The best things in life are at the Prix

The number 50 can mean different things to different people. It is considered the fifth magic number in physics. Or even David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs’ retired NBA uniform. Fabulous Fifties is what they even call that amazing decade. Oh, if you are madly in love, you can even go on 50 First Dates à la Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

For Malaysia, the number 50 is the celebration of the country’s golden years of nationhood and independence. Perhaps this is the perfect time to visit the country that is truly Asia because this year is regarded as Visit Malaysia 2007 and there will be countless activities for visitors and travelers to enjoy.

Recently, the Malaysia Tourism Board invited members of the press and travel agents from around the world to the launch of Malaysia Grand Prix Sale in Kuala Lumpur. This week-long mega familiarization program gave participants a first-hand experience of tourism products and new information on the country’s holiday destinations.

"Malaysia GP Sale 2007 is geared towards local and foreign racing enthusiasts who are here for the Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix in Sepang," says Datuk Donald Lim, deputy minister of tourism Malaysia. "During this period until April 22, Kuala Lumpur is packed with tourists from the world and this sale event serves as an added bonus, giving more excitement for visitors away from the racetrack."

Malaysia is home to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon star Michelle Yeoh and the first-ever Amazing Race Asia winners Zabrina and Joe Jer. It was my second time to visit Kuala Lumpur, the city of ready smiles and incredible contrasts — Malays, Chinese and Indians all live together in harmony. I just felt so safe walking around the streets at two in the morning. Oh, I went gaga over the Vincci (VNC here) shoe sale and bought seven pairs for just P2,000. Bargain, huh?

"Malaysia is a multicultural country with a lot of festivals and grand attractions, especially this year," says Eva Carmona, marketing manager of Tourism Malaysia. "The country has a lot to offer especially for those who want to explore and learn more. It also serves as a model country for us."

So, if you are going on a Malaysian holiday, here are my top picks on the best places to go to in KL. All you have to do is enjoy the fantastic bargains, delicious food and unique entertainment experiences.

Shop Your Heart Out

Tucked in the heart of major hotels and chic entertainment spots lies Bukit Bintang, which is the foremost shopping district. Two connected malls which I really enjoyed going to were Sungei Wang Plaza and Bukit Bintang Plaza. There were all kinds of everything from Vincci shoes, the latest gadgets and gizmos, trendy clothes, back issues of magazines and even local handicrafts, which reminded me of Greenhills.

From Bukit Bintang, you can take the monorail (1.20 Ringgit or P16.80) to Imbi station for Berjaya Times Square. This is Malaysia’s largest shopping mall with Cosmo’s World Theme Park (an indoor theme park). Plus, there are 2D and 3D movie theaters and around 1,000 retail stores to swoon over.

For an open-air bazaar experience, Petaling Street in Chinatown is a great place to buy a variety of textiles, clothes, watches, shoes and, handbags. A few minutes walk from Chinatown is Pasar Seni or Central Market: this air-conditioned place is where you can buy a variety of Malaysian arts and handicrafts like wooden masks and musical instruments, batik fabrics and Pashmina shawls, antiques and more attractive souvenirs like pewter ware. Definitely a "shop ‘til you drop" moment.

Hawkers Central

It was the Malaysian food that made me enjoy the trip the most. There are a lot of hawkers along the side streets but I loved Jalan Alor the most because of the variety of street food stalls. Jason Juco of Uni-Orient Travel, Inc. and Angelo Go of Reli Travel were my food-tripping buddies. We gorged on slices of heaven or the Roti Canai with curry dipping sauce paired with Teh Tarik, a sweet and milky "pulled tea" with a frothy top that is similar to cappuccino.

The chicken and beef satay with peanut sauce served as a great pulutan with Tiger Beer, of course. Another unique dish I enjoyed was Rojak. This salad is made of cucumber, pineapple, turnips and green mangoes with a shrimp, sugar, chili and lime juice sauce. Absolutely delicious and a tourist must-try from the hawkers’ paradise.

Fun, Fun, Fun

The great thing about KL is that there are a lot of things you can do and see — no room for boredom at all because there’s always something for everyone.

To start off the magical mystery tour, drop by the Aquaria KLCC. Located at Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, this aquarium will take you on an exciting journey from mysterious rainforests to deep blue sea. I had fun taking photos of pythons and cobras, iguanas and sand tiger sharks under the 90-meter-long tunnel. But it was walking in a cage full of snakes that tested my courage. My Indian guide told me that I was "very brave." She asked me if I knew they were poisonous and that just made me freeze.

Dig this, the most popular landmark of Malaysia is definitely the Petronas Twin Towers. This gleaming structure of steel and glass stands at a height of 451.9 meters and is the perfect backdrop for pictures. Architect Cesar Pelli & Associates wanted to express Malaysia richness in culture and extraordinary vision for the future. A Petronas Twin Tower movie moment was in a few scenes of the 1999 film Entrapment, which stars Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

If you want a more "top of the world" feeling, head to KL Tower. As the fourth tallest communications tower, you can get a view of KL from 421 meters. You can also dine among the clouds at Seri Angkasa Revolving restaurant while taking glittering photos of the city perfect for cozy dates and even wedding proposals.

For something historic, drop by Sultan Adbul Samad Building in front of Independent Square. Named after the state ruler during the British era, this building is constructed entirely of brick and makes an impressive sight when illuminated at night.

Less than 30 minutes drive away from KL is Putrajaya, Malaysia’s Garden City with landmarks and lush greenery. This federal administrative center has interesting attractions from government buildings, modern-looking bridges and nature-inspired parks and lake cruises. I love the Putra Mosque, which is one of the most modern mosques in the world because of its pink color.

Just outside KL is Genting Highlands Resort or the City of Entertainment. Amid the cool air, Genting has a lot to offer for people of all age groups. There are different hotels ranging from three to five stars, casinos, indoor and outdoor theme parks (which reminded me of a mini Las Vegas, actually).

For the ride of my life, my hands-down vote goes to the Flying Coaster, the first hang-gliding roller coaster that swoops, twists and drops. Total adrenaline rush. The Space Shot is another "must" ride for thrill-seekers. I rode it with my friends Angelo and Eva and we saw clouds before dropping down extremely fast and I thought I left my stomach up there. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try the Genting Sky Venture, the state-of-the-art wind tunnel that gives an impression of sky diving. I am sure members of the boy band Westlife enjoyed every single minute of it when they visited years ago.

Another attraction is the Eye on Malaysia, which brings a new perspective to the city. Similar to the London Eye, this 60-meter Ferris wheel has 42 air-conditioned gondolas that can carry eight passengers for a 12-minute joy ride. There is also a VIP gondola with plush leather seats, mini fridge, DVD player, plasma TV and mobile phone fit for a king or queen. Even handicapped or wheel-chaired people can enjoy the ride.

Malaysia has really a lot to offer those with wanderlust. There is yummy food to satisfy constant cravings, cheap thrills for shopaholics and amazing attractions for those who want to experience a tidbit more. The country’s eclectic mix of cultures and peaceful atmosphere show a modern sophistication and nostalgic old-world charm that is, of course, truly Asia.

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For more information on Visit Malaysia 2007 and Malaysia GP Sale, call 812-0770 or log on to www.tourismmalyasia.gov.my and e-mail mtpb.manila@tourism.gov.my.

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E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com or visit www.myspace.com/beccacrodriguez.