Faux

Malaysia offers two very distinct experiences: the peninsula and Borneo (an island shared with Indonesia and Brunei). The peninsula is a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors with an efficient and modern capital, Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Borneo features some of the most interesting places in Malaysia with a wild jungle, orangutans, granite peaks and remote tribes. Combined with some beautiful islands, luxury resorts and colonials towns, Malaysia, for most visitors, presents a happy mix.

Almost 2 million foreign tourists traveled to Malaysia in 2010. Most of them were citizens from neighboring countries such as Singapore and Indonesia but a growing number of other foreign tourists are discovering this country as well.

The top 10 Malaysia tourist attractions:

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most extensive hill stations, first developed by the British in the 1920s. It has a population of more than 34,000 people consisting of Malays, Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups. The Cameron Highlands is renowned for its trails. They lead visitors through the forest to waterfalls and other tranquil spots. Apart from its jungle walks, the sanctuary is also known for its tea plantations and visitors can book several “tea factory” tours.

Georgetown Inner City

Named after Britain’s King George III, Georgetown is located on the north-east corner of Penang Island. Most of George Town’s population is of Chinese origin. Due to strict controls, George Town retains many of its colonial-era shophouses to this day. It is officially recognized as having a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in Southeast Asia. The town truly springs to life in the evenings, when most of the locals head to the nearby street hawkers to have their meals and drinks.

Taman Negara

Taman Negara, which literally means “national park” in Malay, is one of the oldest tropical rain forest in the world. It features massive trees, waterfalls, jungle treks of various duration and the world’s longest canopy walkways. Several trails enable the visitor to explore the forest without a guide. Taman Negara is a haven for endangered species such as the Asian elephant, tigers, leopards and rhinos, but numbers are low and sightings are very rare. It’s unlikely that you will see anything more than birds, small deer, lizards, snakes and perhaps a tapir.

Pulau Tioman

Tioman is a small island located off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. In the 1970s, Time Magazine selected Tioman as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Tourists have surged to the island ever since, seeking a taste of paradises. The island is surrounded by numerous white coral reefs, making it a haven for scuba divers while the interior is densely forested. Visitors outnumber villagers outside the monsoon (November to February), but Tioman can be virtually deserted at other times.

Mount Kinabalu

With a summit height at 4,095 meters (13,435 ft), Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Borneo. The mountain is known worldwide for its tremendous botanical and biological species biodiversity. Over 600 species of ferns, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammalian species have been identified at Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding. The main peak of the mountain can be climbed easily by a person with a good physical condition, and requires no mountaineering equipment although climbers must be accompanied by guides at all times.

Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur were the world’s tallest buildings before being surpassed in 2004 by Taipei 101. However, the towers are still the tallest twin buildings in the world. The 88-floor towers are constructed largely of reinforced concrete, with a steel and glass facade designed to resemble motifs found in Islamic art, a reflection of Malaysia’s Muslim religion. The Petronas Twin Towers feature a sky bridge between the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors.

Langkawi

Malaysia’s best-known holiday destination, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of about 65,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Fringed with long, white beaches and with an interior of jungle covered hills and craggy mountain peaks, it’s easy to see why this is Malaysia’s most heavily promoted tourist destination. The most popular beaches can be found on the west coast with a wide choice of restaurants and eateries and some of the best resorts in Langkawi.

Perhentian Islands

Located off the coast of northeastern Malaysia not far from the Thai border. The Perhentian Islands are the must-go place in Malaysia for budget travelers. They have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and great diving with plenty of cheap accommodation. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (“Big Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Small Perhentian”). Both the islands have palm-fringed white sandy beaches and turquoise blue sea.

Sepilok Rehabilition Centre

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation opened in 1964 for rescued orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations and illegal hunting. The orphaned orangutans are trained to survive again in the wild and are released as soon as they are ready. The Orang Utan sanctuary is located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, much of which is virgin rainforest. About 60 to 80 orangutans are living free in the reserve. It is one of Sabah’s top tourist attractions and a great stopover on any Malaysia itinerary.

Mulu Caves

The Mulu Caves are located in the Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysian Borneo. The park encompasses incredible caves and karst formations in a mountainous equatorial rainforest setting. The Sarawak chamber found in one of the underground caves is the largest cave chamber in the world. It has been said that the chamber is so big that it could accommodate about 40 Boeing 747s, without overlapping their wings. The enormous colony of Wrinkle-lipped bats in the nearby Deer Cave exit almost every evening in search of food in a spectacular exodus.

Voted the world's best beach by the Sun Herald, Australia and Harper's, Boracay is the perfect island getaway, with its warm blue waters, powder-fine white sand, and a palm fringed 4-kilometer beach.

The islands facilities and amenities make her a recreational haven. Watch February's Fun-board Cup, windsurfing's annual international event, or the World Beach Volleyball Tournament in September. Or take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters.

The world-famous island of Boracay is located in Aklan province 345 kms. South of Manila. The island is accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through two principal gateways : Caticlan airport or Kalibo airport.

After a swim in the sea, you can engage in relaxing activities. Comb the beaches on horseback. Play an exciting game of volleyball. Get on an outrigger and sail to the other side of the island. Swim over to the floating bar and cool off with a cocktail. Or hop around one beach to another and enjoy the easy-going atmosphere.

After sunset, the island transforms into one exciting night of dancing and partying. But don't take our word for it, Boracay is an island you have to experience yourself.

For many certified sun-worshippers the world over, paradise goes by the name Boracay. For indeed, many visitors have come back to Boracay year after ytear. Some have even chosen to live in this paradise island.

Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found at the northwestern tip of Panay, in the western Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. Boracay has managed to pack its thousand-hectare area with all the elements of a tropical paradise--crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy marine life underneath the seas.

Boracay is made up of three little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manoc-manoc in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manoc-manoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages together but may sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles. Electricity and public transportation remain relatively scarce.

Boracay would have remained a national secret if not for a few foreign travellers who accidentally stumbled upon the place. Some say it was a movie crew which spread word about Boracay to other sun-worshippers. Other swear it was German traveler Jens Peters' book, which included rare reviews about Boracay, that sent tourists on their way. Whichever tale is true, Boracay has become a melting pot for beach lovers. At any point in the island, visitors can hear English, German and French spoken fluently. More importantly, visitors respect the serene quality of the place, and pay tribute to native Boracaynons by behaving according to local behavioral codes-which means no nudity, no fighting, and no loud commotions.

Not surprisingly, the culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish and Thai--they're all here side by side the native cuisine. Lending ample support to this virtual rainbow of fruit shakes: from sweet yellow mango, green tart mango, to pineapple, coconut milk, cantaloupe and banana. Don't go home without a sip.

TOP THINGS TO DO:

WATER FUN. The beach beckons for some serious swimming, or just wading by the shore.

For the more active vacationer, windsurflng and parasailing gear are readily available. Go sailing with the help of local sailors who are acutely attune to the rhythms of the sea. You can also try diving off Lourel Island.

STAR GAZING. In Boracay, there's plenty of room to sit back and look to the heavens for inspiration. Whether you're mooning over a sea of stars, watching the parade of white clouds, or basking in moonlight, be sure to keep your eyes open for a falling star. The visual delights never end specially at every setting of the sun, when the sun cries out in blazing, flaming colors, before it is finally laid to sleep.

BEACH COMBING. There are over a dozen beaches dotting the islands. Bamboo outriggers ferry guests for a small fee. The choices are many: White Beach, Diniwid, Balinghai Beach, Manoc-manoc Beach and Cagban Beach among others. Work on your tan, read a book, relax.

SADDLE UP Stables are located near White Beach. Head towards the caves of Yapak, or just go where the horse takes you. Bicycles are also up for rent. Riders are advised to stay on inland paths.

NIGHTLIFE-- Spend the last hours of the day at any of Boracay's bars or discos. Beer in hand, you can dance in the sand with a few brilliant fireflies. If this seems too rowdy for your taste, take a stroll in the beach by the moonlight.

TOP SPOTS TO VISIT:

WHITE BEACH-- Probably the most famous stretch of beach in the country, White Beach lies on the west coast, between the villages of Angol and Balabag. Acclaimed as one of the finest beaches in Asia, White Beach features bright, fine sand and clear, shallow waters.

YAPAK to the bat cave! Explore the bat caves of Yapak preferably with an experienced guide in tow. You can even take photos of these night creatures.

PUKA SHELL BEACH-- Blissfully deserted, Puka Beach boats of fine white sand and millions of puka shells.

KAR-TIR SEA SHELL MUSEUM-- Located at the village of Ilig-Illigan, Kar-Tir features an interesting collection of sea shells, wood carvings, pottery, hand-woven articles and traditional costumes from all over the Philippines.

HOW TO GET THERE?
From Manila, take the 50-minute Philippine Airlines flight to Kalibo in the province of Aklan; from where you travel another two hours inland ( via bus or jeepney ) to Caticlan, visitors are asked to fill up forms regarding travel details. Then, it's off to Boracay via outrigger boats.

WHERE TO STAY?
There are around 200 establishments for every whim and budget. From Jony's airconditioned rooms. to quiet cottages trimmed with greens and flowers. A number of these have airconditioned rooms and television sets, others are blissfully powerless--just the way nature wants it.

WHAT TO DO?

The mood is very casual. Dress light. Walking is great for exploring the island's numerous white sand beaches, freshwater lagoons, coconut plantations and fishponds. Low-powered motorcycles are also available. Or go on horseback. Peso is the medium of exchange. The U.S. Dollar and major credit cards are widely accepted. Peak season is from November to May.

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