Exploring Truly Asia MALAYSIA
One of the most sought-after family destinations by the GCC, Malaysia with its slogan “Truly Asia” brings in the best of the continent. Malaysia has something to offer every traveller who embarks on the destination. We look at five of the most interesting
Penang
Penang is a delightful fusion of nature, culture and history. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang leaves an indelible mark on each visitor. There’s something about Penang’s pockets of sea, hills, jungle and outdoor adventures that leaves you wanting more. At 830 m above sea level and a short distance away from George Town, Penang Hill attracts visitors looking for a getaway from the bustling city. With its pleasantly cool climate and fantastic views, it’s a great spot for hikers. While the heritage city of George Town is famed for its unique blend of old and new, Teluk Bahang and Balik Pulau offer eco-friendly experiences for visitors to explore. Cycle through the countryside of Balik Pulau and reward yourself with stunning sights of traditional kampung houses, plantations, fishing villages, paddy fields and remote beaches.
Langkawi
Langkawi is both the name of the main island and its surrounding archipelago of 99 islands located in the Andaman Sea. Part of the Malaysian state of Kedah, Langkawi has long been one of South East Asia’s best-kept secrets as a tropical ecoadventure destination. Today more and more nature lovers and ecoenthusiasts are discovering its many charms and enchantments.
The island is also famous for its intriguing heritage of myths and legends, which also figure prominently in many of its physical features. Culture and tradition also play an important part in this ‘Isle of Legends’, long considered a ‘living museum’, adding a deeper, human dimension to its natural beauty. Langkawi has tropical weather and is warm all year round. The dry season between January to March has virtually no rain. The wettest months are October and November when storms are frequent, but it rains only for a few hours in the late afternoons to the nights. All other months have typical tropical weather where you can expect short bursts of rainfall. It has miles of idyllic beaches, from secluded coves and crescents to long languorous stretches, from deserted white sand beaches only accessible by speed boats and with public conveniences and amenities such as food stalls and beachfront restaurants.
Melaka
Strategically located along the Straits of Melaka, Melaka was the epicentre of an important trading empire over 700 years old, which attracted thousands of traders from all over the world. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been there countless times, Melaka will make you fall in love all over again with its unique blend of ancient buildings and modern living alongside breathtaking sights. From its historical heritage sites, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 to its cultural richness, Melaka has definitely a lot to offer to tourists. Although Melaka is a small state, it still has a range of nature adventures to offer. Choose from rainforest recreation parks to beautiful beaches that have some of the scenic sunsets facing the Straits of Melaka. Bukit Batu Lebah, Tanjung Tuan, Bukit Gapis and Bukit Sedanan are ideal places for those who love adrenaline pumping activities and want to escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy city. Even if you only have enough time for a day’s trip or your entire family holiday at Melaka, you will not regret it. Melaka is an ideal family holiday destination and also a home to the best outdoor activities.
Sabah
Situated on the northern part of Borneo, Sabah is a destination filled with exoticness, diversity, unique cultures, beaches and food for the adventurous taste buds. It is the complete destination for business and leisure, for everyone from families, FITs to honeymooners. Sabah is gifted with a long coastline with stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise crystal clear water and hundreds of islands. These islands are wellknown for scuba diving, water sports, snorkelling or just for relaxing. You will soon realise that much of
your holiday here will be spent on water. Diving is big in Sabah, where the jewel Sipadan Island, being one of the top-rated dive spots in the world is located. At nearby islands to Sipadan such as Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking and Pom Pom, large marine life and tiny sea creatures and colourful corals and reef are guaranteed sightings. At the islands, high to medium range resort facilities await. Sabah takes pride in the mystical Mount Kinabalu, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Mount Kinabalu is one of the youngest mountains in the world (between 7-8 million years) and this granite mountain still grows.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a popular activity here. Adventure seekers can opt for the via ferrata (or iron road) at Mount Kinabalu. The via ferrata here is the world’s highest at 3776 m.
Selangor
The State of Selangor is a land filled with cultures and traditions, making it multi-racial and multi-lingual, historical and home to a gastro-tourism site. Selangor offers a wide selection of activities ranging from sports, arts & cultural events. Adventure awaits in the tropical lush forests of Selangor and be ready to unwind in a walk through heritage to experience the local culture while indulging in sumptuous meals prepared by only the best. Be captivated by the wondering lights of the firefly in Kuala Selangor and step it up at Batu Caves, the limestone cave temple climbing up to 272 steps, making way for a great cardio while on tour. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong occupies an area of 600 hectares and is surrounded by the Lagong Hill Forest Reserve. One of its latest attractions is the Sky Walk. Kanching Eco Forest Park is a must-visit eco-tourism destination in Selangor. This eco forest park has seven layers of 208-metre high beautiful waterfalls and a challenging hiking trail with different levels of difficulties. You also can explore the city of Kuala Kubu Bharu and witness the beautiful natural scenery from the skies by participating in paragliding activity at Batu Pahat Hill, Hulu Selangor with approximate heights of 400 feet in the air. White water rafting at Kuala Kubu Bharu is also a lot of fun for those who want to try out the rugged water activity at the river which is
8 km long.
Home to a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang leaves an indelible mark on each visitor. There’s something about Penang’s pockets of sea, hills, jungle and outdoor adventures that leaves you wanting more