28^th International Input-Output Association Conference
and
10^th Edition of the International School of I-O Analysis
28^th Aug - 02^nd Sept 2022, Langkawi Island, Malaysia

Post-conference travel suggestion

Islands retreat

Langkawi Island

Off the coast of Kedah, Malaysia is a cluster of 99 islands offering the best of many worlds: beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends. Visitors can go to this island by flight through both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia that have twice daily flights to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur which land at Langkawi International Airport that just takes around 1 hour.

Perhentian Island

Perhentian Island, meaning 'stopover island', consists of the islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil which covered by unspoilt jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters. Perhentian Island is located in Kuala Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia, about 500 km from Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can use flight through both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kelantan, Malaysia and take a taxi or bus to the fishing port of Kuala Besut.

Tioman Island

Acclaimed as one of the best island getaways in the world, Tioman was the location of the Hollywood musical, 'South Pacific' in 1959, where this island is the final resting place of a mythical dragon princess. Tioman Island is located in Mersing, Pahang, Malaysia, about 396 km from Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can access the Karak Highway from Kuala Lumpur through Temerloh, Kuantan, Pekan, Kuala Rompin, Tanjung Gemuk to Mersing through buses that are available at Puduraya Bus Station which takes around 5-6 hours.

Redang Island

Redang Island is the largest of a group of nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast, in which this paradise island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba- diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. Redang Island is located 45 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia, and about 492 km from Kuala Lumpur through Lebuhraya Kuala Lumpur-Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia. Visitors can get a boat at any of the jetties in Kuala Terengganu and Merang. Travelling time to Redang is one hour from Kuala Terengganu and 50 minutes from Merang.

Mountain adventures

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face that can now be found on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia, whereby the highest point starts at 3,400 m and ends at 3,800 m. Located in Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia, the intermediate route will let the climber experience a 4- to 5-hour journey, which will reward the climber with a breathtaking view of the heights and sights. Visitors will use the plane transportation which there are many international and domestic flights to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Gunung Mulu

Gunung Mulu is home to one of the longest networks of caves in the world. Here lies the worlds largest underground chamber, the Sarawak Chamber, Malaysia, capable of accommodating forty Boeing 747 airplanes. Located in Miri Division, Sarawak, Malaysia, Gunung Mulu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses caves and karst formations in a mountainous equatorial rainforest setting. Visitors can take the express boat from Kuala Baram (three hours) to Marudi, Sarawak, Malaysia. From Marudi, take a commercial express boat to Kuala Apoh or Long Panai on the Tutoh River (a tributary of the Baram River).

Wang Gunung

The mountain stands at 499.1 meters creating an imposing backdrop to the nearby Putra Golf Club. Situated at the Malaysia–Thai border, Wang Gunung that located in the state of Perlis, is well-known among rock climbers for its uniqueness and challenges. Visitors can take a bus or drive from the North-South (PLUS) Highway, take the exit via Changlun, Kedah, Malaysia and take the Changlun-Kuala Perlis highway to Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia, which the journey takes approximately 5 ½ hours.

Gunung Ledang

The mountain is ideal for a myriad of outdoor activities with challenging mountain trails, icy waterfalls, and exotic flora and fauna, including many species of birds. Situated in Tangkak, Johor, Malaysia, Gunung Ledang continues to charm and intrigue locals and visitors alike. Visitors can use buses from the North-South Expressway to Tangkak, which the journey takes around 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur (180 km).

Historical places visit

A Famosa

As Melaka was the centre of struggles between super powers of the time, and suffered the constant threat of attack, the A'Famosa fort was critical in Portugal maintaining its colonial foothold in the Far East. Located in Bandar Hilir, Melaka, Malaysia, you can go for a stroll up St. Paul's Hill on a cool late afternoon and wander among the majestic trees and historical remnants. Visitors can take the buses from KL Sentral which the journey takes around 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur (144 km).

Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan

The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan (Malay: Menara Jam Condong Teluk Intan) is slanted leftward, 25.5 metres tall and, from the outside, looks like an 8 storey building, though inside it is actually divided into 3 storeys. Located in Teluk Intan, Hilir Perak District, Perak, Malaysia, it is the Malaysian equivalent of the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Visitors can take the buses from KL Sentral which the journey takes around 2hours 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur (144 km) via North-South (PLUS) Highway.

Terengganu State Museum

Acclaimed as the largest museum in South East Asia, the Terengganu State Museum Complex houses century old artefacts and artworks of rich and colourful heritage. Located on 27 hectares of land in Bukit Losong, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, the complexes itself are an impressive architectural feat, based on the designs of Terengganu's old palace which comprises a Main Museum, a Maritime Museum, a Fisheries Museum, four traditional houses and botanic and herb gardens. Visitors can take the flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Malaysia that takes 1 hour, or buses that takes about 4 hours via Segamat-Kuantan Highway (528 km).

Army Museum

The Army Museum will lead us back to the memoirs of various inheritance, ultimate collections of artifact which had once witnessed the battlement to retain the sovereignty of our beloved country. Located in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, the Army Museum has been honoured a MERIT AWARD in category of "Best Tourist Attraction" with National Identity (Heritage) 2005/2006 by the Tourism Malaysia. Visitors can take the buses from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Kuala Lumpur which the journey to Army Museum is around 86 km via North-South (PLUS) Highway and Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway.

Theme parks to enjoy

LEGOLAND

More than 30 million LEGO bricks were used in the building of the various monuments here including the Petronas Twin Towers, The Merlion Statue, Taj Mahal and others. LEGOLAND Malaysia theme park, the first in Asia, is located in Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia that situated on 76 acres of land. Visitors can take the buses from the North-South Highway that takes around 321 km from Kuala Lumpur.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

Sunway Lagoon has consistently been recognised as Asia’s Best Attraction by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for four consecutive years (2007-2010). Sunway Lagoon is located in the township of Bandar Sunway in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, that can accessible via a network of expressways (Federal Highway, Damansara-Puchong Expressway, New Pantai Express Way and KESAS Highway, Malaysia). If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral/Central Market), take the Rapid KL buses U63 or U67 and stop at Sunway Pyramid. There are many public buses coming from other directions as well - just ask your hotel for details.

Lost World of Tambun

The Lost World of Tambun is a theme park and hotel that is known for its natural hot spring, also features other attractions including wildlife and rides. Located in Sunway City Ipoh, Tambun, Kinta District, Perak, Malaysia, the park was awarded as the World Gold Winner in the Resort Category at the Fiabci Prix d’Excellence Award 2015, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Visitors can take the buses from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Kuala Lumpur which the journey to Lost World of Tambun takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.

Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS)

MAPS covers 52 acres of land and will feature key international themed attractions, offering more than 40 attractions in six themed zones. Located at Persiaran Meru Raya 3, Bandar Meru Raya 3, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, MAPS will present the world’s first BoBoiBoy animation attractions. Visitors can take the buses from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Kuala Lumpur which the journey to Lost World of Tambun takes around 2 hours 30 minutes (222 km).

National parks retreat

National Park

Taman Negara (National Park) is the first and the oldest official Protected Area in the country, originally named King George V National Park, which was renamed Taman Negara after the nation gained independence in 1957. Located at Kuala Tahan, Pahang, Malaysia, river cruises and jungle trekking are the most popular activities at Taman Negara. Kuala Tembeling, Pahang - the jump off point for the park - is accessible from Kuala Lumpur by rail and followed by use the trains to stop at Tembeling Halt, about half an hour's drive to the jetty at Kuala Tembeling.

Gunung Gading National Park

Gunung Gading National Park is a beautiful expanse of mountainous rainforest only two hours away from Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Located near Lundu, Sarawak, Malaysia, a pleasant little town in south-west Sarawak, the park was a closed conservation zone for the spectacular Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world that can grow up to one metre in diameter. Visitors can use the plane transportation from KLIA to Kuching, Sarawak which takes 1 hour 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

The best times to visit the 'Wild Men of Borneo' are at 10 am and again, at 2.30 pm when the primates emerge from the forest for their daily ration of bananas and milk. Watch as the “orang utans” are fed from a platform in the centre and then returned to roam freely in the forest where they can fend for themselves. Located at Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, there are also 200 species of birds and a variety of wild plants can be found within the 5.666ha. forest reserve. Visitors can use the plane transportation from KLIA to Sandakan, Sabah which takes 2 hour 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur.

Pulau Kukup Johor National Park

Pulau Kukup, one of the largest uninhabited mangroves in the world, has received international recognition, being granted the status of a 'Wetland of International Importance' (RAMSAR site) by the Geneva- based Ramsar Convention Bureau. Located at Kukup, Johor, Malaysia, Pulau Kukup is today the home of countless species of wildlife. From Kuala Lumpur/the north, take the North-South Expressway and exit at the Simpang Renggam toll (after Machap). Take the left turn and head for Pontian/Benut. Thereafter, follow the signboards to Kukup.

Highlands resorts

Genting Highlands

The fun never stops at Genting, City of Entertainment, perched on the top of cool, breezy Genting Highlands since one big attraction in Genting is the cool weather. Located at Pahang, Malaysia, there are also chances to shopping at First World Plaza, visit the theme parks and feast on a wide range of delicious food at the many restaurants. Visitors can use buses to this destination from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak Highway which available from KL Sentral, Jalan Duta Coach Station, Gombak LRT Station.

Cameron Highlands

Walks through lovely little villages, visits to the butterfly, strawberry, honey bee farms and sprawling tea plantations or meals at the delightful Tudor-styled country inns, are all pleasurable and relaxing activities to be experienced here. Located at Pahang, Malaysia, one other popular activity in Cameron Highlands is to have tea and scones. Bus and taxi services are available from the Puduraya Terminal in Kuala Lumpur and the journey will take you to Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia. Alternatively, take a train to Tapah, Perak, Malaysia and then continue your journey in a taxi or a bus.

Shopping spots

KL Downtown Nightmarket/ Downtown Cheras

Instead of tagging on that unrelated "Uptown" moniker, this bazaar is thankfully named KL Downtown Night Market, which seems every other midnight bazaar is trying to glamourise their set-up with an Uptown prefix. Located at Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the stalls here at this Bazar Larut Malam open from 8 pm to 5 am daily except Mondays, when it is Food Fiesta nights. Visitors can simply take the taxi to go there which is 10.8 km from Sasana Kijang.

MyTown Shopping

It is five-level shopping centre with more than 400 stores and also features few international and fashion brands like Zara (largest Malaysian store), MNG (biggest concept store in Malaysia), Calliope, H&M, Uniqlo, HLA, Hotwind and others. Located at Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur, it is directly accessible via main roads, major highways, tunnel link to Cochrane Underground MRT Station in future. Visitors can simply take the taxi to go there which is 5.9 km from Sasana Kijang via Jalan Pudu. It is five-level shopping centre with more than 400 stores and also features few international and fashion brands like Zara (largest Malaysian store), MNG (biggest concept store in Malaysia), Calliope, H&M, Uniqlo, HLA, Hotwind and others. Located at Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur, it is directly accessible via main roads, major highways, tunnel link to Cochrane Underground MRT Station in future. Visitors can simply take the taxi to go there which is 5.9 km from Sasana Kijang via Jalan Pudu.

Siti Khadijah Market

A good way to get to know a Malaysian town is to the economic centre of the community i.e. Siti Khadijah Market is named after Prophet Muhammad's entrepreneurial wife – a fitting name for a market mostly run by women. Located at Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia, this market has something for everyone, from fresh produce to traditional crafts and cakes. Flight services are available from the KLIA and the journey will take you at Jalan Hulu, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Every Saturday between 5pm- 10pm, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to traffic and transformed into a night market (“pasar malam”) where petty traders and hawkers sell an assortment of goods in the open air. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, sometimes referred to as Jalan TAR, was the 'grande dame' of KL shopping in the days before modern shopping complexes took the KL metropolitan city by storm. Visitors can simply take the taxi to go there which is 1.4 km from Sasana Kijang via Jalan Dato Onn, even the busy part of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is in between Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Sultan Ismail.

Caves to explore

Batu Caves

Site of a Hindu temple and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. Located in Selangor, Malaysia, its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre. Batu Caves is accessible by car or taxi as it is situated beside the main highway of MRR2 in Batu Caves area. From KL Sentral, take the monorail service to Titiwangsa station. Alight here and take the bus to Batu Caves.

Tempurung Cave (Gua Tempurung)

The cave is made up of five huge domes which ceilings resemble coconut shells, each dome has different formations of stalagmites and stalactites, which the domes also differ from one another in terms of temperature, water level, content of limestone and marble. Located in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, the cave is probably the largest natural limestone cave in Peninsular Malaysia. Visitors can take buses to go to this destination via North-South (PLUS) Highway which this journey takes around 2 hours.