If countries
were awarded for diversity, Malaysia would top first place. Not only is
Malaysia a melting pot of ethnic cultures, but it is also a blend of many
different customs, cuisines and religions all coexisting peacefully together.
From large island groups to mountains, fertile highlands and tropical
rainforest, the country’s geography is every bit as diverse. What’s more,
Malaysia is a unique country in that is divided into two main landmasses. West
Malaysia occupies the southern half of a peninsula shared with Thailand, while
across the South China Sea is East Malaysia, situated on the Borneo island.
This overview of the best places to visit in Malaysia concentrates on its
cultural, historic and natural attractions.
10
Best Places to Visit in Malaysia
10. Kota
Bharu
Often used
as a stopover by many travelers visiting the beautiful Perhentian Islands, Kota
Bharu offers its own unique charm, attractions, shopping and cuisine. Located in
Peninsular Malaysia near the Thailand border, Kota Bharu is the capital of the
Kelantan State, a city easy to get around in by foot, bus and taxi.
9. Melaka
Commanding
an important position on the busy sea route between India and China on West
Malaysia’s southwestern coast, Melaka was ruled and battled over for centuries
between Indian, Portuguese, British and Dutch governments. As a result, this
modern day Malaysian city is now one of the best places to visit in Malaysia
packed with architecture, culture, traditions and cuisine all reflecting its
rich heritage.
8. Cameron
Highlands
Providing a
cool escape from the heat of the lowlands, the Cameron Highlands in the
Titiwangsa Mountains are one of Malaysia’s oldest tourist destinations.
Developed with an English garden charm, this beautiful tableland offers lush
scenery, colorful flower farms, tea plantations, forests, lakes, wildlife and
outdoor recreation.
7. Kota
Kinabalu
The capital
of the Sabah State in Malaysian Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is a fast-growing tourist
destination due to its close proximity to tropical islands, rainforests, wildlife
refuges, national parks and Malaysia’s tallest peak, Mount Kinabalu.
6. Kuching
The largest
city on Borneo Island, Kuching is a popular base for exploring Borneo’s
rainforest and the state of Sarawak. However, Kuching offers plenty for
tourists to see and do during their stay, from sightseeing historic landmarks
to bustling markets and outdoor recreation.
5. Penang
Located in
the Strait of Malacca off West Malaysia’s northwestern coast, Penang Island is
a popular tourist destination due to its historic George Town and rich culinary
diversity. Its position along one of the world’s most traveled shipping routes
has infused Penang with a colorful array of cultures, architecture and cuisine.
4. Kuala
Lumpur
Less than
200 year ago, Kuala Lumpur was just a quiet tin-mining town in West Malaysia.
Today, this same sleepy village has flourished into the country’s federal
capital and largest metropolis. Commonly called KL by locals, this vibrant city
is a cultural melting pot, noted for its impressive skyscrapers and buzzing
scenes of shopping, dining and nightlife.
3. Taman
Negara
Encompassing
three states across the northern part of West Malaysia, Taman Negara is reputed
to be the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. A popular ecotourism and
adventure destination, this national park is teeming in in wildlife from rare
plants to exotic birds and scarce animals like the Malayan Tiger, Asian
elephant and Sumatran Rhinoceros.
2. Langkawi
Located off
Malaysia’s northwestern coast in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is an archipelago of
99 islands boasting picturesque beaches, rainforest, mangroves and forest-clad
mountains. In recent years, resorts, hotels, restaurants and other tourist
facilities have developed in Langkawi, offering visitors the opportunity to
experience the archipelago’s exceptional natural beauty.
1. Gunung
Mulu National Park
Famous for
its extraordinary limestone karst formations and phenomenal cave systems, the
Gunung Mulu National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions
in all of Southeast Asia. Located in Malaysian Borneo in the Sarawak State,
this national park features some of the largest and longest cave systems in the
world. Included in these is the world’s largest cave chamber, the Sarawak
Chamber, which is estimated large enough to hold 40 Boeing 747 aircraft.
0 comments :
Post a Comment