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Merdeka SquareCity/Region: Kuala Lumpur
The 328ft (100m) flagpole rising from Merdeka Square is the tallest in the world, and marks the place where Malaysia achieved independence in 1957. The city's colonial past is still very much alive in the architecture of the surrounding buildings and the field still hosts the occasional cricket matches. The Tudor-style Royal Selangor Club rests on one corner of the square, looking onto a large video screen displaying religious messages and advertisements. The Club served as a social center
for Kuala Lumpur's British residents; its doors are now open to anyone who can afford the membership fees. In keeping with die-hard customs women are still not allowed entry to the bar, except by invitation.
ChinatownCity/Region: Kuala Lumpur
The crowded and colorful Chinatown area is a jumble of shops, food, smells and people. The central section of Petaling Street is closed at night to traffic and the street is transformed into an exciting, brightly lit experience. Vendors spread their wares onto the pavement and one can stroll along endlessly taking it all in. Merchandise ranges from jewelry to toys and t-shirts and bargaining for the best prices is accepted practice and part of the fun.
Transport: Putra LRT to the Pasar Seni stop and walk across to Petaling Street, or a short walk from the central bus station
Petronas TowersCity/Region: Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Towers are designed to impress and encapsulate Malaysia's emergence as South East Asia's commercial and cultural center. Celebrated as one of the tallest towers in the world, the buildings stand at a height of 1,483ft (452m) and are joined by a skybridge extending 192ft (58m) across. Traditional geometric principles of Islamic architecture have been followed using modern technology, with an inspiring result. The Petronas towers are used as office complexes that form part of the Kuala Lumpur City Center Development Park.
Address: City center. Ticket Booth: Tower 2, Concourse Level
Phone Number: (0)3 2331 1769 (Skybridge)
Website: www.petronas.com.my/internet/pett/pettweb.nsf/frm_skybridge_hi?OpenFrameset
Transport: Train from Kuala Lumpur Central Station or PUTRA light rail transit to KLCC; bus 176,178,183 or 185 from Jalan Hang Lekiu bus stop
Hours: The Skybridge is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 7pm, but tickets go on sale at 8.30am
Admission: Admission to the Skybridge is free, but tickets are limited per day
Kuala Lumpur Railway StationCity/Region: Kuala Lumpur
British architect, AB Hubbock was inspired by North Indian Islamic design when he conceived this magnificent railway station. Spires, minarets, towers and arches explode against the backdrop of skyscrapers emphasising the glory of Moorish elegance. It serves not only as an aesthetic vision but is in use as an important commuter station.
Address: Jalan Hishamuddin
Phone Number: (0)3 227 6063
Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek)City/Region: Kuala Lumpur
Masjid Jamek is located where the Gombak River flows into the Klang River and with its palm tress and curved steps leading to the water's edge, it is a haven of peace and tranquility set amongst the buzz and rush of modern KL. The Mosque is built on a symbolic site dating back to the origins of Kuala Lumpur, being the spot where the founders of the city first set foot. The design was inspired by Mogul mosques in northern India. Cupolas and minarets top the brick walls and arched colonnades. As with all mosques, a visit calls for conservative dress and the removal of shoes.
Address: Jalan Tun Perak
Phone Number: (0)3 274 6063
Transport: Masjid Jamek LRT station
Hours: Saturday to Thursday 8.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 4pm. Friday 8.30am to 11am and 2.30pm to 4pm
Admission: Free
Lake GardensCity/Region: Kuala Lumpur
These 60-hectare (148-acre) gardens established in 1888 form the green belt of Kuala Lumpur. The lush vegetation surrounds a vast lake. Visitors can take a leisurely boat cruise to enjoy views of the gardens from the water (RM4 per hour: Saturdays, 2pm to 5.30pm and Sundays 8am to 5.30pm). The gardens incorporate the National Monument, Butterfly House, Bird Park, Orchid and Hibiscus gardens, with Malaysia's Parliament House situated at the northern end.
Address: Jalan Perdana
Phone Number: (0)3 2691 6011
Transport: Bus 30 from Jalan Sultan Mohamed, or 22 or 38 from Lebuh Pasar Besar
Hours: Butterfly House: daily 9am to 6pm; Bird Park: daily 9am to 6.30pm; Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens: daily 9am to 6pm
Admission: Butterfly House: RM5; Bird Park: RM1; Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens: RM1, free on weekdays
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)City/Region: Kuala Lumpur
A modern contrast to the Friday Mosque, the National Mosque was completed in 1965 and remains the largest mosque in South East Asia - the vast main prayer hall can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Many of the city's Malay office workers congregate here for the Friday afternoon prayers. The impressive 18-point star-shaped dome represents the 13 states of Malaysia and five central Pillars of Islam. Entry is only permitted once prayers have been concluded. Robes can be borrowed from the desk at the mosque entrance.
Address: Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
Phone Number: (0)3 2693 7784
Transport: LRT to Pasar Seni LRT station
Hours: Daily 9am to 6pm, except Friday during prayers 2.45pm to 6pm
Admission: Free
National Museum (Muzium Negara)City/Region: Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia's historical artifacts and cultural icons are housed in an appropriately designed building, reflecting the Minangkabau architectural style of the region. Ethnographic and archaeological exhibits include life-size dioramas depicting various aspects of traditional Malaysian life. Shadow play (Wayang kilt) displays reflect the ancient artistry of the nation, while exhibits of traditional weapons such as daggers (kris) and machetes (parangs) reveal the Malaysian pride in functional aesthetic forms.
Address: Jalan Damansara
Phone Number: (0)3 2282 6255
Website: www.museum.gov.my
Transport: Bangsar LRT station or bus to Jalan Travers
Hours: Daily 9am to 6pm
Admission: RM2; free for children under 12 and children wearing school uniform
Batu CavesCity/Region: Kuala Lumpur
Stalagmites and stalactites festoon the interior of these impressive limestone caves together with the Hindu shrines that honor their deities. The caves were discovered by the American explorer William Hornaby in 1881 but have since become associated with the celebration of Thaipusam, a three-day religious festival during January/February. Thousands of devotees flock to the caves during the festival to pay penance and undergo rites of self-flagellation that are fascinating to observe. The largest of the caves, Temple Cave is reached by climbing 272 steps to its entrance from which a path leads to Museum Cave - housing a dazzling display of ornamental religious art. There is a clear view from the top to the Subramaniam Swamy Temple, set within a large cave that extends for 262ft (80m).
Transport: There are regular trains from Kuala Lumpur Station, and buses 11 or 11D leave from Pudu Raya Bus Terminal
Admission: A small entrance fee is charged
National Park (Taman Negara)City/Region: Kuala Lumpur
Taman Negara contains some of the oldest rainforest in the world and spans thousands of square miles of protected land. Its richly diverse fauna and flora have evolved over a staggering 130 million years. The best way to explore the diversity of plant and animal life is by 'trekking' along the jungle trails. Although seldom seen, a small population of nomadic Orang Asli people still live in the rainforest, their makeshift shelters appearing in places amongst the jungle growth. Besides trekking, the park's other attractions are fishing, river rafting or bird watching and climbers can explore the Peninsula's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan at 7,175ft (2,187m). The best time to visit the park is between March and September.
Phone Number: (0)3 905 2872
Admission: RM1 (park permit), RM5 (camera license)
Melaka (Historic City)City/Region: Kuala Lumpur
The fascinating seaside city of Melaka (Malacca) preserves the historic convergence of Chinese and European cultures. Its strategic position on the Straits of Melaka brought a tide of trade with China, India, Siam and Indonesia. Colonial powers wrestled for control, and much of the Portuguese influence from the 1500s is cemented in its architecture. The most notable cultural presence today is predominantly Chinese. Chinese merchants continue to ply their trades in the tradition of their forefathers. Open-air markets burst with colorful fruit, vegetable and fish produce. The oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, Cheng Hoon Teng together with the vast Chinese cemetery, support a thriving industry entirely dedicated to the deceased. The merging of Chinese and Malay have produced a unique ethnic group found in Melaka, the Baba-Nyonya. The unique lifestyle of this micro-culture can be explored in a dedicated Baba-Nyonya museum.
Phone Number: (0)6 281 4803 or (0)6 293 3913 (tourist information)
Website: www.melaka.gov.my
Tunku Abdul Rahman National ParkCity/Region: Sabah
Five pristine islands comprise this 4,929-hectare (12,100 acre) park. The islands are: Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sapi and Sulug. Each is an idyllic composition of white beaches and offshore coral reefs hugging inland forests teeming with animal life. Visitors are welcome to camp, trek, swim and snorkel around each of these.
Website: www.sabahparks.org.my
Transport: Daily boat services from Kota Kinabalu jetty
Sipadan IslandCity/Region: Sabah
This mushroom-shaped island is known amongst divers around the world for its unique seascape and exceptional beauty. A rich variety of marine life shimmers through the translucent waters surrounding this oceanic island.
Website: www.myoutdoor.com/sabah/sipadan/index.htm
Transport: Boat from Semporna
Mt KinabaluCity/Region: Sabah
Mount Kinabalu rises from the Kinabalu National Park at an impressive 13,500ft (4,101m), the highest mountain between the white peaks of the Himalayas and those of New Guinea. Despite its formidable height, it is a comparatively easy climb that has been enjoyed by tourists of varying ages and fitness levels and takes two to three days.
Phone Number: (0)8 821 1585
Website: www.sabahparks.org.my
Transport: The park is on the minibus route from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau
Bako National ParkCity/Region: Sarawak
19 Miles (30km) of trails wind through this park of tropical rainforest, mangrove swamp and rocky headlands. Protected species of Hornbill and proboscis monkey are at home here and walkers can expect to see diverse plant and wildlife within its boundaries. Permits are required and can be obtained in advance from the Sarawak Tourist Association office.
Phone Number: 011 225 049
Website: www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my
Niah National Park and Niah CavesCity/Region: Sarawak
The Great Cave of Niah is one of the largest limestone caves in the world, and an archaeological treasure house. It was here that archaeologists discovered the evidence of man's existence dating back 40,000 years. A display of tools, rock paintings and human skulls tell the story of ancient civilizations. The rest of the park is dominated by limestone vegetation and the magnificent Gunung Sabis peak at 1,294ft (388m).
Phone Number: (0)8 573 7450
Website: www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my
Sepilok Forest Reserve and Orang-Utan SanctuaryCity/Region: Sabah
This vast equatorial rainforest is an enchanting excursion that is best explored through self-guided trails. The most interesting diversion from these trails is provided by a trip to the Orang-Utan sanctuary. Here Orang-Utans that have been rescued find temporary shelter before their release into the forest.
Phone Number: (89) 531180
Hours: Feeding times are at 10am and 3pm. The center is open daily 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm
Admission: Orang-Utan Sanctuary: RM30 (adults), RM15 (children). The use of cameras and video recorders is an extra RM10
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