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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.
KUALA LUMPUR
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Kuala Lumpur is the
Federal Capital and main gateway to Malaysia and a blend
of the old and the new, colonial style buildings exist
side by side with modern high rise structures which
include the KLCC Petronas Twin Towers, one of the
tallest buildings in the World. The City offers a wealth
of sights, which represents the crossroads of three
cultures coexisting in peace and harmony. |
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PUTRAJAYA
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Putrajaya is the
new seat of the government of Malaysia. The development
of the Purtrajaya and Cyperjaya smart cities are
referred to as the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) of
Malaysia. The internationally acclaimed MSC includes
the city of Kuala Lumpur City Center, the Kuala Lumpur
International Airport and the smart city of Cyberjaya
has an extensive network of highways and the most modern
technological utility available to all working and
residing in the MSC. The modernistic buildings and an
Eco-Wetlands Heritage Park provides an attraction for
day sightseeing of this ultra modern futuristic city. |
CAMERON HIGHLANDS (PAHANG)
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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. |
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KOTA BHARU (KELANTAN)
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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)
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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. |
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MALACCA
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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)
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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. |
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PANGKOR ISLAND (PERAK)
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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
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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. |
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TAMAN NEGARA (PAHANG)
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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)
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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. |
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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)
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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
resort |
MOUNT MULU NATIONAL PARK
(SARAWAK)
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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)
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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. |
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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)
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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. |
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SANDAKAN (SABAH)
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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. |
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