LONDON: Malaysia is among world’s best-value destinations, according to travel guide firm Lonely Planet.
The British-based company, in its Best In Travel 2010 guide, said Malaysia “is a clever choice for travellers on the lookout for a bargain”.
Thanks to the economic crisis, Iceland and London were also among the top 10 destinations, which included Thailand, South Africa, India, Mexico, Bulgaria, Kenya and Las Vegas,
The annual snapshot book captures “the world’s hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead”, Lonely Planet said yesterday.
The economic collapse in Iceland meant the island was no longer punitively expensive, said the guide, putting the beleaguered country at the top of its best-value list.
Thailand, at number two, remained “perennially good value”, said the book.
Meanwhile, London’s days as a costly destination were now over, Lonely Planet said, thanks to the exchange rate which made it “much more affordable for visitors from abroad”.
The top 10 countries overall for travellers were El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and the United States.
The top 10 cities were Abu Dhabi, Charleston (South Carolina), Cork (Ireland), Cuenca (Ecuador), Istanbul, Kyoto (Japan), Lecce (Italy), Sarajevo, Singapore and Vancouver (Canada).
Bali (Indonesia), Goa (India), Koh Kong (Cambodia), Southern Africa and southwest Western Australia featured among the top 10 regions. — AFP

Beca is the Malay word for rickshaw or trishaw here becasue of the commonly found three wheel variety. Trishaw was a common form of transportation right up to the late 80s and some still preferring them in the 90s. While it is a relic of the past, the trishaw is making back these days as a tourist attraction and it is good for a slow pace tour.

The common trishaw here is basically a bicycle with passenger cart attached. In Malacca and Kelantan, the cart is attached at the side, while in Penang it is in front, giving passenger better view in front.

The trishaw has a convertible cover and it is really fun to ride into. I still remember while I was a kid, we normally go around Georgetown with trishaw. Always look forward to it.

Built in 1910, this was the central hub for the nation's rail transportation before the modern KL Sentral Station. The building has great influences of North Indian Islamic design in its architecture such as beautiful arches, domes, spires and minarets which gives the building a majestic and romantic feel.

Due to the demand of office space in 1967, a new 4 storey extension was built at the north wing of the station, including the Heritage Station Hotel, formerly known as Boy's Hotel.

The railway station is no longer the main hub for train services in Kuala Lumpur since 2001 and currently the Komuter rail service is the only tran that still stops here.