SEE & DO

PLACES TO VISIT

1. PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

The world’s tallest twin towers soaring 88-storey and 451.9 metres high is located right here in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Truly Malaysia’s crown jewel, the Petronas Twin Towers is majestic by day and dazzling by night. Inspired by Tun Mahathir Mohamad's vision for Malaysia to be a global player and designed by master architect Cesar Pelli, the international icon encapsulates the nation's ambitions and aspirations.

Begin your tour with interactive displays here that showcase its journey, from idea to completion. The Skybridge which connects the two towers is the world's highest bridge. Level 86, accessible by the public offers breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur. Wrap up your visit by loading up on exquisite souvenirs at the gift shop.

For more information, visit www.petronastwintowers.com.my/

2. SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE

Known as the 'Living Museum', the Sarawak Cultural Village was set up to preserve and showcase Sarawak's cultural heritage. Located at Pantai Damai, Santubong, just 32 km from the state capital, Kuching, it is the perfect place to get introduced to local culture and lifestyle. Sprawled across 17 acres, there are about 150 people living in the village, demonstrating traditional daily activities from Sarawak's diverse tribes like the processing of sago to the making of handicrafts.Replicas of buildings that represent every major ethnic group in Sarawak from the longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu to a Melanau tall-house and a Chinese farm houseare on display here. The village also has a theatre for multicultural dance performances, a restaurant and a handicraft shop. One can even get married at the Sarawak Cultural Village garbed in traditional Iban, Malay, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu costumes. The Iban longhouse with its long communal hall is often used for leisurely activities like wood carving and basket weaving. Guests are invited to attend nightly ceremonies and partake a potent rice wine, "tuak". Comfortable guesthouses are available for visitors.

For more information, visit http://www.scv.com.my/

3. LANGKAWI ISLAND

Langkawi is known as a legendary island. It is a cluster of 99 islands located off the coast of Kedah and offers the best of many worlds: beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.

Langkawi has a lingering legend woven into its history. Ask anyone on the island about the tragic story of a beautiful young maiden named Mahsuri, and you'll hear a tale of love, jealousy and a curse that was placed upon the island by her for seven generations.

Today, the seventh generation of Langkawi's inhabitants has long come and gone, but people here still believe that the prosperity and blessings the islands enjoy today and the passing of the curse is no mere coincidence. The mysticism of this legend can be felt in many parts of this island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum), where Mahsuri is said to be buried.

Other popular destinations include the Field of Burnt Rice, Hot Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat tours are organised to Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave).

For a more intimate time with nature, go trekking through the pristine rainforest that covers most of Langkawi, hop on a boat tour of the mangroves. Go for a dive, or play a round of golf at one of the many 5-star resorts. Langkawi's Underwater World is also a must-visit.

For more information, visit http://www.langkawigeopark.com.my/v2/

4. A' FAMOSA

A’ Famosa, or "The Famous" in Portuguese, is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. Once part of a mighty fortress, this tiny gate (called the Porta de Santiago) is all that is left of the fortress. In 1511 a Portuguese fleet arrived under the command of Alfonso de Albequerque. His forces attacked and successfully defeated the armies of the native Sultanate and quickly built a fortress around a natural hill near the sea. Albequerque believed that Melaka would become an important port linking Portugal to the spice trade from China. At his time other Portuguese were establishing outposts in such places as Macau, China and Goa, India in order to create a string of friendly ports for ships heading to China and returning home to Portugal. The Portuguese colonised Melaka from 1511 to 1641. As Melaka was the centre of struggles between super powers of the time, it suffered constant threat of attack. Hence, the A'Famosa fort was critical for Portugal to maintain its colonial foothold in the Far East.

Within the fort walls were housing and food stores, a castle, a meeting room for the Portuguese Council and five churches. A seven-month attack by the Dutch just about destroyed the entire fortress, leaving only the entrance façade and the structure of a church at the top of the hill.

Go for a stroll up St. Paul's Hill on a cool late afternoon and wander among the majestic trees and historical remnants. Here, you can almost imagine the glories and miseries of the besieged lives the Portuguese would have led right here all those years ago.

5. CENTRAL MARKET, CHINATOWN AND LITTLE INDIA, KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur’s cultural enclaves are some of the city’s most popular tourist hotspots. Central Market, a prominent heritage landmark with its 1930s Art Deco style, is a great place to find local arts and crafts. Just down the road, Chinatown is a bustling cultural and shopping spot, with a number of heritage buildings, clan houses and temples. Meanwhile, the lively Little India in Brickfields offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Indian community, from its colourful clothing to fiery curries.

Phone: +603-2031 0399 / 5399 / 7399 (Central Market)

Fax: +603-2032 2399

Click on the link below for more information

http://www.centralmarket.com.my/  

6. GEORGE TOWN, PENANG

Awarded the prestigious title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the lively capital of Penang has over 200 years of history and cultural heritage under its belt. Well-preserved colonial buildings and historical architecture draw in the art buffs, while traditional trades, handed down from generation to generation, ensure that age-old culture remains intact. George Town is also renowned for its mouth-watering food, attracting steady streams of foodies from around the world to its warm shores.

Phone: +604-650 5136
Fax: +604-261 8744   
Click on the link below for more information:
http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/portal3/

7. BATU CAVES

Batu Caves is a must-visit place for culture-seekers and visitors that appreciate the colourful cultures of the Indian community in Malaysia. Today, Batu Caves is an iconic tourist landmark in Selangor. Every year especially during Thaipusam festival, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists.

It has three main caves with temples and Hindu shrines. Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance. A steep 272 steps climb up its steps to finally view the up the main cave offers a stunning view of Kuala Lumpur's skyline. Monkeys roam freely  around the caves. Paintings and scenes of Hindu deities are vividly displayed.

 ACTIVITIES

1. JUNGLE TREKKING

Trek through dense forests, hills or parks. Explore the world’s oldest rainforests and verdant hills. Don’t forget to bring along your camera as you discover some of the world’s rarest flowers, plants and wildlife, from the world’s biggest flower Rafflesia, biggest butterfly, Brooke Bird wing, rare pitcher plants to the kapur trees with crown leaves that will not overlap one another and many more.

With spectacular vistas, undulating terrains, primeval rainforests and national parks, Malaysia offers unlimited opportunities for a trekker to unlock the treasure trove of nature. Whether you are a seasoned or novice trekker, you will find Malaysia has a lot to offer through its jungle trails. While the outgoing and adventurous trekker may try to trek along difficult terrains, the casual trekker may just prefer to trek in forest reserves or parks. From the freshwater swamp forests of the Kinabatangan floodplain where Proboscis monkeys squat in treetops munching leaves, to the undisturbed dipterocarp rainforests of Taman Negara, one of Asia's finest conservation areas, trekking in Malaysia is a rich and rewarding experience. Camps are available in some places like national parks for those who would like to stay overnight after a tiring trekking.

Recommended Places to Visit:

• Taman Negara
• Mulu National Park
• Kinabalu National Park
• Endau Rompin National Park
• Danum Valley
• Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

2. DIVING

Change your office suits and put on your dive suits. Get ready for a diving spectacular in Malaysia, known for having some of the world’s finest dive sites, including Sipadan Island, ranked No. 5 in the world by Lonely Planet.

Whether it is muck, macro or wreck diving, diving in Malaysia is one of the most thrilling adventures of all. For muck and macro diving, Mabul Island with its extensive colourful nudibranches, frog fishes, leaf fishes and pygmy seahorses makes it a prime dive site. Perhaps the closest thing to Titanic in Malaysia is wreck diving in Labuan, Aur Island, Mantanani Island, Layang-Layang Island and Lankayan Island where ancient ship wrecks provide great interest to explore the sites.

From school of hammerhead sharks, barracudas, leatherback turtles, to the bizarre frogfish and ghost pipefish, there is always something fascinating awaits your discovery when you dive in the incredible marine parks and islands. So dive and explore the treasures of the sea.

Recommended Places to Visit

• Sipadan Island
• Mabul Island
• Layang-Layang Island
• Langkawi Island
• Tioman Island
• Pangkor Island
• PulauPayar Marine Park, Langkawi
• Redang Island
• Kapas Island
• Lang Tengah Island
• Perhentian Island
• Aur Island
• Sibu Island
• Rawa Island

3. HERITAGE TRAIL

Taking a heritage trail is one of the best ways to see and experience the rich heritage of Malaysia. Whether you are a backpacker or join a pre-arranged tour, you will find heritage trails exciting as it takes you to the old world charms and unique sites only found in Malaysia.

Just get yourself a map or GPS and all basic necessities that enable you to walk long hours. George Town, Melaka and Lenggong Valley are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Therefore, a heritage trail at these sites is truly awe-inspiring. George Town Heritage Trail will enable you to see historical landmarks, old places of worships, pre-colonial shophouses and Moorish-style colonial buildings and the latest popular attraction, wall murals which feature lifestyle of Penangites. Melaka Heritage Trail will take you to Portuguese, Dutch and British historical landmarks as well as the Straits Chinese houses. The Lenggong Valley Heritage Trail will allow you to get an insight into this “archeologists’s dream valley” and the Perak Man, Southeast Asia’s oldest complete human skeletal remains.Other city heritage trails like Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trails, Ipoh Heritage Trail, Klang Heritage Trail, Royal Heritage Trail in AlorSetar, and Sandakan Heritage Trail. Apart from walking, you can actually “rent a bicycle” and enjoy a healthy ride and imposing city landmarks along the way.

Recommended Places to Visit:

• George Town
• Melaka
• Lenggong Valley
• Kuala Lumpur
• Ipoh

4. LUXURY SHOPPING

Walk tall with a Jimmy Choo stiletto. Flaunt your new Prada bag. Express your love with a Tiffany’s necklace. Well, loosen up your purse or wallet a little. Go for luxury shopping in Malaysia, ranked as the 4^th world’s top shopping destination by CNN Travel 2012 and the 2^nd best shopping city in Asia Pacific by The Global Shoppe Index 2012.

Luxury shopping in Malaysia is a voyage of never ending discovery and an exciting experience for tourists.

From designerwear, footwear, bag to jewellery and other fashion accessories, Malaysia is home to some of the world’s most celebrated brands. Among them are Jimmy Choo, Bernard Chandran, ZangToi, Padini, Bonia, Carlo Rino, British India and Farah Khan. Other renowned international brands like House of Dior, Hermes, Guess, DKNY, Louis Vuitton, Armani Exchange, Burberry and Tiffany’s can be found in Malaysia’s luxury shopping malls.

Shopping for tax-free luxury items is made easier at designated duty-free shopping areas like Langkawi island, airport, ports and border towns.The best time to go luxury shoppingis of course during sales. Malaysia has three big sales annually: 1Malaysia GP Sale, 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival and 1Malaysia Year End Sale. All in all, luxury shopping is a must when you are in Malaysia.

Recommended Places to Visit:

• Golden Triangle – BBKLCC (Bukit Bintang& KLCC)
• Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

5. STREET FOOD TESTING

Sample Penang Assam Laksa, NasiKandar, Satay, Roti Canai, Char KoayTeow, HokkienMee, Rojak and many more. Rest assured you will ask for more.

After all, Malaysian street food has proven to be one of the best in the world with George Town earning high world rankings -  3^rd in 2021 by Virtual Tourist, 12^th in New York Times’ Frugal and Food Category in 2009, 7^th (Penang Assam Laksa) in CNN’s World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods in 2011 and ranked among CNN Go’s Asia’s 10 Greatest Street Food Cities in 2012

It is often mentioned that to explore Malaysia is through its food. The culinary adventure will give tourists a deep insight into the lifestyles, cultures and traditions of Malaysians.Malaysia is truly a food paradise, offering a multi-flavour of street food which started long ago, evolved over the centuries, and varies from race to race and state to state. Malaysia’s past as a British trading depot brought together a rich mix of cultures, allowing Indian, Malay, Chinese, Thai, and Arab communities to assimilate, and the result is a unique array of street foods which is undisputedly Malaysian such as Assam Laksa and Rojak. Street foods can be found anywhere, in street stalls, restaurants, cafes, food courts and even in five-star restaurants in hotels.  Enjoy eating!

Recommended Places to Visit:

• George Town
• Jonker Walk
• Petaling Street (Chinatown) Kuala Lumpur
• PekanRabu, Kedah