Like other wonderful buildings in the world, namely the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur also have a place in time: they reflect the oil history of Malaysia, which started in the 19th century. Oil was first discovered by the people of Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) with the first find at Canada Hill, Miri, Sarawak. Before its commercialization, oil was collected and used for lighting lamps and for medical purposes, mainly in the treatment of skin disorders like eczema. Oil drilling began in Miri in August 1910 and oil finally started flowing in December that same year. Thanks to Miri success in oil discovery, the oil exploration then proceeded to other onshore areas of Sabah and Sarawak, though to date Miri is the only onshore area that contains oil. Miri oil industry has produced more than 80 million barrels of oil in its life span. It was only in the 1960s that Malaysia managed to track down other areas with significant oil quantities, first in offshore Sarawak and later in Sabah and Terengganu. These findings eventually led to the incorporation of the national company PETRONAS (Petroliam Nasional) in 1974. Petronas functions were to manage the reserves of crude oil and national gas, important contributors to the country’s development. The success of Malaysian oil industry can today be seen through the splendour of the Petronas Twin Towers. Petronas Twin Towers are of course the location of Petronas’ headquarters, a 100% state owned company and the largest company in South East Asia. These twin towers are also known as Twin Skyscrapers and are the tallest building in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. With their height of 454 meters, these tower held the record as tallest building in the world from 1st January 1998 to 31st December 2004. Beside that, due to the soil, it is known as the building built on the deepest foundation in the world. The site where the Petronas Twin Towers were built was once a Hindu temple named Anandha Krishnan as well as an old horse race track. Located at Jalan Ampang, the towers were designed by Argentina-born architect Cesar Pelli; the project started off in 1992 and construction was completed in 5 years, with the official opening celebrated in 1999 by YAB Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s 4th Prime Minister. The design of the building won the bid as it is not only capture the public eyes but it also represents the past and future of Malaysia, embracing the country’s heritage towards modernization and symbolizing Malaysia’s culture and advancement on the world stage. Most of Petronas towers interior motifs are a reflection of local handicrafts and weaving patterns, and the combination of stainless steel and glass reflect Islamic patterns. Also to be noted that the buildings floor plates have shape of eight-pointed stars which architecturally describe important Islamic principles. Thanks to this beautiful design and the towers’ height, the Petronas Twin Towers have become one of Malaysia’s landmark, and an important feature in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Each tower has sharp pinnacles standing 73.5 meters tall and feature a diamond-faceted facade consisting of 83,500 square meters of stainless steel. They can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. This impressive compound is part of the  KLCC complex (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) and consists of 88 storey with offices, a shopping mall ( http://www.suriaklcc.com.my – 5 floors of mostly expensive brand boutiques and many restaurants, with a recommended food court on the 2nd floor), a hotel, a TGV movie theater on the 3rd floor, Kinakurnya – the largest bookstore in Kuala Lumpur, Petrosains – the interactive technology exhibition/museum by Petronas on the 4th floor, a state-of-the-art aquarium on the ground floor (Aquaria KLCC http://aquariaklcc.com – where you can even dive with sharks) and a Sky Bridge located at the 41st floor, which is free and limited to 800 tickets a day spread over 20 time slots. Great views are to be had from this vantage point, so try to get there early since tickets are issued starting at 8.30am. The towers and KLCC are surrounded by a fantastically landscaped park complete with benches, manicured lawns and a lake with a water fountain that gives you an ever changing skyline view. The area is suitable for those who want to spend time at leisure and with family, tourists and locals alike, as well as being a popular romantic meeting place for couples. The new affluent city district created around them includes many new luxury Condonimums in the immediate vicinity, which creates a contrast great for picture taking. A must for any visit to Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers are open to public daily from 9am to 7pm, closing on Fridays between 1pm to 2.30pm due to muslim prayers. Entrance fee for the observation deck on the 86th floor is steep at RM80 for adults and RM25 for locals (present a Malaysian Identity Card), and RM12 for children. To get there, you can chose from the LRT – stop at KLCC Station, Monorail – Bukit Nanas station is at a 10 min walk along Jalan Ampang. Find out facts at http://www.petronastwintowers.com.my – and for more information you can contact Infoline at 0063-323318080 or email skybridge@petronas.com.my

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SIAM OCEAN WORLD B1-B2 Floor, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand Telephone : +66 2687 2000 Facsimile : +66 2 687 2001  marketing@siamoceanworld.com – http://www.siamoceanworld.co.th/   Siam Ocean World is exactly what it says on the tin. Here you can step straight off the BTS, Bangkok’s Skytrain, into Siam Paragon and delve into a world of amazing underwater discoveries right in the heart of Bangkok’s main shopping district. The largest aquarium in South East Asia, Siam Ocean World occupies 10,000 square meters – 2 football pitches – and has a capacity of more than 4 million litres of water!Over 30,000 marine animals are on display with over 400 species. The exhibits are set up across 7 zones which represent all the major aquatic eco-systems found on Planet Earth including the deep reef, rainforest, open ocean and rocky shore. The Deep Reef aquarium is a huge 8 meter deep floor to ceiling tank containing a huge variety of corals and some of the most beautiful and fascinating reef dwellers in the world. Look out for the huge bat fish. The 270 degree-view Under Ocean Tunnel is an awesome sight; watch huge ragged-tooth sharks and giant groupers slowly skulk by as playful leopard sharks and stingrays swim over head. There is a huge range of activities on offer at Siam Ocean World. Brave Scuba divers get the chance to dive with sharks and there are introductory programs for first timers Scuba tune-up for the out-of-practice and the Experienced Diver program for certified divers. All the courses are conducted by fully qualified divers from Planet Scuba – A great chance to get up close to, among others, blacktip reef sharks and eagle rays in a 4.5 million litre aquarium. The Ocean Walker is great for non-divers and non-swimmers, enabling visitors to experience the feeling of walking on the sea bed wearing a specially designed viewing helmet. 100% safe and lots of fun, it’s said to feel like walking on the moon and you won’t even get your hair wet! Another must-do activity is the glass bottom boat ride tours, a chance to see the thousands of fish in the Ocean Tunnel up-close. The eye-to-eye perspective is quite an experience. Education is a major theme at Siam Ocean World. All the exhibits have information in Thai and English and there are various activities for children – or adults – including animal contact, regular feeding times for the sharks, penguins and otters as well as the Rocky Shore and Rain Forest Zones. Kids can even join the ‘sleepover program’ in which they enjoy a whole night of activities inside Siam Ocean World. Don’t miss: Sanyo 4D X-venture. A movie theatre like no other and the only one of its kind in Thailand, the Sanyo 4D X-venture has what is called the ‘4D invader seat’. The state-of-the-art seats are fitted with 13 functions, will dispense mist and vibrations and will enable visitors to feel is if they are in the movie. Complete with an extensive range of movements and even an under-seat ‘tickler’!  

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Chiang Mai has an exciting nightlife. Live music of all kinds can be found in the city, from classical Thai to jazz, rock, and country. Unlike most pubs in western countries, excellent food can be enjoyed as well. Chiangmai is famous for its nightlife, as well as the charming city and beautiful surrounding countryside. There are discos, karaoke bars, and live music everywhere. The area I like to go is along the east bank of the Mae Ping River on Charoenrat road. This is the area famous for jazz, rock, pop, Thai and country and western live music, along with fabulous restaurants serving Thai, western, and Chinese food. From the Narawatt Bridge the first place you will come to is The Chiangmai Riverside Restaurant, 9-11 Charoenrat Road, Everyone who has been to Chiangmai eats at least once here. There is a large menu of Thai and western food. If you want a good homemade hamburger, this is a good place to get one. The live music starts around 7pm with dinner music from the Eagles, Beatles, or soft jazz. Starting at 9pm, the music changes to more rock and pop songs. Full bar service serving wine, beer, and spirits are available. The Chiangmai Riverside restaurant gets very crowded, so get here early to get a table. If Thai food is more to your liking, no worries, just walk to the next restaurant only a few meters away to The Good View, 13 Charoenrat Road. Thai and western varieties of rock, jazz, pop and country music entertain in the evening. Their extensive menu offers more than 150 Thai, Chinese, and western dishes, including curries, noodles, rice, and pizza. Soft drinks and a full bar serving wine, beer, and spirits are available. Again, if you want a good, riverside-view table get there early. Now you’re full of excellent food and want to really rock, no problem, just continue walking down the street to La Brasserie 37 Charoenrat Road. This riverside venue is well known for nightly performances by a talented guitarist named Took and his band, who plays renditions of old Hendrix, Dylan, Marley, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and other favorites. Sit outside in the lush garden setting where acoustic guitar is played (7pm to midnight) or inside at the bar and catch the famous Took and Friends (11pm to 2am). There is also a good selection of cocktails and spirits. Not famous for food but the music is great. Now you are all well-informed on the Chiang Mai nightlife, you need a Room Chiang Mai in one of the several options in the town. Enjoy Chiang Mai!

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New York of the east, business center of Asia, pearl of the orient… There are lots of ways of referring to this region from the east of China, but none can fully reflect its whole essence. Having been under British sovereignty until 1997, Hong Kong is today living a unique moment of transition that will last exactly 50 years until 2047. You can today experience a capitalist way of life under a socialist government, living one country with two systems. A country made in Hong Kong. Hong Kong, simply referred to as ‘HK’, comprises a peninsular area – Kowloon and some new territories – and 2 islands, Lantau and Hong Kong island. Walking along its streets, it is easy to notice that Hong Kong is a different place, where European, Chinese, Indian and American ways of life coexist. You can see all of them at a simple glance. Protected by high skyscrapers, people from all nationalities stroll and negotiate trade deals on anything from electronic devices to food. Boarding the star ferry – centennial boat and Hong Kong symbol – to get from Tsim Sha Tsui to Pedders Wharf in Victoria Harbour will strike the less impressionable, especially if it’s done at night. Those views, accompanied by the symphony of lights from the daily show in Victoria Harbour and the ancient red sailboats, will stick to the memory for a long time. From there you can catch the peak tramway that leads to Victoria peak. From the summit, HK highest buildings – two international finance centers boasting 415 meters of height – become tiny ant houses. On a clear day, you can easily see a big part of Kowloon across the harbour and the whole financial district in Hong Kong Island. At the top, by the viewpoint, dozens of stalls offer delicious dishes and you can also buy quality clothes and souvenirs, or simply walk along its picturesque streets. But Hong Kong is much more than skyscrapers and business. Do you have children? Wake them up with a smile, catch the MTR and take them to spend an unforgettable day in Hong Kong Disneyland. Inaugurated in 2005, this park has as much to offer as its older brothers worldwide. Or take a break and simply stroll around. Visit the vast number of cultural places welcoming you in HK, like the Po Lin temple, which has the biggest outdoors sitting Buddha, or the large number of museums, with exhibitions that take place every week. As for food, you’ll probably have some problem choosing amongst the many restaurants on the island; we recommend you follow your instincts – you can’t get wrong in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is shopping, shopping is Hong Kong. Whether you travel to HK for shopping or not, you should consider it. Hong Kong is well known for its low prices on electronics, suits and much more. It’s so easy to find good quality products at really affordable prices that you will find shopping hard to resist. Although prices on designers’ and brand-name clothing are similar to those in the US, there’s no sales tax and the selection is vaster. The best time to find deals is during the annual Shopping Festival and the Winterfest, when markdowns of up to 70% can be found. Sales also take place on the four days before Chinese New Year. If you are one of those fond of eco-tourism, Hong Kong has also thought of you. There are several excursions that take you to see endangered pink dolphins, or to popular Wong Nin Yung and Aberdeen parks among others. Beach and sun lovers will also have their good time there. Hong Kong has more than 850 km of coastline, including astonishingly beautiful bays and natural pools. In Repulsa Bay, south of Hong Kong Island, you can enjoy fine sand and transparent water, with average temperatures of between 16 and 27 grades Celsius. It’s really a Hawaiian oriental island. It doesn’t matter what you like, who you are or what you are. In Hong Kong you will find what you are looking for. Even better, Hong Kong will make you like what you least expect to like. Hong Kong will not disappoint you; it will instead wake your sleeping senses, because HK is a region built around the 5 senses, and satisfies them all with a single label: ‘Made in Hong Kong’. by Matt Dallow

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