MALAYSIA

Malaysia

About:-

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It's known for its beaches, rainforests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang and skyscrapers such as the iconic, 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers.

Rugged mountains reach dramatically for the sky while their rainforest-clad slopes sweep down to floodplains teeming with forest life. Cool highland hideaways roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, boasting gleaming skyscrapers, colonial architecture, charming locals, and a myriad of natural attractions. Divided into numerous districts, its main hub is called the Golden Triangle which comprises Bukit Bintang, KLCC and Chinatown. KL is widely recognised for numerous landmarks, including Petronas Twin Towers (the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers), Petaling Street flea market, and Batu Caves, which is over 400 million years old.

With frequent sales events throughout the year, expansive shopping malls like Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC are also among the biggest tourist attractions in the city, hosting a wide range of upmarket labels from all over the world.

Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)'s official definition and ranking, they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin towers in the world. The buildings are a landmark of Kuala Lumpur, along with nearby Kuala Lumpur Tower.

PLACES VISIT IN MALAYSIA

Mt Kinabalu Via Ferrata

Via ferrata (or iron road in Italian), is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face. There are more than 300 via ferrata routes around the world and the world's highest via ferrata, can now be found on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia, whereby the highest point starts at 3,400 m and ends at 3,800 m. This is the first time that the sport of via ferrata climbing is being introduced in Asia.

The intermediate route will let the climber experience a 4- to 5-hour journey, which will reward the climber with a breathtaking view of the heights and sights.

The Habitat

Rolling hills, pristine rainforest, lush flora, enormous granite boulders and stunning views of city, jungle and sea from the top of Penang Hill…sounds great, right? Even better, there’s no need for any arduous trekking to the summit, either.

The Habitat on Penang Hill, some 820 metres above sea-level, is an ecotourism site easily accessible via a 7-minute ride on the Penang Hill Funicular Train.

The Habitat Canopy Walk and the Treetop Walk offer spectacular views, with the walkways being ‘tree friendly’. There is no rigging of steel cables directly onto the trees. Other attractions at The Habitat are Red Garden, Butterfly Bank, Yellow Garden, Purple Garden, Ginger Grove and Fragrance Garden.

Penang Hill itself is a historic site filled with natural beauty and charm, and a visit here will certainly be an antidote to the stresses of life.

Opening hours:  9.30am – 6.00pm daily, closed on Wednesday

Wang Burma Cave

Located at the northern-most edge of Peninsula Malaysia, the state of Perlis is easily accessible via the North-South Highway, which links Kangar, the state capital of Perlis, to Kuala Lumpur. Perlis State Park is located about 42km from Kangar town and around 10km from the Malaysia-Thai border of Wang Kelian.

Wang Burma Cave is one of the most popular caves within the Perlis State Park. It is a haven for spelunking. The cave’s stalactites and stalagmites resemble pillars, curtains and cascades which were formed over millions of years. Enthusiasts can explore the cave at a leisurely pace, or climb, crawl and squeeze between narrow passages and muddy tunnels.

Some caves such as Gua Kelam, are known for its subterranean rivers, which have been the site of tin-mining activities. International speleologists have visited Malaysia to document the cave’s history and fauna.

Tourists are advised to get a qualified guide and permission from the Perlis Forestry Department before going for the cave exploration. The total time to explore the entire Wang Burma cave system will take approximately 3 1/2 hours.

 How to Reach:  Rental Bus, Self Car, By Train

Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a an iconic and popular tourist attraction in Selangor. Site of a Hindu temple and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. 

A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines. 

Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre. 

Monkeys frolic around the caves, and it is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave.

Batu Caves is a place where you should not miss on your next visit to Malaysia!

 Getting Here: -  By Car or Taxi

Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS)

Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) will be the home to some of the world’s biggest animation attractions including the much loved BoBoiBoy, The Smurfs and DreamWorks characters such as Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Megamind, The Croods and Casper the Friendly Ghost.

Located in Ipoh, Perak in the northern state of Malaysia, MAPS covers 52 acres of land and will feature key international themed attractions, offering more than 40 attractions in six themed zones.

Dare to “Live Your Dreams” at MAPS!”

Opening Hours

Mondays – Fridays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays & School Holidays

10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Pulau Redang

Pulau Redang, located 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of a group of nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for enthusiasts. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life. At midday when sun rays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and fish can be seen.

This paradise island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba- diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2km radius of the island as Pulau Redang is gazetted as a marine park. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also strictly prohibited. Berjaya Resort offers a golf course in an idyllic setting.

Getting Here: - By Boat

Begin your island-hopping adventure by catching a boat at any of the jetties in Kuala Terengganu and Merang. Travelling time to Redang is one hour from Kuala Terengganu and 50 minutes from Merang.

Perhentians Island

The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia are composed of two islands, Perhentian Kecil (small) and Perhentian Besar (big). Both are hugely popular with snorkelers and divers, as the reefs and crystalline waters surrounding them are host to a wide variety of coral, sea turtles, sharks, and reef-fish. Mostly, people come to these beautiful and rustic islands to relax, enjoy the beach, and slow down.

Where to stay: For high-end Malaysia holiday lodgings, check out the Tuna Bay Island Resort. Budget hunters should look up Abdul Chalet.

Getting there: Regular buses leave from Hentian Putra bus station in Kuala Lumpur, taking nine hours. Alternatively, fly from Kuala Lumpur's LCCT airport to Kota Bharu, and then catch a taxi to the port town of Kuala Besut.

Tioman Island

Tioman Island lies off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the South China Sea. It's a nature reserve, ringed by beaches. The area is known for its dive sites, which have corals, sea fans and sea sponges, as well as shipwrecks. The island is covered in tropical rainforests, home to butterflies, lizards and monkeys. On the east coast, the Juara Turtle Project is a hatchery that protects and studies sea turtles.

Getting there: There are bus services from all over Malaysia to Mersing,; from here it's a two-hour boat ride to the first jetty on the island. Tioman also has a small airport, which Berjaya Airways flies to from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Langkawi Island

Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands offering the best of many worlds: beautiful beaches, world- class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra- cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.

Despite what looks like a slant towards tourism, many of the islanders are actually farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi's most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island.

You'll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children pedalling their old bicycles on errands. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi. Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang - Langkawi's second highest mountain - for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond.

Langkawi also has an underwater world, with an underground tunnel that runs through a giant aquarium, that has received rave reviews.

Redang Island: For a "Summer Holiday"

The Redang archipelago actually consists of nine islands, namely Lima, Paku Besar, Paku Kecil, Kerengga Besar, Kerengga Kecil, Ekor Tebu, Ling, Pinang and Redang itself.

Together, they form a marine park situated 45 kilometers off the east Peninsular Malaysia state of Terengganu.

With excellently preserved coral, the main attractions of Redang are snorkeling, diving and the crystal clear waters.

You’ll need to stick close to the shoreline regardless, as the interior is mostly impassable, apart from a road that connects the airport with the coast.

In 2000, the Malaysian island was the setting for Hong Kong movie "Summer Holiday," which featured Cantopop star Sammi Cheng and Taiwanese heartthrob Richie Ren. The success of the film led to a sudden influx of tourists.

Where to stay: The same company that owns the only airport and airline to fly in, also has the best place to stay, The Taaras, by Berjaya. However, film fans should head to the Laguna Redang Island Resort, where the colourful souvenir shop was a key setting in the movie "Summer Holiday."

Getting there: If you don’t want to pay to fly in directly, the alternative is to fly to Kuala Terengganu, and then continue by car and take a ferry from the port of Merang.

Mabul Island

Mabul Island is reputed to be one of the best places for underwater macro-photography in the world. Located in the clear waters of the Celebes Sea off the mainland of Sabah, it is surrounded by gentle sloping reefs two to 40m deep.

Covering some 21 ha., it is considerably larger than the nearby Sipadan Island and is home to the Bajau Laut tribe, one of many ethnic groups in Sabah.

Diving is the main activity on this island, and it can be done all year round. Marine life that can be seen here include sea horses, exotic starfish, fire gobies, crocodile fish, pipefish and snake eels. There are over eight popular dive spots, each with its own speciality.

Three resorts cater to scuba divers – two are on the island itself while one is on a converted oil rig platform about 500m offshore. All of the resorts provide day trips for their guests to the nearby Sipadan and Kapalai Islands.

Getting Here

To reach Mabul Island, it is a 30-minute boat ride from Semporna and 20 minutes from Sipadan Island.

Pulau Sibu

Pulau Sibu is a pleasant hideaway with its lush tropical vegetation, endless stretches of golden beaches and clear blue waters. The island is also dotted with numerous sea caves carved out of rocks. The constant pounding of the sea during the monsoon season has given the island a beautiful yet rugged appearance.

There are facilities for scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, sailing and angling. Visitors can go for a hike through the jungle leading to unspoilt mangrove swamps or visit the kelong, or jetty, where anchovies are caught. Alternatively, head for the kampung, or village, to get a first-hand look at how coconuts are smoked to make copra.

Getting Here

By Road and Sea

You can catch a boat ride to Sibu Island from Tanjung Leman jetty, south of Mersing.

KL Tower

Standing majestically atop Bukit Nanas at 421 meters and 94 meters above sea level, KL Tower is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline and perhaps one of the most enduring images a visitor to KL will remember.

Its architecture reflects the country's Islamic heritage, with the construction detailing Arabic scripts, Islamic tiles, classic Islamic floral and abstract motifs and soothing colour combinations.

Besides the panoramic view, KL Tower has something for city dwellers who love nature. The verdant green surrounding Menara KL is the Bukit Nanas Forest - the only oldest gazetted forest reserve in the country.

It covers an area of 10.05 hectares and is considered the green lung of Kuala Lumpur. It is sanctuary to a wonderful array of flora and fauna, unique to the country's tropical climate.

 Getting Here

By Car or Taxi

Visitors can use their own vehicles or public transportation. The main road is Jalan Ampang, Jalan Gereja and Jalan Raja Chulan.

Free Shuttle

The free shuttle service runs every half an hour from the main gates through the hilly forest to the Menara KL entrance.

Port Dickson Beach

The beaches of Port Dickson (PD) is a famous weekend retreat for city dwellers. 

Port Dickson is said to have been named after a British officer, Sir John Frederik Dickson in 1889. Port Dickson is more famous for its attractive beaches, ample amenities and good infrastructure. There are also various types of accommodation for those wishing to holiday here.

Among the famous beaches here are Teluk Kemang and Blue Lagoon. There are also infrastructure for watersports dan beach activity.

How to Reach

By Car

It takes just over an hour by car to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Port Dickson along the North-South Expressway (PLUS).

I-City

i-City located in Shah Alam, Selangor is known as the city of digital lights. It is recognised at the first lightscape tourism destination in Malaysia with state-of- the-art LED technology showcase.

The digital city includes trendy shopping streets and equipped with a theme park to cater to visitors' looking for a place to unwind.

The township accommodates high-tech infrastructure allowing for a unique display of digital lights. These attractions are located at CityPark and CityWalk.

You can chill in the park, view the wonderful sculptures and experience a whole new world with its dazzling light showcase. It is ideal for the whole family.

Do bring a camera to capture the wonderful and majestic light displays. It is truly magical!

How to Reach Malaysia

By Air

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the major airport that handles majorityof the international traffic to Malaysia. Almost every airline across the worldoperates flights to and from here including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Indonesia.

By Rail

Malaysia can be reached by train from Thailand and Singapore. However, Thailandtrains commute between Bangkok and Butterworth, and Malaysia trains run betweenKuala Lumpur and Hat Yai. From Singapore, trains Reaching Malaysia by Airrunfor two destinations - Kuala Lumpur and Tumpat.

By Sea

Numerous ferries connect various ports in Peninsular Malaysia withSumatra (Indonesia), Thailand, Singapore, whereas Sarawak and Sabah areconnected with Brunei, East Kalimantan (Indonesia) and Mindanao (Philippines).