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1. Kuala Lumpur
KLCC
Soaring to a height of 451.9 metres, the 88-storey twin structure is
Kuala Lumpur's crown jewel. Majestic by day and dazzling at night, the
PETRONAS Twin Towers is inspired by Tun Mahathir Mohamad's vision for
Malaysia to be a global player. Together with master architect Cesar
Pelli, the international icon powerfully captures the nation's ambitions
and aspirations.
Visit us and experience the PETRONAS Twin Towers first-hand. Begin your
tour with interactive displays that showcase the journey, from idea to
completion. Scale 170 metres in an elevator with a futuristic edge. The
doors will open at the Skybridge, a connecting structure between the
towers and the world's highest 2-storey bridge. Ascend even higher to
level 86, where the story of Malaysia's vision unfolds amid breathtaking
views of Kuala Lumpur. Then wrap up your visit with exquisite souvenirs
at the gift shop.
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CENTRAL MARKET (CM)
Located in the heart of Kuala
Lumpur, a few minutes away
from Petaling Street, Central
Market is a famous landmark
for Malaysian culture and
heritage.
The building was built in
1888
and originally functioned as
a
wet market. It has since been
classified as a Heritage Site.
Tourists flock to Central
Market for its variety of
handicrafts, art, kebaya,
songket, batik and authentic
Malaysian souvenirs. A Batik
Emporium houses well-known
designer labels, with the
best
Malaysian-made batik items
ranging from clothes, shoes,
bags to home furnishing.
The Central Market Outdoor
Stage is where visitors can
catch colourful arts and
cultural events. During the
country’s main festivals, the
area will be lit up in theme,
reflecting the multiracial
diversity of Malaysians.
BBKLCC
Featured as the world’s fourth best shopping city in CNNGo, Kuala Lumpur
is indeed a shopper’s paradise. Case in point: Three of the world’s 10
largest malls are in KL, while year-round sales offer the best bang for
your buck.
The BBKLCC stretch from Bukit Bintang to Kuala Lumpur City Centre, in
particular, will leave you spoilt for choice with its abundant fashion,
food and entertainment options. Lose yourself in the huge selection of
local and international brands available across nine signature malls
within the area. The shopping district is also well-connected via a
covered pedestrian walkway and an efficient network of public
transportation.
KL TOWER
Standing majestically atop
Bukit Nanas at 421 meters and
94 meters above sea level, KL
Tower is a prominent feature
of the city’s skyline and
perhaps one of the most
enduring images a visitor to
KL will remember.
Its architecture reflects the
country's Islamic heritage,
with the construction
detailing Arabic scripts,
Islamic tiles, classic
Islamic
floral and abstract motifs
and
soothing colour combinations.
Besides the panoramic view,
KL
Tower has something for city
dwellers who love nature. The
verdant green surrounding
Menara KL is the Bukit Nanas
Forest - the only oldest
gazetted forest reserve in
the
country.
It covers an area of 10.05
hectares and is considered
the
green lung of Kuala Lumpur.
It
is sanctuary to a wonderful
array of flora and fauna,
unique to the country's
tropical climate.
PETALING STREET
Petaling Street, the centre
of
Kuala Lumpur's original
Chinatown, maintains much of
its traditional atmosphere,
particularly at night when
vendors fan out their
merchandise along the street.
While you can shop for
anything from gems and
incense
to toys and t-shirts, the
true
allure of this night market
is
in wandering about and
enjoying its sights, sounds
and energy. Food is plentiful
with many scrumptious
varieties to choose from;
some
of the restaurants here have
been in business for
generations. Locals flock to
Petaling Street primarily for
bargain accessories and great
Chinese food. So, go on, be
brave - head down to Petaling
Street with an empty stomach
and an adventurous spirit.
Even if you don't spend a
penny, (which will be hard!),
you are guaranteed to have an
amazing experience here.
At the end of Petaling
Street, you can further explore the
Chan See Shu Yuen Temple
which dates back to 1906. The
interior of this building
features open courtyard
pavilions, intricate carvings
and paintings. On the
exterior, the temple depicts
elaborate glazed ceramic
sculptures which grace the
facade and roof ridges.
For more adventurous tourists, further down from Petaling
Street is the South Indian Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. This
temple is situated at Jalan
Tun H.S. Lee which is within
walking distance from
Chinatown. Built in 1873, the
temple is said to be the most
ornate and elaborate Hindu
temple in the country. The design and decorative features include
intricate carvings of Hindu deities, gold embellishments, precious
stones and hand-painted
motifs. Exquisite Italian and
Spanish tiles provide further
ornamentation. A silver
chariot housed within the
premises features prominently
in religious processions,
transporting the statue of
the deity through the city
streets.
Outside the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple are stalls selling
garlands and strings of sweet
smelling jasmine. Additionally, the strong
aroma of Chinese traditional herbs
and that of freshly brewed
coffee waft through the air
from across the street.
AQUARIA KLCC
Nestled in the heart of the
bustling Golden Triangle and
within walking distance from
the iconic Petronas Twin
Towers, Aquaria KLCC is a
state-of-the-art aquarium
showcasing over 5,000
different exhibits of aquatic
and land-bound creatures over
a sprawling multi-level space
in the Concourse Level of the
Kuala Lumpur Convention
Centre.
From the tropical waters of
the Asian region to the
rainforests of the world,
Aquaria KLCC takes you on a
journey to discover the
fascinating nature of aquatic
life as well as the unique
behaviour of animals and
crawly creatures above water.
Immerse in an absorbing
aquatic experience (without
getting your feet wet!) from
the moment you enter Aquaria
KLCC. An educational study
charting the course of
natural
waters flowing from the
highlands to the streams and
deep sea is devised to help
visitors appreciate water as
a
habitat and ecosystem.
Highlights include a 90-metre
tunnel tank with a moving
travelator where you can
marvel at Sand Tiger sharks,
stingrays, marine turtles and
other sea creatures swimming
around unhindered in the vast
oceanarium, a spectacular
live
show of divers feeding these
creatures at meal times and a
rare opportunity to come into
contact with live starfish
and
bamboo shark at the Touchpool
area.
LITTLE INDIA BRICKFIELDS
Brickfields is many things to
many people: a concentrated
wedge of Indian culture; a
bewildering smorgasbord of
different worship houses; a
haven of blind massage
centres; the crossroads for
commuters coming in from all
parts of the country; a
perfect study in contrasts.
However you define it, one
thing is in agreement:
Brickfields is a vibrant
community with a soul of its
own.
Brickfields began as the
centre of brick-making in the
late 19th century, after a
huge fire and flood swept
through Kuala Lumpur in 1881.
The double disasters took
turns destroying the town’s
wooden and thatched
structures. Sir Frank
Swettenham, British resident
at that time, responded by
ordering the use of brick and
tile in the construction of
buildings, thus summoning the
town’s purpose into being.
The area soon developed as
the
nation’s main locomotive
depot
for the Malayan Railway
during
the colonial administration.
The sights, sounds and
colours
of South Asia came to
Brickfields along with the
human capital brought in to
work the railway and depot,
which have since been
transformed into KL Sentral,
the nation’s transportation
hub.
These days, old government
quarters (The Hundred
Quarters, built in 1905) can
still be found around Jalan
Rozario. As you walk along
the
roads and alleys, the smell
of
curries drift to entice
passers-by, while popular
Indian songs blast from
family-run businesses that
also seem to run round the
clock.
In 2009, Little India was
moved from the area
surrounding Jalan Masjid
India
to Brickfields, in
recognition
of the township’s status as
one of the pioneer Indian
settlements in Kuala Lumpur,
and its potential to further
develop as a centre for
Indian
culture.
Visit the Vivekananda Ashram
(1904), which is still used
for spiritual education
classes, prayer meetings and
yoga. The Temple of Fine Arts
(TFA) can be found closer to
the river along Jalan
Berhala.
Famous Southern Indian
restaurant, Annalakshmi, is
housed in the TFA building.
Other notable attractions are
the Sri Lankan Hindu Temple,
Sri Kandaswamy Temple on
Jalan
Scott and the Buddhist Temple
Maha Vihara. The Zion
Lutheran
Church (1924), St Mary’s
Syrian Orthodox Church and
Holy Rosary Church (1903), as
well as the Madrasathul
Gouthiyyah Surau, a mosque
built in the 1980s catering
mostly to Indian Muslims can
also be found in the area.
These attractions can be
visited through the
Brickfields Guided Walking
Tour, held every first and
third Saturday, starting at
9.30am from the YMCA. Run by
the Kuala Lumpur City Hall,
Brickfields’ fascinating
history is explained in
detail
through the walk.
ISLAMIC ART MUSEUM
Interest in the Islamic arts
has grown tremendously in
recent years. Reflecting this
awareness, in December 1998
Malaysia became home to
Southeast Asia’s largest
museum of Islamic art. The
building occupies 30,000
sq.m., situated amid the
leafy
surroundings of Kuala
Lumpur’s
Perdana Botanical Gardens.
The Islamic Arts Museum
Malaysia houses more than
seven thousand artefacts, as
well as an exceptional
library
of Islamic art books.
The art objects on display
range from the tiniest pieces
of jewellery to one of the
world’s largest scale models
of the Masjid al-Haram in
Mecca. The aim is to create a
collection that is truly
representative of the Islamic
world.
Instead of concentrating on
works from the heartlands of
Persia and the Middle East,
IAMM also puts the emphasis
on
Asia. China and Southeast
Asia
are especially well
represented. The third
component of the Malaysian
melting pot is India, which
is
also given special status.
India, China and the Malay
world are in an exclusive
category.
KL BIRD PARK
The KL Bird Park is located
in
the serene and scenic Perdana
Botanical Gardens, 10 minutes
away from the Kuala Lumpur
city centre.
Home to more than 3,000 birds
of 200 local and foreign bird
species, the main feature
that
distinguishes KL Bird Park
from other bird parks is the
concept of free-flight.
Stroll through the park, and
take the opportunity to see
Mandarin ducks, hawk eagles,
hornbills, ostriches and
other
birds.
Visit the Egg Incubation Room
and Nursery and see how
chicken eggs are artificially
incubated using incubators.
Don't forget to take
photographs with the
different
species of birds, and catch
the feeding programme and
daily bird shows taking place
at the semi-open air
amphitheater at 12.30pm and
3.30pm daily.
JALAN TUANKU ABDUL RAHMAN
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman,
sometimes referred to as
Jalan
TAR, was the 'grande dame' of
KL shopping in the days
before
modern shopping complexes
took
the KL metropolitan city by
storm.
This stretch of road is
flanked by pre-war buildings
whose distinctive facades
have
been preserved and readapted
to accommodate modern
retailing businesses. Here,
you can walk through the
archways of shops for an
immersion into a shopping and
cultural experience that goes
back several decades.
Many established shops like
G.S. Gill, P. Lal and P.H.
Henry chose to remain when
others moved out. The shops
here offer a wide range of
fabrics and textiles,
imported
leather goods, bags and
luggage, carpets, sports
goods
and winter clothing.
Narrow alleys between the
shops offer a fantastic range
of clothing material at
irresistible bargain prices.
Other established names offer
collections of silver and
crystalware. Sogo Shopping
Complex and Maju Junction
Mall
are also located along this
stretch.
Every Saturday between 5pm-
10pm, Lorong Tuanku Abdul
Rahman is closed to traffic
and transformed into a night
market (“pasar malam”) where
petty traders and hawkers
sell
an assortment of goods in the
open air. Walking through it
promises to be an interesting
experience, and it is also a
good place to pick up some
casual attire, local
products,
as well as sample local
delicacies.
2. Perak
PANGKOR ISLAND
Pangkor, with its charming
mix
of fishing settlements and
resorts, is a fascinating and
convenient holiday
destination. It presents the
visitor with a rare chance to
live near fishermen and
observe their lifestyle and
also to simply enjoy the fine
beaches and resort amenities.
The fishermen live in
scattered settlements on the
eastern side, facing the town
of Lumut and Teluk Batik.
Visitors get a chance to see
some of them on the 40-minute
ferry ride from Lumut as the
ferry stops at the main
settlements of Sungai Pinang
Kecil and Sungai Pinang Besar
before landing at Pangkor
Town.
Pangkor's two popular beach
areas of Pasir Bogak and
Teluk
Nipah offer sun and sea
enthusiasts activities like
scuba-diving, snorkelling,
wind-surfing and fishing.
While Pasir Bogak is quite
developed, Teluk Nipah still
retains its kampung or
village
atmosphere. Teluk Ketapang or
Turtle Bay still receives
turtles on their egg-laying
pilgrimages. Some of the
resorts on the island also
have excellent golf courses
on
their property.
KELLIE'S CASTLE
Kellie's Castle was meant to
be a home away from home for
Scottish Planter, William
Kellie Smith in the 20th
century. Being far away from
home, Kellie desired his new
residence to be reminiscent
of
his home back in Scotland.
The
castle is perched on top of a
hill in what used to be a
rubber estate.
William Kellie Smith was an
interesting man who was
popular with his South Indian
workers. Kind at heart, he
erected a Hindu shrine for
his
workers on the castle
premises. As a token of
appreciation, his workers
erected a statue of Kellie
complete with a white suit
and
hat.
Construction of this unique
castle began in 1915.
However,
it came to an abrupt halt
with
Kellie's sudden death in
1926.
The solitary castle, looks
almost surreal in these wild
plantations of Perak, it
projects a strong personality
and an aura of mystery.
Recently, efforts have been
made by the Perak State
Government to rescue this
magnificent structure from
the
encroaching foliage. Besides
being haunted, the castle is
believed to have hidden rooms
and secret underground
tunnels.
The road that leads to
Kellie's Castle follows the
contours of the land in a
dizzying, maze-like fashion,
adding to the mystery and
romance of the place.
SUNGAI KLAH HOT SPRING PARK
Sungai Klah Hot Springs is
nestled in the serene and
lush
forest patches, surrounded by
hills and clear cold mountain
streams and rivers. All 6.5
hectares enjoy the scenic
view
of well-tended oil palm
plantation and durian orchard
amidst a haven of tranquility.
Its unique concept of a
specially designed free
flowing Hot Springs Swimming
Pool and Therapeutic Park at
the foothill of the
Titiwangsa
Range 200 feet above sea
level
is indeed creatively
engineered to attract
visitors
who appreciate the wonders of
nature. Families visiting the
park can try out the family
baths and enjoy the privacy
of
this special treat. Another
popular family activity not
to
miss out on is the hot
springs
egg-boiling experience.
For visitors who are keen to
experience the local Malay
massage, the park offers one
of the finest traditional
massage packages to benefit
from.
For more adventure, visitors
can take on the challenge of
the Sungkai River or work off
the calories trekking in and
around the park as you
immerse
yourself in the natural
wonders that surround the
location.
BELUM FOREST RESERVE
Towards the northern parts of
Lake Temenggor, in northern
Peninsula Malaysia (Perak
state), lies a vast area of
virgin jungle known as the
Belum Forest Reserve. The
area
is one of the largest
untouched forest reserves in
Peninsula Malaysia. The
presence of large mammal
species such as elephants,
rhinoceroses, tapirs and
tigers makes Belum very
special.
This forest possesses an
immense wealth of flora and
fauna with much of the area
still unexplored and
undisturbed by humans.
Various tour operators now
offer guided tours to certain
areas of the reserve and will
arrange for the necessary
permits, river and road
transport and accommodation,
which may include camping.
BUKIT LARUT (MAXWELL HILL)
It was founded in 1884 by
William Edward Maxwell, the
British Assistant Resident of
Perak. Perched at 1250m above
sea level, it is the wettest
place in Malaysia, with an
annual rainfall of over
500cm.
Temperature here hovers
around
15 degrees centigrade in the
early morning and late
afternoon, dipping to 10
degrees centigrade at night.
The Tea Garden House,
situated
mid-way up the hill, was once
the office of a tea
plantation. However, when
their tea plants did not grow
very well here, the British
shifted their agricultural
endeavour to the Cameron
Highlands, where the Boh Tea
Plantation is now. All types
of Malaysian flowers
including
the rare giant fishtail palm
thrive here. The golden sunflowers
grown here are the largest in
the country.
On a clear day, one can view
the peninsular coastline and
the Straits of Malacca,
sometimes stretching as far
as
Penang to the north and
Pangkor Island to the south.
The scenery is captivating
during the day, magical and
bewitching at night. However,
the view is often obscured by
cloud build-up in the
afternoon, especially from
September to December.
KUALA GULA BIRD SANCTUARY
Matang Mangrove Forest is the
largest stand of mangrove
ecosystems in Peninsular
Malaysia. These ecologically
abundant mangrove habitats
stretch along the west coast
tidal mudflats of northern
Perak for almost 50km plus
another 40km along the
shorelines of the sheltered
river systems within the
reserve's five estuaries.
During the migration season
between August and April
every
year, more than 200,000
migratory birds representing
some 50 species are estimated
to stop over here.
There are also well-equipped
and informative visitor
centres where you can get
detailed educational
programmes and displays,
which
focus on the importance of
safeguarding and preserving
the mangrove ecosystems and
the large numbers of resident
and migrant bird species.
TEMPURUNG CAVE (GUA TEMPURUNG)
The cave is probably the
largest natural limestone
cave
in Peninsular Malaysia.
Located in the vicinity of
Gopeng, 24km south of Ipoh,
the cave is approximately
1.5km long.
Made up of five huge domes
which ceilings resemble
coconut shells, each dome has
different formations of
stalagmites and stalactites.
The domes also differ from
one
another in terms of
temperature, water level,
content of limestone and
marble.
GUA GUNUNG RUNTUH,LENGGONG
Gua Gunung Runtuh is located at Bukit Kepala Gajah, one of eight
limestone caves in Lenggong Valley. Excavations started in 1990
(Zuraina; 1994, 2005) and uncovered evidence of Late Palaeolithic from
13,000 till 10,000, which may be the oldest cave site in Lenggong
Valley. The caves are said to be more than 54, 0000 years old (Mokhtar;
2005) and left behind were tools, food and a human remain. The Man of
Perak was the only Palaeolithic figure that was found intact in the
country. From burial rites, burial offerings, shape, disease of Perak
Man (Zuraina, 2005) painted a clearer picture of the community during
the end Palaeolithic Pleistocene era.
3.Perlis
PADANG BESAR
This border town is the
merging point for Thais and
Malaysians. Many Malaysians
travel up to Thailand through
this point and likewise for
their Thai counterparts, on
shopping, business or
recreational trips.
The railway station has a
long
platform, manned by
Malaysians
on one side and the Thais on
the other. Besides the
Immigration checkpoints and
some signs, it is hard to
distinguish where the border
actually lies because
culturally, both sides are so
enmeshed.
Beyond the rail tracks is
Pekan Siam, bargain-hunters'
paradise. The town is filled
with textiles, clothing,
handicraft, foodstuff, fruits
and souvenirs.
KUALA PERLIS
The major activity found here
is fishing and many superb
seafood restaurants can be
found in this small fishing
town.
Not only is seafood fresh in
Perlis, but it is relatively
cheaper than it is in the
capital city. Have the fun of
eating seafood is selecting
the exact critters that you
want seasoned, cooked, fried,
barbequed, grilled, or
sauted,
and served to you.
GUA KELAM (KELAM CAVE)
One of the most distinctive
caves in Malaysia is a 370-metre long limestone cave
near
the small town of Kaki Bukit
(literally 'foot hill')
called
Gua Kelam (Cave of Darkness).
Located about 33km north of
Kangar, the state capital,
Gua
Kelam Recreational Park is
popular for its enchanting
'cave walk' where you can
enter from one end of the
cave
and come out at a different
location.
The only path to the cave is
via an eight-foot wide wooden
suspension bridge. This
bridge
links Kaki Bukit to the Wan
Tangga Valley, a valley on
the
opposite end of Gua Kelam.
Back in 1935, an Englishman
saw the water pathway as a
brilliant method to transport
tin ore from a mine located
near the stream entrance
through the underground
cavern
to Kaki Bukit.
Now, locals and tourists make
their way through the cave
via
a brightly lit wooden walkway
inside the cave. You can
still
find remnants of the tin mine
operation within the cave. As
you make your way through the
cave, the whispers of a
swirling dark subterranean
stream, together with the
squeaking bats and dripping
water from the stalactites,
form a concerto of natural
sounds.
4. Penang
BATU FERRINGHI BEACH
Batu Ferringhi, situated
along
the coastal road north-west
of
Georgetown and lined with a
string of international-
standard resorts, is the most
popular beach in Penang.
Soak in the sun or unwind on
the beach while you enjoy a
host of aquatic thrills from
wind-surfing to canoeing. For
a spine-tingling adventure,
try parasailing to enjoy the
view of the beach from the
sky.
As the sun sets, Batu
Ferringhi comes alive with a
carnival-like atmosphere with
an open-air bazaar selling
anything from ornate curios
to
enticing souvenir items.
GURNEY DRIVE
If Penang is the food capital
of Malaysia, Gurney Drive is
arguably the best of Penang on
a plate. The popular seafront
promenade exemplifies the
colours and atmosphere of
Penang – fun, lively and
vibrant. Also known by its
Malay name, “Persiaran
Gurney”, Gurney Drive offers
delightful street and high-end
cuisine.
Food courts and open-air
hawker stalls pepper the
seaside stretch, offering
gastronomic delights well into
the night. Local favourites
such as Penang Laksa, Bak Kuk
Teh (a herbal stew of pork
ribs and meat), Oh Chien
(fried oyster omelette),
grilled squid, and nasi lemak
make for mouth-watering meals.
The New Gurney Drive Food
Court has both a halal and
non-halal section, and is open
from 6pm.
PENANG WAR MUSEUM
This Penang War Museum
situated on Bukit Batu Maung
was erected on the original
defence complex built by
British before World War II.
It became a defence fort
during the war.
Today, it is a sprawling
historical complex exhibiting
many war paraphernalias, and
shows historical timelines of
events.
This war museum is a
dedication to those who have
served and died, defending
the
country.
Remember to dress in light,
cool clothing; wear comfy
shoes; put on a dull coloured
hat and be armed with a pair
of binoculars, insect
repellent, notebook and pen.
KUAN YIN TEMPLE (GODDESS OF MERCY TEMPLE)
The Kuan Yin Temple was built
in the 1800s by early Chinese
settlers of the Hokkien and
Cantonese communities. The
temple was originally named
Kong Hock Keong temple
(Cantonese-Hokkien Temple)
and
was once used not only for
religious but also for social
functions within the Chinese
community. However, the
temple
lost some of its importance
when the current Chinese Town
Hall was constructed in the
1880s.
The Goddess of Mercy Temple,
or Kuan Yin Temple, is the
first temple ever built in
Georgetown, Penang, by
Chinese
settlers. The temple honours
Kuan Yin, a devout Buddhist
who was said to have attained
the coveted state of Nirvana
but had chosen instead to
remain on earth in order to
provide guidance and help to
those who are themselves
striving to reach Nirvana.
The
temple interior is usually
filled with the scent of
sandalwood incense,burnt by
devotees who visit the temple
to pray and seek guidance
from
Kuan Yin.
The temple also honours Ma
Chor Poh, the patron saint of
seafarers, who was highly
regarded by the Chinese
settlers, many of whom had
travelled great distances,
crossing the seas from China
to Penang.
Enjoy the temple's many
beautiful features like the
dragon-entwined pillars,
carved from a type of green
stone, which support the
temple's high roof. Also look
for the statue of Kuan Yin,
located in an inner chamber,
which depicts a woman with 18
arms, who has a countenance
which exudes inner peace and
worldly contentment.
PENANG MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
Walk into the compound of the
Penang State Museum, and you
will first be greeted by a
regal bronze statue of
Captain
Francis Light, the founder of
the Penang Straits
Settlement,
gazing down upon you.
Once you set foot inside the
museum building, you will see
why the State Museum located
along Jalan Farquhar in
Georgetown is reputed to be
one of the best state museums
in the country. Divided into
galleries dedicated to
Penang's historical
communities, as well as
particular historical events
that took place in Penang,
the
museum houses a fine
collection of old
photographs,
maps, historical documents,
Chinese furniture,
embroidery,
costumes and other historical
relics.
On the first floor where the
Art Gallery is located, works
of local artists and
paintings
of old Penang are on display,
namely those by William
Daniels and Captain Robert
Smith. From time to time,
special exhibitions are held
here.
5. Langkawi
LANGKAWI ISLAND
Off the coast of Kedah is a
cluster of 99 islands
offering
the best of many worlds:
beautiful beaches, world-
class
infrastructure, mangroves
rich
in flora and fauna, ultra-
cheap duty-free shopping and
fascinating legends.
Langkawi has a lingering
legend woven into its
history.
Ask anyone on the island
about
the tragic story of a
beautiful young lady named
Mahsuri, and you'll hear a
tale of love, jealousy and a
curse that was placed upon
the
island by her for seven
generations.
Today, the seventh generation
of Langkawi's inhabitants has
long come and gone, but
people
here still believe that the
prosperity and blessings the
islands enjoy today and the
passing of the curse is no
mere coincidence. The
mysticism of this legend can
be felt in many parts of this
island, especially at Makam
Mahsuri (Mahsuri's
Mausoleum),
where Mahsuri is said to be
buried.
Despite what looks like a
slant towards tourism, many
of
the islanders are actually
farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the
beautiful countryside and
peaceful landscape of paddy
fields by renting a car and
taking a leisurely drive
around the island. Some of
Langkawi's most rustic and
memorable views are along the
road that circles the island.
You'll pass small villages
with wooden houses framed by
palm trees, and children
pedalling their old bicycles
on errands. Aside from
experiencing the local
lifestyle, there is no
shortage of things to do in
Langkawi. Head up the
thrilling new cable car to
the
summit of Mount Mat Cincang -
Langkawi's second highest
mountain - for an unrivalled
view of the entire main
island
and beyond.
Other popular destinations
are
the Field of Burnt Rice, Hot
Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The
Seven Wells) and the Beach of
Black Sand. Boat tours are
organised to Tasik Dayang
Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant
Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of
Stories) and Gua Langsir
(Curtain Cave).
For a more intimate time with
nature, go trekking through
the pristine rainforest that
covers most of Langkawi, or
go
on a boat tour of the
mangroves. There are also opportunities to go for a
dive, or play a round of golf
at some of the 5-star
resorts.
Langkawi also has an
underwater world, with an
underground tunnel that runs
through a giant aquarium,
that
has received rave reviews.
For more information, please
visit the official Langkawi
website at
www.langkawigeopark.com.my
PULAU PAYAR MARINE PARK,LANGKAWI
The sprinkling of jade green
islands that make up Pulau
Payar lie just 30km south-
east
of Langkawi. From here, it is
a 1-hour boat ride out to the
best marine park on
Malaysia's
West Coast, making it an
ideal
choice for a day outing.
This well-preserved,
uninhabited marine park
extends over a number of
islands, with Pulau Payar
being the largest. Your base
out here is the floating
platform moored off Pulau
Payar. But the real
attraction
of this platform lies below
sea level.
Step into the underwater
observation chamber to view
the marine life surrounding a
reef. Want to get even closer
to the swirl of fishes that
make these corals their home?
Grab a mask, a snorkel and
fins and join the spectacle!
If you’re into scuba diving,
the best diving is along the
reef system that skirts the
south, east and west of Pulau
Payar. Please check with your
dive operator what the
visibility is while you’re
there, as conditions vary.
There is no accommodation in
Pulau Payar as it is a marine
park, but Langkawi, with all
its fine resorts and
restaurants, is just a speedy
boat-ride away.
LANGKAWI CABLE CAR
At 709 metres above sea
level,
the cable car ride up to
Langkawi's second highest
peak
is truly an experience not to
be missed.
Throughout the 20-minute
ride,
you will pass over jungle
waterfalls and a thick carpet
of virgin rainforest. On a
clear day, you can see parts
of Thailand towards the north
and Indonesia towards the
south-west.
Travelling at a steep incline
of 42 degrees, over a
distance
of 2.2 kilometres from the
base station to the two
mountain-top stations, even
the gentlest breeze is enough
to send one’s stomach
churning. But once you get
used to the sensation of
being
airborne, the ride quickly
turns into an amazing,
exhilarating experience.
At the top, a sky bridge
offers a breathtaking view of
Langkawi. Remember to wear
comfortable shoes as it is
quite a walk up to the
hanging
bridge.
The cable car operates from
10am to 7pm, subject to
weather conditions. The
service may be halted during
strong winds. The cost is MYR
15 for adults with a MyKad and
MYR 5 for children (prices
subject to change).
DAYANG BUNTING LAKE (TASIK DAYANG BUNTING),LANGKAWI
The island, which is about 20
kilometres from Kuah town, is
modestly populated on one
side
and virtually uninhabited on
the other where the lake is
situated.
The legend of Tasik Dayang
Bunting goes like this: The
favourite bathing pool of a
celestial princess named
Mambang Sari was said to be
Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of
the Pregnant Maiden). A
prince, Mat Teja, fell madly
in love with her and tricked
her into marrying him.
Sadly, their child died from
a
mysterious illness at the age
of seven days. Distraught,
the
grieving Mambang Sari left
the
child's body in the lake and
returned to her heavenly
abode. Today, some believe
that barren women who bathe
in
this lake will be endowed
with
a child.
ALOR SETAR TOWER
Located in the heart of Alor
Setar, this 165.5-metre tower
is one of the tallest
telecommunications tower in
the world. It is a prominent
and modern landmark that
signifies the rapid
development in the state of
Kedah.
At its tip is the Seri
Angkasa
Revolving Restaurant which
specialises in a variety of
sumptious local as well as
international cuisine. From
here, one can enjoy a
spectacular view of Alor
Setar
and nearby Butterworth. On
clear days, you can even try
to spot the neighbouring
country of Thailand!
Besides landmark-spotting,
the
tower also serves as an
observatory tower from which
to look for the crescent moon
to mark the beginning of
Muslim months. The
observation
deck stands at a height of 88
metres from the base of the
structure.
Tickets to the observation
deck are MYR 6 for adults and
MYR 3 for children (prices
subject to change). A
souvenir
shop at this level ensures
that breathtaking views are
cemented as little trinkets
for your trip home.
KILIM RIVER CRUISE,LANGKAWI
Spread over an area of 100sq.
km, Kilim Nature Park
features
a beautiful mix of well
protected green mangrove
forests, isolated white
beaches and blue lagoons.
Along the trail, passing
through calm winding rivers,
you will be exposed to the
wonders of the park's marine
ecosystem, flora and fauna
and
its natural habitats.
Some tour operators will stop
at a special spot along the
river where they feed the
eagles, found in great
numbers
here. These include the white-
bellied fish eagle, brahminy
kite and gigantic sea eagles.
Kilim River is also a great
place for some birdwatching
during the migratory seasons
in September and March.
After feeding the eagles, the
boats will move downstream
and
soon, the Andaman Sea,
located
in the northern coast, comes
into view as they exit the
Kilim River through The Hole
in the Wall. This is a famous
passage so named after a
narrow opening between
formidable walls of limestone
cliffs that connect the river
to the open sea.
This narrow gap provides a
sheltered area for a thriving
fish farm and mooring for
yachts. The farm adopts a
very
hands-on approach,
encouraging
visitors to hand-feed the
multitude of marine life such
as groupers, bat fish, blue
spotted stingrays, lobsters,
mantis prawns and snappers.
Visitors can choose their own
lunch or dinner directly from
the 50-odd cages and have it
cooked to order at the
floating restaurant.
TREE TOP WALK SUNGAI SEDIM
The 950m-long Tree Top Walk
in
the Sedim River Recreation
Park is the longest canopy
walk in the world. The Tree
Top Walk Sedim River was
built
within the low land of
dipterocarp compartment 15 of
Gunung Inas Forest Reserve.
The spectacular view you get
when you stroll through the
jungle canopy is the main
draw
for visitors from far and
wide
to this quiet, all-natural
corner of Kedah.
Strolling high above the
ground of this primeval
rainforest affords visitors
an
unexpected and exciting
perspective.
Call it a "monkey's eye
view".
Visitors will enjoy the
fabulous sight of rushing
streams and truly fascinating
flora and fauna – all from
50m
up!
ZAHIR MOSQUE
One of Kedah's most
distinctive architectural
landmarks, Masjid Zahir or
Zahir Mosque stands as an
elegant example of Malay-
Islamic architecture.
Built in 1912, it is one of
the oldest mosques in the
country. The design was
inspired by the vision of the
late Sultan Muhammad Jiwa
Zainal Abidin II. Its five
large, black domes symbolise
the Five Pillars of Islam.
Located in central Alor
Setar,
it is the official mosque for
the state as well as the main
mosque for local Muslims and
the venue for the annual
Koran
reading competition.
It is also the burial site of
Kedah warriors who died while
defending the state from the
Siamese in 1821.
BUJANG VALLEY
The Bujang Valley or Lembah
Bujang is a sprawling
historical complex situated
near Merbok, Kedah. Once the
site of the Srivijaya Empire,
an ancient Malay kingdom
dating back from the first
few
centuries to the 12th
century,
it is the richest
archaeological area in
Malaysia.
Over the years, numerous
artefacts have been uncovered
in the Bujang Valley -
celadon, porcelain,
stoneware,
clay, pottery, fragments of
glass, beads and Persian
ceramics - evidences that
Bujang Valley was once a
centre of international and
entrepot trade in the region.
More than 50 ancient Hindu or
Buddhist temples, called
candi, have also been
unearthed, adding to the
spirituality of the place.
The
most well-preserved of these
is located in Pengkalan
Bayang
Merbok, which is also where
the Bujang Valley
Archaeological Museum is
located. This museum is the
first archaeology museum
built
in Malaysia, under the Museum
and Antiquity Department.
LANGKAWI MANGROVES
Set in a craggy, almost
magical setting of limestone
outcroppings rising sharply
out of the calm Andaman Sea,
the mangrove forest in
Langkawi is really an
intricate network of streams
and hidden coves that are
home
to hundreds of endemic jungle
species of wildlife.
Among the most exciting of
these are the brahminy kites
and huge sea eagles that nest
in the crags overhead. One of
the best ways to discover
this
usually inaccessible mangrove
world is to join the regular
small boat tours available.
The highlight of any tour to
the mangroves is the feeding
of the eagles. Your boatman
will throw food into the
water
near your boat and wait for
these huge birds to circle
overhead and swoop in for
their 'lunch'.
Mangrove tours can include
jungle trekking, cave
exploration, village visits,
high tide swims and guided
explorations of mangrove
flora
and fauna. Decide on what
itinerary best suits you
before you book.
MAHATHIR'S BIRTHDAY
Mahathir's Birthplace, or
"Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir",
provides an insight into the
younger days of the fourth
Prime Minister of Malaysia,
from his school days to his
success as a doctor.
Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad
was born in Alor Setar on Dec
20, 1925 at No. 18 Lorong
Kilang Ais, off Jalan
Pegawai.
A humble wooden home with the
roof made of nipah palm, the
single room house was
designated a historical
building and restored by the
National Archives in 1992.
Admission is free for all
visitors.
PULAU BERAS BASAH,LANGKAWI
Located at the western tip of
Langkawi, Pulau Beras Basah
offers a relaxing getaway
with
its pristine beaches and lush
green forest.
Visitors to this island
usually come as part of a 4-
hour island hopping tour,
which includes Pulau Singa
Besar and Pulau Dayang
Bunting. Almost every travel
agency in Langkawi would be
able to assist you in
arranging the island hopping
tour.
As the island isn’t very
commercialised, don’t expect
the place to be abuzz with
activity. Rather, take some
time out for yourself and
relax with a book, sunbathe,
or go for a refreshing swim
in
the clear blue waters.
THE PADDY MUSEUM
The Paddy Museum is the first
of its kind in Malaysia, and
the fourth to be opened in
the
world after Japan, Germany
and
the Philippines.
The unique architecture of
the
Paddy Museum represents
bushels of harvested rice
stalks. Rice motifs are
repeated throughout the
building, on staircase
banisters, the museum gates
and the fence surrounding it.
The museum showcases the
paddy
cultivation process in
Malaysia and displays all
kinds of tools and equipment
which have been used in the
trade over the years. Through
beautiful murals, the artwork
of 60 artists from North
Korea, the history of paddy
cultivation in Malaysia is
revealed.
Honouring the history,
culture
and significance of paddy
farming in Kedah, the museum
is dedicated to the
hardworking and simple paddy
farmers, whose blood, sweat
and toil have contributed to
the objective of achieving
self-sufficiency in the rice
industry.
