Mount Kinabalu|Sabah|Malaysia

Mount Kinabalu is located in Kinabalu National Park,Sabah. Mount Kinabalu stands at 4095 metres and the venue for the World's Toughest Mountain Race. Mount Kinabalu is known to be one of the most accessible peak and no specialized mountain climbing skills are required to ascend it. Thousands of tourists visit Kinabalu National Park every year with the intention of reaching the summit (number of visitors at park headquarters now hovers around 200,000 per year).

The distribution of flora on the mountain is a classic example of altitude and temperature-related zonation. From the warm lowland rainforests to the near-freezing alpine conditions at the summit, each zone is characterised by a quite different assemblage of plant species.

The best time to come to Mount Kinabalu is during the dry season from February to April, when walking and climbing is much more enjoyable. The temperature ranges from a comfortable 20-25 degrees Celsius at the main park to something approaching freezing near the top (depending on the weather).

Pepper Marketing Board Sibu Malaysia|Sarawak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Pepper Marketing Board is located at Jalan Then Kung Suk at Upper Lanang Light Industrial Estate. It is open for visitors during office hours. At a pre-arranged time, visitors will be taken on a guided tour of how Sarawak pepper is processed and packed for export. There are processed pepper products available for sale.

Sibu,The state of Sarawak produces 95% of Malaysian pepper hence the trade name, Sarawak Pepper. Over 90% of the 25,000 tonnes produced annually is exported to some 40 countries around the world. Traditionally, 80% of the crop is processed into black pepper with the remainder being turned into white pepper.

Today, pepper production has taken a different approach with the introudction of Specialty Pepper (creamy pepper, naturally clean black pepper and extra bold black pepper), Sarawak Green Pepper products (pepper sauce and pickle) and processed pepper products (sweets and perfume). The Rajang riverine towns of Sarikei and Bintangor accounts for 40% of the State's total production.

Kuala Kedah Fort (Kota Kuala Kedah)|Kedah|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

It is situated at the mouth of Kedah River. The fort was built with assistance from the Portugese to ward off Kedah's enemies who came from the sea.The fort’s plans was drawn by Sheikh Abd Jalil Mufti and includes a moat surrounding the fort and a double brick wall standing 1.8m apart, with the middle space fortified with packed earth. Within the fort, there is a number of buildings including a royal audience hall. The entire fort area was built on an area of about five acres.

It was reported that the stonemasons were specially brought in from India to rebuild the fort and durable British cannons were installed, notably named the Badak Berendam (the Wallowing Rhinocerous) and the Katak Puru (the Toad) cannons. But in 1821, the fort was attacked and conquered by the Thais nevertheless.

Today, Kota Kuala Kedah is popular for the variety of seafood served by the numerous restaurants in the fishing village. While enjoying the food, one will be able to see six cannons still resting on the crumbling walls, facing the river estuary.

Mahsuri Mausoleum(Makam Mahsuri)|Kedah|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

It is situated about 12 km from Kuah,Langkawi. Langkawi is a treasure trove for visitors because of its fabled and historical past. Makam Mahsuri is one of the significant sites on the island that has been preserved for posterity.

This Makam Mahsuri is the famous legend of Langkawi which tells the tale of a woman called Mahsuri,accused of adultery and sentenced to death. She bled white blood when stabbed as a sign of her innocence.


~source langkawiholiday~

Hang Li Poh's Well|Melaka|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

It is located at the foot of Bukit Cina,Melaka next to the Sam Po Kong Temple. The well was built by the followers of Princess Hang Li Poh who was married the reigning Sultan Mansur Shah in mid 15th century.

Today the well is turned into a wishing well.Built in 1459, Hang Li Poh’s Well is the oldest well in Malacca. The well was built by the followers of Hang Li Po, the Chinese princess and they well was named after her.

The Chinese princess, Hang Li Po married the Sultan of Melaka and came here to live with her husband. During those days there was crisis of water in this region. That is why the well was dug. It was the only source of water in this area. In the old days, it is said, Hang Li Poh’s Well in Malacca never dried up even during the extreme droughts.

In 1511, Japanese invaded the place and they mixed poison in the water of Hang Li Poh’s Well, Malacca. Many people who drank the water of the well died from plague. A that time Malacca's administrative power just came in the hands of Sultan Alauddin Shah of Johor.The Sultan joined with the sultans of Perak and Pahang, and the Queen of Java fought against the Japanese. After that when Portuguese came here many Portuguese soldiers died after drinking the water from Hang Li Poh’s Well, Malacca. All these incidents are written in the book by the famous Portuguese historian, Diogo de Couto.

After that, in 1677, when Malacca became a Dutch colony, the Dutch sealed Hang Li Poh’s well with solid brick-walls in order to maintain their rights on it. Later, when Dutch rule was over, the well was opened. But it was turned in to a wishing well and it remains so until today. The place has become famous because of the wishing well as it fulfills the wishes of any one who drops a coin into it. It is said that whoever throws coins into Hang Li Poh’s Well, Malacca will return to Malacca again.

A' Famosa Fortress|Melaka|Malaysia

Interesting Place In Malaysia

It was built by the Portuguese in 1511 as a fortress. It is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing.

The fortress once consisted of long ramparts and four major towers. One was a four-story keep, while the others held an ammunition storage room, the residence of the captain, and an officers' quarters. Most of the village clustered in town houses inside the fortress walls. As Malacca's population expanded it outgrew the original fort and extensions were added around 1586.

The fort changed hands in 1641 when the Dutch successfully drove the Portuguese out of Melaka. The Dutch renovated the gate in 1670, which explains the logo "ANNO 1670" inscribed on the gate's arch. Above the arch is a bas-relief logo of the Dutch East India Company.




~source:cuti.com.my~

Bujang Valley ( Lembah Bujang )|Kedah|Malaysia

Interesting Place In Malaysia

Bujang Valley is located near the town of Sungai Petani .It was the scene of a once thriving Hindu-Buddhist civilization dating to the 5th Century. Over 50 archaeological sites have been discovered here containing the ruins of Hindu and Buddhist temples.

The Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum was built here to display some of the findings, including pottery shards, ceramics and stone carvings. Indian tridents and gemstones from the Middle East are also displayed.

Kota Ngah Ibrahim Historical Complex|Perak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

It is located in Matang,Perak. Was built in 1854 as a formal residence of Ngah Ibrahim,a famous resistance fighter against British colonialism.

Over the years it has served as various establishments including as Larut administrative center, as a court for the prosecution of Dato' Maharaja Lela and Dato' Sagor for the killing of J.W.W. Birch, as the residence for Captain Speedy, the then Assistant Resident, the first Teachers' Training College, the first National School, Japanese Headquarters and presently as the Kota Ngah Ibrahim Historical Complex.

Kukup Island|Johor|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Kukup, near the south-western tip of the peninsula, 20km from Pontian, is a well-known fishing village with most of its houses built on stilts.

It is famous for its fish farms and several popular seafood restaurants which serve famous local delicacies like crab, fish and prawn.

Wang Kelian State Park|Perlis|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

It is located near the Thai border and contains one of the few semi deciduous forests in the country. Its limestone forests are also rich in fauna including birds,mammals and reptiles. Hiking is possible here and it will take you to a lovely waterfall.

Royal Selangor Pewter Visitor Centre|Selangor|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

It is situated at 4,Jalan Usahawan Enam,Setapak Jaya,Selangor. Here,you can find out more about pewter and how pewter is made.
Royal Selangor can be found in exquisite stores such as Harrods and John Lewis in the UK and Wako and Mitsukoshi in Japan.

The Loagan Bunut National Park|Sarawak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Is is situated about three hours drive from Miri,Sarawak and the largest freshwater lake in Sarawak. The park provides the livelihood of the Berawan,the Ibans and the Penans.This National Park is located in the upper reaches of the Sungai Bunut where Sarawak's largest natural lake is found. The local Berawan fishermen call this lake 'Logan Bunut'.

At approximately 650 hectares, Loagan Bunut may not be large by most world standards, but, it is not an ordinary lake. The water level in the lake is totally dependent on the water level of Sungai Bunut, Sungai Tinjar and Sungai Baram. The water levels of these rivers fluctuate throughout the year and as a result, the water level at Loagan Bunut also fluctuates.

The lake and its surrounding areas are vibrant and scenic, both during high and low water levels. A major cultural attraction at the lake is the unique and traditional method of fishing ('Selambau') which has been retained by the Berawan fishermen. 'Selambau' was developed to harvest migrating fish during the times of fluctuating water levels. This technique has been used for centuries and has enabled the Berawan fishermen to manage this unique fishery effectively and sustainably for many generations.

Seri Menanti Palace|Negeri Sembilan|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

This palace was constructed in 1902 and built entirely of wood. One of the oldest cultural traditions among the Malays is the art and craft of wood carving.It is located in Seri Menanti, the royal capital of Negri Sembilan, about 30km from the administrative capital, Seremban. This is the seat of the Minangkabau rulers, who migrated to Negri Sembilan during the early years of the Sultanate of Malacca. The original palace was destroyed in a rail during the Sungai Ujong tin wars. The present structure dates to 1902 by two Malay master craftsmen, and was built without the use of nails.

Sri Menanti Palace was used as the royal residence until 1932. The central tower which was used as a treasury and royal archives, can only be reached by latter from the Sultan's private rooms, and is not open to the public. At the apex of the structure is a projection type known as "open scissors" -- this design style is now rarely seen in Malaysia, and one of the few rare examples is the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

The Stadthuys|Melaka|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Stadthuys is located at the Dutch Square,Melaka. The Stadthuys, also known as the "Red Building" among the locals is one of the most visited and most photographed Tourist Attractions in Malacca. Built in 1650, it is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. It was originally built as the official residence for the Dutch Governors and their officers. However, today only one room remains.

The building is a reproduction of the former Stadhuis (town hall) of the Frisian town of Hoorn in the Netherlands between 1420 until 1796. Hoorn's former Stadhuis was replaced in 1796 by a building that is now known as "het oude stadhuis" (the old town hall), which still exists today.

Standing at the Dutch Square, the Stadthuys appears majestically impressive with its wooden doors that are beautiful and sturdy, stonewalls that are elegant yet strong and steel door bolts that are delicate yet robust. Even the ceiling of the one remaining room is decorated with 17th century incredibly beautiful woodcarvings that depict flowers. You would definitely be amazed by the architecture and workmanship that has gone into building this magnificent structure.

Lake Chini|Pahang|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Lake Chini or Tasik Chini, about 100 kilometers from Kuantan, with an area 12,565 acres of lush tropical wilderness, is Malaysia's second largest natural lake. Situated on the right bank of the Pahang river, This magical lake is endowed with an endless and captivating scenic beauty and vast tranquil environment and at the same time conceals a mystery lurking beneath its calm waters.

The enchanting lake, actually a series of 12 inter-connecting water bodies referred to as 'Laut'(sea) by the locals, is a generous treasure trove of nature heritage. The area is richly endowed with biological resources where 138 species of territorial flora and some 300 species of non aquatic vertebrates have been found. The water system is also home to a numerous aquatic vegetation and 144 species of freshwater fish.

The mysterious Tasik Chini is Malaysia's answer to Loch Ness. Legend has it that the lake was the site of an ancient Khmer city, now completely submerged and guarded by mystical monsters.

Tanjung Balau Beach|Johor|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Tanjung Balau is popular beach that has a quaint, planned fishing village by the same name nearby. Located about 70km from Kota Tinggi town, Tanjung Balau has various facilities including food court and stalls, a children playground and a souvenir shop.

One unique attraction you should pay a visit to is the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum. The holds items and exhibits that illustrates how a fisherman works and to an extent, how he lives his life. OUt in the compound of the museum, you can see a few life-size traditional fishing boats which also testify to the artistic side of the fishermen community.

A walk around the planned fishing village and a visit to the museum should enlighten visitors with more accurate knowledge of the community. If you wish to stay over, there are several chalets here that are confortable and clean.

Redang Island|Terengganu|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The island is located about 45km off the coast of Terengganu. Redang Island, locally known as Pulau Redang or just "Redang" is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine park, and which offer snorkeling and diving opportunities. Access is from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats operated by the resorts; there is also a small airport with services operated by Berjaya Air from Singapore (Seletar Airport) and Kuala Lumpur (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport).

Redang Island comprised of two beautiful beaches, the Long Beach or locally known as Pulau Perhentian Panjang, situated on the east coast and Teluk Dalam Kecil, a sheltered cove tucked away on the northeast of the island. Teluk Dalam Kecil is the location of the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort, a five-star accommodation on the island.

Redang island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. This paradise-like island offers crystal clear water, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset and what could be the world's most mature coral gardens. This is your chance to see and be acquainted with the local eel, giant garoupa, black tipped shark, etc. Chance encounter with the Green turtle and Hawkbill turtle is common. There are corals of every imaginable shape, size or color. The observant are rewarded with sights of flatworm, nudibranch, shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, stonefish, lionfish and pipefish.

Kota Kayang Museum|Perlis|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The museum is located in the city of Kangar,Perlis.It is surrounded by limestone hills that acted as a barrier against the then rampaging Siamese army.
It was built as a replica of a palace in ancient sultanate. The museum houses the tomb of the 15th Sultan of Kedah who reigned from 1661 to 1687.

There are three galleries : the general gallery that chronologizes the building of Fort Kayang, daily paraphernalias of the Perlis aristocrats and an archaeological gallery.

National Planetarium|Kuala Lumpur|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

The Planetarium Negara (National Planetarium) is located within KL's Lake Garden district and was offially opened on 7th February 1994. In line with Malaysia's aims of sending its first astronaut to the space in the new millenium, the Planetarium Negara plays an important role of promoting space science to the society at large and leading Malaysia towards the development of space science. From a distance, this blue domed and minaret structure could easily be mistaken for a mosque.

Its attractions include the space theater, planetarium shows, space science exhibition, ancient observatory park and viewing galery. It also has an observatory tower that houses a 35 cm telescope.

Leading towards its main entrance at the cascading fountain area is the 'Merdeka Sun Clock'. It is a sundail in a bowl-like and crescent shaped that served the function of telling time quite accurately. The 'Merdeka Sun Clock' was previously located between the Merdeka Stadium and Stadium Negara, prior to its relocation here. It was named to commemorate the country's independence in 1957.

Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum|Melaka|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

It is located at Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock,Melaka. Baba and Nyonya are Chinese descendants who have adopted Malay culture. The museum highlights the cultural and artistic uniqueness of a traditional Peranakan townhouse which is private run by the Babas and Nyonyas of Melaka.

Better known as the Millionaire’s Row, this heritage was a residence built during the Dutch occupancy and bought by the Peranakans in Melaka. The design of these houses clearly shows the mixture of culture between the east and the west. The house was built in 1896, the Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum presents the way of life of the Peranakans in Melaka at the end of the 19th century.

Visitors can see the beauty and uniqueness of the Baba-Nyonya traditional costume, antique furnitures and wood-work art. The western influence can also be seen clearly from the antique furnitures made in Italy, Britain and Dutch. Western influence did not end here as there are many more items in this museum, from Victorian-era chandelier to floor tiles, all has its own story to tell.

Semporna Market|Sabah|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

Semporna's Market is found on the wooden jetty where fresh fish are sold together with jungle and farm produce. Semporna is relatively small and isolated town off Sabah's south-eastern coast and can be reached by air, road and sea. The town is built on an old caral reef believed to be 35,000 years old and whose exposure is caused by a general uplift of the land and surrounding sea bed.

The Grand Old Lady|Sarawak|Malaysia

Interesting Places In Malaysia

It is situated on the top of the Canada Hill in Miri,Sarawak. The Grand Old Lady is the first oil well in Malaysia. It represents the petroleum history of Miri which is almost a century old-1910. This oil well is no longer production and it has been declared a protected historical site by the Sarawak Government. There is an observatory platform where visitors can have an excellent view of Miri City. Next to this oil well is the newly completed Petroleum Science Museum.

The 'Grand Old Lady' of Miri had had a remarkable record over her 62 years of life. She had operated almost non-stop from that day in December 1910, when she had first brought into production, until she was closed in 1941 due to war action. In that time, she had produced 563,484 barrels and was still producing 10 barrles per day. In three and a half years of occupation, Well No.1 wored for only 12 months during which she produced 4,371 barrels. At close, she was still managing to produce 3 barrels of oil a day and when finally stopped, had produced over 650,000 barrels of oil.