Asia learn to say; “no…”.

Asia is notorious for its bad manners seen from a Western point of view. Burping in public seems to be normal. Picking the noise deeply in front of other people or even in a restaurant seems to be daily practice in Asia. Scratching the backside while in public places is no exception. And spitting while people sit or walk is a regular seen habit.

Some countries are getting better and better, but some habits are imbedded in ancient old cultures and no one seems to care or worry about them anymore. But when arriving from the west, some of these old habits are part of the culture shock. Asians are adapting to western lifestyles and most countries are slowly changing and understanding that not everything they see as normal, is very polite to others.

There is another type of rudeness. A rudeness which is unprofessional, does not help trade, friendships or the community. And it’s the habit of not being able to say: “no”.

Asian public lives from excuse to excuse. They make up one excuse to cover the previous one. So called white lies are daily practice. No matter in which country you are around the Asian continent it’s everywhere the same protocol.

Coming on Time for Appointments

Coming on time at a preset appointment is professional. Coming late is normally accepted in Asia, however it hampers business growth, and from the person being on time point of view is rude. When one comes late for an appointment, no matter what the excuse might be, you are using someone else his/her time. Time, which is as valuable as your own time. Better to leave a message or call to let the other person know that you are not able to meet at the set time. Even more important to let the other party know, when you will arrive. That is more important than the excuse you have made up. The excuse only serves a peace of mind deal for person making it, and does not serve the other party. You were late, that’s the bottom line and respect is lost because of that. Learn to say; “no, I am sorry I can not be on time today”. Honesty is often the best advise, and will be more respected then excuses like, hospitals, accidents, weddings, sickness and the weather.

No message for cancellation

As a business man, one books his appointments well in time to make the business grow and try to book as many appointments in the day, taking in consideration, travel times, lunch and coffee breaks. But booking the appointment list too full, puts you under stress from the moment you look at your schedule. Better is to have lesser appointments on the day, and have the freedom to travel, have lunch leisurely. Able to get to your appointments on time, and you might even have time to prepare your meeting better, and visualize the appointment and the objectives. Being relaxed sells more products. If you really can not make it, no problem, but cancel well in advance so you are not wasting the other parties time and you can be professional about a reschedule of your planned appointment. Learn to say; “no, I am sorry I can not make our appointment today, let’s reschedule for next week”.

Saying yes, but meaning no

Often we walk out of a meeting and both parties agree to contact in a few days.

How rude is it to not answer that expected call? Often calls are not answered when the other party already decided not to go ahead with the agreement. More professional would be that you either answer the call and just say “no, I am sorry we are not interested”. Not picking up a phone call is very unprofessional and rude. Learn to say; “no, we do not take you up on your offer”.

Communication is the key to every business deal. It makes live easier, more pleasant and reduces stress. An open communication will leave the door open for future contacts. You never know when your contact might become important in the very near future.

Asia, learn to say: “no”, and make your business grow.

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur malaysia, Malaysian Aladdin’s Cave

When visiting Kuala Lumpur bring your wonder lamp, because in this city all your shopping wishes can come true. Looking for low end or high end goods, Kuala Lumpur is a kaleidoscope for anyone who loves to shop.

The Kuala Lumpur Shopping Experience

Probably the number one sport in Malaysia is called shopping, and the retailers provide the answers to all demands. Wares from all over the world flood the Malaysia marketplaces. Most shopping malls open their doors from 10.00am till 10.00pm, and during these times you can shop till you drop in a welcoming air conditioned atmosphere. The heart of the city is called the Golden Triangle and here are all the main shopping complexes and Kuala Lumpur hotels located.

Main Shopping Malls and Centers in the Kuala Lumpur City Center

Avenue K at Jalan Ampang

Can be found opposite of KLCC Suria and offers a wider array of top brands and branded goods. Fairly new shopping complex with a luxury feel to it.

BB Plaza & Sungei Wang at Jalan Bukit Bintang

BB Plaza and Sungei Wang are two malls attached to each other, catering for the low end market, but tons of fun to shop there, hundreds of small and tiny boutiques with lots of nif nafs, paradise for bargains. The shopping center forms the heart of Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Berjaya Times Square at Jalan Imbi

Times Square is huge ten floor shopping mall, includes an indoor theme park, theaters, convention center and hotel can be found at Jalan Imbi or at the Imbi Monorail station. The weekends can be extremely busy, as lots of activities are organized in and around the shopping complex.

Central Market

Central Market is not so much of a mall, but more a cultural heart of the city with lots of little stalls selling arts and handy crafts, great place for traditional Asian souvenirs. Situated close to Petaling street at Jalan Hang Kasturi.

Imbi Plaza at Jalan Imbi

Imbi Plaza is the low end electronics mall in Kuala Lumpur, great deals can be found in this little electrical paradise. Located just behind Sungei Wang at Jalan Imbi

KLCC Suria at the Petronas Towers

KLCC Suria endless shopping, floor after floor showing the most international luxury brands Malaysia has to offer.

Kota Raya

Kota Raya is located in China Town and 100% low end mall, but absolute worthwhile the visit, many little shops offer a variety of goods nowhere else to be found in the city.

Lot 10 at Jalan Bukit Bintang

Lot 10 is one of the older malls in K.L. but 2009 was the year of a large facelift for this mall with its own atmosphere, trendsetting and a great shopping arena. The mix of shops is not the standard as found in many other malls. Their Roof Top Garden is definitely worthwhile visiting in the evening. Also the new Food Court in the basement is a must visit

The Mall

The Mall is not a very large mall, but a nice place to visit if your hotel would be in this part of the city, located next to The Legends Hotel at Jalan Putra.

Pavilion Shopping Complex at Jalan Bukit Bintang

Pavilion offers a wide variety of luxury goods, even some high end car dealers have their premises here, immaculate array of food and dining options. Ample evening entertainment can be found here too.

Petaling Street in China Town

Petaling Street is not a mall but a street with a canopy, found in the center of China Town. Full of vendors, often offering counterfeited goods, but great bargains to be found in this bustling little sphere. Just be careful.

Plaza Low Yat

Plaza Low Yat are 6 floors of cameras, telephones, PC’s and laptops, if you can’t find it here, you will not be able to find it anywhere. Low Yat is Malaysia’s largest IT and Lifestyle Mall, Situated next to BB Plaza and Sungei Wang

Kompleks Sogo

Kompleks Sogo caters towards the lower end of the market, very popular with the Malay and Indian community, great bargains and lots of local goods especially fabrics to be found around Sogo, located at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

Starhill Gallery at Jalan Bukit Bintang

Star Hill gallery can be found opposite of Pavilion Shopping Complex, probably the most exclusive shopping mall in the whole of Malaysia, an absolute must visit location, fine dining with live jazz background music playing every evening of the week. Don’t forget to visit the 50.000 sq feet spa area on the fifth floor. The top floor offers a small exhibition of local artists.

There are more smaller malls to be found in The Golden Triangle which are all an experience by themselves, enjoy meandering around to discover new shop locations is a pleasure in itself.

Other Shopping Malls Around Kuala Lumpur

Just outside the City center you will find more gigantic shopping complexes.

Mid Valley Mega Mall with The Gardens right next to it, 1-Utama in Petaling Jaya, The Curve in Damansara, Bangsar Village and Bangsar Shopping Center, Sunway Pyramid and IOI Mall in Subang Jaya to list a few.

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur is a fun and exciting experience, lots of bargains and good selection of local souvenirs can be found all around the city. The shops are never far from hotels in Kuala Lumpur.

Travel Guide Kuala Lumpur Malaysia - Tourist Attractions

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s focal point of tourist activities and tourist attractions. Travelers really love this city. Nature and action, outdoor or indoor activities and just fun and exciting travel tours with the family, Kuala Lumpur offers it all. A lot of tourist attractions can be found within the city center. Transport is easily arranged for activities outside the city center.

A fast way to see an overview of the city is to take the KL Hop-on Hop-off glass roof double deck bus. While riding the bus a good glimpse of the diverse, contrasting and colorful scenes Kuala Lumpur has to offer can be viewed. The ride travels along 44 main attractions of the city. The traveler can hop on or off at any time. The bus stops close to all the main hotels in Kuala Lumpur.

Overview of The Main Tourist Attractions of Kuala Lumpur

Jade Museum

This little museum shares the art of Jade, the fruits of nature.. Jewelry, artifacts, weapons and ornamental carvings are all on display

Aquaria KLCC

An ocean of discovery, located inside the KL Convention Center, next to the Petronas Towers. This highly interactive attraction focuses on edu-tainment. Learn more about our seas and marine life while walking through the 90 meter aquatic tunnel. Aquaria KLCC is a must see attraction in Kuala Lumpur, fun for he whole family.

Forestry Research Institute Malaysia

Malaysia’s geographic location offers lush rainforests and FRIM offers a close insight to the forest while still in the city center, even a tree top walk is part of the tour.

Kuala Lumpur Tower – Menara KL

The Menara KL or the KL Tower reaches 421 meters above sea level , the highest building on the peninsular. The panorama deck offers an incredible aerial view of the city. The Sri Angkasa restaurant offers the finest local foods with the best view ever.

Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers are KL’s world wide trademark dominating the Kuala Lumpur skyline and overlooking the city like a giant cathedral. Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia’s largest shopping centers and is located inbetween the petronas Towers. The park behind the towers offers a brilliant and relaxing walk, with many features and art by local artists. The Malaysian Philharmonic hosts their concerts at the KLCC Towers, and the sky bridge offer a wide angle view of the city.

Petrosains Adventure Science

Petrosains is a hands-on museum focused on the young visitor and their parents. Once inside, a knowledge accumulating transformation will take place; the science of petroleum is fun…!

Batu Caves near Gombak

Batu Caves is a must see attraction, attracting hundreds of thousands religious Hindu pilgrims per year. The Batu Caves should not be missed, The 272 step staircase will lead the visitor to the main cave, surrounded by tranquility the breaths a lot of energy. Nut vendors will offer nuts to the tourist to feed the hundreds of monkeys visiting the site daily.

Petaling Street in China Town

Petaling Street the bustling heart of China Town, teeming with vendors offering their ware, however there is a warning for counterfeiting. Do bargain, before buying. This is the place where shopping is fun. Delicious traditional Chinese cuisine can be found all around this exciting area.

Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens

Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens or locally know as Taman Tasik Negara are all within walking distance of the city. The traveler can find, The Bird Park, Orchid Garden, Butterfly Park, Deer Park and Hibiscus Garden, a great district to roam around for nature lovers and walking enthusiasts alike. It really takes the toursit away from the big city and daily life, relax and enjoy nature at its best.

Among these main tourist attractions, many more activities can be found in and around the city. The National Museum, Jalan Buklit Bintang, Central Market, Merdeka Square, just to name a few. All around the city, small art galleries and handicraft shops, can be found and are all worthwhile visiting.

Kuala Lumpur will not bore the traveler for a second; a new activity is always around the corner.

Travel Guide to Pulau Langkawi Malaysia - Nightlife

Langkawi is probably not famous for its nightlife, there are no long party streets, or stretch of cozy cafés and bars, the tourist needs to search for the real nightlife. Langkawi is not a party destination pur-sang, however good night spots can be found.

Any evening in Langkawi start with the sun setting behind the horizontal glistering of its azure blue waters, when the night air starts to tremble and the orange of the sun disappears and changes the blue skies in a star sparkled sheet covering the island. A true sunset is best experienced at the beach, where the sand cools down the feet, and a glass of chilled wine or any other cooling drink enhances the spectacle.

Langkawi Sunset Dinner

Dining at sunset is an absolute once in a lifetime experience in Langkawi. And many hotels, resorts and restaurants will cater for the opportunity. Just before sunset is also the moment when all the locals will flood the beaches, as they hide for the blistering sun during the day. But a day without a sunset is a day not lived.

Once the darkness falls, the evening can start, and in and around the beach areas, like Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah people will find a place to sit and relax, have a drink and search for dinner, walking from restaurant to restaurant exploring their menus can be great fun, surrounded by vibrant sounds and delicious smells the traveler knows the evening has started.

Party Till Late At Night

For the more party animals the evening can start in some of the beach bars, which have all their own style, from reggae and blues to lounge music, and some even have live music by local musicians, mainly playing international requests. When lucky and the mood is right, the speakers move from inside to the outside of the bars, and groups of people can be found dancing at the beach, an awesome experiences, to dance the night away with the sea roaring in the background.

Disco and Dance Halls

Real large scale discotheques are not found in Langkawi, but some addresses we could recommend are Black Henry Pub and Disco and Chime at the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort , Coco Jam Fun Pub & Disco at the Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa. Both locations offer live entertainment on a regular basis also depending on the season. Other great nightlife spots would be Dallas Karaoke, Burau Beat Pub, The Beergarden, Breeze Lounge, Little Lylia’s Chill Out Café, Yellow Cafe and The Bistro. Nightlife is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike, a great way to meet new friends, and hear great stories about Langkawi and venture for new ideas and sites to discover.

Music in many of the night spots is not towards one genre but more catered for a large and international crowd, the deejays and live bands will make guests listen to the latest hits or swing to popular music from the seventies and eighties. Whether the visitor enjoys R&B, pop, rock or disco the bars and discos will cater to the needs of all party-goers.

Langkawi, magic silent island in the Andaman sea, caters for peace and tranquility, but if swing is in the air anyone is welcome too.