Malaysia: A Truly Asian Destination | Manila Bulletin
Malaysia has many things to offer from the country’s sumptuous delicacies, to natural treasures and its man-made architectural wonders. It boasts of multiculturalism – with the harmonious blend of Malays, Indians, and Chinese among many others – making it not only a favorite gastronomic destination but a hub of many colourful festivals as well. In just a couple of hours’ flight from Manila, Malaysia will sweep visitors off their feet with a diversity of cultures, giving them an experience that is truly Asia.
This year, Tourism Malaysia shines the limelight on enchanting reasons why Malaysia is the top-pick Southeast Asian country.
At its heart lies Asia’s green capital, Kuala Lumpur, where visitors will experience a delightful mix of both old and new. The city’s skyline is outlined by modern and sophisticated skyscrapers, surrounded by structures with traces of pre-war heritage. Among its attractions include the Central Market for Malaysian arts and handicrafts, its world class rooftop bars that provide a stunning view of the world’s tallest twin towers – the Petronas Twin Towers, and the KL Tower with a viewing deck that has a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city’s layout. Thrill seekers should definitely go up to Genting Highlands and take on exciting rides such as the Flying Coaster and skydiving simulator - the Sky Venture. In less than four hours’ flight from Manila, Kuala Lumpur exudes an exquisite energy brought about by an amazing blend of color, taste, fashion, and the arts.
Selangor surrounds capital city Kuala Lumpur and is considered the main gateway for many visitors to the country. Rich in culture and religion, Selangor is where one will find famous spiritual landmarks such as the magnificent Batu Caves and the country’s most astonishing structure, the Blue Mosque. While Selangor is ideal for the family, with world-class golf clubs for Dad, shopping at Sunway Pyramid for Mom, and Sunway Lagoon for the kids, it is also very popular among sports enthusiasts because of the Formula One Race and the Motorcycle Grand Prix, both annual sporting events held at the Sepang International Circuit.
Putrajaya, a short twenty-minute drive away from Kuala Lumpur, is the futuristic administrative capital of Malaysia. It is hailed as an intelligent garden city with its wide open spaces, strewn across with a beautiful landscape of lakes and parks. Visitors should take a romantic cruise along Lake Tasik and visit man-made Taman Wetland, as well as Taman Bolani, to experience the richness of the environment. Aside from these outdoor activities, tourists should see the remarkable architecture including the focal point of Putrajaya - Putra Square, uniquely designed bridges and buildings, as well as the pink-domed Putra Mosque.
Unlike Putrajaya, Kedah is primarily agricultural, filling the countryside with pleasant rural landscape. It is also known as the “rice bowl state” of Malaysia, and wonderfully colors its atmosphere depending on the seasons of paddy. Visitors should explore the Bujang Valley, famous for being the richest archaeological site in Malaysia, experience exhilarating water sports along Sedim River, and dine at the famous Alor Setar Tower. Also part of this modest countryside is the fascinating Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands that offers beautiful beaches, world-class resorts, irresistible duty-free shopping and captivating tales – indeed perfect for a romantic getaway. Tourists should visit the Pulau Payar Marine Park or take a relaxing cruise to the Dayang Bunting and Beras Basah Islands. Aside from pristine beaches, Langkawi is also the home of one of the largest mangrove forests in Southeast Asia and gives you a spectacular view of the whole island via the Langkawi Cable Car – all these in just an hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur.
Also an hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur is Penang, well known for its lovely beaches, colourful history, and rich culture. Among its attractions are the heritage trails within Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage City, and Penang Hill, which offers a magnificent view of the island. Considered the food capital of Malaysia, visitors should not leave Penang, without trying its famous street food such as asam laksa, hokkien mee, nasi kandar, fried oyster and chee cheong fun. Tourists can even learn how to cook authentic Malaysian dishes at Penang’s Tropical Spice Gardens.
Moving down South, Johor is the southern access to Malaysia, characterized by its splendid array of outdoor experience. Johor appeals to nature lovers with several internationally-acclaimed forests and miles of golden sandy beaches with clear waters which are excellent for diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing. Visitors should visit the popular recreational park Danga Bay or shop at Zon Johor Bahru, the only duty free zone in Southern Malaysia, and complete the Johor experience with a taste of delectable dishes such as laksa johor, mee rebus, otak otak, rail coffee and wantan noodles.
Malacca, on the other hand, is a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and is known for its historical landmarks. Visitors can wander and discover as they journey down the city’s narrow streets to see the Stadthuys and the St. Paul’s Church, stroll along Jonker Street for antique finds and take on the river cruise that follows the Melaka River through other historic parts of the town.
To the east is Sabah, mountainous and carpeted by luscious tropical rainforests, and famous for one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu. Sabah is a favorite among adventure lovers with Kota Kinabalu as its capital, because it offers mountain climbing, white water rafting, caving, diving, and river cruising. In just two-hours’ flight from Manila, first-time visitors should not miss island-hopping at the five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the invigorating white water rafting adventure at Klias River or Padas River.
Finally, Labuan is just a 30-minute plane ride from Kota Kinabalu and is an international offshore business and financial center located off the west coast of Sabah. This duty-free island hosts the annual Labuan International Sea Challenge, exhilarating for both sports enthusiasts and spectators, and happens to be a haven for wreck-diving and deep-sea fishing as well.
Experience Malaysia and don’t miss out on special packages and freebies as Tourism Malaysia holds the “Tara na sa Malaysia!” Travel Fair at the Main Atrium of SM Mall of Asia on October 1-3, 2010. Be sure to catch all the exciting offers and promos that you won’t find anywhere else! What are you waiting for? Tara na sa Malaysia!
For more information about Malaysia, visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my and connect with us on Facebook by joining the “Tara na sa Malaysia!” Facebook group.
This year, Tourism Malaysia shines the limelight on enchanting reasons why Malaysia is the top-pick Southeast Asian country.
At its heart lies Asia’s green capital, Kuala Lumpur, where visitors will experience a delightful mix of both old and new. The city’s skyline is outlined by modern and sophisticated skyscrapers, surrounded by structures with traces of pre-war heritage. Among its attractions include the Central Market for Malaysian arts and handicrafts, its world class rooftop bars that provide a stunning view of the world’s tallest twin towers – the Petronas Twin Towers, and the KL Tower with a viewing deck that has a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city’s layout. Thrill seekers should definitely go up to Genting Highlands and take on exciting rides such as the Flying Coaster and skydiving simulator - the Sky Venture. In less than four hours’ flight from Manila, Kuala Lumpur exudes an exquisite energy brought about by an amazing blend of color, taste, fashion, and the arts.
Selangor surrounds capital city Kuala Lumpur and is considered the main gateway for many visitors to the country. Rich in culture and religion, Selangor is where one will find famous spiritual landmarks such as the magnificent Batu Caves and the country’s most astonishing structure, the Blue Mosque. While Selangor is ideal for the family, with world-class golf clubs for Dad, shopping at Sunway Pyramid for Mom, and Sunway Lagoon for the kids, it is also very popular among sports enthusiasts because of the Formula One Race and the Motorcycle Grand Prix, both annual sporting events held at the Sepang International Circuit.
Putrajaya, a short twenty-minute drive away from Kuala Lumpur, is the futuristic administrative capital of Malaysia. It is hailed as an intelligent garden city with its wide open spaces, strewn across with a beautiful landscape of lakes and parks. Visitors should take a romantic cruise along Lake Tasik and visit man-made Taman Wetland, as well as Taman Bolani, to experience the richness of the environment. Aside from these outdoor activities, tourists should see the remarkable architecture including the focal point of Putrajaya - Putra Square, uniquely designed bridges and buildings, as well as the pink-domed Putra Mosque.
Unlike Putrajaya, Kedah is primarily agricultural, filling the countryside with pleasant rural landscape. It is also known as the “rice bowl state” of Malaysia, and wonderfully colors its atmosphere depending on the seasons of paddy. Visitors should explore the Bujang Valley, famous for being the richest archaeological site in Malaysia, experience exhilarating water sports along Sedim River, and dine at the famous Alor Setar Tower. Also part of this modest countryside is the fascinating Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands that offers beautiful beaches, world-class resorts, irresistible duty-free shopping and captivating tales – indeed perfect for a romantic getaway. Tourists should visit the Pulau Payar Marine Park or take a relaxing cruise to the Dayang Bunting and Beras Basah Islands. Aside from pristine beaches, Langkawi is also the home of one of the largest mangrove forests in Southeast Asia and gives you a spectacular view of the whole island via the Langkawi Cable Car – all these in just an hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur.
Also an hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur is Penang, well known for its lovely beaches, colourful history, and rich culture. Among its attractions are the heritage trails within Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage City, and Penang Hill, which offers a magnificent view of the island. Considered the food capital of Malaysia, visitors should not leave Penang, without trying its famous street food such as asam laksa, hokkien mee, nasi kandar, fried oyster and chee cheong fun. Tourists can even learn how to cook authentic Malaysian dishes at Penang’s Tropical Spice Gardens.
Moving down South, Johor is the southern access to Malaysia, characterized by its splendid array of outdoor experience. Johor appeals to nature lovers with several internationally-acclaimed forests and miles of golden sandy beaches with clear waters which are excellent for diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing. Visitors should visit the popular recreational park Danga Bay or shop at Zon Johor Bahru, the only duty free zone in Southern Malaysia, and complete the Johor experience with a taste of delectable dishes such as laksa johor, mee rebus, otak otak, rail coffee and wantan noodles.
Malacca, on the other hand, is a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and is known for its historical landmarks. Visitors can wander and discover as they journey down the city’s narrow streets to see the Stadthuys and the St. Paul’s Church, stroll along Jonker Street for antique finds and take on the river cruise that follows the Melaka River through other historic parts of the town.
To the east is Sabah, mountainous and carpeted by luscious tropical rainforests, and famous for one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu. Sabah is a favorite among adventure lovers with Kota Kinabalu as its capital, because it offers mountain climbing, white water rafting, caving, diving, and river cruising. In just two-hours’ flight from Manila, first-time visitors should not miss island-hopping at the five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the invigorating white water rafting adventure at Klias River or Padas River.
Finally, Labuan is just a 30-minute plane ride from Kota Kinabalu and is an international offshore business and financial center located off the west coast of Sabah. This duty-free island hosts the annual Labuan International Sea Challenge, exhilarating for both sports enthusiasts and spectators, and happens to be a haven for wreck-diving and deep-sea fishing as well.
Experience Malaysia and don’t miss out on special packages and freebies as Tourism Malaysia holds the “Tara na sa Malaysia!” Travel Fair at the Main Atrium of SM Mall of Asia on October 1-3, 2010. Be sure to catch all the exciting offers and promos that you won’t find anywhere else! What are you waiting for? Tara na sa Malaysia!
For more information about Malaysia, visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my and connect with us on Facebook by joining the “Tara na sa Malaysia!” Facebook group.
