|
Malaysia is the rising star of South-East Asian tourism, a
nation looking to the future while cherishing the ways of the
past. Centuries of trade have resulted in a vibrant mix of Malay,
Chinese, Indian and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a veritable
melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions.
Malaysia is a federation of 13 states in Southeast Asia, formed
in 1963. The country consists of two geographical regions divided
by the South China Sea: -
West Malaysia (or Peninsular Malaysia) on the Malay Peninsula
shares a land border on the north with Thailand and is connected
by the Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Malaysia-Singapore Second
Link to the south with Singapore. It consists of the 11 states
Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak,
Perlis, Penang, Selangor and Terengganu, and the two federal
territories of Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
East Malaysia occupies the northern part of the island of
Borneo, bordering Indonesia and the Sultanate of Brunei. It
consists of the federal territory of Labuan islands and the
states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Facts
Capital : Kuala Lumpur
Largest city : Kuala Lumpur
Official language(s) : Malay
Government : Federal Constitutional
monarchy
Paramount Ruler : Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin
Jamalullail
Prime Minister : Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi
Independence : From the UK (Malaya
only) August 31, 1957
Formation : With Sabah, Sarawak,
Singapore : September 16, 1963
Area : Total 329,758 km2
(64th) 127,287 sq mi
Population : 25,347,000 (2005 est.
)
Currency : Ringgit (RM) (MYR)
Culture
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multilingual
society, consisting of 65% Malays and other indigenous tribes,
25% Chinese, 7% Indians.
Transportation
By Rail : Malaysia has extensive
railroads that connect all major cities and town on the peninsular
and east Malaysia itself. There is a train service in West Malaysia
run by KTM and several LRTs in Kuala Lumpur such as the Ampang
Line, Sri Petaling Line (formerly called STAR LRT), Kelana Jaya
Line (formerly called PUTRA LRT).
By Sea : There are sea ports in
Tanjong Kidurong, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Pasir Gudang, Penang,
Port Kelang, Sandakan and Tawau.
By Air : There are also world class
airports that provide international and domestic destinations.
By Roads : Roads in the East Malaysia
and the eastern coast of West Malaysia are still relatively
undeveloped. Those are highly curved roads passing through mountainous
regions and many are still unsealed, gravel roads.
Major Tourists Attaractions
Kuala Lumpur
KL, as it is locally known, is Malaysia's hub; a huge, bustling,
cosmopolitan city that is the business heart of the nation.
Its very ethnic diversity is part of the attraction with Malays,
Chinese, Indian and European cultures melting together on the
tropical streets. Often overlooked by many tourists, KL has
a wealth of attractions, with the voluminous Petronas Twin Towers,
at a height of 436m (1453ft), amongst the tallest buildings
in the world. From the viewing level of the Towers the city
unfolds with its old mosques and ramshackle buildings, contrasting
with the gleaming skyscrapers that have sprouted as Malaysia
has become one of the regional economic powerhouses. The Menara
Kuala Lumpur is the tallest telecommunication tower in South-East
Asia and the fourth-tallest in the world. Merdeka Square is
at the very heart of old Malaysia, with the stunning highlight,
the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which bizarrely blends Victorian
and Moorish architectural styles. The Tasek Perdana Lake Gardens
are one of the city's best known natural landmarks, a popular
spot for picnics and walking. Within the gardens are Parliament
House and the National Monument. The National Monument, an impressive
brass sculpture, is one of the world's largest free-standing
sculptures.
Key Attaractions (Kuala lumpur)
Masjid Jamek (Friday Mosque)
Masjid Negara (National Mosque)
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Central Market
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Petronas Towers
Muzium Negara (National Museum)
Tugu Negara (National Monument)
Menara Kuala Lumpur
Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens)
Millionaires Row
Little India
Perak
Perak derives its name from the rich silver tin ore deposits
once so fruitful in the region. Perak translates as 'silver'
in the Malay language. Major towns within Perak include Ipoh,
the administration center and capital, Kuala Kangsar, the royal
town and Taiping.
Ipoh
Dubbed the 'City of Millionaires' (due to its tin mining wealth)
Ipoh, Malaysia's third-largest city, offers the ghosts of its
grand colonial days with the mixture of colonial and modern
architecture; the best example of the former is the Moorish
and Victorian pastiche of the train station. The city center
also boasts many colonial-era shops, which retain their original
atmosphere today. The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary in Ipoh is of
great interest to all nature lovers. In addition to over 160
different species of birds, lucky visitors may get a chance
to see smooth otters, long-tailed macque and ridge-back dolphins.
The best Time to visit is between September and December when
many migratory birds arrive at the sanctuary.
Kuala Kangsar
Just north of Ipoh at Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Perak Tong, a limestone
cave temple, houses over 40 statues of Buddha. 385 steps in
a cave behind the main altar lead up to a magnificent viewpoint,
from where one can survey the surrounding countryside. Sam Poh
Tong and Kek Lok Tong, near Gunung Rapat, are impressive cave
temples where statues of Buddha stand alongside magical stalactites
and rock formations. Both temples have Buddhist vegetarian restaurants
in the temple grounds.
Kuala Kangsar is the birthplace of the rubber industry. In 1877,
nine rubber trees were first planted here and the industry was
born. Three of the town's most beautiful buildings include Istana
Iskandariah, the royal palace, Istana Kenangan, the former royal
palace now home to the Perek State Museum, and the Ubudiah Mosque.
Taiping
Although it may be known as the 'Town of Everlasting Peace',
Taiping grew to fame as a raffish tin mining center, though
the importance of the industry has declined since a major slump
in the 1980s. Some of the wealth from the tin mining was pumped
into Taiping's main attraction, the disused mining pools that
were transformed in the late 19th century to become the stunning,
carefully landscaped Lake Gardens. Taiping is also home to some
impressive colonial architecture and the charming Ling Nam Temple,
which is reputed to be the oldest Chinese temple in Perak. The
more sinister history of Taiping emerges in the old prison,
that was used by the Japanese in World War II, and the Allied
War Cemetery, the last resting place of hundreds of victims
of the Japanese invaders.
Pangkor Island
No longer is Pangkor Island, about 100km (60 miles) south of
Penang Island, unspoilt and seldom-visited. Over recent years
it has gained in popularity, which has brought better facilities
at the expense of increasing crowds and development of the pristine
environment. Since 1996, an internal air link to the island
has facilitated access for tourists. Innumerable bays boast
excellent sandy beaches and all kinds of watersports.
Penang
The island of Penang, eulogised as the 'Pearl of the Orient',
lies just off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Recently
a network of expanded tourist facilities has been created, which
have ruined many of the island's main beach charms. Some of
the beaches that are popular with resort developers, in particular
those around Batu Feringgi on the north coast, have become blighted
by jet skis, private hotel stretches of sand and various touts
and hawkers. Despite this uncontrolled development to the north,
much of the rest of the island is still a beautiful tropical
oasis of palm trees and sandy beaches, and it is also the main
international gateway to northern Malaysia. It was the natural
harbor that first attracted the British to Penang in the late
18th century, and the port is still one of the most important
in the country today. There is a regular ferry service between
the island and the town of Butterworth on the mainland and a
spectacular road bridge.
Georgetown
Charming Georgetown is Penang's main settlement, a thriving
hub where Malay, Chinese, Thai, Indian and European cultures
merge, as does the architecture which, in the space of a few
miles, takes in a British colonial-style cricket pitch and a
rumble of Chinese stilt houses. The main shopping is on Campbell
Street and Canarvon Street. Worth visiting are Khoo Kongsi,
an old Chinese clan house, Fort Cornwallis, a British 18th-century
fortress, Penang Museum and Art Gallery and the many churches,
temples and mosques found throughout the town. The first-class
laksas and unique Penang dishes are reason for visiting alone,
with many meals enjoyed outside at the ubiquitous Time stalls.
Langkawi
More than 100km (60 miles) north of Penang lie the 104 islands,
many of which are just outcrops of coral, that make up Langkawi.
The largest, Langkawi Island, is the only one with sophisticated
tourist facilities (it has been declared a free port and duty
free shopping is available). Several international hotels and
resorts have opened as the government and international developers
flood into what is set to become Malaysia's premier island beach
resort. The island's many coves, lagoons and inlets make it
ideal for all kinds of watersports such as swimming, sailing,
fishing and scuba diving. Horse riding facilities and golf courses
are also available. The Crocodile farm at Kubank Badah has more
than 3000 crocodiles. Travel to Langkawi is by air from Kuala
Lumpur, Penang and Alor Setar or by road and sea.
Kelantan
Bordering Thailand in the north is the state of Kelantan, whose
capital Kota Bharu is a colorful, vibrant city, very much the
archetypal South-East Asian border town. The beaches here are
clean and unspoilt and the sea is ideal for swimming, diving
and fishing. The state is renowned for its many cultural festivals,
some of which are unique to the region. Puja Umur (the birthday
of the Sultan) is celebrated with a week-long festival, beginning
with a parade in Kota Bharu. A form of art unique to Kelantan
is the Ma'yong, a combination of ballet, opera, romantic drama
and comedy, originally a form of court entertainment.
Genting Highlands
Less than one hour by road from Kuala Lumpur is Genting Highlands,
which boasts Malaysia's only casino (passports required). Genting
Highlands can also be reached by regular helicopter service
from Kuala Lumpur. Facilities include four hotels, a theme park,
restaurants, a theater, golf courses with a magnificent clubhouse,
an artificial lake, a health and sports center, and an indoor
swimming pool.
Fraser Hill
Set in lush jungle 100km (60 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, Fraser
Hill is popular with both holidaymakers and golf enthusiasts.
A wide range of other sports are available. There is also a
self-contained township, self-catering bungalows and an international-standard
hotel.
Cameron Highlands
Still further north, about four hours from Kuala Lumpur, are
the Cameron Highlands. These are among the best-known mountain
resorts in Asia, and consist of three separate townships: Brinchang,
Tanah Rata and Ringlet. An international-standard hotel and
many bungalows are set around a golf course in lush green surroundings.
Tennis, squash, badminton, jungle walks and swimming are available.
From here you can visit Gunung Brinchang: at 2064m (6773ft)
above sea level, it is the highest inhabited point in Peninsular
Malaysia and therefore a magnificent viewpoint.
Negeri Sembilan
The state of Negeri Sembilan is located in the southwest corner
of Peninsular Malaysia. It is famed throughout the region for
its Minangkabau-style architecture, which reflects the influence
of its first inhabitants from Sumatra.
Seremban
Negeri Sembilan's capital is 64km (39 miles) south of Kuala
Lumpur. Journey Time from Kuala Lumpur by car is about 30 minutes.
Seremban Lake Gardens is one of the town's most attractive features
- it has two beautiful lakes, one of which has a floating stage
where cultural shows are performed. The State Mosque, which
has nine pillars to represent the nine districts of the state,
overlooks the tranquil gardens.
The Cultural Handicraft Complex at Labu Spur houses the Negeri
Sembilan State Museum. Historical artifacts representative of
the state and its inhabitants are on display in this museum,
built entirely from wood.
Port Dickson
Port Dickson is on the coast, about one-and-a-half hour's traveling
Time from Kuala Lumpur and 32km (19 miles) from Seremban. Malaysians
flock here from the city at weekends, but with 18km (11 miles)
of beach, there is always plenty of room. The bays are fine
for all kinds of watersports and fishing and there are facilities
for water-skiing, motor cruising and deep-sea fishing. The water
quality is not always good though, and the sea around the beaches
is often too shallow for decent swimming. The only real tourist
attraction apart from the beaches is the Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse,
where the coastline of Indonesia across the Straits of Malacca
can be made out on a clear day.
Malacca
The city of Malacca may only be two hours by road south of
Kuala Lumpur, but it is centuries away in ambience. Old men
in fishing boats still cruise up through the center of the modern
city with the catch of the day, which can be enjoyed in the
city's excellent restaurants. River cruises that open up the
city's history are increasingly popular. Founded in the early
15th century, Malacca remains predominantly a Chinese community,
although there are many reminders of periods under Portuguese,
Dutch and British rule; some of these can be seen in the Malacca
Museum. Architectural remains include the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
in the center of the city, the gateway of the A Formosa Portuguese
fortress, St Paul's Church with the grave of St Xavier, the
Stadthuys, the Dutch Christ Church and the Tranquerah Mosque,
one of the oldest in the country. There are several international
hotels in Malacca, augmented by a fully-equipped resort complex
12km (7 miles) outside the city.
Johor
In the southern state of Johor, Johor Bahru is Malaysia's southernmost
gateway, and also the road and rail gateway from Singapore via
a 1.5km- (1 mile-) causeway that connects the island to Peninsular
Malaysia. Places of interest in the State include Johor Lama,
the seat of the Johor Sultanate after eviction from Malacca;
the Kota Tinggi Waterfalls; the Ayer Hitam ceramic works; Muar,
famous throughout the country for its ghazal music and trance-inducing
Kuda Kepang dances; the rubber and palm-oil plantations; and
Desaru, one of Johor's newest resorts. Desaru boasts unspoilt
beaches and jungle. All kinds of sports are played here, from
swimming, canoeing and snorkeling to pony riding and jungle
trekking.
Tioman
The island of Tioman, in the South China Sea off the coast of
Pahang, will be familiar to fans of the film South Pacific,
as it was here that the film-makers found their mythical Bali
Hai. The sweeping palm trees and luxuriously white beaches are
still there, but fame has come at a price with a rush of development,
which on one side has brought the ease of direct flights and
express boats from the mainland, but also a raft of accommodations,
not all of them of the same quality and aesthetic standards.
Tioman is the largest of a group of 64 volcanic islands, and
also the largest island on Malaysia's east coast. The three
most popular resorts are ABC, Salang and Juara. Tioman is also
one of the best destinations in Malaysia for scuba diving and
snorkeling. The jungle-clad interior is also popular for trekking,
with many swathes of jungle still unspoilt.
Terengganu
The state of Terengganu has 225km (140 miles) of white sandy
beaches. Swimming and all forms of watersports are favorite
pasTimes. There are several turtle-breeding beaches; at Rantau
Abang, the Visitor Center can arrange for guests to watch giant
turtles laying their eggs.
Perhentian Islands
Many Malays consider the twin islands of Perhentian Besar and
Perhentian Kecil to be the two most beautiful islands in the
country. They both boast pristine white beaches, crystal clear
waters and are still relatively unexploited. The strict local
beliefs mean that alcohol is not common and this has helped
deter major companies from setting up here, leaving the islands
in their natural state for those who do choose to visit. The
islands are popular for scuba diving and snorkeling with easy
access to reefs and good visibility.
Sabah
Separated from Peninsular Malaysia by 950km (600 miles) of the
South China Sea, Sabah, on the northern tip of Borneo, can be
reached by direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Known
as 'The Land Below The Wind', Sabah is an adventure playground,
home of the world's oldest jungles and one of South-East Asia's
highest peaks, Mount Kinabalu. Sabah also offers the unique
opportunity to see orang-utans in their natural environment.
Kota Kinabalu
The capital and main gateway to Sabah, Kota Kinabalu does little
justice to its spectacular natural surroundings. It is a new
city built upon the ruins of Jesselton, which was badly damaged
during the Second World War, and designed around the gold-domed
State Mosque. From Signal Hill there is a good view of the city
and the surrounding mountains and sea.
Sandakan
Nearly 400km (250 miles) from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan is the
old capital of Borneo. The Sandakan Orchid House displays a
rare collection of wonderful orchids and is a must for green-fingered
enthusiasts. Also of interest is the Crocodile Farm, located
outside Sandakan along the seventh mile Labuk Road. Over 1000
crocodiles, of varying sizes inhabit the farm at any one Time.
24km (15 miles) from the town is the Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation
Center, home of the 'wild men of Borneo', the world's largest
orangutan population. The sanctuary is a rehabilitation center
where orangutans reap the benefits of inhabiting virgin rainforest
in a protected environment. Now one of Sabah's top tourist attractions,
the center is no flippant tourist site as it actively manages
to take in injured or orphaned orangutans and return them to
the wild once they are rehabilitated. There is no guarantee
of seeing an orangutan, but they usually turn up for their twice-daily
feedings.
Turtle Islands
40km (24 miles) north of Sandakan, Pulau Selingan, Pulau Bakungan
Kecil and Pulau Gulisan collectively form the Turtle Islands.
Visitors get the opportunity to witness the amazing sight of
Hawksbill and Green turtles coming ashore in the evening to
lay their eggs. The islands can be visited all year round but,
from July to October, the number of turtles visiting the island
increases. Accommodation is available but highly sought after.
Tenom
The Tenom region can be reached from Kota Kinabalu by Sabah's
only railway line. A spectacular and thrilling experience, it
follows the Padas River up through narrow jungle gorges in the
Crocker Range. Tenom town is renowned for its style of longhouse
building, unchanged in centuries, and for the traditional songs
and dances performed there.
Labuan
The island of Labuan is 10km (6 miles) off the coast of Sabah
and covers an area of 98 sq km (38 sq miles). It is a duty free
port and operates as Malaysia's offshore financial center. Excellent
duty free shopping and wide expanses of white sandy beaches
throughout the island make Labuan a popular tourist destination.
It is also a popular destination for divers and has four established
wreck diving sites. The Cement Wreck is suitable for beginners,
but the Blue Water Wreck requires more advanced diving experience.
It is possible to penetrate the hull of the Australian and American
wrecks, but these dive sights are only accessible to qualified
wreck divers with relevant experience. Religious buildings of
interest on the island are the An'nur Jamek Mosque, Kwong Fook
Kung Temple and Lauan Gurdwara Sahib. The mosque, a place of
worship for Labuan's Muslim community, has a progressive futuristic
design. The temple, constructed in 1952, is the oldest Chinese
temple on the island. The Hokkien community stages a deity procession
with trance-like dances and Time offerings each year in March.
Lauan Gurdwara Sahib, a place of worship for Labuan's Sikh community
was built in 1957. The Sikh 'Golden Temple' in Amritsar inspired
the design. The Peace Park at Layang-Layangan, commemorating
World War II, is a tranquil retreat. Japanese-inspired pavilions
and ponds with stone bridges are dotted throughout beautifully
landscaped gardens.
Pulau Papan
An island only five minutes by boat from Labuan, Pulau Papan
is a popular retreat for weekenders from Brunei. Attractive
landscaping throughout the island and a colonial lighthouse
enhance Pulau Papan's natural charm. Chalet accommodation is
available; the only alternative for anyone wanting to stay overnight
on the island is camping.
Sarawak
The state of Sarawak shares East Malaysia with Sabah but is
a vastly different destination to its neighbor with a greater
degree of ethnic and tribal diversity leading to a more interesting
culture and more varied cuisine. Most people who live in Sarawak
use the intricate network of waterways to get about. Visitors
are encouraged to do so too, although taxis and hire cars are
available in the larger towns for those who prefer more conventional
means of transport. Separated from Peninsular Malaysia by 650km
(404 miles) by the South China Sea, Sarawak can be reached by
direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Kuching
Situated on the banks of the River Sarawak, Kuching is a charming
historic town, as well as being a gateway to a huge hinterland
of dense tropical rainforest and mountain ranges. Villages on
stilts still cling precariously to the river banks. Kuching
has many places of interest worth visiting. A visit to the Sarawak
Museum affords valuable insights into the history, wildlife
and anthropology of Borneo. The Court House, built in 1847,
is adorned with local art forms and is regarded as one of the
finest buildings in Sarawak. The Hong San Temple, built in honor
of the God Kuek Seng, dates back to 1895. The Chinese community
reveres Kuek Seng, who became a god 1000 years ago. It is supposed
that he grants all requests from his devotees. At the heart
of Kuching, the splendor of Sarawak State Mosque, with its magnificent
gilt domes is a majestic sight. Situated at the Junction of
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Main Bazaar, Tua Pek Kong Temple
is Kuching's oldest Chinese temple, which dates back to 1876.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Gunung Mulu National Park, a World Heritage Site, has thousands
of different plant species and is home to an abundance of wildlife
including exotic birds and butterflies, fish and mammals. Small
Borneo gibbons swinging through the trees are a common sight.
The magnificent limestone caves in the park are the main tourist
attraction, the cave system being the most extensive in the
world and including Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave and The Cave
of the Winds. The park is home to Sarawak's last nomadic tribe.
Niah Caves
Other excursions, often via Miri, can be made to the Niah Caves,
which show evidence of human existence dating back to 5000 BC.
The caves are also valued for their guano and bird's nests,
the latter being used to make soup. Many of the caves - and
some are more easily accessible than others - may be visited
with a guide.
How to plan your tours:
We are pioneer travel agents and tour operators for International
tours. We also offer most ideal tours itineraries to explore
Indian tourism destinations. For more tour options write us
your choice of destinations to design a tour for you with travel
period and budget to: info@easytravelindia.com
|
