A Fascinating Country to Explore

BEST OF MALAYSIA

www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

BEING in Malaysia is absorbing her colours and energy, admiring her beautiful sights, meeting her people and sampling her delicacies.

The best memory a visitor can have is a fun-filled day wandering the streets of bustling cities or breathing in the earthy kampung air.

Others might take the beautiful sights of white sandy beaches or shades of green of the rainforests and mountains as vivid recollections of their Malaysian holiday.

Very often, too, it is the people who will be remembered most – their smiles and sense of humour, generosity, warmth and openness.

There are also those who are taken in by Malaysia’s colourful culture and traditions as seen in her many festivals and well- organised events.

Malaysia offers unique features to go with her exceptionally interesting choices of holiday spots. From exotic islands and beaches to wild national parks and forest reserves, or cool hill resorts to historic heritage places, the choices are astounding.

Islands in the sun

PERHAPS, it is not too much to say that some percentage of the world’s population knows Malaysia by these names – Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor Laut, Sipadan, Redang and Tioman. With their sheer tropical charms – sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees and azure waters – we are left with no space to ask why. Malaysian waters are dotted with beautiful islands – purely tourist islands, traditional fishing islands and uninhabited ones. All are equally beautiful and charming. They each have their own lure and strengths to pull in visitors from all over the world.

Inadvertently, these islands are uniquely categorised – diving islands, heritage islands, posh exclusive islands, or backpackers’ islands.

The world’s oldest tropical rainforests

MALAYSIA is similar in size to Norway but trees and forests cover almost threequarters of the land, an area equivalent to almost the entire United Kingdom! Its forests range from shoreline mangroves to mountain-top oaks. The forests house an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. A single half-kilometre plot in Sabah’s lowland dipterocarp forest, for example, may well contain more than 800 species of trees, besides ferns, birds and insects.

So be one with the wild in the dense jungles of Malaysia, some of which are said to be the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. Almost every state has its own green lungs – either gazetted national parks, forest reserves or recreational forests. Some are proud owners of world-acclaimed titles and popularity.Take Sarawak’s two national parks – the Mulu National Park and Niah National Park – and Sabah’s Kinabalu Park, proclaimed Unesco World Heritage Sites. These parks deserve their title for their wealth and abundance of nature wonders and heritage. Other world-famous national parks in the country are Taman Negara in Pahang, Maliau Basin in Sabah and Endau- Rompin National Park in Johor. Malaysia is also home to the world’s best managed mangrove forests – theMatang Mangrove Forest Reserve in Perak – and the globe’s second largest mangrove island – Pulau Kukup in Johor. The peninsula has Asia’s mainland southern-most tip at Tanjung Piai in Johor which has been gazetted as a World Ramsar Site. Other jungles worth visiting are Royal Belum in Perak, Kenong Rimba Park in Pahang, Perlis State Park in Perlis, Ulu Muda Eco Park in Kedah, Bako National Park in Sarawak and Danum Valley in Sabah.

Out in the wilds

MALAYSIAN wildlife isn’t all about the Johor Bigfoot! There are real jungles out there and all have “real” wildlife. While it is ideal to see these animals in their natural habitat, the country has a number of sanctuaries or conservation centres. Go to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Pahang and grab a chance to ride and bathe the giant mammals. While in the area, head for the Jenderak Seladang & Deer Captive Breeding Centre to see seladang or wild cattle in a huge enclosure. Others in the peninsula are the Sungai Dusun Sumatran Rhinoceros Wildlife Conservation Centre in Selangor, the Sungkai Sambar Deer & Pheasant Wildlife Conservation Centre and the Bota Kanan River Terrapin Wildlife Conservation Centre, both in Perak, and the Bukit Paloh River Terrapin Wildlife Conservation Centre in Terengganu. In Sabah and Sarawak, the sanctuaries and conservation centres mainly focus on the orang utan. The famous one is the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary.

However, if you prefer to see these animals in the wild, you need to travel the distance and prepare for challenges in the forests. Equip yourself with patience and the necessary equipment. Most of the national parks have lookout points placed strategically at salt licks. Some offer night safari tours or night walks to see nocturnal animals. Look out for Borneo’s endemic animals – the shy Dutch Man or proboscis monkey, hornbills, bearded pigs or even the dazzling fireflies.

Up on the cool mountain

BEING Malaysia’s backbone, the highlands make a pleasant alternative to the exotic sea-holiday or nature-adventure in the wild. The Titiwangsa Range, the backbone of the peninsula, boasts several hill-top holiday destinations – Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill and Bukit Tinggi.

Camerons is the biggest with its own towns, Genting Highlands is a city of entertainment that doesn’t sleep, the quiet Fraser’s Hill is dubbed Little England, while Bukit Tinggi holds some specially themed attractions.

Cruise on still waters

MALAYSIA is blessed with two beautiful natural lakes in Pahang and three mystical man-made lakes, one each in Perak, Kedah and Terengganu.

Besides their wealth of natural beauty and ecological significance, the natural lakes of Tasik Chini and Bera have their own magnetism as holiday destinations.

A Ramsar site for its freshwater biodiversity, Tasik Bera is surrounded by a patchwork of dry lowland dipterocarp forest, islands of peat swamp as well as rich wildlife and vegetation. Its sister, lotus-covered Tasik Chini, the second largest natural lake in the country, is shrouded in dragon-related fables and legends.

Terengganu entices with Tasik Kenyir, a 39,000-hectare man-made lake that has more than 300 islands and which is an alternative entry point to Taman Negara.

The smaller Tasik Pedu in Kedah has the Fakir Terbang Mountain Range as the mystical backdrop, separating Malaysia and Thailand.

Perlis, however, boasts a Ha Long Baylookalike – Timah Tasoh, which has carved its name as a stop-over for migratory birds. Like the Vietnamese tourist attraction, the lake boasts a magnificent view of serene water with islets.

The name Tasik Banding, and its little siblings, paints a wild jungle challenge, especially for those who love jungle adventure. The lakes are part of the enchanting Royal Belum Forest.

Walk back to the glorious past

MALAYSIA’S colourful history goes as far back as 35,000 years ago. This is not guesswork as a skull found in the Niah Caves in Sarawak has been dated to some 35,000 years BC, while the famous Perak Man, found in Perak, is about 11,000 years old.

Besides the Niah Caves, archaeologically rich sites include Lenggong Valley in Perak and caves in Hulu Kelantan, central Pahang and Terengganu.

Then there are relics and temples left by ancient Hindu kingdoms in Lembah Bujang in Kedah. Malacca got its place on the world map when the Europeans landed on its shores in the 15th century.

The Portuguese gave historical Malacca the A’ Famosa and St Paul Cathedral, while the Dutch left behind Stadthuys and Christ Church.

The British took over in the 16th century and left a significant and colourful heritage – architecture and culture, among them – almost all over the country. Their colonial legacy can still be seen clustered in Penang, towns in Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, among others.

Art, culture and craft

THE colourful history and culture. The meeting and mixing of peoples. They have all given Malaysia untold riches in fine, beautiful and unique crafts.

Batik, tekat, silk, wood carvings, rattan products, kites, kris, pewter wares… the list is endless. Almost every state has its own craft centre where craft-making demonstrations are held, fine collections are on display and for sale.

The centres are strategically located with easy accessibility. Some of the most visited craft centres are the Central Market (Pasar Seni) and Craft Complex in Kuala Lumpur, Handicraft Village and Craft Museum in Kelantan and Johor Tourist Information Centre in Johor. Also worth visiting are art and craft galleries in major towns.

Like the crafts, music and dance are also unique. The eloquent Malaysian music and dance has been lifted to the international level at two impressive facilities – the Dewan Philharmonic Petronas and Istana Budaya, both in Kuala Lumpur.

Other must-see cultural centres are the Sarawak Cultural Village in Sarawak, Monsopiad Cultural Village in Sabah and Cultural Centre in Kelantan.

Special Interest

BESIDES Malaysia’s physical beauty and charms, her natural wonders offer many interesting activities.

One of these is mountain climbing. The highest mountain in the country is Gunung Kinabalu. Other peaks include Gunung Tahan, Peninsular Malaysia’s highest mountain, Gunung Korbu, Ledang and the G7 – seven summits at the Titiwangsa Range. Another type of adventure to indulge in is rock climbing at famous natural spots in Gua Musang in Kelantan, Batu Caves in Selangor and Tioman in Pahang.

Bird watching is one of the most popular activities on Fraser’s Hill. This holiday resort also hosts the annual bird race competition. Other bird-watching sites include Tanjung Tuan in Malacca, Kuala Gula in Perak and the Kuala Selangor Nature Park in Selangor.

Camping is the favourite holiday for youth. Sites include recreation parks, forests, national parks and by the lakes and on islands. For the brave, Malaysia’s caves offer challenging exploration opportunities. Find limestone caverns scattered throughout the country; the most popular being Gua Kelam in Perlis, Gua Tempurung in Perak, Gua Niah and Mulu in Sarawak, and Gua Senyum in Pahang.

While still in the enclave of lush nature, try going down rough rivers on either inflatables or bamboo rafts. Some of Malaysia’s white water rafting rivers are Sedim in Kedah, Padas and Kiulu in Sabah, and Kampar in Perak.

The sea offers angling, snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. Popular fishing spots include Pulau Pemanggil in Johor, off Kuching, and Labuan. Rivers and streams offer many species of freshwater fish to challenge the skills of anglers.

Malaysia offers fantastic spots for scuba diving. Some of the world’s best diving spots are here – Sipadan, Labuan and islands off Terengganu, Pahang, Perak and Johor.

Experience the simple village life

JOINING in a homestay programme is one of the best ways to experience the simple lifestyle of Malaysians living in villages. There are many established homestay villages in the country. Among them are Banghuris in Selangor, Kampung Lonek in Negeri Sembilan and Teluk Melano in Sarawak.

For something different, visit one of the many Orang Asli settlements and experience their communal lifestyle. One of the best places to go is Pulau Carey in Selangor. It is home to the Mah Meri tribe which is famous for their woodcarvings and mask sculptures.

(c) 2006 New Straits Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.