Malaysia - Essential Visits

Mij Gnowand stroll along the beaches of Batu Ferringi.
Located in South East Asia, bordering Thailand inSipadan Island
the north and Singapore in the south, MalaysiaLocated on the north-eastern part of Borneo
achieved its independence from British rule on theIsland, Sipadan is one of the world's best dive
31st of August 1957. With a population ofspots. White sandy beaches borders this 12ha
approximately 23.5 million (58% Malays, 24%island. The island was formed from a undersea
Chinese, 8% Indians and 10% others), Malaysia isvolcano and is raised 650meters from the sea
rich in differing cultures and traditions. Thefloor. Sipadan is famous for its reef wall, rare reef
uniqueness of Malaysia is that all these differingcreatures and the regular appearance of sea
religions live alongside each other in harmony andturtles. If you are a diver, this is one place that
peace.you would not want to miss.
East Coast Islands
Having said that, I will now point out to you theOn the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, an
essential visits that you should take part in orderabundance of idyllic white sandy beaches. To
to make your trip whole (in no particular order):escape the hustle and bustle of the city, hop over
Petronas Twin Towersto the east coast, put on a sarong, grab yourself
Towering at a height of 452 metres (1483 feet),a coconut, relax and enjoy the pounding of the
the Petronas Twin Towers is the highest twinwaves. Out in the sea, islands such as Perhentian,
towers in the world. Built to 88 storeys andTioman and Redang are famous for their dive
32000 windows, the towers are connected via aspots and family getaway.
skybridge. You must book your time to accessCameron Highlands
the skybridge for an excellent birds-eye view ofThis 1800 meters above sea level region is a
the Kuala Lumpur city. The towers were featuredpopular getaway from the tropical heat for
in the movie Entrapment starring Sean ConneryMalaysians and tourist alike. Cameron Highlands
and Caterine Zeta Jones. When visiting thewas discovered by a British surveyor named
towers, take a stroll at the KLCC park (20William Cameron in 1885. This highlands resembles
hectares or 50 acres) located adjacent to theEngland as old English inns, chalets and bungalows
towers and indulge yourself in shopping at thestill exists today. Attraction in Cameron Highlands
Suria KLCC located inside the towers.includes mountain and jungle hikings, tea
Pulau Pinang (Penang Island)plantations, fruits and vegetable farms, flower
Affectionately known as Pearl of the Orient,nurseries and its people. Cameron Highlands has
Penang is famous for its natural beauty andtwo golf courses if you are game.
exotic heritage. Located at the northern part ofProboscis Monkeys
Malaysia, Penang, a bustling island, has a largeLiving exclusively in Borneo island, proboscis
variety of culture, people and food within the 285monkeys have the largest nose amongst all
square kilometres enclave. So diversed, you willprimates. Reaching up to 17.5cm long, the reason
be able to find churches, Chinese temples, Indianfor the elongated nose is unknown. Another
temples and Muslim mosques all within a fivedistinctive feature of this unique creature is its pot
minutes walk. Colonial buildings still exist and arebelly. The proboscis monkey is an endangered
constantly being restored to its former glory.species and is listed under the IUCN Red List.
When you are at the Pearl of the Orient, youVisiting these creatures in its natural habitat is well
must sample the hawker food found atworth the journey.
abundance, take a ferry ride (especially at night)