EDITOR'S DESK: MALAYSIA

BUCKET LIST: VISIT MALAYSIA

From the Editor's Desk:

'Jauh Perjalanan, Luas Permandangan' a Malay proverb that means 'The further you travel, the greater knowledge and experience you earn'. And it goes beyond that, being that Malaysia is diversify from ethnic, language and culture.  

How true is that? Very true in fact. Travelling whether solo, with a group and family, is always a different experience. Being open to different culture, gastronomical experience and variety of ethnic, with beautiful adventures to be share together. 

If you have a bucket list of places to travel, then please do include Malaysia in it. Why? Many reasons. For a first,  Malaysia is the heart of the Southeast Asia. Though it is a small country but it is filled with diversity from culture, languages, and not to leave out all the different activities that can be plan up. Categorized into regions by Tourism Malaysia, it becomes much easier when it comes to travel arrangement. 

PETRONAS TWIN TOWER

CENTRAL REGION covers KUALA LUMPUR, it is also the Capital City of Malaysia.  Petronas Twin Towers is one of the attraction here, with Menara KL and Upside Down House within the vicinity. In between the vast developing and dynamic city around, Tourism Malaysia still prevails a little bit of that old Kuala Lumpur in between and you can find them in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Chinatown, Bangsar, and if you wish to see more capture on photos, The KL Journal Hotel has embedded this into their rooms as well. You get that feel of old and modern in the same place. 

KL TOWER

UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE KL 

THE KL JOURNAL HOTEL

You can also find the KL Bird Park, World Largest Free-Flight Walk-In Aviary. Free flight? Exactly. Most of them are set free in their own enclosure to fly and roam about freely with visitors alongside. And Tourism Kuala Lumpur with assistance of DBKL, does 4 FREE Guided Tours within Kuala Lumpur for tourist who would like to experience what Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Head to any Tourism Malaysia offices for assistance on any information you may need. 

KL BIRD PARK
(credit photo wphote.com)

KL FREE Heritage, Cultural & Nature Guided Walks

Gastonomical experience is never a failure in Kuala Lumpur as there are many that be found from local, to international flavour including Arabian, Moroccan, Korean, Japanese, and many more. Kuala Lumpur is also the paradise for shopping with the latest launched of Miss SHOPhia, Malaysia Shopping Icon with everything need to know about shopping in Malaysia. 

MISS SHOPhia

SELANGOR is just a neighbouring away. One of the most prosperous and well  developed states in Malaysia that is known as the 'Gateway to Malaysia' as it has  many entry points located within the State. Sunway Lagoon, hailed as Asia's 'Best Attraction', is located here in Selangor. Not leaving the list, would be I-City, City of Digital Lights, has been recognised by Malaysia Book of Records as the first of its kind in Malaysia. The very famous Fireflies Mangrove trips also comes with Homestay services which welcomes tourist as their second family . This brings a unique experience of living in a Malay 'Kampung' (village). Nasi Ambeng a special and unique dish is prepared for special occasion and festival,  still a practise here in Selangor. You may want to try this when you trip down to Selangor. Satay is also a favourite amongst tourist and locals alike. Kajang is the location that is home to the various types of satay.

SUNWAY LAGOON

I-CITY

NASI AMBENG
(Credit: Metro)

SATAY

It is here that the 'Blue Mosque' Sultan Salahudin Abdul Aziz Mosque is located, where the dome is said to be the 'Biggest Dome in South East Asia'. FRIM, Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, is one of the many rainforest available in Malaysia that is also eco-adventure with a Canopy Walkway. An ancient fort build in the late 18th century with existing canons is located at Bukit Malawati. Batu Caves is a unique cave temple, with 272 steps leading up to the temple. 

SULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ MOSQUE
BLUE MOSQUE, SHAH ALAM

FRIM CANOPY WALK
Credit: Tripadvisor

BUKIT MALAWATI
(Credit:kualaselangor.com)

BATU CAVES

Zoo Negara located in Selangor is also the very zoo that is the home to two giant pandas, Xing Xing and Liang Liang, (on loan from the Government of China for 10 years). There is also the most developed indigenous community from the tribe Meri Meri at Pulau Carey with their very own cultural village. Their crafts which can be purchased here or at the National Muzuem bears the UNESCO Seal of Excellence, which comes with a one originally certificate. 

ZOO NEGARA, GIANT PANDA

MAH MERI CULTURAL VILLAGE

PUTRAJAYA is a Federal Territory, 'Malaysia's Intelligent Garden' some says, is administrative capital of Malaysia. Named after Malaysia's First Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. If you are here, look for the focal point of Putrajaya which is the Putra Square. Tours are also available here in Putrajaya from Kuala Lumpur or within Putrajaya itself. Putra Square has a significant meaning to its design, which represents 11 states of Malaysia during independence, for the outer star, while the inner circle represents 13 states in Malaysia today. 

DATARAN PUTRA
Credit: Tourism Malaysia

Putra Mosque is the highest in the region, with five tiers, representing the five pillars of Islam, the national religion of Malaysia. Putrajaya Wetland is the first man-made wetland in Malaysia, also the largest fully-constructed freshwater wetland in the tropics. If you are passionate about history, take a walk at the National Millennium Monument, as it dates back until the 15th century.

PUTRA MOSQUE
Credit: kuala-lumpur.ws

PUTRAJAYA WETLAND
Credit holidaygogogo

Taman Warisan Pertanian, is where you can try a hand at rubber tapping, watch how latex is collected, and rolled into rubber sheets. This is an educational adventure trip that will be interesting for all ages which is also one of the main source of the Malaysia economy. You can also find a musical fountain in IOI City Putrajaya at about 7.30pm every night. Gastronomical and shopping excursion are not difficult in Putrajaya as every precinct is equipped with a modern food court which has almost everything that would delight your palate. Alternatively, you can opt to have meals at the nearest shopping mall or be more adventurous to travel outside of Putrajaya where you can find more local eateries available. 

TAMAN WARISAN PUTRAJAYA
Credit IntegratedInfo

HOW RUBBER IS FORM
credit integratedinfo.com

KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT I and II are nearby to Putrajaya, your entry and exit point into Malaysia. For foreign tourist especially from China, language barrier has become minimal with the establishment of the Chinese Helpdesk located inside the arrival hall to assist tourist on any information who only speak Chinese. 

KLIA 2

SOUTHERN REGION is south of Malaysia, where you will find most of the Malaysia's produce such as Palm Oil, Pineapple, etc. A region filled with vibrant culture, historical relics, pristine islands, and beaches. Located 50km from Kuala Lumpur is Negeri Sembilan, literally means Nineth states (once known as Nineth district). Preserved by 'Adat Perpatih', an old age matrilineal social system, in Minangkabau Culture. Modern but steeped in ancient tradition is our description of Negeri Sembilan. Malaysia's Largest Timber Palace, will be the Seri Menanti Museum which is actually a palace that was built without nails or screws - simply 99 pillars, 65 feet, and it is still standing strong until today. The ever so famous Port Dickson a getaway is one of the longest beaches in Malaysia. 

SERI MENANTI

PORT DICKSON

Artefacts from the Nassau Shipwreck can be found at the Lukut Museum. Love hiking, camping, picnic, jungle trekking? Then try the Ulu Bendul Recretional Forest. Hot springs as a theme park? Its Wet World Pedas. Homestays are also available here in Negeri Sembilan. We would recommend highly for a stay in any of them for a lifetime experience of the exact ancient culture at its finest that is still practise here. If you are into 3D, then the Alive 3D Art Gallery is also available. 

LUKUT MUSEUM

Neigbouring Negeri Sembilan is MELAKA - UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka. Architecture of the Portuguese, Dutch and British, various cultures, attractions of fruit farms, animal and nature park with resorts and homestays. Built in 19th century, are houses as old as three generations of a Baba Nyonya family. A trip to Malacca is a flash in time to Malaya's rich heritage.  The very famous Porta De Santiago, or some knows it as A' Famosa. Mini Malaysia & Asean Cultural Park, enter these park if you wish to have a one go at the many types of traditional houses in Malaysia, with traditional music and dance. Jonker Street is most visited by anyone in Melaka, as it sells almost everything, from the latest to priceless antiques. You can even enjoy bargaining here. Be entertained at shoplots with people dancing a Chinese version of 'poco-poco' or 'Line Dancing'. 

BABA NYONYA MUSEUM

MINI MALAYSIA

JONKER STREET / WALK

A 45 minute Melaka River Cruise is a must as you will pass the old and modern of Melaka. First revolving gyro tower in Malaysia, is the Taming Sari Tower, 360 degrees view of Melaka at 110m high. Need a romantic cruise? Try the one-hour sunset cruise at Klebang. Largest Safari and Water Theme Park in Malaysia, A'Famosa Resort, includes water world, animal world safari, cowboy town, and theme park. Its has a resort, apartment and bungalows for rental on its property for visitors. It is also with a golf range as well. Basically its an everything in one location. Another unique water theme park is the Melaka Wonderland Theme Park with 16 attractions on a 360 hectar land. 

MELAKA RIVER CRUISE

TAMING SARI TOWER

A FAMOSA RESORT

Melaka has a very unique gastronomical practise where you can actually find Satay for breakfast! Satay is normally taken as dinner or supper other where else. But in Melaka its different. And try the best Keria Antarabangsa also at Klebang. The original Coconut Shakes comes from Klebang as well. Famous for chicken rice balls, satay celup, portuguese grilled seafood, nyonya dishes, umbai's seafood, asam pedas, cendol, the famous bridge popiah, you will not have problem looking for food. Your only inconvenience would be the temptation to eat all the time. Accommodation is not a problem here as there are hotels, resorts, chalets, homestays around Melaka. You can try The Hut Melaka or Homestays in Kampung Morten. 

KERIA ANTARABANGSA

HOMESTAY KG MORTEN

KLEBANG ORIGINAL COCONUT MILKSHAKE

Moving further South, JOHOR BAHRU - JAUHAR, arabic for precious stones. An entry and exit of Singapore. Famous for its architecture and historical buildings, ancient rainforest, islands, renowned golf courses and shopping. Land of National Parks such as Endau-Rompin: shelters for endangered species. A jungle trail of 26km within the park, waterfalls, and a 4x4 off road adventure. Gunung Ledang a legendary and beautiful park. Legends has it that a beautiful princess with magical powers once lived up here. It has 7 level of waterfalls and a tough trail all the way up. And on a clear day, a beautiful view of the Straits of Melaka and Sumatran coastline can be savoured. 

GUNUNG LEDANG

ENDAU - ROMPIN NATIONAL PARK (PART)

Island of Sibu has water activities. Theme parks such as Legoland Malaysia, Hello Kitty Malaysia and Angry Bird Park is located here as well. Looking for eco-tourism such as farms you find the Nasuha herbs, Desaru Fruit Farms and many more. Food? Muar is famous for its Mee Bandung Muar and Satay. In Johor Bahru, get yourself to Stuland Laut and feast on the best Mee Bandung Muar in Johor Bahru, an oxtail fried sup, a fried pau bun and much more at Restoran Lepak Santai. You can also try the Rakit Chalet, fishing and sleep over together. Or Tanjung Genting Chalet Johor Bahru for something new. 

SIBU ISLAND

LEGOLAND

HELLO KITTY

ANGRY BIRD PARK

From the South, we move up to NORTHERN REGION. PERAK Kinta Valley once contained the world's richest tin deposits, being how PERAK (or Silver). This is how this State got its name. Looking for night adventure, try the Taiping Zoo & Night Safari, first Malaysia's Zoo. Perak is also home to a virgin rainforest, the Royal Belum, one of few places in Malaysia where the  Rafflesia Flower is found. Pulau Pangkor has the most beautiful beaches around and beside being a fishing village, it has a stone foundation of a Dutch Fort built in 1670, age at 300 years as of today. Gua Tempurung, one of few largest limestone caves. Guided Tours is available for this if need. Bukit Merah LakeTown Resort / Orang Utan Island, is the world's first and only rehabilitation and preservation facility where the orang-utans roam freely. 

UNTOUCH BEAUTY ROYAL BELUM
Credit belum.com

BUKIT MERAH RESORT
Credir bukitmerahresort.com

ORANG UTAN ISLAND
Credit orangutanisland.org

Looking for Eco-education, then try the Matang Forest. And in Taiping, you can actually find some charcoal factory that runs daily operation of charcoal. Some of which comes from the Matang Forest. Mysterious hidden rooms and secret passage way, visit Kellie's Castle. If you are into trying old traditional dishes by the old royalties of Hulu Perak, then make your way to Castella Cafe in Gerik for an experience not found anywhere else. Food and accommodation is provided. Sleep under the stars at Castella Cafe. Rendang Tok is a traditional dish and is a favourite amongs the local. Its not an easy dish to make but once you bite in, you want more. In Perak, you will find some famous dish such as Chee Cheong Fun, Ipoh Fried Char Kueh Teow, Dim Sum, Ikan Perkasam, Gulai Tempoyak, Tempoyak and many more. Challenge your tastebuds. 

MATANG FOREST RESERVE

CASTELLA CAFE (river dining)
Credit Lyana T

PENANG, also known to most as the Pearl of the Orient, is linked to the mainland of Seberang Perai by The Penang Bridge, Longest Bridge in Asia, (currently there is 2 Penang Bridge) and the oldest cross-channel ferry in Malaysia. GeorgeTown declared UNESCO World Heritage City, also the first British Straits Settlement in 1786. With 200 years of history and culture, George Town is unique and rare in South East Asia. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion won 'Most Excellent Project' in 2000, by UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation. In Penang, there is also the Peranakan community, The Pinang Peranakan Mansion built end of the 19th Century, house many items of the community itself. Walk through time here. 

PENANG BRIDGE 1

PENANG BRIDGE 2
Credit Intelilight.au

PENANG FERRY
Credit timeout

CHEONG FATT TZE MANSION
Credit cheongfattmansion

Penang Hill is Penang's main icon, also known as 'Bukit Bendera'. Train service up the hill takes less than 10 minutes, and with a breaktaking view of George Town and surroundings. Another First of its kind in Malaysia and the Largest in South East Asia is the War Museum. The Gurney Drive use to be the gastronomical attraction, people use to flock the side wall beside the sea, while you sit and spend time with family, friends and love ones, you can actually order food along the whole stretch which is famous for their Penang Char Kueh Teow, Rojak Penang, Pasembor, Sotong Kangkung and much more. Now it has transferred indoor to a corner but still at the Gurney Drive. Its now like a food court. Shopping if you are looking for bargains, most would go toward Batu Feringghi. 

PENANG HILL

GURNEY DRIVE
Credit lexussuitespenang

GURNEY DRIVE HAWKER CENTRE
Credit Penang-attractionsmalaysia

SOTONG KANGKUNG
Credit malaysia.travel

PASEMBURCredit malaysia.travel

The oldest of all the Malaysian states will be KEDAH, dating as far back as the 5th Century. It produces Malaysia main rice supply. If you are an Archaeological Enthusiastic make a visit to Bujang Valley. Its the richest archaeological site in Malaysia. Another World's Longest will be the Sedim Tree Top Walk Sg Sedim. If Kuala Lumpur has the Kuala Lumpur Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur), Kedah has its Alor Setar Tower (Menara Alor Setar). Another limestone cave found in Kedah will be the Gunung Keriang Caves. An attraction that must not be missed, the Paddy Museum, 4th of its kind in the world. Laksa Kedah is among the favourite dish you must have when in Kedah. If looking into healthy meal try the Nasi Ulam. 

PADDY FIELDS IN KEDAH
Credit Langgas

BUJANG VALLEY

SEDIM CANOPY WALK

MENARA ALOR SETAR

GUNUNG KERIANG CAVES
Credit isma.org.my

LAKSA KEDAH

LANGKAWI, the jewel of the crown of Kedah. surrounded by 99 island, a duty FREE island, home to the First Geopark South East Asia and UNESCO Global Geopark, Longest Free Span Mono-Cable Car in Malaysia Book of Records, Langkawi Cable Car. Langkawi is accessible via flight, and 2 ferry entrance, from Kuala Perlis Jetty and Kuala Kedah Jetty. 

LANGKAWI

LANGKAWI GEOPARK
Credit langkawi.gazette

LANGKAWI CABLE CAR

Northern entry to Malaysia from Thailand is PERLIS. A handing bridge in a cave, used to transfer ore and other supplies, called Cave of Darkness, Gua Kelam Recreational Park. Not far away, Longest Cave System in Peninsula Malaysia, Kaki Bukit Town. A guided tour is available if you are interested to know more about local herbs. Perlis is known for the famous Harumanis Mango Plantation, harvested between April and June. So if you are into Mangoes, please plan your trip during this time. The most tastiest mangoes around. A menu that your should try is Laksa Perlis, because at times it is complimented with Pulut Udang a local savoury. Not a normal dish for any laksa but here in Perlis, you might be lucky to get one served as it is. Kuala Perlis entry Jetty to Langkawi is also famous for seafood eateries. 

TRADITIONAL DISH PULUT MANGGA
WITH HARUMANIS MANGO
Credit intergratedinfo

KUALA PERLIS SEAFOOD CENTRE
Credit merryworldholidays

Now we travel towards the EAST COAST REGION. PAHANG, the largest state in Peninsula Malaysia. Home to a 130 million-year old rainforest and one of the oldest rainforest in the world. Taman Negara is currently being suggested for UNESCO World Heritage Site. Straddles by three states, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. One of Southeast Asia finest beach getaways, Tioman Island is also home to Malaysia's highest freestanding spire, resembling an old lady. Largest hill resort in Malaysia is held by Cameron Highland, and is accessible from Simpang Pulai, Perak and Gua Musang, Kelantan. Second largest National Park is Endau-Rompin State Park. The only one of its kind in Malaysia, is the National Elephant Conservation Centre. Premier bird watching location is Fraser Hills.

TAMAN NEGARA CANOPY WALK

PULAU TIOMAN

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Looking for beaches? Try Cherating. Asia's First Club Med was opened here. Food in Pahang would be a miss if you don't try Mi Calong, Laksa Pahang, Puding Raja (a specialty in Pahang), Lemang Periuk Kera (not an everyday savoury so if you find this, try it. Try the homestays in Pahang as well. There are a plenty actually. 

CHERATING

'Gem of the East Coast', TERENGGANU. If you are a seaside and beach lover, then come down to Terengganu to fall in love with the place. The longest coastline gives visitors a scenic breathtaking view of the South China Sea. First Theme Park in the world to showcase Islamic Architecture is the Islamic Civilisation Park Pulau Wan Man. If you wish to see how a boat is built traditionally made, then make your way to Pulau Duyong. The uniqueness is all is built by memory. No blueprint is needed or used. The floating mosque, Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah, its dubbed due to its unique design. 

ATTRACTIONS AT PULAU WAN MAN

PULAU DUYONG BOAT BUILDING
Credit umrahtrg

Wanting some privacy on an island, booked Pulau Gemia, its also the sancturary for White Hawksbill Turtle. Pulau Lang Tengah has at least 15 dive sites all within 10 minutes by boat. Largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia is Kenyir Lake (Tasik Kenyir). Accommodation is available here in the form of Chalet on the Lake. Chemerong Waterfalls are among the best waterfalls here in Terengganu. And if looking for Hot Springs, try going to LA Hot Springs. We would recommend you to try all their local specialty such as Satar, Keropok Lekor, Otak-otak, Laksa Terengganu, Ketupat Sotong, Nasi Dagang and Laksam. Because Terengganu is a land of much heritage, we suggest you try their local accommodation and if you want to be pampered go for the Homestays. 

PULAU GEMIA DOLPHINS IN POOL

KENYIR LAKE

CHEMERONG WATERFALLS

LA HOT SPRINGS
Credit Sini.com

KETUPAT SOTONG
Credit beautifultrerengganu

Travelling up about 2 hours, we will arrive to the 'Cradle of Malay Culture' KELANTAN. Capital city, Kota Bahru, for craft enthusiasm, roam around to find Handicraft Village and Industries, and maybe if you are lucky, you get an opportunity to get a hand into Wau's making process. 'Wayang Kulit' Shadow Puppetry is a folk arts and traditional performances which is a favourite among the local. And if you wish to know more what happen and the impact to Kelantan during World War II, then make your way to War Museum. Highest in Southeast Asia, seven-tiered Jelawang Waterfall is an interesting spot for eco-adventure destination. 

WAU BULAN

WAYANG KULIT OR SHADOW PUPPETRY

Siti Khadijah Market is the colours of lives of Kelantan people. Were everything is there with everyone. Second largest of its kind in Southeast Asia is the Buddhist Temple, Wat Photivihan in Kampung Jambu, Tumpat. Our advise is to take up the homestay in Kelantan to feel and experience the living lifestyle in Kelantan. In Kelantan, stop over for any unique dish such as Ayam Percik, Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Dagang. For some, budu is like tempoyak or cencalok. A side sauce when served with white rice. It is supposed to be an appetizer.

SITI KHATIJAH MARKET

NASI KERABU
Credit thesmartlocal

And finally, travelling across the South China Sea, we cross over to EAST MALAYSIA REGION, to the 'Land Below the Wind', SABAH. An ideal location for eco-adventures. Home to the very famous Mount Kinabalu, Highest in Southeast Asia and also an International Dive Destination, Sipadan. Largest concentration of wildlife in Southeast Asia belongs to Kinabatangan River, Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. And some may not know this, Danum Valley is one of the richest conservation areas in the World with over 200 species of trees per hectare. 

MOUNT KINABALU

SIPADAN

DANUM VALLEY

Another to visit will be the Sabah Tea Garden, Ranau. It is one of the few plantations in the world. They are certified to produce organic tea. Sabah also earn the title 'Gourmet Capital of the World' as being the World's Top Cocoa producers. Upside Down House? Yup in Tuaran. Sipadan is positioned at the Indo-Pacific Basin (Centre of The Richest Marine Habitat in the World), haven for divers. Mabul dan Kapalai is a great destination for much lovers. Kapalai is not an island but a large sandbank. Try their traditional dish Ambuyat - made of sago, tapioca or rice, Hinava - salad made of raw fish or prawns. 

SABAH TEA GARDEN
Credit tripadvisor

AMBUYAT

Next to Sabah is SARAWAK. largest state in Malaysia. Gunung Mulu National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a signature attraction, the pinnacles, razor-sharp limestone spikes. Kuching Waterfront, a favourite hangout with shopping and food outlets. Another unique attractions here in Sarawak will be the Longhouses Visits. Lots of activity to do such as a 'waterfall massage', learn to cook bamboo rice and chicken, test your skills with a blowpipe, try their bamboo bridge crossing, etc. If you are looking into diving, you can do so in Miri. The gigantic rafflesia flower can be found also at Gunung Gading National Park. There are also homestays in Sarawak if you are looking into staying traditionally. 

GUNUNG MULU

GUNUNG MULU
Credit holidaysgenius

 And last on the list from the Region is LABUAN, 'The Pearl of Borneo, Where Business and Leisure Meets'. It is also Malaysia's only deep water anchorage. Labuan is also Tax-FREE. Their water villages are among the last remaining traditional water villages in the country. You can find homestays on some of these water villages as well.  Labuan is also famous for wreck diving sites - the American, Australian, Blue Water and Cement. 

LABUAN WATER VILLAGE

WRECK DIVING

Labuan has some of the most beautiful beaches and a number of it have received the COBSEA Clean Beach Award recognition by the United Nations Environment Programme. While Layang - Layang Island, is known as 'Big Fish' and 'Wall Diving Mecca of Southeast Asia' Top Ten diving destinations in the world. What is the major attraction of Labuan? Seafood. Plenty of them. You can also try their Lamban-a chinese rice dumplings, Punjung-Rice flour with jelly filling and many more. 

LAYANG LAYANG ISLAND
Credit divetheworld

PUNJUNG
Credit coachnvanrental

Paradise on earth is here in Malaysia. Come join us... soak in this richness of culture, amazing views and unforgettable experiences. Not to mention the lasting friendships formed with the friendly locals and tourists from all over the world.