Southern

Johor . Malacca . Negeri Sembilan

Malaysia’s southern state comprise two of the smallest states which are Negeri Sembilan and Malacca, as well as Johor. While Malacca is well-known as cultural and heritage-rich, Negeri Sembilan and Johor also offer special tourist destinations.

Malacca

Malacca’s history and tradition has worked immensely to its benefit. Tourists flock to the second smallest state in Malaysia in search of rich antiquity and heritage. Since Malacca is only two hours away from bustling Kuala Lumpur, it is accessible by road ar rail.A visit to Malacca is not complete without a stop at ‘A Famosa Fort’ a fortress built by the Portuguese to defend themselves from Dutch.

For those with a penchant for ancient Malay Kingdom, the Malacca Sultanate Palace will definitely provide a rare glimpse of many artefacts of that era.

After a long day, take a ride on a rickshaw, creatively decorated with neon lights, ornaments and flowers to rest your feet amidst soothing music and moonlight. An experience not to be missed!

Negeri Sembilan

How many of us have actually been into a lighthouse? Probably not many, but did you know that Malaysia actually has a lighthouse that tourist can visit? It’s called the Tanjung Tuan lighthouse, and to get to the top, you have to ascend 72 steps of spiral staircase to view the magnificent coastline of the Straits of Malacca.

Pay a visit to the Pele gong Home Stay programme in Negeri Sembilan, where you can experience life in a traditional Malay village and at the same time, trek into the lush rainforest amidst awesome waterfalls and streams.

Johor

Since all states in Malaysia are rich in history, Johor refuses to be left behind. Located up on the hill in Johor Bahru, is the Istana Serene, a palace with a 35 meter tower, the official residence of the Johor Sultan

The century old Johor port is nostalgic, as it was where the early barter trade took place. Imagine visiting a place where the beginning of trade started.

For those who love the sun, sea and sand, the beaches of Tanjung Emas and Danga Bay are ideal. Island hoppers will find paradise in the clusters of island that can be accessed from the Mersing Jetty.

Northern

Perak . Penang . Kedah . Perlis

Tourist Gateway

Nostalgic images of farmers sowing the young paddy saplings, the golden fields of paddy and buffaloes wallowing in the mud holes, are synonymous to Kedah. Major towns in Kedah are Alor Setar (the state capital) and Sungai Petani.

The Langkawi Islands of Kedah are a group of 99 islands, which can be accessed by ferry. Further north of Sungai Petani is the state of Perlis. A small state, Perlis is known for caving and bird-watching. Kangar, the state capital of Perlis is home to the Perlis Herbal Garden managed by the Forestry Department. It holds many ethnobotanical herbs and plants collected locally and internationally.

Bukit Kayu Hitam is the last town in northern Malaysia before entering Thailand. This town is also known as a centre of duty-free household items.

Penang, on the other hand, is a bustling industrialized and modern island. Penang’s strategic location at the northern entrance to the Straits of Malacca has made it a prize to be conquered since the 17th century.

Today, Penang remains a much beloved Malaysian island and Georgetown, its capital, has all the charms of old Malaya.

Perak

Perak is known as ‘ A Splendour of Culture , Nature and Heritage. The places like the Ubudiah Mosque is one of the country’s most beautiful mosque. Istana Kenangan is the former Royal Residence, now houses items displaying, Perak Royal regalia, photographs of the royal family and traditional regalia. It was built without a single nail. The Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery features the many faces the now Sultan of Perak. The local call it the ‘Taj Mahal of Ipoh’ due to its grand façade. Ipoh Railway Station was built during the height of Ipoh’s tin- mining success in the early 1900s. The Gua Tempurung promises visitors and intriguing excursion.

Other places like Sam Poh Tong, Kek Lok Tong, Lost World of Tambun, Kellie’s Castle, Pasir Salak Historical Complex, Teluk Intan Leaning Tower, Lata Kinjang Waterfall, Kuala Woh Jungle Park,

Island escapades, and the famous Zoo Taiping Night Safari will give a wonderful experiences.

Eastern

Pahang . Terengganu . KelantanThe east-coast of Malaysia encompasses four states , east Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. Best known as the petroleum and gas producing states, these states have the best beaches and islands along the entire east coastline of the peninsula, facing the South China Sea. The east coast of Malaysia is more carefree, rural and fascinating for tourist who relish in the colourful mix of local cultures and exquisite handicraft, long white beaches and deep blue seas.

The places of interest like Pasar Khadijah, the Modern batik Designs Centre,the Famous Turtles Sanctuaries, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, the ‘Green Bowl of Malaysia’, Fraser’s Hill and the adventurous Taman Negara National Park will pay an interesting views.

SARAWAK

As Malaysia’s largest state on the Borneo Island, Sarawak is an enchanting land with a myriad of cultures, people and biodiversity. Known for its richand diverse ecosystems, this largely forested land is home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia.

Endowed with churning rivers, dense jungle, and wildlife, Sarawak is the destination par excellence. World-known Niah and Mulu Caves are not just for the easy-traveller, but also for those with a yearning for more adventurous axcursions, such as cave-diving and cave-climbing.

Sarawak’s people are as diverse as its flora and fauna. The communities are the Penans, Iban, Dayak, Bidayuh and Melanau who have strong ties and spiritual connection the mother earth. For this reason, a myriad of creative and

ethnically-designed handicrafts have spurred a booming local industries.

SABAH

Sabah is one of the larger states in Malaysia and lies an the northern part of Borneo island. Once a British Crown Colony, this vast fertile mountainous land gained Independence to join the Federation of Malaya. The state’s capital city is Kota Kinabalu which lies on the western coast of the state. Other towns such as Sandakan and Tawau are located along the state’s coastline, right up to its eastern shores, which faces the Sulu and Celebes seas

Sabah has more than 30 different ethnic races that speak over 80 local dialects berween them. The main groups of people in Sabah are the

Kadazandusuns, Bajau, and Murut, who are predominantly agrarians.

CENTRAL

KUALA LUMPUR . SELANGOR . PUTRAJAYA

What is termed as central Malaysia is locally known as the Klang Valley, a bustling heartland af Malaysia’s business and industries. On clear days, one can actually see the furthest realms of the Klang Valley as it is surrounded to the north and northeast by hills and mountains, the last vestiges of the Titiwangsa Range. Gentler hills towards the south literally ensconce Klang Valley

What’s is fascinating about the Klang Valley is its comprehensive transportation systems that include bus, trains, commuter train, light rail transits and monorails, serving to bring residents and visitors in and out of the

city, and if it need be, right from the region’s award-winning Kuala Lumpur International Airport.