Malaysia - Essential Visits
by: Mij Gnow
Located in South East Asia, bordering Thailand in the north and Singapore
in the south, Malaysia achieved its independence from British rule on
the 31st of August 1957. With a population of approximately 23.5 million
(58% Malays, 24% Chinese, 8% Indians and 10% others), Malaysia is rich
in differing cultures and traditions. The uniqueness of Malaysia is
that all these differing religions live alongside each other in harmony
and peace.
You may be asking "What's there to do in Malaysia?". Malaysia
offers natural beauties in tropical rainforest, scuba diving; Shopping
haven in all major cities; Friendly citizens across the country. Whatever
you want to do, ranging from being a potatoe couch at the hotel to extreme
adventures, Malaysia has it all.
Having said that, I will now point out to you the essential visits
that you should take part in order to make your trip whole (in no particular
order):
Petronas Twin Towers
Towering at a height of 452 metres (1483 feet), the Petronas Twin Towers
is the highest twin towers in the world. Built to 88 storeys and 32000
windows, the towers are connected via a skybridge. You must book your
time to access the skybridge for an excellent birds-eye view of the
Kuala Lumpur city. The towers were featured in the movie Entrapment
starring Sean Connery and Caterine Zeta Jones. When visiting the towers,
take a stroll at the KLCC park (20 hectares or 50 acres) located adjacent
to the towers and indulge yourself in shopping at the Suria KLCC located
inside the towers.
Pulau Pinang (Penang Island)
Affectionately known as Pearl of the Orient, Penang is famous for its
natural beauty and exotic heritage. Located at the northern part of
Malaysia, Penang, a bustling island, has a large variety of culture,
people and food within the 285 square kilometres enclave. So diversed,
you will be able to find churches, Chinese temples, Indian temples and
Muslim mosques all within a five minutes walk. Colonial buildings still
exist and are constantly being restored to its former glory. When you
are at the Pearl of the Orient, you must sample the hawker food found
at abundance, take a ferry ride (especially at night) and stroll along
the beaches of Batu Ferringi.
Cameron Highlands
This 1800 meters above sea level region is a popular getaway from the
tropical heat for Malaysians and tourist alike. Cameron Highlands was
discovered by a British surveyor named William Cameron in 1885. This
highlands resembles England as old English inns, chalets and bungalows
still exists today. Attraction in Cameron Highlands includes mountain
and jungle hikings, tea plantations, fruits and vegetable farms, flower
nurseries and its people. Cameron Highlands has two golf courses if
you are game.
Sipadan Island
Located on the north-eastern part of Borneo Island, Sipadan is one
of the world's best dive spots. White sandy beaches borders this 12ha
island. The island was formed from a undersea volcano and is raised
650meters from the sea floor. Sipadan is famous for its reef wall, rare
reef creatures and the regular appearance of sea turtles. If you are
a diver, this is one place that you would not want to miss.
East Coast Islands
On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, an abundance of idyllic white
sandy beaches. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, hop over
to the east coast, put on a sarong, grab yourself a coconut, relax and
enjoy the pounding of the waves. Out in the sea, islands such as Perhentian,
Tioman and Redang are famous for their dive spots and family getaway.
Proboscis Monkeys
Living exclusively in Borneo island, proboscis monkeys have the largest
nose amongst all primates. Reaching up to 17.5cm long, the reason for
the elongated nose is unknown. Another distinctive feature of this unique
creature is its pot belly. The proboscis monkey is an endangered species
and is listed under the IUCN Red List. Visiting these creatures in its
natural habitat is well worth the journey.
About The Author - Mij Gnow is an avid traveller who
is infected with the travel bug throughout the year. Weighed down by
the corporate world to earn a living, Mij continues to write articles
in preparation for his future travels. - Mij is also the creator and
administrator of Travel Corridor, http://www.travelcorridor.com;
a site containing essential visits around the world.
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