Perhentian Island (terenganu)

Perhentian Island (Pulau Perhentian)


The two Perhentian Islands are rated as some of the most beautiful islands in the world…a virtual paradise for snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear water or just for lazing on one of the white sandy beaches waiting for the coconuts to drop.

Perhentian Islands is located in the South China Sea 25 km from the coast of Kuala Besut. It consists of two islands, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Both islands are surrounded by beautiful palm-fringed sandy beaches andcrystal-clear turquoise-blue sea. A trip to this lush and exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing.

All manner of aquatic life is visible both near and far from the beach such as turtles, sharks, coral and thousands of tropical fish. The interior is covered by jungle with a wide variety of species. You can watch monitor lizards, monkeys, geckos, flying squirrels, butterflies and many other types - sometimes right in front of your chalet. There are no roads and not many paths, so the islands are mainly peaceful and untouched

Pangkor Island / Pulau Pangkor (perak)

Pangkor Island / Pulau Pangkor

Situated just off the west coast of Perak in Peninsular Malaysia is one of the most enchanting islands you'll ever come across. Pangkor has for centuries enthralled visitors with her charming beauty. In days of old, she was the refuge of seamen who sailed through the Straits of Malacca. Pangkor's many idyllic bays made it the perfect stopover. Pirates, adventurers, merchants and soldiers of fortune sought the peace and tranquility she had to offer.

In stark contrast to malaysia's fast-paced progress, Pangkor remains a haven for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Soak up the sun on her golden beaches. Catch sight of fishing boats

Remembering Pangkor's past...
For centuries, Pangkor has been a welcome stopover for weary sea travellers, pirates and adventurers. At one time even ruled by European conquerors. Yet, as if oblivious to the ravages of war and conquest, her natural wonders have remained unscarred. Perhaps to conquer your heart.
Pangkor today is a thriving tourist destination that somehow does not reflect her turbulent past. Visitors will be charmed by the serenity of her fishing villages, her small but bustling towns and her splendid selection of world-class holiday resorts.

Treasures of the island
Nothing beats the wonderful offerings of Pangkor's pristine beaches. And after you're had enough of the beach, retreat into the coll shades of virgin jungles for a closer look at nature. There's so much to do in Pangkor, so come discover at your own pace.

Mountain Kinabalu (sabah)

Mountain Kinabalu
Imagine , being surrounded by the wonders of nature's lush garden dating from the dawn of time. Stand at the highest summit of Borneo as dawn peeks over the horizon to reveal Sabah's splendours far and wide. Reflect the quiet, sacred moment when you experience the most magnificent sunrise of your lifetime. Stroll amidst the treetops at the rainforest canopy walk and gaze up close at centuries-old wonders. Soak in the healing balm of a magic spring as colourful butterflies flutter around you. Admire the world's largest flower at your feet. Or lunch next to plants that lunch on insects.
You'll find it all in the Kinabalu Park - Malaysia's first World Heritage designated by UNESCO in December 2000 for its 'outstanding universal values' and role as one of the world's most important biological sites.
The focal point of the park, of course, is the majestic Mt. Kinabalu. Such is the importance of this mountain to Sabah, that the capital was renamed Kota Kinabalu (Kinabalu Fort) in 1964. The highest mountain between the Himalayas and the Snow Mountains of Papua Barat (New Guinea Island), this magnificent granite massif stands at 4,095.2 m. (13,435 ft.) tall.

Cherating (pahang)

Less than 50km north of Kuantan is Cherating. Cherating is the perfect antidote to frantic city life. Here, wide gently sloping sandy beaches, lined with casuarinas trees, extend as far as the eye can see.
The enamored and fabulous sparkling seas, pristine beaches and cool breezes made Club Mediterranean open its first Asian venture here, on a private beach. The main Cherating beach is the location of many hotels, reboots and chalets, catering for all budgets.

First popularized by the backpackers, Cherating is now popular with many visitors who came to enjoy the beach, sea and sun. Handicraft shops and cultural establishments have been established, and many visitors enjoy making their own batiks. Batik painting and pandanus handicrafts remain popular souvenirs from Cherating.

Cherating also offers you the chance to shop for handicraft and see cultural performances. Village maidens nimbly weave the "pandanus" leaves into mats, hats, bags and other inexpensive lightweight souvenirs. Cultural shows include wayang kulit (shadow play) and silat (the Malay art of self-defence).

Penang

Penang Bridge

Approximately 112km south of Langkawi, lies the island of PENANG the 'Pearl of the Orient'. When first discovered by Captain Francis Light in 1786, the island was filled with lush tropical vegetation. The betel nut palm was a common sight all over the island - a fact which gave rise to the name of Pulau Pinang (Island of the Betel Nut). Penang has come a long way from its early beginnings as the first British trading post in the Far East. Its capital Georgetown is a bustling metropolitan city with a unique blend of East and West.

By contrast, the famous beaches of Penang - Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang offer all the scenic delights of tropical island paradise - stretches of golden sandy beaches, clear blue seas and tiny secluded coves enclosed by clusters of rocks. Penang is a resort island in full bloom with numerous hotels of international standard fronting the sea along the beaches on its northern coastlines. The range of facilities and amenities available here makes it an ideal playground for worshippers of the sun and the sea.

But there is another side of Penang that still remains to be discovered. Along the northwestern coastline are some of the fine beaches on the island. Imagine a sparkling sea, powdery white sand, sunlight filtering through coconut groves - the scene of perfect tranquillity. These beaches remain as Penang's best kept secrets because they are relatively inaccessible except by hiking through jungle trails. The rewards would make the effort really worthwhile.

Langkawi Island / Pulau Langkawi

Langkawi island is an archipelago of 104 islands lying in the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The exact location of these tropical islands is at the site where the Straits of Malacca meets the waters of the Andaman Seas.

The largest of these islands is called Langkawi Island and is bigger than the Penang Island.The other islands in this group are Island of Pregnant Maiden (Pulau Dayang Bunting), Lion Island (Pulau Singa Besar) and Beras Basah Island.The smallest of these islands are atolls roughly the size of an ordinary house!

This island is unique in the sense that it has so many legendsand myths associated with it.Langkawi Island is therefore also called Pulau Lagenda or Legendary Island.

The most talked about legend is that of Mahsuri who is said to have laid a curse on this island for seven generations.Luckily the period of this curse is over now and Langkawi Island is fast becoming an internationally recognised tourist destination.

The government of Malaysia has declared the entire Langkawi Island as a duty free zone. Hence this island is also termed Duty Free Island.All goods sold in this island are exempted from government tax.Therefore this Legendary Island is a haven for the shoppers.You only need to stay in Langkawi for a minimum of 48 hours to take back home a reasonable amount of tax free goods.

Place To Visit Around Kuala Lumpur

Who would have thought 130 years, Kuala Lumpur or KL as the locals call it now, would grow from a small mining town to a modern, bustling city and home to one of the world's tallest buildings. The city offers an interesting blend of the old and new. Its skyline of soaring modern skyscrapers incorporates a ground level bustle of street markets and colonial architecture, creating a city that rewards exploration.

Petronas Twin Tower

Petronas Twin Tower
The world's tallest twin towers are not to be missed. Go early for the guided tour which takes you up to the Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors.

Suria KLCC & KLCC Park

Suria KLCC & KLCC Park


The place to meet and be seen is at the long row of upmarket restaurants that face KLCC Park. Cafe culture, fusion cuisine and Asian favourites in a relaxed cosmopolitan environment. Make time to stroll through the 50-acre KLCC Park, the swansong of master landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Make it a point to get to the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. The grand building of the early 1900-s, it is now a station-cum-hotel. Arches, beautiful spires and seven shapely minarets highlight the North Indian Islamic inspired building. Head for the bridge on Jalan Kinabalu and you'll be able to see just why the Railway Station is such a grand beauty, holding its own amongst the tall, brand new skyscrapers

Pasar Seni

Pasar Seni
Great souvenirs centre, Central Market or Pasar Seni, is a great place to shop for Malaysian arts and crafts, souvenirs, antique weaponry, antique jewellery, songkets, batik fabric, wayang kulit (shadow puppets) and ceramics.

Dataran Merdeka

Dataran Merdeka
The British Union Jack was lowered for the last time here, when Malaysia gained its independence on 31st August 1957. Surrounding the Square are many buildings of historical interest such as the Tudor-style Royal Selangor Club, the National History Museum, Memorial Library and St Mary's Cathedral, a gothic-style church.

Heeren Street & Jonker Street (melaka)

Heeren Street

Heeren Street which is also known as the ‘First Class Gentlemen Street’ or the ‘Millionaires Row’ is located in Malacca ,Heeren Street  is a road with double storey houses similar to that of the modern terrace houses, but much longer. The houses portray a rich and detailed mix of Chinese, European and Peranakan architecture. Till today, the Peranakans (Baba Nyonyas) do live in them, making this a living heritage, though there are also some being turned into galleries, cafes, hotels and eateries.
On the parallel street is Jonker Street, also known as the ‘Second Class Gentleman Street’. More commercial, this street used to house mainly traders and merchants. On weekends, the night bazaar of Jonker Walk comes alive. Malacca’s artists come out in full force selling their art paintings and handicrafts beside other Nyonya related food items like the popular pineapple tarts and Nyonya kuihs.

First & Oldest Rubber Tree (perak)

Rubber tree

What is so special about a rubber tree? Well, if you are looking at a particular one near the Kuala Kangsar District Office, then it is truly special indeed.That’s because this tree is the first Heavea brasiliensis that was planted in Malaya in 1877 together with eight others. This is the only one of the original batch that has survived over the years.
This hardy tree and its "brethren" made Kuala Kangsar the first rubber-producing district in Malaya. As the planting of rubber trees spread, it gave rise to one of the country’s foremost agricultural exports.

A Fammosa (melaka)

Kota A' famosa

You can’t say you have been to Malacca if you have not visited the A’ Famosa. One of the most famous structures in Malacca and definitely one of the oldest surviving examples of European architecture in Asia, A’ Famosa still manages to inspire awe in the visitor looking at its remains.

It was formerly a mighty fortress known as Porta de Santiago, but mere remnants of its splendid have survived down through the years. Looking old but still imposing, its gate has survived much punishment over the last five centuries.
The history of the A’ Famosa dates all the way back to 1511 when Alfonso de Albuquerque and the Portuguese fleet under his command arrived at the shores of Malacca. After defeating the locals, he quickly built a fortress near the sea to safeguard his hold on the land.
This fortress was initially made up of four major towers and bulwarks. Each of the towers held a different purpose – one is for the captain’s residence, another for the officers, while a third is for ammunition and the last is a keep.
However, the Portuguese were not the only owners of the fort as it changed hands several times over the centuries. The fort was later taken over by the Dutch when the Portuguese were overcome. It was also given a facelift and the logo “ANNO 1670” was inscribed on the arch of the gate.
In the early 19th century, the fortress was handed over to the British who decided to destroy it. This destruction came about in the year 1806; all was demolished save for a small part, which was saved by Sir Stamford Raffles who held a strong passion for history.
What you now see is the last bit of the once-proud fortress. As mentioned above, although all this took place many years ago, you cannot help but feel the rich history of this relic as you stand before it.