Kuala Lipis - The Malaysia Town With a British Colonial Heritage

By Joha Rahman

 

What sort of holiday you are looking for? Do you enjoy the outdoor adventure of trekking in the heart of Malaysian tropical jungle, meeting the friendly local peoples and a visit to the British heritages buildings in a quiet tropical town, away from the hassle of big city? If you are, then Kuala Lipis has these to offer.
Kuala Lipis is situated at the center of peninsular Malaysia, about 200 km from Kuala Lumpur. It is surrounded by lush green hills and dense tropical jungles. It is gaining popularity as a tourist destination for the local as well as the overseas visitors. As the state capital between 1800 to the middle on 1900, it has a number of historical buildings left by the Colonial British. These buildings are in good condition and are still in use today. The town is accessible by road. The journey by public bus will take about three hours. The service is regular with around six frequencies per day.
The followings are some of the tour activities:

1. Discovery Walk: As it is a small town, the attractions are within easy reach. You can start the walking tour from the railway station. It was the biggest in the east coast, managing the whole railway operation from Kota Baru in Kelantan to Gemas in Negeri Sembilan. During the heyday of railway, it was the main mode of transport, bring travelers from Kelantan to Kuala Lumpur via Kuala Lipis.

About five minutes walk from the station is the former State's mosque. It was built in 1888, by a trader from Yemen. It has touch of Indonesian architecture with the local taste. The mosque is no longer used as the congregational praying place. Next the railway station is the post office, built by the British. It is designed in symmetry despite being more than 150 years old, still in good condition. Just outside the post office, you can see a milestone with '0' miles engraved on it. The simple milestone had raised a lot of questions, as it is not normal to have 0 mile marked on the mileage stone.

There are about 14 buildings, listed as historic buildings by Malaysian Ministry of Heritage and Culture. The other famous building is The Pahang Club. It is a bit far, about 20 minutes walk. From the Railway station, take the right turn; pass the post office and the railway line towards the hospital. Pahang Club was the residence house for Hugh Clifford before the permanent and better resident's house was built. Pahang Club was the club for the rich and powerful British before I was opened to the local.

2. Visiting the Park and Jungle Trekking. Visitors who enjoy the beauty of nature, Kuala Lipis has an abundance to offer. The surrounding reserved forest, undisturbed by human since the time of eternity is natural habitats for a variety of wild life and exotic plants. The waterfalls and rapids, lime stones caves and green mountains will provide enough trekking activities for the adventurous visitors.

The tropical forest is about 1 million years, and had not been exploited before. Among the well know park is the Kenong Jungle Park, with virgin and undisturbed jungle of 130 million years. The visitors will have the chance to see the formation of more than 20 lime caves which were used as the based by the groups of nationalists fighting against the occupation of the British? At a distant of 32 km from Kuala Lipis, the park is easily accessed via railway, and boat ride from Kuala Lipis. It is estimated that there are 1,200 species of plants which is about 13 % of the Malaysian number of plants.

A short distance from Kuala Lipis is the National Park (Taman Negara). It is recommended that a visitor should spend at least a night at the park. The night trekking will give the visitors the chance to see the nocturnal animals roaming and feeding in its natural environment. Beside this the park offers activities outdoors such as repelling, climbing trees using ropes, and canopy walk on the top of the trees t about 20 meters from the ground.

The author is Malaysian who had spent more than 37 years working in an International Airline, the last 10 years was in the field of Training and Development. He was responsible for the company's training needs analysis and the related training solutions. Currently, he maintains a travel blog to promote Kuala Lipis as tourist destination. For further information, please visit: http://kuala-lipis-pahang.blogspot.com.

Pekan, the Town With a Royal Malaysian Touch

By Joha Rahman

 

Pahang's Royal town of Pekan is located on the bank of the Pahang River, about 50 km south of Kuantan. It is the home of the state's royal family, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mu'adzam Shah, one of the nine Sultans in the small country of Malaysia. The town prides itself as it has produced two of the Malaysian Prime Minister, the late Tun Razak and his son, the current Prime Minister Najib Razak.

It is not clear how the town gets her name. According to the local story, the name comes from a species of wild flower, the Pekan flowers, that grew in abundant on the bank of River Pahang. Pekan town is said to have existed since the 17th century, but no exact date can be verified. Several Arab and Chinese travelers had mentioned Pekan in their journals.

Events and Attractions: There are a number of tourist attractions in Pekan. The town is more popular with the local visitors, mainly because the attractions and events are more related hers status as the royal town.
1. Birthday celebration: It is worth to time the visit to coincide with the ruler's official birthday on the 24th of October. On that day, you would be able to witness the annual outburst of culture and traditions. Thousands of visitors from different parts of Pahang will flock to this town to join the celebration. The cultural activities, include the traditional dances, handicraft and traditional games. Early booking of the hotel is required as months before the events the hotel will be sold out.

2. Sultan Abu Bakar Museum: The museum displays important artifacts related to the state's history and the local Malay culture. The extended portion of the museum, built at Pulau Beram, is dedicated to water transportation, personally owned by Sultan Abu Bakar and the late Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tengku Afzan. Water transportation was the main mode of travelling before the road system was built. It showcases many types of boats and rafts from beautifully craved boats to decaying logs. Models of fisherman house and floating hut are also on display.

3. The Royal Palace: You will notice the Ivory Motive on the entrance to the palace. This palace was built in 1965 and currently it is the residence of Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah. It is almost hidden amidst of lush green tropical trees, surrounded by peaceful and clean Malay kampung or village.
Nearby the Royal Pahang Polo Field is a long-established Islamic college, known as Kuliah Sultan Abu Bakar (the Sultan Abu Bakar Kulliyyah). It has produced eminent scholars all over the State of Pahang and Malaysia. Its students consistently further their studies in the esteemed Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt.

4. There are a couple of beaches near Pekan. About 15 minutes from the town, on the way to Kuantan, there is Pantai Legenda (Lagenda Beach) complete with golf course. To the south and on the way to Kuala Rompin, you will find the 16th Mile Beach. These beaches are not crowded and naturally unattended. You will be able to enjoy the quite moment to yourself.

5. About one-hour drive from Pekan is Lake Chini (Tasik Cini), it is the largest natural freshwater lake in Malaysia. The facilities includes restaurant, jungle trekking boat rides. You can also visit the Orang Asli (natives) settlements nearby and see their simple traditional life.

6.For golfers, the Royal Pekan Golf Club offers the 18-holes par-72 course plays to 6,506 yds from the blue tees. The First Nine is the shorter of the two nines at 3,210yds and the Second Nine at 3,296yds. The course is flat with minimal water hazards. The fairway is of cow grass. (a kind of Malaysian local grass). Surprising, the food is of acceptable standard.

How to get there: Pekan is accessible either from Kuantan or from Rompin. If you are from Kuala Lumpur, take the East Coast Expressway and exit at the Gambang Interchange. Then, follow the Tun Razak Highway. From Johor, you will have the chance to enjoy scenic coastal drive through the town of Kuala Rompin.

A Malaysian who had spent more than 35 years working for an International Airline in various positions. Currently, he maintains a travel blog to promote visitors to Pahang. For further information, please visit http://pahangtour.blogspot.com/

Traveling to the Lovely Getaway From Singapore

By Tamara Weilando

 

Genting Highlands, or as some prefer, Genting is described as a family-friendly version of Las Vegas.
It is situated at Pahang, Malaysia, and a standard location for gamblers or family with young children as there are large indoor and outdoor theme parks.
Even so, Marina Bay Sands and resorts world are slowly taking its popularity.

Bus to Genting from Singapore:
Bus transport amenities are highly cost-effective. Most of the visitors preferred visiting by bus from Singapore to Genting. It will take close to 6 to 7 hours to reach there.
The rates may fluctuate based on the variety of coach and the journey date. It costs $30 for one way journey.

Stops between Singapore and Genting:
Day trips usually get stop by at food centers and common washrooms. To make any shopping, you could use only Malaysian ringgit. Keep it all set.
There will be no stopovers for the duration of the evening journey.
Bus Companies Travelling from Singapore to Genting:
Check out these Bus Companies in Singapore traveling from Singapore to Genting:
StarMart Express Air Asia Liners - They charge $30 and take 6 hours journey. It departs at 8am and 11:30pm
Grassland Express & Tours - The charges will be $45 and it departs at 6:45am, 7am, 7:30am and 11:30am. It takes 6 hours journey.
Through the peak seasons like Chinese New year, the bus corporations offer more trips at a increased price.

Train travel from Singapore to Genting:
The nearest airport from Genting is in Kuala Lumpur. You can get flight there, and then shift to KL Sentral by train within 30 min. From KL Sentral, there is a connecting bus to Genting.
If you are wealthy soon after your earnings at the casino, Sabah Air (tel. +603 62578604) could take you house in a helicopter.

Packages to travel to Genting:
Traveling to Genting from Singapore using travel deals are highly suggested, if you are a budget traveler.
The costs begin from $86 for 2 days and one night stay in Genting. Journey packages assist you to take a trip economically.
Peak seasons see a raise in costs by $50-$100 more. It will be at the end of the year (December), New year (January), Chinese New year (February) and college holidays (June, September, and December).

Best time to go to Genting:
Genting dwells in cool climate. It gains more travelers visits. The weather will be about 15-25 °C.
You may not observe the coolness too much if you stick indoors at the buying centers, but once you head out, make sure you have a jacket with you.
The hotel rooms are unheated, so the nights may get chilly for you. Peak seasons are described above.

And finally, check the comprehensive information on GuideGecko to find out more on a bus or coach to Singapore

Janda Baik Pahang Malaysia - Best Choices of Resorts

By Jessie Ho

 

Janda Baik is a beautiful village hiding in Pahang, near Bukit Tinggi. It only 40mins travel by car from City of Kuala Lumpur. It's a perfect gateway leading to fresh air, greenery view, river, tranquility and peace of mind. It's a perfect place for family retreat or short break. It's also a good place to relax your mind and distress. There is no traffic congestion here and the residents are very friend and warm.

In Janda Baik, you can find all sorts of resorts, big and small; traditional and modern; budget to luxury. You choose to stay in a luxury deluxe room or camp by the river side. Each resort is easily access to and gives you different view of scenery from hills side to riverside. Rivers, trees and song bird will make the beautiful background of your bed and the price is affordable and value for money.

Cherengin Hills Spa & Convention Resort is located on the hill top. It gives you breath taking Mountain View and cool air in the night. The ambiance is clean, bright, quiet with full facilities i.e. swimming pool, grocery, cafeteria, camping site, Free Wifi, air conditioning etc. There have conference room for small function or events. If you bring your children, you can go cycling and play some outdoor games at the open space. Authentic local food and intercontinental food are served at their in house Gelugor café. Food is good and price is reasonable. If you prefer local food, there are few food stall serving authentic Malay flavor like Nasi Lemak, Fried Mee Mamak etc.

If you wish to get closer to the natural, you can choose D'Ark training Resorts. It located down the hill and riverside. They provided choices of Traditional Malay wooden chalet to modern duplex apartment and suite room. You are given different options of packages for accommodation or meal package with outdoor activity i.e. jungle tracking or fishing etc.

Another recommended resort that I will give my 5 stars to is Saufiville Boutique Resort, which is located 1800 feet sea on 12 acres compound. It surrounded by a beautiful orchard and amazing pool view looking down the hill. The place is quiet, cozy, clean and comfortable. It gives you a feeling of home. Saufiville offers plenty of good packages from time to time. Make sure you grab one and explore this beautiful resort with your loved ones.

Do you want to know more about Janda Baik Resorts? Please check out http://jandabaikresorts.blogspot.com

Travel to Malaysia

By TJ Tierney

 

Malaysia is a country of striking natural beauty situated in Southeast Asia, with some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in the world. It consists of thirteen states that are divided into two geographical regions that are separated by the South China Sea.

Malaysia has a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society and is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Contemporary Malaysian society is mainly dominated by the Malay (local) people, but there is a substantial Chinese, Indian and European minority. The official religion is Islam.
Its year round sunshine ensures Malaysia's growing tourism and it is fast becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. While it does get torrential seasonal rain, this should not turn you off this paradise. Its rainfall is very seasonal and typical of any equatorial climate.

Travelling by air to Malaysia can be very inexpensive with one of the world's leading low cost carrier, Air Asia, based there. Once you arrive in Malaysia your luxury holiday immediately begins. The high-speed express will get you into Kuala Lumpur in less than thirty minutes.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, or also known as KL, is an expansive beautiful city with soaring skyscrapers. One hundred years ago Kuala Lumpur was a small mining town attracting workers from China and India. Now it's fast becoming one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world.
Kuala Lumpur is now well known as a great shopping destination as well as a great night time spot and entertainment hub. Food in Malaysia varies from the different ethnic regions, rice is the most common food source in Malaysia and is often eaten for breakfast.

The landscape of Malaysia ranges from lush rainforests to towering rocky hills. Its rainforests are full of all types of flora and fauna with over 450 species of birds that are native to the islands of Malaysia. There are also over 160 different species of snake. Other wildlife of Malaysia includes bears, crocodiles, elephants, leopards, monkeys, panthers and rhinoceroses. The Orang-utan, which is one of the world's most endangered animals is also unique to this part of the world.

Malaysia has over 200 tropical islands making it a refuge for all sorts of water sports. Its tropical resorts are full of white sandy beaches and provide a vast paradise, while beneath the warm tropical waters, a unique world awaits to be explored.

Well worth a visit, and located just outside of the capital city are the Batu Caves. These are huge cathedral-like caves accessible by steps. The caves have a one hundred meter tall chamber and have been used as a Hindu temple for more than a hundred years.
There are many reasons for travelling to Malaysia but a few things that you can always count on are: the excellent climate that you get all year round, the peaceful surroundings that you get all year round, and the great value that Malaysia has to offer.

One of the greatest aspects of life in Malaysia, and especially Kuala Lumpur, is that so many people with different ethnic backgrounds live together in perfect harmony with no racial problems.

TJ Tierney is an award winning photographer and a freelance writer. To find out more information on Malaysia visit his travel guide or his travel directory.

The "Great Lakes" of Malaysia's Pahang State

By Paik-Leong Ewe

 

The State of Pahang n Malaysia can truly be dubbed as the "State of Great Lakes" as it is home to Tasik Bera (Bera Lake) and Tasik Cini (Cini Lake) which are consecutively the country's largest and second largest natural lakes. Taking a trip to these havens of biodiversity promises adventure galore for anglers and naturalists.

Sprawling over 6,150 hectares, Tasik Bera measures approximately 35km long and 20km wide. Its water landscape consists of interlocking lakes, fresh water swamps, pandanus (screwpine) swamps and peat swamps, which drain into the Pahang River, the longest river in the country.

From Kuala Lumpur, the easiest route to the lake is to travel to Temerloh, then southward towards Triang. Before reaching Triang, a signboard at Kerayong leads you to the northside Sudin and Dara Jetties. The Tasik Bera Museum at Kg Kuin has brochures and maps, and Tasik Bera Resort offers chalets and dormitories. For most visitors, a must-do is to cruise the myriad of river channels and bays on flat-bottom boats to explore the flora and search for wildlife. As the boat navigates through the narrow waterways, overhanging pandanus leaves brush against the faces of its passengers, while epiphytes, ferns, orchids and pitchers plants add color to the swamp landscape.

More than 200 species of birds have recorded at Tasik Bera. The White-Throated Kingfisher can often be seen diving into the water for fish. Feared raptors such as the Grey-Head Fish Eagle and Brahminy Kite help maintain the ecological balance of the lake. More beautiful avian creatures include the Malayan Peacock Pheasant and Uncommon Wrinkled Hornbill but sightings are rare. Commonly seen frolicking among the pandanus are Bulbuls, Spiderhunters and Pacific Swallows.

To spot wildlife, ask the boatman to anchor at a secluded bay or shallow channel and switch off the engine. There is the possibility of seeing the Malayan False Gharial, a fish-eating crocodile and the Striped Giant Soft-Shelled Turtle. Across the water's surface, water snakes and vipers can occasionally seen swimming from one reed bed to another. A feared resident of the lake is the reticulated python, which grows to a length of five meters. Its favorite food is monitor lizards and the Malayan Giant Frog - the latter tips the scale at one kilogram.

The lowland dipterocarps around Tasik Bera support medium-sized game such as tapirs, clouded leopards, wild boars, monkeys, mousedeer, flying lemurs and flying squirrels. Along nature trails, there are sights of their existence such as paw prints on mud flats, fresh dung, and claw marks on tree trunks. Angling is allowed at the lake, and more than 100 species of fish are found here. The adventurous angler will try to reel in the ferocious Toman (or Giant Snakehead) and Haruan (or Common Snakehead).

A visit to a Semelai village should also be part of one's itinerary. For more than 600 years, they have lived in Tasik Bera by fishing and hunting. Today, they rely on revenue from farming. They also collect sandalwood, resin from the Keruing tree and trap reticulated pythons for their skin.

Tasik Cini is located 100 km south-west of Kuantan, and consists of 12 interlocking lakes. Romanticized as the "Loch Ness of Malaysia", Tasik Cini's fame is attributed to a Jakun legend that a naga laut (water serpent) lurks in its underwater caves. The lake is also believed to be the site of an ancient Khmer city as artifacts have been discovered in the area though scientific expeditions to discover it have been unsuccessful. According to one story, when the city was threatened by attack, the populace submerged it using a system of aqua-ducts, intending to drain it later.

Traveling to Tasik Cini involves driving to the village of Cini from Kuantan. From Cini, the next leg of the journey is through the oil palm plantation of Felda Cini to the shores of the lake, where Lake Cini Resort is located. A more exciting option is to travel from Kuantan to Kampung Belimbing; take a boat ride across the Sungei Pahang, followed by an upriver trip along Sungei Cini -- where a canopy of lianas hangs overhead -- to the lake,

What greets the visitor is indeed a magnificent sight. The surface of the lake is black and spiky pentenas grass protrude from the water in many places. Wreathed in clouds, Gunung Cini rises 825 meters high, forming a beautiful backdrop. Near the edges of lake stand massive trees with their buttress roots half-submerged in water.

A highly recommended boat ride is to Laut Babi, the biggest lake in the system where turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Another must-visit lake is Laut Melai. From June to September, large parts of its water surface are swathed with thousands of pink water lilies and white lotus blooms on velvety carpets of green leaves. Last but not least, one must also venture to Laut Gumum, where most of the purported sightings of the serpent by locals have taken place. During colonial times, British engineers who have glimpsed it have described the elusive monster as moving with forward lunges, while Jakun elders have claimed that it has a head resembling a tiger's.

At Kampung Gumun, which has a Jakun settlement, visitors can hire a guide to escort them along the nature trails. A popular trek is from Lake Cini Resort to Kampong Gumum, two kilometers away. Another longer trek leads from the resort to a campsite at Lake Terembau. The trail weaves through swamps, oil palm plantations and lowland forests. Along the way, there are frequent encounters with the Grey-Breasted Babbler, Crimson-Winged Woodpecker, Orange-Bellied Flowerpeckers and Lesser-Tailed Drongo. Traditional Jakun villages can also be visited, and one can try to use a blowpipe.

Tasik Cini is a sanctuary for more than 150 species of fish. The best fishing months are from November to January, with Gouramy, Giant Freshwater Puffer, Carp and various species of Catfish being the popular catches. From October to March, migratory birds make a stopover at the lake, enhancing one's birding experiences. Tasik Cini, an undisturbed paradise for centuries is truly spectacular.

Backpacking Information on Malaysia

By Josh Boorman

 

• Population: 25.3 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Kuala Lumpur
• Area: 329,847 sq km (127,355 sq miles)
• Major languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam
• Major religions: Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism
• Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 75 years (women)
• Monetary unit: 1 ringgit = 100 sen

Malaysia is a country of natural fusion, located on two separate landmasses on the east, nestled between Brunei and Indonesia and to the west, on the SEA mainland which if anything facilitates this fusion for what it is known for. If this means anything, it is double the fun for travellers. Malaysia's rather strategic location allows it the best of many worlds: Chinese, Indian, and Malay to be exact offering something for everybody. Recurrent tourism ad campaigns feature the picturesque sceneries for a final coming together with the slogan "Truly Asia"-great resonance in terms of wording, but quite insufficient and politically provoking. But despite current turmoil that shakes the Muslim nation of say, a sodomizing politician, or unequal rights for non-natives, the people and places never lose charm and resplendence. This is frankly the place whatever happens, everything will be good, for the leisure travellers. The immigrant workers from poverty-stricken countries beg to differ because but behind that public glamour lies a hidden face of poverty, of forced labour, of massive human trafficking by a western designer labels that has to subsist and exist in the aims of industrialization. Still
In the end, this wonderful place still deserved the World's Best Destination of 2006 perhaps in great part due to its diversity be it cultural, ethnographical, or geographical. As one of the largest economies in the South East Asia with a high-tech manufacturing industry, Malaysia continuously boasts of a densely forested terrain. It goes without saying that what is wild and rare here will always remain so, and what modernizes, do so for the good.

GEOGRAPHY
Malaysia (2 30 N, 112 30 E) is a country of thirteen states 329,847 km 2 big in whole. The West and East Malaysia, regardless of differences in cultures, remain similar in terms of terrain with coastal plans rolling to hills and mountains with thick forest covers of 59% of the total area. The highest peak and Malaysia's pride is the Mount Kinabalu that has a summit of 4,095.2 metres. The lowest surface, on the other hand is the Indian Ocean that barely kisses it.

CLIMATE
The climate is equatorial or tropical and exhibits weather patterns apparent with most SEA countries: southwest monsoon from April to October, and northeast monsoon from November to February. As such, the ideal time to head down for a trek, a dive, or a swim would be during the cool and dry northeast monsoon months, the peak season, anytime from November through February, with emphasis on trekking and hiking. This is because highlands are vulnerable to landslides during the southwest monsoons due to some deforested parts. Typhoons are harsher and more common and accidents have happened in relation to this. During the hot season, forests on the other hand are more in danger for forest fires.

PEOPLE
Malaysia's 25,715,819-population make it only the 46th of the most populated countries list, 62% of which are native Malays or Bumiputeras, including people indigenous to Malaysia, while the remainder consist of Chinese (24%), Indians (8%), and many other migrant workers, as multi-racial as it truly is. Malaysia is also multi-religious. It is Muslim predominantly (60.4%), Buddhist (19.2%), Christian (9.1%), Hindu (6.3%), Confucian and Taoist (2.6%), but that's not the end of the list. Now that is diversity to the umpteenth degree.

LANGUAGE
In contrast, Malaysia has only one official language and that is BAHASA MELAYU or MALAY more commonly. ENGLISH plays an underground sort of official language as it is the language to know when travelling to Malaysia, if the traveller is short to no Malay-speaking. This is also mandatory to in schools and in all levels, and very handy in the large cities. This, like Singapore and the Philippines have a huge demographic of English speakers and their own Englishes to boot for the unique fusion it had with their own language. ARABIC, like English, is mandatory, but exclusively for Muslim Schools. Most students will have a functional and communicative command of Arabic. CHINESE and all its glorious dialects are omni-present from Cantonese, Mandarin, Fukien, Hakka, Hainan, and Foochow. Similarly, INDIAN languages are used and spoken, but it is a fact to never be forgotten that several indigenous languages area still widely spoken like Iban and Kadazan.

ATTRACTION
Kuala Lumpur is where this all comes together. KL is a vital element and introduction, and one perfect way to start a traveller's Malaysian escapade. Urbanized and modernized as it is, this is where East meets West for Malaysia-that place to understand that Malaysians are open and inclined to change. Tall skyscrapers or getting a little acrophobic now? For who has not heard of the Petronas Twin Towers, the once tallest edifices in the world? Yes, the one Alain Roberts climbed just last year. That is unadulterated and genuine enthusiasm, just how Malaysia ought to be experienced. If the traveller seeks some enlightenment, a few hours and miles from the capital are the Batu Caves, a site for spirituality and rest, after 272 steps at least. This is the holiest pilgrimage site of all of Malaysia, and it's worth the voyage with the imposing natural wonder as the limestone cliff. Malaysia has also one of the world's greatest diving sites from Sipadan to Lang Tengah to Redang Island, one of more famous ones. Cameron Highlands Tea Plantations, an alternative kind of travel, is no less of an eye candy for it is a green lush beauty, plus smells great too. At the Thaipusam Festival, there's no need to plunge a lime and spear to the cheeks. Watching is fine...really.
If you are into the road-less-travelled sort of fun, there are lots to be discovered here like the South Beach of Perhentian Besar of the east coast. Touristy-wise, Tioman Island, one of the most gorgeous islands in the world and Langkawi's 99 islands render the best spread of choices for natural spectacles-mangroves, beaches, rainforests, and mountains. But Sungai Kampar is the hotspot for white water rafting.
The perfect place to end a Malaysian journey and the only excusable time to cry and say goodbye is upon reaching the summit of Mt. Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia and Borneo, where the traveller can catch a 360 ° view of the wonderful magnificent place that is synonymous to the "right decision". When a bit out of shape, a trek to the rainforests of Genting Highlands, Kinabalu National Park or the Taman Negara National Park will without a shadow of a doubt suffice as well.

FOOD
Penang however is a different attraction in itself. This was the Pearl of the Orient, with cuisine so unparalleled, so diverse, uber cultural. This is the place you go to fully acquaint the self. Penang is a food paradise with all the tasty things and incredible fusion of world eats. Like Penang, Kampu Barung will give the traveller a quick introduction to Malaysian ethnography, geography, and history and gastronomy in less than 15 minutes, within just a bowl of Torpedo soup, but Char Kuay Teow is indisputably the dish of Penang. Unfortunately, it is a bull's testicles, and eating with the hands is etiquette, like washing the hands is as well.
Rice in all forms is loved and eaten, as a meal or dessert. Hence, it is a staple. Food eaten at home vary from authentic Indian and Chinese but Malaysian cuisine has come to evolve to savoury localized versions of Indian and Chinese infused with native Malay meals. Other carbo sources are noodles like Bi Hoon, Koay Teow, Mee Suah etc. and pan breads like roti canai, thosai, idli, and puri. Nasi Lemak is said to be the national dish for its valid Malay origin and is rice steamed with coconut milk served with curry or meat stews or chilli shrimp paste. Murtabak, folded crisp pancake with eggs, meat, and onions is a ubiquitous street food. Consumption of meets is religion-sensitive, making chicken a fair-priced flexible food buddy, typically cooked ala satay. Teh Tarik or "pulled tea" is by now a very famous drink and art form not just in Malaysia but the rest of the world.
In general, curry dishes are manifestations of Indian influence, while dim sum and noodles, of Chinese. As a multiracial and multicultural foodie state, the list of food runs forever. The desserts are simpler and more delightful to expound on, like the taste. Desserts have simpler variations though, hot and cold, liquid and solid. Sweet is universal. Cendol and ais kacang are cold deserts. Ais kacang is a dessert of sweet corn, red beans, and jelly on a bed of soft shaved ice with either coconut or condensed milk, while pulut hitam, black rice porridge with coconut milk, and bubur cha cha, coconut soup with yam, sweet potato, and sago are served hot.

Normally good food is a happy convergence of many events, but in Malaysia, it only has to smell and taste good. Much like any place in the world, Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, but none as showy. Perhaps it is tagged Truly Asia because it has many wonders of Asia in one exciting location, or two.

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