located in South East Asia and its capital city is called Kuala Lumpur 2. The official language is Bahasa Malay though most people also speak English. 3. The official religion is Islam and is open to people of all faiths 4. It was colonized by both the British and the Japanese 6. The infrastructure in Malaysia is quite modern with it being home to the Worlds tallest twin towers, Petronas towers 7. The men and women do not mix much. In some of the public service buses and trains, there are clear separations “Women only”, “Men Only” 8.It is generally a conservative area so be cautious of your mode of dressing, adhere to the dress codes in the respective areas. 9. It has a population of about 30 million people 10. Kenyans receive a free tourist Visa at the airport, upon arrival. Ensure you have all your travel requirements in…