Malaysia is a
friendly, beautiful and culturally rich country which satisfies the mind
of a shopper, a culture enthusiast, a historical buff and a nature
lover. One can see a mix of cultural influences here as a result of its
relationships with Arab nations, China, and India especially for trade
purposes. Temples, mosques and churches are there to prove that.
Malaysia
takes you to a world of very special activities which will enhance a
trip to an immeasurable extent. One can choose to spelunk in the world's
largest single cave chamber in Sarawak's extraordinary Gunung Mulu
National Park, or a diving trip in the tropical waters off both
Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. A trip without a visit to the rainforest
of Malaysia is not worth as it is the unique and oldest in the planet.
Malaysia
is a different and special home for eating and drinking. The cuisine of
Malaysia is a fusion of Malay, Indian, Chinese and a bit of Peranakan
food cultures. They are offered in colourful, tasty and spicy forms.
Best
time to visitMalaysia falls within two peak seasons. The first
peak tourist season falls within December and January, covering the
major public holidays - Christmas, New Year's Day, Chinese New Year. The
second peak season falls in the months of June, July, and August, and
can last into mid-September due to the vacation for schools and
colleges.
ClimateMalaysia experiences hot and
humid year-round. The temperature remains within below 20°C and 30°C.
In the east cost areas monsoon will fall in between November and March.
In the west coast region, the rain will fall in April and May and in
October and November. The heaviest rainfall occurs between November and
January with daily showers of huge rain drops. The Northeast Monsoon
arrives the beginning of November and stays until mid-March. The
Southwest Monsoon arrives in the beginning of June and remains till the
end of September.
Most Popular Attractions
- Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur or KL is the capital city
of Malaysia and one of the cosmopolitan cities of the world because
of its charming and modern culture. Some of the spots which one must
visit are:
- Masjid Jamek (Friday Mosque)
- Sultan Abdul Samad Building
- Masjid Negara (National Masjid)
- Petronas Towers
- Tugu Negara (National Monument)
- Muzium Negara (National Museum)
- Old Railway Station
- Menara Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur Tower)
- Central Market
- Chinatown, Petaling Street
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple
- Thean Hou Temple
- Sipadan Island
Rising 600 metres from the sea bed,
Sipadan Island is the only oceanic island in Malaysia. It lies in
the Celebes Sea east of the major town of Tawau and off the coast of
East Malaysia on the Island of Borneo. Sipadan is located at the
heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, which is prosperous in its marine
treasures. This beautiful island was formed by groups of living
corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone developed over
thousands of years. Sipadan Island provides sites for divers also.
- Penang
Penang, an island of multicultural history
full of colonial heritage and Chinese influence, is situated 370 km
from Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia's north-western coast. It consists of
a strip of land (Seberang Prai) on Peninsular Malaysia and a
turtle-shaped island. The Penang Bridge connects to other places.
Penang has also been known as 'Prince of Wales Island', and more
recently 'The Pearl of the Orient'. Georgetown is the biggest city
of the island with worship places, markets, bazaars, guilds, shops
etc. The place offers a peaceful existence for Muslims, Hindus,
Buddhists, Christian and for some Chinese religions. The attractions
of Penang include beaches (Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, and
Monkey Beach etc), temples (Snake temple etc) and Penang Hill etc.
- Pulau Redang or Redang Island
It is one of the
largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia. Redang is one and
the biggest of nine islands, which form the marine park, and which
offer opportunities for snorkeling and diving. It can be accessed
from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats. It is the preservation
site for sea turtles also. The two famous ships, HMS Prince of Wales
and HMS repulse, wrecked in the waters around this island.
- Mount Kinabalu
Mt Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in
South-East Asia and is situated in the Kinabalu National Park in
Sabah in Malaysia. It is one of the easiest peaks to climb and
conquer. The peak offers a spectacular sunrise view also.
- Fraser's Hill
Named after a solitary Scottish
pioneer, James Fraser is a hill in the Titiwangsa mountain range of
Peninsular Malaysia. It is a home away from heat, humidity and from
the difficulties of city life.
- Endau Rompin Park
The Park offers trekking facilities
through the charming forest places and waking up in the morning
greeted by the timeless sounds of the forest.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Established in 1974,
the park is a State Park formed to protect the natural environment -
the coral reefs, marine life, the fauna and flora. It is named after
the Malaysian Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman and is situated in
the Sabah province of Malaysia.
- Genting Highlands
This is famous for the world Known
theme park, Genting Theme park. The park offers for those after
fast-paced excitement as it is full of amusement games, interactive
rides and superb shows. It offers many restaurants as well as
shopping centres inside it.
- Langkawi
The island of Langkawi is a cluster of 99
islands. It offers the experiences of idyllic beaches, ancient
rainforests and quaint villages. It is situated off the
north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is marked for its
opportunities for island hopping, shopping, staying in posh resorts,
viewing historical land marks and for water sports.
- Melaka
Melaka is the Historical City of Malaysia, as
it offers the incentive traveller a taste of what life was like
centuries ago. One can experience the old-world charm left by
Melaka's past rulers especially the Malay Sultanate and later the
Portuguese, Dutch and the British.
- Selangor
It is named as the "Industrial Hub of
the Nation" and "Gateway to Malaysia "for its
contribution to the economic development of the country.
- Sabah
Sabah is blessed with its natural beauty that
attracts most people to visit Malaysia. A climb to Mount Kinabalu, a
walk through Danum Valley or travel to Sukau to see wild Orang Utans
and Proboscis Monkeys is unforgettable.
- Sarawak
Sarawak offers the perfect eco-adventure
destination to remember. It is known as the "Land of Hornbills.
It offers the wonders of the natural world, a rich and fascinating
history and a kaleidoscope of cultures with almost 30 different and
distinct ethnic groups.
- Taman Negara
It is the premier and largest National
park in Malaysia and is located in Pahang. The highest mountain
Gunung Tahan has its base in Taman Negara. The area of the park is
434,000 hectare and it offers so much to see and do like jungle
trekking, mountain climbing, white water rafting, fishing, cave
exploring or bird watching.