Demographics

As of the 2010 census, the population of Malaysia was 28,334,135, making it the 43rd most populated country. The population of Malaysia consists of many ethnic groups. Malays make up 50.4 per cent of the population, while other bumiputra make up another 11 per cent. According to constitutional definition, Malays are Muslims who practice Malay customs and culture. They play a dominant role politically. Bumiputra status is also accorded to certain non-Malay indigenous peoples, including ethnic Thais, Khmers, Chams and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak. Non-Malay bumiputra make up more than half of Sarawak's population and over two thirds of Sabah's population. There also exist aboriginal groups in much smaller numbers on the peninsula, where they are collectively known as the Orang Asli. Laws over who gets bumiputra status vary between states.

Other minorities who lack bumiputra status make up a large amount of the population. 23.7 per cent of the population are of Chinese descent, while those of Indian descent comprise 7.1 per cent of the population. The Chinese have historically been dominant in the business and commerce community, and form a plurality of the population of Penang. Indians began migrating to Malaysia in the early 19th century. The majority of the Indian community are Tamils.

Economy of Malaysia :

Malaysia has its origins in the Malay Kingdoms present in the area which, from the 18th century, became subject to the British Empire. The first British territories were known as the Straits Settlements, whose establishment was followed by the Malay kingdoms becoming British protectorates. The territories on Peninsular Malaysia were first unified as the Malayan Union in 1946. Malaya was restructured as the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and achieved independence on 31 August 1957. Malaya united with Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore on 16 September 1963, with si being added to give the new country the name Malaysia. However, less than two years later in 1965, Singapore was expelled from the federation. Since independence, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5% for almost 50 years. The economy has traditionally been fuelled by its natural resources, but is expanding in the sectors of science, tourism, commerce and medical tourism.

History of Malaysia :

Evidence of modern human habitation in Malaysia dates back 40,000 years. The first inhabitants are thought to be Negritos. Traders and settlers from India and China arrived as early as the 1st century AD, establishing trading ports and coastal towns in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Their presence resulted in strong Indian and Chinese influence on the local cultures, and the people of the Malay Peninsula adopted the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Sanskrit inscriptions appear as early as the 4th or 5th century. The Kingdom of Langkasuka arose around the 2nd century in the northern area of the Malay Peninsula, lasting until about the 15th century. Between the 7th and 13th centuries, much of the southern Malay Peninsula was part of the maritime Srivijaya empire. After the fall of Srivijaya, the Majapahit empire had influence over most of Peninsular Malaysia and the Malay Archipelago. Islam began to spread among Malays in the 14th century. In the early 15th century, Parameswara, a prince of the former Srivijayan empire, founded the Malacca Sultanate, commonly considered the first independent state in the peninsula. Malacca was an important commercial centre during this time, attracting trade from around the region. Parameswara became a Muslim, accelerating the spread of Islam.

A Famosa fortress in Malacca was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

In 1511 Malacca was conquered by Portugal, after which it was taken by the Dutch in 1641. In 1786 the British Empire established a presence in Malaya, when the Sultan of Kedah leased Penang to the British East India Company. The British obtained the town of Singapore in 1819, and in 1824 took control of Malacca following the Anglo-Dutch Treaty. By 1826 the British directly controlled Penang, Malacca, Singapore, and the island of Labuan, which they established as the crown colony of the Straits Settlements. By the 20th century, the states of Pahang, Selangor, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan, known together as the Federated Malay States, had British Residents appointed to advise the Malay rulers, to whom the rulers were bound to defer by treaty. 

The remaining five states in the peninsula, known as the Unfederated Malay States, while not directly under British rule, also accepted British advisers around the turn of the 20th century. Development on the Peninsula and Borneo were generally separate until the 19th century. Under British rule the immigration of Chinese and Indians to serve as labourers was encouraged.  Sabah was governed as the crown colony of British North Borneo after it was leased from the Sultanate of Sulu in 1878. In 1842, Sarawak was ceded by the Sultan of Brunei to James Brooke, whose successors ruled as the White Rajahs over an independent kingdom until 1946, when it became a British colony.

In the Second World War the Japanese army invaded and subsequently occupied Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore for over three years. During this time, ethnic tensions were raised and nationalism grew. Popular support for independence increased after Malaya was reconquered by Allied Forces. Post-war British plans to unite the administration of Malaya under a single crown colony called the Malayan Union met with strong opposition from the Malays, who opposed the weakening of the Malay rulers and the granting of citizenship to the ethnic Chinese. The Malayan Union, established in 1946 and consisting of all the British possessions in the Malay Peninsula with the exception of Singapore, was quickly dissolved and replaced by the Federation of Malaya, which restored the autonomy of the rulers of the Malay states under British protection. During this time, mostly Chinese rebels under the leadership of the Malayan Communist Party launched guerrilla operations designed to force the British out of Malaya. The Malayan Emergency lasted from 1948 to 1960, and involved a long anti-insurgency campaign by Commonwealth troops in Malaya. After this a plan was put in place to federate Malaya with the British crown colonies of Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore. The proposed date of federation was 31 August 1963, however, the date was delayed until 16 September 1963 due to opposition from Indonesia's Sukarno and the Sarawak United Peoples' Party.

Geography of Malaysia :

Malaysia is the 66th largest country by total land area, with a land area of 329,847 square kilometres 127,355 sq mi). It has land borders with Thailand in West Malaysia, and Indonesia and Brunei in East Malaysia. It is linked to Singapore by a narrow causeway, and also has maritime boundaries with Vietnam and the Philippines. The land borders are defined in large part by geological features such as the Perlis River, the Golok River and the Pagalayan Canal, whilst some of the maritime boundaries are the subject of ongoing contention. Brunei forms what is almost an enclave in Malaysia, with the state of Sarawak dividing it into two parts. Malaysia is the only country with territory on both the Asian mainland and the Malay archipelago. Tanjung Piai, located in the southern state of Johor, is the southernmost tip of continental Asia.] The Strait of Malacca, lying between Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia, is one of the most important thoroughfares in global commerce, carrying 40 per cent of the world's trade.

The two parts of Malaysia, separated from each other by the South China Sea, share a largely similar landscape in that both Peninsular and East Malaysia feature coastal plains rising to hills and mountains. Peninsular Malaysia, containing 40 per cent of Malaysia's land area, extends 740 kilometres 460 mi) from north to south, and its maximum width is 322 kilometres 200 mi). It is divided between its east and west coasts by the Titiwangsa Mountains, part of a series of mountain ranges running down the centre of the peninsula.[90] These mountains are heavily forested, and mainly composed of granite and other igneous rocks. Much of it has been eroded, creating a karst landscape. The range is the origin of some of Peninsular Malaysia's river systems. The coastal plains surrounding the peninsula reach a maximum width of 50 kilometres 31 mi), and the peninsula's coastline is nearly 1,931 kilometres 1,200 mi) long, although harbours are only available on the western side.

Biodiversity

Malaysia is a megadiverse country with a high number of species and high levels of endemism. It is estimated to contain 20 per cent of the world's animal species. High levels of endemism are found on the diverse forests of Borneo's mountains, as species are isolated from each other by lowland forest. There are about 210 mammal species in the country. Over 620 species of birds have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, with many endemic to the mountains there. A high number of endemic bird species are also found in Malaysian Borneo. 250 reptile species have been recorded in the country, with about 150 species of snakes and 80 species of lizards.[101] There are about 150 species of frogs, and thousands of insect species. Malaysia's exclusive economic zone is 1.5 times larger than its land area, and some of its waters are in the Coral Triangle, a biodiversity hotspot. The waters around Sipadan island are the most biodiverse in the world. Bordering East Malaysia, the Sulu Sea is a biodiversity hotspot, with around 600 coral species and 1200 fish species.

Some species of Rafflesia can grow up to 1 metre 3 ft) in diameter, making them the largest flowers in the world.

Religion

The Malaysian constitution guarantees freedom of religion while making Islam the state religion. According to the Population and Housing Census 2010 figures, ethnicity and religious beliefs correlate highly. Approximately 61.3% of the population are practicing Islam. 19.8% practice Buddhism; 9.2% Christianity; 6.3% Hinduism; and 1.3% practice Confucianism, Taoism and other traditional Chinese religions. 0.7% declared no religion and the remaining 1.4% practised other religions or did not provide any information.

All ethnic Malays are considered Muslim by law of the Constitution. Statistics from the 2010 Census indicate that 83.6% of the Chinese population identify as Buddhist, with significant numbers of adherents following Taoism 3.4%) and Christianity 11.1%), along with small Hui-Muslim populations in areas like Penang. The majority of the Indian population follow Hinduism 86.2%), with a significant minority identifying as Christians 6.0%) or Muslims 4.1%). Christianity is the predominant religion of the non-Malay bumiputra community 46.5%) with an additional 40.4% identifying as Muslims.

Muslims are obliged to follow the decisions of Syariah courts in matters concerning their religion. The Islamic judges are expected to follow the Shafi`i legal school of Islam, which is the main madh'hab of Malaysia. The jurisdiction of Shariah courts is limited to Muslims in matters such as marriage, inheritance, divorce, apostasy, religious conversion, and custody among others. No other criminal or civil offences are under the jurisdiction of the Shariah courts, which have a similar hierarchy to the Civil Courts. Despite being the supreme courts of the land, the Civil Courts do not hear matters related to Islamic practices.

Language

The official language of Malaysia is Bahasa Malaysia, a standardised form of the Malay language. Historically English was the de facto administrative language, with Malay becoming predominant after the 1969 race riots. English remains an active second language, and serves as the medium of instruction for maths and sciences in all public schools. Malaysian English, also known as Malaysian Standard English, is a form of English derived from British English. Malaysian English is widely used in business, along with Manglish, which is a colloquial form of English with heavy Malay, Chinese, and Tamil influences. The government discourages the misuse of Malay and has instituted fines for public signs that mix Malay and English.

Many other languages are used in Malaysia, which contains speakers of 137 living languages. Peninsular Malaysia contains speakers of 41 of these languages. The native tribes of East Malaysia have their own languages which are related to, but easily distinguishable from, Malay. Iban is the main tribal language in Sarawak while Dusunic languages are spoken by the natives in Sabah. Chinese Malaysians predominately speak Chinese dialects from the southern provinces of China. The more common dialects in the country are Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainanese, and Fuzhou. Tamil is used predominantly by Tamils, who form a majority of Malaysian Indians. Other south Asian languages are also widely spoken in Malaysia, as well as Thai[2] A small number of Malaysians have Caucasian ancestry and speak creole languages, such as the Portuguese based Malaccan Creoles, and the Spanish based Chavacano language.

Culture

Char Kuey Teow made by frying flat noodles with fish cakes, cockles and bean sprouts is a popular dish in Malaysia.

Malaysia has a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society. The original culture of the area stemmed from indigenous tribes that inhabited it, along with the Malays who later moved there. Substantial influence exists from Chinese and Indian culture, dating back to when foreign trade began. Other cultural influences include the Persian, Arabic, and British cultures. Due to the structure of the government, coupled with the social contract theory, there has been minimal cultural assimilation of ethnic minorities.

Fine arts

Traditional Malaysian art was mainly centred around the areas of carving, weaving, and silversmithing. Traditional art ranges from handwoven baskets from rural areas to the silverwork of the Malay courts. Common artworks included ornamental kris, beetle nut sets, and woven batik and songket fabrics. Indigenous East Malaysians are known for their wooden masks.[90] Each ethnic group have distinct performing arts, with little overlap between them. However, Malay art does show some North Indian influence due to the historical influence of India.

Music

Traditional Malay music and performing arts appear to have originated in the Kelantan-Pattani region with influences from India, China, Thailand and Indonesia. The music is based around percussion instruments, the most important of which is the gendang drum). There are at least 14 types of traditional drums. Drums and other traditional percussion instruments and are often made from natural materials. Music is traditionally used for storytelling, celebrating life-cycle events, and occasions such as a harvest. It was once used as a form of long-distance communication. In East Malaysia, gong-based musical ensembles such as agung and kulintang are commonly used in ceremonies such as funerals and weddings. These ensembles are also common in neighbouring regions such as in the southern Philippines, Kalimantan in Indonesia, and Brunei.

Literature

Malaysia has a strong oral tradition that has existed since before the arrival of writing, and continues today. Each of the Malay Sultanates created their own literary tradition, influenced by pre-existing oral stories and by the stories that came with Islam. The first Malay literature was in the Arabic script. The earliest known Malay writing is on the Terengganu stone, made in 1303. Chinese and Indian literature became common as the numbers of speakers increased in Malaysia, and locally produced works based in languages from those areas began to be produced in the 19th century. English has also become a common literary language. In 1971, the government took the step of defining the literature of different languages. Literature written in Malay was called "the national literature of Malaysia", literature in other bumiputra languages was called "regional literature", while literature in other languages was called "sectional literature".Malay poetry is highly developed, and uses many forms. The Hikayat form is popular, and the pantun has spread from Malay to other languages.

Cuisine

Malaysia's cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic makeup of its population. Many cultures from within the country and from surrounding regions have greatly influenced the cuisine. Much of the influence comes from the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran cultures, largely due to the country being part of the ancient spice route. The cuisine is very similar to that of Singapore and Brunei,  and also bears resemblance to Filipino cuisine. The different states have varied dishes, and often the food in Malaysia is different from the original dishes.

Sometimes food not found in its original culture is assimilated into another; for example, Chinese restaurants in Malaysia often serve Malay dishes. Food from one culture is sometimes also cooked using styles taken from another culture, This means that although much of Malaysian food can be traced back to a certain culture, they have their own identity. Rice is popular in many dishes. Chili is commonly found in local cuisine, although this does not necessarily make them spicy.

Malaysian cuisine covers a wide, unique spectrum, thanks to the melting pot of cultures that make up its population. Malays, Thais, Chinese, Indians and a host of other ethnic groups from near and far have brought their specialities to the table, and the result is a country that is a foodie’s delight.

Malaysian food has evolved over the centuries, influenced by the people passing through or settling there, and has been adapted over time to create exotic new flavours. Curry powder, spices, mint, tamarind, fish stock, coconut milk, peanut sauce and other local ingredients give the dishes their unique Malaysian taste. Each state in Malaysia has something different to offer and, with the assortment of exotic fruits and vegetables available all year round, the menu is simply never-ending.

In Kuala Lumpur, you can indulge your taste for any cuisine from any part of the globe, all of which is mouth-wateringly delicious. Savour the fusion cuisine created by talented chefs in designer restaurants, or sample an endless variety of street food, served up steaming and entirely satisfying.

One of the restaurants you must visit here is the Bijan Restaurant in Jalan Ceylon. Here, Malay food is served in a swanky, intimate ambience. The menu blends traditional recipes with fresh innovations, offering a variety that spans forgotten favourites as well as intriguing new textures, along with a flavour-enhancing wine list. Recommended dishes include Masak Lemak Ikan, Ikan Panggang, Rendang Daging, Durian Cheesecake and homemade ice cream in local flavours.

For the real taste of home, there are some good Indian restaurants you can check out. Try Bangles Indian Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur’s oldest North Indian eatery. Comfortable interiors with Indian motifs all around make the ideal setting for a feast on Fish Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken and all your favourites.

There’s also the plush Bombay Palace Indian Restaurant, which serves authentic North Indian fare. Go there for lunch or dinner, and tuck into the Tandoori and Leg of Lamb.. Or pop into d’Tandoor Indian Restaurant where you’ll feel at home amidst the cozy traditional Indian décor. The menu is expansive, but the hot specialities are Nawratan Khurma and Prawn Masala. Prices are reasonable; reservations are recommended.

Another must-visit is the Pelita Nasi Kandar – the largest and most famous Nasi Kandar restaurant chain in Malaysia. Nasi is Malay for rice and Kandar means yoke, and this Indian-Muslim dish traces its origins to colonial Malaysia, where a lone hawker would go from house to house, bearing baskets of rice and aromatic meat and vegetable curries on a yoke across his shoulders. Today, Pelita Nasi Kandar continues to follow those age-old recipes to serve up the most appetizing dishes.

In Petaling Jaya, Selangor, you can find all sorts of Asian and Western restaurants – Indian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Hong Kong, Italian, Halal and more. Head for the Indian-influenced Mamak restaurants, where you can indulge in Roti Canai, Murtabak, Nasi Biryani, even Tandoori Chicken, while watching soccer matches. Good places to dine at include Damai Plaza, Jalan Gaya and Sri Selera Food Court. Don’t miss out on the seafood in Borneo Island too.

The restaurants and street stalls in Sabah serve up some lip-smacking local dishes. The ones you must try include TuaranMee – a dish of stir-fried vegetables, garnished with roast chicken and eggs; Ambuyat or Nantung – a gluey porridge of sago, tapioca or rice, twisted around a chopstick and served with a sauce; Hinava – a salad of raw fish or prawns whose unique flavour comes from bambangan, the grated seeds of a local wild mango; Tuhau – a fresh salad made from a ginger-like plant; Kelupis – glutinous rice wrapped in a fragrant ‘daun nyirik’ leaf cooked in coconut milk.

When in Sarawak, it’s time to experiment a little with the exotic fare available here. You should try the Sarawak Laska – noodles served with tangy, aromatic soup; Mee Kolok - handmade noodles tossed with meats in oil and vinegar; Manok Pansoh – a chicken and ginger dish cooked in a bamboo log; Bird’s Nest Soup – the highly prized Chinese delicacy which is said to have medicinal properties, available at upmarket restaurants.

Ipoh’s Chinese mixed with local flavours is so good that people drive in from distant places to enjoy the delicacies. Order the Bean Sprouts Chicken - chicken meat, chicken innards and bean sprouts boiled and served with soy sauce and sesame oil, which you can savour at Onn Kee and Lou Wong Restaurants, located at the junction of Yau Tet Shin Street and Osbourne Street. Try the Salted Chicken or Yim Kok Kai – whole chickens wrapped in ‘oil paper’ and baked in large woks filled with heated salt – at Aun Kheng Lim Restaurant on Theatre Street. The white coffee of Ipoh is legendary, and is a must-have with condensed milk at coffee shops like Nam Heong Restaurant, located opposite the Kinta Heights flats in Ipoh's old town.

Malacca is home to delicious Baba Nyonya food, which is usually served in quaint cafes and traditional shophouses, as well as Portuguese-Eurasian cuisine. Seafood is popular, and you might risk the fiery "devil curries". The favourites here are Satay Celup – skewered seafood cooked in peanut sauce, Cinacaluk – fermented shrimp relish, Lemang – glutinous rice cooked in bamboo, sold on the side of the road to Telok Mas, Ikan Bakar – fresh caught grilled fish and crustaceans which you’ll find at Umbai, Pernu or Serkam, Kuih Udang – a popular tea time dish available at Alor Gajah Town, and Jalan Alor – stingray and grilled chicken wings. Jonker Street serves up some of the best cuisines in town; the most popular eateries are the Geographer Café and Jonker Dessert, known for its delicious Baba Nyonya delicacies.

For fresh seafood in a cool, breezy ambience, head for Medan Ikan Bakar Muara Sungai Duyung. The palate-pleasers here include the Otak-Otak, Grilled Fish, succulent prawns and Sambal Calamari which gives you the real, unadulterated taste of squid.

Also try Café 1511, located in the Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum. This high-ceilinged Peranakan café with South-East Asian décor offers some delectable Nyonya fare. Make it a point to try the Nyonya Laksa, Otak-Otak and Pai Tee. Authentic Nyonya specialities can also be enjoyed at Ole Sayang, situated at 198 Jalan Taman Melaka  Raya. And if you want a taste of first-rate home-cooked traditional Peranakan cuisine that’s inexpensive too, Banyonya at 164 Taman Melaka Raya is the place to visit, especially for its Durian Cendol.

Penang is where the hawker stalls rule; you can sit at small tables and stuff yourself on cheap and tasty fare. The must-try here is a dish of fried flat noodles cooked with the choicest vegetables and poultry. Kelantan serves exotic Malay food, rich in flavour and colour. Foodies would also find some delightful fare at the Night Markets in Kota Kinabalu and Pasar Malam, and at Madam Kwan Restaurant on Jalan Petalang Street, Chinatown.

Two must-visit eateries are Kek Seng Café and FuLong Kang Coffer Shop, for these are the winners in a Penang state-sponsored hawker's food competition. At Kek Seng Café on Penang Road, you can savour Assam Laksa – a sour and hot noodle soup. It is a scrumptious blend of fish broth with fresh-from-Assam fruits, spices, rice noodles, shredded fish, pineapple, cucumber and lots more. A spoonful of black shrimp paste makes this dish smell and taste like heaven. Open from 11 am to 4.30 pm.

Give your tastebuds a surprise with Koay Teow at FuLong Kang Coffee Shop on China Street. This popular hawker delicacy is a fried concoction of Koay Teow rice fettuccine), chilli paste, bean sprouts, shrimps, cockles, Chinese dried sausages, chives, grated garlic and pork fat. Presented steaming hot on a banana leaf, its fragrance is sure to have your mouth watering.

For some authentic, tantalizing Nasi Kandar fare, you must stop over at Line Clear Nasi Kandar. One of the oldest Nasi Kandar outlets in Penang, it is located at the Chulia Street Lebuh Chulia) and Penang Road Jalan Penang) junction. The aromatic steamed rice is served with a variety of curries and side dishes like fried chicken, cubed meat, fish roe, fried prawns or fried squid, brinjal, okra "bendi") or bitter gourd, and a whole heap of curry sauces.

It’s best to sample the foods Malaysians themselves eat rather regularly. The day starts with Nasi Lemak, a dish of rice cooked in coconut milk served with a sambal a spicy condiment), peanuts and vegetables, or Chinese Dim Sums. For your main courses, try the Satay - skewered and barbequed meat, usually mutton or chicken. Roti Canai is a flat pancake-like bread served with dhal sauce or spicy curry. You could go for the Ais Kacang, a cocktail of red beans, fruits, nuts and condiments covered in shaved ice, syrup and coconut milk. Then there's the Teh Tarik - stretched tea - thick hot and frothy tea with milk. Laksa can be found everywhere, and this spicy noodle dish comes in an amazing number of varieties - Curry Laksa, Laksa Johor, Sarawak Laksa, Assam Laksa, Penang Laksa, Nyonya Laksa, a Kelantanese version called Laksam, Laksa Kuala Kedah and more.

Some of the other must-try, authentic Malaysian dishes are Indian Fish Egg Curry, Ayam Percik grilled chicken with spicy sauce), Tamarind Fish, Sambal Udang spicy prawns), Ayam Masak Merah red-cooked chicken), Ikan Bakar grilled fish), Sup Kambing mutton soup) and Sayur Lodeh coconut vegetable stew).

Most non-vegetarian Malaysian dishes have their equivalents in vegetarian form, and the non-vegetarian ingredients are cleverly substituted with items prepared from flour, rice, legumes, soya and vegetables. In most Malaysian towns, you’ll find Indian and Chinese vegetarian restaurants, which serve up tantalizing vegetarian dishes. Worth sampling are the Vegetarian Cantonese Kueyteow, Spicy Grilled Tofu, Vegetarian Fried Mee and Gado-Gado Salad. Vegetarian menus are also available in many of the other eateries, including Thai and Italian restaurants, and in most major hotels and clubhouses.

In Malaysia you will never go hungry, as there are plenty of options for every taste and preference. When trying to decide on which stall or restaurant to visit, observe and see which is the most popular, especially among the locals. That one is usually the best.

One of the most endearing traditions in Malaysia is when the various communities partake of communal meals and share their food, especially during the festivals. The people come together to savour each other’s specialities and bond even closer over the common dining table.

To truly experience the feast that is Malaysia, make sure you take time off to indulge in its spread of delectable cuisines. 

Sports

Popular sports in Malaysia include soccer, badminton, field hockey, bowls, tennis, squash, martial arts, horse riding, sailing, and skate boarding. Badminton matches attract thousands of spectators, and since 1948 Malaysia has been one of three countries to hold the Thomas Cup. The Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation was registered in 1997. Squash was brought to the country by members of the British army, with the first competition being held in 1939. The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia was created on 25 June 1972. Malaysia has proposed a Southeast Asian football league. The men's national field hockey team ranked 15th in the world as of August 2010. The 3rd Hockey World Cup was hosted at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the 10th cup. The country also has its own Formula One track–the Sepang International Circuit. It runs for 310.408 kilometres 192.88 mi), and held its first Grand Prix in 1999.

The Federation of Malaya Olympic Council was formed in 1953, and received recognition by the IOC in 1954. It first participated in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. The council was renamed the Olympic Council of Malaysia in 1964, and has participated in all but one Olympic games since its inception. The largest number of athletes ever sent to the Olympics was 57 to the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.[193] Malaysian athletes have won a total of four Olympic medals, all of which are in badminton. The country has competed at the Commonwealth Games since 1950 as Malaya, and 1966 as Malaysia, and the games were hosted in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

Discover the Malaysia of yesteryears; on a journey that will amaze you with the country’s cultural wealth, architectural splendour, historic landmarksand much more.Take time off after enjoying Malaysia’s unending excitement and entertainment – your family and you will surely be enriched.Malacca, Penang and Kuala Lumpur have the most popular historical sites, which take you on time-machine tour of the country’s spell-binding history over the centuries. Here are some of the must-visit heritage sites:

Malacca

A’Famosa Fort:This fortress, builtby Portuguese Admiral Alfonso d'Albuquerque in 1511, was badly damaged during the Dutch invasion in 1641.British statesmanSir Stamford Rafflesintervened in time in 1808, to save the remnants of the A’Famosa Fort, so that some of its splendour can still be seen today.

St. Paul's Church: Built in 1521 by Duarte Coelho, a Catholic Portuguese captain, it was the burial ground for St. Francis Xavier in 1553, before his body was transferred to Goa, India. Its hilltop location offers a breath-taking panoramic view of Malacca.

St. Francis Xavier's Church: In 1849, a Catholic French priest, Rev. Farvé, built this Gothic-style church in honour of St. Francis Xavier - “The Apostle of the East”. Regular services are held from time to time, and worth checking out are its twin bell towers and stained glass windows.

St. Peter's Church: The oldest Roman Catholic church in Malaysia, this was built by descendants of Portuguese soldiers in 1710, on land donated by a Dutch convert, Maryber Franz Amboer. Its bell dates back to 1608 and was manufactured in Goa, India. Built in both eastern and Western architectural styles, it draws crowds of worshippers especially on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and San Pedro's Feast.

The Stadthuys: This was the official residence of the Dutch governors, and having been constructed in 1650, it is reckoned to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. The striking salmon-coloured edifice, re-painted to match the neighbouring Christ Church, houses the Museum of History and Ethnography.

Christ Church: In this bright red church, you’ll find Dutch architectural ingenuity at its best. Look for the handmade pews, ceiling beams constructed without joints), brass Bible, tombstone with Armenian inscriptions) and The Last Supper in glazed tiles. The British later turned it into an Anglican church, adding a weathercock and a bell tower.

Dutch Cemetery: Dating from the 17th Century, this cemetery is home to five Dutch graves and 33 British graves. It was gazetted as a national monument under the Antiquities Act 1976.

St.John’s Fort: Originally a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist, this fort was built by the Dutch in the 18th Century.Located on St. John’s Hill, its unique feature is inland-facing cannons, as attacks on Malacca came mainly from the hinterland and not from the sea in those days.

Bukit Cina: ‘Chinese Hill' is the largest Chinese cemetery outside China, and many of the tombs date back to the Ming Dynasty. It spans across 3 hills and an area of 26 hectares and holds more than 12,000 graves.Chinese Princess Hang Li Pohoriginally settled here with her entourage,when she arrived in Malaccato marry the Sultan of Malacca, and her people stayed here till the Portuguese occupation.

Hang Li Poh's Well: The Princess’ followers built this well, and it is believed that it never dries up. Then, the Dutch enclosed it with stout walls so no one else could access it. Today, people use it as a wishing well, and it’s said that anyone who throws coins into the well or drinks its water will soon return to Malacca.

British Cemetery: When the British decided to impose tax on the Naning district,Dato’ Dol Said led his army into a losing war in which many perished. The British soldiers who died in this war were buried here.

HangTuah's Mausoleum: He was the admiral of Malacca's naval forces around the 15th Century, and defended his land against innumerable attacks. He served three sultans, and his famous saying, “Malays will never vanish from the face of the earth”, echoes till today. He and his comrades - Hang Jebat, Hang Lekiu, Hang Lekir and Hang Kasturi – became legends in Malacca’s history for their prowess as warriors.

HangTuah's Well: Located in Kampung Duyongwhere Hang Tuah spent his childhood,it is said that the great warrior dug the well himself. After his death, people believe that his spirit dwells in the watersin the form of a white crocodile, which only the holy and the pure-hearted can see. Local lore says that the water still remains clear and never dries up, and possesses special healing properties.

Hang Kasturi's Mausoleum: Hang Kasturi was one of the legendary knights of Malacca along with Hang Tuah, and they had studied Silat – the Malay martial art – under the same master.

Dato' Dol Said's Mausoleum: Dato' Dol Said was the ninth ruler of Naning, and the leader in the Naning War against the British in 1831-1832.His heroism made him a legend in Malacca history, and he was buried at Taboh Naning, about 32km from MalaccaCity.

Hang Jebat's Mausoleum: Hang Jebat, one of the five legendary warriors of Malacca, was killed in a duel with Hang Tuah, the group’s leader, for betraying their Sultan. His tomb is located in Kampung Kuli.

Tun Teja's Mausoleum: Tun Teja, daughter of Sri Amar Diraja, the ruler of Pahang, was married to Sultan Mahmud Shah.She died in Merlimau, about 24km from the city, while fleeing the Portuguese attack in 1511.

Penang

Over 200 years of multi-cultural history lives on in Penang, and the influences of the Europeans, Malays, Indians, Arabs and Chinese have mingled to produce eye-catching architecture, colourful lifestyles and amazing fusion cuisine that makes Penang a Foodie’s Paradise.

Georgetown: Named after King George III, this is one of Malaysia’s most charming historical towns, with its array of legendary sites and diverse cultures living in harmony. In the older areas like Little India and Chinatown, old shophouses, lovingly restored, line the narrow roads. Relive the colonial era, as you pass names like Lebuh Buckingham, Lebuh Carnarvon and Lebuh Bishop. Here, you can also spot elegant Chinese mansions, Indian temples, colonial buildings and mosques. Go to the top of Bukit Bendera Penang Hill), for a superb view of Georgetown, the Penang Bridge, as well as the mainland Peninsula. Jump into a trishaw and tour the town; the best time is early morning, before the sun gets too hot.

Batu Maung Fishing Village: This main attraction here is the Sam Poh Footprint Temple on the beachfront, dedicated to Admiral Cheng Ho, the famous Chinese admiral who played a key role in Malaccan history. A huge footprint is embedded in the stone here, and is reputed to be that of the giant Gedembai. Three more footprints can be found in the vicinity, and there are various stories as to their origin. Another good reason to stop here is the seafood, said to be the best on the island.

Christian Cemetery: Penang's European pioneershave their final resting place here, many of whom succumbed to various fevers during the mass clearing of forests. The signboard at the entrance guides you to the location of the prominent tombs like those of Francis Light, James Scott, Quintin Dick Thomas and Reverend Hutchings, who founded the Penang Free School. There are also a few Chinese gravesdating back to the 1860s.

Dr Sun Yat Sen's Penang Base: This unassuming little building in Georgetownwas once a base for the illustrious Chinese nationalist. Here, the epoch-making Canton Uprising of the 1911 Chinese Revolution was strategised, which gave birth to the Republic of China. This is also the place where Malaysia's oldest Chinese newspaper, Kwong Wah Jit Poh, was founded in 1910.

Fort Cornwallis: Built on the site of Sir Francis Light's historic landing in 1786, it is located close to the Esplanade, near the Victoria Memorial Clock. Inside, you can still see the old structures - a chapel the first ever built on Penang Island), prison cells, a munitions storage area, a harbour light for incoming ships, the original flagstaff and several old cannons. This site also has a tourist information kiosk, café, open-air amphitheatre, history gallery, souvenir centre, and guides to take you through the fort's history.

Penang Museum: On display here are exhibits of Penang’s communities, customs and costumes, landmarks and historical milestones. Make sure you visit the special rooms that have been set aside for the Captain Robert Smithpaintings, the William Daniell engravings and the Straits Chinese collections,including a bridal chamber.

City Hall: This majestic two-storeyed, Edwardian Baroque-stylebuilding – declared a national monument in 1982 – was built in 1903.It was one of the first buildings in George Town to be completely fitted with electric lights and fans.

Khoo Kongsi: The Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi or Khoo Kongsi for short, is the most elaborate Chinese clan temple outside China. Founded in 1835, the four intricately carved granite columns at the entrance symbolize each year of construction. It is renowned for its wood carvings, wall frescoes and roof structure, which used shards of ceramic bowls to form patterns, beasts and beings.

Penang has many more historical places worth seeing, like the Town Hall, Court Buildings, Yap Kongsi Temple, Syed Alatas Mansion, Malay Mosque on Acheen Street, Cheah Kongsi, Cathedral of the Assumption, Hainanese Mariners' Lodge/Penang Heritage Trust, Carpenters' Guild, Hainan Temple, Benggali Mosque, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Residence of Ku Din Ku Meh, St. Francis Xavier Church and many others. For more information on Penang’s historical areas, visit http://www.tourismpenang.net.my/

Kuala Lumpur

Dataran Merdeka Independence Square): This is where the Malayan flag, at midnight on August 30, 1957, was hoisted for the first time,after the country gained independence from the British rule. Visit Plaza Putra, a food, leisure and entertainment complex that lies beneath the Square. Take a break on the immaculately-turfed field among elegant colonnades and colourful rows of zinnias and marigolds.Dataran Merdeka is accessible by bus, taxi or LRT. It’s a five-minute walk from Central Market – take the PUTRA LRT train to the Pasar Seni Central Market) station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from anywhere around town.

Chinatown Petaling Street): PS,as the locals call it, is located at Central Market, bounded by Jalan Bandar, Jalan Petaling and Jalan Sultan.Go there at night, through the large Chinese arch into the covered area, where a massive market awaits you. This is a bargain-hunter’s heaven, where you can pick up everything from wallets, handbags, T-shirts, watches and shoes to dresses, sunglasses, fabrics and souvenirs. You can also take home some exquisite jewellery items crafted in gold and set with priceless gems. This is also the place for the most delicious Chinese cuisine. Must-eat-at places are Hokkien Noodles at the corner of Hong Leong Bank and Yook Woo Hin restaurant.

Kampung Baru: Kampung Baru – the oldest Malay residential area in Kuala Lumpur – lies ten minutes away from Chow Kit Market. Founded in 1899, you can still see traditional Malay wooden houses here. Go there for the Pasar Minggu, or Sunday Market, that starts from 6 pm on Saturday evenings and ends in the wee hours of Sunday morning, at 1 am. This is where you’ll find authentic Malay wares – jewellery, clothes, handicrafts and much more, as well as mouth-watering Malay cooking.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

In countries across the globe, UNESCO has identified specific sites for their special cultural or physical significance, as well as their importance to the common heritage of humanity – and these have been declared UNESCO WORLD Heritage sites. The list includes forests, mountains, lakes, deserts, monuments, complexes and cities – a total of 936 properties till date.

With its spectacular natural wonders and rich heritage, Malaysia has some of its notable locales on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. These are Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs and Georgetown in Malacca. A visit to these sites will demonstrate why they are a significant part of the Earth’s heritage.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Situated in Sarawak on the island of Borneo, Gunung Mulu National Park is famed for its incredible caves and karst formations in a mountainous equatorial rainforest setting. Spread over 52,864 hectares of land, the Park is rich in biodiversity and comprises 17 vegetation zones. The park is dominated by Gunung Mulu, a 2,377-metre high sandstone pinnacle which is home to around 295 km of explored caves that attract visitors for the amazing sight of millions of cave swift lets and bats flying around.

The park has the world’s largest natural enclosed space, a cave chamber known as the Sarawak Chamber, which is 600m by 415m in area and 80m in height. The caves of Mulu are important for their classic features of underground geomorphology, and their structural characteristics help in providing a greater understanding of Earth’s history. The park is worth visiting for its incredible experiences and captivating sights that include deeply-incised canyons, wild rivers, rainforest-covered mountains, spectacular limestone pinnacles, cave passages and more. The area is also home to a wide range of plant and animal life, both above and below ground, and is one of the richest sites in the world for palm species.

Kinabalu Park

In the state of Sabah on the northern end of the island of Borneo, stands the impressive Mount Kinabalu 4,095 m), the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. The site is blessed with a wide range of habitats, from rich tropical lowland and hill rainforest to tropical mountain forest, sub-alpine forest and scrub

It has been designated as a Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia and is exceptionally rich in plant species. Here, one can spot examples of flora from the Himalayas, China, and Australia too. A large number of Bornean mammals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates many threatened species too) can be found in this Park. The area is famous for its many carnivorous plant and orchid species, most notably Nepenthes rajah. It is also home to a number of endemic animal species, including the Kinabalu Giant Red Leech and Kinabalu Giant Earthworm.

Poring Hotspring

Located 40 km north-east of the Kinabalu Park Headquarters, 'Poring' is a Kadazandusun word for the bamboo species growing in the area. Here, the visitor can de-stress and soak away muscle aches in the spring’s hot sulphuric minerals, which are deemed to have healing properties. The springs are very popular, especially with people who have just returned from a strenuous climb up Mount Kinabalu.

The park is abundant in other treasures as well, and these are some of the other interesting areas worth exploring: The Butterfly Farm – which is the very first of its kind in Borneo; the Poring Orchid Conservation Centre – home to over 1,200 species of orchid; the Tropical Garden – where one can also see mousedeer and brightly coloured birds; the Poring Canopy Walkway – which stands 41 metres high and is 157.8 meters long; and the Rafflesia Flower Site – where one can come up-close with the world’s largest flower.

Georgetown & Malacca, Penang

These historic cities of the Straits of Malacca have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between the East and the West. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed both towns with a unique multi-cultural heritage that can be experienced as one explores their various, stunning attractions.

Malacca’s history dates back to the 15th-century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods that began in the early 16th century. Its government buildings, churches, squares and fortifications take the visitor on a fascinating journey back in time.

Georgetown represents the British era from the end of the 18th century, and the architecture of its residential and commercial buildings reflect the best of the colonial life.

For a one-of-a-kind holiday experience that is rich in natural and cultural heritage, make it a point to visit Malaysia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Homestay packages :

The people of Malaysia are renowned for their hospitality, and one of the best ways to experience this is with a Malaysian Homestay. Traditional villages – kampungs – open their homes and hearts to visitors, and make them a part of their simple, charming lifestyle.

Homestays allow one to experience traditional Malaysian culture like never before. At a homestay, one gets to enjoy peaceful surroundings, a laid-back life and the chance to breathe clean, fresh air. It’s also a time to make new friends, as one bonds with the host family and their neighbours, and participates in their regular, daily activities.

All the kampungs that are part of the Homestay programme have been carefully selected and comply with strict guidelines from the Ministry of Tourism, in order to give guests an authentic experience of traditional Malaysia. Numerous villages around Malaysia are part of the programme, and they have all the basic comforts, electricity, running water and good transport connections to the main cities.

From getting into ethnic attire to reveling in the local traditions, guests are encouraged to join in activities like planting a tree that reflects your bond with the community and eco-consciousness; to learning the local dialect, as well as some dance steps and songs. Some lucky guests even get to be part of a wedding celebration or a local festival.

During a homestay, the days are packed with activities. These include participating in the occupation of the community, be it rubber tapping, fish farming, or agriculture of paddy, cocoa, palm oil or fruits. Sundown is a time for celebration with local dances and music. Each state has its trademark dance and traditional songs, like the Sumazau dance in Sabah and the Zapin dance in Sepang. Guests can also look forward to impromptu cultural performances and even top-spinning.

Mealtimes are replete with historic lessons and an ideal taste-sampler of the Malay culture. Footwear is always removed at the entrance of the veranda that leads to the host family’s front door. A tablecloth is spread across the length of the room at which guests sit cross-legged on the floor and partake in the meal. A kendi or ornate silver kettle is brought out with a basin to wash one’s hands first, as the food is eaten with no cutlery but one’s right hand.

Then, one gets to tuck into delicious home-made fare like rice and chicken curry, with sambal belacon, a spicy shrimp paste. For dessert, there are home-grown fruits like pineapple, papaya, rambutan, etc. In several parts of Malaysia, the dining culture dictates that the best morsels of food are offered to one’s neighbor.

Many adventures can be enjoyed, like staying in the enchanting longhouses in Sarawak, participating in regional sports and games, exploring famous sites, or going river rafting or on jungle treks, with a guide from the village.

Basic English is understood in the communities, and the native children often serve as translators for guests, teaching them a few expressions so they can communicate in the native tongue too. With a homestay, the entire community makes it a point to give visitors a comfortable stay, and each one feels responsible for the happiness of their guests.

Avid travellers can also go on an exciting journey to experience the local culture and traditions, with the Malaysia Rail Explorer, a unique Kelantan Homestay train. This fascinating rail adventure goes all the way from Singapore to Kelantan.

ry a homestay – it is the perfect option to appreciate the simple life and traditional culture of Malaysia.

Beaches & Islands :

Rated as some of the most beautiful in the world, Malaysia’s beaches are blessed with perfect weather conditions for most of the year. Visitors come from all over the world to get away from it all and soak up the sun at these beaches, which run on for hundreds of kilometres – each with its own unique charm. Plan a day’s visit or a long stay by the seaside, and you’ll have a choice of great resorts for your accommodation, as well as innumerable activities to enjoy.

Try snorkelling, scuba diving or any of the popular water sports, get up-close with natural wonders, or simply grab a towel and soak up the sun. Here’s a tour of some of Malaysia’s best beach destinations:

Langkawi: Bask in the peace and quiet of this natural paradise on its serene beaches, beneath clear blue skies.

Penang: It’s called ‘The Pearl of the Orient’ and attracts visitors year after year to its charming, old-world beach resorts, to enjoy the colourful local culture.

Pangkor: Get set for an enthralling, enchanting time on this peaceful island, best known for its white sandy beaches and delightful fishing villages.

Port Dickson: This is a prime destination for yacht lovers, who sail in from across the world. It’s also famous for its delicious seafood and buzzing night markets.

Islands of Johor: Spend time amidst these magical islands and enjoy their crystal clear waters, powdery white sand and colourful marine life.

Desaru: Bring the whole family along for a super seaside time. There’s also an 18-hole golf course here with a magnificent view of the South China Sea.

Tioman: Remember the song ‘Bali Hai’ from the old Hollywood musical, South Pacific? This is where it was filmed – just visit it to see why it was chosen.

Cherating: This place is famed for two things: Asia’s first Club Med, and the opportunity to see the nocturnal ritual of turtles nesting on the beach.

Islands of Terengganu: Soft sands, deep blue waters and mesmerising undersea gardens make Terengganu a must-visit, get-away-from-it-all destination.

Sabah: It has an extensive coastline dotted with beautiful beaches and tranquil retreats. A mysterious rainforest and ancient caves are the other attractions here.

Sarawak: This Land of the Hornbills is known for its interesting history, rich culture, spectacular natural attractions and fascinating wildlife, as well as its pristine beaches.

Marine Parks: At these Parks, underwater ecosystems are preserved and taken good care of, so that visitors as well as future generations can enjoy them. Some of them are located at Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Payar, Kedah, Pulau Tioman, Pahang, Pulau Tinggi, Johor and Labuan.

National Parks in Malaysia :

You can walk for hundreds of miles in Malaysia under a continuous canopy of green, marvelling at the abundance of plant and animal species, equalled by no other location in the entire world. The Malaysian Rainforest, far older than the equatorial forests of the Amazon or the Congo, also shelters a host of the world's rarest and most remarkable animals - the Sumatran Rhinoceros, Clouded Leopard, Malaysian Tiger, Sun Bear, Monitor Lizard and the Orang Utan. 

Besides admiring the many splendid sights in Malaysia's National Parks, you can also indulge in thrills like boating through swirling rapids, fly-fishing for giant carp, bird-watching, mountain climbing, cave exploring, swimming in placid river waters, or camping amidst giant tropical trees.

Some of the National Parks you can explore include:

Bako National Park: The oldest national park of Sarawak and part of the rainforest, this park offers rare glimpses of wildlife like proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, leaf monkeys, monitor lizards, plantain squirrels and about 150 species of birds.

Endau-Rompin: Visit this one-of-its kind lowland forest to see unique flora like the magnificent fan palm, climbing bamboo and the slender-stemmed walking-stick palm. You will also find moths and butterflies of every shape and hue flitting among the blossoms.

Gunung Mulu National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning landscape of vertical cliffs, jagged limestone pinnacles and intricate cave networks. Take the medicine trail or amble along the canopy skywalk for a breath-taking view of some of the 20,000 animal and 3,500 plant species known to reside here. Explore well-known caves like the Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave and the majestic Sarawak Chamber, which is the world’s largest cave chamber. A must-visit is the Bat Observatory, where you can take in the spectacular sight of a million bats fluttering out of the caves.

Kenong Rimba Park: Go cave exploring or take the jungle trek to admire the rich profusion of flora and fauna, which include numerous varieties of orchids and water-lilies, as well as animal life like mouse deer, porcupine and possibly elephants too.

Kinabalu National Park: A must-visit; you can see some of the richest flora in the world here, including the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. Another attraction here is the Poring Hot Springs, known for their therapeutic properties.

Kuala Gula Sanctuary: A delight for bird-watchers, this sanctuary has over 100 species of birds. Also spot wildlife like the smooth otter, dusky leaf monkey, long-tailed macaque and the ridge-backed dolphin. 

Niah National Park: This expansive Park is packed with things to do and see. Stop over at the Great Cave and Painted Cave to admire Neolithic paintings and Paleolithic artefacts. The forest has some enchanting trails, taking you past exotic plant and tree life where rare creatures have their homes.

Rantau Abang Turtle Hatchery: Halt at this hatchery, one of only six places in the world visited by the endangered Giant Leatherback Turtles. You’ll enjoy the rare sight of watching these gentle creatures lay their eggs.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary: Nature-lovers, head here to feast your eyes on rare species of animal and plant life. A special treat is watching the antics of the adorable orang utans that have been rescued from captivity, and cared for till it is time to rehabilitate them back into the forest.

Taman Negara National Park: Visit this Park in the world’s oldest tropical rainforest where you can indulge in activities like jungle trekking and fishing. Spot wildlife like mouse deer, barking deer, wild ox, and if lucky even tapirs, elephants, leopards and tigers. Fish at its Tahan or Kenyam Rivers and go river rafting at the rapids of Sungai Tembeling.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park: This marine park is a cluster of islands comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug, all only a 10 - 20 minute speedboat ride from Kota Kinabalu. The Park is characterised by shallow waters, magnificent coral gardens and boasts of pristine white beaches.

Main Attractions of Sabah

Mount Kinabalu - Kinabalu Park: This majestic mountain and extensive park is Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. The highest mountain in South-East Asia, Mount Kinabalu has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the world’s highest Via Ferrata - a most thrilling mountain climbing experience. A first-of-its-kind in Asia, Via Ferrata is a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, ladders, etc., which ensure the climb is safe for almost anyone. The avid mountain climber would truly appreciate the spectacular vistas and challenging trails at Mount Kinabalu.

Kinabalu Park – a wonderland of ecological treasures – covers 754 sq km, and stands 1,585m above sea level. The eco-traveller would be amazed with the diversity of natural life here; over 5000 types of plants, 100 species of animals and 326 species of birds make this their home. A visit to the Poring Hot Springs, a natural health spa offering open-air Japanese-style baths, is highly recommended. The annual Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon draws participants from around the world.

Sipadan Island: Jacques Cousteau, the world-renowned oceanographer, described Sipadan as ‘an untouched piece of art’. Divers across the globe have voted it as one of the top five dive sites in the world. Malaysia’s only oceanic island, it takes just 25 minutes to circle Sipadan on foot, and on the way, you’ll meet up with amazing crustaceans like the coconut crab. Located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific Basin, it is one of the richest marine habitats in the world. Expert divers can enjoy fascinating sights of turtles, reef sharks and a thrilling 600m drop-off. There’s a large variety of tropical birds here, including sea eagles, kingfishers, sunbirds, starlings and wood pigeons.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park: Travel 20 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu, and you’re ready for a grand splash at this marine park. Made up of five islands, it’s a paradise for swimming, diving, snorkelling and parasailing. These idyllic islands – Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Gaya and Sapi – are blessed with soft white sands, rich underwater life and fabulous coral reefs. One of the things you must do here is to go ‘seawalking’ among fishes of every colour of the rainbow. On Gaya and Sapi, you can hike across intriguing jungle trails, where you may see the Megapode or Burung Tambun, a chicken lookalike with large feet which meows like a cat.

Pulau Tiga Marine Park: Pulau Tiga Island has been dubbed ‘Survivor Island’ as it is the main location for the popular TV programme ‘Survivor’. Small mud volcanoes are found here, spewing cool, mineral-rich mud. As it is reputed to be good for your skin, mud-bathing is a must-do activity. Nature-lovers will be fascinated with all this Park has to offer – from lush unspoiled jungles to scenic landscapes, powder-like sands and crystal clear waters. Among the coral reefs, you’ll find innumerable species of fish and other marine life. Above water, you can enjoy diving, non-motorised water sports, trekking and bird-watching.

Turtle Island Park: This Park lies in the Sulu Sea off the east coast of Sabah and comprises three small islands, Selingan, Gulisan and Bakungan Kechil. Selingan – the largest – houses the Park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery and tourist accommodation. The other two are mainly for conservation activities. Green and Hawksbill turtles are the main attractions and you get to watch the turtle landings after dusk. During the day, you can take it easy on the beach, or go snorkeling. From Sandakan town, you can take a 1-hour boat service to reach Turtle Island Park.

Batu Punggul Pinnacle: This limestone massif, situated on the banks of the Sepulot River, can be scaled by adventurous souls only; others can get their thrills exploring the two networks of caves within Batu Pinggul. Accommodation is available at a rustic resort nearby, and you have a choice of a Murut longhouse or native huts sulap), or a hostel or guesthouses, complete with modern facilities.

Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary: Here’s where you can watch orang-utans, known as ‘The Wild Man of Borneo’, up close in their natural habitat, during their daily feeding sessions. Go trekking through mangrove forests, and avail of accommodation in forest chalets if you want to stay longer.

Sukau: For those who love rare and exotic fauna, Sukau this is a must-visit, for it has Malaysia’s greatest concentration of wildlife. Capture on camera orang-utans, crocodiles and proboscis monkeys, as well as an array of bird life.  Take a boat ride and visit the Gomantong Caves, where millions of swiftlets build their nests, which are harvested for that special delicacy - Bird’s Nest Soup.

Mabul and Kapalai Islands, Semporna: Regarded as one of the world's best ‘muck-diving and ‘macro-paradise’ sites, this area is one of the richest single destinations for exotic small marine life in the world. Mabul is an oasis of relaxation with swaying coconut trees, idyllic villages and soft sands. Underwater, you’ll find an amazing array of sea life - cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, spike-fin gobies, frogfish and moray eels.

Other Dive Sites: Sabah has a plethora of world-class dive sites, including Layang Layang with its ring of 13 coral atolls where you can spot hammerhead sharks and different types of pelagic; Mantanani where you can get up-close with a variety of fish life and sunken wrecks; as well as Lankayan and Mataking.

Monsopiad Cultural Village: Go back in time, to the era of the legendary Kadazan warrior – Monsopiad. Watch the enthralling cultural performance that re-enacts his saga, and take a quick peek at the House of Skulls too.

Kampung Luanti, Ranau - 'Tagal' Sungai Moroli, Fish Massage:  131 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu is where you should head, for a spa treatment that will sweep you off your feet. ‘Ikan Pelian’ or Malaysian Mahseer have been specially trained by the villagers to perform healing massages, and are ideal for those who want smooth, supple skin.

Kundasang War Memorial, Kundasang: The Memorial, with its four beautiful gardens, towering pine trees, roses in full bloom and an absolutely serene atmosphere, is the ideal place to escape the world for a while.

Gaya Street Sunday Market, Kota Kinabalu: Sunday morning is when everyone heads to Gaya Street, to shop for batik sarongs, fruits, flowers, souvenirs, footwear, antiques, cakes, herbs, even pets, under shady trees and over-sized umbrellas.

Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat: Situated at the northernmost tip of Borneo, this is where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Seas. Enjoy stunning views of golden sunsets and full moons, as well as the Pulau Kalampunian Lighthouse and the beautiful beach of Pantai Kalampunian.

Tanjung Aru Beach, Kota Kinabalu: Named after the casuarina or aru trees that fringe it, this beach offers you glorious sunsets and a mouth-watering spread of local delicacies to indulge in.

White Water Rafting in Padas River: With names like Merry-Go-Round and Scooby Doo, they may seem tame, but these rapids will challenge your very survival skills. On the peaceful stretches, take the time to enjoy Nature at her very best, with the multicolour birds and majestic trees all around.

Kawang Forest Centre, Kinarut / Papar: Enjoy a fascinating trek through the jungle, camp out for the night, and make it a point to explore the bat cave. 

Maga Waterfall, Sipitang: Ulu Padas is a hidden natural paradise, rich in plant life and brimming with treasures like the beautiful Maga Waterfall. Exotic mushrooms, huge agathis trees and colourful orchids are waiting to be discovered. Slip into a natural pool and enjoy a refreshing bath.

Getting there: Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main entry point to the state. Sabah is easily accessible by frequent short-haul flights from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA) in Peninsular Malaysia. Visitors can also fly in from the Kuching International Airport in Sarawak, as well as major cities in Malaysia. The Kota Kinabalu Port welcomes tourists arriving by cruise ships. Private yachts can dock at Sutera Harbour Marina.

Must-Try Cuisine: A number of delicacies cram the menu at Sabah, and you’ll find a mouth-watering spread of local favourites at the restaurants as well as the street stalls. Some of the dishes you must try include TuaranMee – a dish of stir-fried vegetables, garnished with roast chicken and eggs; Ambuyat or Nantung – a gluey porridge of sago, tapioca or rice, twisted around a chopstick and served with a sauce; Hinava – a salad of raw fish or prawns whose unique flavour comes from bambangan, the grated seeds of a local wild mango; Tuhau – a fresh salad made from a ginger-like plant; Kelupis – glutinous rice wrapped in a fragrant ‘daun nyirik’ leaf cooked in coconut milk.

Continue your monsoon expedition through Sarawak, the Land of the Hornbill and the largest state of Malaysia. Whatever you prefer – adrenaline-pumping adventure sports, spectacular sights or breath-taking Nature – Sarawak has it in abundance for you. Located on the northwestern shore of Borneo, Sarawak is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind spots, sights and rainforest life – like the Rafflesia, squirrels and snakes that fly, plants that eat insects and other unique flora and fauna.

Main Attractions of Sarawak

National Parks: Sarawak’s Parks offer nature trails that give you totally unforgettable experiences. The most famous are Gunung Mulu, Bako, Batang Ai, Gunung Gading, Lambir Hills, Similajau, and Tanjung Datu.

Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Park is a treasure trove of vertical cliffs, jagged limestone pinnacles and intricate caves. Here, Nature-lovers can get up-close with 20,000 animals and 3,500 plant species. Go cave exploring through the Deer, Lang, Wind and Clearwater Caves – the last is Asia’s longest cave. Trek to the sharp limestone-spiked Pinnacles Summit and along the Headhunters Trail to Limbang. View the forest from above as you go up the 480m Mulu Canopy Skywalk. For accommodation, you have a choice of campsites, forest huts and the exclusive Royal Mulu Resort. Mulu is accessible by air from Miri.

Niah National Park, Miri: Prehistoric life and natural wonders meet at this sprawling 3,238 hectare park, considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Neolithic paintings and Paleolithic artefacts were found in its Great Cave. This cave and the Painted Cave are National Historical Monuments, and are definitely worth a visit. Explore enchanting forest trails, take a break at the nearby Iban longhouse, or go for a boat ride on serene waters. Niah is accessible from Miri 109km) and Bintulu 131km). Accommodation ranges from chalets, hostels to a rest house.

Bako National Park: Bako – the state’s oldest park – is the ideal place to discover the rainforest. Keep your camera ready for rare proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, leaf monkeys, monitor lizards and 150 species of birds. Accommodation is available in forest hostels and lodges.

Kuching Waterfront: Stroll along this 900m long esplanade, and enjoy the sights of heritage buildings, landscaped surroundings and eateries. Places of interest here are the Square Tower, Sarawak Steamship Building, Chinese History Museum and the ornate Tua Pek Kong Temple, reputed to be the oldest in the city. For an assortment of handicrafts, visit the Main Bazaar nearby.

Sarawak Museum, Kuching: One of Asia's finest museums, it is housed in a stately, Victorian-style building. Here you will find a collection of Bornean cultural and archaeological items, and a reconstruction of the great Niah Caves, with remains of the Neolithic people who lived there. Visitors are not allowed to bring in their cameras.

Cat Museum, Kuching: Kuching is called the City of Cats, and according to Malaysian beliefs, the cat is a lucky animal. Cat lovers will be purring over all that’s on display – over 2000 exhibits, feline art, photographs, statues and cat souvenirs from all over the world.

Sunday Open Market, Satok, Kuching: Go on a spree for handicraft items like woodcarvings, bamboo and rattan products, beadwork and pottery.

Kuching Skrang River Safari: This scenic voyage gives you a surprise, when the boat suddenly shoots the rapids. Sail down to the Iban longhouses, once the home of notorious pirates, where you can enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment. 

Semenggoh Nature Reserve: At this orang-utan rehabilitation centre, you’ll enjoy watching the antics of these adorable and mischievous primates, especially during feeding times, or as they frolic in the rainforest. Other attractions include an arboretum, orchard and botanical garden.

Sarawak Cultural Village, Damai: Situated at the foothills of Mount Santubong, 35km from Kuching, this living museum displays the multi-faceted cultures of ethnic groups like the Ibans, Bidayuhs, and Melanaus, along with the traditional arts of Sarawakians. An award-winning attraction, the Village showcases the diverse lifestyles of the state’s ethnic groups. Visit the authentic dwellings and view their crafts, household items and musical instruments. The lively cultural performance is a major highlight here. The Village is also the venue of the annual Rainforest World Music Festival.

River Cruises: Rivers are the lifeline of Sarawak's transportation, and cruises let you experience the kaleidoscope of life – both human and natural, that live around them. The Sarawak River Cruise is very popular, and departs from the Kuching Waterfront twice a day. It retraces the historical journey of Sir James Brooke and gives you a glimpse of the city's old-world charm. If you crave more excitement, hop onto a perahu tambang, a local boat that takes you quickly across the Kuching River.

Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching: In the Santubong peninsula, you could enjoy the delightful sight of dolphins frolicking in the waters. The serene river views here make for perfect, quiet moments.

Annah Rais Longhouse, Padawan: Get a taste of the local lifestyle, stay in a Bidayuh longhouse and enjoy the local delights. Annah Rais Longhouse – 60km from Kuching – offers enchanting nature-based activities and cultural shows. Go trekking to a waterfall for a unique massage, try bamboo rafting, learn to cook bamboo rice and chicken, get skilful with a blowpipe, play traditional instruments, but go easy on the home-made wine. Trips must be pre-arranged.

Golfing: Tee off in a pristine rainforest setting. Major golf resorts in Sarawak are situated in Kuching, Damai, Padawan, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu.

Diving: Miri is the place to be for diving fans, who want to explore one of the richest reefs in Malaysia. Belais Reef and Luconia Shoals are the popular dive sites here.

Pepper Plantations: Sarawak is Malaysia's largest exporter of pepper and you can stop over to walk through some of the extensive plantations all along the Kuching-Serian Road.

Santubong Fishing Village: This village is famous for the Hindu and Buddhist rock carvings found here. Also, take time off and spend it relaxing on the beautiful beaches here.

Shopping: Sarawak is a shopper’s paradise for antiques and handicrafts. Take home Pua Kumbu-woven sarongs or wall hangings, Kain Songket – fabric intricately woven with gold and silver threads, and wood or bamboo carvings. Kuching’s Main Bazaar has been preserved as a colourful reminder of the city's trading past. Now it houses dozens of art & crafts, curio and antique shops, as well as travel agents offering up-country adventures.

Getting there: Kuching International Airport is the main entry point into the state. Sarawak is easily accessible by frequent short-haul flights from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA) in Peninsular Malaysia. Visitors can also fly in from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah, as well as other major cities in Malaysia.

Must-Try Cuisine: Give in to your taste for the exotic and tuck into Sarawak’s authentic dishes. Start with the Sarawak Laska – noodles served with tangy, aromatic soup; then Mee Kolok - handmade noodles tossed with meats in oil and vinegar; Manok Pansoh – a chicken and ginger dish cooked in a bamboo log; Birds Nest Soup – the highly prized Chinese delicacy which is said to have medicinal properties, available at upmarket restaurants.

Duty Free Shopping Destinations :

Shopping & Malaysia are synonymous with each other. Malaysia has been declared as ‘Duty Free Shopping Destination’ this year by the Goverment. It marks the country’s efforts to be a heaven for shopping. With emphasis placed on the implementation of tax exemptions on a wider range of goods. The import tax is waved off on more than 300 products so you have the widest of variety to choose from.

Who says shopping is associated with women only? Duty Free Malaysia has got the best buys for Men too. From the most expensive fashion labels, Jewellery to trendiest of gadgets, sports equipments both can indulge in a spendthrift shopping as per your individual taste. Malaysian Ringgit’s exchange rates are always more reasonable as compared to any other currencies of the world so much so as to inviting you to Malaysia solely to shop.

Kuala Lumpur is the most popular shopping destination at the base of the Petronas Towers, Suria KLCC, houses a great selection of leading international brands. Sleek Starhill Gallery and Lot 10 have more glamorous brands, while Berjaya Times Square has its own amusement park, with roller coasters looping past the stores. The Jalan Petaling street market in Chinatown is good for inexpensive souvenirs, and quality handicrafts can be found in the eye-catching Central Market.

At the heart of the trendy Bukit Bintang district lies the perfect reason to indulge in fashion, food and urban leisure. Experience the excitement of this 1.37 mil sq ft retail haven with 450 outlets offering the finest fashion and home furnishing to entertainment and culinary delights. Let the endless appeal of Malaysia's premier shopping destination awaken your senses the moment you arrive at its doorstep.

Witness the Pavilion Crystal Fountain, a new national landmark. It is the Tallest Liuli Crystal Fountain in Malaysia endorsed by The Malaysia Book of Records. Another first in Malaysia is Pavilion KL's six distinguished shopping precincts and a row of street-front duplexes housing flagship boutiques from the world over.Pavillion – luxury shopping experience

You can also explore The Gardens is a 9.7 acres development within Mid Valley City MVC) anchored by a high-end shopping gallery, two landmark office towers, five-star Gardens Residences and five-star Gardens Hotel. The Gardens is developed by Mid Valley City Gardens Sdn Bhd, a fully-owned subsidiary IGB Corporation Berhad, a property and investment holding company listed on the Malaysian Stock Exchange.

If you’re the Gizmo freak then Plaza Low Yatt Shopping Centre – The total lifestyle based IT mall has everything for you. Plaza Low Yatt is position as a lifestyle based IT mall. Each floor is zoned accordingly for easier & quicker accessibility with retail categories ranging from Gadgets, cameras, digital games, laptops, IPad’s, telecommunications & services, IT Hypermarket, IT Concept Stores at rock bottom prices. The mall also has non IT retailers such as restaurant, bookstores, fashion, hair & beauty, hoppy shops etc, to operate & cater to the other lifestyle needs.

Electronic goods, cosmetics and perfumes are available duty-free throughout Malaysia, and distinctive Malaysian souvenirs include Royal Selangor pewter, batiks, wood-carvings, jewellery, handmade kris knives and songket brocade cloth. The islands of Labuan and Langkawi are duty-free zones.

Shopping marks a major component of the country’s tourism revenue. As such, the waiver of import duty ensures it remains vibrant and continues to be an important tourist activity. With a wider choice of goods and at better prices, Malaysia tempts all the visitors to literally shop till they drop & cherish a memorable time in the city.

Enjoy duty free Shopping only at Malaysia this season. This time of the year Malaysia is the destination to be to indulge in flamboyant tax free shopping. From plenty of imported & local tax-exempted merchandise to select from are of which are worthwhile & value for money.

Theme Parks of Malaysia

Malaysia is a place for the young in age and young at heart, and this is where your kids – and you – will have the time of your lives. With amusement centres and theme parks all over the place, and new ones cropping up every now and then, there’s non-stop action and fun galore to be enjoyed wherever you travel across Malaysia.

All year round, the weather is warm and ideal for spending hours at the parks. Most of them offer something for every member of the family and if you want to take a break or go shopping, you’re sure to find a resort or a mall nearby.

The amusement parks are very different from each other; some are based on special themes while others simply guarantee you unending good times. Yet all of them have security as top priority, and state-of-the-art systems and well-tested facilities to ensure your loved ones are perfectly safe as they go wild.

You can go from the top of a mountain to the bottom of a former mining pool, get soaked at water parks or fly through the air on heart-stopping rides, slide over snow or revisit the Wild Wild West – the choices will simply blow your mind. The best part is, as the parks are located in different parts of Malaysia, you get the opportunity to discover the awesome natural beauty and enchanting tourist attractions along the way.

We now take you on a roller-coaster ride through the biggest and most popular parks around Malaysia.

Genting Theme Park, Pahang: Genting has surely earned its nickname – the City of Entertainment – for this is where the world comes to party and savour the ultimate in thrills. Located 1,800 meters above sea level, the resort has three theme parks – Genting Outdoor Theme Park, First World Indoor Theme Park and Water Park. You’ll also find the only casino in the country here, as well as the biggest hotel in the world – The First World Hotel.

At the Outdoor Theme Park, you have a choice of over 30 rides and all of them take you to new heights of excitement. Top of the list are the roller-coaster rides, and the double loop Corkscrew will give you the most screams. You soar 100 feet off the ground, then plunge down in two heart-pounding loops! For more, try the Rolling Thunder Mine Train, Cyclone and Flying Dragon. If these are too tame for you, try the Spinner Flying Carousel, the Super Toboggan, and the Turbo Drop. For your kids, there are the Flying Baby Jumbo, Teacup, Pirate Train, Rodeo Rider and Astro Fighter. Other attractions you must check out are the Bumper Boats – ideal for bumping and splashing the family, the Double Deck Carousel at Millennium Square – choose your horse and ride through this marvel that's in the Guinness Book of Records for the most number of coloured lights, Matahari – the outdoor Ferris wheel, and the mysterious, magical Dinosaurland.

Gravity-defying rides, 4-D delights, wonders of the world and loads more – the First World Theme Park admits only those who are serious about having fun. First, strap yourself in for the 4D Motion Master, a 5-minute 4-D experience that takes movies into a whole new, electrifying dimension. Then, have a blast in the bumper cars, scream your heart out on the Euro Express – Genting’s first indoor roller coaster, do the rounds on the Ferris Wheel, while the kids enjoy themselves on the Junior Bumper Car and Carousel.

At First World, you can visit the world’s favourite cities under one roof. Go sailing on the Reindeer Cruiser past the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees of Paris to America’s Times Square and the Statues of Liberty and Oscar. Indulge in a romantic Venetian Gondola ride, then stop over at the Big Ben of London. Visit Snow World with its Swiss Alps theme, and let yourself go while toboggan-sliding over the snow. End up with the Genting Walk through the landmarks of Malaysia.

Sit in the Monorail for a fun-filled, aerial-view ride through the park, and be prepared for eye-popping exhibits at the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum.Ready for an adrenalin rush like never before? Try the Genting Sky Venture – the only free fall skydiving simulator in Asia, or the Genting X-pedition Wall – a 10-15 metre high, international-standard rock-climbing wall. Don’t forget to book your tickets for unexpected chills and thrills aboard the Haunted Adventure funicular train.

Take time off for bowling at the 28-lane Genting Bowl, or at the Q-bowl, where the game is similar to pool. With a number of retail outlets, food stores, video arcade and a Cineplex, First World is definitely the first choice for a day of unparalleled amusement.

The Water Park is for the whole family, so see how wet you can get on the Action River, Big Bucket, Tornado Slide and many more. Splash down the Sungai Rejang Flume Ride or the Rain Forest Splash Pool formerly called Genting Splash) and get soaked to the bone. To unwind, relax and try your hand at bowling, snooker, archery and video games.

In the evening, Genting gets into spectacular mode – with extravagant entertainment at the Genting International Showroom and Pavilion. People come from far away only for the incredible magic shows, ice-skating, live band and DJ performances, as well as shopping sprees at First World Plaza, exciting games and the mouth-watering menu featuring all kinds of cuisine.

It’s a 45-minute drive to Genting from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak Highway. KL-Genting taxis are available from the Puduraya Bus Station in KL, as is a direct coach service from KL Sentral, Jalan Duta Coach Station, Puduraya and Gombak LRT Station. Take a relaxing, scenic trip up to Genting via the Skyway cable cars, the largest cable cars in South-East Asia. The lower station is near Gohtong Jaya, while the upper station is at Highlands Hotel.

A'Famosa Resort, Melaka: It’s time to go wild – in the literal sense – at the only safari park in Malaysia, A'Famosa. It’s also the only place where you will come up-close with tigers, lions and sunbears, and cross a river swarming with real crocodiles. Relax, you are protected by electrified fencing and will travel in a caged truck.

You’ll also drive up within sneezing distance of the animals in the Herbivore Area - Barbary sheep, deer, camels, zebras, ostriches and even the odd giraffe or two. Besides the Safari Park, A'Famosa keeps you enthralled with Multi-animal, Elephant and Bird shows; elephant, camel and pony rides; a farm house with livestock, and Monkey Island – where the madcap fun never ends.

After enjoying your wild times during the day, take a break at the water theme park – or relax in the chalets or hotel. You’ll need to, for Cowboy Town comes alive at night. Get your pardners and watch cowboys and Apaches perform stunts and battle each other, just like in the movies. In this Wild Wild West, you can have an exciting evening chowing down Western and local fare, chilling at the beer garden and grooving to live bands and disco music. There’s a park for children too. 

Stop over at Water World, which has an attraction for each family member. Fun-drenched times await you, and the wet-n-wild wonders are the Wave Pool, Lazy River tube ride, a Family Raft Ride and Wild Waterslides that promise loads of fun-drenched times. Tots have their own Activity Pool with mini slides, water sprays and Aladdin's Arabian Village.

A'Famosa makes sure you never have a dull moment, so you can choose from horse riding, kite flying, woodball, cycling, tennis, basketball, indoor games, fishing, jungle trekking and golf at one of the top golf courses in Malaysia. The internal shuttle gets you around easily, and a car park is available. There are cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops to take home memories of your trip.

A 60-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North South Expressway gets you to A'Famosa, and you have to exit at SimpangEmpat / Alor Gajah toll.

Cosmo’s World Theme Park: Reserve one whole weekend if you want to do justice to Malaysia’s biggest indoor theme park. It’s situated within Berjaya Time Square Mall, Asia's largest shopping mall. Times Square is easily accessible via the intra-city public transit system, KL Monorail. Be prepared for some out-of-this-world entertainment, in this theme park built by the fictitious mad scientist Professor Cosmo and his clumsy robot assistant Ooort.

For adults, there are six exhilarating rides – the mind-blowing, 800-metre long roller coaster called the Supersonic Odyssey, the 30-metre high Spinning Orbit, as well as the heart-thumping, incredible Space Attack, Ooort's Express, Dizzy Izzy and the DNA Mixer. The little ones will have a blast at the bright, rainbow-coloured Fantasy Garden, a beautiful natural wonderland. 10 rides have been created especially for them, and the favourites are the Buddy-Go-Round carousel and the rocking boat ride, Molly Cool's Swing.

Families can make merry together as they go on the Botanic Drive ride, or dash around in the Bumper Cars – Honey Bump for kids and Robo Crash for adults. Watch out for Professor Cosmo and his friends who bring along loads of laughter and tons of fun.

Sunway Lagoon, Kuala Lumpur: Super fun in the water and terrific excitement on land await you at this theme park, located in Bandar Sunway. Spaced out across 80 acres, Sunway has three different theme lands.

Start off at the raging Waters of Africa, Malaysia's only African-themed waterpark. Race down the Congo Challenge at up to 40 kmh and if you dare, take on the Cameroon Climb, the world’s first double tube water ride. Take your family on the gigantic African Pythons ride or go surfing amid 8-foot-high waves at the world's largest man-made Jeffrey's Bay Surf Wave Pool. Explore Elephant Walk with its massive elephant sculptures, and watch out for the fire-eaters and tribal dancers at the Zulu Walk.

Your next stop is the Wild Wild West, an American frontier town complete with wooden facades, totem poles and lots to do. There are spectacular rides like the Niagara Falls Flume Ride which soaks you completely, and the stomach-churning Tomahawk. Buffalo Bill Coaster, Apache Pots and Butch Cassidy's Trail provide great fun for the whole family. Also, check out the World of Adventure, walk the world's longest Pedestrian   Suspension Bridge to get a breathtaking view of the whole Lagoon, discover surprises galore on The Lost City of Gold ride, conquer the out-of-control swinging Galleon and have a heart-stopping ride on the Flying Carpet. Don’t forget to meet the Siberian and Bengal tigers, and catch the lively street performances.

Sunway is about 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur on the Federal Highway, and is also accessible via the Damansara-Puchong Expressway, New Pantai Express Way and KESAS Highway. You can also take the KTM Komuter train to Subang Jaya Station or the Putra-LRT to Kelana Jaya Station and continue by taxi to the Sunway Pyramid stop. Public bus services Cityliner bus No. 51 and Metrobus No. 10 & 11 depart from Klang Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur and stop at Sunway Pyramid.

The Mines Wonderland:

Bring your family along for a night of colour and culture at this one-of-a-kind night theme park. Catch the awesome Dancing Water performance and spectacular 3D Laser Show, as well as the spirited stage performances at the Traveller's Food Village, while tucking into Malaysian specialities. Don’t miss the Featherman Show – better known as the Magunatip dance by the Murut tribe of Kuhijaw Kwijau), where agile dancers jump between clapping bamboos.

The Lake Cruise will astound you as thousands of coloured lights form the Light Fantasy on Water, a magnificent sight of floating giant sculptures. Stop by to discover the Secrets of the Tiger, a gallery filled with interesting facts and photographs of the white tiger. And finally, cool down in the Ice Factory – the first winter wonderland in Malaysia.

The Mines is 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur on the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway, and you need to exit at The Mines Wonderland Resort City. You can also take the KTM Komuter train to Serdang Station, cross the highway on the overhead bridge and then walk about 15 minutes to the park.

Lost World of Tambun: This is the latest water park in Perak, located in the town of Ipoh. Designed as a true Lost World, the area is filled with vines, creepers and lush tropical plants. Take a relaxing cruise down the Adventure River – Malaysia's longest water park river ride – past some remarkable landscapes. For more thrills, plummet down gigantic, twisted tubes at Tubed Raiders or race through the jungle in an old mine cart after you drop from dizzying heights in the Cliff Racer. Finally, rest and rejuvenate at the Tambun Hot Springs, which are rich in minerals and are believed to have healing properties.

Bukit MerahLaketown Resort, Perak: The Waterpark has eight fantastic attractions including a Giant Wave Pool with 1-metre-high waves, the Slow River Ride, the Kid's Water Playground, and the Giant Bubble – a first in South-East Asia on which you can climb, bounce, slip and slide. At the Marina Village, you’ll find a wide variety of crafts, swimwear and suntan lotions. The restaurant Cafe Le Lac offers local and international cuisines, and a delectable choice of pastries and cakes.

Here, you can also visit the only Orang-Utan sanctuary in Peninsula Malaysia, and the inn offers activities like golf, fishing, lakeside cruises and boat rides. The Resort is situated just off the North-South Highway, a 35-minute drive from Penang.

Desa Water Park, Kuala Lumpur: There are rides and slides galore in this Park, sprawled over five hectares. Desa Waterpark has become very popular with families and corporate groups because of its huge space, amphitheatre, free parking space, and cut-throat pricing.

Here you’ll find the longest Master Blaster in Asia – the Thunderbolt. Get drenched in the fun with the Tarzan In Town, Action River, Water Factory, Clown-A-Round, Pink Slide and Shock Wave too, while Surf Shack is ideal for the little ones. Ripple Bay is an open space for tele-match activities and lap swimmers.

The Park can be reached from the Federal Highway via Taman Desa, JalanKunchai Lama via Taman Bakti or the KL-Seremban Highway via Taman Desa junction.

The Carnivall, Kedah: Enjoy the best of both worlds at this seven-hectare water and land theme park, packed with amazing attractions and fabulous rides.

Scream yourself hoarse as you ride the Water Coaster, the park’s top attraction. Your other choices are the twisting-n-turning Wild River, the Wave Cove, and the 300-metre River of Adventure. Get marooned at Discovery Island for hours of enjoyment at the Jungle Playground, Bubble Bay, The Sand Pit, The River Bar and Kiddies Cove.

For more fun, there’s the Family Bungee, the Sports Park and Group Garden, the Street of Happenings, the Carnival Delights and tropical gardens. Don’t miss the famous Carnival Ice Cream, an assortment of flavours served in freshly made waffles, don’t forget to take photographs at the Fountain of Fun.     

The Carnivall is accessible by air through regular direct flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, landing at either Penang Airport or Sultan Abdul Halim Airport. From here, it is a 40-minute drive to The Carnivall. Or take the train and stop at the Sungai Petani Railway Station, 3 km from the resort. It takes 4-1/2 hours to drive from Kuala Lumpur to Sungai Petani via the North-South Highway take Exit 170 for Sungai Petani - Utara).

Caves of Malaysia :

If exploring the unknown and mysterious adventure is your cup of tea, then the limestone caves of Malaysia guarantee you an experience you will never forget. Whether you’re an avid spelunker cave explorer) or just doing it for fun, Malaysia offers you some of the largest and longest caves in the world.

There are the safe ones, with paths marked out and platforms. Some are accessible only by boat or can be explored only by crawling through rough-hewn passages. Still others are yet to be explored, and beckon only the most daring adventurers.

Go deep into the rainforests and mangroves, which set the right mood for your cave exploration. You will come up-close with the most spectacular flora and fauna, most of which you will never see elsewhere in the world. Within the caves, other fascinating forms of life abound. Watch out for the fruitbats, swiftlets and a swarm of insects, not to forget snakes and scorpions too. You can also find traces of early man, whose rock paintings still adorn the walls. Certain caves are world-renowned archeological sites, with artifacts that date back 40,000 years. As you explore, you are sure to be amazed by the giant stalagmites and stalactites, as well as the dark-flowing underground rivers.

Guides are available at all major Malaysian caves, and they can be contacted through the Malaysian Nature Society or other adventure clubs. Most caving expeditions are day trips, but you can opt for an overnight stay if you prefer. Overnight camping is not permitted within the caves, but rooms are usually available in the vicinity.

Caving is normally conducted between March and October, but always be prepared for rain. Exploring some caves may require a permit, which is available from the respective state forestry departments. Flash photography is prohibited as the light scares away the cave’s residents.

For the adventure of a lifetime, get your boots on and go exploring the caves of Malaysia. Here are some which you must visit.

Batu Caves, Selangor: A massive statue of Lord Murugan greets you at the entrance, welcoming you to climb 272 steep steps for a breath-taking view of the city centre. The three main caves house Hindu temples and shrines, and you can admire the paintings of Hindu gods in the Ramayana Cave. Thousands of devotees throng here for the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam.

Monkeys frolic all around, and you may catch a glimpse of the exotic Trapdoor Spider. Batu Caves, a favourite for rock-climbing enthusiasts, is easily accessible by car or taxi as it is situated beside the main highway of MRR2 in the Batu Caves area.

Niah National Park, Sarawak: The 3,140-hectare Park is home to peat swamps, dipterocarp forests and massive limestone outcroppings, which conceal the giant Niah caves. Here you can explore the Great Cave as well as some smaller caves. In 1958, archaeologists discovered evidence of human occupation here, which dates back some 40,000 years. Go back in time in the Painted Cave, where ancient rock paintings still decorate the walls. Several canoe-like coffins death ships) were found here, indicating that this must have been a burial ground long ago.

Be warned – the caves are home to millions of bats. So, wear sturdy shoes to avoid an accident with guano – bat dung. You can travel by road from Miri 2 hours) or Bintulu 3 hours) to Batu Niah, from where it is a short boat trip to the Park Headquarters.

Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak: One of the world’s longest networks of caves can be found in this Park. Its main attraction is the gigantic Sarawak Chamber – the world’s largest underground chamber in which forty Boeing 747 airplanes can fit comfortably. The world’s biggest cave passage – Deer Cave – is here, which can hold five cathedrals the size of Saint Paul’s in London. Add to these the Clear Water Cave, the longest cave in Southeast Asia. Millions of bats and swiftlets swarm here, and it is awesome to watch them stream out into the jungle at dusk.

Mulu has some of the best examples of tropical limestone weathering in the world, including a collection of 45 metre high limestone needles called The Pinnacles, clinging to the mountainside. For adventurers, there are challenging, exciting multi-day hikes for which it is recommended you take a guide and porter.

To get there, take the express boat from Kuala Baram 3 hours) to Marudi, from where you can take a commercial express boat to Kuala Apoh or Long Panai on the Tutoh River. The express departs Marudi at noon daily and returns in the early morning of the next day. Malaysia Airlines Maswings) operates 2 30-minute daily flights from Miri into Mulu.

Batu Punggul, Sabah: Batu Punggul is a geological wonder, for limestone massifs such as these are usually found only in coastal areas. Located on the banks of the Sungai Sepulot Sepulot River), it offers you a panoramic top view of the jungle, and extraordinary cave experiences below. Walk around the caves to appreciate their remarkable stalactites and stalagmites, while bats do the rounds above. In the vicinity, you’ll find the Rafflesia – the world's largest flower – as well as a multi-coloured bouquet of wild orchids.

As the journey to Batu Punggul may take the whole day, you may have to spend the night there. A rustic resort nearby offers you a choice of accommodation – a Murut longhouse, native huts called sulap), a hostel or guesthouses, all complete with modern facilities. At night, you can enjoy the mesmerising music of the 'jungle symphony'. To get there, drive up to Sepulot or Kampung Labang from Kota Kinabalu or Keningau and proceed to Batu Punggul by motorboat, a journey of 2-3 hours up the Sepulot River.

Madai Caves, Sabah: On two special occasions during the year, the village just outside these caves comes alive for a gala celebration. This is when the local Idahan tribe gathers to harvest birds’ nests and the air is filled with danger as the men risk their lives to pry the nests from the cave roofs. After all, these nests are a rare gourmet delicacy, a medicine for the Chinese, and a huge export industry. The white nests are the most valuable and can fetch RM 2,000 or more per kg. The Idahans hire harvesters nowadays, to carry on a tradition that has been kept alive for over 20 generations.

To get to the caves, take the turn-off 69 km from Lahad Datu and watch for the signpost that says 'Gua Madai'. From the turn-off, it is 3 km to the caves. All buses between Lahad Datu and Semporna or Tawau pass the turn-off, from where you can get a minivan to the caves, but you’ll have to walk right to the highway for a ride back.

Gua Kelam Kelam Cave): It’s called the Cave of Darkness, and was once the home of Stone Age men. Here, you can go on an enthralling 370-metre 'cave walk', where you enter from one end and come out at a different location. Situated near the small town of Kaki Bukit, the cave was once used to transport tin ore from the mine inside. Nowadays, you can go through a brightly-lit walkway to see the remnants of the tin mine operations. Keep your ears open to enjoy the sounds – the whispering dark stream, squeaking bats and water dripping from the stalactites.

To reach Gua Kelam, take a bus at Kangar's main bus station to Kaki Bukit, from where it is a 10-minute walk. Or, on the North-South PLUS) Highway, take the exit via Changlun and then the Changlun-Kuala Perlis highway to Kangar. From Kangar, head towards Padang Besar and follow the signboard to Kaki Bukit or Wang Kelian.

Sam Poh Tong Temple, Perak: Sam Poh Tong is considered to be the biggest cave temple in Malaysia and its beautifully carved statues of Buddha, interspersed among the stalactites and stalagmites, are sure to amaze you. The cave was discovered in 1890 by a Chinese monk who made it his home and a place for meditation. He stayed there for 20 years until his death and today, nuns and monks who dedicate their lives to Buddha still occupy the Sam Poh Tong.

It’s a stiff climb up 246 steps to a cave from where you get a magnificent view of Ipoh. Enjoy the peace of the picturesque Japanese pond full of Japanese carp and tortoises – the symbols of longevity. The temple gets into a celebratory mood during Buddhist festivals like Wesak Day. Located in Gunung Rapat, this temple is about 5 km south of Ipoh.

Festivals of Malaysia :

Malaysia is a country of multi-ethnic society practising multi-culturalism and multi-religion. Each ethnic group practises its own religion and belief which means various festivals are celebrated throughout the year. These festivals are usually celebrated either nationwide or at state level. "Open house" concept is practised almost all the festivals, which means inviting relatives and friends to partake in the food and festivity occasion. Some of these festivals are public holidays.

Malaysia - Land of Festivals!

Anyone visiting Malaysia for the first time would not cease to be amazed by the number of festivals and events that are happening the whole year around. Malaysia, with its mix of ethnic races which include Malays, descendants of the Bugis and Javanese, ChinesMajor festivels of Malaysia include Hari Raya Aidilfitri

After a month of fasting during the month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the first day of Syawal which is the tenth month of the Muslim calendar with joyous enthusiasm. This is a major festival for Muslims and they usher in the day with prayers in mosques and remembering their departed loved ones. It is also the time for family reunion when members of the family from different parts of the country get together. The festival mood is with joyous enthusiasm. Special festival dishes are served for festivals and friends during "open house". The festival mood is reflected is brightly decorated homes, government and commercial buildings. Homes are also lit with all lamps at the entrance in keeping with a long established tradition.