Malaysia Attractions
Private Tour: Kuala Lumpur Grand Full-Day Tour including Lunch Enjoy a private day tour exploring the best of Kuala Lumpur! Spend your morning discovering bustling Chinatown, Royal Palace, National Museum and the Craft Cultural Complex. After your buffet lunch, view Malaysian suburban homes as well as rural ...
Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur Fusing luxury, style and ultimate comfort, this stunning spa property offers the ideal base for recharging your batteries.
Conveniently located adjacent to the Lagoon Theme Park and the Mega Shopping Mall, benefit from the easy access to the hustle ...
Batu Caves and Royal Selangor Pewter Afternoon Tour from Kuala Lumpur Visit the spectacular Batu Caves on this afternoon tour from Kuala Lumpur. Escorted by a professional guide, you'll view the Batu Cave Indian temple, a massive limestone outcrop and its cavernous interior, witness the art of fine pewter crafting, ...
Reality show will highlight jewels of Malaysia Malaysia's tourist chiefs plan on showcasing the Malaysia's many attractions to the world through a new reality TV show.
With the second season of the Muay Thai kickboxing show ''Contender Asia'' due to be screened later this year, tourism minister ...
Kuala Lumpur City Highlights Morning Tour Explore the charm of Kuala Lumpur with a skyline that blends the old world with the new. Highlights of your morning city tour include Jamek Mosque, Chinatown, the majestic Royal Palace, National Museum and the Royal Selangor Visitor Center, where ...
First World Hotel Genting Highlands With 6118 rooms on offer, the First World Hotel is the largest hotel in the world by room counts.
Situated 51km from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur, this hotel is the latest addition to five other hotels in Genting - City of ...
Kota Kinabalu's popular Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Barely 20 minutes via speedboat from Kota Kinabalu, this marine park consists of a cluster of five islands ? Manukan, Gaya, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug ? encircled by inviting clear shallow waters.
Here, the balmy tropical weather is sure to put ...
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is an Asian tiger that roars: in 130 years, it has grown
from nothing to a modern, bustling city of almost two million people. Take
in its high-flying triumphs from the viewing deck of the world's tallest
building, then dive down to explore its more traditional culture in the back
lanes of Chinatown.
KL's boom periods have produced an intriguing mix of architecture
throughout the city; elegant colonial buildings contrast with soaring modern
edifices such as the twin Petronas Towers. Add the ground level bustle of
the numerous street markets, and you have a city that rewards exploration.
Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands, only fifty kilometers (less than an hour) from Kuala
Lumpur, is the most developed hill resort in Malaysia. At 2,000 meters above
sea level, it offers a cool respite from Malaysia's capital city combined
with all of the excitement, luxury, and entertainment of an international
resort destination. In fact, many Malaysian people head for Genting
Highlands specifically for its nightlife. There are international dinner
shows and discos, while the world-class Casino de Genting offers Blackjack,
Baccarat, Keno, French Bull, Roulette, Tai Sai and slot machines.
The resort also includes two theme parks, both with dozens of amusement
rides and attractions suitable for the entire family. In addition, the Awana
horse ranch offers equestrian activities, rides for children and lessons for
beginners.
Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands, in the centre of Peninsular Malaysia, comprise a
series of hill stations at altitudes between 1500 and 1800m (4920 and
5904ft). This fertile area is the centre of Malaysia's tea industry and it's
the place where locals and visitors come to escape the heat of the plains.
Attractions include jungle walks, waterfalls, tours of tea plantations,
beautiful gardens and plenty of wild flowers.
The cool weather tempts
visitors to exertions normally forgotten at sea level - like golf, tennis,
and long walks - but this is really Malaysia's R 'n' R capital par
excellence for those who don't like the beach and enjoy a bout of colonial
nostalgia. Most of the budget hotels are in the village of Tanah Rata. The
more expensive options are scattered between Tanah Rata and Brinchang.
The 285-sq-km (177-sq-mi) island of Penang, off Peninsula Malaysia's
northwestern coast, is the oldest British settlement in Malaysia and one of
the country's premier resort areas. The island's beaches are touted as the
major drawcard but they're somewhat overrated. What makes Penang Island
really tick is the vibrant and intriguing city of Georgetown on the island's
northeastern coast. This city has more Chinese flavour than either Singapore
or Hong Kong, and in its older neighbourhoods you could be forgiven for
thinking that the clock stopped at least 50 years ago. Georgetown is a
compact city and it's a delight to wander around. Set off in any direction
and you're certain to see beautiful old Chinese houses, vegetable markets,
temple ceremonies, trishaws, mahjong games and all the other to-ings and
fro-ings of Asian street life.
You can still see the time-worn walls of Fort Cornwallis in the centre of
Georgetown where the first Briton, Captain Light, set foot in 1786 on what
was then a virtually uninhabited island. He established a free port here and
the stone fort was finished a few decades later. The area within the fort is
now a park liberally sprinkled with cannons, many of them retrieved from
local pirates. Seri Rambai, the largest and most important cannon, has a
chequered history dating back to 1600. It's famed for its procreative
powers, and childless women are recommended to place flowers in the barrel
of 'the big one' and offer special prayers.
Penang has many kongsis (clan houses that operate partly as
temples and partly as meeting halls for Chinese of the same clan or
surname), but Khoo Kongsi is easily the finest. The original building was so
magnificent and elaborate that no-one was surprised when the roof caught
fire on the very night it was completed. This misfortune was taken merely as
a sign that the building had been too grandiose, so a marginally less
magnificent structure was built. One wonders at the opulence of the
original, since the present structure is a dazzling mix of dragons, statues,
paintings, lamps, coloured tiles and carvings.
Kuan Yin Teng Temple right in the centre of the old part of Georgetown is
nowhere near as impressive, but it's one of the most popular temples in the
city and there are often worshippers burning paper money at the furnaces,
night-time puppet shows or Chinese theatre performances. For the best view
of the city and the island, catch the funicular railway up Penang Hill which
rises 830m (2722ft) above Georgetown and provides cool relief from the
sticky heat below. There are pleasant gardens, a hotel, a Hindu temple and a
mosque at the top. The view is particularly good at dusk when Georgetown,
far below, begins to light up.
Most of the popular budget hotels in Georgetown are along Lebuh Chulia;
more expensive options line Jalan Penang. There are plenty of Chinese and
Indian restaurants, but be adventurous and try the succulent local dishes on
offer from the street stalls, which appear at night along the Esplanade
behind the Penang Library.
Melaka
Melaka is an interesting blend of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British
influences and is considered Malaysia's most historic city. It was once the
most important trading port in the region, but is now little more than a
sleepy backwater. Ancient-looking junks still sail up the river, imbuing the
waterfront with a timeless charm, and the city remains full of intriguing
Chinese streets, antique shops, temples and nostalgic reminders of the
now-departed European colonial powers.
The most imposing relic of the Dutch period in Melaka is the massive pink
town hall, Stadthuys, built between 1641 and 1660. It's believed to be the
oldest Dutch building in Asia and displays all the characteristic features
of Dutch colonial architecture (read incredibly weighty doors and pleasant
louvred windows). The building houses government offices and an excellent
Ethnographic Museum, which highlights aspects of local history and culture.
The imposing ruins of St Paul's Church, built by the Portuguese over 400
years ago, stand in a beautiful setting atop St Paul's Hill. It was
regularly visited by St Francis Xavier, who was buried here for a short
period before being transferred to Goa in India. The church fell into disuse
when the Dutch arrived, but is still surrounded by old Dutch tombstones. The
Brits, with great sensitivity, used the church as a gunpowder store.
For those who prefer their religious architecture to be a little more
colourful, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple in the old part of the city is the
oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. It was founded in 1646, and all of the
materials and all of the artisans who built it were imported from China. The
old part of Melaka is a fascinating area to wander around, and this is where
you'll find many of Melaka's famous antique shops; a stroll along Jalan Hang
Jebat will pass the best of them.
Langkawi
means "the land of one's wishes". Langkawi has become a modern hideaway for
the traveler seeking an escape. If you are looking for white sands and
unpopulated azure waters to lush emerald forests, you will find yourself
quite content on the islands of Langkawi.
Beaches: Datai Beach, Tanjong Rhu
The beaches on this well-developed island are regarded as some of the
world's most secluded and picture-perfect hideaways by many travel experts.
Best Time: The temperature stays moderate year-round (around 77 F, 25 C)
and the climate is tropical. The best time is from November to May as the
sky is clear and the humidity is low.
Tioman Island
This picture-postcard island lies off the eastern coast of Peninsula
Malaysia in the South China Sea. It boasts beautiful beaches, clear,
coral-filled water, technicolour marine life, virtually unpopulated jungle
highlands, crystal-clear streams, and the dramatic peaks of Batu Sirau and
Nenek Semukut. Tioman has been blessed with exotic place names like
'Palm-Frond Hill' and 'Village of Doubt' and is generally quoted as the
setting for the mythical Bali Hai in the film South Pacific. The
permanent population on Tioman is low, and locals are usually outnumbered by
tourists. June and August are the peak tourist months, but during the heavy
November to January monsoon the island is almost deserted.
The island's west coast is dotted with villages and is home to a classy
resort. Pulau Tioman is the most popular travellers' destination, while
Kampung Nipah is the place to go if you really want to get away from it all.
You can get to Tioman by boat from Mersing and Singapore. The island's
largest village, Kampung Tekek, has an airstrip.
Johor
In the state capital of Johor Bahru, known as the southern gateway to
Peninsular Malaysia, are attractions suck as the beautiful Istana Besar
(Grand Palace); the Royal Abu Bakar Living Royal Museum; and the ornate
100-year old Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque with its sweeping view of the Straits
of Johor; City Square; and the Orchid Valley. Visitors often flock to Johor
Bahru for its food and varied shopping in the malls and the duty-free
outlet.
Johor is home to the famous Endau Rompin Park, an ancient rainforest rich
in flora and fauna. Beautiful beaches can be found in Desaru, Teluk Ramunia,
Tanjung Balau, and near th fishing town of Mersing, and at the Kota Tinggi
waterfalls is a protected marine park, attract keen scuba divers, smokeless
and natures lovers. Island hopping is fun among the islands, some of which
are still untouched. Accommodation on the islands of Sibu, Rawa, Besar,
Tengah and Tinggi range from resort to basic chalets.
Near the border with Malacca lies the picturesque river town of Muar,
known for beautiful sunsets and fresh seafood, and the legendary Gunung
Ledang (Mt. Ophir), a centre for nature-based actives.
Diving in Malaysia
The tropical waters off both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo offer some of
the world's best scuba diving. This is a place endowed with some of the
sport's best possibilities: you can dive with whale sharks, hover around
immense coral gardens and walls, or dive on ominous and hulking WWII
shipwrecks. In many places, you can get 100 + feet of visibility. Also, the
country has become increasingly aware of the biological and economic
importance of its marine heritage, and each year brings better access to and
protection for the unique marine life. Because of the hundreds of islands,
there are many dive options.
Redang Island - Perhentian
Island (Suria
Perhentian Dive Resort) - Lang Tengah Island - Tioman Island -
Pangkor Island -
Langkawi Island - Kapas Island -
Tenggol Island - Sibu Island - Besar Island - Rawa Island - Aur Island -
Layang-Layang Island - Mataking & Kapalai Island - Mabul Island - Mantanani
Island - Lankayan Island - Pulau Tiga
Kota Bahru
is the State capital of Kelantan. The local point of the towns activities
is the
Kota Bharu
market. At the junction of Jln. Padang Garong and Jln. Pengkalan Chepa you
will find Kota Bharu’s Chinatown. Traditional Chinese noodle dishes are
readily available here. For an outdoor Malaysian dining experience in the
evening, try the food stalls at Padang Bas, in the town centre which are
open from 6.00pm to midnight. Most of the museums and heritage buildings are
located along Jln. Hilir Kota and Jln. Sultan and can be easily covered by
taking a walking tour.
Kelantan will soon have another tourist attraction with the setting up of
a cultural village in Kota Baru.
State Tourism, Culture and Social Unity Committee chairman Datuk Anuar
Tan said the village would be built next to the State-owned Perdana Beach
Resort in Pantai Cahaya Bulan, situated in the cultural zone.
"Among the components of the village are a performance hall, souvenir
shops and a workshop to showcase the many handicraft in Kelantan such as
batik, songket and wau-making," he said.
Replying to Rohani Ibrahim (Pas-Tanjung Mas), he said the cultural
village would give visitors a peep into the many aspects of Kelantan, famous
as the cradle of Malay culture.
Earlier, Agriculture and Rural Industry Committee chairman Dr Nik Mazian
Nik Mohamed said grazing land in Rong Chenok, Pasir Mas would be turned into
an agro-tourism centre under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.
To a question by Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (Pas-Chetok), he said deer and
ostriches would be reared as the main attraction at the centre and it would
also have camping and recreational facilities. |