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By Kit C. Cauw
Malaysia is a fascinating country of many tastes, colours and cultures.
Large populations of Chinese and Indians have blended into the fabric
of this peaceful Muslim country to create one of the most diverse
travel destinations in South East Asia. Shaped like an ancient ceramic
bowl, cracked in half by the Singapore straits, the country is made
up of 11 states and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and
Putrajaya on the Malay Peninsula, as well as Sabah and Sarawak,
on exotic Borneo and the Federal Territory of Labuan. Its past is
rich with maritime, religious and colonial history. Its present
is marked by one of the most stable governments in the region. Close
to the equator, coffee and chocolate are grown in abundance. Travel
destinations range from the historical to the natural to the commercial.
Beaches, mountains, museums and some of the world's finest malls
can all be found in Malaysia. Traditional restaurants stand side
by side with Chinese and Indian offerings, as well as numerous outlets
for world cuisine.
A wonderful spot for holidaymakers, Malaysia has everything a tourist
could ask for: white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, deep rainforests,
national parks, caves, lovely hill resorts, lush golf courses and
numerous cultural festivals held nationwide and regionally. Here
are some highlights of a country that should be added to every Asian
travel itinerary.
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Malaysia Water Festival
Throughout the country from April 12 - May 10, everyone is celebrating
the joy of water. As well they should at the hottest time of the
year. Launching with a mighty splash in Lumut, Perak, numerous activities
are offered at the seaside and lakes in every state. Take in the
adrenaline rush of kayaking or white water rafting. Check out the
jet ski races, or test drive one yourself! Sea canoeing and paddling
rivers and lakes always make for relaxing fun. Tourists and locals
alike are encouraged to join in 'log walking' and 'catch the duck'
games with fabulous prizes at stake. Boat parades, concerts and
cultural shows add fun and exotic touches to this festive time.
Genting Highlands
One of the newer hill developments, the Genting Highlands resort
is very different from others in Malaysia. 2000 metres above sea
level, this is the 'City of Entertainment.' Genting Theme Park and
Casino De Genting are up at the top, while the Awana Golf Course,
Awana Horse Ranch and the Awana Eco Park are all at about 1,000
feet. The entire complex is something of the Walt Disney world of
Malaysia, founded in 1965 by business tycoon Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong.
'Space Odyssey 2020,' 'Around the World Train Ride' and 'Fun House,'
Malaysia's first 3-D dome theatre, are among the indoor attractions.
Outside, the thrills really hit high pitch, with two roller coasters,
a Grand Prix ride and many more. Golf, horseback riding, abseiling
and eco adventures are all available. Accommodation is abundant,
ranging from campsites to condominiums to resort hotels.
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Cameron Highlands
Noted for its tea plantations dating back to 1929, Cameron Highlands
is Malaysia's foremost hill resort. The climate is cool up at 1524
m and most visitors come to escape the heat and take in the views
of greenery. Most activities centre around nature and horticulture.
Flower nurseries and fruit orchards and gardens are abundant throughout
the area and many visitors come for the fruiting season from August
to September. Jungle-trekking, leisurely visits to waterfalls and
golfing are all possible activities, as are tours of a butterfly
farm and garden, strawberry fields and an orchid garden. A number
of guest houses and classical hotels welcome tourists. Tudor-style
architecture is common. Of course, English high tea is a must.
Langkawi
Situated off the Northwest coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is like Phuket
without the people. It is a massive island, with lush mountains,
wide, white sand beaches and dazzling views of the Andaman Sea and
outlying islands of limestone karst topography. A yachting centre,
the annual Langkawi International Regatta is held in March. Many
fine, internationally acclaimed resorts can be found on the island's
shores and activities ranging from diving to boating to trekking
proliferate. Additionally, Langkawi is a duty free centre, where
visitors can duck out of the sun to buy inexpensive electronics
and chocolate to take home.
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Malacca
Historic Malacca, on the sea, is rich in cultural heritage. Locals
of Portuguese, Dutch, and Chinese descent continue to practice traditional
festivals. Be sure to seek out the Portuguese Farapeira dances and
the 'Dondang Sayan.' A number of ancient Portuguese buildings are
still standing, including the A'Famosa, which served as a fortress
when the Portuguese held Malacca. Gaily coloured trishaw bicycle
taxis parade the streets of this venerable city and good antique
shops can be found in the older quarters of town. Malacca is a must
for any tourist interested in history and culture. Many city tours
are offered to show guests the most important sites, the ancient
churches, the drinking well that was poisoned and the Baba Nyonya
Heritage Museum.
Colours Of Malaysia
This festival, held annually in May and June since 1999, was introduced
to celebrate the contributions of ethnic Indians, Chinese, and Malay
to the fabric of Malaysian society. Art, culture, and cuisine are
all at the forefront of the festival. This is the time when the
different races of people present their traditional wedding ceremonies
for all to see. It is also the time for the various states to showcase
their regional traditions and crafts. In Sabah and Sarawak, the
states on the island of Borneo, harvest festivals take place during
the Colours Of Malaysia festival and locals hold open-houses, offering
their homes and ways of life to neighbours and visitors alike.
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