Malaysia
One cannot unveil Malaysia’s true beauty without adoring her. Malaysia’s enchanting appeal lies in its diverse attractions. On one hand one is awed by the gigantic skyscrapers whereas on the other hand one is mesmerized by the wooden houses and the ancient reefs. One is sure to get tempted by the numerous hideaways found in the highlands that give way to balmy, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.
Introduction:
Malaysia’s unity lies in its diversity. Being a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious country comprising of Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnic groups, multihued festivals are the backbone of Malaysia. In matter of religion though it is primarily Islamic, it also has Christian, Buddhist and Hindu communities. This diversity of culture is also mirrored in the remarkable assortment of dance, film, music, fashion, literature, and even sports and games of Malaysia.
Geography:
Geographically, Malaysia is as varied as its culture. There are two parts to the country, 11 states in the peninsula of Malaysia and two states on the northern part of Borneo. Multihued festivals are the backbone of Malaysia’s culture.
Climate:
The local climate is equatorial and characterized by the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons.
Flora and Fauna:
Being governed by South China Sea & the Indian Ocean, Malaysia boasts of a massive variety of flora, fauna & not to forget the marine life. Even the most discerning traveler is sure to be satisfied by the natural attractions of Malaysia. As more than 50 per cent of its land mass is still covered in forest cover Malaysia is home to several ecosystems ranging from lowland dipterocarp to sub-tropical montane. It comprises of wetlands, dessert scrub and limestone vegetation in conjunction with many others. Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower and the smallest pygmy squirrel are to be found here.
Malaysia also prides on being the home to some of the world’s rarest and most extraordinary animals: the Sumatran Rhinoceros, the Clouded Leopard and Malaysian Tiger, the Sun Bear, the Monitor Lizard, and the Orang Utan. Malaysia’s forests are also abode to Southeast Asia’s highest peak, as well as to the world’s most extensive and capacious natural caverns.
Must see Destinations:
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur besides being the capital of Malaysia stands out for its perfect culmination between modernization and rich heritage. One is sure to get impressed by the Petronas Towers soaring sky-high, along with the numerous shopping malls, mosques, temples, colonial churches and clubhouses reflecting the British Tudor-style. One of its major draw is the driverless trains navigating passengers to the different parts of the city. At night time the city comes alive with lantern lit streets offering mouth watering dishes by the Malay, Chinese & the Indian hawkers.
Kuala Lumpur spanning over an area of 244 sq kms, is situated at the convergence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang, thus deriving its name, meaning “muddy confluence”.
Kelantan
Kelantan (meaning “Land of Lightning”)-situated in the northeast corner of the peninsula is known mainly for its opulent agricultural fields, fishing villages & casuarinas lined beaches. Kelantan’s beauty lies in its natural diversity. One can go for river cruises or river rafting. Bird watching and jungle trekking are also quite popular.
Cameron Highlands
One of the major hill stations during the British reign, Cameron Highlands boasts of the best climate in whole of Southeast Asia. Located 160 km northeast of Kuala Lumpur, the place offers major attractions in the form of waterfalls, tea plantations, orchids & colorful butterflies. Infact one can visit the tea processing plants where tea is still dried & packaged by hands instead of machines.
Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands is a mountain peak within the Titiwangsa Mountains of Malaysia. It has a famous mountain resort that goes by the same name and can be reached by car from Kuala Lumpur in one hour. Amenities in this resort comprises of 2 theme based parks, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, a wind-turbine sky diving simulator, golf courses and shopping malls.
It is often dubbed as the Las Vegas / “City of Entertainment” of Malaysia, as it has the only legal land-based casino in the country and is operated by Resorts World Bhd, a ancillary of Genting Group.
Georgetown
Being a South Asian seaport Georgetown enjoys a mixed population comprising of Chinese, Indian & Malay. Located 290 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown is the largest city on Penang Island. Some of the popular delicacy of the place includes the Malaysian “Satays” & Chinese “Stir Fry” served in various restaurants.
Well known landmarks include Eastern & Oriental Hotel, built in 1855. Other attractions include Ft. Cornwallis, St. George’s Church, Clock Tower, Malay Mosque, Penang Museum, and Khoo Kongsi. One can also visit the numerous temples like Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple, Waterfall Temple, the Buddhist Kek Lok Si Temple and the Taoist Snake Temple, where poisonous snakes are worshipped.
Ipoh
Discovered by Chinese tin miners, Ipoh is located180 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur. Major attractions of the place include Sam Poh Tong with a turtle pond, Perak Tong & 2 Buddhist temples.
Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu boasts of Sangkhat, a cloth interwoven with gold and silver threads. It’s a speciality of the place. With a population of 192000, it is situated in northeastern corner of the peninsula, about 320km north of Kuala Lumpur.
Kuantan
Located 185 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan is well known for woodcarving and batiks craft. It’s a major attraction of the place.
Malacca
Malacca, a seaside city stands out for the culmination of two different cultures- the Chinese & the Malay. Its colonial past is reflected in its Portuguese architecture where as on the other hand the Chinese culture impact is evident on the streets. It is the oldest city in Malaysia.
Located on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the oldest Malaysian Chinese Temple, Cheng Hoon Teng in Chinatown are the major attractions of the place. The basis of Malacca cane can be traced to this city.
Negeri Sembilian
Comprising of an area of 6,645 sq km and a 48 km long coastline, it is situated on the southwest corner of Peninsular Malaysia. Negeri Sembilian is so called because it is composed of 9 states.
Penang
Penang is famous for its picturesque beauty. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient” the place boasts of tropical beaches, opulent flora & mouth watering cuisine. One can avail of the rail drive up Penang Hill to enjoy the exotic & mind boggling scenic beauty. One can also visit Batu Ferringhi Beach in this island for Windsurfing.
Perlis
Perlis, the smallest state of Malaysia is well known for its unruffled, picturesque beauty. Lush green paddy fields & rural scenes are a common feature of the place.
Langkawi
Being a beach town, one can find many modest hotels & deluxe resorts. Located 105km north of Penang, the place comprises of various beaches. The pure blue water tempts tourists from various corners.
Pangkor Islands
Located on the west coast of Malaysia, the place boasts of unparallel landscape.
Sabah
Sabah, the second largest state in Malaysia comprises of various primitive tribes. The place boasts of picturesque locations, cultural assortment & scenic beauty. Earlier the place was known as “Land below the Wind” because it lies below the typhoon belt
The place offers various tourist attractions. Trekking, cruise ride, taking a leisurely walk are the key attractions of Sabah. One can go for trekking in Mt. Kinabalu and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the jungle. One can also take a leisurely walk down the Jungle Canopy Walkway and soak in the scenic beauty all around.
Another major tourist attraction is Sandakan which lies on the eastern coast of the state. One can also visit Turtle Islands National Park where turtles laying eggs is a regular scene. Sabah also boasts of Gomantong Caves and Sepilok Orang Otang Rehabilitation Center. Furthermore one can go on a cruise down Sungai Kinabatangan to connect with the diversified flora & fauna of the place. Sungai Kinabatangan is the longest river in Sabah.
Sarawak
Famous for its mythical White Rajahs, Orangutan & the Hornbill, Sarawak is the hometown of Ibans tribe. One has to avail a flight to Kuching in order to reach Sarawak. The rainforests of the place are abode to a wide assortment of ecosystem. Major attractions include Sarawak Museum, Niah Caves and 600 ft longhouses that can house the entire village of Dayaks.
Situated in the northwestern shore of the island Sarawak is a favored tourist destination because of its diversified culture, unparallel natural beauty & adventure tourism.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Gunung Mulu National Park is a secluded rain forest located 100km east of Miri. One has to avail of a bus, boat, plane from Miri to reach the park. One can visit the Deer Park at a height of 2,100m, the 50km Clearwater Cave-which is famed to be Southeast Asia’s longest cave and Sarawak Chamber comprised of world’s largest caves and tall limestone forest.
Sipadan
385 km from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, this tiny island is a luring place for divers and has a spectacular view of sea turtles.
Taiping
Taiping, an old mining centre is located on a plain to the west of the Bintang Mountains. Taiping is also famous for being the wettest town in Peninsular Malaysia. Its unusual rainfall has also led to a fertile collection of flora and century-old rain trees in the Taiping Lake Gardens.
Major attractions include Taiping Lake Gardens donated by Chung Keng Quee’s son, Chung Thye Phin. It is tranquil, peaceful and serene. These man-made lakes were formerly tin mines. Bukit Larut (previously known as Maxwell Hill) is a hill resort. Nowadays, tourists can reach the top of Maxwell Hill by 4WD vehicles, or by hiking. There are stops with gas available at the end of the road for hikers to cook and eat there. Another attraction is Perak State Museum-the first museum in Malaysia. One can also visit the Burmese Pool which has a natural water slide.
Taman Negara National Park
Taman Negara National Park earlier known as George V National Park means “national park” in Malay. Taman Negara with an area of 4,343 km² is regarded as the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. The Park encompasses three states, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, each with their own legislation.
The park is famous as an ecotourism destination in Malaysia. The park boasts of several geological and biological attractions. Taman Negara is abode to rare mammals, such as the Indochinese Tiger, Crab-eating macaque, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Great Argus, Red Jungle fowl, Malayan Gaur (seladang) and Asian Elephant. The rare Malayan Peacock-pheasant is still found here in some numbers. Steps have been taken to preserve Tahan River in order to protect the Malaysian mahseer (ikan kelah in Malay), a type of game fish.
Terengganu Marine Park
Terengganu Marine Park comprises of many pristine white sanded islands situated between the Thai eastern border & the northern most part of Kuantan. Major attractions include Palau Perhentian for its water taxis; palm fringed shores & stunning bungalows, Pulau Redang is well known for corals & fishes. Kapas & Gemia Islands are more alluring to the backpackers for cheap accommodation & serene, tranquil atmosphere. Whereas Pulau Tenggol is famous for its steep cliff & wall diving.
Spectacular beaches & relaxing water activities makes the place a must for water adventure.
Tioman
Tioman Island comprising of numerous coral reefs is a popular scuba diving spot. Sparsely populated, the island is located 39 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Besides its diversified marine life, the island is abode to several protected species such as Long-tailed Macaque, Brush-tailed Porcupine, Giant Flying Squirrel, Binturong, Red Mouse deer, Palm Civet as well as the majestic Frigate bird.
Furthermore Tioman boasts of species that are native to its shores. The soft-shelled turtle and the Tioman walking catfish are both unique and can be seen on rainforest walks.
