MALAYSIA

Things To Do

Malaysia is a country with two distinct parts. Peninsula Malaysia constitutes the long fringe of land, extending down from Asia that borders Thailand and Singapore. The South China Sea separates the mainland from the less populated East Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak. The dense jungles of Sabah and Sarawak support abundant plant and wildlife and Mount Kinabalu in Sabah stakes its claim as the highest peak in South-East Asia.

Peninsula Malaysia

It is the Peninsula that seems to attract the most visitors, probably because of the diversity it offers in the way of people, activities and climates. The highland regions offer cool relief from the clinging humidity of the mainland, while Langkawi is the popular choice for sand and surf enthusiasts. The east coast, particularly the northern Kelantan province, offers the chance for an interesting cultural exploration of traditional Malay life. The city of Kota Bharu and its surrounds is possibly the most fascinating part of the peninsula, and the least visited, with a remote beauty and rich culture. The west coast is favoured for historical interest, and is where Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur is to be found.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is Asia's newest capital city and a symbol of modern Malaysia. This blend of old and new worlds, interspersed with the diverse influences of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural lifestyles, makes for a fascinating exploration of the city's streets. An orientation of Kuala Lumpur is best begun from Merdeka Square, the heart of the city. To the south-east of the square is the modern business centre and the bustling streets of Chinatown. The picturesque National Mosque (Masjid Negara) and impressive Railway Station can be located to the south and beyond them to the west is the city's green belt. The tranquil and lush Lake Gardens provides some respite from the frenetic activity of the city. The National Museum (Muzim Negara), the National Monument and the Malaysian Parliament are also found on this stretch.

The enthusiastic embrace of the modern is no more evident than in the striking Petronas Twin Towers. The 88 storeys of the highest freestanding twin tower structure in the world soar 452 metres above the Kuala Lumpur skyline. The skybridge at level 41 is accessible to tourists for a time-limited visit on a first-come, first-served basis.

Just north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are one of the holiest Hindu shrines in Malaysia and now a popular tourist spot. The 272 steps lead to the main cave which is still used as the backdrop for Hindu ceremonies.

Penang

Penang has a great mix of everything Malaysian. It has a rich history with Chinese, colonial and World War Two legacies, great shopping, restaurants and nightlife and wonderful spots for lying on a beach and daydreaming the afternoon away.

The Burmese Buddhist Temple is a serene escape from the hurly burly and a beautiful golden roof an enchanting example of the pagoda-style architecture featured in temples throughout the region.

Off the beaten track, take a walk around the traditional Batu Muang Fishing Village, famous for a shrine dedicated to an ancient Chinese sea adventurer, Admiral Cheng Ho.

Langkawi

Much of the Langkawi's prolific development has been focused in the town of Kuah, also the embarkation point for visitors travelling by ferry. However, many visitors leave the shops behind in favour of the mountainous interiors, limestone outcrops, waterfalls, hot springs or pristine beaches. The best of these beaches, Pantai Kok, lies reclusively on the island's western side, a short distance from the spectacular Telaga Tujuh Falls.

The island's mystique would be incomplete without a legend. The story relates that a Malay princess was wrongfully accused of adultery and sentenced to death; her dying words laid a curse on the island. Her tomb and the associated Padang Masirat ('the field of burnt rice') can be found a few miles west of Kuah. Langkawi can be reached by boat or air.

East Malaysia

Sabah

On the north-eastern part of the rugged and romantic adventure island of Borneo, Sabah is home to lush tropical jungles, exotic and precious wildlife, and is rimmed with coral reefs and uninhabited islands.

Most visitors to Sabah are lured by the natural splendour of the state and the unique experience of its national parks. Evocatively named, 'Land below the wind', Sabah is situated at the northeast corner of Borneo, below the typhoon belt. Its spectacular ecosystem boasts one of the largest rainforests in the world and the highest mountain peak in the region, Mt Kinabalu stands at 4,101m. Sabah's diversity extends to the indigenous people of the area that comprise 31 different groups.

Rare species like the Sumatran rhino and the Asian elephant hide in reclusive herds. The Malaysian sun bear and the proboscis monkey are easier to find, but the star of the show is the orangutan, the 'old man of the forest'. There is also the option to see turtles by paying a visit to Turtle Island in Sabah.

Sarawak

Sabah's neighbour Sarawak is equally celebrated for its natural beauty and diversity. This diversity extends to its rich cultural heritage and its preservation of traditional lifestyles. Sarawak's numerous Dayak tribes still live in longhouses - these are whole village populations living in one structure, with separate rooms opening on to a communal veranda. This communal spirit is extended to visitors who are invited to stay overnight. Kuching is Sarawak's capital, an interesting city and good base from which to explore the national parks.