The Star Malaysia - Star2

Exciting local destinatio­ns

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HOLIDAY Tours has specially selected and collaborat­ed with selected hotel and resort partners to offer a range of exciting East and West Malaysia domestic holiday breaks. What better time to explore our very own shores as 2014 is the year when Malaysia plays host to foreign holidaymak­ers. Here are some top picks:

– Located on the privately owned island of Pangkor Laut, 1.6km off mainland Perak, it is truly a tropical isle with rocky outcrops and white sandy beaches fringed by beautiful rain forests that thrive in our tropical climate. Living up to the One Island One Resort tagline, 300 acres (121ha) of nature embraces the nature lover in you.

– Situated on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia between Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan, the resort sits on a 42-acre (16ha) site facing the South China Sea. Tanjong Jara Resort is a sanctuary of luxury steeped in age-old Malay traditions and is designed to reflect the elegance and grandeur of 17th Century Malay palaces.

Pangkor Laut Resort

Tanjong Jara Resort

The Banjaran Hotspring Retreat

– Nestled in a 16-acre (6.5ha) valley, cradled by 280 million-year-old towering Paleozoic limestone hills, verdant rainforest, rejuvenati­ng geothermal hot springs, natural caves and cascading waterfalls, this sanctuary of bespoke holistic wellness is only 15 minutes from Ipoh. The retreat offers 25 garden and water villas, a pampering spa and wellness centre and a host of retreat experience­s combined for ultimate seclusion and bliss.

– On the north western shore of West Malaysia lies a cluster of 99 islands with a legend woven into her history. The island boasts beautiful countrysid­e, endless landscapes of paddy fields and jungle-clad mountains that are fringed by lovely beaches

Langkawi

scattered along her coast.

– Part of a group of islands 20km off mainland Terengganu wellknown as a marine paradise. The island forms part of the National Marine Park of Malaysia. This lush and exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkellin­g, deep sea fishing, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing.

Perhentian Island

Redang Island

– Located 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, this is the largest of a group of nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous sites for diving enthusiast­s. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life.

– Off the coast of Terengganu is one of the nation’s best-kept secrets. Its arresting beauty is bound to captivate; crystal clear sea-water, pristine beaches and untouched tropical jungle.

– 36 nautical miles off Malaysia’s east coast is one of the region’s most enchanting holiday spots. Scenic and tranquil, Tioman Island boasts miles and miles of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, charming villages and friendly people. Its crystal clear waters teem with spectacula­r marine life and colourful coral gardens. The twin peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut provide a prominent landmark to this island, reputed to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic in the world.

– East Malaysia is blessed with long stretches of sandy beaches, paradise islands, virgin coral reefs, tropical rain forests and the mighty Mount Kinabalu. The location of the city is absolutely amazing and is just a short ride away from most hotels. You’ll find a world-class sailing marina, championsh­ip golf courses and a delightful range of local native hand crafted items at handicraft stores.

Pulau Lang Tengah

Pulau Tioman

Kota Kinabalu

Cameron Highlands, Pahang

– At 1,500m above sea level, this is Malaysia’s largest highland resort. Comprising the three main townships of Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang, tourists are spoilt for choice as they can enjoy walks through lovely little villages, visits to the butterfly, strawberry, honey bee farms and the sprawling tea plantation­s.

Enjoy meals and quiet moments at the delightful Tudor-styled country inns. These pleasurabl­e and relaxing activities are a cool getaway from the heat of the lowlands. Indulge in bird-watching and trekking activities that are popular with visitors to the area.

– Surrounded by rolling hills and lush countrysid­e, this is Malacca’s foremost leisure and holiday destinatio­n. A short distance from the historical town of Malacca is an internatio­nal championsh­ip golf course, designed by renowned Australia golf course architect Ross C. Watson. Also within the vicinity is a Water World Theme Park, Animal World Safari, Cowboy Town and a range of hotels and villas.

– A popular beach

A Famosa Resort

Kuantan / Cherating

resort area in Pahang on Peninsular Malaysia’s East Coast. Kuantan is the state capital of Pahang while Cherating village is a typical easy going, quiet East Coast fishing village.

The village, just off the main East Coast trunk road between Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu is dotted with guesthouse­s and small hotels (called chalets). Asia’s first Club Med is also located here. The place is laid-back and the beaches are wide and welcoming.

– A fascinatin­g fusion of the East and West. Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. These are reflected in its harmonious multiracia­l populace and well-preserved heritage buildings which led to George Town being accorded the Unesco World Cultural Heritage Site recently. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also entices foodies.

– The state capital of Sarawak is an incredible city with grace and subtlety of its own. A capital for cat lovers, the world’s first cat museum can be found here.

If you want to get a better understand­ing of its various cultural practices and multiethni­c groups in Kuching, visit the temples and mosques around the city. A famous site not to be missed is the Tua Pek Kong Temple. Kuching also offers a surprising number of tourist attraction­s and activities that bring you a step closer to nature.

Penang

Kuching

Visit Holiday Tours at Booths No.3032-3035 (Hall 3) or contact 03-6286 6286 for your domestic getaway today.

 ??  ?? The Banjaran Hotspring Retreat in Perak offers 25 gorgeous garden and water villas, a pampering spa and wellness centre and a host of retreat experience­s.
The Banjaran Hotspring Retreat in Perak offers 25 gorgeous garden and water villas, a pampering spa and wellness centre and a host of retreat experience­s.
 ??  ?? Visit the Kek Lok Si in Penang.
Visit the Kek Lok Si in Penang.

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