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Mount Hagen

Mount Hagen (Tok Pisin: Maun Hagen) is a city in and the provincial headquarters of the Western Highlands province of Papua New Guinea.

It had an estimated population of 46,250 in 2013, making Mount Hagen the third-largest city in PNG. It is the retail and commercial hub of the entire Highlands region, as many large stores have moved into the area in the last few years and bringing with them boosted income, more jobs, and more tourists and expats.

Understand
Because explorers were told, "There's no one up there (in the Highlands)," Mount Hagen was unknown to everyone except the Melpa people and surrounding tribes for thousands of years. Then in 1933 the Leahy brothers, Mick and Dan, flew over the heavily populated and fertile area known as the Waghi Valley and then organized a foot patrol to explore further into the interior. They had discovered Mount Hagen.

The city takes its name from Mount Hagen, an extinct 3765-m-tall volcano to the northwest. The volcano takes its name from former German colonial official Curt von Hagen.

As recently as the 1990s, Mount Hagen was a fascinating and largely peaceful place to visit, with PNG Highlanders still walking around in traditional costumes. Now, it is radically different from the Mount Hagen of former years. While still interesting and exciting to visit, the traditional costumes are reserved for special occasions such as the Hagen Show (see right) and modernization has swept the city. Sure, you can still buy bilums, woven baskets, colorful artwork, and other local crafts, but these sellers are becoming fewer and further between. These changes are at the expense of more modern conveniences, stores, restaurants, and hotels. One can purchase relatively the same items (and even a few more) at stores in Mount Hagen in comparison with Lae, the largest seaport in Papua New Guinea at the beginning of the Highlands Highway on the Huon Gulf.

Mount Hagen has become rapidly urbanized, a number of nicer restaurants and stores have opened up since 2018. Nicer hotels, a nice Western medical clinic, and upgrading of existing infrastructure have brought a lot more people into Mount Hagen from several surrounding provinces and it continues to become the dominating force in the Highlands, as people come to shop, trade, sell, hang out, and work in the growing city.

The city sits at an elevation of above sea level with a pleasant climate year round, with temperatures between 75 and 85 °F year-round (24-29 °C) and rain most afternoons.

By plane
Mount Hagen's Kagamuga Airport (HGU) is an international airport, and is the second-busiest airport in Papua New Guinea behind Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport. Papua New Guinea's two major airlines (Air Niugini and PNG Air) serve the airport, as do a few smaller carriers including MAF and Hevilift. These operate charter flights to cities such as Port Moresby, Goroka, Lae, Madang, or remote bush locations. There are no regular international flights to the airport. Port Moresby is the only airport in PNG with regular international flights.

Air Niugini connects Mount Hagen several times daily with Port Moresby. From here, Air Niugini flights can be taken all over the country anywhere that Air Niugini services. Air Niugini is the preferred airline for tourists travelling to and around PNG, as they follow strict schedules and are fairly reliable. They also have a broader network and wider fleet. Prices are a bit more expensive than PNG Air's prices, but definitely worth it. As of 2023, Air Niugini's planes are breaking down, and it is trying to fulfill its normal schedules with fewer planes until new aircraft arrive. In 2023 - 2024, cancellations are plaguing the entire network.

PNG Air flies domestically to Port Moresby and a couple of other towns. It is the only airline in PNG to offer routes between cities without going through Port Moresby. It has service from HGU to Goroka, Lae (Nadzab Airport), Madang, Tari, and Kiunga. Prices are cheap, but flights are not reliable. Delays and cancellations are frequent and abrupt. If flying with PNG Air, check for notifications about your flight, and inquire often as to the status of your flight (no flight board in Mount Hagen and the board in Port Moresby is not updated immediately). They won't tell you if you don't ask repeatedly. Not for the fussy or impatient!

Weather moves through Mount Hagen every afternoon around 2-4PM, with rain usually accompanied by thunder and lightning. Planes in PNG are not allowed to land if there is thunder and lightning in the vicinity of the airport. It is best to book a flight as early in the morning as possible (there are plenty in the morning) from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen or vice versa. Afternoon flights run the risk of being delayed or cancelled, as they are taken on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes flights receive word at the last minute whether to take off or stay grounded. If your flight is scheduled for the afternoon, talk with your airline to try to switch to a better time.

In the event of a tribal fight (which occasionally occur), sabotage and/or closure of the airport (as occurred several times during the 2022 PNG General Election), or feuds with Puma (supplier of jet fuel to airlines in PNG) an alternative is to fly Air Niugini or PNG Air into Wapenamanda (WBM) (small incorporated place two hours to the northwest, in Enga Province) or Goroka (GKA) and either drive or request transportation into Mount Hagen. Flights to Wapenamanda are a bit more pricey, but worth it for an extra measure of safety. Goroka has more flights into and out of it, but is further away. Keep in mind that tribal fights or airport closure are very rare, and are not likely to impact your travel schedule.

Upon arrival at Mount Hagen Kagamuga Airport, there are (expensive) hire car options. These counters are to your right upon entrance into the baggage carousel. There are a few local options, but international hire car companies as Avis, Budget, and Hertz all have service in Mount Hagen.

By road
The Highlands Highway runs roughly east–west through the center of town. This road forms the backbone of PNG's limited road network. To the west, the highway splits at Togoba Junction (12 minutes from Town) and goes southwest to Mendi (2½ hours), Nipa (4½ - 5 hours), and Tari (8 - 9 hours, the western terminus of the Highlands Highway). It goes northwest to Wapenamanda (1½ - 2 hours), Wabag (5 hours) and Porgera (8 hours). The road continues east from Mount Hagen to Banz (50 min - turn left off the Highlands Highway at Kudjip, site of a large Nazarene hospital, and continue for 7 km (4.35 mi) more), Kundiawa (1¾ hours), Goroka (4 hours) Kainantu (about 5½ hours) Ramu Highway (about 6½ hours), and Lae (about 9 hours, port city and eastern terminus). This road is very steep in many sections and has some harrowing curves. It goes nearly straight up from Lae and reaches its highest point at Daulo Pass Summit (2478 m above sea level) about half an hour north-northwest of Goroka. It remains between about 1500 m and 1700 m for the remainder of its length. The steep inclines and sharp curves make for prime theft locations, so always be prepared for a raskol (bandit) road block. These are often people stopping cars and asking for money for alcohol. Or they just spent time "fixing the road" and want money for your use of the road. They will recognize you are a foreigner and will ask for more money, often K20. K2 or K5 will get you through usually. Sometimes, however, the road will be blocked to everyone because of tribal fights or election drama. Nobody can get through these sections.

The driving is very challenging because at times you're flying along at 90 km/h with the road in great shape, but at other times you're crawling along at 20 km/h or less due to road construction, slow vehicles on long climbs, or sections of altogether missing pavement. The roads are also frequently washed out and riddled with potholes or just do not have pavement. Other times the road is muddy and slick. In these situations, 4-wheel drive is a necessity. Things also frequently cross in front of you, often without warning. If you hit a person, or a pig, do not stop if you can avoid it. This may seem counter-intuitive, but it is for your own safety and the safety of your passengers. The locals will demand compensation, and if you do not leave the scene, they will use force to make you pay. Drive away from the scene as fast as you can (or as fast as the road will allow) and then inquire about the nearest police station. They will know what to do to settle down the tense situation.

The Ramu Highway (mentioned previously) is a major highway in PNG running through the Ramu Valley going north to Madang (a shipping port and resort town, 12 hours from Mount Hagen). At Madang, it becomes the North Coast Highway and runs along the coast of the Pacific Ocean (very stunning drive) to Bogia (three hours from Madang).

The Highlands Highway through Mount Hagen is a four-lane road with stoplights, street lamps, turn lanes, sidewalks, and a median in town. The updated highway runs from Kaiwe (a market and the recognized west end of town) through the central business district, and through Dobel and Tega (settlements along the highway with stores and industry) before ending at Mount Hagen Kagamuga Airport. Travel time to the airport is roughly 15 minutes from downtown, and travel time to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital (best large hospital in the region) is 45 minutes over a nicely paved road.

Get around
This is a tricky topic to cover because, there is not much to cover! Besides the Highlands Highway and Kum Road (major road south of the Highlands Highway) there are not really road names in the city. Sure, all of the roads have names, but there are no street signs saying which road is which (except along the highway) and nobody knows the names of the roads. To make matters worse, Google Maps (which has the names of all the roads) is not accurate a lot of the time. Don't rely on Google Maps to give you directions to a restaurant or hotel, it will make you get lost, if anything!

The easiest way to get directions to where you are going is to ask the locals. When they give you directions, listen carefully. The directions are based on landmarks, so always pay attention when listening (to know what the landmark is) and when driving to your destination (to look for the landmark and make your turn). The town isn't that big (only about 4.0 mi (6.5 km) from west to east, and only about a mile (1.6 km) wide, and there aren't many businesses or attractions in the countryside, so it's relatively hard to get lost. The Highlands Highway roughly bisects the town, so you can always ask which side of the Highway your destination is on. Most businesses are on the north side of the highway and most residences and guesthouses are on the south side of the Highway.

The Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) deserve a mention here. Most guidebooks for Papua New Guinea (especially Lonely Planet) heavily rely on and promote the use of PMVs to navigate around the country on its limited road network. Do not follow that advice: no matter where you are, PMVs are not safe to ride in, particularly in the Highlands. Do not hop on one of these (that is, large Hino trucks with tarps over the bed and sides, the large, 27-seater Toyota Coaster minibuses, or smaller 15-passenger Toyota HiAce vans) on your own, and only with a local you can absolutely trust - which is very few. Arrange transportation with your hotel before you go anywhere - they will usually arrange transport for a fee - and have someone to help escort you and keep you safe. The only safe PMVs are chartered PMVs, so if you must transport a group of people, charter a PMV. Also, if you are driving, pay attention to the PMVs. They like to drive wherever and however they want, and very fast. Through town, they stop across the street from Chinatown (the long row of stores along the Highway in the center of town) and that can make for some slow going traffic. Things get clogged up quickly, especially on Mondays and Fridays, which are the busiest days in town.

See
While Mount Hagen is PNG's third-largest city, there isn't really much here to see. However, these items following are the most interesting if you're looking for entertainment.

Do
There aren't many things to do in town, but some attractions in the area include:

Buy
Mount Hagen has a wide range of stores in town and local vendors selling the work of their hands.
 * Local Crafts, including Sepik carvings, traditional necklaces, baskets, figurines, and various ornaments can be found at some of the larger hotels, including Hotel Poroman, Rondon Ridge Lodge, Highlander Hotel. Buy from the gift shops, or local sellers who set up stalls within the hotel courtyards. Just ask at the hotel entrances. Crafts can also be found from sellers outside Best Buy Supermarket in town. "Bilum Boulevard" (not a recognized name) located along the airport properties has hundreds of bilums for sale, as well as fresh produce and sometimes local art. Be sure to shop around before you buy, as prices can be extremely variable. Sellers will also raise the price for tourists, especially from Europe and North America. Bargaining to bring down the price is okay (especially if it is higher than you expect to pay) but it may drive the seller away.
 * Tininga is the largest store chain in town, operating several grocery stores, a restaurant, butchery, bakery, and two hardware stores. These stores are the place to get your basic food needs met and other items. Hagen Central is the largest store and has a very wide variety of food and ingredients (anything from Indian to Thai to Mexican or American, and even Greek sometimes). There are also other stores in the complex as well.

Eat
With more modernization comes more nice restaurants. There are a handful of good spots in and around town. The list below showcases some of the best. Should you be adventurous, try these options:
 * Banz Kofi Kave is located a few hundred meters south of Kagamuga Airport. Home to Banz Kofi roasters (best local coffee), DHL, and a nice restaurant. Calm and relaxing atmosphere (except when a helicopter lands just across the road) inside the stone walls. A shaded outdoor seating area has a fish pond, small waterfall, and greenery, while a cool inside features products. Frequented by local politicians, business owners, wealthy expats, and missionaries. Open mainly for breakfast and lunch, with dishes ranging from K25 to K40. Smoothies, milkshakes, fresh juices, and coffee ranges from K8 to K20. A variety of soft drinks are available. Inside a secure fenced area.
 * Kofi Kai is Tininga's restaurant and coffee shop. Located inside Hagen Central shopping center, it is the quickest sit-down restaurant in town. Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mains range from K25 to K55, and there are frequent specials or events. Coffee and juices cost between K8 and K12, many dessert options available (including Mount Hagen's only soft-serve ice cream distributor - when the machine works, that is). Nachos, fish and chips, surf-n-turf, garlic prawns, chicken parm, and their signature kai bowls are some of the best choices. Also has a kids' menu. Seating outside, inside, or upstairs.
 * Keta Kai Restaurant located inside the Hagen Club (near the market) is an original Mount Hagen favorite. Prices are low (K25 to K50 for a large meal) service is friendly, and the food is very tasty. Fish and chips, nasi goreng, chicken schnitzel, KKR burger, and steak sandwiches are some of the best choices. Wide range of soft drinks (as well as SP Lager beer) available.
 * Signature Epicure is by far the nicest restaurant in town. Located inside Sir Mara Haus, secure parking next to the Highway. Strict dress code. Men must wear a collared shirt and long pants and women must wear a skirt in order to be seated inside. Waiters place white napkins on your laps, and the atmosphere is very classy. Mains range from K40 to K80, though some items, such as larger steaks, can go for K100 to K120. The food is very good. Complementary bread baskets are served as well. If you are with a large group (more than ten or so people) your food may take awhile (up to an hour or more). Build your own pasta, fajitas (brought out on a sizzling wood plate), nasi goreng, wok chili pork (order to your level of spicyness), chicken parm, and pizza are some of their best choices. Kids menu available. Best pizza in town (many kinds, very large, offers takeaway).
 * Rondon Ridge Lodge also has a restaurant on site. Because of the breathtaking views, the prices are expensive, but the food is good. Mains are between K55 and K80, and features scotch filet, fish and chips, Cajun chicken, Rondon burger, and others. Same dress code as Signature Epicure.

 * Chetty's Restaurant east of the market, is usually empty, but has some good curries.
 * Big Rooster is an Australian fried chicken restaurant, and the only restaurant in town with a drive-thru. East of the market and just next door to Chetty's Restaurant. Be prepared to wait a good 45 minutes for fried chicken and fries (not so fast "fast" food).
 * Kai Bars are scattered around the country but you'll need an iron stomach to process their food. The food is very greasy. The best (and safest) kai bar in town is Super7 Kai Bar, located inside the Puma gas station on the west side of town, just past Bulldog Supplies and at the same intersection as the Highlander Hotel. The best food to order is chicken and chips. Both are cooked well (and thoroughly) and seasoned very well.

Drink
SP Lager beer is the primary alcohol in Mount Hagen, though such brands as Niugini Ice or Pacific Lager can be found. SP can be bought at a few restaurants, including the Hagen Club. The Hagen Club, as well as Rondon Ridge Lodge, also has a bar with more options. The largest bar is located at Signature Epicure (inside the big red and blue high rises) and has many beers, wines, whiskeys, and other spirits. The minimum legal drinking age in PNG is 18 (sorry for French teenagers, lucky for underage Americans). These are safe to drink if you so choose. Do not drink alcohol locally brewed: the alcohol content is extremely high and is harmful to your health. If you see someone roaming the streets in a drunken stupor, that would be why. And remember, "keep your cool, don't drink like a fool (SP billboard in town)."

Connect
PNG's three major phone providers (Digicel, B-Mobile, and Vodafone) serve the city. A SIM card with a PNG number needs to be bought and put in your phone in order to make calls or send texts to PNG phone numbers. These providers sell units to make calls and texts. Data is also available. There are numerous top up stations for each provider scattered throughout the city. FoneHaus, PNG's largest phone seller has two branches in Mount Hagen (located in Hagen Central shopping center and Hagen Plaza center in downtown) that sell cheap, unlocked smartphones. The Digicel store is located in Hagen Plaza in downtown and the Vodafone store is located in Hagen Central.

The country code is +675 which is followed by an eight digit phone number. Landlines have a +675 country code with a seven digit phone number following.

Go next
Because Mount Hagen is situated in the heart of the country, there are many interesting places to go after your stay.
 * Goroka in the Eastern Highlands province is another major town (and Eastern Highlands provincial capital) on the Highlands Highway east towards Lae and Madang. While nicer than Mount Hagen many years ago, it has since deteriorated. The town has a few stores, one halfway decent hotel, and is centered around a busy airport. JK Macarthy Museum has some interesting colonial and World War II artifacts and information.
 * Baiyer River Wildlife Sanctuary is north of Mount Hagen. It covers an area of 740 ha, and has 185 bird species, including species of the national bird, the bird of paradise, and 8 mammals. Head north out of town and drive for about two hours (there is a misleading fork in the road, where the road turns to the left, but also goes straight. Turn to the left, about 6 km north of town, to get to Baiyer Sanctuary)
 * Kuk UNESCO World Heritage Site is located just northeast of the airport. This is the site of a swamp that has been continually farmed for between 7000 - 10,000 years, and provides a glimpse into early farming methods. This site is "off the beaten path" so to speak, and is not very widely known or visited. Discover your inner Indiana Jones!

title: Mount Hagen


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Mthatha

Mthatha (formerly called Umtata) was once the capital of the former Transkei homeland of South Africa, but is now one of the larger towns in the Eastern Cape. If you're heading to the Wild Coast it's the last place to get decent provisions.

By car
The N2 highway runs directly through Mthatha and allows easy connections to Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London to the south, and Durban to the north.

The R61 regional road goes east to Port St Johns on the coast, and west to Queenstown and to the mountainous and relatively remote interior.

By train
As of 2023, there are no passenger services to Mthatha. The daily service from East London was cancelled in 2017.

See
A must-see is the Nelson Mandela Museum (open weekdays and on Saturday till noon) and its beautiful craft shop of the Ithemba project.

Hospitals
Life St Mary's Private Hospital
 * St Mary's is a 140-bedded private hospital. It is the only private healthcare facility serving the former Transkei region. All the major specialities are represented and a 24-hour GP run casualty unit caters to most types of medical emergencies. The hospital accepts all medical aids, and self-funding patients are also welcome. Rates are the same as those of other Life Healthcare Hospitals elsewhere in the country. The hospital is centrally located at 30 Durham street and is easily accessible off Nelson Mandela drive, close to the Nelson Mandela Museum. When you enter Mthatha from the airport you will be able to see the bright red hospital tower above the surrounding rooftops. Tel: +27 47 505 5600.

Sleep
There are numerous places to stay in the town, and finding accommodation is usually not difficult.

Go next

 * East to the Wild Coast and Durban.
 * Southwest to East London and Port Elizabeth
 * West to Queenstown

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Mthatha


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Mt. Lebanon

Mt. Lebanon is an affluent suburb in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, about seven miles south of Downtown Pittsburgh. Uptown Mt. Lebanon, a business district along Washington Road in the northern part of the township, is one of the more prominent business districts in the area outside of Pittsburgh itself.

Get in
By car, the quickest way from Downtown Pittsburgh is to take the Liberty Tunnel and Liberty Avenue south until it becomes Washington Road (U.S. Route 19) upon entering Mt. Lebanon.

The “PRT”, or Pittsburgh Regional Transit, provides public transit access from Pittsburgh to Mt. Lebanon - including the trolley or "T" as locals refer to it-!light rail service. The RED LINE rail will take you from Downtown through the small suburbs of Dormont and Brookline to Mt. Lebanon station, which will put you directly in Uptown Mt. Lebanon. The RED LINE stops at Castle Shannon, a suburb located due east of Mt. Lebanon and continues south to serve South Hills Village, a mall just beyond the southern end of Mt. Lebanon.

title: Mt. Lebanon


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Mtskheta

Mtskheta (მცხეთა) is a town lot about 8,000 people (2014) 15 km north of Tbilisi in the Kartli region of Georgia.

Understand
Mtskheta was the capital of the ancient eastern Georgian kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. It is of extraordinary importance to the Georgian people and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was here that Georgia adopted Christianity in AD 334 and it remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Mtskheta is of primary interest to anyone interested in Georgian history or Orthodox Christianity.

Get in
Mtskheta lies at the junction of the Georgian Military Highway and the main road that connects Gori with Tbilisi.

By marshrutka
Marshrutkas run regularly every day of the week between Tbilisi's Didube market and the main street in Mtskheta. From the Didube metro station, walk out to the left of the metro tracks (when coming from city center), cross a street and in the next lot you'll find the —ask around. In the south-east corner of the lot, there is a 'cash desk' where you can buy a ticket for the marshrutka. The cost to Mtskheta is 2 lari per person, or pay the driver directly and exactly this amount. Some will try to extort more, expecting you not to care much. Bring a map and stop near the historic center of Mtskheta. Otherwise, the marshrutkas continue to the Mtskheta bus station which is 500 m north of Mtskheta's cathedral. There are fewer marshrutka drivers operating on Sundays and that this mode of transportation therefore becomes less dependable and more crowded.

By train
Mtskheta lies on the Tbilisi-Kutaisi railway and thus any trains connecting these cities will pass Mtskheta.

By taxi
You can take a taxi from Tbilisi or book a guided tour. To make sure you can get back to Tbilisi without problems get a phone number of a cab company before heading to Mtskheta, they will send someone to pick you up for the way back.

Get around
Mtskheta is small enough that it is possible to see the entire town on foot. The one exception is Jvari Monastery, far from the town center on top of a mountain. As there is no public transport to Jvari, it may be best to hire a cab in town (expect to pay 15 lari for the return trip), or take the shuttle offered by the tourist office opposite the Cathedral, at a cost of 5 lari per person, to Jvari Monastery. Although hiking up is possible, it probably wouldn't be wise as the walk involves a stretch of main road with blind bends and characteristically chaotic driving.

Events

 * If you happen to be in Mtzkheta in October, do not miss the Georgian Air Balloon Open Competition.
 * Mtskheta City Festival is held annually on 14 October around the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Folk dances, music, crafts and religious events all happen there.

Buy
There are some traders and a small shop in front of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where you can buy souvenirs and drinks.
 * There is also a relatively

Eat
There are several cafes in Mtskheta, but one deserves special recognition:
 * Another extremely popular place is

Drink
Those who want to visit discos and nightclubs must drive to Tbilisi.

Go next

 * The Georgian Military Highway runs north through the mountains to the Russian border. The next sizeable town north from Mtskheta is Dusheti
 * Gori, to the west, is easy to reach
 * Tbilisi

title: Mtskheta


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Mtwara

Mtwara is a city in Pembwe and the Southeast region of Tanzania.

Get in
There are several buses daily from Dar es Salaam which you can take from Ubungo, Temeke or Mbagala bus stations. Average travel time is about 8 hours. During the rainy season parts of the road can get flooded; it's usually still passable but this can add significantly to the journey time. The companies operating the route change regularly. When picking a bus go for one with four seats in a row, the ones with five can be pretty cramped. Sitting in the back half of the bus can be somewhat traumatic during the non-paved part of the journey.

From Lindi there are buses throughout the morning; in the afternoon you can make the journey by first getting a bus to Mnazi Mmoja (Mingoyo) then catching an onward bus from there (~2 hours).

From Masasi there are buses throughout the day the last one leave around mid afternoon (about 4 or 5 hours).

From Newala there is a bus in the morning, after that there are pickups throughout the day (these can be packed and quite painful on the dirt road).

From Mozambique there are pickups that meet the public transport arriving the other side of the border.

Precision Air also fly from Dar es Salaam; their timetable is erratic.

Get around
Mtwara was designed to be a major town and exporter of ground nuts, however when the ground nut scheme collapsed before it was started, the town never really finished being built. As a result the town is spread out, which can leave you with a bit of a walk to get between places. Bicycles are a great way to get around town and can be hired from the market for Tsh 2000-3000 per day.

Taxis, Tuktuks (little three wheeled vehicles called bajaji in Swahili), and motorbike taxis (pikipiki in Swahili) are available around town. Expect to pay Tsh 2000-4000 for a taxi journey about town, Tsh 1000-2000 for a bajaji and Tsh 1000 for a motobike taxi.

See
If you do nothing else in this beautiful coastal town, you must go to the fish market. Simply ask, "Soko la samaki liko wapi?" and you will be on your way. It is beautiful and Swahili Tanzania at its finest.

Do
Mtwara offers great diving in the Indian ocean.

Sleep
There are plenty of guest houses in the Tsh 4,000-30,000 range around town, many clustered near the bus stand. Quality varies but you'll get what you pay for. Tell a taxi or tuktuk (bajaji) driver how much you want to spend and they'll take you to somewhere appropriate.

Stay safe
In general Mtwara is a safe town, however it is best to take caution after dark. A good rule of thumb is if there are other people around it's probably safe, if it's deserted it's probably best to take a vehicle. This is especially true in the residential areas around the town center.

Go next

 * Dar es Salaam. There are a number of buses each day, all of which leave at or around 6AM and take about 8 hours
 * Lindi
 * Newala

title: Mtwara


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Mua

Mua Village, Mua Mission and the KuNgoni Centre of Culture and Art are in the Dedza district of Malawi.

Understand
A nineteenth-century Roman Catholic mission station that has spawned a museum of cultural history unsurpassed in the region and an organisation for marketing the incredibly imaginative and complex work of local carvers and sculptors.

Get in
Mua is just off the road between Salima and Balaka (the M5), about 50km south of Salima and just north of the junction with for Cape Maclear (the M10). The turning for the dirt road up to Mua is on your left if you are heading north (up the M5) and is signposted "Mua Parish".

See

 * KuNgoni Centre of Culture and Art, +265 (0)9 511 884, (0)9 294 320, . Next to Mua Mission and a short walk from the village. KuNgoni offers visitors an excellent cultural museum with rooms about Chewa, Ngoni and Yao cultures as well as a history of Christianity in Malawi.  Tours of the museum cost around $5 per person.  There is a library / research centre on the cultures of Malawi, and KuNgoni run cultural courses and programmes for groups and individuals, which can include performances of traditional dances and songs.  There is a gallery selling high-quality carvings and other art work from over 100 local artists. (Comprehensive information is on the website.)
 * The church and mission buildings give an insight into the nature of the nineteenth-century missions to Africa.
 * You can also explore the surrounding village, where you can be certain of a friendly welcome.

Do
The museum is a little deceptive in that it packs a vast amount of material into a relatively small space. By the look of the buildings, you might think a couple of hours will be ample. But if you really want to understand the local cultures and their traditions, the best thing you can do anywhere in Malawi (or indeed most of southern Africa) is to spend a few days at Mua, and spend a couple of hours each morning and a couple each afternoon in the museum.

Buy
Most of the carvings and sculptures available in tourist shops in Malawi are made at Mua. While you are here, you can buy them at around half the price you would pay elsewhere –- and the money goes directly to the carvers. The range on display is only a fraction of what is available, so it is well worth asking for permission to spend some time sorting through the rooms full of work for that extra special something.

If there is something in particular that you would like carved, they also take commissions.

You can also buy books about Malawian culture here, including some on local cultures by the founder of the KuNgoni Museum, Claude Boucher.

Eat
Meals can be arranged for around $7.50 per person.

Sleep
Chalet accommodation is available from KuNgoni for around $20 per night (including breakfast).

title: Mua


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Muang Khua

Muang Khua is a small town in Phongsali Province of northern Laos. Most people use it as a transit town (the halfway point between several other places), but it has its own charm.

Get in
Muang Khua can be reached from four directions: the Nam Ou river crosses through it from north to south, while the roads head east and west.

By road
To the west, lies the transit hub of Muang Xay. In the east, the road connects Muang Khua to the northernmost border crossing with Vietnam, near the Vietnamese city of Dien Bien Phu. Buses leave daily from Dien Bien Phu's bus station early in the morning. Travel time is around 5 hours, including customs.

Buses from Muang Xay stop 2 km away on the west side (35,000 kip for the bus and 5,000 kip for a collective tuk-tuk to the town centre).

By boat
Muang Khua is about halfway between Phongsali in the north and the backpacker-popular village of Muang Ngoi Neua, with connections further south to Luang Prabang.

Tickets can be bought from the boat dock, half an hour before the boat leaves. From the visitors centre, with the market in front of you, turn left and take the first street right. It is at the end of this road (you will have walked past three guesthouses and be on a downward slope). The boat to Muang Ngoi Neua and Nong Khiaw leaves at 09:30. Tickets to Muang Ngoi Neua (written Muang Ngoy on the boat dock sign) are 100,000 kip. Tickets to Nong Khiaw (an hour south of Muang Ngoy) are 120,000 kip. Boats may not leave if there are not enough people (~12 people per boat) (Oct 2013) unless they are chartered. Do not expect the boats to operate more often than once in a few days.

Due to the Ou River 3 Hydro Power Station you have to change the boats and go with a songthaew around the dam/power plant. The songthaew transfer is included in the ticket price (Jun. 2018)

Get around
Muang Khua can be covered by foot.

See

 * The old suspension bridge, where you can watch the river and often fishermen

Buy

 * There are two ATMs in town. The tourist centre said this was new. (Nov 2013). It is possible to change dollars and baht. There are two places in town that change money at reasonable rates (Jun 2012). The banks may close at 15:30 and not be open on weekends.
 * The market is opposite tourist info in a curved roof shed. There are stalls with toiletries, clothes and food.

Eat

There are three restaurants on the road to the boat ramp. Drinks, 7-15,000 kip, Meals, 25–35,000 kip.

Across from lao development bank out the front of a restaurant sticky rice is sold for 10,000k a kilo, locals will be impressed by this purchase.

Sleep

 * There are a few guesthouses on the road to the boat ramp. The tourist office also has a map of the area with others.

Connect

 * Wi-Fi not available at most guesthouses, but computers are available
 * Chalernsouk Guesthouse offers kiosk computers with internet for 10,000 kip an hour
 * As of Feb 2024, there are a lot of mobile providers, where you could get a sim card and wifi, on restaurants

Go next

 * Muang Ngoi Neua by boat, 5 hours, 100,000 kip. Boat leaves at 9:30am most days but you should arrive 30 minutes before to buy your ticket. Fantastic trip worth doing just for the scenery. Operators will often try to charge 200,000 if the boat is only half full even if they are already going, since they have a monopoly on the route. Many backpackers end up waiting a day in town for prices to fall
 * Muang Xay
 * Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam the local bus is leaving around 7am, tickets on the bus station

title: Muang Khua


text:
Muang Long

Muang Long is a city in Northern Laos.

Understand
The small town of Muang Long is the administrative centre of Long District, a mountainous district west of Muang Sing that shares a 50 km-long border with Myanmar. Around ten different ethnic groups live in the district, including the Akha, who are the most numerous, the Tai Lue, the Hmong, and the Lahu.

The town itself may be relatively uninteresting to most travellers, but treks to the numerous surrounding minority villages can offer very unadulterated experiences of local minority life. Muang Long lies between Muang Sing (45 km) and Xieng Kok (35 km).

Get in
There are buses from Muang Sing (at 09:00, 11:00, 13:?? and 15:30 for 30.000 Kip) and Xieng Kok.

A daily bus leaves from the district bus station in Luang Namtha around 08:00–08:30 in the morning, although you should be there by 07:30 to guarantee a seat. Tickets from/to Luang Namtha are 60,000 kip, and the trip takes 3–4 hours.

Do
Trekking. The town sees even fewer visitors than in previous years these days, but the Tourist Information Office around 600 m east of the bus station remains open most days and organizes 2-5-day treks to the surrounding villages.

Eat
Family restaurant across the street from Thatsany Guesthouse and the Chinese supermarket, with the English word "Restaurant" in its sign. Good fried rice for 20,000 kip and a selection of other Lao dishes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but may close around 19:00. No English spoken, but a menu on the wall has English translations.

Noodle soup stands at the Eastern end of the market for a good breakfast or lunch for 10,000 kip.

There are a couple of other restaurants by the Eastern entrance to the market.

The market has fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as some fried items and ready-made sauces and dishes.

Drink
Fanta Club near the bus station attracts locals at night.

Some roadside stalls have karaoke.

Sleep

 * Thatsany Guesthouse. Probably the nicest accommodation in town. 80,000 kip for double, 100,000 kip for twin with two large beds. Large, comfortable rooms, private bathrooms with Western toilets and hot showers. 400 meters east of the bus station on the main road, Route 17B.
 * Cola Guesthouse. Fairly new two-storey guesthouse 450 meters east of the bus station.
 * Cola Guesthouse. Fairly new two-storey guesthouse 450 meters east of the bus station.

Go next

 * Muang Sing 2-3 times a day from the local bus station. 25,000 kip, 1-1.5 hours.
 * Xieng Kok

title: Muang Long


text:
Muang Ngeun

Muang Ngeun is a town in Northern Laos.

Understand
Muang Ngeun isn't really a town, but series of mostly Tai Lue villages spread out along the road.

Border from Ban Huay Kon
The main reason to come to Muang Ngeun is to cross the border from Ban Huay Kon (Thailand). Many don't know it, but the border with Thailand (Ban Huay Kon–Muang Ngeun) has been open for a year or two. You can get a visa-on-arrival on both sides of the border. You need to bring a picture for the visa.

The bus onwards to Udom Xai is at 12:00, so if you don't want to spend a night in Muang Ngeun – not a bad thing – you should cross the border in the morning.

By bus

 * Bus from Pak Beng.
 * Bus from Oudomxai.

It's also possible to get the slow boat heading north from Pak Beng (departs 08:30) to drop you at the road to Muang Ngeun. Costs 30,000 kip. At the top of the hill is a sort of bus station (empty car park with a hut by the entrance with a friendly Lao in it). From there you can get transport for 30,000 kip to Muang Ngeun.

Do
You can take a walk on the main road to see the wats. There are also nice views of rice fields. The locals do not regularly see falangs, so be prepared to be gawked at, especially by the kids.

Go next

 * Bus to Hongsa.
 * Bus to Muang Xay at 12:00 from the bus station (near the market). Stops in Pak Beng. also.

title: Muang Ngeun


text:
Muang Ngoi Neua

Muang Ngoi Neua is a small riverside village in Northern Laos wedged in between karst mountains at the confluence of the Nam Ngoi and the Nam Ou rivers. It's a low-key destination in a stunning location. Interesting hikes can be made to tribal villages in the area.

One of the tribal villages Sop Chem is easily accessible by private boat from Muang Ngoi (150k Nov 2022), 45 minutes upstream. There is a guesthouse there with a beautiful garden area and stunning views which was renovated during the CoViD lockdowns.

From the south
Three minivans per day travel from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw [Nov22](3½ hours, 09:00 & 11:00 (70,000 kip when bought at the North bus station, 125,000, including tuk tuk, when bought from your hotel, tuk-tuk 35-50k pp). From there, take the connecting 1-hour boatride (daily, 11:30 & 13:30, 50,000 kip).

From the north
Grab the 5-hour boatride from Muang Khua (200-350k kip Nov 2022). The price depends on the number of people travelling and their haggling skills (starting price for whole boat was quoted as 2.5m Nov 2022 but can be had much cheaper).

See

Eat
All restaurants on the main road of the village cater pretty much exclusively to tourists, hence menus are in English only. Perhaps surprisingly, prices are (so far) mostly on par with what you would pay in Northern Laos' towns, maybe a bit more for certain dishes. Most guesthouses also run a restaurant. Lao and Western favourites are readily available, but service is often slow - consider it part of the overall atmosphere.

Sleep

 * Now also have four rooms in a concrete building with a veranda, with nice views. In low season 50,000 kip for concrete bungalows, 40,000 for wooden ones.
 * Aloune guesthouse. Offers bungalows with river view, mosquito net, fan, attached bathroom, balcony with hammock, 60,000 kip, not to be confused with Aloune Mai above.
 * Now also have four rooms in a concrete building with a veranda, with nice views. In low season 50,000 kip for concrete bungalows, 40,000 for wooden ones.
 * Aloune guesthouse. Offers bungalows with river view, mosquito net, fan, attached bathroom, balcony with hammock, 60,000 kip, not to be confused with Aloune Mai above.
 * Now also have four rooms in a concrete building with a veranda, with nice views. In low season 50,000 kip for concrete bungalows, 40,000 for wooden ones.
 * Aloune guesthouse. Offers bungalows with river view, mosquito net, fan, attached bathroom, balcony with hammock, 60,000 kip, not to be confused with Aloune Mai above.
 * Now also have four rooms in a concrete building with a veranda, with nice views. In low season 50,000 kip for concrete bungalows, 40,000 for wooden ones.
 * Aloune guesthouse. Offers bungalows with river view, mosquito net, fan, attached bathroom, balcony with hammock, 60,000 kip, not to be confused with Aloune Mai above.
 * Now also have four rooms in a concrete building with a veranda, with nice views. In low season 50,000 kip for concrete bungalows, 40,000 for wooden ones.
 * Aloune guesthouse. Offers bungalows with river view, mosquito net, fan, attached bathroom, balcony with hammock, 60,000 kip, not to be confused with Aloune Mai above.

In the off season the number of empty guest houses can see prices fall as low as 30,000 kip/night.

Cope

 * As of June 2018, there are still no ATMs in Muang Ngoi. Make sure to bring enough cash with you. If you run out of money, you will have to take the 09:30 boat to Nong Khiaw and return on the 11:00 boat. As of August 2019, you can get cash with a credit card and 5% fee at Riverside Bungalows.
 * Bring a torch with you at night  as there are little to no street lights and most of the town goes to bed after sunset.
 * Bring boots/old shoes if you arrive in rainy season, as roads are unpaved and can get muddy.
 * Wi-Fi is available in most guesthouses and restaurants, but is generally slow to painfully slow.

Go next
Take the public boat south to Nong Khiaw (daily, 09:30, 25,000 kip) the onward boat service from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang has been discontinued due to the construction of a dam, or north to Muang Khua (1.2m to 2m kip (Nov 2022) to charter a boat for up to 8 people. The cheaper prices available when they already have a group of people coming south from Muang Khua, so they can charge a fare in both directions) for further overland connections to Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam, and the northernmost Phongsali province. It is also possible to make a one-day hike or kayak trip back to Nong Khiaw.

title: Muang Ngoi Neua


text:
Muang Sing

Muang Sing is a small town in Northern Laos, about 60 km northwest of Luang Namtha. It sits at the far northwestern part of Laos, bordering Myanmar and China's Yunnan Province. Its landscape is predominantly mountainous with elevation ranging between 540 and 2,094 m, traditionally dominated by forest and upland swidden farming.

Understand
Muang Sing has a total population of 23,500 inhabitants, spread over 95 villages. Muang Sing is a traditional Tai Lue, Tai Neua, and Akha cultural nexus, as well as a trade centre for Tai Dam, Hmong, Mien, and Lolo. The most common groups are Akha accounting for about half of the residents followed by Tai Lue accounting for 30%. While Akha primarily inhabit upland areas, Tai Lue villages are some of the province's oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the northern reaches of the Muang Sing valley.

The rainy season lasts from May-Oct. The weather turns cool and dry from Nov-Feb with temperatures dropping as low as 5 °C at night. In this time winter woolies will be needed in the morning and evening. Mar and Apr are the hottest months, with the mercury approaching 40 °C. The average temperature is 25 °C.

By bus
From Luang Namtha small buses depart several times a day from the bus station in the center of town. The trip costs 80,000 kip and takes a bit under 2 hours along a scenic and mostly-sealed road.

From Muang Sing small buses or songthaews (pickup trucks with benches) go to Huay Xai, Xieng Kok and Muang Long.

By motorbike
Scooter or motorbike to Luang Namtha takes about 2 hours.

Get around
To get around Muang Sing tuk-tuks are readily available at the morning market. Bicycles can be rented in town. There is no local public transport in town. A guide can help you get around, some local ones advertise on Facebook.

Do

 * Trekking
 * Gibbon experience

Buy
The local market next to the bus station has some shops, mainly agricultural and household supplies.

There is a supermarket on the bus station/local market road, and another on Xiangle St. which it intersects with.

A lot of cheap goods seem to come here from the Chinese border, such as motorbikes, and Chinese Army training shoes.

Drink

 * Beerlao

Connect
There is at least one internet cafe on OsmAnd and Mapy.cz.

Go next

 * Xieng Kok
 * Muang Long
 * Luang Namtha
 * Huay Xai

title: Muang Sing


text:
Muang Xay

Muang Xay (ເມືອງໄຊ) (also ອຸດົມໄຊ Oudomxay, Udomxai, etc.) is the capital of the multi-ethnic Oudomxay Province, in the Nam Ko River Basin and surrounded by scenic mountains. It's the largest city in Northern Laos and, if you're traveling by land, you'll probably end up here at some point.

Understand
The town is formed by small villages at an important intersection between China and Vietnam, and the city has a multicultural atmosphere.

A free city map can be obtained in the bus station or tourist information centre; the map includes basic information and "things to do". You can get maps online from the Provincial Tourism Department website.

By plane
Lao Airlines has three flights a week from Vientiane (1 hr, full fare US$98). The local ticket reseller is in Litthavixay Guesthouse in the town centre on the main street.

By bus
Muang Xay has a (approx. 6 km down south). The old one in town is now abandoned. Tuktuks from the new one to the city center are 50,000 kip, or the walk takes about an hour. Departure from Luang Namtha to Muang Xay are at 10:00 and 14:00. Bus tickets can be bought in every guest house for 70,000 kip (might be out-of-date as of January 2023, tickets are 80,000 at the terminal). Price includes transportation to the new bus station, a couple of kilometers south of the town.
 * Buses from Luang Namtha cost 80,000 kip and take up to 4 hours. Departures from Muang Xay are at 08:30, 11:30 and 15:00.

 * Buses from Nong Khiaw cost 45,000 kip and take up to 4.5 hours. Departure from Nong Khiaw at 11:00. Departure from Muang Xay (New Bus Terminal) at 10:00.
 * Buses from Luang Prabang cost 120,000 kip, leave three times a day and take about 6 hours.
 * Buses from Kunming cost 350,000 kip (for a sleeper), take up to 15 hours. Departure at 12:00.
 * Other daily buses come from Vientiane, Phongsali, Pak Beng, Muang Khua, and Bokeo. Buses to China also.
 * Schedules can be found here.

By train
Four high speed trains run daily from Vientiane via Phonhong, Vang Vieng, Muang Kasi and Luang Prabang to Muang Xay (3 hours), with two continuing to Luang Namtha and Boten on the border with China. One train per day crosses the border and continues to Kunming, but as of April 2023 this doesn't stop in Muang Xay, you need to travel to Boten to join it.

is 3 km west of town centre.

In town

Nature

Buy
The Thai Ly Handicraft Shop opposite the airport street has some very nice traditional fabrics, bags and clothes.

Sleep
There are a number of decent guesthouses in town. Basic rooms with showers and hot water should cost around 40,000 kip. General room prices in the town centre including TV are around 40,000-70,000 kip. A few minutes from the bus station are places for 50,000 kip including TV and en suite baths. Be sure to bargain if they claim no TV or hot water is 50,000 kip or more.

Then again, as of September 2015 all the cheapest places seem to be asking 70,000 kip even in low season and whether or not they provide Wi-Fi. Haggling the price down by 10,000 is possible in some.

 * December 2023 - hard to find anything under 150,000
 * December 2023 - hard to find anything under 150,000
 * December 2023 - hard to find anything under 150,000
 * December 2023 - hard to find anything under 150,000
 * December 2023 - hard to find anything under 150,000
 * December 2023 - hard to find anything under 150,000

Connect
The Tourist Information Centre two doors from the bridge in the middle of town has free Wi-Fi. They also offer a motorbike and bicycle for rent. Open Monday-Friday 8:00-17:00. Most but not all hotels and guesthouses were providing Wi-Fi as of September 2015. There were several Internet shops in the city, all charging 400 kip/minute. Wi-Fi is available at Lithavixay Guesthouse, quite cheap if you bring your own notebook.

Go next

 * There is a provincial bus station in the town offering bus service to Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Pak Beng, Meuang La, Phongsaly, Vientiane. Buy your ticket an hour in advance.
 * Beside that, just opposite the Sinphet Restaurant, there are international buses from China serving the Kunming to Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang to Kunming route. The international bus will stop around 15 minutes for lunch at the Chinese restaurant just opposite Sinphet Restaurant. A bus all the way to Kunming leaves at about 11:30 and takes 3 hours to the border and, after immigration, another 11 hours. 350,000 kip.

title: Muang Xay


text:
Muar

Muar is the second biggest town and district of the state of Johor, at its northeast, in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Muar is also known by its other name, Bandar Maharani, which means Empress Town.

History and etymology
Muar's name is believed to have originated and derived from its geographical location at the mouth or estuary of Muar River, the Malay words "Muara" which means estuary or mouth of river. Muar is rich in history as mentioned in many historical records and archeological evidences. It is believed that the history of Muar started much earlier than the Sultanate of Malacca which witness the rise and fall of the empire. There were many accounts recorded and said about the history early and modern days of Muar. There are a few famous old historic legends which evolved around the area of Muar namely, Hikayat Malim Deman (Epic of Malim Deman), Legenda Lembing Awang Pulang Ke Dayang (Awang's Spear Return to Dayang Legend) and Legenda Puteri Gunung Ledang (Mount Ledang Princess' Legend).

Geography and climate
Muar District covers 1,354 km2. Muar sits at the mouth of the Muar River, on the coast of the Straits of Malacca. Muar's geographical ground and area generally has a flat terrain. The town is about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, and about the same distance (166 km) northwest of Johor Bahru. It is 45 km south of Malacca Town. It is also 50 km north of Batu Pahat.

Muar as the rest of peninsular Malaysia enjoys a year-round tropical rainforest equatorial climate which is warm, humid and sunny, along with plentiful rainfall, especially during the southwest monsoon season from September to December. The temperatures is between about 22 °C/72 °F (night) and 30 °C/86 °F (day), between 70% and 90% humidity, and an annual total rainfall of about 2400mm. The climate is very much dictated by the adjacent sea and the wind system.

Population and language
Muar has a population of 437,164 (2007) with a multiracial demography, consists of mainly Malay, Chinese, Indian, etc. Beside the local languages like Malays, Chinese (Mandarin and other dialects Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese) and Tamil, English is widely understood and spoken.

Government and administration

 * District Office of Muar/Pejabat Daerah Muar Tel: +60 6-9521021/06-9522615 Fax : 06-9528817
 * Municipal Council of Muar/Majlis Perbandaran Muar (MPM) +60 6-9521204/5/6
 * Muar District Police HQ +60 6-9526222
 * District Hospital: Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital +60 6-9521901
 * Muar District Immigration Department +60 6-9522685

By plane
Nearest airports to Muar are the Malacca (Batu Berendam Airport) with the Johor Bahru (Senai International Airport) and Sepang's KLIA(Kuala Lumpur International Airport) airports located farther afield. There is also the southern neighbour, Singapore's Changi International Airport across the causeway. Transfer by bus or taxi has to be taken to redirect to Muar.

By train
The nearest train railway stations are Segamat with Seremban or Kluang located farther. Transfer by bus or taxi has to be taken to redirect to Muar.

By car
Besides federal roads, Muar is also accessible via the North–South Expressway through the Tangkak and Pagoh interchanges exits which are located 20 km and 30 km from the town, respectively.

If you're driving from Kuala Lumpur on the North South Expressway (NSE), take the Tangkak exit (Interchange 235) and drive on past Sg. Mati and Parit Bunga (on highway 23 and 5). Muar town is about 27 km from the Tangkak exit. If you are driving from Johor Bahru, exit at Pagoh and head to the Muar town.

By bus
There are two bus stations in Muar; Hentian Maharani Bus Station and Bentayan Express Bus Station (formerly Pagoh Bus Station).
 * From Kuala Lumpur (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan(TBS)) - RM16, 2–3 hours. Mayang Sari Express. Hasry Express. Sks KL. Transnasional.
 * From Johor Bahru (2-3 hrs).
 * From Malacca (1 hr or less). SKA (every 15 minutes), Mayangsari (9AM, noon and 4PM), MOS, Orkid.
 * From Batu Pahat Mayangsari Express.
 * From Ipoh, Penang, Alor Star and Northern Malaysia
 * From Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bahru and East Coast
 * From Segamat
 * From Singapore: HKKL Express.
 * From Hat Yai Thailand: HKKL Express.

By taxi
There are also chartered taxi services available below two taxi terminals. These chartered taxis travel within Muar district and outside Muar such as to KLIA International Airport, Kuala Lumpur and even Singapore. They carry up to 4 passengers at a time. The taxis in Muar don't have a metered system, and they often charge according to the travel distant, time and number of passenger.
 * Hentian Maharani Bus Station (+60 6-9529980) (Pakatan Pemandu-pemandu Teksi dan Kereta Sewa Daerah Muar).
 * Hentian Bentayan Bus Station (+60 6-951 5341)(Persatuan Tuan-Tuan Punya Kereta Sewa Daerah Muar).

By boat
Ferry services from Bengkalis and Dumai, Sumatra, Indonesia are available on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, ticketing booth located at and ferries departing from the Custom Jetty at Jalan Maharani at noon. Journey time is just under two hours. Tickets cost RM80/160 one-way/return. (+60 12-6363614) Muar is the only district (besides the state capital Johor Bahru) in Johor that has its own Custom and Excise Duty Department office and checkpoint at its own jetty.

Get around

 * Taxis chartered service (Perkhidmatan Kereta Sewa) at the taxi stands or bus stations.
 * The flat terrain of Muar's geographical ground and areas has enable the extensive use of bicycle and tricycle vehicles as the main and major mode of transportion in Muar. Bike rentals and bike guide: NO-JOB (North Johor On Bike) +60 16–6412716.

Recreation and leisure places

 * Laman Maharani Padang Nyiru - The garden at the new park called Padang Nyiru near the Sultan Ismail bridge, named Laman Maharani, includes a modern clock tower with old English architecture, a mini Roman Colosseum, a neatly manicured lawn, a pavement under leafy trees, a fountain, a dome-shaped pavilion, parking bays and a beautifully-designed seawall. The garden immortalises the old days when the site was a busy trading centre where junks and boats anchored with merchandise and charcoal. It is now a green lung for the town folks and visiting tourists to take leisurely walks and enjoy the natural beauty of the Muar River in the town centre.
 * Pantai Leka, Parit Jawa - A nice sea-side fishing village and the coast is an important stopover and winter feeding ground for 60 bird species of migratory birds including egret, eagle, heron, sandpiper, swift and kingfisher, and efforts is being taken to gazet the area as a bird sanctuary. There are many sea foods, grilled fish and assam pedas stalls and restaurant serving nice delicious foods. GPS coordinates 1.951372N 102.635517E.
 * Sungai Gersik Hot Spring - Kolam Air Panas Sungai Gersik, the natural wonder of hot springs can be found in the district of Muar, about 10 km from Parit Jawa town. The hot spring, with water temperature is estimated at 50 to 70 °C, was discovered over 100 years ago in the peaty area, was believed to have healing power due to its high sulphur content. The hot spring area has chalet, public amenities like toilet, bath room and parking facilities, Muslim prayer room, a children's playground and some shops. The place is opened from 7AM to 7PM. Admission is free to locals and foreigners. GPS Coordinates: GPS 1.940900N 102.741300E.

Religious sites and worship places

 * Kerng Tang Kou Bioh Temple, Muar (粤东古庙) - The temple also fondly called Tua Lau Yah Keng (大老爷宫) in Teochew dialect is located at the Muar Kwangtung Association building at the beginning point of intersection of Jalan Bakri and Jalan Meriam in the town centre was founded by early settlers from Teochew/Chaozhou in 1895, is one of the oldest temples in Muar town. Its name Kerng Tang Kou Bioh (粤东古庙); means "Guangdong's Ancient Temple" was derived from Teochew's geographical location in Kwangtung/Guangdong (粤东/广东) province in China and its ancient Teochew patron deity worshipped at the temple, the "Tua Nang Kong" (大人公) or "Xuántiān Shàngdì" (玄天上帝) (the Lord of Profound Heaven or Black Heavenly Emperor God). It was brought in from the Riau Archipelago, Indonesia by Tan Song Hai (陈松海) for worship in a shop house at Jalan Maharani before it was saved in a fire and relocated and installed at the present temple in 1913. The temple was renovated several times and a major one was when the entrance arch with traditional Chinese temple architecture and the big sitting deity statue at the compound build and erected in 1998. During the "Chap Goh Mei" celebration on the last day of Chinese New Year festival, on the 15th day of first lunar month of Chinese calendar, drove of Taoism devotees will throng to congregate to pray at the temple and to observe a traditional Teochew custom, called "Puak Tau Sai" (博豆狮).
 * San Chai Temple, Parit Unas (善才爷庙) - The Parit Unas' (南亭寺) Nán Tíng Sì Temple was founded by late Dato Kor Thian Peng, the temple's medium who was touted to be the foster son of late Johor Sultan for their good relationship ever since he helped to cure an illness of a Johor Sultan royal family member and conferred the Johor datukship award. According to legend, the temple divine deity god had protected devotees who seek to hide in the temple during 1969 May 13 racial riots and has helps many devotees in many occasions from near and far especially, droving flocks of people to throng the temple to worship especially during the birthday of the divine god, San Chai Yeah (善才爷) on the 23rd day of the 1st moon of Chinese lunar calendar(around January/February after Chinese New Year) every year. A Chinese primary school adjacent to the temple, SRJKC San Chai was built and operates with the aids of the temple and the Sultan's donation.
 * Sian Kong San Temple, Bukit Bakri (神公山庙) - A beautiful and tranquil Buddhist temple located on top of a hill at Bukit Bakri with magnificent scenery.
 * Nagamalai Koil Alaiyam Temple, Bukit Pasir - Snake Hill temple, Bukit Pasir, Muar. Local folks call it Hindu snake temple. This temple, located in the Sime Darby Palm Oil Plantation in Bukit Pasir is said to be a very auspicious temple among Hindus. There are small shrines on the forested hill with cobra and Hindu God statues. According to The Star, Nagamalai Alaiyam is the third most important hill temple in Malaysia after Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur and Thannimalai temple in Penang.
 * Nattukottai Chettiars' Sri Murugan Temple - The oldest Hindu temple in Muar town in Jalan Meriam has a unique and beautiful steeple of the dome with old Indian Hindu achitechture element, but has been torn down as it is now undergoing some major re-construction. It is also fondly known as the Chettiar temple for the contribution of the community in building the temple where local devotees visit for the divine Lord Murugan's blessing since the early days it was built. There is a grand annual celebration with a chariot procession. +60 6–9537358.
 * Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple(ஸ்ரீ முத்து மாரியம்மன் கோவில்) - at 29 Jalan Mohammadiah, Muar held its Hindu consecration ceremony between 8.45am and 9.45am. Annual temple celebration, Amman Festival, celebrated around October end yearly with procession of the Amman Chariot. +60 6-9515470
 * Sri Maha Kaliamman Alaiyam Temple - at Jalan Junid Dalam, Parit Perupok Laut, Muar. Annual temple celebration, Amman Festival, where goat sacrificial offering ceremony held will be celebrated on the first weekend of August yearly. GPS Coordinates: 2 6 56.39N 102 41 38.13 . Tel :016-2533648
 * Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple(ஸ்ரீ முத்து மாரியம்மன் கோவில்) - at 29 Jalan Mohammadiah, Muar held its Hindu consecration ceremony between 8.45am and 9.45am. Annual temple celebration, Amman Festival, celebrated around October end yearly with procession of the Amman Chariot. +60 6-9515470
 * Sri Maha Kaliamman Alaiyam Temple - at Jalan Junid Dalam, Parit Perupok Laut, Muar. Annual temple celebration, Amman Festival, where goat sacrificial offering ceremony held will be celebrated on the first weekend of August yearly. GPS Coordinates: 2 6 56.39N 102 41 38.13 . Tel :016-2533648

Historic places

 * Balai Polis Bukit Kepong - This police station at Bukit Kepong with a history museum is famous for the notorious attack by the communist terrorist on 23 Februari 1950 during the emergengy period.
 * Kubu Bentayan - The last fortress of the retreat Malacca Sultanate soldiers before it falls during the attack of the Portuguese in the 15th century situated at mouth the Sungai Bentayan, the Bentayan Express Bus Station (formerly Pagoh Bus Stand) location now. Another fortress but built by the Portuguese later, Fortaleza de Muar was also believed to be in the same area.
 * Makam Panglima Lidah Hitam, Parit Sakai - The grave of a legendary Malay warrior Panglima Lidah Hitam (the Black Tongue Warrior) or Baginda Zahiruddin from Padang Pariaman, Minangkabau, Sumatera, Indonesia; the founder of Silat Lintau, whose tongue was black colour when he die and buried in Parit Sakai Laut, Jalan Junid.
 * Makam Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah I, Kampung Raja, Pagoh - The tomb of the Malacca Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah I is located at Kampung Raja, Ulu Pagoh. Sultan Alauddin is 7th Sultan of Malacca Sultanate from 1477 to 1488, and he also built a residence palace in Pagoh. GPS Coordinates: 2 9 38.27N 102 45 29.59E.
 * Tapak Sejarah Kota Buruk, Jorak  - The Kota Buruk fortress historical site at Tanjung Selabu, Jorak, Bukit Pasir, Pagoh is where the founder of the Malacca Sultanate, Parameswara, stayed for more than 10 years upon his exile from Temasik before proceeding to Melaka. Another historic site, 'Biawak Busuk', opened by Parameswara, is said also to be located just nearby.
 * Rumah Adat Bugis - Rumah Adat Bugis or Bolla Lopo or literally Bugis Customary House is a traditional Bugis house at Km 19 Parit Pechah, Sri Menanti. It was built 100 years ago by Tahir bin Daeng Mustapha, a descendant of Raja Bugis. In the language of Bugis, 'Bolla' means house and 'Lopo' means big; literally means "Big House". The house design and elements are unique with many beautiful carving and features. It also house many old traditional items. Located at Parit Pecah, along the stretch between Sungai Gersik and Parit Jawa. It's easy to miss, so visitors have to go slow and look out for it on the left while moving towards Parit Jawa Muar or on the right if travelling towards Batu Pahat.

Do

 * Take a relaxing stroll along the scenery riverside from the town to the park, over 1 km away, have a picnic at the beautiful riverside garden and catch the sunset by the beach of the Tanjung Emas Park. Enjoy the scenery with nice landscape of rows of trees and majestic old colonial buildings and pre-war shophouses along the way.
 * Get on the boat and join the river cruising along Muar River at Tanjung Emas jetty. Jeti Tanjung Emas, Tanjung Emas. +60 19–6658827.
 * Have a round of golf at the Tanjung Emas Golf Club in Muar. The Tanjung Emas course may not be a dream golf course but one can surely relax and enjoy a round of golf in cool soothing breezes. But beware of the wayward wind which can play havoc with your game which can be treacherous and may even blow away your ball. The par-35 (2,721 m) 9-hole layout is a flat and short golf course, but challenges come in many forms: the wind, large ponds, numerous 0.B. markers and sand traps provide it all. The course is open to the golfing public armed with handicaps. +60 6 9521550
 * Muar is touted to be food haven for gluttons. Check out the Eat section, plan and have a round of nice local foods at the many eating places in town.
 * Try having a big catch by fishing at the Muar River at a few local anglers's favourite fishing spots, i.e. Tanjung Emas, Tanjung Ketapang, Tanjung Agas, the Sultan Ismail Bridge.
 * Go for the adventurous freshwater prawn (udang galah) fishing at Panchor, Grisek, Kundang Ulu, Lenga, Gombang or Bukit Kepong areas located at the upstream of Muar River by renting a boat. Fire-fly watching eco-tour also may be arranged. (+60 6-971 1150, +60 13-680 2265 Hj Rahmat bin Idris)
 * See the oyster harvesting by fishermen diving to the bottom of Muar River at Pengkalan Tiram, Parit Tiram, Jalan Sallleh, Muar. Grab the opportunity to buy the cheap and fresh oyster for dinner. Tel :012-6363614
 * Stay at the local village homestays and experience the colourful local kampung cultures, foods and life of the Malays of Java and Bugis descends. Enjoy the local warm hospitality and friendliness of the host and family. Visit the village local small industries like traditional delicacies making, agricultural activities like local fruit harvesting at orchard or livestocks animals, poultry and fish farming or activities at rubber, oil palm or coconut plantation. Learn the interesting local traditional festivals, games, music and dances like the Javanese' Kuda Kepang and  Barongan or the Malays'  Zapin and  Ghazal, and also local martial art Silat performances. For contact, see "Sleep" section.
 * Visit the Orang Asli village at Lenga.
 * Ride bicycle across the town, across both bridges and by the beach. Bandar Maharani is so flat that you don't need to be strong rider to go anywhere.
 * Try to get yourself a motorcycle and ride from the town through Bukit Pasir, Lenga to Bukit Kepong and back to Muar town through Gerisek, Bukit Gambir and Serom.

Events and festivals

 * Johor Sultan's Birthday - will be celebrated on 22 November every year to commemorate the birthday of the new Sultan who just succeeded the throne. Cultural activities, fishing competition, duck catching competition at Tanjung Emas Park. Muslim Tahlil and Thanks-Giving Prayers at the main mosque. Guard of Honour parade and Swear of Allegiance Ceremony in the morning at the Dewan Jubli Intan. +60 6-9521021
 * Malaysia National Day - celebrated on 31 August every year, the national independence day. Cultural and entertainment show and fireworks will be on display on the eve of celebration at Tanjung Emas Park. A celebration parade by the government agencies, uniform bodies, political entities and private organisation in the early morning of celebration. All celebration mostly held at the Dataran Tanjung Emas square and park vicinity. +60 6-9521021
 * Chap Goh Mei's "Puak Tau Sai" (博豆狮) - celebration on the last day of Chinese New Year festival, on the 15th day of first lunar month of Chinese calendar (around February). Drove of Taoism devotees will throng to congregate to pray at the Kerng Tang Kou Bioh (粤东古庙) temple and to observe a traditional Teochew custom, called "Puak Tau Sai" (博豆狮) where devotees seek the divine deity's blessing for the new year to obtain home the “peanut lions” (Chinese guardian lion statues made of sugar and peanut) but to repay back the “peanut lions” statues to the deity and temple the next coming year in double the number of statues they obtained. The quest to obtain the “peanut lions” will be decided through the “toss of the victory cups” (博胜杯) to ascertain the divine's will of the deity. +60 12-2510338
 * San Cai Deity's Birthday - celebrated on the 23rd day of the 1st moon of the Chinese lunar calendar (around March) every year by Taoism devotees for the divine Taoist deity San Cai Yeah's(善才爷) birthday at the San Cai Yeah Temples, Parit Unas which is very famous and revered among the devotees.
 * Nine Emperors Gods' Birthday - celebrated from the 1st day to the 9th day of the 9th moon of the Chinese lunar calendar (around October/November) every year by vegetarian Taoism devotees for the Taoism deities Kiu Ong Yeah's (Nine Emperors') (九皇爷) birthday. During the 10 days celebration, Chinese opera theatre, interesting colourful religion ceremonies, fire crossing ceremony, knife ladder climbing ceremony by mediums and devotees will be held at the 2 main Taoism temples; Jalan Bentayan's Tao Tian Keng (斗天宫) temple and Jalan Arab's Tao Boo Keng (斗母宫) temple. Celebration peaks with grand colourful procession on the 8th day morning and 9th day evening at the town centre. A "send-off" ceremony will be held at the Tanjung Emas river side on the 10th day marking the end of the celebration.

Buy
Famous local delicacies and products can be found at:
 * Coffee powder Kopi Serbuk Sai Kee 434.
 * 434 Sai Kee Kopi Serbok Kopitiam.
 * (34, Jalan Maharani, Opposite Bentayan Express Bus Station) Tel:+60 6-951 3828
 * Tao Sah Peah (Red Bean Paste Biscuit), Heong Peah, Mooncakes and Chinese cookies.
 * Yong Sheng Confectioneries and Food Gift Shop
 * (30, Jalan Sayang, Muar). +60 6-952 1362
 * (Lot. 1965, Batu 3 ½, Simpang Jeram, Jalan Bakri). +60 6-986 3362
 * Bak Kua (Barbecued Roasted Pork)
 * Muar Yuen Chen Siang
 * (86, Jalan Meriam). +60 6-955 5007
 * (5, Jalan Lama). +60 6-952 1528, 952 3109
 * Otak-otak, frozen-packed-uncooked or attap-leaf-wrapped-grilled.
 * Food stalls and hawkers at Jalan Haji Abu Hawker Centre or Jalan Bentayan Hawker Centre.
 * Mee Bandung Mee Rebus, Soto, Nasi Beriani & other Malay dish paste (perencah), herbs and spices (rempah ratus).
 * Kedai Haji Senan
 * (197-6, Jalan Abdullah, behind Kedai Kopi 343/near Karaoke Maharani/Bangunan Mara) Tel:+60 6-9510129 013-3223100 012-6880646
 * (29, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim, opposite Muar Stadium). +60 6–9535676, +60 12-3936054
 * Syarikat M.R.S. Kapia Pillai (Indian Curry Powder and Spices) (126 & 127,Jalan Maharani, next to 434 Kopitiam, opposite Bentayan Express Bus Station/Pagoh Bus Stand). +60 6-9519149
 * Syarikat CHLC Ching Hing Long Chan (Adami Brand) (Jalan Maharani, next to 434 Kopitiam, opposite Bentayan Bus Station/Pagoh Bus Stand). +60 6-9513399
 * Maharani Best Enterprise (Sarbiah Brand) (RS 65, Lorong Keluarga, Jalan Junid)
 * Mak Pon Perencah Mee Bandung (Jalan Junid, opposite JJ Asam Pedas). +60 6–95394640, +60 12-2620044
 * Pak Uda Beriani Gam (PUBG Brand) (28C, Jalan Omar, Parit Tengah, Parit Jawa). +60 6-9873971 012-6869857
 * Durian and also Dodol. Local fruits.
 * Stalls at the roadside.
 * Mussels, oyster, siput and scallops(Kupang, tiram, siput and lokam) and also other fresh seafoods.
 * Stalls at the roadside, Pengkalan Tiram Jalan Salleh or Parit Jawa wet market.

The town is also robust of business and trading activities, with many old traditional Chinese shops offering variety of products at reasonable and attractive price. There also Pasar Malam and Pasar Tani selling variety of local products

The shopping centres and supermarkets or hypermarkets in Muar are: The Store, Giant, Econsave, Astaka Shopping Centre, Lagenda Complex, K-Mall, Fresco, One-Stop, and Arked Mara.

There are two wet markets in Muar town:
 * Pasar Awam Bandar Maharani (Tua Pa Sat) (Below Astaka Shopping Centre), Jalan Maharani, Muar.
 * One Central Market (Sin Pa Sat) (formerly Hock Hai Market), Jalan Ali/Arab/Haji Abu.

Eat
Local delicious Malay foods like mee bandung, rojak petis, satay Muar and asam pedas are the signature foods of Muar. Don't forget delicious Javanese foods like soto, mee rebus, lontong and nasi ambeng. Locals are famous for eating goreng pisang (fried banana) and goreng tempe (fried Javanese fermented soya bean cake) with a dip of thick soya sauce with hot chili. Pau Maharani is a favourite too, as is the local version Nasi Beriani Gam. Delicious and cheap grilled fish (ikan bakar), freshly caught, and seafood like prawn, squid, crab, mussel, and clam, best eaten with banana leaf wrapped Nasi Lemak, are available at Medan Ikan Bakar Sabak Awor, Jalan Bakariah and Medan Ikan Bakar Parit Karang every evening. Mee Siput; a local delicious snack eaten with sambal (chili paste), is only available in Muar. Johor Laksa is another delicious local dish. Here are some tips: eat satay and mee rebus as the locals do for breakfast, mee bandung for lunch, rojak petis for afternoon tea and asam pedas at Parit Jawa for dinner.

Muar is also famous for many Chinese foods like the Muar Otak-otak (乌达), Teochew Or-Luak/Or-Chien (Fried Oyster Omelette), Hainanese Steamed Chicken Rice ball, Muar Char Kueh Teow (fried rice noodle with clam), Hokkien Hae-Mee (Fried Prawn Mee), Cantonese Wonton Mee, Muar Char-Siew Perng (Red Roasted Pork Rice), Teochew Lo-Ak-Perng (Braised Duck Rice), Teochew Mee Poh (Fish Ball Noodle), Teochew Her-Moi (Fish Soup Porridge), Teochew Kueh Chap (flat rice noodle in soup with braised pork, pig offal, egg and bean curd/tofu), Teochew Chwee Kueh (a delicious rice cake with salted radish), Char Chai Tow Kueh (fried radish cake), Cantonese Chok (Congee), Simpang Jeram's Loy Her Bee Hoon (haruan/snake head fish soup with vermicelli), Bak Kut Teh (herbal pork ribs soup with yam rice), Teochew Ter Chap Cheng Therng (Pig Organ Soup), Curry Laksa, Hakka Yong Tao Foo, Chee Cheong Fun, and Mi/Bang Chien Kueh (Kueh Apam Balik Cina), are must-try local Chinese delicacies for visitors. Foods centres can be found at Muar Bus Station (Malay), Tanjung Emas (Mixed), Jalan Bentayan's Bentayan Hawker Centre (Chinese) and Jalan Haji Abu (Chinese) Hawkers Centre. There are also a few Chinese restaurants serving nice Pau and Dimsum (Chinese buns and dumplings) for breakfast.

There are also many Chinese restaurants and Malay food stalls offering a variety of delicious food. On different days of the week, there are Pasar Malam (night markets) and Pasar Tani selling local food at different locations across town. Famous local Chinese festival delicacies like Thong Chiew Guek Peah-Mooncakes and Tao Sah Peah-Red Bean Paste Cakes are available at the Yong Sheng Confectioneries and Gift Shop. Additionally. Muar Yuen Chen Siang is famous for their Bak Kua (barbecued pork).

One can also find Indian cuisine like Banana Leaf Rice, Nasi Kandar, Mee Rojak, Rojak Mamak, & Putumayam, and various breads like Roti Canai, Roti Telur, Roti Sardin, Roti Prata, Roti Jala, Tosei, Roti Nan, Murtabak, & Kebab with their superb Indian curry and dal gravy; as well as great soups like Sup Kambing, Sup Tulang and Sup Ekor; and not forgetting refreshing cold desserts like Ice Shaved Cendol with thick coconut milk and brown sugar and Teh Tarik at some Indian foods stalls and restaurants.

Drink
Muar is popular for its Sirap Bandung (Rose Syrup with milk and optional soda and cincau) beverage which is normally served during Malay wedding reception, but also easily available at most Malay food stalls and restaurant. Do try the Corn Milk Drink at the Tapak Pasar Tani Lama by the bus stations. Pear Juice sold at the fruit stalls at Jalan Yahya is very special and refreshing.

Coffee made of home-roasted coffee bean and powder of Muar is famous among the locals and tourists, try out a cup of this aromatic Muar coffee, roti bakar (bread toast) and half-boiled egg at Sai Kee 434 Kopitiam, located just opposite the bus station.

Sleep
A few hotels and apartments are available in Muar, mostly ranging from cheap to medium.

Budget

 * Tanjung Emas Inn :28, Top Floors, Jalan Parit Haji Baki (near stadium/Jalan Junid) (RM48) with aircon, built-in toilet, TV, free Wi-Fi. +60 6-9519488
 * Hotel Astra Binajaya : Across the river, near Giant Hypermarket, Maharani Rivera Tanjung Agas (RM 60). +60 16-7558844
 * Hong Leng Inn :Jalan Abdul Rahman (opposite 7-Eleven & Klinik Asia) (RM38-85). +60 6-952-9487
 * Motel 26 :Jalan Khalidi, Muar. (near Taman Khalidi Baru Food Court)(RM40-80, furnished semi-detached house). +60 6-951-2836, +60 12-669-9577
 * 56 Mansion: 56, Taman Selasih 2, Jalan Kg Tengah, Sungai Abong. (RM50-70) with aircon, built-in/shared toilet, TV, free Wi-Fi. +60 12–5768725, +60 12-6022992
 * Warni Villa: Taman Junid Perdana, Muar. Furnished semi-detached house (RM50-100). +60 6-9539336
 * Marina Lodging: Pantai Leka (next to Chinese temple), Parit Jawa. (RM35-40) with aircon, built-in toilet, TV. +60 6–9874571, +60 12-6219762
 * Alami Homestay: No.9, PRD 15/E, Parit Raja Tengah, Jalan Temenggung Ahmad. (RM130) +60 13–6196804, +60 13-6936404
 * Warni Villa: Taman Junid Perdana, Muar. Furnished semi-detached house (RM50-100). +60 6-9539336
 * Marina Lodging: Pantai Leka (next to Chinese temple), Parit Jawa. (RM35-40) with aircon, built-in toilet, TV. +60 6–9874571, +60 12-6219762
 * Alami Homestay: No.9, PRD 15/E, Parit Raja Tengah, Jalan Temenggung Ahmad. (RM130) +60 13–6196804, +60 13-6936404

Super budget
These are mostly old hotels providing budget and cheap rooms, normally around RM30. Room condition is not so clean, but located in the middle of the town.
 * Embassy Hotel : 171, Jalan Abdullah. +60 6-9521886
 * Nam Yang Hotel : 41, Jalan Maharani. +60 6 922558.
 * Wah Hin Chan Hotel : 120 Jln Meriam. +60 6 9512043

Homestay
There are also some homestays providing interesting stay and holiday programme located at the outskirt villages of the town.
 * Homestay Kg. Sarang Buaya, +60 12-754 0597, +60 6-988 1378, +60 19-747 3442, 07-416 2396.
 * Homestay Kg. Melayu Bt. 28 Lenga, +60 6-952 3093, +60 6-971 1150, +60 13-680 2265.

Connect

 * Internet :Internet cafes are easily available in the Town areas. Free internet broadband wi-fi connection are also widely available in many cafes and hotels.
 * Mobile phone :The coverage of reception signal are extensive in all the Muar area for all the major mobile telecommunication service provider companies. All these companies provides and sells pre-paid mobile phone SIM cards including to foreigners which is more convenience and cheaper for temporary use in the country during a short stay compare to international roaming services.
 * Telephone :Muar telecommunication area is using the prefix +06 Area Calling Code of Malacca instead of the +07 Area Calling Code of Johor beside the +60 Country Calling Code of Malaysia.
 * Postal :Muar has a main post office at Jalan Othman and a few mini post offices in the town providing postal, telegram, courier, money orders, transfer etc. services. The postal area code for the main town of Muar is 84000 while the rest of the smaller area are using the postal code of 84+++.

Go next
Malacca - Just an hour away from Muar, Malacca is a good choice to continue the journey up north.

title: Muar


text:
Muğla

Muğla (pronounced moo-lah) is a city in the Southern Aegean region of Turkey, with a population of about 120,000 in 2022, including the outlying villages. Yet for all its size, it has a remarkably well-preserved and scenic old town centre.

Understand
Muğla stands inland on the road between Izmir and the coastal towns (once trading ports and nowadays beach resorts), near the point where the Aegean Sea turns the corner into the Mediterranean. In antiquity it was Mobolla, which morphed through several spellings to become Muğla, but next-to-nothing remains of its earliest days. It has always been a quiet market town, set in an agricultural region though its immediate vicinity is rather barren. It stands at 670 m altitude on a mountainside, so it's pleasantly cool on summer days when the coast is hot and humid.

The city is the provincial capital, so if your bag is stolen or you prang your rented motor-scooter in Bodrum, Marmaris, Dalaman or Fethiye, then Muğla is where the police report will locate the mishap – local government and other bureaucracy is a major employer here. Most travellers zip past on the D550 bypass and hardly notice the place. But it's remarkable how, amidst so much Turkish urban mediocrity, Muğla has somehow retained so many charming 18th–19th century buildings. Visit it quick before the developers get there.

Get in
The nearest airports are Bodrum to the west, and Dalaman  to the south. Both have domestic and international flights, especially budget flights full of European holidaymakers, and are an hour's drive from Muğla.

Muğla has a good bus service as it's on the route from Istanbul to the major resorts of Marmaris and Dalaman. Buses run every hour or so, taking 10-11 hours via Gebze, Izmir and Aydın, for a fare in 2023 of 900 TL. They continue south to Gökova (for Akyaka) then branch for either Marmaris or Ortaca (for Dalyan and Dalaman), Göcek and Fethiye (for Ölüdeniz). Bus lines include Pamukkale, Flixbus and Metro Turizm.

is the inter-city bus station, out on D500 four km southwest of town. This is also the hub for the provincial buses described below. Dolmuşes and taxis will get you downtown.

the old bus station is on Atatürk Blv 1 km southwest of town centre. A dolmuş or local bus might deposit you here, then walk the rest.

By road from Izmir, take motorway O-31 / E87 south to Aydın, then turn onto D550.

From Bodrum, take D330 east to Milas and Yatağan, then join D550 southbound. From Denizli take D330 west.

Get around
Walk around the old centre - everything's with a km or so, and you don't want a vehicle in those twisty alleys.

Muttas is the regional bus service. Lines you might use are 48-22 to Milas-Bodrum airport, 48-12 to Dalaman, 48-7 to Marmaris and 48-1 to Bodrum town.

See

 * the clocktower was built in 1895. It's hemmed in by dreary modern buildings and doesn't serve as a landmark as other cities' clocktowers do. Below is an Ottoman bazaar or Arasta.
 * Şeyh Camii or Sheikh Mosque is north flank of the clocktower. It was built in 1565 by Sheikh Bedrettin and the minaret was added in the early 19th century.
 * Yağcılar Han 100 m north of Kurşunlu Cami is a restored 18th-century caravanserai, used as a touristy craft and carpet market.
 * Konakaltı Han opposite the museum is a caravanserai built around 1800 and used as an events venue.
 * along Topaltı 1st Çk is the centre of a delightful quarter of 18th and 19th century buildings winding up the hillside, in a mix of Ottoman and Greek styles.
 * Konakaltı Han opposite the museum is a caravanserai built around 1800 and used as an events venue.
 * along Topaltı 1st Çk is the centre of a delightful quarter of 18th and 19th century buildings winding up the hillside, in a mix of Ottoman and Greek styles.
 * along Topaltı 1st Çk is the centre of a delightful quarter of 18th and 19th century buildings winding up the hillside, in a mix of Ottoman and Greek styles.

Do

 * Hamams or Turkish baths / saunas: historic examples are Vakıflar Hamam (built 1258) at Mustafa Muğlalı Cd 5 by the museum, Sekibaşı Hamamı (15th century) 500 m further west, Han Hamam east and Rum Hamamı in the old quarter. Good luck finding any of them open.
 * Football: Muğlaspor pay soccer away down in the amateur leagues. The stadium is next to Demircioğlu Park Hotel.
 * Le Tunnel de l'Amour near the clocktower purports to be a marriage agency, bedecked with pix of cute Ukrainian girls. Best stick to watching football.

Buy
Lots of little stores: Şok, Migros and A101 chain stores all have franchises in town centre.

Eat

 * Saatli Kule Cd the street west of the clocktower has a cluster of eating places. These include Kadir Usta'nın Yeri, Dedo muglakebap ve köftecisi, Muğla Lokantası and Du Buyon.

Drink

 * Lâl Wine Club is at Turgut Reis Cd 4 by Kurşunlu Cami, open M-Sa 15:00-01:00.

Sleep

 * Petek Hotel is 200 m south of Demircioğlu Park Hotel.
 * Kötekli has a cluster of accommodation. It's south near the university and junction of D330.
 * Petek Hotel is 200 m south of Demircioğlu Park Hotel.
 * Kötekli has a cluster of accommodation. It's south near the university and junction of D330.
 * Kötekli has a cluster of accommodation. It's south near the university and junction of D330.

Connect
Muğla and its approach roads have 4G from all Turkish carriers. As of March 2023, 5G has not rolled out in Turkey.

Go next

 * An arc of major beach resorts lies within 100 km of Muğla.

 * Bodrum is the party capital of Turkey, with a well-preserved citadel.
 * Akyaka is a village with beautiful traditional architecture.
 * Marmaris has an old castle, engulfed by a modern resort along a craggy coast.
 * Dalyan has rock-cut ancient tombs, boat trips through marshlands, and a sandy beach where Mediterranean turtles lay their eggs.
 * Fethiye is backed by mountains dotted with Lycian ruins. Just beyond is the "blue lagoon" of Ölüdeniz.

title: Muğla


text:
Much Wenlock

Much Wenlock is a rustic 700-year-old medieval market town in Shropshire. Much Wenlock is filled with a patchwork of twisting streets, black and white half-timbered buildings, limestone cottages, speciality shops, numerous hostelries and watering holes and the remains of a magnificent 12th-century priory.

Understand
Much Wenlock is the home of the modern Olympics. In 1850 local G.P. Dr William Penny-Brookes (1809–1895), who introduced physical education into British schools, inspired the fore-runner of the modern Olympic Games for the "promotion of moral, physical and intellectual improvement" and although the games' venues are now decided by international committee rather than by the parish council, the local version is still held every July.
 * Visit Much Wenlock tourist information

By road
The main road in and out of the town is the A458 (Shrewsbury Road) connecting the town between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth.

By bus
18 (Arriva) – The number 18 bus goes from to: Madeley, Ironbridge, Jackfield, Broseley, Benthall and Much Wenlock.

By train
Train service was discontinued in 1951.

The nearest train station is with connections to Birmingham International (Airport and NEC)-Birmingham New Street-Wolverhampton-Shrewsbury.

On foot
Much of the town is walkable and most of the sites can be visited on foot.

By car
The town has several car parks including at Wenlock Priory and in the town centre.

See

Do

 * Visit Tales from the Edge, the world-famous international storytelling festival which takes places in Much Wenlock every July.
 * Visit Tales from the Edge, the world-famous international storytelling festival which takes places in Much Wenlock every July.
 * Visit Tales from the Edge, the world-famous international storytelling festival which takes places in Much Wenlock every July.

Markets
Much Wenlock continues its market town heritage with many local markets. A list can be found here.

Shops
Aside from the Barclay's bank and the Spar convenience store, most of Much Wenlock is made up of small independent businesses.

Eat
Much Wenlock is home to a selection of restaurants, pubs and inns. If you're willing to drive, nearby Telford has plenty of places to eat too.

Splurge
Much Wenlock has few upmarket restaurants with À la carte menus.

Sleep
Being a small town Much Wenlock's accommodation offerings are mostly pubs and B&Bs.

Connect
Much Wenlock has a great 4G connection.

Wenlock Smoothie and Gaskell Arms have Wi-Fi.

Stay safe
Much Wenlock is considered a safe town with little crime; the crime that does occur tends to be petty vandalism.

Visitors should stay out of the Shadwell Quarry and its water as it is unsafe.

Go next
Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

 * Bridgnorth − Another beautiful market town.
 * Church Stretton
 * Ironbridge − A UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the world's first cast-iron bridge. Also hosts a plethora of museums dedicated to engineering and manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution.
 * Ludlow − Historic market town with a castle, known for its upmarket independent shops and gastronomic significance.
 * Shrewsbury − Shropshire's county town.
 * Telford − Shropshire's most populated town.

title: Much Wenlock


text:
Muck

Muck is one of the Small Isles off the west coast of Scotland. It's the smallest of the four inhabited Isles, about 2½ miles east-west by a mile north-south, and has no shop, church or even a letter-box. It's low-lying and its east is fertile, with a range of accommodation, so in summer its resident population of 40 is doubled; its west is rugged, with rough grazing. Muck is owned by the MacEwen family, who've lived and farmed here for a century. Back in 1785 the owner hated being called "Lord of Muck" and tried to persuade Johnson & Boswell that it was "Monk". The name probably means pigs (Gaelic mouach) but is now thought to refer to porpoises, "sea-pigs", which abound in these waters.

The island website has far less info than you'll find by reading here.

Get in
First get to Mallaig by train, bus or car. You'll need an overnight stop before taking the Calmac ferry onward next morning, except perhaps for the weekend afternoon sailings.

The ferry sails to different Small Isles on different days. April-Oct it calls at Muck and returns to Mallaig on Tu, Th, Sa and Su. Day trips from Mallaig to Muck are possible on Saturday, with 4 hours ashore. Nov-March the ferry calls on M, W, F and Sa; day-trips are not possible.

Sightseeing trips from Arisaig frequently visit Muck from May to September.

All routes are for foot passengers only; dogs and bikes are welcome but you can't bring a vehicle. Return fares until end of March 2025 are adult £11, child £5.60.

is on the south-east corner of the island at Port Mòr (Gaelic for "Big Port": can there be a smaller one?). It's just a slipway with no waiting room, toilets or the like. With your own boat, either anchor here or at Gallanach on the north side.

Get around
Walk. Muck is crossed by a single-track lane of 1½ miles, from the jetty at Port Mòr in the south to Gallanach in the north. It's not worth bringing a bike, and of course you can't bring a car.

Note that as well as the OS Landranger 39 and Explorer 397 maps covering all the Small Isles, Muck is also covered by Explorer 390 for Ardnamurchan.

See

 * was the former main village, abandoned when the islanders were evicted in the 19th century. It's little more than low outlines in the fields. It's also called A'Chille or Keil meaning the church at its south corner, and pieces of 7th / 8th century grave markers have been moved to within the Green Barn.
 * is a natural table of rock that was fortified with a drystone wall. It's maybe Iron Age, with other buildings added in late medieval times.
 * is the faint outline of a large oval building, believed to be Viking. Prehistoric pottery was found here.
 * is the settlement at the north end of the road, with the island's best beach.
 * are a pair at the tip of the promontory west of Gallanach. They're maybe Bronze Age, 2000 BC. Part of the north cairn has been used as the MacEwen family grave. Eilean nan Uan ("Isle of Lambs") is the tidal islet below.
 * ("Isle of Horses") is the uninhabited islet to the north, with Eilean nan Uan almost bridging between it and Muck.
 * at 137 m / 449 ft is the highest point, with views of the island and beyond.
 * is a promontory that appears to have been walled off to create a defensive dun, date unknown. There are sea cliffs along this part of Muck.

Do

 * Hike: Walk Highlands describe walks to Caisteal an Duin Bhain (2 miles), Gallanach and Aird nan Uan (4 miles), Beinn Airein (4 miles) and a circuit of the island (8 miles).

Buy

 * The Green Shed in Port Mòr is an arts and crafts shop, generally open in summer whenever ferries are calling.

Eat
Bring your own provisions, the island cafe has closed.

Drink
Bring your own. There is no pub, off-licence, brewery or distillery.

Sleep

 * Port Mòr House is a self-catering house, summer only, with 9/10 bedrooms, sleeps 14. It's the white house west side of the bay from the pier; it no longer operates as a hotel. or email ewanandjudy@gmail.com.
 * Gallanach Lodge is an eight-bedroom luxury Nordic lodge at the north end of the island road. It's intended for shooting & fishing parties, but they may have availability for individuals.
 * Gallanach self-catering cottages are available for let, weekly Saturday to Saturday in summer, more flexibly out of season, tel +44 1687 462362.
 * - New House is a 1930s timber cottage, with one double, two twins and four single rooms.
 * - Gallanach Cottage at the end of the road is a traditional cottage with three bedrooms.
 * - Seileachean, a converted stone barn, has one double bedroom with single top bunk.
 * - Seileachean, a converted stone barn, has one double bedroom with single top bunk.

Connect

 * As of July 2024 there is 4G from all UK providers on Muck thanks to Hebnet, a community initiative that relays mainland networks from one island to another.

Go next

 * Saturdays in summer a day-trip is possible from Muck to Eigg, with 3 hours ashore. Transfers are possible on other days to Eigg and Canna but not Rùm.
 * Eventually you have to return to Mallaig on the mainland, and you can only reach Rùm by doubling back via Mallaig.

title: Muck


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Mudanjiang

Mudanjiang (牡丹江; Mǔdanjiāng) is a city in Heilongjiang Province in China.

Understand
Mudanjiang is in the southeastern part of Heilongjiang province. The city has a population of around 700,000 and the prefecture a population of around 2.7 million. Mudanjiang consists of the following districts:
 * Aimin District (爱民区; Àimínqū)
 * Dong'an District (东安区; Dōng'ānqū)
 * Yangming District (阳明区; Yángmíngqū)
 * Xi'an District (西安区; Xī'ānqū)
 * Muling City (穆棱市; Mùlíngshì)
 * Suifenhe City (绥芬河市; Suífēnhéshì)
 * Hailin City (海林市; Hǎilínshì)
 * Ning'an City (宁安市; Níng'ānshì)
 * Dongning County (东宁县; Dōngníngxiàn)
 * Linkou County (林口县; Línkǒuxiàn)

By train
Trains from Harbin take 4h30 to 6 hours and cost ¥25-75. There are also trains from Dalian (18–19 hours; ¥81-438), Beijing (21 hours; ¥171-516), Rizhao (34 hours; ¥234-706), Manzhouli (20 hours; ¥78-270), Shenyang (12–14 hours; ¥-), Qiqihaer (- hours; ¥-) and Suifenhe (- hours; ¥-).

By bus
From Suihenhe, Harbin. Also from Vladivostok, Ussuriysk, Pogranichniy (Russian Federation). For those coming from Changbaishan in Jilin province, there are daily buses from Changbaishan that pass through Dunhua to Mudanjiang.

title: Mudanjiang