Gunung Lambak Recreational Forest

Located 5km from the town of Kluang is Gunung Lambak. At 510m above sea level, it is an easy climb for visitors using the trails of footpaths and wooden bridges. Facilities here include car parks, rest sheds, benches, toilets and camping sites. There are waterfalls for that refreshing dip, apart from the diversity of wild flora and fauna to appreciate. Scenes of its waterfalls cascading into streams of rapids and pools are simply enchanting amidst retreats of pleasure and adventure.

Gunung Lambak Suggest Itinerary from Singapore:-
0730Hrs - Meet at the escalator area after clearing woodlands custom check point
0745Hrs - Depart for Larkin bus terminal in Johor Bahru + Breakfast (Buy bus ticket (0900Hrs) to Kluang at Larkin)
0900Hrs - Bus to Kluang

Bus service: OCHARD EXPRESS (Platform 41)
Frequency : Hourly
Cost: Rm 6.40 per person
Duration: 1hr 40mins

OR
Train
By Train, (either from Tanjong Pagar Railway station in Singapore or from Johor Bahru) to Kluang
Check out train timing: http://www.ktmb.com.my
From Johor Bahru : there is a departure from J.B at 1036hrs
Cost: Rm4 (lowest class, may not have seats)
Duration: 1hr 40mins
1030Hrs - Cab to Gunung Lambak (Buy return bus ticket (1700Hrs) to Larkin at Kluang)

Cab
Cost : Rm6 per cab
Duration : 15mins
Remarks:
You may arrange for the cab to come back to pick you up at extra cost or by bus (See below)
Return trip,Take local bus, Walk along main road for about 15mins until there is a T-junction turning to the right. Keep to the right side of the road and wait for local bus. There is no designated bus stop.
Bus journey : 30mins
Cost: Rm0.70 per person
1045Hrs - Trek up to Gunung Lambak summit

Trek Details
Follow prominent path to the first summit on the left.

Time taken: 1hr plus.... depends.....

To the next summit, follow small trail behind the shelter.

After 20mins, the bottom of a saddle is reached.Y-junction. The trail on the right although probably both trail would lead to the other summit.

The second summit is reached 10mins from the saddle.

Move down the trail for 4m. Y-junction, turn left.

Walk for another 3m, Y-junction, turn left.

Follow the trail down for about 30mins and the starting point of the trek is reached.
1230Hrs - Wash up
1245Hrs - Cab to CIN CIN restaurant for lunch. Signature dishes i.e. crispy duck, lotus leaf rice
1330Hrs - Take cab back to Kluang town - OTOT (own time own target) i.e. shopping, foods, movie, foot massage...
1700Hrs - Bus to Larkin bus terminal in Johor Bahru - Singapore
1845Hrs - Home Sweet home

Drive there??

From the North South Expressway (NSE), take the Ayer Hitam exit (Interchange 244) onto the Kluang - Jemaluang trunk road (Highway 50), headed towards Kluang town. Gunung Lambak Recreational Forest is close to Kampung Dato' Abdul Rahman Yassin, just south of Kluang town centre.

Waterproof all items that you bring in daypack using ziploc or plastic bags
Rain Gear/Poncho
Trekking pole
Good support shoes / trekking boots - to prevent ankle injuries & cuts from the sharp edges of rocks
Slippers - comfort item for after trek
Personal toiletries - We will wash up ourselves after the trek
Spare clothing
Water bottle/Water Bag
Foods
Personal rubbish bag
Hat/Cap
Insect repellant
Camera
Passport - please ensure that your passport has not expired before the trip
Malaysia Ringgit (RM50 -100)
EZ-link card

Please find attached brief introduction of Gunung Lambak-510M. In addition, please see below link for Gunung Lambak video:-

Map
http://gununglambakecoresort.4t.com/contact.html

Stay ??
Gunung Lambak Eco - Resort
Address: Taman Rekreasi Gunung Lambak, Kluang86000 Johor, Malaysia
Telephone: 07-776 0077
Fax: 07-776 0037
Email gununglambak_ecoresort@yahoo.co.uk

The Resort provides a set of facilities according to the activities provided such as:

-Water Park
-Camping Site
-Nature Walk
-Jungle Trekking
-Children's Playground
-Treasure Hunt
-Telematch
-Obstacle
-Indoor Game
-Wading Pool

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain between New Guinea and the Himalayas and reigns over an astonishing variety of scenery. While the lower reaches of the mountain serve as a botany fanatic’s dream, it is the upper reaches that captured the hearts and imaginations of climbers. Mount Kinabalu is known to be one of the most accessible peak and no specialized mountain climbing skills are required to ascend it. Thousands of tourists visit Kinabalu National Park every year with the intention of reaching the summit (number of visitors at park headquarters now hovers around 200,000 per year).

Most people take 3 days 2 nights to ascend and descend Mount Kinabalu, although it is doable in 2 days 1 night. The 8 kilometers ascend starts from the Timpohon Gate near park headquarters (1800m) at least before 11am, then another estimated 6 hours to reach the rest point Laban Rata (3273m). An overnight stay at one of the guest houses at Laban Rata is required if you intend to see the sun rise at Mount Kinabalu summit – you depart next morning at around 2am and it will take another 3 to 4 hours to reach the summit. Climbers then descend back to Laban Rata for breakfast before making their way down to the park headquarters by mid afternoon.

The best time to come to Mount Kinabalu is during the dry season from February to April, when walking and climbing is much more enjoyable. The temperature ranges from a comfortable 20-25 degrees Celsius at the main park to something approaching freezing near the top (depending on the weather).

What to Bring
1. Good Boots: Bring boots with good ankle support. Make sure they fit properly and are broken-in enough to ensure they are comfortable, because well-fitting boots can make the difference between an entertaining and a painful trip. Waterproof is a plus. Make sure it has good grip! Do not wear sneakers since they don’t support your ankles like boots do. The number one injury hikers face is twisted or broken ankles especially on during descend.

If packing space permits, pack in an open-toed sandals for your descending trip. It will be easier for the descend trip without pressing your toes against your boots all the time! Use it after Laban Rita and only if the ground is NOT slippery.

2. Water bottle: You can refill it on each shelter along the trail (rain water). I suggest reusing the plastic bottled water bottles; they’re a good size and very lightweight when empty.

3. Torchlight: Head-mounted is ideal for the night climb to the summit, as most of the time you have to hold the rope in the dark.

4. Personal First Aid
Panadol / Paracetomol
First aid kit with moleskin and bandages designed to cover blisters
Sunscreen lotion
Energy snacks: Trail mix or dried fruits are recommended but anything with high carbohydrate and low sugar will do. Also avoid snacks with a lot of salt as salt makes you thirsty.
Bug Repellent

5. Plastic Bags: To hold your rubbish / keep clothes dry

6. Spare batteries: For torch light and camera

7. Smaller Bag / Waist Pouch: For the night climb

8. Waterproof jacket / Raincoat

The technical difficulty of the final summit stretch and the temperature at the top came as a surprise to most of the climbers on our trip, and few were prepared. The climb is not considered difficult in good conditions, but can rapidly become treacherous if the weather deteriorates. Mountain weather is notoriously volatile, as is tropical weather, and the two together pose a real threat to the safety of climbers and should never be underestimated. Make sure you have proper clothing prepared for the morning climb.

2 different sets of clothes for the Day climb, and Night climb.
Night Climb:
Warm, lightweight jumper
Warm, lightweight pants
Woolen socks
Beanie/woolen hat
Gloves: To protect from cold and rope burn

Day Climb: It will usually be warm and sunny during the day climb, so lightweight clothing (t-shirts and Bermudas) is sufficient.

The Cost
Entrance Fees:
Malaysians – Adult RM3, Below 18 RM1Non-Malaysians
– Adult RM15, Below 18 RM10

Compulsory Guide:
(Timpohon Gate / Peak / Timpohon Gate)1-3 Climbers RM704-6 Climbers RM747-8 Climbers RM80

(Timpohon / Peak / Mesilau Trail)1-3 Climbers – RM80.00 per trip4-6 Climbers – RM86.00 per trip7-8 Climbers – RM92.00 per trip

(Mesilau Trail / Peak / Mesilau Trail)1-3 Climbers – RM84.00 per trip4-6 Climbers – RM90.00 per trip7-8 Climbers – RM100.00 per trip

Climbing permit: This will be checked at both Laban Rata and the Sayat-Sayat hut. OR

Malaysians: Adult RM30, Below 18 RM12Non – Malaysians: Adult RM100, Below 18 RM40

Insurance: RM7

Other Lodging: http://www.mountaintorq.com/Lodging/lodging.html

Day Climb to Laban Rata
Climbers are issued with permits after paying for their guide, their insurance and their climbing fee. The permit, which is individually numbered with your day of departure, must be carried on the trail for the duration of the climb. Most climbers will start their climbing at 8.00am from Timpohon Gate. After a short registration at the gate, you will be surprised that the short first section of the rough gravel and sand track leads down, not up, across small gully to join the main flank of the mountain, and past the little trickle of Carson’s falls, named after the first Park Warden.

From here the trail rises steadily as a series of rough, uneven steps, right up to the overnight huts at Laban Rata (3,272 meters/10,735 feet). One of the most appealing aspects of the trail is the regular appearance of rest huts every kilometer or so. Each shelter has a toilet and untreated mountain water source to refill your drink bottle.

At a height of about 2600 m. is the region which abounds with pitcher plants. Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants whose prey-trapping mechanism features a deep cavity filled with liquid known as a pitfall trap. Once an insect fell in, it is impossible for them to get out. As they drown and dissolve in the liquid, the nutrients are absorbed by the plant. The average time taken to reach Laban Rata is about four or five hours.

Laban Rata
aban Rata, the name of the most comfortable hostel on the mountain and also unofficially the name of everybody’s rest stop for the night, is located at 3272 meters. It has 52 dormitory style bunk beds with a common bathroom, heated showers and room heaters, conveniently located in the same building as the restaurant. It also has two private units the first of which can sleep 4 (2 x twin and 1 x double bed) or 2 (1 double bed). Both the private units have attached bathrooms and heated rooms and showers and is still in the same building.

* Dormitory bunks @ RM 69 per person per night;
* 4 pax unit @ RM 300 for the unit per night;
* 2 pax unit @ RM 180 for the unit per night;

Another 10 minutes walk further up from Laban Rata is the Gunting Lagandan Hut, a second dormitory style accommodation. Featuring 60 beds at RM 46 per person per night, it’s usually the next option when Laban Rata is full. It has basic cooking facilities (as Laban Rata has the only restaurant) and a common bathroom, which now feature hot water. The rooms, however, are still not heated.

Two additional units, further away from Laban Rata than just quick walk, is the Panar Laban Hut and the Waras Hut. Each able to sleep up to 8 people on dormitory style bunk beds, it has basic cooking facilities with common bathrooms. The water is not heated, as are the rooms. The rate is also RM46 per person per night.

The dining room at Laban Rata is quite a pleasant place to unwind from the walk. Tea and coffee is available, as well as a range of soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, chocolate and snacks. There’s also a ‘post office’ where trekkers can write and send postcards from high altitude! Drinks and snacks are more expensive than you’d expect to pay elsewhere in Sabah, but keep in mind that all the supplies at Laban Rata have to be carried up by porters. Dinner is available from the early evening onwards. A range of four or five dishes is served, buffet-style, and it’s amazing how much food you can eat after expending so much energy during the day. Malaysian and Western dishes are offered, so everyone will be able to find something to satisfy their hunger.

If you are susceptible to mountain sickness, you may feel some headache, nausea, muscle ache and giddiness just before dinner time. You can take some medication to relieve the symptoms before you go to sleep.

In addition to the restaurant, there is also a reception area/check-in for your accommodation, as well as a souvenir/supply shop for if you still don’t have everything you need. There’s also limited facilities for excess luggage you deem unnecessary for your final stretch to the summit.

Night Climb to Lows Peak

The next phase of climb will begin at about 3.00am, when you are woken for an early breakfast (at least a hot drink is advisable). You do not have to bring your alarm clock, as the noise of other climbers and guides will definitely wake you up. The restaurant is open at that time, but you can have you own hot drinks at your own hostel.

Above Laban Rata, the trail continues as a series of wooden ladders, fashioned out tree roots and branches. This is where a good torchlight is essential – as most of the time you have to hold something for stability, it is best if you have a headlight.

It would take about 1 – 2 hours to reach Sayat-Sayat. This is the highest mountain hut at 3810 meters (12,500 feet). Climbers will have their permits, registrations checked and given a whistle for safety here. This is also the last point to refill water, and to answer nature’s call. Beyond this point, there’s not even a small bush to hide you doing your nature’s call! You will now head up to the Summit of Mount Kinabalu, Low’s Peak.

The gradient after Sayat-Sayat can become incredibly steep and can be quite tricky and treacherous in parts, there are some places where the trail can be as steep as 70° angle! Always stay close to the rope so that you will not get lost.

The actual terrain is flat underfoot, but it is common to see climber bent almost double at the waist to keep their balance. There are parts when you’ll need to grab the rope, which is bolted into the rockface at regular intervals, to help you up short sections. It will take up to an hour and a half to get from Sayat-Sayat to Low’s Peak. Even before you reach the top of Low’s Peak, the views in all directions are incredible – St John’s Peak to the west, the Donkey’s Ears to the east and the distinctive South Peak to the south make up incredible scenery. The view of the surrounding peaks is magnificent. By 6.00am, you will be able to see most of the peak very clearly.

Link
http://beyond-comfortzone.blogspot.com/

Get around in Melbourne

By foot
Melbourne is an excellent city for walking and you should have no problems navigating the CBD. Melbourne has a very large metropolitan area, but most areas of interest can be reached within about 20 minutes from the CBD on the train or tram. Maps can be purchased from bookstores such as Angus & Robertson, taken from Federation Square or viewed online. If you're planning on taking the train to a specific area and walking the rest of the way, a combination of the afore-mentioned site and a decent printer will serve you well.

By public transport
Melbourne has an extensive network of public transport, and connections to most of the major attractions of the city.

Melbourne’s public transport system, known as Metlink, consists of trams, trains and buses: trams service the central city and inner suburbs, trains service the city and the suburbs, and buses where there are no tram or train tracks. A single ticket (called a "Metcard") allows travel on all three modes of transport. Melbourne Trains have been known to be dirty and run-down, but in recent years, a large public transport overhaul means that clean modern trains have replaced most of the fleet.

The "Met Shop" in the Melbourne Town Hall, on the corner of Swanston St and Little Collins St provides timetables and brochures, and sells tickets, maps and travel merchandise (open 8.30AM-5PM Monday to Friday, 9AM-1PM Saturday). The Metlink Information Centre, ph 131638 (131MET), every day 7AM-9PM, provides information and the Metlink website [http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/] also provides information including maps, fares and zones and all timetables. A recently released application for iPhones provides up to date timetables for trains and trams in metropolitan Melbourne. Metcards are also available from:

Many retail businesses (especially 7-Eleven stores)
Train stations - less than one-quarter of Melbourne's suburban train stations are staffed. At unstaffed stations, Metcard vending machines are provided. All ticket machines accept coins and will issue a maximum of $10 in change. Most stations will also have at least 1 machine that will take notes but less frequently used railway stations may have just coin-only machines.

Trams - all trams have a coin-only ticket machine that issues a limited range of tickets (up to a day-ticket).

Metcards are divided into "Zones", with Zone 1 covering the central city and inner suburbs (and consequently almost the entire tram network) and Zone 2 covering the middle suburbs and some outer suburbs. Until recently Zone 3 covered the remaining outer suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula; however, that has now been incorporated into a 2-zone system. Almost all tickets are time-based; that is, they can be used for the given period of time within the specified zone(s) from the first time you use it. The following are the most useful tickets (and some indicative costs) for travellers (fares as at March 2009):

Two-hour (adult Zone 1 $3.70)
Daily (adult Zone 1 $6.80)
Seniors Daily (for All zones in Victoria Only purchasable by Seniors Card holders from all Australia $3.40)
Weekly (adult Zone 1 $29.40)
Sunday Saver (travel across all zones, all day Sunday; $3.10 but the ticket is not available at automatic ticket machines)
City Saver (a single trip within the CBD only; adult $2.80)

Concession Metcards are available for all children aged under fifteen years, but concessions for older students are only available to Victorian residents who are eligible and have paid for a student concession card. Concessions are also available to holders of Victorian Seniors Cards, Victorian Health Care Cards, and Australian Pensioner Concession Cards. A concession Metcard costs roughly half the price of an adult Metcard. Children under 4 years old travel free.

Before each journey, and sometimes to gain access to the station platforms, a metcard must be "validated" by inserting it into a validation machine. On trams, the metcard must be validated after boarding the tram; however, tickets purchased on the tram (from the machine) are already validated. Note that a two-hour metcard that is validated for the first time at 6:01PM (18:01) or later is valid for the rest of the night, so if you’re heading out after 6PM for an evening’s entertainment, don't buy or validate a day ticket. Another hint to know is that 2 hour tickets do not count individual minutes, as such are rounded up the next hour to ensure that the traveler gets at least 2 hours worth of travel. This means for example, that if one validates the 2 hour ticket at 3:01PM then it is rounded up to begin counting down the 2 hours form 4:00PM. Note that you will not be allowed to leave a station with fare gates if you did not validate your ticket before you first got on the train.

If you are caught using a concession ticket without a concession card, you will be fined. The ticket barriers have a light on the top which flashes if you are using a concession ticket. It has now been written into law that your ticket can be inspected even after you have left your train, tram or bus. Fines start at $158 and can be as high as $500.

Services generally operate between 5AM and midnight Monday to Saturday, and after 8AM Sunday morning. After midnight on Saturday and Sunday mornings only there are NightRider buses which run defined routes to the suburbs. Metcards are now valid on Nightrider services, but you should keep in mind that daily and 2-hourly Metcards expire at 3AM - if you're boarding a bus after this time, you'll need to buy or validate a new ticket. If you board a bus scheduled to depart before the expiry time on your ticket, it will be considered valid for your entire journey, even if you don't alight until after it expires.

Although Melbourne is a reasonably safe city, crime can and does occur on public transport. If you're waiting at a station at night, it would be wise to stand in the designated 'safety area'. These areas are well lit and provide easy access to the emergency intercom. Some outer suburban stations are known to be 'hang-outs' for youths and louts. Generally the stations are still safe and you will not be hassled if you mind your own business and ignore any illegal behaviour that may be occuring. It is particularly safe following sporting events at night when there are lots of people using public transport in particular families.

Melbourne's public transport system sometimes experiences delayed and cancelled services, especially during peak hour, and on hot days. If time is critical, catch the train before the one you need.

Trains are free to travel on before 7AM working days provided if you get the Early Bird ticket from the ticket window at the station.

The free City Circle [http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/using-public-transport/explore-melbourne/free-city-services] trams run around the CBD perimeter, covering Flinders St, Spring St, Nicholson St, Victoria St, La Trobe St and Harbour Esplanade along with the new Docklands Precinct. It is an older style tram, easily recognisable by its maroon colour. The tram stops along the route are sign posted with City Circle. They run in both directions every 12 minutes every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day from 10AM-6PM, and until 9PM Thursday-Saturday during daylight savings. Several of the trams on this service are equipped with recorded commentary about attractions passed. Tourist information is often available on board either from brochures or from a city guide person. These trams are geared to visitors and provide access to sites of interest to the tourist. They are a great introduction to central Melbourne and a free way to have a tram experience. It can be a good way to get around for the experience, or to rest, but it rarely saves much time.

The free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle [http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/using-public-transport/explore-melbourne/free-city-services/#2] bus service stops at key tourist destinations in and around the city. The buses run at 15 minute intervals between 9:30AM and 4:30PM every day. A complete circuit takes 45 minutes, and there is onboard commentary.

By bike
Yarra RiverMelbourne has an excellent network of bike paths, plus a generally flat terrain, making pedal-power a great way to take in the city. Most paths are "shared footways" under the law, although the majority of users in most places are cyclists. This means cyclists should expect to share the path with pedestrians, dog-walkers, rollerbladers, joggers, prams and tricycles. Some trails contain on-road sections (in marked bike lanes). It is legal to cycle on footpaths only when supervising cycling children or when the path is marked or signposted as allowing bikes. Helmets are required by law, and care should be taken when cycling near slippery tram tracks.

The main paths of interest to travellers are:
The Yarra River Trail [http://www.bv.com.au/bikes-&-riding/41356/] runs from the mouth of Melbourne's iconic Yarra River, through the city and onwards to Westerfolds Park in the outer suburbs.
The Capital City Trail [http://www.bv.com.au/bikes-&-riding/43791/] runs a circuit through Melbourne's inner suburbs, the Docklands precinct and the city. It's a good way to see a slice of day-to-day life.
The Bay Trail [http://www.bv.com.au/bikes-&-riding/10356/] is a pleasant trek around Port Phillip Bay, running from Port Melbourne, through the bustling beachside precinct of St Kilda, past the famous bathing sheds of Brighton, all the way to Carrum. A punt operates under the West Gate Bridge on weekends and public holidays allowing a start at Altona Meadows along the Williamstown Trail, across the punt, and joining with the Bay Trail. There is no cyclist access permitted to the West Gate Bridge.

Detailed maps of the bike path network can be found online [http://www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/].

Bikes can be hired from Hire-a-Bike near Federation Square at Vault 14 Princes Walk, Federation Wharf on the north side of the Yarra, ph 0417 339 203.

Melbourne Shopping

SUNDAY’S MARKET at the ARTS CENTRE
Corner St Kilda and Southgate Roads, Southbank. Phone 03 9281 8581. More than just another flea market, The Sunday Market showcases over 150 stalls of Victoria's finest artisans' work. Stallholders must be selected after passing strident examination for the quality and diversity of their work. Melbourne is a Mecca for artists of every genre painters, sculptors, visual artists, musicians, and thespians.

Gifted artisans and crafts people market their hand made wares from quaint shops, studios and bazaars where the artist, artisan, miner or crafts person by being on-hand, provides the visitor with the opportunity to buy, first hand. Do something daring buy original and be different. Every lady still drawing breath will fall in love with Melbourne's shopping; language is no barrier as most staff are multilingual. She will discover unique jewellers who create from rare diamonds coloured with hues of rose & champagne. Look on as the jeweller turns and polishes opal then facets gemstones.

Tour Melbourne’s Markets and unearth aromatic leatherwear of distinction, alluring pelts taken from the kangaroo, crocodile, barramundi, emu and flamboyant sea snakes. Artwork may be found everywhere on canvas, ceramics, glass, metals, textiles, earthenware, stoneware, terracotta and clay pots. Hideaway antiques stores and photo galleries must be prospected for that special little, "stumble upon". Rainforest timbers with richly coloured grains are shaped and sculptured as you watch on. Stylish boutiques and market stalls offer garments reflecting the colours, culture and lifestyle of Melbourne. Souvenir an inexpensive t-shirt or treat yourself to a one-off, hand sewn creation by a local couturier. All stalls are under cover and the markets trade every Sunday of the year. The market is located over two levels, along St Kilda Road between the Concert Hall and Theatres building as well as in the undercroft of the Concert Hall.

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKETS
513 Elizabeth Street, Corner of Elizabeth Street and Victoria Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9320 5822. Over 1,000 stalls selling just about everything. Melbourne's shopping Mecca. This historic landmark and tourist attraction is the largest open-air markets in the southern hemisphere. Officially opened 20th March 1878. Market buildings sell meat products, the open air sheds sell fruit and vegetables, clothing, shoes, baggage, toys, pets, travel goods, jewellery and souvenirs all at bargain prices. Experience the fervour and pace of Melbourne's most cosmopolitan market. See website for night market dates, tours, events and cooking school details. Operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 06:00 am to 02:00 pm, Fridays from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm, Saturday from 06:00 am to 03:00 pm and Sunday from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm.

FEDERATION SQUARE
Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne. Phone 03 9639 2800. Federation Square is a central and unifying public space, a landmark and a cultural magnet bringing together exquisite gardens, innovative architecture and engineering. Filling an entire city block, Federation Square's creative mix of attractions embody all that is wonderful about Victoria: fine art, fine hospitality, fine flora, bold design and vibrant events. Close by is the Ian Potter Centre incorporating the National Gallery of Victoria, ACMI, the Australian Thoroughbred Racing Museum, SBS, Melbourne Visitor Centre, cafes and restaurants.

ROYAL ARCADE
355 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Built in 1869, this is the city's oldest shopping arcade and despite alterations, it retains an airy, graceful elegance notably lacking in more modern shopping centers. Walk about 10 metres into the arcade, turn around, and look up to see the statues of Gog and Magog, the mythical monsters that toll the hour on either side of Gaunt's Clock. At the far end is a wrought-iron portico from the same period, one of the few remaining examples of the verandas that used to grace the city center.

THE BLOCK ARCADE
280-286 Collins Street, Runs between Collins Street and Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9654 5244. Melbourne’s principal shopping arcade built in 1891. The grandest arcade of them all, featuring huge ceiling murals and intricate mosaic floors. Walking up and down this section of Collins Street in the late afternoon or on Saturday morning was a favourite pastime between 1870 and 1918. The Block is famous for its arcades, modelled on those of Paris, London and Milan.

SOUTHGATE LEISURE PRECINCT
Maffra Street and City Road, Melbourne. Phone: 03 9699 4311. On the river's edge next to the Victorian Arts Center, the development of Southgate successfully refocused Melbourne's attention on the scenic Yarra River and revitalized a sadly neglected part of the city. Opened in 1992, stylish, cosmopolitan Southgate is a reflection of Australia's cultural diversity, with a distinct Melbourne flavour. Southgate has so much to offer overseas visitors, city workers and day-trippers alike. Restaurants, bars and cafés, 39 unique stores, a riverside Food Court, exciting entertainment programs, secure undercover parking. It's a prime spot for scenic walking being especially vibrant with throngs of people including many street theatre performers.

CHINATOWN
Little Bourke Street between Swanston Street and Spring Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9658 9658. Situated on Little Bourke Street and the neighbouring lanes between Spring and Swanston Streets, restaurants, cafes and Asian grocery stores dominate the precinct. Chinatown is a bustling thoroughfare with people sounds and smells to invite and entice. Chinese medicine, music, restaurants, gold and jewellery, unique and exotic gifts, cinema, events and festivals, the museum and karaoke are all major features of Chinatown.

CROWN CASINO & CROWN ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
8 Whiteham Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9292 8888. One of the largest gaming facilities in Southern Hemisphere, featuring 350 gaming tables and 2,500 slot machines. A genuine Las Vegas-style gambling palace, encompassing restaurants, upmarket boutiques, nightclubs, two hotel towers, a cinema complex, and floorshows. Open 24 hours except Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day when it is closed from 04:00 am to noon.

BOURKE STREET MALL
Between Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Melbourne’s main department stores are located here along with street performers and buskers performing throughout the mall area.

SOUTHGATE PLAZA
May be reached from the CBD by an arched footbridge located behind the Flinders Street Station. Three levels of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars all overlooking the river.

DOCKLANDS
New shopping and residential Precinct.

Maps and guides

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Documents/Maps/citymap.pdf

http://thatsmelbourne.com.au/Documents/Pocket/DesignPocket.pdf

http://thatsmelbourne.com.au/Documents/Pocket/RomanticPocket.pdf

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Documents/Strengths/Attractions.pdf

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Documents/Strengths/ArtsCulture.pdf

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Documents/Strengths/Laneways.pdf

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Documents/Strengths/Shopping.pdf

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Documents/General/Tourist-shuttle.pdf

Bourke Street, Melbourne

Bourke Street is a major street in the central business district (CBD) of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Bourke Street is named for Sir Richard Bourke, the Governor of New South Wales (and thus, of Melbourne as well) in 1837, when the Hoddle Grid was drawn up.

Bourke Street Mall
Bourke Street is a major retail shopping precinct, which along with the rest of the central business district attracts hundreds of thousands of locals and a large number of tourists every day. A central feature of this is the Bourke Street Mall, a pedestrian and tram-only strip between Swanston and Elizabeth streets. This is home to three major department stores - Myer (the world's largest and being extensively rebuilt), David Jones also being extensively extended and rebuilt, Target (department store) and numerous chain stores such as Jetty Surf[1], adidas, The Body Shop, Supre, Sportsgirl, and several large specialty stores. The historic neo-classical style GPO Melbourne, which is also on Bourke Street Mall, has been restored and converted to a high-end shopping destination after a fire partly destroyed it. It was reopened in early 2005. The mall had received a major facelift in preparation for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Bourke Street Mall is regularly used by buskers and street theatre acts. A common attraction every Christmas is the large Myer Windows, which are decorated in a different Christmas display every year.

Food Precinct
Bourke Street is becoming Melbourne's newest food precinct with a few sidelanes such as The Causeway, Market Lane, Crossley Street, Liverpool Street and the newly reopened Postal Lane being home to a number of chic cafes and restaurants. At the east end, Bourke Street is also part of Melbourne's Chinatown, the destination for Chinese cuisine. Bourke Street is also the place for fine-dining with the excellent Grossi Fiorentino, Bottega, Becco and the world renowned Flower Drum restaurants being among the restaurants having their premises either on or immediately adjacent, to this street.

Cinemas
Bourke Street has played a historically significant part in Melbourne's cinema industry. It was home to the city's first permanent cinema (although this was initially established near Princes Bridge), and by 1913 had developed into Melbourne's principal cinema precinct. In 1908, Arthur Russell began screening films at St. George's Hall, which was rebuilt as Hoyt's De Luxe Theatre in 1914, marking the beginning of the Hoyts cinema chain.

Bourke Street remained a centre for cinema-goers until quite recently. In 2005, the Hoyts cinema moved to larger premises at the Melbourne Central shopping centre. On 15 February 2006 the Village cinema closed down, leaving Village cinemas at nearby Crown Casino as the main Village branded city cinemas. The Chinatown Cinema, which inhabits the former Hoyts Midcity cinema, is the only cinema left in Bourke Street. Just off Bourke Street, the Greater Union cinemas and the newly expanded Kino Dendy cinemas continue to be cinema drawcards.

Attractions
A famous attraction within Bourke Street is the historic Royal Arcade, and in particular, its two ornamental clocks, featuring effigies of Gog and Magog.

Parliament House is situated at the intersection of Bourke Street and Spring Street, and along with St Patrick's Cathedral, forms a stunning vista looking east down the street.
Just down from Parliament House at the top end of Bourke Street is the Palace Theatre. It is one of Melbourne's premier live music, entertainment and function venues with many local and international acts appearing regularly.

Melbourne's Hard Rock Cafe was also found at the Spring Street end of Bourke Street. It closed its doors towards the end 2007, and its future location is still uncertain.
The Melbourne Fine Art Gallery is also located on the street.

Transportation
A number of tram routes travel along Bourke Street and the Mall. These include tram routes 86, 95 and 96. At the west and east ends of the street are Southern Cross (formerly Spencer Street) and Parliament railway stations, and Flinders Street and Melbourne Central stations are a short walk from the Mall. A pedestrian bridge at the western end provides access Southern Cross Station, Telstra Dome and the Melbourne Docklands.

Link

http://www.bourkestreet.com.au/

Cameron Highlands

Getting To Cameron Highlands
Self drive
From the South via Tapah
Cameron Highlands is about 300kms from Kuala Lumpur and it takes less than 3.5 hours to get here via the North-South Expressway (NSE). If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, get find your way to the NSE by following the sign to Ipoh. Once you're on the expressway, keep on driving north until you reach Tapah which will take about 1.5 hours. Watch out for the sign that indicates the Tapah and Cameron Highlands exit (Exit 132). Once you have passed the toll booth, turn left at the traffic lights. From here onwards you will be on the long winding road to Cameron Highlands which is about 60 km's away. If you're driving from the north just take Exit 132 at Tapah and follow the same direction. It takes an average of 1.5 hours to reach Tanah Rata from Tapah.

Driving Tips :Driving up this road is definitely a pleasant experience because it gives you some great views of mountains. Since the roads are less winding, people tend to speed here but watch out for the sharp bends at some stretches. There is NO mobile coverage along this road.

Train
There is no train service to Cameron Highlands. The nearest stop is the Tapah Road station in Tapah. You can take a bus or taxi to Cameron Highlands from here.

Buses
Buses to Cameron Highlands operate daily from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang. Buses from Kuala Lumpur depart from the Pudu Raya Station and KL Central. Buses from Penang depart from Prangin Mall / Komtar.

From Kuala Lumpur buses to Tanah Rata can be caught at Puduraya Central Bus Station and take about 4 1/2 hours. Look round the ticket counters to find the various companies although they don't always have buses running at the advertised times. Buses leave between 8.30 and 3.30, but more buses run in the morning. Prices range from RM20 - RM30. The cheaper Kurnia Bistari bus tickets can be bought at ticket counter 86/87, however these buses are known for breaking down on-route, frequently take up to 7 hours for the journey and have only one toilet stop. Well worth paying more for a more pleasant journey. The Unititi Express can be bought at ticket counter 66 but has fewer services.
If booking at a hostel before heading up it's worth asking their advice on the best bus route and companies.

Express bus service from Singapore is now available. Unititi Express leaves Beach Road Singapore at 10.00pm daily and arrives in Cameron at 7am the following morning.

For bus schedules and details, Click here

http://www.cameron-highlands.com/getting-there.html

Accomodation
http://apartments.cameronhighlands.com/index.php
http://www.cameronhighlands.com/Accommodation/

Getting Around Cameron Highlands
It will be very convenient for you to get around Cameron Highlands if you have your own transportation. There are no car rental services in Cameron Highlands.
You can still get around with the local bus and taxi, but you will not have the flexibility you get from driving in your own car. Alternately you can also get on one of the many tours organized by the local tour companies in Cameron Highlands.

Some guest houses do provide motorbike rental services which you can use to get around. Bicycles are not here popular because of the terrain and the high traffic.

Most tourists activity is in the town of Tanah Rata. This small town is set up along the road and is easily traveled by foot.
Local buses (to tea plantations, further away tracks, strawberry farms and other attractions) run hourly. Taxis are available as well. Taxi between Tanah Rata and Brinchang costs RM 6, while the bus is roughly RM 1.50.

Local Bus
The local bus service is provided by the Regal Bus Company.
For bus schedules and details, Click here
Taxi
For taxi rates and destinations details, Click here

Distance between towns
Ringlet to Tanah Rata - 13km
Tanah Rata to Brinchang - 6km
Brinchang to Tringkep - 8km
Tringkap - Kuala Terla - 5km
Kuala Terla - Kg.Raja - 3km

Want to know the weather in Cameron Highlands right now?
Check out the Heritage Hotel livecam on Tanah Rata.
Tudor home inn is bad. RM120 on Saturday is not so worth it. No hot water, room is untidy and noisy at night. Lousy service.

Holiday Hints
What to wear
With temperatures ranging from 25°c to 10°c Cameron Highlands is pleasantly warm. However, a sweater or tracksuit top is essential for the evenings when it can become a little chilly. Late afternoon rains often set in,so get out and about early in the morning and bring along an umbrella. If you are planning a jungle walk, be sure to wear good trainers or walking shoes and take along a bottle of mineral water as some of the walks are quite long and tiring.

Eat
There are many Chinese restaurants in Cameron highland. You can see them wherever you go. From Ringlet to Tanah Rata and even more in Brinchang. All these Chinese restaurants have their own specialty. The most famous food in Cameron is steamboat. You can practically see everyone eating steamboat in all the stores. The steamboat price may range from RM 10 to RM 15 per head. As usual, Peak season with a higher price due to the price hike in raw materials. You will be able to throw in anything into your pot. If you would like to add in anything else other than those provided, you might have to add some money as well. However, one thing for sure, you will be able to feel the satisfaction of eating steamboat. The cold weather there is definitely perfect to eat steamboat. You will never sweat when you are eating!

Discount???
Enjoy 15% off with Phone Reservation!!! Call Ms Cheah @ 012-5176223 / 019-555 6223 for steamboat at Golden Win Restaurant..... Usual: RM15-RM18 Nett per pax with FREE refill for Vegatables!!! hee hee hee... Golden Win Restaurant is located at Brinchang Town, Cameron Highlands at the corner shoplot behind the main street.
http://www.holidaycameron.com/chuaginhotel.html

MAP

http://www.holidaycameron.com/cameronmaps.html

Links
http://www.cameronhighlands.com/