Overview

Sea meets land in perfect harmony all round Peninsular Malaysia. A tropical paradise of immense charm, Malaysia is a veritable treasure of diverse cultures and hospitable people, exotic cuisine, fascinating festivals, quaint villages and modern skylines. Endowed with a long coastline and numerous offshore islands, Malaysia offers much to the traveller- Endless stretches of palm -fringed beaches with emerald seas and golden sunlight, fresh water lagoons for quite introspection, breathtaking underwater worlds of colourful marine life and mist shrouded hills of primeval rainforests.

KUALA LUMPUR

Overview

Kuala Lumpur, the federal capital of Malaysia is a bustling metropolis and the principal centre of commerce, politics, entertainment and international activities. Explore a city full of surprises where the mood and Rhythm changes from one sight to another.


Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

This Moorish inspired building, topped by a shiny copper dome and a 40 meter high clock tower is a major landmark in the country.

Menara Kuala Lumpur

421m high concrete tower that is Asia's tallest and the fourth tallest in the world.

Orchid Garden

Walk under pergolas, delighting in the exotic blooms of orchids or stroll through orchid-lined walkways.

Deer and Bird Park

One of the largest birds parks in the region, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park houses over 5,000 birds. With in 2 hectares enclosure are spotted deer from Holland. If you are lucky enough, you can spot the elusive kancil - the mousedeer from the rainforest.







Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Built in 1910 the station is another heritage building that reflects the influence of Moorish architecture

National Planetarium

This blue -domed structure is atop a hill in KL lake Gardens. In the main hall are the permanent exhibits related to space science. The attractions include the space theatre as well.

Accommodation

Kuala Lumpur has a wide range of accommodation at competitive rates. International standard hotels, medium and budget hotels, youth hostels and time-share apartments are just some of accommodation available. Privately operated motor-homes are also available.



Dining

Kuala Lumpur will prove to be a unique experience for those who are interested in variety. You can dine out at posh hotels, restaurants, elegant chain restaurants, chic sidewalk cafes, and delicatessens or eat out at the many hawker stalls until the wee hours of the morning. Though Malay cuisine is rich and spicy arising from the use of hard spices and a wet spice mixture, it varies from region to region. You should not be missing a typical Malaya cuisine such as Kelantanese or the nasi lemak. You will also get Chinese, Indian cuisine and most interestingly the Nyonya cuisine which is a blend of Malay and Chinese.

Nightlife

Kuala Lumpur offers exciting nightlife. Besides the local and international theatre shows, there is a wide variety of entertainment including live bands, jazz bands, strollers, dinner shows, cabaret, disco and karaoke lounges. Entertainment establishments are plentiful along Jalan Bukti Bintang, Jalan Ampang and Jalan Sultan Ismail. Nightlife in the city also thrives with many pubs, street cafes and bistros.



Shopping

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur promises variety, value and convenience. There is a bewildering range of shopping establishments catering for every taste and budget, which includes shopping malls, department stores, shopping arcades, handicraft centres, duty-free shops, bazaars and night markets.

LANGKAWI

Overview

Langkawi comprises a group of 99 tropical islands lying off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Numerous caves taunt the adventurous to unravel their ancient secrets. Fine Beaches and 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.










Attractions in Langkawi

Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)

Langkawi's most prominent landmark for visitors arriving by sea. The main attraction of the square is the magnificent statue of the reddish brown eagle, which is beautifully illuminated at night.





Pulau Payar Marine Park

See many endangered species of fish and marine organism live within the sanctuary. You can do snorkelling. Diving and swimming.

The underwater world Langkawi

a marine showcase featuring both fresh and salt waters fish and more than 5000 types of marine life.

The Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells)

A geological marvel, The lush green forest that surrounds the waterfall adds a mystical touch to the natural splendour.










Taman Lagenda

With its beautiful gardens comprises of traditional Malaysian handicraft and cultural objects.


Accommodation

Langkawi offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and taste. Modern deluxe hotels and resorts provide complete facilities for a comfortable stay, including excellent dining and recreation. Nevertheless, there are smaller hotels available at reasonable rates. For those of you who prefer a touch of rustic ambience can also look forward.

Dining

In Langkawi, you can not only satisfy your senses with the picturesque, natural surroundings but also get to satisfy the palate with the gastronomical varieties of local, regional and western delights dressed up and served in many interesting ways. Local Thai seafood restaurants can be found scattered all over the island and varieties of mouth-watering preparations are available to choose from.

Nightlife

In Langkawi nightlife continues till the wee hours of the morning in its discotheques, its karaoke, pubs and bars that gets busier during the weekends (Thursdays and Fridays). There are about five to six discotheques on the island with the more popular ones being D-five Discotheque in the Delima Resort and Music Room Discotheque at the Pelangi Hotel. At the Black Henry Pub at the Sheraton Hotel, the Berjaya Lobby Lounge and the Pelangi Lobby Lounge, you will be entertained to live Filipino bands every night.



Shopping

Langhkawi is a duty-free shopping haven offering an attractive range of local and imported goods for those with yearn for shopping. In Kuah, the main town of Langkawi you can find most of the island's shopping establishments. A good place to start is the Modern Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall with 100 retail lots in a two storied building where you can get perfumes and fragrance, cosmetics, sports gear, ladies accessories etc. Other two main outlets are the Saga shopping centre and Sime Darby Duty Free shop. While the former sells a range of duty free items, latter provides you imported Kitchenware and household appliance. You can do some good bargaining and perhaps pick up some local items in some shops.

NEGRI SEMBILAN

Overview

A state noted primarily for its recreational sites, Negeri Sembilan boasts of one spectacular resort along its 48 Kilometres coastline - Port Dickson. However, this is just one of the many attractions and beaches that awaits you here. There is a little bit of everything for everyone, from the history buff right to the nature lover. A first time visitor to the state would perhaps be drawn to the significant feature of a great majority of a traditional houses consists of sweeping buffalo horn shaped roof peaks. This feature have even been incorporated in newer buildings like the State Mosque and the State Secretariat Building


Attractions in Negri Sembilan

Cultural Handicraft Complex

The complex modelled along the traditional Minangkabau dwelling preserves the rich cultural tradition of Sembilan.

Lake Gardens

Seremban Lake Gardens is one of the most picturesque gardens in the country. Its lush greenery and well- maintained lawns are a delight to the tired eye and often have a calming effect on a weary soul.



Royal Museum

The rich traditions of Negeri Sembilan go back a long way. Built at the turn of this century to replace an older palace that was burnt down. This uniquely constructed palace became a tourist attraction after it was turned into a Royal Museum in 1992.

State Mosque

Described as one of the most attractive modern mosques in the country, it offers a scenic view of the Seremban Lake amid the tranquillity of its surrounding.





Ulu Bendul Recreational Park

The recreational park provides a welcome respite to the weary traveller. The refreshing and cool water from the stream that meanders through the park offers a fun place for visitors bent on having a dip. Jungle- trekking is the best way if you are adventurous.


Accommodation

Sembalin offers the visitors a wide range of accommodation facilities from an international class hotel to both medium and budget category.

Dining

Eating out in Negeri Sembilan is usually an enjoyable experience as there is a wide variety to choose from. Indian and Chinese cuisine rank high among gourmets. For those who love hot and spicy Malay food the dishes found here are usually done according to the Minangkabau tradition.
Another speciality of Sembilan is the lamang glutinuous rice cooked in coconut milk and served with rendang, a curried meat dish. These local delicacies can be found at many roadside stalls in the state.

Nightlife

The better pubs and karaoke lounges are found in the more established hotels. The more popular pubs offer a wide array of drinks and cocktails to suit the tastes of discerning drinkers. Top of the line karaoke lounges in Sembilan are equipped with state of the art equipment including laser discs for those with a penchant for singing in public.


Shopping

There are modern shopping complexes and department stores to satisfy the most demanding of shoppers. This includes the establishments like The Store, Parkson, Sermban City Square and Centre point. Duty free items such as exquisite watches and sophisticated photographic equipment are widely available at competitive prices.

GENTING

Overview

Genting Highlands, just 54 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur is a fairly recent hill resort and different from others. It offers an exciting range of activities that are fun, fast paced and entertaining. Termed as the 'City of Entertainment', the resort is popular with day trippers and visitors seeking to indulge their senses in a realm of fantasy around the clock.

Attractions in Genting

Indoor

• Skill Games, Computerised as well as coin-operated.
  
• Motion master Simulator enables you to experience action in films such as smash factory without leaving your seat.
  
• Fun house, Malaysia's first 3-D dome theatre.
  
• Around the world train ride.
  
• Visitors get to see major landmarks of the world as well as animated figurines dressed in their national costumes.
  

MALACCA

Overview

The History of Malaysia begins in Malacca to say the least. She has been officially declared the Historical City of Malaysia. She boasts of charming island resorts as well as beautiful beaches in Pulau Besar, Pulau Upeh, Klebang, Tanjung Bidara, Tanjung Kling and Pantai Kundaur.


Attractions in Malacca

Trisha Ride

The best way to enjoy Malacca in a slow and laid back manner, This trisha will take you through streets and corners that you could easily miss if you decide to venture your own.

Bullock cart Ride

Once the means of transportation for the rich of Malacca. The features that separate the bullock cart of Malacca to that of others are the pointed roof in the shape of the horn of a bull, trappings and colours.




Maritime Museum

The Museum is constructed after 'Flor De La Mar', the Portuguese ship that sand off the coast of Malacca, on its way to Portugal. Here you can get a closer look at Malacca from the famed Malay Sultanate of the 14th Century to the Portuguese era, the Dutch era, the British era. There are also exhibits of foreign ships that had once called at the port of Malacca.

Pulau Besar

A haven for holiday makers seeking exclusive right to sandy beaches, clear blue waters, the sun and sea front chalets on stilts.

Malacca's Sultanate Palace

Built based on the description and reference to the palace in 'Sejarah Melayu' (the Malay Annals), the wooden replica houses the Cultural Museum of Malacca. Situated at the foot of St. Paul's Hill, it is the only Malay palace from Malacca's glorious past built with such detail and refinement.

Accommodation

Malacca has a wide range of city hotels, resorts and budget accommodation to suit the purse of every visitor. Quite a number of major hotels and resorts have swimming pools, sports facilities, discotheques, bars and restaurants. You can choose to stay in the western - style hotels or beach and island resorts. For cash - conscious tourists or domestic travellers there are budget accommodation, which are smaller and offer much few amenities and usually have restaurants, western style furniture with individuals baths

Dining

Like any other cosmopolitan city, Malacca offers varieties from rich melange of cooking style. It is also the earth of inimitable Peranakan cooking, that exotic blend of Chinese and Malay Sumptuous galore. Last but not the least, piquant Portuguese dishes are available exquisitely and exclusively on Melakan menus, reflecting this community's indelible influence on the state's rich culture and cuisine.

Nightlife

Melaka has a range of things to keep one occupied in the evenings to make your stay even more interesting. It could be the history and culture. It could be warmth of the people. It could be the relaxed pace. The sea breezes. The music, culture art or just lazing around town. Whatever it may be, you can find it in Melaka.



Shopping

Shopping in Malacca is a unique experience for everyone. The main shopping area is filled with a variety of merchandise ranging from departmental stores to colourful busy bazaars offering unbeatable bargains. Prices at shopping complexes are fixed but bargaining is welcomed at smaller retail shops and roadside stalls. The bigger shopping centres can be found in Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan Hang Tuah and Jalan Bendahara.

PENANG

Overview

Fondly referred to as "The Pearl of Orient" Penang is one of the most populous destinations in Asia with fine beaches such as Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Behang, and vacation resorts and coral gardens. The beauty of Penang lies in the close integration of tourism with everyday life. Water sports are a major attraction.


Attractions in Penang

Georgetown

With Kaptain Keling Mosque, Sri Mariamman Temple and wat Chaiya Mangkalaram -A Buddhist temple with one of the world's longest reclining statues of Buddha and many more Georgetown is the place to visit while you are in Penang.

Khoo Kongsi

An Impressive Clan House with a magnificent hall embellished with intricate carvings and richly ornamented beams of the finest wood, which gives Georgetown its charming appeal and distinctive character.



The Snake Temple

Dedicated to the Buddhist Priest Chor Soo Kong is probably the only one of its kind in the world, where venomous snakes like Waglers Pit Vipers can be found quietly draped around altar objects and other parts of the temple.

Kek Lok Si

One of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia features a blend of Chinese, Thai and Burmese Architecture.

Botanical Gardens

Created By the British, It is a 30- hectare garden featuring waterfall, many tropical plants and vibrant colours of Penang's flora. It is also well known for its macaque monkeys that roam around freely.

Penang Hill

A popular hill retreat among visitors and locals, it can be reached by a funicular train. The hill offers a panoramic view of Georgetown.

Penang Bridge

Spanning 13.5 Kilometers from Semberang Perai on the mainland to Gelugor on the island is an engineering marvel and acclaimed as one of the longest bridges on the world.



Accommodation

Perhaps the first choice you'll make about your visit to Penang is the hotel that you will stay at. A hotel in downtown Georgetown is a good option for the budgeted people whereas Lebuh Chulia is a good street to find backpacker accommodation. Other advantage is the proximity to the shopping and dining opportunities. The other option is the moderately priced Tourist district hotels with access to the Beach. Either the Golden Sands or Rasa Sayang Resorts are excellent if you are looking for charming comfort and resort holidays. The Bay view Beach Resort is also a good choice.

Dining

There is no shortage of restaurants and cafés in Penang. Surprisingly, though it is only standard Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine, which is significantly, represented, a few place serve seafood, north Indian and Nonya specialities. Hawker stalls dish out the cheapest meals, and are located either in permanent sites, in which case they are open all day and evening, or spring up by the roadside or down an alleyway at meal times.
Of the cafés, the ubiquitous Chinese kedai kopis (coffee shops) - sometimes hard to distinguish from stalls when their tables spill out onto the pavement - serve reliable rice and noodle standards. Many also specialise in fine Hainan chicken rice. The other local favourite is Pensang laksa, noodles in thick fish soup, garnished with vegetables, pineapple and shrimp paste. The Indian kedai kopis around Little India offer pizza-like murtabaks, roti breads and biriyanis as well as a bewildering array of curries, but none serve alcohol.

Nightlife

Night life takes the form of night clubbing, drinking, dancing and socialising at clubs, discotheques or karaoke lounges or simply relaxing by bar counters while sipping a cool drink. Alternatively, there are concerts, stage performances or plays arranged by hotels or societies and these are usually open to the public. Discotheques are located at the various hotels and are usually in the city limits while the pubs operate into the early hours of the morning. Karaoke have become extremely popular recently and catching on as a place where even the older people find both relaxing and entertaining.

Shopping

Penang is a shopper's paradise. The range of things you can look forward is unending and includes clothes, curios, antiques, paintings, batik, souvenirs and household and electrical gadgets for reasonable but competitive prices. Shopping hours is normally long, beginning before noon and stretching to about ten in the evening. Then there are night and wet markets. Night markets usually operate in the suburbs from early evening besides roads that are specifically closed to traffic. Sometimes, you can find some exotic and unusual items like fruits that are difficult to find. Wet markets in Penang offer yet another interesting sight for tourists. Fresh fish and seafood, vegetables and local cakes are sold in these markets that normally operate from the very early hours of the morning until around eleven. Souvenirs and handicrafts of various types can be purchased at most of the supermarkets and small shops. The antique section provides you the opportunity to find that one special works of art that you are searching.

Climate

Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Low lands are warmer with temperatures ranging from 21 to 32ºC. The highlands are generally cooler where the temperature drops down to as low as 16ºC. Rain falls throughout year in quick heavy showers. Much of the rainfall is concentrated in the late afternoons. Humidity is high throughout the year. The wettest months are between October and March during the rainy season.