Kuala LumpurKuala Lumpur is the bustling capital city of
Malaysia and its showpiece of prosperity and grandeur.
Kuala Lumpur means 'muddy estuary', a name coined by the original tin prospectors who arrived at the confluence of the Kelang and Gombak rivers in 1860. Kuala Lumpur has progressed considerably since then as can be witnessed in the reflections of the glittering skyscrapers elegantly rising between the well-preserved colonial buildings of yesteryear.
This blend of old and new worlds, interspersed with the diverse influences of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural lifestyles,
makes for a fascinating exploration of the city's streets. An orientation of Kuala Lumpur is best begun from
Merdeka Square, the heart of the city. To the southeast of the square is the modern business center and the bustling streets of Chinatown. The picturesque National Mosque (Masjid Negara) and impressive Railway Station can be located to the south and beyond them to the west is the city's green belt. The tranquil and lush
Lake Gardens provides some respite from the frenetic activity of the city. The National Museum (Muzim Negara), the National Monument and the
Malaysian Parliament are also found on this stretch.
Getting Around: The hot and humid streets of Kuala Lumpur are usually jammed with traffic, even on the pavements. The easiest way to get around, therefore, is on the five different commuter train routes, each operated by a different company. The KL Monorail is the one that serves the main shopping and hotel districts, while the Putra LRT serves Chinatown. Fares are reasonable and the trains are very frequent on all routes, which operate from about 5.30am to midnight. City buses are hot, crowded and totally unreliable. A hop-on hop-off bus service has been introduced as an easy and comfortable way for tourists to visit the major attractions within the city, which visits 40 tourist attractions from 8.30am to 8.30pm every day. Taxis can be hailed at the roadside or found at most obvious locations outside hotels, shopping centers and the like. Metered fares rise steeply between midnight and 6am, and drivers sometimes raise the price during peak hour or in bad weather.
Climate: Kuala Lumpur has a hot, tropical climate with heavy rain storms occurring throughout the year, mostly in the early evenings. Day time temperatures can reach around 95°F (35°C).
Hill ResortsLocated along the main mountain range of Peninsula Malaysia are several resorts perched in the hills that offer a respite from the heat and humidity and a refreshing break from city life. Popular with tourists and locals alike, the hill resorts each have their own revitalizing charm and offer a range of activities, accommodation and attractions.
The
Cameron Highlands is the largest and most refined of the hill resorts. Its cool climate is favorable for crops and it is known as Malaysia's 'Green Bowl', supplying the country with a variety of fruit and vegetables. The most developed resort is Genting Highlands, a popular respite from Kuala Lumpur over weekends, and packed with entertainment options. In contrast, Fraser's Hill offers the peace and tranquility of its natural surroundings and is the region's smallest resort, while Bukit Larut is the least visited and therefore the least developed. It preserves more of the ambience of a traditional colonial hill station, with its modest accommodation and quiet atmosphere.
The IslandsAs well as a plethora of beautiful beaches in Malaysia, the country also boasts a host of offshore tropical islands that are rated as some of the most beautiful in the world. Idyllic white sandy beaches, palm trees, clear waters and an underwater heaven for divers and snorkelers - these are the archetypal images of paradise that beckon and enchant thousands of visitors each year.
The unblemished beauty and peacefulness of the Malaysian islands are famous worldwide, from the well-known islands of
Langkawi to tiny specks off the coast such as Perhentian Kecil. The Langkawi archipelago has become an internationally renowned resort destination, irresistible for its ancient lakes and forests, waterfalls, fauna and flora, and wonderful beaches. Pantai Tengah and Pantai Cenang are Langkawi's main resorts with good facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere. Lovely sandy beaches and crystal clear seas surround the Perhentian Islands, with wonderful coral gardens and a vast array of marine life. Off the east coast, the most impressive island is Tioman, offering a wide variety of activities on and off the water and a holiday suited to those tired of commercialized resorts.
Ideally suited to those looking for a relaxing holiday with good facilities and a slow pace of life, the islands of Malaysia are a great destination. Beautiful beaches, lazy days in the sunshine and golden sunsets will be the lasting impressions of any visit.
SabahEvocatively named, 'Land below the wind', Sabah is situated at the northeast corner of
Borneo, below the typhoon belt in East Malaysia. Most visitors to Sabah are lured by the natural splendor of the state and the unique experience of its national parks. The rugged landscape is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with some of the highest mountains in Malaysia to climb, and one of the richest and least spoilt underwater ecosystems in the world to dive in. Other extreme sports like paragliding and skydiving are adding to Sabah's growing reputation as an adventure destination.
Its spectacular environment boasts one of the largest rainforests in the world and the highest mountain peak in
South East Asia,
Mt Kinabalu, stands at 13,500ft (4,101m) within Kinabalu Park. The park is the most visited and has been declared a World Heritage Site in recognition of its incredible variety. A popular trek is the two-day summit trail. Sabah's diversity extends to the indigenous people of the area that comprise 31 different groups speaking more than 50 indigenous languages. These ethnic differences form a rich culture of music, dance and handicrafts that are unique to the region.
Sabah is an expensive travel destination with the only real 'budget' accommodation located at Kinabalu National Park and Poring Hot Springs. Direct flights to Sabah are routed to the capital,
Kota Kinabalu.
SarawakDescribed as
Asia's best kept secret, Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, and also its richest and most varied. It is situated on the island of Borneo, and along with Sabah, makes up East Malaysia, which is separated from Peninsula Malaysia by the
South China Sea.
Like her neighbor, Sarawak is equally celebrated for its natural beauty and diversity. This diversity extends to its rich cultural heritage and its preservation of traditional lifestyles. Sarawak's numerous Dayak tribes still live in longhouses - these are whole village populations living in one structure, with separate rooms opening on to a communal veranda. This communal spirit is extended to visitors who are invited to stay overnight.
Sarawak's natural wonders can best be experienced in its national parks, ancient rainforest and wildlife centers, where intriguing species of fauna and flora, caves and untouched coral reefs can be found; the clear waters off the coast afford an exceptional diving experience.
Kuching is Sarawak's capital, an interesting city and good base from which to explore the national parks. Its rich historical past can be seen in a variety of museums, including the
Sarawak Museum, or outside the city at Damai visitors can get to grips with the cultural heritage at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Gateway to the north east, the resort city of Miri is fast becoming state's most popular tourist destination, and is renowned as an adventure city. It boasts a wide range of accommodation options, good beaches, a lively nightlife and is within reach of several national parks and natural attractions, as well as some of the best diving in Borneo.
