Malaysia Major Tourist Destinations

Malaysia, renowned historically as "The British Indies" and "The Fabled Spice Islands of the East", is made up of two regions, namely, Peninsular Malaysia, comprising 11 states and East Malaysia, comprising the two states of Sabah and Sarawak. Before independence in 1957, the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British colonized Malaya, as the country was once known. Relics of her colonial past have left behind a legacy that has lured many visitors to return to its shores for many decades.
The country's urban areas still retain the sentiment of bygone era, where modern buildings and businesses flourished side by side with historical structures and small traders. Malaysia's unspoiled tropical forest, magnificent mountains and rich flora and fauna are pronounced among the best in this part of the world.

On the weather, Malaysia has two not very marked seasons - a moderately wet and a moderately dry season. During the wet season thunderstorm are very frequent in the afternoons because of the high humidity, but they are brief and seldom dampen the mood for outdoors activities. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia however tends to have a heavier wet season and is best avoided during the rainy period (November-February). During these months, most beach resorts take a break and receive visitors again in March.
Malaysia has a cosmopolitan population comprising mainly Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous people with everybody living in peace and harmony. Mutual respect of each others' cultures, traditions, religious belief and way of life offer a potpourri of colorful festivals and opportunities for perennial celebrations.
In relation to its racial diversity, Malaysia is also a gourmet's paradise. It offers all sorts of cuisine. Bargain hunters are also in for a good time as Malaysia is also a shopper's paradise. Experience shopping in night markets, side street stalls, and the many shopping complexes.
Malaysia's abundance of sun, sea and sand offers great opportunities for diving enthusiasts and idyllic holiday makers. From marine parks to white sandy beaches, visitors are treated to explore, relax and seek peaceful refuge in some of the best resorts in Asia.

A popular hill resort, for those who prefer a tranquil holiday. Nestled 1.524 meters above sea level, it houses plenty of vegetable and fruit farms, flower nurseries and tea plantations, and provides cool weather in contrast to Kuala Lumpur's hOt and humid climate. A challenging 18 hole golf course awaits golfing enthusiasts while nature lovers enjoy the lush profusion of flora and fauna found in the surrounding jungles.

KOTA BHARU (KELANTAN)

It is the capital of the state of Kelantan and the center of a fertile rice basin and home to traditional Malay arts and crafts, like the Kelantanese batik and songket. The famous Central Market in town is one of the most colorful Aarkets in Malaysia. Most of the activities are dominated by women as they follow the Minangkabau traditional custom in which women reign supreme. A must on every visitor's itinerary is the Gelanggang Seni, or Cultural Center, here one can see tantalizing performances of top spinning, kite flying, shadow puppet play and silat, the traditional Malay art of self defense. Kota Bharu can be reached by air, rail, road and sea.

LANGKAWI ISLAND (KEDAH)

Fast flourishing into a tourist haven, this island has world class facilities with its hotels, resorts and eateries. Beautiful palm fringed beaches, placid water and a largely unexplored hinterland conspire to produce a tropical paradise. Langkawi is beset by many legends which gives it a mystical flavor. The island is accessible by boat or flight into its international airport.

MALACCA

The oldest established town in Malaysia, its history unfolds as one walks through the town square. From its early days when Malacca was the meeting place for traders from India, Java, the Middle East and China, to the successive colonial occupation of the Portuguese, Dutch, English and Japanese, the town has retained its unruffled charm. Each culture has left behind its mark and the standing monuments truly speak for themselves of an era of bygone splendor.

KUANTAN (PAHANG)

To be treated more as the gateway to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, this capital town is accessible by road and flights to /from Kuala Lumpur. Offering modern amenities, the town center gives a reflection of a typical Malay settlement with a touch of colonialism 20 years ago. There are some fine beaches located close by and one can enjoy the local food fare and traditional sports in this colorfully coastal town.

PANGKOR ISLAND (PERAK)

Situated 7 km from Lumut town, about 3 hours drive form Kuala Lumpur, the island is known for its fine beaches, many of which can be reached by an interesting round-the-island loop on bicycle or motorbike. Other popular activities offered are fishing, golfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and wind surfing. A nearby satellite island, Pangkor Laut, is reputed to have one of the world's best beaches.

PENANG

The oldest British settlement in Malaysia is popularly known as the "Pearl of the Orient" and is also one of the major tourist attractions. Linked by one of Asia's longest bridge, as well as a fast ferry to the mainland, many of Penang's interesting sights remind the visitors of a bygone yet nostalgic colonial era. The intriguing and historic town of Georgetown is also noted for its superb food. Attractions on the Island include Fort Cornwallis, Botanical Gardens, Penang Hill, Butterfly Farm, Kek Lok Si Temple, Snake Temple and the local food fare, which finds popularity amongst both Penangites and visitors.

TAMAN NEGARA (PAHANG)

Located in the state of Pahang, it is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Home to countless species of flora and fauna, the many activities available include fishing, boating, shooting the rapids, trekking, mountain climbing, jungle camping and watching birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Only accessible by river, accommodation ranges from lodges, dormitory living or Malaysian style wooden chalets. Adventure enthusiasts will find this park an irresistible destination.

TIOMAN ISLAND (PAHANG)

Tioman island is the largest and most spectacular island on the east coast. It is a welcome retreat for visitors who wish to seek a place on sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The island is accessible by flight or boat from Mersing town. Fishing trips and visits to the cool waterfalls deep in the island jungle are very popular. Ideal for scuba diving and swimming, accommodation can be in wooden chalets or luxurious hotel rooms.

INTRODUCTION ON SARAWAK

The first Stone Age man in Sarawak has been traced some 40,000 years ago in the Great Niah Caves situated about two-and-a-half hours drive from Miri town. Historical evidence has also identified trading as a major activity. Traders from China, India and other neighboring countries brought with them ceramic wares, metal objects, ornaments and silk (which can still be found in the longhouses of interior Sarawak), in exchange for rhinoceros horns, turtle eggs, kingfisher's feathers, bird's nests, camphor and other jungle products. This trading activity continued up to the 13th century when contact with the outside world began to decrease until the arrival of James Brooke in 1839, marking the beginning of British influence in Sarawak. Like most of Southeast Asia, the Japanese invaded Sarawak during World War II. After the surrender of the Japanese forces, Sarawak became a British Crown Colony until independence in 1963.

Popularly known as the "Land of The Hornbills", Sarawak is the largest of the 13 states that make up Malaysia. It has a warm climate and like its neighboring state Sabah, the population is multiracial, with over 23 ethnic groups whose festivities add color for the initiation of a potpourri of tour programs that reflect diverse customs and beliefs.

While the diversity of flora and fauna in Sarawak provide great opportunities for wildlife exploration, Sarawak is an exciting destination for any visitor with an adventurous palate, exploring mind, love for tribal artifacts, or just a longing for a "different kind of experience". The capital of Sarawak is Kuching.

KUCHING (SARAWAK)

The capital of the land of the Hornbills and Headhunters is without a doubt the most pleasant and interesting city in Borneo. It is hilly, leafy and has a very pleasant riverside area. The city contains many beautiful landscape parks and gardens, historic buildings, a colorful market and one of Asia's' best museums where you can view an excellent collection of Borneo ethnological and archaeological artifacts. Beyond Kuching there are the wonders of the Niah and Mulu Caves, the Bako National Park and Damai Cultural Village, and some "value for money" beach resorts.

MOUNT MULU NATIONAL PARK (SARAWAK)

Covering an area of 52.866 hectares, this is Sarawak's largest national park. It contains about 1.500 species of flowering plants including the famous pitcher plant with 67 types of mammals roaming the forests and 262 species of birds and countless varieties of insects and fungi. The 52km long Mulu Caves are the longest network of cave in the world. The most famous one is Deer Cave with a silhouette resembling the profile of Abraham Lincoln.

NIAH NATIONAL PARK AND NIAH CAVES (SARAWAK)

Two hours drive from Miri is the Niah National Park, which is spread over 3.140 hectares of swamp and forests. The largest of Niah's caves, called "the Great Cave", covers an area as large as 13 football fields and is home to millions of bats and swiftlets. An interesting activity carried out between August to December and January to March is the collection of edible bird's nests on the roof of the caves. Flora and fauna are in abundance here.

INTRODUCTION TO SABAH

The history of Sabah dates back to 1881 when the colony came under the jurisdiction of the British North Borneo Company. It was then known as British North Borneo. The British continued to rule the colony until 1942, when the Japanese invaded it. Japanese rule lasted until early 1948 when Britain recaptured it and converted it into a crown colony. British rule ended in 1963 when the State obtained its independence by joining the Federation of Malaysia.

Situated in the northeastern part of the world's third largest island, Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia. Referred often as the "Land Below The Wind", Sabah has a tropical climate with sunny blue skies most days of the year. The population of nearly 2 million is comprised of 32 different races, including many ethnic tribes like the Kadazans, Bajous and Dusuns that reflect a colorful variety of culture, tradition and customs.

The state of Sabah has plenty to offer to tourists and holidaymakers. A natural "software house" for soft adventure programs, activities like mountain climbing, jungle trekking and white water rafting are gaining popularity. There are also some fabulous islands for snorkeling, scuba diving or even simple swimming and idling away in the sun. One of the main attractions is the famous Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. And don't forget the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center stationed in Sandakan, East Sabah where wildlife exploration provides a captivating appeal to all environmentalists.

The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu.

KOTA KINABALU (SABAH)

Located in the midst of the world's largest rain forest, Kota Kinabalu is Sabah's state capital. In close vicinity to beautiful beaches, superb deluxe class resorts, abundant marine and coral life, tropical islands, the awesome Mount Kinabalu and its plant and animal life, KK, as it is popularly known is fast emerging to be a popular tourist destination for soft adventure and eco-tourism programs.

SANDAKAN (SABAH)

The main attraction is the Sepilok Jungle Reserve near Sandakan where the sanctuary double as a rehabilitation center for strayed, domesticated Orangutans. There are numerous self-guiding treks in the reserve for adventurous visitors to explore and discover the rich flora and fauna in the reserve.

Major Tourist Destinations of Malaysia