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Malaysia
 Malaysia
is really like two countries in one, cleaved in half by the South China Sea. The
peninsula is a multicultural buffet of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours while
Borneo hosts a wild jungle smorgasbord of orang-utans, granite peaks and remote
tribes. Within and throughout these two very different regions are an impressive
variety of microcosms ranging from the space-age high-rises of
Kuala Lumpur to the smiling longhouse villages of
Sarawak and the calm, powdery beaches of the Perhentian Islands. And did we
mention the food? Malaysia (particularly along the peninsular west coast) has
one of the best assortments of delicious cuisines in the world.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the stunning capital of Malaysia.
The city, defined by its colourful culture and
rich natural reserves, is also Malaysia’s largest
city. Having achieved its city status in 1972, Kuala
Lumpur is now a prosperous city housing about two million
people.
Kuala Lumpur is characterised by an equatorial climate,
which is tepid and sunny throughout the year.
However, the nights are pleasant as the temperature drops a
few degrees. The city receives plentiful rainfall,
especially from April to September.
Kuala Lumpur witnessed two world wars and the
economic decline in the late 1990s to develop into
Malaysia’s political and commercial capital. Also, it
is the only city in the world which has a
million-year-old forest area within the core of its
existence
Langkawi
Langkawi comprises 99 islands and is located
in the Andaman Sea. It lies in the region of Kedah
in Malaysia. Translated from the regional language,
Langkawi means ‘reddish brown eagle’. It has a
multi-racial society with a populationof over 60,000
inhabitants.
Langkawi enjoys an equatorial climate with two major
seasons. The dry season, from November to March, has
pleasant weather with regular breeze. During the wet season,
the precipitation ranges from light showers to heavy
downpours accompanied with thunder and lightning.
Historically, Langkawi has a mysterious past of a princess
and her curse which supposedly induced the attack by
Thais, destroying all settlements in the region.
However, the once inactive village now has an active
agro-based economic life with rubber and fisheries
being the major industries.
Penang
Penang is a Malaysian state located in the
Malay Peninsula. It is also referred to as the ‘Pearl
of the Orient’, although it actually means ‘island of
a betel nut tree’. With over one million inhabitants,
Penang is the eighth most populated state in Malaysia.
It is characterised by an equatorial climate which is
consistent throughout the year. The weather stays warm and
clear with brief but abundant rainfall from June to
September. The humidity is tempered by cool breezes with the
surrounding sea influencing the climate to a great extent.
Penang was originally a part of the Malay kingdom
before it became a free port in the 1960s. Today, Penang is
one of the most competent economies of Malaysia with
manufacturing as its majo
Kinabalu National Park (Taman Negara
Kinabalu)
Located in Sabah, it covers around 750 square kilometres,
surrounding the tallest mountain in Malaysia and South East
Asia – Mount Kinabalu. One of the most popular tourist spots
in Malaysia.
Estimated area: 754 km²
Interesting things to do: Enjoy the tropical rain forest,
jungle trekking, mountain climbing, plants watching (home to
rare plants such as Nepenthes rajah and Rafflesia)
Geographical coordinates: 6° 09′ N, 116° 39′ E
Malacca (Melaka)
One of the oldest cities in Malaysia. It is famous for its
rich
history and multi-cultural community. Don’t forget to
try some of the unique food such as Chicken Rice Ball, Satay
Celup and other Peranakan delicacies.
Interesting places to visit:
A’ Farmosa Fort, St. Paul Hill, Jonker’s Walk, Portuguese
Settlement Village, Muzium Budaya, Poh San Teng temple
Estimated population: 733,000
Geographical coordinates: 2° 11′ 49 N, 102° 14′ 53 E
Ipoh
Ipoh: The capital of the state of Perak, Ipoh is
another gem city on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia.
Often nicknamed as “Bougainvillea City,” is one of the most
beautiful cities of Malaysia. Famous for tin mines,
Limestone Mountains caves and Chinese food, the city is home
to a number of finest restaurants and bars. Major
attractions of the city include Muzium Darul Ridzuan
(historical museum of Perak), St. Michael's Institution
(architectural wonder), Mari Amman Temple, Kellie's Castle,
Sam Poh Tong, Kek Lok Tong, and Perak Tong
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