What is long, soft, and tubular and when you cut it into two, it is able to reattach itself? Well, you know it's not Lorena Bobbit's ex-husband's. It is an unsightly sea creature called the sea cucumber or the local Malay name gamat.
Gamat is a species of sea cucumber. Gamat is a well known product of Langkawi. In the early days, this sea slug can be found all over the reefs around Langkawi.
But since a local inhabitant saw its potential for medicinal use and commercialised it, the sea cucumber is no longer found in such abundance in Langkawi. Most of the sea cucumbers are now imported from Thailand. Apparently, the incident that led to the discovery of the medicinal value of the gamat was when a fisherman stepped on one of the gamats on his way to his camp on the beach. The gamat secreted a kind of sticky milk which glued his hairy legs so effectively that the only solution was to have a clean shave after that. He took revenge by hacking all the sea cucumbers around him with his rusty old axe.

Langkawi is a legendary island in more sense than one. Other than its wonderful beaches, its beautiful legends are what draws a visitor to its shores.
The legends are all the more real simply because its people are convinced of their authenticity. As such, a keen sense of mystique and mystery surrounds the island and lends charm and intrigue to an otherwise quiet and calm faade.

Malaysian food: there are just no limits to that term. What would you expect, when the country is such a melting pot of cultures.
First we have the three main ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese and Indians. Then all the sub-groups, the regional variations, the different sub-cultural divisions, combined with the influences of our neighbours, the colonial powers, and our postwar partners. Local food is a mixture of many elements, and no wonder then that the name of one of our most popular dishes, rojak, is also slang for a haphazard mixture of things.

When I was a kid living in Britain, I always used to be asked where I was from - after all, the brown skin did stand out among the shades of pink at school.
No matter how many times I was asked this question by new boys at the beginning of term, I would patriotically stand straight and, beaming with pride, say I was from Malaysia. But puzzled faces inevitably greeted this pronouncement. Hey mate, where's Malaysia then? (though it usually came out as "Malaysha"). The genuinely bewildered faces usually led to nothing less than a geography lesson describing the Asia Pacific rim.

The internationally-renowned cuisine of China's Canton and that of southern India are significant sources of Malaysia's culinary heritage, as is the sublime cuisine of Thailand.
Fresh tropical fruits and succulent Malaysian seafood are featured ingredients, and the chilies and curries of India and Thailand form the basis of spicy preparations. Coconut milk is ubiquitous in Malaysia, imparting a delicious smoothness to curries and other dishes.

If you are walking the streets of London or sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe somewhere in Paris, and you hear in plain English, "So expensive-lah" or "So hot-lah", just turn around in the direction of the voice and I guarantee you that ten out of ten, the person who just dotted his or her sentence with a lah is Malaysian.
If you are feeling homesick in a foreign land and suddenly you overhear a conversation full of Yes-lahs and No-lahs, your homesickness can be assuaged for it sounds just like home and the speakers can only be Malaysians (or Singaporians, which is close enough when you're homesick!).

Spellbound Odissi Live at Tanjung Rhu

Sutra Dance Theater proudly presents its major production for a Malaysia/Singapore Tour - Spellbound - an extravaganza Odissi production for 2005 under the artistic direction of Ramli Ibrahim.

Oh, To be 48 Years Old and Loving It

As Malaysians rejoiced in their independence 48 years ago, Husin Othman was born. The Star finds out what National Day means to him and five others who were also born in 1957.

Belgian Banker-turned-author Promotes Malaysia Through Books

Fascinated by Malaysia's pretty landscape, a former Belgian banker, Francois Walter, wants to promote this part of the world to his fellow countrymen through his own books. Colourful coffee-table books portraying Malaysia's diverse cultures, its beautiful sandy beaches and monuments is Walter's way of telling the Europeans about the tropical country in Southeast Asia.

Their Own Little Paradise

"When I first arrived in Langkawi, Kedah I had the feeling that this is it. I've arrived at a place that feels like home," smiled Wolfgang Sauer, 47. That first night in Langkawi, 13 years ago, Sauer’s friend proposed a joint venture to start a restaurant and resort in Pantai Cenang. Sauer told his friend he’d think about it and asked to be shown around the island the next day

Ibrahim Hussein Arts Center in Langkawi

Dato Ibrahim Hussein, the most celebrated Malaysian artist enjoys visitors and shares with them the fruits of his creative endeavors.

Langkawi International Festival of Art (LIFA)

Artists from around the globe joined Datuk Ibrahim Hussein for a 10 day festival of non-stop activities on mythical Langkawi Island. Talks by artists, ikebana demonstrations, the GAPENA congress, a photography exhibition led by Eric Peris and more.

Langkawi Culture & History

Langkawi was said to have been used as a hideout by pirates in the days of yore and with so many uninhabited islets located so close to one another, it is easy to imagine how this was possible.

Langkawi Batik with Soul

Two Dutch tourists are contemplating a batik painting of two bulls fighting. ``Can we buy this?`` they ask. The price is a bit high for a 70cm square cotton painting, but they know they are buying a painstakingly-made original. ``It's true batik tulis,`` assures the salesgirl, ``the pattern is identical on both sides.``

Nasi Lemak, Our National Dish

Does Malaysia have a national dish? No authority or national agency has yet come forward to set things in stone, but by default, that honour would have to go to nasi lemak.

Chinese New Year in Malaysia

A time for family reunions, the lion dance, firecrackers, mahjong, mandarin oranges and giving/collecting ang pow, the Lunar New Year - or Chinese New Year (CNY), as it is more commonly known in Malaysia - highlights some of the most fascinating aspects of Chinese tradition and rituals.

Deepavali - Malaysia's Festival of Lights

Commonly known as the Festival of Lights, the celebration of Deepavali (or Diwali) marks the triumph of good over evil, the victory of light over dark.

Christmas in Malaysia

The observance of the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec 25 is celebrated in Malaysia like everywhere else in the world; it is a time for family and friends; hope and rejoicing; love and understanding; and giving and forgiving.

Thaipusam - Malaysia`s Hindu Festival

Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival which draws the largest gathering in multi-racial Malaysia - nearly a million people in 2000.

Langkawi Legends & Folklore

Langkawi is a legendary island in more sense than one. Other than its wonderful beaches, its beautiful legends are what draws a visitor to its shores. The legends are all the more real simply because its people are convinced of their authenticity. As such, a keen sense of mystique and mystery surrounds the island and lends charm and intrigue to an otherwise quiet and calm facade.

The Traditional Healer of Langkawi

What is long, soft, and tubular and when you cut it into two, it is able to reattach itself? Well, you know it's not Lorena Bobbit's ex-husband's. It is an unsightly sea creature called the sea cucumber or the local Malay name gamat. Gamat is a species of sea cucumber.

Malaysian Culture

Unique to Malaysia is the open house concept where - during the various cultural and religious festivals - friends, families and even strangers would visit the homes of those who are celebrating the festival, to wish them well and enjoy the feast prepared by their hosts. Definitely something to experience!

Malay

Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world today, with all of the world's major religions, as well as major Asian ethnic groups, represented. In this relatively tiny area, peace thrives as the various groups co-exist in harmony and tolerance; complementing one another to enrich the shared character, cultural mosaic and vision of the nation.

Chinese in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world today, with all of the world's major religions, as well as major Asian ethnic groups, represented. In this relatively tiny area peace thrives and the groups co-exist in harmony and tolerance complementing one another to enrich the shared character.

Malaysia's Indian Community

Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world today, with all of the world's major religions, as well as major Asian ethnic groups, represented. In this relatively tiny area, peace thrives as the various groups co-exist in harmony and tolerance; complementing one another to enrich the shared character, cultural mosaic and vision of the nation.

Langkawi Food

Langkawi's multi-racial population of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other races have each passed on their own favourite recipes, ensuring an interesting and wide range of cuisines to for the discerning diner to choose from.

Legends of Langkawi, Malaysia

The legends surrounding the 99 islands of the Langkawi archipelago. Langkawi is now one of the most sought after tropical retreats in South-east Asia. This idyllic island is famous for world class resorts, its tales of giant birds, ogres, princes and princesses, and also for its age-old geological wonders of mysterious caves, mystical lakes and islands, and mist-shrouded mountains each with a timeless legend.

Food, glorious Malaysian food

Malaysian food: there are just no limits to that term. What would you expect, when the country is such a melting pot of cultures. First we have the three main ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese and Indians. Then all the sub-groups, the regional variations, the different sub-cultural divisions, combined with the influences of our neighbours, the colonial powers, and our postwar partners.

Kompang (Traditional Music)

The kompang is arguably the most popular Malay traditional instrument, for it is widely used for all sorts of social occasions, from National Day parades and official functions to signal the arrival of VIPs to wedding ceremonies and football matches

Chinese Lion Dance in Malaysia

The lion dance is a vigorous form of dance that is usually performed during Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year.

Kuda Kepang - Malaysian Dance and Theatre

Yet another dance form that demonstrates the strong traditional influence inherent in Malaysian culture, the Kuda Kepang was first introduced here in the early 20th century when Javanese immigrants, who brought this unique dance, were a regular feature in the southern tip of the peninsula.

Hari Raya Puasa - Malaysia's Festivals

Malaysia has a number of festivals and celebrations, some of which are celebrated as public holidays, either nationwide or specific to a few states. Most of these festivals are either religious or cultural in origin, and are swathed in traditions and rituals. However, like everything else in this culturally rich nation, the celebrations of religious or cultural festivals are influenced by the diversity of the people.

The Ever Versatile Nasi Goreng a Langkawi Favorite Food

Thanks to its unique cultural mix, food lovers in Malaysia get to enjoy a mouth-watering blend of various flavours in their victuals (or makan-makan in local speak). Think sambal belacan with wantan noodles, Nyonya curries, Malay char koay teow and the ever popular and versatile nasi goreng or fried rice.

The Floral Bath (mandi bunga) Ritual

Floral baths are traditional in Malaysia's Malay, Chinese, and Indian communites and are used for various reasons. A girl hoping to seek a life partner may resort to a session of mandi bunga while another plagued with misfortune will bath to expel bad mojo (or in local parlance, to buang suey). My mother took floral baths before a game of mahjong!

The Sensational Durian - Love it or Hate it!

"Wash your hands water poured from a durian skin to remove the smell from your fingers," urged Mr. Teh, my neighbour who accompanied me on a durian feast at Balik Pulau. We had a satisfying breakfast like no other amidst the natural surrounding of a durian orchard.

Always Time For Laksa - Langkawi Food

Laksa is amongst the best known and loved of hawker fare in Langkawi. A bowl of steamed spaghetti-sized rice vermicelli is first generously garnished with finely sliced vegetables including onions, cucumber, red chillis, pineapple, lettuce, mint and pink bunga kantan (ginger buds).

Recipe: Acar Awak (spicy mixed vegetable pickle)

A crunchy and aromatic dish concocted of mixed vegetables infused in a rich and spicy gravy garnished with crushed groundnuts.

Recipe: Acar Hu (fish pickle)

Like other acars, this dish is a combination of sweet and mostly tart flavours.

Otak-Otak - Traditional Malaysian Fish Mousse

Otak otak - turmeric floured fish mousse served on banana leaves - is a dish that celebrates the Malay Chinese heritage of Malacca because it features Malay and Chinese ingredients. It combines an aromatic blend of fish, thick coconut milk, chilli paste, turmeric, galangal and herbs. You can either grill this tangy appetizer in the traditional way as we have done - wrapped in banana leaves - or bake it in an oven.

What's Malaysia Famous For?

Malaysia is a serene, warm country (in both weather and hospitality) with beautiful beaches, modern cities, excellent shopping, great food and a potpourri of races.

Legends of the Seven Wells

Myths, legends and folk tales may not be based on proven facts but they make a good read. While we may be familiar with stories about Robin Hood, Cinderella, Snow White and so on, Langkawi myths and legends don't seem to be as commonly known.

Mahsuri Tale Brings Thunder and Rain

The tragic tale of beautiful Mahsuri, unjustly accused of adultery and sentenced to die, has leapt out of textbooks, and become almost tangible with her descendant Wan Aishah's presence here last week.

What-lah is this all about? (Strictly Malaysian)

Lah is used millions of times a day throughout Malaysia - sometimes purposefully, sometimes for no reason at all. When you fail to show up for work on time and the boss chews you out, a typical defence might be "Sorry boss, tired-lah."

The Adorable Lah - Authentically Malaysian

If you are feeling homesick in a foreign land and suddenly you overhear a conversation full of Yes-lahs and No-lahs, your homesickness can be assuaged for it sounds just like home and the speakers can only be Malaysians (or Singaporians, which is close enough when you're homesick!).

Nasi Goreng Kampung

Nasi Goreng Kampung is a traditional, village style fried rice, usually very spicy. Any extra sambal paste can be kept in the fridge up to one month. You can also use the sambal for fried egg noodles or fried vermicelli.

Mee Goreng Mamak

Stir fried egg noodles with prawn, chilli, vegetable on fritters, potatoes and bean curd.

Laksa Johor

South Malaysia favourite fish gravy noodles with shredded julienne of cucumber, bean sprouts, bitter and lime leaves accompanied with spiced prawn paste sauce.

The Spice Of Life

"My philosophy about cooking is to share what I know I don't believe in keeping recipes secret. If my bosses hadn't taught me what I know I wouldn't be where I am today, so I am very happy to share these recipes with the world. " Chef Ulie

Belacan - that Divine Smelly Shrimp Paste

Call it full-flavoured, aromatic, spicy or downright nasty, Malaysian cuisine boasts more pungent varieties than arguably any other country in the world. This piquant character manifests itself in fresh fruits (durian and jackfruit), in condiments (budu), preserves (cincaluk and tempoyak) and the innocuous looking belacan or shrimp paste.

Ibrahim Hussein Foundations Museum

It took Dato Ibrahim Hussein 11 years of hard work and toil -- and RM 5 million -- to manifest his dream of "the art museum within the enchanted forest" in Langkawi.

Spiritual Time in Malaysia

Today, Muslims welcome their holy month Ramadan by starting a period of fasting and abstinence.

Malaysian Cuisine

Malaysia's gastronomic heritage has drawn from each of the constituent cultures of Malaysia as well as from neighbouring states to produce what many people consider to be the most delicious cuisine in the entire world.

Langkawi A Mystical Paradise

Langkawi is a feast for the eyes and the soul. The first glimpse of the island from air reveals a tranquil hideaway with shimmering azure waters, sun kissed beaches and swaying casuarinas trees. It is a sight that beckons with the promise of a private haven away from everyday life.

The Legendary Mountains of Langkawi

If you look hard at Gunung Mat Cincang located at 700m above sea level, you can actually see it is smiling to its 850m high neighbour, Gunung Raya - the island's highest mountain.

Who Are Malaysians?

Malaysia's cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but several in particular have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among these is the ancient Malay culture, and the cultures of Malaysia's two most prominent trading partners throughout history the Chinese, and the Indians.

Craft of Malaysia

A brief look at a few of Malaysia's great crafts.

Malaysia's Games and Past Times

In a world where nature provided for many of humankind's needs, leisure was honed to an art form. Much of Malaysian leisure time is occupied by elaborate competitions. Kite-flying is a favorite among participants and spectators alike. Kites, called waus, are painstakingly designed and crafted in vibrant colors and patterns.

Malaysian Music And Dances

Music and dance are almost inseparable in the Malaysian culture. Where there is one, the other is not far behind. True to Malaysia's heritage, dances vary widely and are, if not imports direct from the source nation, heavily influenced by one or more of Malaysia's cultural components. Much of Malaysian music and dance has evolved from more basic needs into the mesmerizing, complex art forms they are today.

Malaysia's Mooncake Festival

While its origin is based on a historical event, the annual Mooncake Festival is also associated with fascinating lunar legends and myths. MAJORIE CHIEW finds that though man has long conquered the moon, old traditions die hard.

Malaysia Boleh!

Embodying this spirit is the slogan "Malaysia Boleh!" which loosely translated means "Malaysia Can Do It!" How this slogan came to be the "battle cry" of a nation is rather sketchy but the general belief is that it was the slogan used by a health beverage in its marketing campaign in the 80s.

MalaysianTime

If it's noon in London it must be 8pm in Kuala Lumpur. Yes, to the world Malaysian time is GMT +0800? but to locals and seasoned visitors, "Malaysian time" takes on a whole different meaning.

Bunga Raya - Malaysia`s Hibiscus

The national flower of Malaysia is the hibiscus, or bunga raya. The flower is found in abundance throughout the country, and for this very reason, was chosen to be the national flower (in 1960) by Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Langkawi: Pirate Isle of Legends

Langkawi is not only a tropical island with the purest white sands, clear tropical waters and sun filled days, the island is also blessed with an intriguing history and stories of ogres and giant birds, warriors, wronged maidens and fairy princesses.

Hindu Kingdoms 100 BC - 1400 AD

Early writings from India speak of a place called Savarnadvipa -- the Land of Gold. This mystical, fantastically wealthly kingdom was said to lie in a far away and unknown land, and legend holds that it was on an odyessy in search of Savarnadvipa that the first Indians were lured to the Malay Peninsula.

Islam and the Golden Age of Malacca

Until the 15th century, the Hindu kingdoms of peninsular Malaysia were largely overshadowed by neighboring kingdoms in Cambodia and Indonesia. The strongest of these kingdoms was called Srivijaya, and the records of Chinese, Indian, and Arab traders laud it as the best trading port in the region. It was the first great maritime kingdom in the Malay archipelago, and other ports quickly emulated its success. At some time around the 13th century, as other entrepots emerged, Srivijaya's influence declined. The lack of a strong central power, coupled with the ever-present nuisance of pirates, amplified the need for secure, well-equipped port in the region. Fate would make this port the city of Malacca.

Ancient Malaysia: 35,000 BC - 100 BC

Historians often speak of Malaysia's ancient past as something "shrouded in mystery," a kind of black hole in Asian history. The truth is that there is not much archeological evidence or written records from ancient Malaysia, but that may soon change. Many suspect more prehistoric archeological sites along the coasts and in the jungles and hills, but given Malaysia's riotous vegetation it will take time to find them.

Colonial Malaysia 1511 AD - 1957 AD

At the beginning of the 16th century, the eastern spice trade was routed through Egypt, and no non-Muslim vessel was permitted to dock in Arabian ports. The competing European powers, painfully aware of the need for an open trade route to India and the Far East, sought to establish their own trading ports at the source. In 1511, a Portuguese fleet led by Alfonso de Albuquerque sailed into Malacca's harbor, opened fire with cannon, and captured the city. Malacca's golden age had come to an end.

Independence and Onward: 1957 - Present Day

With 1957`s independence, a new series of difficult decisions lay ahead of Malaya, the first of which was to determine exactly what territories would be included in the new state. In 1961, the term ``Malaysia`` came into being after Tunku convinced Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak to join Malaya in a federal union (Singapore later opted out of the union, peacefully, in 1965). Afraid that the union would interfere with his expansionistic plans, Indonesia`s president Sukharno launched attacks against Malaysia in Borneo and on the peninsula, all of which were unsuccessful.

Jalur Gemilang - The Malaysian Flag

The Malaysian flag or Jalur Gemilang consists of 14 horizontal red and white stripes of equal width; a dark blue canton occupying the upper left quarter of the flag; and within the canton, a crescent, and a 14-pointed star.