Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Lets Travel Sarawak


Niah National Park

Niah National Park the scenery is spectacular and breathtaking . The area is a center of human settlement as early as 40,000 years ago , and has one of the largest cave entrance in the world, the Paleolithic and Neolithic cemeteries and wood carvings, frescoes iron-age . Cave paintings are situated near the house wall paintings that tell a boat trip off the head of life after death , including the remnants of the wreckage "death ships" that are scattered on the floor of the cave - boat-shaped coffins (its contents were transferred to the Sarawak Museum ) . The surrounding area is also decorated by thick forest and is home to many species of plants and wildlife. 

Until now , the caves remain as an important place for people from the local community , such as birds' nests and guano collection to be important for their economic resources . Niah Caves is a very pleasant place if you want to stay here a few days, although some of the major attractions are open during the day for visitors. Niah National Park is located in Sungai Niah , about 3 km from the small town of Batu Niah , Miri 110km southwest . The park has a visitor center and a nice stay , and very easy to walk around it in the presence of plankwalk network throughout the park . A pair of good walking shoes and a flashlight are essential items that should be taken.



Taman Negara Mulu

Mulu Caves National Park is home to one of the longest networks of caves in the world. Here lies the worlds largest underground chamber, the Sarawak Chamber, capable of accommodating forty Boeing 747 airplanes. In Mulu, you will also find one of the worlds biggest cave passage, Deer Cave, which can fit five cathedrals the size of Saint Pauls in London. Another key attraction is Clear Water Cave, the longest cave in Southeast Asia. The massive caves here are home to millions of bats and cave swiftlets that swarm out into the jungle in great clouds every evening at dusk! 

The outdoorsy type will be pleasantly surprised by some of the best examples of tropical limestone weathering in the world, including enormous razor-sharp pinnacles, deep-cut canyons, appropriately named The Pinnacles. There are tough but rewarding multi-day hikes available from the resort. A guide and porter are recommended.




Gunung Gading National Park

Gunung Gading is home to the world's largest flower, the rafflesia, which can grow up to one metre in diameter. When in bloom the flower gives off a nasty smell which attracts flies and other insects. The rafflesia has no specific season but the rainy season provides better blooming frequencies. It takes nine months to mature and flowering lasts only 4 or 5 days before dying. 

Seeing a blooming rafflesia is certainly the highlight of a trip to Gunung Gading, but the Park and the whole Lundu area are well worth visiting anyway. The rugged mountain peaks that make up the Park provide a scenic backdrop to the nearby town of Lundu, and the nearby beaches at Pandan and Siar. Gunung Gading also has some enjoyable walks and a challenging jungle trek.


Lets Travel Sabah


Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park, the entrance to Mount Kinabalu, is located at 1,585 metres above sea level and is the main starting point for the summit trail that leads to the top of Mount Kinabalu. It covers an area of 754sq km and is made up of Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambayukon and the foothills. The mountains have a fascinating geological history, taking 'just' a million years to form. The mighty Mount Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was later thrust upwards through the crust of the surface. 

Subsequent erosion removed thousands of feet of the overlying sand and mud stone, exposing this massif. During the Ice Age, glaciers running across the summit smoothed it out, but the jagged peaks that stood out above the ice surface remained unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged surfaces. This rugged mountain remains the focal point of the National Park to this day.



Gunung Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu in malay Gunung Kinabalu is a prominent mountain on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is located in the East Malaysian state of Sabah and is protected as Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site. Kinabalu is the highest peak in Borneo's Crocker Range and is the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago. Mount Kinabalu is also the 20th most prominent mountain in the world by topographic prominence. Via ferrata (or iron road in Italian), is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face. There are more than 300 via ferrata routes around the world and the world's highest via ferrata, can now be found on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia, whereby the highest point starts at 3,400 m and ends at 3,800 m. This is the first time that the sport of via ferrata climbing is being introduced in Asia. 

An activity for everyone, the via ferrata is devised to give people with little or no climbing experience access to rock faces normally reached by mountaineers and rock climbers.There are several requirements for one to take part in the via ferrata activity, including having an average fitness level, being able to hike up to 3,200m in 6 hours, being at least 10 years of age, being at least 1.3 metres tall; and, especially, having a fearlessness of heights (or willing to conquer their fear of heights). This is a challenging adventure, and those interested to experience via ferrata on Mount Kinabalu should note that the beginner's route will let the climber take their first experience along the granite walls of Mount Kinabalu (a journey of about 2–3 hours). The intermediate route will let the climber experience a 4- to 5-hour journey, which will reward the climber with a breathtaking view of the heights and sights.



Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a major landmark of the city of Kota Kinabalu. It is most famous for its crystal clear water and breath-taking corals, located just a stone throw's away from the capital of Sabah. There are many activities available there which makes it such a hit among locals as well as tourists. Popular activities there include sun bathing, barbeque, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing and even parasailing which grant you the chance of viewing the city and the islands from the top view.

The park has an extensive diversity of creatures here which includes marine life, plant life and animal life. Reefs fringe all around the islands especially on the sheltered eastern and southern sides where the sandy beaches slope gradually into the water to the reef drop-off. There are schools and schools of fishes here and they are more colorful than the corals. The plant life here is most lush on Pulau Gaya. It reflects the connection of the island to the mainland. In an undisturbed state the lowland forest that covers Gaya would have stretched along most of the west coast, and today remains one of the few areas of largely undisturbed coastal dipterocarp forests left in Sabah. 



Sipadan Island

The late Jacques Cousteau, a world-renowned oceanographer, once described Sipadan Island as an untouched piece of art while divers around the world have voted it as one of the top five dive sites in the world. Rising 700m from the sea floor and at only 12ha., Malaysia's sole oceanic island is very small in size. A 25-minute walk is all that is needed to circle the island on foot, but the huge amount of diverse marine life it attracts from the blackness of the open sea is simply mindblowing. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, this crown jewel is a treasure trove of some of the most amazing species out there. 

Declared a bird sanctuary in 1933 by the Colonial Government of North Borneo and re-gazetted in 1963 by the Malaysian Government, the dense vegetation on Sipadan Island supports a large variety of tropical birds that include sea eagles, kingfishers, sunbirds, starlings and wood pigeons. Exotic crustaceans including the amazing coconut crab roam the beaches and scurry among the undergrowth. Encounters with turtles, resident schools of jacks, bumphead parrotfish and barracudas are almost assured when diving around the tiny coral island.

Lets Travel Negeri Sembilan


Seri Menanti Royal Museum

The Seri Menanti Royal Museum was built in 1902 - 1905. It was originally a palace for the Negeri Sembilan Royal family. It is situated in the Royal town of Seri Menanti, about 50 km from the capital, Seremban.  This five storey wooden palace, was built using no nails or screws. The carpenters at the time used wooden pegs so that the palace would be able to withstand the times. It also uses 99 solid timber pillars, soaring 65 feet. Black in colour, the palace also has intricate flower motifs beautifying the regal palace. Visitors can find costumes, weaponry, bed chambers as well as documents on the royal lineage on display in the museum.



Ulu Bendul Recreational

Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest is located in the Districts, N.Sembilan. Facilities such as rest huts, campsites, a herb garden, a snake park, chalets, toilets, and trails. Open from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm. For activities and overnight camping. 20 km from Seremban and 20 km from the city of Segment through Jalan Seremban-Kuala Segment. Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest is located in the Forest Angsi which is a type of lowland dipterocarp forest.



Homestay Kampung Pelegong

Get away from it all and return to the serenity of life in a traditional Malay village under the Pelegong Homestay programme in Negeri Sembilan. Here, you will be able to enjoy the warm hospitality of your host family and be a part of the household by joining them in their daily activities. 

Wake up to the authenticity of 'kampung' life. Listen to the sounds of cockerels greeting a new day, breathe in the crisp fresh air and look forward to the simple pleasures of life -- collect your own eggs from the coop, learn to tap a rubber tree, enjoy an icy cold dip in the nearby river before trying your hand at fishing or baking delicious Malay cakes. 

The adventure in store also allows you to discover the origins of the village and the rich history it holds. Appreciate the many cottage industries and the fine products manufactured here. Marvel at the nimble fingers of Pak Adol the rattan weaver, and be awed by the creative men and women whose skilled hands make the finest handicrafts.  If you are the outdoor type, you'll enjoy a good trek into the lush rainforest and discover cascading waterfalls and crystal clear streams. Then, come back to the gentle hands of a traditional masseur or masseuse to soothe all aches away.



Port Dickson Beach

Port Dickson, or PD to locals, is a beach and holiday destination situated about 32 km from Seremban and 90 km from Kuala Lumpur. It is located in the state of Negeri Sembilan in Peninsular Malaysia. It takes just over an hour by car to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Port Dickson along the North-South Expressway. The beaches of Port Dickson (PD) is a famous weekend retreat for city dwellers. 

Port Dickson is said to have been named after a British officer, Sir John Frederik Dickson in 1889. Others mention that the place was named after another British officer who supervised the British ports handling ore in Lukut, a district of Port Dickson at the time. Port Dickson is more famous for its attractive beaches, ample amenities and good infrastructure. There are also various types of accommodation for those wishing to holiday here. Among the famous beaches here are Teluk Kemang and Blue Lagoon. There are also infrastructure for watersports dan beach activity. 

Lets Travel Kedah


Carnivall Water and Land Theme Park

The Carnivall Water and Land theme park is located within the grounds of the Cinta Sayang Golf and Country Resort at Sungai Petani in Kedah state. The Carnivall Water Park is home to all the usual suspects when it comes to water park rides, you can float along the river of adventure for 300 metres on an inner tube or enjoy the twists and turns on the many varied water slides available within the park. 



Pulau Langkawi

Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands offering the best of many worlds: beautiful beaches, world- class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra- cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends. Langkawi has a lingering legend woven into its history. Ask anyone on the island about the tragic story of a beautiful young lady named Mahsuri, and you'll hear a tale of love, jealousy and a curse that was placed upon the island by her for seven generations. 

Today, the seventh generation of Langkawi's inhabitants has long come and gone, but people here still believe that the prosperity and blessings the islands enjoy today and the passing of the curse is no mere coincidence. The mysticism of this legend can be felt in many parts of this island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum), where Mahsuri is said to be buried. Despite what looks like a slant towards tourism, many of the islanders are actually farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi's most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island. 

You'll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children pedalling their old bicycles on errands. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi. Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang - Langkawi's second highest mountain - for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond. 



Zahir Mosque

One of Kedah's most distinctive architectural landmarks, Masjid Zahir or Zahir Mosque stands as an elegant example of Malay- Islamic architecture. Built in 1912, it is one of the oldest mosques in the country. The design was inspired by the vision of the late Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Abidin II. Its five large, black domes symbolise the Five Pillars of Islam. 

Located in central Alor Setar, it is the official mosque for the state as well as the main mosque for local Muslims and the venue for the annual Koran reading competition. It is also the burial site of Kedah warriors who died while defending the state from the Siamese in 1821.


The Paddy Museum

The Paddy Museum is the first of its kind in Malaysia, and the fourth to be opened in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines. The unique architecture of the Paddy Museum represents bushels of harvested rice stalks. Rice motifs are repeated throughout the building, on staircase banisters, the museum gates and the fence surrounding it. 

The museum showcases the paddy cultivation process in Malaysia and displays all kinds of tools and equipment which have been used in the trade over the years. Through beautiful murals, the artwork of 60 artists from North Korea, the history of paddy cultivation in Malaysia is revealed. Honouring the history, culture and significance of paddy farming in Kedah, the museum is dedicated to the hardworking and simple paddy farmers, whose blood, sweat and toil have contributed to the objective of achieving self-sufficiency in the rice industry.

Lets Travel Perlis


Kota Kayang Museum

Kota Kayang Museum is located around Kayang Hill, Lambong Panah Hill and Menara Hill in Kayang vicinity, the oldest man-made canal in Peninsular Malaysia. Overview. it has a very long and rich history before it finally became a museum in 1991. This 4.84 hectare land which the museum currently stands belonged to Syed Salim as a gift from Raja Syed Alwi. At the end of 19th century, Syed Salim built his residence and stayed with his family until it was sold to the state government. After that, the building becomes the official residence of British Advisors. During the Japanese occupation, the house became the Military Administration until 1945, where the Thai Military Government took over

After independence, the government of Perlis took over and became the official residence to Chief Minister. Finally in 1991, the building was demolished and rebuilt, to be structurally identical to the previous building and converted it to a museum. The museum houses Islamic artifact, Perlis/Kedah craft and item belonging to the royal family. Hotels in Perlis are not luxurious, but suffice to provide a comfort rest with basic necessity.



Gua Kelam

Located about 33 km north of Kangar, the capital of Perlis state, near to a small town called Kaki Bukit (Foot Hill). It shares the border with Nakawan Range of Thailand. One of the most unique caves in Malaysia as it's a 370-metre long limestone cave where it's famous for its 'cave walk'. It's among the favorites cave for the adventure seekers. You will enter from one end of the cave and come out at a different location. The only path in is via a wooden suspension bridge measuring 8 ft wide walkway. The hollow limestone path is believed to be the idea of an Englishman that converted this cave as a method of transporting tin from a mine near the stream entrance of Kaki Bukit. Today the walk path is brightly illuminated, where you can still find remnants of time mine operation inside. The sound of squeaking bat and dripping water from the stalactites may be soothing for some and spooky for others!



Kuala Perlis

Kuala Perlis is the main port in the state of Perlis, located extreme northwest in Peninsular Malaysia. It's a fishing town, located just 13km off Kangar. Overview, Kuala Perlis is a fishing town located at the estuary of Perlis River, the visit to the town will not be complete without tasting the local seafood dishes. Since Kuala Perlis Jetty is the main jetty connecting to Phuket (Thailand) and Langkawi Island, many visitors decided to stop by to look around the fishing town while tasting the freshest local seafood. Apart from seafood, Kuala Perlis is also well known for its famous 'Laksa (noodle in milk curry)'.

One of the attractions in town is the opportunity to see some old buildings and mosques, built on stilts over mangrove swamp. Though it's a small fishing town, there is much to offers for recreation. For nature's lover, you can head down to the Perlis state park where you can enjoy bird watching, kayaking and even caving. It's also well known for shopping paradise, and since Perlis is sharing the border with Thailand, you can get many local and Thailand products at a bargain price. Padang Besar is the favorite shopping spot for both locals and visitors from both countries, Malaysia and Thailand. Of cause you can learn more of the state history by visiting the Perlis State Museum.



Padang Besar

Padang Besar is a border town in the north of Perlis, the northern-most state in Malaysia. The Padang Besar border crossing is the only direct rail link between Malaysia and Thailand, and a quieter and less direct road crossing than Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah. The town on the Thai side of the border, in Songkhla province, is also called Padang Besar - however Malaysians differentiate between the two by calling the Thai town "Pekan Siam" or "Siamese Town". 

Much more tame and sanitized than its Thai counterpart, Malaysia's Padang Besar still attracts many Malaysians who come to shop for items imported from Thailand which are available in abundance at lower prices. The town is a "shopping heaven" and popular destination for Malaysians because of the duty-free shopping complex in between the border checkpoints of the two countries. The town attracts several thousand visitors from Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand every weekend and public holiday.

Lets travel Perak


Bukit Merah Laketown Waterpark

Surrounded by lush greenery and fronting one of Malaysia's largest 7,000-acre freshwater lake, the resort is only a 3 hours' drive from Kuala Lumpur and easily reached just off the Bukit Merah toll exit along the North-South Expressway. The 11-acre Bukit Merah Laketown Waterpark offers many exciting attractions, as the 1st and only Giant Wet Bubble and Boomerang fun-slide in Malaysia, the 1st "Sandy Beachfront" Wave Pool, as well as Water Flume Rides and Body Speed Slides. There's also specially designed children's attractions such as the Kids Adventure River and Perak Mining Pool plus other fun facilities that promise you and your family a thrilling time. Other attractions include the Chairlift that offers you a panoramic view of the lake and the whole resort, a souvenir shop, Surf Shack I and a fast food outlet, Bubbles Family Restaurant.



Maxwell Hill

It was founded in 1884 by William Edward Maxwell, the British Assistant Resident of Perak. Perched at 1250m above sea level, it is the wettest place in Malaysia, with an annual rainfall of over 500cm. Temperature here hovers around 15 degrees centigrade in the early morning and late afternoon, dipping to 10 degrees centigrade at night. 

The Tea Garden House, situated mid-way up the hill, was once the office of a tea plantation. However, when their tea plants did not grow very well here, the British shifted their agricultural endeavour to the Cameron Highlands, where the Boh Tea Plantation is now. All types of Malaysian flowers including the rare giant fishtail palm thrive here. The golden sunflowers grown here are the largest in the country. On a clear day, one can view the peninsular coastline and the Straits of Malacca, sometimes stretching as far as Penang to the north and Pangkor Island to the south



Gua Tempurung

Gua Tempurung is a cave in Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia. It is popular among spelunkers, or caving enthusiasts. More than 3 km long, it is one of the longest caves in Peninsula Malaysia. Part of it has been developed as a show cave with electric lighting and walkways and there are a range of tours of different lengths and difficulty. A fine river cave, the river passage runs about 1.6 km through the hill. There are three very large chambers and some spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. There are plans to develop the surrounding area. By the end of 2006 a go kart centre and a horse riding area had opened.



Pangkor Island

Pangkor (pulau means "island") consists of nine islands. Only two of them are inhabited: Pulau Pangkor and Pangkor Laut.Pulau Pangkor is an island off the coast of Perak in north-west peninsular Malaysia, reached by ferry either from the old jetty or from Marina Island jetty both located in Lumut .For the locals the island is famous for the beaches such as Teluk Nipah, Coral Bay, Teluk Belanda and Pasir Bogak. The most famous local product of the island is ikan bilis(anchovies) and other dried fish products that are irresistable to the locals.



Zoo Taiping

The Taiping Night Safari is a firtst of its kind in Malaysia. Bathed in lighting similar to moonlight, the beauty and splendour of nature is enhanced. In an effort to maintain the experience of a natural environment, the Taiping Night Safari attempts to display nocturnal animals in natural looking settings. This provides the opportunity for visitors to appreciate and value the treasures of nature while enjoying oneself. 

The Taiping Night Safari is a unique tourism product where animals which are active at night are displayed using special lighting similar to moonlight. Visitors will be ablt to experience this environment similar to wildlife habitats where the sounds made by numerous creatures can be heard. To fully appreciate this experience visitors are required to minimize all sounds, even speech so that the sounds of the night creatures can be heard. Reduced noise will also help to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the Night Safari. Torchlights and flash cameras are not allowed to be used in the Night Safari as this will disturb the animals on display.