Friday, November 29, 2013

CNNGo.com

CNNGo.com


Macau restaurants: 5 top spots for Macanese cuisine

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 02:00 PM PST

Portugal might be long gone but its influence lives on with Macanese food, a mashup of Chinese and Portuguese flavors
Macau restaurants

A delicious byproduct of Macau's former status as a Portuguese colony, Macanese cuisine is often described as a mix of Portuguese and Chinese flavors, with influences from other Portuguese speaking nations thrown into the mix.

On an ingredient level, many dishes star bacalhau, salted cod that is soaked in water before being grilled. Dishes are presented simply, to impress purely with flavor.

Ready for a taste?

Restaurante Albergue 1601

Macau restaurantsThe closest Portuguese experience you'll find outside Portugal.Part of the appeal of this restaurant is its location in a charming colonial courtyard in a quiet area of Macau.

Dining on the wooden deck under dappled sunlight through large trees facing attractive old buildings, the sounds of Portuguese music wafting on the air, makes you feel as if you are in Portugal.

The Portuguese and Macanese cuisine served here is more refined in terms of plating and portion sizes, making it a good option for diners who want to embrace the cuisines at a gentler pace.

Recommendations include the classic deep-fried salted cod balls. Here the fish is mild in taste, with potato as the driving flavor.

The stuffed squid is superb. Exquisitely tender, the three small squids are stuffed with minced pork prepared in tomato and paprika, making it an umami-rich dish.

For mains you can't go wrong with the African chicken.

The moist, barbecued half chicken is mostly deboned and coated with a spicy coconut and paprika sauce and served with an even spicier sauce on the side.

A good range of Portuguese wines are available.

Restaurante Albergue 1601, 8 Calçada da Igreja de S. Lazaro, Macau; mid-priced; +853 2836 1601

More on CNN: 10 must-try Macau foods

Riquexo

Macau foodsNo frills dining by Macau's godmother of Macanese cuisine.Riquexo is run by a former chef who is sometimes referred to as the "Godmother of Macanese cuisine." She's now in her 90s.

This charming but simple cafe is located in a side lane, so you don't come for the view, you come for the traditional family-style Macanese dishes, which have been attracting regular diners for decades.

The grilled sardines are sensational, deftly seasoned with a lightly crispy skin.

Also good is minchi, a savory minced pork and potato dish with a touch of soy, eaten with steamed rice. Humble, but delicious, the bacalhau a bras, consists of salt cod in scrambled egg with onion, garlic a hint of coriander and drizzle of olive oil. 

The wine is cheap and cheerful and the beers cold, best for lunch.

Riquexo, 69 Avenida Sidonio Pais, Macau; budget; +853 2856 5655

More on CNN: Macau's kung fu coffee master

O Santos

Macau restaurantsLittle has changed in this homey bistro since it opened in 1989. The decor might be dated, but the food is as good as ever. This Portuguese restaurant opened in 1989. 

It would appear little has changed, with the original owner still welcoming customers. The old-fashioned decor and photo-based menu have certainly seen better days.

Regulars return for dishes such as the vibrant octopus salad. Impressively tender, the octopus pieces are paired with onion, garlic, coriander and green olives, dressed with a vinaigrette.

The cod fish balls can be ordered on an individual basis, and the balance between the fish and the other ingredients is great.

Duck rice, baked with a butter crust and contains bone-in pieces of duck, is a homey and satisfying option. The grilled dishes and seafood rice cooked and served in an earthenware pot are also popular.

For dessert, we recommend the milk cream. Similar to creme brulee, this divine dish features notes of vanilla and cinnamon, finished with a charred sugar top for textural contrast.  

The wine list is limited; sangria and Portuguese beer seem to be the preferred choices.

O Santos, 20 Rua do Cunha, Taipa; mid-priced; +853 2882 5594

More on CNN: Macau's best casinos: Where to gamble, where to let loose

A Petisqueira

Macau foodsWhen in Macau, grilled bacalhau is a must-try.An intimate Portuguese restaurant with two outdoor tables, A Petisqueira has a relaxed feel and  attentive service.

We love the fresh homemade cheese, which is prepared daily. Soft and creamy and spread on bread with a little olive oil, it's a good way to kick off a meal.

Menu classics include the caldo verdhe, a potato and kale soup served with two slices of grilled Portuguese sausage that benefits from a swirl of oil, giving the broth more depth.

The menu features many grilled and bacalhau choices, including the  grilled codfish. The fish, topped with garlic, has a crunchy exterior, is moist inside and is served with an oven baked potato, green olives and a touch of olive oil.

There are a  good selection of Portuguese wines, including half bottle options.

A Petisqueira, 15C Rua de S Joao, Taipa; mid-priced; +853 2882 5354

More on CNN: 10 things to know before visiting Macau

Miramar

Macau foodsSeafood cataplana, a traditional Portuguese dish. With only a curtain of pine trees between the terrace and the beach, this restaurant offers a holiday feel. The menu of Portuguese dishes is comprehensive, with many designed for sharing.

Be warned, the portions are generous. The classic pipis might just convert traditional offal haters. 

The smooth chicken liver and soft gizzards are served in a layered and rich tomato-based sauce. The stuffed crab is another great choice, with lots of sweet crab meat, plus cheese and garlic, served with toasted baguette.

Although the seafood cataplana isn't served in the traditional cooking vessel, it's packed with crab, prawns, mussels, clams and scallops. The broth, made from a shell-based stock with tomatoes and a touch of coriander, gives the dish added depth.

A recommendation from the manager was for the grilled pork secretos (secret cut of pork). The meat was almost fork tender -- basic but fantastic.

Miramar, Zona Norte da Praia de Hac Sac, Coloane; +853 2888 2623

More on CNN: House of Dancing Water: Secrets behind the world's biggest water show

CNN Travel's series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile. However, CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports. Read the policy.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

CNNGo.com

CNNGo.com


China opens futuristic airport terminal

Posted: 27 Nov 2013 06:00 PM PST

Unhinge your jaw -- Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport's avant garde and eco-friendly new terminal is now open for fliers.

The futuristic building in the southern Chinese city replaces three airport terminals, which ceased operation on Wednesday following three test runs of the new facility. 

Shenzhen's new terminal, designed by FUKSAS, an Italian architectural firm, resembles a mobula, commonly known as a flying ray.

The connection? The Chinese word for "blessed" sounds like "mobula."

The new terminal -- which reportedly cost 8.5 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) to construct -- is three times larger than the current terminals combined, providing 76 airplane slots.

Although it's far from being the biggest in China -- Beijing's new Terminal 3 is about twice as large -- the 451,000-square-meter new terminal in Shenzhen, which is about 40 kilometers from Hong Kong, could very well be one of its greenest.

The terminal has 200 check-in counters and approximately 200 shops.

The first flight from the terminal, operated by Shenzhen Airlines, is scheduled to depart for Hohhot in Inner Mongolia, via Wuhan, on Thursday morning.

More: Boeing through the ages: Planes that changed the way we travel

The honeycomb-patterned windows in the ceiling allow for maximum penetration of sunlight, reducing energy consumption. 

Rainwater is collected and recycled in toilets and used to water indoor plants. 

It's the first airport in China to feature a 10-megawatt solar power plant, which cranks out enough power to support 10,000 U.S. households per month.

Other interesting features include 116 white tree-shaped air conditioners that blend in with the terminal's interior design. The A/C trees pull triple duty, also serving as the public address system and fire equipment.

Future airport developments

"The only regret of this project would be that the subway line won't be completed together with the terminal," said Shenzhen transport commission spokesman Huang Min at the launch press conference.

The old terminals remain connected to the city with subway line number 1.

A subway line that will connect the new terminal to the city won't be ready until 2016.

The airport and the transportation commission are looking into building a temporary line between the current terminals and the new terminal. The journey would take about 25 minutes.

More on CNN: Futuristic London airport proposed for island in middle of Thames

A five-star airport hotel with 404 rooms is still under construction.

The future of the current terminals hasn't been decided, but ideas on the table include converting them into shopping centers, exhibition centers and terminals for business jets or low-cost carriers, according to Zhang.

"The new terminal in Shenzhen will serve a different market than Hong Kong and Guangzhou (the two other major airports in the region)," said William Zhang, a marketing officer with Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.

"Shenzhen has been serving as the hub for China's domestic air transport."

Shenzhen Bao'an international Airport opened in 1991.

Last year, the airport transported more than 29 million passengers and more than 855,000 tons of cargo.

With an 18% growth per year, the new two-runway terminal is expected to handle 45 million passengers and 2 million tons of cargo annually.

More on CNN: Breathtaking photos of Hong Kong airport glory days

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

CNNGo.com

CNNGo.com


Ryanair cleared for takeoff to Russia

Posted: 27 Nov 2013 06:43 AM PST

Irish carrier may follow other budgets already blazing trail in Russian airspace

Ryanair, Europe's largest budget airline, looks set to follow other low-cost carriers into Russian airspace by launching flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg early next year.

Russia's aviation authority has granted the Irish carrier permission to fly from Dublin to Russia beginning in March 2014, Bloomberg reports.

However, the airline was still in negotiations over which airports it could potentially use in Russia, Ryanair said.

"Ryanair has had discussions with a number of Russian airports, but they are purely exploratory at this time," the airline's spokesman, Robin Kiely, said in a brief statement.

Domodevo Airport, to which Ryanair's competitor easyJet currently flies, was the most likely candidate for the Russian capital, The Moscow Times said.

Third low-cost carrier to Russia

Ryanair would be the third low-cost carrier to launch flights from Europe to Russia.

In March, easyJet began flying to Moscow from London and Manchester.

Hungarian carrier Wizz Air launched flights to the Russian capital in September.

Two Russian operators, the once-derided Aeroflot and Utair, also recently announced plans to launch budget subsidiaries flying within Russia.

More: Airlines prepare for possible inflight cell phone calls

Budget airlines have been put off launching Russian routes in the past by the country's aviation laws, which prohibit non-refundable tickets, charging for meals and hiring of cheaper non-Russian pilots -- all important elements of the low-cost airlines' business model.

Such restrictions partly explain the demise of two short-lived Russian budget airlines launched in the past decade, SkyExpress and Avianova.

However, recent backing by Russian president Vladimir Putin for budget flights may be taken as a sign of encouragement by those seeking to change the laws governing airlines flying within Russia.

'No open-skies policy'

At present, Ryanair is restricted to flying to Russia from one city only -- Dublin.

"This is a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Russia so it's no open-skies policy," Alexander Kazbegi, a transport analyst, told Bloomberg.

"If Ryanair wants to fly from other European locations, they need to approach governments there to do a deal with Russia."

The airline's entry into the budget Russian club will be taken as good news by travelers who have been discouraged from visiting the country by air fares that have long been relatively expensive.

Travelers to Russia will still have to contend with a famously headache inducing visa-application process, which can take up to a month, requires an invitation from a Russian "host" and includes fees of up to $450.

More: 20 most annoying things that people do on planes

Monday, November 25, 2013

CNNGo.com

CNNGo.com


10 of the best rooftop bars in London

Posted: 25 Nov 2013 02:00 AM PST

Top drinking spots with bird's eye views of one of the world's greatest cities

London does pubs and pints famously well but you can increasingly add rooftop bars to the superlatives list, too.

True, summer lasts only about two weeks here but that hasn't dampened the enthusiasm for an alfresco cocktail or two -- most of these spots are open year-round with outdoor heaters and cozy blankets if you want to leave the sheltered inside space.

These 10 panoramic places will be among the best perches in town for New Year revels.

Queen of Hoxton, East London

Queen of Hoxton -- upper crust.Located in the heart of Hipsterville with an uninspiring view of surrounding office blocks, this rooftop is a magnet for East London's creative crowd.

There are fire pits and a toasty tipi in winter and BBQs, frozen cocktails and guest DJs when the sun is shining.

Screenings of cult films sell out in hours, so keep an eye on the bar's Facebook and Twitter pages to score a coveted ticket.

Food and drink menus change with the seasons. Right now the Pumpkin Spiced Cider ($8.80) and DIY toasted marshmallows ($1.60) hit the spot.

Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3JX; +44 20 7422 0958; open daily, year-round

Radio Rooftop Bar, central London

Indoor glass atrium and warming cocktails make this a top winter spot.A newcomer to the city's rooftop scene, Radio is among the swankiest.

It's the crowning glory of a five-star hotel that was once the headquarters of the BBC.

Ten floors up in the heart of Theaterland, the wide terrace either side of the glass-walled bar lets you tick off most London landmarks.

A cosmopolitan post-work/pre-theater crowd mingles with well-heeled hotel guests, so you should dress to impress (no sportswear allowed for men).

Seasonal cocktailslike the Autumn Sundown with Gin Mare, vanilla, basil and apple ($19) are great.

Radio Rooftop Bar, 336-337 The Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1HA; +44 20 7395 3440; open daily, year-round

Madison, City of London

Saintly sipping with St. Paul's in the background.Sipping is a spiritual affair at this City of London bar, with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral.

There are 150 different wines to choose from and a good range of beers, spirits and cocktails. But the signature drink is a Pornstar Martini with vanilla vodka ($17.60).

The mini-cheeseburgers with blue cheese and bacon ($14.40) are a manageable bite with drink in hand or you can take a table at the classy restaurant serving up European fare.

Come 5 p.m., it's wall-to-wall City boys, while the weekend attracts a mixed crowd of tourists and locals.

Madison London, 1 New Change, St Paul's, EC4M 9AF; +44 20 8305 3088; open daily, year-round

More: Futuristic London airport proposed for Thames island

Boundary, East London

Boundary: British weather-proof.Sitting atop a converted Victorian warehouse, this is one of the city's most stylish rooftops.

Wicker chairs and white cushions create a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, while the new weatherproof pergola means the infamous British weather won't bother you one bit.

Classic cocktails are all around $15, or there are pitchers to share. The zingy Rooftop Garden with lemon vodka and apple brandy ($38) feels appropriate.

You can nibble on olives or go for something more substantial from the all-day menu of seafood, char-grilled steaks and salads (available until 9.45 p.m.).

Boundary, 2-4 Boundary Street (entrance on Redchurch Street), Shoreditch, E2 7DD; +44 20 7729 1051; open daily, year-round

The Big Chill House, King's Cross

Creative student types call this place home in increasingly cool King's Cross.

This large Victorian pub in King's Cross is a maze of different floors, with funky decor, rocking DJs and sweaty 20-somethings from nearby Central Saint Martins College predominating.

There's a good selection of craft beers, spirits and cocktails, plus tasty bar bites such as chili popcorn prawns with sweet chili dip ($6.50).

The rooftop closes at midnight on the weekends, but downstairs stays thumping until 3 a.m.

Big Chill House, 257-259 Pentonville Road, King's Cross, N1 9NL; +44 20 7427 2540; open daily, year-round

Vista, central London

Vista ... has a sweeping one, especially come New Year's Eve.Perched on top of The Trafalgar hotel in Trafalgar Square, the newly refurbished Vista has one cracker of a view -- and one of the best New Year's parties in town.

The ambitiously priced drinks list is dominated by Champagne and creative cocktails.

The Movista is a blend of Jamaican rum with a touch of cherry wine and fresh lime juice, topped up with soda ($19).

With its monochrome furnishings and sophisticated air, Vista attracts a suited-and-booted crowd and cashed up tourists looking to escape the hubbub below.

The Trafalgar, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, SW1A 2TS; +44 20 7870 2900; open daily from April to October but also open on New Year's Eve for the Thames-side fireworks display; $7 cover charge after 4 p.m.

More: 7 hot new London hotels

Upper Deck, Southwark

Being British, this rooftop bar comes with cream tea and scones.Opened in April 2013, this terrace overlooking the Thames has glorious views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and World War II warship HMS Belfast.

Considering it's in prime tourist territory, prices are reasonable, with more than a dozen wines on offer, plus bottled and tap beer and the usual spirits.

You could embrace all things British with a cream tea -- scone, clotted cream and jam ($8) -- or share a local cheese board with fruity chutney and artisan bread ($23).

You're unlikely to hear a local accent during the day, but come evening time it's packed with post-work punters.

Upper Deck, HMS Belfast Visitor Center, The Queen's Walk, Southwark, SE1 2JH; +44 20 7403 6246; open daily from March to November

Dalston Roof Park, East London

AstroTurf meets gritty inner city.There's no real view (unless you count a sloping roof of solar panels), but this AstroTurfed pop-up atop a four-story former factory is the ultimate hipster hangout and a great stop to plan for once winter clears away.

It's not as pretentious as it sounds, though, with a casual neighborhood vibe and DJs, stand-up comedy and classic films.

A team of local volunteers tends to grow-bags of herbs, fruits and veg that are blended to make yummy cocktails (from $10).

There's also well-priced wine, beer and cider served in plastic cups and a changing line-up of street food stands.

Dalston Roof Park, 18 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL; +44 20 7275 0825; open daily from May-September; one-off membership fee of $5

Frank's Campari Bar, South London

Multi-story car park becomes hipster central.Who would've thought a multi-story car park in a nondescript South London suburb could be the site of one of the capital's coolest bars?

Part sculpture project, part seasonal pop-up, Frank's is one of the biggest -- and cheapest -- rooftops in town.

You can choose from Campari cocktails($8), local Meantime beer ($7) and a simple wine list -- it's just white, red or rosé at Frank's.

Then there's grilled sweetcorn ($4) to munch on while you admire the city skyline, including the Shard skyscraper, from afar.

Frank's, Level 10, Peckham Multistory Car Park, 95a Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST; open Wednesday-Sunday during summer

Kuala Lumpur shopping: 10 best places to bag a bargain

Posted: 24 Nov 2013 02:00 PM PST

With more malls than you can shake a shopping bag at, KL is Southeast Asia's retail capital

From the massive malls that line Bukit Bintang to the backstreet stalls of Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur is a shopaholic's dream. 

But if you're in town for only a few days, deciding where to start can be rough.

Here's a look at the top 10 places to shop in Kuala Lumpur.

The Curve

The Curve is a popular venue for KL expats. Its most recent foreign import? Johnny Rockets. It might be located way out in west KL, but The Curve beats many of its competitors with its indoor/outdoor layout, range of al fresco dining and pedestrianized walkways.

Add to the mix Kuala Lumpur's only Ikea, as well as an adjoining Tesco, and you have the most family-friendly mall in town.

This explains why it fills up on weekends with parents pushing strollers.

But there's still ample room to shop.

For eating, almost every Malaysian favorite can be found, including branches of Pappa Rich, Little Penang Cafe and Secret Recipe.

The Curve, 6 Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor; +60 (0)3 7710 6868 

More on CNN: World's 12 best shopping cities

Mid Valley Megamall

Mid Valley Megamall, open in 1999, is one of the world's largest retail spaces. While it can't match Bukit Bintang malls for high-end luxury, Mid Valley is one of KL's most popular malls for its abundance of affordable shopping -- not to mention a huge array of stores and restaurants (430 and counting), 18-screen cineplex, large Metrojaya and Aeon department stores and exhibition center.

There are two food courts, but those in the know head to Oasis on the second floor, where the prices are cheap, and food more authentic.

If you really need an upmarket fix, you can walk across the connecting passageway to The Gardens Mall.

Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur; +60 (0)3 2938 3333

More on CNN: 10 best islands for a Malaysia holiday 

Royal Selangor

If you're into tin-based alloys -- and who isn't? -- Royal Selangor is the go-to joint for pewter in KL. A huge tankard -- with what appears to be foam overflowing from its brim -- stands at the entrance to the head office of Royal Selangor, one of Malaysia's most iconic companies.

At the KL visitor's center, you can learn how to make your own pewter dish at the School of Hard Knocks (RM60).

If you just want to explore, there are free guided tours that take you through the company's history (it was founded by young Chinese pewtersmith in 1885), the science behind making the alloy and a factory tour.

Naturally, there's a gift shop for those who want to pick up a souvenir. This is a shopping list, after all. 

Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, 4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya, Kuala Lumpur; +60 (0)3 4145 6122

More on CNN: Malaysia travel: 10 things to know before you go

Berjaya Times Square

New York has one, as does Hong Kong, so it only makes sense that KL -- arguably Southeast Asia's shopping capital -- has a Times Square.

Highlights include Malaysia's largest indoor theme park, split between family-friendly and adult-only rides; a Taipei-style night market on the third floor, complete with flashing neon signs, manholes and food stalls; and the Grand Musical Stairs, where you can pretend to be Tom Hanks in the movie "Big," as you make your own music on giant keys.

All this and much more in what claims to be the world's ninth largest building in terms of floor space.

Berjaya Times Square, 1 Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur; +60 (0)3 2117 3111 

Petaling Street Market

"These Rolexes are a steal!" It might be a little cheesy, with its Disney-esque Chinese arch and blue covered walkway, but Petaling Street Market, the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, buzzes with life.

Here you'll find a variety of tourist trinkets, T-shirts, electronics and DVDs.

As soon as you veer off the main strip, you enter a warren of backstreets where hungry locals go to fill up on bowls of asam laksa, Hainan chicken rice and mee goreng.

Eating on plastic stools next to crates full of squawking chickens, it's a good pit stop before heading back to to the maelstrom for more haggling over bargain goods.

Petaling Street Market, Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur; +60 (0)3 9235 4800

More on CNN: Malaysia's top 40 foods  

Central Market

Central Market, a one-stop venue souvenir shopping. Opened in 1936, though a wet market has stood on the site since 1888, KL's Central Market has seen it all.

While once the art deco building was full of stalls selling meat and produce, since the mid-1980s it has promoted Malaysian arts and culture.

The interior is split into themed areas representing the country's diverse population, which include Lorong Melaya, where shops sell Malay handicraft; a replica of Malacca's Jonkers Street; and Little India.

The adjoining Kasturi Walk features an array of food stalls; the Annexe Gallery is a center of contemporary arts.

Central Market, Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur; +60 (0)3 2031 0399

Peter Hoe Beyond

Despite not having a website, and its out of the way location, Peter Hoe Beyond is on the hit list of every visiting shopaholic.

Run by the eponymous Malaysian designer, this warehouse store, which occupies the second floor of the Lee Rubber building sells a huge range of unique pieces -- housewares, silverware, furniture, clothing -- either designed or commissioned by Peter Hoe himself.

The in-shop cafe sells delicious slices of cake.

Peter Hoe Beyond, 2/F, 145 Jalan Tun H S Lee, Kuala Lumpur; +60 (0)3 2026 9788

Suria KLCC

For those who judge malls by the height of the buildings that sit on top them, Suria is a clear winner. Suria KLCC is close to the top -- or should that be basement -- of KL's shopping greats.

This luxury mall occupies the bottom six podium floors of the Petronas Twin Towers, and their 170-meter-high Skybridge.

It has everything from luxury goods to everyday items, including branches of Parkson, Isetan, Cold Storage and Marks & Spencer, a fantastic food court, a cineplex, a huge branch of Kinokuniya bookstore and a fun-filled Science Discovery Centre and aquarium.

The adjoining KLCC Park has water fountains and a two-acre playground.

Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur; +60 (0)3 2382 2828

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

If Suria KLCC has a rival in the upscale shopping stakes, it's Pavilion.

Since early 2012, the two malls have been connected by an air-conditioned walkway, which makes getting between the two a breeze.

Pavilion is as much known for its dining as its shopping, with a range of casual places (Fish & Co., Din Tai Fung, Madam Kwan's) and fine dining restaurants, such as Al-Amar (Lebanese cuisine) and Spice of India.

Where it really wins is with its location -- it's at the top of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur's most famous shopping street, lined with a dozen different malls.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur; +60 (0)3 2118 8833

More on CNN: How to do Malaysia ... and get it right

Malaysia Year-End Sale

It's not a venue per se, but Malaysia's annual Year-End Sale (that's YES, for short) is the best time to find bargains in Kuala Lumpur and the country at large.

Running this year from November 16 to January 5 under the slogan "My Extreme Shopping Addiction," shopping malls and markets throughout the city offer huge discounts -- up to 50% off selected items -- as well as Christmas concerts, carnivals, clearances, fairs, exhibitions and lucky draws.

For a full list of events taking place from KL to Kelantan, Selangor to Sabah, visit the Tourism Malaysia website.

CNN Travel's series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile. However CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports. Read the policy.