Malaysia Airlines runs twice daily flights from London Heathrow and three flights per week from Manchester. The award-winning in-flight service is superb, with personal TV screens, video games and skyphones in every seat. For details phone 0044 171-341020 or visit the website at http://www.malaysia- airlines.com
Malaysia Experience is offering a 10-night package, taking in Pangkor Laut resort, Tanjong Jara resort and the Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur from £1,165 sterling per person, valid for departure before the end of November 1999. Call 0044 181-424-9548.
The Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur offers a Five-Star Diamond Experience which includes upgrade to the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club, a one-hour massage, laundry, phone calls, business lunch and 24-hour room service for RM330 a night (around £55 sterling) per person sharing.
What to shop for: Kuala Lumpur features Malaysian crafts such as batik, Kain Songet weaving, silver and brasswork, and ceramics. Clothes and shoes are cheap, and you can find designer gear at discount prices - and fake designer gear at rock bottom prices. I'd recommend the U2 shop at Lot 10: it's got good, cheap clothing in Western sizes, and it's got nothing to do with the band of the same name.
Put a tiger in your tank: Tiger Beer is the prevalent brand for lager drinkers, while cocktail fans will find plenty of fresh, fruity concoctions. Malaysian cuisine is a delicious mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay styles. Noodle and rice dishes are standard, Satay is ever-present, and the sauces tend to be mildly spicy or light and sweet.