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Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, the international gateway, is a fascinating
kaleidoscope. This is the most developed and densely populated
region of the country. It is also where the most important
historical remains are found. Malaysia's capital city was
founded in the 1890s, and its architecture reflects a mix
of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures. Primarily
a business and commercial centre, the city also has much to
offer the leisure visitor.
The Tasek Perdana Lake Gardens are one of
the most well known natural landmarks, a popular spot for
picnics and walking. Boats may be hired. Within the gardens
are Parliament House and the National Monument. Close by is
the National Museum. Near the railway station is the National
Mosque surrounded by lawns ornamented with fountains. Nearby
is the old Chinese temple of Chan See Yuen and the colourful
Indian temple of Sri Mahamariamman. At the recently developed
50-year-old central market, see local craftsmen at work, try
local food at hawker stalls, and enjoy cultural and musical
performances. The Batu Caves lie a few kilometres north. These
caves, reached by 272 steps, house the Hindu shrine of Lord
Subramaniam. Nearby is the Museum Cave, a fascinating display
of brightly coloured statues and murals from Hindu mythology.
Templar Park, 22 km north of Kuala Lumpur, is a well-preserved
tract of primary rainforests with jungle paths, lagoons and
waterfalls.
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Jame Mosque (Kuala Lumpur)
It is located in Jalan Tun Perak, this Moorish mosque rests
on the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers, the birth-place
of Kuala Lumpur. This is the very spot where the first settlers
of Kuala Lumpur built their shacks. The mosque is the oldest
in the city, which dates from 1908. Arthur Benison Hubbock,
an architectural assistant in the Public Works and Survey
Department, who was intrigued and inspired by the Mogul architecture
of India, designed it.
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National Mosque (Kuala Lumpur)
National Mosque is located near the railway station, along
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. Its roof, designed in the shape
of an eighteen-pointed star, has the appearance of a partly
opened umbrella roof. The mosque was completed in 1965, and
it is situated among five acres (13 hectares) of beautiful
gardens. Visitors are required to remove their shoes. Special
robes are provided if you are not appropriately attired.
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House of Parliament (Kuala Lumpur)
This is situated near the Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur. It
was officially opened in 1963. The view of Parliament House
from the National Monument at the Lake Gardens is excellent.
The House of Representatives and the Senate are located in
the building. Entrance to the premises requires permission
from the authorities.
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National Monument (Kuala Lumpur)
The monument is a bronze sculpture built to commemorate men
of the armed forces in their strength, unity, bravery and
sacrifice for the country during the Emergency period between
1948-1961. The period during which the Malay armed forces
joined with the British against the insurgence of communists
in the country.
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King's Palace (Kuala Lumpur)
It is a palace and an official residence of the Yang Di Pertuan
Agung and the Raja Permaisuri Agung (the King and Queen) of
Malaysia. It stands on a 28-acre area, on a hill overlooking
the Klang River.
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National Museum (Kuala Lumpur)
It is beautifully designed and built in typical Minangkabau-Malay-styled
architecture, in the style of a Malay palace. Its impressive
facade of two large murals depicts scenes of the country's
colourful past. It houses many fine collections of various
artefacts like Historical Gallery, Cultural Gallery, Metalwork
and Musical Instruments Gallery. Other galleries include the
National Sports Gallery and the Natural History Gallery.
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Independence Square (Kuala Lumpur)
A smaller but still important plot is Dataran Merdeka (Independence
Square), a grassy former sports field in the bustling heart
of the city. It was here that, at midnight on August 30, 1957,
the British Union Jack was lowered and the Malaysia flag raised
for the first time, signalling Malaysia's independence as
a nation. A 100-meter flagpole, one of the tallest in the
world, marks the spot.
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China Town (Kuala Lumpur)
This is located between the Jalan Petaling, Jalan Sultan and
Jalan Bandar. One can find shops dating back to the 20th century,
where the ground floor is used for business and the upper
floors are used as a residence. This is a bargain hunter's
paradise day and night. At night, street is closed and stalls
are set-up selling practically everything. You can find inexpensive
things and bargain for the price. The area is also famous
for food, fruits and delicacies.
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Shah Alam
Driving about 30 minutes along the Federal Highway from Kuala
Lumpur to Klang, one arrives at Shah Alam, the capital of
the state of Selangor. The city is well-planned with dual
carriage-ways and big roundabouts to facilitate traffic flow.
The city also boasts of being the home of PROTON, the company
producing the national Proton car. Being relatively new, Shah
Alam only has a handful of high-rise buildings, the most notable
structure being the State Mosque, which features some of the
largest domes and tallest minarets in the Muslim world.
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Klang & Port Klang
Driving another 15 minutes along the Federal Highway (during
peak hours, it may take longer) from Shah Alam, one arrives
at the royal town of Klang. Further west, another 8 km, is
Port Klang formerly known as Port Swettenham. One of the fastest
growing container ports in Southeast Asia, this town is famous
for its quayside seafood. A short boat ride from Port Klang
takes one to Pulau Ketam (Crab Island), another haven for
seafood lovers.
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Ipoh
The tin centre of the world lies astride the North-South Highway,
midway between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. It is about 2 hours
drive from KL via the tolled highway. Generally, most of the
fascinating sites in Ipoh can be covered in a day. The old
part of the town contains the seat of the sate government
as well as the railway station and the municipal colonial
buildings. At Tambun, one finds the Tambun Hot Springs and
the National Stud Farm where thoroughbred race horses are
bred.
The limestone hills around Ipoh are mysterious and beautiful.
Many of them are riddled with caves, in one of which there
is a rock painting dating back 2000 years. These limestone
caves offer great fascination to Buddhist and Hindu worshippers
who have converted the entrances into temples. Some of the
more popular rock temples include Sam Poh Tong and Perak Tong.
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Taiping
For 50 years, Taiping was the capital of the state of Perak.
The word 'Tai Ping' means 'Great Peace', which was achieved
following the cessation of hostilities between rival Chinese
mining factions in the late 19th century.
The Taiping Lake gardens comprise several lakes landscaped
out of disused mining pools at the turn of the century. The
Lake Gardens also house a golf course and a zoo. The state
museum is the oldest in the country and has a wide variety
of exhibits no longer obtainable elsewhere. The Ling Nam Temple
in Taiping is the oldest in Perak.
Taiping is considered a wet town as it has the heaviest rainfall
in the peninsula. The umbrella is a common sight !
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Kuala Kangsar
About 35km north of Ipoh, on the North-South Highway, lies
the royal town of Kuala Kangsar. The town is known for the
Iskandariah Palace, residence of the Sultan of Perak; the
exquisitely designed golden-domed Ubadiah Mosque; and the
Malay College, the earliest residential school in Malaysia.
Founded in 1904, the Malay College was exclusively meant for
boys from the Malay aristocracy. Today, it is open to all
qualified Malay students. Kuala Kangsar is also home to the
first rubber trees in the country. In 1877, H.N. Ridley brought
22 Brazilian rubber seedlings from the Kew Gardens in London
and planted them in Kuala Kangsar. The last surviving tree
from this batch can be seen at the district office. Ridley's
initiative heralded the beginning of the rubber industry in
Malaysia.
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Lumut
Approximately 84km south of Ipoh is the quiet town of Lumut.
Once a relatively unknown fishing town it has since acquired
the proud distinction of being the home of the Royal Malaysian
Navy and the take-off point to the beautiful island of Pangkor.
About 6 km from the town are the beautiful palm-fringed shores
of Teluk Batik, popular with local campers and picnickers.
The annual Lumut Sea Festival biennial is held between the
months of August and September. Amidst all the bustle of development
taking place in the surrounding areas, the town still retains
its quiet charm.
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Taman Negara National Park
Malaysia's premier National Park, covers 4343 square kilometers
covering Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu states. It is 130
million years old - the oldest rain forest in the world. The
highest mountain in the Peninsular, Gunung Tahan, 2186 meters
stands in the park. Covered with primary jungle and scattered
limestone outcrop, it is truly the outdoor destination for
nature lovers.
Access is by boat and quite recently on off
road tracks. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot the
Smooth Otter or Small Clawed Otter. Spot the three species
of kingfisher and hear the calls of the white Handed Gibbons,
the Great Argus Pheasant and the shrill call of the Cicadas.
Visit the numerous caves around the park.
The favourite being Gua Telinga or Ear Cave, home of thousands
of Round Leaf Bats, Giant Toads, Whip Spiders and Cave Racer
Snakes. The longest Canopy Walkway in the world, spanning
460 meters long and 40 meters off the ground is not to be
missed.
For birds watchers, bring along your field
book and binoculars and spot the Greater Racquet Tail Drongo,
Southern Oied Hornbill, various Spiders Hunters, Sunbirds,
Broadbills, Malkohas, Peasants and many more. Listen to the
"orchestra" in the early morning.
Other activities includes spending the night
in the Hide, Fishing, Rapids Shooting or visit the Cascades.
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Langkawi
Langkawi comprises a group of 99 tropical islands lying off
the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 30km
from Kuala Perlis and 51km from Kuala Kedah on the mainland.
The main island is popularly known as Pulau Langkawi. The
islands are blessed with an intriguing heritage of fabulous
myths and legends of ogres and gigantic birds, warriors and
fairly princesses, battles and romance. As a natural paradise,
the islands are perhaps unmatched anywhere else in Southeast
Asia. With a geological history dating back 500 million odd
years, the islands contain unique rock formations that stir
the imagination and baffle the mind. Numerous caves, with
their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, taunt the adventurous
to unravel their ancient secrets. Fine beaches offer sun-filled
days of complete relaxation. The clear emerald waters around
the islands provide numerous opportunities for a host of water
sports and recreational activities. The enchanting marine
life beneath the waters of Langkawi's islands also beckon
diving enthusiasts.
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Mahsuri's Tomb
Mahsuri was a beautiful princess who was wrongly accused of
adultery and sentenced to death. Legend has it that with her
dying breath, she cursed the islanders for seven generations.
Mahsuri's tomb is now encased in white marble, quarried from
the hills of Langkawi. The white symbolising her innocence.
Nearby is a well, in which Mahsuri used to wash and bathe.
Photographs of her descendants are displayed on the board
next to her grave.
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 Penang
The island of Penang lies just off the northwest coast of
Peninsular Malaysia. As well as being a particularly beautiful
tropical island of palm trees and sandy beaches, it is also
the main international gateway to northern Malaysia. It was
the natural harbour which first attracted the British to Penang
in the late 18th century, and the port is still one of the
most important in the country. There is a regular ferry service
between the island and the town of Butterworth on the mainland.
The third longest bridge in the world links Penang to the
mainland. Georgetown. The island's capital town, is made up
of Malay, Chinese, Thai, Indian and European cultures. 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. For those that want a single-centre
holiday, Penang is a good choice, enabling the visitor to
see something of Malaysian life in the town and small villages,
as well as offering some of the most beautiful beaches in
the country.
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Alor Setar (Kedah)
North of Butterworth lies Alor Setar, the state capital of
Kedah, accessible directly via the North-South Highway. Kedah
is known as the rice bowl of the country with its wide expanse
of padi lands. Alor Setar itself has little to offer by way
of touristic attractions although for the culturally inclined,
there are some notable places to see such as the Thai-style
Great Hall built in 1898; the Balai Nobat which houses the
instruments of Kedah's royal orchestra (reputed to be the
oldest in the country); the Zahir Mosque built in 1912; and
the state museum.
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Kangar and Arau (Perlis)
Further up north towards the Thai border is Perlis, the smallest
state in the Federation. As one travels, the flat rice fields
give way to stark solitary limestone outcrops which stand
like sentinels marking subterranean caves. Perlis has two
main towns, namely Arau and Kangar, the royal town and state
capital respectively. Straddling the Malaysian-Thai border
is Padang Besar, a popular shopping destination among Malaysians.
It is also the terminus for both the Malaysian and Thai Railway
systems.
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Seremban (Negeri Sembilan)
Seremban, the capital of the state of Negeri Sembilan, is
about an hour's drive south from Kuala Lumpur along the North-South
Highway. Negeri Sembilan or 'Nine States' refers to the loose
federation of Malay chieftains who rule these lands. The state
is influenced heavily by Minangkabau culture, imported from
West Sumatra. The word Minangkabau means 'buffalo horns"
which is depicted in the sweeping, peaked roofs of some of
the ancestral homes.
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Sri Menanti
About 50km away from Seremban is the royal town of Sri Menanti,
which boasts of a palace built in the 1890's without a single
nail being used in its construction. It ceased to be a royal
residence in 1931, when a new palace was constructed for the
ruler. Presently, the old timber palace serves as a museum.
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Port Dickson
About 30 km south of Seremban lies Port Dickson, a popular
weekend spot for Malaysians especially from Kuala Lumpur.
The town itself serves as a vital stop where travellers purchase
supplies and merchandise on their way to the 16 km long beach.
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Malacca
Malacca has been accorded 'Historical City' status. It is
steep in history, having gone through several centuries of
peace and war starting with the founding of the Malacca Sultanate
in the early 15th century whose empire ultimately was much
larger than present-day Malacca. It was overrun by Portuguese
seafarers in 1521, who lost it to the Dutch in 1641, who in
turn traded it with the British in 1824 for the latter's territorial
possessions in Indonesia.
Visitors to Malacca will be amazed at the number of relics
left behind by the conquerers. On St Paul's Hill lies the
ruins of St Paul's Church, a chapel built in 1521. St. Francis
Xavier, known as 'Missionary of the East' used to conduct
mass in the church during his visits to Malacca. Upon his
death, his body was initially laid to rest in St Paul's but
was later taken to Goa, India. On the slopes of St Paul's
Hill is another Portuguese relic, the A Famosa, which was
part of a larger fortress built by the Portuguese but later
destroyed by the English when they took over from the Dutch.
With the Dutch came the Stadhuys and Christ Church, full of
old engraved tombstones, highlighting the hardships faced
by early European settlers in the Far East. The Stadhuys today
houses the Malacca Museum with its many unique exhibits and
collections of the past. Other worthwhile sites to visit include
Bukit China (China Hill), built by followers of the Chinese
Ming princess Hang Li Po;; St Peter's Church; St John's Fort
as well as the grave sites of legendary Malacca warriors.
Malacca, not surprisingly, has many antique shops, most notably
along Jonker Street where bargain hunters can find items ranging
from wooden bullock carts to Victorian clocks and early gramaphones.
Parallel to this street is Heeren Street or Jalan Tun Tan
Cheng Lock with its Peranakan (Baba Nonya) house decorated
in a gorgeous blend of Chinese, Malay and European styles
with its special heavy wooden furniture. One also finds the
oldest Chinese temple in the country, the Cheng Hoon Teng
Temple, founded in 1645.
The sea front esplanade has been transformed with the reclamation
of land. The area has become a business district hatched out
of the sea featuring a shopping complex, a private hospital
and a luxurious hotel to serve the surrounding business area.
On the outskirts of Malacca town lies the industrial town
of Ayer Keroh. Here there are numerous tourist attractions
spread out along either side of the main road. Visitors can
find the crocodile farm, butterfly park, a feng shui garden,
Mini Malaysia Garden, Malacca Zoo and a 18-hole Ayer Keroh
Country Club.
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Muar & Pagoh
At the Malacca-Johor border sits a pretty town called Muar.
It is considered a cultural center where the Johor ghazal
music concerts and the 'kuda kepang' trance dances are held.
En route to Muar, visitors can make a detour to visit the
legendary Gunung Ledang (Mt Ophir) popular with hikers and
naturalists, and also the Sungai Kesang, a hot sulphur spring.
Approximately 26 km from Muar is another small town called
Pagoh where the remains of two Malacca Sultans can be found
in an old fort. At a nearby graveyard stand 99 tombstones;
marking the graves of an entire village killed 500 years ago
by a single spear. Legend has it that the spear was tossed
by a jealous lover, into the chest of the bridegroom, removed
and tossed again, eventually killing all who were present
at the wedding.
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Ayer Itam
Astride the old trunk road that runs south to Johor Bahru
(the state capital) and not far from the North-South Highway,
is a small crossroad town called Ayer Itam. The town is a
popular stopover for tourists on their way between Kuala Lumpur
and Singapore. Dimly-lighted coffee shops and rows of heavily
laden street stalls become 'a drinking hole and a shopping
centre for weary travellers looking for last minute souvenirs
and local food products.
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Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru, the state capital of Johor, is connected to Singapore
via the Causeway built over the Straits of Tebrau in 1922,
and a second more recent link. It serves as the gateway for
Singaporeans visiting Malaysia, especially on weekends for
shopping and entertainment. The huge exchange differential
makes it an ideal shopping paradise for Singaporeans seeking
products from daily provisions to branded items. Many also
come specially to patronise the numerous nightclubs, discos,
hostess clubs and karaoke lounges. The urban landscape of
Johor Bahru has changed much over the years although visitors
can still find remnants of the old city behind Jalan Ibrahim
which harbours many old shophouses where Chinese and Indian
traders parade their wares ranging from spices and joss sticks
to tailored suits and the latest electronic products. One
will also discover the cheaper Chinese restaurants and Indian
'banana leaf' cafes.
Visitors can also appreciate the architecture of Bangunan
Sultan Ibrahim; the Istana Besar (Grand Palace) which now
houses the museum showcasing the golden age of Johor; the
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque built in 1892; and Istana Bukit Serene,
now the residence of the present Sultan of Johor. There are
also several good handicraft centres such as the Perbadanan
Handicraft Centre and the Mawar Gift Shop.
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Kota Tinggi
The small quiet town of Kota Tinggi is famous for its waterfalls
which thunder down 36 meters into the icy-cold pool below.
On the outskirts of the town at Kampung Makam is the cemetery
of the 17th century sultans of Johor. Not far from Kota Tinggi
is Desaru, famed for its beaches and resorts located in a
wide bay south of Tanjong Penawar.
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Mersing
Further east from Kota Tinggi is the town of Mersing, small
but dotted with numerous cheap inns and budget hotels. It
is the staging point for ferries to the popular Tioman Island
Marine Park. One can also see large bustling fishing boats
landing their catches. In early May, during the annual festival
of Kayu Papan in Mersing, visitors are able to witness the
'kuda kepang' trance dance.
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Pekan
Pekan is a pleasant town midway between the southern coastal
border of Pahang and Kuantan, the state capital. It is situated
at the mouth of the Pahang River, which at this point is gentle
and sylvan and graced by numerous little boats. At one time
the state capital, Pekan is till today the royal town. Worth
visiting are the two white marble mosques with their riot
of golden domes. The town also houses the state museum.
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Kuantan (Pahang)
The largest state in Malaysia, Pahang, has its capital in
Kuantan. A peaceful town, it forms a base for exploring the
surrounding region, which is well-known for its village festivals
and for the craft of weaving pandanus leaves into mats, hats
and baskets. Wood carving and batik are also traditional crafts
in this part of the country. A few kilometres north lies the
Beserah Fishing Village. Colourful boats decorate the shore
at Sungai Ular. Lake Cini, actually 12 bodies of water interconnected
to form one, is covered with red and white lotuses from June
to September, and harbours "Orang Asli" or aboriginal
settlements along its shores. Further afield, adventure awaits
in the lush Taman Negara National Park, housing the Gunung
Tahan, the highest peak in peninsular Malaysia, and countless
limestone hills, streams and an abundance of wildlife.
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Kemaman & Kerteh
Moving up north along the coast from Kuantan, one comes upon
the towns of Kemaman and Kerteh in the state of Terengganu.
Here, oil-related activities are apparent since Kemaman is
a supply base for off-shore platforms, and Kerteh is a major
refining centre with huge silver tanks and flame-sprouting
gasworks. Despite that, there are still some nice beaches
to be discovered. Traffic is light along this stretch of the
coast and the sound of waves breaking along the empty beaches
is very distinct.
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Kuala Dungun
Kuala Dungun, a dreamy little seaside town and port, was once
an outlet for the state's iron ore mining industry at Bukit
Besi. Most of the mines have closed down and the town has
reverted to its ancient trade of fishing. It is also the staging
point for boats to Pulau Tenggol, part of the Redang Marine
Park approximately 29 km offshore. About 13 km out of town
is the Tanjung Dara Beach Resort.
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Kuala Terengganu
From Kuala Dungun, the next stop is the state capital of Kuala
Terengganu. Upon arrival, one is greeted by a bronze turtle
sitting on a roundabout. The state is famous for its turtle-landing
sites, Rantau Abang especially by the endangered leatherback
turtles which come ashore to lay eggs. The pulse of the town
can be felt early in the morning in the Central Market when
fishermen bring in their catch. The road from the market runs
into the town's main thoroughfare, Jalan Bandar, a narrow
and congested street lined with Chinese shophouses. At the
end of the road is a small jetty where boats can be hired
to cruise along the estuary leading to the nearby Pulau Duyung,
renowned as a shipbuilding center. Tourists can visit the
Zainal Abidin Mosque, the State Museum and the Istana Tengku
Nik. Much is available in the form of dried sea products,
ranging from cuttlefish to salted fish.
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 Kota
Bharu (Kelantan)
Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan, which shares
a common border with Thailand on the north-eastern front.
The town has a well known market place where early in the
morning, fishing folk display their catch. It is the shopping
place for east coast handicrafts especially batik and silver-work.
Just beyond the market is Merdeka Square flanked by a mosque
and an old palace. The palace known as 'Istana Besar', built
in 1884, houses the Throne Room, State Legislative Assembly
and the Hall of Audience. Next to it stands a smaller palace
called Istana Jahar, which has been converted into a state
museum. Cultural shows are regularly held at the Gelanggang
Seni on Jalan Mahmood. Here, in the evenings, the sound of
the rebana or huge drums can be heard. Other art forms performed
here include top-spinning, shadow puppet show; beating of
the wooden kertok drums; silat - art of self-defence; and
the 'mak yong' which combines theatre, drama, opera and comedy.
Kota Bharu is surrounded by a patchwork of little villages
separated by rice-fields and orchards and linked to one another
by little roads. There are numerous beautiful beaches, and
in the countryside the singing kites or "wau" decorate
the sky.
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Sabah
Separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the stretches of the
South China Sea, Sabah, "The Land Below the Wind",
is home to the world's oldest jungles and one of Southeast
Asia's highest peaks, Mount Kinabalu. The capital is Kota
Kinabalu. To the south, the Tanjung Aru Beach is a favourite
sun-seekers spot. Nature lovers are in for a treat at the
Kinabalu National Park, home to some 800 varieties of orchids
and exotic wildlife. Big or small, the 'tamu', or open-air
markets of Sabah are meeting places to trade or catch up on
the latest happenings. The biggest 'tamu' is at Kota Belud,
where 'Bajau' women with betel-stained teeth gaily chat while
they conduct brisk sales, while the men flock to the water
buffalo auctions.
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Sandakan
A short flight to Sandakan, reveals another wondrous sight
- the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, the world's largest rehabilitation
centre for the Orang Utan, known as "The Wild Man of
Borneo". The Tenom region can be reached from Kota Kinabalu
by Sabah's only railway line. It follows the Padas River through
narrow jungle gorges. Tenom town is renowned for its style
of longhouse buildings, unchanged through centuries.
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Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)
Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton, is the state capital
of Sabah. Located on the western side of Borneo island, it
is only accessible from Peninsular Malaysia via air. There
is an international airport, and the national carrier Malaysia
Airlines the official airline flies regularly to Kota Kinabalu
from Kuala Lumpur, besides making stopovers on international
flights. Kota Kinabalu has come a long way from the stilt
villages perched over the sea and a sprawl of post World War
Two shophouses. Today, it has transformed into an ultra- modern
city.
The town is a blend of ultramodern structures and old Chinese
shophouses with a water village (Kampong Ayer) along the sea
front. Here, one finds the Central Market where fish of all
shapes and sizes are on display alongside fresh vegetables
and fruits from the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. The ubiquitous
night markets sell clothes, curios and local culinary delicacies.
On Sunday mornings, there is the popular Jalan Gaya Fair where
local handicrafts can be found.
Amongst the more impressive buildings are the gleaming Sabah
Foundation Building with its 72-sided polygon; the State Mosque
with its fine contemporary Islamic architecture. and the State
Museum built in the style of the local Rungus and Murut tribal
architecture; The museum, complete with a science centre,
an art gallery and life-sized traditional houses of the various
ethnic groups, is worth visiting
Off the coast lies the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park,
comprising five islands namely Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi
and Sulug.
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Kota Belud
North of Kota Kinabalu lies the town of Kota Belud, famed
for its Bajau 'cowboys' and their ability at handling and
rearing ponies. The colourful 'tamu' market is virtually dominated
by Bajau and Dusun women, who continuously chew on the betel
nut staining their teeth and gums a macabre red. Visitors
will find many of Sabah's tribal handicraft at the market,
jumbled up with betel nut stalls and electrical items.
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Kudat
Kudat sits on the northern tip of Sabah. At one time, it served
as an important port between China and Europe, but today functions
only as an active fishing town. The indigenous tribe of the
region are the Rungus who are traditionally agriculturists.
The Rungus womenfolk use long brass coils to decorate their
necks, arms and legs. There is also a large Hakka community
in Kudat, which was one of the first areas to be inhabited
by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century.
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Selingan
Also known as Pulau Penyu National Park, this park comprises
of three small islands: Pulau Selingan, Pulau Bakungan Kecil,
and Pulau Gulisan. They are covered with a variety of plant
life. However, the main attractions are the turtles, which
come ashore to nest. Pulau Selingan and Pulau Bakungan Kecil
is the main nesting area for the green turtles, while the
hawksbill turtles seem particularly fond of Pulau Gulisan.
Both species lay their eggs on these shores throughout the
year although the best months are between July to October.
The islands were categorized as Marine Parks primarily to
save these two species from extinction.
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Tawau
Tawau is located on the south-eastern side of Sabah bordering
Kalimantan in Indonesia. There are regular flights from Kota
Kinabalu to Tawau. The overland route is long and tiring and
is more suited for four wheel drive vehicles. The area is
important for its timber and cocoa products, especially the
latter which thrives well in the volcanic soil. Sabah is indeed
the largest cocoa-producing state in Malaysia. Tawau also
boasts of an international standard hotel, a recreation park,
hot springs and waterfalls.
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Semporna
It is located on the east coast of Sabah and is accessible
both by air and land which is albeit a long and tough journey.
Semporna serves as the staging point to the oceanic island
of Sipadan. The rich marine life around Semporna yields a
wide variety of seafood which can be bought, often live, and
cooked to one's liking by chefs at the numerous restaurants.
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Sandakan
Further up northwards from Tawau and Semporna is the boom
town of Sandakan with its timber and logging activities. Logs
are floated down the Segama river into the sea where the bobbing
motion earned the nickname 'floating money'. They are then
shipped via massive freighters to Japan.
Off the Sandakan coast lies one of Sabah's national parks,
Turtle Island, which comprises three islands namely Pulau
Selingan, Pulau Bakingan and Pulau Gulisan. The latter is
where the green and hawksbill turtles come and lay their eggs
throughout the year.
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Sarawak
This state, "The land of the Hornbills", occupies
the north-west coastal region of the island of Borneo. This
was once the Kingdom of the White Rajahs and the headhunting
tribes. The inhabitants use the intricate network of waterways
to get about.
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Kuching
The riverine capital, Kuching, is the financial and commercial
centre, as well as the gateway to a huge area of dense tropical
rainforest and mountain ranges. Villages on stilts still cling
precariously to the riverbanks. At the Sarawak Museum in Kuching,
the soul of Borneo is kept very much alive. This renowned
centre house, the finest collection of archaeological and
cultural artifacts. Tribal weapons and tools, carvings and
laughing skulls are incredible and enjoy pride of place. The
Bako National Park has interesting wildlife and vegetation,
including carnivorous plants, long-nosed monkeys and Sambar
deer. The awesome Niah caves, show evidence of human existence
dating back to 5000 BC. At Damai Beach, the peace and tranquillity
echo the meaning of its name.
Kuching is also the gateway to many Borneo adventures.
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Skrang River
In the old days, moving along the coast of Borneo was unsafe
because it was infested by pirates who caused a total blockade
for trading and travelling. James Brooke, the first White
Rajah of Sarawak, in his private journal gave a vivid description
of his encounter with pirates. He met some 2500 Dayak pirates
from the Skrang River face to face when they were plying along
the Sarawak River on their war boats. Rajah James Brooke together
with Captain Henry Keppel twice attacked the pirates' stronghold
on the Skrang and Saribas Rivers in 1843 and 1844 respectively.
Spend the night at a longhouse to experience the traditions
and customs of the Dayak Ibans. The highlight of the Skrang
River Safari is an evening entertainment by the longhouse
residents, featuring traditional dances and music. Tuak, a
specially brewed rice wine will be served during the evening
entertainment. A jungle walk on the following day is equally
interesting It is an exciting experience to stroll through
the dense tropical rainforest.
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Highlands
Gunung Jerai
Formerly known as Kedah Peak, Gunung Jerai is a massive limestone
outcrop rising 2,000 meters above sea level, south of Alor
Setar. The young and energetic may want to climb the mountain
trek, while others may prefer to take the narrow winding road
up by jeep. The cool fresh mountain air is matched by the
quiet serenity of its natural surroundings. On a clear day,
the mountain offers a spectacular view of the rolling rice
fields of Kedah stretching up to Perlis in the north, and
the emerald seas surrounding Penang in the south-west and
the Langkawi islands.
The discovery of ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples at the
foothills suggest the influence of a Hindu civilization within
the region. There is a local legend of a king with fangs (Raja
Bersiong) who once ruled the ancient kingdom within the Bujang
Valley.
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Genting Highlands
Up in the mountains of Gunung Ulu Kali, in the Main Range
that forms the backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, lies the modern
hill resort of Genting Highlands about 2,000 meters above
sea level. It is indeed an engineering wonder to carve a road
through the thick virgin jungle to create a resort in the
clouds. Located just 50 km from the Federal capital Kuala
Lumpur, it is very popular with locals as well as foreign
tourists. The resort also houses Malaysia's only legalised
gambling casino. Genting Highlands offers many amenities that
one seldom associates with a highland environment: there are
three luxurious hotels; a gambling paradise for the rich;
theatre, restaurants, lavish entertainment with live performances
by international artistes, theme parks and a cable car that
travels between the 914-metre to the 1768-metre high points.
The Awana Golf and Country Club perched atop a ridge at 950m
above sea level is an international class 18-hole golf course.
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Maxwell Hill (Perak)
Maxwell Hill or Bukit Larut, Malaysia's oldest hill station,
1,035 metres above sea level, is approximately 9 km from Taiping,
Perak. It is blessed with a cool temperature and beautiful
natural surroundings. From the summit, visitors have an aerial
view of Taiping town. Also visible are the suburbs of Aulong
and Simpang as well as the 19 km stretch of the Taiping-Port
Weld road. On clear days one can see the sweeping Perak coastline.
The hills abound with colorful flora and fauna, and boasts
flowers such as roses, dahlias, daisies, sunflowers, petunias,
lupins and marigold.
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Fraser's Hill (Pahang)
Fraser's Hill, located 1,524 meters above sea level in the
mountains of Pahang, is another wonderful hill resort. The
hill was named after an English adventurer, James Fraser,
who vanished in the surrounding jungles. Today Fraser's Hill
is well-developed with hotels, bungalows, luxury condominiums
and a 9-hole golf course. Other than that, the town retains
its natural charm and original tranquillity. Driving up Fraser's
Hill requires patience as the approach road to the hill resort
is very narrow and winding. A strict schedule regulates the
one-way traffic up and down the hill.
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 Cameron
Highlands (Pahang)
Although located in the state of Pahang, the Cameron Highlands
are more easily accessible via the town of Tapah in Perak
State. The journey up the highland is winding and torturous
but at the end well worth It, as the hot humid air gradually
turns to cool air. One can also see the gradual vegetation
change with coniferous trees and thick fern lines along the
approach road. It is quite common to meet the indigenous Orang
Asli ambling along the road carrying blowpipes. There are
three small towns in Cameron Highlands. After driving for
45 kms, visitors will arrive at the first town Ringlet. Up
another 15 kms is the principal township of Tanah Rata, where
the scenery is superb with cool and clean air, mountain streams
and lakes and a view of rolling green mountains which fade
into the distant horizon. Places of interest are the Robinson
Falls, the Rose Garden nurseries and the vegetable farms.
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Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu, 4,101 metres high, is the highest mountain
in Southeast Asia. Its sheer beauty and grand setting has
tempted adventurers to climb to the peak since 1851. Annually,
about 30,000 people, including 10,000 foreigners attempt to
conquer the mountain. The two-day climb is a tough adventure
but has been made comfortable and easier by well-directed
trails, a hostel at 11,000 feet for overnight stay and clear
instructions on safe mountain-climbing rules.
The name 'Kinabalu' is believed to have derived
from 'Aki Nabalu', meaning 'The revered place of the dead'
in local Dusunic dialects. The mountain is a natural showcase
for an outstanding array of flora and fauna. It certainly
has the greatest known concentration of wild orchids from
about 1,200 species. There are also more members of the Magnolia
here than in any other comparable area. Rhododendrons, pitcher
plants, figs, mosses and ferns occur in unusual diversity
and abundance.
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