Malaysia Travel Guide: Places to See and Things to Do While in Malaysia

Places to See in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the first stop for many travelers visiting Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur or more popularly known as KL is a reflection of the dynamism of the country, as it pays respect to its historical past, as well as the country’s growing economy.

One of the most popular buildings in Malaysia is the Petronas Towers. Up until 2004, it was the world’s tallest towers and today remains an iconic symbol of Malaysia. These two towers are linked by a skybridge located on the 41st floor. Everyday, over 1,000 visitors take a tour up the skybridge for a great view of the city while the towers can be seen from different vantage points around Kuala Lumpur. At night, the towers are splendidly lit, adding drama to the Malaysian skyline. The Petronas Towers were featured in the Sean Connery movie Entrapment and is one of the most visible attractions in the capital city.

Another structure in Malaysia that is a must-see is the Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower. It’s the tallest tower in all of Southeast Asia. It’s also ranked as the 4thworld’s tallest tower. As a telecommunications tower, it is the 7th tallest in the world. The structure was completed in 1995 and stands 421 meters. The observation deck is a good place to get a panoramic bird’s eye view of all of Kuala Lumpur and the various islands that make up Malaysia. It is also used as the falak observatory to observe the moon’s phases to determine the start of the Ramadan month, Zulhijjah, Syawal and the celebration of Aidiladha and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The Sri Mahamariamman is a religious site in Kuala Lumpur that lends a calm and serene atmosphere to the neighborhood. This Hindu temple founded in 1873 by K. Thamboosamy Pillai has an intricate façade, and many travelers enjoy having their picture taken here. The temple is believed to be the richest Hindu temple in Malaysia. This is where the Hindus keep the silver chariot that is used during the Thaipusam festival. The chariot was made in India and transported in 12 parts and later assembled in Malaysia. It used 350 kilos of silver and built at the cost of RM350,000. It is conveniently located on Petaling Street so many travelers stop by after a day of shopping in Chinatown. Visitors need to remove their shoes before entering the temple and picture taking is not allowed inside, although it is a good place to pass by to pray or have a moment of silence.

Travelers looking for a bit of Malaysian history will like Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman. This wooden structure used to be the home of a village leader that was transported from Kedah and can now be found in the grounds of the Badan Warisan Malaysia Heritage Center. Built in 1916, it provides travelers a glimpse of the traditional rural Malaysian way of life. The home was restored in 1996 and opened to tourists. This home has garnered an honorable mention award in the 2000 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards in the Category for Culture Heritage Conservation and Merit. In 2003, the structure also earned a 2003 ASEANTA Awards for Conservation.

The Islamic Art Museum is a contemporary building that is home to an impressive number of Islamic art, artifacts, weaponry, jewelry, costumes and even books. There are replicas of famous mosques around the world. It’s a good place to learn about Islamic history and culture.

For those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, a visit to the Taman Tasik Perdana or the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens provides a good reprieve. This 226-acre park gives travelers a peek into just one of the many natural rainforests found in the country. Travelers will be treated to free roaming monkeys, lush greenery and flowering plants.

The Taman Tasik Perdana is the world’s largest bird park and has one of the largest covered aviaries in the world. Travelers can go inside the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park and walk through a cage with a number of birds flying or perched overhead. Families and travelers with children will enjoy seeing peacocks, ostriches, eagles and a number of other bird species in the park. The park also holds bird shows geared for children. Do not forget to also drop by the Deer Park, the Butterfly Park, the Orchid Garden and the Herbs and Conservatory Gardens while you are here.

Thirteen kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur are the Batu Caves, another top attraction in the city. The limestone caves were discovered in 1892 and consist of three main caves and several smaller ones. Total measurements come up to a length of 400 meters and a height of 100 meters.

The main cave or the Temple Cave is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity. It is also the site of the celebration of the Thaipusam festival. At the base of the hill you will be greeted by the 42.7-meter or 140-foot statue of Lord Murugan, the tallest Hindu deity statue in Malaysia. Its construction started in 2004 and was finished after three years at the cost of RM 2.5 million. It employed 15 Indian sculptors who used 1,550 cubic meters of concrete, 300 liters of gold paint imported from Thailand and 250 tons of steel bars.

The Temple Cave is one of the most visited caves in the city where about a million pilgrims make their way here every January and February. To reach the top of the Temple Cave, pilgrims and tourists go up 272 flights of steps. On the way up, travelers will encounter a number of monkeys, plus lush foliage. At its base are two other caves, the Museum Cave and the Art Gallery Cave. On the extreme left is the Ramayana Cave, where you will see a 15-meter high statue of Hanuman, an aide of Lord Rama and a noble monkey devotee. Inside you can trace the life history of Lord Rama.

Those who prefer to go spelunking will find the Dark Cave more interesting.

Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

One of the reasons why travelers like going to Malaysia is because of the numerous shopping options in Kuala Lumpur. The Central Market is a good place to find souvenirs and other hand crafted items.

The Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) is a great place to go shopping for some high-end brands and offers a wide selection of dining options. Many travelers enjoy going to the air conditioned KLCC to escape the scorching heat outdoors. Those with young children may enjoy a quick peek at the Petrosains. This mini-science museum is located at the top floor of the KLCC and has many science-based displays and activities for children. There are many hands-on exhibits and guests can try the earthquake or hurricane simulator as well as a flight simulator.

The Aquaria KLCC is also located here. There is a walk-through aquarium, some snakes, lizards, insects and a number of different marine life creatures that children will enjoy. The shark tunnel is a popular attraction here. The underwater park has two levels and has a 300-meter long tunnel and about 200,000 aquatic and land animals not only from Malaysia but also from all around the world. Interactive information kiosks for turtle and fish conservation keep children occupied. The park’s theme is based on the voyage of water over land towards the sea.

Those who prefer to relax and listen to music will like the Dewan Philharmonic Petronas, which is the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. This concert hall has excellent acoustics. Be sure to dress formally if you want to attend a performance here.

For a unique way to unwind, travelers may like going to a fish spa. These fish spas are located all over Kuala Lumpur. Travelers soak their feet in shallow aquariums or ponds and little fish nibble on the skin on the soles of your feet.

A visit to the midnight market is a must for many travelers going to Kuala Lumpur. The midnight lamps found on Petaling Street light the way for the pasar malam or the night market.

Places to See in Penang

Travelers start a tour of Penang at Fort Cornwallis. This is the location where Capt. Francis Light first landed in Malaysia back in 1786. The neighborhood gives travelers some insight of Malaysia’s colonial past, with its canons and narrow streets.

In Georgetown, which is Penang’s capital, be sure to drop by the Pinang Peranakan Museum or Mansion, as it is a good place to learn about the Nonya Baba heritage. The Nonya Babas are the group of Malaysians that emerged from the intermarriage between Chinese settlers and early Malay settlers. The museum started off as a house of a wealthy Nonya family and travelers can see many preserved items, such as the cosmetics and toiletries, clothing, jewelry and furniture used a century ago. The architecture and design elements of the home can be appreciated, especially the ventilation system of the home, as well as the various large rooms, halls, bedrooms and the ancestral worship hall of Kapitan Chung Keng Quee. Admission price is at RMD10. This site was used as a pit stop in the American TV Program Amazing Race. The intricate exterior decorations of some of the older buildings are quite impressive, just like those that you will find in the roof of the house of the Khoo Kongsi clan.

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a historic site that provides visitors a glimpse of life in Penang around the 19th century. The mansion was built around the 1880s and was built applying many Feng Shui principles and is also known as the Blue Mansion. Its distinct blue color of the exterior was achieved by mixing indigo dye imported with India and lime. The mansion’s architecture originated from China’s Su Chow Dynasty Period. Its louvered windows are Gothic in style and the geometric tiles fitted to make perfect squares are from Stoke-on-Trent area of England. The 48 windows are fitted with Art Nouveau stained glass designs and the intricately beautiful cast iron works were from MacFarlane’s & Co. of Glasgow. The porcelain works on its exterior decoration near the roof are Chien Nien in style.

It was awarded a UNESCO’s Most Excellent Heritage Conservation Award in 2000. In 1995, it was granted the Malaysian National Architectural Award for Conservation and a 2004 ASEANTA Excellence Award for Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort. In 2003, the Malaysian Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism gave it the Best Tourist Attraction Merit Award. Travelers must sign up for tours to explore the lavish mansion to learn about various Chinese customs and to know more about the interesting architecture of the building. It also serves as a boutique hotel.

The Kek Lok Si or Monastery on Crane Hill is a sprawling Buddhist temple built on a hill in Georgetown on Ayer Itam Road. Kek Lok Si is Hokkien for Temple of Supreme Bliss. The temple is known as the biggest and grandest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. There is an inclined lift or cable car that visitors can take to see the 30.2-meter high bronze Kuan Yin statue, or the Goddess of Mercy. There are hand shaped rocks, koi and tortoise ponds, nutmegs and a prayer hall that visitors can see. During Chinese New Year, the temple is decked in colorful lights for a light festival.

The Wat Chayamangkalaram is another religious site that travelers frequent in Georgetown. The temple is located near Pula Tikus market and is popularly known as the Sleeping Buddha temple, because of the statue of the reclining Buddha inside. This gold leafed Buddha statue was once the longest reclining Buddha in Southeast Asia, measuring about 180 feet long. The temple was built in 1900 in Thai architecture, showing the historical ties of Penang with the Thai Royal family. The floor of the temple is covered with tiles forming lotus patterns. Aside from the reclining Buddha there are smaller shrines around the temple grounds dedicated for Thai deities and Buddha plus painted images of showing Lord Gautama Buddha’s story.

Located opposite the Thai temple is the Dharmikarama Burmese Temple. Visitors will get a glimpse of Burmese Buddhist practices while in the temple. You will be greeted by a pair of large stone elephants at the gate. Built in 1803, it is the oldest Burmese Temple in the country. There are various statues and murals inside including a giant Buddha statue and numerous wooden carvings, as well as a bell tower and beautiful gardens. Buddha statues in different meditation poses are placed all around the temple grounds. Inside the temple you will be welcomed by its guardians, a pair of Guardian Protectors of the World or Panca Rupa that stand over a globe. The mystical creatures have the head of a lion, a body like a fish, trunk of an elephant, Garuda wings, horns of a deer and hooves and ears of a horse. These are believed to be the masters of air, land and water. Many travelers throw coins in the fortune bowls to make a wish. Be sure to remove your shoes before you enter the temple.

Things to Do in Penang

Travelers in Penang should take a camera and take snapshots of the different quaint buildings in Georgetown. It’s a good place to see old Chinese homes, temples, spice shops, and to get a glimpse of old Chinese life. Penang Hill is a great place to take in the sights and see the entire island when in Pulau Penang. The hill stands at 2,750 feet and has a railway that travelers can use to get to the top of the hill.

Penang is best known for the street hawkers that sell all kinds of authentic Malaysian cuisine on the Esplanade. The place is fondly called as Hawkers Paradise and both locals and tourists come here to feast on the variety of food. This is one of the best places to get a taste of authentic Malaysian cooking. There are quaint coffee shops called kopitiams as well as street vendors that sell a wide variety of dishes such as satay meats, roti, char kwat teow and assam laksa, which reflect the various culinary influences on Malaysian cuisine.

The Tropical Spice Garden is an award winning spice garden located in Lone Crag Villa in Pulau Penang. It is also a working cooking school. It’s an excellent place to learn Asian cooking, regardless of your skill level. There are various cooking courses held. There is a guided walking tour of the spices that can be found in the garden. The spices are also harvested and used in the cooking classes offered on site. Penang is known as a producer of some of the best spices in the world, including nutmeg, cloves, mace and betel. Those with children will enjoy playing a life size version of Snakes and Ladders. Travelers can also grab a bite to eat at the Tree Monkey Restaurant on site, where diners get to enjoy the views and see some monkeys.

From Penang, travelers can opt to go to Batu Ferringhi, which has a number of beautiful beaches. One attraction that travelers will enjoy is Adventure Zone. This is a 10,000 square foot entertainment facility that houses an indoor playground, scooters, obstacle course, three drop slides and various modular equipment built for children of all ages.

Those who wish to enjoy the outdoors will like the Taman Negara Pulau Pinang or the Penang National Park. Go jungle trekking, do a canopy walk or enjoy the many walking trails of the park where you can keep an eye out for some monkeys, birds and lizards. Pass by the Muka Head Lighthouse and enjoy the views of the waters. Travelers who go by boat can enjoy some fishing activities or go swimming at Monkey Beach. There are many picnic places to enjoy a quick lunch here.

You may want also to spend a few magical hours at the Penang Butterfly Farm where you will not only see a huge collection of beautiful butterflies from the tropics, you will also get to see reptiles, fish, lizards, snakes and scorpions as well as rare tropical insects. You can also check out the Penang Bird Park at Bandar Seberang Jaya. You will see different birds such as macaws, flamingos, peafowls, ostriches and hornbills as you walk under the shady trees.

For a day of relaxation, head off to the Pulau Jerejak Resort at the island of Jerejak. It is locally known as the Alcatraz of Malaysia. But unlike the original Alcatraz, here you can have a few hours of pampering with an aromatherapy massage or a refreshing body scrub and foot massage. For the active ones, there’s historical and nature trekking around the island, archery and mountain biking.

If you are going to Nibol Tebal in Seberang Perai to sample the famous crab porridge, stay until early evening and spend a relaxing time near the riverbank in Sungai Kerian where the mangroves are. You will definitely enjoy the natural light and shade show performed by thousands of fireflies fleeting in and out of the leaves of the mangrove trees. This is fast becoming a crowd drawer and the firefly is Nibol Tebal’s current icon.

Places to See in Melaka

The city of Melaka is regarded as the most historic city in Malaysia, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The city is the main port of Malaysia. This is where the first permanent Chinese settlement in the country started, with the marriage of the Chinese emperor’s daughter to the Sultan of Malacca. Bukit China or China Hill is where the Chinese Princess Han Liu’s 500-person entourage settled and inter-married with the local Malays, resulting in Chinese Malays or Peranakan.

To learn more about this, travelers can visit the Baba-Nonya Heritage Museum. The museum is a private home that has been opened to the public and shows the Peranakan way of life. After the tour, visitors can take a break at the coffee shop.

Melaka was once under the control of the Portuguese in 1511, but was later transferred to the Dutch in 1641 and to the British in 1795. The influence of these empires can be seen in Melaka. The Stadthuys is the oldest Dutch building and is also known as Dutch Square. This dates back to 1650 and once served as the administrative capital of the Dutch government in Malaysia. The structure is the oldest Dutch building in Asia. Here, travelers can find the Historical Museum, the Ethnographical Museum as well as the Literature Museum. The Historical Museum is known as the premier museum in Melaka. The displays feature artifacts, costumes and other items reflecting Melakan history and culture. You will surely find the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower in the square that looks like of Dutch origin quite interesting. The original one was actually from England and donated in 1886 by one of the most influential Chinese families in the area, Tan Jiak Kim, son of Tan Beng Swee and grandson of Tan Kim Seng, who also donated the a bridge and land for a Chinese cemetery to the city.

No. 8 Heeren Street Heritage Centre is an 18th century structure that showcases a permanent exhibit on Dutch life on the island and is an example of an early shop house during the era. The restoration project is being documented and is part of the exhibit. It’s a good place to learn about the architecture and history of the area.

A’Famosa Fort is a Portuguese fort built in the 16th century and is a reminder of the Portuguese influence in Malaysia. The historical site shows the remains of the fort that once was a thriving collection of government buildings and offices, churches and a Portuguese community.

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in the country. Built over four centuries ago, the temple has been renovated for tourists and is still being used today by worshippers. The temple showcases many tiny hand-made statues made of shells. Even many of the details that adorn the outside of the temple are made of shells.

Things to Do in Melaka

Many travelers enjoy Melaka for the number of antique shops in the city. This is a great place to pick up Chinese antiques, especially home furnishings.

Travelers will enjoy spending an afternoon at Red Square, which is the center of town. There are Dutch inspired buildings along the square that are painted in red, hence the name of the area. It’s a great place to take pictures of the vendors, locals and tourists as well as the Stadthuys, Queen Victoria’s Fountain, the clock tower, and Christ Church. Travelers can pick up a few souvenirs and trinkets from the many shops around the square.

Take a stroll by the Melaka River. Travelers can get on a boat ride and cruise along the river at a leisurely pace, or enjoy a drink at one of the many cafés along the river. At night, the streetlights illuminate the river, lending it a romantic atmosphere. The best time to enjoy the boat ride is at sunset or at dusk.

For a taste of the nightlife, travelers should go to Jonker Street. Visitors can get a taste of some of the best delicacies of Melaka here, such as Hai Nan coffee, eat some Laksa or get a taste of Cendol durian while here. During the daytime, travelers can walk around and check out the various buildings to get a glimpse of how the Chinese used to live in the area. The street stalls sell a number of items, such as shirts, coins, postcards and sketches that visitors can bring home.

Places to See in Pulau Langkawi

The main island of Pulau Langkawi is a top destination for those looking for a tropical vacation. The island is a collection of 104 islands whose city measures 478 square kilometers. The island is blessed with sandy beaches, a lush jungle and blue waters. This is the most popular island tourist destination in the country. There are various resorts along the bay that travelers can choose from to enjoy a number of water sports activities, catch up on their sunbathing or simply enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Langkawi is a colloquial word for the reddish brown eagle, a shortened version of “helang” meaning eagle and “kawi” the term for the red-brown color. The city was given by UNESCO the status of World Geopark in 2007 and includes the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park, the Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park and the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park.

For a taste of history, visit the Kota Mahsuri. This is a historical complex where the Shrine of Mahsuri can be seen. There’s a traditional house, a diorama museum and a theater in the complex.

Underwater World is the largest aquarium in all of Malaysia encompassing 34,701 square feet. The cultivation of knowledge, education and entertainment has been the thrust of Underwater World since the attraction opened in 1996. The rainforest walk is a top exhibit as well as a large hexagonal tank and a 15-meter long, 500,000-liter seawater walk-through tunnel. There’s a koi pond, a section for reptiles, a penguinarium, a display of seashells, a coral reef section and a freshwater section.

The Langkawi Bird Paradise is the first wildlife park that is fully covered. The park measures 10,000 square meters and is the place to find exotic birds, such as the toco toucan, emu, hornbills, pelicans, flamingos and eagles.

Laman Padi is a unique museum that teaches travelers all about rice cultivation. From the roof top garden, travelers can see the mini rice paddies in the complex. This ecotourism complex has rice paddies, a spa and a number of restaurants.

Things to Do in Pulau Langkawi

Aside from enjoying the beach, Pulau Langkawi is a great place to do some duty free shopping. It’s a great place to buy many luxury items without having to pay any taxes. Check out the shopping complexes in the town of Kuah.

Air Hangat Village is famous for its hot springs. There are artificial channels and a three-tier fountain that directs the waters of the hot springs. There is also a hand-carved riverstone mural. The village is both a spa as well as a place to view the culture of the people. Travelers can also view batik-painting demos, or catch the live cultural performances featuring indigenous Asian dances. Travelers can watch kickboxing as well as elephant performances. The Galeria Perdana is located here, which is a small museum that showcases some of the elaborate and unique gifts between heads of state.

The island is host to a number of events during the year. In April, there is the Langkawi International Water Festival. Travelers going to Langkawi in November should pass by the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition. In December, there is the Langkawi Arts and Crafts Festival.

It you want to take in some breathtaking scenery, you can have a grand view from the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a 125-meter curved pedestrian bridge that is 700 meters above sea level at the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang. It can be reached by cable car from the Oriental Village.

Places to See in Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is the capital city of Kelantan, situated in Peninsular Malaysia. It is the 10th largest city in Malaysia and characterized by unique architecture and several mosques. The sultan and sultanah still occupy the old royal palace. The Bank Kerapu is a prime example of colonial architecture. Built in 1912, it is the first structure made of stone in Kelantan. It is also known as the War Museum, since most of the displays are about the Japanese invasion during World War II.

Those who prefer to see a bit more of Kelantanese culture will like the Istana Jahar Museum. The colonial building was built in 1887 and house a number of Kelantanese crafts. This is the place to learn about batik weaving as well as the day-to-day rituals and a bit of the culture of the people. A similar museum is the Kampung Kratftangan Museum, which also displays woodcarving and batik making crafts.

Things to Do in Kota Bharu

Gelanggang Seni is the place to see top spinning or gasing uri, as well as a demonstration of Silat, which is a form of Malaysian martial arts. Silat is a combination of military fighting and hunting techniques of the natives and uses body and bladed weapons. As a sport, it is included in the Southeast Asian Games. Kite making, drumming and shadow puppet shows are also some of the things travelers can experience here. You can also join in the chicken-feather-ball game.

Due to its location, Kota Bharu is often a stop over for travelers headed for Thailand, or those who wish to travel to the white sand beaches of Pulau Perhentian.

Places to See in Sarawak

Malaysian Borneo is strategically important and historically significant. Archeologists have been able to find evidence of human settlement in the area dating 40,000 years ago. It was in the Niah Caves of Sarawak where a human skull was found, changing the belief of archeologists that human life existed in the area for only 10,000 years ago. Its local name is Bumi Kenyalang that translates to Land of the Hornbills.

One of the top attractions in Miri, Sarawak is the Gunung Mulu National Park. This park is home to a number of natural limestone caves and is located near Malaysia’s border with Brunei. One of the longest caves in the world is found here, the 31.5-mile or 31-kilometer long Clearwater Cave. The Clearwater Cave is part of the world’s largest underground river system. The Sarawak Chamber in the park is considered to be the largest cave in the world. The limestone caves are dated sometime between 17 and 40 million years old. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bako National Park is another option for travelers who want a taste of the rainforest. There are secluded beaches here. Those who want a bit of adventure can embark on any of the walking trails in the Bako Park.

To learn about the culture in Sarawak, visit the Sarawak Museum in Kuching. The museum is in a colonial building opened in 1891 and constructed by Sir Charles Brooke, the Second Rajah of Sarawak. It is dubbed as one of the best museums in Southeast Asia. Travelers can see stuffed animals, various tribal weapons, tribal war boats and an old printing press machine. A highlight is the life size replica of an Iban longhouse made of wood that visitors can enter. Other artifacts in the museum include urns, canons and other weaponry, a Kenyah tribal burial pole and an Iban war boat.

Things to Do in Sarawak

Travelers going the Gunung Mulu National Park can sign up for the adventure cave expeditions. Travelers who like the outdoors can choose from various outdoor challenges.

The Gunung Mulu Mountain can also be seen from the Gunung Mulu National Park. The mountain stands 2,376 meters or 7,795 feet. Travelers can take pictures of the impressive mountain background. Those who enjoy mountain climbing will find this a moderate challenge. Mountaineers will enjoy the breathtaking views, especially of the limestone caves, such as the Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave and the Wind and Lang Caves. The mountain is the second tallest mountain in Sarawak. It’s also a good place to find deer, moonrat, shrews, the Bornean Tarsier, various hornbill species and seven species of bats.

The Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is a must see in Kuching, which is at the heart of Sarawak. Those with children will find that this place is a great way to learn about orangutans. Come early to see the 9am feeding of the orangutans and see how they live in the wild. The jungle atmosphere is a great taste of nature.

Those who prefer reptiles will like Jong’s Crocodile Farm in Kuching. There are shows featuring the crocs, but don’t miss the crocodile feedings as well as the feeding of the arapaya fish. There’s a large crocodile enclosure where travelers can check out the crocodiles amid a more natural setting. This zoo also has deer, eagles, owls and other animals. It’s a fun experience for travelers with young children.

To learn about Sarawak culture, go to the Sarawak Cultural Village. Watch the cultural show performed. Travelers can walk around the park and look at the various houses of the different ethnic groups. Travelers can see the Dayak tribes, which are longhouse-dwelling tribes. The entrance fee can be off-putting to some travelers, but the location and atmosphere is relaxing and it’s an educational experience.

Kubah National Park is located in Kuching, Sarawak. Travelers can enjoy a number of walking trails, especially the Waterfall trail, which is a 20-foot high waterfall. Travelers can go swimming or enjoy a picnic by the waterfall after an hour of hiking in the park.

If you happen to be in Kuching around July, time your visit during the staging of the 3-day Rainforest World Music Festival where music workshops are conducted during the day and live concerts of world musicians are held in the evenings.

If you are after souvenirs, you will get good tribal crafts such as the double-weaved pua kumbu fabrics, woodcarvings, baskets and bead handicraft created by the Kenyah, Bidayuh and Kayan tribes as well as wooden rattan floor mats. The black pepper from Sarawak is very potent and will make a good gift or something that will be a find addition to your own rack of spices.

Do not leave Sarawak without tasting some of its delicacies such as the bamboo-cooked Chicken Pansoh, raw-fish salad called Umai, the local jungle fern Midin and the Sarawakan fried rice, Nasik Aruk. You can also have a glass of local alcoholic drinks like tuak and the stronger Iban whisky called langkau.

Places to See in Sabah

Many travelers go to Sabah because the oldest rainforest in the whole world is here. The Taman Negara is listed as the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and dates back to over 130 million years old. This is a must-see for nature enthusiasts who want to be able to view hundreds of different species of wildlife, birds, fish and plants in its natural environment. Here, the trees can grow up to 100 meters tall. The Taman Negara Resort is a massive natural park that encompasses 1,677 square miles or 4,343 square kilometers of jungle.

For conservationist and animal enthusiasts, the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is where you will find captured and orphaned orangutans being taught how to live in the wild. The Turtle Islands Park is where turtle conservation work is conducted. The Danum Valley is a place where you will find a very pristine rainforest, while you will find coral islands at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The endemic and endangered proboscis monkeys, only found in Borneo can be seen in their natural habitat at Kinabatangan and Sukau in Sandakan.

Things to Do in Sabah

Travelers going to Taman Negara can spot a fishing eagle or take pictures of gibbons. There are seven sets of rapids that can be enjoyed. The best way to explore the jungle is to get a tour package that includes all meals, transportations and an exclusive private guide. Activities include visits to an elephant sanctuary, walking in the jungle at night, going jungle trekking to Bukit Teresek or swimming at the Lata Berko cascades after a short boat trip.

Take a picture of Mount Kinabalu. This is listed as the highest mountain found in Malaysia that is located between the Himalayas and New Guinea. After your trek in the mountains, soothe your tires muscles by soaking at the Poring Hot Springs.

For a spot of diving and snorkeling in the best diving spot in the world, go to Sipadan Island. You can also do several water activities at Mabul or even at Layang Layang Island. For wild white river rafting experience, book a spot for the river adventure in either Kiulu or Padas River. The rapids at Padas River are classified as Grades 3 to 4.

Some of the good things to eat in Sabah are fresh seafoods and the local beef noodle dish called Ngiu Chap. Fresh fruits juices such as lime or mango are very refreshing.

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