MALAYSIA
Travel Information |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
Tourist
Attractions
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is an Asian tiger that roars: in 130 years,
it has grown from nothing to a modern, bustling city of
almost two million people. Take in its high-flying triumphs
from the viewing deck of the world's tallest building,
then dive down to explore its more traditional culture
in the back lanes of Chinatown.
KL's boom periods have produced an intriguing mix of architecture
throughout the city; elegant colonial buildings contrast
with soaring modern edifices such as the twin Petronas
Towers. Add the ground level bustle of the numerous street
markets, and you have a city that rewards exploration.
Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands, in the centre of Peninsular Malaysia,
comprise a series of hill stations at altitudes between
1500-1800m (4920-5904ft). This fertile area is the centre
of Malaysia's tea industry and it's the place where locals
and visitors come to escape the heat of the plains. Attractions
include jungle walks, waterfalls, tours of tea plantations,
beautiful gardens and plenty of wild flowers. The cool
weather tempts visitors to exertions like golf, tennis,
and long walks, normally forgotten at sea level - but
this is really Malaysia's R 'n' R capital par excellence
for those who don't like the beach and enjoy a bout of
colonial nostalgia.
Georgetown - Penang Island
The 285 sq km (177 sq mi) island of Penang, off Peninsula
Malaysia's northwestern coast, is the oldest British settlement
in Malaysia and one of the country's premier resort areas.
The island's beaches are touted as the major drawcard
but they're somewhat overrated.
What makes Penang Island really tick is the vibrant city
of Georgetown on the island's northeastern coast. This
city has more Chinese flavour than either Singapore or
Hong Kong, and in its older neighbourhoods you could be
forgiven for thinking that the clock stopped at least
50 years ago.
Melaka
Melaka is an interesting blend of Chinese, Portuguese,
Dutch and British influences and is considered Malaysia's
most historic city. It was once the most important trading
port in the region, but is now little more than a sleepy
backwater.
Ancient-looking junks still sail up the river, imbuing
the waterfront with a timeless charm, and the city remains
full of intriguing Chinese streets, antique shops, temples
and nostalgic reminders of the now-departed European colonial
powers.
Tioman Island
This picture-postcard island lies off the eastern coast
of Peninsula Malaysia in the South China Sea. It boasts
beautiful beaches, clear, coral-filled water, technicolour
marine life, virtually unpopulated jungle highlands and
the dramatic peaks of Batu Sirau and Nenek Semukut.
Tioman has been blessed with exotic place names like 'Palm-Frond
Hill' and 'Village of Doubt' and is generally quoted as
the setting for the mythical Bali Hai in the film South
Pacific. The permanent population on Tioman is low, and
locals are usually outnumbered by tourists. June and August
are the peak tourist months, but during the heavy November
to January monsoon the island is almost deserted.
The island's west coast is dotted with villages and is
home to a classy resort. Pulau Tioman is the most popular
travellers' destination, while Kampung Nipah is the place
to go if you really want to get away from it all. |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
